Percent Decline Research Articles

The Performance of an Alfalfa–Sainfoin Mixture in the Semiarid Southern High Plains of the USA

While alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is widely used as forage because of its many positive attributes, there are concerns regarding bloat in grazing ruminants, but tannin-containing legumes, such as sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia), are non-bloating. Based on interest elsewhere for growing alfalfa–sainfoin mixtures to address bloat concerns, the objectives of a study conducted at Tucumcari, NM, USA, were to compare an alfalfa–sainfoin mixture to the respective monocultures for stand persistence and dry matter yield over three production years in three randomized complete blocks. The onset of drought limited irrigation water availability shortly after the study’s initiation, which limited sainfoin persistence to the second year after seeding. The resulting percentage decline in forage mass in June from year 1 to year 2 was alfalfa > alfalfa–sainfoin > sainfoin. That said, the alfalfa mass was considerably greater than the sainfoin mass, and the June mass of both monocultures was consistent with that in previous studies in the region when fully irrigated (5.57 vs. 2.00 Mg ha−1 for monoculture alfalfa and sainfoin, respectively; p < 0.0004). Alfalfa persistence was greater than that of sainfoin after 3 years. Alfalfa–sainfoin mixtures may have value in the Southern High Plains of the USA and similar semiarid environments when fully irrigated. Additional studies should evaluate mixture seeding ratios and stand performance under fully irrigated conditions with sainfoin reseeding.

Damocles's Switchboard: Information Externalities and the Autocratic Logic of Internet Control

Abstract This paper advances a theory for the autocratic logic of internet control. Politically motivated internet control generates a positive externality for domestic data-intensive firms and a negative externality for domestic knowledge-intensive research entities. Exploiting a major internet control shock in 2014, I find that Chinese data-intensive firms gained 26 percent in revenue over other Chinese firms as the result of internet control. The same shock incurred a 10 percent decline in research quality from Chinese researchers, conditional on the knowledge intensity of their discipline. It also reduced the research quality from Chinese researchers relative to their US counterparts by 22 percent in all disciplines. Due to the positive data externality, internet control enacted to prevent domestic threats challenges the state's competing need for data sovereignty against foreign threats. Meanwhile, the state shields certain foreign knowledge-intensive actors from the negative knowledge externality to avoid the immediate economic costs they might otherwise impose. Qualitative evidence supports both implications, highlighting the centrality of short-term interests and foreign actors in autocratic decision making.

Verification of Sub-national Claim for ‘TB-free’ Status of Rajsamand District, Rajasthan, India-2020

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an opportunistic infection that affects the lungs in humans. Caseload of TB has been deemed it endemic in various regions of the world and India is on top of that list. The Government of India has set out a goal to eliminate tuberculosis in India by the year 2025 with the help of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) 2017–25. The objective of the index study was to verify the claim of Rajsamand district in Rajasthan, that it witnessed a >20% reduction in TB incidence between 2015 and 2020. Methodology: This was a mixed-methods study. Quantitative component (cross-sectional study): Secondary data review (review of records from Nikshay notification systems and National tuberculosis elimination program (NTEP) reports, utilization of drugs in the public sector, and drug sales in the private sector). Primary data collection through survey. Qualitative component: nominal group technique and key informant interviews. Result: Percentage decline of a ≥ 20% incidence in 2020 compared to baseline 2015 was not seen. The number needed to test (increased by 18.26% in 2020 as compared to the baseline of 2015. TB Score of Rajsamand district for the year 2020 was 68.34 out of 100. Conclusion: Rajsamand district’s claim of ≥20% reduction in TB incidence in the year 2020, was rejected.

