bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why do coffee farmers stay poor?
Authors: Ruben Ruerd
Published: November 2023

During more than five decades, different initiatives have been launched to improve the livelihoods of smallholder coffee farmers. While knowledge of the constraints for raising smallholder income is widely available, limited results have been reached by structurally strengthening the competitive position of smallholders in international commodity markets. This article provides an overview of current insights on the role of smallholders in coffee production, the organization of coffee transactions, and the distribution of value-added throughout coffee supply chains. Whereas major efforts have been made to increase prices, yields and investments with strategies focusing on certification and/or living incomes, these initiatives largely failed to lift coffee farmers out of poverty. Cash transfers funded by tax revenues and profit redistribution offer direct payment opportunities for raising coffee farmer expenditures and strengthening their livelihoods. This also requires a fundamental transformation in pre-harvest and post-harvest governance arrangements that shape farmer risk behavior and trust attitudes.
Exportin-mediated nucleocytoplasmic transport maintains Pch2 homeostasis during meiosis
Authors: Herruzo Esther , Sánchez-Díaz Estefanía , González-Arranz Sara , Santos Beatriz , Carballo Jesús A. , San-Segundo Pedro A.
Published: November 2023

The meiotic recombination checkpoint reinforces the order of events during meiotic prophase I, ensuring the accurate distribution of chromosomes to the gametes. The AAA+ ATPase Pch2 remodels the Hop1 axial protein enabling adequate levels of Hop1-T318 phosphorylation to support the ensuing checkpoint response. While these events are localized at chromosome axes, the checkpoint activating function of Pch2 relies on its cytoplasmic population. In contrast, forced nuclear accumulation of Pch2 leads to checkpoint inactivation. Here, we reveal the mechanism by which Pch2 travels from the cell nucleus to the cytoplasm to maintain Pch2 cellular homeostasis. Leptomycin B treatment provokes the nuclear accumulation of Pch2, indicating that its nucleocytoplasmic transport is mediated by the Crm1 exportin recognizing proteins containing Nuclear Export Signals (NESs). Consistently, leptomycin B leads to checkpoint inactivation and impaired Hop1 axial localization. Pch2 nucleocytoplasmic traffic is independent of its association with Zip1 and Orc1. We also identify a functional NES in the non-catalytic N-terminal domain of Pch2 that is required for its nucleocytoplasmic trafficking and proper checkpoint activity. In sum, we unveil another layer of control of Pch2 function during meiosis involving nuclear export via the exportin pathway that is crucial to maintain the critical balance of Pch2 distribution among different cellular compartments.
Theoretical study of diffusive model of HIV-1 infection and its analytical solution
Authors: Aljahdaly Noufe H. , Alharbey R. A. , Aljohani Ahlam S.
Published: November 2023

T his article studied a mathematical model for the diffusive human immunodeficiency virus-type 1 (HIV-1) infection combining with stem cell therapy. The HIV-1 infection is a chronic disease and the viral replication continues if the patient stopes use the antiretroviral therapy (cART). Therefore, it is important to seek the cure of HIV-1 infection and some medical trials showed the cure by stem cell therapy and there are others failure to achieve the cure of HIV-1 with same treatments. The novelty of this paper is constructing a mathematical model with adding diffusion terms to study the effect of spread of virus and other cells in the body. Theoretical analysis such as boundedness, positivity, stability (local/global) of the HIV-1 model is presented. The model is solved analytically by the tanh expansion method. The results show that the tanh expansion method is a very useful technique, that can give a good prediction of the effect of stem cell therapy on infected cells on the spread of the virus. The results further demonstrated that the best way to control the disease is by limiting the spread of the virus; more so than the spread of other components.
Assessing the knowledge, attitude and practice of osteoporosis among Pakistani women: A national social-media based survey
Authors: Ahmed Sibtain , Farooqui Arsala Jameel , Pradhan Nousheen Akber , Zehra Nawazish , Majid Hafsa , Jafri Lena , Khan Aysha Habib
Published: November 2023

Background

There are numerous risk factors for osteoporosis and understanding and recognizing these risk factors is critical when deciding whether to take preventive measures. It is critical to reduce the healthcare expenditure burden of the Pakistani population by raising awareness and implementing osteoporosis-preventable measures. This survey aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Pakistani women as well as their misconceptions about osteoporosis.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from August 2021 to January 2022 by the Bone & Mineral Disease research group at Section of Chemical Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, with exemption from the ethical review committee. Using snowball sampling, a validated Osteoporosis Prevention and Awareness Tool (OPAAT) was disseminated online via social media. With informed consent, 400 Pakistani women aged ≥ 18 years were included in the study. SPSS Statistics version 25.0 was used for data analysis. Chi-square test for association and Fisher-exact test were applied, and significance level was α<0.05.

Results

Based on the OPAAT scores of all(n = 400)participants, 22%(n = 88)had low knowledge, 44%(n = 176)had average knowledge, while 34%(n = 136)had good knowledge of osteoporosis. The most common misconceptions were about age-related risk, presentation of symptoms, radiation risk, associated risk factors like tooth loss, osteoarthritis, and knowledge about predictors of bone health.

