bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Theory of Planned Behavior and Antecedents of Attitude toward Bee Propolis Products Using a Structural Equation Model
Authors: Sun Kyung-A , Moon Joonho
Published: September 2024

This work examines consumers’ perceptions of products containing bee propolis using the theory of planned behavior as a theoretical foundation. As antecedents of attitude, this work employs price fairness, healthiness, eco-friendliness, and ease of use. A survey was issued to participants who had experience using bee propolis products and who were recruited using the Clickworker platform service. In total, 305 valid observations were collected for analysis. This study used a maximum likelihood-based structural equation model to test the research hypotheses and find that price fairness, healthiness, eco-friendliness, and ease of use positively affected attitude. Moreover, the intention to use is positively impacted by attitude, subjective norms, and behavioral control. This research contributes to the literature by demonstrating the explanatory power of the theory of planned behavior with respect to bee propolis products.
Comparative Analyses of Muscle Quality in Hooked, Trawl-Net, and Radar-Net Hairtail (Trichiurus haumela) during Thermal Processing
Authors: Zheng Wenxiong , Yang Ronglin , Shui Shanshan , Yan Hongbo , Song Jia , Ying Xiaoguo , Benjakul Soottawat , Zhang Bin
Published: September 2024

To investigate and compare the changes in muscle quality of hooked, trawl-net, and radar-net hairtail (Trichiurus haumela, HH, TH, and RH) during thermal processing, the physicochemical properties of three kinds of hairtail were determined under heating at 30, 50, 70 and 90 °C for 10 min. Additionally, the muscle tissues were observed via Oil Red O (ORO) staining, Masson staining, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that with increased heating temperature, pH, L*, b*, chewiness, and gumminess in hairtail muscle increased, while a* and shearing force decreased. The springiness, relative contents of hydrophobic and disulfide bonds, myosin surface hydrophobicity, and TCA-soluble peptide content increased first and then decreased. However, the relative contents of ionic and hydrogen bonds showed an opposite trend. Histological observations revealed that heating disrupted hairtail muscle tissue, manifested by the blurriness and disorder of myofibrils and breakage of myofibrillar bundle membranes. The RH muscle exhibited the highest chewiness, gumminess, and chemical force levels, accompanied by the lowest content of TCA-soluble peptide. Furthermore, the RH muscle presented the greatest fat droplet content, diffusivity, and integrity of collagen and myofibers. Correlation analysis revealed a close correlation between muscle quality and protein function in HH, TH, and RH. This study provides a theoretical basis for the difference in muscle quality in three different types of hairtail.
Circular Bioeconomy in Action: Transforming Food Wastes into Renewable Food Resources
Authors: Pal Priti , Singh Akhilesh Kumar , Srivastava Rajesh Kumar , Rathore Saurabh Singh , Sahoo Uttam Kumar , Subudhi Sanjukta , Sarangi Prakash Kumar , Prus Piotr
Published: September 2024

The growing challenge of food waste management presents a critical opportunity for advancing the circular bioeconomy, aiming to transform waste into valuable resources. This paper explores innovative strategies for converting food wastes into renewable food resources, emphasizing the integration of sustainable technologies and zero-waste principles. The main objective is to demonstrate how these approaches can contribute to a more sustainable food system by reducing environmental impacts and enhancing resource efficiency. Novel contributions of this study include the development of bioproducts from various food waste streams, highlighting the potential of underutilized resources like bread and jackfruit waste. Through case studies and experimental findings, the paper illustrates the successful application of green techniques, such as microbial fermentation and bioprocessing, in valorizing food wastes. The implications of this research extend to policy frameworks, encouraging the adoption of circular bioeconomy models that not only address waste management challenges but also foster economic growth and sustainability. These findings underscore the potential for food waste to serve as a cornerstone in the transition to a circular, regenerative economy.
Effect of Nuts Combined with Energy Restriction on the Obesity Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Vilela Darlene Larissa de Souza , Silva Alessandra da , Pelissari Kravchychyn Ana Claudia , Bressan Josefina , Hermsdorff Helen Hermana Miranda
Published: September 2024

Obesity is a multifactorial disease that is difficult to control worldwide. Although nuts are recognized health foods, the application of food in obesity management is unclear. We systematically reviewed the literature and performed a meta-analysis to evaluate if nut consumption favors people on energy restriction (ER) dietary interventions. Four databases were used to search for eligible articles in May 2024. This review was conducted according to the PRISMA guide, and the bias risk of papers was evaluated. For the meta-analysis, we extracted the endpoint values of the group’s variables and estimated the effect sizes by the random-effects model. Sixteen and ten articles were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, respectively. Almonds were evaluated in the majority of studies (n = 6). The consumption of nuts (28 to 84 g/d, 4 to 72 months) included in ER (–250 to 1000 kcal/d) did not differently affect anthropometry (weight loss, BMI, waist and hip circumferences), body composition (fat mass, fat-free mass, or lean mass), markers of glucose (glycemia and insulinemia), lipid metabolism (total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, LDL-c/HDL-c, or triglycerides), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In most analyses, stratifying studies by type of nut or intervention time did not present different results in the meta-analysis. As there are few studies, in addition to great methodological variability, more high-quality trials are needed to confirm these results. The PROSPERO registration number is CRD42023444878.
Serum-Free Medium Supplemented with Haematococcus pluvialis Extracts for the Growth of Human MRC-5 Fibroblasts
Authors: Koh Eun-Jeong , Heo Seong-Yeong , Park Areumi , Lee Yeon-Ji , Choi Woon-Yong , Heo Soo-Jin
Published: September 2024

