bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Environmental Sub-Inhibitory Concentrations of Antibiotics, Heavy Metals, and Biocides on the Emergence of Tolerance and Effects on the Mutant Selection Window in E. coli
Authors: Chukwu Kelechi B. , Abafe Ovokeroye A. , Amoako Daniel G. , Ismail Arshad , Essack Sabiha Y. , Abia And Akebe L. K.
Published: July 2023

Bacteria’s ability to withstand the detrimental effects of antimicrobials may take the form of resistance or tolerance with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), the mutant prevention concentration (MPC), and the mutant selection window as salient concepts. Isolates exposed for 30 days to different concentrations of selected antibiotics, biocides, and heavy metals, singly and in combination, were additionally exposed to very high (15 × MIC) concentrations of ampicillin., and their tolerance was calculated the time to kill 99.9% of the isolate population (MDK99.9). These values were increased by 30 to 50% in test isolates compared to the untreated control. BAC 10-exposed isolates had the highest tolerance increase, and the tolerance appeared to originate from two sources, i.e., stochastic persistence and genetic-induced persistence, involving multiple genes using diverse mechanisms. The mutant selection window of the isolates to ampicillin, amoxicillin, and oxytetracycline also slightly increased compared to the control, indicating the amplification of persister cells during the 30-day exposure. These findings indicate that bacterial exposure to sub-inhibitory concentrations of environmental chemical stressors may not always result in the development of antimicrobial resistance but could initiate this process by selecting for persisters that could evolve into resistant isolates.
Link between Homosexuality, Contraception and Human Longevity
Authors: Wlassoff Wjatschesslaw
Published: July 2023

The presence of homosexual behavior in the human population represents an evolutionary puzzle, as such behavior leads to obvious reproductive disadvantages. Recently, it was revealed that the length of telomeres inherited by offspring is determined, among other things, by the age of father. Older fathers pass longer telomeres to their children. The length of telomeres is generally considered as one of the factors determining the individual life span, which suggests that children of older fathers live longer. This phenomenon may provide a plausible explanation for the persistence of homosexuality among humans. Homosexuality is a partially inheritable trait. As homosexual males do not actively pursue reproductive sex, they are much likelier to become fathers later in life, if they reproduce at all. Through delayed reproduction, homosexual and bisexual subpopulations contribute to the increasing mean length of telomeres in population, which results in the gradually increasing life span. However, longer telomeres inherited from homosexual father are passed together with the genes predisposing to homosexual behavior, which helps to sustain a substantial pool of “gay genes” despite their reproductive disadvantage. The described effects are likely to be small but may results in a significant demographical shifts (increased longevity and sustained presence of homosexual sub-population) over multiple generations. The introduction of effective contraception (and the consequent serious increase of the mean age of fathering the children) may provide a similar mechanism for extending the mean telomere length in population, with consequences for longevity and general health.
Smallholder Palm Oil Production Sector in African Countries: State of the Art, Practices, Constraints, and Opportunities in Cameroon
Authors: Tening Aaron Suh , Fujino Takeshi , Ndam Lawrence Monah , Asongwe Godwill Azinwi , Nkongho Raymond Ndip , Mbene Kenneth , Tellen Valentine Asong , Ndi Emmanuel Jiti , Ma Jun-Jun
Published: July 2023

During the extraction of palm oil by smallholders in Cameroon, the use of enormous quantities of water results in palm oil mill effluent (POME), which contains substances that are deleterious to the environment at concentrations above the threshold values. A detailed description of the various processes involved is imperative so as to develop methods of reducing loss and minimising the environmental effect caused by the wastes produced. In this study, we characterise the small-holders’ palm oil production sector in Cameroon, along its entire production chain. The main demographics of smallholder farmers are adult males (64.4%) and married (46.7%) with low levels of formal education (51.1% attained only primary education). Plantation establishment involves deforestation of pristine vegetation (46.7%) as well as replacing other farming systems. Processing is carried out by the farmers with their own mills (48.9%) bought at exorbitant prices. Access to finances (51.1%) remains a key limitation to plantation expansion and the adoption of innovations in this sector. Workers’ health issues abound (75.6%) and are treated mainly using ethnomedicine (31.1%), and there is little or no social security; thus, sick workers generally pay their own bills (64.4%). Issues of environmental pollution from production to waste processing abound with solid waste mainly burnt (57.8%) and POME directed into open pits and streams (37.8%) where they become a nuisance and serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes (51.1%); these issues will require greater state involvement for mitigation. Our findings suggest that farmers in the palm oil sector have deep knowledge base and competence, but government intervention are needed to stimulate further growth in this important sector.
A Combined MCDM Approach for Improvement of Airlines’ Ground Operations Performance: A Case Study from Türkiye
Authors: Kulakli Atik , Şahin Yıldız
Published: July 2023

