bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Femtogram heavy metal element detection by simultaneous spatial and temporal focusing laser induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Bai Yuting , Zhang Nan , Dong Haosheng , Lin Lie , Liu Bing
Published: October 2024

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy is a simple and fast element detection method which is applicable for liquid samples. In order to reduce the quenching effect and hydrodynamic instability of the liquid sample, the liquid-to-solid phase conversion is often performed. After phase conversion, it is difficult to confine the solute to a micrometer-scale region on the substrate, so the excited laser beam with large beam spot and small longitudinal focal length is preferred. Therefore, the simultaneous spatial and temporal focusing laser is expected to be more suitable for liquid sample detection. To evaluate the effect of the spatiotemporal focusing, a silicon wafer coated with 400-nm-thick Cr film is used as the sample. Experimental results show that the spatiotemporal focusing laser can excite only Cr film, which cannot be achieved by the spatial focusing laser. Using the spatiotemporal focusing laser, the limit of detection of Pb in water is down to 12.5 fg. Contrastingly, using the spatial focusing laser, the elements in the substrate are excited which makes the detection of the trace Pb element in liquid samples become impossible. The method presented in this study may find important applications in water pollution control, urine and blood tests.
Broadband polarization-independent infrared photon upconversion within nanophotonic lithium niobate waveguides by higher-order-mode engineering
Authors: Wu Yiheng , Chen Haitao , Fu TingZhao , Zhu Zhihong , Jin Shilong
Published: October 2024

A broadband polarization-independent infrared photon upconversion scheme based on nanophotonic waveguides on the lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) platform is proposed. With the introduction of higher-order-mode dispersion engineering, polarization-independent and broadband photon upconversion with a maximum bandwidth of nearly 46 nm is achieved in this device. The proposed broadband polarization-independent photon upconversion structure shows great potential applications in on-chip infrared photon detection and nonlinear photonics.
Efficient single-frequency Tm:YAG crystal-derived silica fiber laser at 1.7 µm
Authors: Wei Zhenshuai , Li Haiyan , Huang Lu , Zhang Xiao , Men Shaojie , Zhao Xian , Zhao Zhigang , Cong Zhenhua , Liu Zhaojun
Published: October 2024

A single-frequency distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) fiber laser operating at 1720 nm has been demonstrated for the first time using a Tm:YAG crystal-derived silica fiber (TCDSF), to the best of our knowledge. A single-frequency laser with an over 220 mW output power was achieved from a 1.5-cm-long TCDSF when being in-band pumped by a homemade 1610 nm fiber laser. The slope efficiency reached 25.30% for the absorbed pump power. The optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) of the laser was ∼69.78 dB, and the laser linewidth was ∼84.5 kHz. Additionally, the measured relative intensity noise (RIN) remained at −130 dB/Hz at frequencies above 9 MHz. The experimental results indicate that the TCDSF is a promising gain medium for single-frequency lasers at 1.7 µm.
Manifestation of super chiral exceptional points in a plasmonic metasurface
Authors: Li Haojie , Yang Guoxia , Jiang Anwen , Ni Min , Jia Qianwen , Cao Fengzhao , Zhang Jiayi , Lyu Bokun , Liu Dahe , Shi Jinwei
Published: October 2024

The exceptional point (EP), a degenerate point within non-Hermitian parametric space, has attracted considerable attention, especially for its chiral responses. However, achieving ideal circular dichroism (CD) remains challenging due to the existence of parallel components at the EP. Here, we delve into the theoretical condition required to attain a zero-transmission parallel component. This condition, together with the chiral EP condition, leads to a point characterized by near-unity CD, termed the super chiral EP (SCEP). To illustrate our theoretical framework, we introduce a parity-time symmetric metasurface with gain and loss. The observation of SCEP is demonstrated by tuning both the coupling strength and gain–loss ratio. Furthermore, we explore distinctive properties of SCEP, including phase flip and unidirectional invisibility. Leveraging SCEP and the topological phase transition point, we achieve polarization states across the entire Poincaré surface. This work opens avenues for potential applications in polarizing optical elements, holography, logic gates, chiral molecular detection, ultrasensitive sensing, and polarization-sensitive imaging.
Intestinal Tuft Cells Are Enriched With Protocadherins
Authors: Stubler Rachel , Dooley Sarah A. , Edens Rachel , Nicholson Maribeth R. , Engevik Amy C.
Published: October 2024

Intestinal tuft cells are rare cells that regulate diverse functions. They harbor chemosensory receptors and signal to the mucosal immune system in response to external stimuli, though their full function and structure remain unclear. Named for their apical “tuft” of long actin-rich microvilli, tuft cells facilitate chemoreception and other physiological responses. In enterocytes, microvilli are stabilized by intermicrovillar adhesion complexes (IMACs) composed of several proteins, including cadherin-related family member-2 (CDHR2) and cadherin-related family member-5 (CDHR5), Myosin 7b, and Usher syndrome type 1 C (USH1C). We hypothesized that IMACs would be enriched in tuft cells to regulate microvillar organization. Immunostaining of murine intestinal tissue revealed that CDHR2 and CDHR5 colocalize with the tuft cell markers, DCLK1, phospho-EGFR, advillin, and cytokeratin 18. CDHR2 was dispersed throughout murine tuft cells, while CDHR5 was concentrated on the apical surface. USH1C and Myosin 7b were present in tuft cells, but at lower levels. Human single-cell RNA sequencing revealed robust CDHR2 and CDHR5 expression in tuft cells in the small intestine and colon. Immunostaining of human intestinal tissue confirmed CDHR2 and CDHR5 localization to the apical surface of tuft cells. Our findings demonstrate that protocadherins are key components of murine and human intestinal tuft cells.
Reviving collapsed plant–pollinator networks from a single species
Authors: Baruah Gaurav , Wittmann Meike J.
Published: October 2024

