Natural Settings Research Articles

Children’s and Adolescents’ Use of Nature During the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Very Green Country

Play, physical activity, and social interaction with other children in nature are important for healthy and social development in childhood and adolescence. The extent to which lockdown policies during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the way children engaged in outdoor activities remains unclear, especially in a country with free access to abundant nature during the pandemic. We performed a national survey of parents (n = 1002) in Norway in January 2021 to uncover changes in outdoor play for children (6–12 years, n = 396) and adolescents (13–19 years, n = 606) compared with the situation before the lockdown on 12 March 2020. Ten months after the start of the COVID-19 lockdown, 38% of the parents reported that their children played and spent time outside ‘less than usual’ in their neighborhood, compared with 15% who reported ‘more than usual’ time spent outside. Parents indicated that the children’s play activities were highly organized and institutionalized, and when the activities ceased, their children had less motivation to spend time outdoors and tended to engage more in screen-based activities indoors. We conclude that while children and adolescents had many opportunities to be outdoors in natural settings during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, they did so much less than before the lockdown.

Transcriptional profiles of Microcystis reveal gene expression shifts that promote bloom persistence in in situ mesocosms

ABSTRACT Harmful algal blooms caused by cyanobacteria threaten aquatic ecosystems, the economy, and human health. Previous work has tried to identify the mechanisms that allow blooms to form, focusing on the role of nutrients. However, little is known about how introduced nutrients influence gene expression in situ . To address this knowledge gap, we used in situ mesocosms initiated with water experiencing a Microcystis bloom. We added pulses of nutrients that are commonly associated with anthropogenic sources to the mesocosms for 72 hours and collected samples for metatranscriptomics to examine how the physiological function of Microcystis and bloom status changed. The addition of nitrogen (N) as urea, but not the addition of PO 4 , resulted in conspicuous bloom persistence for at least 9 days after the final introduction of nutrients. The addition of urea initially resulted in the upregulation of photosynthesis machinery, as well as phosphate, carbon, and N transport and metabolism. Once Microcystis presumably became N-replete, upregulation of amino acid metabolism, microcystin biosynthesis, and other processes associated with biomass generation occurred. These capacities coincided with the upregulation of toxin-antitoxin systems, CRISPR- cas genes, and transposases suggesting that phage defense and genome rearrangement are critical in bloom persistence. Overall, our results show the stepwise transcriptional response of a Microcystis bloom to the introduction of nutrients, specifically urea, as it is sustained in a natural setting. The transcriptomic shifts observed herein may serve as markers of the longevity of blooms while providing insight into why Microcystis blooms over other cyanobacteria. IMPORTANCE Harmful algal blooms represent a threat to human health and ecosystems. Understanding why blooms persist may help us develop warning indicators of bloom persistence and create novel mitigation strategies. Using mesocosm experiments initiated with water with an active bloom, we measured the stepwise transcription changes of the toxin-producing cyanobacterium Microcystis in response to the addition of nutrients that are important in causing blooms. We found that nitrogen (N), but not phosphorus, promoted bloom longevity. The initial introduction of N resulted in the upregulation of genes involved in photosynthesis and N import. At later times in the bloom, upregulation of genes involved in biomass generation, phage protection, genomic rearrangement, and toxin production was observed. Our results suggest that Microcystis first fulfills nutritional requirements before investing energy in pathways associated with growth and protection against competitors, which allowed bloom persistence more than a week after the final addition of nutrients.

Evaluating Machine Learning-Based Elephant Recognition in Complex African Landscapes Using Drone Imagery

