bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acupressure intervention for children: A scoping review
Authors: Ramdaniati Sri , Sitaresmi Mei Neni , Haryanti Fitri , Iman Arief Tarmansyah
Published: January 2025

Background: Acupressure is a popular form of complementary nursing among adults. It stimulates the body’s self-healing processes by enhancing energy flow, or “chi,” along meridian channels. Acupressure can address many health issues and is also used on children because it is painless and straightforward. Although acupressure has existed for centuries, research on its applications for children remains limited.
Objective: This review aimed to categorize and synthesize the research conducted over 30 years on acupressure in children.
Design: A scoping review
Data Source: The databases searched were PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Wiley, Medline EBSCO, and Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria were original peer-reviewed articles in English or Indonesian that used acupressure as an intervention for children in any setting from 1991 until March 2022 and were updated until March 2024.
Review Methods: This review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual Methodologies. Subsequently, the retrieved articles were imported into the EndNote program version 20. Based on the identification results, 2924 articles were obtained, and 76 articles were retained. The review decision process was depicted in a PRISMA flow diagram.
Results: Of the 76 articles, 72% came from the Asian continent, 66% were published within the past ten years, and 59% were randomized controlled trials. Acupressure was most used (48%) by school-age children (7-12 years), with commonly targeted points being Neiguan (P6), Zusanli (ST36), Hegu (LI4), Yintang (Extra1), and auricular acupoints. Acupressure on children can be administered by acupuncturists, nurses, doctors, caregivers, and parents, offering six main benefits: alleviating nausea and vomiting, relieving pain, decreasing anxiety, relieving fatigue, increasing visual function, and increasing weight and height.
Conclusion: Acupressure offers numerous advantages for children with various conditions. Healthcare and nursing professionals should consider using it as a complementary intervention to address issues and problems in healthy and sick children. However, further studies are needed to evaluate its effectiveness.
Characteristics associated with career self-reliance behaviors of nurses working in nursing homes in Japan: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Nakayama Ayako , Hoshino Junko , Hotta Masashi , Hashimoto Mayuri , Furukawa Naomi
Published: January 2025

Background: With an aging global population, establishing integrated systems for long-term care is challenging in several countries. Adequate and quality service for older adults in nursing homes can improve their quality of life. The career self-reliance of nurses working in nursing homes may affect the quality of life of older adults; this suggests a need for educational support for career self-reliance behavior. 
Objective: Our study aimed to identify characteristics associated with the career self-reliance behaviors of nurses working in nursing homes.
Methods: Data were collected from nurses working in 789 nursing homes in Japan using questionnaires in 2018. The questionnaire consisted of the Scale of Career Self-Reliance Attitude, Career Self-Reliance Behavior to measure the degree of nurses’ career self-reliance, questions about personal attributes, work environment, and work commitment; and the Clinical Nursing Competence Self-Assessment Scale. A multiple regression analysis was conducted using career self-reliance as the dependent variable and characteristics as the independent variables.
Results: Consequently, a total of 336 questionnaires were collected, of which 289 without missing data were analyzed. Of the 289 participants, 79 (27.3%) had certifications or licenses other than those for nursing or had completed graduate school. As a result of multiple regression analysis, a higher frequency of nursing practice (β = 0.38, p <0.001) was associated with career self-reliance attitudes. Having certifications or licenses other than those for nursing or completing graduate school (β = 0.11, p = 0.03), job satisfaction as a nurse (β = 0.12, p = 0.03), higher frequency of nursing practice (β = 0.28, p <0.001), and a higher degree of career self-reliance attitude (β = 0.45, p <0.001) were associated with career self-reliance behavior. Relationships with supervisors or colleagues were not associated with career self-reliance.
Conclusion: It is important for nurses working in nursing homes to enrich their nursing practice, continue learning, and be satisfied with their jobs to improve their career self-reliance. Nurses and administrators working in nursing homes should make efforts to obtain these characteristics for nurses’ career self-reliance behaviors. Particularly, maintaining nursing practice frequency is essential for improving the quality of life of older adults through nurses’ career self-reliance.
Quality of life among Indonesian family caregivers caring for dependent older persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the community: A cross-sectional, correlational study
Authors: Siregar Rinco , Kritpracha Charuwan , Chinnawong Tippamas , Latour Jos M.
Published: January 2025

