bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights into Toxic Prymnesium parvum Blooms as a Cause of the Ecological Disaster on the Odra River
Authors: Sobieraj Janusz , Metelski Dominik
Published: June 2023

In 2022, Poland and Germany experienced a prolonged and extensive mass fish kill in the Odra River. During the period from the end of July to the beginning of September 2022, a high level of incidental disease and mortality was observed in various fish species (dozens of different species were found dead). The fish mortality affected five Polish provinces (Silesia, Opole, Lower Silesia, Lubuskie, and Western Pomerania) and involved reservoir systems covering most of the river (the Odra River is 854 km long, of which 742 km are in Poland). Fatal cases were investigated using toxicological, anatomopathological, and histopathological tests. Water samples were collected to determine nutrient status in the water column, phytoplankton biomass, and community composition. High nutrient concentrations indicated high phytoplankton productivity, with favorable conditions for golden algal blooms. The harmful toxins (prymnesins secreted by Prymnesium parvum habitats) had not been found in Poland before, but it was only a matter of time, especially in the Odra River, whose waters are permanently saline and still used for navigation. The observed fish mortality resulted in a 50% decrease in the fish population in the river and affected mainly cold-blooded species. Histopathological examinations of fish showed acute damage to the most perfused organs (gills, spleen, kidneys). The disruption to hematopoietic processes and damage to the gills were due to the action of hemolytic toxins (prymnesins). An evaluation of the collected hydrological, meteorological, biological, and physico-chemical data on the observed spatio-temporal course of the catastrophe, as well as the detection of three compounds from the group of B-type prymnesins in the analyzed material (the presence of prymnesins was confirmed using an analysis of the fragmentation spectrum and the accurate tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) measurement, in combination with high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), allowed the formulation and subsequent testing of the hypothesis for a direct link between the observed fish mortality and the presence of prymnesins in the Odra River. This article systematizes what is known about the causes of the fish kill in the Odra River in 2022, based on official government reports (one Polish and one German) and the EU technical report by the Joint Research Centre. A review and critical analysis of government findings (Polish and German) on this disaster were conducted in the context of what is known to date about similar cases of mass fish kills.
Insights into the Ecotoxicology of Radicinin and (10S,11S)-(—)-epi-Pyriculol, Fungal Metabolites with Potential Application for Buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris) Biocontrol
Authors: Siciliano Antonietta , Zorrilla Jesús G. , Saviano Lorenzo , Cimmino Alessio , Guida Marco , Masi Marco , Meyer Susan
Published: June 2023

Buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) is an invasive C4 perennial grass species that substantially reduces native plant diversity of the Sonoran Desert through fire promotion and resource competition. Broad-spectrum herbicides are essentially used for its control, but they have a negative environmental and ecological impact. Recently, phytotoxicity on C. ciliaris has been discovered for two metabolites produced in vitro by the phytopathogenic fungi Cochliobolus australiensis and Pyricularia grisea. They were identified as (10S,11S)-(—)-epi-pyriculol and radicinin and resulted in being potential candidates for the development of bioherbicides for buffelgrass biocontrol. They have already shown promising results, but their ecotoxicological profiles and degradability have been poorly investigated. In this study, ecotoxicological tests against representative organisms from aquatic ecosystems (Aliivibrio fischeri bacterium, Raphidocelis subcapitata alga, and Daphnia magna crustacean) revealed relatively low toxicity for these compounds, supporting further studies for their practical application. The stability of these metabolites in International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 8692:2012 culture medium under different temperatures and light conditions was also evaluated, revealing that 98.90% of radicinin degraded after 3 days in sunlight. Significant degradation percentages (59.51–73.82%) were also obtained at room temperature, 30 °C or under ultraviolet (254 nm) light exposure. On the other hand, (10S,11S)-epi-pyriculol showed more stability under all the aforementioned conditions (49.26–65.32%). The sunlight treatment was also shown to be most effective for the degradation of this metabolite. These results suggest that radicinin could provide rapid degradability when used in agrochemical formulations, whereas (10S,11S)-epi-pyriculol stands as a notably more stable compound.
Pyroxene and Hydroxyl Signatures in Vesta Newly Calibrated Data from Dawn Mission
Authors: Massa Giuseppe , Longobardo Andrea , Palomba Ernesto , Angrisani Marianna , Gisellu Chiara , Dirri Fabrizio , De Sanctis Maria Cristina , Raponi Andrea , Carrozzo Filippo Giacomo , Ciarniello Mauro
Published: June 2023