The airline sector is critical in today's globalized society, supporting the efficient movement of people and products worldwide. Airlines are continuously looking for methods to enhance their operational performance to remain competitive in the face of increased competition. This study focuses on the application of Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques to improve low-cost carrier (LCC) also known or low-cost (budget) airlines' ground operational performance. MCDM techniques have gained considerable attention in recent years to address complex decision problems with multiple conflicting goals. This research aims to bridge this gap by proposing a comprehensive framework that combines MCDM techniques to enhance airline operational strategies to increase performance. The study utilizes qualitative and quantitative data, drawing on previously published materials on MCDM techniques in the aviation sector. It utilizes fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methodologies. A case study is conducted to evaluate the ground operational performance of three airline companies based in Türkiye, considering five main criteria and 18 sub-criteria. The findings of this research will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of operational performance in the airline sector. It also highlights the implications and limitations of the research and suggests future research directions.
Digital Technologies, Internet of Things and Cloud Computations Used in Agriculture: Surveys and Literature in Russian
Authors: Matsveichuk Natalia M. , Sotskov Yuri N.
Published: July 2023

Development of agriculture in Russia and Belarus is based on the practical implementation of "smart" systems in agriculture based on the use of modern wireless, intelligent technologies and Internet of Things. This review presents research articles (mainly, in Russian) published in the period of 2013 – 2022 on the use of cloud technologies and Internet of Things for the development of agriculture in Russia and Belarus. An analysis of the use of cloud technologies and Internet of Things in the modern world is given on the basis of research articles and reviews published in English in the period of 2017 – 2022. The main directions of digitalization of modern agriculture are listed. The uses of cloud technologies and Internet of Things in agriculture are described along with promising directions for further research and applications.
Increasing the Observability of Near Inertial Oscillations by a Future ODYSEA Satellite Mission
Authors: Wang Jinbo , Torres Hector , Klein Patrice , Wineteer Alexander , Zhang Hong , Menemenlis Dimitris , Ubelmann Clement , Rodriguez Ernesto
Published: July 2023

Near Inertial Oscillations (NIOs) are ocean oscillations forced by intermittent winds. They are most energetic at mid-latitudes, particularly in regions of atmospheric storm tracks. Wind-driven, large-scale NIOs are quickly scattered by ocean mesoscale eddies (with sizes ranging from 100 to 400 km), causing a significant portion of the NIO energy to propagate into the ocean interior. This kinetic energy pathway illustrates that the wind energy input to NIO, estimated at 5 TeraWatts, is critical for maintaining deep ocean stratification and thus closing the total kinetic energy budget, as emphasized by numerous modelling studies. However, this wind energy input to NIO remains poorly observed on a global scale. A remote sensing approach, which observes winds and ocean currents co-located in time and space with high resolution, is necessary to capture the intermittent air-sea coupling. The current satellite observations do not meet these requirements. This study assesses the potential of a new satellite mission concept, Ocean DYnamics and Surface Exchange with the Atmosphere (ODYSEA), to recover wind-forced NIOs from co-located winds and currents. To do this, we use an Observation System Simulation Experiment (OSSE) based on hourly observations of ocean surface currents and surface winds from five surface moorings covering latitudes from 15∘ to 50∘. ODYSEA wind and current observations are expected to have a spatial resolution of 10 km with about 12-hour sampling frequency in mid-latitudes. Results show that NIOs can be recovered with high accuracy using the ODYSEA spatial and temporal resolution, only if observations are made in a wide-swath of 1,800 km. A narrower swath (1,000 km) may lead to significant aliasing.
Unraveling Drought Tolerance and Sensitivity in Coffee Genotypes: Insights from Seed Traits, Germination, and Growth-Physiological Responses
Authors: Chekol Habtamu , Bezuayehu Yimegnu , Dullo Bikila Warkineh , Shimber Tesfaye , Mierek-Adamska Agnieszka , Dąbrowska Grażyna B. , Degu Asfaw
Published: July 2023

The coffee plant is highly susceptible to drought, and different genotypes exhibit varying degrees of tolerance to low soil moisture. The current study aims to investigate the connection between drought tolerance and sensitivity in terms of seed traits, germination, and post-germination events, and their influence on the growth and physiology of young coffee plants. Two consecutive experiments were conducted to examine the impact of these factors. In the first experiment, germination performance was examined for three groups of coffee genotypes: relatively tolerant (Ca74140, Ca74112, and Ca74110), moderately sensitive (Ca74158, Ca74165, and CaJ-21), and sensitive (Ca754, CaJ-19, and CaGeisha). The subsequent experiment focused on the growth and physiological responses of two relatively tolerant (Ca74110 and Ca74112) and two sensitive (CaJ-19 and Ca754) genotypes under drought stress condition. The relatively tolerant genotypes showed quicker and more complete germination compared to other groups. This was associated with higher moisture content, higher seed surface area to volume ratio, and higher coefficient of velocity of germination, coefficient of variation of germination time, and germination index. Additionally, the relatively tolerant genotypes showed higher seedling vigor. The results of the second experiment demonstrated superior growth performance in relative tolerant genotypes compared to the sensitive groups. Young plants of coffee belonging to relatively tolerant genotypes exhibited higher growth performance than the sensitive genotypes, with a net assimilation rate strongly correlated to relative water content, leaf number, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll-a. In addition, a strong correlation was exhibited between the growth of young coffee plants and the surface area to volume ratio of the seeds, as well as the germination percentage. The seedling vigor index showed a strong correlation with net assimilation rate, chlorophyll content, seedling growth, and cell membrane stability. Furthermore, principal component analysis illustrated distinct clustering of genotypes based on their germination and growth-physiological performance. Overall, the findings of this study suggest the importance of seed traits, germination, and post-germination events are integral factors in determining drought tolerance and sensitivity, as well as the growth and physiological responses of adult coffee plants.
Multi-Temporal Variabilities of Extreme Precipitation Over Central Asia and Associated Planetary-Scale Climate Modes
Authors: Tang Wei , Xiao Fang , Lai Sheng
Published: July 2023