Mutualistic ecological networks can suddenly transition to undesirable states due to small changes in environmental conditions. Recovering from such a collapse can be difficult as restoring the original environmental conditions may be infeasible. Additionally, such networks can also exhibit a phenomenon known as hysteresis, whereby the system could exhibit multiple states under the same environmental conditions, implying that ecological networks may not recover. Here, we attempted to revive collapsed mutualistic networks to a high-functioning state from a single species, using concepts from signal propagation theory and an eco-evolutionary model based on network structures of 115 empirical plant–pollinator networks. We found that restoring the environmental conditions rarely aided in recovery of collapsed networks, but a positive relationship between recovering pollinator density and network nestedness emerged, which was qualitatively supported by empirical plant–pollinator restoration data. In contrast, network resurrection from a collapsed state in undesirable environmental conditions where restoration has minimal impacts could be readily achieved by perturbing a single species or a few species that control the response of the dynamical networks. Additionally, nestedness in networks and a moderate amount of trait variation could aid in the revival of networks even in undesirable environmental conditions. Our work suggests that focus should be applied to a few species whose dynamics could be steered to resurrect entire networks from a collapsed state and that network architecture could play a crucial role in reviving collapsed plant–pollinator networks.
Trends and cycles in rainfall, temperature, NDVI, IOD and SOI in the Mara-Serengeti: Insights for biodiversity conservation
Authors: Ogutu Joseph O. , Bartzke Gundula S. , Mukhopadhyay Sabyasachi , Dublin Holly T. , Senteu Jully S. , Gikungu David , Obara Isaiah , Piepho Hans-Peter
Published: October 2024

Understanding climate and vegetation trends and variations is essential for conservation planning and ecosystem management. These elements are shaped by regional manifestations of global climate change, impacting biodiversity conservation and dynamics. In the southern hemisphere, global climate change is partially reflected through trends in the hemispheric Southern Oscillation (SOI) and regional oscillations such as the Indian Ocean Dipole Mode (IOD). These phenomena influence rainfall and temperature changes, making it crucial to understand their patterns and interdependencies. Appropriately analyzing these variables and their interrelations therefore requires a robust multivariate statistical model, a tool seldom employed to extract patterns in climate and vegetation time series. Widely used univariate statistical methods in this context fall short, as they do not account for interdependencies and covariation between multiple time series. State-space models, both univariate and multivariate, adeptly analyze structural time series by decomposing them into trends, cycles, seasonal, and irregular patterns. Bivariate and multivariate state-space models, in particular, can provide deeper insights into trends and variations by accounting for interdependencies and covariation but are rarely used. We use univariate, bivariate and multivariate state space models to uncover trends and variations in historic rainfall, temperature, and vegetation for the Greater Mara-Serengeti Ecosystem in Kenya and Tanzania and potential influences of oceanic and atmospheric oscillations. The univariate, bivariate and multivariate patterns reveal several insights. For example, rainfall is bimodal, shows significant interannual variability but stable seasonality. Wet and dry seasons display strong, compensating quasi-cyclic oscillations, leading to stable annual averages. Rainfall was above average in both seasons from 2010–2020, influenced by global warming and the IOD. The ecosystem experienced recurrent severe droughts, erratic wet conditions and a 4.8 to 5.8°C temperature rise over six decades. The insights gained have important implications for developing strategies to mitigate climate change impacts on ecosystems, biodiversity, and human welfare.
Trends in antimicrobial resistance amongst Salmonella Typhi in Bangladesh: A 24-year retrospective observational study (1999–2022)
Authors: Tanmoy Arif Mohammad , Hooda Yogesh , Sajib Mohammad Saiful Islam , Rahman Hafizur , Sarkar Anik , Das Dipu , Islam Nazrul , Kanon Naito , Rahman Md. Asadur , Garrett Denise O. , Endtz Hubert P. , Luby Stephen P. , Shahidullah Mohammod , Amin Md. Ruhul , Alam Jahangir , Hanif Mohammed , Saha Samir K. , Saha Senjuti
Published: October 2024

Background

Rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Salmonella Typhi restricts typhoid treatment options, heightening concerns for pan-oral drug-resistant outbreaks. However, lack of long-term temporal surveillance data on AMR in countries with high burden like Bangladesh is scarce. Our study explores the AMR trends of Salmonella Typhi isolates from Bangladesh, drawing comparisons with antibiotic consumption to optimize antibiotic stewardship strategies for the country.