Thanks to the VIR spectrometer onboard NASA’s Dawn spacecraft, which orbited Vesta in 2011–2012, thousands of hyperspectral images of its surface have been collected. The mission confirmed the HED (Howardite–Eucrite–Diogenite) meteorite composition of Vesta. Moreover, the VIR spectrometer detected the 2.8 µm absorption band, due to the presence of the OH molecule. In this work, we took advantage of the newly calibrated data of the VIR spectrometer by characterizing new spectral features thanks to the improved signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio for these spectra. The main goals of this work are as follows: (1) to characterize Vesta’s surface in the visible range and (2) to confirm, reinforce and characterize the OH distribution on Vesta by studying the 2.8 µm band and looking for OH combination bands around 2.2–2.4 µm. A possible relation between the 1.9 µm absorption band due to the presence of pyroxenes and the one at 0.5 µm was analyzed. Finally, the analysis of hydroxyl absorption bands evidenced an anti-correlation between the abundance of hydroxyl-bearing molecules and the surface reflectance. This confirms that the hydroxyl presence is linked to the dark units on Vesta.
Genetic Variability in the E6/E7 Region of Human Papillomavirus 16 in Women from Ecuador
Authors: Zhingre Alicia , Bedoya-Pilozo César , Gutiérrez-Pallo Diana , Badano Inés , Herrera-Yela Andrés , Salazar Zoila , Alarcón Damaris , Argüello-Bravo Natali , Espinoza Maylen , Ponce Patricio , Soto Yudira , Carrazco-Montalvo Andrés
Published: June 2023

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer (CC). Ecuador has a high prevalence of cervical cancer, with more than 1600 new cases diagnosed annually. This study aimed to analyze oncogenes E6 and E7 of HPV16 in samples collected from women with cancerous and precancerous cervical lesions from the Ecuadorian coast. Twenty-nine women, including six with ASCUS, three with LSIL, thirteen with HSIL, and seven with Cacu, were analyzed. The most common SNPs were E6 350G or L83V (82.6%) and E6 145T/286A/289G/335T/350G or Q14H/F78Y/L83V (17.4%). Both variants are reported to be associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer in worldwide studies. In contrast, all E7 genes have conserved amino-acid positions. Phylogenetic trees showed the circulation of the D (26.1%) and A (73.9) lineages. The frequency of D was higher than that reported in other comparable studies in Ecuador and Latin America, and may be related to the ethnic composition of the studied populations. This study contributes to the characterization of the potential risk factors for cervical carcinogenesis associated with Ecuadorian women infected with HPV16.
Hantavirus in Panama: Twenty Years of Epidemiological Surveillance Experience
Authors: Armién Blas , Muñoz Carlos , Cedeño Hector , Salazar Jacqueline R. , Salinas Tybbyssay P. , González Publio , Trujillo José , Sánchez Deyanira , Mariñas Jamileth , Hernández Ayvar , Cruz Harmodio , Villarreal Leisy Yovany , Grimaldo Elba , González Samuel , Nuñez Heydy , Hesse Susana , Rivera Fernando , Edwards George , Chong Ricardo , Mendoza Ovidio , Meza Martín , Herrera Milagro , Kant Rudick , Esquivel Raul , Estripeaut Dora , Serracín Demetrio , Denis Bernardino , Robles Esthefani , Mendoza Yaxelis , Gonzalez Gloria , Tulloch Felicia , Pascale Juan Miguel , Dunnum Jonathan L. , Cook Joseph A. , Armién Anibal G. , Gracia Fernando , Guerrero Gladys Alicia , de Mosca Itza
Published: June 2023

Twenty years have passed since the emergence of hantavirus zoonosis in Panama at the beginning of this millennium. We provide an overview of epidemiological surveillance of hantavirus disease (hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and hantavirus fever) during the period 1999–2019 by including all reported and confirmed cases according to the case definition established by the health authority. Our findings reveal that hantavirus disease is a low-frequency disease, affecting primarily young people, with a relatively low case-fatality rate compared to other hantaviruses in the Americas (e.g., ANDV and SNV). It presents an annual variation with peaks every 4–5 years and an interannual variation influenced by agricultural activities. Hantavirus disease is endemic in about 27% of Panama, which corresponds to agroecological conditions that favor the population dynamics of the rodent host, Oligoryzomys costaricensis and the virus (Choclo orthohantavirus) responsible for hantavirus disease. However, this does not rule out the existence of other endemic areas to be characterized. Undoubtedly, decentralization of the laboratory test and dissemination of evidence-based surveillance guidelines and regulations have standardized and improved diagnosis, notification at the level of the primary care system, and management in intensive care units nationwide.
Diversity of Human Enterovirus Co-Circulations in Five Kindergartens in Bangkok between July 2019 and January 2020
Authors: Sittikul Pichamon , Batty Elizabeth M. , Yodsawat Prasert , Nuanpirom Jiratchaya , Kosoltanapiwat Nathamon , Sangket Unitsa , Chatchen Supawat , Day Nicholas P. J. , Thaipadungpanit Janjira
Published: June 2023

