bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) Productivity and Biochemical Traits: A Comparison of Straw Mulch and Polythene Mulch Under Prolonged Salinity Stress
Authors: Meena H. N. , Ajay B. C. , Reddy K. K. , Meena M. D. , Mishra J. P. 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTThe escalating population growth has spurred a demand for increased oilseed production, necessitating urgent attention. However, the expansion of saline‐affected regions posed a significant obstacle to maintain peanut productivity in these areas. Thus, to tackle the productivity decline in saline‐affected regions, we investigated whether substituting polythene mulch with straw mulch, as part of an agronomic management strategy, could mitigate the rapid decrease in peanut productivity. Three mulching methods (control, polythene mulch and straw mulch) were employed to cultivate the crop (cv. TG 37A) under salinity levels of 0.5, 2, 4 and 6 dS m−1. As salinity levels increased, there was a notable decrease in germination percentage, growth, yield and biochemical characteristics, including pod and haulm yields were reported. Despite salinity reduced free amino acids and oil content, it exhibited significant increase in protein and sugar content. Saline irrigation water led to a reduction in pod yield, haulm yield and oil content by 24.67%, 23.84% and 5.07%, respectively, at a salinity level of 6.0 dS m−1 compared to the control with 0.5 dS m−1 salinity. Moreover, straw mulching resulted in a boost in pod yield, haulm yield and oil content by 30.09%, 4.83% and 1.75%, respectively, compared to the control. The reduction in pod yield and oil content under the interaction of mulching and salinity was 46.44% and 6.87% at M0S6, 21.42% and 4.44% at M1S6, and 7.55% and 3.87% at M2S6 compared to M0S0, M1S0 and M2S0, respectively. A similar trend was also observed in 100‐pod weight, 100‐kernel weight and shelling percentage. Accordingly, it was concluded that the declining trend in all attributes under straw mulching at various salinity levels surpassed polythene mulching, ensuring superior peanut production under salinity stress conditions.
Ants and predators cope with pest pressures by interacting with the surrounding vegetation at low spatial scales
Authors: Álvarez Hugo Alejandro , Clemente‐Orta Gemma , Ruano Francisca 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBiological control of pests can be enhanced by the presence of semi‐natural habitats within agricultural landscapes. However, this assumption remains controversial due to inconsistencies related to the type of agroecosystems and the natural enemies studied. Within olive orchards, there is a lack of information regarding the interaction among natural enemies and their relation with habitat structure to control pests at the landscape scale. Here, we investigate the effects of the natural habitat on the pest, pest damage and the interaction of pests and natural enemies – using a trophic guild approach, in organic olive orchards. For this, we decomposed the natural habitats into vegetation structures and analysed their effects with a multi‐scale perspective. Our results show that (1) greater proportions of natural habitats increase the abundance of ants (omnivores) and predators and diminish pest pressures – reducing the impact of Prays oleae on olive fruits. (2) Vegetation structures within natural habitats were grouped, based on their effects, into three main vegetation groups: grassland and forest, scrublands and olive trees. However, the dense scrubland and the dense forest improve the abundance of natural enemies that are linked to pest damage the most. (3) Prays oleae increases in landscapes dominated by low numbers of patches that are highly aggregated. Conversely, ants and predators increased in landscapes dominated by high numbers of patches that have a less edge‐resembling shape. (4) Within the olive canopy, the abundance of lacewing larvae and salticid spiders is related to lower pest damage and a reduction in P. oleae adults respectively. However, when ants and predators interact with the natural habitat, they can cope with pest pressures without the need for high abundances, supporting ‘the more‐effective natural enemy hypothesis’ in agroecosystems.
A qualitative exploration of barriers, facilitators and best practices for implementing environmental sustainability standards and reducing food waste in veterans affairs hospitals
