bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The moderating effect of self-efficacy on supervisory support and organizational citizenship behavior
Authors: Abdullah Meor Rashydan , Wider Walton
Published: September 2022

The study aims to examine the moderating effect of self-efficacy on supervisory support and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). An individual’s self-efficacy is defined as their belief in their own ability to successfully complete a goal or task, which influences their motivation, persistence, and decision-making. This study is based on the Conservation of Resource Theory, which holds that personal resources such as self-efficacy can influence employees’ perceived support and extra-role behavior (OCB). The data were collected from 618 employees in four public sector organizations in Putrajaya, Malaysia through a questionnaire survey and analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique. Resultantly, supervisory support demonstrated a significant positive relationship with OCB. The results suggested that personal resources, such as self-efficacy increase the level of OCB with lower or higher perceived supervisory support. The results highlighted that self-efficacy strengthens supervisory support relations with OCB when supported by employees’ self-belief and confidence. It is critical to investigate the role of self-efficacy because industries must constantly change, and employees must have self-efficacy resources to continuously improve and sustain their performance level. The findings can contribute to the literature and open new avenues for future research.
The relationship between fear of recurrence and depression in patients with cancer: The role of invasive rumination and catastrophizing
Authors: Quan Lijuan , Wang Xinxin , Lu Wei , Zhao Xintong , Sun Jialei , Sang Qingsong
Published: September 2022

Objective

To examine the relationship between fear of recurrence and depression in patients with cancer.

Materials and methods

Two hundred and fifty-nine participants completed self-report questionnaires, including the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form, Rumination Inventory, Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (Chinese version), and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale.

Results

Fear of recurrence in patients with cancer was moderate, and the level of depression was significantly higher than that in the normal population. Fear of recurrence, invasive rumination, catastrophizing, and depression in patients with cancer were significantly positively correlated. The level of fear of recurrence was a significant positive predictor of the level of depression. Invasive rumination played a partial mediating role between fear of recurrence and depression; that is, fear of recurrence directly affected depression, and fear of recurrence indirectly affected depression through invasive rumination. Catastrophizing played a moderating role in the mediation model, in which fear of recurrence affected depression through invasive rumination.

Conclusion

Invasive rumination plays a mediating role between fear of recurrence and depression in patients with cancer. Catastrophizing moderates the relationship between fear of recurrence and depression as well as the relationship between invasive rumination and depression.
Efficacy and safety of daily home-based transcranial direct current stimulation as adjunct treatment for bipolar depressive episodes: Double-blind sham-controlled randomized clinical trial
Authors: Lee Jangwon , Lee Chan Woo , Jang Yoonjeong , You Ji Seon , Park Yun Seong , Ji Eunjeong , Yu Hyeona , Oh Sunghee , Ryoo Hyun A. , Cho Nayoung , Park Ji Yoon , Yoon Joohyun , Baek Ji Hyun , Park Hye Youn , Ha Tae Hyon , Myung Woojae
Published: September 2022

Background

Although transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is known to be a promising therapeutic modality for unipolar depression, the efficacy and safety of tDCS for bipolar depressive episodes (BD) are still unknown and clinical trials of home-based tDCS treatment are scarce. As a result, we set out to investigate the efficacy and safety of home-based tDCS for the treatment BD.

Methods

Participants (n = 64), diagnosed as bipolar disorder as per the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5), were randomly assigned to receive tDCS. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) scores were measured at the baseline, week 2, 4, and 6, and home-based tDCS (for 30 min with 2 mA) was self-administered daily.

Results

Of the 64 patients (15.6% bipolar disorder I, 84.4% bipolar disorder II), 41 patients completed the entire assessment. In the intention-to-treat analysis, time-group interaction for the HDRS-17 [F(3, 146.36) = 2.060; p = 0.108] and adverse effect differences between two groups were not statistically significant, except the pain score, which was higher in the active group than the sham group (week 0–2: p < 0.01, week 2–4: p < 0.05, and week 4–6: p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Even though we found no evidence for the efficacy of home-based tDCS for patients with BD, this tool was found to be a safe and tolerable treatment modality for BD.

Clinical trial registration

[https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT03974815], identifier [NCT03974815].
Social media use in higher education: Building a structural equation model for student satisfaction and performance
Authors: Al-Rahmi Ali Mugahed , Shamsuddin Alina , Wahab Eta , Al-Rahmi Waleed Mugahed , Alyoussef Ibrahim Yaussef , Crawford Joseph
Published: September 2022