Human enterovirus causes various clinical manifestations in the form of rashes, febrile illness, flu-like illness, uveitis, hand–foot–mouth disease (HFMD), herpangina, meningitis, and encephalitis. Enterovirus A71 and coxsackievirus are significant causes of epidemic HFMD worldwide, especially in children aged from birth to five years old. The enterovirus genotype variants causing HFMD epidemics have been reported increasingly worldwide in the last decade. We aim to use simple and robust molecular tools to investigate human enteroviruses circulating among kindergarten students at genotype and subgenotype levels. With the partial 5′-UTR sequencing analysis as a low-resolution preliminary grouping tool, ten enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) and coxsackievirus clusters were identified among 18 symptomatic cases and 14 asymptomatic cases in five kindergartens in Bangkok, Thailand, between July 2019 and January 2020. Two occurrences of a single clone causing an infection cluster were identified (EV-A71 C1-like subgenotype and coxsackievirus A6). Random amplification-based sequencing using MinION (Oxford Nanopore Technology) helped identify viral transmission between two closely related clones. Diverse genotypes co-circulating among children in kindergartens are reservoirs for new genotype variants emerging, which might be more virulent or better at immune escape. Surveillance of highly contagious enterovirus in communities is essential for disease notifications and controls.
Unbiased Virus Detection in a Danish Zoo Using a Portable Metagenomic Sequencing System
Authors: Fomsgaard Anna S. , Tahas Stamatios A. , Spiess Katja , Polacek Charlotta , Fonager Jannik , Belsham Graham J.
Published: June 2023

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) is receiving increased attention for the detection of new viruses and infections occurring at the human–animal interface. The ability to actively transport and relocate this technology enables in situ virus identification, which could reduce response time and enhance disease management. In a previous study, we developed a straightforward mNGS procedure that greatly enhances the detection of RNA and DNA viruses in human clinical samples. In this study, we improved the mNGS protocol with transportable battery-driven equipment for the portable, non-targeted detection of RNA and DNA viruses in animals from a large zoological facility, to simulate a field setting for point-of-incidence virus detection. From the resulting metagenomic data, we detected 13 vertebrate viruses from four major virus groups: (+)ssRNA, (+)ssRNA-RT, dsDNA and (+)ssDNA, including avian leukosis virus in domestic chickens (Gallus gallus), enzootic nasal tumour virus in goats (Capra hircus) and several small, circular, Rep-encoding, ssDNA (CRESS DNA) viruses in several mammal species. More significantly, we demonstrate that the mNGS method is able to detect potentially lethal animal viruses, such as elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) and the newly described human-associated gemykibivirus 2, a human-to-animal cross-species virus, in a Linnaeus two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus) and its enclosure, for the first time.
Integration of Managed Aquifer Recharge into the Water Supply System in the Algarve Region, Portugal
Authors: Standen Kath , Costa Luís , Hugman Rui , Monteiro José Paulo
Published: June 2023

The Algarve region of Portugal is experiencing severe water scarcity with existing water supplies insufficient to meet demand, with limited resilience to drought. Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) can provide intermediate storage and bridge the gap between water availability and demand, with success depending on the water available and the aquifer capacity to accept and store the water. We present the results of a regional study quantifying both these aspects to estimate the regional potential for MAR. Our results demonstrate that MAR can comprise 10% of the total water demand of the region (24 Mm3/yr) using water that is not otherwise captured, with quality that meets the requirements of the Groundwater Directive. MAR can replace 15 Mm3/yr of surface water used in the public irrigation perimeters and 9 Mm3/yr can be used to develop and maintain a strategic groundwater resource in the aquifers of the Central Algarve. Although climate change is predicted to result in an 8–13% decrease in MAR recharge, this can be addressed by incrementally increasing MAR design capacity. MAR has similar water resource benefits to the planned major infrastructure projects (desalination and River Guadiana abstraction), with reduced environmental impacts and lower costs than almost all feasible alternatives. We conclude that MAR is an important measure to increase water supply security and drought resilience in the Algarve region.
Optimizing Rotation Forest-Based Decision Tree Algorithms for Groundwater Potential Mapping
Authors: Chen Wei , Wang Zhao , Wang Guirong , Ning Zixin , Lian Boxiang , Li Shangjie , Tsangaratos Paraskevas , Ilia Ioanna , Xue Weifeng
Published: June 2023

Groundwater potential mapping is an important prerequisite for evaluating the exploitation, utilization, and recharge of groundwater. The study uses BFT (best-first decision tree classifier), CART (classification and regression tree), FT (functional trees), EBF (evidential belief function) benchmark models, and RF-BFTree, RF-CART, and RF-FT ensemble models to map the groundwater potential of Wuqi County, China. Firstly, select sixteen groundwater spring-related variables, such as altitude, plan curvature, profile curvature, curvature, slope angle, slope aspect, stream power index, topographic wetness index, stream sediment transport index, normalized difference vegetation index, land use, soil, lithology, distance to roads, distance to rivers, and rainfall, and make a correlation analysis of these sixteen groundwater spring-related variables. Secondly, optimize the parameters of the seven models and select the optimal parameters for groundwater modeling in Wuqi County. The predictive performance of each model was evaluated by estimating the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) and statistical index (accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity). The results show that the seven models have good predictive capabilities, and the ensemble model has a larger AUC value. Among them, the RF-BFT model has the highest success rate (AUC = 0.911), followed by RF-FT (0.898), RF-CART (0.894), FT (0.852), EBF (0.824), CART (0.801), and BFtree (0.784), respectively. Groundwater potential maps of these 7 models were obtained, and four different classification methods (geometric interval, natural breaks, quantile, and equal interval) were used to reclassify the obtained GPM into 5 categories: very low (VLC), low (LC), moderate (MC), high (HC), and very high (VHC). The results show that the natural breaks method has the best classification performance, and the RF-BFT model is the most reliable. The study highlights that the proposed ensemble model has more efficient and accurate performance for groundwater potential mapping.
Fish Assemblages as Ecological Indicators in the Büyük Menderes (Great Meander) River, Turkey
Authors: Zogaris Stamatis , Koutsikos Nicholas , Chatzinikolaou Yorgos , Őzeren Saniye Cevher , Yence Kaan , Vlami Vassiliki , Kohlmeier Pinar Güler , Akyildiz Gürçay Kıvanç
Published: June 2023