Arid- and semi-arid Central Asia is particularly sensitive to climate change. The changes in extreme precipitation in Central Asia stemming from climate warming are the subject of intense debate within the scientific community. This study employed a Morlet wavelet analysis to examine the annual occurrence number of extreme precipitation in Central Asia from May to September during the period of 1951–2005. Their modulating planetary-scale climate modes were identified by using a linear regression analysis. Two major scales of the temporal variability were derived: 2–3.9 yr and 4–6 yr. The dominant variability was 2–3.9-yr scale and was associated with the negative phase of the Polar/Eurasia (POL) pattern. The 4–6-yr scale provided a secondary contribution and was closely linked to the negative phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). These planetary climate modes acted as precursors of extreme precipitation over Central Asia. The negative phase of POL directly contributed to a negative height anomaly over Central Asia, which was intimately related to extreme precipitation. In contrast, the negative NAO phase possibly manifested as a Rossby wave source, which was subsequently exported to Central Asia through a negative–positive–negative Rossby wave train.
Oclacitinib and Myxoma Virus Therapy in Dogs with High Grade Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Ashton Laura Vari , Weishaar Kristen M. , Séguin Bernard , MacNeill Amy Leone
Published: July 2023

Human rhabdomyosarcomas are rarely cured by surgical resection alone. This is also true for high grade soft tissue sarcomas in dogs. Dogs with spontaneous sarcoma are good models for clinical responses to new cancer therapies. Strategic combinations of immunotherapy and oncolytic virotherapy (OV) could improve treatment responses in canine and human cancer patients. To develop an appropriate combination of immunotherapy and OV for dogs with soft tissue sarcoma (STS), canine cancer cells were inoculated with myxoma viruses (MYXVs) and gene transcripts were quantified. Next, cytokine concentrations in canine cancer cells were altered to evaluate their effect on MYXV replication. These studies indicated that, as in murine and human cells, type I interferons (IFN) play an important role in limiting MYXV replication in canine cancer cells. To reduce type I IFN production during OV, oclacitinib (a JAK1 inhibitor) was administered twice daily to dogs for 14 days starting ~7 days prior to surgery. STS tumors were excised and MYXV deleted for serp2 (MYXV∆SERP2) was administered at the surgical site at two time points post-operatively to treat any remaining microscopic tumor cells. Tumor regrowth in dogs treated with OV was decreased relative to historical controls. However, regrowth was not further inhibited in patients given combination therapy.
The Heart vs. Brain, are They Also Different when it Comes to Post Vaccination Complications, Insights from a Systematic Review of Post-COVID-19 ADEM and Myopericarditis Cases
Authors: AbdelMassih Antoine Fakhry , Kamel Aya , Mohammad Lana , Barakat Ameera , Gaber Hanya , Mousa Yasmine , Hassanein Hana , Saleb Robert , Khalil Noha
Published: July 2023

Background:
COVID-19 vaccines have been a game changer in the pandemic, their extensive use was favorable compared to the burden of COVID-19 complications. Despite the low incidence of complications, it was important to analyze them carefully to understand the underlying mechanisms and predisposing factors. For instance, myopericarditis especially from mRNA vaccines, and its relatively higher prevalence in young adults and adolescents has raised a public concern about the use of this vaccine in this group. We aimed through this review to compare the age likelihood of ADEM from COVID-19 vaccines, with that reported in myopericarditis cases; secondary outcome parameters included the gender and number of doses needed to induce COVID-19 vaccines related ADEM.

Methodology:
A literature search has been conducted on relevant databases to retrieve all case reports/series and systematic reviews describing ADEM with possible linkage to COVID-19. Exclusion criteria included any report not including the desired outcome parameters. Our results were then qualitatively compared with a similar systematic review reporting myopericarditis from COVID-19 vaccines.

Results:
In 38 cases with ADEM, mean age was 49±16 compared to 25±14 in myopericarditis, females were more likely to be affected, and while most of myopericarditis cases develop after the second dose, most of ADEM cases develop after the first dose (76%). Moreover, age>56 years was more predictive of negative outcome after ADEM in the form of death or permanent vegetative state.

