bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biology of resident tissue macrophages
Authors: Lee Christopher Zhe Wei , Ginhoux Florent
Published: May 2022

Although best known for their phagocytic and immunological functions, macrophages have increasingly been recognised as key players in the development, homeostasis and regeneration of their host tissues. Early during development, macrophages infiltrate and colonise all tissues within the body, developing symbiotically with their host tissues and acquiring unique functional adaptations based on the tissue microenvironment. These embryonic resident tissue macrophages (RTMs) are ontogenically distinct from the later adult bone marrow-derived monocytes, and in some tissues are self-maintained independently of general circulation at a steady state. In this article, we briefly discuss the ontogeny, maintenance and unique tissue adaptions of RTMs focusing on microglia, Kupffer cells, Langerhans cells, intestinal macrophages, cardiac macrophages and tumour-associated macrophages, and highlight their role in development, homeostasis and dysfunction.
Phytochrome-interacting factors orchestrate hypocotyl adventitious root initiation inArabidopsis
Authors: Li Qian-Qian , Zhang Zhan , Zhang Chao-Xing , Wang Ya-Ling , Liu Chu-Bin , Wu Jia-Chen , Han Mei-Ling , Wang Qiu-Xia , Chao Dai-Yin
Published: May 2022

Adventitious roots (ARs) are an important type of plant root and display high phenotypic plasticity in response to different environmental stimuli. It is known that photoreceptors inhibit darkness-induced hypocotyl adventitious root (HAR) formation by directly stabilizing Aux/IAA proteins. In this study, we further report that phytochrome-interacting factors (PIFs) plays a central role in HAR initiation by simultaneously inducing the expression of genes involved in auxin biosynthesis, auxin transport and the transcriptional control of root primordium initiation. We found that, on the basis of their activity downstream of phytochrome, PIFs are required for darkness-induced HAR formation. Specifically, PIFs directly bind to the promoters of some genes involved in root formation, including auxin biosynthesis genes YUCCA2 (YUC2) and YUC6, the auxin influx carrier genes AUX1 and LAX3, and the transcription factors WOX5/7 and LBD16/29, to activate their expression. These findings reveal a previously uncharacterized transcriptional regulatory network underlying HAR formation.
Sexual and reproductive health and rights knowledge, perceptions, and experiences of adolescent learners from three South African townships: qualitative findings from the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) Trial
Authors: Pleaner Melanie , Milford Cecilia , Kutywayo Alison , Naidoo Nicolette , Mullick Saiqa
Published: May 2022

Background: Adolescence is a time of psycho-social and physiological changes, with increased associated health risks including vulnerability to pregnancy, HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and gender-based violence. Adolescent learners, from three townships in South Africa, participated in a 44 session, after-school asset-building intervention (GAP Year), over 2 years providing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education. This paper explores adolescent learners’ SRH, sexual risk and rights knowledge; perceptions about transactional sex; and contraceptive method preferences and decision-making practices.

Methods: The intervention was conducted in 13 secondary schools across Khayelitsha, Thembisa, and Soweto, South Africa. A baseline survey collected socio-demographic data prior to the intervention. Overall, 26 focus group discussions (FGDs): 13 male and 13 female learner groups, purposively selected from schools, after the intervention (2 years after baseline data collection). Descriptive analyses were conducted on baseline data. Qualitative data were thematically coded, and NVivo was used for data analysis.

Results: In total, 194 learners participated in the FGDs. Mean age at baseline was 13.7 years (standard deviation 0.91). Participants acquired SRH and rights knowledge during the GAP Year intervention. Although transactional sex was viewed as risky, some relationships were deemed beneficial and necessary for material gain. Negative healthcare provider attitudes were the main barrier to healthcare service utilisation. There was awareness about the benefits of contraceptives, but some myths about method use. The injectable was the preferred contraceptive method, followed by the implant, with equal preference for condoms and oral pill.

Conclusions: An afterschool intervention at school is a viable model for the provision of SRH and rights education to learners. Recommendations include the need for risk reduction strategies in the curriculum, dealing with misconceptions, and the promotion of informed decision making. Endeavours to ensure health services are youth friendly is a priority to limit barriers to accessing these services.
Leveraging innovative technologies for designing a healthy and personalized breakfast: consumer perception of three smart cooking devices in the EU
Authors: Talens Clara , Rios Yolanda , Santa Cruz Elena
Published: May 2022

Background: Rapid demographic growth and global population ageing will have profound impacts on food and nutrition. In the long run, the smart appliance industry will reflect the social, technological, and demographic forces around food consumption. This study aims to provide valuable consumer insights about smart home cooking devices for a healthy and personalised breakfast.

Methods: Three smart cooking technologies (3D food printing, digital sous-vide cooking and instant dough baking), one ingredient supplier, and a food research centre shared resources to carry out common tasks such as market research and consumer validation tests. Consumers were segmented into four types of households (single, young or consolidated families and senior). An online community (40 participants), nine focus groups, two interviews (8 experts), and one quantitative study (2055 participants) were carried out in Spain, UK, and Germany.

Results: Consumer perception of three smart cooking devices in the EU has been explored in-depth. Insights have shown the potential of innovative technologies for designing a healthy and personalised breakfast. A customized, fresh, tasty, nutritious, and healthy 3D printed breakfast bar was developed for senior consumers by using the smart cooking devices. A tasting session with 80 senior Spanish consumers, aged 45 to 75 years, showed that around 56% of consumers increased their acceptance of the new breakfast bar after being informed about its technological, nutritional, and convenient benefits.

