bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conyza canadensis, a new host of Tobacco leaf curl Yunnan virus in China
Authors: Du Mengdan , Yang Hailin , Song Xueru , Li Zhenggang , She Xiaoman , Yu Lin , Lan Guobing , Ding Shanwen , He Zifu , Tang Yafei
Published: May 2024

In April 2023, leaf curl, crinkling symptoms were found on Conyza canadensis plants around tobacco fields located at Yuxi, Yunan province, China. PCR detection with genus‐specific primers showed that symptomatic C. canadensis plants was infected by begomovirus. The full‐length viral components and satellite molecules from the diseased C. canadensis (YN‐2023) were obtained by enrichment of circular DNA with rolling circle amplification, restriction enzyme digestion, cloning, and DNA sequencing. The viral component (2, 750 nt, OR509733) shared the highest nt identity at 92.4% to tobacco leaf curl Yunnan virus isolate YN5741 (TbLCYNV‐YN5741 [CN:Yn:Age:16], MN218671). A satellite molecule (1, 339 nt, OR509734) shared the highest nt identity at 86.5% to tobacco curly shoot betasatellite isolate Y115 (TbCSB‐Y115 [CN:Yn:03], AJ457822). Another satellite molecule (1, 357 nt, OR509735) shared the highest nt identity at 94.2% to ageratum yellow vein Singapore alphasatellite (AYVSGA‐[Singapore:1998], NC003414). Based on the threshold for classification of Begomovirus, Betasatellite, Alphasatellite, YN‐2023 was a new strain of TbLCYNV and associated with TbCSB and AYVSGA. To our best knowledge, this is the first report that C. canadensis is a natural host of TbLCYNV.
The echocardiographic pulmonary to left atrial ratio: A noninvasive variable for the hemodynamic classification of pulmonary hypertension in dogs
Authors: Corda Andrea , Corda Francesca , Pentcheva Plamena , Puci Mariangela , Mollica Alessandra , Gomez Ochoa Pablo , Dabbagh Thouraya , Pinna Parpaglia Maria Luisa
Published: May 2024

Background

Hemodynamic classification of pulmonary hypertension (PH) has important clinical implications. However, only a few echocardiographic variables have been used to hemodynamically classify PH in dogs.

Objective

To evaluate the echocardiographic pulmonary to left atrial ratio index (ePLAR) in dogs with PH.

Animals

Forty‐six dogs with intermediate to high probability of PH.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study. Variables were compared between dogs with precapillary PH [PrePH (n = 24)] vs postcapillary PH [PostPH (n = 22)], and with combined PH [CombPH (n = 14)] vs isolated PH [IsoPH (n = 8)] using the t‐, Mann‐Whitney, Pearson's Chi, or Fisher's exact test. The receiver operating characteristic curve and Youden index were used to identify the optimal ePLAR cutoff value to differentiate among the groups, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to determine the reliability of measurements.

Results

The mean (SD) ePLAR of the PrePH was higher than that of the PostPH group [0.36 (0.13) vs 0.26 (0.09), respectively; P = .005]. The median (interquartile range) ePLAR of the CombPH was higher than that of the IsoPH subgroup [0.29 (0.24‐0.38), vs 0.20 (0.16‐0.23), respectively; P = .001]. The best cutoff value of ePLAR for identifying IsoPH was <0.245 [AUC at cutoff point = 0.86; sensitivity (95% confidence interval [CI]) = 0.71 (0.47‐0.95); specificity (95% CI) = 1 (0.76‐1)]. The ICC analysis indicated a high degree of reliability.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

ePLAR can be considered a valid noninvasive variable to hemodynamically classify PH in dogs with an intermediate to high probability of PH. Assessment of ePLAR can be useful in the therapeutic management of PH in dogs.
Less work and higher tax can raise wellbeing
Authors: FitzRoy Felix , Jin Jim
Published: May 2024

Worktime has been falling slowly though real wages have risen dramatically. We show that in a general equilibrium model with CES utility and production functions, worktime falls with real wages if and only if the elasticity of substitution between consumption and leisure is less than that between capital and labour, but always rises with labour's income share and concerns with relative income. While a falling labour share may not reduce worktime due to market inflexibility, stronger income comparison increases inefficient overwork. Hence, more flexibility, higher income taxes and a basic income are needed to reduce working hours and raise social welfare.
Black cemeteries as archives
Authors: Klugh Elgin L.
Published: May 2024

This commentary argues for the recognition and preservation of historic black cemeteries as primary components within associated archival networks. Such networks include death certificates, historic newspapers, maps, church records, oral histories, and a host of other conventional and nonconventional sources. These sources, when viewed in tandem, work to corroborate and provide insights into other sources and spur new investigations. As the primary components of such networks, both extant cemeteries and burial grounds hidden within the landscape can be utilized as active sites for research, education, and commemoration. This place‐based remembrance encourages the identification and retrieval of local histories and works to increase the number of individuals interested and involved in preservation efforts.
Renal thrombotic microangiopathy is associated with poor renal survival in children with immunoglobulin A nephropathy
Authors: Yang Meng , Wang Le , Sun Xiong‐Fei , Yin Dong‐Qi
Published: May 2024

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine the clinical and pathological characteristics as well as the prognosis of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) accompanied by renal thrombotic microangiopathy (rTMA) in paediatric patients.

