bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Analysis of Constraints Faced by Organic Farmers in the Cauvery Delta Zone of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Logesh V. , Ramasubramanian M. , Vennila M. A. , Karthikeyan C. , Prahadeeswaran M. 
Published: August 2023

Aim: This study examines the multifaceted challenges encountered by organic farmers operating within the Cauvery Delta Region of Tamil Nadu.
Study Design: Ex-post facto research design was used to investigate and reveal the challenges that organic farmers have encountered over the preceding years.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Cauvery Delta Zone of Tamil Nadu. Five districts were selected for the study namely, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai and Tiruchirapalli. Respondents were interviewed during the period of June 2023 – July 2023.
Methodology: The study aimed to include 40 organic farmers from each district, resulting in a collective sample size of 200 respondents across these districts, facilitated through snowball sampling technique. A well – structured interview schedule which included the major constraints faced by organic farmers of the CDZ was developed based on review of past literatures and discussion with experts in the area of organic farming. Based on the ranks given by the respondents to the constraints, the data was analyzed and conclusive results were obtained using the Rank Based Quotient (RBQ) technique. Constraints were studied in 7 different dimensions namely, labour, technical, service and supply, credit and economic, environmental, cropping and marketing constraints.
Results: The prime constraints with a higher RBQ values identified in these dimensions were, Labour scarcity due to MGNREGA (93.13), Cumbersome (Slow and complicated) certification process (79.90), Lack of supportive institutions for organic farming (91.80), Inadequate subsidies for organic agriculture (92.75), Use of polluted river water for irrigation (93.90), Lack of inputs specifically for weed management (96.63), Challenge in finding proper marketing channel (90.38). In addition to this, some minor issues were also identified as constraints in the study area.
Conclusion: Through an in-depth exploration of these challenges, the study aims to provide insights that can guide policy makers, practitioners, and stakeholders in devising strategies to overcome the obstacles faced by organic farmers in the Cauvery Delta Zone which could have a threshold effect in boosting up the organic productivity of the state.
A Decadal, Temporal and Seasonal Variation of Black Carbon Aerosol at High Altitude Region of Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Priyanga S. , Boomiraj K. , Jothimani P. , Kannan Balaji , Dheebakaran Ga. , Maheswari M. 
Published: August 2023

Climate change is accelerating at an unprecedented pace due to escalating greenhouse gas emissions, emphasizing the urgency of understanding its drivers. Aerosols present in the atmosphere, play an significant role in the intricate climate system. In this study, we examine the temporal and seasonal trends of black carbon aerosol, a significant contributor to warming, in the high-altitude locale of Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India. Utilizing the Aethalometer instrument, this research presents a comprehensive analysis of black carbon concentrations over a decade (2013-2023). Observations reveal distinct patterns, with higher concentrations during certain months and seasons. Specifically, April consistently exhibited the highest concentrations, while the monsoon season recorded the lowest. The exceptional decline in 2020, attributed to COVID-19 lockdown measures, highlights the significant role of anthropogenic activities.
These findings underscore the significance of proactive black carbon monitoring in regions like Ooty. The study contributes valuable insights into the complex interplay between black carbon aerosols and climate systems, especially in high-altitude environments. It underscores the need for continued research to comprehensively understand black carbon's implications on local and global climate dynamics. In conclusion, this research establishes a foundation for grasping the intricate dynamics of black carbon aerosols in Ooty and serves as a stepping stone for broader insights into their role in shaping climate patterns and effects. By addressing these critical knowledge gaps, we can better inform mitigation strategies and policy decisions aimed at tackling climate change.
Healthcare Seeking Behaviour of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease in the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ghana
Authors: Lekuu Agatha , Yidana Adadow 
Published: August 2023

