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According to their respective positions, participants at the local, regional, and global actors within the poultry farming sector play strategic roles according to their respective positions. While these roles may integrate and overlap, they can also generate conflicts of interest at both the actor and institutional levels. This study analyses the actors and power relations in laying hen farming in Blitar Regency, East Java, Indonesia. The data were collected using structured interview techniques (interview guides and Matrix of Alliances and Conflicts: Tactics, Objectives and Recommendations questionnaires), observation, documentation, and focus group discussions. The research informants were chosen deliberately based on various sources including farmers, farmer groups, cooperative, central and local government, companies, and traders. This was in addition to informants obtained using the snowball sampling technique such as middlemen, poultry shops (PSs) and other additional breeders. Data validity was determined using source triangulation and method triangulation. The results revealed that the individuals and entities engaged in layer hen farming encompass a diverse range of actors. These include farmers of various scales (small, medium, and large), institutions such as farmer groups and cooperatives, governmental bodies at both central and regional levels, industry representatives such as companies, PSs, distributors involved in producing and marketing day-old chick (DOC), feed, medicines, and vaccines, as well as market participants including local traders and traders operating across different regions. Small-scale and medium-scale farmers have the strongest relationships due to their high dependence on inputs such as DOC, feed, vaccines, and access to markets. The presence of various actors and power relations in laying hen business institutions creates both collaboration and competition in the supply of DOCs, animal feed, medicine, and even in the marketing of eggs from a food security and sustainability perspective.

Cold stress has an immediate impact on plant structure and function. A large number of free radicals cause oxidative stress in plants. Cold stress causes altered membrane permeability, lipid peroxidation, and DNA damage. It denatures enzymes and disrupts plant metabolism. Different methods are being investigated for acclimatizing plants subjected to cold stress. Nanobiotechnology and bacterial strains are growing agricultural strategies. Nanoparticles’ (NPs) unique qualities (small size, high mobility, biocompatibility, low cost, and increased reactivity) make them ideal candidates in agriculture. NP and bacterial applications maintain plastid structure and function, enhance antioxidant activities, secondary metabolites, and hormone expression, and reduce electrolyte leakage. They increase the number and content of proteins involved in oxidation–reduction reactions, hormone pathways, stress signaling, and reactive oxygen species detoxification under cold stress conditions. Chitosan, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide NPs can help plants with cold stress. Meanwhile, bacterial strains in the genus Bacillus and Pseudomonas have been tested for cold tolerance. These strategies also upregulate antifreeze proteins, which are essential for the storage of plant products. Nano-bio-fertilizers should be prepared for the sustainable development of plants under low temperatures.

This research paper presented a novel investigation into an implicit coupled system of fractional variable order, which has not been previously studied in the existing literature. The study focused on establishing and developing sufficient conditions for the existence and uniqueness of solutions, as well as the Ulam-Hyers stability, for the proposed coupled system without using semigroup property. By extending the existing conclusions examined for the Atangana-Baleanu-Caputo (ABC) operator, we contributed to advancing the understanding of variable-order fractional differential equations. The paper provided a solid theoretical foundation for further analysis, numerical simulations, and practical applications. The obtained results have implications for designing and controlling systems modeled using fractional variable order equations and serve as a basis for addressing a wide range of dynamical problems. The transformation techniques, qualitative analysis, and illustrative examples presented in this work highlight its unique contributions and potential to serve as a foundation for future research.

Objective. To examine the postnatal predictors of survival and adverse outcome among Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) infants. Method. Six-year retrospective review of CDH infants born at tertiary neonatal unit. Results. Forty infants with CDH were included; 27 (67.5%) survived to discharge. Non-survivors had a higher best, mean, and highest oxygenation index (OI) ( P

ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between Oxygenation Index (OI) and Oxygen Saturation Index (OSI) among infants with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH), both within the first 24 h after birth and in extended observations in those who survived until their surgical intervention.MethodsSeven- years retrospective review of CDH cases at a single Level III neonatal intensive care unit. The correlations of various combinations of OI-OSI pairs were assessed using the Spearman's rho Correlation Coefficient. Additionally, during the initial 24 h, the correlations between admission (first), best (lowest), highest, and mean OI and OSI values were determined. The predictive ability of the first 24 h oxygen and oxygen saturation indices for mortality and other adverse outcomes were assessed using the Area Under the Curve (AUC) analysis.ResultsThirty-seven infants with CDH were included in the analysis. A strong correlation was observed between all pairs of OI/OSI (2,289) (Spearman's rho = 0.843), matched pairs of Postductal OI/OSI (1,232 pairs) (Spearman's rho = 0.835) and the unmatched pairs of Postductal OI and Preductal OSI (1,057 pairs) (Spearman's rho = 0.852). Using the regression equations for all pairs, matched and unmatched OI/OSI pairs, we deduced that for clinically pertinent OI thresholds of 10, 15, 20 and 40, the corresponding OSI values were 5, 8, 11, and 23, respectively. Furthermore, in the first 24 h, strong correlations were evident between OI/OSI: at admission (Spearman's rho = 0.783), best OI/OSI (Spearman's rho = 0.848), and highest OI/OSI (Spearman's rho = 0.921). The most robust correlation was observed between the mean OI/OSI with a Spearman's rho of 0.928. First (AUC = 0.849), best (AUC = 0.927), highest (AUC = 0.942) and mean day 1 OI (AUC = 0.946) were all predictive of mortality. Similarly, first (AUC = 1.00), best (AUC = 0.989), highest (AUC = 1.00) and the mean OSI in day 1 (AUC = 0.978) were all predictive of mortality. All of the OIs and OSIs in day 1 except for the admission OSI (AUC = 0.683) were predictive of pulmonary hypertension. Additionally, all of OI and OSI indices in the first 24-hour except for the best day 1 OI (AUC = 0.674) were predictive of the need for rescue HFOV.ConclusionThere were a strong correlation between the OI and OSI in infants with CDH. Oxygenation indices and OSI in the first 24 h were predictive of mortality and other adverse outcomes in infants with CDH.

The primary focus of this paper is to thoroughly examine and analyze a class of a fractional quadratic integral equation via generalized fractional integral. To achieve this, we introduce an operator that possesses fixed points corresponding to the solutions of the fractional quadratic integral equation, effectively transforming the given equation into an equivalent fixed-point problem. By applying the Banach fixed-point theorems, we prove the uniqueness of solutions to fractional quadratic integral equation. Additionally, The Adomian decomposition method is used, to solve the resulting fractional quadratic integral equation. This technique rapidly provides convergent successive approximations of the exact solution to the given fractional quadratic integral equation, therefore, we investigate the convergence of approximate solutions, using the Adomian decomposition method. Finally, we provide some examples, to demonstrate our results. Our findings contribute to the current understanding of fractional quadratic integral equation and their solutions and have the potential to inform future research in this area.

Introduction: Imposter syndrome is common among health disciplinary students, leading to serious consequences. However, the impact of imposter syndrome on self-esteem and quitting intention among respiratory therapy students has not been well researched. Objective: To report on the prevalence of imposter syndrome and assess its impacts on self-esteem and quitting intention among respiratory therapy students in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A nonprobability cross-sectional questionnaire using the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale was self-administered and distributed among respiratory therapy students between October 2022 and April 2023. Data analysis was performed using Descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Of the 1500 respiratory therapy students invited to participate in the study, 901 surveys were completed; and thus, included in the final analysis. Of whom, 92% were presented with imposter syndrome: 44% with moderate, 35% with frequent, and 13% with intense feelings. In addition, 60% of respiratory therapy students and interns experienced low self-esteem, while only 0.5% indicated high self-esteem. More than 50% of the study participants thought about quitting the respiratory therapy program, and 30% have been diagnosed with psychological disorders. Furthermore, there was a significant association between imposter syndrome and low self-esteem, p 0.005). Conclusion: Imposter syndrome and low self-esteem are prevalent among respiratory therapy students, both of which are associated with considering leaving the respiratory therapy program. Effective interventions should be implemented to ameliorate the symptoms imposter syndrome and low self-esteem; thus, improving the academic experience of respiratory therapy students.

