bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Sustainability of Plant-based Diet for Management of Diabetes Mellitus: A Scoping Review
Authors: Kottapalli Aditi , Mahajan Anu , Muley Arti
Published: July 2024

Introduction: The increasing prevalence of diabetes necessitates sustainable care and preventative strategies for patients. Plant-based diets have emerged as a promising intervention for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the sustainability of such diets remains a subject of debate. Aim: To investigate the impact of plant-based diets on treating type 2 diabetes mellitus and assess their sustainability. Materials and Methods: Systematic searches were performed using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for studies published between 2013 and 2023 following Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. The Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms used in the search were “type-2 diabetes,” “diabetes mellitus,” “plant-based diets,” “vegan diet,” and “vegetarian diets.” The search yielded 227 studies, of which eight were included based on inclusion criteria. Covidence software was used to analyse the selected studies, focusing on the long-term effects of plant-based diets on diabetes. Results: The studies included in the review followed 12 weeks of intervention with plant-based diets, examining Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, weight changes, and Body Mass Index (BMI). The observations included a significant reduction of approximately 0.4% in HbA1c levels and approximately 1.04 kg/m2 in BMI, along with a significant weight loss of approximately 2-6 kg. While there was no significant reduction observed in the lipid profile. Conclusion: Plant-based diets with a 12-week consumption period show positive cardiometabolic profiles due to antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, long-term studies are needed to ensure sustainability.
Awareness of Smoking Tobacco among Dental College Students: A Questionnairebased Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Mehta Pallavi Singh Meghna , Awasthi Abhishek , Chauhan Ashish
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Tobacco smoking is one of the 10th leading health indicators proposed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) Healthy People 2020, with major concerns regarding increased mortality rates. Tobacco smoke contains 2.94 mg of nicotine, 802 mg of tar, 145 mg of carbon monoxide, and greater quantities of chrysene. Hookah tobacco poses a serious health threat because of the commonly held belief among college students that this tobacco product is not addictive. Assessing practices represents an important starting point in curbing the spread of tobacco use. It is crucial to understand the use, patterns, and dependence on tobacco to develop appropriate prevention and cessation strategies. Aim: To assess tobacco smoking-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices among students of dental Institutions in Lucknow city, Uttar Pradesh, India. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among five dental colleges in Lucknow city from July 2023 to November 2023. A total of 1050 undergraduate dental students were included in the study, and a self-structured, close-ended questionnaire was used to collect information on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of hookah tobacco. The reliability of the questionnaire was evaluated using Cronbach’s coefficient alpha to measure internal consistency, which was found to be 0.9. Discrete (categorical) data were summarised in numbers (n) and percentages (%). Categorical groups were compared by Chi-square (χ2 ) test. Results: Out of the total 1050 students, 392 (37.3%) were aged between 18-21 years, 630 (60.0%) were aged between 22-25 years, and 28 (2.7%) were aged between 26-30 years. Furthermore, among the students, 355 (33.8%) were females and 695 (66.2%) were males. Among the total of 1050 dental students, the prevalence of hookah smoking was 59.1%. The presence or prevalence of hookah smoking was higher in males (29.4%) at 480 (45.7%) than in females 141 (13.4%), and the difference was statistically significant (χ2 =83.75, p<0.001). Conclusion: The study found that the frequency of hookah smoking continues to increase with the increasing age of the participants. The study also revealed the alarming situation of a high prevalence of hookah smoking among dental college students.
Adverse Effects of Hydroxychloroquine on Testicular Tissue and Sperm Quality: An Experimental study on Male Albino Rats
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Sagarika , Samanta Tanushree , Khanra Suman Kalyan , Jana Anup
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a medicine that has mainly been used to treat malaria. During the recent Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) period, an abrupt spike in the sale of HCQ has been found. The repurposing of this drug in the treatment of COVID-19 was not only found to be ineffective but also showed many side effects. The adverse effects of the enormous exposure to this drug should be unveiled. Aim: To evaluate the acute effect of HCQ exposure on the male reproductive system by analysing the changes in antioxidant enzyme levels in testicular tissue, sperm quality, and histopathological assessment of testicular tissue using male albino rats as the subject model. Materials and Methods: The present experimental study was done by using male albino rats as the subject model. It was conducted in the laboratory of the Department of Human Physiology at Raja NL Khan Women’s College (Autonomous) in Medinipur, West Bengal, Kolkata, India, from the last week of June 2023 to the first week of August 2023. A total 10 male albino rats were obtained and randomly divided into two groups (n=5 in each group), control and HCQ-treated, and were given plain drinking water and 33 mg/kg/day HCQ, respectively, for six consecutive days through oral gavage. After the treatment tenures, rats were euthanised, and antioxidant enzymatic activity was measured by a spectrophotometer. Sperm quality and testicular histopathology were studied. A two-tailed t-test was used to compare the parameters of the control and HCQ-treated groups. Results: The total testicular weight of the control group was 2.37±0.17 g, in contrast treated group had a significantly lower testicular weight of 1.98±0.19 g. A significant decrease in total testicular protein in the treated group was found, i.e., 28.86±3.03 mg/g of tissue, compared to the control group, i.e., 60.46±2.85 mg/g of tissue. The sperm count of the control group was 4.51±0.06 million/ml of suspension, while the treated group had a significantly lower sperm count, i.e., 2.73±0.11 million/mL of suspension. The percentages of sperm motility and viability in the control group were 86±1.63% and 94±1.33%, respectively, but in the treated group, the percentages were significantly lower, i.e., 22.66±1.35% and 24±1.78%, respectively. The increasing sperm anomalies after HCQ exposure indicate poor sperm quality. Conclusion: Infertility or reduced fertility can result from testicular dysfunction, in continuation, decrease in sperm count, motility, viability, together with abnormalities in sperm morphology, was observed after this exposure. Thus, the present study provides insight into the adverse effects of the use of this drug, which might be associated with male infertility.
Trends in Area, Production and Productivity of Castor in Telangana
Authors: S Nivetha , I Shakuntala Devi , T Lavanya , K Aruna
Published: July 2024