Methods

After balancing epidemiological characteristics and pathological types between groups, 427 patients (rTMA group: 23, non‐rTMA group: 46) were included. The clinical and pathological features, prognosis and clinical risk factors of the two groups were analysed.

Results

IgAN‐rTMA children showed more severe clinical and pathological manifestations. The findings from the logistic regression analysis indicated that hypercellularity 1 (E1) (HR: 0.805, 95% CI: 0.763 ~ 1.452, P = .016), endocapillary proliferation (HR: 1.214, 95% CI: 0.093 ~ 4.815, P = .025) and C3 staining (HR: 7.554, 95% CI: 2.563 ~ 15.729, P = .037) were the risk factors for rTMA in children with IgAN. The renal survival in rTMA group was lower than non‐rTMA group (χ2 = 18.467, P = .000). Cox regression analysis showed that E1 (HR: 7.441, 95% CI: 1.095 ~ 10.768, P = .037), C3 disposition (HR: 3.414, 95% CI: 0.834 ~ 11.578, P = .027) and rTMA (HR: 8.918, 95% CI: 1.032 ~ 16.754, P = .041) were identified as independent risk factors for the development of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD).

Conclusion

The presence of rTMA had a significant impact on the severity and prognosis of IgAN. And rTMA has been identified as an independent risk factor for the development of renal failure in children diagnosed with IgAN.

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Nectar and floral morphology differ in evolutionary potential in novel pollination environments
Authors: Romero‐Bravo Andrés , Castellanos Maria Clara
Published: May 2024

Plants can evolve rapidly after pollinator changes, but the response of different floral traits to novel selection can vary. Floral morphology is often expected to show high integration to maintain pollination accuracy, while nectar traits can be more environmentally sensitive. The relative role of genetic correlations and phenotypic plasticity (PP) in floral evolution remains unclear, particularly for nectar traits, and can be studied in the context of recent pollinator changes.

Digitalis purpurea shows rapid recent evolution of corolla morphology but not nectar traits following a range expansion with hummingbirds added as pollinators. We use this species to compare PP, heritability, evolvability and integration of floral morphology and nectar in a common garden.

Morphological traits showed higher heritability than nectar traits, and the proximal section of the corolla, which regulates access to nectar and underwent rapid change in introduced populations, presented lower integration than the rest of the floral phenotype. Nectar was more plastic than morphology, driven by highly plastic sugar concentration. Nectar production rate showed high potential to respond to selection.

These results explain the differential rapid evolution of floral traits previously observed in this species and show how intrafloral modularity determines variable evolutionary potential in morphological and nectar traits.
Insights into spinach domestication from genome sequences of two wild spinach progenitors, Spinacia turkestanica and Spinacia tetrandra
Authors: She Hongbing , Liu Zhiyuan , Xu Zhaosheng , Zhang Helong , Wu Jian , Wang Xiaowu , Cheng Feng , Charlesworth Deborah , Qian Wei
Published: May 2024

Cultivated spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a dioecious species. We report high‐quality genome sequences for its two closest wild relatives, Spinacia turkestanica and Spinacia tetrandra, which are also dioecious, and are used to study the genetics of spinach domestication.

Using a combination of genomic approaches, we assembled genomes of both these species and analyzed them in comparison with the previously assembled S. oleracea genome.

These species diverged c. 6.3 million years ago (Ma), while cultivated spinach split from S. turkestanica 0.8 Ma. In all three species, all six chromosomes include very large gene‐poor, repeat‐rich regions, which, in S. oleracea, are pericentromeric regions with very low recombination rates in both male and female genetic maps. We describe population genomic evidence that the similar regions in the wild species also recombine rarely. We characterized 282 structural variants (SVs) that have been selected during domestication. These regions include genes associated with leaf margin type and flowering time. We also describe evidence that the downy mildew resistance loci of cultivated spinach are derived from introgression from both wild spinach species.

Collectively, this study reveals the genome architecture of spinach assemblies and highlights the importance of SVs during the domestication of cultivated spinach.
Spindle cell carcinoma of the maxillary antrum presenting in the oral cavity: A case report
Authors: O'Gorman Conor , Tran Christina , Willis Amanda
Published: May 2024

Background

Spindle cell carcinoma is a rare biphasic malignancy consisting of epithelial and mesenchymal components. It is a poorly differentiated variant of squamous cell carcinoma accounting for less than 2% of intraoral tumours, with only 69 cases reported in the literature. Clinical presentation may vary from exophytic tumours to infiltrating ulceration in the oral mucosa. Atypical presentation and erractic behaviour of these tumours mean management can be challenging, therefore prompt diagnosis and treatment are required to address the significant morbidity and mortality associated with this disease.