Social media utilization at the student-level has become more prevalent contemporary higher education. Hence, this study is aimed at developing a specific model, along with the behavioral intention to use, to explore educational quality, actual social media use, and task-technology fit that affects student satisfaction and performance impact through examining the synergies of constructivism, user acceptance and usage of information technology, and technology acceptance. To test, a survey was administered to 430 students across five Malaysian universities. Through structural equation modeling, findings indicate that to improve student satisfaction and student performance through embedded social media, students need to have opportunities to collaborate on learning, have easy access to social media, perceive such use to be easy, and have aligned expectation on performance and effort. Interestingly, the actual social media use, was the only variable in the model that did not predict student satisfaction, despite its role in predicting student performance. The study highlights that constructivist learning, as well as task-technology fit over social media, enhances the students' learning experience and enables knowledge sharing and dissemination. The effect of using social media on student satisfaction and academic performance highlights that all students think that it is adequate for their instructors to improve their usage of social media tools. Therefore, we advocate learners and students employing social media for academic purposes with the help of lecturers at higher teaching organizations and institutions.
Life history trade-offs associated with exposure to low maternal capital are different in sons compared to daughters: Evidence from a prospective Brazilian birth cohort
Authors: Wells Jonathan C. K. , Cole Tim J. , Cortina-Borja Mario , Sear Rebecca , Leon David A. , Marphatia Akanksha A. , Murray Joseph , Wehrmeister Fernando C. , Oliveira Paula D. , Gonçalves Helen , Oliveira Isabel O. , Menezes Ana Maria B.
Published: September 2022

Background

Environmental exposures in early life explain variability in many physiological and behavioural traits in adulthood. Recently, we showed that exposure to a composite marker of low maternal capital explained the clustering of adverse behavioural and physical traits in adult daughters in a Brazilian birth cohort. These associations were strongly mediated by whether or not the daughter had reproduced by the age of 18 years. Using evolutionary life history theory, we attributed these associations to trade-offs between competing outcomes, whereby daughters exposed to low maternal capital prioritised investment in reproduction and defence over maintenance and growth. However, little is known about such trade-offs in sons.

Methods

We investigated 2,024 mother–son dyads from the same birth cohort. We combined data on maternal height, body mass index, income, and education into a composite “maternal capital” index. Son outcomes included reproductive status at the age of 18 years, growth trajectory, adult anthropometry, body composition, cardio-metabolic risk, educational attainment, work status, and risky behaviour (smoking, violent crime). We tested whether sons' early reproduction and exposure to low maternal capital were associated with adverse outcomes and whether this accounted for the clustering of adverse outcomes within individuals.

Results

Sons reproducing early were shorter, less educated, and more likely to be earning a salary and showing risky behaviour compared to those not reproducing, but did not differ in foetal growth. Low maternal capital was associated with a greater likelihood of sons' reproducing early, leaving school, and smoking. High maternal capital was positively associated with sons' birth weight, adult size, and staying in school. However, the greater adiposity of high-capital sons was associated with an unhealthier cardio-metabolic profile.

Conclusion

Exposure to low maternal investment is associated with trade-offs between life history functions, helping to explain the clustering of adverse outcomes in sons. The patterns indicated future discounting, with reduced maternal investment associated with early reproduction but less investment in growth, education, or healthy behaviour. However, we also found differences compared to our analyses of daughters, with fewer physical costs associated with early reproduction. Exposure to intergenerational “cycles of disadvantage” has different effects on sons vs. daughters, hence interventions may have sex-specific consequences.
Feasibility and acceptability of home delivery of water for dental caries control in Latinx children—“Sediento por una Sonrisa,” Thirsty for a Smile: Single-arm feasibility study
Authors: Cunha-Cruz Joana , Ko Linda K. , Mancl Lloyd , Rothen Marilynn L. , Harter Catherine , Hilgert Juliana B. , Koday Mark K. , Davis Stephen
Published: September 2022

Background

Outcomes of surgical treatments under general anesthesia for early childhood caries of young children from low-income groups are poor requiring retreatment within 2 years. Dietary sugar is an ideal intervention target given that it is the most prominent risk factor for dental caries and there is increasing evidence of successful interventions to reduce its intake. Our aim is to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of the Thirsty for a Smile intervention, designed to promote consumption of water in lieu of sugar sweetened beverages, among children who underwent surgery for early childhood caries and their caregivers, mostly from Latino heritage.

Methods

A single-arm feasibility study was conducted in a dental practice from a community health center in eastern Washington State. Bottled water was delivered to the participants' homes and caregivers received patient-centered counseling for setting goals to increase children's water intake and reduce sugar sweetened beverages consumption. We assessed the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and study procedures through participation rates, interviews and a questionnaire completed by the caregivers. Data was analyzed and themes and descriptive statistics presented.

Results

Twenty-two dyads of caregivers and their children between 2 and 9 years old who recently had surgical treatment for early childhood dental caries were enrolled. All study assessments were completed by more than 90% of participants, except for the final 24-h dietary recall (73%). Dietary counseling, both in person and brief telephone calls, was highly acceptable to the caregivers, and they also reported their children enjoyed and used the water bottles. On a scale from 1 to 10, the average rating for the helpfulness of the dietary counseling component for changing child's drinking habits was 9.62 and for the water delivery component, 8.86.