Abstract This paper evaluates a machine learning-based approach for identifying and analyzing African bush elephants within complex terrains using high-resolution drone imagery. With human-wildlife conflict posing a significant threat to elephants worldwide, accurate and efficient monitoring techniques are crucial, yet challenging in diverse landscapes. Our study utilizes approximately 3,180 drone-captured images from Kasungu National Park in Malawi, encompassing various terrains including dense forests and open bushlands. These images were systematically preprocessed and analyzed using three distinct ML algorithms: Faster R-CNN, RetinaNet, and Mask R-CNN, each fine-tuned for identification of elephants across different age groups. Comparative performance metrics revealed nuanced strengths and limitations: Faster R-CNN showed notable proficiency in detecting adult elephants, particularly in dense foliage. Mask R-CNN, while less precise overall, demonstrated increased effectiveness in identifying juveniles and infants. RetinaNet, optimized for larger images, showed particular adeptness with adult elephants but less so with younger ones. Despite these promising results, overall recognition rates were lower than ideal, highlighting the complexities of wildlife identification in natural settings. This study not only facilitates the identification and counting of individual elephants but also provides insights into the challenges of applying ML in complex ecological contexts. The derived insights can assist conservationists and park officials in making informed decisions related to wildlife protection and habitat preservation. Furthermore, the study offers a valuable blueprint for integrating AI and machine learning technology into wildlife conservation strategies, presenting a scalable model with potential applications for different species and geographic regions, while acknowledging the need for further refinement to enhance accuracy and reliability in diverse ecological settings.

A Reflective Thematic Analysis Into the Perceptions of Pregnant Radiographers Regarding the Usefulness of the PregiDose Mobile App to Enhance Fetal Dosimetry and Well-Being: Qualitative Exploration.

Pregnancy apps are widely used by pregnant women, who benefit from self-tracking features to support their health goals. Pregnant radiographers are considered a high-risk group of health workers practicing in ionizing radiation environments. Radiation exposure above threshold limits can cause harmful genetic effects on a fetus. Accordingly, pregnant radiographers are required to wear special fetal dosimeters, which provide real-time readings of radiation dose exposure to the fetus. Pregnant radiographers have the responsibility to self-track their fetal doses to ensure that the threshold limit of 1 mGy is not exceeded. The traditional method used to track doses includes a written log of doses in a notebook. Thus, PregiDose, a unique offering in the context of pregnancy apps, was developed to enhance fetal dose tracking and monitoring using technological methods. This study aims to describe the users' perceptions of the app's usefulness using PregiDose in a natural setting. The overarching framework adopted for the study was a design science research (DSR) methodology encompassing five steps, namely (1) problem awareness, (2) suggestion, (3) development, (4) evaluation, and (5) conclusion. This paper presents the evaluation step of DSR. DSR step 4 included a qualitative approach to explore users' perceptions regarding the app. Data were collected using a semistructured interview guide. Open-ended questions were guided by the app's core features, namely dose tracking, education, and wellness. In total, 17 pregnant radiographers in South Africa enrolled to use the app, 9 (53%) engaged with the app, and 4 (24%) agreed to participate in the feedback interviews. The data were collected from October 2023 to March 2024 and analyzed using a reflective thematic data analysis method. Three overarching themes emerged from the data, namely (1) usefulness of PregiDose, (2) barriers to PregiDose adoption and use, and (3) recommendations for the advancement of PregiDose. Users labeled the app's usefulness as positive and perceived it as a modern approach to traditional dose-tracking methods. They perceived the graph output of the dose-tracking feature to be useful for viewing their accumulative doses. They did not fully engage with the journaling feature, indicating that it was a personal preference and not a practice they would usually engage in. Physiological barriers, such as fatigue and "pregnancy brain," were contributors to decreased engagement. Finally, because of the demanding workload and fast-paced nature of the radiography department, users recommended the automation of fetal dosimetry through the Internet of Things. PregiDose is an occupational health and safety mobile app developed for pregnant radiographers through a DSR approach. The app offers a modern method of dose tracking consistent with technological advancements in the context of self-tracking. However, future implementation would require using Internet of Things to make fetal dose tracking more effective.

Understanding of Tax Directorate General Employees on Taxpayer Compliance Behavior

Revenue from the taxation sector is the main pillar of state revenue in the State Budget (APBN). However, the Tax ratio, tax capacity, tax effort and tax bouyancy are still very low in Indonesia, indicating that taxpayer compliance behavior in Indonesia is also still very low. Policy is a challenge in efforts to optimize state revenue, especially tax revenue to improve compliance. By understanding the factors that influence compliance behavior, policy makers can develop stronger and more effective ways of dealing with compliance risks. Based on the problems studied, the study uses a qualitative research type. The qualitative approach concentrates more on interpretation and understanding. In terms of data collection and analysis, this approach is sensitive to the context that aims to holistically understand the problems being studied. Qualitative research aims to obtain and understand the meaning of a context in its natural setting and does not prioritize generalization. The results of the analysis show that all informants agree and agree that taxpayers have non-compliant behavior in carrying out their tax obligations. Informants interpret that being compliant can only be obtained from the character of taxpayers, internal factors. Then followed by the influence of external factors in the form of economic factors and the environment of Taxpayers. According to informants, most taxpayers are not compliant due to ignorance, it is very important to ensure that the right tax information according to taxpayers' needs is conveyed clearly by the tax authorities. Supervision from the tax authorities and law enforcement efforts from the tax authorities can encourage taxpayers to behave compliantly. Taxpayers who are already compliant expect service and convenience. Meanwhile, taxpayers who decide not to comply require extra supervision according to tax regulations. Compliance or non-compliance with tax regulations is the result of ongoing interaction between the tax authorities and taxpayers.

