bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel use of local analgesia prior to intramuscular magnesium sulphate injection compared to mixed local analgesia with magnesium sulphate to reduce pain: a randomised crossover study in patients being managed for eclampsia and preeclampsia
Authors: Jamieson Modimowame , Luckett Rebecca , Hofmeyr G. Justus
Published: July 2024

Objective

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended addition of local anesthetic to reduce the intense pain of intramuscular injection of 50% Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO4) salt solution has been found to be ineffective. We tested whether giving the local anesthetic 5 min before the MgSO4 injection would reduce pain.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cross-over trial where each participant with pre-eclampsia or eclampsia received sequential and mixed injection methods in random sequence during sequential MgSO4 administrations. Pain and preference were assessed using descriptive words, a numeric pain scale and direct comparison between the two injection methods. Differences were measured using the Wilcoxon signed rank test, risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals and the Chi squared or Fisher's test. The administration techniques were refined based on an initial pilot of 8 participants.

Results

We enrolled 49 consented participants and analysed data from 41 post-pilot participants The sequential injection method had a non-significantly lower mean pain score than the mixed injection method (3.1 vs. 3.3, p = 0.44). Severe pain was reported for 3/41 vs. 9/41, p = 0.12. The sequential injection method was perceived to be more painful by 13 (37%) vs. 22 (63%) participants (p = 0.03). The sequential injection was preferred by 21(60%) vs. 14 participants (40%) (p = 0.1).

Conclusion

Our results consistently favoured the novel sequential injection method. The lack of statistical significance for most results is not surprising given the small sample size. Given the potential for clinically important benefits to women, a larger study to confirm these results is justified.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/, Identifier (PACTR202201521544765).
Integrative transcriptome-proteome approach reveals key hypoxia-related features involved in the neuroprotective effects of Yang Xue oral liquid on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Chen Xiang-Yang , Cheng Ming-Rong , Tang Chen-Chen , Xu Chen-Qin , Zhong Yi-Lang , Gao Yuan , Cheng Xue-Xiang , Chen Jian
Published: July 2024

Introduction: This study investigates the role of hypoxia-related genes in the neuroprotective efficacy of Yang Xue oral liquid (YXKFY) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Methods and results: Using differential expression and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we identified 106 and 9 hypoxia-associated genes in AD and PD, respectively, that are implicated in the transcriptomic and proteomic profiles. An artificial intelligence-driven hypoxia signature (AIDHS), comprising 17 and 3 genes for AD and PD, was developed and validated across nine independent cohorts (n = 1713), integrating 10 machine learning algorithms and 113 algorithmic combinations. Significant associations were observed between AIDHS markers and immune cells in AD and PD, including naive CD4+ T cells, macrophages, and neutrophils. Interactions with miRNAs (hsa-miR-1, hsa-miR-124) and transcription factors (USF1) were also identified. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data highlighted distinct expression patterns of AIDHS genes in various cell types, such as high expression of TGM2 in endothelial cells, PDGFRB in endothelial and mesenchymal cells, and SYK in microglia. YXKFY treatment was shown to repair cellular damage and decrease reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Notably, genes with previously dysfunctional expression, including FKBPL, TGM2, PPIL1, BLVRB, and PDGFRB, exhibited significant recovery after YXKFY treatment, associated with riboflavin and lysicamine.

Conclusion: The above genes are suggested to be central to hypoxia and neuroinflammation responses in AD and PD, and are potential key mediators of YXKFY’s neuroprotective action.
Metabolome and transcriptome integration explored the mechanism of browning in Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch cells
Authors: Zhao Xinyang , Li Xueshuang , Bao Aodun , Zhang Xiaoli , Xu Yongbin , Li Yali
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb known for its diverse pharmacological effects including heat-clearing, detoxification, phlegm dissolving, and cough relief, has experienced an exponential increase in demand due to its expanding clinical use and development prospects. Currently, large-scale cell culture stands out as one of the most promising biotechnological approaches for producing bioactive compounds from medicinal plants. However, the problem of cell browning represents a significant bottleneck in industrial applications of cell culture.

Methods

This study focuses on the Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch cells from the Ordos plateau, aiming to elucidate the enzymatic browning process during plant cell culture. Key substrates and genes involved in enzymatic browning were identified by metabolome and transcriptome analysis of normal and browning cells.

Results

Metabolome analysis reveals significant changes in the levels of chalcone, isoflavone, imidazole-pyrimidine, purine nucleosides, organic oxides, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, benzene and its derivatives, flavonoids, 2-arylated benzofuran flavonoids, diazanaphthalenes and fatty acyls within browning cells. In particular, chalcones, isoflavones, and flavones compounds account for a higher proportion of these changes. Furthermore, these compounds collectively show enrichment in four metabolic pathways: Isoflavone biosynthesis pathway; Cutin suberine and wax biosynthesis pathway; Aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis pathway; Isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis pathway; Transcriptome analysis revealed that the MYB transcription factor is a key regulator of flavonoid synthesis during the browning process in cells. In addition, 223 differentially expressed genes were identified, including phenylpropane, shikimic acid, glycolysis, and pentose phosphate pathways. Among these genes, 23 are directly involved in flavonoid biosynthesis; qPCR validation showed that eight genes (GlPK, GlPAL, Gl24CL, Gl1PDT, Gl3CHI, GlC4H, Gl2F3’H, and Gl2CCR) were up-regulated in browning cells compared to normal cells. These findings corroborate the sequencing results and underscore the critical role of these genes in cellular browning.