Conclusions

This study tested the feasibility of conducting a trial in a dental practice setting, and the acceptability among caregivers of young children who underwent surgery for early childhood caries. It demonstrated that the Thirsty for a Smile intervention and study processes were feasible and acceptable. The study provides useful information for implementation of a two-arm randomized controlled trial in this setting and may also benefit other researchers attempting to test similar interventions.
Small area variation in severe, moderate, and mild anemia among women and children: A multilevel analysis of 707 districts in India
Authors: Rajpal Sunil , Kumar Akhil , Rana Md Juel , Kim Rockli , Subramanian S. V.
Published: September 2022

India is home to the highest global number of women and children suffering from anemia, with one in every two women impacted. India's current strategy for targeting areas with a high anemia burden is based on district-level averages, yet this fails to capture the substantial small area variation in micro-geographical (small area) units such as villages. We conducted statistical and econometric analyses to quantify the extent of small area variation in the three grades of anemia (severe, moderate, and mild) among women and children across 36 states/union territories and 707 districts of India. We utilized data from the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey conducted in 2019–21. The final analytic sample for analyses was 183,883 children aged 6–59 months and 690,153 women aged 15–49 years. The primary outcome variable for the analysis was the three anemia grades among women and children. We adopted a three-level and four-level logistic regression model to compute variance partitioning of anemia among women and children. We also computed precision-weighted prevalence estimates of women and childhood anemia across 707 districts and within-district, between-cluster variation using standard deviation (SD). For severe anemia among women, small area (villages or urban blocks) account for highest share (46.1%; Var: 0.494; SE: 0.150) in total variation followed by states (39.4%; Var: 0.422; SE: 0.134) and districts (12.8%; Var: 0.156; SE: 0.012). Similarly, clusters account for the highest share in the variation in severe (61.3%; Var: 0.899; SE: 0.069) and moderate (46.4%: Var: 0.398; SE: 0.011) anemia among children. For mild and moderate anemia among women, however, states were the highest source of variation. Additionally, we found a high and positive correlation between mean prevalence and inter-cluster SD of moderate and severe anemia among women and children. In contrast, the correlation was weaker for mild anemia among women (r = 0.61) and children (0.66). In this analysis, we are positing the critical importance of small area variation within districts when designing strategies for targeting high burden areas for anemia interventions.
RETRACTED: Evaluation of sleep quality and duration using wearable sensors in shift laborers of construction industry: A public health perspective
Authors: Sathvik S. , Krishnaraj L. , Irfan Muhammad
Published: September 2022

Approximately 21% of the workers in developing and developed countries are shift laborers. The laborer's work shifts can affect personal life and sleep standards, adversely impacting laborers and their manage. This study assesses the impact of various shift plans (seven evenings/7 days, fixed-night or fixed-day, and backup shifts) on shift laborers, considering four shift schedules. Most laborers were on rotational shifts, whereas others were on a permanent day, permanent night, and standby shifts. In a cross-sectional study, 45 development laborers from the National Construction firm were enlisted. Bio-wearable sensors were provided to monitor sleep. Participants were approached and asked to complete a survey bundle comprising the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS). Differences in sleep models were estimated using a Fitbit watch at various shift schedules. The average age of laborers who participated in the study was 37.5 years, and their average experience in the construction company was 6.5 years. The average total sleep time was 346 ± 46 min. The rotational shift laborers yielded the minimum total sleep time compared to the average PSQI and ESS scores of 7.66 ± 1.3 and 6.94 ± 3.4, respectively. Fifteen shift laborers (33.33%) were affected by a sleeping disorder in the present experimental investigation, and 30 participants had inadequate standards of sleep based on the PSQI scores. Poor sleep quality and duration among construction shift laborers decrease productivity at work. Additional studies are expected to assess sleep-related issues affecting construction shift laborers.
Child maltreatment and management of pediatric patients during COVID-19 pandemic: Knowledge, awareness, and attitudes among students of medicine and surgery. A survey-based analysis
Authors: Aulino Giovanni , Beccia Flavia , Rega Michele , Siodambro Chiara , Capece Giuseppe , Boccia Stefania , Lanzone Antonio , Oliva Antonio
Published: September 2022

Purpose of the study

To assess perception, awareness, and attitudes regarding the medico-legal relevance of child maltreatment and management of pediatric patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in a cohort of medicine and surgery students, with a particular focus on child safety and maltreatment.

Methods

A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted through an anonymous questionnaire on the personal websites of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore medical students.

Results

The study included 1,166 participants, the majority of whom were experienced with child maltreatment and defensive medicine; only a small percentage was aware of the government's efforts to prevent child maltreatment and safeguard vaccination physicians. Moreover, there was no agreement on the use of telemedicine for non-serious pediatric patients or on the consequences it might have on their health. Finally, the detrimental impacts of lockdown on children's mental health are a major worry.