Objective . To describe heated humidified high-flow nasal cannulas (HHHFNC) utilization in level III neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Saudi Arabia. Methods . A prospective cross-sectional study using an electronic web-based questionnaire. The survey targeted level III NICUs hospitals using HHHFNCs, covering HHHFNC availability, protocols, patient characteristics, and indications. It also collected opinions on the benefits of HHHFNCs compared to nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP). Results . Out of 47 government-level III neonatal intensive care units, 35 (74%) responded to the survey. Among the included units, 46% had guidelines for HHHFNC use. Additionally, 51% reported using HHHFNC in infants of all gestational ages. The primary indication for HHHFNC use was weaning off nCPAP (34%), with 60% of the respondents noting its advantages for kangaroo care and breastfeeding. Conclusion . HHHFNC are increasingly prevalent in NICUs in Saudi Arabia. However, there remain no clear policies or guidelines regarding their use in preterm infants.

Egyptian Jallab (EJ) is a conical candy (light to dark brown), manufactured from a part of sugar cane juice, that is used in the black honey industry. EJ is considered an unrefined sugar or a non-centrifugal form of sugar. The traditional use of Jallab is as candy, but it can also be used for making ice cream, cupcakes, biscuits, and toffee, as well as being used in other food applications. In this study, EJ was used as a sugar substitute in ice cream at 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%. Total solids, titratable acidity, pH, protein, ash, fat, specific gravity, weight per gallon, viscosity, color attributes, total antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid contents, as well as microbiological analyses, were tested. The total solids, protein, and ash in the Egyptian Jallab ice cream (EJIC) increased from 39.30, 4.85, and 0.87 to 41.19, 6.36, and 1.42, respectively. The gradual sugar substitution led to a significant increase in specific gravity and weight per gallon in pounds. The lightness (L*) of the ice cream decreased significantly due to the substitution of EJ for sugar. Moreover, there was a significant increase in a* (from 0.147 in control samples to 5.52 in treatment 4, which had 100% EJ). The changes in the b* values of Jallab ice cream samples were significantly increased due to the substitution of EJ for sugar. The control samples had a low value of antioxidant activity (21.53%) when compared with the treatment, which has EJ (88.82, 89.96, 91.98, and 92.14%) for EJIC1, EJIC2, EJIC3, and EJIC4, respectively. The total phenolic contents are 2.07, 3.03, 4.14, and 4.68 fold higher in the treatments with EJ substituted for sugar than in the control samples. Total flavonoid contents increased from 5.73 mg QE g−1 in control samples (TC) to 14.68, 21.54, 30.48, and 34.15 mg QE g−1 in EJIC1, EJIC2, EJIC3, and EJIC4 mg QE g−1 in ice cream samples, respectively.

Introduction Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is gaining popularity among adults. Monitoring e-cigarette-induced respiratory symptoms is crucial for both clinical and regulatory purposes. We systematically reviewed the current literature to understand the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among exclusive e-cigarette users, dual users, and former smokers. Methods Databases searched included PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus. We included all English-language, empirical quantitative articles that explored the prevalence of e-cigarette-related respiratory symptoms. Random-effects models were utilized in conducting the meta-analyses. The quality of identified studies was evaluated using the NIH Study Quality Assessment Tools. This study is registered with PROSPERO(#CRD42020165973). Results The literature search identified 1240 references. After removing duplicates and screening for eligibility, 168 studies were included in the final review. The majority of included studies reported a wide range of adverse respiratory symptoms. The respiratory symptoms were prevalent among the exclusive e-cigarette users, dual users, and those who switched from combustible cigarettes to e-cigarettes. Further, out of the RCT studies, 5 were rated as good quality, while 3 were rated as fair. Among the observational studies, 24 were rated as good quality, and 9 were rated as fair. The two experimental studies were both rated as fair quality. Conclusions Continued monitoring of respiratory symptoms among e-cigarette users is warranted. Due to the heterogeneity and inconsistencies among studies, which limit result interpretation and highlight the need for studies assessing causal inference, further research using robust study designs is essential. This will provide clinicians with comprehensive knowledge about the potential respiratory risks of e-cigarette use.

Careful study of applied sciences and their development requires us to expand the scope of analytical studies. We aim during introducing the current manuscript to rediscover and present Grüss inequality in a new framework. In order to do that, we use the recently generalized proportional fractional integral operator for a certain function with respect to another continuous and strictly increasing function. Furthermore, we prove some new related inequalities using the current fractional integral operator. Some special cases of the presented results will be discussed.