Experiments are increasingly performed in vitro; therefore, cell culture technology is essential for scientific progress. Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is a key cell culture supplement providing growth factors, amino acids, and hormones. However, FBS is not readily available on the market, has contamination risks, and has ethical concerns. This study aimed to investigate Haematococcus pluvialis extracts (HE) as a potential substitute for FBS. Therefore, we assessed the effects of HE on cell maintenance, growth, and cycle progression in human lung fibroblasts (MRC-5). Cell progression and monosaccharide, fatty acid, and free amino acid compositions were analyzed using cell cycle analysis, bio-liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. The results of nutritional profiles showed that the extracts contained essential amino acids required for synthesizing non-essential amino acids and other metabolic intermediates. Furthermore, most of the components present in HE were consistent with those found in FBS. HE enhanced cell viability and regulated cell cycle phases. Additionally, the interaction between growth factor cocktails and HE significantly improved cell viability, promoted cell cycle progression, and activated key cell cycle regulators, such as cyclin A and cyclin-dependent kinases 1 (CDK1). Our findings suggest that HE have considerable potential to substitute FBS in MRC-5 cell cultures and have functional and ethical advantages.
In Vitro Human Gastrointestinal Digestibility and Colonic Fermentation of Wheat Sourdough and Yeast Breads
Authors: Martinez Tuppia Ccori , Rezaei Mohammad N. , Machuron François , Duysburgh Cindy , Ghyselinck Jonas , Marzorati Massimo , Koper Jonna E. B. , Monnet Céline , Bosco Nabil
Published: September 2024

Bread can vary in textural and nutritional attributes based on differences in the bread making process (e.g., flour type, fermentation agent, fermentation time). Four bread recipes (BRs) made with sourdough preferments (BR1, white flour; BR2, whole grain flour) or regular yeast breads (BR3, white flour; BR4, whole grain flour) were evaluated for texture, digestibility, and their effect on the metabolic activity and composition of the gut microbiota using texture profile analysis (TPA) coupled with in vitro upper gastrointestinal (GIT) digestion and colonic fermentation (Colon-on-a-plate™ model), using fecal samples from eight healthy human donors. TPA revealed significantly higher values for hardness, fracturability, gumminess, and chewiness, and significantly lower values for springiness, cohesiveness, and resilience with whole grain versus white breads (all p < 0.001); values for springiness, cohesiveness, and resilience were significantly higher for sourdough versus yeast bread (p < 0.001). Nutrient composition and bioaccessibility were generally comparable between sourdough and yeast bread with similar flours. Following simulation of upper GIT digestion, all BRs demonstrated good digestibility of minerals, carbohydrates, and proteins. Colonic fermentation revealed changes in gut microbiota composition, significant increases in short-chain fatty acids, and a significant decrease in branched short-chain fatty acids with all BRs versus a blank. Overall, new insights into wheat bread digestibility and colonic fermentation were provided, which are important aspects to fully characterize bread nutritional profile and potential.
Genome-Wide Identification of the Rehmannia glutinosa miRNA Family and Exploration of Their Expression Characteristics Caused by the Replant Disease Formation-Related Principal Factor
Authors: Gu Li , Lai Yanlin , Zhang Guojun , Yang Yanhui , Zhang Bao , Wang Jianming , Zhang Zhongyi , Li Mingjie
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: Rehmannia glutinosa, a highly valuable medicinal plant in China, is encountering severe replant disease. Replant disease represents a complex stress driven by multiple principal factors (RDFs), including allelochemicals, microbes, and their interactions. miRNAs are recognized as key regulators of plant response to stresses; however, their specific roles within RDFs are not entirely clear. Methods: This study builds six RDF treatments, comprising R. glutinosa continuously planted (SP), normally planted (NP), and NP treated with ferulic acid (FA), Fusarium oxysporum (FO), and a combination of FA with FO (FAFO). sRNA-seq technology was used to identify crucial miRNAs in response to diverse RDFs. Results: In total, 30 sRNA datasets were generated from the SP, NP, FA, FO, and FAFO samples. A total of 160 known and 41 novel miRNAs (RgmiRNAs) were identified in the R. glutinosa genome based on the sRNA database. Abundance analysis revealed that RgmiRNAs in SP exhibited a distinct expression profile in comparison with others. Of these, 124, 86, 86, and 90 RgmiRNAs were differentially expressed in SP, FA, FO, and FAFO compared with NP. Target analysis indicated that RgmiRNAs downregulated in both SP and RDFs impede the organism growth of R. glutinosa. RgmiRNAs upregulated in SP can disrupt root formation and nutrient metabolism, in which, two RgmiR398 were uniquely expressed in SP. It was confirmed to target RgCSD genes. The expression patterns of RgmiR398 and RgCSD indicated that replant disease induces the oxidative damage of R. glutinosa through RgmiR398. Conclusions: RgmiRNA profiling under RDFs provides a theoretical basis for the further clarification of RgmiRNA function in replant disease.
Survey of Confidence and Knowledge in Managing Patellofemoral Pain among Physical Therapists in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aljohani Marwan M. A. , Awali Abdulaziz , Aljohani Raghad Khalid , Aljehani Moiyad Saleh , Alshehri Yasir S.
Published: September 2024