Methodology/Principal findings

The typhoid fever surveillance from 1999 to 2022 included two pediatric hospitals and three private clinics in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Blood cultures were performed at treating physicians’ discretion; cases were confirmed by microbiological, serological, and biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined following CLSI guidelines. National antibiotic consumption data for cotrimoxazole, ciprofloxacin, and azithromycin was obtained from IQVIA-MIDAS database for comparison.

Over the 24 years of surveillance, we recorded 12,435 culture-confirmed typhoid cases and observed declining resistance to first-line drugs (amoxicillin, chloramphenicol, and cotrimoxazole); multidrug resistance (MDR) decreased from 38% in 1999 to 17% in 2022. Cotrimoxazole consumption dropped from 0.8 to 0.1 Daily defined doses (DDD)/1000/day (1999–2020). Ciprofloxacin non-susceptibility persisted at >90% with unchanged consumption (1.1–1.3 DDD/1000/day, 2002–2020). Low ceftriaxone resistance (<1%) was observed, with slightly rising MIC (0.03 to 0.12 mg/L, 1999–2019). Azithromycin consumption increased (0.1 to 3.8 DDD/1000/day, 1999–2020), but resistance remained ≤4%.

Conclusion

Our study highlights declining MDR amongst Salmonella Typhi in Bangladesh; first-line antimicrobials could be reintroduced as empirical treatment options for typhoid fever if MDR rates further drops below 5%. The analysis also provides baseline data for monitoring the impact of future interventions like typhoid conjugate vaccines on typhoid burden and associated AMR.
Coordinating principal–agent and incentive strategy of cold chain logistics service in fresh food supply chain
Authors: Zeng Ming , Wu Yuxiang , Xing Xiaoling , Tang Wenjing , Xu Huyang
Published: October 2024

With the increasing production and circulation of fresh food, society’s requirements for product quality have also increased. Currently, upstream and downstream enterprises in the fresh food supply chain tend to delegate the cold chain transportation of fresh food to third–party cold chain logistics (CCL) service providers who offer more professional integrated preservation services. This study adopts coordination theory to research the delegation, coordination, and incentive strategies between a Fresh Food Producer, Distributor, and CCL Service Provider. The aim is to promote the efforts of the CCL Service Provider in improving freshness and achieving the overall optimal interests of the fresh food supply chain. First, the basic models of the Fresh Food Producer and Distributor individually entrusting the CCL Service Provider are established under different information conditions. Second, a collaborative delegation agency model between the Fresh Food Producer and Distributor is established on top of the basic models. Finally, through the optimal decision solutions under different information conditions and numerical calculations of preservation benefit levels, the following conclusions are drawn: (1) The more transparent and open the information environment, the more it can encourage the CCL Service Provider to improve the quality of their preservation services, allowing the Fresh Food Producer and Distributor to obtain more significant preservation benefits. However, when information is completely transparent, the incentive mechanisms formulated by the Fresh Food Producer and Distributor become ineffective. (2) Collaborative cooperation strategies can encourage the CCL Service Provider to enhance their preservation efforts while strengthening the effectiveness of relevant incentive strategies for the Fresh Food Producer and Distributor.
Physiological and molecular responses of a resistant and susceptible wheat cultivar to the fungal wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici
Authors: Mirzadi Gohari Amir , Ghiasi Noei Fateme , Ebrahimi Amin , Ghanbari Mohammad Amin , Didaran Fardad , Farzaneh Mohsen , Mehrabi Rahim
Published: October 2024

Zymoseptoria tritici is the causal agent of Septoria tritici blotch (STB), one of the most economically destructive wheat foliar diseases. In this study, we explore the physiological and molecular changes elicited in two wheat cultivars with divergent responses (Taichung 29 = susceptible, and Shafir = resistant) upon infection by Z. tritici. Our aim is to uncover novel insights into the intricate mechanisms that govern wheat defense against Z. tritici infection. Our quantitative histopathological study showed that H2O2 accumulated in the resistant cultivar to a higher degree compared to the susceptible cultivar at the biotrophic and switching phase. Additionally, we combined qPCR with a targeted quantitative HPLC technique to evaluate the expression profiles of 13 defense-related genes and profile the polyphenolic compounds induced differentially in the STB susceptible and resistant cultivar. Our finding indicated that five out of 13 genes were strongly up-regulated in the resistant cultivar compared with that of the susceptible one at eight days post-inoculation (dpi), corresponding to the transition phase present in the infection process of Z. tritici. Finally, our targeted HPLC analysis demonstrated that the traced phenolic compounds were highly elevated in the susceptible cultivar infected by Z. tritici compared with that of the resistant cultivar. In conclusion, our comprehensive analysis unveils a robust defense response in the resistant wheat cultivar Shafir, characterized by heightened H2O2 accumulation, significant up-regulation of key defense-related genes during the transition phase, and a distinct profile of polyphenolic compounds, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms contributing to its resistance against Z. tritici, thereby providing valuable insights for the development of more resilient wheat varieties.
Beyond beauty: Does visual art facilitate social cognitive skills?
Authors: Ozbay Yagmur , Oosterwijk Suzanne , Stamkou Eftychia
Published: October 2024