Authors: Williams Bethany D. , Pitts Stephanie Jilcott , Onufrak Stephen J. , Sirois Emma , Utech Anne , Wood Michelle , Silverman Jessi , Ajenikoko Funke , Murphy Meghan , Lowry Warnock Amy 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundTo improve the healthfulness of foods offered while accelerating the use of environmental sustainability practices, it is important to engage hospital food service operators in the adoption of such practices. The purpose of this study was to explore barriers, facilitators and best practices for implementing environmental sustainability standards in food service among veterans affairs (VA) hospitals in the United States.MethodsWe conducted an online survey with 14 VA hospital food service directors and then 11 qualitative interviews. The survey assessed motivations for initiating sustainability standards and included a self‐rating of implementation for each of five standards: increasing plant‐forward dishes, procuring and serving sustainable foods that meet organic/fair trade and other certifications, procuring and serving locally produced foods, reducing food waste and reducing energy consumption. Interviews were transcribed verbatim. Qualitative analysis, including coding of themes and subthemes, was conducted by two coders to determine barriers, facilitators and best practices for each of these five standards. Quantitative methods (counts and frequencies) were used to analyse the survey data.ResultsParticipants had an average of 5 years of experience implementing sustainability standards. The top three motivators cited were reducing food waste, serving healthier foods and increasing efficiency or cost savings. Barriers revolved around patient preferences, contractual difficulties and costs related to reducing waste. Facilitators included taste testing new recipes that include more sustainable food options and easy access to sustainable products from the prime vendor. Best practices included making familiar dishes plant‐forward and plate waste studies to prevent overproduction.ConclusionsAlthough there were many barriers to implementation, food service directors had solutions for overcoming challenges and implementing food service sustainability standards, which can be tested in future sustainability initiatives.
Outcomes and complications of second‐trimester induction of labor using laminaria and gemeprost: A single‐center experience in Japan
Authors: Arai Tomohiro , Ozawa Katsusuke , Muromoto Jin , Sugibayashi Rika , Wada Seiji , Sago Haruhiko 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimTo document the outcomes of second‐trimester induction of labor with laminaria cervical dilation followed by gemeprost vaginal tablets, with a particular emphasis on its complications.MethodsThis was a single‐center retrospective cohort study of women who experienced medical abortions between 12 and 21 weeks of gestation from January 2016 to July 2021. Procedures were performed with three laminaria cervical dilation for 2 days followed by the administration of gemeprost (1 mg, vaginal tablet) every 3 h with a maximum of five tablets per day. Epidural anesthesia was provided upon request. The primary outcome was successful labor induction, which was defined as fetal expulsion without assisted surgical procedures. Other maternal outcomes, complications and related interventions during and after the procedure were assessed.ResultsAmong 319 women, 313 (98.1%) experienced successful labor induction with a median of one gemeprost tablet. The median blood loss during the abortion was 145 mL, and three women (0.9%) required blood transfusion. Fever was observed in 19 women (6.0%) during hospitalization, although most cases were drug fever. Thirteen women (4.1%) had abnormal uterine bleeding ~24 days after the abortion. Eleven cases (3.4%) were associated with retained products of conception, of which three cases required uterine artery embolization and three needed surgical curettage.ConclusionsSecond‐trimester induction of labor with laminaria cervical dilation and subsequent gemeprost vaginal tablets is a reliable method for completing medical abortions. Abnormal uterine bleeding several weeks after abortion is suspected to be a retained product of conception that could require invasive treatment.
Local authority intervention in private renting: from compliance to hardline enforcement
