bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Salicornia emerici Duval-Jouve and Sarcocornia alpini (Lag.) Rivas Mart. from Southern Tunisia: Potential Sources of Functional Ingredients with Nutritional and Health Promoting Benefits
Authors: Harboub Nesrine , Mighri Hedi , Bennour Naima , Dbara Mohamed , Pereira Catarina , Chouikhi Naima , Custódio Luísa , Abdellaoui Raoudha , Akrout Ahmed 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Aerial biomass of the edible halophyte species Salicornia emerici Duval-Jouve and Sarcocornia alpini (Lag.) Rivas Mart. (Amaranthaceae), collected from southern Tunisia, were investigated as potential sources of functional ingredients. For that purpose, dried biomass was profiled for proximate and mineral composition, and its hydroethanolic extracts were analyzed for phenolics contents by spectrophotometric and chromatographic (HPLC-ESI-MS) methods. The extracts were then profiled for in vitro antioxidant properties (radical scavenging activity (RSA) of DPPH and ABTS radicals, and ferric reducing power (FRAP)), cytotoxicity, and enzymatic inhibition toward enzymes related with human diseases, namely acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) (Alzheimer´s disease: AD), α-amylase and α-glucosidase (type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: T2DM), and tyrosinase (skin hyperpigmentation disorders). Biomass had relevant levels of minerals, especially sodium, potassium and iron. The extracts were not toxic, contained various bioactive phenolic compounds, such as naringin and quinic acid and exhibited relevant FRAP and inhibition properties against α-glucosidase and tyrosinase. Our findings suggest that there is potential to further explore the biomass from S. alpini and S. emerici as safe and sustainable sources of nutrients and of natural products with antioxidant, anti-diabetic and anti-tyrosinase properties, which might yield significant economic benefits for the southeastern region of Tunisia.
A method to qualify image post-processing for thin wall thickness prediction from NIR camera image of aluminum WAAM process
Authors: Béraud Nicolas , Lombard Axel , Dellarre Anthony , Vignat Frédéric , Villeneuve François 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) is a metal arc welding additive process that allows the production of large parts. Managing the quality of produced parts is a key challenge to the adoption of this technology in the industry. A particular case of this is the production of aluminum thin walls and the management of their thicknesses. Literature supports that the use of a near-infrared camera is a good way to monitor the meltpool shape to predict the manufactured thickness. Nevertheless, the post-processing applied to the image has a big influence on the accuracy of the measure. That is why, this article proposes a method to qualify image post-processing for thin wall thickness prediction from near-infrared camera images of aluminum WAAM process. A dataset from the literature is used to evaluate the accuracy of different post-processes. First, a method is proposed to evaluate the accuracy of a given post-process. Secondly, two types of post-processing are presented: post-processing based on conventional image processing and post-processing based on neural networks. Their accuracy is evaluated with the proposed method. The article concludes that the proposed method is adapted to qualify post-processes and that the proposed post-processing based on neural networks gives significant results in terms of accuracy.
Manganese with Salicylic Acid Optimize the Growth Dynamics and Quality Potential in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)
Authors: Guin Aritra , Korav Santosh , A Rajanna G. , Elansary Hosam O. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