Engaging with art can move individuals through a myriad of emotions, provoke reflective thoughts, and lead to new ideas. Could art also influence interpersonal outcomes pertaining to the ways we interact with others and navigate the social world, that is, our suite of social cognitive skills? Here, we focus on visual art to explore the effect of art engagement on personal aesthetic experience and social cognitive skills. Across two studies, using veridical paintings and matched non-art photos, we examined the effect of art engagement on emotional (e.g., awe, being moved) and eudaimonic experiences (e.g., reflective thoughts), as well as social cognitive skills pertaining to Theory of Mind (ToM) and recognition of other’s emotions. Further, we varied the depth with which participants engaged with the experiences of the characters in the artworks, to assess whether deep social information processing could boost the effect of art engagement on social cognitive skills. Our findings showed that art engagement altered personal aesthetic experience through changes in emotional and eudaimonic outcomes. However, we did not find any support for the effect of art engagement on social cognitive skills: Neither engaging with art, nor art in combination with deep social information processing, influenced performance on social cognitive skills of ToM and emotion recognition. The effect of art engagement on personal aesthetic experience and the absence of effect on social cognitive skills highlight the nuanced nature of individuals’ interactions with art. We discuss these results considering the varied ways of engagement with different artforms and in relation to different operationalizations of social cognitive skills.
Warming and trophic structure tightly control phytoplankton bloom amplitude, composition and succession
Authors: Trombetta Thomas , Mostajir Behzad , Courboulès Justine , Protopapa Maria , Mas Sébastien , Aberle Nicole , Vidussi Francesca
Published: October 2024

To better identify the responses of phytoplankton blooms to warming conditions as expected in a climate change context, an in situ mesocosm experiment was carried out in a coastal Mediterranean lagoon (Thau Lagoon, South of France) in April 2018. Our objective was to assess both the direct and indirect effects of warming on phytoplankton, particularly those mediated by top-down control. Four treatments were applied: 1) natural planktonic community with ambient water temperature (C); 2) natural planktonic community at +3°C elevated temperature (T); 3) exclusion of larger zooplankton (> 200 μm; mesozooplankton) leaving microzooplankton predominant with ambient water temperature (MicroZ); and 4) exclusion of larger zooplankton (> 200 μm; mesozooplankton) at +3°C elevated temperature (TMicroZ). Warming strongly depressed the amplitude of the phytoplankton bloom as the chlorophyll a concentration was twice lower in the T treatment. This decline under warmer conditions was most likely imputed to increase top-down control by zooplankton. However, removal of mesozooplankton resulted in an opposite trend, with a higher bloom amplitude observed under warmer conditions (MicroZ vs. TMicroZ) pointing at a strong interplay between micro- and mesozooplankton and the effect of warming for the spring phytoplankton blooms. Furthermore, both warming and mesozooplankton exclusion induced shifts in phytoplankton community composition during bloom and post-bloom periods, favoring dinoflagellates and small green algae at the expense of diatoms and prymnesiophytes. Moreover, warming altered phytoplankton succession by promoting an early bloom of small green flagellates, and a late bloom of diatoms. Our findings clearly highlighted the sensitivity of phytoplankton blooms amplitudes, community composition and succession patterns to temperature increases, as well as the key role of initial zooplankton community composition to elicit opposite response in bloom dynamics. It also points out that warmer conditions might favor dinoflagellates and small green algae, irrespective of zooplankton community composition, with potential implications for food web dynamics and energy transfer efficiency under future ocean condition.
Drivers of urban biodiversity in Mexico and joint risks from future urban expansion, climate change, and urban heat island effect
Authors: Velasco Julián A. , Luna-Aranguré Carlos , Calderón-Bustamante Oscar , Mendoza-Ponce Alma , Estrada Francisco , González-Salazar Constantino
Published: October 2024

Urbanization is a phenomenon where humans concentrate in high densities and consume more per capita energy than in rural areas, imposing high pressures on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Although Mexico is recognized as a megadiverse country and there is an understanding of ecological and evolutionary processes underlying this high diversity, only some efforts have been devoted to understanding how urban biodiversity has been shaped. Here, we compiled a set of socioeconomic and ecological variables to explore macroecological patterns in urban biodiversity across Mexican municipalities. Specifically, we tested the species-area relationships (SAR) between rural and urban areas across municipalities and evaluated the relative role of different socioeconomic and ecological variables driving urban species richness for terrestrial vertebrates. Finally, we explored the exposure of Mexican municipalities to future urban expansion, the urban heat island (UHI) effect, and climate change. Urban and rural settlements show differences in the shape of SAR models. We found that urban area, size of the network of urban protected areas, the number of ecoregions, and GDP explained the urban total species richness relatively well. Mexican cities in the northeast region may be at a higher risk than others. Based on our analyses, policymakers should identify priority urban conservation sites in cities with high species richness and low urbanization development. These actions would alleviate future urban biodiversity loss in these growing cities.
Relocation preference and settlement: Lessons from the Poverty Alleviation Relocation Program in China
Authors: Zhou Shuai , Chi Guangqing , Qiu Huanguang , Lei Zhen , Smithwick Erica A. H. , Chen Jiquan
Published: October 2024

