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ABSTRACT: Due to the lack of recognized differentiation for grass-fed dairy products, producers of quality products have failed to capture consumer premiums. This study investigates Chinese consumers' preferences for the naturalness attributes of grass-fed dairy products as potential criteria for grass-fed milk product differentiation. We examine how grazing conditions (e.g., pasture grazing), animal feed (e.g., fed grass), functional improvement (e.g., increasing CLA, n-3, and vitamin B content), and imagery properties (healthy, natural, tasty, and sustainable) affect consumers' preferences and willingness to pay. Interestingly, consumers reported higher premiums for grazing conditions, animal feed, and functional improvements compared with imagery property attributes. Contrary to the conventional belief that functional improvement attracts the highest consumer premium, we found that for the majority of respondents (who have high preference for naturalness), grazing conditions were the most important factor. This study provides evidence for consumer preferences for the subattributes of grass-fed products, and therefore develops a potential framework to differentiate grass-fed products using naturalness criteria.

The need to enhance library services is the focus of this study, which relies on user feedback for data-driven decision-making. Text data from library user surveys conducted at Politeknik Caltex Riau (PCR) is analyzed to categorize sentiment and identify areas for improvement. The biannual student and lecturer feedback collected from 2018 to 2023 through the institution's official survey system (survey.pcr.ac.id) is utilized, providing a comprehensive and robust picture of user needs across five years. Sentiment analysis is employed using the VADER method to classify user comments into positive or negative categories. Text preprocessing techniques, such as stemming, tokenizing, and filtering, are performed to ensure robust classification. Machine learning algorithms – Naïve Bayes, Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Random Forest – are then utilized to evaluate sentiment classification accuracy. The study offers significant findings. Both SVM and Random Forest achieve an outstanding accuracy of 99%, indicating highly reliable sentiment categorization. Notably, these algorithms also achieve 100% precision, recall, and F1-score, demonstrating their effectiveness in accurately identifying positive and negative user sentiment. While Naïve Bayes shows slightly lower accuracy at 98%, it maintains a high recall rate (100%), ensuring all negative feedback is captured. This research presents a novel approach combining user sentiment analysis with a comprehensive five-year dataset. This enables a deeper understanding of evolving user needs and priorities. The high accuracy and effectiveness of the employed algorithms highlight the potential of this methodology for libraries. Libraries can leverage user feedback for evidence-based service improvement and increased user satisfaction.

Abstract Depression is characterized by a loss of positive and pronounced negative memory bias, which persists after remission. While theoretical accounts of depressive realism, emotional inertia, and mood-congruency substantiate the compelling evidence of weak positive memory in depression, they cannot fully explain negative memory bias in depression. We used Ecologically Momentary Assessments (EMA) of memory bias to provide insight into the accuracy and depression status-dependency of recall of previous positive and negative mood states. Currently- (n = 46), remitted- (n = 90), and never-depressed individuals (n = 55) provided positive mood and negative mood ratings (7x/day for six days), while also recalling their recent (i.e., previous prompt; 3x/day) or distal (i.e., one day lag; 1x/day) mood states. Currently depressed individuals displayed most accuracy and hence least bias in recall of both positive and negative mood; with accuracy in currently and remitted depressed individuals being independent of their current mood state. Conversely, mood at the time of recall significantly related to memory accuracy among never-depressed individuals with more negative mood, resulting in a depressotypic memory bias. Results are consistent with depressive realism and mood-congruency accounts, as well as with evidence for loss of positive memory bias (but not for negative memory bias) in depression.

Abstract Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) is an advanced surgical approach for secondary lymphedema (SLE) treatment, but tissue fibrosis around the lymph node flap (VLNF) inhibiting lymphangiogenesis is the biggest challenge undermining its therapeutic efficacy. This study explored the effects of periodic hyaluronidase (HLD) injection in reducing fibrosis and promoting lymphangiogenesis in 52 Sprague–Dawley rats with a VLNF over 13 weeks. The results demonstrated that HLD administration significantly enhanced swelling reduction, lymphatic drainage efficiency, and lymphatic vessel regeneration, with up to a 26% decrease in tissue fibrosis around the VLNF. These findings suggest that combining VLNT with periodic injections of HLD could substantially improve SLE treatment outcomes in clinical settings. It offers a promising direction for future therapeutic strategies and drug development aimed at increasing the efficacy of surgical treatment for SLE patients.