Discussion

Consequently, modulation of their expression offers promising strategies for effective control of cellular browning issues.
Sampling strategies for genotyping common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Genebank accessions with DArTseq: a comparison of single plants, multiple plants, and DNA pools
Authors: Correa Abondano Miguel , Ospina Jessica Alejandra , Wenzl Peter , Carvajal-Yepes Monica
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Genotyping large-scale gene bank collections requires an appropriate sampling strategy to represent the diversity within and between accessions.

Methods

A panel of 44 common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) landraces from the Alliance Bioversity and The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) gene bank was genotyped with DArTseq using three sampling strategies: a single plant per accession, 25 individual plants per accession jointly analyzed after genotyping (in silico–pool), and by pooling tissue from 25 individual plants per accession (seq-pool). Sampling strategies were compared to assess the technical aspects of the samples, the marker information content, and the genetic composition of the panel.

Results

The seq-pool strategy resulted in more consistent DNA libraries for quality and call rate, although with fewer polymorphic markers (6,142 single-nucleotide polymorphisms) than the in silico–pool (14,074) or the single plant sets (6,555). Estimates of allele frequencies by seq-pool and in silico–pool genotyping were consistent, but the results suggest that the difference between pools depends on population heterogeneity. Principal coordinate analysis, hierarchical clustering, and the estimation of admixture coefficients derived from a single plant, in silico–pool, and seq-pool successfully identified the well-known structure of Andean and Mesoamerican gene pools of P. vulgaris across all datasets.

Conclusion

In conclusion, seq-pool proved to be a viable approach for characterizing common bean germplasm compared to genotyping individual plants separately by balancing genotyping effort and costs. This study provides insights and serves as a valuable guide for gene bank researchers embarking on genotyping initiatives to characterize their collections. It aids curators in effectively managing the collections and facilitates marker-trait association studies, enabling the identification of candidate markers for key traits.
Agency and structure in the age of European disintegration
Authors: Orlando Vittorio , Conrad Maximilian
Published: July 2024

This article analyses the causal factors behind the Brexit vote, aiming to contribute to the literature on European disintegration. It addresses how, amidst external factors such as the EU debt crisis and the 2015 refugee crisis, pre-existing ideological forces deeply ingrained in a society can surface and steer a country's trajectory in relation to European integration. Employing a rigorous process-tracing design, it highlights the forces that led to the referendum and its outcome, identifying key patterns that can be extrapolated to comparable cases within the field of EU integration theory. The analysis operates at two levels: it scrutinizes the constraints faced by Cameron's government in the lead-up to the vote, and it probes the British electorate's attitude toward EU and how it was influenced by the Leave campaign. The study draws from an empirical case to identify some of the patterns of this ongoing political process.
Validation of the Spanish Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form in adolescents with suicide attempts
Authors: García-Fernández Ainoa , Martínez-Cao Clara , Sánchez-Fernández-Quejo Alberto , Bobes-Bascarán Teresa , Andreo-Jover Jorge , Ayad-Ahmed Wala , Cebriá Ana Isabel , Díaz-Marsá Marina , Garrido-Torres Nathalia , Gómez Sandra , González-Pinto Ana , Grande Iria , Iglesias Noelia , March Katya B. , Palao Diego J. , Pérez-Díez Iván , Roberto Natalia , Ruiz-Veguilla Miguel , de la Torre-Luque Alejandro , Zorrilla Iñaki , Pérez Víctor ,   SURVIVE Group, Sáiz Pilar A. , García-Portilla María Paz
Published: July 2024

Background

Child maltreatment is associated with a higher probability of mental disorders and suicidal behavior in adolescence. Therefore, accurate psychometric instruments are essential to assess this.

Objective

To validate the Spanish version of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF) in adolescents with suicide attempts.

Methods

Multisite cohort study of 208 adolescents with suicide attempts using data from the following scales: Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and CTQ-SF. Statistical analysis: CTQ-SF scores analyzed by descriptive statistics. Internal consistency: McDonald’s omega and Cronbach’s alpha. Concurrent validity with PHQ-9 and C-SSRS scores: Spearman correlation coefficient. Structural validity: Confirmatory factor analysis.

Results

Floor and ceiling effects: Physical abuse and neglect as well as sexual abuse demonstrated high floor effects (50.0, 35.1, and 61.1% of adolescents, respectively). No ceiling effects were found. The CTQ-SF had excellent internal consistency (McDonald’s omega = 0.94), as did the majority of its subscales (Cronbach’s alpha 0.925–0.831) except for physical neglect (0.624). Its concurrent validity was modest, and the emotional neglect subscale had the lowest Spearman correlation coefficients (0.067–0.244). Confirmatory factor analysis: Compared with alternative factor structures, the original CTQ-SF model (correlated 5-factor) exhibited a better fit [S-B χ2 = 676.653, p < 0; RMSEA (90% CI = 0.076–0.097) = 0.087; SRMR = 0.078; CFI = 0.980; TLI = 0.978].