Background: This study assessed the beliefs and knowledge of physical therapists in Saudi Arabia regarding the management of patellofemoral pain (PFP) and their alignment with current Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs). Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted, involving 111 licensed physical therapists actively treating PFP patients. The survey included questions about PFP risk factors, prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment, using a Likert scale to measure confidence and knowledge. Results: Readers have significantly greater confidence in the knowledge of managing patients with PFP following current CPGs (p < 0.01). No significant differences were observed between groups in the other items (p > 0.01). However, over 70% of respondents, irrespective of guideline familiarity, held beliefs about risk factors, prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment that were inconsistent with CPGs. Conclusions: These discrepancies highlight a significant knowledge gap that may affect patient care quality. Enhancing education and dissemination efforts regarding CPGs is essential to improve adherence to evidence-based practices among physical therapists in Saudi Arabia. To change practitioners’ preferences, attitudes, and beliefs, more targeted programs and interventions for knowledge dissemination and implementation should be provided.
Workload-Related Issues among Nurses Caring for Patients with Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: A Scoping Review
Authors: Kang Younhee , Bang Chohee
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: As the elderly population grows, the prevalence of dementia is rising, with 70–95% of patients in hospital settings exhibiting problematic behaviors such as aggression. These behaviors significantly contribute to increased nursing workloads, affecting nurses’ well-being and patient care quality. This study aims to review workload-related issues among nurses caring for dementia patients, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to mitigate stress and improve care quality. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the five-stage framework of Arksey and O’Malley. The literature search covered studies published between 2013 and 2023, focusing on quantitative research about nurses’ workload-related stress when managing patients with dementia and problematic behaviors. Databases such as PubMed and PsycINFO were searched, and 13 studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: The review revealed that problematic behaviors, particularly aggression, significantly increase nurses’ stress and workload. This stress has negative consequences on nurses’ physical and mental health, often leading to burnout, decreased job satisfaction, and a decline in care quality. Inadequate staffing and support systems exacerbate these issues. Conclusions: Targeted education, sufficient staffing, and support are essential to reduce the workload and stress experienced by nurses caring for dementia patients. Implementing these strategies can enhance the quality of care provided and improve the well-being of healthcare professionals.
Prehospital Management of Postpartum Hemorrhage—A National, Cross-Sectional Study in Norway
Authors: Leonardsen Ann-Chatrin Linqvist , Hansen Laurits Dydensborg
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a critical birth complication, and is stated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as among the five most frequent causes of death during pregnancy. External aortic compression (EAC) is recommended by the WHO as an intervention to achieve temporary bleeding control. An increasing number of births outside hospital underlines the importance of competence in handling potential birth complications, such as PPH. The aim of this study was to assess prehospital personnel’s education, training, knowledge, and experiences regarding PPH and EAC across Norway. Methods: Prehospital personnel were invited to respond to a questionnaire through social media. Questions included those on education, training, knowledge, and experience regarding PPH and EAC. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28 was used to analyze the data, using descriptive statistics. Results: Over a two-month period, 211 prehospital personnel responded to the questionnaire, of whom 55.5% were male. The respondents had an average of 10.3 years of prehospital experience. About half of the respondents had received education (48.6%) and training (62.4%) in PPH management. Still, 95.7 percent reported a need for more education and training. On knowledge questions, only half of the responses were correct (43.7% to 60.5%). Only 21 percent of the respondents had experienced patients with PPH, and of these only 3.8 percent had used EAC. Bimanual uterine compression was the most frequent intervention used (62.5%) across hospital trusts. Conclusions: Even if prehospital personnel receive education and training in the management of PPH and EAC, almost all report needing more. The results indicate a national variation, which may be discussed as to whether it is appropriate.
An Assessment of the Clinical Efficacy of a Topical Application of 5% Thymoquinone Gel for Plaque-Induced Gingivitis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Almehmadi Ahmad H. , Aljohani Khalid
Published: September 2024