Background: The burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing globally, and the trend has been projected to continue due to the increasing incidence of diabetes and hypertension among the population. Considering CKD is a chronic condition, it necessitates ongoing monitoring and treatment, and all healthcare workers. The objective of the study is to establish the healthcare-seeking behavior of patients with chronic kidney disease in the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
Methods: The study employed a descriptive study design was adopted following a qualitative research method. The study selected ten participants for the interview. An interview guide was used to elicit information from the participants. the data was analyzed using content analysis, where themes were formed.
Results: Participants exhibited varied knowledge relating to their conditions which in a way influenced their health-seeking behaviour. Overall, the participants express positive knowledge and attitude towards their condition and which envisages that it translates into positive healthcare-seeking behavior. Most participants stated that they don’t have any alternative source to seek healthcare services related to CKD. Very few of them would like to seek herbal treatment in addition to the care they receive from the hospital. Almost all the CKD patients were having difficulty in paying for the healthcare services they are receiving at the hospital.
Conclusion: The participants revealed positive health-seeking behaviour, and have developed good faith and trust in healthcare providers. Their major challenge has to do with paying for their healthcare needs as CKD patients. It is thus recommended that health insurance packages should be created for CKD patients.
The paper has contributed to increasing knowledge of the health-seeking behaviour of people living with chronic kidney disease and the financial difficulty they go through, and the need for action to be taken to help chronic kidney disease patients.
Comparative Analysis of the Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain and Discomfort in Truck Drivers by Age Group
Authors: Brito Gabriel R. , Queiroz Maria E. S. , Coelho Lukas O. , Negreiros Damila M. M. , Castro João P. R. , Almeida Anna P. R. , Trindade Ângela C. da , Holanda Francisco S. , Jesus Anny B. F. de , Cunha Lucas N. B. , Queiroz Roger A. M. , Martins Nycollas J. N. , Souza Guilherme S. , Feitosa Isadora C. , Leal Marianna A. P. 
Published: August 2023

Aims: To investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort reported by truck drivers compared to advancing age.
Study Design: This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach.
Place and Duration of Study: University of Gurupi, Campus Paraíso do Tocantins - Brazil, from January to June 2023.
Methodology: Descriptive study with a qualitative approach with relevance of 95% in (P<0.05) and degree of freedom = 1 with comparative percentage analysis of the data obtained through the (qvs 80) questionnaire. The study was submitted and approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the University of Gurupi (CEP/Unirg) under opinion number 5,694,439, through resolution 466 of December 12, 2012 of the National Health Council. Data collection was carried out at Posto Marajó Paraíso do Tocantins II LTDA, in the municipality of Paraíso do Tocantins.
Results: Main complaints of pain in truck drivers under 51 years old: 13 per cent back pain, 11 per cent pain in the head and/or eyes, 3% arms and/or shoulders, 1% pain in the wrists and/or hands, 3 per cent pain in the feet and/or legs, 59 per cent did not feel pain and 10 per cent multiple involvements.
In the case of truck drivers aged over 49 years, 8% of respondents reported pain in the spine, 6% pain in the head and/or eyes, 0% in the arms and/or shoulders, 3% felt pain in the wrists and/or hands, 0% constant discomfort in the feet and/or legs, and 60% indicated that they did not feel pain and 23% indicated multiple attacks.
Conclusion: It was reported that the frequency of pain in truck drivers is not directly related to age, but to the working conditions performed by truck drivers, since more than 70% of drivers who report single or multiple pain and discomfort are younger than 50 years.
Trends in Well-Being Among Youth in Australia, 2017-2022
Authors: Dumuid Dorothea , Singh Ben , Brinsley Jacinta , Virgara Rosa , Curtis Rachel G. , Brinkman Sally , Maher Carol A. 
Published: August 2023

