bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Narrativas de si e a mise-en-scène de memórias coletivas na universidade: uma análise do documentário Caminhos Abertos
Authors: Matos Daniela , Lima Gonçalves Amorim da Silva Tais
Published: January 2025

Este artigo aborda o estudo de audiovisualidades estético-políticas como produtoras de memórias coletivas, observadas empiricamente por meio do filme documental Caminhos Abertos, fruto de um processo coletivo, pedagógico e formativo no âmbito da Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia. Por meio de uma abordagem analítica sensível dos corpos da cena/corpos em cena (Bogado, Alves Junior e Souza, 2018), analisamos como a concepção, encenação e escolhas estilísticas marcadas na produção audiovisual deixam rastros transformativos no/do ambiente universitário. Desse modo, compreendemos que estes tensionamentos produzem uma mise-en-scène que dilata temporalidades e reconfigura corporeidades negras, memórias e experiências de estudantes cotistas.
Estimating the impact of conservation agriculture adoption on crop productivity under rain-fed system (Ethiopia): a counterfactual approach analysis
Authors:   University of Gondar, Mussie YM
Published: January 2025

Few initiatives have been made to raise awareness of Conservation Agriculture (CA) and how it has improved the lives of smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Ethiopia. This study seeks to analyze the crop productivity impact of CA in the Farta district of Ethiopia. Cross-sectional household data was collected in 2018/19 in the two agro-ecological zones of the study area. Mean comparison of CA farmers’ characteristics with respect to count of adult males in family and number of farm plots fragmented; and educational attainment, differ statistically from their counterparts. The impact of CA adoption was estimated using counterfactual outcome approach by employing Propensity Score Matching (PSM) based on a sample of CA matched with the non-CA farmers. Initially a binary outcome variable indicating whether a farmer adopted CA was estimated as a primary outcome while crop productivity as a secondary outcome variable of interest measured in kg/hectare of farmland in logarithmic form. From a total of 322 subjects included 168 CA and 154 non-CA farmers, four treated cases (CA farmers) were discarded from the analysis using estimator of kernel matching with no bandwidth. The Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATT) was used as a relevant statistical measure. The advantage was taken by CA farmers as CA practice has brought increment in 1.08 kilogram of crop produced per hectare of farmland. Despite CA’s practice found with small effect as observed at T-value of 1.65 at less than 1 percent level of significance. Possible reasons may include farmers’ interest to increase production at the expense of cultivating large farmland size for crop production and the failure to implement the full practices necessary to improve crop productivity. The project's findings highlighted the need for policies that support and enable a more frequent and successfully established communication link between farmers with agricultural experts at the regional, zonal, and district levels, as well as agricultural extension personnel at the local level. There should be more attention to sustainable agricultural practices through adopting crop and soil management system on farmland, improving soil quality consistently for improved crop productivity.

Key words: Rainfed production, Conservation Agriculture, crop productivity, Propensity Score Matching, Ethiopia
Beekeeping in Algeria: evaluation of beekeeping practices, trends of management, and challenges
Authors:   M'hamed Bougara University, Haider Y , Adjlane N , Martín-Hernandez R , Haddad N
Published: January 2025

The honey bee plays a very important role in plant biodiversity and the natural and environmental balance. It is considered a biological marker that alerts to the state of the natural environment. In Algeria, Varroa is a major problem in beekeeping, as it is a very serious condition due to the development and handling of the ectoparasitic Varroa mite. Within the framework of the MEDIBEES project - Monitoring of Mediterranean bee subspecies and their resilience to climate change for the sustainable improvement of agroecosystems - a survey was conducted in 2021, with the objective of characterizing and understanding the beekeeping activity and its main problems in Algeria, compared to other countries of the Mediterranean basin. The survey was disseminated in Algeria by e-mail and sent to all beekeeping associations and beekeepers. Visits were also made to beekeepers to obtain the most accurate answers. In this article, only the results obtained for Algeria will be presented. In total, 200 questionnaires were analyzed. The respondents had apiaries in 19 wilayas of the country. The results of this study show the constraints on the development of beekeeping in Algeria in recent years, the drought, the mortality rate was very high, and the presence of pathologies. COVID-19 has had a negative influence on the yield of beekeepers. A very low yield of honey was obtained during these last two years (2019-2020). The survey identified positive trends in beekeeping practices, including regular queen replacement, apiary-level selection, migratory beekeeping, and consistent varroa mite monitoring. The beekeeping associations must be on the field for the organization of the beekeeping sector and the improvement of the current situation, encourage beekeepers to utilize disease-resistant bee breeds, support research on alternative varroa mite control methods and promote the use of natural and organic beekeeping techniques.