Conclusions

Knowledge of these themes is mainly implemented by deepening these concepts during the undergraduate studies since a high level of knowledge on child maltreatment and on the management of COVID-19 pandemic was significantly associated with clinical years of course. Specific seminars analyzing telemedicine and legislative protections concerning minors and those concerning vaccination doctors should be included in the study plan to raise awareness these concepts.
Low awareness of HPV infection and willingness of HPV vaccination among Chinese male college students in the east of China
Authors: Ran Hu , Chen Yue , Gao Jun , Guo Hongxiong , Peng Shanshan
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has proven to play a major role in preventing sexually transmitted diseases and related cancers among both men and women. However, the coverage of the HPV vaccination is still limited.

Objective

The study aims to evaluate the awareness of HPV and HPV vaccine, as well as the willingness to take HPV vaccine, especially factors influencing vaccination willingness among male college students.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional investigation among male college students from six colleges in Jiangsu, China. A structured questionnaire was used to investigate the subjects' basic information, behavior habits, cognition of the HPV vaccine, and intention for HPV vaccination. Multivariate analysis modes were used to analyze the influencing factors of vaccine awareness and willingness.

Results

We found that among 912 participants, only 24.34% of the participants had a “good knowledge” of HPV and HPV vaccine, and 34.54% showed a “positive attitude“ toward the HPV vaccine after obtaining knowledge of HPV and its vaccine. Factors such as immune persistence, side effects, pricing strategy, and participants' self-assessment of HPV infection were the main factors influencing the HPV vaccination.

Conclusion

Strengthening health education on the HPV vaccination and finding appropriate ways to solve the problem of ”vaccine hesitancy“ will be effective in improving the coverage of the HPV vaccine and preventing related diseases. In addition, the lifting of restrictions on HPV vaccination for men in China may also prove useful.
Impact of educational interventions on the prevention of influenza: A systematic review
Authors: Nasiri Mohammad Javad , Danaei Bardia , Deravi Niloofar , Chirani Alireza Salimi , Bonjar Amir Hashem Shahidi , Khoshgoftar Zohreh , Karimi Forouzan
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Seasonal influenza, a contagious viral disease affecting the upper respiratory tract, circulates annually, causing considerable morbidity and mortality. The present study investigates the effectiveness of educational interventions to prevent influenza.

Methods

We searched PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL) for relevant clinical studies up to March 1 2022. The following terms were used: “influenza,” “flu,” “respiratory infection,” “prevent,” “intervention,” and “education.”

Results

Out of 255 studies, 21 articles satisfied the inclusion criteria and were included in our study: 13 parallel randomized controlled trials (RCT) studies, two cross-over RCT studies, two cohort studies, and four quasi-experimental studies. A total of approximately 12,500 adults (18 years old or above) and 11,000 children were evaluated. Educational sessions and reminders were the most common interventions. The measured outcomes were vaccination rates, the incidence of respiratory tract infection (RTI), and preventive behaviors among participants. Eighteen out of 21 articles showed a significant association between educational interventions and the outcomes.

Conclusions

The included studies in the current systematic review reported the efficacy of health promotion educational interventions in improving knowledge about influenza, influenza prevention behaviors, vaccination rates, and decreased RTI incidence regardless of the type of intervention and the age of cases.
Automated analysis of whole slide digital skin biopsy images
Authors: Nofallah Shima , Wu Wenjun , Liu Kechun , Ghezloo Fatemeh , Elmore Joann G. , Shapiro Linda G.
Published: September 2022

A rapidly increasing rate of melanoma diagnosis has been noted over the past three decades, and nearly 1 in 4 skin biopsies are diagnosed as melanocytic lesions. The gold standard for diagnosis of melanoma is the histopathological examination by a pathologist to analyze biopsy material at both the cellular and structural levels. A pathologist's diagnosis is often subjective and prone to variability, while deep learning image analysis methods may improve and complement current diagnostic and prognostic capabilities. Mitoses are important entities when reviewing skin biopsy cases as their presence carries prognostic information; thus, their precise detection is an important factor for clinical care. In addition, semantic segmentation of clinically important structures in skin biopsies might help the diagnosis pipeline with an accurate classification. We aim to provide prognostic and diagnostic information on skin biopsy images, including the detection of cellular level entities, segmentation of clinically important tissue structures, and other important factors toward the accurate diagnosis of skin biopsy images. This paper is an overview of our work on analysis of digital whole slide skin biopsy images, including mitotic figure (mitosis) detection, semantic segmentation, diagnosis, and analysis of pathologists' viewing patterns, and with new work on melanocyte detection. Deep learning has been applied to our methods for all the detection, segmentation, and diagnosis work. In our studies, deep learning is proven superior to prior approaches to skin biopsy analysis. Our work on analysis of pathologists' viewing patterns is the only such work in the skin biopsy literature. Our work covers the whole spectrum from low-level entities through diagnosis and understanding what pathologists do in performing their diagnoses.
E-DBCM: A dynamically coupled upland and in-stream water quality model for watershed water quality simulation
Authors: Shen Yanxia , Zhu Zhenduo , Jiang Chunbo
Published: September 2022

