Performance Of Media Research Articles

Social Media Marketing and Performance of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in South West Nigeria

The study investigated how small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in southwest Nigeria performed in terms of brand awareness, customer satisfaction, customer retention, and customer patronage in relation to social media marketing (ad placement, content marketing, referral marketing, and influencer marketing). The moderating effects of trust on SMEs' performance were also investigated in this study. Using a cross-sectional research methodology, the study used multistage sampling strategies, such as purposive, proportional, and simple random sampling. In all, 383 SMEs' owners and managers were chosen from the states of Ekiti, Ondo, and Oyo. Social media marketing significantly improved brand awareness, customer satisfaction, customer retention, and consumer patronage, according to the research. Additionally, the results showed that trust significantly moderated the performance of the chosen SMEs. According to the study's findings, social media marketing significantly impacted the performance of SMEs. According to the survey, SMEs should create a thorough social media marketing plan that includes a range of techniques like ad placement, content marketing, influencer marketing, and referral marketing. These results advance knowledge on how social media marketing might improve SMEs' performance in the specific context of Southwest Nigeria

Boosting the reconstruction performance of 3D Multi-porous media using double generative adversarial networks

With the continuous improvement of mathematical modeling technology, reconstructing the three-dimensional structure of media from two-dimensional reference images has become an important research method for the three-dimensional modeling of multi-porous media. Deep-learning-based methods are currently popular and form the focus of this research field. However, the performance of deep learning in reconstructing the three-dimensional structure of media from two-dimensional reference images still requires improvement. To enhance the diversity and generalization of network-generated three-dimensional models, this study proposed a preprocessing method that correlated two-dimensional reference images with Gaussian noise, a three-orthogonal random section constraint method, and a dual generative adversarial network (DGAN)-based model. Multiple sets of core samples, a set of building materials, and a set of battery-material samples were used to verify the performance of the proposed network. Both intuitive morphological and statistical feature comparisons showed that the DGAN model solved the problem of insufficient diversity and generalization when reconstructing three-dimensional porous media from a single image using deep-learning-based methods. The morphological and statistical features of the reconstructed three-dimensional structure also exhibited good consistency with the reference two-dimensional image, and the training efficiency of the network was greatly improved.

Behaviorally informed digital campaigns and their association with social media engagement and COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Belize

BackgroundIncreasing vaccination coverage was key to curbing the COVID-19 pandemic globally. However, lack of trust in the vaccine and fear of side effects in regions like the Caribbean resulted in a low uptake despite enough vaccine supply.MethodsWe conducted two correlational analyses and one experiment between five sequential behaviorally informed Facebook campaigns, social media performance outcomes, and district-level vaccination data. First, we ran multivariate linear regression models to estimate the mean differences between the campaigns in (i) social media performance (“Clicks” and “Engagement”) and (ii) COVID-19 vaccination uptake at the district level. “Clicks” were measured by the number of people who clicked on the respective Facebook advert and visited the official vaccination site. “Engagements” were the number of people interacting with the advert through likes and emojis. Second, we took advantage of the experimental design during one of the campaigns to analyze the differential effect of messages conveying information about the number of people reporting vaccination side effects using words (“Few”/ “Majority) and numbers (“3 out of 100 “) on social media performance.ResultsThe correlational analysis showed that the number of “Clicks” and “Engagement” was similar among campaigns, except for the campaign focusing on vaccines’ effectiveness, which had 14.65 less clicks and 19.52 less engagements per advert (including controls and district-fixed effects) compared to the base “It’s safe” campaign. Vaccination rates were highest at times coinciding with campaigns focusing on vaccination safety and effectiveness. Our experimental results showed that informational messages related to side effects that were framed using words (“Majority did not report discomfort”/ “Few persons reported discomfort”) were better at generating “Clicks” compared to those using numbers (“3 out of 100 reported discomforts”).ConclusionsFacebook adverts highlighting vaccine safety had a similar level of social media performance as other campaigns, except for adverts focusing on vaccine efficacy, which performed worse. Communicating side-effect information with words instead of numbers can expand social media interest in low-uptake regions like the Caribbean. Our results serve as preliminary evidence for public health officials to encourage vaccine uptake in high-hesitancy contexts.