Conclusion:
The discrepancy in age, gender and number of doses needed to induce complications between ADEM and myopericarditis, signify that the tissue affected is the major orchestrator of the age, gender, and dose characteristics, and not the type of vaccines. A leakier blood brain barrier with aging, might allow easier passage of autoantibodies and cytokines into the brain while lack of inhibitory immune checkpoints in the myocardium in young age might explain the higher prevalence of those cases in young adults and adolescents.
Immunomodulatory and Antioxidant Drugs in Glaucoma Treatment
Authors: Buonfiglio Francesco , Pfeiffer Norbert , Gericke Adrian
Published: July 2023

Glaucoma, a group of diseases characterized by progressive retinal ganglion cell loss, cupping of the optic disc and by a typical pattern of visual field defects, is a leading cause of severe visual impairment and blindness worldwide. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the leading risk factor for glaucoma development. However, glaucoma can also develop at normal pressure levels. An increased susceptibility of retinal ganglion cells to IOP, systemic vascular dysregulation, endothelial dysfunction and autoimmune imbalances have been suggested to play a role in the pathophysiology of normal tension glaucoma. Since inflammation and oxidative stress play a role in all forms of glaucoma, the goal of this review article is to resent an overview on the inflammatory and prooxidant mechanisms in the pathophysiology of glaucoma and to discuss immunomodulatory and antioxidant treatment approaches.
PGC-1α Regulates the Interplay between Oxidative Stress, Senescence and Autophagy in the Aging Retina Important in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Gurubaran Iswariyaraja Sridevi , Watala Cezary , Kostanek Joanna , Szczepanska Joanna , Pawlowska Elzbieta , Kaarniranta Kai , Blasiak Janusz
Published: July 2023

We previously showed that mice with knockout in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PPARGC1A) gene encoding the PGC-1a protein and nuclear factor erythroid 2 like 2 (NFE2L2) gene, showed some features of the age-related macular degeneration (AMD) phenotype. To further explore the mechanism behind the involvement of PGC-1a in AMD pathogenesis we used young (3-month) and old (12-month) mice with knockout in the PPARGC1A gene and age-matched wild-type (WT) animals. An immunohistochemical analysis showed age-dependent different expression of markers of oxidative stress defense, senescence and autophagy in the retinal pigment epithelium of KO animals as compared with their WT counterparts. Multivariate inference testing showed that senescence and autophagy proteins had the greatest impact on the discrimination between KO and WT 3-month animals, but proteins of antioxidant defense also contributed to that discrimination. A bioinformatic analysis showed that PGC-1a might coordinate the interplay between genes encoding proteins involved in antioxidant defense, senescence and autophagy in the aging retina. These data support importance of PGC-1a in AMD pathogenesis and confirm the utility of mice with PGC-1a knockout as an animal model to study AMD pathogenesis.
Computing the Sound-Sense Harmony - in the poetic works by William Shakespeare and Francis Webb
Authors: Delmonte Rodolfo
Published: July 2023

We assume that poetic devices have an implicit goal: producing an overall sound scheme that will induce the reader to associate intended and expressed meaning to the sound of the poem. Sounds may be organized into categories and assigned presumed meaning as suggested by traditional literary studies. In my work, I have extracted automatically the sound grids of all the sonnets by William Shakespeare and have combined them with the themes expressed by their contents. In a first experiment I have computed lexically and semantically based sentiment analysis obtaining an 80% of agreement. In a second experiment sentiment analysis has been substituted by Appraisal Theory thus obtaining a more fine-grained interpretation which in some cases contradicts the first one. The computation for the second poet - regarded by many critics the best of last century - includes both vowels and consonants. In addition, it combines automatic semantically and lexically based sentiment analysis with sound grids. The results produce visual maps that clearly separate poems into three clusters: negative harmony, positive harmony and disharmony where the latter instantiates the need by the poet to encompass the opposites in a desperate attempt to reconcile them.
Comparison of Efficiency and Side Effects of Daily and Alternate Day Oral Iron
Authors: Sendur Ibrahim Nahit , Malkan Umit Yavuz
Published: July 2023