Conclusion

Adult Pakistani women have a fair understanding of osteoporosis, but the OPAAT tool clarifies some common misconceptions. There is a need to develop educational strategies to increase the knowledge of osteoporosis among Pakistani adults and to promote a bone-healthy lifestyle.
Zero-inflated Poisson regression analysis of factors associated with under-five mortality in Ethiopia using 2019 Ethiopian mini demographic and health survey data
Authors: Argawu Alemayehu Siffir , Mekebo Gizachew Gobebo
Published: November 2023

Background

Remarkable reduction in global under-five mortality has been seen over the past two decades. However, Ethiopia is among the five countries which account for about half (49%) of all under-five mortality worldwide. This study aimed at identifying factors associated with under-five children mortality in Ethiopia using the 2019 Ethiopia mini demography and health survey data.

Methods

The most recent national representative demography and health survey data of Ethiopia, 2019 Ethiopia mini demography and health survey data, were used for this study. Count data regression models were applied to identify the factors associated with under-five children mortality. Statistical significance was declared at P-value less than 0.05.

Results

Zero-Inflated Poisson (ZIP) regression model was found to be the best model compared to other count regression models based on models comparison Criteria. The ZIP model revealed that decreased risk of under-five mortality was associated with mothers aged 25–34 years, unmarried mothers, mothers delivered in health facility, mothers used Pill/IUD, mothers who had larger number of children at home whereas increased risk of under-five mortality was associated with older mothers at their first births, mothers from rural areas, mothers travel for 1–30 min and >30 min to get drinking water, mothers used charcoal and wood, children with higher birth order and multiple births.

Conclusions

In this study, place of residence, region, place of delivery, religion, age of mother, mother’s age at first birth, marital status, birth order, birth type, current contraceptive type used, type of cooking fuel, time to get drinking water, and number of children at home were statistically significant factors associated with under-five mortality in Ethiopia. Thus, the Ethiopian Ministry of Health and other concerned bodies are recommended to encourage mothers to deliver at health institutions, give awareness for mothers to use Pill/IUD contraceptive type, and facilitate rural areas to have electricity and drinking water near to homes so as to minimize the under-five mortality to achieve the sustainable development goal.
Social workers and acquired brain injury: A systematic review of the current evidence-base
Authors: Linden Mark A. , Holloway Mark , Cooper Claire , Amadiegwu Akudo , Bald Caroline , Clark Michael , Mantell Andy , Norman Alyson , Bateman Andrew
Published: November 2023

Social work plays an important role in the assessment and treatment of people with acquired brain injury. Acquired brain injury is a complex and highly prevalent condition which can impact on cognitive, emotional and social domains. As acquired brain injury is a hidden disability it can be misdiagnosed or classified as another condition entirely. We sought to systematically explore the evidence base to examine how social workers have been prepared to work with their clients with brain injury. Employing six electronic databases (Social Policy & Practice, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus) we reviewed 1071 papers. After applying eligibility criteria 17 papers were included in this review. We utilised standardised data extraction and quality appraisal tools to assess all included papers. Following appraisal, 9 papers were judged as possessing high methodological quality whilst 8 were judged as medium. Employing narrative synthesis, we identified four themes which captured the key findings of these papers. Themes were named as (i) advocacy and social work (ii) training and multidisciplinary team working (iii) inclusion of social networks and (iv) societal barriers. In order to meet their statutory responsibilities to practice safely, social workers must receive training in how to identify ABI and develop understanding of its consequences and subsequent need for provision. Social workers are also in a unique position to advocate for their clients and should make every effort to ensure their needs are met.
Genome-wide association analysis of anthracnose resistance in the Yellow Bean Collection of Common Bean
Authors: Kuwabo Kuwabo , Hamabwe Swivia M. , Kachapulula Paul , Cichy Karen , Parker Travis , Mukuma Chikoti , Kamfwa Kelvin
Published: November 2023

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum is a major disease of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) worldwide. Yellow beans are a major market class of common bean especially in eastern and southern Africa. The Yellow Bean Collection (YBC), which is comprised of 255 genotypes, and has not been used previously in genetic studies on anthracnose, is an excellent genetic resource for understanding the extent of anthracnose resistance and its genetic architecture in the yellow bean market class. The objectives of this study were i) evaluate the YBC for resistance to races 5, 19, 39, 51, 81, 183, 1050 and 1105 of C. lindemuthianum. and ii) conduct genome-wide association analysis to identify genomic regions and candidate genes associated with resistance to C. lindemuthianum. The YBC was genotyped with 72,866 SNPs, and genome-wide association analysis was conducted using Mixed Linear Model in TASSEL. Andean and Middle American genotypes with superior levels of resistance to the eight races were identified. YBC278 was the only one among 255 genotypes that was highly resistant to all eight races. Resistance to anthracnose in the YBC was controlled by major-effect loci on chromosomes Pv01, Pv03, Pv04, Pv05 and Pv07. The genomic region on Pv01, which overlapped with the Andean locus Co-1 provided resistance to races 81, 1050 and 1105. Significant SNPs for resistance to race 39 were identified on Pv02. The genomic region on Pv04, which overlapped with known major-effect loci Co-3, Co-15, Co-16, Co-y and Co-z, provided resistance to races 5, 19, 51 and 183. Novel genomic regions for resistance to race 39 were identified on Pv05 and Pv07. Plant resistance genes (R genes) with NB-ARC and LRR domains, which occurred in clusters, were identified as positional candidate genes for genomic regions on Pv02 and Pv04.
Relationship between low-back pain and flexibility in children: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ito Tadashi , Sugiura Hideshi , Ito Yuji , Narahara Sho , Natsume Kentaro , Takahashi Daiki , Noritake Koji , Yamazaki Kazunori , Sakai Yoshihito , Ochi Nobuhiko
Published: November 2023

