General Review Research Articles

Synchronization of the bovine estrous cycle: Current and emerging opportunities

Controlling the bovine estrous cycle is a necessity if performing fixed-time artificial insemination or embryo transfer. Addition­ally, irrespective of the genetic objectives driving the decision to use reproductive technologies, the use of synchronization protocols often has beneficial effects on the overall reproduc­tive performance and commercial production output of a beef cattle operation. This proceedings paper provides a general review of the conceptual goals and challenges associated with synchronization of estrus, and directs readers to resources on current protocols and emerging opportunities in the field.

Conception and parameterization of field-scale models for simulating ammonia loss from fertilized lands: a review

Conception and parameterization of field-scale models for simulating ammonia loss from fertilized lands: a review

Innovative Solid-Phase Extraction Strategies for Improving the Advanced Chromatographic Determination of Drugs in Challenging Biological Samples

In the past few decades, considerable scientific strides have been made in the subject of drug analysis in human biological samples. However, the risk caused by incorrect drug plasma levels in patients still remains an important concern. This review paper attempts to investigate the advances made over the last ten years in common sample preparation techniques (SPT) for biological samples based on solid sorbents, including solid-phase extraction (SPE) and solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME), and in particular in the field of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), including non-stimuli-responsive and stimuli-responsive adsorbents. This class of materials is known as ‘smart adsorbents’, exhibiting tailored responses to various stimuli such as magnetic fields, pH, temperature, and light. Details are provided on how these advanced SPT are changing the landscape of modern drug analysis in their coupling with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analytical techniques, a general term that includes high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), as well as any variation of MS, such as tandem (MS/MS), multiple-stage (MSn), and high-resolution (HRMS) mass spectrometry. Some notes are also provided on coupling with less-performing techniques, such as high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet (HPLC-UV) and diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) detection. Finally, we provide a general review of the difficulties and benefits of the proposed approaches and the future prospects of this research area.

Corporate Social Responsibility in Conflict Zones: Navigating the Intersection with International Humanitarian Law

This paper examines the intersection of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and international humanitarian law (IHL), emphasizing the difficulties, responsibilities, and systems of accountability that businesses operating in conflict zones face. It gives a general review of IHL and CSR, emphasizing their applicability in regions impacted by war. This paper also examines the functions of corporate social responsibility in reducing the effects of armed conflicts on local communities using contemporary case studies from the Israel Palestine war and the Russian Ukraine war. This paper also delves into the protection and responsibility that international humanitarian law provides corporations along with the rules and regulations to hold corporations accountable in case they violate the law. It also stresses on the difficulties and gaps in accountability that are encountered by different other international law such as international criminal law, international human rights, law, and difference between other countries laws and legal system. Lastly, the paper discusses perspective suggestions and methods to incorporate IHL into various CSR activities which include partnership between businesses and humanitarian organizations, different NGOs, peace negotiations, mediations, economic recovery and socially responsible conduct and the most important adhering to human humanitarian laws, rules and guidelines.

Salvia rosmarinus Spenn. Main Applications and Ultrasonic Extraction of Secondary Metabolites: a General Review

Salvia rosmarinus Spenn. Main Applications and Ultrasonic Extraction of Secondary Metabolites: a General Review

Variability in odor hedonic perception: A challenge for neurosensory and behavioral research.

Odor hedonic perception (pleasant/unpleasant character) is considered to be the first and one of the most important dimensions in olfaction and is known to be highly variable and dependent on several factors related to the stimulus, individual characteristics, and context. Although numerous experimental studies have been published on this topic, there is no comprehensive general review on the variability in odor hedonic perception. Therefore, the aim of this article was to describe and detail all the factors involved in the variability in odor hedonic perception. Stimulus properties-related variability includes the concentration/intensity and the physicochemical properties. Individual-related variability includes sex, age, and physiological state characteristics, while context-related variability involves factors associated with the stimulation context, such as stimulation pathway, exposure frequency, verbal influences, cross-modal associations, hedonic contrast, and cultural background. Subsequently, a section is devoted to the brain processing of odor hedonicity, although its role in odor hedonic variability is largely unknown. Finally, the article discusses the relationship between the hedonic qualities of odors and the resulting behavioral responses in both animals and humans. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

