bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of Legionella spp. in influent wastewater in Kobe City, Japan
Authors: Komatsu Shoko , Fujinaga Chinami , Nakanishi Noriko 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT
Legionella is an important waterborne pathogen that causes Legionnaires' disease (LD). Several outbreaks associated with wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been reported in recent years; however, the prevalence of Legionella in WWTPs in Japan has rarely been investigated. In this study, we investigated the distribution of Legionella in influent wastewater collected from two WWTPs in Kobe, Japan between April 2023 and March 2024. The concentrations for Legionella in all seasons varied between 104 and 106 copies/100 mL in all seasons. Among the 10 Legionella species detected in the influent wastewater, Legionella pneumophila was the most commonly isolated. Genotyping revealed that pathogenic L. pneumophila strains were widely distributed in the influent wastewater in Japan with genetic diversity. LD is one of the most important infectious diseases during natural disasters. This study highlights the importance of influent wastewater as a potential source of LD in Japan, where natural disasters occur frequently.
Unveiling the silent information of wastewater-based epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 at community and sanitary zone levels: experience in Córdoba City, Argentina
Authors: Masachessi Gisela , Castro Gonzalo Manuel , Marinzalda María de los Angeles , Cachi Ariana Mariela , Sicilia Paola , Prez Veronica Emilce , Martínez Laura Cecilia , Giordano Miguel Oscar , Pisano María Belen , Ré Viviana Elizabeth , Del Bianco Carlos Martin , Parisato Sofia , Fernandez Micaela , Ibarra Gustavo , Lopez Laura , Barbás Gabriela , Nates Silvia Viviana 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT
The emergence of COVID-19 in 2020 significantly enhanced the application of wastewater monitoring for detecting SARS-CoV-2 circulation within communities. From October 2021 to October 2022, we collected 406 wastewater samples weekly from the Córdoba Central Pipeline Network (BG-WWTP) and six specific sewer manholes from sanitary zones (SZs). Following WHO guidelines, we processed samples and detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA and variants using real-time PCR. Monitoring at the SZ level allowed for the development of a viral activity flow map, pinpointing key areas of SARS-CoV-2 circulation and tracking its temporal spread and variant evolution. Our findings demonstrate that wastewater-based surveillance acts as a sensitive indicator of viral activity, detecting imminent increases in COVID-19 cases before they become evident in clinical data. This study highlights the effectiveness of targeted wastewater monitoring at both municipal and SZ levels in identifying viral hotspots and assessing community-wide circulation. Importantly, the data shows that environmental wastewater studies provide valuable insights into virus presence, independent of clinical COVID-19 case records, and offer a robust tool for adapting to future public health challenges.
The silent threat: Unveiling climate change's water and health challenges in Bangladesh
Authors: Moon Monira Parvin 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT
Bangladesh faces a growing number of issues, such as limited sources of potable water and health hazards that are either directly or indirectly linked to climate change. In total, 16 publications from 2007 to 2024 were manually screened for inclusion in this systematic review. The articles were divided into three categories: climate and water, climate and health, and climate, water, and health. Due to the climate change, 20 million individuals in Bangladesh have been suffering from water- and health-related illness. The results showed that among Bangladeshi vulnerable groups, cholera, infant diarrhea, pneumonia, dengue, malaria, mental illness, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and an increase in communicable diseases like water-, vector-, and food-borne infections, along with malnutrition, are common. Further findings of the study include health risks, water-related risks, and difficulties in determining the consequences of climate change. This review study focuses on Bangladesh, a developing country, and the correlation between climate change and the dangers of water and health-related diseases. The findings of this study have substantial implications for risk assessment, water quality, climate change, and public health, especially in poor nations, as well as for policymakers and academicians in these fields.
Ex situ and in situ decolorization of the textile dye methylene blue by a cheese whey-microbial fuel cell
Authors: Parvez Rakib , Roy Narayan , Shovon Mohammad Shariar , Biswas Kamal Krishna , Shaha Ranajit Kumar , Sharma Subed Chandra Dev 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Methylene blue (MB) is a textile dye that can be fatal to aquatic life, plants, and human health when discharged into the environment without treatment. A cheese whey-microbial fuel cell (CW-MFC) is a device that generates electricity from the degradation of cheese whey by microbial activity. The microbial activity of the CW-MFC during electricity production was able to decolorize MB. In this study, 50 ppm of MB was used to evaluate the decolorization capability of bacteria of the CW-MFC. A bacterial consortium present in the bioanode of the CW-MFC showed good MB decolorization in both the ex situ and in situ operations. Ex situ operation performed outside the CW-MFC reactor showed 92.2% MB decolorization within 18 h, while the in situ operation conducted inside the CW-MFC reactor showed 97.1% MB decolorization within the same timeframe. The maximum decolorization performance was achieved at pH 4 and 37 °C. The treated MB exhibited very little or no toxicity in the germination, rooting, and shooting of Oryza sativa compared to the untreated MB. Thus, the CW-MFC can be used as a promising technique to decolorize and remove the toxic effects of MB-contaminated wastewater, and the treated wastewater can be applicable for irrigation purposes.
Nurses’ Knowledge and Skills After Use of an Augmented Reality App for Advanced Cardiac Life Support Training: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sun Wan-Na , Hsieh Min-Chai , Wang Wei-Fang 
Published: October 2024