Key words: Honeybee, survey, Mediterranean bees, beekeeping activity, climate change, resilience, Algeria, varoasis
Incidence of insect pests in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) fields and storage in Karachuonyo and Nyakach Constituencies of Western Kenya
Authors:   University of Nairobi, Wachira P , Nyandiala A , Amakhobe T , Mung’atu J , Okoth S
Published: January 2025

Groundnut is a popular grain legume crop, and an important cash crop in Western Kenya. However, farmers are facing various production constraints leading to low yields. Yearly, statistical reports by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), Nuts and Oils Crops Directorate show a consistent decline in groundnut production in the potential. Lack of quality planting seeds, and pest infestation during growth and storage have been cited as major problems. Studies on the pests of the groundnut crop in the regions are still scarce. The study’s objective was to identify the key insect pests associated with the cultivation and storage of groundnuts in selected parts of the Western region of Kenya. The study was conducted in ten groundnut farms in Nyakach and Karachuonyo constituencies in two seasons, 2021 and 2022. Observation and direct field and storage insect sampling were done in the two regions. The species richness, abundance, and diversity of insects were calculated by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Shannon Weiner index, respectively. In the present study, a total of 2,714 insect pests from 7 orders, 14 families, and 20 species of field pests and 2,396 individuals from 3 orders, 5 families, and 7 species of storage pests were recorded. This study shows that Empoasca kerri, was the most dominant field pest with a mean average of 344, followed by Aproaerema modicella (230), Frankliniella schultzei (136), Aphis craccivora (208), Microtermes sp. (96), Scirtothrips dorsali (64), Elasmolomus sordidus (69), Spodoptera litura (56) and Parastictococcus multispinosus (30), while storage pests were Liposcelis decolor (438), Tribolium castaneum (438), Plodia interpunctella (146), Cryptolestes minutus (137) and Ephestia cautella (30). These pests were causing physical damage to the groundnut plants, seeds and pods, leading to deterioration in the weight, quality, vigor, and reduction in the germination, thus leading to the loss of yield and market value. The study recommends further investigation of the actual damage potential of insect pests on groundnuts and the appropriate management strategies.

Key words: Groundnut, insect pests, Empoasca kerri, Aproaerema modicella, Liposcelis decolor
Nutritional, phytochemical composition and antioxidant activities of the red and white Malakwang (hibiscus species) leaves
Authors:   Kyambogo University, Ojera GMA , Magala-Nyago C , Byaruhanga YB , Muyanja CMBK
Published: January 2025

Malakwang (Hibiscus species) is a common vegetable in Uganda diets. This study established the nutritional, phytochemical composition, and antioxidant activities of the red and white malakwang leaves. Malakwang leaves were harvested six weeks after germination. Nutrients and phytochemicals were quantified and qualified using the methods of Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The antioxidant activity was determined using the 2, 2- Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging method. The quantity of crude fat was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the white malakwang leaf samples (6.9 %) than the red (3.3%). The red had significantly higher (p<0.05) quantities of calcium (1753.6 mg), magnesium (1814.4 mg), iron (233.4 mg), vitamin A (RE) (952.7 µg) and vitamin E (22.8) per 100 g when compared to the 1522.2 mg, 1297.9 mg, 179.7 mg, 857.6 µg, and 16.8 µg, respectively for the white malakwang leaves. The white malakwang leaf samples had higher (p<0.05) quantities of flavonoids (25.7 %) and alkaloids (5.5) than the 20.7 % and 2.1 %, respectively for the red malakwang leaves. The red malakwang leaf extract had more mucilage and coumarin contents than the white malakwang leaves. The white and red leaf extracts scavenged 61.3% and 52.7% of DPPH radicals, respectively, which are similar to the 62.2% scavenged by vitamin C. Malakwang leaves could significantly contribute to dietary intake of crude fibre, essential oil, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin A (RE), C and E and phytochemicals hence suggesting a correlation with the cultural health claims for improving breast milk production, appetite, immunity and healing of sores and wounds. Further studies on the evaluation of nutrients and phytochemicals in malakwang leaves are recommended to approve the results of this study. Experimental trials in humans could be performed to evidence the effect of malakwang leaves on breast milk production and healing of sores and wounds. Also, the determination of essential fatty acids and the effect of preparation and post-harvest methods are recommended for further studies.