Aims: To analyse the trends in area, production and productivity of castor in Telangana and major erstwhile districts of Telangana. The main purpose of the study is to understand the growth rate of castor in a region of Telangana, as India is the largest exporter of castor oil, which has multiple industrial applications.
Methodology:  The secondary data of the area, production and productivity of castor from 2001-02 to 2022-23 were collected from the Directorate of Economics and Statistics. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) was used to analyse the time-series data of castor. CAGR was calculated for 3 periods -Period I (2001-02 to 2011-12), Period II (2012-13 to 2022-23), Overall Period (2001-23).
Results:  The results showed a decreasing trend in both castor area and production. But castor productivity observed a positive growth rate in Telangana and the major erstwhile castor-growing districts like Mahbubnagar and Medak. However, few districts like Rangareddy, Nalgonda, and Warangal showed negative trends in productivity during Period I. The study highlighted a decline in the castor area due to the incidence of diseases like Botrytis, shifting to other crops such as cotton and climate variability.
Conclusion: The study indicated that the decline in the castor area is a major concern and this study will be useful in agricultural policy making to take appropriate actions to reverse the declining trends of castor cultivation in Telangana.
Optimizing Process Conditions for Ghewar Development Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Dixit Ashish , Bhayani Harsh , Hirpara Rajnik , Vala Krina , Jaipal Manoj Kumar , V. Ramesh
Published: July 2024

RSM was performed for the optimization of processing conditions to develop ghewar, traditional sweetmeat of India. Three variables i.e. frying temperature (160-180 ⁰C), batter temperature (5-10 ⁰C) and frying time (4-6 minute) were taken to investigate the effect on ghewar responses viz., oil content, moisture content, texture and sensory attributes (OA). The optimum conditions were 160 ⁰C frying temperature, 5⁰C batter temperature and 4 minute frying time. Upon optimization, the ghewar yielded the following results: 45.33% oil content, 4.65% moisture, 15.2 N texture (hardness), 54.89 L value, 15.16 a value, 24.97 b value, 58.73 hue value, 29.21 chroma value, 48.07 total color difference, and 0.24 water activity. Storage study of optimized ghewar was also carried out and found shelf stable for 30 days in metallised foil pouches. Hardness values were found to progressively drop from 15.2-9.40 N during the storage period, whereas moisture content, FFA, and peroxide value were found to gradually increase from 3.70-5.12%, 0.33-0.54 %, and 4.8-7.6 meq/kg, respectively.
Toxicity of Local Natural Ingredients from East Java, Indonesia Yam Bean (Pachyrhizus erosus) and Avocado (Persea americana Mill) on the Liver and Kidney Structure of Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Primiani Cicilia Novi , Widiyanto Joko , Megananda Rafaella Chandraseta
Published: July 2024

Aims: The aim of the research was to test the toxicity of jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus) and avocado (Persea americana Mill) on the structure of liver and kidney tissue in Sprague Dawley rats.
Study Design: Male Sprague Dawley rats aged 5 months, 24 animals. Treatment of synthetic and natural ingredients. 6 treatment groups were given daidzein (P1), 6 treatment groups were given niacin (P2), 6 treatment groups were given jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus) (P3) and 6 treatment groups were given avocado (Persea americana Mill) (P4). Each treatment was carried out for 28 days. On the 29th day, surgery was performed and the liver and kidneys were removed, followed by HE staining.
Result: The results showed that the structure of liver and kidney tissue given daidzein and niacin experienced necrosis, increased vascularization, hemorrhage and fatty degeneration.
Conclusion: The use of natural ingredients does not produce toxic (harmful) effects in the body compared to synthetic substances. The percentage of kidney necrosis with daidzein administration is 24%, and with niacin administration, it is 29%. The percentage of liver necrosis with daidzein administration is 20%, and with niacin administration, it is 24%.
Mapping Soil-crop Nutrient Dynamics in Continuous Cotton Cultivation Areas of Sangareddy District, Telangana
Authors: Thakur Sivaa Voya , Kumar T. Sukruth , Anjaiah T. , Naaiik R.V.T. Balazzii
Published: July 2024