Low-back pain is common among school-aged children. Decreased trunk flexibility in childhood influences low-back pain in adulthood. Previous studies examining the association between low-back pain and trunk flexibility in children are insufficient. Examining this association among elementary school children may help to better understand trunk flexibility in children with low-back pain and to modify the management of inflexibility. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the prevalence of low-back pain and its relationship with physical function among elementary school students. School-aged children aged 6–12 years were recruited in Japan between May 2018 and March 2023. Fingertip-to-floor distance, back muscle strength, pelvic tilt angle during gait, and the visual analog scale for low-back pain were measured. In addition, factors independently related to low-back pain were determined through logistic regression analysis. Low-back pain was reported in 9.6% of the 394 participants (boys, 191; girls, 203). All children with low-back pain presented with back pain when they moved; however, the pain was non-specific. Logistic regression analysis showed that the fingertip-to-floor distance was an independent risk factor for low-back pain (odds ratio, 0.921; p = 0.007). The odds ratios calculated in the logistic regression analysis confirmed that low-back pain frequency increased as the fingertip-to-floor distance decreased. The risk of low-back pain was associated with inflexibility, regardless of sex and muscle strength. These findings suggest that children with low-back pain must increase their trunk and lower extremity flexibility.
Genetic characteristics of P. falciparum parasites collected from 2012 to 2016 and anti-malaria resistance along the China-Myanmar border
Authors: Li Mei , Liu Hui , Tang Linhua , Yang Henglin , Bustos Maria Dorina Geluz , Tu Hong , Ringwald Pascal
Published: November 2023

Backgrounds

The therapeutic efficacy studies of DHA-PIP for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum patients were implemented from 2012 to 2016 along China (Yunnan province)-Myanmar border, which verified the high efficacy of DHA-PIP. With the samples collected in these studies, the genetic characteristics of P. falciparum parasites based on in vivo parasite clearance time (PCT) was investigated to explore if these parasites had developed resistance to DHA and PIP at molecular level.

Methods

The genetic characteristics were investigated based on K13 genotypes, copy numbers of genes pfpm2 and pfmdr1, and nine microsatellite loci (Short Tandem Repeats, STR) flanking the K13 gene on chromosome 13. The PCT 50s were compared based on different K13 genotypes, sites, periods and copy numbers.

Results

In the NW (North-West Yunnan province bordering with Myanmar) region, F446I was the main K13 genotype. No significant differences for PCT 50s presented among three K13 genotypes. In SW (South-West Yunnan province bordering with Myanmar) region, only wild K13 genotype was detected in all parasite isolates whose PCT 50s was significantly longer than those in NW region. For the copy numbers of genes, parasite isolates containing multiple copies of pfmdr1 gene were found in both regions, but only single copy of pfpm2 gene was detected. Though the prevalence of parasite isolates with multiple copies of pfmdr1 gene in SW region was higher than that in NW region, no difference in PCT 50s were presented between isolates with single and multiple copies of pfmdr1 gene. The median He values of F446I group and Others (Non-F446I K13 mutation) group were 0.08 and 0.41 respectively. The mean He values of ML group (Menglian County in SW) and W (wild K13 genotype in NW) group were 0 and 0.69 respectively. The mean Fst values between ML and W groups were significantly higher than the other two K13 groups.

Conclusions

P. falciparum isolates in NW and SW regions had very different genetic characteristics. The F446I was hypothesized to have independently appeared and spread in NW region from 2012 and 2016. The high susceptibility of PIP had ensured the efficacy of DHA-PIP in vivo. Multiple copy numbers of pfmdr1 gene might be a potential cause of prolonged clearance time of ACTs drugs along China-Myanmar border.