Case Presentation

A 49‐year‐old patient presented to the oral medicine clinic reporting pain affecting the left side of their palate and cheek. Prior to their attendance, they were assessed by their general medical practitioner and neurologist; however, a trial of various medications resulted in no improvement in their symptoms. Intra‐oral examination revealed an ulcer in the left hard palate with underlying visible maxillary bone. A subsequent biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of spindle cell carcinoma, and the patient received radiotherapy with adjuvant chemotherapy. Further imaging revealed distant metastasis in the right lung and treatment was changed to palliative immunotherapy. Follow‐up imaging has shown lung nodules to be stable, and the patient remains under review with the regional head and neck cancer team.

Conclusions

We report a rare case of intra‐oral spindle cell carcinoma diagnosed from a palatal lesion, which has only been reported in four cases previously at this site. Despite preceding encounters with multiple medical professionals, it is not clear whether an intra‐oral examination was carried out which may have established the diagnosis earlier. It emphasizes the importance of full head & neck examination, including intraoral examination in presentations of unexplained and intractable orofacial pain.
Mid‐term Clinical Outcomes of “Light Bulb” Core Decompression with Arthroscopic Assistance in Peri‐collapse Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head: A Retrospective Comparative Study
Authors: Yang Jibin , Sun Pengpeng , Liu Ziming , Li Yuwan , Zhang Jun , Liu Yi , Zou Gang
Published: May 2024

Objective

Nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is commonly encountered in orthopedics. Without early clinical intervention, most patients with peri‐collapse of the ONFH will develop femoral head necrosis and eventually require hip replacement surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate clinical outcomes in patients with ONFH who underwent “light bulb” core decompression (CD) with arthroscopic assistance and to compare them with the outcomes of those treated with traditional procedures.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients with Stage II and IIIA (Peri‐collapse) radiographic findings based on the Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stage for ONFH who underwent “light bulb” CD with or without arthroscopic assistance by a single‐surgeon team between March 2014 and December 2018 was performed. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 2 years. The visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, Harris hip score (HHS), and radiological imaging were evaluated. The categorical parameters were analyzed by chi‐square test and the continuous variables conforming to a normal distribution were analyzed by Student's t‐test.

Results

The study included a total of 39 patients (18 and 21 patients in the with and without arthroscopic assistance groups, respectively), with a mean age of 40.3 years and a mean follow‐up of 22.2 months. Overall, there was a better VAS score in the arthroscopic assistance group than in the control group (p < 0.05), There was a significant difference in HHS (80.1 ± 9.2 vs 75.1 ± 12.7) at the last follow‐up (p < 0.05). The rate of good and excellent outcomes was 94%. Similarly, there was no significant difference in the total rate of complications or conversion to THA.

Conclusion

With arthroscopic assistance, “light bulb” CD could be achieved via hip arthroscopy with less trauma, and it offered the opportunity for more precise evaluation and monitoring for therapy and yielded better VAS scores after surgery and better hip function outcomes at the last follow‐up.
Socrates' Final Argument in Apology
Authors: Taylor Mark Robert
Published: May 2024

Socrates provides an argument at the end of the Apology that he believes gives hope that death is a blessing. This argument, grounded on the claim that death is one of two things, has been the subject of much derision and some recent defense. In this essay, I build on the work of other sympathetic commentators to show that Socrates' argument, when taken in context, not only makes good sense, but unifies Socrates' speech into a cohesive exhortation toward virtue.
Who seeks care and for what reasons at a nurse‐led walk‐in center in an immigrant‐dense area—A quantitative survey
Authors: Hjelm Katarina , Hadziabdic Emina
Published: May 2024

Objective

To describe who seeks care and for what reasons at a nurse‐led primary healthcare walk‐in center in an immigrant‐dense area. Studies evaluating the use of nurse‐led walk‐in centers in primary healthcare, emphasizing migrants, are limited. Due to language difficulties and a healthcare system based on telephone consultations, access to care is limited/problematic for the care seeker and the healthcare provider. The center aims to provide migrants and Swedish‐born persons equal access to primary healthcare. Care was integrated into a healthcare center with a multi‐professional environment, offering Arabic and Somali interpreters.

Design

Cross‐sectional descriptive registry study.

Sample

All consecutive patients visiting during 1‐month.

Results

Most individuals (70%) seeking care at the nurse‐led walk‐in center were non‐European migrants from Syria, Iraq and Somalia, but Swedish‐born persons (30%) also consulted the clinic. Women, middle‐aged, and lower‐educated patients dominated. Reasons for seeking care included different kinds of pain, ear/nose/throat issues, and skin problems. Migrants prioritized non‐specific pain and dizziness/headaches, while Swedes sought help primarily for upper respiratory tract infections. About 25% of the migrants needed interpreters, mostly females.

Conclusion

The nurse‐led walk‐in center provides accessible care in a multi‐professional team, if needed, serving migrants and Swedish‐born persons, promoting equal healthcare for all.
Effect of acceptance and commitment therapy‐based interventions on mental health and cognitive impairment for patients with advanced colorectal cancer
Authors: Ali Eman Abdeen , Khedr Mahmoud Abdelwahab , Alabdullah Amany Anwar Saeed , Farghaly Abdelaliem Sally Mohammed , El‐Ashry Ayman Mohamed
Published: May 2024

Background

The mental and emotional health of persons diagnosed with cancer is frequently affected. The acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is one of the psychological interventions that has proven successful in easing these psychological symptoms and enhancing cancer patients' psychological well‐being.