A soil-crop nutrient survey was conducted in Sangareddy district, Telangana during Rabi, 2023 to study the fertility status of cotton growing soils at 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depth. Georeferenced soil and leaf samples were collected from 112 sites covering 23 mandals during flowering stage. Soil physical and physico-chemical properties and cotton leaf nutrient content were analysed. In the study area, bulk density, sand, silt and clay content ranged from 1.36-1.66 Mg m-3, 41.84-78.02 %, 6.74-29.60 % and 10.76-42.76 %, respectively. The soils were strongly acidic to slightly alkaline in reaction (4.25-7.98; 4.44-7.97), non-saline (0.026-0.254 dS m-1; 0.020-0.241 dS m-1) and low to high in organic carbon (2.03 to 11.52 g kg-1; 1.13 to 8.24 g kg-1) at 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depths, respectively.
Soil Nutrient Status: Available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and exchangeable magnesium contents ranged from 101 to 448 kg ha-1, 7 to 41 kg   ha-1, and 154 to 763 kg ha-1 at 0-15 cm depth, respectively while 91 to 319 kg ha-1, 4 to 39 kg ha-1, and 142 to 730 kg ha-1 at 15-30 cm depth, respectively.
Crop Nutrient Status: Total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium contents in the collected cotton leaves ranged from 0.53 to 3.64 %, 0.12 to 0.68 %, 0.80 to 1.84 % and 0.27 to 0.92 %, respectively.
Soil Fertility Mapping: Soil fertility maps were prepared considering the low/deficient, medium and high/sufficient range of soil macronutrients (N, P, K and Mg) at the depth of 0-15 cm under QGIS 3.36.1. Soil fertility maps showed that soils of the study area were mostly low in available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus, high in available potassium and sufficient in exchangeable magnesium.
Regular soil testing is crucial to monitor the variations in nutrient levels and formulation of appropriate management strategies to address it.
Standardization of Technology for Development, Physico-chemical properties, Organoleptic acceptability and Storage of Value Added Kiwi Fruit Squash (Actinidia deliciosa)
Authors: Mishra Yasharth , Mishra Saket , Lall Deepak , Pandey Aascharya
Published: July 2024

A present study was conducted for the development of kiwi fruit squash (Actinidia deliciosa). The study was constituted to evaluate the effect of different treatments on the physico-chemical and organoleptic properties and prolonged storage life of kiwi fruit squash. The experiment was carried out in the Post Harvest Laboratory, Learning Integrated Livelihood Forestry, Agronomy & Rural Management, Ministry of Uttarakhand Dehradun, during the year 2022-24. The experiment was laid out in 2x2 Factorial Randomized Block Design with 3 replications. Based on the statistical analysis, the experiment shows that Bruno variety (V3) performed best in terms of physico-chemical properties viz., TSS, acidity, moisture, vitamin C, and reducing sugar, followed by the Abbott variety (V2). The study indicated that Abbott variety (V2) was most acceptable in terms of organoleptic properties viz., colour & appearance, taste & flavour, texture and overall acceptability, followed by the Hayward variety (V1). On the other hand microbial analysis of the squash shows the stored life which is  up to 60 days without any microbial contamination. The squash maintained acceptability for up to 2 months when diluted with water, making it suitable as a refreshing beverage for all age groups.
Phyto-extracts for Managing Alternaria Leaf Spot on Mung Bean
Authors: .C Anusha , Lal Abhilasha A.
Published: July 2024

The present study was investigated to evaluate the effect of selected phyto-extracts for the management of Alternaria leaf spot on mung bean caused by Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler, under field conditions. Three replications of mung bean were planted in a randomized block design. At the research plot of the Central Research Field, Department of Plant Pathology, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during Zaid season of 2023. The effect of neem leaf extract, onion bulb extract, ginger rhizome extract, garlic bulb extract, turmeric rhizome extract and Mancozeb were compared and tested the plant height (cm), pod length (cm), disease intensity (%) and B:C ratio recorded at 45, 60 and 75 DAS interval. The effect of foliar spray of T4–garlic bulb extract @ 10% was found the best for managing Alternaria leaf spot of mung bean under field conditions as minimum disease intensity (34.4%), maximum plant height (65.4cm), pod length significantly increased (8.4cm) and highest B:C ratio (1:2.05). Followed by minimum disease intensity (35.5%), plant height (60.9cm), pod length (7.8 cm) and highest B:C ratio (1:1.97) was recorded in T1–neem leaf extract @ 10% followed by T5–turmeric rhizome extract @ 10% when compared to (Treated check) T6–Mancozeb @ 0.2% and (Untreated check) T0–control. Overall results revealed that T4–garlic bulb extract @10% is significantly effective against A. alternata (Fr.) Kessler.
Drought Resistance in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L)
Authors: Krishna Kasula Vamshi , Manasa Neroju , Krishna Neroju Vamshi
Published: July 2024

Wheat is a grain crop that is farmed all over the world for bread, chapati, and biscuits. Specific wheat breeding and quality development projects that result in high-yielding, genetically superior, disease resistant varieties of desirable quality that are adaptive to growing conditions. Drought is one of the most important factors affecting crop productivity and yield. Drought stress has a variety of effects on crops, including molecular, physiological, biochemical responses and morphological.  Wheat has numerous genes that control drought tolerance and produce a variety of proteins and enzymes, including Responsive to abscisic acid (Rab), late embryogenesis abundant (lea), proline, ligase, rubisco, carbohydrates and antioxidant enzyme (GST). The influence of water shortage on the morphological, biochemical, molecular and physiological responses of wheat to possible drought stress losses was the subject of this review research. Drought is a state in which soil moisture is decreased, resulting in a variety of agricultural changes. Drought reduces crop yield and leads to crop failure. It has an impact on morphology, agricultural productivity and other factors. The vegetative, reproductive which are essential growth stages are affected. Some plants have mechanism to tolerate those conditions. Nearly 50% of the crop production has decreased due to droughts. The various approaches like Quantitative trait locus (QTL) are employed for drought tolerance. Punjab produces 125 metric tonnes of wheat (in lakh metric tonnes), Madhya Pradesh(113.38MT), Haryana (70.65 MT) and Uttar Pradesh (70.65 MT) are the averages (20.39MT) whereas Rajasthan (10.63 MT). The review gives details on latest innovations for the development of resistant genotypes.
Evaluating the Impacts of Integrated Pest Management Techniques on Cotton Crop for Cost-effectiveness as Recommended by Dr. PDKV, Akola, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Nemade Devyanee K. , Warade Sangita V. , Nandeshwar B.C. , Parshuramkar Subhangi G.
Published: July 2024