Key words: Nutritional, antioxidant activities, health benefits, indigenous, malakwang (Hibiscus) species
Arterial stiffness in middleaged men with essential hypertension and arterial hypertension associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Gomonova V. V. , Sayganov S. A. , Gumerova V. E.
Published: January 2025

Objective. Comparison of vascular stiffness and a presence of traditional risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in middle-aged men with arterial hypertension (HTN) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Design and methods. We examined 180 middle-aged men. All patients were divided into 3 groups of 60 people: group 1 (control) — healthy normotensive patients, group 2 (HTN) — patients with hypertension and group 3 (HTN and DM) — with hypertension and diabetes. All subjects underwent 24hours ABPM with assessment of routine and average daily parameters of blood pressure (BP), indicators of central and peripheral vascular stiffness. Results. The average daily values of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and pulse blood pressure (PBP) differ significantly between all pairs of groups, with the highest PBP in group 2. Subjects in groups 2 (HTN) and 3 (HTN + DM) had significantly higher average diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The average indicators of BP variability are worse in group 3 (HTN + DM), both for DBP and SBP. The following differences in central parameters of vascular stiffness and central pressure in the aorta were identified: DBP in the aorta (DBP ao) and mean blood pressure in the aorta (MAP ao) are higher in group 2. The augmentation index in the aorta (Alx ao) is higher in group 3, PAD amplification (PPA) and reflected wave propagation time (RWTT) are higher in group 2. Conclusions. In middle-aged men with HTN central SBP and PBP, aortic and peripheral stiffness are greater than in the control group. Central stiffness is more severe in HTN patients. Peripheral indicators of vascular stiffness are more increased in patients with HTN and DM.
Microbiome and atherosclerosis: state of the problem
Authors: Verkhovskaya E. V. , Kolesova E. P. , Vanyurkin A. G. , Zaikova E. K. , Kalinina O. V. , Chernyavsky M. A. , Maslyanskiy A. L. , Yakovlev A. N. , Babenko A. Yu. , Konradi A. O. , Shlyakhto E. V.
Published: January 2025

Objective. To study modern ideas about the influence of the intestinal microbiome, oral cavity and atherosclerotic plaque on the development and progression of atherosclerosis (AS). Design and methods. The literature review was carried out by analyzing scientific publications in PubMed, meta-analyses, randomized clinical trials, as well as guidelines and review articles within the period from 1997 to 2024. This review examines modern ideas about the above-mentioned non-traditional risk factors (RF) for AS. Conclusions. AS is a disease with a multifactorial pathogenesis. Understanding the role of both classical and non-classical RF in the development of atherosclerotic vascular disease is important for the development of effective preventive and therapeutic measures. Among the non-classical RF for AS is the role of the intestinal and oral microbiome. The fundamental mechanisms of the influence of the microbiota of the oral cavity and intestines on the development of AS include the following: the direct damaging effect of lipopolysaccharides and bacterial toxins on the vascular wall, the influence of microbial metabolites and increased permeability of the intestinal wall on the translocation of bacterial toxins into the systemic bloodstream, as well as the development of chronic lowlevel systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. This review examines modern ideas about the abovedescribed non-traditional RF for AS.
Amélioration de la fixation d'azote chez le Filao (Casuarina equisetifolia) par sélection clonale
Authors: Sougoufara B. , Duhoux Emile , Corbasson Michel , Dommergues Yvon
Published: January 2025

Deux plants individuels de Casuarina equisetifolia présentant des différences notables dans le nombre de leurs nodules ont été identifiés lors d'une expérience de sélection préliminaire. Ces individus ont ensuite été multipliés végétativement sous forme de boutures. L'un des clones ainsi obtenus a permis de fixer 1,6 fois plus d'azote et de produire une biomasse 2,6 fois plus élevée que l'autre clone, l'inoculation ayant été réalisée avec la même souche de Frankia. Pour éviter le plagiotropisme et les autres défauts observés sur les boutures, nous avons mis au point une méthode originale de micropropagation basée sur l'utilisation d'inflorescences femelles immatures comme explants.
Densité optimale d’arbustes à conserver dans un agro-système du sud bassin arachidier du Sénégal
Authors: CAMARA Baba Ansoumana , SANOGO Diaminatou , NGUER Birane , YADE Mbaye Der , BADJI Marcel , DIOP Mouhamadou , BA Halimatou Sadyane , NDIAYE Ousmane
Published: January 2025