This research describes fish assemblages and associated aquatic ecosystem degradation patterns in the Büyük Menderes River, one of Turkey’s most important Anatolian basins. Using standard electrofishing, 44 river sites were sampled throughout the basin accounting for the distribution and abundance of 20 native and seven non-native species, totaling 13,535 fish specimens. At each sampling site, anthropogenic pressures were assessed, and information was gathered to determine the degree of human-induced degradation that may affect fish and their habitats; each site was scored on the basis of a site quality index (SQI). Using the best-available relatively less-degraded river sites, cluster analyses of the samples defined six fish assemblage river types. Further classification of all fish samples utilizing bipartite network analysis resulted in comparable assemblage groupings. The European Fish Index (EFI+) with minor adaptations was applied for assessing river ecological integrity at all sampled sites in order to explore the utility of this widely used index. The EFI+ index results correlated with scores of the SQI but provided a very narrow assessment range, thus failing to accurately and consistently assess the severity of anthropogenic degradation. We recommend a new multimetric index to be developed for the Western Anatolian Ecoregion, of which this basin is a part. The data and insights gained from this exercise may help continue fish-based indicator development for policy-relevant management and conservation in Turkey’s rivers.
Incompatible Versions of Digital Humanity in Mike Lancaster's "0.4" and "1.4"
Authors: Şentürk Emine
Published: June 2023

This study examines the topic of the human being stuck in a transitional period between being human, transhuman, and posthuman. The focus of this article revolves around the analysis of Mike Lancaster's sequel novels "0.4" and "1.4" which depict events in a fictitious world, with the former focusing on the transformation of a conventional community into a digitally enhanced one and the latter depicting the presence of several versions of the upgraded humanity. This research employs transhuman and posthuman perspectives on selected novel excerpts that indicate the author's preoccupation with ambiguity and disobedience. Digital memory record of a diary is viewed as an instance of self-awareness that provides documentation for memory and archive which would be the only sign of the existence of a human version in this real world in contrast to the digital world.
L’atelier de potiers d’époque romaine (70-160/170 ap. J.-C.) du Collet Long à La Crau (Var)
Authors: Brun Jean-Pierre , Congès Gaëtan , Barillot Monique , Berre Michèle , Boisson Antoine , Botte Emmanuel , Leguilloux Martine , Michel Jean-Marie
Published: June 2023

La fouille récente d’un atelier de potiers situés au lieu-dit «Collet Long» , à quelques kilomètres au Nord-Est de Toulon a permis de mettre au jour une série de bassins pour le traitement de l’argile, un grand four et un bâtiment associé qui ont fonctionné entre le début de l’époque flavienne et les années 160/ 170 ap. J.-C. Situé dans une micro région densément occupée pendant le Haut-Empire, il produisait des matériaux de construction, des amphores de type Gauloise 4 destinées à l’exportation du vin local, ainsi que de la céramique à pâte claire. Trois états principaux ont pu être distingués qui témoignent de l’évolution de l’atelier dont la fouille n’a concerné qu’une partie, l’autre étant située en terrain agricole et restant à explorer.
Using Videoconferencing to Create Authentic Online Learning for Volunteers
Authors: Lobley Jennifer , Ouellette Kristy
Published: June 2023

Face-to-face training for Extension volunteers is no longer the only viable delivery mode. In times of rapid technological advances, we are faced with a plethora of options for offering volunteers the training and support they need. Zoom, an online videoconferencing platform, can easily be used to engage volunteers in professional development. Creating interactive virtual sessions with a face-to-face feel can be a win-win situation for both Extension staff and volunteers.
FB-BRAG: A Tool for Assessing Family Business Functioning
Authors: Wiatt Renee , Marshall Maria
Published: June 2023

Understanding a family business from the multiple viewpoints of family and business stakeholders can help enhance communication, ultimately improving overall functioning of the family business. The FB-BRAG is an easy-to-understand tool that can be used by family businesses and family business practitioners alike. The results are easy to calculate and interpret and can be easily compared across members of the family business.
Repurposing Video Documentaries as Features of a Flipped-Classroom Approach to Community-Centered Development
Authors: Arbogast Douglas , Eades Daniel , Plein Christopher
Published: June 2023