Conclusions: The findings provided both theoretical and practical insights into the perception of the three smart cooking devices, per type of household and per country. A combination of technologies was used to develop the new breakfast concept for the target group and country with the most positive perception. This study shows how to share resources for gathering information on product attributes, consumer experience, and for validating the new concept with the target group identified via consumer market research.
O “louva-a-deus-de-cobra”, Phibalosoma sp. (Insecta, Phasmida), segundo a percepção dos moradores de Pedra Branca, Santa Terezinha, Bahia, Brasil
Authors: Costa-Neto Eraldo M. , Lago Ana Paula A. , Martins Camila da Cruz , Barreto Júnior Paulo
Published: May 2022

Este artigo discute como os habitantes do povoado de Pedra Branca, localizado no estado da Bahia, nordeste do Brasil, percebem e se relacionam com os bichos-pau (Insecta, Phasmida). Parte dos dados foi obtida em um dia de trabalho de campo realizado em maio de 2004 através de entrevistas semi-estruturadas com 12 crianças e adolescentes, cujas idades variaram dos 5 aos 17 anos. A estes dados foram acrescentados aqueles obtidos de fevereiro a maio de 2001 por meio de entrevistas semi-estruturadas realizadas com 25 homens e 26 mulheres, cuja faixa etária variou de 24 a 82 anos. Os resultados mostram que os indivíduos costumam reunir insetos de três táxons diferentes (Phasmida, Mantodea e Tettigoniidae) sob o rótulo “louva-a-deus-de-cobra”. Os entrevistados forneceram informações sobre etnotaxonomia, comportamento, ontogenia, morfologia, habitat e ecologia trófica do bicho-pau. O conhecimento local mais marcante relacionado com esses insetos se refere a sua biotransformação ou processo metamórfico, onde se acredita que eles se originam de plantas e depois “se transformam” em cobras conhecidas localmente como “cobra-de-cipó”. Conclui-se que a metamorfose do bicho-pau resulta importante no modo como os indivíduos compreendem e se relacionam com esse inseto.
Ocorrência de microrganismos em ração animal preparada artesanalmente a partir do licuri (Syagrus coronata)
Authors: Gonçalves Cleber M. , Lopes Kennya G. S. , Crepaldi Iara C. , Góes Neto Aristóteles , Uetanabaro Ana Paula T.
Published: May 2022

Durante a época de seca na região da Caatinga brasileira, quando a oferta de alimento é escassa, muitos produtores utilizam formas alternativas para alimentar seu rebanho. Uma delas é a ração à base de frutos de licurizeiro (Syagrus coronata), processada artesanalmente pelos próprios produtores rurais ou associações, sem nenhum controle microbiano, feito até o presente estudo. O controle do desenvolvimento microbiano em rações utilizadas na alimentação animal visa principalmente diminuir os riscos à saúde dos consumidores de carnes, melhorando a qualidade higiênica e sanitária da ração. Por isso, este trabalho objetivou a análise microbiológica (presença de salmonelas, contagem de microsganismos mesófilos e contaminação por fungos e leveduras) da ração à base de licuri preparada por uma associação de produtores rurais do município de Valente, Bahia. A qualidade microbiológica encontrada nas amostras analisadas foi boa quando comparada com as normas microbiológicas para ração padronizadas da Holanda, ocorrendo ausência de salmonelas, baixa contagem de microrganismos mesófilos e baixa contaminação por fungos filamentosos e leveduras em todas as análises realizadas. Este é o primeiro trabalho na literatura que descreve a qualidade microbiológica da ração à base de licuri produzida artesanalmente.
A família Melastomataceae no município de Rio de Contas, Bahia, Brasil
Authors: Santos Andrea Karla Almeida dos , Silva Tânia Regina Santos
Published: May 2022

Rio de Contas localiza-se no Sudoeste da Chapada Diamantina, Bahia. Apresenta uma área de cerca de 1.052,3 km2 e altitudes variando de 600-1.958 m, onde se distribuem vários tipos de vegetação. Neste trabalho é apresentada a lista das espécies de Melastomataceae de Rio de Contas, incluindo distribuição geográfica. Para a realização deste estudo foram efetuadas coletas em diferentes tipos de formações vegetais do município, além da análise de material dos herbários brasileiros. Em Rio de Contas, a família é uma das mais representativas com cerca de 123 espécies, distribuídas em quatro tribos e 17 gêneros. A tribo Microlicieae está representada pelos gêneros Microlicia D.Don (36 espécies), Cambessedesia DC. (sete), Lavoisiera DC. e Chaetostoma DC. (três espécies cada), Trembleya DC. e Rhynchanthera DC. (duas espécies cada). A tribo Miconieae está representada por Miconia Ruiz & Pav. (19 espécies), Leandra Raddi (12), Clidemia D.Don (cinco) e Ossaea (uma). A tribo Melastomeae está representada pelos gêneros Marcetia DC. (18 espécies), Pterolepis Miq. (quatro), Tibouchina Aubl. (cinco), Acisanthera P.Browne (duas), Desmoscelis Naudin e Macairea DC. (uma espécie cada). A tribo Merianieae está representada pelo gênero Huberia DC. (uma espécie). Foi feita uma análise de similaridade entre áreas dos estados da Bahia, Minas Gerais, Distrito Federal e Goiás. Rio de Contas apresentou maior similaridade florística com a região de Catolés, também localizada no Sudoeste da Chapada Diamantina (BA).
Systems, solidarity and fair trade
Authors: Brauer Tony , Chaves María Angela Zamora , King Mike
Published: May 2022