Family Formation and Crime

We perform a large-scale analysis of the impact of family formation on crime. For mothers, criminal arrests drop precipitously in the first few months of pregnancy, decreasing 50 percent overall. Men show a sustained 20 percent decline in crime that begins around pregnancy, although arrests for domestic violence spike at birth. A separate design using parents of stillborn children to estimate counterfactual arrest rates reinforces the main findings. Marriage, in contrast, is not associated with any sudden changes and marks the completion of a gradual 50 percent decline in arrests for both men and women. (JEL J12, J16, J22, K42)

Evaluation of proximod, a selective agonist of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor-1, in healthy volunteers and patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a phase 1, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, ascending dose trial

Proximod is a selective agonist of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor-1 (S1PR1). It acts by redirecting lymphocytes from the circulation to secondary lymph nodes, and is under development as an immunomodulator for rheumatoid arthritis. We aimed to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy of proximod in healthy volunteers and patients with rheumatoid arthritis. We did a two part, phase 1, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, ascending dose trial at a single centre in China. Eligible participants were adults aged 18-50 years with a BMI of 18-28 kg/m2 for healthy volunteers and aged 18-70 years with a BMI of 18-30 kg/m2 for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In part 1, healthy volunteers were randomly assigned within ten cohorts to receive a single oral dose of proximod (0·125 mg, 0·25 mg, 0·5 mg, 1 mg, 1·5 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg in cohorts 1-10) or placebo. In part 2, healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to receive once-daily doses of proximod 5 mg or placebo, and patients with rheumatoid arthritis were randomly assigned to receive once-daily doses of proximod 5 mg, proximod 10 mg, or placebo, for 28 days. Patients and investigators were masked to treatment assignment. The primary outcomes were safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic profile of proximod for 72 days in healthy volunteers and for 48 days in patients with rhematoid arthritis, assessed in all treated participants. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06361199, NCT06361186), and is complete. Between Nov 1, 2017, and June 22, 2021, 124 healthy volunteers were randomly assigned in part 1 of the study and 124 were included in the analyses (mean age 34·3 years [SD 6·9], 62 [50%] of 124 participants were women and 62 [50%] were men, and 116 [94%] were Han Chinese ethnicity). Between Feb 16, 2022, and Oct 8, 2023, 113 participants were screened for inclusion in part 2 (80 healthy volunteers and 33 patients with rheumatoid arthritis). 79 participants were excluded and 34 were randomly assigned (10 healthy participants and 24 patients with rheumatoid arthritis), 34 of whom were included in the analyses. Ten (100%) of ten healthy participants were Han Chinese ethnicity, with a mean age of 39·9 years (SD 7·3). Five (50%) of ten healthy volunteers were women and five (50%) were men). 22 (92%) of 24 participants with rheumatoid arthritis were Han Chinese ethnicity, with a mean age of 52·7 years (SD 6·8). 22 (92%) of 24 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were women and two (8%) were men. In part 1, all doses of proximod were well tolerated, with no dose-related adverse reactions or serious adverse events observed. In part 2, 74 adverse reactions were reported in eight (80%) of ten healthy volunteers and 22 (92%) of 24 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Adverse events associated with proximod were predominantly mild or moderate. In part 2, the concentration of proximod and its active metabolite, proximod-phosphate, gradually increased in all three groups receiving proximod and the EC50 of the S1PR1 agonist for proximod-phosphate (6·1 ng/mL) was reached on day 14 for both 5 mg groups, and on day 7 for the 10 mg group. The mean Ctrough values for proximod-phosphate on day 28 were 7·7 ng/mL and 10·2 ng/mL for 5 mg in healthy volunteers and patients with rheumatoid arthritis, respectively, and 15·3 ng/mL for 10 mg in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, lymphocyte count decreased after treatment in all proximod groups reaching nadir at approximately day 28, with a corresponding percentage decline from baseline of 65·25% in the 5 mg group, 71·64% in the 10 mg group, and 20·57% in the placebo group. Proximod exhibited good tolerability over the 28-day treatment period, demonstrating its potential in reducing blood lymphocyte count. These results highlight the promise of the S1PR1 agonist proximod as a potential candidate for rheumatoid arthritis treatment, warranting further investigation in subsequent clinical studies. Beijing Union Pharmaceutical Factory and Jian Kuan (Suzhou) Biotechnology.