Online and off-site educational programming is increasingly incorporated by Extension educators to reach their clientele. Models such as the flipped classroom combine online content and in-person learning, allowing clients to both gain information and build peer learning communities. We demonstrate how video documentaries used in traditional tourism development programs were repurposed as preprogram, flipped-classroom learning materials to deliver content and extend the goals of community-centric programming. The flipped-classroom approach yielded learning and process outcomes and allowed educators to maximize time spent facilitating peer learning, client engagement, and community organizing.
Usefulness of Delivery Methods for Climate Change Programming: Perspectives of Extension and Research Faculty
Authors: Thorn Kaila , Tobin Daniel , Radhakrishna Rama , Chatchyan Allison , Chan Joana , Allred Shorna
Published: June 2023

Extension is responding to climate change through programming intended to encourage adaptation and mitigation in agricultural production and natural resources management. However, effectively engaging target audiences requires identifying appropriate delivery methods. We conducted a study to identify delivery methods researchers and Extension professionals at land-grant universities in the northeastern United States perceive as useful for climate change outreach. Respondents viewed all delivery methods as only slightly useful, though traditional options, including face-to-face interactions and the use of videos and websites, were perceived as slightly more useful than other delivery methods. Therefore, we in Extension must experiment with various delivery methods to identify those most likely to effect the adoption of adaptation and mitigation practices.
Visionmaker.NYC: An Online Landscape Ecology Tool to Support Social-Ecological System Visioning and Planning
Authors: DuBois Bryce , Allred Shorna , Howarth Katherine , Sanderson Eric , Giampieri Mario
Published: June 2023

The Welikeia project and the corresponding free online tool Visionmaker.NYC focus on the historical landscape ecologies of New York City. This article provides a brief introduction to online participatory tools, describes the Visionmaker tool in detail, and offers suggested ways to use the tool for Extension professionals based in and outside New York City. This information provides a basis for best practices Extension professionals can apply when using Visionmaker to support ecological thinking and participatory planning to catalyze change among urban residents.
Mobilizing Rural Communities to Prevent Childhood Obesity: A Tool Kit
Authors: Smathers Carol , Lobb Jennifer
Published: June 2023

The tool kit Mobilizing Rural Communities to Prevent Childhood Obesity is the product of a seven-state multidisciplinary research project focused on enhancing obesity prevention efforts by integrating community coaching into the work of rural community coalitions. The interactive tool kit is available at no cost both in print form and online, and it consists of five tutorials that present best practices and lessons learned throughout the research project. Extension professionals working within health promotion coalitions may wish to use or promote the tool kit. Coalition members can complete the activities contained in the tool kit individually or as a group.
Necessary Role of Extension in Development of Agricultural Regulations
Authors: Casella Michelle , Schilling Brian
Published: June 2023

Extension professionals are often sought out to provide technical information for and consult on agricultural issues. However, it is not widely known that Extension professionals can fulfill an important niche in assisting with developing regulations. Indeed, there is no other organization better suited for this role. In the State of New Jersey, Extension faculty are appointed to regulatory boards and committees as neutral parties who can provide nonbiased, science-based information. Extension faculty in the state have become trusted resources related to providing information for legislated programs, such as right-to-farm regulations, and agricultural conflict resolution.
The Money Mentors Program: Increasing Financial Literacy in Utah Youths
Authors: Garcia Zurishaddai , Francis Dave , Christensen Amanda , MacArthur Stacey , Memmott Margie , Hill Paul
Published: June 2023

Utah 4-H and Fidelity Investments collaborated on a program for increasing the financial literacy of teens and children. The collaboration resulted in positive impacts for both Extension and Utah youths. Extension benefited through partnership with a corporation that provided content expertise, volunteers, and funding for a financial literacy program. Youths benefited from improved financial literacy. A Teens Reaching Youth (TRY) team approach was used for the training of 81 teens, who then taught 530 youths statewide. The curriculum addressed research-based financial concepts through activities and technologies that were interactive, appealing, and engaging. The program development and implementation processes may serve as models for other Extension programs, and the curriculum is free to download.
Understanding Predictors of Nutrient Management Practice Diversity in Midwestern Agriculture
Authors: Bates Hanna , Arbuckle Gordon
Published: June 2023

Agriculture's negative effect on water quality has become increasingly well documented. Farmers have a range of conservation practices available, yet rate of adoption is not optimal. Extension and other agricultural stakeholders play a key role in promotion of conservation practice adoption. We used survey data to examine relationships between farmers' integration in agricultural social networks and diversity of conservation practices used. Farmers who were more engaged in agricultural organizations and social networks tended to report greater diversity in nutrient best management practices. Conversely, less "connected" farmers reported less management practice diversity. Opportunities for Extension to engage with both groups exist.
Drones in Extension Programming: Implementation of Adult and Youth Activities
Authors: Koff Jason
Published: June 2023

