bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunomodulatory proteins from hookworms reduce cardiac inflammation and modulate regulatory responses in a mouse model of chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection
Authors: Jones Kathryn M. , Zhan Bin , Ernste Keenan J. , Villar Maria Jose , Bisht Nalini , Nguyen Duc , Chang Li-Yen , Poveda Cristina , Robinson Gonteria J. , Trivedi Akshar J. , Hofferek Colby J. , Decker William K. , Konduri Vanaja
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Hookworms are parasitic helminths that secrete a variety of proteins that induce anti-inflammatory immune responses, stimulating increased CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and IL-10 production. Hookworm-derived recombinant proteins AIP-1 and AIP-2 have been shown to reduce inflammation in mouse models of inflammatory bowel disease and inflammatory airway disease by inducing CD4+Foxp3+ cells and IL-10 production. In contrast, chronic infection with the protozoal parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, leads to chronic inflammation in tissues. Persistence of the parasites in tissues drives chronic low-grade inflammation, with increased infiltration of inflammatory cells into the heart, accompanied by increased production of inflammatory cytokines. There are no current antiparasitic drugs that effectively reduce or prevent chronic myocarditis caused by the onset of Chagas disease, thus new therapies are urgently needed. Therefore, the impact of AIP-1 and AIP-2 on myocarditis was investigated in a mouse model of chronic T. cruzi infection.

Methods

Female BALB/c mice infected with bioluminescent T. cruzi H1 strain trypomastigotes for 70 days were treated once daily for 7 days with 1mg/kg AIP-1 or AIP-2 protein by intraperitoneal injection. Control mice were left untreated or treated once daily for 14 days with 25mg/kg aspirin in drinking water. At 84 days of infection, splenocytes, cardiac tissue and serum were collected for evaluation.

Results

Treatment with both AIP-1 and AIP-2 proteins significantly reduced cardiac cellular infiltration, and reduced cardiac levels of IFNγ, IL-6 and IL-2. AIP-2 treatment reduced cardiac expression of COX-2. Further, while incubation with AIP-1 and AIP-2 proteins did not induce a significant upregulation of an immunoregulatory phenotype in dendritic cells (DC), there was a modest upregulation of CD11c+CD11b+MHCII+SIRPα+ expression, suggesting a regulatory phenotype. Ex-vivo stimulation of splenocytes from the treatment groups with AIP-1 loaded DC induced reduced levels of cytotoxic and pro-inflammatory T cells, stimulation with AIP-2 loaded DC specifically induced enhanced levels of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells among treatment groups.

Discussion

All in vivo and in vitro results demonstrate that hookworm-derived AIP-1 and AIP-2 proteins reduce T. cruzi induced cardiac inflammation, possibly through multiple anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
Serial neuroimaging of brain growth and development in very preterm infants receiving tailored neuropromotive support in the NICU. Protocol for a prospective cohort study
Authors: Erdei Carmina , Cherkerzian Sara , Pineda Roberta , Inder Terrie E.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Children born very preterm (VP) remain at risk for long-term neurodevelopmental impairment. Patterns of brain growth and injury, and how early neuropromotive therapies might mitigate developmental risk in VP infants remain insufficiently understood.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study of VP infants born at/before 32 weeks gestation. The study will enroll n = 75 consecutively-born VP infants in a level-III NICU. Exposed infants will be categorized into two groups (group 1: low-risk, n = 25 or group 2: high-risk, n = 25) based on the degree of neurological injury on early brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at enrollment. Infants in the low-risk group (i.e., without significant injury defined as intraventricular hemorrhage with dilation, moderate or severe white matter injury, or cerebellar hemorrhage) will receive neurodevelopmental support utilizing the Supporting and Enhancing NICU Sensory Experiences (SENSE) program, while infants in the high-risk group (with neurological injury) will receive more intensive neurorehabilitative support (SENSE-plus). Age-specific, tailored sensory experiences will be facilitated contingently, preferentially by the infant's family with coaching from NICU staff. VP infants in exposure groups will undergo a brain MRI approximately every 2 weeks from enrollment until term-equivalent to monitor brain growth and evolution of injury. Exposed infants will be compared with a reference group (group 3: n = 25), i.e. VP infants whose families decline initial enrollment in SENSE, and subsequently undergo a term-equivalent brain MRI for other purposes. The primary aim of this study is characterization of term-equivalent brain growth and development among VP infants receiving NICU-based neuropromotive interventions compared to VP infants receiving the standard of care. Secondary aims include defining the timing and factors associated with total and regional brain growth on serial brain MRI among VP infants, (Aim 2), and using early imaging to tailor developmental intervention in the NICU while exploring associations with outcomes in VP infants at discharge and at two years corrected age (Aim 3).