Conclusion

The Spanish CTQ-SF is a reliable, valid instrument for assessing traumatic experiences in adolescents at high risk of suicide. It appears appropriate for use in routine clinical practice to monitor maltreatment in this group.
Youths’ awareness and attitudes towards raising the minimum legal age of smoking and passive smoking in Singapore
Authors: Gunasekaran Kalaipriya , Singh Prashwin , Ng Ding Xuan , Koh Eileen Yi Ling , Lee Huan Yu , Tan Rei , Wang Yier , Tan Ngiap Chuan
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Early smoking initiation has been associated with a higher risk of developing long-term smoking habit. There is a growing global consensus that demands raising the minimum legal age (MLA) for smoking as an approach to address this problem. Singapore successfully raised the MLA from 18 to 21 years in 2021. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness and attitude of multi-ethnic Asian youth (aged 15–24) on raising MLA to 21 and passive smoking.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey comprising of 23 items was circulated via a secure internet-based platform, FORMSG between September and November 2022. Data were analyzed for descriptive statistics. Categorical variables were compared for association with receptivity toward change in MLA using Chi-Squared test and multivariable logistic regression analysis using Rstudio. Post-hoc Bonferroni correction were further utilized for pairwise comparison.

Results

Majority (80.3%) of the 608 participants expressed their support for MLA 21 implementation. Participants’ age was a significant variable as those aged 15–17 years old (OR = 2.1, 95%CI = 1.01–4.32, p = 0.048) showed a higher likelihood of supporting MLA implementation compared to those aged 21 and above. In addition, majority (89.8%) of them were also aware of the harmful effects of passive smoking. When it came to discouraging smoking among youth, family influence (64%) and school education (55.6%) emerged as the top strategies.

Conclusion

Most of the youth express strong support for raising the MLA to 21, with over 80% in favor of such change, reflects a significant harmony among youth in favor of tobacco-free environment.
“Don’t think of a soda”: Contradictory public health messaging from a content analysis of Twitter posts about sugar-sweetened beverage taxes in California from 2015 to 2018
Authors: Garcia Kim , Mejia Pamela , Perez-Sanz Sarah , Dorfman Lori , Madsen Kristine , Schillinger Dean
Published: July 2024

To show how sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxes were framed in posts on Twitter (now known as X) through text and images, we conducted a content analysis on a sample of Tweets from California users posted between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2018 about SSB taxes in Berkeley, San Francisco, Oakland, and/or Albany, California. We evaluated posts for information sources, arguments for or against SSB tax policies, and images used. We found that posts presented a mix of messages through text and images. The majority of posts (64%) included arguments supporting SSB taxes, 28% presented a neutral position (e.g., factual information) or a mix of both pro-and anti-tax arguments, and 8% opposed. One-third of posts included an image, almost half of which appeared to be stock photos from SSB advertisements: many of these were shared by medical and public health users. Some tax supporters also reposted messages and images from opposition campaigns and added their own criticisms. By reposting opponents’ anti-tax messages and images of SSBs, tax supporters may have inadvertently promoted SSBs, reinforced opposition to SSB taxes, and normalized SSBs. While advocates effectively shared pro-tax arguments, they should also ensure that accompanying images reflect the solutions they seek, not just the problem they are trying to combat.
Restricted health service utilization and subsequent positive self-care behavior during the early COVID-19 pandemic in China
Authors: Wang Zhichao , Zhou Zhongliang , Liu Guanping , Lu Jiao , Zhai Xiaohui , Fan Xiaojing , Lai Sha , Wang Youfa
Published: July 2024

Background

The reallocation of health resources, epidemic prevention and control measures during the COVID-19 pandemic triggered widespread restricted health service utilization, some residents and patients tried positive self-care behavior to maintain their health, yet the efficacy of this intervention remains unclear.

Object

Based on the reasoned action approach (RAA) theory, this study aimed to investigate the correlation between self-care behavior and restricted health service utilization among adults in China, trying to discover the vulnerable groups and external and intrinsic factors that affect self-care behavior among Chinese adults.

Methods

Data on demographics, socioeconomic, health status, and self-care behavior were collected in “The Early China COVID-19 Survey,” a cross-sectional anonymous online survey of the general population in China. Self-care behavior was measured by four indicators: weight control (WC), physical activity (PA), prevention behavior (PB), and online medical consultation (OMC). The multiple linear models and binary logistic regression were used to examine whether restricted health service utilization (RHSU) is associated with self-care behaviors; also, adjusted multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze subgroup heterogeneity.