The use of unmanned aircraft systems (UASs), or consumer drones, in agriculture has the potential to revolutionize the way certain farm practices are conducted and the way science, technology, engineering, and math principles can be taught. Currently, there is need for UAS training for both adults and youths, and that need will increase with the expected growth of the UAS industry. This article addresses the need to include UASs in Extension programming, the associated legalities, and the best types of UASs to use in such programming.
Evaluation of HLA-B27 frequency in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, and its relationship with clinical symptoms in Khuzestan province
Authors: Davodi Mahnoosh , Nokhostin Forogh , Rajaei Elham
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an autoimmune disease, which causes mild to severe clinical symptoms in patients. Several inherited and acquired factors are involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. Human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27) is one of the factors, whose expression affects patients’ susceptibility to AS. Objectives: In this study, we evaluated HLA-B27 frequency in AS patients of Khuzestan province of Iran. Patients and Methods: The study population (N=114) including patients with AS. Patients were examined and confirmed by a rheumatologist based on New York modified criteria. Clinical information was extracted from patients’ documents. Furthermore, general characteristics of the patients and several clinical variables (physio-pathological, self-report, and imaging) were taken into consideration. Results: The results showed that 62.3% of the patients were HLA-B27 positive, while 37.7% of which were HLA-B27 negative. This difference was statistically significant (P <0.05). The disease duration was shown to be almost equal in both groups (i.e., HLA-B27 positive and HLA-B27 negative). According to the results, various clinical symptoms (like ocular complications and peripheral arthritis) were observed in patients, and the complications of which were higher in HLA-B27 negative patients compared to HLA-B27 positive ones (P <0.05). Besides, it was seen that the male patients have shown a higher physio-pathological (using polymerase chain reaction [PCR] technique) report for positive HLA-B27 and a higher magnetic resonance imaging involvement compared with females, whereas the women showed higher disease activity score i.e., higher mean Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) value. Conclusion: For the AS patients, negative HLA-B27 cases show more progressive involvement sacroiliac joints compared with the positive HLA-B27 cases. More importantly, of hundred percent of patients who responded to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) treatment, 52.6% were positive for the HLA-B27 antigen, and 47.4% were negative for the HLA-B27 antigen. Overall, it can be said that HLA-B27 lonely is not involved in the pathogenesis of AS and environmental factors should be investigated and involved in the disease development.
The effect of delivery type (vaginal delivery versus cesarean section) on intraocular pressure and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in healthy women
Authors: Nazari Sanaz , Smaeili Azadeh , Kasiri Ali , Jelodarian Parivash
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Pregnancy imposes physiological stress and significantly changes human body. This change may have potential effects on visual system. Little is known about pregnancy effects on intraocular pressure (IOP) and glaucoma. Objectives: The present study tended to evaluate and compare the effect of normal vaginal delivery (NVD) versus cesarean section (CS) on IOP and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) in healthy women. Patients and Methods: Sixty pregnant women participated in this prospective cross-sectional study. The participants were assigned to two groups; the first group consisted of 30 candidates for NVD and the second group of 30 candidates for CS. Then, IOP in three states before delivery, during delivery, and six weeks after delivery then RNFLT were measured and compared by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in two states before delivery and six weeks after delivery. Results: Based on the results, there was no significant difference in the RNFLT in left and right eyes, before and after delivery in the NVD and CS groups (P=0.081 and P=0.090, respectively). Additionally, following the comparison of NVD and SC groups, no significant difference in the RNFLT between two groups was detected (P>0.05). According to IOP measurements in both eyes, IOP during delivery was significantly higher than before and after delivery in NVD group (P=0.05 and P=0.048, respectively) and CS group (P=0.028 and P=0.035, respectively). In addition, IOP in NVD group was higher than CS group in all states, but no statistically significant difference was seen among them (P>0.05). Conclusion: In general, the results showed that delivery type does not significantly affect RNFLT and IOP. It is also possible that an increase in IOP will lead to different results in women with pre-existing glaucoma or risk factors for it. Therefore, in cases with a positive background of glaucoma, specialized examinations and delivery under the supervision of a specialist are recommended.
Cyber power in the African context: an exploratory analysis and proposition
Authors: Duvenage Petrus , Bernhardt Wilhelm , Von Solms Sebastian
Published: June 2023

While the centrality of cyber power in the safeguarding and advancing nation states’ national interests and objectives is now widely accepted, the academic discourse (on cyber power) is still incipient. In literature reviewed, cyber power is predominantly viewed as comprising of two dimensions, namely offensive and defensive. The exploratory analysis we conducted found that Africa’s unique, contextual factors necessitate an expanded conceptualisation of cyber power. This alternative conceptualisation does not dispute the existing notion that cyber power has offensive and defensive dimensions. The fact that cyber is by its very nature borderless and that African countries function in an interconnected global arena of competition and conflict, are also not contested.  What is required is the addition of a third dimension to cyber power, namely developmental power. This paper advances a tentative proposition on a cyber-power triad (with offensive, defensive and developmental dimensions). This proposition, we argue, is more apposite to African countries’ national objectives —strategically and in the allocation of resources.  At least on a notional level, the cyber-power triad can guide the leveraging of the asymmetric advantages that cyber space offers African nation states and in a manner that pursues all three (cyber power) dimensions in a complementary manner. Such synergetic wielding of cyber power is one of the keys indispensable to African countries addressing their substantial challenges and unlocking their vast potential.
Role of Techno-Economic Coalitions in Future Cyberspace Governance: 'Backcasting' as a Method for Strategic Foresight
Authors: Ristolainen Mari
Published: June 2023

