bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential food safety risks in tomato value chains in urban settings of Eastern Ethiopia: a qualitative investigation
Authors: Amenu Kebede , Megersa Bekele , Jaleta Megarsa Bedasa , Dinede Getachew , Worku Hable , Kasim Kemal , Taha Mukerem , Ibrahim Abdulmuen M. , Kedir Jafer , Mego Lina , Roesel Kristina , Roothaert Ralph , Srinivasan Ramasamy , Grace Delia , Knight-Jones Theodore 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThe value chains of tomatoes in Ethiopia are largely informal which may pose potential food safety risks. Value chains (VCs) mapping was carried out with emphasis on tomatoes in two major cities in eastern Ethiopia—Harar and Dire Dawa—which were assessed to identify practices likely to result in unsafe food, considering production, transportation, retail, preparation, and consumption.MethodsQualitative methods were used to map the VCs to understand the flows, actors, and practices. Group discussions and key informant interviews were performed to better understand the processes, practices, beliefs, and food safety risks in these VCs.ResultsThe two cities are supplied by two vegetable VCs: the first and larger being from distant producers in central Ethiopia, and the second from surrounding rural and peri-urban producers. The long-distance VCs involve producers, brokers, transporters, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers. The local producers, however, bring their fresh products directly to the cities without the involvement of VC actors other than final retailers and consumers. The study suggests microbiological contamination risks along tomato VCs, potentially including soil contamination, use of sewerage-contaminated irrigation water, untreated manure, unhygienic handling and storage conditions, and dirty contact surfaces during transportation and retailing. Tomatoes are mostly harvested by hand picking, collected, and sorted on the ground exposing to sunlight and physical bruising with potential contamination. More importantly, tomatoes are widely consumed raw without “a kill-step” that certainly contributes to food-borne infections. Suggestions by study participants for improving food safety and hygiene include funding toward improved infrastructure and facilities in the sectors, supporting VC actors with improved technology for quality production, and increasing awareness of good and hygienic practices. Consumers were particularly concerned about contamination with agrochemicals without much emphasis on the potential microbial contaminants. Fresh tomatoes are prepared in a variety of ways and are often consumed raw or slightly cooked. Further recommendations included using health extension workers to conduct awareness campaigns on improved food safety and hygienic practices.ConclusionThe qualitative VC mapping generated useful information for designing intervention strategies, especially targeting developing food safety interventions and an awareness communication campaign.
Employing Active Learning in Medium Optimization for Selective Bacterial Growth
Authors: Zhang Shuyang , Aida Honoka , Ying Bei-Wen 
Published: December 2023

Medium optimization and development for selective bacterial cultures are essential for isolating and functionalizing individual bacteria in microbial communities; nevertheless, it remains challenging due to the unknown mechanisms between bacterial growth and medium components. The present study first tried combining machine learning (ML) with active learning to fine-tune the medium components for the selective culture of two divergent bacteria, i.e., Lactobacillus plantarum and Escherichia coli. ML models considering multiple growth parameters of the two bacterial strains were constructed to predict the fine-tuned medium combinations for higher specificity of bacterial growth. The growth parameters were designed as the exponential growth rate (r) and maximal growth yield (K), which were calculated according to the growth curves. The eleven chemical components in the commercially available medium MRS were subjected to medium optimization and specialization. High-throughput growth assays of both strains grown separately were performed to obtain thousands of growth curves in more than one hundred medium combinations, and the resultant datasets linking the growth parameters to the medium combinations were used for the ML training. Repeated rounds of active learning (i.e., ML model construction, medium prediction, and experimental verification) successfully improved the specific growth of a single strain out of the two. Both r and K showed maximized differentiation between the two strains. A further analysis of all the data accumulated in active learning identified the decision-making medium components for growth specificity and the differentiated, determinative manner of growth decisions of the two strains. In summary, this study demonstrated the efficiency and practicality of active learning in medium optimization for selective cultures and offered novel insights into the contribution of the chemical components to specific bacterial growth.
Identification and Characterization of the Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) in Chinese Giant Salamander Andrias davidianus
Authors: Chen Zhongyuan , Wang Ronghua , Wang Ruisong , Yu Naitong , Yang Pinhong 
Published: December 2023