Discussion

This study will address gaps in understanding patterns of brain growth and injury drawing on serial MRI of hospitalized VP infants. These data will also explore the impact of intensive, tailored neuropromotive support delivered prior to term-equivalent on child and family outcomes.
Physiotherapy management of first nations children with bronchiectasis from remote top end communities of the northern territory: a retrospective chart audit
Authors: Welford A , McCallum GB , Hodson M , Johnston H
Published: October 2023

Background

Bronchiectasis is a chronic pulmonary disorder which is prevalent among Australian First Nations people in the Northern Territory (NT). Current guidelines recommend physiotherapy as part of multi-disciplinary management of children with bronchiectasis, however in our setting, involvement of physiotherapy remains unknown. We thus undertook a retrospective chart audit to examine physiotherapy management of First Nations children (<18 years) from remote First Nations communities in the Top End of the NT at the index bronchiectasis diagnosis and 12 months following diagnosis.

Methods

Participants were identified from a larger prospective study of children investigated for bronchiectasis at Royal Darwin Hospital, NT (2007–2016). Children were included if they were First Nations, aged <18 years, had a radiological diagnosis of bronchiectasis on high resolution computed tomography scan and lived in a remote community serviced by NT Government health clinics. The medical records from NT Government hospitals, health clinics and where possible other medical service attendance were reviewed for physiotherapy referral and management at the time of bronchiectasis diagnosis and in the following 12 months in the community.

Results

Of 143 children included, the mean age was 3.1 (standard deviation 2.4) years and 84 (58.7%) were males. At the index diagnosis, 76/122 (62.3%) children were reviewed by a physiotherapist, consisting of airway clearance techniques (83.8%), physical activity/exercise (81.7%) and caregiver education (83.3%), with only 7/127 (5.5%) having evidence of referral for community-based physiotherapy. In the following 12 months, only 11/143 (7.7%) children were reviewed by a physiotherapist, consisting of airway clearance techniques (54.5%), physical activity/exercise (45.5%) and caregiver education (36.4%).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates a significant gap in the provision of physiotherapy services in our setting and the need to develop a standardized pathway, to support the best practice management of children with bronchiectasis in remote Top End communities of the NT.
Hypoglycemia and associated comorbidities among newborns of mothers with diabetes in an academic tertiary care center
Authors: Bamehrez Maha
Published: October 2023

Background

Hypoglycemia is considered the common metabolic problem in newborns with serious long-term sequelae. This study evaluates the incidence of hypoglycemia in the newborns of mothers with diabetes mellitus and assesses the comorbidities that affect the newborns of mothers with gestational diabetes compared with the newborns of mothers with pregestational diabetes mellitus.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted between January-2018 and December-2020. All admissions to the hospital nursery of the newborns of diabetic mothers with diabetes mellitus were included.

Results

The study comprised 1,036 mothers with diabetes, of the newborns of mothers with pregestational diabetes, 22% had hypoglycemia, and of mothers with gestational diabetes, 12%. Mothers with pregestational diabetes had a significantly higher risk of needing an emergency cesarean section (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.3–3.4); and of having a baby who is large for its gestational age (OR: 9.5, 95% CI: 2.6–35.5), must be admitted to the NICU (OR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.5–5.6), has respiratory distress syndrome (OR: 3.3, 95% CI: 1.5–7.4), and needs gavage feeding (OR: 3.5, 95% CI: 1.4–8.9).

Conclusion

About 13% of the newborns of mothers with diabetes had hypoglycemia. Significantly more of these newborns were of mothers with pregestational diabetes than of mothers with gestational diabetes. Newborn of mothers with pregestational diabetes mellitus have the risk of large weight and neurological problems, such as sucking difficulties, length of hospital stay, NICU admission, and respiratory distress syndrome.
Evidence for the existence of facilitatory interactions between the dopamine D2 receptor and the oxytocin receptor in the amygdala of the rat. Relevance for anxiolytic actions
Authors: Hernández-Mondragón Juan Carlos , Hernández-Hernández Dexter A. , Crespo-Ramírez Minerva , Prospero-García Oscar , Rocha-Arrieta Luisa , Fuxe Kjell , Borroto-Escuela Dasiel O. , Perez de la Mora Miguel
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The amygdala is a limbic region of high value for understanding anxiety and its treatment. Dopamine D2 receptors (D2Rs) and oxytocin receptors (OXTRs) have both been shown to participate in modulating anxiety involving effects in the amygdala. The goal is to understand if D2R–OXTR heterocomplexes exist in the central amygdala and if, through enhancing allosteric receptor–receptor interactions, may enhance anxiolytic actions.

Methods: The methods used involve the shock-probe burying test, the in situ proximity ligation assay (PLA), image acquisition and analysis, and the BRET2 assay. Bilateral cannulas were introduced into the amygdala, and the effects of the coadministration of oxytocin and the D2R-like agonist quinpirole into the amygdala were studied.

Results: The combination treatment enhanced the anxiolytic effects compared to the single treatment. The D2R/D3R antagonist raclopride blocked the effects of the combination treatment of oxytocin and the D2R agonist, although oxytocin is regarded as a distinct modulator of fear-mediating anxiolytic effects. In situ PLA results indicate the existence of D2R–OXTR heteroreceptor complexes and/or the co-location of OXTR and D2R within the same cell membrane nanodomains in the central amygdala. With BRET2, evidence is given for the existence of D2R–OXTR heteromers in HEK293 cells upon co-transfection.