Children’s Perspectives of Neighbourhood Spaces: Gender-Based Insights From Participatory Mapping and GIS Analysis

Although several urban design and planning features, such as community spaces, green infrastructure, and traffic measures that prioritise pedestrians and children, have been identified as important characteristics of child-friendly cities and neighbourhoods, there remains a gap in our understanding regarding the specific elements of children’s daily environments that influence their experiences. This study focuses on the everyday activity spaces of children (aged 9–12) living in physically and socially diverse neighbourhoods of low-to-average income in Ankara, Turkey. Drawing on findings from thematic and qualitative GIS-based analyses of 40 participatory map-based focus groups with 217 children, this study aims to understand how neighbourhood design influences children’s everyday experiences across different neighbourhood types and genders. By visualising children’s perceptions of their neighbourhoods and activity spaces, and thematically analysing their comments related to neighbourhood design features that may facilitate positive and negative experiences, this child-centred study contributes to the limited research on children’s experiences of place. Our findings revealed key neighbourhood design features influencing children’s experiences and highlighted gender-based differences. While natural settings were valued across settings and genders, boys reported more physical activities in open spaces while girls more frequently emphasised the need for accessible playgrounds and natural settings. Children in urban neighbourhoods frequented streets, parks, and local shops more often, while those in suburban and sprawling areas preferred amenities near their homes. The study demonstrates that children’s positive everyday experiences can be supported by modifying the neighbourhood design, providing valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers on developing more child-friendly neighbourhoods.

Diagnostic Validity of Clinical Observations for Detecting Physiologic Swallowing Impairment.

A clinical swallow evaluation (CSE) is a noninvasive and indirect assessment of the anatomical and physiological integrity of the swallowing mechanism in a natural setting. A CSE goes beyond a screening, a dichotomized indicator of dysphagia risk, by comprehensively examining the patient's swallowing through gaining sensory and motor information of oral and pharyngeal function. Information obtained from CSEs in combination with medical, social, and environmental patient related factors allow clinicians to make critical decisions about patients' health and quality of life. It is essential that we have assessment tools with rigorous methodological quality to optimize the accuracy of our clinical judgement. The purpose of this study is to investigate the diagnostic validity of clinical observations obtained through the Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability (MASA) to better inform clinicians regarding the confidence that the items are testing what they are intended to test and reflect indication of true physiologic swallowing impairment and airway invasion. Area Under the ROC Curve (AUC) analyses revealed that the MASA's diagnostic validity showed acceptable accuracy levels for detecting oral impairment and aspiration, and poor accuracy for detecting pharyngeal impairment and penetration. In the cross-validation analysis, the AUC accuracy level for aspiration changed from acceptable to poor, but remained the same for oral impairment, pharyngeal impairment and penetration. In our sample, acceptable levels for detecting aspiration but poor levels for detecting pharyngeal impairment indicate that the MASA does an adequate job of identifying risk but not explaining the nature of impairment. These results support the need for videofluoroscopic imaging to identify the nature and severity of swallowing impairment, guide intervention and provide recommendations for safe and efficient oral intake.