Methods

A two‐arm randomized controlled trial study was utilized, 30 eligible clients with colorectal cancer were chosen randomly and were given ACT therapy at a 1:1 ratio. ACT was delivered in six sessions for 3 weeks, followed by 3 months follow‐up.

Results

The table shows a statistically significant increase in the mean scores of the mental health and its flourishing level among the study group than those of the control group. Cognitive impairment was significantly decreased among the study group than for those in the control group.

Conclusion

The ACT‐based interventions may be a promising approach for improving mental health and cognitive function in cancer patients, particularly those with advanced disease.
Copresent jurisdictions: Spirits, theopolitics, and the rise of Akan spirituality in the United States
Authors: Coyle Rosen Lauren
Published: May 2024

Akan spirituality, originally from Ghana, has risen in popularity in the United States since the 1960s and recently has expanded, as shrine houses grow. Akan spiritualists promote reconnecting to ancestors and spiritualists in Ghana, and they offer spiritual avenues for pursuing healing and justice, particularly for African Americans and other diasporic Africans. This article draws on extensive collaborative ethnographic research with a prominent shrine house in Maryland and its ties to a key shrine in Larteh, Ghana. It foregrounds two elder priestesses, focusing on their spiritual governance and work in the realms of healing, adjudication, policing, and protection. They serve in these ways within their spiritual communities and sometimes alongside or with state institutions, or as an antidote to them. This article advances a new concept called copresent jurisdictions—here, defined as Akan spiritual assemblages ofAbosom(exalted spirits), ancestors, priestesses, priests, and spiritualists who operate with their own spiritual laws and authorities within their sacred communities and in relation to state institutions. It argues that these copresent jurisdictions offer alternative pathways of law, politics, spirituality, and justice within the contexts of imperiled democratic orders. Copresent jurisdictions expand current theoretical debates over theopolitics, postjuristocratic transitions, cosmopolitical assemblages, and transnational copresences.
Exploring Synergistic Effects of Levan and Levan‐MetabolizingBacillaceae in Promoting Growth and Enhancing Immunity of Tomato and Wheat
Authors: Jiao Jiao , Tran‐Minh Trang , Nasir Anam , Guo Qinggang , Stülke Jörg , Visnapuu Triinu , De Zutter Noémie , De Coninck Barbara , Van den Ende Wim
Published: May 2024

Boosting plant immunity by priming agents can lower agrochemical dependency in plant production. Levan and levan‐derived oligosaccharides (LOS) act as priming agents against biotic stress in several crops. Additionally, beneficial microbes can promote plant growth and protect against fungal diseases. This study assessed possible synergistic effects caused by levan, LOS and five levan‐ and LOS‐metabolizing Bacillaceae (Bacillus and Priestia) strains in tomato and wheat. Leaf and seed defense priming assays were conducted in non‐soil (semi‐sterile substrate) and soil‐based systems, focusing on tomato‐Botrytis cinerea and wheat‐Magnaporthe oryzae Triticum (MoT) pathosystems. In the non‐soil system, seed defense priming with levan, the strains (especially Bacillus velezensis GA1), or their combination significantly promoted tomato growth and protection against B. cinerea. While no growth stimulatory effects were observed for wheat, disease protective effects were also observed in the wheat‐MoT pathosystem. When grown in soil and subjected to leaf defense priming, tomato plants co‐applied with levan and the bacterial strains showed increased resistance to B. cinerea compared with plants treated with levan or single strains, and these effects were synergistic in some cases. For seed defense priming in soil, more synergistic effects on disease tolerance were observed in a non‐fertilized soil as compared to a fertilized soil, suggesting that potential prebiotic effects of levan are more prominent in poor soils. The potential of using combinations of Bacilliaceae and levan in sustainable agriculture is discussed.
Association between workplace interpersonal relationships and psychological distress among care workers at elder care facilities
Authors: Takeda Shinya , Fukuzaki Toshiki
Published: May 2024

Background

As the number of older people requiring care continues to increase across the globe, maintaining care workers' mental health is an important task for all countries. This study examines the association between interpersonal relationships at work and psychological distress among care workers at elder care facilities in Japan.

Methods

This study was a secondary data analysis of cross‐sectional data. There were 406 participants who were analyzed. Questions consisted of demographic variables, psychological distress, interpersonal problems in the workplace, and intention to improve interpersonal relationships. Psychological distress was evaluated using the Japanese version of the K6 scale. Factors related to psychological distress were identified by logistic regression analysis.

Results

Prevalence of psychological distress was 53.2%. Care workers experiencing interpersonal problems in the workplace were 5.95 (95% CI: 3.82–9.43) times more likely to experience psychological distress than care workers without such problems. Moreover, those who displayed an intention to improve their interpersonal relationships were 0.33 times (95% CI: 0.15–0.71) less likely to experience psychological distress than those who did not.