Discussion: The enhanced behavioral effects observed upon co-treatment with OXTR and D2R agonists may reflect the existence of improved positive receptor–receptor interactions in the putative D2R–OXTR heterocomplexes in certain neuronal populations of the basolateral and central amygdala. The D2R–OXTR heterocomplex, especially upon agonist co-activation in the central amygdala, may open a new pharmacological venue for the treatment of anxiety.
Effects of artificial light at night and drought on the photosynthesis and physiological traits of two urban plants
Authors: Wei Yaxi , Li Zhen , Zhang Jiaolong , Hu Dan
Published: October 2023

Urban plants are currently confronted with the stresses posed by artificial light at night (ALAN) and drought. A field block experiment was designed to explore the potential effects of ALAN and drought on the photosynthesis and physiological characters of two common urban plants, Euonymus japonicus (E. japonicus) and Rosa hybrida (R. hybrida). Each plant species was subjected to four distinct treatments: neither ALAN nor drought, ALAN, drought, and both ALAN and drought. The result showed the following: (1) ALAN significantly reduced the effective quantum yield (ΦPSII), apparent electron transfer rate (ETR), photochemical quenching parameter (qp), net photosynthetic (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), stomatal limit value (Ls), and the pigment concentrations and remarkably increased the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and starch in both E. japonicus and R. hybrida. Furthermore, ALAN increased the soluble saccharides of E. japonicus, and this effect of ALAN also occurred on R. hybrida under drought. (2) Drought significantly decreased the ΦPSII, ETR, qp, Pn, Gs, Ls, and the pigment concentrations and remarkably increased the content of MDA and TAC for both E. japonicus and R. hybrida. Moreover, drought did not significantly change the starch content of both species, and it significantly increased the content of soluble saccharides for E. japonicus. (3) The interaction between ALAN and drought occurred on the ΦPSII, ETR, Pn, MDA, and TAC of E. japonicus, but had no effect on R. hybrida. For urban areas affected by ALAN and drought, it is advisable to select plant species with strong stress resistance for gardening purposes, and plants directly exposed to ALAN should receive sufficient water during hot and dry weather conditions to maintain their normal growth.
Empirical challenges from the comparative and developmental literature to the Shared Intentionality Theory – a review of alternative data on recursive mind reading, prosociality, imitation and cumulative culture
Authors: Sauciuc Gabriela-Alina , Persson Tomas
Published: October 2023

Humans have an irresistible inclination to coordinate actions with others, leading to species-unique forms of cooperation. According to the highly influential Shared Intentionality Theory (SITh), human cooperation is made possible by shared intentionality (SI), typically defined as a suite of socio-cognitive and motivational traits for sharing psychological states with others, thereby enabling individuals to engage in joint action in the mutually aware pursuit of shared goals. SITh theorises that SI evolved as late as 400,000 years ago, when our ancestors (in particular, Homo heidelbergensis) turned to a kind of food procurement that obligatorily required joint coordinated action. SI is, thus, hypothesized to be absent in other extant species, including our closest genetic relatives, the nonhuman great apes (“apes”). According to SITh, ape psychology is exclusively driven by individualistic motivations, as opposed to human psychology which is uniquely driven by altruistic motivations. The evolutionary scenario proposed by SITh builds on a series of findings from socio-cognitive research with apes and human children, and on the assumption that abilities expressed early in human development are human universals, unlikely to have been shaped by socio-cultural influences. Drawing on the primatological and developmental literature, we provide a systematic – albeit selective – review of SITh-inconsistent findings concerning psychological and behavioural traits theorised to be constitutive of SI. The findings we review pertain to all three thematic clusters typically addressed in SITh: (i) recursive mind reading; (ii) prosociality; (iii) imitation and cumulative culture. We conclude that such alternative data undermine two core SITh claims: the late evolutionary emergence of SI and the radical divide between ape and human psychology. We also discuss several conceptual and methodological limitations that currently hamper reliable comparative research on SI, in particular those engendered by Western-centric biases in the social sciences, where an overreliance on Western samples has promoted the formulation of Western-centric conceptualisations, operationalisations and methodologies.
Clarifying the nature of stochastic fluctuations and accumulation processes in spontaneous movements
Authors: Bogler Carsten , Grujičić Bojana , Haynes John-Dylan
Published: October 2023

