bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of zinc application methods and integrated nutrient management on variation in growth, yield and yield contributing factors in wheat
Authors: S Sreethu , Kaur Gurleen , Chhabra Vandna
Published: December 2023

Zinc is an important micro nutrient and plays an important role in improving the crop growth and productivity. Intensive agricultural practices due to rise in population have accelerated the use of chemical fertilizers which resulted in depletion of soil fertility. In this regard, a 2 year field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Farm of Lovely Professional University during rabi season in 2021-2022 and 2022-23 to examine the effect of different zinc application methods and integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and yield contributing factors on wheat. Three types of zinc application methods along with various levels of integrated nutrient management approaches were used for the study. The results revealed that a significant interaction between zinc application methods and integrated nutrient management practices was observed with dry matter accumulation (g/m2), Leaf area index, spikes/m2, spike length (cm), number of grains per spike and grain yield of wheat crop. Maximum improvement in grain yield (5.5 t/ha) was obtained when soil+foliar application of zinc was combined with 75% recommended dose of fertilizer + 2.5 t/ha farm yard manure + Zinc solubilizing bacteria. Additionally, these studies need to be repeated at many locations with various agro-climatic circumstances.
Do Your Genes Fit: How Life Insurance Companies Discriminate Based on Genetic Test Results
Authors: Williams Jared
Published: December 2023

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) represents a significant legislative step in protecting U.S. citizens from genetic discrimination in health insurance and employment. However, despite its broad preventive measures, GINA has limitations in scope and enforcement. Notably, it does not extend protections to life insurance, disability, and long-term care insurance, leaving U.S. citizens susceptible to genetic discrimination. State-level legislative efforts have tried to reconcile these vulnerabilities. Many state-level legislative efforts vary in effectiveness, with some states like Florida and Illinois enacting more robust laws. The future of genetic information protection requires an amendment to GINA or new federal legislation, drawing from successful state models to ensure adequate protections. This paper advocates for such national legislation, highlighting the minimal impact on the life insurance market and the importance of safeguarding genetic privacy to foster trust in genetic testing and scientific progress.
Impact and frequency of IV fluid contamination on basic metabolic panel results using quality metrics
Authors: Spies Nicholas C. , Farnsworth Christopher W.
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Clinical laboratories invest substantial time and resources to mitigate measurement error but potential errors during the preanalytical phase of testing are not subjected to the same level of scrutiny. Herein, we assess the proportions of intravenous (IV) fluid contamination sufficient to exceed common performance metrics and compare it to contaminated results flagged by current protocols.

Methods

Basic metabolic panels performed between 01/2017 and 07/2022 were extracted from the laboratory information system (n=928,742). Contamination was simulated for common IV fluid types. The thresholds at which contaminated results exceeded total allowable error (TEa), reference change values (RCV), or changed normality/critical flags were calculated. The mixture ratio of IV fluid contamination detected by technologists during routine analysis was estimated.

Results

The TEa and RCV was exceeded at a mixture ratio ≤0.10 for chloride, glucose, calcium, and potassium for both normal saline (NS) and 5 % dextrose in water (D5W). At a simulated mixture ratio of 0.10, 51.39 % of calcium and 21.17 % of potassium results would be expected to be incorrectly reported with an abnormal/critical flag with NS contamination and 99.74 % of sodium and 100 % of glucose results to be incorrectly flagged with D5W. Retrospective results flagged as contaminated revealed a median mixture ratio of 0.18 and 0.24 for D5 and non-D5 fluids.

Conclusions

At a mixture ratio of at least 0.10, IV fluid contamination causes relevant error between patients’ true concentrations and those reported. However, current procedures cannot reliably detect 10 % contamination.
Mathematical Tools for Economic Diagnostics of Production and Sales Activities of Enterprises (on the Example of Fat-and-Oil Industry)
Authors:   Odesa Polytechnic National University, Sokolovska Zoia , Klepikova Oksana ,   Odesa Polytechnic National University
Published: December 2023

The article presents simulation modeling as a mathematical tool for implementing economic diagnostics of industrial enterprises. The objects of the study are enterprises of the fat-andoil industry. Attention is focused on the features and problems of the functioning of the industry at the current stage in the conditions of military realities. The expediency of using the apparatus of imitation is substantiated, taking into account the uncertainty and variability of the internal and external environment of the functioning of enterprises. A model for the implementation of diagnostic studies of production and sales activities of enterprises, developed using discrete-event and agent-based simulation paradigms on the software platform of the AnyLogic system, is presented. The obtained results are illustrated by fragments of model simulation experiments.
Risk Management in the Context of the Anti-Crisis Management Strategy
Authors:   Dnipro State Agrarian and Economic University, Vasilieva Lesja , Zemlany Maxim ,   Dnipro State Agrarian and Economic University
Published: December 2023