Background: The global prevalence of older adults with diabetes has increased, and family caregivers in Indonesia play a critical role in managing diabetes and providing personal care. However, caregiving can be complex and challenging, often negatively affecting caregivers' quality of life (QoL).
Objective: This study aimed to develop and test a hypothesized causal model of QoL among Indonesian family caregivers who care for dependent older persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in 2024.
Methods: A cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted with 270 family caregivers recruited from five Community Health Centers. Data were collected using various scales: the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the Zarit Burden Interview, the Duke University Religion Index, the Perceived Knowledge on T2DM Care Scale, the Family-Carer Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Quality-of-Life Index. Descriptive statistics and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) were used for analysis.
Results: The final model explained 89.1% of the variance in the quality of life (QoL) of family caregivers (R² = 0.893, Adjusted R² = 0.891), with 66% predictive relevance. Depression symptoms had the strongest negative direct effect on QoL, followed by caregiver burden. Self-efficacy and perceived knowledge had positive direct effects, while social support showed no significant direct effect. Indirect effects revealed that social support and self-efficacy positively influenced QoL through depression symptoms. The total effect (TE) analysis confirmed that depression symptoms had the strongest negative effect on QoL (TE = -0.744, p <0.001), while social support (TE = 0.443, p <0.001) and self-efficacy (TE = 0.413, p <0.001) had positive effects.
Conclusion: Reducing depression symptoms and caregiver burden, strengthening social support, and promoting self-efficacy could significantly improve the QoL of family caregivers who care for older persons with T2DM. Nursing practice should address caregivers' physical and emotional needs, provide education, foster social support, and support caregiver mental health.
ELECTROCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF THE ALUMINIUM FILMS WITH GRAPHENE-BENTONITE COVERING
Authors: Boichuk Oleksandr , Pershina Katherine
Published: January 2025

The changes in the conductivity type, capacitance value, and equivalent circuit models of the composite materials, taking into account the impact of graphene-bentonite covers on the aluminum carrier, are discussed. The EIS spectra of the pure aluminum foil lay in the positive reactive resistance domain characterized by the impact of the inductance. The conductivity value is 3.9± 0.1 Sm/cm with decreasing electrostatic capacitance from 0.08 to 0.02 F/g in the frequency range 10-1÷104 Hz. Applying the graphene-bentonite coating changes types of conductivity, from electron type to ionic type. Conductivity has two orders smaller value, and rises with increasing the frequency from 0.014 to 0.02 Sm/cm. The electrochemical equivalent circuit in the case of covering by graphene-bentonite mixtures is the R-CPE parallel circuit has characteristic of the porous electrodes in a supercapacitor. Presence of a dielectric component (bentonite) on the foil surface limits the polarization of composite material and decreases the capacitance value.
Adapting the Political Science Major to an Evolving Higher Education Environment
Authors: Rogers Michael , Housenick Christopher
Published: January 2025

A major topic of discussion within political science is the perceived decline of the major (Ishiyama 2019). Over the last decade, institutions have seen declining enrollments in terms of student headcounts bachelor degrees conferred. Demand for political science as a major has not diminished, but the needs of its student are evolving, especially post Covid-19. Political science programs can handle these new realities, but programs should reflect on what political science programs do that work and as consider ways it can adapt to the evolving terrain of higher education. We share how the ATU political science has resisted program decline over the last decade, in the midst of some of the toughest years of higher education. Two sister programs in the state—Henderson State and Fort Smith, terminated. Drawing on our program's success, we explore some long-established staples of political science programs that work, as well as suggest possible program adaptations.
Swedish climate aid in transition?
Authors: Brodén Gyberg Veronica , Fridahl Mathias
Published: January 2025

The Swedish government's reform agenda for official development assistance (ODA) includes announcements of major changes in climate aid. The report discusses Sweden's climate aid profile in relation to global trends, evaluations and selected research. By directing a larger share of development aid to climate action, the reform agenda creates opportunities for Swedish influence on the international climate transition. At the same time, the new direction may jeopardize longstanding partnerships and diminish its position in climate diplomacy. One way forward is to build on established strengths and take the lead in the pursuit of transformative, catalytic and research-based climate aid.
Association of iron status indicators with thyroid hormone concentrations during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Parsaei Mohammadamin , Dashtkoohi Mohadese , Amirkhalili Elahe , Chashmyazdan Mohammadreza , Korevaar Tim I. M. , Nazeri Pantea
Published: January 2025

Background

Maternal thyroid hormones play a vital role in fetal development, and imbalances can lead to adverse outcomes. Iron deficiency may impair thyroid function due to iron’s essential role in iodine oxidation during thyroid hormone synthesis. This review examines the relationship between various indicators of maternal iron status and thyroid function during pregnancy.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search in MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library for studies published up to 2023. Meta-analyses determined pooled thyroid hormone levels in patients with and without iron deficiency, using serum ferritin (cut-off = 30 µg/L) and hemoglobin (cut-off = 11 g/dL). Meta-regression analyses examined linear relationships between iron status indicators and thyroid hormones.

Results

Forty-seven studies involving 53,152 pregnant women were included. Meta-analysis showed no significant difference in thyroid-stimulating hormone, free T4, or total T4 when considering serum ferritin levels in iron-deficient versus iron-sufficient individuals. However, regarding hemoglobin levels, iron deficiency was associated with higher thyroid-stimulating hormone (2.31 mIU/L vs. 1.75 mIU/L) and lower free T4 (10.7 pmol/L vs. 13.3 pmol/L), but not total T4. Meta-regression revealed no significant associations between serum ferritin and thyroid hormones. Conversely, maternal hemoglobin levels were inversely associated with thyroid-stimulating hormone (P-value = 0.009) and directly associated with free T4 (P-value < 0.001), with no significant link to total T4.