Background
Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) skills are essential for nurses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, augmented reality (AR) technologies were incorporated into medical education to increase learning motivation and accessibility.

Objective
This study aims to determine whether AR for educational applications can significantly improve crash cart learning, learning motivation, cognitive load, and system usability. It focused on a subgroup of nurses with less than 2 years of experience.

Methods
This randomized controlled trial study was conducted in a medical center in southern Taiwan. An ACLS cart training course was developed using AR technologies in the first stage. Additionally, the efficacy of the developed ACLS training course was evaluated. The AR group used a crash cart learning system developed with AR technology, while the control group received traditional lecture-based instruction. Both groups were evaluated immediately after the course. Performance was assessed through learning outcomes related to overall ACLS and crash cart use. The Instructional Materials Motivation Survey, System Usability Scale, and Cognitive Load Theory Questionnaire were also used to assess secondary outcomes in the AR group. Subgroup analyses were performed for nurses with less than 2 years of experience.

Results
All 102 nurses completed the course, with 43 nurses in the AR group and 59 nurses in the control group. The AR group outperformed the control group regarding overall ACLS outcomes and crash cart learning outcomes (P=.002; P=.01). The improvement rate was the largest for new staff regardless of the overall learning effect and the crash cart effect. Subgroup analysis revealed that nurses with less than 2 years of experience in the AR group showed more significant improvements in both overall learning (P<.001) and crash cart outcomes (P<.001) compared to their counterparts in the control group. For nurses with more than 2 years of experience, no significant differences were found between the AR and control groups in posttraining learning outcomes for the crash cart (P=.32). The AR group demonstrated high scores for motivation (Instructional Materials Motivation Survey mean score 141.65, SD 19.25) and system usability (System Usability Scale mean score 90.47, SD 11.91), as well as a low score for cognitive load (Cognitive Load Theory Questionnaire mean score 15.42, SD 5.76).

Conclusions
AR-based learning significantly improves ACLS knowledge and skills, especially for nurses with less experience, compared to traditional methods. The high usability and motivational benefits of AR suggest its potential for broader applications in nursing education.

Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06057285; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06057285
Optimization of antioxidant activity and characterization of probiotic cascara beverage fermented using water kefir grain [Optimasi aktivitas antioksidan dan karakterisasi minuman probiotik cascara hasil fermentasi menggunakan bibit kefir air]
Authors: Putri Destiana Adinda , Nalurita Indah , Heldiyanti Rina , Zulkarnaen Zulkarnaen 
Published: October 2024

Cascara is a beverage derived from dried coffee cherry pulp, known to have good functional value but with a short shelf life. Fermentation is a technique that can enhance cascara beverages' shelf life and quality and their functional value due to the presence of probiotics and increased antioxidant compounds. The study aimed to optimize the fermentation conditions of cascara tea with water kefir seeds to improve the microbiota content of Lactobacillus sp, Bifidobacterium sp, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the antioxidant activity of the beverage. The method in this study used Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a design selection of Central Composite Design (CCD), using two independent variables, namely fermentation time (X1) and Grain Concentration (X2), with a response of antioxidant activity (%). The findings indicated that a fermentation period of 48 hours and a grain concentration of 8.58% resulted in a probiotic drink exhibiting the maximum antioxidant activity of 65.53%. This optimum treatment resulted in a drink with IC50 antioxidant activity of 173.66 ppm, total phenol 477.24 mg GAE/mL, brightness value (L*) 30.69, redness (a*) 14.06, yellowness (b*) 29.57, pH 3.57, TPT 8.80 (ᵒBrix), viscosity 1.62 mPa.s, total LAB 8.54 log CFU/ml, and total yeast & mold 10.93 log CFU/ml.
Carbon Emission Reduction Associated With Utilisation Of Telehealth In Outpatient Clinics In An Australian Quaternary Health Service
Authors: Redmond Jessica , Fazio Timothy , Darlison Phoebe R , Ioppi Barbara , Page Monika , Barraclough Katherine A , Kanhutu Kudzai , Dunne Ben 
Published: October 2024