Collaborative train timetabling and passenger flow control in oversaturated metro lines considering state-dependence

Congestion downgrades the moving speed of passengers in trains and platforms. This in turn affects congestion. That is, the moving speed of passengers interacts with congestion. It is state-dependent and obeys the fundamental diagram. This interaction makes the system unstable and can result in substantial passenger delays and heightened security risks in oversaturated metro lines. This study aims to rectify this by developing a more realistic collaborative optimization approach. Firstly, we formulate a deterministic fluid queuing network model to accurately capture the dynamic propagation of congestion in oversaturated metro lines. This model incorporates the fundamental diagram, thereby effectively considering the interaction between passenger movement speeds and congestion. A recursive algorithm is devised to solve the fluid queuing network model. The complexity of the algorithm is independent of the capacities of the stations and trains. This provides the possibility of analyzing large-scale metro networks. Based on the queuing network model, a mixed-integer nonlinear programming model aimed at minimizing the total passenger waiting time is built. To solve the model effectively, we employ an alternating direction method of multipliers framework to decompose the model into nonlinear programming and integer nonlinear programming problems, which are respectively solved by improved simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation and adaptive large neighborhood search algorithms. Finally, a small-scale case and a real-world case with data from Chengdu metro lines are implemented to demonstrate the performance and effectiveness of the proposed approach. The experimental results provide some interesting insights. (1) Without consideration of state-dependence, the queuing model underestimates the passenger waiting time and overestimates the service levels. (2) As demand increases, excluding extreme oversaturation scenarios, the optimized results of the state-independent model progressively deteriorate compared to our state-dependent model, with the largest percentage decline being 50.23%. This is especially noticeable when the train capacity is limited. (3) The contribution ratio of passenger flow control in mitigating congestion gradually surpasses that of train timetabling with increasing demand. In the small-scale case, the former contribution ratio to optimization rises from negligible to 98.19%.

Design, Formulation, and Optimization of Nicardipine-Loaded Gastroretentive Floating Microspheres: In-vitro, Ex-vivo and In-vivo Characterization.

Nicardipine hydrochloride is highly soluble at low pH values. The objective of this investigation was to design, manufacture, and refine the drug’s floating microspheres to increase its bioavailability and prolong its period of residence in the gastrointestinal tract. To optimize the Box-Behken and prepare the floating microspheres, solvent evaporation was employed. The formulation F5 was discovered to be the best as anticipated by the design expert software’s point prediction. Evaluations of pre- and postcompressional parameters were conducted. Utilizing several kinetic models, the drug release pathways were examined. The drugs and excipients did not interact, according to the FTIR/DSC investigations. According to the radiological approach, F5 showed good in-vitro buoyancy. The gastroretentive property of microspheres is revealed by X-ray pictures obtained at 2, 8, and 12 hours for the buoyancy investigation. F5 (235.04%) demonstrated a high relative bioavailability over oral tablets, according to the in-vivo pharmacokinetic investigation. In comparison to the marketed formulation group, the F5-treated group experienced a considerably larger percent decline in BP values (20.00 ± 6.00 and 13.00 ± 4.00%, respectively) at 36 and 48 hours of the in-vivo pharmacodynamic testing. For 90 days, the F5 formulation was maintained at 5 ± 2 and 25 ± 2°C, indicating the stability of nicardipine microspheres.