Radishes, which are common root vegetables, are rich in vitamins and minerals, and contain low calories. This vegetable is known for its rapid growth. Nevertheless, the variety of leaf diseases where leaves get affected by various bacterial and fungal diseases can hinder the healthy growth of radish. Furthermore, there is a high risk of inaccurate identification of diseases if the farmers try to use traditional methods in recognizing these diseases. With the purpose of precise identification of radish leaf diseases for the finest growth of this vegetable, total of 2801 images of the radish leaves are collected from vegetable field in Bangladesh. The collected dataset includes comprehensive images of healthy leaves as well as four types of leaf affected by various diseases such as Black Leaf Spot, Downey Mildew, Flea Beetle and Mosaic. Utilizing this robust dataset, deep learning models can be trained to identify the leaf diseases which helps to detect the diseases in order to reduce the harm of the cultivation of radish. By identifying the diseases on radish leaves accurat-ely and maintaining healthy production of radish, this dataset contributes to the broader sustainability in the agricultural sector.

Purpose: Highly sensitized patients (HSPs) with kidney failure have limited access to kidney transplantation and poorer post-transplant outcomes. Prioritizing HSPs in kidney allocation systems and expanding the pool of deceased donors available to them has helped to reduce their wait times for transplant and enhanced post-transplant outcomes. The Canadian HSP Program was established by Canadian Blood Services in collaboration with provincial organ donation and transplantation programs throughout the country to increase transplant opportunities for transplant candidates needing very specific matches from deceased kidney donors. Highly sensitized patients in the Canadian Program are defined by a calculated panel-reactive antibody (cPRA) ≥95%. In this report, we describe the evolution and trajectory of the Canadian HSP Program and evaluate the national impact on the first 1000 kidney transplant cases. Source of Information: To allocate deceased donor kidney organs nationally to HSPs and report on the Canadian HSP Program’s performance, Canadian Blood Services developed a national database registry known as the Canadian Transplant Registry (CTR) and an online reporting tool known as the Canadian HSP Program Data Dashboard. Methods: The CTR, which collects HSPs’ data for the purpose of matching potential donors to HSPs and as part of required national quality, safety, and efficiency performance measurements, was retrospectively reviewed. Due to the nature of using deidentified aggregate registry data, a patient consent form was not required. A Research Ethical Board (REB) application was also waived. Key Findings: In this article, we describe the historical development, initial deployment, and evolution of the Canadian HSP Program with a primary aim to increase the rate of deceased donor kidney transplantation. A secondary aim was to evaluate the national impact of the Canadian HSP Program on the first 1000 kidney transplant cases. Transplant candidates who have participated in the Canadian HSP Program and recipients who received transplants were predominantly females (average age 50 years, female 62%) with blood group O (47% of candidates, 42% of transplants). Seventy percent of all active transplant candidates enrolled in the HSP Program were in the hardest to match group (cPRA ≥99%), and only 22% of the transplant candidates with cPRA of 100% have received a transplant to date through the Program. The average times from first participation in the Canadian HSP Program to transplantation for cPRA ≥99% transplant recipients were significantly longer than for cPRA 95% to 98% recipients averaging 22 months versus 6 months, respectively. By the end of June 2024, the Canadian HSP Program had facilitated 1000 transplants, 613 of which were from interprovincial matches. The average (SD) cold ischemic time (CIT) was 14.5 (5.9) hours, with interprovincial transplants exhibiting significantly longer CITs compared with intraprovincial transplants, averaging an additional 4.7 hours. Limitations: Our study limitations include first that it is a retrospective registry data analysis with no available short- and long-term clinical outcomes data at this point (patient and graft survival). Second, given the nature of registry data, not all relevant data may have been captured and reporting may not be complete for all patients. Implications: Examination of CTR registry data showed the Canadian HSP Program had a meaningful impact in enabling 1000 HSPs to access transplantation opportunities that may otherwise be unavailable to them.