Authors: COWAN DAVE , MARSH ALEX , HARRIS JENNIFER 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDrawing on data from two empirical projects concerned with local authority enforcement of standards in the private rented sector, this article argues that there are signs of greater use of formal enforcement approaches, and that these approaches are increasingly ‘hardline’. This finding runs counter to the existing scholarship on regulatory enforcement, which emphasizes securing compliance over formal enforcement. Securing compliance is also integral to the regulatory guidance in this sphere of activity. Further, in the context of cuts to local authority funding and greater local authority demand for private rented stock to meet household needs, the shift to hardline approaches requires explanation. Drawing on Keith Hawkins’ and Peter Manning's theory of legal decision making, which emphasizes consideration of the surround, the field, and the frame, the authors explain how changes to the field, in particular, have encouraged this shift.
Stock Inhalers: A Qualitative Data Analysis of Illinois Health Policy Trials and Triumphs
Authors: Wrona Jessica , Hardy Paige , Youssef Caroline , Adeleke Semmy , Martin Molly A. , Gerald Lynn B. , Pappalardo Andrea A. 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundAsthma reliever medication access is critical, especially in schools. Policies that “stock” reliever inhalers in schools provide failsafe medication access. This research aims to understand barriers and facilitators to Illinois stock inhaler policy implementation.MethodsWe conducted 18 semi‐structured interviews in 2021‐2022 with key school‐based and non‐school‐based partners (school administrators, nurses, governmental agencies, and advocacy leaders). Through Atlas.ti, code frequencies compared (Fisher's exact test), and a thematic analysis performed.ResultsFour themes emerged: facilitators, barriers, program rationale, and process considerations. The common facilitators were “Finding a provider,” having a “Champion,” and “Funding”. Barriers included “Not enough school nurses,” “Pharmacy refusal to fill prescriptions,” and “Feeling overwhelmed.” All were supportive of the rationale for stock inhalers. Non‐school‐based informants (p < .01) were more likely to mention medication donations, while school staff reported having enough nurses as a facilitator (p < .01). School staff reported concerns about children with asthma not having their medication significantly more than other partners (p = .02).Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and EquityOur analysis revealed that school partners recognize the value of stock inhalers. Barrier mitigation to support the funding, prescription access and processing, and training are essential to success of stock inhaler programming. Multilevel collaborative efforts through coalitions could be a potential solution.
Feasibility of an innovative medical dental integration program to provide overdue adolescent vaccinations in a federally qualified health center
Authors: Jack Jessica L. , Buban Aaron , Krentz Christine , Durniak Mark , Hamilton Scott , Williams Joshua T. B. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the feasibility of a medical dental integration program to provide overdue vaccinations to adolescents ages 9–17 and evaluate the facilitators and barriers to the process.MethodsThe program was developed and implemented at one dental clinic co‐located within a medical clinic at a federally qualified healthcare center in Denver, Colorado. Utilizing a shared electronic health record, human papillomavirus, meningococcal, and/or tetanus‐diphtheria‐acellular pertussis vaccines were recommended by dental providers and then administered by the medical team. Plan‐do‐study‐act cycles informed implementation. Descriptive analyses of eligible patients were performed and run charts were used track process implementation outcomes.ResultsOne hundred and sixty eligible adolescents were identified during a 6‐month period. Overall, 29 patients (18%) received 41 vaccines. Process facilitators included staff buy‐in and individual provider feedback and barriers included staff shortages and family vaccine refusal/preference to receive vaccines in the medical home.ConclusionsMany adolescents see dental providers more than their primary care providers, creating an opportunity to vaccinate adolescents overdue for immunizations during dental visits. A medical dental integration program to provide adolescent vaccinations was feasible in a federally qualified health center with co‐located medical and dental services. Expansion to diverse healthcare settings is necessary to further explore implementation outcomes.
Effectiveness of a spiritual adaptation of cognitive behavioural therapy in improving resilience, self‐esteem and spirituality among clients with opioid use disorder: A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Sonbol Hassan Mohammed , Metwally El‐Sayed Mona , Taha Samah Mohamed , Abdelwahab Khedr Mahmoud , El‐Ashry Ayman Mohamed , Abd Elhay Eman Sameh 
Published: August 2024