Since cotton is a major crop grown for commercial purposes in the Vidarbha region, Dr. PDKV Akola conducted and recommended the current study, which has several goals, including determining the extent to which recommended technology has been adopted in cotton production, examining input utilization in cotton at varying levels of adoption of IPM technology, calculating the cost-effectiveness and profitability of cotton at varying levels of adoption of IPM technology, and analyzing the barriers to technology adoption. The districts of Akola and Buldhana in Maharashtra State's Vidarbha area served as the study's locations. Three tahasils—Akola, Akot, and Sangrampur—were chosen from these districts, and 120 farmers were chosen from these villages, namely Varvat Khanderao, Khiroda, Sangrampur, Rambhapur, Mandala, Kinkhed Purna, and Khambora. The primary data, which cover the years 2022–2023, were gathered using a straightforward random sample technique. As a result of input usage, the group with a high adoption level utilized the most human labor. All three categories had seed rates, resistant variety usage at the indicated level, and sowing times that were closer to the recommended level. Farmyard manure, at 30.68 quintals per hectare, is most commonly used in the high adopter category. This is followed by medium adopters (16.80 q/ha) and low adopters (14.05 q/ha). The results of applying fertilizer (NPK) indicate that more was applied in all three categories at the recommended level. The highest per hectare yield, 16.64 quintals, was recorded by the high adopter group, followed by 14.01 quintals for the medium adopter group, and 12.71 quintals for the low adopter group. The net returns at Costs "A1," "B2," and "C2" were in the high adopter category, with amounts of Rs. 76557.94/-, Rs. 59781.64/-, and Rs. 50163.47/-. For low, medium, and high adopters, the input-output ratios at cost "A1" were 1.95, 2.05, and 2.27, respectively, but the input-output ratios at cost "C2" were 1.36, 1.43, and 1.58 for these same adopters. High adopter farmers saved Rs. 599.58 and Rs. 854.32/-per quintal at Costs "A1" and "C2" as a result of the per unit cost decrease. IPM technology was discovered to make cotton farming profitable because it reduced the cost of plant protection measures while simultaneously increasing yield. As a result, all cotton growers need to employ IPM technology more widely.
Factors Influencing Birth Weight and Pre-weaning Weight Gain of Piglets Reared in Different Farrowing Facilities
Authors: Raghy R. , Gnanaraj P. Tensingh , Sundaram S. Meenakshi , Vanan Thanga Tamil , Radhakrishnan L. , Ronald B. Samuel Masilamoni , R Venkataramanan
Published: July 2024

Aim: This study aims at analysing the influence of variables such as farrowing facilities, parity, litter size and sex on the birth weight and pre-weaning weight of piglets.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Piggery Unit of Livestock Farm Complex, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, 600 007, India. The study was carried out for a period of twelve months from October 2021 to September 2022.
Methodology: The study comprised of eighteen Large White Yorkshire breed sows of different parities with 177 piglets that were reared in three types of farrowing systems which included Conventional farrowing crate, Guard rail model & modified farrowing facility.
Results: Litter size, season of farrowing, number of stillbirth and parity affected birth weight significantly (p < 0.01). It was seen that each increase in the number of litter size reduces birth and weaning weight. However, parity had no statistically significant effect on the weaning weight (p > 0.05). Likewise, the type of farrowing facility (p > 0.05) also had no statistical significance on the birth weight.
Conclusion: The results of the present study reveal that mean birth weight and weaning weight were not influenced by the type of farrowing system they were reared in. However, season of farrowing affected the birth weight which could affect the pre-weaning survival.
Response of Sulphur and Zinc on Yield Attributes, Yield and Economics of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.)
Authors: Kumar Methari Prashanth , Singh Rajesh
Published: July 2024

During the Kharif season of 2023, a field experiment took place at the Crop Research Farm within the Department of Agronomy at SHUATS in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The objective was to investigate the influence of sulphur and zinc on the yield attributes, yield and economics of cowpea. Growth and yield data were collected for the crop.The experiment followed a Randomized Block Design with 10 treatments, each replicated three times. The treatments included varying levels of sulphur (25, 30, 35 kg/ha) and zinc (5, 10, 15 kg/ha), along with a control treatment of 20-50-20 kg/ha using Cowpea variety ‘Kashinidhi’. The findings indicated that applying 35 kg/ha of sulphur in along with 15 kg/ha of zinc resulted in the following outcomes for cowpea, Maximum Number of pods per plant (17.1), Number of seeds per pod (9.8), Seed yield (1423.27 kg/ha), Stover yield (3201.9 kg/ha), Maximum gross returns (1,06,745.14 INR/ha), net returns (73,245.14 INR/ha) and B:C ratio (2.19). These favourable results were observed in Treatment-9, where the specified combination of 35 kg/ha of Sulphur + 15 kg/ha Zinc was applied.
Sustainable Development Goals and Eye Care in Nigeria
Authors: B. V. Olomola, , M. A. Isawumi , C. O. Adeoti , B. A. Eegunranti
Published: July 2024