Celiac disease and wheat allergy are immune-responsive small bowel disorders that respond solely to the ingestion of gluten-fortified wheat or wheat flour. As a result, for those who are allergic to wheat flour or gluten, the primary treatment is a gluten-free or wheat-free diet. The goal of this research is to develop a gluten-free cake with sweet potato and carrot powder, as well as to examine the Proximate analysis, mineral content, physical properties, and microbiological qualities determined using standard analytical procedures. To make cakes, instead of wheat flour, a combined formulation of 80 % sweet potato flour and 20 % carrot powder, 60 % sweet potato flour and 40 % carrot powder was incorporated into the cake ingredients. Quality evaluation of sample cakes was performed by physicochemical and storage properties. The proximate analysis of the data revealed that the cakes that were created contained adequate levels of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates with percentages ranging from 8.12 to 8.25 %, 3.19–4.19 %, and 36.03 to 38.25 %, respectively. Additionally, an appreciable amount of potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron have been found in gluten-free cakes. There was color to the gluten-free cakes; L*, a*, and b* ranged from 42.66 to 43.60, 10.03 to 11.21, and 21.81 to 23.28, respectively. There is an assurance of a good color property because the hue and chroma values varied from 11.74 to 25.83 and from 41.02 to 78.03, respectively. The water activity (aw) value ranged from 0.854 to 0.870, which increased from 0.879 to 0.901 during storage. Furthermore, the microbial analysis revealed that the total viable count of all samples remained within the acceptable range after 8 days of storage. The findings of this study show that carrot powder and sweet potato flour can be used to overcome the limitations of gluten-free cakes and improve their nutritional quality.

Background: Use of cannabis and nicotine is at record levels among young adults, and health consequences vary by route of administration. However, there is a paucity of research characterizing use of both substances, especially among individuals of racial/ethnic minoritized identities. Method: Participants (N = 1,032; age 18–25 years) completed a cross-sectional survey administered through an online panel in 2021 in eight U.S. states where cannabis was legal for both recreational and medical use and eight states where cannabis was not legal for medical or recreational purposes. Sampling was stratified by race/ethnicity (Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic White) and gender (male, female). Survey weighting was based on state-level gender and race/ethnicity data in the 2021 U.S. Census Bureau. Results: Over one third (37.9%) of respondents reported current use of both cannabis and tobacco, more than double the proportion using tobacco (12.1%) or cannabis (4.1%) only. Vaporization was the most common method for using nicotine (40.2%). Disposable nicotine vape products were used more than any other method (27.1%). Smoking was the most common route of administration for cannabis (35.7%). Simultaneous use of tobacco and cannabis was common (27.0%) overall and greater among those who identify as non-Hispanic Black than non-Hispanic White. There were few differences in product use by gender or state legality. Discussion: Dual cannabis and tobacco use is prevalent among young adults. Given the dynamic regulatory landscape, continued monitoring of specific cannabis formulations and tobacco products is recommended. Trends in simultaneous use of cannabis and tobacco and associated adverse effects warrant continued assessment.

In Bangladesh, people living with disabilities are one of the most vulnerable groups, as they receive little or no assistance. They face numerous challenges regarding financial, social, and access to basic education and healthcare, which contribute to experiences of distress and mental health issues. However, there is limited research on the mental health needs of people with disabilities and the accessibility of mental health services in Bangladesh. This qualitative study addresses this gap by examining the mental healthcare-seeking behaviours of people with disabilities and challenges in care-seeking pathways and recommendations for devising an inclusive system in existing mental health services through key informant interviews and focus group discussions with 55 participants from four stakeholder groups. Findings highlight that limited mental health, literacy, stigma, and financial and logistical challenges, such as inaccessible transportation and distant facilities, hinder access to care. System-level barriers, including a lack of specialists and inadequate community-based services, further exacerbate the issue. Stakeholders recommended strengthening social support systems by providing disability identity cards, allowances, and access to inclusive education and employment opportunities. They also emphasized the need for awareness campaigns, better transportation options, and training for healthcare workers. Policymakers are urged to design culturally relevant needs-based interventions to improve mental healthcare pathways for people with disabilities while promoting multisectoral collaboration.