The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is a central and multifaceted mediator in innate immunity, and plays vital roles in defending against pathogen infection. In this study, we identified and functionally characterized the STING homolog from the Chinese giant salamander Andrias davidianus (AdSTING) for the first time. The open reading frame of AdSTING encodes a 362 amino acid protein with a predicted molecular mass of 41.6 kDa, which shares 31.1–46.7% of its sequence identity with STING homologs in other vertebrates. Structural analysis revealed that AdSTING possesses four predicted transmembrane domains (TMs) at the N-terminal, and a C-terminal domain (CTD) featuring a dimerization domain (DD), a c-di-GMP-binding domain (CBD), and a short C-terminal tail (CTT). Tissue distribution analysis showed that AdSTING mRNA was ubiquitously expressed in all examined tissues, with abundant expression in muscles, intestine, and thymus. During Andrias davidianus ranavirus (ADRV) infection, significant up-regulation of AdSTING expression was observed in the thymus, spleen, and kidney. Upon different stimuli in vitro, the expression of AdSTING was significantly induced by ADRV infection or polyinosin-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) stimulation, but no obvious changes were observed during lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that AdSTING mainly localized in the cytoplasm in the Chinese giant salamander thymus cell line (GSTC) and co-localized with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Luciferase reporter assays confirmed the ability of AdSTING to activate the interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE) and interferon (IFN) promoter. Furthermore, overexpression of AdSTING effectively decreased ADRV infection, as evidenced by the reduction of virus titers and viral gene expression. Collectively, our findings underscore the pivotal role of AdSTING in the antiviral innate immunity of the Chinese giant salamander, offering insights into the functional evolution of STING in amphibians.
Effect of Yogurt Ice Cream on the Viability and Antidiabetic Potential of the Probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis after In Vitro Digestion
Authors: Talearngkul Rinrada , Sae-tan Sudathip , Sirivarasai Jintana 
Published: December 2023

Probiotics can ameliorate type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) via several mechanisms such as by decreasing inflammatory cytokines and increasing pancreatic β-cell functions. Another targeted mechanism for managing T2DM involves inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase, which exhibit antioxidant activity and affect carbohydrate metabolism by delaying carbohydrate digestion, thus mitigating glucose in the circulation. Dairy products are effective matrices for delivering probiotics through the gastrointestinal tract. We compared the viability and antioxidant activity of the probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis in yogurt ice cream after in vitro digestion and compared α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities. Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG had the highest viability after in vitro digestion (oral, gastric, and intestinal). Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG exhibited the highest percentages of α-glucosidase (16.37% ± 0.32%) and α-amylase (41.37% ± 0.61%) inhibition. Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 and Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 showed the highest antioxidant activities via the α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl free radical-scavenging method and ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay, respectively. These findings suggest that yogurt ice cream can provide a suitable matrix for the delivery of probiotics from dairy culture to promote intestinal homeostasis with probiotic benefits in the host as well as a potential functional food to help reduce postprandial hyperglycaemia.
Reproductive Parameters and Host Specificity of Eurytoma erythrinae (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), a Biological Control Agent of the Erythrina Gall Wasp, Quadrastichus erythrinae (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)
Authors: Nagamine Walter T. , Yalemar Juliana A. , Wright Mark G. , Ramadan Mohsen M. 
Published: December 2023