La régénération naturelle assistée est un moyen pour réhabiliter des parcs agroforestiers dégradés. Cette étude vise à déterminer la densité optimale d’arbustes à conserver dans les champs de mil au sud du bassin arachidier du Sénégal. Un dispositif en blocs a été installé en milieu contrôlé et en milieu paysan. Les blocs étaient constitués de parcelles de 400 m2 avec 3 niveaux de densités (0, 50 et 100 arbustes/ha) de Combretum glutinosum en milieu contrôlé et 4 niveaux de densités (0, 50, 75 et 100 arbustes/ha) de Combretum glutinosum et de Piliostigma reticulatum en milieu paysan. Le rendement du mil a été mesuré et des échantillons de sol ont été prélevés pour analyser leurs propriétés (C, N…). L’effet de la densité des arbustes sur le rendement des cultures dépend de leur taille. Cet effet est positif ou neutre pour des arbustes majoritairement de C. glutinosum de 1,3 à 3,4 m de hauteur et 0,6 à 2,6 m de diamètre de houppier ; neutre ou négatif pour des arbustes de C. glutinosum de 5,3 m de hauteur et 4,1 m de diamètre de houppier ; négatif pour des arbustes de P. reticulatum de 5,8 m de hauteur et 7 m de diamètre de houppier. Aucun effet significatif n’a été trouvé pour la densité des arbustes sur les teneurs en C organique et N total du sol quelle que soit l’espèce. Au cours des cinq premières années d’adoption de la régénération naturelle assistée, il est recommandé de conserver jusqu’à 100 arbustes de C. glutinosum ou de P. reticulatum/ha sans impacter négativement le rendement des cultures. Au-delà, il est recommandé, soit de réduire le houppier des arbustes, soit de réduire leur densité jusqu’à 50 à 40 arbustes/ha au fur et à mesure que leur taille augmente.
Superficially Plausible Outputs from a Black Box: Problematising GenAI Tools for Analysing Qualitative SoTL Data
Authors: Glessmer Mirjam Sophia , Forsyth Rachel
Published: January 2025

Generative AI tools (GenAI) are increasingly used for academic tasks, including qualitative data analysis for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). In our practice as academic developers, we are frequently asked for advice on whether this use for GenAI is reliable, valid, and ethical. Since this is a new field, we have not been able to answer this confidently based on published literature, which depicts both very positive as well as highly cautionary accounts. To fill this gap, we experiment with the use of chatbot style GenAI (namely ChatGPT 4, ChatGPT 4o, and Microsoft Copilot) to support or conduct qualitative analysis of survey and interview data from a SoTL project, which had previously been analysed by experienced researchers using thematic analysis. At first sight, the output looked plausible, but the results were incomplete and not reproducible. In some instances, interpretations and extrapolations of data happened when it was clearly stated in the prompt that the tool should only analyse a specified dataset based on explicit instructions. Since both algorithm and training data of the GenAI tools are undisclosed, it is impossible to know how the outputs had been arrived at. We conclude that while results may look plausible initially, digging deeper soon reveals serious problems; the lack of transparency about how analyses are conducted and results are generated means that no reproducible method can be described. We therefore warn against an uncritical use of GenAI in qualitative analysis of SoTL data.
Criação de um ecossistema de inovação e empreendedorismo através da Universidade: um estudo de caso
Authors: Sato de Herval Leonilson Kiyoshi , Alves Tavares Renan , Rodrigues de Oliveira Vanessa , Nunes Moraes Andrade Raíssa Bárbara
Published: January 2025

É crescente o papel das Universidades empreendedoras atuando como motores de transformação, unindo conhecimento e criatividade para impulsionar a inovação e o empreendedorismo. A criação de ecossistemas colaborativos que oferecem suporte aos alunos, professores e estabelecem parcerias com empresas, fortalecem não só a economia local, mas também preparam os futuros líderes para enfrentar os desafios globais. Esse trabalho tem como objetivo demonstrar um estudo de caso de criação de um ecossistema de inovação e empreendedorismo e através da educação empreendedora e de parcerias feitas com a sociedade. É apresentado o caso do campus da Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA) em São Sebastião do Paraíso, Minas Gerais. Este campus recém inaugurado, tem foco em inovação, ciência e tecnologia. A UFLA trouxe iniciativas para promover a educação empreendedora, incluindo eventos educacionais e palestras, a criação do Núcleo de Estudos em Empreendedorismo, Inovação e Tecnologia (NEEITech) e do Núcleo de Inovação e Tecnologia de São Sebastião do Paraíso (NITESSP), e parcerias com empresas e startups locais.  Para São Sebastião do Paraíso, a diversificação da economia local é um importante estímulo ao desenvolvimento regional e uma maior conexão entre a academia e o setor empresarial. O estudo destaca as perspectivas futuras, enfatizando a continuidade das atividades, a expansão das parcerias e o fortalecimento do ecossistema de inovação e empreendedorismo na região como elementos cruciais para o sucesso contínuo do projeto.
Uberhub, um Ecossistema de Inovação: uma Análise à Luz da Visão Sistêmica
Authors: Santos Oliveira Rebecca , Freitas Vérica , Freitas de Paula Veronica
Published: January 2025