Accessible SummaryWhat is known on the subject?

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a prevalent problem among Egyptian youth, and achieving recovery and abstinence is challenging. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a well‐known approach, can be particularly beneficial when it addresses psychological aspects such as resilience and self‐esteem.

What does the paper add to existing knowledge?

Our research is recognized as a trailblazer in integrating a spiritual adaptation of CBT with spiritual elements for treating patients with OUD in the Egyptian context. This innovative approach marks a significant advancement in the field.

The study found a statistically significant increase in the mean scores of resilience, self‐esteem, and spirituality (p < .001 each) following the spiritual adaptation of CBT sessions compared to the control group.

What are the implications for practice?

The findings can guide psychiatrists and nurses in providing more comprehensive and effective care to patients with OUD by incorporating a spiritual adaptation of CBT with spiritual components into treatment plans.

AbstractIntroductionOpioid use disorder (OUD) is a prevalent problem among Egyptian youth, and achieving recovery and abstinence is challenging. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a well‐known approach, can be particularly beneficial when it addresses psychological aspects such as resilience, self‐esteem and spirituality.AimThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a spiritual adaptation of CBT in enhancing these factors among clients with OUD.MethodsA quasi‐experimental study with a control group was conducted using a pretest‐posttest design. The study included 49 clients with OUD and 46 clients in the control group. The Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale–Modified Arabic Version, Daily Spiritual Experience Scale, and the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale were used as measurement tools. CBT was delivered in 60‐min group sessions. After 3 months, the questionnaires were re‐administered to evaluate the effectiveness of a spiritual adaptation of CBT sessions.ResultsThe study found a statistically significant increase in the mean scores of resilience, self‐esteem and spirituality (p < .001 each) following a spiritual adaptation of CBT sessions compared to the control group.DiscussionA spiritual adaptation of CBT effectively enhanced resilience, self‐esteem and spirituality in clients with OUD.Implications for PracticeUnderstanding the effectiveness of a spiritual adaptation of CBT in enhancing resilience, self‐esteem and spirituality can enable psychiatrists and nurses to provide more comprehensive and effective care to patients with OUD.
Outcomes of a 1‐Year Pilot Study Implementing Universal Hepatitis Delta Virus Testing Among Veterans With Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Wong Robert J. , Liao Meimei , Chen Yu , Kwan Miki , Lee Ji‐Hyung , Jou Janice H. , Lim Joseph K. , Cheung Ramsey 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTCurrent US guidelines recommend risk‐based testing for hepatitis delta virus (HDV) in persons with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). While there is debate as to whether a risk‐based or universal testing approach is most effective, limited data exist on universal HDV testing programs in the United States. We performed a 1‐year pilot study evaluating the outcomes of a universal HDV testing approach among US veterans with CHB. All consecutive adults with CHB receiving care at hepatology clinics at a single‐centre Veterans Affairs Health System from 1 October 2022 to 30 September 2023 were prospectively tested for anti‐HDV antibody (anti‐HDV). Patients who were anti‐HDV Ab‐positive were subsequently tested for HDV RNA. Comparison of HDV testing between groups utilised chi‐square testing. A total of 91 consecutive CHB patients (90.0% male, mean age 60.9 ± 14.1 years, 73.9% Asian, 26.1% non‐Asia, 16.5% cirrhosis and 17.1% with active or past history of drug use) had anti‐HDV ordered. Overall, 76.9% (n = 70) completed anti‐HDV testing; 4.3% (n = 3) were positive. HDV RNA testing was ordered in all three patients; two patients completed HDV RNA testing and one had detectable HDV RNA. No significant differences in completion of anti‐HDV testing was observed by age, sex, race/ethnicity, cirrhosis status or drug use history. Among a single‐centre prospective cohort study piloting a universal HDV testing approach, one patient with viremic HDV was identified. Implementing true reflex testing of all CHB patients with anti‐HDV, followed by automated HDV RNA testing for anti‐HDV‐positive patients would improve the HDV testing cascade and timely diagnosis of HDV.
A retrospective Italian analysis on the characteristics of invasive fungal infections in the intensive care unit setting: CHARTER‐IFI study
Authors: Viale Pier Luigi , Mirandola Silvia , Natalini Ciro , Esposti Luca Degli , Dovizio Melania , Veronesi Chiara , Forcina Gabriele , Navalesi Paolo , Boscolo Annalisa 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundInvasive fungal infections (IFI), prevalent in critically ill ICU patients, have gained attention due to post‐COVID‐19 epidemiological shifts. Notably, COVID‐19‐associated aspergillosis and candidiasis pose significant risks. WHO recognises key fungal pathogens, emphasising the need for enhanced research and interventions.MethodsThe CHARTER‐IFI study retrospectively examines 186,310 individuals admitted to ICUs in Italy from 01/01/2012–01/09/2023, utilising administrative databases covering around 10 million inhabitants. Adult patients were included having at least one ICU discharge diagnosis of IFI at their first IFI‐related hospitalisation and having at least 12 months of available data prior to this hospitalisation.ResultsA total of 746 IFI patients discharged from ICU (incidence of 4.0 per 1000 ICU‐hospitalised patients), were included. Median age was 68 years, 63% were males, and the overall Charlson Comorbidity Index was 2.2. The top three diagnoses were candidiasis (N = 501, 2.7/1000 ICU‐hospitalised patients), aspergillosis (N = 71, 0.4/1000), and pneumocystosis (N = 55, 0.3/1000). The evaluation of the comorbidity profile in IFI patients revealed the presence of hypertension (60.5%), use of systemic GC/antibacterials (45.3% during 12 months before and 18.6% during 3 months before hospital admission), cancer (23.1%), diabetes (24.3%) and cardiovascular diseases (23.9%). The mean (±SD) length of hospitalisation in ICU was 19.9 ± 24.1 days (median 11 days), and deaths occurred in 36.1% of IFI patients (within 30 days from discharge).ConclusionsThis retrospective analysis among ICU‐hospitalised patients described the burden of IFI in ICU, and its understanding could be crucial to strengthen surveillance, investments in research, and public health interventions as required by WHO.
Accumulation of pathogens in soil microbiome can explain long‐term fluctuations of legumes in a grassland community
Authors: Kohout Petr , Sudová Radka , Odriozola Iñaki , Kvasničková Jana , Petružálková Markéta , Hadincová Věroslava , Krahulec František , Pecháčková Sylvie , Skálová Hana , Herben Tomáš 
Published: August 2024