Results

In total, 8,428 adult participants completed the survey, the mean OMC score was 1.51 (SD 1.34), the mean PB score was 18.17 (SD 3.44), and the proportion of participants who engaged in WC and PA was 42.30 and 62.57%, respectively. According to the multiple regression model, the RHSU was significantly positively correlated with all four indicators of self-care (WC: OR = 1.34, p < 0.001, PA: OR = 1.34, p < 0.05, MC: OR = 1.30, p < 0.001, PB: coef = 0.16, p < 0.05). We also observed some significant differences in the intensity of this relationship by subgroup analysis, precisely, OMC (high vs. moderate vs. low infection-risk level: OR = 1.48; 1.41; 1.19, p < 0.1), PA (male vs. female: OR = 1.27;1.06; p < 0.05, high vs. Moderate and low infection-risk level: OR = 1.51; 1.17; 1.02, p < 0.05), PB (Chronic disease groups vs. no: coef = 0.46; 0.1, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Restricted health service utilization predicts more positive self-care behavior, and the intensity of partial correlation was significantly different in the subgroups of sex, actual infection risk level of the living area, and chronic diseases. These findings highlight the urgent demand for self-care behavior among Chinese adults during the pandemic and provide new insights for developing self-care and reducing the burden on the healthcare system in the long term.
Medical-Legal Partnerships: a promising approach for addressing health-harming legal needs among people with HIV
Authors: Jaén Julia , Frankel Anne , French Ashley , Davison Robin , Munoz-Laboy Miguel , Martinez Omar
Published: July 2024

Introduction

People with HIV (PWH), particularly those at the intersection of sexual and gender identities, face enduring obstacles to accessing HIV care, including structural stigma, structural racism and discrimination, housing instability, and limited access to health insurance. To address these challenges, Medical-Legal Partnerships (MLPs) in HIV care offer an innovative approach that integrates medical and legal services. By targeting health-harming legal needs (HHLN), MLPs aim to enhance the HIV care continuum outcomes for PWH.

Methods

This study examines the benefits and challenges of MLPs within organizations serving PWH through the social-ecological model. MLP providers (n=111) identified organizational-level challenges such as funding limitations, resource integration issues, and staffing constraints.

Results

MLPs demonstrated numerous benefits, including patient impact and benefits, comprehensive service provision, enhanced staff support and capacity, and potential for policy influence.

Discussion

These results underscore the feasibility of MLPs while offering valuable insights into their efficacy and challenges, guiding the implementation of MLPs to address health-harming legal needs, including discrimination, and thereby improving HIV care outcomes.
Probing turbulence in solar flares from SDO/AIA emission lines
Authors: Xie Xiaoyan , Li Gang , Reeves Katharine K. , Gou Tingyu
Published: July 2024

Multiple pieces of evidence have revealed the important role of turbulence in physical processes in solar eruptions, from particle acceleration to the suppression of conductive cooling. Radio observations of density variation have established a Kolmogorov-like spectrum for solar wind density disturbance. Close to the Sun, measurements from extreme ultraviolet (EUV) bands have been used to examine turbulence in the solar atmosphere. The Atmospheric Imaging Assembly onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO/AIA) has been frequently used for diagnosing plasma properties due to its complex coverage of temperature response. We compute structure functions (SFs) using SDO/AIA emission measurements for two example of plasma sheets. With the relationship of v ∼ b ∼ δn and δI∼δ(n0+δn)2∼δn (v, b, δn, and δI are turbulent velocity, magnetic field, number density, and intensity, respectively, and n0 is the background density), SFs of δI can be regarded as a proxy for those of the turbulent v and b fields in the plasma sheet. We show that by properly accounting for the radial dependence of the emission line intensity, an SF method is capable of probing the presence of turbulence from SDO/AIA emission lines. Compared to in situ observations, performing SFs on EUV emissions is advantageous in studying turbulence behavior in the wave-vector space, and it opens a new window for investigating turbulence from massive SDO/AIA observations.
Enhancing sustainable solutions for food security in Jordan: using bacterial biofertilizer to promote plant growth and crop yield
Authors: Mashatleh Mohammad , Assayed Almoayied , Al-Hmoud Nisreen , Alhaj Ali Husameddin , Al Abaddi Rana , Alrwashdeh Mumen
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Jordan suffers from agricultural land degradation, water scarcity, increasing in population, and the huge gap between production and consumption. Boosting of food production to meet the demand is one of the solutions. Biofertilizers are substances include beneficial microorganisms (e.g., bacteria) that are important in agricultural soil to improve yield through different mechanisms. The aim of this experiment is to study the impact of using locally produced-microorganisms along with chemical fertilizers to improve the yield of cucumber planting.

Methods

The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse equipped with all requirements for planting. The planting process of cucumber seedling was implemented using pots filled with soil collected from an agricultural land in the Jordan Valley, and mixed with manure, and categorized in three plots. Mixture of three types of microorganisms (STIMULANT A and B, and PHYTO-EM) along with chemical fertilizers were applied to the soil in some pots. Plants growth and agricultural parameters were observed. Data about crop yield, water consumption, leaf area, and chlorophyll were collected. Lab analysis of soil characteristics was also done to assess the impact of the products on soil.

Results

The results showed that the yield production was the maximum in the plot of combining the benefits of biological and the chemical fertilizers compared to the control plot by 48%. The same plot showed water saving with 32.4% over the control plot. The bacterial biofertilizers enhanced the seedling growth all the time during the experiment by 14% more than the plants in the control plot. The average leaves area in plot with bio-products was 22.6% bigger than the control plot. In addition, the chlorophyll test indicated that the chlorophyll content was more in plot with biofertilizers. According to the soil analysis, the presence of bacterial biofertilizers enhanced the plant’s absorption of nutrients, and accordingly the EC decreased in the soil.