This research paper provides a comprehensive review of the utilization of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy as a means of respiratory support in extremely premature infants. The paper elucidates the underlying mechanisms of HFNC, which encompass the provision of distending pressure, reduction of respiratory effort, facilitation of carbon dioxide elimination, and optimization of gas conditioning. Noteworthy advantages of HFNC in comparison to invasive ventilation include enhanced oxygenation, improved lung compliance, and promotion of bonding, while simultaneously mitigating the occurrence of complications. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge potential drawbacks associated with HFNC, such as heightened morbidity, inadequate support necessitating reintubation, and an elevated risk of air leaks. Further investigations are imperative to refine HFNC protocols, conduct comparative analyses with alternative interventions, and enhance overall patient outcomes. In summation, HFNC represents an efficacious noninvasive respiratory treatment modality for premature infants, albeit with certain limitations. The optimization of benefits can be achieved through meticulous monitoring and standardization of practices.

This study aims to examine the dynamics of subsidized fertilizer management in rice production areas in Sidrap and Wajo districts, South Sulawesi province. Using a case study approach with qualitative analysis, the study combined primary data from in-depth interviews and secondary data derived from various studies and reports from government organizations. The results show that there is a considerable gap between the government’s fertilizer budget and farmers’ actual needs, leading to coverage of only 37%, thus forcing farmers to purchase more expensive non-subsidized fertilizers. The inefficient distribution system results in delays and scarcity. As a result, there will be market and price dualism between subsidized and non-subsidized markets, as well as subsidized and non-subsidized prices. Enforcement of pricing regulations faces hurdles due to the black market. In addition, farmers use the “foster father” system to obtain credit. To improve fertilizer management, the study recommends a multifaceted approach: increased budget allocation, efficient distribution, strong enforcement of pricing regulations, and innovative financing solutions such as the Tani Card. These strategies, along with improved inter-agency coordination, aim to address challenges and increase the effectiveness of subsidized fertilizer policies.

Introduction There is a paucity of studies on e-cigarette use among adults with chronic lung disease. In the present study, we aimed to assess whether psychosocial or cognitive factors elucidate the relationship between chronic lung disease (CLD) and susceptibility to e-cigarette use and whether the relationship between CLD and e-cigarette use is conditional on the presence of respiratory symptoms. Methods We recruited adults aged ≥18 years in Alabama with CLD from university medical clinics (n=140) and individuals without CLD (n=123 as a reference group). Information on sociodemographics, susceptibility to e-cigarette use, psychosocial factors, and cognitive factors were collected. Mediation analysis was used to assess whether the psychosocial factors or cognitive factors explained the association between CLD and susceptibility to using e-cigarettes, and moderation analysis was conducted to determine if respiratory factors would change the association between CLD and susceptibility to e-cigarette use. Results Psychosocial factors (stress, depression, anxiety) and e-cigarette positive expectancy were notably high among individuals with CLD. Having CLD was associated with a lower likelihood of susceptibility to e-cigarette use. Higher levels of stress, being a smoker, boredom, taste/sensorimotor manipulation, and social facilitation were associated with higher odds of susceptibility to using e-cigarettes among individuals with CLD. Mediation analysis indicated a statistically significant indirect effect of CLD on the susceptibility to using e-cigarettes through stress and boredom reduction. We did not find a statistically significant interaction between CLD and respiratory symptoms affecting susceptibility to using e-cigarettes. Conclusions Individuals with CLD often exhibit stress, depression, and a positive view of e-cigarettes but are generally less inclined to use them. Stress, smoking habits, boredom, taste, and social influence can increase their susceptibility to e-cigarette use. Our findings call for further exploration to evaluate the temporal relationship between CLD status, psychosocial factors, cognitive factors, and susceptibility to using e-cigarettes. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, on 5 November 2019. Identifier: NCT04151784

