bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A positive association between food insecurity and the prevalence of overactive bladder in U.S. adults
Authors: Xiao Yunfei , Yin Shan , Bai Yunjin , Wang Jiahao , Cui Jianwei , Yang Yaqing , Wang Jia
Published: January 2024

Objective

This study aims to examine the correlation between overactive bladder (OAB) and food insecurity.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis utilizing extensive population data derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2018. The status of Household food insecurity is evaluated by the US Food Security Survey Module. To explore the relationship between food insecurity and OAB, three multivariable logistic regression models were carried out. Additionally, interaction and stratified analyses were also performed to find whether some factors have the potential to alter the correlation.

Results

There were 29,129 participants enrolled in the study. Compared to the other three groups, individuals with full food security exhibited a lower proportion of nocturia, urinary urgency incontinence, and OAB. In the fully-adjusted model, it was found that people experiencing food insecurity have a significantly higher prevalence of OAB compared to those with food security in the fully-adjusted model (OR = 1.540, 95%CI 1.359–1.745). Additionally, there was a significant association between the levels of food insecurity and an increased risk of OAB prevalence was also observed (marginal food security: OR = 1.312, low food security: OR = 1.559, and very low food security: OR = 1.759). No significant interaction was seen in the fully-adjusted model.

Conclusion

There is a strong positive correlation between food insecurity and the prevalence of OAB. Similarly, the correlation between levels of food insecurity and OAB also indicates the same trend. Namely, the more insecure food, the higher risk of OAB prevalence in the population.
Analysis of influencing factors of serum SCCA elevation in 309 CAP patients with normal CEA,NSE and CYFRA21-1
Authors: Wang Jinghan , Tang Xiao , Liu Xin , Zhang Jing
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA) is one of the auxiliary diagnostic indicators of lung squamous cell carcinoma, and an increase in serum SCCA can predict the occurrence of lung squamous cell carcinoma. However, whether SCCA is also elevated in pneumonia patients without malignancy is still not clear. Therefore, we studied influencing factors of elevated serum SCCA in patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 309 patients who were admitted to the Respiratory department with normal serum Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), Neuron specific enolase (NSE), and Cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA21-1) level and were diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The patients’ serum SCCA level, body temperature, age, sex, white blood cell (WBC) count, hypersensitive C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) level, and serum amyloid A (SAA) were recorded. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the risk factors of SCCA elevation. The dose-response relationship between temperature and risk of SCCA increase was analyzed using Restricted cubic splines (RCS).

Results

Of the 309 patients, 143(46.3%) showed elevated SCCA levels. The logistic regression analysis revealed a significant influence of age and body temperature on elevated SCCA (P<0.05) levels. For every one-year increase in age, the probability of elevated SCCA decreased by 3% [OR=0.97,95%CI:0.95,0.99].For every 1°C increase in body temperature, the risk of elevated SCCA increased by 2.75 times [OR=3.75,95%CI:2.55,5.49].The patients were sorted into quartiles based on body temperature. Compared with patients in the Q1 of body temperature group, patients in the Q3 group were at 7.92 times higher risk [OR=7.92, 95%CI:3.27,19.16].and the risk of elevated SCCA was increased by 22.85 times in the Q4 group [OR=23.85,95%CI:8.38,67.89] after adjusting for age, gender, Hs-CRP, SAA, and WBC. RCS analysis showed there was a linear relationship between temperature index and risk of elevated SCCA.

Conclusion

In summary, for CAP patients with normal CEA,NSE and CYFRA21-1 level, age and body temperature are influencing factors of SCCA elevation. Higher body temperature has a strong association with the occurrence of SCCA elevation.
Application of AI on cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Huang Jianhao , Bai Xuesong , Qiu Yanyu , He Xiaodong
Published: January 2024

Cholangiocarcinoma, classified as intrahepatic, perihilar, and extrahepatic, is considered a deadly malignancy of the hepatobiliary system. Most cases of cholangiocarcinoma are asymptomatic. Therefore, early detection of cholangiocarcinoma is significant but still challenging. The routine screening of a tumor lacks specificity and accuracy. With the application of AI, high-risk patients can be easily found by analyzing their clinical characteristics, serum biomarkers, and medical images. Moreover, AI can be used to predict the prognosis including recurrence risk and metastasis. Although they have some limitations, AI algorithms will still significantly improve many aspects of cholangiocarcinoma in the medical field with the development of computing power and technology.
The development of variable system-based internet of things for the solar greenhouse and its application in lettuce
Authors: Li Lingzhi , Han Furong , Li Jingjing , An Shunwei , Shi Kaili , Zhang Shirui , Zhangzhong Lili
Published: January 2024