Eurytoma erythrinae Gates & Delvare (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) is an important biological control agent of the erythrina gall wasp (EGW), Quadrastichus erythrinae Kim (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), an invasive species likely originating in eastern Africa that is a threat to Erythrina trees in Hawaii and worldwide. Thousands of Erythrina trees in Hawaii have succumbed to EGW since 2005 and died within a few years of infestation. The endemic wiliwili tree, Erythrina sandwicensis, an important component of Hawaii’s dry forests and one of few deciduous native trees, were severely impacted by this wasp. Early during the invasion by EGW it became evident that the endemic species may be driven to extinction, and exploration programs for natural enemies of the EGW started in December 2005. East Africa was selected as the starting point for natural enemy exploration owing to high native Erythina species richness. Several gall formers were found in Tanzania and a putative color variant type of Q. erythrinae was detected in association with three ectoparasitoids. During January 2006, the dominant parasitoid of this gall former was introduced to Hawaii and described as the new species, E. erythrinae. It was found in Ghana and South Africa attacking other gall wasp species on Erythrina. Eurytoma erythrinae was a voracious ectoparasitoid feeding as a predator on 1–5 adjacent EGW immatures to complete its development. Host specificity studies that included seven nontarget gall-forming species showed no evidence of attraction or parasitism by this parasitoid. Mean ± SEM longevity of host-deprived females (40.4 ± 2.2 days) was significantly higher than males (20.5 ± 1.1 days). Host feeding enhanced longevity of ovipositing females (51.3 ± 1.5 days). Female E. erythrinae is synovigenic, with high egg-maturation rate. Peak fecundity (105–239 offspring/female), host feeding biology, short life cycle (18.4 ± 0.1 days), and synchronization with the host were additional desirable attributes of this species. The parasitoid was approved for field release in Hawaii in November 2008. A total of 3998 wasps were distributed on six Hawaiian Islands, with establishment in less than a year. Impacts on high density infestations of EGW were sufficient to prevent tree deaths. Limited rates of parasitism on low-density galled leaves, flowers, and seedpods necessitated the consideration for releasing a second parasitoid, Aprostocetus nitens Prinsloo & Kelly (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). We report on the reproductive characteristics and host specificity of E. erythinae that could be of importance for classical biocontrol programs in areas with an EGW problem.
The Synergistic Effect of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles and Phytocompound as a Novel Approach to the Elimination of Pathogens
Authors: Wrońska Natalia , Płaczkowska Sara , Niedziałkowska Katarzyna , Lisowska Katarzyna 
Published: December 2023

Due to the wide applications of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), research on their ecological synthesis has been extensive in recent years. In our study, biogenic silver nanoparticles were synthesized extracellularly using the white rot fungus Trametes versicolor via two cultivation methods: static and shaking. The cell filtrate of the fungus was used as a reducing agent in the process of nanoparticle synthesis. Characterization of the obtained nanoparticles was carried out using UV–VIS spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The biosynthesized nanoparticles have antimicrobial potential against pathogenic bacteria, particularly in Gram-negative strains. The bactericidal effect was obtained for E. coli at a concentration of 7 µg/mL. The use of higher concentrations of compounds was necessary for Gram-positive bacteria. Taking into account the problem of the risk of cytotoxicity of AgNPs, combined therapy using a phytochemical was used for the first time, which was aimed at reducing the doses of nanoparticles. The most representative synergistic effect was observed in the treatment of 5 µg/mL silver nanoparticles in combination with 15 µg/mL ursolic acid against E. coli and P. aeruginosa with a bactericidal effect. Moreover, the coadministration of nanoparticles considerably reduced the growth of both Staphylococcus strains, with a bactericidal effect against S. aureus. The viability test confirmed the strong synergistic effect of both tested compounds. Silver nanoparticles synthesized using the T. versicolor showed excellent antibacterial potential, which opens perspectives for future investigations concerning the use of the nanoparticles as antimicrobials in the areas of health.
Decay of Root Debris after Harvesting American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and Changes in Soil Chemistry and Microbiology
Authors: Suárez Iván Darío Samur , Valliani Moez , Hsiang Tom , Goodwin Paul H. 
Published: December 2023