The words fair trade are simple, but the ideas behind them are complex. Systems thinking allows an accessible, pluralistic response in which diversity is a bonus rather than a problem, while the model developed here offers a coherent framework for some familiar ideas, and some perhaps less so. A key distinction is made between procedural and reconstructive fair traders. Procedural fair traders focus on making market procedures more equitable. Reconstructive fair traders seek directly to repair social and environmental inequities arising from market and other systemic failures. These roles are seen as complementary rather than mutually exclusive. Procedural reform of the market rewrites the role of intermediaries in the supply chain from profit maximisation towards facilitation. At the same time, both types of fair trader are concerned by the market’s tendency to externalise social and environmental costs. Both types of fair traders also recognise the importance of consumer awareness: corporate behaviour is influenced both by the aggregate of purchasing decisions and by reputational concerns. All of these factors can be understood in the context of an holistic systems view of fair trade in three dimensions: the qualitative narrative, the quantifiable evidence, and the realities of ethical pluralism. This first model is fairly abstract, although underpinned by genuine experience. There is a further step, in which the contribution of this generalised model to the strategies of fair-trade enterprises will be explored.
An investigation of Fair Trade product knowledge, beliefs, experiences and buying intentions of Generation Z in the US
Authors: Pavlovskaia Zoia , Kara Ali
Published: May 2022

The Fair Trade movement is an alternative way to conduct international and domestic business by trying to improve trading conditions of disadvantaged producers around the world through consumer actions. Consumers can support the movement by purchasing FT certified products, which confirm that products meet ethical principles and environmental standards that are set in accordance with the requirements. However, FT product sales in the US have been lagging in comparison to the FT product sales in Europe. For instance, per capita consumption of the value of FT products was approximately €3 in the US in comparison to €34 in the UK (Fairtrade International, 2016). This study investigates several variables that can influence Fair Trade consumption, and, specifically, the effects of consumers’ knowledge, beliefs and past experiences on their purchase intentions of Fair Trade products among urban youth consumers in the US. Using the Theory of Reasoned Action as the conceptual framework, data were collected from 154 subjects using an online survey. The results indicate that consumer knowledge about FT has significant positive influence on their purchase intentions, but this relationship is mediated and strengthened by their beliefs and past behaviour. We offer various implications of these findings to FT businesses and organisations.
Direct experimental evidence for free-space fractional optical vortex transmutation
Authors: Cao Fulin , Xie Changqing
Published: May 2022

The emergence of vortex transmutation has opened new ways for vorticity modulation of optical vortices. Although several approaches have been proposed to realize vortex transmutation, fractional optical vortex (FOV) transmutation remains elusive owing to a lack of effective generation and detection methods. Here we report quantitative experimental evidence for a free-space FOV transmutation rule. The key idea is to combine the advantages of a single optical element, termed as fractional spiral polygonal lenses (FSPLs), with a deep learning approach. The desired wavefront is simultaneously generated and manipulated at the focal plane of the FSPL, and the fractional output vorticity is measured by analyzing a single far-field diffraction pattern. Especially, a deep learning scheme using a Bayesian optimization method is developed for output vorticity prediction with a data recovery rate up to 98.2%. The average error of recognized fractional orbital angular momentum modes is as small as 0.02. We clearly observe the intriguing phenomenon that the central vorticity of FOV is changed following a modulo-n transmutation rule in free space. Our results have important implications for fundamental understanding of FOV systems in free space, and offer a technological foundation for potential applications such as quantum information processing and particle manipulation and transportation.
Vector spherical harmonic analysis and experimental validation of spherical shells illuminated with broadband, millimeter wave Gaussian beams: applications to corneal sensing
Authors: Zarrinkhat Faezeh , Lamberg Joel , Tamminen Aleksi , Baggio Mariangela , Nefedova Irina , Ala-Laurinaho Juha , Khaled Elsayed E. M. , Rius Juan , Romeu Jordi , Taylor Zachary
Published: May 2022

Coupling to longitudinal modes of thin spherical shells, under Gaussian-beam illumination, was explored with a theoretical method based on Fourier-optics analysis and vector spherical harmonics and was scrutinized with an experimental setup. For the theory part, the illumination frequency band was fixed between 100–600 GHz and the outer spherical shell radius of curvature and thickness are 7.5 mm and 0.5 mm, respectively. The shell material was either the lossless cornea or an aqueous effective media representing the cornea. Six different beam-target strategies were introduced being potential candidates for maximum coupling. Two dispersion-tuned beam ensembles with strongly frequency-dependent phase center location have been created with a fixed incident beam 1/e radius and radius of curvature called forward strategies. These computations of different alignments were continued with four beam ensembles of frequency-invariant phase center, constructed from fits to experimental data, oriented at four different axial locations with respect to the spherical shell center of curvature, they are called reverse strategies. Coupling efficiency for all strategies was calculated for different targets including perfect electrical conductor (PEC) sphere, PEC core covered by a cornea loss-free layer and cornea. All scattering strategies contrasted to scattering from equivalent planar targets as a reference with maximum coupling. The results show that, under an ideal calibration, forward strategies are a closer approximation to the plane-wave condition for the cornea. An experimental setup was assembled to explore the simulation approach in a frequency range between 220 GHz to 330 GHz. Two different quartz samples with permittivity of 4.1 were mounted on a water core, acting for a cornea. The first and second quartz radius and thickness were 7.5 mm and 0.5 mm and 8 mm and 1 mm, respectively. An adequate agreement between theory and experiment was confirmed. A particle optimisation swarm algorithm was applied to extract the thickness and permittivity of quartz from the measured back-scattered field for reverse strategies.
Joint spatial weak measurement with higher-order Laguerre-Gaussian point states
Authors: Zhu Wenguo , Zhang Shuang , Liang Xinzhou , Zheng Huadan , Zhong Yongchun , Yu Jianhui , Chen Zhe , Zhang Li
Published: May 2022