Introduction:
In the recent years alternate day dosing has been recommended in iron deficieny treatment. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and side effects of oral iron treatments given daily 1x1, alternate day 1x1 and 2x1 alternate day dosing in iron deficieny anemia patients.
Methods:
A total of 52 patients with a diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia with serum ferritin level of 25 µg/L or less were included in this retrospective study. Statistical analyzes were done with SPSS V.25.
Results:
The patients included in our study were between the ages of 18-51. All of the patients included in the study were female. A statistically significant increase was found between 0-14 days(p<0.001), 14-28 days(p<0.001) and 0-28 days(p<0.001) hemoglobin values in all patients. There was no statistically significant difference between 0-14 days (p=0.397) and 0-28 days(p=0.310) ferritin values in all patients. A statistically significant difference was found between 14-28 days(p<0.001) ferritin values. When the rate of change of hemoglobin and ferritin values between the groups was compared and no statistically significant difference was observed between the groups. The rate of change of ferritin values for 14-28 days was significant (p=0.012). There was no significant difference in the frequency of symptoms in the 14th day and 28th day controls for each group (p>0.05). The incidence of metallic taste and bloating symptoms was found to be statistically significant in the third control in the group with 2x1 drug use alternate day (p=0.094).
Discussion:
The only difference in efficacy was observed in ferritin values between 14th and 28th days. The increase in ferritin values was higher in the group that used 1x1 oral iron every day. However, since no difference was observed between the groups in terms of ferritin and hemoglobin values on days 0 and 28, all three groups were considered equally efficient. Side effects were mainly gastrointestinal side effects. Since the group that received 2x1 oral treatment alternate day had a statistically significantly higher rate of side effects, the patients’ treatment tolerance will be lower compared to the other groups. In conlusion, there is no difference in efficacy and side effects between the patient groups receiving 1x1 daily and 1x1 alternate day oral iron therapy, so 1x1 use alternate day is the most appropriate treatment method for oral iron therapy in terms of patient tolerance, adherence to treatment and pharmacoeconomics.
Misconceptions and Knowledge Gaps on Antibiotic Use in Primary Care – a Delphi Study in Four Sectors and Five European Countries
Authors: Chalkidou Athina , Lambert Maarten , Cordoba Gloria , Taxis Katja , Hansen Malene Plejdrup , Bjerrum Lars
Published: July 2023

Background: Misconceptions and knowledge gaps about antibiotic use contribute to inappropriate antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance. Aim: Identifying and prioritizing misconceptions and knowledge gaps about antibiotic use from a healthcare professionals’ perspective. Methods: A modified Delphi study of two rounds with an expert meeting. A literature search was conducted to create statements about misconceptions and knowledge gaps about antibiotic use. These were rated by healthcare professionals from five EU countries representing general practice, out-of-hour services, nursing homes, and pharmacies. Consensus was achieved if ≥80% of the participants rated 4+ on a five-point Likert scale during the second Delphi round. Results. In total, 44 misconceptions were identified through the literature search within four themes: 1) antimicrobial resistance in general, 2) use of antibiotics in general, 3) use of antibiotics for respiratory tract infections, and 4) use of antibiotics for urinary tract infections. Consensus was reached for more than half of the statements within each setting. Conclusions. Experts from different settings and nationalities acknowledge that multiple misconceptions and knowledge gaps can contribute to inappropriate use of antibiotics in the community. These results provide valuable information to use in educational campaigns for patients and healthcare professionals to improve the use of antibiotics.
Update in Immunotherapy for Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: Treatment Sequencing and Best Choices
Authors: Roque Kátia , Ruiz Rossana , Mas Luis , Pozza Daniel Humberto , Vancini Marina , Silva José Antônio , De Mello Ramon Andrade
Published: July 2023

The advent of immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), improving the prognosis of this disease and becoming a key part of the treatment, especially in the population without an oncogenic driver mutation. Two different groups of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are used in lung cancer: Anti- Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (Anti-CTLA 4) and Anti- T-cell receptor programmed cell death-1 or its ligand (Anti-PD-1 and Anti PD-L1). Here in, we review an uptodate on the use of immunotherapy for advanced NSCLC.
Моделирование течения расплава в методе Чохральского в рамках открытого пакета OpenFOAM с применением квазигидродинамического алгоритма
Authors: Кирюшина Мария Александровна , Kiryushina Mariya Aleksandrovna , Елизарова Татьяна Геннадьевна , Elizarova Tatyana Gennad'evna , Епихин Андрей Сергеевич , Epikhin Andrei Sergeevich
Published: July 2023

Приведены постановка задачи, метод численного решения и пример моделирования течения расплава в задаче о выращивании кристалла методом Чохральского. Математическая модель основана на регуляризованных, или квазигидродинамических уравнениях для описания течений вязкой несжимаемой теплопроводной жидкости. Численный алгоритм реализован на базе открытого пакета OpenFOAM в рамках решателя mulesQHDFoam. Предложенный подход позволяет проводить расчеты нестационарного трехмерного течения с заданной геометрией для высоких чисел Рейнольдса и Грасгофа. В качестве примера приведены результаты расчета течения в упрощенной конфигурации. Получено несимметричное нестационарное течение.
Environmental predictors of Seagrass Phenotype Variability in a Temperate Lagoon Ecosystem.
Authors: Lawrence Cloverley Mercia
Published: July 2023