Experiments on choice-predictive brain signals have played an important role in the debate on free will. In a seminal study, Benjamin Libet and colleagues found that a negative-going EEG signal, the readiness potential (RP), can be observed over motor-related brain regions even hundreds of ms before the time of the conscious decision to move. If the early onset of the readiness potential is taken as an indicator of the “brain’s decision to move” this could mean that this decision is made early, by unconscious brain activity, rather than later, at the time when the subject believes to have decided. However, an alternative kind of interpretation, involving ongoing stochastic fluctuations, has recently been brought to light. This stochastic decision model (SDM) takes its inspiration from leaky accumulator models of perceptual decision making. It suggests that the RP originates from an accumulation of ongoing stochastic fluctuations. In this view, the decision happens only at a much later stage when an accumulated noisy signal (plus imperative) reaches a threshold. Here, we clarify a number of confusions regarding both the evidence for the stochastic decision model as well as the interpretation that it offers. We will explore several points that we feel are in need of clarification: (a) the empirical evidence for the role of stochastic fluctuations is so far only indirect; (b) the interpretation of animal studies is unclear; (c) a model that is deterministic during the accumulation stage can explain the data in a similar way; (d) the primary focus in the literature has been on the role of random fluctuations whereas the deterministic aspects of the model have been largely ignored; (e) contrary to the original interpretation, the deterministic component of the model is quantitatively the dominant input into the accumulator; and finally (f) there is confusion regarding the role of “imperative” in the SDM and its link to “evidence” in perceptual decision making. Our aim is not to rehabilitate the role of the RP in the free will debate. Rather we aim to address some confusions regarding the evidence for accumulators playing a role in these preparatory brain processes.
Bending time: lessons from critical, community-engaged, liberatory research
Authors: Lozenski Brian D. , Chikkatur Anita P.
Published: October 2023

In this article, we use the framework of chronopolitics and racialized time to explore our experiences as professors of color at predominantly white institutions who strive to do emancipatory, community-driven research. Our shared work as organizers for Education for Liberation Minnesota (EdLibMN), a grassroots organization working to bring together various constituencies in Minnesota to organize for educational justice, led us to think together about chronopolitics as a framework to understand how our scholarly commitments to social transformation and liberatory education impact our labor and teaching practices at our institutions. This framework allows us to examine our relationships with communities in our individual research and advocacy contexts as well as in our shared work as organizers for EdLibMN. In particular, we explore how the urgency and timeline of our community-based advocacy work and the rhythms and improvisation of participatory action research are juxtaposed with the surveillance and evaluation of our labor and the urgency of “tenure clocks” at our institutions. We end by discussing our own transformational learning through our collaborations with community researchers and organizers. We speculate about the possibilities of bending time–the chronopolitics of collective struggle and joy–that allows us to focus on building relationships as a central tenet of emancipatory research practices and to ensure our own health and wellbeing as scholar-activists of color.
Can alternative wine networks foster sustainable business model innovation and value creation? The case of organic and biodynamic wine in Tuscany
Authors: da Rocha Oliveira Teixeira Raiza , Arcuri Sabrina , Cavicchi Alessio , Galli Francesca , Brunori Gianluca , Vergamini Daniele
Published: October 2023

Over the past two decades, the wine sector has witnessed a significant rise in sustainable practices driven by concerns about sustainability and their impact on wine quality. However, the lack of a common framework for sustainability concepts has resulted in a wide range of practices. Among these, biodynamic viticulture has gained remarkable traction among producers due to its perception as a strong quality indicator, despite the lack of scientific consensus and regulatory alignment across countries. Biodynamics traces its origins back to the organic movement and is viewed by some scholars as a radical progression of organic agriculture. The surging popularity of biodynamics is rooted in the expanding organic movement, reflecting consumer demand for ecologically-conscious, premium goods. Amid this complex backdrop, the wine industry grapples with navigating diverse sustainability approaches and formulating effective business models for competitiveness. Vital is comprehending and adeptly conveying sustainability values to consumers. Prior research mainly quantified sustainability’s impacts, external drivers, and motivations. However, a gap remains in exploring sustainable business models’ role in driving innovation and value creation through alternative networks in the wine sector. This paper presents findings from a phased qualitative study in Tuscany (Italy), reflecting on the evolving landscape. The results underscore synergies between biodynamic and organic approaches, emphasizing their strong connection with the territory. These strategies synergistically promote sustainability and differentiation, enhancing product quality, reducing environmental impact, and fostering territorial engagement. The study accentuates the role of territorial and business context, profoundly influencing collaborative and proactive strategies among producers, exemplified by networks like Lucca Biodinamica. These networks catalyze innovation, knowledge dissemination, and collaborative initiatives, profoundly impacting strategy adoption and advocating for sustainability. Within such ecosystems, a nurturing environment for sustainability practices is cultivated, spurring innovation and winery cooperation. Case studies vividly illustrate that wineries within these networks frequently adopt proactive sustainability stances, grounded in shared environmental and societal commitment. Conversely, some scenarios feature place-rooted leadership models tied to factors like origin, winemaking tradition, and wine tourism, driving innovation. Participating in alternative wine networks represents a strategic choice with lasting personal and economic implications–a framework for innovation and embracing sustainability.
New Treatment Options for Refractory/Resistant CMV Infection
Authors: Walti Carla Simone , Khanna Nina , Avery Robin K. , Helanterä Ilkka
Published: October 2023