Conclusions

Maternal hemoglobin levels are more strongly correlated with thyroid function than serum ferritin levels. This suggests that monitoring hemoglobin could enhance the early detection and management of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD4202451820.
Aging, cancer, and autophagy: connections and therapeutic perspectives
Authors: Zapatería Begoña , Arias Esperanza
Published: January 2025

Aging and cancer are intricately linked through shared molecular processes that influence both the onset of malignancy and the progression of age-related decline. As organisms age, cellular stress, genomic instability, and an accumulation of senescent cells create a pro-inflammatory environment conducive to cancer development. Autophagy, a cellular process responsible for degrading and recycling damaged components, plays a pivotal role in this relationship. While autophagy acts as a tumor-suppressive mechanism by preventing the accumulation of damaged organelles and proteins, cancer cells often exploit it to survive under conditions of metabolic stress and treatment resistance. The interplay between aging, cancer, and autophagy reveals key insights into tumorigenesis, cellular senescence, and proteostasis dysfunction. This review explores the molecular connections between these processes, emphasizing the potential for autophagy-targeted therapies as strategies that could be further explored in both aging and cancer treatment. Understanding the dual roles of autophagy in suppressing and promoting cancer offers promising avenues for therapeutic interventions aimed at improving outcomes for elderly cancer patients while addressing age-related deterioration.
Medium term health and quality of life outcomes in a cohort of children with MIS-C in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Phoya Frank , Butters Claire , Spracklen Timothy F. , Kassa Hanna L. , van der Ross Hamza , Scott Chris , Webb Kate
Published: January 2025

Background

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a disease that occurs after exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Its short-term effects have been documented but little data exist on the longer term effects of MIS-C on the health and quality of life (QOL) of patients. The objective of this study was to assess the long-term effects of MIS-C on the QOL of children.

Methods

This study was a descriptive prospective study. We included 24 participants with previous MIS-C and 20 children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) as a positive comparator group. All children were examined and completed a paediatric quality of life (PedsQL) generic inventory score. This score was used to evaluate the School Functioning, Social, Emotional, and Physical QOL domains.

Results

All participants with previous MIS-C made a full recovery, with no medical complaints, and normal physical examinations after a median of 705 days post acute diagnosis. The PedsQL inventory revealed that 16.7% of the children with previous MIS-C showed a deficit in the physical domain compared to 60% of the children with JIA (p < 0.001). 12.5% of the children with previous MIS-C had a deficit in their psychosocial domain which included emotional, social, and educational scores, compared to 40% of the children with JIA (p = 0.035).

Conclusions

In a cohort of 24 South African children with previous MIS-C, no medical complications were reported. A small proportion felt a prolonged effect on their QOL even after making a full recovery, although this was not as severe as children with JIA, a known chronic disease that affects QOL. This highlights the need to continue to follow up these patients and offer more comprehensive long-term care.
Effect of molybdenum supply on crop performance through rhizosphere soil microbial diversity and metabolite variation
Authors: Rana Muhammad Shoaib , Alshehri Dikhnah , Wang Rui-Long , Imran Muhammad , Abdellah Yousif Abdelrahman Yousif , Rahman Faiz Ur , Alatawy Marfat , Ghabban Hanaa , Abeed Amany H. A. , Hu Cheng-xiao
Published: January 2025

Molybdenum (Mo) deficiency is a global problem in acidic soils, limiting plant growth, development, and nutrient availability. To address this, we carried out a field study with two treatments, i.e., Mo applied (+Mo) and without Mo (−Mo) treatment to explore the effects of Mo application on crop growth and development, microbial diversity, and metabolite variations in maize and soybean cropping systems. Our results indicated that the nutrient availability (N, P, K) was higher under Mo supply leading to improved biological yield and nutrient uptake efficiency in both crops. Microbial community analysis revealed that Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria were the dominant phyla in Mo treated (+Mo) soils for both maize and soybean. Both these phyla accounted together 39.43% and 57.74% in −Mo and +Mo, respectively, in soybean rhizosphere soil, while they accounted for 44.51% and 46.64% in maize rhizosphere soil. This indicates more variations among the treatments in soybean soil compared to maize soil. At a lower taxonomic level, the diverse responses of the genera indicated the specific bacterial community adaptations to fertilization. Candidatus Koribacter and Kaistobacter were commonly significantly higher in both crops under Mo-applied conditions in both cropping systems. These taxa, sharing similar functions, could serve as potential markers for nutrient availability and soil fertility. Metabolite profiling revealed 8 and 10 significantly differential metabolites in maize and soybean, respectively, under +Mo treatment, highlighting the critical role of Mo in metabolite variation. Overall, these findings emphasize the importance of Mo in shaping soil microbial diversity by altering metabolite composition, which in turn may enhance the nutrient availability, nutrient uptake, and plant performance.
Differences in carbon and nitrogen metabolism of soft japonica rice in southern China during grain filling stage under different light and nitrogen fertilizer conditions and their relationship with rice eating quality
Authors: Ma Zhongtao , Cao Jiale , Chen Xi , Yu Jianghui , Guodong Liu , Xu Fangfu , Hu Qun , Li Guangyan , Zhu Ying , Zhang Hongcheng , Wei Haiyan
Published: January 2025