The east-west ridge orientation has recently become an important agronomic method to improve mechanization in solar greenhouses. However, these ridge orientation changes shape differences between different ridges in crop water consumption, and there is a lack of research on the regulation and adaptation of water consumption. Therefore, this study introduces a variable irrigation decision-making method based on the Internet of Things management and control system for an east-west ridge orientation. To replenish water on demand, this study seting the variable irrigation decision-making (VRI) methods and traditional average irrigation decision-making (URI) methods in the system, and lettuce cultivation experiments were conducted to verify the effectiveness of the model and system. The results show that the difference of accumulated photosynthetically active radiation is the most significant between different ridges of the east-west ridge orientation, and the coefficient of variation is 43.77 %, which can be used as an activating factor for VRI methods. The irrigation water consumption, yield, water-use efficiencies, and irrigation water utilization of lettuce at different levels of irrigation were 307.12 L/m2, 5854.07 kg·ha-1, 1391.47 kg·ha-1·mm-1, and 7.63 kg·cm-3, respectively. Compared with the URI methods, the VRI method saved 10.02 % of water, increased yield by 9 %, and enhanced water use efficiency and irrigation water use efficiency by 12 % and 21.32 %, respectively. This study provides a new approach for improving crop production efficiency under an east-west ridge orientation.
Effects of nitrogen fertilization combined with subsurface irrigation on alfalfa yield, water and nitrogen use efficiency, quality, and economic benefits
Authors: Ma Hongxiu , Jiang Peng , Zhang Xiaojuan , Ma Wenli , Cai Zhanhong , Sun Quan
Published: January 2024

Proper water and fertilizer management strategies are essential for alfalfa cultivation in arid areas. However, at present, the optimal amounts of subsurface irrigation and nitrogen (N) supply for alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivation are still unclear. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted in 2022 in Yinchuan, Ningxia, China, to explore the effects of different subsurface irrigation levels (W1, 50% of ETC (crop evapotranspiration); W2, 75% of ETC; W3, 100% of ETC) and N application rates (N0, 0 kg/ha; N1, 75 kg/ha; N2, 150 kg/ha; N3, 225 kg/ha; N4, 300 kg/ha) on alfalfa yield, crop water productivity (CWP), N use efficiency (NUE), quality, and economic benefits. Besides, the least squares method and multiple regression analysis were used to explore the optimal water and N combination for alfalfa cultivation under subsurface irrigation. The results showed that the alfalfa yield, crude ash content, and partial factor productivity from applied N (PFPN) were the highest under W2 level, but there was no difference in PFPN compared with that under W3 level. The branch number (BN), leaf area index (LAI), yield, CWP, irrigation water productivity (IWP), crude protein content (CPC), and economic benefits increased and then decreased with the increase of N application rate, reaching a maximum at the N2 or N3 level, while the NUE and PFPN decreased with the increase of N application rate. Considering the yield, CWP, NUE, quality, and economic benefits, W2N2 treatment was the optimal for alfalfa cultivation under subsurface irrigation. Besides, when the irrigation volume and N application rate were 69.8 ~ 88.7% of ETC and 145 ~ 190 kg/ha, respectively (confidence interval: 85%), the yield, CPC, and economic benefits reached more than 85% of the maximum. This study will provide technique reference for the water and N management in alfalfa cultivation in Northwest China.
Relevance theory and the social realities of communication
Authors: Johnson Marilynn
Published: January 2024

A central tenet of theories of meaning in the Gricean tradition—such as Relevance Theory—is that others will come to believe certain things simply by recognizing our intentions to communicate. In this article I demonstrate that this is not equally the case for all interlocutors; some bear additional burdens. In particular, I argue that this can happen in two ways. First, I demonstrate how a response to persistent testimonial injustice can be understood in terms of Sperber and Wilson’s distinction between meaning-that and showing-that; a speaker who experiences repeated testimonial injustice will often move down the meaning vs. showing continuum. This is a result of a speaker learning that recognition of her intention has not in her experience been sufficient to induce the intended response in the hearer. Secondly, in consideration of social science research around perception of accent prestige and other status cues, I detail further costs borne by those who change their physical appearance and voice to be perceived as more credible. The costs of communication are not equal for all: they are greater for those who face a credibility deficit based in identity prejudice. Overall, by bringing Fricker’s notion of testimonial injustice to bear on Relevance Theory, this article shows how social factors affect the reality of how interlocutors communicate.
Driving behavior characterization and traffic emission analysis considering the vehicle trajectory
Authors: Du Xuejiao , Kang Xiuyun , Gao Yan , Wang Xi
Published: January 2024

Based on the development of the concept of a resource-saving and environmentally friendly society, needing to develop low-carbon and sustainable urban transportation. Most of the pollutants come from the emissions of motor vehicle exhaust. Therefore, this paper analyzes the relationship between driving behavior and traffic emissions, to constrain driver behavior to reduce pollutant emissions. The GPS data are preprocessed by using Navicat for data integration, data screening, data sorting, etc., and then, the speed data are cleaned by using a combination of box-and-line plots and linear interpolation in SPSS. Second, this paper uses principal component analysis (PCA) to downsize 12 indicators such as average speed, average acceleration, and maximum speed and then adopts K-MEANS and K-MEDOIDS methods to cluster the driver’s behavioral indicators, selects the aggregation method based on the clustering indexes optimally, and analyzes the driver’s driving state by using the symbolic approximation aggregation method; finally, according to the above research results and combined with the MOVES traffic emission model to analyze the relationship between the driver’s driving mode, driving state, and traffic emissions, the decision tree can be used to predict the unknown driving mode of the driver to estimate the degree of its emissions.
The Persian version of the body esteem scale among Iranian adolescents: a translation, psychometrics, and network analysis
Authors: Sharif-Nia Hamid , Sivarajan Froelicher Erika , She Long , Jafari-Koulaee Azar , Hejazi Sima , Mosazadeh Hasan , Goudarzian Amir Hossein , Hasan Nejad Ghaem
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The psychometric properties of the body esteem scale have not been assessed in Iran. Therefore, the aim of this study was to translate and determine the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the body esteem scale among Iranian adolescents.