Here, joint spatial weak measurements with higher-order Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) point states are investigated experimentally. From the intensity patterns of the final LG point states, two dimensional position operators 〈X〉 and 〈Y〉 as well as high-order position operators 〈XY〉, 〈X2 − Y2〉, 〈X3〉, and 〈Y3〉 are extracted simultaneously, from which both the complex weak values and joint weak values of two non-commuting observables can be obtained. The enhancement of joint weak values by the postselection state are analyzed. The simple relationship between the expectation values of position operators and the azimuthal and radial indexes of LG modes allows us to identify the mode indexes directly. A simple and robust scheme based on an optical window is demonstrated to monitor the LG mode indexes. These findings deepen the understanding of the weak measurement and provide an alternate and effective method for LG mode index monitoring.
Ultra-wideband linear-to-circular polarizer realized by bi-layer metasurfaces
Authors: Gao Xi , Li Kexin , Wu Xiongbin , Xue Chunhua , Wang Guofu , Xie Xianming , Qin Mimi
Published: May 2022

We propose a bi-layer transmissive metasurface to obtain linear-to-circular polarization conversion in a wideband. The unit cell of each metasurface layer, which has identical configuration, consists of a Jerusalem-cross-like resonator and a metal strip. A universal equivalent circuit model is employed to guide the design of the polarizer. By analyzing the circuit parameters of the equivalent circuit, four metal strips are symmetrically inserted in each unit cell to broaden the bandwidth of linear-to-circular polarization conversion. Numerical and experimental results show that the polarizer can convert a linearly polarized wave into a circularly polarized wave in a wideband from 6.1 GHz to 12.6 GHz. Compared to the reported designs, the proposed polarization converter has advantages of ultrathin thickness and ultrawideband, and hence can be used in many applications, such as antennas and remote sensors.
Reconfigurable photoinduced terahertz wave modulation using hybrid metal–silicon metasurface
Authors: Ullah Ahasan , Wang Yi-Chieh , Yeasmin Sanjida , Deng Yijing , Ren Jun , Shi Yu , Liu Lei , Cheng Li-Jing
Published: May 2022

We present a photoinduced reconfigurable metasurface to enable high spatial resolution terahertz (THz) wave modulation. Conventional photoinduced THz wave modulation uses optically induced conductive patterns on a semiconductor substrate to create programmable passive THz devices. The technique, albeit versatile and straightforward, suffers from limited performance resulting from the severe lateral diffusion of the photogenerated carriers that undermines the spatial resolution and conductivity contrast of the photoinduced conductive patterns. The proposed metasurface overcomes the limitation using a metal-jointed silicon mesa array with subwavelength-scaled dimensions on an insulator substrate. The structure physically restrains the lateral diffusion of the photogenerated carriers while ensuring the electrical conductivity between the silicon mesas , which is essential for THz wave modulation. The metasurface creates high-definition photoconductive patterns with dimensions smaller than the diffusion length of photogenerated carriers. The metasurface provides a modulation depth of −20 to −10 dB for the THz waves between 0.2 to 1.2 THz and supports a THz bandpass filter with a tunable central frequency. The new, to the best of our knowledge, design concept will benefit the implementation of reconfigurable THz devices.
Assembly and comparative analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of three Macadamia species (M. integrifolia, M. ternifolia and M. tetraphylla)
Authors: Niu Yingfeng , Lu Yongjie , Song Weicai , He Xiyong , Liu Ziyan , Zheng Cheng , Wang Shuo , Shi Chao , Liu Jin
Published: May 2022

Background

Macadamia is a true dicotyledonous plant that thrives in a mild, humid, low wind environment. It is cultivated and traded internationally due to its high-quality nuts thus, has significant development prospects and scientific research value. However, information on the genetic resources of Macadamia spp. remains scanty.

Results

The mitochondria (mt) genomes of three economically important Macadamia species, Macadamia integrifolia, M. ternifolia and M. tetraphylla, were assembled through the Illumina sequencing platform. The results showed that each species has 71 genes, including 42 protein-coding genes, 26 tRNAs, and 3 rRNAs. Repeated sequence analysis, RNA editing site prediction, and analysis of genes migrating from chloroplast (cp) to mt were performed in the mt genomes of the three Macadamia species. Phylogenetic analysis based on the mt genome of the three Macadamia species and 35 other species was conducted to reveal the evolution and taxonomic status of Macadamia. Furthermore, the characteristics of the plant mt genome, including genome size and GC content, were studied through comparison with 36 other plant species. The final non-synonymous (Ka) and synonymous (Ks) substitution analysis showed that most of the protein-coding genes in the mt genome underwent negative selections, indicating their importance in the mt genome.

