bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WTO: Toward the Hong Kong, China Ministerial and Beyond
Authors: Hills Carla A.
Published: February 2023

A successful Doha Development Round has the potential to raise standards of living worldwide, alleviate grinding global poverty, remove inequities in the trading system, and enhance international stability. With it, the well-being of Asia, which is home to most of the world’s poor, would be substantially enhanced. Yet there are huge risks that the prospective benefits will not be achieved. Over the past 4 years governments from 148 nations have been negotiating whether and how to open markets for agricultural products, industrial goods, and services. On 8 July 2005 in addressing the heads of country delegations Director General Supachai Panitchpakdi declared, “these negotiations are in trouble”, primarily for lack of political support. That suggests that people worldwide are unaware of the tremendous gains that would be captured from successfully concluding the Doha negotiations and the worrisome implications if they fail. Governments need to get the message out regarding why the Doha Development Round is absolutely vital to our future economic growth and political stability.
Quota-free Trade in Textiles and Clothing: Policy Issues and Options for ASEAN
Authors: Wattanapruttipaisan Thitapha
Published: February 2023

Constrained until 2005 by import quotas, the production and trade of textiles and clothing (T&C) has become widely dispersed with substantial losses in global income and welfare. Meanwhile, quota and tariff preferences from major importing countries have enabled a large number of developing economies to embark on this “starter industry” and to gain a larger market share than would have been the case under an open trade regime. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) and India are expected to benefit most from a quota-free T&C trading environment but at the expense of many economies with preferential treatment, including a large number in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). There is, however, much scope and several options for the regional economies to mitigate some of the adverse repercussions. Suitable procurement and production mixes of imported inputs, including for up-scale applications in T&C, can yield preferential market access, for example, in the European Union and Canada. An integrated supply chain within ASEAN or linking ASEAN with South and/or East Asia can help global buyers, including those from the United States, to reduce their overdependence on and to offset supply problems from the PRC. Joint ventures with T&C firms in the PRC are an appealing option for the more developed ASEAN economies.
Balanced Even-Variable Rotation Symmetric Boolean Functions with Optimal Algebraic Immunity, Maximum Algebraic Degree and Higher Nonlinearity
Authors: Guo Fei , Wang Zilong
Published: February 2023

Rotation symmetric Boolean functions are good candidates for stream ciphers because they have such advantages as simple structure, high operational speed and low implement cost. Recently, Mesnager et al. proposed for the first time an efficient method to construct balanced rotation symmetric Boolean functions with optimal algebraic immunity and good nonlinearity for an arbitrary even number of variables. However, the algebraic degree of their constructed [Formula: see text]-variable ([Formula: see text]) function is always less than the maximum value [Formula: see text]. In this paper, by modifying the support of Boolean functions from Mesnager et al.’s construction, we present two new constructions of balanced even-variable rotation symmetric Boolean functions with optimal algebraic immunity as well as higher algebraic degree and nonlinearity. The algebraic degree of Boolean functions in the first construction reaches the maximum value [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text] is odd and [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] for integer [Formula: see text], while that of the second construction reaches the maximum value for all [Formula: see text]. Moreover, the nonlinearities of Boolean functions in both two constructions are higher than that of Mesnager et al.’s construction.
The Aqueous Chemistry of Zirconium as a Basis for Better Understanding the Formation of Zirconium Conversion Coatings: Updated Thermodynamic Data
Authors: Kraš Ana , Milošev Ingrid
Published: February 2023

This work tackles the aqueous chemistry of Zr, aiming to contribute to a better understanding of Zr conversion coatings as one of the important contemporary means of corrosion protection. Equilibrium predominance diagrams based on experimentally confirmed Zr–OH and Zr–F aqueous species concerning Zr amorphous solid phase, along with an updated ZrE−pH (Pourbaix) diagram, are constructed. Since ZrO2+existence had been conclusively disproven in both the aqueous and solid states, we chose to depict mononuclear species with ZrOH3+and polynuclear with Zr4(OH)88+. The formation of the Zr solid phase is assumed to include Zr tetrameric species, Zr4(OH)88+, as a fundamental building block thereof. The role of F–and ZrF62–ions in Zr conversion baths and subsequently formed coatings is described. The introduction of ZrF62–anions keeps Zr solvated in the form of a complex, thus preventing the early onset of hydrolysis. The conversion of Zr species and the coating formation mechanism are further discussed from electrochemical and sol-gel perspectives, aiming to give a foundation for future predictions and rationalisation of Zr conversion coating formation, with the possibility of extensions to various bath additives.
Efficient Oxidation of Ethanol at Ru@Pt Core-Shell Catalysts in a Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysis Cell
Authors: Ali Ahmed H. , Pickup Peter G.
Published: February 2023