Effects of Flaxseed on Perimenopausal Symptoms: Findings From a Single-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Background Flaxseed contains many phytoestrogens that share structural similarities with endogenous estrogens. It has beneficial properties that improve hormonal effects that may influence chronic disorders. Objective This study aims to evaluate the impact of flaxseed supplementation on perimenopausal syndrome symptoms and serum polyphenol metabolites enterodiol (ED) and enterolactone (EL). Methods Recruitment of 145 perimenopausal women from Queen Mary's Hospital OPD in K.G.M.U. Lucknow, India, was done for this single-blind randomized placebo-controlled experiment, considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. We randomly divided subjects into two groups using a computer-generated random number table. The intervention group A received 10 grams of flaxseed powder, while the placebo group B received 10 grams of roasted wheat flour for a continuous three months. We measured their demographic characteristics,menopausal symptoms score using the modified Kupperman's index (KI),the menopause rating scale (MRS), and the menopause-specific quality of life (MENQOL) intervention questionnaire. Moreover, using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), biochemical parameters (ED, EL) were assessed both at baselineand after three months. For the statistical analysis, Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 24; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY) was employed. Result The study involved 123 individuals, with 22 subjects losing out during follow-up. From baseline to follow-up comparison, the intervention group demonstrated an average percentage decline in the final score of the KI, MRS, and MENQOL intervention questionnaire of -47.25%, -54.05%, and -50.39%, respectively, while the placebo group demonstrated an average percentage decline of -3.83%, -4.91%, and -7.92%, respectively. From baseline to follow-up, ED and EL levels increased by 2.81-fold and 8.55-fold in the intervention group and decreased by 0.25-fold and 0.27-foldin the placebo group. Conclusion Following three months of supplementation, the intervention group showed substantially lower menopausal symptoms (p < 0.001), and ED and EL levels were considerably higher (p < 0.001). Therefore, flaxseed might ameliorate the symptoms associated with perimenopause.

Fifty-year population trajectory in a marginal American Pika (Ochotona princeps) population

Abstract The American Pika (Ochotona princeps) has been considered a species at risk due to warming temperatures associated with climate change. Many life-history attributes of pikas contribute to the sensitivity of pikas to warming temperatures. Repeated censuses of a marginal (warm, low-elevation) population of pikas at Bodie State Historic Park, California, conducted from 1972 to 2022, are presented to track the population trajectory of pikas for a time period predating recent awareness of global warming to the present day, thus giving a comprehensive portrayal of how American pikas may be responding to climate change. The northern constellation of anthropogenic habitat patches (mine ore dumps) showed no decline in percent of patches occupied or in total number of pika territories over time, suggesting that pikas in that area have not been at risk of extirpation resulting from climate change. In contrast, the pika population in the southern constellation of patches showed significant declines in percent of patches occupied and number of pika territories occupied. That area was unoccupied for about a decade beginning in 2006, but was recently recolonized from the northern constellation of patches. The most likely cause of the initial decline and transient extirpation in the south appears to result from fragmentation and stochastic population dynamics, independent of climatic factors that we investigated. Assessments of climatic impacts on American pikas should take into account the dynamics documented in the Bodie pika population and its resilience over time.

Abstract Tu047: Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) mitigate cardiac amyloid β pathology, attenuating neuro-signaling adverse remodeling and improving cardiac function in the Tg2676- AD mouse model.

FDA-approved carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) have been shown to attenuate Aβ pathology, neurodegeneration, and cerebrovascular dysfunction in models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), suggesting a key role for CAs as a novel and previously unexplored target for AD therapy. Amyloid-β accumulation severely impairs the cerebral neuro-signaling pathway with a progressive loss in neurotrophic factors (like BDNF), potentially also affecting the cardiac nervous system and culminating in lethal heart dysfunction. Yet, no studies have proposed the use of CAIs for treating and preventing the systemic and cardiac effects of amyloidosis and AD. Here, we explored for the first time, the protective effects of a chronic CAIs therapeutic regimen against cardiac amyloid pathology, neuronal fibers’ loss, and heart neurotrophic dysregulation in Tg2576 mice, a widely used model of AD and cerebral amyloidosis. Cardiac fibrosis enhancement along with progressive Aβ deposition in the heart seriously affected the cardiac neuro-signaling pathway culminating in a robust decline of BDNF expression associated with myocardial adrenergic nerve fibers and regenerated nerve endings impoverishment (stained with TH and GAP-43 respectively) in 13-month-old Tg2576 mice compared to age-matched WT littermates. These degenerative mechanisms severely compromised heart function, evidenced by a decline of both ejection fraction and fraction shortening percentage in Tg2576 animals. Accordingly, we observed that human Aβ40 or Aβ42 oligomers’ treatment drastically reduced BDNF and GAP-43 expression in human neuronal cells and human cardiomyocytes. Notably, long-term CAIs treatment in Tg2576 mice reduced Aβ accumulation in the heart tissue and reverted cardiac neuro-signaling pathway adverse remodeling, thus ameliorating heart function, as evidenced through speckle tracking-based strain echocardiography analysis. These in vivo results were validated by in vitro experiments both in neuronal and cardiac cells. These findings suggest a new beneficial role of CAIs in preventing the Aβ induced cardiovascular remodeling and neuro-signaling deregulation for the first time in the Tg2576 model of AD. Taken together with the positive effects of CAIs on cerebrovascular function and cognition, this study paves the way for future clinical trials aimed at repurposing FDA-approved CAIs to prevent and correct both central and peripheral pathologies induced by AD and amyloidosis.