A dynamic bidirectional coupled modeling framework for water environment simulation (E-DBCM), including an upland watershed model (UWSM) and a two-dimensional (2D) downstream waterbody model (DWBM), is proposed. The UWSM is implemented to describe the rainfall-runoff and determine the pollutant load to downstream waterbodies, whereas the DWBM is used to simulate the pollutant transport and flood processes on downstream waterbodies. The UWSM and DWBM are spatially connected through a moving boundary, which can ensure the mass and momentum conservation. The proposed E-DBCM is verified using three case studies and the results indicate that the E-DBCM has satisfactory numerical accuracy, which can effectively reproduce the pollutant transport process and achieve satisfactory results. The water environment in Yanqi River Basin is assessed based on the proposed model. The simulated results are consistent with the measured data, indicating that the E-DBCM is reliable and the prediction accuracy can meet the requirements of engineering practices. Water is seriously polluted in this watershed, especially during peak tourist season when many pollutants are produced. Various measures should be taken to protect the water environment in this basin.
Etiological and epidemiological characteristics of surgically treated radial nerve lesions: A 20-year single-center experience
Authors: Rasulić Lukas , Đjurašković Slavko , Lakićević Novak , Lepić Milan , Savić Andrija , Grujić Jovan , Mićić Aleksa , Radojević Stefan , Córdoba-Mosqueda María Elena , Visani Jacopo , Puzović Vladimir , Kovačević Vojin , Vitošević Filip , Mandić-Rajčević Stefan , Knezevic Saša
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Radial nerve lesions present a clinical entity that may lead to disability, psychological distress, and job loss, and thus requires great attention. Knowledge of the etiology and exact mechanism of the nerve impairment is of great importance for appropriate management of these patients, and there are only a few papers that focused on these features in patients with surgically treated radial nerve lesions. The lack of studies presenting the etiology and injury mechanisms of surgically treated radial nerve lesions may be due to a relatively small number of specialized referral centers, dispersion to low-flow centers, and a greater focus on the surgical treatment outcomes.

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe the etiological and epidemiological characteristics of patients with surgically treated radial nerve lesions of various origins.

Methods

This retrospective study evaluated 147 consecutive patients with radial nerve lesion, treated in the department during the last 20 years, from January 1, 2001, until December 31, 2020.

Results

The majority of patients belonged to the working population, and 70.1% of them were male. Most commonly, the etiology of nerve lesion was trauma (63.3%) or iatrogenic injury (28.6%), while the less common origin was idiopathic (4.1%) or neoplastic (4.1%). The most frequent location of the lesion was in the upper arm, followed by the elbow and forearm. Fracture-related contusion was the most common mechanism (29.9%), followed by postoperative fibrosis (17.7%), lacerations (17.7%), and compression (15.6%).

Conclusion

Based on the fact that traumatic or iatrogenic injuries constitute the majority of cases, with their relevant mechanisms and upper arm predomination, it is crucial to raise awareness and understanding of the radial nerve injuries among orthopedic surgeons to decrease the numbers of these patients and properly preserve or treat them within the initial surgery.
Entrapment of a metal foreign body in the heart during surgical procedure: A case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Fei , Li Ting , Yuan Xinwei , Hu Jiang
Published: September 2022

A rongeur had been used to remove thin bones in both orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery, featured with a tip holding and cutting bone effectively while protecting the underlying instruments. The authors describe a case of a 40-year-old man who proceeded with the second lumbar vertebrae osteotomy and presented to be ankylosing spondylitis with kyphosis and limited mobility for 10 years. During the surgery, we found that the rongeur tip was missing. C-arm fluoroscopy showed the high-density body just in front of the vertebral body intraoperatively. However, the CT scan showed the foreign body migrated to the right auricle of the heart postoperatively. This case is unique in that there was no exact vessel injury detected intraoperatively. There were few reports about the surgical instrument migrating to the heart. Our case showed the rare experience of the function of multidisciplinary collaboration in the migration of foreign bodies in the cervical spinal canal.
Using in vitro bioassays to guide the development of safer bio-based polymers for use in food packaging
Authors: Harper Emma , Cunningham Eoin , Connolly Lisa
Published: September 2022