Objective: To assess the impact of implementing telehealth in outpatient clinics on the carbon emissions associated with the delivery of health care.
Design & Setting: Retrospective cohort study in large metropolitan quaternary referral health service from January 2021- December 2022.
Participants: All patients who attended an outpatient clinic appointment during the study period, either in-person, via telehealth or via telephone.
Main outcome measures: The estimation of carbon emissions in tonnes (t) of CO2-equivalent (CO2-e) associated with in-person and telehealth appointments based on emissions associated with travel, telehealth platform usage and N95 mask usage.
Results: There were 571,121 outpatient clinic appointments during the study period. Of the appointments, 251,458 (44%) were conducted remotely, resulting in an estimated reduction in 3,629t of CO2-e emissions in the two-year period. Telehealth consultations in this time contributed 4.5t of CO2-equivalent emissions. The total emission usage of telehealth clinic was only 0.12% of emissions generated from face-to-face clinic appointments.
Conclusion: Telehealth offers the opportunity of substantial carbon emissions reduction within the healthcare sector, while also providing cost and time-saving benefits for healthcare services and patients. Limitations include generalisation of transportation modes and the retrospective nature of the data collection.
Apple pomace in feeding of dairy cattle as an element of sustainable agriculture strategy - a review
Authors: Szymańska-Czerwińska Monika , Niemczuk Krzysztof , Wierzbicka Agnieszka , Strzałkowska Nina , Jóźwik Artur 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This work provides an overview of the knowledge about using apple pomace as milk cattle feed. Utilization of apple pomace as livestock feed is one of the possible alternatives to reduce environmental pollution and overcome the feed deficit. Apple pomace, rich in e.g. polyphenolic compounds, holds potential to be a valuable feed additive for enhancing the antioxidative capacity and overall quality of milk. The research on apple pomace as feed additive for livestock are important due to abundance of apples in Poland, the world’s second-largest apple producer. To promote sustainability in animal feed production the use of agro-food-by products as apple pomace as animal feed component should be considered.
Long-term cryopreservation of bull semen as a main strategy for the ex situ conservation of endangered Polish Red cattle
Authors: Bryła Magdalena , Trzcińska Monika , Kocik Marcin , Burmańczuk Artur 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Regular verification of the quality of cryopreserved semen derived from native cattle is one of the tasks performed at the bank as recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the quality of semen from PR bulls stored for 40, 50 and 60 years in the BMB using standard evaluation parameters such as sperm motility as well as structural-functional parameters such as plasma membrane integrity, transmembrane mitochondrial potential and sperm chromatin damage. Semen pellets from 27 PR bulls (3 ejaculates/bull) were tested. The data were analysed by one-way and two-way ANOVA, and the significance of the difference (P≤ 0.01) between the means was determined using Duncan’s test. Our study results revealed that the long-term storage of semen had no effect on sperm characteristics after thawing. However, statistically significant differences (P≤0.01) in sperm plasma membrane integrity and transmembrane mitochondrial potential, following storage in liquid nitrogen were noted between bulls at all time points. However, there were no significant differences (P>0.01) in sperm chromatin damage between breeds or between different storage times, and the degree of DNA fragmentation ranged from 0.4 to 0.8%.
Changes in rabbit meat texture and calpain system genes expression following dietary supplementation with algae or vegetable oils
Authors: Maj Dorota , Grzesiak Małgorzata 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Meat texture is one of the most important parameters of meat quality and it could be improved by lipid sourced from vegetable oils. This study was undertaken to analyze the changes in meat texture, and in the mRNA expression of calpains (CAPN1 and CAPN3) and calpastatin 2 (CAST2) following diet supplemented with 1% algae (A), 3% sunflower (OS) oil, or 3% soybean oil (SO), using Blanc de Termonde rabbits at different age (12 and 18 weeks). Animals in the control group (C) received feed without additives. Animals were randomly sorted (40 rabbits/each group, balanced for sex). The General Linear Model (GLM) procedure was used to analyze the data and the Tukey–Kramer test was used for multiple comparisons. Our results indicate that the texture of rabbit meat depends on the age and algae, sunflower, and soybean oil supplementation, and diet-age interaction. The influence of the diet on CAPN1, CAPN3, and CAST2 expression depends on the rabbit age. In 12-week-old animals, meat shear force was greater following algae and soybean oil supplementation. Moreover, soybean oil decreased CAPN1, CAPN3, and CAST2, and algae supplement decreased CAST2 genes expression in rabbit muscle. In 18-week-old rabbits, supplementation with sunflower or soybean oil improved meat hardness, chewiness, and shear force. Additionally, sunflower oil increased CAPN1 and decreased CAST2 gene expression in the muscle tissue, providing new information about the molecular mechanism of meat texture in rabbits.
Effect of probiotic lactic acid bacteria and citric acid on performance, serum biochemistry, organ weight and carcass characteristics of broiler chicks
Authors: Heidary Arezoo , de Neeff Diane Valganon , Shahbazi Hosseinreza , Solka Magdalena , Zigo František , Seidavi Alireza , Marchewka Joanna , Sztandarski Patryk , Jaszczyk Aneta , Urbański Paweł , Tomasik Cyprian , Zima-Kulisiewicz Ewelina , de Oliveira Carlos Augusto Fernandes 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