Efficient electrochemical oxidation of ethanol in fuel cells and electrolysis cells is important for generating power and hydrogen, respectively, from renewable resources. PtRu alloys are most widely employed as catalysts because they provide high activities at low potentials. However, they produce acetic acid as the main product from ethanol, which results in low faradaic and overall efficiencies. In contrast, Pt provides high selectivity for the complete oxidation of ethanol to CO2, but low activities. Ru@Pt core–shell nanoparticles can improve efficiency by delivering higher activity than Pt and enhanced formation of CO2relative to PtRu. Here, Ru@Pt catalysts have been prepared by depositing Pt onto a commercial carbon-supported Ru catalyst. The influence of the amount of Pt deposited has been investigated in H2SO4(aq) at ambient temperature and in a proton exchange membrane cell at 80 °C. Activities for ethanol oxidation were intermediate between those for commercial Pt and PtRu catalysts, providing higher currents than Pt at low potentials, and higher currents than PtRu at high potentials. Faradaic yields of CO2(38%–48%) were greatly increased relative to the PtRu alloy catalyst (11%). This will optimize the efficiency of ethanol oxidation in PEM electrolysis and fuel cells.
Effects of Natural and Artificial Seawater on Digestive Gland and Gill Microorganisms of the Manila Clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) during Temporary Rearing without Feeding
Authors: Zhu Feixia , Zhang Xiangyu , Liu Jiao , Ma Xiaohan , Yang Jing , Wang Yue , Lou Yongjiang , Li Yongyong
Published: February 2023

The bacteria of shellfish bioaccumulate mainly in the gill and digestive gland tissues, which can affect shellfish health status and disease susceptibility under stressful conditions or environmental effects. Ruditapes philippinarum is a filter-feeding shellfish with both ecological and economic significance, and it is classified as a Mollusca (phylum), Bivalvia (class), Veneridae (family), and Ruditapes (genus). In this study, 16S high-throughput sequencing was used to explore the microbiomics of digestive glands and gills of R. philippinarum under temporary rearing without feeding (including the purification process) in different water environments (natural vs. artificial seawater) from 0–7 days. The results revealed that the digestive glands and gills of R. philippinarum had their own unique bacterial community structures. Tissue microorganisms under the overlap of different water environments and starvation factors showed different dynamic effects within 0–7 days. The sand spitting and purification steps (posttransport rehydration stage of 24 hours) effectively reduced microorganism abundance. There were different biomarkers in the prerearing and postrearing periods, and R. philippinarum may be more susceptible to the enrichment of opportunistic pathogenic bacteria during the postrearing period in artificial seawater.
Study on Proportion Optimization of Magnesium Oxychloride Cement-Stabilized Clayey Soil Based on the Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Zhang Huzhu , Wang Kai , Hu Bing , Zheng Yueqing
Published: February 2023

The energy-saving and green environmental protection magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC) is introduced into the pavement base and subbase to improve the shortcomings of CO2 emissions and high industrial energy consumption in the production process of traditional cementitious materials such as lime and Portland cement. Box−Behnken design of design-expert is employed for experiment arrangement, in which MgO/MgCl2 molar ratio, MOC content, and fly ash content are influencing factors, while response values are 7d unconfined compressive strength (USC) and 1d softening coefficient (SC) of solidified soil. The response surface methodology (RSM) is used to optimize the ratio of three additives, and the effects of various factors on the response value are investigated by response surface model analysis and interaction analysis. The results show that the MOC content has the most excellent effect on 7d unconfined compressive strength, and the mutual influence for the MOC content and fly ash content are significant, respectively. However, the influential factor is the fly ash content for the 1d softening coefficient. It is predicted by the RSM analysis that the optimum balance of USC and SC is 8.61 for the MgO/MgCl2 molar ratio, 18% for the MOC content, and 20.36% for the fly ash content. With the additives in the optimal ratio, the actual unconfined compressive strength and softening coefficient of stabilized soil are 2.56 MPa and 0.76, respectively. It is confirmed that the response surface methodology plays an important part in optimizing the proportion of MOC-stabilized clayey soil.
Optimal Control and Bifurcation Analysis of HIV Model
Authors: Cheneke Kumama Regassa
Published: February 2023

In this study, a very crucial stage of HIV extinction and invisibility stages are considered and a modified mathematical model is developed to describe the dynamics of infection. Moreover, the basic reproduction number R0 is computed using the next‐generation matrix method whereas the stability of disease‐free equilibrium is investigated using the eigenvalue matrix stability theory. Furthermore, if R0 ≤ 1, the disease‐free equilibrium is stable both locally and globally whereas if R0 > 1, based on the forward bifurcation behavior, the endemic equilibrium is locally and globally asymptotically stable. Particularly, at the critical point R0 = 1, the model exhibits forward bifurcation behavior. On the other hand, the optimal control problem is constructed and Pontryagin’s maximum principle is applied to form an optimality system. Further, forward fourth‐order Runge–Kutta’s method is applied to obtain the solution of state variables whereas Runge–Kutta’s fourth‐order backward sweep method is applied to obtain solution of adjoint variables. Finally, three control strategies are considered and a cost‐effective analysis is performed to identify the better strategies for HIV transmission and progression. In advance, prevention control measure is identified to be the better strategy over treatment control if applied earlier and effectively. Additionally, MATLAB simulations were performed to describe the population’s dynamic behavior.
Effects of Various Lipid Sources and L-Carnitine Supplementation on the Growth Performance, Body Composition, and Antioxidants Enzyme Ability of Dog Conch Larvae, Laevistrombus canarium
Authors: Chu Jen-Hong
Published: February 2023