Seagrass ecosystems provide essential services but have declined worldwide due to human and natural influences. Thermal stress from diurnal and seasonal fluctuations, coupled with climatic factors, impact seagrass productivity and distribution. To survive in dynamic environments, plants must adapt or acclimate. Following concerning declines, environmental factors responsible for spatial and temporal variability were investigated in a dwarf eelgrass (Zostera capensis) habitat within a temperate lagoon. Significant differences in shoot densities, leaf size, and biomass of Zostera populations near the mouth and at the end of the lagoon were observed, with distinct seasonal responses. Severe diebacks were observed in summer with subsequent recovery under favourable conditions. Generalized additive mixed modelling revealed seagrass densities to be primarily (> 80%) predicted by water temperature, turbidity, and exposure. Those exposed longer during low tide exhibited a small-leaved morphotype in higher densities. Conversely, deeper intertidal stands supported a sparser large-leaved morphotype. These traits represent a phenotypic response enabling populations to acclimate to the prevailing environmental conditions, altering their characteristics and interactions. Large-leaved populations supported higher epiphyte loads and faunal diversity compared to small-leaved populations. High gene flow suggested that morphotypic variations are predominantly phenotypically based rather than genetically driven. Trends in Zostera cover within the lagoon reveal greater declines closer to the mouth, implying a concurrent decline in associated macro-epifaunal communities dependent on large-leaved populations. With climate change-induced warming, further decreases in Zostera and ensuing loss of large-leaved populations are expected, with likely negative repercussions on associated epifaunal communities and other trophic levels within the system.
Water quality indexes and multivariate statistic methods application: case study of Mirin Lagoon
Authors: Borges Elisa Leal , Valentini Marlon Heitor Kunst , Santos Gabriel Borges dos , Franz Henrique Sanchez , Vieira Bruno Muller
Published: July 2023

The irrational use of water bodies has been a main concern worldwide, requiring the steady monitoring of water sources in order to track whether the water quality parameters are within the guidelines limits. Therefore, the current study aims to evaluate the water quality of Mirim Lagoon by using a water quality index and statistical methods. Also, this study seeks to analyze, by the correlation matrix, the influence of the parameters used in WQI on the results of the index for Mirin Lagoon, as well as compare and validate, via a significance test, the results of WQIValentini with the results of WQICETESB, widely applied in Brazil. The water samples analyzed in this study were collected over the years 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 from several monitoring points of Mirim Lagoon. The WQICETESB results of the monitoring points in Mirim Lagoon, ranged from 58.3 to 81, falling within acceptable and good water quality, respectively. Regarding the correlation-WQI parameter, phosphorus was the most representative parameter for the WQICETESB result in the monitoring points ML1, ML2, ML3, ML4, and ML5, while the thermotolerant coliforms was the most significant parameter for the points ML6 and ML7. On the other hand, the WQIValentini results ranged from 48.0 to 76.9, maintaining the absolute majority within acceptable and good ranges. Moreover, in order to compare the results of WQICETESB with the WQIValentini, and, hence, prove or disprove the equivalence of both, a paired t-test was used, demonstrating that there is no significant variation between both indexes. The results of this study enabled us to evaluate the Mirim Lagoon water quality by using WQICETESB and WQIValentini, as well as by using multivariate statistical methods. In addition, regarding the use of the WQIValentini to assess Mirin Lagoon water quality, there was evidence that this index generates results statistically indistinguishable from those generated by the WQICETESB, proving its applicability for water quality monitoring of this lagoon. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that the use of an adequate equation with fewer variables provides a reduction in the costs of physicochemical and microbiological analysis, which may encourage environmental agencies to invest more in water quality monitoring.
The number of similar epitopes determines the longevity of immunological memory
Authors: Yuan Shu , Yang Xin-Yue , Fu Yu-Fan , Xie Lin-Bei , Zhang Zhong-Wei , Jiang Si-Cong , Hu Jing , Hu Jing , Yuan Ming , Chen Yang-Er
Published: July 2023

The half-life of specific antibodies against various antigens varies tremendously from a few months to over 10,000 years. The reasons are largely unknown. Through epitope analysis of representative viruses, we found that the longevity of immunological memory may be correlated with the number of epitopes with similar sequences (EWSS) within each virus. Accordingly, a vaccine against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with 4.5-times higher antibody titers and over 100 months of half-life was developed in a rabbit model. The decay pattern of antibodies against each epitope or the entire SARS-CoV-2 spike protein was roughly correlated with the number of EWSS in immunizationtreatments, –that is, for every additional EWSS, the half-life of the antibody would be doubled. After immunization, proportions of antigen-specific memory B cells (MBC) first increased and then decreased. In the descending phase, the antibody titers were positively correlated with the numbers of MBC. This study also discusses improvement measures for vaccines against other viruses.
A novel copper-based metal-organic framework: Synthesis, characterization and evaluation for the hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol
Authors: Moyo Pamela , Mehlana Gift , Matsinha Leah C. , Makhubela Banothile C.E.
Published: July 2023

A novel Cu-MOF was synthesized at room temperature from commercially available and inexpensive reagents. The pre-catalyst was characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The Cu-MOF was characterized as microporous material with BET surface area and pore volume of 7.47 m²/g and 0.27 cm³/g, respectively, and is stable in most solvents. The MOF was evaluated as a heterogeneous catalyst for the hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol (FA). Cu-MOF exhibited a high conversion of FF (76%) with selectivity towards FA (100%) at 140 °C, 50 bar for 24 hours. The MOF was reused four consecutive times with a loss in catalytic performance. The decrease in catalytic activity could be attributed to the formation of inactive Cu(0) as revealed by HR-TEM and XPS studies. HR-TEM of spent Cu-MOF showed a uniform particle size diameter of 3.5 nm. This work is significant in providing new strategies for the design and fabrication of highly selective MOF catalysts for the FF upgrading.
UCGAN：An efficient unaligned I2I translation based on contrastive learning
Authors: Wang Shibin , Zhang Shiying , Guo Wenjie , Guo Xuening , Guo Jiayi , Liu Dong
Published: July 2023