So problematic and so tied to the media: analyzing the misinformation concern in six European countries

PurposeThis paper addresses the social issue of misinformation in six European countries by investigating how intangible factors associated with the collective evaluation of political-institutional behaviors and judgments regarding media practices and uses of online communication channels are related to citizens’ concerns about misinformation.Design/methodology/approachBased on a quantitative approach (data analysis), the study relies on data from the Eurobarometer 98.2 (2023), the official public opinion survey of European institutions. The analysis encompasses six European countries representing the pluralist-polarized (Spain, Italy and Greece) and democratic-corporatist models (Germany, Denmark and Sweden). With a multiple linear regression model, the research explores how independent variables help explain citizens' concerns regarding misinformation in each country.FindingsThe paper emphasizes three main findings: (1) for citizens in five out of six countries, the main factor associated with an increased misinformation concern is the distrust of political information on social network sites. (2) for citizens, how they evaluate the performance of traditional media relates to misinformation concerns and (3) this holds for countries categorized in pluralist-polarized and democratic-corporatist media system models.Practical implicationsMedia managers and policymakers can leverage the insights from this research to address the social concern of misinformation.Originality/valueThis article adds value to existing misinformation studies by underscoring the significance of understanding how citizens’ assessments of political-institutional behaviors, journalism practices and the political use of online communication channels interconnect with the misinformation concern in both pluralist-polarized and democratic-corporatist models.

Monitoring small-scale bioreactor studies for media development using polarized total synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (pTSFS) and synchronous light scattering (SyLS)

Biopharmaceutical process development often involves the use of small-scale bioreactors (SSBR) for optimizing media formulations and process conditions during scale up to commercial scale production. Two key process parameters (CPP) used in SSBR studies are protein titre and viable cell density (VCD). Here, we explore the efficacy of parallel polarized total synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (TSFS||) and Synchronous Light Scattering (SyLS||) to qualitatively monitor these CPPs and quantitatively predict titre and VCD for a large-scale cell culture media optimization SSBR study. The study involved 71 different media formulations (50+ components each), and the bioprocess was run for 13 days or more. Samples were extracted at set times (Day 0, 3, 9, and 13) and clarified by centrifugation. TSFS|| spectra showed significant emission changes along with increased light scatter over the course of the bioprocess. SyLS|| measurements strongly correlated with particle size data obtained from Dynamic Light Scattering but did not correlate well with VCD probably because of the centrifugation-based sample preparation. Statistical and principal component analysis (PCA) of the pTSFS data showed that spectral variation was greater between media formulations than due to the evolving bioprocess. This prevented the development of accurate global prediction models for media performance (e.g., predicting product titre at day 9 from media spectra measured at day 0). However, classification methods were successfully used to select media subsets with better quantitative prediction accuracy based on spectral similarities. A practical binary (high/low performance) classification model based on Support Vector Machines was generated for media formulation screening. Combining emission and scatter measurements with multivariate data analysis provides a more holistic, multi-attribute bioprocess monitoring method that minimizes the need to use different offline analytical methods. This methodology can be used to monitor process trajectories and deviations, and ultimately be used to predict bioprocess CPPs when implemented on production scale processes where there is much less compositional variation in the media. We believe this SSBR-pTSFS/SyLS approach will provide a valuable resource to develop the design/parameter space for in-process monitoring at production scale from early-stage process/media development studies.