A feeding experiment was conducted to study the effects of dietary lipid sources and L-carnitine on the growth performance, body component, muscle fatty acid composition, and antioxidant enzyme ability of average weight of 0.28 g dog conch larvae, Laevistrombus canarium. Three sources of lipid: fish oil, soybean oil, and beef tallow were tested in combination with two levels (0 and 0.5%) of L-carnitine. The dog conch larvae fed diets containing fish oil with L-carnitine supplementation exhibited the highest weight gain. After air exposure challenge, the liver tissue of dog conch fed the diets containing soybean oil and beef tallow without supplemented L-carnitine had lower levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD, U min−1), phenoloxidase (PO, U min−1), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx, mU/mL) activity. The activity of SOD, PO, and GPx of dog conch larvae increased with increasing levels of dietary L-carnitine. In particular, dog conch larvae fed the diet containing fish oil supplemented with L-carnitine exhibited significantly (

P
<
0.05

) enhanced antioxidant responses. The thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the muscle tissue of dog conch larvae fed the diet containing fish oil without L-carnitine supplementation showed significantly (

P
<
0.05

) higher activity. It was concluded that dietary administration of L-carnitine can enhance resistance against beta-oxidation, and the administration of fish oil in the diet was the best strategy to promote growth due to high nutritional availability.
Evaluating the Relationship between Reservoir Level Changes and Earthquake Damage Responses of High Arch Dams: A 3D Numerical Study of Ermenek Arch Dam (220 m) in Turkey
Authors: Cavuslu Murat
Published: February 2023

Examining the earthquake behaviors of important water structures such as arch dams is of great importance for the future and safety of these structures. Besides, different reservoir heights, which occur as a result of different seasonal precipitation, can cause great losses in the structural behavior of arch dams. For this reason, in this study, the effects of various reservoir water heights on the earthquake behavior of arch dams are evaluated by considering a creep material model. Ermenek dam, one of the highest dams in Turkey, is chosen for the 3D (3D) numerical analyses. This dam has 4 different gallery spaces in its body and it has a body height of 220 m. While creating a 3D finite-different model of the dam, the creep material models are utilized for the concrete and foundation sections. For the 3D earthquake analyses, free-field and quiet nonreflecting boundary conditions (BCs) are defined to the boundaries of the model. Besides, fix BCs are added to the base of the dam. While creating the gallery spaces of the dam, the original dam project is taken into consideration, and attention is paid to creating the oval geometry of the gallery spaces following the project. For earthquake analyses, 4 different water levels (25 m, 85 m, 150 m, and 200 m) are considered, and hydrostatic forces and water table are used while generating the reservoir water. Furthermore, a total of 18 different strong ground motions are used in the earthquake analyses to examine the earthquake behavior of the dam. According to the earthquake analyses, it is concluded that different reservoir heights have great effects on the earthquake behavior of the Ermenek dam. Moreover, it has been observed that the height of the reservoir water causes significant earthquake stress and displacement differences around the gallery spaces of the dam.
Evaluation of the MAScIR SARS-CoV-2 M Kit 2.0 on the SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Zouaki Amal , Kabbaj Hakima , El Amin Ghizlane , Ouadghiri Mouna , Belefquih Bouchra , Ibrahimi Azeddine , Seffar Myriam
Published: February 2023

SARS-CoV-2 is a major public health problem worldwide. Since its emergence, several diagnostic kits have been developed to ensure rapid patient management. The aim of our study is to check the performance of the new Moroccan SARS-CoV-2 detection kit: MAScIR SARS-CoV-2 M 2.0. The following parameters were studied: repeatability, reproducibility, analytical specificity, analytical sensitivity, and comparison with the GeneFinder™ COVID-19 Plus RealAmp Kit. In addition, an external quality evaluation comprising five specimens was carried out as part of an international program for the external quality evaluation of sublaboratories of the WHO and the Laboratory Office of the National Institute of Hygiene of Morocco. The results of all parameters studied showed an analytical performance that complied with the requirements of the method verification/validation protocol adopted by the Central Laboratory of Virology and met the recommendations of COFRAC (French Accreditation Committee). During the current study, the sequencing of some randomly selected positive samples was performed, among which the carriers of the Alpha variant, the Delta variant, and the Omicron variant were detected. These results allowed us to deduce that this kit was valid for detecting these three variants.
Circulating Glypican-4 Is a Predictor of 24-Month Overall Survival in Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Muendlein Axel , Heinzle Christine , Brandtner Eva Maria , Leiherer Andreas , Drexel Heinz , Dechow Tobias , Decker Thomas
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Endocrine treatment combined with CDK4/6 inhibitors is the preferred treatment strategy in patients presenting with ER-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer, but the clinical course remains highly variable among individual patients. There is an unmet need for prognostic or predictive biomarkers in this important group of patients. Recently, we have identified circulating glypican-4 (GPC4) as a new biomarker of inferior outcomes in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. The impact of plasma GPC4 levels on the survival of breast cancer patients is unknown and has been addressed in the present study. Methods: Our study included 47 patients with ER-positive/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer prior to treatment with CDK4/6 inhibitors combined with endocrine therapy. The endpoint was overall survival (OS) at 24 months. GPC4 levels were measured in plasma using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Increased circulating GPC4 levels were significantly linked to advanced age, postmenopausal state, visceral metastases, and invasive lobular carcinoma. During the 2-year observational follow-up period, 25.5% of patients died. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC-AUC) analysis revealed an AUC of 0.713 [0.555–0.871]; p = 0.029 for OS; and an optimal cutoff value of GPC4 for predicting OS of 4.77 ng/mL. No patient showing GPC4 values below this cutoff died during the observational period. Cox regression analysis showed a hazard ratio of 2.14 [95% confidence interval: 1.24–3.67]; p = 0.006 for one standard deviation change of plasma GPC4. Conclusions: Our study suggests circulating GPC4 as a significant predictor of poor survival in metastatic breast cancer patients.
Resenha Time is Money: o lugar do Patrimônio Cultural nas políticas de desenvolvimento do BID. Guia, George Alex da
Authors: Brandão Marina Chagas
Published: February 2023