As cidades estão sendo impulsionadas a evoluir conjuntamente com um ambiente de inovação, os denominados Ecossistemas de Inovação (EI). Nesse contexto, este estudo objetivou investigar um Ecossistema de Inovação sob uma perspectiva sistêmica, sendo o objeto deste estudo uma comunidade de inovação situada em Uberlândia/MG, denominada UberHub. A coleta de dados foi realizada inicialmente por meio de dados secundários e posteriormente através de entrevista com líder da comunidade para atingir os objetivos propostos. Os dados foram coletados e analisados por meio da técnica de análise de conteúdo e utilizando abordagem sistêmica para identificar os agentes atuantes que operam na comunidade. Os resultados encontrados mostraram que o UberHub, por meio de sua atuação no ecossistema, conecta diferentes atores para promover a inovação e o empreendedorismo em seu ambiente de atuação, incentiva o desenvolvimento e busca encontrar soluções para problemas reais da sociedade local. No entanto, os resultados também indicaram que a falta de liderança no planejamento estratégico é um dos maiores desafios do ecossistema. Com a visão sistêmica ressaltando os EI, foi possível evidenciar as práticas promotoras que caracterizam os ambientes de inovação e como essas práticas podem contribuir para a região e para a inovação de uma região através da troca de interações com os agentes atuantes.
Evaluating the drivers of outbound tourism: Evidence from Central Asia
Authors: IBRAGIMOV Khusen , MARQUES Jorge , Jr FLORES Rogelio , RAMAZANOVA Makhabbat
Published: January 2025

Purpose – This study analyses the outbound tourism demand of Central Asia to 76 destinations for
the twenty-one-year period (1995-2015). The main objective is to investigate the extent to which
economic and non-economic determinants impact the volume of outbound tourism flows in Central
Asia.
Methodology/Design/Approach – The study formalizes the static panel data, the set of 76
destinations, and five Central Asia countries. The application of the gravity model has been
employed using the least squares dummy variables (LSDV) estimation technique.
Findings – The findings reveal that the outbound tourism demand of Central Asia is found to be
highly income elastic and price inelastic. Costs of transportation and visa restrictions between
bilateral countries cause a substantial decline in the number of overseas travel. Among other
factors, a peaceful political environment in a destination is defined as a key element to attract
tourists from Central Asia.
Originality of the research – This research represents the first attempt to analyse outbound tourism
demand in Central Asia, taking into account factors in both the origin and destination countries, such
as visa restrictions, political stability, tourist income, the price of goods and services, and common
language
The EFFECT OF AN INFUSION OF HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA L. IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS FROM AN URBAN POPULATION: AN IMPORTANT COMORBIDITY BEFORE COVID-19.
Authors: MONTES Rubio Perla Yuridia , FABELA Illescas Héctor Enrique , ISLAS- Munive Alvaro Guillermo , REYNOSO Vázquez Josefina , GARNICA Guerrero Beatriz , RUVALCABA- Ledezma Jesús Carlos
Published: January 2025

Background: Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) has traditionally been used in folk medicine to treat hypertension; however, clinical studies are limited to show efficacy as an antihypertensive. Today, hypertension is an important comorbidity in the face of the covid-19 pandemic. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of a commercial H. sabdariffa infusion on blood pressure (BP) levels in hypertensive patients through a pilot clinical study.

Materials and Methods: Patients with a previous diagnosis of hypertension were chosen, regardless of their BP figures, who frequently came for consultations at a health center. The infusion (10 g/240 mL) was administered orally daily for four weeks in 33 patients, 11 of them presented uncontrolled levels of BP.

Results: Statistically significant differences were found in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) values, but not for systolic blood pressure (SBP) (n=33), suggesting that the values could decrease until being significant with a longer supplementation time or higher doses. In uncontrolled patients (n=11), both SBP and DBP showed a significant decrease.

Conclusion: The results showed that the use of H. sabdariffa in this study could be useful in the management of patients with hypertension. However, future studies should be performed on larger samples so that effectiveness can be fully determined.
The TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE FOR CENTRAL SEROUS CHORIORETINOPATHY: A CASE SERIES WITH OPTIC COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY SCANS
Authors: SU Chun-Feng , LIN Ching-Huang , FAN Qiao
Published: January 2025

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate a potential therapy for central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Materials and Methods: Six males aged 28-45 with CSC were treated with a TCM formula called Bupleurum and Poria Variant Decoction (Jia Jian Chai Ling Tang), in the form of concentrated powder herbs (4.0 g) taken before meals, three times daily. They were monitored clinically with optic coherence tomography (OCT) scans every one or two weeks until CSC symptoms completely resolved.

Results: All six cases showed clinical improvement after receiving the prescribed treatment, with subretinal serous fluid progressively decreasing within 3 weeks to 3 months based on follow-up OCT scans.