Introdução O angioedema hereditário (AEH) por deficiência de C1-esterase é uma doença genética rara caracterizada pela deficiência ou disfunção do inibidor do C1-INH. Na doença, o inibidor deficiente ou ausente deixa de atuar sob a calicreína plasmática, fatores de coagulação (XII e XI) e plasmina e desencadeiam elevação de bradicinina, vasodilatação, aumento da permeabilidade vascular, extravasamento de plasma e angioedema. Os episódios podem acometer rosto, mãos, pés, trato gastrointestinal e vias aéreas superiores, podendo, nestes casos, ser potencialmente fatal. O tratamento das crises de AEH consiste no uso de inibidores de calicreína plasmática, antagonistas do receptor de bradicinina ou reposição do inibidor de C1-esterase, recombinante ou derivado do plasma. Destes, o ácido tranexâmico, o icatibanto e concentrados de inibidores de C1-esterase possuem registro na Anvisa. Nesse contexto, esse o presente trabalho, se propôs a buscar no horizonte tecnológico medicamentos potenciais para o tratamento do AEH em pessoas com 2 anos ou mais de idade. Métodos Foram realizadas buscas no ClinicalTrials.gov e Cortellis™, em maio de 2023, utilizando as seguintes estratégias: (i) ClinicalTrials: Recruiting, Not yet recruiting, Active, not recruiting, Completed, Enrolling by invitation Studies | Interventional Studies | Angioedemas, Hereditary | Phase 2, 3, 4; (ii) Cortellis: Current Development Status (Indication (Hereditary angioedema) Status (Launched or Registered or Pre-registration or Phase 3 Clinical or Phase 2 Clinical). Foram considerados estudos clínicos de fases 2, 3 ou 4 inscritos no ClinicalTrials; e tecnologias com registro para a indicação clínica nos últimos 5 (cinco) anos na Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa), European Medicines Agency (EMA) ou U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Resultados Foram identificadas três tecnologias potenciais para o tratamento de episódios agudos AEH por deficiência ou ausência de C1-esterase em maiores de 2 anos de idade. Conestate é um análogo recombinante de C1 humana. É de uso endovenoso, com dose peso dependente. O produto foi registrado na União Europeia (UE) para a população pediátrica com idade igual ou superior a dois anos em 2020, enquanto nos Estados Unidos da América (EUA) a aprovação é para maiores de 12 anos de idade desde o ano de 2014. Sebetralstate é um inibidor de calicreína plasmática proposto para uso oral, nas doses de 300 ou 600mg, estudado em ensaios de fase 3, iniciados em 2022, com previsão de conclusão em 2023, que estão recrutando maiores de 12 anos de idade. A tecnologia recebeu a designação de droga órfã pela FDA e EMA, nos anos de 2021 e 2022, respectivamente. Deucrictibanto é um antagonista do receptor de bradicinina B2, desenvolvido para administração oral, avaliado no ensaio NCT05396105, de fase 3, em fase de recrutamento, envolvendo maiores de 18 anos, com previsão de conclusão em 2024. A tecnologia recebeu a designação de droga órfã pela FDA em 2022. Discussão e conclusões Há três tecnologias no horizonte para o potencial tratamento de crises de AEH por deficiência de C1-esterase a pessoas com 2 anos de idade ou mais. Sebetralstate e deucricitibanto podem conferir comodidade posológica e mais adesão ao tratamento, por serem de via de administração oral. O Conestate, por estar em fase mais avançada de pesquisa clínica e registrado na EMA e FDA, pode obter registro pela Anvisa e estar disponível para comercialização no Brasil mais breve que as outras duas tecnologias identificadas.