As an oilseed crop, mustard—a plant in the family Brassicaceae—is essential in India and worldwide. Crucial to plant metabolism are manganese and salicylic acid. We performed a field experiment to determine how they affected Indian mustard (Brassica juncea). Using a Randomized Block Design with three replications, the experiment included ten treatment combinations. These included control groups, different doses of sole salicylic acid (75, 150, 300 ppm), sole manganese (0.25, 0.5, 0.75 mM MnSO4), and combinations of the two. According to the experimental results, increasing dosages of both manganese and salicylic acid reversed the effects of sole foliar application by increasing the mustard growth and biochemical properties. It is worth mentioning that the addition of 0.5 mM manganese and 150 ppm salicylic acid externally increased stem dry weight by 1.24-fold, total chlorophyll content by 2.35-fold, relative water content by 1.25-fold, grain protein content by 1.11-fold, and oil content by 1.19-fold. To top it all off, the leaf membrane injury index went down by 36.2–53.2% after the combined application. The combination of salicylic acid and manganese yielded superior outcomes in optimizing growth dynamics and quality potential compared to individual applications of either compound.
Trends in the burden of pancreatic cancer due to high fasting plasma glucose in China, 1990-2019, and projections until 2029
Authors: Zhao Li-jun , Fan Hua , Yu Qing-wen , Tang Ting , Zhang Sheng-hui , You Yao , Wang Mingwei , Cheng Yong-ran , Lu Kang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to analyze the burden of high fasting plasma glucose (HFPG)-induced pancreatic cancer deaths in China, to compare the long-term trend of mortality from this condition in China during 1990–2019, and to predict the trend for the next 10 years.
Methods: Data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 were used for this research. The burden of pancreatic cancer in China between 1990 and 2019 due to HFPG was investigated, and the burden was stratified by sex and age. The age–period–cohort analysis was used to determine the contributions of age, period, and cohort effects of HFPG on pancreatic cancer. The mortality from the disease during 2020–2039 was projected using the Bayesian age–period–cohort (BAPC) model.
Results: From 1990 to 2019, HFPG led to a significant increase in the number of deaths from pancreatic cancer and the mortality rate in China. The age-standardized mortality rate of pancreatic cancer attributable to high fasting plasma glucose per 100,000 individuals in China increased from 0.199 in 1990 to 0.413 in 2019 (average annual percentage change of 2.53 [95% confidence interval, 2.19–2.86]).The number of deaths and mortality rates were consistently higher in men than in women. Mortality rates varied with age, with the highest number of deaths occurring in people aged 70–74 years and the highest mortality rate at 85 years of age. The BAPC method was used to predict the mortality rate of pancreatic cancer up to 2029, which revealed that both demonstrated a trend of slow growth, with women showing a decreasing trend and men showing an increasing trend.
Conclusion: The results of this study provide strong evidence that the number of deaths and mortality rate from pancreatic cancer due to HFPG have shown a clear upward trend in China over the past 30 years. This observation highlights the need to urgently solve the issues in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, lifestyle intervention policies should be implemented in China to effectively control pancreatic cancer mortality.
We cannot keep doing what we have always done and expect that things will be different: A scoping review of the lifestyle drift concept
Authors: Halsall Tanya , Orpana Heather , Jan Misha 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Lifestyle drift is a phenomenon wherein the focus of interventions aimed at improving health and decreasing health inequities that start with the intention of acting on upstream social determinants of health inadvertently drift downstream towards interventions targeting individual health behaviours. While lifestyle drift has been referred to in a growing body of literature, as far as we are aware, there is not currently any scoping or systematic reviews that examines the concept of lifestyle drift. The objective of this scoping review is to summarize the existing literature on lifestyle drift, describe how it is defined in the literature, the causes or mechanisms of influence that lead to lifestyle drift and ways to address it.
Methods
A comprehensive search strategy was developed with guidance from a librarian and seven databases were searched. Title and abstract and full text screening was conducted in Covidence according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Included documents were imported into NVivo, and data from articles were analysed using a thematic analysis approach.
Results
We identified 318 articles through the initial search strategy. After title, abstract and full text screening, we charted data from 32 articles which included lifestyle drift as either a focus or a major theme. Definitions of lifestyle drift included some common elements as well as some variability of concepts. Neoliberalism and the biomedical model were frequently identified as drivers of lifestyle drift across articles. While many strategies to counteract lifestyle drift were proposed, applying a health in all policies approach, and participation from priority populations were the most common strategies suggested.
Conclusion
This scoping review identified that while lifestyle drift is a concept increasingly referred to in public health, health promotion and chronic disease prevention, there remains a need for more empirical research on lifestyle drift, including research that elucidates the mechanisms that contribute to it. If public health initiatives indeed want to focus on upstream interventions that intend to have broad impact and reduce health inequities, perhaps most importantly, research regarding how to identify, prevent and address the phenomenon of lifestyle drift may support these goals.
Prevalence and molecular characteristics of carbapenem-, fosfomycin- and colistin-nonsusceptible ST11 hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae in a teaching hospital
Authors: Yang Yuqi , Ma Kai , Li Xue , Liu Xin , Cheng Ping , Li Lailai , Chai Yihui , Cao Mingle 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Infections caused by carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-HVKP) are a great challenge for physicians in the administration of clinical therapy, and clarification of virulence factors and resistance mechanisms can aid in the selection of appropriate antimicrobial agents.
Methods: We analysed the clinical characteristics of patients with CRKP infection, CRKP susceptibility to clinical first-line antimicrobial agents and resistance genotypes. The lethality and associated virulence factors of CR-HVKP are described. The possibility of the transfer of virulence and resistance genes was also explored. The susceptibility of CRKP and CR-HVKP to last-resort antimicrobial agents was also tested.
Results: CRKP strains were predominantly derived from sputum specimens, urine specimens and blood specimens. Patients with CRKP infections predominantly had pulmonary infections and were predominantly elderly males in the intensive care unit (ICU). CRKP exhibited high resistance to other β-lactam antibiotics, mainly due to the presence of blaKPC, high resistance to quinolones mediated by the carriage of aac (6''-Ib-cr), QnrS and QnrB, and high resistance to aminoglycosides mediated by the carriage of rmtB, ant(3'')-I and armA, respectively. CR-HVKP is mainly composed of ST11 and capsule K1. Aerobactin (iucA, iutA), Ent siderophore (fepA, entB), Salmochelin (iroN), Yersiniabactin (ybtS), Type 3 fimbriae (mrkD), Type I fimbriae (fimH), and Regulation (prmpA) were detected in the CR-HVKP isolates. The CR-HVKP strains had a median lethal dose (LD50) of 2 × 103 to 5 × 103 CFU in the mice, which was similar to that of the positive control NTUH-K2044. Conjugation assays revealed that the genes iucA, iutA, iroN, prmpA, blaKPC, blaNDM, blaVIM, blaSHV, blaTEM, QnrA, QnrB, QnrS, and rmtB can be transferred to E. coli J53. Compared with those of the recipient E. coli J53, the MICs of meropenem, imipenem, levofloxacin and amikacin in the transconjugants increased by 4-128 times.
Conclusions: These findings suggest that virulence and resistance genes may spread rapidly in Enterobacteriaceae, posing a public health risk and a significant threat to clinical care. Therefore, it is necessary to further strengthen hospital infection monitoring, prevention and control measures and to provide strict management and training on the rational use of antimicrobial agents in intensive care units.
Adaptive potential and genomic vulnerability of keystone forest tree species to climate change: a case study in Scots pine
Authors: Łabiszak Bartosz , Wachowiak Witold 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