Discussion

The results of the experiment showed superiority of plot using the bacterial biofertilizers along with the chemical fertilizer, over the plots either using the chemical fertilizers alone or the bacterial biofertilizers alone. This can be attributed to the addition of bacterial biofertilizers with the chemical fertilizers in appropriate conditions. Our findings highlight the potential for bacterial biofertilizers to significantly improve crop yields and resource efficiency, contributing to food system transformation. This aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), by offering sustainable agricultural solutions.
Animal-based welfare indicators for dairy cows and their validity and practicality: a systematic review of the existing literature
Authors: Linstädt Jenny , Thöne-Reineke Christa , Merle Roswitha
Published: July 2024

Animal welfare is of increasing importance, with consumers preferring animal products made with ethical practices due to growing awareness. This shift highlights the need for reliable methods to evaluate welfare. This systematic review aims to assess the validity of current animal-based welfare indicators for dairy cows to aid farmers and agricultural professionals in evaluating and improving welfare amidst the lack of a clear legislative definition. The literature search spanned five databases: CAB Direct, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Livivo, covering publications in English and German from 2011 to 2021. Specific search terms were employed, and abstracts were screened for relevance. Publications were categorized based on exclusion criteria, with a final verification process conducted by three independent scientists. Research highlights correlations between welfare measures, farm characteristics and innovative indicators like hair cortisol concentration. Farming systems and housing methods significantly affect welfare, with pasture-based systems generally resulting in reduced lameness and improved behavior. Proper housing design and management practices are important, as they influence indicators like lameness and cleanliness. Heart rate variability and heart rate monitoring provide insights into dairy cow stress levels during milking and other stressors, making them valuable for welfare assessment. Biomarker research emphasizes the need to balance productivity and health in breeding strategies, as high milk production alone does not indicate good welfare. Behavioral studies and the human-animal relationship are key to understanding welfare. Precision Livestock Farming offers real-time assessment capabilities, although validation is needed. Stress physiology is complex, and while cortisol measurement methods are promising, further research is necessary. Assessment tools like the Animal Needs Index and routine herd data analysis are valuable for identifying welfare concerns. Key findings highlight the WQ® protocol’s effectiveness and versatility, the challenge of its time demands, and the DCF protocol’s promise for more practical and efficient welfare assessments. Commercial animal welfare audits should prioritize easily observable indicators and herd records due to logistical constraints in measuring biomarkers or heart rate variability. This focus on easily accessible indicators, such as body condition score, lameness, claw health, cleanliness, and somatic cell count allows effective welfare assessments, enabling prompt action to enhance wellbeing.
Leadership and Agenda 2030 in the Context of Big Challenges: Sustainable Development Goals on the Agenda of the Most Powerful CEOs
Authors: García-Sánchez Isabel-María , Cunha-Araujo Davi-Jonatas , Amor-Esteban Víctor , Enciso-Alfaro Saudi-Yulieth
Published: July 2024

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) are a guide for caring for the planet, guaranteeing the fundamental rights of its inhabitants and shaping sustainable economic growth. In the current context, characterised by great challenges and geopolitical conflicts, the figure of the CEO is key to driving the necessary transformation of companies and the prioritisation of their commitment to the current challenges of the world we live in. In this regard, the aim of this paper is to deepen current knowledge on the role of CEO visionary leadership in shaping inclusive and sustainable business models aligned with the goals of the 2030 Agenda. For the period 2019–2022, we study the information reported by the top 3910 companies worldwide on their contributions to the SDGs and analyse whether these commitments are determined by the structural power of the CEO within these companies. The results obtained confirm previous arguments, contradicting some of the previous evidence. In this sense, our findings show that the information disclosed by companies in relation to projects aligned with the SDGs is positively associated with leadership figures who wield power that allows them to influence the agenda and decisions made by the board of directors. The influence of leaders is reinforced in scenarios where companies excel in sustainability performance.
Spitzer Resurrector Mission: Advantages for Space Weather Research and Operations
Authors: Usman Shawn M. , Fazio Giovanni G. , Grasso Christopher A. , Hickox Ryan C. , Lance Cameo , Rideout William B. , Singh Daveanand M. , Smith Howard A. , Vourlidas Angelos , Hora Joseph L. , Melnick Gary J. , Ashby Matthew , Tolls Volker , Willner Steven , Benitez Salma
Published: July 2024