Despite advances in monitoring and treatment, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections remain one of the most common complications after solid organ transplantation (SOT). CMV infection may fail to respond to standard first- and second-line antiviral therapies with or without the presence of antiviral resistance to these therapies. This failure to respond after 14 days of appropriate treatment is referred to as “resistant/refractory CMV.” Limited data on refractory CMV without antiviral resistance are available. Reported rates of resistant CMV are up to 18% in SOT recipients treated for CMV. Therapeutic options for treating these infections are limited due to the toxicity of the agent used or transplant-related complications. This is often the challenge with conventional agents such as ganciclovir, foscarnet and cidofovir. Recent introduction of new CMV agents including maribavir and letermovir as well as the use of adoptive T cell therapy may improve the outcome of these difficult-to-treat infections in SOT recipients. In this expert review, we focus on new treatment options for resistant/refractory CMV infection and disease in SOT recipients, with an emphasis on maribavir, letermovir, and adoptive T cell therapy.
Happiness Is ‘Being Yourself’: Psychological Safety and Fun in Hybrid Work
Authors: Plester Barbara Anne , Lloyd Rhiannon
Published: October 2023

Our long-term research project is concerned with fun and humour at work and the impacts on employee happiness and well-being. In this study, we explore the relationship between workplace fun and psychological safety and their implications for a positive work context. Our research problem investigates two key questions: How do the experiences of psychological safety and fun at work intersect in hybrid work conditions? What are the implications for positive workplace relations? We present qualitative empirical data from our in-depth, ethnographic engagement in two corporate companies. Both companies recently transitioned to hybrid work modes, providing a relevant and contemporary context for our study. Our findings are generated from our structured, thematic analysis, eliciting themes of risk during transitions, unsafe fun, safety to be yourself, and leadership implications. These themes are discussed in relation to the extant literature, and we extend both fun and psychological safety theory by identifying a circular relationship between both constructs specifically related to the modern form of hybrid work. Implications are identified along with the potential for future research.
An Empirical Test of the Influence of Rural Leadership on the Willingness to Participate in Public Affairs from the Perspective of Leadership Identification
Authors: Zhang Mengjuan , Shi Hongwei , Williams Leon , Lighterness Paul , Li Mingxing , Khan Asad Ullah
Published: October 2023

The participation of villagers in rural public affairs is vital for the sustainable development of rural communities and the improvement of villagers’ quality of life. Various factors, including individual characteristics, village environment, social forces, and national policies, influence villagers’ willingness to participate. However, empirical research on the determinants of villagers’ participation in public affairs often overlooks the role of grassroots leadership. To address this gap, this study proposes a theoretical model examining the relationship between transformational leadership and villagers’ willingness to participate in public affairs. Using a sample of 438 villagers from Jiangsu Province in eastern China, structural equation modeling and regression are employed to analyze the data. The findings indicate that moral modeling, leadership charm, and personalized care directly impact villagers’ willingness to participate in public affairs or indirectly influence it through leadership identification, which acts as a mediator. Furthermore, shared vision enhances the positive relationship between leadership identification and villagers’ awareness of public affairs participation. These findings provide valuable insights for village cadres seeking to promote active participation in public affairs among villagers. Specifically, gaining recognition through virtuous conduct, capabilities, and strong cadre–villager relationships serves as a foundation for influencing villagers’ willingness to participate in public affairs, while shared vision plays a strategic role in mobilizing villagers based on their identification with leaders.
Dried Date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Meal Inclusion in the Diets of Broilers Affects Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, Nutrients Digestibility, Fecal Microbiota and Economics
Authors: Raza Muhammad Haseeb , Tahir Muhammad , Naz Shabana , Alhidary Ibrahim A. , Khan Rifat Ullah , Losacco Caterina , Tufarelli Vincenzo
Published: October 2023

The availability of suitable feedstuffs for poultry nutrition is a significant challenge faced by the global poultry production industry. This issue has been exacerbated by the shift towards using grains for biofuel production, leading to a subsequent rise in feedstuff prices. The study aimed to assess the impact of different levels of dried date wastes in the diet of broiler chicks on their growth, carcass characteristics, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbiota and economics. A total of 240 day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308/Ross 308 FF) were divided into five experimental groups and fed 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12% of dietary date meal (DDM). The formulated diets were provided to chicks for a duration of 35 days. The findings of the study indicated that chicks fed with a diet containing 9% dried dates exhibited a significantly (p < 0.05) higher increase in body weight compared to the control group by the end of the study period. Additionally, dressing percentage, carcass weight, leg weight and breast weight were notably higher (p < 0.05) among birds that consumed the 9% dried dates diet. Moreover, the digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and ether extract showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in birds that were fed a 9% dried dates diet. Furthermore, DDM at 9% experienced significantly (p < 0.05) higher levels of Lactobacillus and decreased (p < 0.05) the level of E. coli count. Similarly, economically, birds supplemented with 9% DDM exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) higher profit compared to the control. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that broiler chicks fed with a diet including 9% dried date waste experienced improved growth performance, enhanced carcass quality, supported digestibility of nutrients, elevated the count of fecal Lactobacillus, reduced E. coli count and economics.
Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Assay for Rapid Field Diagnosis of Stewart’s Wilt of Corn Pathogen Pantoea stewartii subsp. stewartii
Authors: Cai Lulu , Tian Qian , Meng Qingqing , Bao Xiaoyang , Xu Peidong , Liu Ji , Zhao Wenjun , Wang Hui
Published: October 2023