In an increasingly complex threat landscape, many nations struggle with developing and implementing effective cybersecurity policies for cyberspace governance at a national and international level. Balancing between the demands for establishing national sovereignty and strengthening international collaboration in cyberspace have become a problematic assignment. Collaborating with nations supporting extensively dissimilar ideologies and cybersecurity policies is controversial. Yet, it is almost impossible for a single country to achieve 'self-sufficiency' in cyberspace. Thus, in order to remain competitive, protected, and resilient one must either join or strengthen a developing techno-economic coalition with similar national cybersecurity policies and/or ideological framework. Consequently, this paper argues that techno-economic coalitions serve as an emerging issue or trend for strategic foresight in cyberspace governance in the future. This paper discusses the potential formation of techno-economic coalitions and shows how 'backcasting' can be used in strategic foresight. In this paper, 'backcasting' is not used as a method for creating a traditional strategic map to a future goal, but as a framework for determining what should have happened in order for the techno-economic coalitions to emerge in future cyberspace, i.e. for finding issues or trends that should be followed in strategic foresight today. Firstly, cyberspace governance in relation to national cybersecurity policies is contextualised. Secondly, the concept of techno-economic coalition is defined and the potential emerging techno-economic coalitions are explicated. Thirdly, 'backcasting' as a method for strategic foresight is described. Fourthly, the results of a 'backcasting' experiment in a strategic foresight workshop are presented. And finally, the future formation and role of techno-economic coalitions in cyberspace governance and in cyber defence both at a national and international level are discussed. The role of techno-economic coalitions in future cyberspace governance should be understood and considered today when developing strategic plans and implementing national and international cybersecurity policies.
A Cyber Counterintelligence Competence Framework: Developing the Job Roles
Authors: Thenjiwe Sithole  , Du Toit Jaco , Von Solms Sebastian
Published: June 2023

In recent years, there have been intensifying cyber risks and volumes of cyber incidents prompting a significant shift in the cyber threat landscape. Both nation-state and non-state actors are increasingly resolute and innovative in their techniques and operations globally. These intensifying cyber risks and incidents suggest that cyber capability is inversely proportional to cyber risks, threats and attacks. Therefore, this confirms an emergent and critical need to adopt and invest in intelligence strategies, predominantly cyber counterintelligence (CCI), which is a multi-disciplinary and proactive measure to mitigate risks and counter cyber threats and cyber-attacks. Concurrent with the adoption of CCI is an appreciation that requisite job roles must be defined and developed. Notwithstanding the traction that CCI is gaining, we found no work on a clear categorisation for the CCI job roles in the academic or industry literature surveyed. Furthermore, from a cybersecurity perspective, it is unclear which job roles constitute the CCI field.

This paper stems from and expands on the authors’ prior research on developing a CCI Competence Framework. The proposed CCI Competence Framework consists of four critical elements deemed essential for CCI workforce development. In order of progression, the Framework’s elements are: CCI Dimensions (passive-defensive, active-defensive, passive-offensive, active-offensive), CCI Functional Areas (detection, deterrence, deception, neutralisation), CCI Job Roles (associated with each respective Functional Area), and Tasks and Competences (allocated to each job role). Pivoting on prior research on CCI Dimensions and CCI Functional Areas, this paper advances a proposition on associated Job Roles in a manner that is both intelligible and categorised.

To this end, the paper advances a five-step process that evaluates and examines Counterintelligence and Cybersecurity Job Roles and functions to derive a combination of new or existing Job Roles required for the CCI workforce/professionals. Although there are several cybersecurity frameworks for workforce development, establishing the CCI Job Roles is specifically based on the expression of the Job Roles defined in the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Cybersecurity Workforce Framework.
Educational Scenario for Teaching Cyber Security Using low-cost Equipment and Open Source Software
Authors: Andreatos Antonios
Published: June 2023