Image-to-image translation with unaligned domains is a seminal work that is capable of automatically selecting suitable image of unaligned dataset for translation. Unaligned datasets often contain irrelevant images that disrupt translation. However, the accuracy of selecting appropriate images is an issue that needs to be urgently improved. To improve the grasp of image features and enhance the performance of unaligned image-to-image translation without changing much semantic information, we propose a novel framework UCGAN, which is able to focus on both local and global features of the image. Inspired by the contrastive learning, here we propose the Patch-by-Patch Feature Contrastive(PPFC). PPFC reuses the encoder of the generator to extract multi-layer features of different image patches. We then normalize the various features using L1-norm instead of L2-norm. To further improve translation performance, we also set up paired feature comparisons. We compare our proposed method UCGAN with state-of-the-art and experiments demonstrate the superiority and practicality of our method.
Screening of Tetraploid Wheat Genotypes for Drought Tolerance during Early Growth Stage by Multivariate Analysis and Stress Indices
Authors: Benlioğlu Berk
Published: July 2023

Tetraploid wheat is selective concerning climate and soil conditions for high quality and yield. This study adopted, eleven cultivars used broadly in durum wheat cultivation in Türkiye and one hulled tetraploid wheat genotypes were used as the genetic material. To determine drought reaction of wheat genotypes, drought stress with different severities (-0.50, -1.48, -2.95 and − 4.91 bar) was applied by PEG 6000 during germination. The difference among the genotypes, stress levels and Genotype x Stress interaction was significant at the p < 0.01 level in terms of the examined characteristics. The tolerance and susceptibility levels of the genotypes were revealed by the stress tolerance index and stress susceptibility index. Principal component analysis and biplot graphs made according to the germination traits and stress tolerance index values of the genotypes clearly showed how the genotypes were ranked according to the tolerance indicators. Cluster analysis was performed to determine the genetic relationship among genotypes. Accordingly the varieties with the least genetic distance between them were determined as Çeşit-1252 and Kunduru-1149. Given the results obtained, drought tolerance of Eminbey, Kızıltan-91, and Sarıçanak-98 was found higher than other varieties. The findings of the present study have shown that drought tolerance and susceptibility levels of durum wheat and other similar plants can be reliably determined in the fastest, cheapest and most practical way with the applied methods and analyses.
WITHDRAWN: Heavy metal concentrations in various tissues of two fish species from Damsa Dam Lake (Turkey) and associated health risk assessment
Authors: KAÇAR Emel
Published: July 2023

In current study, the distribution of 10 heavy metals in muscle, gills and liver of two fish species (Squalius pursakensis and Cyprinus carpio) living in the Damsa Dam Lake (Turkey) was examined in relation to fish gender and size. The highest quantities of all heavy metals were determined in the gills and liver of the fish species. The levels of most heavy metals in tissues did not differ significantly between both fish species. Only a few heavy metals in the tissues of both fish species demonstrated significant associations with fish length or weight. In terms of the levels of most of the heavy metals in the tissues, there weren’t any significant differences between the male and the female fish. The estimated daily intakes of all of the heavy metals were lower than the reference doses. The values of the target hazard quotient and the hazard index were found to be below 1 and the values regarding carcinogenic risk were assessed to be within or lower than the permissible levels. These results proved that the examined fish species can be consumed safely.
An mHealth-Delivered Sexual Harm Reduction Tool (PartyPack) for Men Who Have Sex With Men in Malaysia: Usability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Gautam Kamal , Paudel Kiran , Jacobs Jerome , Wickersham Jeffrey A , Ikhtiaruddin Wan Mohd , Azwa Iskandar , Saifi Rumana , Lim Sin How , Shrestha Roman
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

Chemsex—the use of psychoactive drugs to enhance the sexual experience—is an increasing phenomenon globally. Despite the increasing burden and associated harms of chemsex, evidence-based interventions (ie, behavioral and pharmacological) for chemsex users are nonexistent.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we assessed the usability and acceptability of a mobile health (mHealth)–delivered safer chemsex package (“PartyPack”) as a sexual harm reduction strategy among men who have sex with men in Malaysia—a setting where chemsex is becoming increasingly prevalent.

METHODS

This study is part of a larger smartphone app-based intervention (ie, JomPrEP; University of Connecticut) designed to improve access to HIV prevention services among Malaysian men who have sex with men. A total of 50 participants were recruited from the Greater Kuala Lumpur region of Malaysia to use the JomPrEP app, which included a feature allowing participants to order PartyPack, for 30 days (March-April 2022). The usability and acceptability of the PartyPack were assessed using self-report, app analytics, and exit interviews (n=20).