Stewart’s vascular wilt and leaf blight of sweet corn is caused by the Gram-negative enteric bacterium Pantoea stewartii subsp. stewartii. Stewart’s wilt results in substantial yield losses worldwide warranting rapid and accurate disease diagnosis. Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) is an isothermal technique that is tolerant to host plant-derived inhibitors and is, therefore, ideally suited for rapid in-field detection vis-à-vis traditional polymerase chain reaction-based molecular assays. An RPA assay coupled with a Lateral Flow Device (LFD) was developed for rapid, accurate, and sensitive real-time detection of P. stewartii subsp. stewartii directly from the infected host offering in-field pathogen detection, timely disease management, and satisfying quarantine and phytosanitary requirements. Twelve novel primer sets were designed against conserved genomic regions of P. stewartii subsp. Stewartii; however, only the primers for amplification of the intergenic spacer region between capsular polysaccharide genes cpsA and cpsB were discernibly unique and adequate for unambiguous identification of P. stewartii subsp. stewartii. The P. stewartii subsp. stewartii-specific primers were further validated in a simplex RPA assay for specificity against twenty-six bacterial species representing several Pantoea and other closely related bacterial species/subspecies/strains found in the same niche, and naturally or artificially infected plant samples. The integrated RPA/LFD assay was also optimized for rapid and sensitive on-site detection of P. stewartii subsp. stewartii with an empirical detection limit of 0.0005 pg μL−1 bacterial DNA and 1 × 102 CFU mL−1 (app. two bacterial cells used per RPA reaction) in minimally processed samples for accurate, low-cost, and point-of-need diagnosis of the quarantine pathogen P. stewartii subsp. stewartii.
Analysis of Heavy Metal Impacts on Cereal Crop Growth and Development in Contaminated Soils
Authors: Vasilachi Ionela Cătălina , Stoleru Vasile , Gavrilescu Maria
Published: October 2023

The impact of heavy metal presence in soil on cereal crops is a growing concern, posing significant challenges to global food security and environmental sustainability. Cereal crops, vital sources of nutrition, face the risk of contamination with toxic heavy metals released into the environment through human activities. This paper explores key aspects requiring thorough investigation to foster innovation and understand intricate interactions between heavy metals and cereals. Visible symptoms and physiological changes resulting from heavy metal contamination, such as chlorosis and stunted growth, demand further research to devise targeted mitigation strategies and sustainable agricultural practices. Root barrier formation, mycorrhizal symbiosis, and metal-binding proteins emerge as critical defence mechanisms for combating heavy metal stress, offering opportunities for developing metal-tolerant cereal varieties. Research on metal bioavailability and food safety implications in cereal grains is vital to safeguard human health. This paper reveals that multidisciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge technologies are essential for promoting innovation beyond the state of the art in elucidating and mitigating the impacts of heavy metals on cereal crops. Genetic and breeding approaches show promise in developing metal-tolerant cereal varieties, while agronomic practices and soil amendments can reduce metal bioavailability and toxicity. Unravelling the complex mechanisms underlying heavy metal uptake and tolerance is essential for sustainable cereal agriculture and worldwide food sustainability. Embracing the challenges of heavy metal pollution through proactive research and collaboration can secure a resilient future for cereal crops amid evolving environmental conditions.
Specialty Rice (Oryza sativa L.) with High and Stable Grain Yield under Rainfed Lowland Conditions
Authors: Agustin Ace Mugssy L. , Ordonio Jeremias L. , Natividad Marie Bie S. , Lucob-Agustin Nonawin B. , Suralta Roel R. , Ehara Hiroshi , Mitsuya Shiro , Kano-Nakata Mana
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to identify superior genotypes of specialty rice (SR) with comparable or higher grain yield than the drought-tolerant check variety under rainfed and controlled-drought conditions. A total of 17 SR varieties (six aromatic, six pigmented, five glutinous) and a drought-tolerant check variety with ordinary grain quality were evaluated under rainfed lowland and controlled-drought conditions from 2019 to 2021 at Central Luzon State University in the Philippines. Among the SR varieties, aromatic NSIC Rc344, pigmented Black rice, and glutinous NSIC Rc15 had comparable or higher grain yield than the drought-tolerant check variety under both rainfed and controlled-drought conditions. These selected genotypes were classified as the highest yielding, with a more stable yield than the drought-tolerant check variety across the hydrological conditions based on the BLUPs productivity and stability test and drought tolerance indices. The selected SR varieties had a greater panicle number (NSIC Rc344), more grains per panicle (NSIC Rc15), and a higher 1000-grain weight and harvest index (Black rice). In comparison to a higher yield but with a higher market price due to the superior grain quality of the identified SR than the drought-tolerant check variety, the net income in rainfed lowland conditions significantly increased by 69–108%. These results suggest that planting good-performing SR in rainfed lowlands can increase profitability in this ecosystem due to the higher market price compared to ordinary drought-tolerant varieties.
Automatic Soil Sampling Site Selection in Management Zones Using a Multi-Objective Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Kazemi Meysam , Samavati Faramarz F.
Published: October 2023