AI and Actors: Ethical Challenges, Cultural Narratives and Industry Pathways in Synthetic Media Performance

The article explores the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the entertainment industry, focusing on the impact to screen and audio performers. AI technologies enable the creation of synthetic performances, raising ethical concerns regarding identity manipulation, consent, and performer rights. Ethical AI should prioritize human-centric values such as transparency, accountability, and fairness, but many principles remain abstract and difficult to implement. Examining the intersection of acting and AI – in terms of working practice and discursive narratives used to situate that work – highlights significant issues about responsible AI use, the mechanics of media production, and the management of digitised identities. It stands as a useful model through which to explore and advance concepts of responsible AI practice and rhetoric. The article examines the role of fraudulent and exploitative uses of performer likenesses, how synthetic performance is enhancing celebrity brand identities, and evolving regulatory measures governing performer intellectual property (IP) across the U.S. and UK media industries. Performers are increasingly negotiating licensing and legal agreements to protect their likenesses, but current protections benefit primarily well-known stars over others. The article underscores the need for systemic frameworks to ensure responsible AI use, emphasizing the critical role performers play as both data sources and cultural agents, influencing public trust in AI technologies.

Impact of Digital Marketing Strategies on Marketing Performance: Role of Social Media Performance and E-commerce

E-commerce utilization has turned into a part of our regular routines. Ease of access and wide range of audience has made social media an effective medium to increase the marketing performance of firms. Due to its importance, the Fast moving consumer goods and retail businesses in Pakistan have employed social/ digital media managers to manage their social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, etc. The social media managers have designed digital marketing to increase their social media performance. This is shown by the number of followers, likes, and sharing by the target audience and prospective customers. The job and abilities of Web based business assumed a significant part in our research. At the culmination, 232 respondents’ outcomes were taken into contemplation for our data analysis by using SPSS and Hayes Process Macro. The direct relationships have significant values and all hypotheses are accepted. The research attempted to help brands, and social media managers devise better strategies to increase their market share and social media ratings. It also tried to contribute to literature for firms who are left far behind in employing the E-commerce and social media strategies framework to enhance their market performance and online transactions abilities. Additionally, our research examination adds to the current writing by offering bits of knowledge for firms that still can't seem to completely use internet business and entertainment procedures. By taking on these structures, organizations can further develop their market execution and online exchange abilities. Our review highlights the groundbreaking effect of advanced advertising on business development and client commitment.

Pretreated sugarcane bagasse matches performance of synthetic media for lipid production with Yarrowia lipolytica

Engineered strains of Yarrowia lipolytica with modified lipid profiles and other desirable properties for microbial oil production are widely reported but are almost exclusively characterized in synthetic laboratory-grade media. Ensuring translatable performance between synthetic media and industrially scalable lignocellulosic feedstocks is a critical challenge. Yarrowia lipolytica growth and lipid production were characterized in media derived from two-step acid-catalyzed glycerol pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse. Fermentation performance was benchmarked against laboratory-grade synthetic growth media, including detailed characterization of media composition, nitrogen utilization, biomass and lipid production, and fatty acid product profile. A Yarrowia lipolytica strain modified to enable xylose consumption consumed all sugars, glycerol, and acetic acid, accumulating lipids to 34–44 % of cell dry weight. Growth and lipid content when grown in sugarcane bagasse-derived media were equivalent to or better than that observed with synthetic media. These sugarcane bagasse-derived media are suitable for transferable development of Yarrowia lipolytica fermentations from synthetic media.

Performance Evaluation of Hydroponic Grow-Outs in An Innovative Coldwater Aquaponic System Featuring Rainbow Trout and Lettuce