Nutritional gap after transfer from the intensive care unit to a general ward – A retrospective quality assurance study

BackgroundAdequate nutrition is important for recovery after critical illness. Even so, our knowledge of patients' nutritional intake after intensive care unit (ICU) discharge is scarce. ObjectivesWe aimed to explore nutritional planning and achieved nutritional intake in ICU patients who transfer from the ICU to general wards. MethodsA retrospective quality assurance study. Inclusion criteria: adult ICU patients transferring to a general ward at Copenhagen University Hospital-Herlev from May to August 2021. Primary outcomes were as follows: having a nutritional plan on the day of ICU transfer. A nutritional plan was defined as follows: (i) individual assessment of energy and protein requirement; (ii) intake, documented as achieved percentage of energy and protein requirements; (iii) prescribed type of nutrition. If using enteral or parenteral nutrition; (iv) the prescribed doses; and (v) the prescribed product. Secondary outcomes were as follows: achieved percentage of energy and protein requirements from day -1 before ICU transfer until day +1 and day +3 after ICU transfer. ResultsWe included 57 patients; the mean age was 64 years (±11.1); 43 (75%) patients were male; the median ICU stay was 6 days (interquartile range: 3–11). One (2%) patient had a full nutritional plan according to listed criteria. Patients' median percentage of requirements met declined significantly from the day before to the day after ICU discharge (energy: from 94% to 30.5%; p = 0.0051; protein: from 73% to 27.5%; p = 0.0117). The decline in percentage of requirements met remained unchanged from day 1 to 3 after ICU transfer. ConclusionsIn conclusion, few patients had a nutritional plan when transferring from the ICU to a general ward. After ICU discharge, percentage of energy and protein requirements met declined significantly and remained insufficient during the first 3 days at the general ward.

Effects of isoleucine, lysine, valine, and a group of nonessential amino acids on mammary amino acid metabolism in lactating dairy cows

Intracellular AA regulate milk protein synthesis within the mammary gland by modifying mammary plasma flow (MPF) and AA transporter activity. Amino acid transporters catalyze translocation using Na+ gradient, substrate gradient (uniporters), and exchange mechanisms; further, they exhibit specificity for individual AA or groups of AA with similar side-chain properties within each transport system. Nonessential AA are actively transported through Na+-dependent transporters and, thus, are often used as intracellular currencies for EAA transport through exchange transporters. Therefore, it was hypothesized that individual EAA supplementation would compete with other EAA for shared transporters, and supplementation with Ala, Gln, and Gly would stimulate EAA transport through exchange transporters. Ten primiparous lactating dairy cows were divided into 2 groups based on milk production and were randomly assigned to treatment sequences within 2 balanced 5 × 5 Latin squares by group. Period length was 14 d. Treatments were 9-d jugular infusions of (1) saline; (2) 34.5 g of Val per day; (3) a ratio of 32.7 g of Ala to 40 g of Gln to 26.7 g of Gly per day (AQG); (4) 43 g of Lys per day; or (5) 33.5 g of Ile per day. All cows were fed a common base diet formulated to contain 15.0% CP. Infusions of Ile, Lys, or AQG did not affect milk protein or milk production; however, Val infusion decreased both. The effects of Val infusion on milk protein production appeared to be partially driven by decreased DMI. The decline in milk protein percentage indicated that milk lactose production was also affected. Additionally, Val infusion increased MPF efficiency (MPF/milk; L/L) by approximately 44%. Infusion of Val tended to decrease or decreased mammary net uptakes of Lys, Leu, Met, and total AA. Infusion of Ile tended to increase its mammary net uptakes but did not affect any other AA. Infusions of Lys and AQG did not affect any mammary net uptakes. Infusion of Val tended to decrease Phe and total NEAA mammary clearance rates. Infusion with AQG stimulated Tyr clearance rates and tended to decline system N mammary clearance rates. Ratios of branched-chain AA mammary uptake to milk protein output (U:O) did not differ from 1 for Val-infused cows, which indicated that little intramammary catabolism was occurring. Additionally, the average NEAA U:O in response to all treatments except Val was 0.70, but Val-infused cows had NEAA U:O that averaged 0.09, indicating increased synthesis within the glands. The effects of Val on mammary net clearance rates of multiple EAA support the incorporation of AA limitations in ration optimizers to prevent AA imbalances. It is possible that oversupplementation of EAA other than Val may also decrease DMI and mammary activity. Identifying efficiency apexes for each of the EAA will allow more precise diet formulation and supplementation, leading to improved production efficiency.