Precision agriculture hinges on accurate soil condition data obtained through soil testing across the field, which is a foundational step for subsequent processes. Soil testing is expensive, and reducing the number of samples is an important task. One viable approach is to divide the farm fields into homogenous management zones that require only one soil sample. As a result, these sample points must be the best representatives of the management zones and satisfy some other geospatial conditions, such as accessibility and being away from field borders and other test points. In this paper, we introduce an algorithmic method as a framework for automatically determining locations for test points using a constrained multi-objective optimization model. Our implementation of the proposed algorithmic framework is significantly faster than the conventional GIS process. While the conventional process typically takes several days with the involvement of GIS technicians, our framework takes only 14 s for a 200-hectare field to find optimal benchmark sites. To demonstrate our framework, we use time-varying Sentinel-2 satellite imagery to delineate management zones and a digital elevation model (DEM) to avoid steep regions. We define the objectives for a representative area of a management zone. Then, our algorithm optimizes the objectives using a scalarization method while avoiding constraints. We assess our method by testing it on five fields and showing that it generates optimal results. This method is fast, repeatable, and extendable.
Segmentation of Leaves and Fruits of Tomato Plants by Color Dominance
Authors: Guerra Ibarra Juan Pablo , Cuevas de la Rosa Francisco Javier , Arellano Arzola Oziel
Published: October 2023

The production of food generated by agriculture has been essential for civilizations throughout time. Tillage of fields has been supported by great technological advances in several areas of knowledge, which have increased the amount of food produced at lower costs. The use of technology applied to modern agriculture has generated a research area called precision agriculture, which has providing crops with resources in an exact amount at a precise moment as one of its most relevant objectives The data analysis process in precision agriculture systems begins with the filtering of the information available, which can come from sources such as images, videos, and spreadsheets. When the information source is digital images, the process is known as segmentation, which consists of assigning a category or label to each pixel of the analyzed image. In recent years, different algorithms of segmentation have been developed that make use of different pixel characteristics, such as color, texture, neighborhood, and superpixels. In this paper, a method to segment images of leaves and fruits of tomato plants is presented, which is carried out in two stages. The first stage is based on the dominance of one of the color channels over the other two, using the RGB color model. In the case of the segmentation of the leaves, the green channel dominance is used, whereas the dominance of red channel is used for the fruits. In the second stage, the false positives generated during the previous stage are eliminated by using thresholds calculated for each pixel that meets the condition of the first stage. The results are measured by applying performance metrics: Accuracy, Precision, Recall, F1-Score, and Intersection over Union. The results for segmentation of the fruit and leaves of the tomato plants with the highest metrics is Accuracy with 98.34% for fruits and Recall with 95.08% for leaves.
Performance Evaluation of a Wet Medium Made of Mangosteen Peels for a Direct Evaporative Cooling System
Authors: Chaomuang Nattawut , Nuangjamnong Thanut , Rakmae Samak
Published: October 2023

The present study aimed to investigate an alternative evaporative cooling pad material made from mangosteen peel (MP) waste. Mangosteen peels were used to fill a 150 mm thick mesh container with a packing density of 180 kg/m3. A wind tunnel was constructed and utilized to experimentally evaluate the cooling performance of this organic-waste-based pad under hot and humid conditions (31–34 °C and 55–70% RH). The performance parameters assessed included pressure drop, temperature drop, saturation effectiveness, cooling capacity, and coefficient of performance (COP). The influence of air velocity (0.7, 1.0, 1.4, and 1.8 m/s) on these parameters was also examined. The results revealed that the saturation effectiveness of the MP pad ranged from 53% to 77% within the considered air velocity range. The maximum temperature drop (4.6 °C), saturation effectiveness (77%), cooling capacity (0.6 kW), and COP (3.5) were achieved when the system operated at 1.4 m/s. A comparative study showed that, at this velocity, the MP pad provided performance nearly equivalent to that of the commercial cellulose paper pad, except for the pressure drop. This result affirms the potential of mangosteen peels as a suitable wet medium for evaporative cooling applications.
Oat (Avena sativa L.) In Vitro Cultures: Prospects and Challenges for Breeding
Authors: Warchoł Marzena , Skrzypek Edyta , Juzoń-Sikora Katarzyna , Jakovljević Dragana
Published: October 2023