Introduction: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in September 2015.
The Outcome Document adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [2] with 169 targets, ensuring that ‘no one is left behind’ and its importance to eye care.  
Methodology: Different WHO articles were reviewed, this was then related to eye health in Nigeria. 
Goals: The seventeen SDGs were related to the eye care services in this write up.
This highlights key policy, institutional and regulatory measures put in place to create necessary enabling environment for mainstreaming of SDGs in national policies, plans and programmes, [1] and its coherent coordination. The need for making better use of prevalence data in strategic planning processes for eye care services in Nigeria.  
Results: From this review of articles it was found out that there was great relationship between the SDGs and the eye.
Conclusion: The 2030 Agenda comprises 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), or Global Goals, which will guide policy and funding for the next 15 years, beginning with a historic pledge to end poverty and to leave no one behind [14].
E-Rupee: Unlocking India's Digital Economy, Challenges, and Opportunities
Authors: Sehgal Shallu , Yasir Mohd , Kour Sukhleen
Published: July 2024

This paper explores the concept of digital currency, differentiating between digitization and digitalization, and analyzes its different forms, specifically centralized and decentralized digital currencies. The analysis comprehensively examines Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), specifically focusing on India's e-rupee. It delves into the various forms of CBDCs, their management strategies, and the potential economic consequences they may have. The significance of digital currency in promoting financial inclusion, improving transaction efficiency, and influencing monetary policy is emphasized. Moreover, the study discusses the difficulties and dangers linked to the deployment of digital money, such as cyber-attacks, financial instability, privacy issues, and regulatory obstacles. The paper emphasizes the significance of strong risk management systems and consistent monitoring to guarantee the efficiency and safety of digital currencies. This study offers unique insights into the revolutionary potential of digital currencies and the strategic considerations required for their effective adoption by conducting a thorough assessment of the digital currency ecosystem. Moreover, the emergence of the 4th Industrial Revolution (4.0), driven by digital technologies, is transforming industries on a global scale within the field of agriculture, digitalization is transforming farming methods by implementing smart farming, precision agriculture, and digital agriculture. This paper also provides the guidelines for mitigating operational risks associated with digital currency, which may be found in the NIST Risk Management Framework and the CPMI-IOSCO Principles for Financial Market Infrastructures.
Ultimately, the embrace of digital currencies and the digitization of numerous industries have the potential to stimulate economic growth, enhance financial accessibility, and proper technological advancement.
Smart Contracts für Datentransaktionen und der Data Act — Potential und Herausforderungen der automatisierten Bereitstellung von Daten
Authors: Borges Georg
Published: July 2024

Die Bereitstellung von Daten zur Nutzung durch Dritte spielt eine zentrale Rolle für neue Technologien. Die Bereitstellung kann effizient nur durch automatisierte Datentransaktionen erfolgen. Der Data Act regelt erstmals Vorgaben für Smart Contracts zur Datenbereitstellung. Der Beitrag erörtert Potential und Herausforderungen der Automatisierung von Datentransaktionen und die Bedeutung des Data Act für Anbieter und Nutzer von Smart Contracts.
Die Beweislastumkehr der § 477 Abs. 1, Abs. 2 BGB – wie umgehen (mit Waren) mit digitalen Elementen und deren Aktualisierungen?
Authors: Lang David , Rösch Kevin
Published: July 2024

§ 477 BGB wurde mit der s.g. „Schuldrechtsreform 2022“ grundlegend neu gefasst. Während der bis dahin geltende Regelungsinhalt sich - allerdings mit entscheidenden Änderungen und Ergänzungen - im neuen ersten Absatz der Norm wiederfindet, kennt der zweite Absatz zu einer besonderen Beweislastumkehr für dauerhaft bereitzustellende digitale Elemente keinen Vorläufer. Beiden Absätzen gemein ist hingegen, dass sie die Aktualisierungspflicht für Waren mit digitalen Elementen nicht erwähnen. Nichtsdestoweniger wird in beiden Absätzen als Voraussetzung der Beweislastumkehr auf Abweichungen vom (u.a.) nach § 475b BGB geschuldeten Zustand abgestellt - und damit eben doch auf die Verletzung der in § 475b Abs. 2, Abs. 3 Nr. 2, Abs. 4 Nr. 2 (i.V.m. § 433 Abs. 1 S. 2) BGB normierte Aktualisierungspflicht.
Neuere Versorgungsstrukturen im ambulanten Bereich — Zukunft der ambulanten Versorgung – Sicht der Kassenärztlichen Vereinigungen
Authors: Braun Karsten , Molière Maja
Published: July 2024