RESULTS

Overall, 8% (4/50) of participants reported having engaged in chemsex in the past 6 months; however, engagement in condomless sex (34/50, 68%) and group sex (9/50, 18%) was much higher. A total of 43 (86%) participants ordered PartyPack, of which 27 (63%) made multiple orders during the 30 days. Most participants (41/43, 95%) reported being satisfied with the PartyPack order feature in the app, with 91% (39/43) indicating the order and tracking process was easy. Thematic data exploration further revealed important information for understanding (eg, items included in the package, use of mHealth platform to order package, and discreetness of the PartyPack box and order and delivery) and refining the logistical preferences (eg, using branded items and allowing customization during order).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provide strong evidence of the usability and acceptability of a mHealth-delivered safer chemsex package as a potential sexual harm reduction tool among this underserved population. Replication in a study with a larger sample size to test the efficacy of the PartyPack is warranted.
Correction: Acceptability and Feasibility of a Return-to-Work Intervention for Posttreatment Breast Cancer Survivors: Protocol for a Co-design and Development Study (Preprint)
Authors: Bilodeau Karine , Gouin Marie-Michelle , Lecours Alexandra , Lederer Valérie , Durand Marie-José , Kilpatrick Kelley , Lepage David , Ladouceur-Deslauriers Lauriane , Dorta Tomas
Published: July 2023

UNSTRUCTURED
An Analysis of the Fate of the Character Yang Yuhuan in the Film Legend of the Demon Cat Based on the “Other” Theory
Authors: Zhang Kai
Published: July 2023

Legend of the Demon Cat is a pinnacle of ancient oriental magic film by Chen Kaige, presenting audiences with a magnificent scene of Tang Dynasty and the legendary story of Yang Yuhuan. As a film full of fantasy, suspense and romanticism, it has been analyzed by most scholars from the aspects of narrative features, image aesthetics and historical and cultural elements. However, little has been researched from the perspective of the male other about the fate of Yang Yuhuan, a character based on a legendary concubine in Chinese Tang Dynasty. This paper will analyze the portrayal of Yang Yuhuan in the film guided by feminism, especially “The Other” theory. With the historical background of the decline of the Tang Dynasty, we can seek the reasons for the dramatical fate of Yang Yuhuan, and understand the injustice and oppression faced universally by ancient women in male-dominated society.
Development and validation of a DNA-based multi-species biomonitoring toolkit using a High-Throughput qPCR platform: a case study of Irish shellfish species
Authors: Kraan Dennis van der Pouw , Graham Conor , Kavanagh Fiona , Mirimin Luca
Published: July 2023

Biomonitoring of marine life has been enhanced in recent years by the
integration of innovative DNA-based approaches, which offer advantages
over more laborious conventional techniques (e.g. direct capture) and
greater taxonomic resolution especially in complex life cycles and early
life stages. However, tradeoffs between throughput, sensitivity and
quantitative measurements must be made when choosing between the
prevailing molecular methodologies (i.e. metabarcoding or qPCR/dPCR).
Thus, the aim of the present study was to demonstrate the utility of a
microfluidic-enabled High Throughput quantitative PCR platform (HT-qPCR)
for the rapid and cost-effective development and validation of a
DNA-based multi-species biomonitoring toolkit, using larvae of 24
commercially targeted bivalve and crustacean species as a case study.
The workflow was divided into three main phases: definition of target
taxa and establishment of reference databases (PHASE 1); in silico
selection/development and in vitro assessment of molecular assays (PHASE
2); and protocol optimization and field validation (PHASE 3). Of a total
of 85 assays in silico, 42 were eventually chosen and validated in
vitro. Genetic signal showed good correlation with direct visual counts
by microscopy, but also showed the ability to provide quantitative data
at the highest taxonomic resolution (species level) in a time- and
cost-effective fashion. This study developed a biomonitoring toolkit,
demonstrating the considerable advantages of this state-of-the-art
technology in boosting the development and application of panels of
molecular assays for the monitoring and management of natural resources
that can be applied to a range of monitoring programmes. Keywords: DNA,
High Throughput, qPCR, biomonitoring, shellfish
Ocena potencjału migracyjnego młodzieży z obszarów peryferyjnych Polski południowo - wschodniej
Authors: Cymanow Piotr , Florek-Paszkowska Anna
Published: July 2023

W artykule opisano jeden z istotnych problemów związanych z migracjami zarobkowymi – zwłaszcza w odniesieniu do regionów peryferyjnych o znaczącym zapóźnieniu cywilizacyjnym, jakim jest zjawisko tzw. „drenażu mózgów” (brain drain). Problem ten dotyczy w głównej mierze absolwentów i osób młodych, które w obliczu rozpoczynania kariery zawodowej napotykają na istotne bariery polskiego rynku pracy. Przeanalizowano potencjalną skalę migracji wewnętrznych i zewnętrznych, oceniono rangę czynników determinujących wybór miejsca migracji oraz znaczenie elementów wpływających na charakter podejmowanej pracy z uwzględnieniem oczekiwań płacowych potencjalnych migrantów.