In 1979, NASA established the Great Observatory program, which included four telescopes (Hubble, Compton, Chandra, and Spitzer) to explore the Universe. The Spitzer Space Telescope was launched in 2003 into solar orbit, gradually drifting away from the Earth. Spitzer was operated very successfully until 2020 when NASA terminated observations and placed the telescope in safe mode. In 2028, the U.S. Space Force has the opportunity to demonstrate satellite servicing by telerobotically reactivating Spitzer for astronomical observations, and in a separate experiment, carry out novel Space Weather research and operations capabilities by observing solar Coronal Mass Ejections. This will be accomplished by launching a small satellite, the Spitzer-Resurrector Mission (SRM), to rendezvous with Spitzer in 2030, positioning itself around it, and serving as a relay for recommissioning and science operations. A sample of science goals for Spitzer is briefly described, but the focus of this paper is on the unique opportunity offered by SRM to demonstrate novel Space Weather research and operations capabilities.
Implementing Internet of Things for Real-Time Monitoring and Regulation of Off-Season Grafting and Post-Harvest Storage in Citrus Cultivation: A Case Study from the Hilly Regions of Nepal
Authors: Lamsal Ritu Raj , Acharya Umesh K. , Karthikeyan Periyasami , Otero Pablo , Ariza Alfonso
Published: July 2024

Citrus fruit cultivation, especially mandarin oranges, is crucial to the economy of Nepal’s hilly regions due to their ideal geoclimatic conditions. Despite its economic importance, the sector faces several challenges, such as inadequate grafting techniques, low-quality saplings, and ineffective post-harvest storage. This paper explores these issues and proposes innovative solutions through the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology. To address these challenges, we identified key areas for improvement. First, we focused on extending grafting practices during the off-season to ensure a higher success rate and better-quality saplings. Second, we examined different post-harvest storage methods to determine their effectiveness in terms of shelf life, decay loss, and quality of fruit. In addition to exploring post-harvest strategies, this paper provides preharvest recommendations for farmers, emphasizing methods to enhance fruit quality and longevity through effective pre-storage practices. Our IoT-based approach introduces off-season grafting in polyhouses and advanced monitoring for post-harvest storage. The results are promising: We achieved grafting success rates of 91% for acid lime and 92% for local mandarin orange varieties. Additionally, our research compared different post-harvest storage methods for mandarin oranges, including room, cellar, and cold chamber. We assessed these methods based on shelf life, physiological weight loss, and the total soluble solids (TSS) to titratable acidity (TA) ratio. The cold chamber proved to be the most effective method, offering superior conditions for storing mandarin oranges. The IoT-based monitoring system played a crucial role in maintaining optimal temperature, humidity, and gas content within the cold chamber, resulting in reduced post-harvest losses and extended shelf life. These findings highlight the transformative potential of IoT technology in mandarin orange cultivation and post-harvest storage.
Coupled Efficacy of Magneto-Electric Water Irrigation with Foliar Iron Fertilization for Spinach Growth
Authors: Zheng Ming , Sun Yan , Wang Quanjiu , Bai Yungang , Mu Weiyi , Zhang Jianghui , Lu Zhenlin , Wang Jian
Published: July 2024

The lack of trace element iron has become a key factor restricting vegetable yield and quality improvement. To address the low production efficiency of water–fertilizer coupling in agricultural production, we used a combination of experimental research, theoretical analysis, and mathematical modeling to systematically determine the effects of magneto-electric water irrigation with iron application on spinach growth and physiology, its yield and quality, and soil water transport characteristics. Compared with conventional water irrigation, under magneto-electric water irrigation, the water volume and applied iron concentration average increased the total accumulation of nitrogen, carbon, and iron in the aboveground part of spinach by 3.71%, 10.16%, and 14.14%, respectively, and the aboveground part of spinach had the highest total accumulation of nitrogen and carbon when irrigation water was 3300 m3 ha−1 and iron fertilizer application at 0.15%. Additionally, magneto-electric water irrigation increased spinach aboveground fresh weight and soluble sugar and protein content by an average of 13.34, 18.26, and 11.61%, respectively. Based on a comprehensive quantitative evaluation and analysis of aboveground nutrient accumulation in spinach, aboveground fresh weight, water use efficiency, and soluble sugar and protein content, we determined the optimal irrigation water and iron fertilizer application for spinach growth.
Authenticity Identification of F1 Hybrid Offspring and Analysis of Genetic Diversity in Pineapple
Authors: Jia Panpan , Liu Shenghui , Lin Wenqiu , Yu Honglin , Zhang Xiumei , Xiao Xiou , Sun Weisheng , Lu Xinhua , Wu Qingsong
Published: July 2024

Breeding is an effective method for the varietal development of pineapple. However, due to open pollination, it is necessary to conduct authentic identification of the hybrid offspring. In this study, we identified the authenticity of offspring and analyzed the genetic diversity within the offspring F1 hybrids resulting from crosses between ‘Josapine’ and ‘MD2’ by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. From the resequencing data, 26 homozygous loci that differentiate between the parents have been identified. Then, genotyping was performed on both the parents and 36 offspring to select SNP markers that are suitable for authentic identification. The genotyping results revealed that 2 sets of SNP primers, namely SNP4010 and SNP22550, successfully identified 395 authentic hybrids out of 451 hybrid offspring. We randomly selected two true hybrids and four pseudohybrids for sequencing validation, and the results have shown that two true hybrids had double peaks with A/G, while pseudohybrids had single peaks with base A or G. Further study showed that the identification based on SNP molecular markers remained consistent with the morphological identification results in the field, with a true hybridization rate of 87.58%. K-means clustering and UPGMA tree analysis revealed that the hybrid offspring could be categorized into two groups. Among them, 68.5% of offspring aggregated with MD2, while 31.95% were grouped with Josapine. The successful application of SNP marker to identify pineapple F1 hybrid populations provides a theoretical foundation and practical reference for the future development of rapid SNP marker-based methods for pineapple hybrid authenticity and purity testing.
ZTCloudGuard: Zero Trust Context-Aware Access Management Framework to Avoid Medical Errors in the Era of Generative AI and Cloud-Based Health Information Ecosystems
Authors: Al-hammuri Khalid , Gebali Fayez , Kanan Awos
Published: July 2024