The accelerating universe in a noncommutative analytically continued foliated quantum gravity

Abstract Based on an analytically continued Riemannian foliated quantum gravity super-Hamiltonian, known as branch cut quantum gravity (BCQG) we propose a novel approach to investigating the effects of noncommutative geometry on a minisuperspace of variables, influencing the acceleration behavior of the Universe’s wave function and the cosmic scale factor. Noncommutativity is introduced through a deformation of the conventional Poisson algebra, enhanced with a symplectic metric. The resulting symplectic manifold provides a natural setting that enables an isomorphism between canonically conjugate dual vector spaces, spanning the BCQG cosmic scale factor and its complementary quantum counterpart. Using this formulation, we describe the dynamic evolution of the Universe’s wave function, the cosmic scale factor, and its complementary quantum image. Our results strongly suggest that the noncommutative algebra induces late-time accelerated growth of the wave function, the Universe’s scale factor, and its complementary quantum counterpart, offering a new perspective on explaining the accelerating cosmic expansion rate and the inflationary period. In contrast to the inflationary model, where inflation requires a remarkably fine-tuned set of initial conditions in a patch of the Universe, analytically continued non-commutative foliated quantum gravity captures short and long scales, driving the evolutionary dynamics of the Universe through a reconfiguration of the primordial cosmic content of matter and energy. This reconfiguration is encapsulated into a quantum field potential, which leads to the generation of relic gravitational waves, a topic for future investigation. Graphical representations and contour plots indicate a characteristic torsion (or twist) deformation of spacetime geometry. This result introduces new speculative elements regarding the reconfiguration of matter and energy as a driver of spacetime torsion deformation, generating relic gravitational waves and serving as an alternative topological mechanism for the Universe’s acceleration. However, these assumptions require further investigation.

Exploring the Nature-Creativity Connection Across Different Settings: A Scoping Review

AbstractThe widespread benefits of creativity have become more salient in recent years. This has led to scholarly interest in finding ways to foster creativity. Nature immersion may be one way to enhance creativity, particularly as many individuals involved in creative pursuits have found nature to be a source of inspiration and a haven for restoration. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews and the PRISMA-ScR 22 item checklist, we conducted a scoping review to examine the evidence on the relationship between nature and creativity as well as any underlying mechanisms facilitating this relationship. A scoping review was deemed appropriate given the infancy of the topic and the need to understand the broad landscape. Our aim was to present a range of interdisciplinary applications of nature interventions on different types of creative performance. We found 45 publications exploring the relationship between nature and creativity, with the majority (n = 36, 80%) published within the past seven years. Overall, the quantitative studies in our scoping review provided evidence of a significant positive relationship, or effect, between nature and creativity. These relationships held across various types of nature including for wilderness, rural and urban settings, as well as in different applications of creativity such as in the arts, workplace, education, and laboratory conditions. Qualitative and case study research also supported the positive relationship between nature and creativity including in diverse nature settings and in different applications such as in visual arts, design, writing, music, free play in kindergartens, and work. Qualitative studies highlighted potential mechanisms behind this relationship, including time in solitude, appreciation of impermanence, relaxation and inspiration, and disconnection from technology. Moreover, the degree of exposure to nature may be an important consideration for creative performance with more immersive, real-life experiences typical of outdoor nature, tending to be more effective than indoor spaces with window views or indoor plants. These preliminary findings suggest that more opportunities to connect with nature, especially in the outdoors, may help to stimulate creativity in a wide range of settings including education, the creative arts, and workplaces, although more high-quality research examining the sustained effects of nature on creativity is needed.

Rapid sensorimotor adaptation to auditory midbrain silencing in free-flying bats.

Echolocating bats rely on rapid processing of auditory information to guide moment-to-moment decisions related to echolocation call design and flight path selection. The fidelity of sonar echoes, however, can be disrupted in natural settings due to occlusions, noise, and conspecific jamming signals. Behavioral sensorimotor adaptation to external blocks of relevant cues has been studied extensively, but little is known about adaptations that mitigate internal sensory flow interruption. How do bats modify their sensory-guided behaviors in natural tasks when central auditory processing is interrupted? Here, we induced internal sensory interruptions by reversibly inactivating excitatory neurons in the inferior colliculus (IC) using ligand-activated inhibitory designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs). Bats were trained to navigate through one of three open windows in a curtain to obtain a food reward, while their echolocation and flight behaviors were quantified with synchronized ultrasound microphone and stereo video recordings. Under control conditions, bats reliably steered through the open window, only occasionally contacting the curtain edge. Suppressing IC excitatory activity elevated hearing thresholds, disrupted overall performance in the task, increased the frequency of curtain contact, and led to striking compensatory sensorimotor adjustments. DREADDs-treated bats modified flight trajectories to maximize returning echo information and adjusted sonar call design to boost detection of obstacles. Sensorimotor adaptations appeared immediately and did not change over successive trials, suggesting that these behavioral adaptations are mediated through existing neural circuitry. Our findings highlight the remarkable rapid adaptive strategies bats employ to compensate for internal sensory interruptions to effectively navigate their environments.