Der Entwurf zum Gesundheitsversorgungsstärkungsgesetz vom 21.3.2024 brachte mit Gesundheitskiosken, Primärversorgungszentren und Gesundheitsregionen neue Strukturen in die ambulante Versorgung mit beabsichtigter Stärkung der Kommunen. Diese sind im aktuellen Gesetzesentwurf nicht mehr enthalten, sollen aber im laufenden Gesetzgebungsverfahren zumindest in Teilen ggf. wieder einfließen. Mit dem Entwurf für das Krankenhausversorgungsverbesserungsgesetz ergeben sich Schnittmengen durch sektorenübergreifende Versorgungseinrichtungen und erweiterte Möglichkeiten zur Teilnahme von Krankenhäusern an der ambulanten Versorgung. Auch die Flexibilisierung der Telemedizin im Digitalgesetz wird die Versorgung verändern. Der Aufsatz stellt die besorgniserregenden Auswirkungen des zunehmend staatsmedizinisch geprägten Versorgungsansatzes aus Sicht einer Kassenärztlichen Vereinigung dar und stellt Forderungen zum Erhalt einer leistungsfähigen wohnortnahen ambulanten Versorgung.
(Über-)lange Verfahrensdauern bei der Quellensteuerentlastung
Authors: Beinert Stefanie
Published: July 2024

Fehlende Kapazitäten beim Bundesamt für Steuern (BZSt) führen seit einiger Zeit zu (über)langen Verfahrensdauern bei der Quellensteuerentlastung. Daraus erwächst insbesondere die Frage, ob die Freistellungs- und Erstattungsmodalitäten des Abzugsverfahrens noch dem unionsrechtlichen Effektivitätsgrundsatz genügen oder ob hier nicht unionsrechtliche Zinsansprüche im Besteuerungsverfahren geltend gemacht werden können. Daneben stellt sich die Frage nach der Amtshaftung/unionsrechtlicher Staatshaftung. Bis zur Umsetzung der Einigung im Rat zu FASTER vom 14.5.2024 kann nicht zugewartet werden.
Der zivilprozessuale Öffentlichkeitsgrundsatz im Zeitalter digitaler Kommunikation
Authors: Odrig Josephine
Published: July 2024

Virtuelle Gerichtsverfahren sind längst kein Hirngespinst der Zukunft mehr. Doch um die Vorteile der Digitalisierung auch in der Justiz zu nutzen, müssen etliche Anforderungen beachtet werden. Nicht zuletzt stellt sich die Frage, wie die Öffentlichkeit am digitalen Verfahren beteiligt werden soll. Der Beitrag möchte in der Diskussion um digitale Gerichtsöffentlichkeit, „Gerichts- TV“ & Co. den Blick darauf lenken, dass der Zivilprozess von anderen Umständen bestimmt wird als Straf- oder Verwaltungsprozesse und klarstellen, welche Auswirkungen dieser Unterschied auf die Ausgestaltung der zivilprozessualen Gerichtsöffentlichkeit haben muss.
Work‐related spirometric restriction in flavoring manufacturing workers
Authors: Kreiss Kathleen
Published: November 2013

Background

Flavoring‐exposed workers are at risk for occupational lung disease.

Methods

We examined serial spirometries from corporate medical surveillance of flavoring production workers to assess abnormality compared to the U.S. population; mean decline in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC); and excessive declines in FEV1.

Results

Of 106 workers, 30 had spirometric restriction, 3 had obstruction, 1 had both, and 13 (of 70, 19%) had excessive declines in FEV1. The adjusted prevalence of restriction was 3.7 times expected. Employees with higher potential for flavorings exposure had 3.0 times and 2.4 times greater average annual declines in FEV1 and FVC respectively, and had 5.8 times higher odds of having excessive FEV1 declines than employees with lower potential for exposure.

Conclusion

Exposure‐related spirometric abnormalities consistent with a restrictive process evolved during employment, suggesting that exposures in flavoring production are associated with a range of pathophysiology. Am. J. Ind. Med. 57:129–137, 2014. Published 2013. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Carbohydrate metabolism during vertebrate appendage regeneration: What is its role? How is it regulated?
Authors: Love Nick R. , Ziegler Mathias , Chen Yaoyao , Amaya Enrique
Published: November 2013

We recently examined gene expression during Xenopus tadpole tail appendage regeneration and found that carbohydrate regulatory genes were dramatically altered during the regeneration process. In this essay, we speculate that these changes in gene expression play an essential role during regeneration by stimulating the anabolic pathways required for the reconstruction of a new appendage. We hypothesize that during regeneration, cells use leptin, slc2a3, proinsulin, g6pd, hif1α expression, receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling, and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to promote glucose entry into glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), thus stimulating macromolecular biosynthesis. We suggest that this metabolic shift is integral to the appendage regeneration program and that the Xenopus model is a powerful experimental system to further explore this phenomenon.

Also watch the Video Abstract.
Biomaterial and cellular properties as examined through atomic force microscopy, fluorescence optical microscopies and spectroscopic techniques
Authors: Kainz Birgit , Oprzeska‐Zingrebe Ewa A. , Herrera José L.
Published: November 2013

Colloids, polymers, gels, and biological materials are widely used for numerous technological applications. The design, fabrication, and understanding of the physico‐chemical properties of such (bio)materials, however, represent a challenge for scientists and technologists. This review is a concise update of the latest achievements in surface and bulk analytical techniques applied to biomaterials and soft matter systems. Specific emphasis is devoted to their structural, mechanical, surface, and chemical properties. The review introduces the basics of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and discusses its combination with optical microscopies and spectroscopic techniques. In particular, we report the AFM combination with fluorescence, confocal microscopy, stimulated emission depletion, Raman, and infrared spectroscopy. The review highlights the impact and the potential applications of the combination of such experimental techniques on current problems and questions related to material and polymer science, cell biology, biochemical engineering, and protein chemistry. This review is an accessible introduction to AFM for the newcomer and a source of new experimental information for the experienced researcher.
Nanocomposite hydrogels for biomedical applications
Authors: Gaharwar Akhilesh K. , Peppas Nicholas A. , Khademhosseini Ali
Published: November 2013