Commercial harvesting of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) results in root debris in the soil, but the rate of decay is unknown. In this study, post-harvest root debris decayed mostly over the fall and winter, with almost no ginseng debris remaining in the soil by late spring of the following year. However, a small number of intact pencil-shaped roots were able to survive after harvest and sprout the following spring without any evidence of root decay. Root rot lesions were observed, which included many associated with the root rot pathogen Ilyonectria mors-panacis, with disappearing root rot symptoms observed in the following spring. Ginsenosides in soil were highest just prior to harvest, declining until an increase the following spring. Soil bacterial and fungal populations changed over time after harvest with several peaks in bacterial populations mostly in the fall, but this was less clear for fungal populations, which were dominated by only a few taxa. Harvesting ginseng can leave considerable debris in the soil, impacting its chemistry and microbiota. Ginseng replant disease, where the second crop shows high levels of root rot due to I. mors-panacis infection compared to low levels in the first crop, could be related to the decay of post-harvest crop debris, but additional research is needed to demonstrate this.
L’Opuscule sur les natures des animaux, tiré des Dires des saints et de nombreux maîtres : premiers éléments sur une oeuvre inexplorée du début du XIIIe siècle
Authors: Draelants Isabelle , Fichant Ombeline 
Published: December 2023

The manuscript Bruxelles, Bibl. Royale Albert Ier, II 1143, from the Cistercian Abbey of Aulne, is entirely devoted to an unpublished and unknown work, The Opusculum de naturis animalium excerptum de dictis sanctorum et plurium magistrorum. According to the results of the first investigations presented here, this work of spiritual enlightment, devoted to animals, was probably compiled from diversified sources between 1200 and 1220 in Cistercian circles in the diocese of Liège. The authorities quoted are mainly shared between two types
of interlocutors : the fathers and doctors of the church – Jerome in particular – and the «masters » , gathered under the reference «magister » , some of whom could be recognized as almost contemporary with the writing. The discovery of a contemporary partial copy in the ms. Brussels, BR II 1057 offers additional clues on the writing of the Opusculum, along with other elements that help to characterize and locate this original work that has a particular interest in insects or other minuta, between allegorical dialogue and moralized encyclopedia.
Analisis Strategi Pemasaran dalam Meningkatkan Volume Penjualan Rumah pada PT Bumi Arum Lestari Kendari
Authors: Dahlan Jamaluddin , Supriaddin Nofal , Almana La Ode 
Published: December 2023

Artikel ini adalah hasil penelitian tentang “Analisis Strategi Pemasaran Dalam Meningkatkan Volume Penjualan Rumah Pada PT Bumi Arum Lestari Kendari. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode kualitatif berbasis studi lapangan yang bertujuan untuk menganalisis strategi pemasaran dalam meningkatkan Volume penjualan Rumahpada PT Bumi Arum Lestari Kendari.Teknik pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan metode observasi, wawancara dan dokumentasi. Teknik wawancara yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah dengan memberikan pertanyaan kepada pihak yang berwenang untuk mendapatkan informasi mengenai strategi pemasaran PT Bumi Arum Lestari Kendari. Penelitian ini menggunakan analisis swot dengan strategi pemasaran menggunakan 4p yaitu produk, harga, promosi dan tempat.
SDN CONTROLLER PLACEMENT METHOD ON VANET MOBILE NODES FOR DENSE AND ULTRA-DENSE 6G NETWORKS
Authors: Мутханна А.С. 
Published: December 2023

В статье исследуется проблема создания мобильной программно-конфигурируемой сети SDN, в которой контроллеры SDN устанавливаются на движущиеся объекты, например автобусы, для обеспечения связи в высокоплотных и сверхплотных сетях 6G. Мобильный контроллер SDN имеет интерфейс с виртуальной машинной версией контроллера SDN на серверах системы граничных вычислений с множественным доступом (MEC), подключенных к базовым станциям eNB. Система была протестирована на гетерогенных реальных сценариях, полученные результаты подтвердили её дееспособность. Предложенный метод размещения контроллеров позволяет уменьшить задержку на величину до 60% по сравнению с традиционными моделями MEC. Более того, предложенный метод уменьшает потребление энергии на 72% по сравнению с моделью туманных граничных вычислений fog-MEC.
The article explores the problem of creating a mobile SDN, in which SDN controllers are installed on moving objects, such as buses, to provide communication in high-dense and ultra-dense 6G networks. The mobile SDN controller interfaces with the virtual machine version of the SDN controller on the MEC servers connected to the eNB. The system was tested on heterogeneous real scenarios, the results obtained confirmed its functionability. The proposed method of placing controllers allows to reduce the delay by up to 60% compared to traditional MEC models. Moreover, the proposed method reduces energy consumption by 72% compared to the fog-MEC model.
RECURRENT MAXIMUM LENGTH SEQUENCES OVER A GALOIS FIELD WITH DOUBLE EXTENSION
Authors: Когновицкий О.С. , Кукунин Д.С. 
Published: December 2023