A better understanding of the possible adaptive response and genomic vulnerability of forest trees is needed to properly assist future forest management and develop adequate resilience strategies to changing environments. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), a keystone species with extensive distribution and a broad ecological niche, is expected to be directly impacted by climate change due to fitness loss and genetic maladaptation on a large spatial scale. Despite extensive studies that have clarified the broad-scale history and genetic structure of the species, understanding the genetic basis for the local adaptation and genomic vulnerability of Scots pine remains incomplete. Here, we used thousands of genotyped SNP markers in 39 natural populations (440 trees) along a broad latitudinal gradient of species distribution to examine molecular signatures of local adaptation. Specifically, this landscape genomics approach aimed to assess fine-scale patterns of SNPs associated with environmental gradients, predict vulnerability to climate change using genomic offset, and evaluate the adaptive response of populations to projected climate shifts. The variation of outlier SNPs, which exhibits selection signatures between genetically very similar populations in the distribution range, was highly correlated with mean temperature, a key limiting factor for the growth and survival of tree species. Furthermore, our simulation results indicated a high genomic vulnerability on a large spatial scale in P. sylvestris, with the time frame required to close the offset gap by natural selection estimated to be in the range of hundreds of years. The results improve our understanding of Scots pine's adaptive capacity and provide insights for management approaches to mitigate the impacts of climate change on temperate forest ecosystems. By evaluating adaptive responses, the study adds to the discussion on the long-term sustainability of forest ecosystems in the face of ongoing environmental change.
The effect of Corporate Social Responsibility disclosure on Corporate Performance with respect to Mining Companies in Zambia
Authors: Ndemena Peter 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

One of the most important factors in the long-term success of businesses is their ability to fulfil their social responsibilities in an efficient manner. The relationship between corporate social responsibility disclosure and corporate performance will be affected, as a result of the influence of institutions, by the level of social responsibility that the other firm maintains as well as by the level of government subsidies that it receives. The relationship between corporate social responsibility disclosure (also known as CSRD) and corporate performance in the area of reputation, employee and finance is the topic of discussion in this paper, which is based on institutional stakeholder theory. By using relevant data from the mining companies, such as annual reports and interviews, the study aims to examine corporate social responsibility reporting by the mining companies in Zambia in relation to their performance and its overall effects. The study utilized the descriptive research design by employing structured questionnaires and guided interviews that were either physical, virtual or online administered. The population sample was 100 coming from the top 10 mines in Zambia with a calculated sample size of 52 respondents. This study was a qualitative investigation based on interviews. Financial performance, employee commitment, and corporate reputation were measured.
Design and Development of Medical Prescription Writing Robot
Authors: R.Iniyavan  , AFROZ SHAIK , ABID SHAIK , SHUMEEL SUFI MOHAMMAD 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