We explored the linkages between socioeconomic and demographic factors, relocation preference, and settlement associated with China’s Poverty Alleviation Relocation Program. Using multivariate ordinal logistic regression, panel data modeling, and multilevel methods, we found that outdated infrastructure at places of origin, such as long distances to paved roads or elementary schools, increased the probability of relocation, and the presence of left-behind household members at the origin compromised re-settlement. This study sheds light on the community- and household-level factors that influence relocation preference and settlement, offering valuable insights for future research and informing the design and implementation of relocation projects.
Modeling seasonal immune dynamics of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) response to injection of heat-killed Serratia marcescens
Authors: Hurychová Jana , Dostál Jakub , Kunc Martin , Šreibr Sara , Dostálková Silvie , Petřivalský Marek , Hyršl Pavel , Titěra Dalibor , Danihlík Jiří , Dobeš Pavel
Published: October 2024

The honey bee, Apis mellifera L., is one of the main pollinators worldwide. In a temperate climate, seasonality affects the life span, behavior, physiology, and immunity of honey bees. In consequence, it impacts their interaction with pathogens and parasites. In this study, we used Bayesian statistics and modeling to examine the immune response dynamics of summer and winter honey bee workers after injection with the heat-killed bacteria Serratia marcescens, an opportunistic honey bee pathogen. We investigated the humoral and cellular immune response at the transcriptional and functional levels using qPCR of selected immune genes, antimicrobial activity assay, and flow cytometric analysis of hemocyte concentration. Our data demonstrate increased antimicrobial activity at transcriptional and functional levels in summer and winter workers after injection, with a stronger immune response in winter bees. On the other hand, an increase in hemocyte concentration was observed only in the summer bee population. Our results indicate that the summer population mounts a cellular response when challenged with heat-killed S. marcescens, while winter honey bees predominantly rely on humoral immune reactions. We created a model describing the honey bee immune response dynamics to bacteria-derived components by applying Bayesian statistics to our data. This model can be employed in further research and facilitate the investigating of the honey bee immune system and its response to pathogens.
Association between triglyceride and depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Di-Ru , Gao Xi , Zhao Li-Bo , Liu Shu-Dong , Tang Ge , Zhou Chan-Juan , Chen Yu
Published: October 2024

Depression is accompanied by dyslipidemia, which may increase the risk of stroke and coronary heart disease. This study sought to quantitatively summarize the clinical data comparing peripheral blood triglyceride (TG) concentrations between patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and healthy controls (HCs). Studies were searched in PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Databases up to March 2023. We also reviewed the reference lists of obtained articles. Mean (±SD) for TG concentrations were extracted, combined quantitatively using random-effects meta-analysis, and summarized as a standardized mean difference (SMD). Subgroup analysis and meta-regression was performed to explore the resource of heterogeneity. Thirty-eight studies measuring the concentrations of peripheral blood TG in 2604 patients with MDD and 3272 HCs were included. Meta-analysis results indicated that TG levels were significant higher in patients with MDD than in HCs (SMD = 0.31, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.16 to 0.46, Z46 = 4.05, p < 0.01). Heterogeneity was detected (χ2 = 269.97, p < 0.01, I2 = 85%). Subgroup analysis demonstrated significant differences in TG levels between patients with MDD and HCs depended on age, body mass index and drug use (p < 0.05), but no differences between groups. Meta-regression also found no significant variables. TG level was significantly elevated in depression, which may explain the increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in depression.
Continuing Medical Education Questions: October 2024
Authors: Gayam Swapna
Published: October 2024

Article Title: Opioids and the Gastrointestinal Tract: The Role of Peripherally Active µ-Opioid Receptor Antagonists in Modulating Intestinal Permeability
Artification and Decolonization at the Musée d'Art Africain de l'IFAN, Dakar
Authors: Maguire Caroline Angle
Published: October 2024

The first major museum in Senegal, the Musée d'Art Africain de l'IFAN, has its origins in the 1936 creation of the Institut Français d'Afrique Noire (IFAN), a research institute designed to coordinate scientific and ethnographic research on West Africa. The museum's temporary expositions and the first permanent galleries, opened in 1961, presented West African objects organized by ethnic groups and accompanied by photographs, illustrating African daily life to Europeans following ethnographic standards set by the Musée de l'Homme. However, in 1971, administrators redisplayed the objects as examples of aesthetic expression divorced from context. Based on archival research conducted in Dakar, this article reviews this shift, situating it in the contentious postcolonial period and the ongoing debates over European neocolonialism in Senegal. I also argue that the IFAN museum's renovation should be read into debates around what it means to “decolonize the museum.”
Ensino de sociologia e educação política: uma revisão dos conceitos de política, poder e Estado a partir dos livros didáticos
Authors: Santos André da Rocha
Published: October 2024

No contexto mais amplo de uma discussão acerca da política enquanto prática social discute-se os saberes e conhecimentos de sociologia política e ciência política nos livros de Sociologia do Programa Nacional do Livro Didático (PNLD). Analisando cada uma das cinco obras, os conceitos de política, poder e Estado são examinados buscando compreender quais teorias e temas estiveram de forma mais precisa relacionados a esses conceitos na última edição do PNLD. Além do estudo em si, é objetivo deste trabalho salientar a importância do livro didático como importante instrumento de democratização do saber e de educação política no âmbito da educação popular.
Inclusão na Educação Infantil: concepções de professoras
Authors: Cardoso Francyane Fagundes , Pereira Josilaine Antunes , Vicenzi Vinicius Bertoncini
Published: October 2024