A 45-day trial was carried out to assess the production performance of different hydroponic media in a novel do-it-yourself (DIY) low-tech re-circulating aquaponic system for temperate regions with rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Rainbow trout juveniles (average weight of 35.59 g) were stocked in the experimental units at 2.8 kg.m-3 and fed with commercial floating pelleted feed at 8 % of their body weight in three treatments and a control. The lettuce saplings were randomly planted in the river stone bed (T1), crushed stone bed (T2), raft/deep water culture (DWC) unit (T3) and control (C) soil bed (fortified with NPK fertiliser) with equivalent planting intervals of 42 saplings.m-2. The system, designed with low-tech simplicity, was managed without alkalinity correction and depended entirely on plant growth and metabolism for biofiltration. The water quality parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), dissolved free CO2, hardness, total alkalinity, ammonium, nitrite, and nitrate varied significantly (P < 0.05) among the treatments compared to the control. The final individual weight, biomass gain, specific growth rate (SGR), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of rainbow trout were significantly better (P < 0.05) in media beds (crushed stone and river stone) compared to control and DWC systems. The final mean weights of rainbow trout in river stone (12.33 ± 0.002 g and crushed stone (12.39 ± 0.054 g) treatments were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in DWC (12.1 ± 0.023 g) and control (12.09 ± 0.002 g) treatments. The production of lettuce was significantly greater (P < 0.05) in all three treatments (river stone: 4.33 ± 0.123 g, crushed stone: 4.53 ± 0.09 g and DWC: 4.31 ± 0.163 g) compared to the control (3.31 ± 0.172 g). The DWC including the media bed systems facilitates the improved performance of lettuce saplings in terms of final height and leaf number. These results show that a low-tech media bed system without a supplementary biofiltration unit can achieve sustainable production of both fish and vegetables in temperate hilly terrains.

Effect of Strategic Change on Performance of Media Firms in Nairobi Kenya

Purpose: Given the rapidly evolving media landscape in Nairobi, Kenya, which presents a unique opportunity to explore the impact of strategic change on organizational performance, this study addresses the effectiveness of various change strategies thereby offering valuable insights for media managers and policymakers striving to enhance the resilience and growth of media enterprises in Nairobi. Design/Methodology/Approach: Employing descriptive and correlational research design, the study used closed ended questionnaires with a sample of 122 departmental heads out of a target population of 176 departmental heads from 6 major media firms in Nairobi; Nation Media Group, Standard Group, Royal Media Services, Mediamax Network Limited, Radio Africa Group and Capital Group Limited. The departmental heads for editorial, technical, sales and marketing, administrative and public relations formed the target and sample. Simple random sampling and stratified sampling techniques were adopted. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Data was presented using tables. Findings: Strategic Change significantly affected performance in media firms P 0.00<0.05. This suggests that strategic change variables had a significant effect on performance of media firms hence rejection of null hypothesis. Implications/Originality/Value: The study recommends that media firms should adopt a systematic change management strategy to facilitate seamless transitions and cultivate leadership abilities at all levels to enable leaders to proficiently initiate and oversee changes.

The Future of Content Marketing: Developing KPIs for Metaverse Content Marketing

In recent times, the Metaverse technology has gathered attention due to its futuristic capabilities. Being a relatively new concept, it is important to keep on exploring the possibilities of this technology. Content Marketing is a marketing method, which has been tried and tested by marketers and researchers since the beginning of internet. The study envisions the use of Metaverse as a platform for content marketing activities of the brands. To bring this vision into perspective, the study identifies a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that can be used to assess the performance of content marketing strategies used by marketers in the Metaverse platforms. The paper follows an analytical research approach to conceptualize the Key Performance Indicators for measuring marketing performance within the Metaverse ecosystem. By analyzing existing literature, the study extends conventional media performance metrics to develop KPIs for evaluating marketing performance inside Metaverse. The study identifies three broad KPIs namely Traffic, Engagement and Brand Awareness. In addition to this, the study also identified eight metrics specific to measuring content marketing performance inside the Metaverse. These include, Spatial Analysis, User Journey Analysis, Virtual Events Metrics, User Contribution and Creation, Time Spent, Frequency of Interaction, Community Growth and Cost Metric.