ImportanceLittle is known about temporal trends in children’s well-being and how the COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced the well-being of young Australians. Certain demographic groups may be more vulnerable to experiencing declines in well-being.ObjectiveTo examine well-being trends over 6 consecutive years among South Australian students and explore the influence of sociodemographic characteristics.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsLongitudinal analyses of annual (2017 to 2022) cross-sectional data of students in grades 4 through 9 (n = 40 392 to 56 897 per year) attending South Australian government schools from the Well-being and Engagement Collection (WEC) census.ExposuresCalendar year (2017-2022) and sociodemographic characteristics (sex, school grade, parental education, language spoken at home, residential region) from school enrollment records.Main Outcomes and MeasuresStudents self-reported life satisfaction, optimism, happiness, cognitive engagement, emotional regulation, perseverance, worry, and sadness.ResultsOver 6 years (2017 to 2022), a total of 119 033 students (mean [SD] age, 12.1 y; 51.4% male) participated in this study. Most well-being measures declined over time, with consistent worsening of well-being from 2020 onward. For example, compared with 2017, sadness was 0.26 (95% CI, 0.25-0.27) points higher in 2020 (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.27) and remained elevated by more than 0.26 points (SMD, 0.27) in 2021 and 2022. At almost every time point, greatest well-being was reported by students of male sex (except cognitive engagement and perseverance), in earlier school grades, with highest parental education, speaking a language other than English at home, and residing in outer regional and remote settings (for satisfaction, optimism, and emotional regulation). Sociodemographic differences in well-being were generally consistent over time; however, sex differences widened from 2020 for all indicators except cognitive engagement and perseverance. For example, between 2017 and 2022, sadness increased by 0.27 (95% CI, 0.25-0.29) more points among females than males (SMD, 0.28).Conclusions and RelevanceIn this longitudinal analysis of annual census data, there were downward trends in students’ well-being, especially since 2020. The largest sociodemographic disparities were observed for students of female sex, those in later school grades, and those with lowest parental education. Urgent and equitable support for the well-being of all young people, particularly those facing disparity, is imperative.
The brown honeyeater (Lichmera indistincta) is an effective pollinator in Australian blueberry orchards
Authors: Santos Karen C. B. S. , Davis Abby E. , Rocchetti Maurizio , Hocking Brad , Schermeister Bar , Rader Romina 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

The brown honeyeater (Lichmera indistincta) is a common bird species in Australia and is a pollinator of many native plant species but there are no records demonstrating evidence of effective pollination by honeyeaters in commercial cropping systems.

We observed L. indistincta visiting rabbiteye blueberry flowers at a commercial berry orchard on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales and evaluated their capacity to transfer pollen. We did this by bagging flowers to prevent visitation prior to anthesis; after anthesis, we unbagged the flowers and waited for L. indistincta visits. After a single visit, we collected the stigma and mounted it on a slide to evaluate stigmatic pollen load.

We observed the birds visiting blueberry flowers and foraging on nectar. We also found that L. indistincta deposited similar amounts of pollen to other common insect pollinator species, such as honeybees and stingless bees. As the commercial berry orchard blocks are surrounded by diverse remnant vegetation, we hypothesize that the vegetation is likely providing habitat for these birds.