Light and nitrogen are crucial environmental factors that significantly impact rice growth and quality formation. Currently, there is a lack of systematic research on how light and nitrogen affect carbon and nitrogen metabolism during grain filling, subsequently affecting the eating quality of rice. To address this gap, field experiments were conducted under varying light intensities and nitrogen fertilizer levels to investigate the changes in carbon and nitrogen metabolism during grain filling, the eating quality of rice at maturity, and the relationship between them. The findings revealed that, 50% light intensity suppressed carbon metabolism while stimulating nitrogen metabolism, resulting in a reduction in the C/N ratio, decreased starch content by 4.30% to 5.59%, and elevated protein content by 21.31% to 29.70%, thereby leading to decreased rice eating quality by 10.06% to 11.42%. Conversely, the application of panicle fertilizer boosted nitrogen metabolism while hindering carbon metabolism, leading to a decrease in the C/N ratio, increased protein content by 21.31% to 29.70%, and reduced starch content by1.60% to 2.93%, thereby leading to decreased rice eating quality by 4.13% to 6.71%. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between the C/N ratio and carbon metabolism-related enzyme activities and products, along with a significant negative correlation with nitrogen metabolism-related enzyme activities and products, suggesting that the C/N ratio can serve as an indicator of carbon and nitrogen metabolism levels. Further analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between the C/N ratio and taste value, indicating that higher levels of carbon metabolism promote the development of good rice eating quality, while nitrogen metabolism exerts an opposing influence. In summary, notable variances in carbon and nitrogen metabolism were observed within the same japonica rice cultivar under diverse light and nitrogen fertilizer conditions. These metabolic differences impact the synthesis of starch and protein in the endosperm, ultimately influencing rice quality. Our study contributes to a more profound comprehension of the regulation of carbon and nitrogen metabolism in rice by light and nitrogen fertilizer, as well as their role in determining eating quality.
Data mining for psychological profiling of track and field athletes and runners
Authors: Sanz-Fernández Cristina , Pastrana Brincones José Luis , Castellano Julen , Reigal Garrido Rafael E. , Arvizu-Lozoya Diego , Hernández-Mendo Antonio , Morales-Sánchez Verónica
Published: January 2025

Psychological factors in sports have been widely studied in scientific literature. However, only a few studies have used data mining techniques for athletic profile analysis. The main goal of this study was to analyze motivation, self-confidence, flow, and psychological skills in athletics to build differentiated profiles through clustering techniques. The sample size was 470 participants (ages 14–70 years old; M = 32.1; SD = 13.5). The Sports Motivation Scale (SMS), Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire (TEOSQ), Self-confidence in Sport Questionnaire (CACD), Flow Dispositional Scale-2 (FDS-2), and Psychological Inventory of Sport Performance (IPED) were used to analyze the psychological profile of the sample. A data clustering analysis was carried out to check the study’s purpose. Results show different behavior patterns according to specific profiles. Similarly, there have been differences between men and women, online and face-to-face participants, federated athletes and runners, categories, or sports disciplines. In conclusion, the understanding of each athlete’s psychological profile is essential to improve his/her performance. The results of this study could be used to implement changes and adjustments in athlete psychological training to run several intervention programs that focus on each group’s needs.
Niacin alters ruminal microbial composition and metabolites in sheep fed a high-concentrate diet
Authors: Cheng Zhiqiang , Liu Jiancheng , Yu Yingying , Liu Wentao , Li Xiaobin , Li Fengming , Zang Changjiang , Yang Kailun
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to investigate the effects of niacin supplementation to a high-concentrate diet (ratio of concentrate supplement to forage = 70:30) on the growth performance, rumen fermentation, rumen microbiota, and metabolomics of sheep. Twelve sheep were randomly divided into two groups: (1) a control group (CON, n = 6) fed a basal diet and (2) a niacin group (NA, n = 6) fed a basal diet supplemented with 130 mg/day niacin for 35 days: days 1–14 were the adaptation period, days 15–35 were the experiment period. On days 15 and 35 of the experiment period, all trial sheep were weighed before the morning feed (07:30 am). Ruminal fluid samples were collected from all trial sheep on days 34 and 35. The results showed that (1) the dry matter feed intake of the NA group was higher than that of the CON group (p < 0.05). (2) The ruminal pH of the NA was significantly higher than that of the CON group at 3, 5, and 7 h after feeding (p < 0.01). The concentrations of NH3-N (p < 0.01), propionate (p < 0.01), and butyrate (p < 0.05) in the NA group were significantly higher than those in the CON group. (3) Compared to the CON group, the ruminal pyruvate content in the NA group was significantly increased at 0 h before feeding (p < 0.05), and lactic acid (p < 0.05) was significantly decreased at 1 and 3 h after feeding, lactate dehydrogenase activities was significantly decreased (p < 0.01) at 3 and 5 h after feeding. (4) The number of specific operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in the CON and NA groups were 26 and 37, respectively, for a total of 1,178 OTUs; principal coordinate analysis (R2 = 0.172, p-value = 0.007) and non-metric multidimensional scaling (stress = 0.1646) results showed that the two groups of samples were significantly separated. (5) The species distribution bar graph shows that at the phylum level, the relative abundances of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria were 43.70, 36.25, and 12.77%, respectively. (6) Orthogonal projection to latent structure-discriminant analysis results showed that the two groups of samples were clearly separated in the positive and negative ionization modes, with R2Y and Q2Y values of 0.705, 0.857, 0.695, and 0.28, respectively. There were 72 metabolic pathways, mainly citric acid cycle, pyruvate metabolism, and cysteine and methionine metabolism. (7) Correlation analysis showed that a number of microorganisms (such as Succinivibrio and Prevotella) and differential metabolites (such as L-malic acid, propionic acid, succinic acid, and pyruvic acid) participated in tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolism. In summary, supplementing niacin to high-concentrate diets can significantly improve the growth performance of sheep, improve rumen fermentation and the rumen microbial community structure, and affect rumen metabolites, thus alleviating the symptoms of rumen acidosis.
Numerical Study on the Influence of Suction near Expansion Corner on Separation Bubble
Authors: Zhang Yaowen , Wang Shaozhan , Yang Dangguo , Dong Bin
Published: January 2025