“Director General Review” as a Viable Mechanism to Safeguard Malaysia’s Revenue Through Tax Justice

The Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) serves as a guide for Customs procedures in the modern era, and Malaysia has signed on as a participating country. One crucial element of the RKC, outlined in Chapter 10 of the text of the convention, is the requirement for national legislation to include a right of appeal in Customs matters. Subsection 143(1) of the Customs Act 1967 empowers the Director General (DG) of Customs to review his own previous decisions, and the Royal Customs Malaysian Department (RMCD) has devised a systematic process referred to in this research as the "DG review." This provision was enacted to comply with the RKC's standards. Subsection 143(1) was amended in 2020 to allow aggrieved parties to submit their applications for “DG review” within 30 days from any DG decisions in the indirect taxes. Despite the amendment, no prior research has been conducted on its effectiveness. This study aims to evaluate the viability of the DG review mechanism in promoting fair and efficient tax implementation. The research employs both doctrinal legal analysis and qualitative methods to scrutinize the laws and regulations governing the right of appeal for indirect tax in Malaysia, as well as the fairness of the DG review process for taxpayers. The outcome of this study is pivotal in proposing legal solutions and validating the amended mechanism outlined in subsection 143(1) of the Customs Act 1967.

Antibacterial Herbal Mouthwash Formulation and Evaluation Against Oral Disorders

The goal of the present study is to create and assess a herbal mouthwash and determine how well it works to lower oral cavity bacterial counts. Following their collection, the plant materials' water-soluble components were removed. We also assessed the mouthwash's physicochemical characteristics and antibacterial efficacy. The mouthwash that is now available on the market has strong antimicrobial qualities. The stability investigation's findings attest to the preparation's efficacy. These days, mouthwash is marketed as a liquid and usually includes antiseptic and antibacterial ingredients. These solutions have the potential to serve several purposes, including inhibiting the growth of germs in the oral cavity and acting as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, or anti-fungal agent. The oral cavity is home to a variety of microbes. While certain types of oral bacteria are harmless, others can lead to mouth illnesses, plaque buildup in the mouth, and bad breath. Therefore, keeping good oral hygiene is essential for both physical and mental well-being. The effectiveness of herbs is thought to be relatively high when compared to chemical products. Medicinal plants are crucial in treating a variety of illnesses due to their potent antibacterial and antifungal effects against human infections. Herbal remedies aid in tooth cleaning, reduce dental plaque, inhibit the growth of bacteria, and freshen breath. Herbal mouthwashes can be used in addition to your normal dental hygiene routine, which includes brushing and flossing. They are helpful in supportive periodontal treatment because of their potent antiinflammatory and anti-plaque characteristics. Many herbal remedies and their extracts, including those made from peppermint, cloves, neem, and turmeric, have demonstrated notable benefits over synthetic alternatives. Due to their long-lasting anti-bacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-fungal actions on human pathogens, medicinal herbs are essential for the treatment of illness. Using natural mouthwash in place of conventional ones may have several advantages. If a formulation like this could be invented that folks could safely and simply prepare at home using natural ingredients. As a result, the general oral health of the community could get better. Because they function on oral infections, quickly relieve pain, have few or no side effects, and target oral pathogens, herbal mouthwashes are quite popular. Among the most common infectious diseases that many individuals encounter at different times in their life are dental caries and periodontal disease. The purpose of this article is to give a general review of natural substances that can be effective mouthwashes. The objective of this study was to use polyherbal components to make mouthwash that has antibacterial properties.