Trial registration

Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN 11775446. Registered 17 April 2020—Retrospectively registered, the registered name was Investigating resistance to DHA-PIP for the treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria and chloroquine for the treatment of Plasmodium vivax malaria in Yunnan, China. http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN11775446.
Can cognitive training capitalise on near transfer effects? Limited evidence of transfer following online inhibition training in a randomised-controlled trial
Authors: Harris David J. , Wilson Mark R. , Chillingsworth Kieran , Mitchell Gabriella , Smith Sarah , Arthur Tom , Brock Kirsty , Vine Samuel J.
Published: November 2023

Despite early promise, cognitive training research has failed to deliver consistent real-world benefits and questions have been raised about the experimental rigour of many studies. Several meta-analyses have suggested that there is little to no evidence for transfer of training from computerised tasks to real-world skills. More targeted training approaches that aim to optimise performance on specific tasks have, however, shown more promising effects. In particular, the use of inhibition training for improving shoot/don’t-shoot decision-making has returned positive far transfer effects. In the present work, we tested whether an online inhibition training task could generate near and mid-transfer effects in the context of response inhibition tasks. As there has been relatively little testing of retention effects in the literature to date, we also examined whether any benefits would persist over a 1-month interval. In a pre-registered, randomised-controlled trial, participants (n = 73) were allocated to either an inhibition training programme (six training sessions of a visual search task with singleton distractor) or a closely matched active control task (that omitted the distractor element). We assessed near transfer to a Flanker task, and mid-transfer to a computerised shoot/don’t-shoot task. There was evidence for a near transfer effect, but no evidence for mid-transfer. There was also no evidence that the magnitude of training improvement was related to transfer task performance. This finding adds to the growing body of literature questioning the effectiveness of cognitive training. Given previous positive findings, however, there may still be value in continuing to explore the extent to which cognitive training can capitalise on near or mid-transfer effects for performance optimisation.
The knowledge mapping of HIV/AIDS in Indonesians living on six major islands using the Indonesian version of the HIV-KQ-18 instrument
Authors: Arifin Bustanul , Rokhman M. Rifqi , Zulkarnain Zulkarnain , Perwitasari Dyah Aryani , Mangau Marianti , Rauf Saidah , Noor Rasuane , Padmawati Retna Siwi , Massi Muhammad Nasrum , Schans Jurjen van der , Postma Maarten J.
Published: November 2023

Indonesia’s total number of HIV/AIDS cases is still high. Inadequate knowledge about the risk of HIV infection will influence HIV prevention and therapy. This study aimed to map the level of HIV-related knowledge among Indonesians living on six major islands in Indonesia and investigate the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and HIV/AIDS knowledge. This cross-sectional study used the Bahasa Indonesia version of the HIV Knowledge Questionnaire-18 items (HIV-KQ-18) Instrument. Data collection was done online through the Google form application. A total of 5,364 participants were recruited. The participants from Java had the highest degree of HIV/AIDS knowledge, which was 12.5% higher than participants from Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Papua, and Maluku. Linear regression showed that region, educational level, monthly expenditure, occupation, background in health sciences, and workshop attendance were significantly correlated with HIV knowledge. Participants typically understand that "HIV/AIDS transmission" only happens when sex partners are changed. Additionally, the government still needs improvement in HIV/AIDS education, particularly in the HIV incubation period, HIV transmission from pregnant women to the fetus, and condom use as one method of protection. There are disparities in HIV/AIDS knowledge levels among the major islands of Indonesia. Based on these findings, the government’s health promotion program to increase public awareness of HIV/AIDS must be implemented vigorously. Additionally, in line with our research findings, it is essential to broaden the scope of HIV/AIDS education and promotion materials.
Use of an unmanned aerial vehicle for monitoring and prediction of oilseed rape crop performance
Authors: Ahmed Shara , Nicholson Catherine E. , Rutter Simon R. , Marshall John R. , Perry Justin J. , Dean John R.
Published: November 2023

The flowering stage of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) is of vital interest in precision agriculture. It has been shown that data describing the flower production of oilseed rape (OSR), at stage 3, in spring can be used to predict seed yield at harvest. Traditional field-based techniques for assessing OSR flowers are based on a visual assessment which is subjective and time consuming. However, a high throughput phenotyping technique, using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with multispectral image (MSI) camera, was used to investigate the growth stages of OSR (in terms of crop height) and to quantify its flower production. A simplified approach using a normalised difference yellowness index (NDYI) was coupled with an iso-cluster classification method to quantify the number of OSR flower pixels and incorporate the data into an OSR seed yield estimation. The estimated OSR seed yield showed strong correlation with the actual OSR seed yield (R2 = 0.86), as determined using in-situ sensors mounted on the combine harvester. Also, using our approach allowed the variation in crop height to be assessed across all growing stages; the maximum crop height of 1.35 m OSR was observed at the flowering stage. This methodology is proposed for effectively predicting seed yield 3 months prior to harvesting.
The placental vasculature is affected by changes in gene expression and glycogen-rich cells in a diet-induced obesity mouse model
Authors: Zhao Hui , Wong Ronald J. , Stevenson David K.
Published: November 2023