Suction is an important control method in the shock wave and boundary layer interaction (SWBLI). Aimed at the problem of separation bubbles induced at the expansion corners, this study investigates the influence of suction on both the dimensions of bubble and the structure of the flow field at varying positions and back pressures under Ma = 2.73. As the upstream suction hole moves to the shoulder point, the size of the separation bubble decreases slightly. The decrease in back pressure leads to an increase in flow deflection angle αh. The low-kinetic-energy fluid in the boundary layer is removed and the thickness of the boundary layer decreases. Suction downstream of the shoulder point leads to an obvious change in separation bubble size. When the bleed position is upstream of the actual location of incident shock (Ddown = 2δ), the separation zone is located at the trailing edge of the hole, and the convergence of the separation shock wave (SS) and the barrier shock wave (BSW) leads to a large increase in the pressure plateau. At the downstream of the incident shock (Ddown = 5δ), the separation zone is situated at the leading edge of the hole, resulting in a substantial reduction in the size of the separation bubble. The flow reaches 88.5% of the theoretical expansion value at the shoulder point and directly turns into the bleeding area at the leeward side of the separation bubble. The deflection angle αh reaches the maximum of 46°, and the sonic flow coefficient Qsonic increases significantly. At the theoretical incident shock position (Ddown = 7δ), the separation zone is far from the suction hole position; the two are almost decoupled. The size of the bubble increases rapidly and the reattachment shock wave (RS) appears.
State-of-the-Art DC-DC Converters for Satellite Applications: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Ravindran Reshma , Massoud Ahmed M.
Published: January 2025

Future manned and deep space missions require an Electrical Power System (EPS) that can deliver high power while overcoming challenges like weight and volume constraints and the harsh space environment. A variety of DC-DC converters are employed to supply, store, and transmit power to various satellite subsystems. This paper identifies the design specifications of DC-DC converters for a range of satellite applications and offers a state-of-the-art review of non-isolated, isolated, and integrated topologies. Foreseeing the future of electric propulsion, various sources for electric propulsion are compared, and converters for electric propulsion are studied. The topologies are compared regarding practical parameters like reliability, modularity, redundancy, efficiency, and power density. Furthermore, an application-wise comparison of the topologies and the type of satellite they are suitable for is provided. Finally, the research gaps pertaining to various space applications, such as the design of DC-DC converters, electric propulsion, deep space exploration, electronic component selection, and space-based power satellites, are presented.
Satsuma Orange Tolerance to Spring and Autumn Indaziflam Applications in Georgia
Authors: Hurdle Nicholas L. , Grey Timothy L. , Bowen Samanth J. , Rucker Keith
Published: January 2025

Citrus is a major crop in the SE US, with groves located primarily in Florida, but adapted cultivars have allowed for the expansion of commercial production into the Coastal Plains region of Georgia. Indaziflam, a cellulose biosynthesis inhibiting residual herbicide, controls numerous grass and broadleaf weed species. Research conducted in Georgia from 2020 to 2022 determined the optimal rate and tree response to indaziflam applications. Biannual treatments applied in April and November in established satsuma citrus groves included residual herbicides indaziflam, flumioxazin, diuron, pendimethalin, simazine, and norflurazon. The data indicated no negative impact on tree diameter growth over 30 months after application initiation. Indaziflam provided residual activity in the first year with >80% weed control for bermudagrass and pink purslane and >70% of cutleaf evening primrose, cutleaf geranium, and wild radish. Greater than 69% of weed control was maintained with indaziflam after sequential application for 2 years. All other herbicides provided inadequate residual weed control. Indaziflam PRE applied in citrus groves in Georgia can provide growers with a reliable herbicide option that has been proven to be safe for trees and season-long weed control.
Comparing Stacking Ensemble Learning and 1D-CNN Models for Predicting Leaf Chlorophyll Content in Stellera chamaejasme from Hyperspectral Reflectance Measurements
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Liu Yongmei , Wang Huaiyu , Dong Xingzhi , Wang Lei , Long Yongqing
Published: January 2025