It has been established that risk management in the context of an anti-crisis management strategy is an important aspect for ensuring the stability and success of an organization in the face of negative events and crisis situations. difficult conditions. It is emphasized that the development and justification of the company's anti-crisis strategy is an important stage of anti-crisis management. The stages that can be performed when developing and justifying an anti-crisis strategy are proposed: situation analysis, definition of goals and objectives, strategy selection, development of a detailed action plan, financial analysis and resources, strategy justification, implementation and control.
When the Sensory World is Set Aside! The New Fantastic World of Luxury
Authors:   ISEC Lisboa – Higher Institute of Education and Sciences School of Communication, Arts and Creative Industries, Cunha Maria , Krupskyi Oleksandr ,   Oles Honchar Dnipro National University
Published: December 2023

The article is dedicated to the Pós-Covid 19 new world of fashion. The article aims to investigate the Perceptions of customers through digital tools like e-commerce and e-marketplaces as a means of readapting customers to social life online and to provide recommendations for the new process of buying. References to customer adaptation using digital tools in the buying process have been analyzed. The results of a survey conducted by the authors of Pós-Covid-19 noted that digital learning tools can be beneficial to fashion. The study presented helpful information for luxury market managers to understand the usage of technology among customers. Appropriate support through mobile applications can contribute to the intention to continue using luxury social media and facilitate a long-term relationship between luxury brands and customers.
Exploration of gender-determined differences in the level of university students’ diligence
Authors:   Tyumen State University, Sharmin Valentin Gennadievich , Sharmina Tamara Nikolaevna ,   Tyumen State University, Sharmin Dmitrii Valentinovich ,   Tyumen State University
Published: December 2023

Introduction. The article examines how students’ gender determines their diligence in studying core and non-core disciplines, as well as how the level of diligence changes during the transition from the secondary school to the university. The purpose of this article is to identify the level of gender-determined first-year students’ diligence, based on their self-assessment. Materials and Methods. The research follows the structural-functional and aspect-based approaches. In order to achieve the purpose of the research, the authors used theoretical (analysis, synthesis, generalization and systematization of scientific publications) and empirical (questionnaire) methods. Statistical data processing was carried out using the Student's t-test and correlation analysis methods. The experimental research consisting of two stages was conducted at Tyumen State University. At the first stage, the sample consisted of 232 students; at the second stage it included 221 first-year students of various fields of study. The total sample was 453 people, including 242 men and 211 women. Results. It was revealed that the diligence of female students statistically significantly exceeds the diligence of male students in studying core and non-core disciplines at the secondary school, as well as in studying non-core disciplines in the first year of the university. Statistically significant differences in the level of diligence in studying core disciplines at the university between male and female students were not revealed. It is shown that during the transition from the secondary school to the university, diligence in core disciplines does not significantly change in male students, while a small but statistically significant decrease in diligence was recorded in female students. In the first year of university, diligence in non-core disciplines increases statistically significantly in both male and female students. It is established that there are weak correlations between the level of diligence in core disciplines at the secondary school and at the university, in non-core disciplines at the secondary school and at the university, as well as in core and non-core disciplines, regardless of the student’s gender. The reasons for weak correlations require additional study. The conclusions about the influence of various factors on the academic performance of students (determined by the student’s gender) made by the authors at the first stage of the study are confirmed. Conclusions. Based on the self-assessment of first-year university students, statistically significant changes in the level of their diligence during the transition from the secondary school to the university were revealed, as well as statistically significant differences in the level of diligence in studying core and non-core disciplines determined by the student’s gender.
Learning experiences of deaf and hard-of-hearing students in digital media: challenges and the use of cognitive and metacognitive strategies
Authors:   Kalashnikov Izhevsk State Technical University, Krasavina Yuliya Vitalevna , Ponomarenko Ekaterina Petrovna ,   Kalashnikov Izhevsk State Technical University, Gareyev Andrey Aleksandrovich ,   Kalashnikov Izhevsk State Technical University, Shishkina Anastasia Andreevna ,   Kalashnikov Izhevsk State Technical University
Published: December 2023