Comparative analysis of tobacco industry cigarette marketing expenditures in the United States, 2009–2018

Anti-tobacco campaigns face challenges as tobacco marketing consistently outpaces funding for public health presentation initiatives. In 2017, tobacco companies spent around $1 million every hour to promote cigarettes and smokeless tobacco in the US. That same year, they were also mandated to sponsor and disseminate Federal court ordered Corrective Statements (CSs) advertisements in outlets such as newspapers and major television networks. Thus, it is crucial to monitor the marketing activities of the tobacco industry to bolster effective tobacco control efforts. Cigarettes marketing expenditures were obtained from the Federal Trade Commission Cigarettes reports and adjusted for inflation using the Consumer Price Index Inflation Calculator. Temporal trends during 2009–2018 period were assessed using Joinpoint regression at (p < 0.05). The costs of publishing the CSs in print were estimated based on the cost of a full-page advertisement with similar specifications. Between 2009 and 2018, the total adjusted cigarette marketing expenditures exhibited no significant changes (AAPC = −1.5). Spending on print advertisements decreased from 0.43% in 2009 to 0.1% in 2018. Magazine cigarette marketing expenditures underwent a relative percentage decline of 80% (AAPC = −13.5;p < 0.05). In 2018, the tobacco industry allocated approximately $8.5 million for print advertisements to promote cigarettes. We estimated that it cost $5.5 million to disseminate the CSs in print the same year, constituting 0.06% of the overall expenditure on cigarette marketing and promotion. Several traditional cigarettes advertising categories have seen reduced funding over the past decade. Nevertheless, the total marketing expenditure remained unaffected. In response to marketing regulations, tobacco companies shifted their funds to less regulated channels. In 2018, a significant portion of promotional expenditures were directed toward various price discounts, which could potentially expose vulnerable children and youths to cigarette marketing. Lastly, the impact of CSs was weakened by delayed implementation and shift in consumer attention from traditional media to other digital channels.

The Walking and Lifestyle Coaching (WALC) Program for University Students: A Pilot Study

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation of the 3-week Walking and Lifestyle Coaching (WALC) program with university college students to promote health behavior change and reduce chronic disease risk. Methods: During the 3-week WALC program, students received weekly peer health and wellness coaching while engaging in a 30-minute walk throughout campus. Each week, physical activity was directly measured using pedometers, and self-report physical activity behavior, steps, and daily reflections were reported using a self-monitoring journal. At baseline and follow-up, students completed biometrics screening, mental health questionnaires, and the Cooper 1.5 mile walk test to evaluate cardiovascular fitness. Results: A total of 35 college students participated in the WALC program. The mean daily steps number of steps during the WALC program was 6315 ( SD = 2073.16). Only 25/35 participants reported steps for the entire WALC program (71.43%). There was not a statistically significant difference in generalized anxiety, perceived stress, depression, quality of life, or self-compassion. There was a slight decline in body fat percentage, although not statistically significant. There was an average improvement of 89 seconds on the 1.5-mile walk/run test. Discussion: The WALC program was developed to be inclusive, feasible, and a mechanism to synergize campus resources to collaborate on behalf of student wellness. It is necessary for this program to be utilized on university campuses in diverse geographical regions (i.e., rural, urban, or suburban), with diverse students (i.e., racially, ethnically, gender-identity, and religious affiliation.), and with universities of all sizes and funding levels. Future research could consider the use of a control group as well as an online self-monitoring journal.