Maternal obesity is a risk factor for pregnancy complications. Obesity caused by a high-fat diet (HFD) may alter maternal glucose/glycogen metabolism. Here, our objective was to investigate whether the placental vasculature is altered via changes in gene expression and glycogen-rich cells using a preclinical mouse model of diet-induced obesity. We subjected female FVB/N mice to one of three feeding regimens: regular chow (RC) given at preconception and during pregnancy (Control); RC given at preconception and then a HFD during pregnancy (HFD-P); or HFD initiated 4 weeks preconception and during pregnancy (HFD-PreCP). Daily food consumption and weekly maternal weights were recorded. Maternal blood glucose levels were measured at preconception and 4 gestational epochs (E6.5–E9.5, E10.5–E12.5, E13.5–E15.5, E16.5–E19.5). At E8.5–E16.5, total RNA in placentas were isolated for gene expression analyses. Placentas were also collected for HE and periodic acid Schiff’s (PAS) staining and glycogen content assays. Dams in the HFD-P and HFD-PreCP groups gained significantly more weight than controls. Pre- and antenatal glucose levels were also significantly higher (15%–30%) in HFD-PreCP dams. Expression of several placental genes were also altered in HFD dams compared with controls. Consumption of the HFD also led to phenotypic and morphologic changes in glycogen trophoblasts (GlyTs) and uterine natural killer (uNK) cells. Alterations in vascularity were also observed in the labyrinth of HFD-PreCP placentas, which correlated with decreased placental efficiency. Overall, we observed that a HFD induces gestational obesity in mice, alters expression of placental genes, affects glucose homeostasis, and alters glycogen-positive GlyTs and uNK cells. All these changes may lead to impaired placental vascular development, and thus heighten the risk for pregnancy complications.
A pilot heat-health warning system co-designed for a subtropical city
Authors: Lung Shih-Chun Candice , Liou Ming-Lone , Yeh Jou-Chen Joy , Hwang Jing-Shiang
Published: November 2023

Significant heat-related casualties underlie the urgency of establishing a heat-health warning system (HHWS). This paper presents an evidence-based pilot HHWS developed for Taipei City, Taiwan, through a co-design process engaging stakeholders. In the co-design process, policy concerns related to biometeorology, epidemiology and public health, and risk communication aspects were identified, with knowledge gaps being filled by subsequent findings. The biometeorological results revealed that Taipei residents were exposed to wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) levels of health concern for at least 100 days in 2016. The hot spots and periods identified using WBGT would be missed out if using temperature, underlining the importance of adopting an appropriate heat indicator. Significant increases in heat-related emergency were found in Taipei at WBGT exceeding 36°C with reference-adjusted risk ratio (RaRR) of 2.42, taking 30°C as the reference; and residents aged 0–14 had the highest risk enhancement (RaRR = 7.70). As for risk communication, occurring frequency was evaluated to avoid too frequent warnings, which would numb the public and exhaust resources. After integrating knowledge and reconciling the different preferences and perspectives, the pilot HHWS was co-implemented in 2018 by the science team and Taipei City officials; accompanying responsive measures were formulated for execution by ten city government departments/offices. The results of this pilot served as a useful reference for establishing a nationwide heat-alert app in 2021/2022. The lessons learnt during the interactive co-design processes provide valuable insights for establishing HHWSs worldwide.
Hexadecanamide alleviates Staphylococcus aureus-induced mastitis in mice by inhibiting inflammatory responses and restoring blood-milk barrier integrity
Authors: Bao Lijuan , Sun Hao , Zhao Yihong , Feng Lianjun , Wu Keyi , Shang Shan , Xu Jiawen , Shan Ruping , Duan Shiyu , Qiu Min , Zhang Naisheng , Hu Xiaoyu , Zhao Caijun , Fu Yunhe
Published: November 2023

Subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) has been demonstrated to promote the development of mastitis, one of the most serious diseases in dairy farming worldwide, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. Using untargeted metabolomics, we found hexadecanamide (HEX) was significantly reduced in rumen fluid and milk from cows with SARA-associated mastitis. Herein, we aimed to assess the protective role of HEX in Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)- and SARA-induced mastitis and the underlying mechanism. We showed that HEX ameliorated S. aureus-induced mastitis in mice, which was related to the suppression of mammary inflammatory responses and repair of the blood-milk barrier. In vitro, HEX depressed S. aureus-induced activation of the NF-κB pathway and improved barrier integrity in mouse mammary epithelial cells (MMECs). In detail, HEX activated PPARα, which upregulated SIRT1 and subsequently inhibited NF-κB activation and inflammatory responses. In addition, ruminal microbiota transplantation from SARA cows (S-RMT) caused mastitis and aggravated S. aureus-induced mastitis, while these changes were reversed by HEX. Our findings indicate that HEX effectively attenuates S. aureus- and SARA-induced mastitis by limiting inflammation and repairing barrier integrity, ultimately highlighting the important role of host or microbiota metabolism in the pathogenesis of mastitis and providing a potential strategy for mastitis prevention.
Antibody-mediated spike activation promotes cell-cell transmission of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Yu Shi , Zheng Xu , Zhou Yanqiu , Gao Yuhui , Zhou Bingjie , Zhao Yapei , Li Tingting , Li Yunyi , Mou Jiabin , Cui Xiaoxian , Yang Yuying , Li Dianfan , Chen Min , Lavillette Dimitri , Meng Guangxun
Published: November 2023