Conclusions: The patients with CSC responded positively to the Jia Jian Chai Ling Tang prescription, indicating a potential new approach for treating CSC. This study suggests a promising avenue for further exploration in CSC treatment options.
Language Sustainability in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Martínez-Arboleda Antonio
Published: January 2025

Abstract: This essay explores philosophical, scientific, and political questions raised by Generative Artificial Intelligence’s growing role in human language. Building on cutting-edge developments in the field, it critically examines how automated systems that produce written text challenge our traditional ideas of language production and ownership. In doing so, it introduces innovative approaches to understanding language in the age of AI, with a particular focus on cultural and political responsibility. Central to the discussion is an emerging concept of “language sustainability” that stems from the reflections in this essay. By highlighting the profound consequences of AI for human language, the essay places concrete demands on public-interest actors such as governments and universities, and on our communities as a whole, as custodians of human language, to preserve and enhance our personal and social linguistic agency, offering recommendations to re-align technological innovation in Generative AI with human language sustainability.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence. Languages. Sustainability. Technology. Politics.
Binge-watching en Netflix y procrastinación académica en estudiantes de la Facultad de Ciencias Humanas de la Universidad Científica del Sur de Lima en tiempos de Covid-19
Authors:   , Müller Bottger Gabriela Barbara Sabina , Lau Peña Juan Pablo
Published: January 2025

Debido a la pandemia del coronavirus, la población se ha visto obligada a pasar mucho más tiempo en casa, lo que ha hecho que las plataformas de streaming se masifiquen y se conviertan en las más usadas por los jóvenes como medio para distraerse, lo que provocó que muchos de ellos pasen demasiadas horas observando contenido, trayendo grandes implicancias en el desarrollo de sus actividades académicas, debido a la adaptación constante de estas plataformas digitales de entretenimiento para satisfacer las necesidades de sus audiencias se aplica así la teoría de usos y gratificaciones. En esa misma línea, la presente investigación versa en determinar la relación entre el Binge-Watching en la plataforma de Netflix y la procrastinación académica de los estudiantes de la Facultad de Ciencias Humanas de la Universidad Científica del Sur de Lima en tiempos de COVID-19, para ello se aplicó la escala de procrastinación académica a una muestra de 291 estudiantes de pregrado, escogidos de manera aleatoria bajo el muestreo de conglomerados. El estudio fue no experimental, de corte transeccional, y diseño descriptivo correlacional. Los resultados revelan que la relación entre las variables Binge-Watching y procrastinación académica es inversa, de magnitud baja (–0.39 a –0.2) y altamente significativa (p < .01), con lo cual se corrobora la hipótesis general de investigación: Existe relación inversa y significativa entre el Binge–Watching en la plataforma de Netflix y la procrastinación académica.
Anisotropy reveals contact sliding and aging as a cause of post-seismic velocity changes
Authors: Asnar Manuel , Sens-Schoenfelder Christoph , Bonnelye Audrey , Curtis Andrew , Dresen Georg , Bohnhoff Marco
Published: January 2025

Rocks exhibit astonishing time dependent mechanical properties, like memory of experienced stress or slow dynamics, which refers to a transient recovery of stiff-ness after a softening induced by almost any type of loading. This softening and transient recovery is observed in the subsurface and in buildings after earthquake shaking, or in laboratory samples. Our investigation of anisotropy of the slow dynamics effect under uniaxial loading shows that it is observed independent of propagation direction, while the loading effect shows the expected anisotropy originating from the opening and closing of cracks. These observations put a number of novel constraints on the enigmatic physics of slow dynamics. We conclude that transient changes in bulk stiffness are caused by sliding of oblique grain-to-grain contacts and resulting changes in frictional properties as empirically described by rate-and-state friction and observed in laboratory experiments across block contacts. Connecting the nonclassical nonlinearity of heterogeneous materials to the powerful framework of rate-and-state friction provides an elegant explanation for the long searched-for origin of slow dynamics and potentially adds a new perspective for the monitoring of very early stages of material failure when deformation is still distributed in the bulk and just starts to coalesce towards a fracture.
Human Organ Chips Reveal New Inflammatory Bowel Disease Drivers
Authors: Ingber Donald , Ozkan Alican , Merry Gwenn , Posey Ryan , Calderon Karina , Stejskalova Anna , Sperry Megan , Horvath Viktor , Goyal Girija , Carlotti Emanuela , McDonald Stuart , Chou David , Winton Douglas , Riccardi Rocco , Bordeianou Liliana , Hall Sean , Ferri Lorenzo
Published: January 2025