Background: Gingival diseases, encompassing a spectrum of oral health concerns, represent a prevalent issue within the global population. Despite their widespread occurrence, the research landscape concerning effective interventions, particularly those rooted in herbal products, remains somewhat limited. Addressing this knowledge gap, the current study undertook a comprehensive evaluation aimed at assessing the clinical efficacy of a novel intervention: a 5% thymoquinone (TQ) gel. This investigation specifically focused on the application of TQ gel as an adjunctive measure to the standard protocol of scaling (SC) in individuals afflicted with plaque-induced gingivitis. Through rigorous examination and analysis, this study seeks to provide valuable insights into the potential utility and therapeutic benefits of this herbal-based intervention in managing gingival diseases. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of 5% TQ gel using a novel liposome drug delivery as a topical application following SC in gingivitis patients. Methods: A double-blinded, parallel, randomized controlled clinical trial. The study was performed at the Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, and Qassim University, Saudi Arabia. This trial enrolled 63 participants in an age group between 18 and 40 years attending the outpatient clinics of the Faculty of Dentistry, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and a clinical diagnosis of gingivitis was made. The enrolled subjects were categorized into three groups: Group I—TQ gel with SC, Group II—Placebo with SC, and Group III—SC alone, and clinical outcomes were measured at baseline and two-week follow-up visits. Plaque index (PI), papillary bleeding index (PBI), and any adverse events with TQ gel are categorized as mild, moderate, and severe. 63 patients. Group I (n = 21); Group II (n = 21); Group III (n = 21). Results: The paired t-test compared the mean differences in PI and PBI at two time points and it was observed that there were significant differences in Group I with p-values of 0.04 and 0.05, respectively. A one-way ANOVA test was performed and it showed significant differences in the mean scores between the three groups for PI (p-value—0.01) and PBI (p-value—0.05). The post hoc Tukey’s test compared the mean differences in PI and PBI between the groups and the results were in favor of Group I which used TQ gel with SC. Conclusions: The clinical trial concluded that the plaque and gingival bleeding scores were significantly reduced in the group of patients who intervened with TQ gel following SC when compared to SC-alone and placebo groups. Also, there were significant reductions in the scores from the baseline to the two-week follow-up visit in patients treated with TQ gel and SC.
Psychological Wellbeing and Life Satisfaction among Chinese Older Immigrants in Canada across the Early and Late Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Yang Lixia , Lee Andrea D. Y. , Dong Linying
Published: September 2024

Objectives: This study compared the psychological wellbeing, life satisfaction, and perceived social support in Chinese older immigrants living in Canada between the early (i.e., Wave 1: September–November 2020) and late (i.e., Wave 2: January–February 2023) stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, it assessed perceived social support from family, friends, or others as predictors for psychological wellbeing and life satisfaction in this population. Methods: These questions were addressed with a cross-sectional survey design with two independent samples at Wave 1 (n = 171) and Wave 2 (n = 191), respectively. Results: The results revealed lower levels of psychological wellbeing, life satisfaction, and perceived social support in Wave 2 compared to Wave 1. The hierarchical regression models identified social support from friends (but not from family or others) as a significant predictor for psychological wellbeing and life satisfaction. Additionally, a higher level of income and being a male predicted better psychological wellbeing. A higher level of income and a lower level of education predicted greater life satisfaction. Conclusions: The findings suggest a deterioration in psychological wellbeing and life satisfaction from the early to late stages of the pandemic and highlight the protective effect of social support from friends among Chinese older immigrants.
Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) in a One-Stage Procedure Versus Two-Stage Procedure: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Accatino Giada , Monzio Compagnoni Alessandra , Grassi Federico Alberto , Castelli Alberto , Pasta Gianluigi , Benazzo Francesco , Rossi Stefano Marco Paolo , Jannelli Eugenio
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: This retrospective study aims to evaluate the safety and functional outcomes of simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) compared to two-stage bilateral TKA procedures. Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of knee joint replacement globally, so we sought to determine whether the one-stage approach could be deemed non-inferior to the two-stage method in terms of perioperative complications and postoperative recovery. Methods: We analyzed two cohorts: 43 patients underwent one-stage bilateral TKA, while 66 patients received two-stage TKA. The data collected included demographic details, comorbidities, postoperative complications, and functional outcomes assessed by the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), European Quality of Life, and Visual Analogue Scale scores at preoperative and five years postoperative follow-ups. Results: The results showed statistically significant improvements in quality-of-life measures for both groups, with the one-stage group exhibiting greater enhancement in OKS (p < 0.05). Complication rates were similar across both procedures, with no significant differences in infection rates or other adverse events. Conclusions: This study suggests that the one-stage approach to treat bilateral knee arthritis could reduce subjective stress and healthcare costs, presenting a safe alternative for appropriately selected patients. However, the findings highlight the necessity of considering patients’ overall health status when planning surgical interventions. Further research involving larger populations is recommended to validate our conclusions.
Workplace Violence and Burnout among Health Workers Two Years after the COVID-19 Outbreak in Wuhan, China: The Chain Mediation Effect of Sleep Disturbance and Work Ability
Authors: Wang Fuyuan , Zhang Min , Xiong Nian , Huang Yiming , Tang Yuting , He Chuning , Fang Xinxin , Fang Xi , Chen Lan , Zhang Qing
Published: September 2024