Conclusion

The findings of this study provide a better understanding of the Macadamia genome and will inform future research on the genus.
Keeping in step with the young: Chronometric and kinematic data show intact procedural locomotor sequence learning in older adults
Authors: Johannsen Leif , Friedgen Erik , Stephan Denise Nadine , Batista Joao , Schulze Doreen , Laurentius Thea , Koch Iring , Bollheimer Leo Cornelius
Published: May 2022

Sequence learning in serial reaction time tasks (SRTT) is an established, lab-based experimental paradigm to study acquisition and transfer of skill based on the detection of predictable stimulus and motor response sequences. Sequence learning has been mainly studied in key presses using visual target stimuli and is demonstrated by better performance in predictable sequences than in random sequences. In this study, we investigated sequence learning in the context of more complex locomotor responses. To this end, we developed a novel goal-directed stepping SRTT with auditory target stimuli in order to subsequently assess the effect of aging on sequence learning in this task, expecting that age-related performance reductions in postural control might disturb the acquisition of the sequence. We used pressure-sensitive floor mats to characterise performance across ten blocks of trials. In Experiment 1, 22 young adults demonstrated successful acquisition of the sequence in terms of the time to step on the target mat and percent error and thus validated our new paradigm. In Experiment 2, in order to contrast performance improvements in the stepping SRTT between 27 young and 22 old adults, motion capture of the feet was combined with the floor mat system to delineate individual movement phases during stepping onto a target mat. The latencies of several postural events as well as other movement parameters of a step were assessed. We observed significant learning effects in the latency of step initiation, the time to step on the target mat, and motion parameters such as stepping amplitude and peak stepping velocity, as well as in percent error. The data showed general age-related slowing but no significant performance differences in procedural locomotor sequence learning between young and old adults. The older adults also had comparable conscious representations of the sequence of stimuli as the young adults. We conclude that sequence learning occurred in this locomotor learning task that is much more complex than typical finger-tapping sequence learning tasks, and that healthy older adults showed similar learning effects compared to young adults, suggesting intact locomotor sequence learning capabilities despite general slowing and normal age-related decline in sensorimotor function.
Spirituality as a protective factor for chronic and acute anxiety in Brazilian healthcare workers during the COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Tolentino Julio Cesar , Gjorup Ana Lucia Taboada , Mello Carolina Ribeiro , Assis Simone Gonçalves de , Marques André Casarsa , Filho Áureo do Carmo , Salazar Hellen Rose Maia , Duinkerken Eelco van , Schmidt Sergio Luis
Published: May 2022

Background

Anxiety symptoms (AS) are exacerbated in healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Spirituality is known to protect against AS in the general population and it is a construct that differs from religion. It can be assessed using structured questionnaires. A validated questionnaire disclosed three spirituality dimensions: peace, meaning, and faith. In HCWs we investigated the predictors of chronic anxiety (pre-COVID-19 and during the pandemic) and acute anxiety (only during the pandemic), including spirituality in the model. Then, we verified which spirituality dimensions predicted chronic and acute anxiety. Lastly, we studied group differences between the mean scores of these spirituality dimensions.

Material and methods

The study was carried out in a Brazilian Hospital. HCWs (n = 118) were assessed for spirituality at a single time-point. They were also asked about AS that had started pre-COVID-19 and persisted during the pandemic (chronic anxiety), and AS that had started only during the pandemic (acute anxiety). The subjects without chronic anxiety were subdivided into two other groups: acute anxiety and without chronic and acute anxiety. Forward stepwise logistic regressions were used to find the significant AS predictors. First, the model considered sex, age, religious affiliation, and spirituality. Then, the analysis were performed considering only the three spirituality dimensions. Group means differences in the spirituality dimensions were compared using univariate ANCOVAS followed by T-tests.

Results

Spirituality was the most realible predictor of chronic (OR = 0.818; 95%CI:0.752–0.890; p<0.001) and acute anxiety (OR = 0.727; 95%CI:0.601–0.881; p = 0.001). Peace alone predicted chronic anxiety (OR = 0.619; 95%CI:0.516–0.744; p<0.001) while for acute anxiety both peace (OR:0.517; 95%CI:0.340–0.787; p = 0.002), and faith (OR:0.674; 95%CI:0.509–0.892; p = 0.006) significantly contributed to the model. Faith was significantly higher in subjects without AS.

Conclusion

Higher spirituality protected against chronic and acute anxiety. Faith and peace spirituality dimensions conferred protection against acute anxiety during the pandemic.
Protein interactions with metallothionein-3 promote vectorial active transport in human proximal tubular cells
Authors: Kalyan Gazal , Slusser-Nore Andrea , Dunlevy Jane R. , Bathula Chandra S. , Shabb John B. , Muhonen Wallace , Somji Seema , Sens Donald A. , Garrett Scott H.
Published: May 2022