Hydrogels mimic native tissue microenvironment due to their porous and hydrated molecular structure. An emerging approach to reinforce polymeric hydrogels and to include multiple functionalities focuses on incorporating nanoparticles within the hydrogel network. A wide range of nanoparticles, such as carbon‐based, polymeric, ceramic, and metallic nanomaterials can be integrated within the hydrogel networks to obtain nanocomposites with superior properties and tailored functionality. Nanocomposite hydrogels can be engineered to possess superior physical, chemical, electrical, and biological properties. This review focuses on the most recent developments in the field of nanocomposite hydrogels with emphasis on biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. In particular, we discuss synthesis and fabrication of nanocomposite hydrogels, examine their current limitations and conclude with future directions in designing more advanced nanocomposite hydrogels for biomedical and biotechnological applications. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 441–453. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cloud resource orchestration within an open‐source component‐based platform as a service
Authors: Petcu Dana , Panica Silviu , Crăciun Ciprian , Neagul Marian , Şandru Calin
Published: November 2013

In the growing market of cloud computing dominated by proprietary solutions, the adoption of open‐source and deployable middleware that hides the service heterogeneity and ensure code portability can provide important benefits for the fast development of new services. Therefore, this paper exposes the mechanisms for orchestrating cloud‐enabled hardware and software resources supported by a recently developed open‐source platform as a service.Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reputation‐based Web service orchestration in cloud computing: A survey
Authors: Mármol Félix Gómez , Kuhnen Marcus Quintino
Published: November 2013

Cloud computing is no longer the future but the present. Every day, more and more companies and service providers transfer their businesses and operations to the cloud, benefiting from its multiple advantages. Moreover, the flexibility offered by many cloud services allows to easily build sophisticated services by just composing simpler ones, rather than creating them from zero. Yet, to mitigate potential security threats and keep the maximum performance at any time, a smart selection of those composite services constitutes a key aspect. In this paper, we introduce the reader to the problem of Web service selection based on their reputation scores and subsequently present a survey on some of the most relevant reputation‐based Web service orchestration schemes for cloud computing in the literature. For each one of these approaches, a thorough analysis of their pros and cons has been performed, providing a comprehensive comparison amongst all of them leading to the conclusion that, to the best of our knowledge, there is no one single model elegantly fitting to each and every situation that could occur in such a dynamic environment like cloud computing. Finally, we present some current challenges and future research trends in the field of reputation‐based service orchestration in cloud computing. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of body effect in translinear topologies by means of the general translinear principle
Authors: Carrasco‐Robles Manuel , Serrano Luis
Published: November 2013

This paper describes how to analyse translinear topologies whose response is modified by the body effect by means of the general translinear principle. It proposes two different strategies for obtaining the translinear loop equations from each closed translinear set. Both strategies are tested analysing three topologies, one of them including some transistors in triode. From the results of such analysis, a fast analysis method for topologies with all transistor bodies connected to the same potential is also proposed. Simulated results are given showing good agreement with theoretical expressions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Infant stress exposure produces persistent enhancement of fear learning across development
Authors: Quinn Jennifer J. , Skipper Rachel A. , Claflin Dragana I.
Published: November 2013

In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that early life stress experiences persistently impact subsequent physiological, cognitive, and emotional responses. In cases of trauma, these early experiences can result in anxiety disorders such as phobias and posttraumatic stress disorder. In the present paper, we examined the effects of infant footshock stress exposure at postnatal day (PND) 17 on subsequent contextual fear conditioning at postnatal days 18 (Experiment 1), 24 (Experiment 2), or 90 (Experiment 3). In each experiment, PND17 footshock stress exposure enhanced later fear conditioning, indicating that the stress enhancement of fear learning (SEFL) persists throughout development. Memory for the original stress exposure context was gradually forgotten, with significant fear expression evident at PND20, and a complete lack of fear expression in that same context at PND90. These data suggest that the stress‐enhancing component of infant fear learning is dissociable from the infant contextual fear memory per se. In other words, early life stress produces persistent effects on subsequent cognition that are independent of the memory for that early life event. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 1008–1016, 2014.
Conductivity, Structures, Spectra, and Thermal Properties of Lithium and Sodium Tetracyanidoborates with Crown Ether Encapsulated Cations: Isolated Ions in [AI(12‐crown‐4)2][B(CN)4] and 1D Chains in [AI (15‐crown‐5)][B(CN)4] (AI = Li, Na)
Authors: Kopplin Georg , Bernsdorf Arne , Köckerling Martin
Published: November 2013