Resenha do livro Time is Money: o lugar do Patrimônio Cultural nas políticas de desenvolvimento do BID, primeira edição (2020), de autoria de George Alex da Guia.
Tráfico de Pessoas e Exploração Sexual de Crianças e Adolescentes: violência e políticas públicas
Authors: Freire Isabela da Silva , Furlan Vinicius
Published: February 2023

A sociedade moderna ainda resguarda práticas escravagistas, sendo o tráfico humano e a exploração sexual sua forma mais cruel e desumana. Dessa forma, este manuscrito resulta de uma pesquisa que buscou compreender as relações entre as políticas públicas, as ações coletivas e o trabalho de um coletivo que promove o combate ao tráfico de pessoas e a exploração sexual comercial de crianças e adolescentes. Para tanto, no percurso metodológico, recorremos a dois caminhos: o da pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, bem como observação participante e entrevista semi-dirigida. O primeiro buscou recuperar os processos históricos, políticos e econômicos acerca do tráfico de pessoas e da exploração sexual infanto-juvenil. O segundo se deu a partir da inserção dos pesquisadores em uma ONG da sociedade civil. Identificou-se que, embora a mudança do paradigma assistencialista/caritativo para o paradigma dos direitos, uma vez da ineficiência do Estado em efetivar essas políticas, o primeiro ainda é marca presente nas organizações e coletivos de cunho religioso que buscam assistir pessoas em situações de vulnerabilidade social. Isto resulta num problema paradoxal. Por um lado, assiste-se a real necessidade de práticas e formas de assistência a esses sujeitos, por outro lado, também assiste-se que a oferta de determinadas práticas busca atender a interesses particulares e de mercado, visando questões lucrativas a partir de capital humano na constituição de sujeitos como objetos de controle e disciplinamento social, no interior de uma bio-necropolítica. O tráfico humano e a exploração comercial sexual se alicerçam nas bases do racismo estrutural produzindo corpos que conformam as mercadorias para a necropolítica cuja política opera a mesma política dos campos de concentração.
Não Ver, (Não) Ser Visto, Per-Tecer: narrativas de alunos com deficiência visual na universidade
Authors: Sousa Jordana Gracielle de Jesus , Silva Regis Lopes , Lopes Rayane de Sousa , Moura Marcos Vinicius Cieri de , Araújo Alan Jonas Lopes de , Benites Paulo Cesar , Hur Domenico Uhng
Published: February 2023

O objetivo deste artigo é conhecer as narrativas de alunos com deficiência visual em uma universidade pública de Goiás, para discutir sua experiência e os processos de inclusão-exclusão. Como método de investigação realizamos uma sessão de grupo operativo, conforme a teoria e técnica do psicólogo social argentino Enrique Pichon-Rivière. Como resultados, elaboramos três categorias de análise: não ver, (não) ser visto e per-tecer. Na primeira categoria elencamos os principais percalços relacionados ao não ver na Universidade, que se referem principalmente às barreiras arquitetônicas e a dificuldade de acessibilidade ao material didático e procedimentos de ensino dos professores. Na segunda categoria, (não) ser visto, discutimos a invisibilidade do estudante com deficiência visual na Universidade, que passa a não ser visto por seus colegas, bem como por alguns professores. Na última categoria, per-tecer, discutimos as tessituras que devem ser realizadas entre videntes e não videntes para que a inclusão possa efetivamente ser construída na Universidade.
Confrontando o Fascismo e o Totalitarismo e Defendendo a Democracia e as Políticas Públicas
Authors: Silva Alessandro Soares da
Published: February 2023

A Revista Gestão & Políticas Públicas posiciona-se na defesa da democracia e do Estado de Direito, alinha-se aos atores e instituições que defendem mudanças drásticas no estado atual da governança brasileira e espera ver reimpresso nas práticas públicas o espírito republicano que garante a publicidade, a liberdade e a igualdade. Nessa senda, o presente fascículo, RG&PP, 12(2), traz 10 artigos que nos permitem pensar o debate proposto nesse editorial
Qualidade de vida dos estudantes e profissionais de musicoterapia em tempos de pandemia da COVID-19 suas influências e adaptações
Authors: Soares Mariana Oliveira da Cruz , Loureiro Cybelle Maria Veiga , Rosário Verônica Magalhães
Published: February 2023