Dyeing kinetics and thermodynamics of mono-chlorotriazine reactive dye in recycled wastewater

Purpose This study aims to elucidate the dyeing kinetics and thermodynamic relationships of CI Reactive Red 24 (RR24) on cotton fabrics, achieve the recycling of inorganic salts and water resources and obtain comprehensive data on color parameters, fastness and other characteristics of fabrics dyed with the recycled dyeing residual wastewater. Design/methodology/approach The dyeing wastewater obtained through advanced oxidation technology was used as a medium for dyeing cotton fabrics with RR24. The absorbance value of the dyeing residue served as an evaluation index, and the relevant kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were calculated based on this absorbance. The color parameters and fastness of the fabric samples were measured to compare the performance of different dyeing media. Findings Dyeing cotton with RR24 in both media follows pseudo-second-order kinetics. When dyeing with wastewater media, the dye adsorption in the first 45 min increased by 0.082–1.29 g/kg compared with conventional dyeing. Furthermore, the half-dyeing time was shortened by 4.19–11.99 min and the equilibrium adsorption amount was reduced by 0.277–0.302 g/kg. The adsorption of RR24 on cotton fabrics conformed to the Freundlich model. Fabrics dyed using recycled wastewater exhibit a deeper color, with reduced red light and enhanced blue light, resulting in an overall deeper apparent color. Originality/value These dyeing kinetics and thermodynamic properties are beneficial for comprehending and interpreting the dyeing performance and behavior of reactive dyes in dyeing wastewater. They lay a theoretical foundation for the treatment and recycling of dyeing wastewater.

The Relationship Between Social Media Dependency, Mental Health, and Academic Performance Among Adolescents in Indonesia

Aims : the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between social media addiction, mental health, and academic performance among adolescents in Depok, Indonesia. Methods : A cross-sectional study was conducted in senior high school students in Depok, West Java, among teenagers aged 15-18 years. The Social Media Addiction Scale-Student Form (SMAS-SF) Questionnaire scale, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS), and the Social Media and Academic Performance of Students (SMAAPOS) were the scales employed. Results : The mean age of the 200 adolescents in the intervention group was 16.37 (SD+2.55), with 60% being male. With an average score of 88.43 (SD=24.53), respondents demonstrated a moderate level of social media dependency. The respondents' mental health score dropped from 21.37.78 to 90.2137.24, and their academic performance was mediocre. Social media dependency (r=0.241) and sadness (r=0.405) were found to be substantially related to academic performance. Conclusions : correlation between social media addiction and mental health problems (r=0.334) was discovered. Supportive social environments and social networks, as well as improved emotional regulation and resilience in the face of stress and adversity, are central goals of interventions for the promotion and prevention of mental illness.

I genuinely recognize you: how technological engagement and privacy increase the online purchase intent of consumers

Purpose The purpose of the study was to explore the purchase intention of online consumers by proposing and validating a model supported by exhaustive reviews from top-rated journals, where digital technology, consumer privacy, consumer engagement and online advertising were the extracted constructs influencing consumer learning on digital platforms and finally evaluating the purchase intention of online consumers. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire representing these constructs was then sent to the 470 respondents on LinkedIn, and then designations like business heads, managers and faculty from educational institutions were selected using a stratified sampling technique and, finally, PLS-SEM robust computation standards aided in research model assessment and validation. Findings Results predicted that the variance explained by individual independent constructs defines consumer privacy as a priority for companies, followed by online advertising, consumer engagement and digital technology while measuring the final purchase intent for online consumption. Also, with dynamism in consumer sentiments and a rapidly changing technological environment, the consumer’s digital behaviour may differ in the coming future in relation to their online purchase intent. Research limitations/implications Current research anticipates that the final online purchase intent of consumers has been vividly covered by our independent constructs, but an unexplained R2 of 31% still promotes prospects related to the existing research. Furthermore, India has a huge rural population that, with a lack of money, has a complex behavioural mindset due to religious issues. Practical implications It is important to note that in a real-time market, a better understanding of the duality of persuasive and smart technology and the evaluation of the performance of social media helps in deciding the final online consumer intent. Originality/value The need for digital transformation has become an essential necessity for companies while managing the expectations and needs of the fastest-growing online consumers.