Este artigo é parte de uma dissertação de mestrado concluída que aborda percepções de professoras de Educação Infantil a respeito da formação continuada para a inclusão de crianças com Transtorno do Espectro Autista. Parte-se da questão: como se dá o processo de inclusão de crianças com TEA na Educação? O objetivo é analisar percepções de professoras e enfatizar as dificuldades que enfrentam na Educação Infantil. A pesquisa é de abordagem qualitativa, de caráter interpretativo, com coleta de dados por meio de entrevistas com oito professoras de quatro Centros de Educação Infantil de um município de Santa Catarina. Os resultados indicam insegurança por parte das professoras regentes devido à falta de formação continuada voltada à inclusão, de espaços adequados e apoio para a inclusão.
Historical and recent deforestation patterns in the Atlantic Forest from satellite monitoring system - PRODES
Authors: Molinez Raquel Zózimo , Carmo Rodrigo Silva do , Mourão Carla , Turíbio Andrea , Cursino Mariana Martins dos Santos , Soler Luciana , Amaral Silvana
Published: October 2024

The Atlantic Forest (AF) is a critical biodiversity hotspot and the second most deforested Brazilian biome proportional to its original area of natural vegetation. This work presents an exploratory spatial analysis of deforestation patterns from 1984 to 2022, using PRODES-MA data by the Brazilian Satellite Monitoring Program for the AF. During this period, 789600.587 km² of natural vegetation were deforested, being the majority (82%) of the 1309387 polygons with areas smaller than 0.199 km². A ranking of phytophysiognomies most affected by deforestation was provided based on the analysis of the following data: 2000 base map, historical series from 2004 to 2021, the 2022 deforestation map. The output shows that, Seasonal Semideciduous Forest accounted for 44%; 26%; and 28% respectively in 2000, within 2004 – 2021 and in 2022. Kernel density maps revealed deforestation concentration in 2022 in four regions: Bahia (BA), Minas Gerais (MG), Paraná (PR), and Santa Catarina (SC), mostly persistent throughout the historical series. Furthemore, spatial dependence analysis of deforestation by municipalities indicated positive autocorrelation and clusters consistent with density analysis. These regions with higher deforestation intensity are related to economic activities of some municipalities and their neighbors. Even though deforestation data from the PRODES-MA system are widely available, spatiotemporal analysis of its distribution highlighted priority areas useful for managing and planning conservation and recovery policies for AF.
Determination of some heavy metals in some vegetable samples grown around gwaigwaye dam
Authors: Mustapha Aminu , Dahiru Abdulhamid , Rawayau Zainab Kabir
Published: October 2024

Consumption of vegetables contaminated with heavy metals poses a serious health risk such as cancer and kidney failure, this highlights the need for monitoring of these metals in vegetables. This study aimed at determining the concentrations of Cadmium, Nickel, Copper, Cobalt, Lead and Zinc in Cabbage, Lettuce and Moringa oleifera leaves grown around Gwaigwaye dams. These vegetables were collected, prepared, digested and analyzed using microwave plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The results obtained were in the following ranges, 0.018±0.03 to 0.021±0.01 mg/kg for Cd, 0.00±0.00 to 0.19±0.01 mg/kg for Co, 0.00±0.00 to 0.086±0.00 mg/kg for Pb, 0.03±0.00 to0.9±0.00 mg/kg for Ni, 0.21±0.01 to 1.92±0.00 mg/kg for for Cu and 0.00±0.00 to 0.23±0.03 mg/kg for Zinc in cabbage, lettuce and moringa oleifera leaves obtained farmlands around gwaigwaye dam. Fortunately, the levels of these metals fell within the acceptable limits of FAO/WHO. The Analyzed vegetables are free from toxic metals and therefore suitable for human consumption. P- Values obtained from the statistical analysis were greater than 0.05, the differences in the concentrations of the metals observed were therefore not statistically significant.
Exploring the Anti-Menopausal Potential of Rhizophora mucronata Lam. Ethanol Extract: A Comprehensive Study on Estrogen Receptor β Agonist Activity
Authors: Ernawati Ernawati , Adam Moh. Awaludin , Widiastuti Irawati Mei , Insivitawati Era , Nikmatullah Muhammad , Riyadi Putut Har , Azra Mohamad Nor
Published: October 2024