Rapid versus gradual external ventricular drain weaning: a general review of best practices

Rapid versus gradual external ventricular drain weaning: a general review of best practices

Paleoproterozoic Rocks of the Belcher Islands, Nunavut: A Review of Their Remarkable Geology and Relevance to Inuit-led Conservation Efforts

The Paleoproterozoic Belcher Group (ca. 2.0 to 1.83 Ga) occurs on the remote Belcher Islands of Hudson Bay in Nunavut, Canada. It includes nearly nine kilometres of well-preserved siliciclastic and carbonate sedimentary rocks, deposited initially in a marginal to shallow marine setting representing one of the first true continental shelf environments on the proto-Canadian Shield. A wide variety of depositional facies exists within the Belcher Group, and it is particularly well known for its spectacular stromatolites in dolostone. In addition to these macroscopic features, two of its formations (Kasegalik and McLeary) contain intact microfossils of Eoentophysalis belcherensis, the oldest known occurrence of cyanobacteria in the geological record. The uppermost part of the Belcher Group contains sedimentary rocks of very different character that represent a younger foreland basin that developed in response to accretionary and collisional processes of the Trans-Hudson orogen. These younger formations (Omarolluk and Loaf) consist of a thick sequence of turbidites, overlain by arkose and other immature clastic sedimentary rocks. A defining characteristic of the Omarolluk Formation is the presence of calcareous concretions. The Omarolluk Formation shares attributes with “omars”, which are glacially transported clasts that occur both locally and further afield throughout parts of Canada and the northern United States and have helped characterize Pleistocene ice-flow trends across the continent. The Belcher Group also includes two formations dominated by spectacular mafic volcanic rocks. The earlier episode, represented by the Eskimo Formation, reflects eruption of largely subaerial volcanic flows interpreted to represent flood basalt associated with the rifting of Archean basement during the establishment of the continental shelf. A later volcanic episode (the Flaherty Formation) is dominated by submarine pillowed basalt flows and has been assigned to varied tectonic settings, including volcanic arcs related to subduction and oceanic plateaus related to mantle plume activity and renewed rifting along the continental margin. This later volcanism marks the transition from shelf to foreland basin. Mafic sills and related intrusions (Haig intrusions) occur in the middle and lower part of the Belcher Group. Thermal and chemical interactions between mafic magma and calcareous shale generated unusual rocks that are well known in Nunavut as high-quality artisanal carving stone. The Belcher Group also contains Superior-type iron formations that have attracted past exploration interest. The Belcher Group is a unique geological entity defined by its wide variety of rock types, its superb exposures, and its potential to illustrate many important geological processes in a formative time in Earth’s history. It is also a unique microfossil paleontological resource, and its deposition brackets a crucial and much-debated interval of Precambrian atmospheric and oceanic evolution. It represents an important scientific resource in the context of understanding such changes. This general review paper highlights its most important features, discusses its potential for future research and contributes to wider discussions about its possible future role as a protected area within Nunavut.

Existing Challenges and Opportunities for Advancing Drought and Health Research.

Drought is one of the most far-reaching natural disasters, yet drought and health research is sparse. This may be attributed to the challenge of quantifying drought exposure, something complicated by multiple drought indices without any designed for health research. The purpose of this general review is to evaluate current drought and health literature and highlight challenges or scientific considerations when performing drought exposure and health assessments. The literature revealed a small, but growing, number of drought and health studies primarily emphasizing Australian, western European, and US populations. The selection of drought indices and definitions of drought are inconsistent. Rural and agricultural populations have been identified as vulnerable cohorts, particularly for mental health outcomes. Using relevant examples, we discuss the importance of characterizing drought and explore why health outcomes, populations of interest, and compound environmental hazards are crucial considerations for drought and health assessments. As climate and health research is prioritized, we propose guidance for investigators performing drought-focused analyses.