In research activities toward new electrolyte materials for energy devices, the new tetracyanidoborates [Li(C8H16O4)2][B(CN)4] (1), [Na(C8H16O4)2][B(CN)4] (2), [Li(C10H20O5)][B(CN)4] (3), and [Na(C10H20O5)][B(CN)4] (4), which contain lithium and sodium metal cations coordinated by macrocyclic polyether molecules, were synthesized and characterized. Their structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction measurements. Compounds 1 and 2 form orthorhombic crystals built up from isolated ion pairs. The alkaline metal cation is coordinated by eight oxygen atoms of two 12‐crown‐4 (12Cr4) crown ether molecules. Compounds 3 and 4 crystallize in the monoclinic crystal system and are constructed from salt chains that extend in one direction. The Na compound has double rows of approximately face‐to‐face oriented complex cations, which are bridged by two CN groups of each tetracyanidoborate anion. The Li compound contains single strands. In both cases, each anion has two coordinated and two uncoordinated CN groups. The different bonding situations in all four compounds are characterized by IR, Raman, and NMR spectroscopy. Electrochemical spectroscopy was performed to obtain the overall specific conductivity of 1 and 3. Furthermore, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements revealed melting points below 200 °C and decomposition temperatures above 230 °C.
1,3,2‐Dioxaphospholanes with an Annelated 1,2‐Dicarba‐closo‐dodecaborane(12) Unit: Formation and Dimerization
Authors: Wrackmeyer Bernd , Klimkina Elena V. , Milius Wolfgang
Published: November 2013

By using 1,2‐hydroxy‐1,2‐dicarba‐closo‐dodecaborane(12) and the corresponding dilithium salt [1,2‐(LiO)2‐1,2‐C2B10H10] for the synthesis of 1,3,2‐dioxaphospholanes, it was shown that these species are short‐lived with few exceptions. The phosphorus halides undergo disproportionation reactions towards phosphite derivatives, whereas the P‐organo‐substituted five‐membered rings dimerize to give ten‐membered rings. Even the P‐diethylamino and the P‐ethoxy compounds dimerize slowly. Dimerization is the favored process when using the dilithium salt together with ether. The reactions were monitored by multinuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H, 11B, 13C, 31P NMR). The gas‐phase structures were optimized by DFT methods [B3LYP/6‐311+G(d,p) level of theory], and NMR spectroscopic parameters were calculated. One dimer was characterized by X‐ray analysis. All products were found to be sensitive to hydrolysis and oxidation. Thus, crystals of 1‐[(1,1‐dimethylethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]oxy‐2‐hydroxy‐1,2‐dicarba‐closo‐dodecaborane(12) could be isolated and characterized by X‐ray analysis, as well as the starting material 1,2‐hydroxy‐1,2‐dicarba‐closo‐dodecaborane(12) (with HNEt2/HCl). In all three solid‐state structures, the C–C(carborane) bond lengths are elongated with respect to all other neutral ortho‐carborane derivatives bearing second‐row substituents at one or both carbon atoms.
Multicomponent Synthesis of Bicyclic Thiazolidinethiones and Oxazolidinones in Water
Authors: Stalling Timo , Pauly Jan , Schmidtmann Marc , Martens Jürgen
Published: November 2013

A powerful three‐component reaction for the synthesis of bicyclic thiazolidinethiones and oxazolidinones at room temp. in water, starting from readily available amines, chloroacetaldehyde, and CS2/CO2, is described. A simple one‐pot procedure allows the construction of two new cyclic systems and four new bonds, with all reactants being efficiently utilized in this transformation. KHCO3 is used as a productive source of CO2. Broad potential for derivatization is demonstrated.
Phenanthro‐Annelated [5.5.6.6]‐ and (Broken) [6.5.6]Fenestranes
Authors: Bredenkötter Björn , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Kuck Dietmar
Published: November 2013

The construction of the polycyclic frameworks of phenanthro‐annelated all‐cis‐[5.5.6.6]fenestrane, cis,cis,trans,cis‐[5.5.6.6]fenestrane, and a related “broken” [6.5.6]fenestrane is reported for the first time. On the basis of our established synthesis of benzoannelated fenestrindanes, spirocyclic di(9‐phenanthryl)methyl‐1,3‐indanediols were prepared with complete stereocontrol and subjected to cyclodehydration. Surprisingly, the 9‐phenanthrylmethyl residues underwent preferential “peri” attack, rather than “ortho” attack, to generate 1,10‐phenanthro rather than 9,10‐phenanthro units. In this way, the cyclodehydration of 2,2‐di(9‐phenanthryl)methyl‐1,3‐indanediol gives rise to two new six‐membered rings with the [6.5.6]fenestrane skeleton. The cyclodehydration of the related trans‐ and cis‐diphenanthryl spiro(cyclohexane‐1,2′‐indanediols) generated one new five‐ and one new six‐membered ring stereospecifically to afford the respective all‐cis‐ and cis,cis,trans,cis‐benzodiphenanthro[5.5.6.6]fenestranes in good yields. The crucial constitutional and stereochemical features of the new fenestranes were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis and variable‐temperature (VT) NMR spectroscopy.
Reaction to fire and water vapour resistance performance of treated wood specimens containing TiO2and clay nanoparticles
Authors: Fufa Selamawit Mamo , Steen‐Hansen Anne , Jelle Bjørn Petter , Hovde Per Jostein
Published: November 2013

The effect of TiO2and/or clay nanoparticles on water vapour permeability and the reaction to fire performance of coated and impregnated spruce wood were studied. Water vapour permeability properties were used to assess the moisture transfer properties and durability of the specimens using the cup test. The reaction to the early stage fire development properties of the specimens was analysed using a small scale cone calorimeter test. Comparisons between the different treated and untreated specimens on the moisture and reaction to fire performances were performed. The results revealed poor reaction to fire and water vapour resistance of specimens treated with TiO2and/or clay nanoparticles containing treatments. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.