Background: Health workers (HWs) faced considerable psychosocial hazards during the COVID-19 pandemic, which profoundly affected their occupational health and job performance. The potential indirect relationship between workplace violence (WPV) and burnout among HWs needs to be further explored. The purpose of this study is to examine the chain mediating effects of sleep disturbance and work ability in the relationship between WPV and burnout among HWs. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a secondary hospital two years after the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, China. A sample of 571 HWs was recruited using a cluster sampling method, achieving a response rate of 80.06%. Participants completed self-report questionnaires that included demographic information and measures of WPV, burnout, sleep disturbance, and work ability. Results: The prevalence rates of burnout and WPV among HWs two years after the COVID-19 outbreak were 37.30% and 31.52%, respectively. WPV was significantly associated with burnout (β = 0.446, p < 0.001). Sleep disturbance was identified as a mediator in the relationship between WPV and burnout (β = 0.063, 95% CI: 0.027–0.105), accounting for 14.13% of the total effect. Similarly, work ability also played a mediating role in this relationship (β = 0.142, 95% CI: 0.065–0.225), accounting for 31.84%. Additionally, both sleep disturbance and work ability exhibited a chain mediation effect on the association between WPV and burnout (β = 0.020, 95% CI: 0.008–0.036), and the total indirect effect accounted for 50.67%. Conclusions: Among Chinese HWs, WPV exerts significant direct and indirect effects on burnout symptoms, mediated by sleep disturbance and work ability. This finding provides valuable empirical insights for designing interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of psychosocial factors such as WPV and burnout among HWs. After exposure to WPV, measures focused on reducing sleep disturbance and enhancing work ability may prove effective in alleviating burnout in subsequent interventions.
Improving Pepper Inbreds for Resistance to Pepper Yellow Leaf Curl Thailand Virus (PepYLCTHV) through Challenged Inoculations
Authors: Kumsee Nattika , Suwor Patcharaporn , Teerarak Montinee , Tsai Wen-Shi , Techawongstien Suchila , Tarinta Tanyarat , Kumar Sanjeet , Jeeatid Nakarin , Chatchawankanphanich Orawan , Kramchote Somsak
Published: September 2024

Chili peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) are an economically important crop worldwide. Pepper yellow leaf curl Thailand virus (PepYLCTHV), a Begomovirus causing yellow leaf mosaic disease of chili pepper, has been reported to incur 95% economic loss under epiphytotic conditions. Thirty-one chili genotypes were screened for resistance to PepYLCTHV disease through inoculation using 10–15 viruliferous whiteflies per plant. We purified two resistant lines (PEP6 and PEP12) through four generations of selfing and selection. At 28 days after inoculations, two chili genotypes (PEP6 and PEP12) had low disease severity and percentage of disease incidence (DI) compared to four susceptible checks, viz., Yodsonkeam80, Homsupan, Huareau12, and Pong Charian, which had a disease severity score of 5 with 100% DI. Thirty initial plants of PEP6 showed an average disease severity of 3.64 with 69.33% DI, and PEP12 showed an average disease severity of 3.83 with 77.67% DI. From these populations, we selected nine highly resistant plant of PEP6 and seven plants of PEP12 having a disease severity of 0 through pure-line selection for four selfing generations. The ratio of resistance (R) to susceptibility (S) consequently decreased. In PEP6, the ratio decreased from 1R:2S to 1R:1S, while in PEP12 the ratio decreased from 1R:3S to 1R:1S. These lines have potential for release as resistant lines for improving chili pepper resistance to PepYLCTHV and for developing makers associated with the resistant trait.
Plant Morphological and Leaf Anatomical Traits in Coffea arabica L. Cultivars Cropped in Gorongosa Mountain, Mozambique
Authors: Alberto Niquisse José , Ferreira Adésio , Ribeiro-Barros Ana I. , Aoyama Elisa Mitsuko , Silva Larícia Olária Emerick , Rakocevic Miroslava , Ramalho José Cochicho , Partelli Fábio Luiz
Published: September 2024