Implications of GDPR and NIS2 for Cyber Threat Intelligence Exchange in Hospitals

The DYNAMO Horizon Europe Project aims to support critical sector (healthcare, energy production, marine transport) stakeholders in enhancing resilience and minimizing the effects of cyber-attacks. DYNAMO's objective is to use artificial intelligence to integrate cyber threat intelligence (CTI) and business continuity management (BCM) to support decision-making. The goal is joint preparation for EU cyber threats, necessitating timely global situational awareness and effective communication to address threats before they escalate. This paper focuses on the intelligence sharing and trust needs of the DYNAMO use cases while also meeting regulatory requirements. Analyzing DYNAMO’s internal materials and aligning them with authorities' requirements, particularly NIS2 and GDPR, reveals that healthcare organizations need to prepare for more effective data protection, incident response, and cyber-attack mitigation. While NIS2 doesn't specify technical requirements for healthcare, it offers a broader framework for organizations to make informed decisions about equipment suppliers and security applications. After the general review, this study examines a specific healthcare use case: a hospital infected by phishing, emphasizing that CTI exchanges may contain sensitive data falling under GDPR and NIS2 regulations. This includes technical details, health-related information, patient data, insurance details, and employee information. Concerning the AI-based approaches used, DYNAMO must handle this CTI exchange in compliance with the law. The case study compares the DYNAMO project's CTI exchange use case with GDPR and NIS2 requirements, highlighting challenges such as the difficulty in separating sensitive data under GDPR and differences in language and terms between the two regulations. Despite these challenges, the study discusses the impact of GDPR and NIS2 on CTI exchange in the healthcare sector, providing key implementation points and guidelines.

Multi-omics technologies and molecular biomarkers in brain tumor-related epilepsy.

Brain tumors are one of the leading causes of epilepsy, and brain tumor-related epilepsy (BTRE) is recognized as the major cause of intractable epilepsy, resulting in huge treatment cost and burden to patients, their families, and society. Although optimal treatment regimens are available, the majority of patients with BTRE show poor resolution of symptoms. BTRE has a very complex and multifactorial etiology, which includes several influencing factors such as genetic and molecular biomarkers. Advances in multi-omics technologies have enabled to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms and related biomarkers of BTRE. Here, we reviewed multi-omics technology-based research studies on BTRE published in the last few decades and discussed the present status, development, opportunities, challenges, and prospects in treating BTRE. First, we provided a general review of epilepsy, BTRE, and multi-omics techniques. Next, we described the specific multi-omics (including genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) techniques and related molecular biomarkers for BTRE. We then presented the associated pathogenetic mechanisms of BTRE. Finally, we discussed the development and application of novel omics techniques for diagnosing and treating BTRE. Genomics studies have shown that the BRAF gene plays a role in BTRE development. Furthermore, the BRAF V600E variant was found to induce epileptogenesis in the neuronal cell lineage and tumorigenesis in the glial cell lineage. Several genomics studies have linked IDH variants with glioma-related epilepsy, and the overproduction of D2HG is considered to play a role in neuronal excitation that leads to seizure occurrence. The high expression level of Forkhead Box O4 (FOXO4) was associated with a reduced risk of epilepsy occurrence. In transcriptomics studies, VLGR1 was noted as a biomarker of epileptic onset in patients. Several miRNAs such as miR-128 and miRNA-196b participate in BTRE development. miR-128 might be negatively associated with the possibility of tumor-related epilepsy development. The lncRNA UBE2R2-AS1 inhibits the growth and invasion of glioma cells and promotes apoptosis. Quantitative proteomics has been used to determine dynamic changes of protein acetylation in epileptic and non-epileptic gliomas. In another proteomics study, a high expression of AQP-4 was detected in the brain of GBM patients with seizures. By using quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry assay, a study revealed that patients with astrocytomas and oligoastrocytomas showed high BCL2A1 expression and poor seizure control. By performing immunohistochemistry, several studies have reported the relationship between D2HG overproduction and seizure occurrence. Ki-67 overexpression in WHO grade II gliomas was found to be associated with poor postoperative seizure control. According to metabolomics research, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is associated with the development of glioma-related epileptogenesis. Another metabolomics study found that SV2A, P-gb, and CAD65/67 have the potential to function as biomarkers for BTRE. Based on the synthesized information, this review provided new research perspectives and insights into the early diagnosis, etiological factors, and personalized treatment of BTRE.