Our results indicate that berry growers with management practices that protect and support remnant vegetation surrounding blueberry orchard blocks may benefit from higher blueberry pollination services by supporting diverse pollinators within fields.
Humoral and T Cell Response to SARS‐CoV‐2 Vaccination in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Isnardi Carolina A. , Landi Margarita , Cruces Leonel , Maid Pablo , Calle Montoro Claudia , Alfaro María A. , Roldán Brian M. , Gómez Vara Andrea B. , Giorgis Pamela , Ezquer Roberto A. , Crespo Rocha María G. , Reyes Gómez Camila R. , Correa María Á , Cerda Osvaldo L. , Rosemffet Marcos G. , Carrizo Abarza Virginia , Catalan Pellet Santiago , Perandones Miguel , Reimundes Cecilia , Longueira Yesica , Turk Gabriela , Quiroga María F. , Laufer Natalia , De La Vega María C. , Citera Gustavo , Pons‐Estel Guillermo J. , Schneeberger Emilce E. 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess the SARS‐CoV‐2–specific humoral and T cell response after a two‐dose regimen of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsIn this observational study, patients with RA who are ≥18 years of age and vaccinated for SARS‐CoV‐2 according to the Argentine National Health Ministry's vaccination strategy were included. Anti–SARS‐CoV‐2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies (ELISA‐COVIDAR test), neutralizing activity (cytotoxicity in VERO cells), and specific T cell response (IFN‐γ ELISpot Assay) were assessed after the first and second dose.ResultsA total of 120 patients with RA were included. Mostly, homologous regimens were used, including Gam‐COVID‐Vac (27.5%), ChAdOx1 (24.2%), and BBIBP‐CorV (22.5%). The most frequent combination was Gam‐COVID‐Vac/mRNA‐1273 (21.7%). After the second dose, 81.7% presented with anti–SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies, 70.0% presented with neutralizing activity, and 65.3% presented with specific T cell response. The use of BBIBP‐CorV and treatment with abatacept (ABA) and rituximab (RTX) were associated with undetectable antibodies and no neutralizing activity after two doses. BBIBP‐CorV was also associated with the absence of T cell response. The total incidence of adverse events was 357.1 events per 1,000 doses, significantly lower with BBIBP‐CorV (166.7 events per 1,000 doses, P < 0.02).ConclusionIn this RA cohort vaccinated with homologous and heterologous regimens against COVID‐19, 2 out of 10 patients did not develop anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG, 70% presented with neutralizing activity, and 65% presented with specific T cell response. The use of BBIBP‐CorV was associated with deficient humoral and cellular response, whereas treatment with ABA and RTX resulted in an impaired anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG formation and neutralizing activity.
Performance evaluation of a non linear PID controller using chaotic gravitational search algorithm for a twin rotor system
Authors: Sivadasan J. , Shiney J. Roscia Jeya 
Published: August 2023