Methods

The sample of this methodological study consisted of 504 adolescents [mean age: 16.55 (SD = 1.54) years] living in Tehran City, Iran. After translation of the scale, its content validity (quantitative and qualitative) and structural (exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis), convergent, and discriminant validity were evaluated. Exploratory graph analysis was performed to determine the number of factors. Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability, and maximal reliability were calculated.

Results

In the content validity evaluation step, all items had acceptable scores and were retained. The results of exploratory factor analysis with Promax rotation and exploratory graph analysis extracted three factors accounting for 49.49% of the variance, comprising 18 items. Furthermore, after necessary modifications during CFA, the final model was approved. Convergent and discriminant validity were confirmed. Cronbach’s alpha, CR, and MaxR for all constructs were greater than 0.7, demonstrating good internal consistency and construct reliability.

Conclusion

According to the results, the Persian version of the body esteem scale has a valid structure and acceptable reliability. Health professionals, in many ways, can use this scale.
The paranormal health beliefs scale: an evaluation using cognitive interviewing
Authors: Denovan Andrew , Dagnall Neil , Drinkwater Kenneth Graham
Published: January 2024

Paranormal health beliefs denote the inclination to endorse illusory supernatural notions about well-being and treatment. These ideations are important since they potentially influence perceptions of health and allied behaviors. Noting this, researchers in Italy developed and verified the Paranormal Health Beliefs Scale (PHBS). Despite initial promising outcomes, the construct and measurement properties of the PHBS have remained under investigated. This is likely due to the fact that the instrument draws heavily on traditional Italian social, political, and religious influences and is overly culturally specific. Hence, items do not generalize well across populations and nationalities. Acknowledging these factors, this study used cognitive interviewing (think aloud protocol and concurrent probing) to assess the suitability of the PHBS for general use. Concurrently, the intention was to identify necessary modifications that would enhance scale performance. Fourteen interviewees (eight males and six females), evenly distributed across two rounds, participated. Round 1 focused on comprehension and perception of the PHBS. Cognitive interviews identified issues with culturally particular content/points of reference, phraseology, and wording. To address these a modified version of the PHBS was produced. Round 2 then examined the effectiveness of changes. Analysis revealed fewer concerns, although difficulties with ambiguity, complex terminology, and response scale appropriateness persisted. Overall, interviews indicated that a focus on illusory (rather than paranormal) health beliefs would improve scale utility. Methodologically, cognitive interviewing provided invaluable insights into the effectiveness of the PHBS and identified ways in which researchers could adapt the instrument for use with other cultures.
Empowering motivation: the journey of wheelchair basketball athletes to overcome constraints
Authors: Sarol Halil
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The aim of this phenomenological study is to determine the motivational factors in the participation of wheelchair basketball players in sports according to Self-Determination Theory.

Methods

The study group of the research was determined by the criterion sampling method, which is one of the purposeful sampling methods. Accordingly, thirteen (13) wheelchair athletes constituted the study group. In the research, a personal information form and a semi-structured interview form were prepared as data collection tools within the framework of the self-determination theory. Interviews were conducted face-to-face with the prepared interview forms. The data were analyzed by reflexive thematic analysis method.

Results

Six (6) themes emerged: constraints, coping strategies, appreciation, positive feedback, need for existence, and development. Sixteen sub-themes related to these themes were identified.

Conclusion

The most significant factors causing a lack of motivation in wheelchair basketball athletes were observed to be structural constraints such as access to materials and facilities. Extrinsic sources of motivation were identified as the positive attitudes and behaviors of individuals in their environment, often related to admiration, appreciation, and being set as an example, and this situation has a positive impact on wheelchair basketball athletes. On the other hand, it can be stated that intrinsic motivations such as identity change, gaining self-confidence, and the feeling of success are crucial in overcoming constraints through sports participation.
Relationships between team characteristics and soldiers’ organizational commitment and well-being: the mediating role of psychological resilience
Authors: Kanapeckaitė Rosita , Bagdžiūnienė Dalia
Published: January 2024

Background

Military operations call for a great deal of readiness and resilience on the part of the soldiers, once confronted with high-stress scenarios. Resilience, in this context, has to do with the ability to effectively cope with the adverse impacts of setbacks and the accompanying stressors, ensuring that overall performance and combat effectiveness remain unhampered. In the modern military context, it is relevant to examine more deeply the phenomenon of soldiers’ resilience, its importance in positive organizational and personal outcomes as well as the role of team factors for the improving of soldiers’ resilience. The study aimed to examine team-level factors that determine soldiers’ psychological resilience and to reveal the mediating role of resilience in the relationships between team factors and organizational commitment and well-being.