Petroleum-based polymers traditionally used for plastic packaging production have been shown to leach dangerous chemicals such as bisphenol-A (BPA). Bio-based polymers are potentially safer alternatives, and many can be sustainably sourced from waste streams in the food industry. This study assesses bio-based polymers undergoing food packaging development for migration of endocrine disrupting leachates at the level of estrogen, androgen and progestagen nuclear receptor transcriptional activity. Reporter gene assays were coupled with migration testing, performed using standardised test conditions for storage and temperature. Test samples include nine bio-based polymers and four inorganic waste additives mixed with a traditional petroleum-based polymer, polypropylene. Thermoplastic starch material, polybutylene succinate, polycaprolactone, polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), two polylactic acid (PLA)/PBAT blends, polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and eggshell/polypropylene (10:90) presented no significant reduction in metabolic activity or hormonal activity under any test condition. Polypropylene (PP) presented no hormonal activity. Metabolic activity was reduced in the estrogen responsive cell line after 10 days migration testing of eggshell/polypropylene (0.1:99.9) in MeOH at 40°C, and PP in MeOH and dH20. Estrogenic agonist activity was observed after 10 days in poultry litter ash/polypropylene (10:90) in MeOH at 20°C and 40°C, poultry feather based polymer in MeOH and dH2O at 40°C, and eggshell/polypropylene (40:60) and PLA in dH2O at 40°C. Activity was within a range of 0.26–0.50 ng 17β-estradiol equivalents per ml, equating to an estrogenic potency of 3–∼2800 times less than the estrogenic leachate BPA. Poultry litter ash/polypropylene (10:90) in MeOH for 10 days presented estrogenic activity at 20°C and 40°C within the above range and anti-androgenic activity at 40°C. Progestagenic activity was not observed for any of the compounds under any test condition. Interestingly, lower concentrations of eggshell or PP may eliminate eggshell estrogenicity and PP toxicity. Alternatively eggshell may bind and eliminate the toxic elements of PP. Similarly, PLA estrogenic activity was removed in both PLA/PBAT blends. This study demonstrates the benefits of bioassay guidance in the development of safer and sustainable packaging alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. Manipulating the types of additives and their formulations alongside toxicological testing may further improve safety aspects.
Development of reverse-transcriptase, real-time PCR assays to distinguish the Southern African Territories (SAT) serotypes 1 and 3 and topotype VII of SAT2 of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus
Authors: Chestley Taeyo , Sroga Patrycja , Nebroski Michelle , Hole Kate , Ularamu Hussaini , Lung Oliver , Nfon Charles
Published: September 2022

Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV), the causative agent of Foot-and-Mouth Disease, is a highly feared, economically devastating transboundary pathogen. This is due to the virus' extremely contagious nature and its ability to utilize multiple transmission routes. As such, rapid and accurate diagnostic testing is imperative to the control of FMD. Identification of the FMDV serotype is necessary as it provides the foundation for appropriate vaccine selection and aids in outbreak source tracing. With the vast genetic diversity, there is a desperate need to be able to characterize FMDV without relying on prior knowledge of viral serotypes. In this study, the Neptune bioinformatics tool was used to identify genetic signatures specific to each Southern African Territories (SAT) 1, 2 and 3 genomes but exclusionary to the other circulating FMDV serotypes (A, O, Asia1, and the heterologous SAT1, SAT2 and/or SAT3). Identification of these unique genomic regions allowed the design of TaqMan-based real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (rRT-PCR) primer/probe sets for SAT1, SAT2 and SAT3 viruses. These assays were optimized using prototypic FMDV cell culture isolates using the same reagents and thermocycling conditions as the FMDV pan-serotype 3D rRT-PCR assay. Cross-reactivity was evaluated in tandem with the FMDV pan-serotype 3D rRT-PCR utilizing representative strains from FMDV serotypes A, O, Asia1, SAT1, SAT2 and SAT3. The SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3 primer/probe sets were specific for the homologous serotype and exclusionary to all others. SAT1 and SAT3 primer/probe sets were able to detect several topotypes, whereas the SAT2 assay was revealed to be specific for topotype VII. The SAT2 topotype VII specificity was possibly due to the use of sequence data deposited post-2011to design the rRT-PCR primers and probes. Each assay was tested against a panel of 99 bovine tissue samples from Nigeria, where SAT2 topotype VII viruses were correctly identified and no cross-reactivity was exhibited by the SAT1 and 3 assays. These novel SAT1, SAT3 and SAT2 topotype VII rRT-PCR assays have the potential to detect and differentiate circulating FMD SAT viruses.
Improved Delayed Detached-Eddy Investigations on the Flow Control of the Leading-Edge Flat Spoiler of the Cavity in the Low-Aspect-Ratio Aircraft
Authors: Cui Pengcheng , Zhou Guiyu , Zhang Yaobing , Jia Hongyin , Wu Xiaojun , Ma Mingsheng , Li Huan , Chen Bing
Published: September 2022