Stellera chamaejasme, a toxic invasive species widespread in degraded alpine grasslands, Qinghai Province, causes a significant threat to the local ecological balance. Accurate monitoring of the leaf chlorophyll content is essential for preventing its expansion over large areas. This study presents an optimal approach by integrating hierarchical dimensionality reduction, stacking ensemble learning, and 1D-CNN models to estimate leaf chlorophyll content in S. chamaejasme using hyperspectral reflectance data. Field spectrometry analysis demonstrates that the combination of Pearson correlation, first derivative, and SPA algorithms can efficiently select the most chlorophyll-sensitive wavelengths, red-edge parameters, and spectral indices related to S. chamaejasme leaves. The stacking ensemble model outperforms the 1D-CNN model in predicting leaf chlorophyll content of S. chamaejasme over the whole growth stage, while the 1D-CNN excels at prediction in each individual growth stage. Comparatively, the 1D-CNN model achieved higher accuracy (R2 > 0.5) in all five growth stages, with optimal performance during the flower bud stage (R2 = 0.787, RMSE = 2.476). This study underscores the potential of combining feature spectra selection with machine learning and deep learning models to monitor S. chamaejasme growth, offering valuable insights for invasive species control and ecological management.
Salt Tolerance Induced by Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Is Associated with Modulations of the Photosynthetic Characteristics, Antioxidant System, and Rhizosphere Microbial Diversity in Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)
Authors: Lin Tong , Haider Fasih Ullah , Liu Tianhao , Li Shuxin , Zhang Peng , Zhao Chunsheng , Li Xiangnan
Published: January 2025

Salinity stress poses a major obstacle to agricultural productivity. Employing plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) has attracted significant attention due to its potential to improve plant development in challenging conditions. Yet, additional investigation is essential to fully understand the potential of PGPR in mitigating salinity stress, especially in field applications. Hence, this study investigated the resistance mechanisms of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) under salt stress with PGPR application through a field experiment with four treatments: normal soybean planting (NN), normal planting + PGPR (NP), salt stress planting (SN), and salt stress planting + PGPR (SP). This research investigated how applying PGPR under salt stress influences soybean photosynthetic traits, osmotic regulation, rhizosphere microbial communities, and yield quality. The results demonstrated that salt stress enhanced leaf temperature and significantly reduced the leaf area index, SPAD value, stomatal conductance, photosynthetic rate, and transpiration rate of soybeans. Compared to SN treatment, SP treatment significantly improved the stomatal conductance, photosynthetic rate, and transpiration rate by 10.98%, 16.28%, and 35.59%, respectively. Salt stress substantially increased sodium (Na+) concentration and Na+/K+ ratio in leaves, roots, and grains while reducing potassium (K+) concentration in roots and leaves. Under salinity stress, PGPR application significantly minimized Na+ concentration in leaves and enhanced K⁺ concentration in leaves, roots, and grains by 47.05%, 25.72%, and 14.48%, respectively. PGPR application boosted carbon assimilation (starch synthesis) by enhancing the activities of sucrose synthase, fructokinase, and ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase. It improved physiological parameters and increased soybean yield by 32.57% compared to SN treatment. Additionally, PGPR enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, including glutathione reductase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and monodehydroascorbate reductase, reducing oxidative damage from salt stress. Analysis of rhizosphere microbial communities revealed that PGPR application enriched beneficial bacterial phyla such as Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Nitrospirae, and Patescibacteria and fungal genera like Metarhizium. These microbial shifts likely contributed to improved nutrient cycling and plant–microbe interactions, further enhancing soybean resilience to salinity. This study demonstrates that PGPR enhances soybean growth, microbial diversity, and salt tolerance under salinity stress, while future efforts should optimize formulations, explore synergies, and scale up for sustainable productivity.
Screening of Piglets for Signs of Inflammation and Necrosis as Early Life Indicators of Animal Health and Welfare Hazards
Authors: Koenders-van Gog Karien , Wijnands Thomas , Lechner Mirjam , Reiner Gerald , Fink-Gremmels Johanna
Published: January 2025

Ensuring animal health and well-being requires animal-based measures for early and direct intervention at the point of care. Insight into the pathophysiology of Swine Inflammation and Necrosis Syndrome (SINS) has led to a non-invasive, clinical scoring system that can be used in daily practice. This provides information on the cause of observed lesions for direct intervention in affected herds. The aim of the current study was to re-evaluate the practicality of the SINS scoring system under field conditions. In addition, this is the first study to provide insight into the prevalence of SINS on Dutch farms. This study involved the scoring of 5958 piglets from 20 visits on 13 farms randomly selected by a veterinary practice in the Netherlands. The results showed that up to 64.1% of the piglets had visible inflammatory alterations in different body parts within the first seven days of life. Sow rectal temperature, signs of coprostasis and water intake during pregnancy were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) correlated with the prevalence of SINS in piglets. In conclusion, the SINS scoring system is an easy-to-use, non-invasive diagnostic tool that summarises animal-based observations at the point of care, providing a valuable communication tool between farmers, nutritionists and veterinarians in their efforts to improve animal health and welfare.
Analysis of Polyphenols from Polygala major Jacq.
Authors: Yılmazer Keskin Semra , Avcı Ayşe , Arif Ali Ali Lana , Keskin Can Serkan
Published: January 2025