The COVID pandemic fueled by emerging SARS-CoV-2 new variants of concern remains a major global health concern, and the constantly emerging mutations present challenges to current therapeutics. The spike glycoprotein is not only essential for the initial viral entry, but is also responsible for the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 components via syncytia formation. Spike-mediated cell-cell transmission is strongly resistant to extracellular therapeutic and convalescent antibodies via an unknown mechanism. Here, we describe the antibody-mediated spike activation and syncytia formation on cells displaying the viral spike. We found that soluble antibodies against receptor binding motif (RBM) are capable of inducing the proteolytic processing of spike at both the S1/S2 and S2’ cleavage sites, hence triggering ACE2-independent cell-cell fusion. Mechanistically, antibody-induced cell-cell fusion requires the shedding of S1 and exposure of the fusion peptide at the cell surface. By inhibiting S1/S2 proteolysis, we demonstrated that cell-cell fusion mediated by spike can be re-sensitized towards antibody neutralization in vitro. Lastly, we showed that cytopathic effect mediated by authentic SARS-CoV-2 infection remain unaffected by the addition of extracellular neutralization antibodies. Hence, these results unveil a novel mode of antibody evasion and provide insights for antibody selection and drug design strategies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 infected cells.
Frankenthaler, woodcuts and Japan
Authors: Boorsch Suzanne
Published: November 2023

Helen Frankenthaler was five days short of her thirteenth birthday when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, on 7 December 1941, causing the United States finally to enter the Second World War. She was 16 in August 1945 when the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, putting an end to the war. Yet, despite the fact that Japan had been the Enemy, many Americans – including many American artists – became fascinated with Japan and its culture in the years following the war. This article details the particular importance of Japan in the creation of the works in the exhibition Helen Frankenthaler: Radical Beauty, at the Dulwich Picture Gallery, London, in 2021–22 – Frankenthaler’s extraordinary woodcuts.
Liquid gestures: The language of that land
Authors: Gordon Melissa
Published: November 2023

The painterly language arising from the paintings of Helen Frankenthaler finds itself describing gestures that behave ‘in-between’ constructed histories. Historic accumulated gestures by female painters and artists at seminal moments in history point towards spaces in which contemporary artists can speak about how new painting language can be formed, now. Using notions of liquidity from Giorgio Agamben and Luce Irigaray to think of a new painterly terminology. The field of making, the performance and transitive material visualizations of Frankenthaler’s practice makes space for the voices of female painters after her.
O "foro de Espanha": formulários diplomáticos de homenagens por castelos no Portugal medievo
Authors: Gomes Saul António
Published: November 2023

Este texto procura contribuir para o conhecimento dos ambientes e ritos de homenagem e juramento dos alcaides-mores dos castelos portugueses para com os seus senhores. Explorando documentação das chancelarias do Condestável D. Pedro, enquanto governador da Ordem de Avis, e do rei de Portugal, o autor procura redescobrir os contextos históricos e culturais de encenação dos “preitos e menagens” e, também, a evolução dos formulários diplomáticos usados nesses juramentos que seguiam o antigo foro da Espanha em que prevalecia o beija-mão real.
A alcaidaria de Coimbra ao tempo da conquista de Elvas (1226-1230)
Authors: Ventura Leontina , Gomes Saul António
Published: November 2023

O presente texto, focando a temática das alcaidarias medievais em Portugal, propõe-se investigar tanto o que eram, como alguns aspetos da sua organização e do seu funcionamento. Partindo da análise de documentação relativa a Coimbra, na primeira metade do século XIII, reconstitui-se o quadro da organização da defesa das portas, muralhas e torres da cidade do Mondego e da gestão de custos financeiros da sua pretoria ao tempo da conquista de Elvas (1230).
Colonialidade e Comunalidade: produção de (des)conhecimento sobre normas de reciprocidade na África portuguesa (1890-1974)
Authors: Pereira Joana
Published: November 2023

Este artigo foca a evolução dos discursos coloniais sobre as práticas comunitárias observadas na África Portuguesa ao longo do período de ocupação efetiva, compulsando os estudos etnográficos dos “usos e costumes indígenas” produzidos entre 1890 e 1974. A primeira parte avalia criticamente os contextos de produção destas pesquisas, procurando historiar a relação entre políticas e representações coloniais. A segunda parte ilustra a evolução da ciência colonial, sobretudo no segundo pós-guerra e influenciada pelas tendências internacionais. Conclui que o conhecimento produzido desafia as representações do primitivismo indígena que legitimava as políticas de expolição e subjugação, oferecendo evidências empíricas sobre um complexo sistema de normas de gestão e reciprocidade entre as comunidades locais. Estes avanços, porém, não tiveram quaisquer repercussões a nível legal, mantendo-se vedado o acesso à propriedade e à livre disposição dos recursos naturais pelos indígenas, mesmo após a extinção formal do regime de indigenato.
Cólera em Portugal na segunda metade do século XIX: os lazaretos terrestres
Authors: Abreu Laurinda
Published: November 2023