Does Fiscal Decentralization Mitigate Domestic Terrorism?

Abstract Many countries have embarked on decentralization as a way to mitigate separation tendencies. Even though decentralization could satisfy some separation tendencies, the central government might be unable or unwilling to award the localities the level of decentralization they require to stay in the union. This mismatch may give rise to domestic violence and internal conflict. We propose a simple two-stage model that combines the decentralization and domestic terrorism literature in a single structural model, which can be readily tested using existing data in the disciplines. As long as the actual decentralization level meets the unobserved desired value by the localities, there will be a high likelihood of observing a zero incidence of domestic terrorism. Otherwise, the incidents happen regularly with mitigating effects from decentralization. Our model also accounts for the left-censoring of the terrorism data at zero. We examine our model using 5-year interval panel data of more than 60 countries based on the information for 1970–2019. Our results indicate a strong negative and statistically significant relationship between fiscal decentralization and domestic terrorism events. One percent increase in fiscal decentralization is associated with a two to three percent decline in domestic terrorism incidents. The coefficients of the selection model and domestic terrorism model generally conform to the literature.

Reduction potentials of chemical-synthetic pesticides – A case study using the example of an Eco-Scheme in southern Germany

Chemical-synthetic pesticides (CSPs) are associated with several negative environmental effects. The European Commission aims to reduce their use by 50% by 2030. This paper looks at the German Eco-Scheme, an agri-environmental payment scheme, for the foregoing of chemical-synthetic pesticides (CSPs) in arable crops for a one-year period. Using Baden-Württemberg in southern Germany as a case study, we investigated the suitability of the Eco-Scheme as a policy tool for CSP reduction. We used a field-based, georeferenced integrated land use model based on linear programming. Different payment levels for the Eco-Scheme were simulated. In addition, we analyzed the effect of labor availability, crop yield requirements, and market prices on Eco-Scheme implementation (uptake).The implementation potentials at €130/ha, the payment level in 2023, were limited and strongly dependent on market prices as well as potential food supply targets. The percentage decline in overall CSP use (measured in active substance mass) was even lower than the implementation in the percentage of acreage attributed to the Eco-Scheme. The implementation potentials were mainly observed on marginal sites. Higher simulated payment levels led to lower cost efficiency and dead weight losses. This trade-off between cost efficiency and effective reduction questions the suitability of the Eco-Scheme, at least for more substantial CSP reductions. To increase economic efficiency, we recommend differentiating payments based on abatement costs, for example on a crop-basis.

Mechanistic insights of salicylic acid-mediated salt stress tolerance in Zea mays L. seedlings

Elevated sodium level (Na+) poses significant threat to crop plant physio-biochemical processes, leading to impaired growth followed by decline in productivity. Addressing this challenge, requires an eco-friendly and cost-effective strategy that enhances plant salt stress tolerance capacity. In this context, the exogenous source of plant growth regulators (PGRs) proved to be an efficient approach. Of various PGRs, salicylic acid (SA) is an emerging signaling molecule that boosts plant stress endurance mechanism. This study investigates SA-mediated salt stress tolerance in maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings, by examining morpho-physiological and biochemical traits. Maize seedlings were subjected to varying levels of salt stress (0, 25, 50, 75, 100, and 150 mM NaCl) for a period of 10-days. The results revealed that, a substantial decline in germination percentage, shoot and root length, plant biomass, vigour index, and various other physiological parameters under salt stress causing concentrations. Conversely, salt stress increased oxidative stress indicators, including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA), osmolytes and elemental concentrations as well as antioxident enzymes (SOD, CAT, POX, APX, GR, AsA). However, the exogenous supplementation of SA at 0.1 mM significantly restored most morpho-physiological attributes in maize under salt stress conditions. This suggests that SA actively triggers the ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) pathway and other key enzymes, leading to sodium extrusion and improving antioxidant defense in maize seedlings. This finding provides valuable insights for maize farmers that employing SA could lead to improved maize production in saline soils.