This study investigates the potential of Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) and Partially Stabilized Zirconia (PSZ) thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) in improving gas turbine performance through a theoretical simulation. Using the finite element method, we compared temperature and thermal flow distributions within YSZ and PSZ coated combustion chambers against an uncoated Ni substrate liner wall. Our results demonstrate significant reductions in outer wall temperature (2.61%–3.54%) and heat flux (0.44%–0.6%) achieved through TBC application. The findings were validated through similar studies, with results aligning closely with established data. These reductions translate to cooler and more efficient engine operation. This comparative analysis not only sheds light on TBC effectiveness but also provides valuable insights for optimizing combustion chamber design. These findings pave the way for the development of next-generation TBC materials and engineering strategies, ultimately leading to enhanced gas turbine performance.

Objective The chronic pain syndromes (CPS) include syndromes such as chronic widespread pain (CWP), dry eye disease (DED) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Highly prevalent and lacking pathognomonic biomarkers, the CPS are known to cluster in individuals in part due to their genetic overlap, but patient diagnosis can be difficult. The success of quantitative sensory testing (QST) and inflammatory biomarkers as phenotyping tools in conditions such as painful neuropathies warrant their investigation in CPS. We aimed to examine whether individual QST modalities and candidate inflammatory markers were associated with CWP, DED or IBS in a large, highly phenotyped population sample.Design Cross-sectional study.Setting Community-dwelling cohort.Participants Twins from the TwinsUK cohortPrimary and secondary outcome measures We compared 10 QST modalities, measured in participants with and without a CWP diagnosis between 2007 and 2012. We investigated whether inflammatory markers measured by Olink were associated with CWP, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, IL-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and tumour necrosis factor. All analyses were repeated in DED and IBS with correction for multiple testing.Results In N=3022 twins (95.8% women), no association was identified between individual QST modalities and CPS diagnoses (CWP, DED and IBS). Analyses of candidate inflammatory marker levels and CPS diagnoses in n=1368 twins also failed to meet statistical significance.Conclusion Our findings in a large population cohort suggest a lack of true association between singular QST modalities or candidate inflammatory markers and CPS.

Abstract The effects of climate change on coastal biodiversity are a major concern because altered community compositions may change associated rates of ecosystem functioning and services. Whilst responses of single species or taxa have been studied extensively, it remains challenging to estimate responses to climate change across different levels of biological organisation. Studies that consider the effects of moderate realistic near‐future levels of ocean warming and acidification are needed to identify and quantify the gradual responses of species to change. Also, studies including different levels of biological complexity may reveal opportunities for amelioration or facilitation under changing environmental conditions. To test experimentally for independent and combined effects of predicted near‐future warming and acidification on key benthic species, we manipulated three levels of temperature (winter ambient, +0.8 and +2°C) and two levels of pCO2 (ambient at 450 ppm and elevated at 645 ppm) and quantified their effects on mussels and algae growing separately and together (to also test for inter‐specific interactions). Warming increased mussel clearance and mortality rates simultaneously, which meant that total biomass peaked at +0.8°C. Surprisingly, however, no effects of elevated pCO2 were identified on mussels or algae. Moreover, when kept together, mussels and algae had mutually positive effects on each other's performance (i.e. mussel survival and condition index, mussel and algal biomass and proxies for algal productivity including relative maximum electron transport rate [rETRmax], saturating light intensity [Ik] and maximum quantum yield [Fv/Fm]), independent of warming and acidification. Our results show that even moderate warming affected the functioning of key benthic species, and we identified a level of resistance to predicted ocean acidification. Importantly, we show that the presence of a second functional group enhanced the functioning of both groups (mussels and algae), independent of changing environmental conditions, which highlights the ecological and potential economic benefits of conserving biodiversity in marine ecosystems.