Conclusions

This study found there is a strong association between workplace interpersonal relationships and psychological distress among care workers at elder care facilities. Therefore, experiencing interpersonal problems in the workplace may be a risk factor for psychological distress, and displaying an intention to improve one's interpersonal relationships may attenuate psychological distress.
Association between serum mineral levels and reproductive performance in primiparous dairy cows during the peripartum period
Authors: Muiño Rodrigo , Castillo Cristina , Hernandez Joaquín , Yeste Marc , Benedito José L.
Published: May 2024

To the best of the authors' knowledge, no study has previously investigated whether the concentration of minerals is related to reproductive outcomes in primiparous cows. For this reason, two objectives were set in the present study: (i) to assess serum mineral levels, macrominerals, and trace elements during the transition period (period of high nutritional requirements) in primiparous cows, considering reproductive efficiency, and (ii) to address if the serum mineral levels of primiparous cows are related to reproductive efficiency. Blood samples were taken (i) one month before calving, (ii) one week before calving, (iii) one week postpartum, and (iv) one month postpartum. At the beginning and the end of the study, a body condition score (BCS) was assigned to each lactating cow with no clinical signs of disease. The difference between one month before and one month after calving was the body condition loss (ΔBCS). Optimal prepartum concentrations of K and Cl were associated with fewer days open and a shorter interval calving. Furthermore, macrominerals in the serum decreased immediately after calving (one week) but recovered at one month postpartum. In contrast, the highest concentration of trace elements was found at one week postpartum. Primiparous cows with higher postpartum Se, Mn, Co, and Mo concentrations exhibited better reproductive efficiency, and the concentrations of trace elements in serum were correlated with interval calving and the number of inseminations. Finally, primiparous cows with a greater ΔBCS (at least one point) in period 4 exhibited both a longer calving interval and a greater number of days open. In summary, this study showed, for the first time in primiparous cows, that the concentration of some serum minerals not only plays a crucial role during the transition period but is also related to crucial reproductive parameters, such as interval calving and days open.
Administering and encountering the poor: Poverty from above and below in Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Hassan Noor Hasharina , Rigg Jonathan , Yong Gabriel Y.V. , Azalie Izni A. , Muhammad Shamsul Mohammad Addy Shahril , Zainuddin Nurul Hazirah
Published: May 2024

In this paper we argue that there is a ‘missing middle’ between policies to ameliorate poverty of those in need and the experience of poverty. Drawing on interviews with respondent poor(er) households in Brunei's ‘water village’ of Kampong Ayer and with officials and local leaders, the paper details a complex and well‐funded system of support for those in need. It then shows how this impressive architecture of welfare does not always meet the needs of those it seeks to support. Through rendering poverty technical, policies implicitly ascribe persistent destitution as arising from the failure of the poor to take advantage of the opportunities made available to them. The paper suggests that this gap could be bridged by giving non‐governmental organizations (NGOs), social enterprises and informal businesses a greater role in the delivery of support. Kampong Ayer's experience has its parallels in other places and situations: the tendency to bureaucratize poverty and its amelioration; the desire to simplify poverty but complicate programmes for poverty eradication; and the expectation that the onus for adaptation should be on—and with—the poor. When the poor fail to adapt and to respond in the manner desired, they are blamed for their enduring poverty.
The relevance and accuracy of an AI algorithm‐based descriptor on 23 facial attributes in a diverse female US population
Authors: Yu Zhi , Flament Frederic , Jiang Ruowei , Houghton Jeff , Kroely Camille , Cabut Nathalie , Haykal Diala , Sehgal Cassidy , Jablonski Nina G , Jean Aurelie , Aarabi Parham
Published: May 2024

Background

The response of AI in situations that mimic real life scenarios is poorly explored in populations of high diversity.

Objective

To assess the accuracy and validate the relevance of an automated, algorithm‐based analysis geared toward facial attributes devoted to the adornment routines of women.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study, two diversified groups presenting similar distributions such as age, ancestry, skin phototype, and geographical location was created from the selfie images of 1041 female in a US population. 521 images were analyzed as part of a new training dataset aimed to improve the original algorithm and 520 were aimed to validate the performance of the AI. From a total 23 facial attributes (16 continuous and 7 categorical), all images were analyzed by 24 make‐up experts and by the automated descriptor tool.

Results

For all facial attributes, the new and the original automated tool both surpassed the grading of the experts on a diverse population of women. For the 16 continuous attributes, the gradings obtained by the new system strongly correlated with the assessment made by make‐up experts (r ≥ 0.80; p < 0.0001) and supported by a low error rate. For the seven categorical attributes, the overall accuracy of the AI‐facial descriptor was improved via enrichment of the training dataset. However, some weaker performance in spotting specific facial attributes were noted.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the AI‐automatic facial descriptor tool was deemed accurate for analysis of facial attributes for diverse women although some skin complexion, eye color, and hair features required some further finetuning.
Optimizing chickpea growth: Unveiling the interplay of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobium for sustainable agriculture
Authors: Yonas Muhammad Waqas , Zawar Shoaib
Published: May 2024