Introduction. The paper deals with the problem of developing cognitive competence of deaf and hard-of-hearing students when learning in the digital media. It is aimed at identifying and generalizing difficulties and successful strategies of metacognitive and cognitive nature in deaf and hard of hearing students of a technical university when performing assignments in the digital media. Materials and Methods. For the preliminary selection of participants, V. S. Yurkevich's "Intensity of cognitive interests" inventory and N. S. Kopeina’s learning styles questionnaire were used. Qualitative research methods applied included verbal records and observation; data analysis was carried out using the grounded theory method. The study involved 5 deaf and hard-of-hearing students, selected on the basis of survey results and academic performance. During individual sessions, participants were required to complete assignments developed on the basis of a scenario requiring the use of cognitive and metacognitive strategies. Results. The study identified main difficulties and cognitive and metacognitive strategies in carrying out learning activities in the digital media used by deaf and hard-of-hearing students, who were characterized as high achievers. They were generalized and classified into the following categories: understanding the task; predicting the result; planning; information search; online reading; information selection; "survival" strategies; personal learning network. Conclusions. The paper presents specific features of cognitive competence of deaf and hard-of-hearing students in the digital media: limited range of cognitive and metacognitive strategies, and challenges associated with insufficiently developed reading skills at the stage of understanding the task, selecting and correcting keywords, abstract analysis, site selection and information selection. The analysis of the study results led to the conclusion that deaf and hard-of-hearing students should be educated about cognitive and metacognitive e-learning strategies. The identified difficulties when working in the digital media have shown that digital content developers should consider the problem of generating incorrect subtitles, as well as recommendations for the designing digital texts using highlighting, hyperelements and plenty of illustrations.
Assessing students’ research competencies with the main focus on the level and direction of their development
Authors:   Ural State University of Economics, Pesha Anastasiya Vladimirovna , Patutina Svetlana Yurievna ,   Ural State University of Economics
Published: December 2023

Introduction. The article presents an analysis of approaches to the problem of effective assessment of university students’ research competencies. The purpose of the article is to reveal and demonstrate the results of adopting the inventory for assessing students’ research competencies, focusing on the level and direction of their development. Materials and Methods. The research is based on the application of a systematic approach and contextual methods in the assessment and development of university students’ research competencies. The authors applied comparative and retrospective analysis, systematization and generalization of existing approaches and methods for assessing students’ research competencies, which allowed them to develop and propose a content-based inventory. The empirical part of the study was conducted at the Department of Labor Economics and Personnel Management at Ural State University of Economics. More than 80 full-time students took part in the research by testing the inventory. The results of the empirical testing are presented using the tools of descriptive statistics, Spearman's correlation analysis, and Student's t-test determination. Results. Based on reviewing scholarly literature, the authors substantiate the importance of involving students in research activities and the development of research competencies (RC) as competitive advantages in the labor market. On the basis of generalization, a number of research approaches to the development and application of methods for assessing students’ RC are revealed. As a result, the authors present a six-component questionnaire for assessing research competencies as the basis of a comprehensive and personalized approach to the development of students’ potential, including: theoretical-information, cognitive, communicative, motivational-organizational, operational-activity and reflexive-prognostic components. The effectiveness of the inventory is proved by its content validity and the results of a two-stage approbation of the questionnaire in groups of students with and without research experience. The results of empirical testing of the inventory confirm that with comprehensive, contextual and systematic approaches to the assessment of research competencies containing personal recommendations for their development, the indicators for all 6 components of RC increase. Conclusions. The study concludes that there are many approaches to the assessment of RC and each of the methods can be relevant to the research tasks in the case of complexity and consistency. The six-component inventory has passed the stage of content validation and has shown relevance to the tasks of assessing university student’ research competencies with the main focus on the level and direction of their development.
Integral assessment of football team tactics
Authors: Kostiukevych Viktor , Shchepotina Natalia , Adamchuk Vadym , Abalașei Beatrice , Vozniuk Tetiana , Bohuslavska Viktoriia , Drachuk Andrii , Mezhvynskyi Artem
Published: December 2023

The purpose of the research was to develop a methodology of control and determine the indicators of integral assessment of competitive performance by various tactical game models of highly qualified football club teams.

Material and methods. In the period of 2018-2023, 110 games of the leading European club teams and 46 games of the football team "Dynamo" (Kyiv) were analyzed with regard to the tactical models of the games "A", "B", "C", "D". Specific coefficients were determined in the phase of passing and possession of the ball, which constituted an integral assessment of competitive performance. The assessment of attacks and goalscoring situations, the realization of pressing, the effectiveness of players' interaction in the phase of picking up the ball, as well as the criteria of creativity and game combinations were taken into account.

Results. An integral assessment methodology of the competitive performance of football club teams has been developed, consisting of 10 specific coefficients: high pressing coefficient; high pressing efficiency factor, low pressing efficiency factor, coefficient of ball picking efficiency, ball interceptions efficiency coefficient, penetration attack efficiency coefficient, successful penetration attack efficiency coefficient, goalscoring situation coefficient, the creativity and the combinability coefficients. The first five coefficients characterize the team's play in the phase of picking up the ball, the other five – in the phase of ball control on the field. The determined indicators of the integral assessment of the competitive performance of the leading European club teams according to different tactical models of the game are as follows: model "A" - 5.95±0.32 points; model "B" - 5.35±0.29 points; model "C" - 5.57±0.47 points; model "D" - 5.14±0.33 points.