Navigating Pesticide Residue Accumulation in Arable Soils: Insights for Sustainable Agriculture

Adoption and application of wide range chemicals as pesticides for shielding crop against undesirable weeds, insects and pests has increased the overall agricultural productivity in recent decades. According to reports, pesticides which are exposed to a variety of environmental circumstances over an extended period of time cause many of their derivatives to survive in the environment. Accumulation of these chemicals in ecosystems lead their absorption in non-target creatures, planted crops and arable soils, and therefore, causing serious detrimental environmental hazards and many concerns have been brought to light on a worldwide scale. In fact, there may still be health hazards for people associated with the food chain transportation of these pesticide residual compounds. Pesticide residues absorption, on the other hand, is more difficult to understand. Characteristics of the planted crops, the physicochemical qualities of the pesticides and the ambient factors can all have a significant impact on the pesticide residue uptake process and bioavailable concentrations. In the meanwhile, this article will emphasize on overview of these pesticide residue forms and their fate in agricultural soils, mechanisms and factors hindering plant uptake for essential nutrients. To make reasonable risk forecasts for human health, future research must conduct field-based investigations in natural settings.

Research on the Advantages and Challenges of Replacing LEDs with Lasers in Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Systems Based on Advanced Signal Processing Algorithms

Abstract: Functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has received increasing attention as a non-invasive, portable brain hemodynamic monitoring tool due to its potential for use in natural Settings. Traditional fNIRS systems commonly use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as light sources, which have become the mainstream choice because of their low cost, easy integration, low heat output, and availability of a variety of near-infrared wavelengths. However, LEDs are limited by their low optical output power and broad wavelength range, which restrict their effectiveness in deep tissue penetration and signal quality. In contrast, Laser Diodes (LD) have the advantages of good monochromaticity and high optical output power, which can provide deeper tissue penetration and higher signal stability. Therefore, this study explores the feasibility of using lasers instead of leds in fNIRS systems and their impact on signal quality and imaging depth. By comparing the performance of LED and laser-based fNIRS systems, it is evident that lasers provide significant improvements in signal quality and imaging depth, although they face challenges in terms of cost, thermal management, and safety. The research in this paper provides an important reference for the future design of fNIRS system, especially in the application scenarios requiring high precision imaging.

Non-Random Distribution of Boreus hyemalis Among Bryophyte Hosts: Evidence from Field and Laboratory Tests

Our understanding of herbivorous insect’s host selection is often based on observed associations with host plants, which can be biased by relative plant abundance, leading to inaccurate assumptions of preference. These biases may be particularly pronounced for insects associated with bryophytes, where dominance patterns are less evident. Estimating selection tendencies is also challenging for rare species with unique ecologies. Boreus hyemalis, a winter-active insect, associates with a range of bryophyte species, yet its specificity in moss-host selection remains unclear. This study investigates whether B. hyemalis shows non-random distribution among bryophyte species in natural habitats and laboratory settings. Field surveys revealed associations with 21 moss species, with significant selection tendencies toward Dicranella heteromalla and Hypnum cupressiforme, with moss species richness being a key factor for boreid inhabitance. Laboratory tests assessed selection among 14 moss species, including H. cupressiforme morphotypes, under controlled conditions. Results indicated Polytrichum formosum was the most frequently selected in the lab. Despite some discrepancies between field and lab findings, B. hyemalis shows specific selection tendencies for particular moss species. These results provide new insights into the ecological interactions between bryophytes and this winter-active insect, emphasizing the importance of moss structure and species richness in shaping B. hyemalis distribution.