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are beneficial root symbionts that form mutual partnerships with approximately 90% of plants. They provide water, nutrients, and protection from stresses while receiving photosynthetic products from the host plants. These fungi are essential components of the soil ecosystem, and their absence or decline can negatively impact ecosystem efficiency. In chickpea cultivation, the interaction between AMF and rhizobium is vital for soil processes and plant productivity. Alongside other beneficial microorganisms in the rhizosphere, they enhance the acquisition of essential nutrients like nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), promoting chickpea growth and development. These interactions are particularly crucial in low‐input, eco‐friendly agricultural systems that rely on biological processes to sustain soil quality and productivity without heavy use of agrochemicals. The combination of root nodules' N‐fixation and AMF synergism also improves plant P nutrition and stimulates the proliferation of phosphate‐solubilizing fungi. However, genetic diversity among native strains and their genes/enzymes can influence the interactions between AMF and rhizobium. To achieve sustainable chickpea production, it is crucial to gain a deeper understanding of these interactions, allowing optimized combinations of microorganisms to be used as effective soil inoculants for promoting plant growth and fitness. This review aims to provide insights into the mechanistic interactions of AMF and rhizobium, their impact on rhizosphere soil health, and the role of environmental factors in regulating chickpea productivity and sustainability.
Unraveling the relationship between coastal landscapes and sentiments: An integrated approach based on social media data and interpretable machine learning methods
Authors: Cao Haojie , Weng Min , Kang Mengjun , Su Shiliang
Published: May 2024

Coastal landscapes exert a significant impact on the human sentimental perceptions and physical and mental well‐being of people. However, little is known about explicitly linking between the landscape characteristics and people's sentimental preferences expressed in social media data. The main objective of this study was to explore the nonlinear and interaction effects of key factors that influenced sentiments in the coastal areas of Hong Kong, considering both subjective landscape preferences and objective landscape patterns. We quantified users' sentiment polarity based on the crowdsourcing textual data of Flickr. To study users' subjective landscape preferences, we computed various visual landscape objects' proportion in images. Meanwhile, eight user clusters and nine image clusters were detected by the identified visual object labels. We quantified objective landscape patterns considering the land use pattens and the availability of public service facilities. Finally, we utilized an interpretable classification model to analyze the factors that may affect sentiments and their interplay interactions. We found that ecotourism‐related clusters exhibited the most positive sentiment. The proportion of floor and sky pixels in images exhibits the highest global relative importance when predicting sentiments. This study extends a new insight on the relationship between landscape characteristics and sentiments from both subjective and objective perspectives based on social media data and interpretable machine learning methods. This research may help decision‐makers in designing landscapes that aptly satisfy to the needs of the public and promote sustainable management of the coastal environment.
Molecular insights into expression and silencing of resistance determinants in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Ijaz Muhammad , Sabir Muhammad Jawad , Javed Muhammad Umar , Ahmed Arslan , Rasheed Hamza , Jabir Ali Abdullah
Published: May 2024

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the status of antimicrobial‐resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus in Pakistan, their association in terms of co‐occurrence with the biofilm‐forming genes, resistance profiling and associated discrepancies in diagnostic methods.

Methodology

A total of 384 milk samples from bovine was collected by using convenient sampling technique and were initially screened for subclinical mastitis, further preceded by isolation and confirmation of S. aureus. The S. aureus isolates were subjected to evaluation of antimicrobial resistance by phenotypic identification using Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method, while the genotypic estimation was done by polymerase chain reaction to declare isolates as methicillin, beta‐lactam, vancomycin, tetracycline, and aminoglycoside resistant S. aureus (MRSA, BRSA, VRSA, TRSA, and ARSA), respectively.

Results

The current study revealed an overall prevalence of subclinical mastitis and S. aureus to be 59.11% and 46.69%, respectively. On a phenotypic basis, the prevalence of MRSA, BRSA, VRSA, TRSA, and ARSA was found to be 44.33%, 58.49%, 20.75%, 35.84%, and 30.18%, respectively. The results of PCR analysis showed that 46.80% of the tested isolates were declared as MRSA, 37.09% as BRSA, and 36.36% as VRSA, while the occurrence of TRSA and ARSA was observed in 26.31% and 18.75%, respectively. The current study also reported the existence of biofilm‐producing genes (icaA and icaD) in 49.06% and 40.57% isolates, respectively. Lastly, this study also reported a high incidence of discrepancies for both genotypic and phenotypic identification methods of resistance evaluation, with the highest discrepancy ratio for the accA‐aphD gene, followed by tetK, vanB, blaZ, and mecA genes.

Conclusion

The study concluded that different antibiotic resistance strains of S. aureus are prevalent in study districts with high potential to transmit between human populations. The study also determined that there are multiple resistance determinants and mechanisms that are responsible for the silencing and expression of antibiotic resistance genes.
Evaluation of nutritional status using the minimum dietary diversity for women of reproductive age (MDD‐W) tool in breastfeeding mothers in Madagascar
Authors: Rotella Rosita , Soriano José M. , Peraita‐Costa Isabel , Llopis‐González Agustín , Morales‐Suarez‐Varela María
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Women of reproductive age in low‐income countries are especially nutritionally vulnerable given the strain that pregnancy and lactation places on the body. The aim of this study was to identify dietary diversity and its associated factors among mothers with young children.