Conclusions. The integral assessment of competitive performance allows to provide effective control of interaction of players of a club football team in the phases of picking up and possession of the ball.
AAP Pediatric Coding Newsletter
™ January 2024 Quiz (Online Exclusive)
Authors:   American Academy of Pediatrics
Published: December 2023

Quiz for AAPC Continuing Education Units
Distribución del acento léxico en palabras monomorfémicas elicitadas en dos comunidades de habla Lafkenche de la comuna de Los Álamos
Authors: Jiménez Paredes Roberto
Published: December 2023

Este artículo aporta al conocimiento de la fonología suprasegmental del Mapudungun (específicamente, del acento), aspecto que ha sido escasamente abordado, en comparación con la fonía segmental de esta lengua. Sus focos principales son determinar cómo se distribuye el acento léxico en el Lafkenche hablado en la localidad de Los Álamos, Octava Región de Chile; y la comparación con el trabajo de Ortiz (2021), el cual se ocupa de este aspecto prosódico en el cordón cordillerano de habla Pewenche. Para ello, se determinaron las sílabas tónicas de palabras monomorfémicas bisilábicas y trisilábicas elicitadas a 6 hablantes adultos bilingües de Mapudungun-español. Los resultados muestran una clara tendencia a emplear una acentuación paroxítona, lo que difiere del habla del cordón cordillerano de habla Pewenche, donde predomina la acentuación oxítona. Esta diferencia puede explicarse por el mayor grado de contacto del Lafkenche con el español. Además, se estableció que la ocurrencia de la sílaba CVC no cumple un rol prominente en la asignación del acento en la zona.
Unified bench press through the elimination of leg-drive to promote sports inclusion
Authors: D'Isanto Tiziana , D'Elia Francesca , Aliberti Sara , Di Domenico Felice , Esposito Giovanni
Published: December 2023

Background and Study Aim. Among the weightlifting disciplines we find the bench press in Powerlifting and Para Powerlifting, which are very similar. They have never been combined for several reasons, the most important of which is the use of two different barbell lifting techniques. Unlike Para Powerlifting, Powerlifting in the bench press involves the use of leg-drive, i.e. leg thrust, which is considered one of the possible determining factors for the success of this exercise. The aim of the study was to test whether the elimination of the leg-drive technique in Powerlifting, followed by a protocol of adapting to the Para Powerlifting technique, without leg-drive, made a difference in terms of lifting the maximum load (1RM).
Material and Methods. The subjects were 10 male amateur athletes (22,3 ± 2,4 years old). The training protocol, administered for 2 weeks, consisted of finding the best possible position on the bench in the absence of leg-drive. The 1RM test with leg-drive and 1RM without leg-drive were administered. A dependent-samples t-test was used to compare the differences in 1RM test using the two techniques.
Results. The result was not statistically significant (p >.05), as the maxima with the two techniques remained unchanged. Discussions. Para Powerlifting technique, without leg-drive, in bench press, allows athletes without disabilities to lift the same weights as the leg-drive technique, or slightly less.
Conclusions. The results obtained are promising and the study, if extended and focused on high-level athletes with positive results, could open a new page in sport, representing a new step in sport towards inclusion.
Cardiovascular response of students to physical exertion using the 'Trunk Flexion Test'
Authors: Ivanyshyn Iryna , Prusik Krzysztof , Piatnytska Daria , Spuziak Victoriia
Published: December 2023

Background and Study Aim. Multiple factors affect the health condition of students. In this regard, a key preventative measure is observing the students' level of physical preparedness. The aim of the study is to assess the cardiovascular system response of students to physical exercise using the 'Trunk Flexion Test'.
Material and Methods. This study included 77 students from the physical education faculties of three universities in Ukraine, comprising 34 males and 43 females. The cardiovascular system's response was gauged using the 'Trunk Forward Flexion Test'. Data on participants were compiled through Google Form. Statistical evaluation was conducted using PyCharm CE and Python programming libraries. ANOVA was utilized to determine the differences in cardiovascular responses among students, and Pearson's correlation coefficient explored the relationship between body mass index and cardiovascular function.
Results. Research findings show gender-based disparities in cardiovascular system responses (CVSR). Women outperformed men in achieving 'Excellent' ratings. Women also led in 'Good' and 'Average' evaluations, while men were more likely to be in 'Undesirable' and 'Hazardous' categories. Differences were noted in body mass index. The proportion of students with normal weight differed by university. The prevalence of overweight varied among universities. The occurrence of 'Underweight' and 'Obese' also varied by university. An elevation in body mass index was correlated with a decline in CVSR in men.
Conclusions. Variations in CVSR highlight the importance of implementing wellness initiatives and encouraging students to enhance their physical activity levels.
Body mass index levels in students living in areas of military conflict
Authors: Kryventsova Iryna , Prusik Katarzyna , Klymenchenko Victoriya , Sokoliuk Olha
Published: December 2023