According In light of the pressing need to address the challenges faced by differently-abled individuals, particularly those with hand impairments, in accessing education and writing examinations, this paper presents the design and development of an innovative Automatic Writing Pen. The project stems from the recognition that conventional methods of writing examinations pose significant hurdles for individuals lacking the use of their hands, limiting their educational opportunities and overall inclusion in society. The Automatic Writing Pen system leverages advanced technologies such as voice recognition and motorized pen movement to enable individuals to write effortlessly without manual intervention. Utilizing a Bluetooth module and a dedicated mobile application, users can input voice commands to the system, which translates these commands into precise movements of the writing pen. The system's design incorporates servo and stepper motors to ensure accurate and flawless writing, mirroring the spoken words with high fidelity.
Boosting the Excellence of Cocoon Production through Silkworm Excreta
Authors: R Shanmugam , A Murugesh K , M Tilak , K Senguttuvan , K Sivakumar , P Radha , P Jothimani 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted for two years to determine the effect of silkworm-rearing waste on the growth and yield of mulberry plants and silkworm growth and economic traits. Methodology: This study consisted of 11 treatments, including an absolute control with 3 replications. The results of this study were as follows: silkworm excreta alone (400 gm/plant yielded the longest shoot, greatest number of branches, greatest number of leaves, highest 100 leaf weight, and highest leaf yield. The silkworm excreta alone at 400 gm/plant had a significant and positive influence on larval and cocoon parameters, which recorded the highest values of larval weight, single cocoon weight, shell ratio, single cocoon filament length, and denier.
Understanding the Causes of Inflation in Madagascar using an ARDL model
Authors: Josué ANDRIANADY Ravahiny 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study examines the determinants of inflation in Madagascar using an ARDL model and World Bank data. The results highlight several key factors, including economic growth, fluctuations in oil prices, import dependency, and exchange rate variations, which contribute to inflation in the country. To mitigate inflation, consistent economic policies focusing on promoting balanced growth, economic diversification, and prudent management of external factors are recommended.
Adaptability, stability, and productivity of potato breeding clones and cultivars at high latitudes in Europe
Authors: Ortiz Rodomiro , Reslow Fredrik , Huicho José , Vetukuri Ramesh , Crossa José 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The aim of potato breeding is to release cultivars showing high and stable performance across the target population of environments. The objective of this research was therefore to investigate the use of various methods (site-regression [SREG], coefficient of variation and the regression’s deviations [σ2δ]) for determining adaptability and stability for productive and quality traits in the Nordic Region of Europe. The multi-environment trials included 256 breeding clones and released cultivars grown by EU farmers at three distinct testing sites over two years in Sweden. There was significant (P < 0.001) variation for tuber yield, starch percentage and reducing sugars in the tuber flesh among breeding clones and cultivars, testing environments and their GEI. The environments were very diverse as revealed by SREG biplots and particularly for the GEI patterns noted in productive and quality characteristics. The percentage of stable high-tuber yielding germplasm was larger for breeding clones (23%) than for the European released cultivars (2%), thus showing the advantage of potato breeding in the target population of environments. SLU 1415001 and SLU 1314015 were the most promising breeding clones due to their stable high tuber yield. The starch potato cultivars were the best for this characteristic, although none of them had a non-significant σ2δ. ‘Talent’ shows an almost stable good performance among low reducing sugar cultivars and breeding clones, which were often unstable in their scoring across environments. Neither a breeding clone nor a cultivar was at the top ranking for stable tuber yield, tuber flesh starch and reducing sugars in the tuber flesh, which shows the challenge faced by potato breeding while addressing the need of different markets.
Maximizing ISRIB Potential Requires Addressing Specificity, Long-Term Safety, and Disease-Specific Considerations
Authors: Boretti Alberto , Banik Bimal 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Integrated Stress Response Inhibitor (ISRIB) works by inhibiting
the integrated stress response, a cellular pathway involved in the regulation of protein
synthesis during stress conditions. Conditions that have been studied or suggested
as potential candidates for treatment with ISRIB include neurological and metabolic disorders,
cognitive impairment, viral infections, and cancer.

Objective:
The study aimed to discuss the challenges related to specificity, long-term
safety, and disease-specific considerations crucial for realizing the full potential of ISRIB.

Method:
A narrative review of the literature has been conducted to delve into ISRIB's
chemistry, mechanisms of action, disease-specific considerations, and long-term safety
implications.

Results:
While ISRIB has shown promising results in preclinical studies, more research
is needed to determine its safety and effectiveness in human patients. Clinical trials are
required to validate its therapeutic potential for various conditions. Despite having been
proposed a decade ago, news of its clinical trials has been circulated only recently, without
any published information yet and with rumors that its efficacy vs. safety profile
may be compromised by side effects.

Conclusion:
While ISRIB offers exciting prospects for a range of biomedical applications,
addressing challenges related to specificity, disease-specific considerations, and
importantly long-term safety, is crucial for realizing its full potential.