Studies on the genetic diversity of coffee trees are important, considering their role in the maximization of productivity and quality. However, the success of a breeding program depends on the existence of genetic variability in the population under study. Our study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity of the morpho-agronomic and anatomical leaf traits of different cultivars of Coffea arabica grown in the Gorongosa mountain region, in the area of Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique. The experiment assessed nine coffee cultivars based on their morpho-agronomic and anatomical traits. The plagiotropic branch diameter, leaf dry mass, leaf mass per area, number of epidermal cells + stomata, and stomatal form indicated differences among the studied cultivars. Among the nine C. arabica cultivars grown in the mountainous region of Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique, low genetic variability in morpho-agronomic traits was detected, while the genetic variability in leaf anatomical traits was higher. The nine cultivars were segregated into two groups, one consisting of Catucaí Amarelo 2SL and Catuaí Vermelho IAC 81, and the second consisting of Catuaí Amarelo IAC 39, Catucaí Vermelho 19/8, Acauã, Catucaí 785-15, Costa Rica, Catimor 128, and Catuaí Vermelho IAC 44. The cultivar segregation into the two groups indicated that the morpho-anatomical traits can be considered during the selection stages in breeding programs.
Enhancing Drought Resilience through Groundwater Engineering by Utilizing GIS and Remote Sensing in Southern Lebanon
Authors: Farhat Nasser
Published: September 2024

Countries face challenges of excess, scarcity, pollution, and uneven water distribution. This study highlights the benefits of advances in groundwater engineering that improve the understanding of utilizing local geological characteristics due to their crucial role in resisting drought in southern Lebanon. The type of drought in the region was determined using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Standardized Vegetation Index (NDVI), Vegetation Condition Index (VCI), and Soil Moisture Anomaly Index (SM). The dry aquifer and its characteristics were analyzed using mathematical equations and established hydrogeological principles, including Darcy’s law. Additionally, a morphometric assessment of the Litani River was performed to evaluate its suitability for artificial recharge, where the optimal placement of the water barrier and recharge tunnels was determined using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. This analysis involved excluding certain parameters based on the Shapiro–Wilk test for normality. Accordingly, using the Geographic Information System (GIS), we modeled and simulated the potential water table. The results showed the importance and validity of linking groundwater engineering and morphometric characteristics in combating the drought of groundwater layers. The Eocene layer showed a clearer trend for the possibility of being artificially recharged from the Litani River than any other layer. The results showed that the proposed method can enhance artificial recharge, raise the groundwater level to four levels, and transform it into a large, saturated thickness. On the other hand, it was noted that the groundwater levels near the surface will cover most of the area of the studied region and could potentially store more than one billion cubic meters of water, mitigating the effects of climate change for decades.
Effects of Climate Change and Changes in Land Use and Cover on Water Yield in an Equatorial Andean Basin
Authors: Zhiña Darío Xavier , Avilés Alex , González Lorena , Astudillo Ana , Astudillo José , Matovelle Carlos
Published: September 2024

Ecosystem services contribute significantly to human development, with water production being a crucial component. Climate and land use changes can impact water availability within a basin. In this context, researching water-related areas is essential for formulating policies to protect and manage hydrological services. The objective of this study was to estimate water yield in the sub-basins of the Tabacay and Aguilán rivers under climate change scenarios in 2030, 2040, and 2050, combined with scenarios of changes in land cover and land use. The InVEST model was employed to analyze water yield. The results show that crop areas were identified as the lowest water yield in future scenarios, and forested areas, particularly the region where the Cubilán Protected Forest is located, contribute the most to water yield in the subbasin. Besides, water yield has increased in the historic period (2016–2018) due to the conservation and reforestation initiatives carried out by the Municipal Public Service Company for Drinking Water, Sewerage, and Environmental Sanitation of the city of Azogues in 2018, the so-called Reciprocal Agreements for Water. Additionally, an increase in water yield is projected for future scenarios. This study can serve as a basis for decision-makers to identify areas that should prioritize protection and conservation.
Long-Haul Truck Drivers’ Perceptions of Truck Stops and Rest Areas: Focusing on Health and Wellness
Authors: Lise Fernanda , Shattell Mona , Garcia Raquel Pötter , Rodrigues Kethelyn Costa , de Ávila Wilson Teixeira , Garcia Flávia Lise , Schwartz Eda
Published: September 2024