Background and Study Aim. At present, human health and related elements face ongoing risks from environmental conditions. Thus, regular tracking of health metrics gains significant importance. The research objective is to assess the BMI level of students residing in areas affected by the extended military conflict in Ukraine.
Material and Methods. The study involved students from three universities in Ukraine (96 men and 160 women). Prior to the experiment, these students had been living a sedentary life due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic (beginning in 2020) and the ongoing war in Ukraine (starting February 24, 2022). They spent a cumulative total of three and a half years in this challenging setting. Data gathering was carried out through a Google Form, which comprised details such as the student's name or alias, gender, height, weight, academic year, field of study, and university association. The PyCharm CE platform and a range of Python programming libraries were employed for the statistical analysis of the data.
Results. The study revealed that the mean Body Mass Index (BMI) values are 22.73 kg/m2 in males and 21.20 kg/m2 in females. Among women, the BMI breakdown is: 73.75% normal weight, 17.5% underweight, 7.5% overweight, and 1.25% obese. For men, the figures are: 69.79% normal weight, 20.83% overweight, 5.21% underweight, and 4.17% obese.
Conclusions. The outcomes stress the necessity of a tailored approach to body mass control, considering gender-specific, educational, and societal-cultural factors.
Yoghurt fortification with Moringa oleifera: nutritional and production aspects
Authors:   Ural Federal University, Institute of Chemical Technology, Technology for Organic Synthesis, Mira 19, 620002 Ekaterinburg, RF, Adepoju Feyisayo O.
Published: December 2023

Yoghurt is a nutrient-dense dairy food product produced by lactic acid bacteria that enhances digestion and nutrient absorption, as well as sustains gut flora. However, it is a low-phenolic food. In addition to being a potential food delivery system, creating unique yoghurts with plant-derived ingredients has become more popular. Increasingly, Moringa oleifera remains a popular phytotherapeutic plant known for its antioxidant properties, given the presence of a wide range of phenolic compounds. Adding M. oleifera to yoghurt, therefore, would enhance both mineral and phenolic compositions, as well as promote the growth of probiotic bacteria. In this review, the nutritional and production aspects of M. oleifera to fortify yoghurt is discussed. The obtained findings on M. oleifera’s therapeutic properties consolidate it as a promising ingredient for yoghurt fortification, as demonstrated by its nutritional and functional impact on yoghurt. Given that yoghurt production requires adherence to specific standardized thresholds, the rich polyphenolic content of M. oleifera, which adds an astringent taste, requires future studies to overcome this challenge.
Improving the acidification kinetics, structural and sensory properties of low-fat yoghurt using high-pressure homogenization treatment
Authors:   Trakya University, Engineering Faculty, Department of Food Engineering, 22030, Edirne, Turkey, Akgun Abdullah
Published: December 2023

In this study, the impact of high pressure homogenization at 50, 100 and 150 MPa, on the physicochemical, rheological, textural, microstructural, and sensory properties as well as acidification kinetics of low-fat yoghurt was investigated. The results showed that a shorter fermentation time was obtained for yoghurt samples produced from high-pressure homogenized milk compared to the control sample. Homogenization of milk at high pressures resulted in an increase in the water holding capacity from 42.83 to 52.67 % and firmness from 1.01 to 1.45 N of yoghurt samples. The viscosity (Ƞ50) of yoghurt increased up to 0.446 Pa.s by milk homogenization and all yoghurt samples showed shear thinning behaviour. Microstructural analyses revealed that control sample had a typical open porous gel network of casein, while fewer porous and more dense protein network was observed in yoghurts from high pressure homogenized milk. The positive effect of the milk homogenization treatment on the sensory properties of yoghurts was observed as well. Principal component analysis visualized the effect of high pressure homogenization treatment and confirmed the close relationship between structural properties and overall acceptability. Among the tested low-fat yoghurts, high pressure milk homogenization at 150 MPa had the greatest potential for improving yoghurt structure, whereas 100 MPa pressure imparted the most acceptable sensorial properties.
Improving Children's Fine Motor and Aesthetic Abilities Through Coloring Activities with Various Media
Authors: Tarsono Tarsono , Abiha Fatimah Az zahro Ummu
Published: December 2023

Based on observations of development activities in Group B of the Aisyiyah Bustanul Athfal Sindang Indramayu Kindergarten, it was found that there was a problem of low children's coloring and aesthetic abilities. Where only around 4 children could complete it well or only around 26% of all children in group B. This research aims to improve children's fine motor and aesthetic physical abilities through coloring pictures using various media. This research uses a quantitative and qualitative descriptive design, with the Classroom Action Research (PTK) method which consists of several research steps, namely planning, implementation, observation and reflection. This research was carried out in two cycles, each cycle creating 5 RPPH and improvement plans. The results of the research show that children's fine motor and aesthetic abilities through coloring pictures using various media can be utilized in learning activities to develop children's fine motor and aesthetic physical abilities. In cycle 1, children's physical motor and aesthetic abilities increased from 26% to 46%. Then in cycle 2 it increased to 93%. This is characterized by an increase in children's ability to color pictures neatly, with good color combinations, in completing activities independently and so on, which also develops all aspects of children's development such as physical, motoric, cognitive, artistic, social emotional and behavioral.
Chinese consumers’ attribute preference prediction for table grapes
Authors: Liu Tianqi , Wang Junwei , Feng Yumeng , Mu Weisong
Published: December 2023