Metallothionein 3 (MT-3) is a small, cysteine-rich protein that binds to essential metals required for homeostasis, as well as to heavy metals that have the potential to exert toxic effects on cells. MT-3 is expressed by epithelial cells of the human kidney, including the cells of the proximal tubule. Our laboratory has previously shown that mortal cultures of human proximal tubular (HPT) cells express MT-3 and form domes in the cell monolayer, a morphological feature indicative of vectorial active transport, an essential function of the proximal tubule. However, an immortalized proximal tubular cell line HK-2 lacks the expression of MT-3 and fails to form domes in the monolayer. Transfection of HK-2 cells with the MT-3 gene restores dome formation in these cells suggesting that MT-3 is required for vectorial active transport. In order to determine how MT-3 imparts this essential feature to the proximal tubule, we sought to identify proteins that interact either directly or indirectly with MT-3. Using a combination of pulldowns, co-immunoprecipitations, and mass spectrometry analysis, putative protein interactants were identified and subsequently confirmed by Western analysis and confocal microscopy, following which proteins with direct physical interactions were investigated through molecular docking. Our data shows that MT-3 interacts with myosin-9, aldolase A, enolase 1, β-actin, and tropomyosin 3 and that these interactions are maximized at the periphery of the apical membrane of doming proximal tubule cells. Together these observations reveal that MT-3 interacts with proteins involved in cytoskeletal organization and energy metabolism, and these interactions at the apical membrane support vectorial active transport and cell differentiation in proximal tubule cultures.
The effects of prenatal dietary supplements on blood glucose and lipid metabolism in gestational diabetes mellitus patients: A systematic review and network meta-analysis protocol of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Saha Sumanta , Saha Sujata
Published: May 2022

Background

Several randomized controlled trials (RCT) investigated antenatal dietary supplements’ effect on gestational diabetes mellitus patients’ fasting plasma glucose levels, glycated hemoglobin levels, homeostasis model assessment of- insulin resistance and β-cell function, quantitative insulin sensitivity check index for glucose, high-, low-, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, total cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein ratio. However, an efficacy comparison across various dietary supplements and their co-supplements are unavailable for these outcomes. Therefore, a systematic review protocol is proposed here to make a network meta-analysis (NMA)-based juxtaposition across the following dietary supplements- vitamins, Myo-inositol, choline, minerals, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Materials and methods

A database search will ensue in the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases for RCTs testing the above, irrespective of their geographical origin. Data on population characteristics, compared interventions, and outcomes of interest will get abstracted from the studies included in the proposed review. Each of the reviewed studies will get appraised using the revised Cochrane tool. For each outcome, the comparative efficacy across interventions will be estimated in weighted or standardized mean difference using the frequentist method NMA and presented with their 95% confidence interval using league tables. By constructing network maps and comparison-adjusted funnel plots, a visual assessment of the inter-interventional relation and publication bias in each NMA model will happen, respectively. The best-ranked intervention prediction for respective outcomes will transpire using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve values. The Stata statistical software (version 16) will be used for analysis, and statistical significance will be determined at p<0.05 and 95% confidence interval.

Trial registration

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020214378.
The fate of causal structure under time reversal
Authors: Williams Porter
Published: May 2022

What happens to the causal structure of a world when time is reversed? At first glance it seems there are two possible answers: the causal relations are reversed, or they are not. I argue that neither of these answers is correct: we should either deny that time-reversed worlds have causal relations at all, or deny that causal concepts developed in the actual world are reliable guides to the causal structure of time-reversed worlds. The first option is motivated by the instability of time-reversed dynamical evolutions under interventions. The second option is motivated by a recognition of how contingent structural features of the actual world shape our causal concepts and reasoning strategies.
Modeling of discrete questionnaire data with dimension reduction
Authors: Jozová Šárka , Uglickich Evženie , Nagy Ivan , Likhonina Raissa
Published: May 2022

The paper deals with the task of modeling discrete questionnaire data with a reduced dimension of the model. The discrete model dimension is reduced using the construction of local models based on independent binomial mixtures estimated with the help of recursive Bayesian algorithms in the combination with the naive Bayes technique. The main contribution of the paper is a three-phase algorithm of the discrete model dimension reduction, which allows to model high-dimensional questionnaire data with high number of explanatory variables and their possible realizations. The proposed general solution is applied to the traffic accident questionnaire analysis, where it takes the form of the classification of the accident circumstances and prediction of the traffic accident severity using the currently measured discrete data. Results of testing the obtained model on real data and comparison with theoretical counterparts are demonstrated.
A critical engagement with N.T. Wright on Natural Theology
Authors: Loke Andrew Ter Ern
Published: May 2022

N. T. Wright’s important recent discussion of Natural Theology seeks to redefine traditional Natural Theology on Biblical grounds. I show that Wright’s discussion neglects Biblical passages (e.g., Acts 14:14–17 and Romans 1–2) which imply that God has left ‘witnesses’ (Acts 14:17) in the natural order, and which contradict Wright’s claim that people cannot start with the natural world apart from Christ and infer that God exists. Contrary to Wright, some contemporary versions of the arguments of Natural Theology do not entail ‘classical theism’ as Wright understood it but increase the plausibility of miracles and the Jesus of the Gospels.
Nación, Región y Fragmentación en el Caribe Contemporáneo
Authors: Pantojas García Emilio
Published: May 2022