Plant polyphenols have significant importance due to their potential health benefits. Polygala major Jacq. is commonly found in Asia and has a long history of use in traditional medicine. This study investigated the extraction of polyphenols from the leaves and flowers of P. major Jacq. using various solvents (acetone, ethanol, and methanol) and employing two extraction methods: maceration and ultrasonication. Significant amounts of total phenolics were detected in all conditions, measuring between 26.69 and 48.51 mg GAE/g dry matter, with the highest concentration found in the ultrasonicated ethanol extract from the leaves. Compared to the other solvents, acetone was particularly effective in extracting flavonoids from the leaves. The antioxidant activities ranged from 0.65 to 0.86 mg TE/g dry matter, as determined by the DPPH radical scavenging activity method. The leaf extract displayed antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, while the flower extract had no antibacterial activity. UV-Vis spectroscopy and FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of polyphenols in the extracts. According to LCMS analyses, a total of 67 compounds were identified in the leaves and flowers, including several that are pharmaceutically significant, such as eupatorin, sinensetin, acacetin, ombuin, vanillic acid, sinapic acid, apigenin, naringenin, and luteolin.
3′-Caffeoylquercetin Glycosides and 4′-Caffeoylkaempferol Glycosides—Novel Antioxidant Flavonoids Discovered in the Freesia Yellow Flowers
Authors: Shindo Kazutoshi , Iwamoto Nozomi , Usami Mayu , Saito Ayuna , Sato Miho , Sugaya Maho , Miyashita Nao , Murahama Minoru , Higashimura Yasuki , Takemura Miho , Furihata Kazuo , Misawa Norihiko
Published: January 2025

The petals of flowering plants should retain unique antioxidants that have not been found in the fruits, as the petals need to stay open to attract pollinators against photooxidation and devise a solution to avoid eating attacks. We reported that the yellow petals of freesia cultivars (Freesia x hybrida) accumulated original apocarotenoids, mono- and di-neapolitanosyl crocetin. Here, in the yellow petals, we discovered eight novel flavonoids by their structural determination, including four 3′-caffeoylquercetin 3,7-glycosides, one 3′-caffeoylquercetin 3-glycoside, and three 4′-caffeoylkaempferol 3,7-glycosides. The 3-carbon sugar part was a minor hexose dimer [D-glucosyl-D-glucoside or D-glucosyl-L-rhamnoside] with the β1,2-linkage, while the 7-carbon was usually O-glycosylated with D-glucose, L-rhamnose, or D-glucuronic acid. Such caffeoyl-flavonol glycosides were also present in freesia white petals, regardless of the cultivars and wild species. When dihydroflavonols, the last common precursors between flavonols and anthocyanins, switch to the flavonol route, these caffeoyl-flavonol glycosides are likely to be synthesized via quercetin or kaempferol. All the eight flavonoids exerted in vitro antioxidant activities against both lipid peroxidation and radical generation. Specifically, 3′-caffeoylquercetin 3-sophoroside and its 7-glucuronide showed superior antioxidant activity. Freesia yellow and white flowers have been utilized as edible flowers, indicating the importance of evaluating the human benefits and risks of newly identified flavonoids.
Mechanochemical Reactivity of Ribonucleosides Mediated by Inorganic Species: Implications for Extraterrestrial Organic Matter Interpretation
Authors: Maia Gustavo P. , Gonçalves Catarina , Carvalho Ana J. , André Vânia , Galvão Adelino , Ribeiro Ana P. C. , Pinheiro Pedro F. , da Silva José Armando Luísa
Published: January 2025

Metal species and carbonate are often found as minerals in extraterrestrial rocky bodies. Based on this, the mechanochemical-induced degradation of canonical purine and pyrimidine ribonucleosides into their corresponding nucleobases mediated by some of the main constituents of those materials (iron, nickel, or aluminum) was accomplished. In some cases, the previous heating of the samples intensified mechanochemical degradation. Additionally, carbonate acts as an activator for ribonucleoside degradation with a catalyst (a Lewis acid ion); however, it has almost no effect on ribonucleoside degradation in the absence of a catalyst. These results can contribute to the hypothesis that organic matter in extraterrestrial samples could have undergone mechanochemical reactions (i.e., shock/impact events), from its formation until its journey to Earth. Mechanochemical energy could occur in planetesimal accretion, asteroid formation (i.e., through planetesimal disintegration), and meteoroid atmospheric entry. Additionally, this hypothesis can clarify and relate some identified biosignatures with pathways of prebiological evolution.
Extrinsic Geometry of a Riemannian Manifold and Ricci Solitons
Authors: Al-Dayel Ibrahim , Deshmukh Sharief
Published: January 2025