The internal weapon bay is widely used in modern aircraft; however, because the unsteady flows of the cavity would cause dangerous store separation and intense aerodynamic noise, the leading-edge spoiler is an easy and efficient passive flow-control method. The flow control of the leading-edge flat spoiler before the cavity of a low-aspect-ratio flying-wing aircraft is investigated based on numerical simulation. Numerical results show that the leading-edge flat spoiler completely changes the cavity flow; it obviously lifts up the shear layer and reduces the pressure inside the cavity. For the store separation from the weapon bay, the leading-edge flat spoiler is a very good passive flow-control method that curbs the nose-up trend of the store and produces a safe and stable store separation. Besides, the leading-edge spoiler reduces the noise in the rear of the cavity (max 8.2 dB), but increases the noise in the middle of the cavity (max 11.3 dB). In addition, the leading-edge spoiler brings in a large drag increase to the aircraft (39.41% when the height of spoiler is 0.2 m), which would affect the operational stability of the aircraft. The results of this paper could provide a reference for the flow control of weapon bays and the design of aircraft.
Pseudomonas syringae Infection Modifies Chlorophyll Fluorescence in Nicotiana tabacum
Authors: Tomaszewska-Sowa Magdalena , Keutgen Norbert , Lošák Tomáš , Figas Anna , Keutgen Anna J.
Published: September 2022

The system Nicotiana tabacum L.—Pseudomonas syringae VAN HALL pv. tomato (Pto) DC3000 was investigated at a low inoculation level (c. 5 × 105 colony-forming units (CFU) mL–1) such as it occurs in the field. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that N. tabacum, a non-host of Pto DC3000, improved the PSII efficiency in inoculated leaves compared with control detached leaves. Visible symptoms at the infected area were not detected within 14 days. Chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence was measured 6–7 days after inoculation of detached leaves. Compared with the control, the actual photochemical quantum yield of photosystem (PS) II was higher in the inoculated leaves at the expense of the fraction of heat dissipated by photo-inactivated non-functional centers. In addition, the fraction of open PSII reaction centers (RCs) was higher in inoculated leaves. Maximum fluorescence in the dark-adapted detached inoculated leaves, as a measure of the absorbed energy, was lower than in control leaves. The lower capacity to absorb energy in combination with a higher fraction of open PSII RCs is interpreted as an acclimation to limit over-excitation and to reduce heat dissipation. This should limit the production of reactive oxygen species and reduce the probability of a hypersensitive response (HR), which represents an expensive cell-death program for the plant.
Assessing the Presence of a Monoculture: From Definition to Quantification
Authors: Franco Silvio , Pancino Barbara , Martella Angelo , De Gregorio Tommaso
Published: September 2022

The term monoculture is widely used in the scientific literature concerning the agricultural sector. However, it is very difficult to find a clear and shared definition of this term. This study investigates the concept of monoculture in agricultural areas where high specialization in a specific crop is observed. Therefore, we refer to a territorial-level definition, which associates the idea of monoculture to the prevalent presence of a crop in a region including many farms. The objectives of the paper are: (i) to define indicators capable of verifying the existence of this condition; (ii) to test the ability of such indicators in identifying the effective presence of a monoculture. A set of Italian areas identified as monoculture in the recent literature were selected to carry out a quantitative analysis, assessing different indexes of monoculture. On the basis of the obtained results, such an analysis should help in comparing the monoculture indexes and fostering a discussion on their suitability and descriptive capacities.
Three-Way Top-Cross Hybrids to Enhance Production of Forage with Improved Quality in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.)
Authors: Gupta Shashi Kumar , Govintharaj Ponnaiah , Bhardwaj Ruchika
Published: September 2022

Three-way top-cross hybrids of pearl millet were evaluated along with a popular single- cross check hybrid (PAC 981) for forage yield and quality traits under a multi-cut (three cuts) system across multiple years, seasons and sites in India. Total green forage yield (TGFY) varied from 36 to 53 t ha−1, and two hybrids outyielded the check hybrid for both total dry forage yield (TDFY) and forage quality (CP; Crude protein, and IVOMD; In vitro organic matter digestibility) traits. A set of promising three-way top-cross hybrids evaluated along with a set of promising open-pollinated varieties (OPVs) and top-cross hybrids for forage-related traits over two years under a multi-cut system revealed that the mean TDFY of three-way top-cross hybrids was higher than the mean TDFY of top-cross hybrids, followed by OPVs. Also, three-way top-cross hybrids had higher/or at par forage quality traits such as CP and IVOMD in comparison to other types of cultivars. TDFY had no correlation with CP and IVOMD across cuts in three-way top-cross hybrids, indicating that forage quantity and quality traits can be improved independently of each other. Overall, three-way top-cross hybrids were found to be a better pearl millet cultivar option than other types of cultivars.
Scientometric Analysis on Rice Research under Drought, Waterlogging or Abrupt Drought-Flood Alternation Stress
Authors: Pan Xiaoyan , Wang Hui , Ouyang Zan , Song Zifan , Long Hongjin , Luo Wang
Published: September 2022