Em março de 2020, a nova doença causada pelo Coronavírus, a COVID-19, foi classificada como pandêmica pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), a partir de então uma série de medidas começaram a ser tomadas em diversos países com a intenção de controlar a quantidade de casos da doença. Dentre as medidas tomadas, o isolamento social se destacou como uma delas. Esta pesquisa, fez a junção de dois estudos complementares, que têm como objetivo observar, refletir e questionar sobre como esse momento de pandemia, bem como as adaptações necessárias, têm influenciado a qualidade de vida dos estudantes e profissionais da musicoterapia. O estudo um é uma pesquisa bibliográfica integrativa, que foi feita em 3 portais de busca. O estudo dois é uma pesquisa de campo exploratória sobre a qualidade de vida dos estudantes e profissionais de musicoterapia, feita através da aplicação de entrevista e questionário de auto relato. Os resultados obtidos indicam que de fato a qualidade de vida dos estudantes de musicoterapia e profissionais musicoterapeutas tem sido afeta pela situação de pandemia, sendo que os principais prejuízos que afetaram a auto percepção da qualidade de vida foram: diminuição da energia e aumento da fadiga, sono e repouso e capacidade para o trabalho.
J. Octaviano e a Música Psíquica: será que o ontem pode ser melhor?
Authors: Amorim Humberto , Martelli Paulo
Published: February 2023

Ao levantar e analisar mais de setenta fontes em jornais, periódicos e revistas sobre João Octaviano Gonçalves (1892-1962), além de discorrer mais detidamente sobre um concerto de grandes proporções ocorrido no Rio de Janeiro, em 1926, sob o título de Música Psíquica, o artigo objetiva aquilatar a eventual importância de um músico hoje obliterado, mas que, durante décadas seguidas, foi capaz de movimentar amplamente as páginas da imprensa carioca através de suas atividades como compositor, intérprete, professor, regente e articulador cultural. Com uma produção de cerca de 400 obras para diversas formações (de peças solo a grandes sinfonias), nossa hipótese é a de que J. Octaviano possa, talvez, ter o seu atual quadro de invisibilidade reavaliado. No trabalho, os gestos de “recordar” e “escavar” se coadunam à perspectiva benjaminiana de “escovar a história a contrapelo” (BENJAMIN, 2013b, p. 13), desterrando um personagem que acabou ficando à margem de nossa historiografia musical, apesar de ter sido um dos mais ativos agentes no campo da música de concerto brasileira durante a primeira metade do século XX.
Null and neutral models for explaining spatial variations in intertidal invertebrate species diversity on rocky shores in Antofagasta town (23°S, Chile)
Authors: De los Ríos-Escalante Patricio , Esse Carlos , Stella Chelladurai , Adikesavan Priya , Zúñiga Oscar
Published: February 2023

The intertidal invertebrate community on rocky shores in northern Chile is characterised by a high species richness resulting from the high productivity of this ecosystem. The present study aims to do the first characterisation of invertebrate communities on rocky shores in Antofagasta town and surroundings (23°S), using species co-occurrence and niche-sharing null models, analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) and nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS). The null model results revealed that species associations are not structured, that the existing species do not have the same ecology, which would result in many repeated species by site, and that specificity in their ecological niches exists. The ANOSIM and NMDS revealed the absence of significant differences between sites with human intervention and without human intervention. The obtained results agree with the literature for northern and central Chilean and southern Peruvian rocky shores, and other coastal marine ecosystems with high productivity.
Resurrection and emended description of Gastrodia foetida (Orchidaceae)
Authors: SUETSUGU KENJI , AOKI RIN , KANEKO SHINGO
Published: February 2023

This paper presents a re-evaluation of the taxonomic identity of Gastrodia foetida based on molecular and morphological data. The taxon was described from Iriomote Island, Ryukyu Islands, Japan, and has often been treated as a synonym of G. nipponica from Wakayama Prefecture, Honshu, Japan. In contrast, we showed that the genetic divergence between G. foetida and G. nipponica is much more significant than that between G. foetida and G. takeshimensis. Additionally, G. foetida can be distinguished from G. nipponica by a few morphological traits, particularly a more dilated column toward a little below the middle. Therefore, we propose that G. foetida is recognized as a distinct species based primarily on molecular phylogenetic evidence followed by morphological evidence. Our investigation strongly suggested that these species exhibit distinct geographic separation: G. nipponica is restricted in mainland Japan (north of the Ryukyu Islands), whereas G. foetida is mainly distributed on the more southern areas (the Ryukyu Islands and possibly Taiwan).
Notes on the identity of Leea setuligera and Leea talbotii (Vitaceae)
Authors: A. AMRUTHA , PRADEEP A. K.
Published: February 2023

Leea talbotii is found to be conspecific with Leea setuligera, but not with Leea macrophylla as understood previously. A detailed description, photo plate and illustration of L. setuligera are provided, and the lectotype of L. talbotii and Leea mastersii var. siamensis is designated.
Hedyotis recurvata (Rubiaceae): a new species from southern Western Ghats of India
Authors: P. JIJI , K. JEOMOL K. , M. MANUDEV K. , SUNOJKUMAR P.
Published: February 2023

A new species, Hedyotis recurvata is described from Avalanche, in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, India. The details on phenology, distribution and photographs along with a comparison chart of allied species are provided here.
Osbeckia yercaudensis (Melastomataceae) a new species from the Eastern Ghats, India
Authors: SARAVANAN THOKULUVA SANTHARAM , KALIAMOORTHY SEVENTHILINGAM
Published: February 2023