The object of this paper is to find a vector field ξ and a constant λ on an n-dimensional compact Riemannian manifold Mn,g such that we obtain the Ricci soliton Mn,g,ξ,λ. In order to achieve this objective, we choose an isometric embedding provided in the work of Kuiper and Nash in the Euclidean space Rm,g¯ and choose ξ as the tangential component of a constant unit vector on Rm and call it a Kuiper–Nash vector. If τ is the scalar curvature of the compact Riemannian manifold Mn,g with a Kuiper–Nash vector ξ, we show that if the integral of the function ξτ has a suitable lower bound containing a constant λ, then Mn,g,ξ,λ is a Ricci soliton; we call this a Kuiper–Nash Ricci soliton. We find a necessary and sufficient condition involving the scalar curvature τ under which a compact Kuiper–Nash Ricci soliton Mn,g,ξ,λ is a trivial soliton. Finally, we find a characterization of an n-dimensional compact trivial Kuiper–Nash Ricci soliton Mn,g,ξ,λ using an upper bound on the integral of divξ2 containing the scalar curvature τ.
Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci and Analysis of Novel Candidate Genes for Resistance to False Smut of Rice Based on SSR Molecular Markers
Authors: Fu Rongtao , Zhao Liyu , Chen Cheng , Wang Jian , Chen Yu , Lu Daihua
Published: January 2025

Rice false smut (RFS), an emerging disease caused by the fungus Ustilaginoidea virens (Cooke), reduces rice grain yield and quality in rice-planting regions worldwide. The identification of the genes or quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with RFS resistance is vital to resistance breeding and the mitigation of RFS damage. In this study, RFS resistance QTLs were located in the resistant variety IR77298-14-1-2::IRGC117374-1. A total of 4 RFS resistance QTLs were detected on rice chromosomes 1, 3, 5, and 12 in the F2 and F4 mapping populations using 119 polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular markers. Of these QTLs, qRFS3.01 and qRFS12.01-1 were repeatedly detected in both populations. Interestingly, QTL qRFS3.01 on chromosome 3 is a novel resistance locus that exhibited the largest phenotypic effect. These results suggest that SSR markers linked to qRFS3.01 are valuable for marker-assisted breeding for RFS resistance in rice. The prediction of putative candidate genes within qRFS3.01 revealed three resistance-related proteins containing an F-box domain, Myb-like DNA-binding domain, and kinase protein. In summary, our findings provide new QTLs/genes for resistance to RFS and will promote rice disease resistance through molecular-marker-assisted breeding.
Design and Development of Natural-Product-Derived Nanoassemblies and Their Interactions with Alpha Synuclein
Authors: Banerjee Ipsita A. , Das Amrita , Biggs Mary A. , Phan Chau Anh N. , Cutter Liana R. , Ren Alexandra R.
Published: January 2025

Biomimetic nanoassemblies derived from natural products are considered promising nanomaterials due to their self-assembling ability and their favorable interactions with biological molecules leading to their numerous applications as therapeutic agents or as molecular probes. In this work, we have created peptide nanoconjugates of two natural products, β-Boswellic acid (BA) and β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GH). Both BA and GH are known for their medicinal value, including their role as strong antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and as anti-tumor agents. To enhance the bioavailability of these molecules, they were functionalized with three short peptides (YYIVS, MPDAHL and GSGGL) to create six conjugates with amphiphilic structures capable of facile self-assembly. The peptides were also derived from natural sources and have been known to display antioxidant activity. Depending upon the conjugate, nanofibers, nanovesicles or a mixture of both were formed upon self-assembly. The binding interactions of the nanoconjugates with α-Synuclein, a protein implicated in Parkinson’s disease (PD) was examined through in silico studies and FTIR, circular dichroism and imaging studies. Our results indicated that the nanoassemblies interacted with alpha-synuclein fibrils efficaciously. Furthermore, the nanoassemblies were found to demonstrate high viability in the presence of microglial cells, and were found to enhance the uptake and interactions of α-Synuclein with microglial cells. The nanoconjugates designed in this work may be potentially utilized as vectors for peptide-based drug delivery or for other therapeutic applications.
Enhancing Creativity Through Material Choice in Architectural and Urban Design Model-Making
Authors: Piñones Eduardo , Jacob-Dazarola Rubén , Soto Marcela , León Jorge , Nikulin Christopher , Vrsalovic Rojas Cristopher , Marin Teresita
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the impact of conventional versus non-conventional materials on creativity and perceived workload in architectural model-making. Motivated by the need to foster creativity in architectural education, the research hypothesized that unfamiliar materials could stimulate novel design solutions while potentially increasing cognitive and emotional demands. The study was conducted in two phases: defining conventional and non-conventional materials through a survey of architecture professionals and students and a controlled experiment where participants used these materials to create scale models. Creativity was evaluated using Shah’s novelty metric, and workload was measured using the NASA-TLX questionnaire. Results show that models made with non-conventional materials exhibited higher novelty, supporting the hypothesis that unfamiliar materials encourage creative exploration. Surprisingly, perceived workload was lower for non-conventional materials, suggesting that the open-ended nature of the task promoted engagement and alleviated cognitive strain. These findings highlight the potential of non-conventional materials to enhance creativity in architectural education while reducing workload stress, though variability in performance suggests the need for adaptive teaching strategies to support students. Future research should explore how materiality impacts creativity over time in more realistic settings. Additionally, other disciplines supported by physical models during the design process could benefit from similar studies.