Summary

All plant populations fluctuate in time. Apart from the dynamics imposed by external forces such as climate, these fluctuations can be driven by endogenous processes taking place within the community. In this study, we aimed to identify potential role of soil‐borne microbial communities in driving endogenous fluctuations of plant populations.

We combined a unique, 35‐yr long abundance data of 11 common plant species from a species‐rich mountain meadow with development of their soil microbiome (pathogenic fungi, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and oomycetes) observed during 4 yr of experimental cultivation in monocultures.

Plant species which abundance fluctuated highly in the field (particularly legumes) accumulated plant pathogens in their soil mycobiome. We also identified increasing proportion of mycoparasitic fungi under highly fluctuating legume species, which may indicate an adaptation of these species to mitigate the detrimental effects of pathogens.

Our study documented that long‐term fluctuations in the abundance of plant species in grassland communities can be explained by the accumulation of plant pathogens in plant–soil microbiome. By contrast, we found little evidence of the role of mutualists in plant population fluctuations. These findings offer new insights for understanding mechanisms driving both long‐term vegetation dynamics and patterns of species coexistence and richness.
The contribution of technological innovation, trade and economic development to renewable energy use in the United Kingdom, Germany and Turkey
Authors: El‐Karimi Mounir , Belcaid Karim 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis paper examines the causal impact of the technological innovation, trade openness and economic growth on the renewable energy use (RE) in Germany, the United Kingdom and Turkey. To this end, Breitung and Candelon (Journal of Econometrics, 2006, 132, 363) causality test linked to Toda and Yamamoto (Journal of Econometrics, 1995, 66, 225) procedure is applied on data for the period 1985–2021. Our results indicate that the German RE is mainly affected by the technological innovation and economic growth, but over the long‐term. Regarding the United Kingdom, its RE dynamics is found to be significantly impacted by the technological progress, trade openness and output growth all together, but only during the long‐run. However, in Turkey, the RE long‐term pattern is mainly led by the technological innovation, while the RE short‐term dynamics is primarily drown by the trade openness. This study provides policymakers a better understanding of RE pattern to formulate appropriate policies dealing with energy security, sustainable development and environmental pollution.