A new species of Melastomataceae, Osbeckia yercaudensis, endemic to south India, is described from Shevaroy Hills, Tamil Nadu, India. It is morphologically allied to Osbeckia mehrana Giri & Nayar (1986: 429) and Osbeckia wightiana Bentham ex Wight & Arnott (1834:323), an endemic species from south India, but differs in the height of the plant, size of the leaves, 2–3-flowered cymes, oblong to slightly falcate sepals with irregularly emarginate apex and cochleate or U shaped, margins minutely toothed seeds. A detailed description, photographic illustration and comparison table are provided to facilitate identification.
A revision of the Oriental antlion genera Indoleon Banks, 1913, Indophanes Banks, 1940 and Yunleon Yang, 1986 (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae: Nemoleontinae)
Authors: ZHENG YUCHEN , LIU XINGYUE
Published: February 2023

This paper deals with three Oriental genera of the antlion subfamily Nemoleontinae. The validity of two junior synonyms of Indoleon Banks, 1913, i.e., Indophanes Banks, 1940 and Yunleon Yang, 1986, are formally restored. Indoleon is treated as a monotypic genus represented by Indol. tacitus (Walker, 1860). Indophanes comprises eight species, including five known species: Indop. audax (Walker, 1853), Indop. barbarus (Walker, 1853), Indop. infestus (Walker, 1853), Indop. sinensis Banks, 1940, and Indop. vartianorum Hölzel, 1972; two new species: Indop. amicus sp. nov. and Indop. nanliae sp. nov.; and a new combination: Indop. fuscilomus (Yang, 1986) comb. nov. Yunleon comprises two species: Y. fluctosus Yang, 1988 and Y. longicorpus Yang, 1986. We also restore the validity of a junior synonym of Indop. audax (Walker, 1853), i.e., Myrmeleon gravis Walker, 1853, and transfer it to Distoleon Banks, 1910, i.e., D. gravis stat. rev. et comb. nov. Besides, we describe the larval morphology and biology of Indop. nanliae sp. nov. and Indop. sinensis Banks, 1940. It is the first record of the immature stage of Indophanes. A key to species of these three genera is provided. Meanwhile, we discuss the taxonomic position of the aforementioned three genera and their related genera, i.e., Paraglenurus van der Weele, 1909 and Thaumatoleon Esben-Petersen, 1923, and we consider that they should be placed into Megistopini rather than Nemoleontini.
Priority and the names of two cicada tribes (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Cicadinae: Tacuini and Tettigomyiinae: Anopercalnini)
Authors: DMITRIEV DMITRY A. , SANBORN ALLEN F.
Published: February 2023

N/A
Symptoms and Stereotypes: Perceptions and Responses to Covid-19 in Malawi and Zambia
Authors: Ferree Karen E. , Dulani Boniface , Harris Adam S. , Kao Kristen , Lust Ellen , Jansson Cecilia Ahsan , Metheney Erica Ann
Published: February 2023

A large literature documents Covid-19’s health and economic effects. We focus instead on its political impact and its potential to exacerbate identity divisions, in particular. Psychologists argue that contagious disease increases threat perceptions and provokes policing of group boundaries. We explore how insider-outsider status and symptoms of illness shape perceptions of infection, reported willingness to help, and desire to restrict free movement of an ailing neighbor using a phone-based survey experiment administered three times in two neighboring African countries during different stages of the pandemic: Malawi, from May 5 to June 2, 2020 ( n = 4,641); Zambia, from July 2 to August 13, 2020 ( n = 2,198); and Malawi again, from March 9 to May 1, 2021 ( n = 4,356). We study identities that are salient in Malawi and Zambia but have not induced significant prior violence, making our study a relatively hard test of disease threat theories. We find that symptoms more strongly shape perceptions and projected behavior than insider-outsider status in both countries and across time, suggesting that there are limits to the ability of pandemics to independently provoke identity politics de novo.
Cenozoic structural characteristics and petroleum geological significance of the Qaidam Basin
Authors: Zeng Xu , Li Jian , Tian Jixian , Wang Bo , Zhou Fei , Wang Chenxi , Cui Haidong , Haihua Zhu
Published: February 2023

The Qaidam Basin is a Cenozoic continental basin formed by the subduction and collision between the Indian plate and the Eurasian plate. It is the only large oil- and gas-bearing basin in China on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. The Qaidam Basin has recorded the uplift of the plateau with its complete Cenozoic sequences. Therefore, studying the structural characteristics of the Qaidam Basin helps us to understand the uplift of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Studies have shown that the structural activities in the Qaidam Basin were episodic, transformable, and inconsistent, which reflected the characteristics of the uplift of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. In general, the structural activities of the Qaidam Basin are divided into three phases, which are characterized by the shifting of structural activities from the south to the north, the west to the east, and from the margin to the hinterland of the basin, respectively. The intensity of the early activity was greater than that of the early basin in both time and space. In conclusion, the uplift of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau controls the structural and sedimentary characteristics of the basin and ultimately, the hydrocarbon accumulation and distribution of the basin.
Hepatic artery disorders associated with alcoholism
Authors: Petroianu Andy , Haddad Cecília Maria de Sousa Lagares Dabien , Pereira Gisele Araújo , Vidigal Paula Vieira Teixeira
Published: February 2023

Objective

We aimed to characterize the relationship between severe chronic alcoholism and hepatic arterial wall disorders in humans.