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients exhibit compromised intestinal barrier function and decreased mucus accumulation, as well as increased inflammation, fibrosis, and cancer risk, with symptoms often being exacerbated in women during pregnancy. Here, we show that these IBD hallmarks can be replicated using human Organ Chips lined by IBD patient-derived colon epithelial cells interfaced with matched fibroblasts cultured under flow. Use of heterotypic tissue recombinants revealed that IBD fibroblasts are the primary drivers of multiple IBD symptoms. Inflammation and fibrosis are accentuated by peristalsis-like motions in IBD Chips and when exposed to pregnancy-associated hormones in female IBD Chips. Carcinogen exposure also increases inflammation, gene mutations, and chromosome duplication in IBD Chips, but not in Healthy Chips. These data enabled by human Organ Chip technology suggest that the intestinal stroma, sex hormones, and peristalsis-associated mechanical deformations play a key role in driving inflammation, fibrosis, and disease progression in male and female IBD patients.
Weather and Climate Extremes Drive Grain Yield Reductions and Economic Losses in China
Authors: Li Fang , Yin Dezhen , Jaegermeyr Jonas , Müller Christoph , Xia Lili , Zabel Florian , Liu Wenfeng , Folberth Christian , Mialyk Oleksandr , Lin Tzu-Shun , Li Mengxue
Published: January 2025

As the world's largest grain producer, China faces substantial challenges from weather and climate extremes, threatening domestic and global food security. Earlier studies focused narrowly on a single crop type, extreme event type, or small region. This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of heatwaves, drought, extreme cold, and extreme rainfall on wheat, maize, and rice yields in China from 1970 to 2019. We find these extremes reduce grain yields by 3.3, 7.3, 1.9, and 3.0%, respectively, amounting to 33.5, 66.6, 18.0, and 29.3% of the interannual yield variability. Chinese agriculture faces distinct vulnerabilities, with more diverse extremes significantly affecting more crop types compared to global, European, and American assessments. These yield reductions cause annual losses of 9.1 million tons in production and USD 3.1 billion, both increasing over time. Rainfed croplands suffer twice the yield losses of irrigated croplands, suggesting irrigation as an effective adaptation strategy. Current crop models largely underestimate these losses, indicating future climate impacts may be more severe than previously assessed.
An Abrupt Change in the Disk Fraction of Free-Floating Planets at the Deuterium-Burning Ignition Limit
Authors: Rodrigues Tommy , Bouy Hervé , Raymond Sean , Martín Eduardo , Bertin Emmanuel , Romero Javier Olivares , Barrado David , Huélamo Nuria , Tamura Motohide , Roig Núria Miret , Galli Phillip , Cuillandre Jean-Charles
Published: January 2025

Free-floating planets (FFPs) - planetary-mass objects that roam the galaxy unbound to any star - have been identified through both indirect microlensing detections in the field \citep{Mroz2017, Sumi2023} and direct observations within young, nearby star-forming regions \citep{Tamura1998, Zapatero2000, Lucas2000, PenaRamirez2012, Lodieu2018, Suarez2019, Luhman&Hapich2020, MiretRoig2022a, Pearson2023, Langeveld2024, Martin2024, Luhman2024, DeFurio2024}. Simulations propose that FFPs can arise either by ejection from planetary systems \citep{Chatterjee2008, Boley2012, Juric&Tremaine2008, Veras&Raymond2012} or through gravitational collapse of isolated gas clumps, similar to stars \citep{Bate2002, Padoan&Nordlund2004, Hennebelle&Chabrier2008}. Despite the theoretical framework, the relative contribution of these formation mechanisms remains unclear. One promising approach to distinguish formation scenarios involves examining the presence and characteristics of circumstellar disks around FFPs. However, limited sample sizes have hindered previous studies \citep{Allers2006, Zapatero2007, PenaRamirez2012, Esplin&Luhman2019, Scholz2023}. Here we present an exhaustive survey of disks around a large sample of FFPs and low-mass brown dwarfs (BDs) within the 5-10 Myr old Upper Scorpius association \citep{MiretRoig2022a}. By employing a refined analysis of data obtained with the Spitzer Space Telescope \citep{Werner2004} and the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer \citep[{\it WISE},]{Wright2010}, we extend previous disk fraction studies down to objects as low as 7 Jupiter masses (MJup). Our findings reveal a steep increase in disk fraction, from about 20-30% for objects with M>20 MJup to 60-80% at M<20 MJup over a very narrow mass range. Such an abrupt change in the disk fraction points toward a major fundamental change in the physics of either FFP and BD formation mechanisms and/or FFP and BD disk evolution. Strikingly, it occurs near the deuterium fusion ignition threshold at the age of Upper Scorpius \citep[≈20 MJup,]{Chabrier&Baraffe2000}. We speculate that the abrupt change in the disk fraction provides the first observational evidence of deuterium burning’s role in the formation and early evolution of BDs and FFPs, defining a new physical boundary. The extended disk lifetimes around FFPs and low-mass BD likely have significant implications for the formation of companions and moons, presenting exciting opportunities to investigate the formation and evolution of hierarchical isolated planetary systems.
Diffusion analysis of inflationary shocks in the Mexican economy. A study using dynamic network analysis
Authors: Alatriste-Contreras Martha G. , Alvarez Emiliano
Published: January 2025