Sample

A cross-sectional convenience sample included 422 soldiers on professional military duty in the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

Methods

Data were collected using self-administered questionnaire. We applied structural equation modeling to assess the research models.

Results

Team cohesion and colleague support proved to be reliable predictors of increased psychological resilience; individuals with higher resilience were more committed to the organization and experienced higher well-being; the results confirmed the hypotheses that soldier resilience has a mediating effect on the relationships between team characteristics and their commitment, and well-being.

Conclusion

The findings help clarify the relationships between team characteristics, soldiers’ resilience, commitment and well-being. They may be useful for improving soldier resilience through team cohesion, mutual support, cooperation, and for integrating team-building interventions into military resilience training programs.
Investigation of peripheral inflammatory biomarkers in association with suicide risk in major depressive disorder
Authors: Pethő Borbála , Kovács Márton Áron , Simon Diána , Tóth Tünde , Hajnal András Sándor , Csulak Tímea , Hebling Dóra , Albert Noémi , Varga Eszter , Herold Márton , Osváth Péter , Vörös Viktor , Tényi Tamás , Herold Róbert
Published: January 2024

Suicide is the most severe complication of major depressive disorder (MDD). Novel research assumes the role of immunological dysregulation in the background – several studies have reported alterations in the number of inflammatory cells related to both MDD and suicidality. There are currently no objective, routinely measured parameters to indicate suicidal vulnerability. However, altered inflammatory cell numbers and ratios have been proposed as potential biomarkers of suicide risk (SR). The present research aims to examine changes of these values related to increased SR in MDD as an assumed inflammatory state. We investigated laboratory parameters of psychiatric in-patients diagnosed with MDD (n = 101) retrospectively. Individuals with recent suicide attempt (SA) (n = 22) and with past SA (n = 19) represented the high SR group. MDD patients with no history of SA (n = 60) composed the intermediate SR group. We compared the number of neutrophil granulocytes, monocytes, lymphocytes, platelets, white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), mean platelet volume (MPV), red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Furthermore, we evaluated alterations of these parameters related to antidepressant (AD) and antipsychotic (AP) treatment, which have been proved to have anti-inflammatory effects. We found a significant increase in neutrophil granulocyte count, NLR, monocyte count, MLR, WBC and ESR in patients with recent SA compared to patients with no history of SA. Moreover, there was a significant elevation in monocyte count, MLR, ESR and RDW in patients with high SR compared to patients with intermediate SR. AD treatment resulted in a significant decrease in neutrophil granulocyte count and NLR, however, it did not affect monocyte count and MLR. Assuming immunological mechanisms in the background of MDD and suicidality, our findings support the role of NLR as a biomarker of acute SR, though its alterations may be masked by possible anti-inflammatory effects of AD treatment in the long term. However, MLR, a marker exhibiting changes which are not attenuated by pharmacotherapy, may be a possible indicator of both acute and long-term suicidal vulnerability.
Network analysis of depressive and anxiety symptoms in older Chinese adults with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zhang Yajuan , Cui Yi , Li Yijun , Lu Hongliang , Huang He , Sui Jiaru , Guo Zhihua , Miao Danmin
Published: January 2024

Background

The move away from investigating mental disorders as whole using sum scores to the analysis of symptom-level interactions using network analysis has provided new insights into comorbidities. The current study explored the dynamic interactions between depressive and anxiety symptoms in older Chinese adults with diabetes mellitus (DM) and identified central and bridge symptoms in the depression-anxiety network to provide potential targets for prevention and intervention for depression and anxiety.

Methods

This study used a cross-sectional design with data from the 2017–2018 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). A regularized partial correlation network for depressive and anxiety symptoms was estimated based on self-reported scales completed by 1685 older adults with DM aged 65 years or older. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10) and the Seven-Item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), respectively. Expected influence (EI) and bridge expected influence (BEI) indices were calculated for each symptom.

Results

According to cutoff scores indicating the presence of depression and anxiety, the prevalences of depression and anxiety in our sample were 52.9% and 12.8%, respectively. The comorbidity rate of depression and anxiety was 11.5%. The six edges with the strongest regularized partial correlations were between symptoms from the same disorder. “Feeling blue/depressed”, “Nervousness or anxiety”, “Uncontrollable worry”, “Trouble relaxing”, and “Worry too much” had the highest EI values. “Nervousness or anxiety” and “Everything was an effort” exhibited the highest BEI values.