Mangrove is a tropical forest that stores millions of benefits ecologically, biologically, and economically. Rhizophora fruit extract contained bioactive compounds components derived from natural ingredients and scientifically proven to have positive effects on health, among others, to prevent cancer, etc. This study aimed to investigate the potential of R. mucronata ethanol extract as an estrogen receptor β agonist for anti-menopausal purposes. Using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), 25 mice were divided into five groups: a normal control group (NK), an ovariectomy control group (Ovx), and three ovariectomized groups (Ovx D1, D2, and D3) receiving different doses of the extract (200, 400, and 800 mg.kg-1 BW, respectively). The extract was administered orally, and various measurements were taken, including flavonoid content, using densitometry thin layer chromatography (TLC) and FTIR for functional group characterization. The study found a high rutin content (13.29%) in the fruit. Twelve compounds with potential estrogenic activity were identified, which were analyzed using SwissAdme software. Estradiol levels in serum increased with higher doses of the extract over four weeks. In silico and in vivo analysis showed 5 (five) selected compounds from the ethanol and ethyl acetate fractions with highest (most negative) to lowest binding affinity as candidates for anti-menopausal drugs. The administration of R. mucronata Lam. fruit extract in Ovx D1, Ovx D2 and Ovx D3 gave significantly different effects to each other on rat blood serum estradiol hormone levels. In this study, the dose 400 mg.L-1 BW rat gave P>5 increasing blood serum estradiol levels of ovariectomized rats.
Zuzana Vítková: Gnostický Adam. Stvoření člověka a rajský příběh podle setovské mytologie
Authors: Kružík Josef
Published: October 2024

A review of the book by Zuzana Vítková.
Josef Bernard (ed.), Tomáš Kostelecký, Renáta Mikešová, Jiří Šafr, Martin Šimon, Lucie Trlifajová, Jakob Hurrle: Nic se tady neděje… Životní podmínky na periferním venkově
Authors: Hudečková Helena
Published: October 2024

A review of the book by Josef Bernard (ed.).
Migration and Everyday Racism in East-central Europe
Authors: Rodríguez Polo Mario , Šotola Jaroslav
Published: October 2024

Recently, the discussion about migration in the East-Central European region has been framed in the terms of the increasing hysterical paranoia aimed at migrants under the blurring common label of “refugees”. Paradoxically, everyday reality is far from the announced “refugee invasion”, and the migration ratios are comparatively low. Sadly, xenophobic attitudes are maintained and performed not only by extremist political parties, but also by prominent figures in charge of key institutions, such as the Ministry of the Interior, police departments, and even reaching the prime ministers and presidents of the countries. Not only institutional figures actively contribute to the portrayal of migrants as a hazard to the region. Mainstream regional media also continuously provide bizarre and surreal xenophobic materials that spread through social networks, contributing to a social imaginary opposing migration. The impact and social consequences of such irresponsible behaviour is frequently muted. On one hand, only a few episodes of discrimination, racial aggressions, or criminal hate manifestations (constituting clear episodes of racism) get media coverage, while on the other hand, the everyday forms of racism remain muted and unconsidered.
New Challenges for the Ethics of Anthropological Practice
Authors: Kissová Blanka
Published: October 2024

Entering the location of a researched field always carries with it a whole range of issues pertaining to the responsible approach to the question at hand and to its conveyors – the informants, or the participants of the research. The anthropologist, i.e. the individual carrying out the research, attempts to understand a phenomenon, as well as to find answers to both questions posed in advance and to those discovered during the research itself. They enter a space where concrete people live, and the anthropologist’s movements in this terrain may have a significant impact on the lives of these individuals or of these communities. In any case, they inform, or in the very least should inform, not just their colleagues, but also the general public of their findings. They are thus the medium that presents certain discoveries and interpretations, that creates theories, or that supports or, on the contrary, dismisses already existing theories.
Land Productivity of Root Crop Farmers amidst Pesticide Application in Southeast, Nigeria
Authors: EMEKA EMMANUEL OSUJI , Igwe Obasi , IGBERI Christiana , UMEH Ngozi , NWOSE Roseline , KEYAGHA Eberechi , OKOLI Nneka , ANYIAM Kelechi , COOKEY Chinaekwu , BEN-CHENDO Glory , OSUJI Maryann , ECHEREOBIA Christopher , NWAIWU Innocent , NWACHUKWU Esther , OSHAJI Ifedayo , UZOMA Bethel , EZE Maryrose , UMEH Ogechukwu
Published: October 2024

The study evaluated the land productivity of root crop farmers amidst pesticide application in southeast, Nigeria. 358 root crop producers were chosen using a multi-stage sample and given a questionnaire. The analysis of the data included the use of mean, frequency, percentage, total factor and partial factor productivity, analysis of variance, multiple regression model, and local average treatment effect (LATE). Data were acquired using primary means. The results show that root crop growers were mostly women (76.9%), married (85.1%), educated (mean=12.0), and in their prime working age (51). Estimates of total factor productivity (TFP) and partial factor productivity (PFP) gave 7.69 and 177.25, which indicates higher land productivity values across Imo, Abia, and Ebonyi State. Education, access to farm inputs, soil/land improvement practices, size of farm, and extension relations were important components of land productivity across the States. Use and application of pesticides according to specified recommendation increased land productivity by (727.07%) and (880.28%). Erosion problems (99.7%), pests and disease (96.9%), high cost of inputs (99.1%), climate change (99.4) and land fragmentation (93.0%) constrained land productivity in the States. Study recommends farmers to practice more of land improvement practices and adhere to specified pesticide use and application to increase land productivity
Indications for heart transplantation: focus on advanced heart failure
Authors: Petrov V. F. , Pankiv M. V.
Published: October 2024