Specific heats for quantum BTZ black holes in extended thermodynamics

It was shown recently that extended black hole thermodynamics, where the cosmological constant is a dynamical variable, giving rise to a pressure p and its conjugate volume V, can be given a natural setting in the context of braneworld models. We study the specific heat capacities Cp(T) and CV(T) of the quantum version of the Bañados, Teitelboim, and Zanelli (BTZ) black hole that lives in the induced gravity theory on the brane. There are multiple branches of solutions, and we explore and characterize key features of the possible behavior. We identify and study a critical point in the space of solutions where both specific heats diverge. In the regime of weak backreaction where we are close to an ordinary theory of gravity, the black hole is “subentropic,” but as backreaction is increased we note that there are parts of parameter space that has regions where it is “superentropic.” While a study of the sign of the specific heats does not always show a corresponding instability (conjectured in the literature), the presence of strong backreaction makes interpretation unclear. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Analysis of Swamp Buffalo Tourism Potential to Improve Community Welfare in Paharangan Village, South Kalimantan

This study explores the potential of swamp buffalo tourism in Paharangan Village, South Kalimantan, as a means to improve community welfare. By examining the cultural and economic value of swamp buffalo, the study highlights how community-based tourism could enhance local livelihoods and support sustainable development. Using interviews, observations, and SWOT analysis, findings reveal that swamp buffalo tourism has strong potential due to the cultural uniqueness of the buffalo and the village’s natural setting, despite challenges such as limited infrastructure and marketing support. Opportunities lie in the growing interest in eco-tourism and cultural experiences, which could position Paharangan as a distinctive destination. The study recommends a community-based model for tourism development, involving locals directly in planning, training, and promotional activities, thus enabling economic benefits and preserving cultural heritage. This research underscores the role of community-driven tourism in enhancing rural welfare and sustaining traditional practices in alignment with environmental conservation goals.

The use of Language ENvironment Analysis in autism research: A systematic review.

In research, language ability has historically been measured using structured tasks in laboratory settings. In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on the need to instead capture language ability in an individual's natural setting (i.e. through social interaction or in their home). Considering natural language may be particularly important for the autistic population, as an autistic child's language ability can be very different depending on the setting. One common tool for capturing natural language is the LENA recording system, which takes audio recordings over long periods of time and provides estimates of children's and caregivers' speech. The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize the use of LENA in autism research, to highlight the strengths and limitations of the system as identified by researchers, and to provide recommendations for future research and clinical use. We identified 42 autism studies that used LENA in a variety of ways and settings. Most studies used LENA within the guidelines put forth by its creators, and it was most commonly used to understand speech or speech development for autistic children. LENA is a useful tool for clinicians and caregivers to gain some insights into child speech, but those considering using it should be aware of concerns about its accuracy and limitations about the information it provides. In this review, we supplement the official LENA guidelines with specific suggestions for use with the autistic population.

Influence of Cultural Identity on Revisit Intention (A Case Study of Inlay Region in Myanmar)

This study aimed to analyze the influence of cultural identity on tourist satisfaction and to examine the influence of tourist satisfaction on revisit intention in the Inlay region. Quantitative analysis was employed with 385 samples in this study and which was gathered by convenience sampling. The findings indicated that all cultural identity dimensions, namely; cognitive, emotional and behavioral, have significant positive effect on tourist satisfaction and the tourist satisfaction also has a significant positive effect on revisit intention of Inlay region. Thus, the authorities should need to conduct more public education and media publicity about cultural evidence history of civilization and beliefs of Inlay region. Moreover, in order to maintain a calm and beautiful natural setting and the sustainable development of cultural heritages, the authorities also need to hang on to the elements of their well-known cultural history.

Glycerol-silica/chitosan conjugated self-assembled nano-flower framework for Herstulla thompsoni delivery with effectiveness in natural settings: Optimization and pilot scale production

Hirsutulla thompsoni (HTS) is an entomopathogenic fungus (EPF), a secure and efficient substitute for synthetic insecticides. However, its susceptibility to degradation in conventional formulations limits its practical use for agricultural practices. In light of current setbacks, this work proposes using a glycerol-silica/chitosan nanoflower gel (NFG) as an efficient delivery system to enhance the efficacy of HTS. Inspired by glycerol-silica-chitosan conjugation, NFG self-assembles into flowers. The HTS-loaded nanoflower gel (HTS_NFG) features a flower-shaped morphology, an average size of 232 nm, and a zeta potential of +31.84mv. The laboratory-scale NFG is optimized with ingredients and process factors using multivariate principal component analysis (PCA), which progressed to pilot size 10 kg/shift. The notable foliage retention attributable to chitosan and lower contact angle was achievable on the hydrophobic leaf surface. The result of foliage retention and contact angle obtained showed a significant effect of NFG (p < 0.05). HTS_NFG was comparatively safer towards Chlorella spp. algae and Artemia salina, significant from other treatments (p < 0.05). Field efficacy evaluation demonstrated that the NFG was as effective as the reference sample against aphids. With its proven effectiveness, the NFG may be an aesthetic, sustainable, and feasible alternative for agro-production.