Conclusion

Central and bridge symptoms were highlighted in this study. Targeting these symptoms may be effective in preventing the comorbidity of depressive and anxiety symptoms and facilitate interventions in older Chinese adults with DM who are at risk for or currently have depressive and anxiety symptoms.
Level and factors of support for the Living with the Virus policy in a Chinese adult general population: a mediation analysis via positive and negative attitudes toward the policy
Authors: Lau Joseph T. F. , Ng Joyce Hoi-Yuk , Goodwin Robin , Kang Tarandeep S. , Fong Vivian W. I. , Lau Mason M. C. , Yu Yanqiu
Published: January 2024

Background

This study investigated the public’s support for the Living with the Virus (LWV) policy, its associated factors, and related mediations at a time when more countries were considering adopting the LWV policy amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A random, population-based telephone survey was conducted among 500 Chinese adults in Hong Kong during March/April 2022.

Results

39.6% of the participants were supportive/strongly supportive of the LWV policy. Perceived efficacy of the control measures was negatively associated with the support and was partially mediated via the perception that the policy would greatly improve the economy/daily life of the policy. Perceived physical harms of the Omicron variant was negatively associated with the support and was fully mediated via perceived negative impacts of the policy. 26.2%/54.6% believed that the policy would improve the economy/daily life greatly; about 40% perceived negative impacts on deaths and the medical system due to the policy. COVID-19 ever infection did not significantly moderate the studied associations.

Conclusion

The public was split regarding the support for the LWV policy and whether it would cause better economy/daily life, unnecessary deaths, and the collapse of the medical system. Health communication is needed in shifting toward the LWV policy.
Is intergenerational care associated with depression in older adults?
Authors: Han Shurong , Guo Jiahui , Xiang Jianjun
Published: January 2024

Background

It has become an alarming issue that older adults in China are facing mental health issues, causing severe depression. In this context, intergenerational care, in which grandparents care for young children instead of the young parents, is gaining importance. This study aims to explore the correlation between intergenerational care and depression among older adults, seeking alternative approaches to enhancing their quality of life. This study concludes that intergenerational care is an effective strategy for promoting active aging.

Methods

This study used multiple linear regression, propensity score matching, and additional analysis of heterogeneity, mediation, and moderation effects, with data from the 2018 CHARLS survey.

Results

The results indicated a negative correlation between intergenerational care and depression among older adults. The correlation was stronger for females and younger older adults people. Additionally, social activities served as a mediator between intergenerational care and depression among older adults, and health satisfaction positively moderated this relationship.

Conclusion

This study posits that intergenerational care serves as an effective approach for promoting active aging. It emphasizes the necessity for supportive government policies and community-family collaborations to encourage intergenerational care and its beneficial impact on mental health among older adults.
Enhancing organizational processes for service innovation: strategic organizational counseling and organizational network analysis
Authors: Marocco Silvia , Marini Mara , Talamo Alessandra
Published: January 2024

Previous studies have primarily focused on product innovation, overlooking the examination of organizational processes. This limited perspective poses a theoretical and practical gap as it primarily considers the external aspects of innovation. On the contrary, organizational processes play a crucial role in improving and creating internal operations necessary for product/service innovation success. To this aim, this paper presents a novel approach to enhancing service innovation within complex organizations by integrating Strategic Organizational Counseling (SOC) and Organizational Network Analysis (ONA) methodologies. More specifically, SOC supports organizations in understanding and defining the professional families that need to be triggered in the service ideation, delivery and commercialization process, especially in the case of complex organizations with multiple departments. Secondly, ONA enables the identification of the intra-organizational nodes within the professional families that, due to their social position and other personal characteristics, can be actively engaged as Ambassadors for the promotion of innovation practices. By focusing on intra-organizational processes, understanding role-related needs, and selecting influential organizational actors, this approach provides a new perspective on the service innovation process, assuming both a micro and macro viewpoint. The paper also highlights the importance of cyclically monitoring the proposed workflow to adapt to the dynamic nature of innovation.
Effect of acute moderate-intensity cycling on cfDNA levels considering menstrual cycle phases
Authors: Sawai Akemi , Shida Takashi , Hoshikawa Yoshihiro , Hatanaka Sho , Ueda Mashiro , Kato Yuri , Tokinoya Katsuyuki , Natsui Hiroaki , Kawakami Yasushi , Takekoshi Kazuhiro
Published: January 2024

Introduction

We aimed to determine the effects of exercise on cell-free DNA (cfDNA) levels and concentration changes during the menstrual cycle in participants with regular menstrual cycles and no exercise habits.

Methods

Eleven sedentary female students with regular menstrual cycles and ovulation performed bicycle exercises at 60% VO2max for 30 min during the menstrual, ovulatory, and luteal phases. Blood samples were collected before (Pre), immediately after (Post 0), 30 min after (Post 30), and 60 min after (Post 60) exercise. Blood concentrations of ovarian hormones, cfDNA, prostaglandin F2a (PGF2α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and aromatase were evaluated.