Objective Patients identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) report significant disparities in cancer care and are disproportionally affected by a cancer diagnosis on a number of health-related indicators. This study aimed to explore uterine cancer (UC) care from the perspectives of LGBTQ+ patients and stakeholders, to identify this population’s care needs, which have been underprioritised thus far.Methods and analysis Qualitative interview data were collected from three cohorts of participants: LGBTQ+ UC patients, partners of UC patients and stakeholders who provide advocacy and/or support within the UC care pathway, including healthcare professionals (HCPs). Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted and data were analysed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis.Results Fifteen participants (three patients, one partner, eight HCPs and three cancer support charity representatives) were recruited. Data analysis identified themes which represented participants’ reflections on the relevance and opportunities for identity disclosure during the diagnostic pathway; feelings and implications of not fitting into the gynaecological cancer environment and, opportunities and challenges surrounding HCP education, and protocolled sexual and gender identity data collection.Conclusion UC patients who identify as LGBTQ+ have specific care needs and considerations, particularly related to transvaginal procedures and survivorship. Opportunities for disclosure of patients’ LGBTQ+ identity during the UC care pathway are essential for these needs to be recognised. Despite this, there are conflicting agendas between HCPs and stakeholders on the best approach to integrate disclosure processes. The current findings highlight the need for public health agendas and clinical services to address the needs of LGBTQ+ UC patients.

Papaya, renowned for its nutritional benefits, represents a highly profitable crop. However, it is susceptible to various diseases that can significantly impede fruit productivity and quality. Among these, leaf diseases pose a substantial threat, severely impacting the growth of papaya plants. Consequently, papaya farmers frequently encounter numerous challenges and financial setbacks. To facilitate the easy and efficient identification of papaya leaf diseases, a comprehensive dataset has been assembled. This dataset, comprising approximately 1400 images of diseased, infected, and healthy leaves, aims to enhance the understanding of how these ailments affect papaya plants. The images, meticulously collected from diverse regions and under varying weather conditions, offer detailed insights into the disease patterns specific to papaya leaves. Stringent measures have been taken to ensure the dataset's quality and enhance its utility. The images, captured from multiple angles and boasting high resolution are designed to aid in the development of a highly accurate model. Additionally, RGB mode has been employed to meticulously capture each detail, ensuring a flawless representation of the leaves. The dataset meticulously identifies and categorizes five primary types of leaf diseases: Leaf Curl (inclusive of its initial stage), Papaya Mosaic, Ring Spot, Mites (specifically, those affected by Red Spider Mites), and Mealybug. These diseases are recognized for their detrimental effects on both the leaves and the overall fruit production of the papaya plant. By leveraging this curated dataset, it is possible to train a model for the real-time detection of leaf diseases, significantly aiding in the timely identification of such conditions.

Unlike organized activities such as sports and arts, civic activities in adolescence (e.g., volunteering, student government) have been less studied in relation to school success and almost all existing evidence consists of cross-sectional findings. In a longitudinal study, 1035 pupils (64% females, 20% nonwhite, M[subscript age] = 14.21 years) from high schools reported their engagement in organized non-civic and civic activities during the school year, dimensions of activity participation (e.g., intensity, duration, motives), and covariables (age, gender, ethnicity, SES, self-esteem, parental relationship, school motivation). Previous and end-of-year grade point average (GPA) were collected from school administrations. Results revealed that both civic and non-civic organized activities independently predicted increases in GPA over the school year, even after adjusting for all covariables.

Abstract Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is the gold standard method for SARS-CoV-2 detection, and several qRT-PCR kits have been established targeting different genes of the virus. Due to the high mutation rate of these genes, false negative results arise thus complicating the interpretation of the diagnosis and increasing the need of alternative targets. In this study, an alternative approach for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA targeting the membrane (M) gene of the virus using qRT-PCR was described. Performance evaluation of this newly developed in-house assay against commercial qRT-PCR kits was done using clinical oropharyngeal specimens of COVID-19 positive patients. The limit of detection was determined using successive dilutions of known copies of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus. The M gene based assay was able to detect a minimum of 100 copies of virus/mL indicating its capacity to detect low viral load. The assay showed comparable accuracy, sensitivity and specificity with commercially available kits while detecting all the variants efficiently. The study concluded that the in-house M gene based assay might be an effective alternative for the currently available commercial qRT-PCR kits.