Применение широкополосной модуляции в современных системах передачи данных обеспечивает повышение их эффективности по таким показателям, как помехоустойчивость и энергоемкость передаваемых сигналов, а также повышает уровень скрытности самого процесса передачи информации по каналу с помехами. Такой процесс расширения спектра реализуется за счет специальных кодовых конструкций, в частности, последовательностей максимальной длины. Данная статья посвящена новым формам рекуррентных последовательностей максимальной длины над полем с двойным расширением, а также их свойствам, которые позволяют в перспективе применять их в различных задачах, в том числе для расширения спектра сигнала.
The use of broadband modulation in modern data transmission systems provides an increase in their efficiency in terms of such indicators as noise immunity and energy intensity of transmitted signals, and also increases the level of secrecy of the process of transmitting information over a channel with interference. This process of spread spectrum is realized due to special code constructions, in particular, maximum length sequences. This article is devoted to new forms of recurrent maximum length sequences over a field with double expansion, as well as their properties, which allow them to be used in various tasks in the future, including for expanding the signal spectrum.
PROBLEMS OF COMPATIBILITY BETWEEN HEO EXPRESS-RV AND LEO MEGACONSTELLATIONS IN KU-BAND
Authors: Пастух А.С. , Варламов Н.В. , Девяткин Е.Е. 
Published: December 2023

Рассматривается проблема помех для спутниковой системы «Экспресс-РВ» на высоких эллиптических орбитах (ВЭО), вызванных многоспутниковыми группировками систем спутниковой связи в Ku-диапазоне на низких околоземных орбитах (НОО). Представлены результаты расчетов, касающихся влияния систем Starlink и OneWeb на абонентские терминалы «Экспресс-РВ», установленные в различных регионах, таких как Казахстан, Карелия (на границе с Финляндией), Чукотка и Арктическая зона России.
The article provides an analysis of interference caused by LEO megaconstellations on to the HEO Express-RV satellite system operating in the Ku-band. The study focuses on the interference originating from Starlink and OneWeb constellations affecting user equipment of Express-RV, specifically those located in Kazakhstan, Karelia (bordering Finland), Chukotka, and the Arctic zone of Russia.
TOPOLOGY ORGANIZATION IN UAV SWARMS IN THE ABSENCE OF GNSS SIGNAL
Authors: Гайдамака А.А. , Самуйлов К.Е. 
Published: December 2023

Исследуются проблемы организации, поддержки топологии и связности в роях беспилотных летательных аппаратов (БПЛА) при отсутствии сигнала глобальной навигационной спутниковой системы GNSS и внешней инфраструктуры. Предлагается алгоритм самоорганизации роя БПЛА с использованием виртуальных координат как замены географических координат в условиях отсутствия внешнего позиционирования. Для оценки разработанного алгоритма проведен численный анализ, результаты которого демонстрируют подобие физической и виртуальной топологий до 90% как в статическом, так и динамическом случаях.
The problems of organization, topology and connectivity support in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarms in the absence of GNSS signal and external infrastructure are investigated. We propose an algorithm for UAV swarm self-organization using virtual coordinates – replacement of geographic coordinates. Simulations demonstrate the similarity of physical and virtual topologies up to 90% in both static and dynamic cases.