Results

Based on the concentration of ovarian hormones, seven individuals were finally analyzed. No significant phase difference was observed in cfDNA across all time points. cfDNA (menstrual phase: p = 0.028, ovulatory phase: p = 0.018, and luteal phase: p = 0.048) and aromatase concentrations (menstrual phase: p = 0.040, ovulatory phase: p = 0.039, and luteal phase: p = 0.045) significantly increased from Pre to Post 0 in all phases. Serum estradiol (E2) levels were significantly higher in the luteal phase at all time points than in the menstrual phase (Pre: p < 0.001, Post 0: p < 0.001, Post 30: p = 0.005, and Post 60: p = 0.011); however, serum progesterone (P4) levels were significantly higher in the luteal phase at all time points than in the menstrual (Pre: p < 0.001, Post 0: p < 0.001, Post 30: p < 0.001, and Post 60: p < 0.001) and ovulatory phases (Pre: p = 0.005, Post 0: p = 0.005, Post 30: p = 0.003, and Post 60: p = 0.003). E2 levels significantly increased from Pre to Post 0 in the ovulatory and luteal phases, whereas P4 levels increased in the luteal phase. Progesterone to estradiol level ratio (P4/E2) changes from Pre to Post 0 (%baseline) during the luteal phase were significantly negatively correlated (r = −0.82, p = 0.046) with the changes in cfDNA from Pre to Post 0. Furthermore, the repeated measures correlation between P4/E2 and cfDNA level showed a significant negative correlation in ovulatory and luteal phases.

Discussion

The results indicate that while resting cfDNA levels are unlikely to be affected by a woman's menstrual cycle, the increase in cfDNA after exercise is higher in the ovulatory phase (when only E2 increases) and lower in the luteal phase (when E2 and P4 increase with exercise) compared to that in the menstrual phase (when E2 and P4 are in low levels), suggesting the contribution of increased ovarian hormone levels after exercise.
Comparing different sperm concentrations for optimizing cooled semen use in the dog
Authors: Sugai Nicole , Werre Stephen , Cecere Julie T. , Balogh Orsolya
Published: January 2024

The use of shipping canine semen for artificial insemination has bloomed over the last 20 years. This allows for the spread of genetic material while overcoming geographical or time-related challenges. The optimal sperm concentration for cooled semen transport in the dog is unknown. Often canine semen is extended 1:3–5 vol:vol without standardized sperm concentrations for cooled shipment. We compared different sperm concentrations for cooled storage and hypothesized that lower concentrations would result in better semen quality. Semen was collected from healthy client-owned dogs (n = 8). Individual ejaculates were divided into a control aliquot (CON) extended 1:3 vol:vol with a commercial extender. The remaining sample was centrifuged and extended to 200 ×106 sperm/ml (C200), then serially diluted to 100, 50, and 25 ×106 sperm/ml concentrations (C100-C25). Aliquots were cooled for 24 h and then centrifuged and re-extended. Sperm concentration, plasma membrane integrity (PMI, %), motility (subjective total, STM; computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) total and progressive, TM, PM; %), and normal morphology (NM, %) were assessed in raw semen (T0), post-extension (T1), after 24 h of cooling (T2), and after processing at 24 h (T3). Cooling resulted in significant declines in STM and NM for all groups and in decreased PMI for CON and C25-50. After cooling (at T2), PMI was significantly lower for C25 compared with all the groups and higher for CON compared with C25-100 (p ≤ 0.038). Processing and re-extension after cooling further decreased the spermiogram parameters. At T3, PMI for CON was similar to C200 but significantly higher than C25-100, while C25 had the lowest PMI. For motility parameters and NM, C25 performed worse than all or most of the other groups. Comparing CON at T3 with C25-200 at T2, PMI, STM, and NM for CON were significantly lower than C25-200, C200, and C100-200, respectively. In conclusion, our results show that cooling canine semen for 24 h at 200 ×106 sperm/ml final concentration after processing or extending 1:3 vol:vol without centrifugation is preferred based on the highest PMI. If volume restrictions apply, processing raw semen and extending to the desired volume with higher sperm concentrations at the collection facility is superior to centrifugation and volume adjustment after 24 h of cooled storage.
Developing Theoretical and Methodological Provisions for Improving the Mechanism of Labour Efficiency
Authors: Kornieieva Tetiana , Varela Miguel , Luís Ana Lúcia , Teixeira Natália
Published: January 2024

The article presents a theoretical generalisation and solution of a current scientific and applied problem which develops theoretical principles, methodological approaches and scientific and practical recommendations for improving the mechanism of labour efficiency management in terms of innovation-oriented development of enterprises. It is substantiated that in the conditions of innovation-oriented development of ecosystems, including enterprises, the disclosure of the essence of labour efficiency requires introduction of a dual quantitative–qualitative approach: on the one hand, labour efficiency reflects the ratio of the manufactured products (tangible and intangible benefits) and corresponding living labour costs (quantitative aspect) and, on the other hand, it is the result of using productive abilities of people, characterised by manufactured products of a particular consumer quality with the creation of added value (qualitative aspect). Conceptual bases of improvement of the mechanism of labour efficiency management at enterprises were developed. They are based on certain tasks, functions, principles, methods of labour efficiency management and the formed system of factors of influence and the revealed factors and reserves of an increase in labour efficiency. They presuppose development and realisation of the corresponding programme, which aims to: optimise total labour costs; improve quality of products at a constant mass and satisfaction with the work process of all its participants; ensure positive changes in material well-being and quality of life on the basis of the formation of modern innovation infrastructure of the enterprise.
Identification of Stem Rust Resistance Genes in Triticum Wheat Cultivars and Evaluation of Their Resistance to Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici
Authors: Gao Fu , Wu Xianxin , Sun Huiyan , Wang Ziye , Chen Si , Zou Longmei , Yang Jinjing , Wei Yifan , Ni Xinyu , Sun Qian , Li Tianya
Published: January 2024