A New Class of Multifunctional CoDyzFe2−zO4 Magnetic Nanomaterials: Influence of Structural, Morphological, Optical, Magnetic, Antibacterial, and Photocatalytic Traits

Here we focus on preparing recoverable Dy doped CoFe2O4 photocatalysts for the removal of the malachite green pollutant (MGP) in natural Sunlight. XRD results demonstrate development of the spinel symmetry with no impurities phases. The FESEM analysis revealed spherical grains with definite grain boundaries and agglomerated behavior. We found that our synthesized photocatalysts behaves as an excellent magnetic nanomaterial by observing the saturation magnetization of 77.79 emu g−1. Out of all photocatalysts, CoDy0.03Fe1.97O4 nanophotocatalyst exhibit the high zone of inhibition (ZOI) for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. It makes the prepared nanomaterials highly suitable for the biological purposes. The effectiveness of photocatalytic degradation activity of prepared specimens is significantly impacted by the addition of dysprosium ions. During a 150 min of reaction period, CoDy0.03Fe1.97O4 has a higher degradation percentage around 95.36% as compared to CoFe2O4 (86.09%). The prepared doped and undoped CoFe2O4 nanomaterials displayed the least decline in the degradation percentage of MGP after four reuse cycles and this might be attributable to the weight loss during the recovery. Therefore, the nanomaterials suggested a reliable and durable photocatalyst for degradation process. Hence the prepared magnetically recoverable and multifunctional photocatalysts are reliable for the water remediation and biological usages.

Beyond Militarisation: Reclaiming Gandhian Ideals for a Harmonious World

In a world grappling with conflict and violence, the principles of Mahatma Gandhi pertaining to non-violence and peace offer a beacon of hope to all the global leaders (Anita Bhatt, 2019). The paper provides insights into the relevance and applications of Gandhian principles in today's context, and emphasizes the need to reclaim these ideals in order to make this world more harmonious and a better place to work. As militarisation and global tensions escalate, as evident from the increasing trend of military expenditure, there is a pressing need to embrace Gandhian values of truth, non-violence, and compassion. Gandhi's philosophy, rooted in truth, non-violence, and compassion, resonates in today's context of increasing militarisation and global tensions. The article discusses how Gandhian principles can inform efforts in conflict resolution, sustainable development, and human rights promotion. The Global Peace Index (GPI) and Global Terrorism Index (GTI) reports highlight the urgency of reclaiming Gandhian ideals. The GPI shows a 0.42 percent decline in global peacefulness, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine driving the deterioration. The GTI reveals a 22 percent increase in deaths from terrorism in 2023. The article also presents case studies, such as the Salt March and the Civil Rights Movement, showcasing the power of Gandhian non-violence in inspiring social change around the globe. It also discusses challenges, including the military-industrial complex and historical conflicts, and opportunities, such as non-violent resistance movements and international cooperation, in moving beyond militarisation. Gandhian principles of nonviolence, truth, self-reliance, and respect for all beings can help us strive towards a more peaceful and harmonious world. The article calls for collective efforts and commitment to reclaiming these ideals for a safe and brighter future for all.

Minimum wages and the uptake of Supplemental Security Income

This study investigates whether the minimum wage affects the uptake of Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To disentangle the effect of the minimum wage from underlying macroeconomic conditions, I use a triple-differences-type model that exploits cross-state and temporal differences in the minimum wage and its differential effects on those individuals with and without a high school diploma. I find that a one percent increase in the minimum wage leads to a 0.33 percent decline in SSI uptake. The effect is concentrated in unmarried individuals, who are more likely to face financial constraints and thus meet income and resource thresholds for collecting SSI.