Históricamente lo nacional se ha privilegiado sobre lo regional en el Caribe y América Latina. Los proyectos de integración del Caribe y América Latina se han fundamentado en visiones regionalistas tecnocráticas e ideológicas que asumen identidades, congruencias y afinidades que no concuerdan con la realidad de la visión nacionalista de las élites dominantes del continente latinoamericano y el archipiélago caribeño. El Caribe se constituyó como parte integral del primer gran proyecto occidental de globalización y fue el fulcro del surgimiento de los imperios europeos. El Caribe no fue un simple eslabón a las cadenas y circuitos globales de producción, intercambio y valor sino que ha sido parte constitutiva de éstas desde sus inicios. Las élites Caribeñas ven su dominio como parte de esta vinculación a la economía mundial. El proyecto neoliberal de globalización plantea un gran reto para el desarrollo de una identidad caribeña que desemboque en un proyecto político de integración regional.
Así concilian los puebos Koguis de laSierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Authors: Diaz Diazgranados Alejandro Mario
Published: May 2022

Reportaje gráfico
De la "Nación Católica" a la "República Pluricultural" en América Latina. Algunas consideraciones históricas
Authors: De Roux Rodolfo R.
Published: May 2022

El presente texto es un análisis histórico sobre cómo la “nación católica” en América Latina fue el fruto de una ardua construcción a lo largo del siglo XIX y primera mitad del siglo XX, y sobre el paso de “nación católica” a “república pluricultural” en numerosos países latinoamericanos en el último tercio del siglo XX.
Los Emberá, turismo y arqueología indígena: “redescubriendo” el pasado en el este de Panamá
Authors: Mendizábal Tomas Enrique , Theodossopoulos Dimitrios
Published: May 2022

In this article we discuss the interest of the Emberá (an Amerindian indigenous group) in collecting knowledge about material remains of the past—such as colonial and pre-colonial ceramic fragments – that are easily found in Eastern Panama. We situate this interest of the Emberá (and their desire to learn more about the past) within the context of indigenous tourism, which has inspired the articulation of new narratives about Emberá history and identity. In addition, the accidental discovery by the Emberá of ceramic fragments from past periods has instigated and facilitated archaeological investigation, a process that resulted in a reciprocal exchange of knowledge between the Emberá and the academic investigators. Such a reciprocal relationship, we argue, can contribute towards the decolonisation of archaeology, create synergies between anthropology and archaeology, and enhance indigenous representation in tourism.
Laura Leden, Adaption av flickskap: Normbekräftande och normbrytande i flickböcker översatta från engelska till svenska och finska 1945–1965
Authors: Van Meerbergen Sara
Published: May 2022

Review/Recension
A mathematical model for the activated sludge process with a sludge disintegration unit
Authors: Alsaeed Salman S. , Nelson Mark I. , Edwards Maureen , Msmali Ahmed
Published: May 2022

We develop and investigate a model for sludge production in the activated sludge process when a biological reactor is coupled to a sludge disintegration unit (SDU). The model for the biological reactor is a slimmed down version of the activated sludge model 1 in which only processes related to carbon are retained. Consequently, the death-regeneration concept is included in our model which is an improvement on almost all previous models. This provides an improved representation of the total suspended solids in the biological reactor, which is the key parameter of interest. We investigate the steady-state behaviour of this system as a function of the residence time within the biological reactor and as a function of parameters associated with the operation of the SDU. A key parameter is the sludge disintegration factor. As this parameter is increased the concentration of total suspended solids within the biological reactor decreases at the expense increasing the chemical oxygen demand in the effluent stream. The existence of a maximum acceptable chemical oxygen demand in the effluent stream therefore imposes a maximum achievable reduction in the total suspended solids. This paper improves our theoretical understanding of the utility of sludge disintegration as a means to reduce excess sludge formation. As an aside to the main thrust of our paper we investigate the common assumption that the sludge disintegration processes occur on a much shorter timescale than the biological processes. We show that the disintegration processes must be exceptional slow before the inclusion of the biological processes becomes important.
Translanguaging and decolonizing LPP: a case study of translingual practice in Macau
Authors: Han Lili , Wen Zhisheng (Edward)
Published: May 2022

The present paper aims to explore how the critical lens of translanguaging can shed new light on the decolonizing language policy and planning (LPP) issues in Macau. As an illustration, we analyze the Chinese translation of a Portuguese poem,Viola Chinesa, in tandem with the visual art piece by the contemporary Chinese artist Xu Bing’s Square Word calligraphy tailored-made for Macau. In particular, we argue that the visual art piece by Xu Bing represents a visual and ideological turn of translanguaging that creates a hybrid piece of calligraphy to reverse the imagery orientalism reflected in the original Portuguese poem. By physically tracing the alphabets through the characters, viewers can gain an embodied translingual experience, which encompasses the ideological negotiation that transcends the Portuguese language dominance. In this boundary-breaking artwork, we can discern the deterritorialization of the unequal language and ideology dominance. Above all, it is concluded that the emerging translanguaging as a political and decolonizing stance provides new insights to renegotiate with fossilized values and beliefs, which in return, contribute to the decolonizing LPP of Macau.
三主体言语社区：互联网时代的语言生活
Authors: 徐 大明
Published: May 2022

互联网语言生活对双主体的言语社区理论提出了挑战，新的言语社区理论需要包括除了说话人和听话人之外的第三主体— “联话人” 。 “联话人” 的概念有利消除互联网应用的 “客观” 假象。透过互联网的 “物化” 表象，可以发现操控互联网的 “联话人” 的主体功能。不仅联话人的 “语言能力”，其 “语言政策” 也影响到联话效果。作为一个行动主体，联话人可以选择性地支持说话人或听话人，也可以自行其是地影响听说两方。三主体互动模型不仅适用互联网语言生活，也开启了对现代语言生活的再思考；全球华语社区的研究可以成为一个切入点。
普通话词语对港式中文的影响及表现
Authors: 洪爽
Published: May 2022