The Application of ChatGPT in Second Language (L2) Learning Classrooms: Opportunities and Challenges

The paper investigates the opportunities and challenges of the application of ChatGPT in L2 learning classrooms. Since its first release, ChatGPT has fundamentally reshaped conventional perceptions of the capabilities attainable by large language models. One of its key applications is to assist L2 classrooms and facilitate L2 acquisition. The interactive conversational unique learning experience provided by ChatGPT in language classrooms largely changed the landscape of the traditional methods of language teaching and enriched the pedagogy study. Apart from opportunities brought by the chatbot, there are also challenges too. Although a large body of scholars has made endeavours in researching how to incorporate ChatGPT in L2 classrooms, most of the previous literature focuses on using ChatGPT to boost performance in particular tasks like writing or speaking, yet only a few have systematically discussed the opportunities and challenges to provide the big picture of the research in the field. This paper, therefore, provides a general review of both the opportunities and challenges brought by ChatGPT as a large language model in L2 teaching. It further points out some future directions that researchers might work on to make better utilisations of chatbots like ChatGPT and other similar NLP toolkits as well get a more insightful understanding of the issue.

E-Wallet Security Readiness: A Survey

The repercussions of the 2008 financial crisis, growing regulation, and the digital revolution are just a few of the reasons that have caused major changes in the banking and financial sectors in recent years. The fintech phenomenon has emerged as a result of this change, completely altering the way financial services are provided and used. The development of E-wallet security is a key component of this change. The goal of this thorough review is to investigate how E-wallet security has developed, looking at the difficulties, innovations, and potential directions in online transaction security. The article gives a general review of fintech, e-wallets, and electronic payment systems while highlighting the significance of security precautions in safeguarding private financial data. The survey also identifies the risks—such as device, network, platform, and service risks—that come with digital payments. In order to guarantee the security of digital payment systems, it also covers the importance of strong security measures, encryption, data protection, and user awareness. Recommendations for strengthening online payment security and guarding against unwanted access to personal accounts are included in the survey's conclusion.

Diagnosticul diferenţial ecografic al defectelor de perete abdominal fetal în primul trimestru de sarcină

Fetal abdominal wall defects (AWDs) refer to a variety of congenital anomalies characterized by the incomplete clo­sure or disruption of the abdominal wall in the early stages of embryonic development. Based on the 2011 Euro­pean Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies (EUROCAT) re­port, the general prevalence of fetal abdominal wall de­fects is documented to be six cases per 10,000 births. AWDs pose significant challenges for prenatal diagnosis and manage­ment. Ultrasound has emerged as an indispensable tool in diagnosing and characterizing various abdominal wall defects early in pregnancy, enabling precise prenatal coun­seling and appropriate antenatal management stra­te­gies. This article provides a general review of the spe­cia­lized literature regarding various types of abdominal wall de­fects, such as omphalocele, gastroschisis, pentalogy of Cantrell, bladder exstrophy, and limb body wall complex, high­lighting the significant sonographic features observed du­ring ultrasound examination. Additionally, differential diag­noses are explored, emphasizing the importance of ac­cu­rately distinguishing between these conditions to en­sure optimal management strategies. This article aims to en­hance the understanding and familiarity of ultrasound prac­ti­tio­ners and obstetricians with the spectrum of fetal ab­do­mi­nal wall defects and their prenatal sonographic ap­pea­rance, thus facilitating improved prenatal care and patients’ counseling.

(South) African perspectives on the prevention, monitoring and combating of hate victimisation

Purpose This paper aims to provide an overview of South African perspectives on preventing, monitoring and combating hate victimisation, towards informing international understandings. Design/methodology/approach Using a general review approach, this paper provides a historical examination of measures proposed by the South African Government and civil society since 1994, to prevent, monitor and combat hate crime, hate speech and intentional unfair discrimination. Findings Regardless of a constitutional commitment to social inclusion, diversity and minority rights, significant progress remains lacking after almost three decades of related advocacy, lobbying and limited government intervention. Findings of the South African Hate Crimes Working Group (HCWG) longitudinal Monitoring Project emphasise the need for decisive legal responses to hate victimisation. Social implications A Bill, recognising hate crime and hate speech as distinct criminal offences, has been in development for almost 15 years and will soon serve before Parliament. Enactment of this legislation will be ground-breaking in Africa. Originality/value This paper contributes to the field of hate studies by providing an overview of the journey towards current conceptual understandings of hate in (South) Africa. It sets the stage for evaluating the potential of the redesigned HCWG monitoring tool, which holds promise for early identification and intervention in hate hotspots and targeted sectors. This instrument can establish trends not only in South Africa but also across the African continent.