Plant in vitro cultures have been a crucial component of efforts to enhance crops and advance plant biotechnology. Traditional plant breeding is a time-consuming process that, depending on the crop, might take up to 25 years before an improved cultivar is available to farmers. This is a problematic technique since both beneficial qualities (such as pest resistance) and negative ones (such as decreased yield) can be passed down from generation to generation. In vitro cultures provide various advantages over traditional methods, including the capacity to add desirable characteristics and speed up the development of new cultivars. When it comes to oat (Avena sativa L.), the efficient method of plant regeneration is still missing compared to the most common cereals, possibly because this cereal is known to be recalcitrant to in vitro culture. In this review, an effort has been made to provide a succinct overview of the various in vitro techniques utilized or potentially involved in the breeding of oat. The present work aims to summarize the crucial methods of A. sativa L. cultivation under tissue culture conditions with a focus on the progress that has been made in biotechnological techniques that are used in the breeding of this species.
From Trustworthy Principles to a Trustworthy Development Process: The Need and Elements of Trusted Development of AI Systems
Authors: Hohma Ellen , Lütge Christoph
Published: October 2023

The current endeavor of moving AI ethics from theory to practice can frequently be observed in academia and industry and indicates a major achievement in the theoretical understanding of responsible AI. Its practical application, however, currently poses challenges, as mechanisms for translating the proposed principles into easily feasible actions are often considered unclear and not ready for practice. In particular, a lack of uniform, standardized approaches that are aligned with regulatory provisions is often highlighted by practitioners as a major drawback to the practical realization of AI governance. To address these challenges, we propose a stronger shift in focus from solely the trustworthiness of AI products to the perceived trustworthiness of the development process by introducing a concept for a trustworthy development process for AI systems. We derive this process from a semi-systematic literature analysis of common AI governance documents to identify the most prominent measures for operationalizing responsible AI and compare them to implications for AI providers from EU-centered regulatory frameworks. Assessing the resulting process along derived characteristics of trustworthy processes shows that, while clarity is often mentioned as a major drawback, and many AI providers tend to wait for finalized regulations before reacting, the summarized landscape of proposed AI governance mechanisms can already cover many of the binding and non-binding demands circulating similar activities to address fundamental risks. Furthermore, while many factors of procedural trustworthiness are already fulfilled, limitations are seen particularly due to the vagueness of currently proposed measures, calling for a detailing of measures based on use cases and the system’s context.
An Exploration of Clustering Algorithms for Customer Segmentation in the UK Retail Market
Authors: John Jeen Mary , Shobayo Olamilekan , Ogunleye Bayode
Published: October 2023

Recently, peoples’ awareness of online purchases has significantly risen. This has given rise to online retail platforms and the need for a better understanding of customer purchasing behaviour. Retail companies are pressed with the need to deal with a high volume of customer purchases, which requires sophisticated approaches to perform more accurate and efficient customer segmentation. Customer segmentation is a marketing analytical tool that aids customer-centric service and thus enhances profitability. In this paper, we aim to develop a customer segmentation model to improve decision-making processes in the retail market industry. To achieve this, we employed a UK-based online retail dataset obtained from the UCI machine learning repository. The retail dataset consists of 541,909 customer records and eight features. Our study adopted the RFM (recency, frequency, and monetary) framework to quantify customer values. Thereafter, we compared several state-of-the-art (SOTA) clustering algorithms, namely, K-means clustering, the Gaussian mixture model (GMM), density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN), agglomerative clustering, and balanced iterative reducing and clustering using hierarchies (BIRCH). The results showed the GMM outperformed other approaches, with a Silhouette Score of 0.80.
A Rare Bilateral Variation in the Branches of the Internal Thoracic Artery: A Case Report
Authors: Hawi Jihad S. , Jurjus Rosalyn A. , Daouk Hisham S. , Ghazi Maya N. , Basset Charbel A. , Cappello Francesco , Hajj Hussein Inaya , Leone Angelo , Jurjus Abdo R.
Published: October 2023

Background: Anatomical variations and, in particular, arterial variations constitute an important chapter in the learning of Clinical Anatomy. Purpose: The purpose of this report is to describe a rare bilateral anatomical variation in the internal thoracic artery (ITA) in a 60-year-old corpse and to depict its extreme clinical importance in coronary artery bypass surgery. Methods: The rare bilateral aberrant branches of the internal thoracic artery and their course in the thorax were incidentally discovered during routine anatomy dissection of the thorax at the Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences of the University of Balamand. The findings were thoroughly documented using digital photography, and the dissection followed the instructions from the “16th Edition of Grant’s Dissector”. Results: In the observed case, the left aberrant branch of ITA descends laterally and gives medial and lateral anterior intercostal branches at the first six intercostal spaces. Conversely, the right aberrant artery, which branches from the ITA, descends laterally and gives medial and lateral branches to every intercostal space in the first five intercostal spaces. Conclusion: This report emphasizes that any unexpected variations in the lateral aberrant branches of the internal thoracic artery may complicate the surgical procedure. Bilateral aberrant lateral branches of the internal thoracic artery constitute rare anatomical variations of the internal thoracic artery and have been rarely reported in the literature. Such a course for aberrant lateral branches in the thorax poses possible lethal complications during several procedures involving the thorax, including basic coronary artery bypass graft, thoracocentesis and intercostal paracentesis and breast reconstruction.