This work presents a set of hands-on educational activities designed to teach some cyber security concepts in the classroom. The experimental configuration used an ad-hoc wireless and wired network, and a Raspberry Pi implementing a Web and an SSH server. Students were connected using their own devices (laptops or tablets). Initially the students tested DoS attacks to the Web server using various tools. Next, the students had to create SSH accounts to the server and a pair of RSA keys; using their SSH accounts, the students had to transfer their public keys to the server. Finally, students had to attack the SSH service from Kali Linux running on virtual machines in teams, each team using a different tool. The scenario was implemented in parts during a series of lessons and was positively accepted and evaluated by the students, who got familiar with a number of concepts and tools of computer networking and network security. In the end, the students informally assessed the Kali Linux SSH attack tools. Ways to assess the students qualitatively and quantitatively based on their participation are also presented. These lab exercises used a series of open source software, as well as low-cost equipment.
Towards the Development of Indicators of Fake Websites for Digital Investigation
Authors: Alkuwaiti Aysha , Alremeithi Mera , Alobeidli Haya , Ikuesan Richard
Published: June 2023

A fake website is considered a website that is intended to cause harm and manipulate users, especially novice users without some knowledge of indicators of fakeness. Understanding the indicators of fake websites is thus considered an important concept to avoid being a victim of malicious attacks in online engagements. In some cases, such knowledge is required to reduce the potential attack surface of cyber criminals. However, the increasing rate of website diversity and complexities makes it difficult for an individual to distinguish between a fake and a real website while compounding the investigation process of a website. Also, the growing rate of website imitation technology and website domain closure presents a veritable platform for the development of fake websites. As a step towards determining the genuineness of a website, this study developed a forensic framework based on an exploratory analysis of different genres of fake websites. To achieve this, forensic methodologies and processes were applied to methodically selected samples of known fake websites based on three fakeness categories: Hoaxes, Cybersquatting, and Sweepstakes. The result revealed the existence of salient markers which can be used as indicators of fakeness and can be applied across a wide genre of websites.  Furthermore, the resultant observation was used to develop a digital forensic framework for website fakeness evaluation. The developed framework was benchmarked to the ISO 27043/2015 and the NIST SP800-86 standard for completeness and relevance to forensic investigation processes. By leveraging the proposed digital forensic framework, an investigation can develop a reliable pointer to evaluate the genuineness of any website, which can significantly reduce the investigation time. For a non-forensic individual, the developed framework can be leveraged to identify, at first glance, the degree of fakeness of a website. Such a mechanism can therefore provide a useful tool to reduce the potential susceptibility of users thereby creating user awareness.
Radiograph Manufacturer and Model Identification Using Deep-RSI
Authors: Ghareh Mohammadi Farid , Sebro Ronnie
Published: June 2023

Malware attacks of healthcare institutions are simultaneously becoming more common and more sophisticated.  Artificial intelligence (AI) has resulted in the ability to rapidly alter or generate false images, advancing the ease of forgery of digital images. Digital image manipulation and substitution of radiographs are major threats to healthcare institutions because these altered images may affect patient care. Identifying the source (manufacturer, model) of radiology images is one method of validating the origin of radiology images in a healthcare system. In a previous study, researchers demonstrated that features from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could be used to trace and authenticate the source of the MRI images. We previously developed and tested the Deep learning for Radiograph Source Identification (Deep-RSI) approach for source identification of radiographs obtained of the upper extremities (hands, wrists, forearms, elbows, and shoulders). In this research, we present an empirical and quantitative investigation using deep learning to validate the source of digital radiographic images of the lower extremities (knees, legs, ankles, and feet). A convolutional neural network (CNN) is employed to extract features, which are then followed by three fully connected layers (FCNN). To ensure that our proposed method is a content-free approach, we added a new layer before the CNN to extract the initial content-free pixels and train the features using the CNN and FCNN layers. This proposed approach was used to identify the source of each digital image of a lower extremity. Adult patients of both sexes who had radiographs of the lower extremities at Mayo Clinic between 01/01/2010 and 12/31/2021 were evaluated. The data was randomly split by patient into training/validation and test datasets. There were 9 radiographic machine models and 6 manufacturers. Deep-RSI had an accuracy of 99.00% (AUC= 0.99) and 97.00% (AUC=0.94) for detecting the manufacturer and model of the radiographic machine for radiographs of the feet respectively, confirming that forensic evaluation of radiographs can be performed. This is the first medical forensics examination of this type to identify and confirm the source origins for radiographs of the lower extremities. This technique may be helpful to detect radiology malware attacks and scientific fraud.
Hybrid Threat and Information Influence in Connection with Security of Supply
Authors: Rajamäki Jyri , Palletvuori Tehi
Published: June 2023

Hybrid threat is a multidimensional and hard-to-detect activity. It includes a wide range of actions, from influencing information to the military means by which the hybrid actor achieves its goals. These goals can include weakening or even destroying the target. Security of supply means preparedness and continuity management actions, which aim to safeguard economic activities and related systems that are necessary for the population’s livelihood, the country’s economic life, and national defense in the event of exceptional conditions and comparable serious disruptions. Both hybrid threat and information influencing can disrupt the realization of the goals of security of supply. This work-in-progress paper proposes a framework, which consists of hybrid threat and its sub-classification, and information influencing as one of the means to implement hybrid threat. The framework also describes the security of supply and elements that are used to combat information influence and maintain the security of supply. In addition, the framework paper discusses what kind of elements measuring the maturity level of an organization’s prevention of information influence could consist of.