Investigating the Incidence and Severity of Field Diseases Impacting Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) Cultivation: A Case Study in the Jashore District, Bangladesh

A research investigation was conducted in the Jashore district of Bangladesh to examine diseases affecting tuberose plants. The laboratory analysis was performed at the plant disease study facility at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The study encompassed eighteen villages across four unions within the Jhikargacha upazila of the Jashore district. The primary objective was to document the occurrence and severity of diseases in tuberose fields under natural conditions. Seven fungal diseases were detected in the natural field setting and were subjected to further scrutiny in the research facility. The pathogens responsible for these diseases were isolated and identified, revealing botrytis blight (Botrytis cinerea), blossom blight (Fusarium equiseti), alternaria leaf spot (Alternaria polyanthi), leaf tip blight (Phoma sp.), peduncle blight (Lasidiplodia theobromae), stem rot (Sclerotium rolfsii), and tuber rot (Fusarium oxysporum). Disease incidence ranged from 0% to 64.33%, and severity ranged from 0% to 24.00%. Stem rot, botrytis blight, alternaria leaf spot, and leaf tip blight were identified as significant challenges in tuberose cultivation in the Jashore district. This study represents the first documentation of tuberose pathogen prevalence in Bangladesh, providing valuable insights for disease identification and contributing to the improvement of tuberose cultivation practices in the region.

Lessons From 3 Longitudinal Sensor-Based Human Behavior Assessment Field Studies and an Approach to Support Stakeholder Management: Content Analysis.

Pervasive technologies are used to investigate various phenomena outside the laboratory setting, providing valuable insights into real-world human behavior and interaction with the environment. However, conducting longitudinal field trials in natural settings remains challenging due to factors such as low recruitment success and high dropout rates due to participation burden or data quality issues with wireless sensing in changing environments. This study gathers insights and lessons from 3 real-world longitudinal field studies assessing human behavior and derives factors that impacted their research success. We aim to categorize challenges, observe how they were managed, and offer recommendations for designing and conducting studies involving human participants and pervasive technology in natural settings. We developed a qualitative coding framework to categorize and address the unique challenges encountered in real-life studies related to influential factor identification, stakeholder management, data harvesting and management, and analysis and interpretation. We applied inductive reasoning to identify issues and related mitigation actions in 3 separate field studies carried out between 2018 and 2022. These 3 field studies relied on gathering annotated sensor data. The topics involved stress and environmental assessment in an office and a school, collecting self-reports and wrist device and environmental sensor data from 27 participants for 3.5 to 7 months; work activity recognition at a construction site, collecting observations and wearable sensor data from 15 participants for 3 months; and stress recognition in location-independent knowledge work, collecting self-reports and computer use data from 57 participants for 2 to 5 months. Our key extension for the coding framework used a stakeholder identification method to identify the type and role of the involved stakeholder groups, evaluating the nature and degree of their involvement and influence on the field trial success. Our analysis identifies 17 key lessons related to planning, implementing, and managing a longitudinal, sensor-based field study on human behavior. The findings highlight the importance of recognizing different stakeholder groups, including those not directly involved but whose areas of responsibility are impacted by the study and therefore have the power to influence it. In general, customizing communication strategies to engage stakeholders on their terms and addressing their concerns and expectations is essential, while planning for dropouts, offering incentives for participants, conducting field tests to identify problems, and using tools for quality assurance are relevant for successful outcomes. Our findings suggest that field trial implementation should include additional effort to clarify the expectations of stakeholders and to communicate with them throughout the process. Our framework provides a structured approach that can be adopted by other researchers in the field, facilitating robust and comparable studies across different contexts. Constantly managing the possible challenges will lead to better success in longitudinal field trials and developing future technology-based solutions.