This paper aims to understand intrinsic attribute preferences of Chinese consumers for table grapes, analyze the influencing factors, and build consumer preference prediction models. In this study, 4324 consumers from various regions of China were investigated. We analyzed consumer preferences and the influencing factors. Finally, binary logistic regression was used to construct prediction models of consumers’ intrinsic attribute preferences for table grapes. The results showed that grapes popular with Chinese consumers had fixed characteristics, including moderate size, spherical or near-spherical shape, purple-red color, strawberry flavor, light aroma, soft flesh and juicy, sweet taste, seedlessness, thin skin powder, and easy to peel. The results of the prediction models showed that age, annual consumption of grapes, and other factors of consumers had significant effects on consumer preferences. The prediction models achieved 80% accuracy in predicting consumer preferences for taste, seedless and peeling degrees. Analyzing the latest attribute preferences of Chinese table grapes, consumers can provide on the one hand, breeding direction reference for breeders, and on the other, marketing suggestions for marketers in the table grape industry. This study comprehensively investigated the intrinsic attribute preferences of Chinese table grape consumers, mastered the latest results of consumer preferences, added the indicators of the intrinsic attributes from the perspective of consumer demand, and conducted relatively more complete prediction research on the preferences of Chinese consumers.
Proportional Topology Optimization algorithm with virtual elements for multi-material problems considering mass and cost constraints
Authors: Tran Minh Tuan , Nguyen Minh Ngoc
Published: December 2023

This paper presents an extension of the Proportional Topology Optimization (PTO) with virtual elements for multi-material problems with mass and cost constraints. In particular, the linear virtual element method (VEM) is constructed on unstructured polygonal meshes. The linear VEM is desirable in the sense that numerical integration is not explicitly required, significantly reducing the computational effort. Furthermore, the unstructured polygonal mesh naturally eliminates the issue of one-node connections encountered by the usual quadrilateral mesh. A feature of PTO is that it does not require sensitivity information, i.e., the derivative of the objective function with respect to design variables. Instead, the amount of material distributed into each element is determined proportionally to the contribution of that element to the objective function. For multi-material problems, the Ordered Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization (Ordered SIMP) technique is integrated into the PTO framework. Compared to other techniques for problems that involve multiple materials, Ordered SIMP has the advantage that computational cost does not depend on the number of materials. Furthermore, for the first time, the PTO approach is extended to consider two types of constraints: mass and cost simultaneously. The feasibility and efficiency of the proposed method are demonstrated via several benchmark examples and comparisons with the existing approach.
Lake Orhid and Studenchishte Marsh now a Ramsar Wetland!
Authors: Apostolova Nadezda
Published: December 2023

I n an earlier contribution to Wetland Science and Practice (Apostolova et al. 2016), we gave an overview of the characteristics and values of Studenchishte Marsh, the very last remaining wetland bordering the famous Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia (Figures 1 and 2), in the context of plans for developing tourism infrastructure along the lake’s shores. These plans have raised concerns among regional stakeholders and organizations promoting wetland protection.
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Massachusetts, USA: A Wetland of Distinction
Authors: Messaros Roy
Published: December 2023

Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is an approximately 100-hectare wetland complex located in suburban eastern Massachusetts, about 26 km northwest of Boston (Figure 1). It is comprised of two complexes that fall within the floodplain of the Sudbury and Concord Rivers. It lies within the Southern New England Coastal Plains and Hills Ecoregion, an area comprised of generally flat areas with a few low hills (Griffith et al. 2009).
Wetland Science in Latin America and the Caribbean Region: Insights into the Andean States
Authors: Navarro Karol
Published: December 2023

Through a mentoring initiative of the Society of Wetland Scientists International Chapter, including volunteer scientists, students, and early-career professionals, we created a database of 283 organizations focused on wetlands for the Andean States (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela). This review includes data about organizations spatial distribution among seven countries, their sectors, and their principal research areas as well as Andean Ramsar Sites data. The most representative research areas were hydrogeology, biogeochemistry, and biodiversity (represented by fauna, flora, algae, phytoplankton, and zooplankton). We observed a lack of wetland restoration, mapping, and management research. The academic sector (universities) had the largest number of organizations (176 organizations), followed by government (51), non-profits (46), and the private sector (10). The Andean States harbor a total of 94 Ramsar Sites covering 300,000 km2 distributed in seven countries. Through this review, we highlight the magnitude of wetland science in the Andean States and hope to support a future wetland scientist network for the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region and allow LAC scientists to connect internationally
Applied Wetland Science Has a Plastics Problem
Authors: Harrelson Katherine
Published: December 2023