内地的普通话与香港的港式中文都源于早期的现代汉语, 在发展中形成了各自不同的特点。以往的研究较多地关注香港词汇对普通话所产生的影响。然而, 随着香港回归及中国内地在经济、文化、科技等方面的蓬勃发展, 普通话对港式中文的影响逐渐增多。通过考察近些年内地产生的新词新语, 可以发现这些词语会第一时间出现在港式中文里, 有些还会衍生出新的用法。
马来西亚华语传承语的保守性—以虚词为例
Authors: 彩云 王
Published: May 2022

马来西亚华语作为一种传承语, 其虚词在词频和用法上都与现代汉语普通话产生差异, 而与早期现代汉语保持较高程度的一致性, 这使得马来西亚华语传承语呈现出保守性的特点。传承语保守性研究为传承语传承起点的确立提供依据, 有助于传承语历时演变研究沿着正确的方向发展。
教师视角下华小非华裔学生华语教学探究
Authors: 叶婷婷  , 叶俊杰
Published: May 2022

随着马来西亚华文小学(简称华小)非华裔学生人数逐年的增加, 小学华文新课程标准的全面落实, 身为华小教师如何适应这样的改变?在这样的发展趋势下, 教师们所面对的困难和问题确实值得关注。本文采取问卷形式, 对吉隆坡南区10所华小的181名华小教师进行调查。从华小教师的角度切入, 探讨该区非华裔学生在华语作为媒介语的环境下学习华语的看法与评价, 并进一步了解华小教师在教学过程中面对的困难。调查显示, 华小教师因同时教导华语作为母语和第二语言的学生而面对巨大的挑战。华小教师认为, 非华裔学生都有阅读和写作困难, 在写作业、听写和理解课文方面表现都比较弱, 在教学过程中面对最大的困难是教师和非华裔学生的沟通问题。华小教师对非华裔学生的教学信念是正面积极的, 81%的教师都很努力, 可是往往却达不到他们想要的效果。绝大部分教师都尽量去适应现实, 也很愿意采取各种方法提高教学效果, 而安排其他华裔同学协助非华裔学生往往也是教学方法之一。华小教师有必要掌握第一和第二语言教学方法, 因地制宜, 改善非华裔学生的学习困难状况。长远而言, 马来西亚华文教育需要重新定位, 方能有望再创未来的另一个华教新篇章。
Corrosion behavior of WC–Co coating by plasma transferred arc on EH40 steel in low-temperature
Authors: Cao QiZheng , Fan Li , Chen HaiYan , Xu YuRong , Dong LiHua
Published: May 2022

To investigate the corrosion behavior of WC–Co composite coating, plasma transferred arc (PTA) welding was applied to prepare WC–Co coating on hull steel EH40 for achieving good metallurgical bonding. The phases of coatings were mainly composed of WC particles, solid solution γ-Co, Fe3Ni2, SiO2 and Mo2C. After electrochemical test, it can be concluded that Co-based coating with 45% WC content has better corrosion resistance in low temperature marine environment for obtaining denser oxide film. Through X-ray photo electron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, the main corrosion products of immersion were Co(OH)2 and Co3O4. These corrosion products aggregate to form a stable corrosion product film, which plays some protective role for the coating. Hard particle WC is also partially oxidized to WO3. The pitting hole of 60% WC is the most serious. Pitting corrosion is easy to occur at the interface defects.
Considering metformin as a second-line treatment for children and adolescents with prediabetes
Authors: Hosey Chelsea M. , Halpin Kelsee , Yan Yun
Published: May 2022

Overweight and obesity affect approximately 1/3 of children in the United States and are risk factors for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Progression from prediabetes to diabetes carries substantial long-term health burdens, culminating in decreased life-expectancy. Earlier development of type 2 diabetes is associated with poorer prognoses, and children lose glycemic control more rapidly than adults. Metformin is approved by the USFDA for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in children, has limited toxicity, and may help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. The more rapid disease progression in children and the safety of metformin suggests that initiation of metformin treatment to children with prediabetes who have not effectively responded to lifestyle changes may help prevent short- and long-term health damage resulting from prediabetic and diabetic dysglycemia.
Application of BBR-DCMC/KH-791-SiO2/HPDSP multifunctional protective fluid in paper reinforcement and protection
Authors: Chen Zhenzhen , Qi Yingping , Shen Yongfeng , Li Hua
Published: May 2022

As the main carrier of art and cultural heritages, paper cultural relics are suffering from aging, oxidation, acidification, bacterial corrosion and other diseases with the passage of storage time. Therefore, it is of great significance to carry out the protection of paper cultural relics. In order to improve the bacteriostatic properties, mechanical strength and delay aging of paper, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose was modified by berberine and prepare berberylated carboxymethyl cellulose (BBR-DCMC), which is mixed with KH-791 modified nano-silica and hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate to prepare a multifunctional protective liquid integrating deacidification, reinforcement and antibacterial. The paper coated with the multifunctional protective liquid showed better antibacterial and mechanical properties, and the gloss and whiteness changed slightly. The aging test and the acid and alkali resistance test showed that the paper had certain aging resistance and acid and alkali corrosion resistance. It is an ideal protective agent for paper cultural relics and has broad application prospects in paper protection.