Managing access between large numbers of distributed medical devices has become a crucial aspect of modern healthcare systems, enabling the establishment of smart hospitals and telehealth infrastructure. However, as telehealth technology continues to evolve and Internet of Things (IoT) devices become more widely used, they are also increasingly exposed to various types of vulnerabilities and medical errors. In healthcare information systems, about 90% of vulnerabilities emerge from medical error and human error. As a result, there is a need for additional research and development of security tools to prevent such attacks. This article proposes a zero-trust-based context-aware framework for managing access to the main components of the cloud ecosystem, including users, devices, and output data. The main goal and benefit of the proposed framework is to build a scoring system to prevent or alleviate medical errors while using distributed medical devices in cloud-based healthcare information systems. The framework has two main scoring criteria to maintain the chain of trust. First, it proposes a critical trust score based on cloud-native microservices for authentication, encryption, logging, and authorizations. Second, a bond trust scoring system is created to assess the real-time semantic and syntactic analysis of attributes stored in a healthcare information system. The analysis is based on a pre-trained machine learning model that generates the semantic and syntactic scores. The framework also takes into account regulatory compliance and user consent in the creation of the scoring system. The advantage of this method is that it applies to any language and adapts to all attributes, as it relies on a language model, not just a set of predefined and limited attributes. The results show a high F1 score of 93.5%, which proves that it is valid for detecting medical errors.
Development of a Paper-Based Sol–Gel Vapochromic Sensor for the Detection of Vapor Cross-Contamination within a Closed Container
Authors: Crespo-Cajigas Janet , Kabir Abuzar , Carrasco Joel , Shahid Amatullah , Furton Kenneth G. , DeGreeff Lauryn E.
Published: July 2024

Contamination of trace levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in enclosed spaces is not usually a significant cause for concern; however, it can be relevant in the case of canine scent detection training as a canine’s superior sense of smell makes them highly likely to detect low levels of contamination, contributing to inefficient training. Thus, herein, we address the need for a simple, low-cost, robust, vapochromic sensor to determine the cross-contamination of VOCs within closed containers, such as canine training aid kits. This study focuses on the development of a vapor sensor, which produces a rapid colorimetric change when a target chemical vapor is present. A pH indicator is used as the colorimetric dye and its incorporation into a sol–gel matrix on a paper substrate is confirmed via SEM characterization. The sensor’s stability and performance is tested against exposure to various levels of sunlight and temperature. The design allows the sensor to present a clear and unambiguous visible response to the release of the volatile target within a closed container. It can be readily incorporated into existing training kits and functions as a straightforward reminder of when training aids need to be changed or a new containment system should be considered.
Tunnel-Ventilated Sheds with Negative Pressure Reduce Thermal Stress and Improve the Meat Quality of Broilers
Authors: Sakamoto Karina Suemi , Silveira Robson Mateus Freitas , Benincasa Natália Cristina , Contreras Castillo Carmen Josefina , Lobos Cristian Marcelo Villegas , Silva Iran José Oliveira da
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the thermal performance and meat quality in broilers reared in positive pressure tunnel ventilation (PP) and negative pressure tunnel ventilation (NP) in production houses. 320 Cobb broilers (40 broilers per house) were used. Pectoralis major muscles from 40 broilers (10 broilers per house) were randomly selected and analysed for L* (lightness), a* (redness), b* (yellowness), pH, drip loss (DL), cooking loss (CL) and shear force (SF). Air temperature and humidity of the transportation and slaughterhouse waiting room were recorded in the last week of rearing. Subsequently, the enthalpy comfort index (ECI) was calculated. Air temperature and ECI were higher (p < 0.05) in positive pressure sheds, whereas relative humidity was higher (p < 0.001) in negative pressure sheds. There was no statistically significant difference between the enthalpy comfort index during transport and lairage (p > 0.005). Meat quality defects (high L*, DL, CL, SF) were found in PP and NP. It was observed that b* was higher in PP, although pH and CL were higher in NP. Differences in pH, b* and CL indicate that broilers from PP had a higher level of heat stress. In conclusion, differences in pH, b*value and cooking loss in breast broilers indicate that birds in PP had a higher level of heat stress. Additional studies investigating pre-slaughter handling methods to minimise injuries and heat stress are recommended in order to improve animal welfare and meat quality.
An Improved YOLOv8n Used for Fish Detection in Natural Water Environments
Authors: Zhang Zehao , Qu Yi , Wang Tan , Rao Yuan , Jiang Dan , Li Shaowen , Wang Yating
Published: July 2024