Heart failure is one of the most important medical and social problems. Despite recent successes in the treatment of this disease, which have been achieved with guideline-recommended medical treatment, some patients become insensitive to the interventions. Refractoriness to treatment recommended by the guidelines means that patients cannot hope for symptom relief or prolongation of life. These individuals develop the phase of advanced heart failure and have the worst survival rates compared to other stages of chronic heart failure. In the absence of contraindications, heart transplantation is indicated for this group of patients. In the recent years, organ transplantation has been legalized and the work of cadaver donation institutions has been organized in Ukraine. These changes helped to significantly increase the annual number of heart transplantations in the country.
The aim of the work is to systematize current knowledge about end-stage heart failure, to provide methods to timely diagnose advanced heart failure and indications for referral for heart transplantation.
At least every tenth patient with heart failure may deteriorate to the advanced stage. The article details clinical trajectories of patients with heart failure, and a particular emphasis has been given to refractory patients in accordance with present guidelines and recommendations. The main pathophysiological links and corresponding clinical manifestations of advanced heart failure have been outlined. The problems of life expectancy prognosing and possible predictors of refractoriness to the treatment recommended by the guidelines have been discussed. Current diagnostic criteria for advanced heart failure have been specified, including physical, laboratory and imaging methods of examination. The principles of differential diagnosis, especially between symptomatic and advanced heart failure, have been considered. Triggers for referring patients to a heart transplant center have been detailed. Current guidelines for heart transplantation related to advanced heart failure have been given.
Conclusions. Advanced heart failure is the progression of heart failure due to refractoriness to treatment. Diagnostic criteria for advanced heart failure have been developed relatively recently. This diagnosis requires an utmost understanding of pathophysiology and skills to examine cardiac patients using modern tools. Due to the extremely unfavorable prognosis, diagnosis of advanced heart failure is an absolute indication for referral to a heart transplant center.
Obtaining higher-order Galerkin accuracy when the boundary is polygonally approximated
Authors: Dupont Todd , Guzmán Johnny , Scott L. Ridgway
Published: October 2024

Inspired by the methods developed in J. H. Bramble, T. Dupont, and V. Thomée (“Projection methods for Dirichlet’s problem in approximating polygonal domains with boundary-value corrections,” Math. Comput., vol. 26, no. 120, pp. 869–879, 1972), we introduce a new technique that yields a symmetric formulation and has similar performance. The new method is based on a Robin-type problem on an approximate polygonal domain. Optimal error estimates in the energy norm are proved for piecewise quadratics and cubics. We provide numerical experiments that show our theoretical results are sharp.
The emerging picture of a diverse deep Arctic Ocean seafloor: From habitats to ecosystems
Authors: Ramirez-Llodra Eva , Meyer Heidi K. , Bluhm Bodil A. , Brix Saskia , Brandt Angelika , Dannheim Jennifer , Downey Rachel V. , Egilsdóttir Hrönn , Eilertsen Mari Heggernes , Gaudron Sylvie M. , Gebruk Anna , Golikov Alexey , Hasemann Christiane , Hilario Ana , Jørgensen Lis Lindal , Kaiser Stefanie , Korfhage Severin A. , Kürzel Karlotta , Lörz Anne-Nina , Buhl-Mortensen Pål , Olafsdóttir Steinunn H. , Piepenburg Dieter , Purser Autun , Ribeiro Pedro A. , Sen Arunima , Soltwedel Thomas , Stratmann Tanja , Steger Jan , Svavarsson Jörundur , Tandberg Anne Helene S. , Taylor James , Theising Franziska I. , Uhlir Carolin , Waller Rhian G. , Xavier Joana R. , Zhulay Irina , Saaedi Hanieh
Published: October 2024

Interest in the deep Arctic Ocean is rapidly increasing from governments, policy makers, industry, researchers, and conservation groups, accentuated by the growing accessibility of this remote region by surface vessel traffic. In this review, our goal is to provide an updated taxonomic inventory of benthic taxa known to occur in the deep Arctic Ocean and relate this inventory to habitat diversity. To achieve this goal, we collected data for Arctic metazoan deep-sea taxa from open-access databases, information facilities, and non-digitised scientific literature, limiting the collection to the area north of 66°N and below 500 m depth (excluding all shelf seas). Although notable progress has been made in understanding the deep Arctic using novel technologies and infrastructure, this data gathering shows that knowledge of deep-sea benthic Arctic communities remains very limited. Yet, through our compilation of habitat maps, we show that the Arctic contains a high diversity of geomorphological features, including slopes, deep basins, submarine canyons, ridges, and seamounts, as well as chemosynthesis-based and biogenic (biologically engineered) ecosystems. To analyse taxon richness and density, using both morphological and molecular data, we compiled 75,404 faunal records with 2,637 taxa. Phyla with the most records were the Arthropoda (21,405), Annelida (13,763) and Porifera (12,591); phyla with the most documented taxa were the Arthropoda (956), Annelida (566) and Mollusca (351). An overview of the dominant groups inhabiting the different geomorphological features highlights regions in the deep Arctic where data are particularly scarce and increased research efforts are needed, particularly the deep basins of the central Arctic Ocean. This scarcity of deep benthic Arctic biodiversity data creates a bottleneck for developing robust management and conservation measures in a rapidly changing region, leading to a call for international collaboration and shared data to ensure understanding and preservation of these fragile Arctic ecosystems.