The work and life routine of long-haul truck drivers (LHTDs) involve the use of truck stops and rest areas to meet their basic human needs. These extensions of their workspaces on the road do not always offer adequate physical structures and services that drivers need for optimal health. This study aimed to evaluate long-haul truck drivers’ perceptions of food services, safety, physical activity, rest, and personal hygiene offered at truck stops and rest areas, as well as the correlation between these perceptions and sociodemographic, health, and work conditions variables. A cross-sectional, quantitative, and descriptive study was conducted with long-haul truck drivers from the southern region of Brazil. For data collection, a sociodemographic questionnaire and a Likert scale on food, rest, personal hygiene, safety, and physical activity services offered at truck stops and rest areas along Brazilian roads from March to August 2023 were used. The data were analyzed with simple frequency descriptive statistics. The sample consisted of 175 long-haul truck drivers. Out of these, 70.29% declared that the services of the truck stops and rest areas were charged; more than half (53.59%) of the professionals evaluated the rest service as “good” or “excellent”; the food services were “good” or “excellent” for 42.24% of the drivers. The spaces for physical activities were the worst evaluated as “bad” or “terrible” by 41.61%, followed by bathroom services (28.42%) and safety (34.24%). Rest and feeding services had better evaluations, while the services of bathroom, safety, and physical activity presented worse evaluations. Variables such as nationality, weekly working days, and marital status presented positive significance and influenced drivers’ perceptions of the services offered at truck stops and rest areas. Drivers who were Brazilian and worked more than five days a week negatively evaluated the services of rest (p = 0.018), safety [0.020], physical activity (0.003), and bathrooms (0.020). In addition, the physical activity services were better evaluated by single drivers than married drivers. These findings suggest that the work conditions and nationality may influence LHTDs’ perceptions of services and structures of truck stops and rest areas. These findings may reflect a lack of investments and support efforts to improve basic services such as personal hygiene, a safe environment, and physical exercises, which are fundamental to the health of the workers and aimed at reducing vulnerability and a sedentary lifestyle and meeting the basic human needs of LHTDs.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Older Patients Treated at Walailak University Physical Therapy Clinic in Thailand: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Rungruangbaiyok Chadapa , Vongvaivanichakul Parinya , Lektip Charupa , Sutara Wanwisa , Jumpathong Pathanin , Miyake Eiji , Aoki Keiichiro , Yaemrattanakul Weeranan
Published: September 2024

The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is high among older adults worldwide, significantly affecting their quality of life and overall health. Understanding the prevalence of MSDs and their associated factors is crucial to developing effective preventive and management strategies in Thailand. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of MSDs and their associated factors among older patients at Walailak University Physical Therapy Clinic. In this retrospective study, we analyzed the medical records of 396 older patients. Data on demographics, underlying diseases, career types, and treatments were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics chi-squared tests, and logistic regression analysis to determine their associations with MSD prevalence. The overall prevalence of MSDs was 89.90%. MSD prevalence was higher among female patients than among male patients (p < 0.001). The most commonly affected body regions were the lower back, shoulders, and knees. Career type (p < 0.001) had the highest impact on the presence of MSDs after controlling for sex, age, and underlying diseases as covariates in a logistic regression model. Manual labor and heavy industry workers as well as pensioners showed an increased risk of MSDs. While older age was associated with a higher MSD prevalence using chi-squared statistics, it was removed from the logistic regression models. Pensioners were the most likely to receive treatment, indicating the need for targeted interventions for individuals with physically demanding occupations. These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions and further research on socioeconomic factors, lifestyle behaviors, and comorbidities to manage MSDs among older adults in Thailand.
Examining Management and Employees’ Perceptions of Occupational Heat Exposure and the Effectiveness of a Heat Stress Prevention Intervention on Safety and Well-Being among Natural Gas Construction Workers: A Qualitative Field-Based Study
Authors: Idris Muinat Abolore , Markham Christine , Mena Kristina D. , Perkison William B.
Published: September 2024

Background: Numerous risk factors have been identified as significantly influencing outdoor workers’ risk for heat stress and heat-related conditions, impacting their health, well-being, and productivity. However, the specific effects of these factors on construction workers’ safety, health, and well-being remain under-researched. With climate change increasing temperatures, assessing heat stress among construction workers is imperative. Objective: To identify the barriers and facilitators influencing the safety of natural gas construction workers and evaluate an implemented heat stress intervention. Methods: In the summer of 2023, two semi-structured interviews and six focus groups were conducted with twenty-one stakeholders at a Texas natural gas construction site. Results: Key facilitators include employee preparedness, use of employer-provided resources, hydration logs, and real-time communication tools. Contrarily, the barriers include daily work schedules, access to dehydrating beverages, and generational differences with the non-implementation of mandatory rest breaks. The heat stress program was perceived as effective, surpassing recommended guidelines. Conclusion: To advance construction workers’ safety, health, and well-being, both employee involvement and employer management are needed, along with no-cost accessible resources. Additionally, implementing a required routine rest break and comprehensive heat stress education, particularly for older workers, will significantly promote safety and safe work practices in hot environments. Note: in this study, the terms ‘worker’ and ‘employee’ are used interchangeably.
Alcohol Use among Young Women in Kampala City: Comparing Self-Reported Survey Data with Presence of Urinary Ethyl Glucuronide Metabolite
Authors: Swahn Monica H. , Palmier Jane , Culbreth Rachel , Bbosa Godfrey S. , Natuhamya Charles , Matovu Gideon , Kasirye Rogers
Published: September 2024