In this work, the effects of the addition of probiotics and citric acid to drinking water on performance, serum biochemistry, relative organ weight and carcass characteristics of broiler chicks were evaluated. Two hundred forty-one-day-old chicks (female Ross 308) were divided into 6 groups and submitted to 6 different treatments for 42 days, with 4 replicates in each treatment, with 10 birds in each. Drinking water was supplemented with a commercial probiotic mixture (Lactofeed®, Takgene Co, Iran) at 0 (control), 0.1 g/L (day 1 to 21) and 0.05 g/L (day 22 to 42), and citric acid at concentrations of 0 (control), 0.2 and 0.4% (day 1 to 42). Compared with controls, no significant changes (P>0.05) were found in the performance, serum biochemistry parameters and relative organ weights of broiler chicks receiving water supplemented with probiotics or citric acid after 42 days of experiment. However, a significant (P<0.05) interaction effect was observed between probiotic and citric acid supplementation on feed intake within the first 21 days. Moreover, chicks receiving water supplemented with probiotic and 0.2% of citric acid had highest (P<0.05) body weight at 42 days of age, as well total carcass weight. Results indicate that water supplementation with Lactofeed® and 0.2% of citric acid are promising strategies to enhance growth performance of broilers.
Challenges and future prospects of EU Citizenship
Authors: Abazaj Ersila 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This paper explores the evolution, rights, challenges, and future prospects of European Union (EU) citizenship. Tracing its origins from the early stages of European integration to the present day, the paper examines the development of EU citizenship rights and their impact on individuals’ lives within the EU. It delves into the rights and benefits conferred by EU citizenship, including free movement, social entitlements, and political participation. Furthermore, the paper discusses the challenges and controversies surrounding EU citizenship, such as citizenship acquisition, integration policies, and the implications of Brexit. Through case studies and comparative analysis, it offers insights into member state practices and legal precedents shaping EU citizenship. Looking ahead, the paper explores potential reforms, challenges, and opportunities for strengthening EU citizenship in the context of evolving European integration. Additionally, it underscores the importance of citizenship education and awareness in fostering civic engagement and promoting a sense of belonging among EU citizens. By providing a comprehensive analysis of EU citizenship, this paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on European identity and integration, with implications for policymakers, scholars, and citizens alike.
Climate change and forced migration
Authors: Koçi Joana 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Climate change is increasingly recognized as a significant driver of migration patterns worldwide. As the global temperatures rise, extreme weather events become more frequent, leading to disruptions in livelihoods displacement, and migration. Every day, climate change becomes a more urgent economic, social and existential threat to countries and their people. Climate changes are becoming more and more evident every day, a factor that undoubtedly directly or indirectly affects the displacement of populations. This article provides answers to basic questions starting with how, and where climate change triggers migration and displacement, the second question is if we have a definition for the climate migration, or climate refugee, can they have protection from the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the last analysis is the inadequacy of the protection afforded by international law and European Union law and the Albania Legislation to individuals who leave their country of origin for reasons related to environmental issues. The methodology used to answer the questions of this paper includes desk review on existing literature, legal texts, reports from international organizations, legal framework regulating climate migration rights and the decision of the UN Human Rights Committee (HRC) regarding the “climate refugees”, the case of Teitiota v New Zealand.
Implementation and impact of integrated information systems in Albanian SME’s
Authors: Milo Lindita Lati , Tole Dhimitri , Pano Nikollaq 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This research work analyses how information technology improves business efficiency, creates employment, and fosters economic development. This paper investigates the level of integrated information systems used by small and medium enterprises in Albania. The research philosophy employed in this research work based on the case study method, and researcher interaction has been applied as a technique for data collection. Through careful observation and investigation of practical and real cases, a complete picture of the actual interaction of factors and events are obtained. A self-selection sampling technique was used. Through this technique, cooperation with managers was enabled to recommend possible concrete improvements in the systems or subsystems of information they apply. Results indicate that while information technology adoption is growing, significant barriers such as financial constraints and lack of technical skills persist. The empirical work showed that the firms involved in the study used information systems for different aspects such as sales, accounting, or quality control, but they were not integrated. The lack of the “smart” use of the information systems hampered their efficiency and make them less competitive. By leveraging such systems, SMEs can overcome challenges posed by limited resources and achieve sustainable growth.