To improve detection efficiency and reduce cost consumption in fishery surveys, target detection methods based on computer vision have become a new method for fishery resource surveys. However, the specialty and complexity of underwater photography result in low detection accuracy, limiting its use in fishery resource surveys. To solve these problems, this study proposed an accurate method named BSSFISH-YOLOv8 for fish detection in natural underwater environments. First, replacing the original convolutional module with the SPD-Conv module allows the model to lose less fine-grained information. Next, the backbone network is supplemented with a dynamic sparse attention technique, BiFormer, which enhances the model’s attention to crucial information in the input features while also optimizing detection efficiency. Finally, adding a 160 × 160 small target detection layer (STDL) improves sensitivity for smaller targets. The model scored 88.3% and 58.3% in the two indicators of mAP@50 and mAP@50:95, respectively, which is 2.0% and 3.3% higher than the YOLOv8n model. The results of this research can be applied to fishery resource surveys, reducing measurement costs, improving detection efficiency, and bringing environmental and economic benefits.
Current Trends in Artificial Intelligence and Bovine Mastitis Research: A Bibliometric Review Approach
Authors: Mitsunaga Thatiane Mendes , Nery Garcia Breno Luis , Pereira Ligia Beatriz Rizzanti , Costa Yuri Campos Braga , da Silva Roberto Fray , Delbem Alexandre Cláudio Botazzo , dos Santos Marcos Veiga
Published: July 2024

Mastitis, an important disease in dairy cows, causes significant losses in herd profitability. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for adequate control. Studies using artificial intelligence (AI) models to classify, identify, predict, and diagnose mastitis show promise in improving mastitis control. This bibliometric review aimed to evaluate AI and bovine mastitis terms in the most relevant Scopus-indexed papers from 2011 to 2021. Sixty-two documents were analyzed, revealing key terms, prominent researchers, relevant publications, main themes, and keyword clusters. “Mastitis” and “machine learning” were the most cited terms, with an increasing trend from 2018 to 2021. Other terms, such as “sensors” and “mastitis detection”, also emerged. The United States was the most cited country and presented the largest collaboration network. Publications on mastitis and AI models notably increased from 2016 to 2021, indicating growing interest. However, few studies utilized AI for bovine mastitis detection, primarily employing artificial neural network models. This suggests a clear potential for further research in this area.
CWD as a New Health Threat in Europe and the Adequacy and Effectiveness of Instruments of Legal Response from a Comparative Legal Perspective
Authors: Mierkiewicz Michał , Dzikowski Andrzej , Anusz Krzysztof
Published: July 2024

Prions cause infectious and fatal neurodegenerative diseases in mammals. Chronic wasting disease (CWD) affects wild and farmed cervids. The increasing number of cases in Europe, the resistance of prions to external conditions, and the persistence period threaten not only wild cervid populations but also the economy. The possible zoonotic potential of CWD is of growing concern. CWD is a relevant issue as far as the idea of “one health” is concerned, which is a fundamental principle of European veterinary law. Methods of legal text analysis and interpretation are used for this comparative legal study. Research reveals that countries struggling to tackle CWD employ different normative approaches to the problem and use different control and eradication schemes. The results of this study indicate that it is reasonable to issue uniform regulations in the European Union at the common, rather than national, level. The European legislation should creatively draw on the experience of North American countries that have been struggling with the discussed disease for a long time.
Large-Scale Expansion of Human Liver Stem Cells Using Two Different Bioreactor Systems
Authors: Thorbow Jan , Strauch Andrea , Pfening Viktoria , Klee Jan-Philip , Brücher Patricia , Boshof Björn , Petry Florian , Czermak Peter , Herrera Sanchez Maria Beatriz , Salzig Denise
Published: July 2024

The assessment of human liver stem cells (HLSCs) as cell therapeutics requires scalable, controlled expansion processes. We first focused on defining appropriate process parameters for HLSC expansion such as seeding density, use of antibiotics, optimal cell age and critical metabolite concentrations in conventional 2D culture systems. For scale-up, we transferred HLSC expansion to multi-plate and stirred-tank bioreactor systems to determine their limitations. A seeding density of 4000 cells cm−2 was needed for efficient expansion. Although growth was not significantly affected by antibiotics, the concentrations of lactate and ammonia were important. A maximum expansion capacity of at least 20 cumulative population doublings (cPDs) was observed, confirming HLSC growth, identity and functionality. For the expansion of HLSCs in the multi-plate bioreactor system Xpansion (XPN), the oxygen supply strategy was optimized due to a low kLa of 0.076 h−1. The XPN bioreactor yielded a final mean cell density of 94 ± 8 × 103 cells cm−2, more than double that of the standard process in T-flasks. However, in the larger XPN50 device, HLSC density reached only 28 ± 0.9 × 103 cells cm−2, while the glucose consumption rate increased 8-fold. In a fully-controlled 2 L stirred-tank bioreactor (STR), HLSCs expanded at a comparable rate to the T-flask and XPN50 processes in a homogeneous microenvironment using advanced process analytical technology. Ultimately, the scale-up of HLSCs was successful using two different bioreactor systems, resulting in sufficient numbers of viable, functional and undifferentiated HLSCs for therapeutic applications.