Quantitative time intensity curve analysis of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) examinations for the assessment of focal liver lesions.

Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is well-established for the characterization of focal liver lesions (FLLs). By using intravenous ultrasound contrast agents, followed by specific low mechanical index examinations, CEUS enables a high spatial and temporal resolution as well as a dynamic assessment of macro- and microvascularization down to the capillaries. Nevertheless, CEUS has the disadvantage of being examiner-dependent, so quantitative analysis of time-intensity curves in dynamic CEUS (D-CEUS) could provide further information. The aim of this article is to provide a general review of the current literature regarding the usefulness of D-CEUS in the assessment of FLLs.

Taking the LEAP: a district-university partnership to address shortages in special education

PurposeDistrict-university partners increasingly rely on “grow-your-own” licensure programs to address teacher shortages. Because vacancies in special education represent a chronic issue, our district-university partnership developed LEAP – the Licensed Educators’ Accelerated Pathway, successfully preparing 26 paraprofessionals as special education teachers (SEs). We describe a model university-district partnership in which we collaborated to design and implement paraprofessionals’ SE licensure program.Design/methodology/approachIn this general review, we describe a district-university partnership collaboration that resolved barriers experienced by paraprofessionals working toward licensure in special education (Essential #4, Reflection and Innovation). The specialized design and partnership solutions were grounded in SE preparation research literature.Findings25 (28 entered the program and 25 completed) paraprofessionals from one large urban and several regional districts completed special education licensure through LEAP. Slightly more than half of LEAP participants were Black or Hispanic (see Table 1), contributing to the diversification of SE workforce. University-district partnership was successful in designing and delivering a program that allowed participants: a) to remain employed, b) attend evening classes in their geographic region or online, c) complete all field experiences in sponsoring districts (Essential #2) and d) receive concierge advising from a “completion coach.” We describe solutions to barriers experienced by paraprofessionals and advocate for district-university collaboration to address chronic teacher shortages.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations include lack of data on success of program completers during their first year of teaching as they began this work in Fall 2023. Further, because the participating district was large and urban, generalization of program details for small and rural districts is difficult.Practical implicationsPractical tips for developing grow-your-own special education licensure programs are providing. Detailed descriptions of barriers candidates experienced and ways the district-university partners resolved these issues are included. Programs like the one described has the potential to positively impact teacher pipeline issues.Social implicationsThe program described provided highly-trained teachers to fill chronic vacancies in special education in three participating districts/agencies. Because students receiving special education services are at risk for school failure and are disproportionately impacted by teacher turnover, addressing this area through grow-your-own licensure programs represents a diversity, equity and inclusion initiative. Further, upskilling diverse paraprofessionals to licensed teacher roles represent an economic boost, which they might not otherwise have achieved.Originality/valueAvailable research literature signals alarm over persistent teacher shortages in hard-to-staff districts and lack of diversity in the teacher workforce, but few published accounts describe successful programs. Partner collaboration fostered a re-imagining of course formatting and delivery to accommodate adult learners, avoiding problems often reported with alternative programs.

Astronomy from the moon in the next decades: from exoplanets to cosmology in visible light and beyond.

We look at what astronomy from the Moon might be like over the next few decades. The Moon offers the possibility of installing large telescopes or interferometers with instruments larger than those on orbiting telescopes. We first present examples of ambitious science cases, in particular ideas that cannot be implemented from Earth. After a general review of observational approaches, from photometry to high contrast and high angular resolution imaging, we propose as a first step a 1-metre-class precursor and explore what science can be done with it. We add a proposal to use the Earth-Moon system to test the quantum physics theory. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Astronomy from the Moon: the next decades (part 2)'.