This study sought to determine the level of concordance between self-reported alcohol use and the presence of its urinary ethyl glucuronide (EtG) metabolite in women living in urban Kampala. In 2023, we recruited 300 young women, ages 18 to 24 years, to participate in a prospective cohort study across three sites in urban Kampala (i.e., Banda, Bwaise, and Makindye) to examine the mechanistic pathways of mental illness. As part of the baseline assessment, participants were asked to complete a research assistant-administered survey and to provide a urine sample to screen for 16 different substances and/or their metabolites, including EtG. Overall, 58% (n = 174) reported to have ever consumed alcohol and 23% (n = 68) to have used it in the past month. Among the 300 women, 10% (n = 30) had EtG levels in their urine sample and of these, 40% (n = 12) reported to have never consumed alcohol, using a self-reported survey (p = 0.035). Recent alcohol use was relatively low among the women in this study. However, the discordance between self-reported alcohol use and the presence of EtG presents concerns about the accuracy of self-reported alcohol use. Additional research is needed to contextualize self-reported alcohol use, social desirability, and the implications for alcohol prevention and intervention strategies for young women in urban Kampala.
Phubbing in Adolescents: Spanish Validation of the Phubbing Scale (PS)
Authors: Barbed-Castrejón Noelia , Navaridas-Nalda Fermín , Ábalos-Villanueva Cristina , Mason Oliver , Ortuño-Sierra Javier
Published: September 2024

The Phubbing Scale (PS) is an instrument used to measure the frequency and extent of the behavior of ignoring someone you are with and giving attention to your mobile phone instead. However, there is insufficient evidence about the psychometric adequacy of the Spanish version of the instrument. The main goal of this research was to analyze the psychometric properties of PS in a representative sample of Spanish adolescents and young adults. A total of 1351 participants comprised the sample (42.78% females, age range = 12–21). Students were selected from different levels of education such as secondary school, high school, vocational training, or university. A convenient sample was used. The reliability of the scores was calculated by means of McDonald’s Omega. The evidence of the internal structure of the questionnaire was analyzed by means of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The measurement invariance of the instrument by gender and educational level was also calculated. In addition, Pearson’s correlations between phubbing and other indicators of mental health were also calculated. The goodness-of-fit indices for the two-factor model were good. The McDonald’s Omega coefficient for the total score was 0.787. Measurement invariance both by gender and educational level was found. The phenomenon of phubbing was found to have statistically significant correlations with emotional well-being, other mental health indicators, and with Problematic Internet Use (PIU), with the sole exception of the hyperactivity subscale of the SDQ. This study provided validity evidence for the Spanish version of the Phubbing Scale (PS), suggesting that PS is a reliable tool for quantifying phubbing in Spanish adolescents.
Wastewater-Based Surveillance Reveals the Effectiveness of the First COVID-19 Vaccination Campaigns in Assisted Living Facilities
Authors: Brenner Katherine I. , Walser Bryan , Cooper Joseph , Jiang Sunny
Published: September 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected vulnerable populations, including residents of assisted living facilities (ALFs). This study investigates the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) and mass vaccination campaigns on SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics within four ALFs in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States from January to April 2021. Initial observations reveal a significant SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in Maricopa County, with 7452 new COVID-19 cases reported on 4 January 2021. Wastewater surveillance indicates elevated viral loads within ALFs with peak concentrations reaching 1.35 × 107 genome copies/L at Facility 1 and 4.68 × 105 copies/L at Facility 2. The implementation of NPIs, including isolation protocols, resulted in a rapid decline in viral loads in wastewater. Following mass vaccination campaigns, viral loads reduced across all facilities, except Facility 4. Facility 1 demonstrated a mean viral load decrease from 1.65 × 106 copies/L to 1.04 × 103 copies/L post-vaccination, with a statistically significant U-statistic of 28.0 (p-value = 0.0027). Similar trends are observed in Facilities 2 and 3, albeit with varying degrees of statistical significance. In conclusion, this study provides evidence supporting the role of NPIs and vaccination campaigns in controlling SARS-CoV-2 transmission within ALFs.
A New Subject-Sensitive Hashing Algorithm Based on Multi-PatchDrop and Swin-Unet for the Integrity Authentication of HRRS Image
Authors: Ding Kaimeng , Wang Yingying , Wang Chishe , Ma Ji
Published: September 2024

Transformer-based subject-sensitive hashing algorithms exhibit good integrity authentication performance and have the potential to ensure the authenticity and convenience of high-resolution remote sensing (HRRS) images. However, the robustness of Transformer-based subject-sensitive hashing is still not ideal. In this paper, we propose a Multi-PatchDrop mechanism to improve the performance of Transformer-based subject-sensitive hashing. The Multi-PatchDrop mechanism determines different patch dropout values for different Transformer blocks in ViT models. On the basis of a Multi-PatchDrop, we propose an improved Swin-Unet for implementing subject-sensitive hashing. In this improved Swin-Unet, Multi-PatchDrop has been integrated, and each Swin Transformer block (except the first one) is preceded by a patch dropout layer. Experimental results demonstrate that the robustness of our proposed subject-sensitive hashing algorithm is not only stronger than that of the CNN-based algorithms but also stronger than that of Transformer-based algorithms. The tampering sensitivity is of the same intensity as the AGIM-net and M-net-based algorithms, stronger than other Transformer-based algorithms.