Many studies have shown that abiotic stresses could severely impact crop growth and yield, but a comprehensive review from a bibliometric perspective is lacking. This study explores how the research direction of rice under drought, waterlogging or both stresses has evolved over the past three decades, based on bibliometric analysis using Vosviewer 1.6.15 and HistCite Pro. Data were collected from the academic database of Web of Science. The results showed that 12 journals had a high number of publications and highly local citations. Meanwhile, the three journals of Field Crops Research, Journal of Experimental Botany and Plant Physiology could be the most influential leaders in this field. The author Arvind Kumar had the highest contribution to the output of articles, and Lizhong Xiong had a greater impact on the field. China, and Chinese institutions, were dominant in terms of the number of articles, but Japan, Germany, UK and institutions in USA and Japan had a higher quality of publications on average. Scholars are concerned with using transgenic methods for improving rice productivity with increasing abiotic stress tolerance; the research topics of rice cultivars, irrigation, water-use efficiency and soil fertility may be gradually shifting from a single theme to intertwining with the themes of genomics and abiotic/biotic resistance with climate change in the future.
Effects of Environmental Temperature and Humidity on Milk Composition, Microbial Load, and Somatic Cells in Milk of Holstein Dairy Cows in the Northeast Regions of Iran
Authors: Toghdory Abdolhakim , Ghoorchi Taghi , Asadi Mohammad , Bokharaeian Mostafa , Najafi Mojtaba , Ghassemi Nejad Jalil
Published: September 2022

The present study aims to examine the relationships between temperature and humidity and milk composition, microbial load, and somatic cells in the milk of Holstein dairy cows. For this purpose, the temperature–humidity index, ambient temperature, and relative humidity data were obtained from the nearest weather stations. Production data were obtained from four dairy farms in Golestan province, Iran, collected from 2016 to 2021. The traits investigated were protein, fat, solids-not-fat (SNF), microbial load, and somatic cell count (SCC) in milk. The effects of the environmental temperature, humidity, month, and season on the milk composition, microbial load, and somatic cells were analyzed through analysis of variance. The effects of environmental temperature, humidity, month, and season on the milk composition, microbial load, and somatic cell composition were analyzed using a mixed procedure with a restricted maximum likelihood model. Although our findings revealed that there were significant differences in fat, protein, SNF, and SCC among the different months of the year (p < 0.01), no significant difference was observed in the total microbial count in milk. Environmental temperature presented significant impacts on fat, protein, SNF, SCC, and total microbial count within various temperature ranges (p < 0.01). When the temperature increased from 6.2 °C to 31.3 °C, the milk protein, fat, SNF, and somatic cell count significantly decreased, by approximately 4.09%, 5.75%, 1.31%, and 16.8%, respectively; meanwhile, the microbial count in milk significantly increased, by approximately 13.7%. Humidity showed an influence on fat, protein, non-fat solids, somatic cells, and total microbial count within different temperature ranges (p < 0.01). When the humidity increased from 54% to 82%, the milk protein, fat, SNF, and SCC significantly increased, by approximately 3.61%, 4.84%, 1.06%, and 10.2%, respectively; meanwhile, the microbial count in milk significantly decreased, by approximately 16.3%. The results demonstrate that there is a negative correlation between different months of the year, temperature, and the humidity of the environment, in terms of milk components and SCC. Our findings demonstrate that the optimum performance, in terms of milk composition, occurred in the first quarter of the year. As temperature increases and humidity decreases, milk quality decreases. Therefore, the adverse effects of environmental conditions on agricultural profits are not negligible, and strategies to better deal with the negative environmental effects are needed in order to improve milk quality in dairy cows.
Anti-Tuberculosis Activity of Three Carbapenems, Clofazimine and Nitazoxanide Using a Novel Ex Vivo Phenotypic Drug Susceptibility Model of Human Tuberculosis
Authors: Gonzalo Ximena , Bielecka Magdalena K. , Tezera Liku , Elkington Paul , Drobniewski Francis
Published: September 2022

We evaluated a novel physiological 3-D bioelectrospray model of the tuberculosis (TB) granuloma to test the activity of a known anti-TB drug, clofazimine; three carbapenems with potential activity, including one currently used in therapy; and nitazoxanide, an anti-parasitic compound with possible TB activity (all chosen as conventional drug susceptibility was problematical). PBMCs collected from healthy donors were isolated and infected with M. tuberculosis H37Rv lux (i.e., luciferase). Microspheres were generated with the infected cells; the anti-microbial compounds were added and bacterial luminescence was monitored for at least 21 days. Clavulanate was added to each carbapenem to inhibit beta-lactamases. M. tuberculosis (MTB) killing efficacy was dose dependent. Clofazimine was the most effective drug inhibiting MTB growth at 2 mg/L with good killing activity at both concentrations tested. It was the only drug that killed bacteria at the lowest concentration tested. Carbapenems showed modest initial activity that was lost at around day 10 of incubation and clavulanate did not increase killing activity. Of the carbapenems tested, tebipenem was the most efficient in killing MTB, albeit at a high concentration. Nitazoxanide was effective only at concentrations not achievable with current dosing (although this might partly have been an artefact related to extensive protein binding).