Methods

We obtained hepatic arteries from 165 patients undergoing liver transplantation who were placed into two etiological groups: an Alcoholism group and a Non-alcoholism group. We compared the age, sex, lipid profile, and histologic characteristics of the hepatic arteries (normal, reduction in luminal diameter of ≤10%, or atherosclerosis) of the participants in the two groups using multifactor analyses.

Results

The Alcoholism group comprised 58 men and 40 women and the Non-alcoholism group comprised 63 men and 4 women. The mean ages of the groups were 52.5 ± 9.6 years and 44.2 ± 13.8 years, respectively. There were no circulating lipid abnormalities in any of the participants. In women, arterial disorders were found at a younger age than in men. Hepatic arterial disorders were more frequent in the non-alcoholic participants, and women with alcoholism showed less arterial narrowing.

Conclusion

The heavy consumption of alcoholic beverages is associated with a lower incidence of atherosclerosis of the hepatic artery in humans.
Land Acquisition Governance and Its Implications for Renewable Energy Development in Indonesia and the Philippines
Authors: Kennedy Sean F. , Qayyum Faizaan
Published: February 2023

This article examines the role of multilateral social and environmental safeguards in land acquisition for renewable energy (RE) development in Southeast Asia. We assessed the development of two large-scale wind projects in Indonesia and the Philippines through a qualitative comparative case study analysis. We find that the influence of safeguards is the product of two factors: the timing of multilateral funds in project development and the relative ease through which developers can acquire land through non-safeguard-compliant pathways. Our findings highlight the continued importance of land use policy and planning in mediating the social and environmental impacts of RE infrastructure.
Sclerosing Epithelioid Fibrosarcoma of the Liver in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Armstrong Amy , Boulos Fouad , Kulkarni Sakil , Stoll Janis , Doyle Maria Bernadette Majella , Khan Adeel , He Mai
Published: February 2023

Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma (SEF) is a rare but aggressive sarcoma. We report the first case of hepatic SEF in pediatric patient, which is also the second case in literature. A 17-year-old previously healthy female presented with a liver mass measuring 13.7 cm in greatest dimension and mild elevation of liver enzymes and cancer antigen 19-9. Needle biopsy revealed multiple cores of liver parenchyma mostly replaced by densely hyalinized fibrotic tissue and areas of small-to-medium sized epithelioid cells with eosinophilic and clear cytoplasm. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) demonstrated diffuse strong cytoplasmic staining of MUC4, suggesting a working diagnosis of sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma (SEF)/low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (LGFMS). Liver explant demonstrated a well-circumscribed, nodular mass with firm, gray-white cut surface, and similar histopathology as seen in needle biopsy with no convincing evidence suggesting LGFMS. Sequencing panel revealed EWSR1::CREB3L1 gene fusion and confirmed the diagnosis of SEF. Post-operative cancer antigen 19-9 normalized 3 months after transplant; follow-up 3 and 6 months post-transplant imaging at that time showed no concern for disease recurrence.
How Accessible is This Video Game? An Analysis Tool in Two Steps
Authors: Larreina-Morales María Eugenia
Published: February 2023

Game accessibility aims to ensure that every player has a chance to interact with a video game and overcome its challenges. This paper presents a game analysis tool in two steps that identify accessibility achievements and pitfalls to improve current practice. First, a game's accessibility features are reviewed through a checklist that integrates guidelines developed by users, industry, and academia. Second, user reviews are analysed to determine the suitability of the game's accessibility features. As a pilot study, the analysis tool is applied to The Last of Us Part II, released by Naughty Dog in 2020. The checklist shows that the game offers a great number of accessibility features, although users clarify in their reviews that not all interaction barriers are prevented. In that sense, the analysis tool emphasises the key role of users with disabilities in designing and assessing accessibility features so that video games may be enjoyed by all.
A young Saudi female with combined hemophagocytic lympho-histiocytosis and Kikuchi’s disease: A case report
Authors: Al-Zahrani Kamal , Gasmelseed Batol , Shadi Hesham Waaer , AL-Ansari Rehab Y
Published: February 2023

Kikuchi’s disease is an idiopathic self-limiting condition first reported in Japan in 1972. However, hemophagocytic lympho-histiocytosis is a condition that occurs due to overstimulation of the immune system. The presence of the two conditions is rare, and the clinical observation of this unusual clinical syndrome is worth reporting. We are reporting an 18-year-old Saudi female patient who presented with high-grade fever and diaphoresis 3 weeks before her presentation. Physical examination showed palpable cervical and axillary lymphadenopathy; laboratory investigation found neutropenia, a high lactate dehydrogenase of 550 U/L, and high ferritin levels. A thoracoabdominal computed tomographic study revealed generalized lymphadenopathy. She was diagnosed with hemophagocytic lympho-histiocytosis based on a bone marrow biopsy finding and Kikuchi’s disease based on an excisional cervical lymph node biopsy. She received a high dose of dexamethasone with complete resolution of the condition. In conclusion, hemophagocytic lympho-histiocytosis and Kikuchi’s Disease are uncommon conditions. The presence of a combination of such two conditions is extremely rare and worth reporting. Early diagnosis and initiation of the management with high dexamethasone dose could save patient life.
The role of CD8+ T cell clones in immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Malik Amna , Sayed Anwar A. , Han Panpan , Tan Michelle M.H. , Watt Eleanor , Constantinescu-Bercu Adela , Cocker Alexander T.H. , Khoder Ahmad , Saputil Rocel Christine , Thorley Emma V. , Teklemichael Ariam , Ding Yunchuan , Hart Alice C.J. , Zhang Haiyu , Mitchell Wayne A. , Imami Nesrina , Crawley James T.B. , Salles-Crawley Isabelle I. , Bussel James B. , Zehnder James L. , Adams Stuart Paul , Zhang Bing M. , Cooper Nichola
Published: February 2023