Irrompendo na Europa num século considerado revolucionário do ponto de vista da ciência e das conquistas médicas, mas, também, no ambiente competitivo da expansão industrial, comercial e colonial, as pandemias de cólera foram, além de um problema de saúde pública, focos de tensão internacional e de conflitualidade doméstica, quer em termos políticos, quer sociais e até profissionais. Apesar do crescente interesse dos investigadores portugueses pelo estudo das epidemias, ainda existem muitas fontes primárias praticamente inexploradas e um vasto campo de possibilidades para aprofundar o conhecimento disponível. É o caso do papel desempenhado pelos lazaretos terrestres durante a crise de 1884-1886, assunto tratado neste texto. Tem como objetivo principal iluminar as circunstâncias que levaram um dos governos portugueses mais progressistas do século XIX a combater as ameaças epidémicas mediante medidas quarentenárias tradicionais, já há muito sob forte contestação, interna e externa.
Das companhias comerciais e associações científicas aos sindicatos agrícolas. O associativismo na Região Duriense, entre 1865 e 1926
Authors: Sequeira Carla
Published: November 2023

No último quartel do século XIX, a Região Duriense confrontava-se com as consequências das pragas da vinha, da legislação liberal introduzida em 1865 e das alterações nos mercados, o que conduziria a uma crise comercial aguda de superprodução e, a breve prazo, a uma crise social e ao conflito sectorial e inter-regional.Assistir-se-ia, então, à busca de soluções para a crise em que a Região se encontrava mergulhada. Do ponto de vista institucional, começou a esboçar-se um movimento associativo que passaria pela formação de companhias comerciais e a criação de sindicatos agrícolas.No presente artigo analisaremos as diversas formas de associativismo regional desenvolvidas entre meados da década de 1860 e inícios da década de 1930, procurando aferir o grau de implantação, organização e influência das novas agremiações nos destinos da Região.
«Maldito sea el rey, que los tributos que echa son para mantener el putaísmo de la reina». Las relaciones iglesia-estado durante el reinado de Carlos iv: el caso de fray Joaquín de Elvira (1797-1798)
Authors: Fernández Montenegro Alicia
Published: November 2023

El presente artículo pretende analizar las relaciones entre Iglesia y Estado durante el reinado de Carlos iv en el marco de la crisis económica y política de la monarquía. Para ello, estudiamos el caso de un proceso judicial al fraile mercedario Joaquín de Elvira, acusado de verter graves críticas contra la reina María Luisa de Parma y Manuel Godoy; desarrollado en una atmósfera caracterizada por la problemática relación entre el clero regular y el gobierno de Carlos iv, así como por la difícil coyuntura económica de la década de los 90 de la centuria dieciochesca. Estas circunstancias nos permiten, por un lado, acercarnos a la compleja situación del reinado y, por otro, analizar la visión de la mencionada consorte construida por sus contemporáneos, caracterizada por el ataque a su cuerpo como forma de censura del cuerpo político en un momento de crisis.
La inscripción latina del monumento a jovellanos de Oviedo
Authors: Suárez-Martínez Pedro Manuel
Published: November 2023

Nos proponemos estudiar la inscripción latina que la Junta General del Principado de Asturias dedicó en Oviedo, en 1798, a Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos, con ocasión de su nombramiento como ministro de Gracia y Justicia. Ofrecemos una nueva edición crítica del texto y un análisis de sus aspectos lingüísticos más relevantes; también proponemos una nueva traducción más ajustada al texto latino que la única que conocemos; esta última se caracteriza por una majestuosidad y elegancia de las que, en absoluto, carece el texto original, como se desprende del análisis lingüístico. Por último, hacemos unas consideraciones sobre la autoría del texto.
Portugal, ora pois! Estratégias de internacionalização de uma empresa familiar de pequeno porte
Authors: De Tommaso Silvia Ferraz Nogueira , Correa Raísa , Borini Felipe Mendes
Published: November 2023

Objetivo: Este Caso de ensino tem como objetivo expor alunos de graduação e pós-graduação às problemáticas empresarias de tomada de decisão no desenvolvimento de estratégias de internacionalização. Dilema: Este caso de ensino aborda os dilemas de uma pequena empresa familiar brasileira ao tomar a decisão de internacionalização no mercado português. Uma empresa familiar de pequeno porte, que atua no setor de arquitetura, decoração e construção, na produção de obras personalizadas em rochas ornamentais, que se depara com a oportunidade de atender clientes no mercado português, depois de um longo período atuando apenas no mercado nacional. Relevância/originalidade: O caso se apresenta como uma oportunidade original e real para o professor trabalhar estratégias de internacionalização, revitalizando conceitos de proposta de valor, tomada de decisão, adequação de produtos e mercados e é indicado para aplicação em disciplinas de estratégia em cursos de graduação e pós-graduação.
Development of Environmentally friendly and high-performance electroactive materials for high-energy hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Aljowied Mohamed Aljowied
Published: November 2023