BackgroundThe start of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the implementation of nonpharmaceutical interventions by US institutions of higher education at an unprecedented level. During the backdrop of an emerging pandemic, younger adults (eg, college students) had an overall lower risk for severe outcomes for SARS-CoV-2, making this population a potential source of transmission for age groups with high susceptibility and negative health outcomes. We examine how college students’ level of concern for COVID-19 was influenced by different sources of information, their living status, income level, and other demographic identifiers and its association with prevention behavior change. ObjectiveWe sought to examine the level of concern, defined as the extent to which the participant would take corrective action to mitigate contracting or spreading the virus (to family or friends) by using personal protective equipment such as a face mask, practicing social distancing, and following other public health recommendations, among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsA cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted in 2021 among 185 college students aged 18-41 years, with most living in New York City and the United States (n=134, 72.4%). Out of 185 college students, 94 provided their zip codes, with 51 of those college students indicating they lived in New York City areas. The participants completed the survey via a QR code. Study participants who did not complete the full survey or were not college students in any US college or university were excluded. Analyses were conducted using R (version 4.2.2; R Foundation for Statistical Computing). ResultsOf 185 respondents participated in the study, 25 (13.5.%) used emails from their schools, 51 (27.6%) used mainstream media, and 109 (58.9%) used social media and other sources to obtain information about COVID-19. Of the 109 participants who learned about the pandemic from social media, 91 (83.5%) were concerned; however, only 63% (32/51) and 60% (15/25) of the participants who sourced information from mainstream media and their schools’ email, respectively, were concerned. Further, the participants who received information from social media and other sources were about 3 times more likely to be concerned about COVID-19 than participants who received information from the university via email (P=.036; OR=3.07, 95% CI: 1.06-8.83).. ConclusionsCollege students who received information from social media and other sources were more likely to be concerned about COVID-19 than students who received information from their school via emails.

“BAU-Insectv2” represents a novel agricultural dataset tailored for deep learning applications and biomedical image analysis focused on plant-insect interactions. This dataset encompasses a diverse collection of high-resolution images capturing intricate details of plant-insect interactions across various agricultural settings. Leveraging deep learning methodologies, this study aims to employ convolutional neural networks (CNN) and advanced image analysis techniques for precise insect detection, classification, and understanding of insect-related patterns within agricultural ecosystems. We mainly focus on addressing insect-related issues in South Asian crop cultivation. The dataset's extensive scope and high-quality imagery provide a robust foundation for developing and validating models capable of accurately identifying and analyzing diverse plant insects. The dataset's utility extends to biomedical image analysis, fostering interdisciplinary research avenues across agriculture and biomedical sciences. This dataset holds significant promise for advancing research in agricultural pest management, ecosystem dynamics, and biomedical image analysis techniques.

It is perceived that sclerotia of the pathogen, in addition to chlamydospores, play an important role in the epidemiology of rice false smut disease. The propagule has been identified only in five rice growing countries of the world, and never recorded in Bangladesh. This study was undertaken to identify the sclerotia, quantify their concentration on smut balls and estimate the time of its formation. Intensive field-by-field monitoring was conducted during 2014, 2015 and 2016 at experimental farm of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur. After rigorous search, sclerotia of rice false smut pathogen was identified on the 14th of December 2014. The was observed in the later part of crop maturity during the ‘T. Aman' season (early-November to mid-December) on olivaceous greenish-black smut balls, but not on orange smut ball. During the three years study, on average, 30.61±9.79% (± is 95%confidence interval) olivaceous greenish-black smut balls borne sclerotia, the average number being 1.63±0.09 per sclerotia-bearing ball. The ‘threshold temperature' for sclerotia formation was estimated as above 11°C difference in day-night temperature. Consistence presence and high concentration of sclerotia in smut balls signify its role in the epidemiology of the disease in the agroecology of Bangladesh. [Fundam Appl Agric 2023; 8(3.000): 580-589]