AbstractA novel strategy using a chaotic gravitational search algorithm (CGSA) based nonlinear PID control scheme, which is validated through a laboratory helicopter model called the twin rotor system, is presented in this paper. In this work, CGSA is used as a stochastic based global optimization algorithm for controller design in the twin rotor system adopted. The fine chaotic search process used in CGSA obtains the optimal solution in the iterative process based on the current best solution. The goal of the controller design in this paper is to stabilize the twin rotor system with considerable cross couplings to reach the selected position and follow the desired trajectory effectively. The addition of nonlinear functions to the PID controller structure initiates better error tracking and facilitates smooth output under changing input conditions. The design objective is to implement a nonlinear PID control scheme for the angular displacements of the twin rotor system with minimization of the integral square error (ISE) as the fitness function in the algorithm. The statistical performance of the controller is analyzed by considering the best, worst, mean, and standard deviations of ISE. In this work, simultaneous control of pitch and yaw angles is considered to get rid of the coupling effect between the two rotors. From the simulation results it is observed that the proposed work shows better performance than the other evolutionary computation techniques. The results also indicate the advantage of the proposed CGSA based tuning for the two degree of freedom MIMO control with standard reference trajectories as per the TRMS330‐10 model.
Resilin in Insect Flight Systems
Authors: Appel Esther , Michels Jan , Gorb Stanislav N. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractCompared to wingless insects, pterygote insects profit from numerous wing‐related benefits including a wider distribution range, the exploitation of various food resources and the escape from water‐ or land‐confined predators. In order to maintain the wings´ functionality, the wing design and resistance to material fatigue are of key importance. This is even more essential for survival when considering that wings are used for millions of wing beat cycles but cannot be repaired and do not contain inner muscles so that their aerodynamic performance is mainly based on passive, structure‐based wing deformations. One of the components serving this purpose is the endowment of certain wing components with the elastomeric protein resilin building stable and complex material composites with the tanned cuticle. Resilin endows the respective structures with, e.g., higher flexibility and compliance and enables elastic energy storage. In this study, the occurrence of resilin in the insect flight system is reviewed based on previous studies of several insect orders including Odonata, Orthoptera, Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, Dermaptera, and Diptera, and the function of resilin is discussed with reference to the respective structures.
Cooperative Liquid Crystal Photo‐Polymerization and ‐Alignment with In Situ Monitoring for Substrate Independent Patterning of Optical Anisotropy
Authors: Zhou Joy , Seo Jinwon , Wu Yudian , Ambulo Cedric P. , Marsh Zachary M. , Lee Kyungmin N. , Godman Nicholas P. , Page Zachariah A. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractSpatial control over molecular order in polymeric systems will enable advancements in healthcare and photonics, from soft actuators to data storage and encryption. Liquid crystalline (LC) materials are attractive for their intrinsic combination of long‐range anisotropy and fluidity that enables alignment. Photoalignment represents an attractive noncontact ordering mechanism. However, contemporary hurdles preventing widespread implementation of photoalignment include the use of high‐intensity light sources, restrictions to thin films (<1 µm) and specific substrates, multistep LC syntheses, and costly processing. Herein, an interplay between photo‐polymerization and ‐alignment with commercially relevant LCs is reported. Systematic, in situ monitoring of optical anisotropy using a custom microscopy setup provides unique mechanistic insight and facilitates optimization. The optimized process occurs rapidly (<10 min) from an isotropic state with a one‐step exposure to low‐intensity blue linearly polarized light. As a result, substrate‐independent photoalignment of thick (≈6–38 µm), optically transparent LC networks is demonstrated, along with a wide LC‐matrix scope that includes thiol‐containing elastomers. Furthermore, photopatterning provides excellent fidelity (<5 µm) and access to complex images with multiangle optical anisotropy. This user‐friendly process will facilitate production of “smart” (stimuli‐responsive) plastics for improved human health and information security.
B‐Site Doping of Metal Halide Perovskite Nanoplatelets Influences Their Optical Properties
Authors: Litvin Aleksandr P. , Margaryan Igor V. , Yin Wenxu , Zhang Xiayou , Zheng Weitao , Rogach Andrey L. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractMetal halide perovskite nanoplatelets (NPls) have recently joined a rich family of 2D semiconductor nanomaterials. Quantum and dielectric confinement in these nanostructures endow them with useful optical properties, which include, but are not limited to, high linear and nonlinear absorption coefficients, narrow and tunable emission bands, and high photoluminescence quantum yield. These characteristics render perovskite NPls promising for applications in lighting, photodetection, nonlinear optics, and photocatalysis. Doping is a universal approach for tuning optical and electronic properties of semiconductor materials, and the B‐site doping of perovskite NPls allows the further improvement and adjustment on demand of the above‐mentioned optical properties and may result in the appearance of fundamentally new behavior through embedding optically active dopants. In this mini‐review, the basic knowledge about perovskite NPls is shortly summarized in terms of their colloidal synthesis, and then the B‐site doping of perovskite NPls is considered in terms of the existing approaches (in situ and post‐synthetic doping) and its effect on the optical characteristics (doping with self‐emitting ions such as Mn2+ and rare‐earth elements; consequences for the nonlinear optical response).
Electrochemical Oxidative C−C Bond Functionalization of Methylenecyclopropanes with Diselenides/Ditellurides Leading to 2‐Substituted‐3,4‐Dihydronaphthalenes
Authors: Zhan Lei , Gao Lei , Pan Ying‐Ming , He Mu‐Xue , Ma Xian‐Li , Mo Zu‐Yu 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis study presents an approach for the electrochemical oxidation ring‐opening/cyclization reaction of methylcyclopropane with diselenides/ditellurides, leading to the synthesis of diverse 2‐substituted‐3,4‐dihydronaphthalene derivatives with exceptional selectivity and efficiency. This methodology involves C(sp3)−H functionalization, ring opening and cyclization processes. One characteristic of this method is its ability to accommodate a wide range of substrates with various functional groups.