Hybrid supercapacitors are among the candidates for energy storage applications because of their high capacity and high energy density compared to the other supercapacitors. Still, all these advantages require expensive materials with large surface areas and are very harmful to the environment. In this research, we aim to use date stones as biomass. It is made from relatively cheap carbon materials, has a high surface area, and is environmentally friendly. In this research, Hybrid supercapcitors fabrication using novel electrodes that can store charges through faradic and EDLC mechanisms, respectively, for high-performance hybrid supercapacitors; in this work, the Activated carbon has characterization in SEM, TEM, XRD, Raman spectroscopy SEM shows individual particles with a size between 50 and 100 μm, TEM images also confirmed the excellent pore structure, XRD shows observed in the pattern of the Date stone Activated carbon (DSAC) It is due to the α -axis of the graphite structure, Raman spectroscopy The ratio between D-band and G-band intensities (ID/IG) gives information about the defects in the carbonaceous material, a high ratio indicates more defects in the carbon. The characterization and the prepared of the hard carbon in progress ,For this work, activated carbon has been used as a cathode and hard carbon as an anode; the electrolyte is commercially available. Overall produced materials are expected to have a specific capacitance in the 120 (0.5 A\g)-1 and the desired Energy density of 65 (Wh kg)-1 . A Power density 535 (W kg)-1. It also concludes from the expected results that after 10,000 cycles of charge-discharge, electrochemical performance (90.7%). Furthermore, the synthesis of Hybrid supercapcitors techniques are comparatively scalable, and environmentally friendly, in energy storage applications.
Strengths and Difficulties of Primary Schoolchildren From Parents' Perspective
Authors: Chehabeddine Mouna , Chehabeddine Hiba , Abdo Hiba , Nasrallah Inaam , El-Kak Assem , Hatem Georges
Published: November 2023

Background: Schoolchildren face academic challenges like learning difficulties and bullying, as well as social and emotional challenges such as peer pressure and mental health issues.
Objective: This study seeks to assess the strengths and challenges experienced by schoolchildren in the aftermath of crises.
Methods: A preliminary cross-sectional study was conducted between April and May 2023, utilizing a standardized questionnaire for data collection. A convenient sample of 130 students from a private school was included in this investigation. The study compared various factors, such as conduct problems, peer-related issues, emotional well-being, hyperactivity, and overall difficulty scores. Bivariate analyses were performed, with the dependent variables being age, gender, and difficulty scores.
Results: The study revealed a significant prevalence of peer-related issues (32.2%) and emotional symptoms (22.2%) among the participants. There was a notable risk of clinically significant problems associated with hyperactivity. Female students exhibited a higher risk of clinical problems (46.9%) related to their emotional symptoms, which was significantly greater than their male counterparts (25%; p=0.015). This also resulted in a significantly higher prevalence of clinical problems associated with their overall difficulties scores than male students (32.3% versus 15.1%; p=0.031). Overall, the majority of students (90.9%) did not experience significant issues. However, 5% displayed a slightly lower prosocial scale, and 4.1% exhibited lower scores, indicating a higher likelihood of substantial clinical risk.
Conclusion: The crises in Lebanon have exacerbated pre-existing disparities in educational access, leading to the emergence or exacerbation of academic challenges among students. These findings underscore the influential roles of parents and schools in shaping the academic performance and psychological well-being of children and emphasize the necessity of providing additional support to schools and investing in mental health services for students.
Preference Falsification: Examining Everyday Preferences Through a Contrived Lense of 'Preference Falsification'
Authors: Sarda Madhav
Published: November 2023

Preference falsification is a common phenomenon in daily life social choices, where individuals may hide their true preferences due to social pressures. This research paper explores the impact of external stimuli such as facts and opinions on individuals' preferences and the extent to which individuals falsify their preferences in the presence of such stimuli. To test the hypothesis, a questionnaire was administered to a closed group of 100 college students. The respondents were asked the same ten questions in two different ways, one to assess their true preferences and the other with an external stimulus in the form of facts, opinions, or a mixture of both. The study found that people are more likely to falsify their preferences when they are exposed to opinions rather than facts. The results of the study suggest that external stimuli play a critical role in shaping people's preferences in daily life social choices. The study's findings have important implications for policymakers and organizations seeking to influence the choices of individuals. By understanding the mechanisms underlying preference falsification, policymakers and organizations can design interventions and marketing strategies that are more effective in changing people's preferences.
La especialización como estrategia para la incubadora de empresas de la Universidad de Guayaquil INNOVUG
Authors: Vásquez-Luna Luz Elvira , Viera-Romero Andrea Michelle , González González Rosa de los Ángeles , Brito Ochoa María Paulina
Published: November 2023

Introduction/objective: Innovation and entrepreneurship are important factors for long-term economic growth. Universities provide basic research and knowledge that form the basis for future innovations. Previous studies have examined the university-industry alliance in terms of knowledge diffusion, entrepreneurial activities, as well as regional competitiveness. However, the role that universities specifically have in Ecuador in terms of university-industry collaborations has not been explored. Methods: The contribution of the University of Guayaquil (UG) to the business environment of its city has been used as a case study. A qualitative research method was chosen in order to provide details about the intellectual property records of each faculty and compare them with the current work areas of the different entrepreneurship centers in the city. Results: Based on intellectual property data, the emergence of innovations in the field of architecture, dentistry, computer systems, educational sciences and industrial engineering was identified. Thus, there is a need to strengthen the efforts of the INNOVUG business incubator in these fields of study. Conclusions: This research not only satisfies a gap in the research, but also becomes a direct input for decision-making within the UG and brings practical ramifications for companies, and those responsible for evaluating the impact of education. superior in collaboration between university and industry.