Wheat stem rust, caused by the fungus Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt), poses a substantial threat to global wheat production. Utilizing stem rust resistance (Sr) genes represents an economically viable, effective, and environmentally friendly approach to disease control. In this study, gene postulation, molecular testing, and pedigree analysis were used to identify the presence of Sr genes in 45 wheat cultivars. In addition, the resistance of these cultivars was evaluated against two predominant Pgt races, 34MRGQM and 21C3CTHTM, at the adult-plant stage during 2021–2022. The results identify seven Sr genes (Sr31, Sr38, Sr30, SrTmp, Sr22, Sr19, and Sr5) within 35 wheat cultivars. Among these, 23 cultivars contained Sr31, whereas Sr5 and SrTmp were present in four cultivars each. Han 5316, Shimai 15, Shiyou 20, and Kenong 1006 exhibited the presence of Sr19, Sr22, Sr30, and Sr38, respectively. Molecular studies confirmed the absence of Sr25 and Sr26 in any of the wheat cultivars. During field evaluation, 37 (82.2%) and 39 (86.7%) wheat cultivars demonstrated resistance to races 34MRGQM and 21C3CTHTM, respectively. Moreover, 33 wheat cultivars (73.3%) exhibited resistance to all the tested races. These study findings will significantly contribute to future research in wheat pre-breeding and abiotic stress tolerance.
Managemental Impacts on Particulate Matter Emission in Tunnel-Ventilated Broiler Houses
Authors: Seo Hyo-Jae , Seo Il-Hwan , Oh Byung-Wook
Published: January 2024

In livestock houses, particulate matter (PM) is a critical factor not only for disease and odor spread but also for the work environment. In particular, workers are exposed to high concentrations of organic particulate matter and harmful gases while performing their tasks, and, as they age, they become more vulnerable to respiratory diseases. This study analyzed the PM concentrations in commercial broiler houses, focusing on the differences in ventilation rates according to the season and the type of work, categorized into a static work period (SWP) and dynamic work period (DWP). In the regional monitoring using gravimetric methods, the average PM concentrations were found to be within acceptable limits, with TSP at 1042 µg/m3, PM-10 at 718 µg/m3, and PM-2.5 at 137 µg/m3. These values did not exceed the recommended exposure limits for inhalable dust at 2400 µg/m3 and respirable dust at 160 µg/m3 in chicken farmers. However, in the personal monitoring using a real-time aerosol spectrometer, it was revealed that the aerosol concentrations during DWP exceeded the standards by up to 214%. Specifically, during DWP, the concentrations were 1.74 times higher for TSP, 1.40 times higher for PM-10, and 1.22 times higher for PM-2.5 compared to SWP. It was observed that during the movement of workers, the physical generation of particles around 10 µm, such as feed and bedding, occurred due to the movement of chickens, which influenced the aerosol concentration.
Cultivation of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae for the Valorization of Spent Coffee Ground: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Study
Authors: Hutabarat Donald John Calvien , Mangindaan Dave
Published: January 2024

The global surge in coffee consumption has led to the generation of significant amounts of spent coffee grounds (SCG), a by-product of the brewing process. If it is left unprocessed in the landfill, it will generate methane, one of the greenhouse gases, and therefore accelerate global warming. The intersection of SCG and its potential as a substrate for black soldier fly (BSF) larvae cultivation as one of the pathways for processing SCG becomes intriguing as we seek sustainable waste management solutions. The combination of both nutrition and toxic alkaloids (caffeine) makes SCG and/or other coffee parts intriguing for recycling (or upcycling) via BSF cultivation to generate insect protein. Due to its remarkable capacity to bioconvert organic waste into high-value proteins and fats, the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens, has garnered attention in waste management and animal feed production. This comprehensive review sheds light on the recent development of using SCG as a substrate for BSF larvae.
Fast and Precise Detection of Dense Soybean Seedlings Images Based on Airborne Edge Device
Authors: Yang Zishang , Liu Jiawei , Wang Lele , Shi Yunhui , Cui Gongpei , Ding Li , Li He
Published: January 2024