Methods

It is a cross‐sectional study conducted in Ampefy, Madagascar from 1 November 2022 to 31 March 2023. Dietary diversity was determined using the minimum dietary diversity for women of reproductive age tool. Data were collected through face‐to‐face interviews using validated structured questionnaires, and anthropometric status was examined. Frequencies and percentages were calculated, and the comparison of variables was performed between mothers with acceptable and unacceptable dietary diversity using the chi‐square test for qualitative variables. A logistic regression analysis was also conducted.

Results

A total of 437 mothers with young children participated in the study, resulting in a response rate of 95.0%. The mean age of the participants was 25.84 years (SD = 6.30). The study revealed that 32.95% of participants had unacceptable dietary diversity scores and the associated profile included low education, no transport, homebirth not by personal choice, not breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, not breastfeed exclusively for 6 months, no dietary changes during pregnancy or lactation, and no use of folic acid supplements.

Conclusion

This study's findings underscore the importance of providing nutrition information to women, in order to improve dietary diversity and overall maternal and child health.
In vivo genotoxicity assessment of N‐(‐9 acridinyl)‐b‐alanine hydrochloride (S‐300) using a validated Pig‐a mutagenesis assay
Authors: North Anne , Ling Katherine , Ricaud Guillaume , Stankowski Leon F. , Daly Jennifer A. , Bentow Stanley , Corash Laurence , Benjamin Richard J. , Mufti Nina
Published: May 2024

Background

N‐(‐9 acridinyl)‐b‐alanine hydrochloride (S‐300) is the main byproduct of red blood cell (RBC) amustaline/glutathione(GSH) pathogen reduction, currently undergoing phase III US clinical trials following successful European studies(1–3). Phosphatidylinositol glycan, class A (Pig‐a) X‐linked gene mutagenesis is a validated mammalian in vivo mutation assay for genotoxicity, assessed as clonal loss of glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐linked CD59 cell‐surface molecules on reticulocytes (RETs) and RBCs.

Methods

Male Sprague–Dawley rats received continuous infusion of S‐300 up to the maximum feasible dose (240 mg/kg/day—limited by solubility and volume) for 28 days. Positive controls received a known mutagen by oral gavage on Days 1–3. Plasma levels of S‐300 were assessed by HPLC before, during and after infusion. CD59‐negative RBCs and RETs were enumerated in pre‐dose and Day 28 samples, using a flow cytometric method. Outcome was evaluated by predetermined criteria using concurrent and historical controls. Toxicity was assessed by laboratory measures and necropsy.

Results

S‐300 reached maximum, dose‐dependent levels (3–15 μmol/L) within 2–8 h that were sustained for 672 h and undetectable 2 h after infusion. Circulating RET levels indicated a lack of hematopoietic toxicity. Necropsy revealed minimal‐mild observations related to poor S‐300 solubility at high concentrations. Pig‐a assessment met the preset acceptability criteria and revealed no increase in mutant RBCs or RETs.

Conclusions

Maximum feasible S‐300 exposure of rats by continuous infusion for 28 days was not genotoxic as assessed by an Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development‐compliant, mammalian, in vivo Pig‐a gene mutation assay that meets the requirements of International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) S2(R1) and FDA guidances on genotoxicity testing.
Promoting Cognitive Engagement using Technology Enhanced Book-End Method in Online Active Learning Strategies
Authors: Azizan Mohammad Tazli
Published: May 2024

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of active learning methodologies and technology tools in enhancing cognitive engagement among students in an online learning environment. Traditional teaching methods may not be sufficient to be replicated to engage students in online learning, which may lead to lower levels of cognitive engagement and reduced learning outcomes. Thus, it is essential to explore how technology tools and active learning strategy can be used to enhance cognitive engagement in online learning.  This study involves the implementation of book-end method in active learning strategy and the adoption of technology tools such as Mentimeter, Padlet, Zoom or Microsoft Teams with breakout function and Canva in online classes. The theory of constructive alignment, how people learn (HPL) framework and scaffolding strategies are employed to ensure a seamless harmony between the provided activities and assessments. The students had to reflect their experience in this online learning classes and thematic analysis was conducted deductively using pre-determined themes based on cognitive engagement theory to analyse whether the students were cognitively engaged during the online lessons. The findings of this study indicate that book-end approach in active learning using higher order thinking skills activities and technology tools can significantly enhance cognitive engagement among students in online learning. The use of recaps infused with Mentimeter and breakout sessions powered by Zoom or MS Teams and Canva as the intermittent discussions tools, contribute to improved cognitive engagement. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of using active learning methodologies and technology tools to enhance cognitive engagement in online learning. The findings suggest that educators should incorporate these tools and methodologies into their teaching practices to improve learning outcomes in online classes.
Experimental Study on Interface Thermal Resistance of Heat Dissipation Channel in Low-Temperature Detector
Authors: Li Shijun , Wu Shaojun , Lv Shimeng , Xie Teng
Published: May 2024