Performance of common primary and chromogenic culture media for MALDI-TOF MS identification of clinically relevant yeasts.

Timely and accurate identification of yeasts is essential for adequate treatment, considering the increase in antifungal resistance of some species, particularly for C. auris. Current matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) manufacturer's protocol for identification of yeasts requires 24- to 72-h cultivation on Sabouraud dextrose media (SAB), but not some of the mainstay primary culture media used in mycology such as inhibitory mold agar (IMA), Mycosel, CHROMagar Candida Plus, and CHROMagar Candida. As culture media can influence MALDI-TOF MS identification results, this study evaluated the accuracy and performance of identification of clinically relevant yeasts on these first-line media using the VITEK-MS MALDI-TOF MS system.IMPORTANCEIn this study, a panel of 140 strains (21 species) was used to assess the performance of the selected media. Although not in the manufacturer's list of accepted media, IMA and chromogenic media are suitable for the identification of yeasts on the VITEK-MS systems. CHROMagar Candida Plus allowed the identification of 135/140 isolates tested after 24-h incubation similar to SAB reference media (137/140). Yeast isolates that grew on Mycosel selective media were also reliably identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. VITEK-MS system with IVD database V3.2 correctly identified C. auris strains to the species level on CHROMagar Candida Plus alleviating the need for subcultivation and reduced turnaround time (24-72 h) to identification for patient screening.

Macroporous cellulose microspheres with high specific surface area via semi-dissolved chitosan templating for protein separation

The conflict between macroporous structure and high specific surface area strongly limited the dynamic adsorption performance of chromatographic media. Here, macroporous and high-specific-surface-area cellulose microspheres (PCMs) are prepared by using semi-dissolved chitosan as a dual-functional template and subsequently functionalized with diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) as anion exchangers for protein separation. The dual-functional template strategy leverages dissolved chitosan nanofibers as meso/micropore templates and the undissolved chitosan particles as macropore templates. The macropores of DEAE-PCMs (average size: 0.4–1.2 μm) efficiently decrease mass transfer resistance for fast uptake kinetics. The high specific surface area (272.34 m2/g) provides sufficient ligand sites for ensuring exceptional adsorption capacities. Therefore, the chitosan bifunctional templated PCMs, possessing a macro/meso/microporous structure, are promising candidates for high-performance chromatographic media.

The expectation-evaluation gap: Audience news engagement and perceptions of media performance and credibility

This study explicates and examines a hypothesized discrepancy in public perceptions of the normative roles of journalists and evaluations of journalists’ actual performance. We argue that journalistic functions and public perceptions are mutually constituted, a point that has been largely ignored in existing journalism studies literature. We theoretically connect the expectation-evaluation gap with the public assessment of media credibility in a model that involves the moderation effect by depth of news engagement. Contextualized in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 period, the study conducted a random sample survey of 603 residents. Results of data analyses supported all our hypotheses: (1) a salient expectation-evaluation gap exists; (2) the wider the gap, the lower the media credibility ratings; (3) cognitive engagement in news consumption is an important condition in the process. Findings mark an epistemological break from the traditional one-way approach in journalism studies, and could potentially inform the journalist-audience literature, public policy and the media industry.

An integrated evaluation framework for Environmental, Social, and Governance-driven social media performance through Multi-criteria Decision-Analysis