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is traditionally considered an antibody-mediated disease. However, a number of features suggest alternative mechanisms of platelet destruction. In this study, we use a multi-dimensional approach to explore the role of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells in ITP. We characterised patients with ITP and compared them to age-matched controls using immunophenotyping, next-generation sequencing of T cell receptor (TCR) genes, single-cell RNA sequencing, and functional T cell and platelet assays. We found that adults with chronic ITP have increased polyfunctional, terminally differentiated effector memory CD8+ T cells (CD45RA+CD62L-) expressing intracellular interferon-g, tumour necrosis factor-a, and Granzyme B defining them as TEMRA cells. These TEMRA cells expand when the platelet count falls and show no evidence of physiological exhaustion. Deep sequencing of the T cell receptor showed expanded T cell clones in patients with ITP. T cell clones persisted over many years, were more prominent in patients with refractory disease, and expanded when the platelet count was low. Combined single-cell RNA and TCR sequencing of CD8+ T cells confirmed that the expanded clones are TEMRA cells. Using in vitro model systems, we show that CD8+ T cells from patients with ITP form aggregates with autologous platelets, release interferon-g and trigger platelet activation and apoptosis through TCR-mediated release of cytotoxic granules. These findings of clonally expanded CD8+ T cells causing platelet activation and apoptosis provide an antibody-independent mechanism of platelet destruction, indicating that targeting specific T-cell clones could be a novel therapeutic approach for patients with refractory ITP.
Selective electrodeposition of indium microstructures on silicon and their conversion into InAs and InSb semiconductors
Authors: Hnida-Gut Katarzyna E. , Sousa Marilyne , Tiwari Preksha , Schmid Heinz
Published: February 2023

The idea of benefitting from the properties of III-V semiconductors and silicon on the same substrate has been occupying the minds of scientists for several years. Although the principle of III-V integration on a silicon-based platform is simple, it is often challenging to perform due to demanding requirements for sample preparation rising from a mismatch in physical properties between those semiconductor groups (e.g. different lattice constants and thermal expansion coefficients), high cost of device-grade materials formation and their post-processing. In this paper, we demonstrate the deposition of group-III metal and III-V semiconductors in microfabricated template structures on silicon as a strategy for heterogeneous device integration on Si. The metal (indium) is selectively electrodeposited in a 2-electrode galvanostatic configuration with the working electrode (WE) located in each template, resulting in well-defined In structures of high purity. The semiconductors InAs and InSb are obtained by vapour phase diffusion of the corresponding group-V element (As, Sb) into the liquified In confined in the template. We discuss in detail the morphological and structural characterization of the synthesized In, InAs and InSb crystals as well as chemical analysis through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (TEM/STEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The proposed integration path combines the advantage of the mature top-down lithography technology to define device geometries and employs economic electrodeposition (ED) and vapour phase processes to directly integrate difficult-to-process materials on a silicon platform.

Graphical abstract
A novel easy-to-use index to predict institutionalization and death in older population – a 10-year population-based follow-up study
Authors: Heikkilä Elisa , Salminen Marika , Viljanen Anna , Katajamäki Taina , Koivula Marja-Kaisa , Pulkki Kari , Isoaho Raimo , Kivelä Sirkka-Liisa , Viitanen Matti , Löppönen Minna , Vahlberg Tero , Venäläinen Mikko S. , Elo Laura L. , Viikari Laura , Irjala Kerttu
Published: February 2023

Background

Various indexes have been developed to estimate the risk for mortality, institutionalization, and other adverse outcomes for older people. Most indexes are based on a large number of clinical or laboratory parameters. An index based on only a few parameters would be more practical to use in every-day clinical practice. Our aim was to create an index to predict the risk for mortality and institutionalization with as few parameters as possible without compromising their predictive ability.

Methods

A prospective study with a 10-year follow-up period. Thirty-six clinical and fourteen laboratory parameters were combined to form an index. Cox regression model was used to analyze the association of the index with institutionalization and mortality. A backward statistical method was used to reduce the number of parameters to form an easy-to-use index for predicting institutionalization and mortality.

Results

The mean age of the participants (n = 1172) was 73.1 (SD 6.6, range 64‒97) years. Altogether, 149 (14%) subjects were institutionalized, and 413 (35%) subjects deceased during the follow-up. Institutionalization and mortality rates increased as index scores increased both for the large 50-parameter combined index and for the reduced indexes. After a backward variable selection in the Cox regression model, three clinical parameters remained in the index to predict institutionalization and six clinical and three laboratory parameters in the index to predict mortality. The reduced indexes showed a slightly better predictive value for both institutionalization and mortality compared to the full index.

Conclusions

A large index with fifty parameters included many unimportant parameters that did not increase its predictive value, and therefore could be replaced with a reduced index with only a few carefully chosen parameters, that were individually associated with institutionalization or death.