To achieve a good heat dissipation effect in the heat dissipation channel of the low-temperature detector, it is necessary to study the thermal conductivity performance of GD414C and indium foil between detector and thermal conductive aluminum block. Based on the experimental principle and referring to the ASTM D-5470 testing method, a set of interface thermal resistance experimental testing equipment is designed. The experiment comparatively studies the relationship between the temperature difference between detector and thermal conductive aluminum block (TCAB) under different power and thermal conductive fillers. The experimental results show that when GD414C is filled between detector and thermal conductive aluminum block, the total thermal resistance is 0.728 ℃/W. When 0.1-mm-thick indium foil is filled, the total thermal resistance is 0.235 ℃/W. When 0.2-mm-thick indium foil is filled, the total thermal resistance is 0.123 ℃/W. Therefore, 0.2-mm-thick indium foil should be selected as the thermal conductive filler.
Impact of Low Freestream Turbulence and Surface Roughness on the Flat-Plate Boundary Layer Transition Under a High-Lift Airfoil Pressure Gradient
Authors: Jeong Heechan , Song Seung Jin
Published: May 2024

Effects of low incoming freestream turbulence level (Tu < 1%) and surface roughness on the transition of flat-plate boundary layers under a high-lift airfoil pressure gradient have been investigated. Time-resolved streamwise and wall-normal velocity fields with surface roughness values of Ra/C = 0.065 × 10−5, 4.417 × 10−5, and 7.428 × 10−5 have been measured at a fixed Reynolds number of 5.2 × 105 and freestream turbulence intensity of 0.2%. For the reference smooth surface of Ra/C = 0.065 × 10−5, a laminar separation bubble forms from about 64% to 83% of the chord length. Increasing surface roughness has little impact on the laminar boundary layer separation onset but reduces the height and length of the separation bubble and induces earlier transition. For Ra/C = 4.417 × 10−5, displacement thickness during transition is slightly thinner and the overall momentum deficit is slightly lower than those for Ra/C = 0.065 × 10−5. For Ra/C = 7.428 × 10−5, the separation bubble becomes hardly visible as the transition mode approaches the attached mode, and turbulent mixing by the wall-bounded turbulence becomes dominant. In addition, the portion of turbulent wetted area increases due to earlier transition, and momentum deficit increases more rapidly in the turbulent wetted area. Thus, the overall momentum deficit for Ra/C = 7.428 × 10−5 is larger than that for Ra/C = 0.065 × 10−5.
Comparing perception of L1 and L2 English by human listeners and machines: Effect of interlocutor adaptations
Authors: Vonessen Jules , Aoki Nicholas B. , Cohn Michelle , Zellou Georgia
Published: May 2024

Speakers tailor their speech to different types of interlocutors. For example, speech directed to voice technology has different acoustic-phonetic characteristics than speech directed to a human. The present study investigates the perceptual consequences of human- and device-directed registers in English. We compare two groups of speakers: participants whose first language is English (L1) and bilingual L1 Mandarin-L2 English talkers. Participants produced short sentences in several conditions: an initial production and a repeat production after a human or device guise indicated either understanding or misunderstanding. In experiment 1, a separate group of L1 English listeners heard these sentences and transcribed the target words. In experiment 2, the same productions were transcribed by an automatic speech recognition (ASR) system. Results show that transcription accuracy was highest for L1 talkers for both human and ASR transcribers. Furthermore, there were no overall differences in transcription accuracy between human- and device-directed speech. Finally, while human listeners showed an intelligibility benefit for coda repair productions, the ASR transcriber did not benefit from these enhancements. Findings are discussed in terms of models of register adaptation, phonetic variation, and human-computer interaction.
Acoustic analysis of English tense and lax vowels: Comparing the production between Mandarin Chinese learners and native English speakers
Authors: Feng Hui , Wang Lijuan
Published: May 2024

This study investigated how 40 Chinese learners of English as a foreign language (EFL learners) differed from 40 native English speakers in the production of four English tense-lax contrasts, /i-ɪ/, /u-ʊ/, /ɑ-ʌ/, and /æ-ε/, by examining the acoustic measurements of duration, the first three formant frequencies, and the slope of the first formant movement (F1 slope). The dynamic formant trajectory was modeled using discrete cosine transform coefficients to demonstrate the time-varying properties of formant trajectories. A discriminant analysis was employed to illustrate the extent to which Chinese EFL learners relied on different acoustic parameters. This study found that: (1) Chinese EFL learners overemphasized durational differences and weakened spectral differences for the /i-ɪ/, /u-ʊ/, and /ɑ-ʌ/ pairs, although they maintained sufficient spectral differences for /æ-ε/. In contrast, native English speakers predominantly used spectral differences across all four pairs; (2) in non-low tense-lax contrasts, unlike native English speakers, Chinese EFL learners failed to exhibit different F1 slope values, indicating a non-nativelike tongue-root placement during the articulatory process. The findings underscore the contribution of dynamic spectral patterns to the differentiation between English tense and lax vowels, and reveal the influence of precise articulatory gestures on the realization of the tense-lax contrast.