Social media is crucial in providing data for networking with individuals, companies, or industries. This study deals with the topic of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG). These can be seen as a set of standards which impacts a corporation’s structure and performance. Twenty years ago, when ESG started to gain notoriety, ESG initiatives were labeled as a tool to ensure ‘ethical’ and/or ‘responsible’ investing. This study collects data from LinkedIn company profiles on the industry, the staff, the number of followers, and the state where the company has its headquarters. In addition, the media’s take on pending legislation on ESG was assessed. Based on data from 537 companies, indicators were created, either normalized, the median, or ranked, and analyzed with the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The current work provides information on this variation of ESG activity within the different states in the USA. Multi-criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) was applied by weighing four criteria. The overall assessment was presented depending on the combined weighted performance score of the four criteria. The results showed that 36% of the companies active within the ESG landscape represent the “Financial Services” and “Management Consulting” industries. 65% of the investigated sample represented companies with up to 10 employees. Moreover, eight states perform well on both median of staff and followers (in alphabetical order: Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin). Lastly, through the MCDA method, it was also observed that there are not many variations when different weights are applied to the four criteria: i.e., “the normalized number of companies by state,” “the median of the followers of the company per state,” “the median of the staff of the company per state,” and the “sentiment of the legislation.” Finally, the top five highly ranked states considering ESG visibility on LinkedIn through their companies are Ohio, Michigan, Delaware, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. The results indicate that companies can more proactively advertise themselves as compliant with current ESG principles. This methodology can also be applied to other topics and regions to assess online activity in line with existing indicators.

Enrichment culture evaluation and characterization of Streptococcus agalactiae among pregnant women in Japan.

Introduction. Maternal screening tests and prophylactic antibiotics are important to prevent neonatal and infant group B streptococcal (GBS) infections.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. The performance of enrichment broth media for GBS screening that are available in Japan is unclear. Whole-genome data of GBS isolates from pregnant women in Japan is lacking.Aim. The aim of this study was to compare the protocol performance of six enrichment broths and two subculture agar plates, which were all available in Japan, for GBS detection. In addition, we showed whole-genome data of GBS isolates from pregnant women in Japan.Methodology. We collected 133 vaginal-rectal swabs from pregnant women visiting clinics and hospitals in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, and compared the protocol performance of 6 enrichment broths and 2 subculture agar plates. All GBS isolates collected in this study were subjected to whole-genome sequencing analysis.Results. We obtained 133 vaginal-rectal swabs from pregnant women at 35-37 weeks of gestation from 8 private clinics and 2 local municipal hospitals within Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. The detection rate of the protocol involving the six enrichment broths and subsequent subcultures varied between 95.5 and 100 %, depending on the specific choice of enrichment broth. The GBS carriage rate among pregnant women in this region was 18.8 %. All 25 isolates derived from the swabs were susceptible to penicillin, whereas 48 and 36 % of the isolates demonstrated resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin, respectively. The distribution of serotypes was highly diverse, encompassing seven distinct serotypes among the isolates, with the predominant serotype being serotype V (n = 8). Serotype V isolates displayed a tendency towards increased resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin, with all resistant isolates containing the ermB gene.Conclusion. There was no difference in performance among the culture protocols evaluated in this study. GBS strains isolated from pregnant women appeared to have greater genomic diversity than GBS strains detected in neonates/infants with invasive GBS infections. To confirm this result, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed.

Underwater sound absorption characteristics of water-saturated porous materials

In this research, the underwater sound absorption performance of porous media saturated with water is investigated through long straight tubes (LSTs) with circular cross-section and sintered fibrous metals (SFMs) containing complex pores, and effective underwater sound absorption capability is demonstrated theoretically, numerically and experimentally. Specifically, the theoretical model for LSTs, verified by direct numerical simulations (DNSs), reveals that much smaller pore diameter and much larger layer thickness of porous material is needed to gain high waterborne sound absorption coefficient than to obtain large airborne sound absorption coefficient. Besides, to examine the sound absorption capacity of realistic porous materials, SFMs backed with a finite cavity are experimentally measured under 7 different hydrostatic pressures in a water-filled tube, and numerically characterized via multi-physics couplings. Insensitivity of effective sound absorption capability to high pressure is established, which stems from the different underwater wave energy consumption mechanism (i.e. viscous-thermal effect) of porous materials from conventional rubber kind of underwater sound absorption materials. Physically, porous materials possess great potential in developing the next generation of high-performance underwater sound absorption materials.