During the growth stage of soybean seedlings, it is crucial to quickly and precisely identify them for emergence rate assessment and field management. Traditional manual counting methods have some limitations in scenarios with large-scale and high-efficiency requirements, such as being time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to human error (such as subjective judgment and visual fatigue). To address these issues, this study proposes a rapid detection method suitable for airborne edge devices and large-scale dense soybean seedling field images. For the dense small target images captured by the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), the YOLOv5s model is used as the improvement benchmark in the technical solution. GhostNetV2 is selected as the backbone feature extraction network. In the feature fusion stage, an attention mechanism—Efficient Channel Attention (ECA)—and a Bidirectional Feature Pyramid Network (BiFPN) have been introduced to ensure the model prioritizes the regions of interest. Addressing the challenge of small-scale soybean seedlings in UAV images, the model’s input size is set to 1280 × 1280 pixels. Simultaneously, Performance-aware Approximation of Global Channel Pruning for Multitask CNNs (PAGCP) pruning technology is employed to meet the requirements of mobile or embedded devices. The experimental results show that the identification accuracy of the improved YOLOv5s model reached 92.1%. Compared with the baseline model, its model size and total parameters were reduced by 76.65% and 79.55%, respectively. Beyond these quantitative evaluations, this study also conducted field experiments to verify the detection performance of the improved model in various scenarios. By introducing innovative model structures and technologies, the study aims to effectively detect dense small target features in UAV images and provide a feasible solution for assessing the number of soybean seedlings. In the future, this detection method can also be extended to similar crops.
The Impact of Risk Aversion and Migrant Work Experience on Farmers’ Entrepreneurship: Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Tong , Liu Jiaxuan , Zhu Hongyu , Jiang Yuansheng
Published: January 2024

Investing in entrepreneurship may be costly, and therefore risky, and entrepreneurship is also an economic endeavor that is highly dependent on entrepreneurial ability and risk appetite. In this study, data from 669 famers in southwest China were used as the sample, and we used three different methods to measure farmers’ risk aversion level, including DOSPRET (Domain-Specific Risk-Taking), SOEP (Simple Self-Report), and BRET (Bomb Risk Elicitation Task). This paper studies the impact of farmers’ risk aversion on entrepreneurial choices and the moderating impact of the migrant work experience (MWE) on the relationship between risk aversion and entrepreneurship. The results can be summarized as follows: Firstly, entrepreneurial farmers have lower average levels of risk aversion than non-entrepreneurial farmers. Secondly, risk aversion has a significant negative impact on farmers’ choice of entrepreneurship, corporate entrepreneurship and portfolio entrepreneurship. Thirdly, MWE can reduces the negative impact of risk aversion on a decision to enter entrepreneurship or portfolio entrepreneurship. Fourth, MWE in local or nearby areas reduces the negative effects of risk aversion on entrepreneurship and portfolio entrepreneurship, while MWE in coastal and developed cities increases the negative effects.
Impact Effects of Cooperative Participation on the Adoption Behavior of Green Production Technologies by Cotton Farmers and the Driving Mechanisms
Authors: Li Chengmin , Deng Haoyu , Yu Guoxin , Kong Rong , Liu Jian
Published: January 2024

Nudging the adoption of agricultural green production technologies (AGPTs) by cotton farmers is a practical need to implement the national “green development” strategy. Based on the micro-survey data of 502 cotton farmers, this paper empirically analyzed the influence and driving mechanism of cotton farmers’ participation in cooperatives on their adoption of green production technology from the perspective of their inner cognition and external regulation by using the propensity score matching (PSM) model and the intermediary effect model. The study found that (1) the importance of agricultural green production technology to cotton farmers was in the order of soil testing and formula fertilization technology, green prevention and control technology, deep tillage technology, water-saving irrigation technology, new variety technology, and straw-returning technology. (2) Participation in cooperatives can significantly improve the adoption of agricultural green production technologies by cotton farmers, with an increase of about 27.16%, and the improvement effect on technology-intensive production links is pronounced. (3) By improving the inner cognition and external regulation of cotton farmers, cooperatives can enhance the green endogenous power of cotton farmers, improve environmental external constraints, and become an intermediary path to guide cotton farmers to adopt agricultural green production technology.
Effect of Infrared-Combined Hot Air Intermittent Drying of Jujube (Zizyphus jujuba Miller) Slices: Drying Characteristics, Quality, and Energy Consumption Dimensions
Authors: Li Mengqing , Li Mengyao , Zhang Xuetao , Zhang Qian , Yang Xuhai
Published: January 2024

The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of infrared-combined hot air intermittent drying (IIRHAD) on energy consumption, drying characteristics, and the quality of jujube slices. The water content of jujube slices decreased from 0.267 g/g to 0.05 g/g during the experiment, and the infrared heating plate’s temperature was fixed at 70 °C while the hot air temperature was fixed at 50 °C. Nine different intermittent ratios were used to dry jujube slices, and the results showed that intermittent treatment had varying effects on drying characteristics, energy consumption, and quality. In comparison to infrared-combined hot air drying (IRHAD), the effective drying time of red jujube slices was reduced by 40 to 100 min, the energy consumption decreased by 11.91% to 34.34%, and there were also varying degrees of improvement in the quality indicators. It was discovered that excessively long or short active drying and tempering periods had a negative impact on the drying process. Therefore, these factors should be further broken down and improved in the future. This research holds great importance for the future advancement and widespread use of IIRHAD in fruit and vegetable materials.