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate the use of mind maps as an active teaching strategy to enhance critical thinking skills (CTSs) among respiratory therapy (RT) students in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 86 participants from two RT programs in Saudi Arabian Universities, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences and The Batterjie Medical College, were randomly assigned to either the mind map group (MMG) or the standard note-taking group (SNTG). With the quasi-experimental design and quantitative method, mean comparisons were made between the groups using an independent t-test. RESULTS: There was no significant change between the pre-SNTG and post-SNTG as measured by the health sciences reasoning test (HSRT) after 15 weeks of standard note-taking (SNT). However, it showed the difference between the pre-MMG and post-MMG (P = .02) as measured by the HSRT after 15 weeks of intervention. There was also a significant change between the post-MMG and SNTG (P = .04) as measured by the HSRT, where the MMG had higher scores. However, the study had limitations, which conceded to the failure of participants in the test and the subjectivity of respondents where they were excluded from the study; also, for generalizability of the result, the study should have been taken beyond Riyadh and Jeddah. CONCLUSION: Prior to this study, the effectiveness of mind mapping (MM) in the respiratory discipline has not yet been explored. It found that mind mapping was effective at improving CTS, while SNT was not, as measured by pre- and post-test HSRT scores. This was the first investigation into MM’s impact on CTS within respiratory therapy education.

Phytoseius plumifer (Canestrini and Fanzago) and Euseius scutalis (Athias-Henriot) (Phytoseiidae) are generalist predatory mites important in controlling phytophagous mites on some agricultural crops. The biology of both species as potential biological control agents of the grape erineum mite, Colomerus vitis (Pagenstecher) (Eriophyidae) on grape leaf disks was studied in the laboratory at 33 ± 1 °C, 60%RH, 12:12 h L:D. The developmental time, survival, and reproductive parameters of P. plumifer and E. scutalis on C. vitis, date palm pollen as well as C. vitis plus date palm pollen were investigated. Both predators, P. plumifer and E. scutalis, thrived on the mixed diet of C. vitis and date palm pollen resulting in a shorter developmental time (6.16 and 6.69 days, respectively), higher oviposition rate (2.11 and 1.96 eggs/female/day, respectively), and higher intrinsic rate of increase (0.251 and 0.229 per female/day, respectively) than on any other diet. Date palm pollen was an adequate alternative food source for P. plumifer and E. scutalis. The results suggest that both predators have good potential to suppress C. vitis populations and that date palm pollen can support the population establishment of both predators in the absence or scarcity of the main prey in the environment. We discuss the relevance of our results for the biocontrol of C. vitis.

The QuEChERS method was adjusted to determine bifenthrin residues in grapes and grape leaves. Extraction and cleanup procedures were optimized to decrease co-extracted materials and enhance the detection of bifenthrin. The method was validated per the European Union (EU) Guidelines criteria. Accuracy ranged from 98.8% to 93.5% for grapes and grape leaves, respectively. Precision values were 5.5 and 6.4 (RSDr) and 7.4 and 6.7 (RSDR) for grapes and grape leaves, respectively. LOQs (the lowest spiking level) were 2 and 20 µg/kg for grapes and grape leaves, respectively. Linearity as determination coefficient (R2) values were 0.9997 and 0.9964 for grapes and grape leaves, respectively, in a matrix over 1–100 µg/L range of analyte concentration. This was very close to the value in the pure solvent (0.9999), showing the efficiency of the cleanup in removing the co-extracted and co-injected materials; the matrix effect was close to zero in both sample matrices. Dissipation of bifenthrin was studied in a supervised trial conducted in a grapevine field during the summer of 2023 at the recommended dose and double the dose. Dissipation factor k values were 0.1549 and 0.1672 (recommended dose) and 0.235 and 0.208 (double dose) for grapes and grape leaves, respectively. Pre-harvest interval (PHI) was calculated for the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) values of the EU database. Residues of bifenthrin were removed effectively from grapes using simple washing with tap water in a laboratory study. Residues reached the MRL level of 0.3 mg/kg in both washing treatments, running or soaking in tap water treatments for 5 min. Removal from leaves did not decrease residue levels to the MRL in grape leaves.

Ocular melanoma stands as the predominant primary intraocular malignancy, albeit infrequently exhibiting ipsilateral inflammatory manifestations. In this article, we present an exceptional case involving a middle-aged male who presented with unilateral ocular choroidal melanoma alongside bilateral retinal vasculitis. The patient initially received temporary steroid treatment, followed by brachytherapy, which contributed to the resolution of vasculitis symptoms. The study aims to document the atypical occurrence of bilateral retinal vasculitis, which could potentially masquerade as melanoma, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance and further investigations when encountering choroidal masses in its presence. Future research endeavors are warranted to better understand the incidence of such occurrences in this context.