STANDARD PROTOCOL MUST GIVE WAY TO FLEXIBLE THINKING IF WE ARE COMMITTED TO PROTECTING THE WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES.
Measuring Connectivity in Floodplains Rivers: Application of FITRAS Function to the Lower Paraná
Authors: Casco Slyvina
Published: December 2023

I n major rivers with extensive floodplains, the exchanges between the main channel and the floodplain are the main force that organizes the structure and maintains the stability of the landscape. The time period of flooded soil at each point on the floodplain indicates the extent of connectivity of each landscape with the river’s main channel. However, not all populations and organisms and river processes are stimulated (or limited) by these pulse characteristics in the same way. Pulse attributes are synthesized with the function FITRAS, an acronym for Frequency, Intensity, Tension (or Stress), Regularity (or Recurrence), Amplitude and Seasonality. Hydrological variability in a time series is represented by the curve visualized as a sinusoidal function, and the overflow level defines the connectivity of each site by assigning the values of the historical series as “positive” to those that exceed the reference level, and “negative” to the records that are below that overflow line. In this contribution, we provide a discussion of processes related to pulse attributes and a simple procedure for assessing ecohydrological connectivity in river floodplains using the Pulso software, as well as complementary tools for assessing the predictability of cyclical components of the hydrograph and their relationship to vegetation distribution.
Symposium Abstracts from the Wetland Restoration Section of the SWS
Authors: Doss Terry
Published: December 2023

At the December 2020 virtual SWS meeting, the Wetland Restoration Section held a virtual symposium on “Wetland Restoration: Dispelling Myths.” Given past and ongoing stresses on wetlands, coupled with the backdrop of rising sea levels and changing climates, it is likely that ecological restoration will continue to be an important tool in preventing further degradation and increasing ecological diversity. However, too often, due to funding limits, lack of time, knowledge gaps, fatuous regulations, or any number of limitations, our efforts to restore wetland functions and services have fallen short or have resulted in unintended consequences. Our knowledge of wetland science has grown exponentially over the past 40 years, but so too has our awareness of all of the unknowns related to the complexities of the natural world. This symposium focused on dispelling some myths often associated with wetland restoration by examining past projects, scrutinizing common restoration practices, and investigating some of the unplanned outcomes of management actions. We also delved into some of the theoretical questions regarding the management of these complex natural resources, questioning the definition of ecological baseline and levels of intervention. The goal of this symposium was to acknowledge that even after 40 plus years of managing and restoring wetlands, ecological restoration is still a relatively new science and we do not fully comprehend the complexities of our ecosystems. But in looking at past efforts and acknowledging that we cannot control nature, particularly in a changing world with an unknown future, we have developed some ideas and approaches to how to assist in the recovery of wetlands in the future.
Hydrologic Changes over 60 Years (1959-2019) in an Old-Growth Bald Cypress Swamp on a Rapidly Developing Landscape by Shawn E. Clem and Michael J. Duever
Authors: Clem Shawn
Published: December 2023

National Audubon Society’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (Naples, Florida, USA), an ecological relic of Old Florida, protects the largest remaining old-growth bald cypress swamp in the world. A 60-year record of daily water level measurements revealed substantial changes in Corkscrew Swamp’s hydrology as agricultural and residential development have grown to dominate the landscape surrounding the sanctuary. Between 1959 and 2019, surface water data indicate no decadal change in the timing or magnitude of peak wet season water levels or in the hydroperiods (days inundated per water year) of upland hammock and pine forests or wet prairies. Despite little change in rainfall patterns between the 1960s and 2010s, hydroperiods decreased 29% in marshes, 18% in old-growth bald cypress, and 17% in ponds, with the most notable change occurring between the 1990s and 2000s. Average dry season water level recession rate (decrease in water level over time) was 6.3 mm/d in the 2000s and 5.7 mm/d in the 2010s, 47% and 32% higher, respectively, than those seen in earlier decades. Analyses of groundwater data indicated a similar dry season decline between the 1990s and 2000s to that seen in surface water. Analyses of cumulative hydroperiod in surface and groundwater suggested markedly drier conditions began in the 2006 water year. While causes of the observed hydrologic changes are uncertain, likely interacting causes include reduced upstream wet season surface and groundwater storage, increased residential and agricultural extraction, increased downstream drainage, and increased evapotranspiration rates across the region as more deeply-rooted shrubs and trees replace more shallowly-rooted herbaceous plant communities. We discuss significant implications for plant and animal communities, particularly the historic Corkscrew wood stork colony, and discuss the role of long-term hydrologic monitoring for detecting and documenting ecological change.
National Audubon Society’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: A Wetland of Distinction
Authors: Clem Shawn
Published: December 2023

I n February 2019, the Society of Wetland Scientists recognized National Audubon Society’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (Naples, Florida, USA) as its newest Wetland of Distinction. The honor comes to a site that is an increasingly-rare remnant of Old Florida, one whose rich biodiversity and dynamic sub-tropical wetland ecology are preserved as a result of a conservation effort that has spanned over a century. Today, Corkscrew’s old-growth bald cypress (Figure 1), hardwood hammock (Figure 2), marsh (Figure 3), wet prairie (Figure 4), and pine flatwoods (Figure 5), are increasingly at risk from factors outside the sanctuary’s boundary, such as a lowered water table, regional wildfire suppression practices, and invasive species. Despite these challenges, Corkscrew remains an ideal site for experiencing and studying the ecology of a mature cypress swamp.
Howard T. Odum and wetland ecology
Authors: van der Valk Arnold
Published: December 2023

Howard Thomas Odum (1924-2003) was an important transitional figure in the development of wetland ecology in the United States. Although he was educated before wetland ecology became a recognized subdiscipline of ecology, his research during the first half of his academic career (ca. 1950 to 1975) was focused primarily on wetlands. By the early 1970s, he was self-identifying as a wetland ecologist, e.g., by establishing the Center for Wetlands at the University of Florida. Although Odum was interested in much more than wetlands, especially during the last half of his lengthy career, he contributed significantly to increasing the visibility of wetlands and to the development of wetland ecology in four principal ways: (1) his innovative and influential research on the trophic structure of Silver Springs, a riverine wetland; (2) his highly visible research on the use of Cypress Domes to treat waste water; (3) his establishment of a major academic, wetland research institute, the Center for Wetlands; and (4) his many graduate students who obtained influential jobs in academia, government agencies and private companies. When Odum started his academic career wetland ecology did not exist. Halfway through it, wetland ecology began to arise as a distinct discipline and Odum was one of the major reason why this happened.
The Navigable Waters “Protection” Rule by Matt Schweisberg, PWS
Authors: Schweisberg Matt
Published: December 2023

In a tip of the hat to George Orwell, the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Army for Civil Works (Army) on January 23, 2020, released what they call the “Navigable Waters Protection Rule” (the rule, new rule, or final rule). The rule re-defines the term “waters of the United States,” and decidedly not in a manner that protects our nation’s waters.
Farmers in the Marsh: Lessons from History and Case Studies for the Future by Susan C. Adamowicz and others
Authors: Adamowicz Susan
Published: December 2023

Salt marshes across coastal New England are undergoing rapid change characterized by increased areas of saturation resulting in shifts in vegetation communities, large areas of vegetation dieback, and increases in shallow standing water. In the early 2000s, gently sloped leading edges of salt marshes (“low marsh” dominated by Spartina alterniflora and flooded daily) began to be lost from Maine to Connecticut. More marsh edges are now “cliff-faced” with steep, vertical edges often characterized by peat calving. In many places, the “high marsh” (the irregularly flooded marsh platform normally dominated by Spartina patens, Distichlis spicata, and Juncus gerardii, as well as forbs) has been overtaken by short- (<0.10 m) to intermediate- (>0.60m – 1.0 m) form S. alterniflora, bare patches, and large areas of shallow standing water. The marsh platform between the ubiquitous ditches has subsided. In extreme cases, the marsh has ‘collapsed’ and now holds shallow water in a mega-pool with the only vegetation occurring along the ditch margins, in a “waffle-maple syrup” pattern. Elsewhere, the mega-pool becomes large and amorphous or interlocking in a jig-saw puzzle fashion suggestive of northern patterned fens with strings and flarks. While a few researchers have documented traits and trajectories of “natural” pools, the relatively sudden appearance and geographic extent of these changes suggests large-scale drivers. At the same time, research into historical salt marsh alterations for farming purposes dating as far back as the 1600s with large corporate works in the 1800s, has led this team to realize that remnant infrastructure from past agriculture coupled with accelerated sea-level rise is driving wide-scale salt marsh degradation. Tidal marsh obligate birds, such as the saltmarsh sparrow, which nest in narrow portions of “high marsh”, are at increasing peril from the loss of marsh elevation due to subsidence trajectories exacerbated by a heretofore largely unrecognized historical agricultural infrastructure. With species extinction modelled at 2050 and a metonic cycle shifting toward increasing tide ranges in 2024, it is imperative to halt subsidence trajectories by re-balancing marsh hydrology to optimize vegetation, accretion, and elevation gain. Obligate wildlife species and their habitats can then be supported over the long-term through the development of strategic management plans for each salt marsh system. Following a review of the historical literature, which documents the breadth of standardized farming practices, we identify these features on several sites, then present a four-step process to restore hydrologic function using innovative restoration practices at two case studies located in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, USA.