This paper analyzes the impacts of shocks on the price system of the economy. We investigate how variations in retail prices, in the exchange rate, and policy interventions affect the diffusion of inflationary pressures in Mexico, based on open data from the Consumer Price Index. We propose to analyze the processes of price formation and diffusion through network techniques. Empirical results allow us to identify the most relevant nodes in the price network of the Mexican economy. Results also show a dynamic network structure that evolves according to a core-peripheric structure, with important implications for the policies that are usually applied against inflation. The network analysis based on price correlations using the T-MDS methodology and a sensitivity analysis revealed that results are robust to adjustments in the threshold value. Finally, the examined dynamic network measures are related to the rate of inflation and rapid fluctuations in the official exchange rate. We found that staple foods are highly relevant to the network’s structure based on several centrality measurements.
Structural basis of collagen glucosyltransferase function and its serendipitous role in kojibiose synthesis
Authors: Guo Hou-Fu , Kim Jeong Seon , Chen Zhenhang , Garcia Sara Espinosa , Buhlheller Christoph , Richards Stephen , Chen Tingfei , Wu Jingjing , Bruntz Ronald , Gilliam Marisa , Yamauchi Mitsuo , Liang Bo
Published: January 2025

Collagen glucosyltransferases catalyze a unique type of collagen glucosylation that is critical for biological processes and disease mechanisms. However, the structural regulation of collagen glucosyltransferases remains poorly understood. Here, we report the crystal structures of a mimiviral collagen glucosyltransferase in its apo form and in complexes with uridine diphosphate (UDP) and the disaccharide product. Our findings reveal that the enzyme functions as a homodimer, stabilized by a loop from one subunit locking into a cleft on the opposite subunit. This dimerization enables UDP-glucose binding cooperativity and enzymatic activity, a property conserved in the human homolog. Further structural analyses suggest an induced fit model for UDP interaction, mediated by Lysine 222. The dimerization also forms an extended cleft flanked by two active sites, which likely facilitates collagen recognition. Unexpectedly, we discovered that the mimiviral collagen glucosyltransferase can also synthesize the prebiotic disaccharide kojibiose. An elongated pocket adjacent to the UDP-binding site allows the enzyme to use UDP-glucose as the sugar donor and glucose as the acceptor for kojibiose production. Enzymatic activity assays confirmed the enzyme's novel kojibiose synthesis activity in vitro and in vivo. These structural insights not only inform glucosyltransferase function but also open new avenues for biomedicine.
Assessing the Impact of Environmental Pollution on the Incidence of Blood Transfusion- Related Infections in Urban Populations
Authors: Ogolla Collince Odiwuor , Guya Benard , Maima Apollo O.
Published: January 2025

Background: Blood transfusion is a critical medical procedure but carries risks of transmitting bloodborne infections, such as Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and HIV. Environmental pollution, especially in urban areas, has been associated with various health risks, but its impact on transfusion-related infections is not well understood.
Objective: This study aims to assess the impact of environmental pollution on the incidence of blood transfusion-related infections among blood donors in an urban population.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 108 blood donors from a high-pollution urban environment. Exposure to air pollution (PM2.5) was measured, and genetic factors such as the CCR5-Δ32 mutation were analyzed. Blood samples were screened for HBV, HCV, and HIV. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests and logistic regression.
Results: Higher levels of air pollution were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of transfusion-related infections (p<0.05). Additionally, individuals with the CCR5-Δ32 mutation showed a lower incidence of HIV infections (OR=0.34, 95% CI: 0.14–0.81).
Conclusion: Environmental pollution contributes to the increased incidence of transfusion-related infections in urban populations. Genetic factors like the CCR5-Δ32 mutation may provide protection against HIV. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions addressing both environmental pollution and genetic screening to ensure blood transfusion safety.
A Comparative Study of Ensemble Classification Algorithms for Crop Yield Forecasting
Authors: MATSIKIRA NORMIAS , MAZAMBANI GIDEON , MUDUVA MARTIN
Published: January 2025

This study explores the application of ensemble learning techniques to improve predictive model accuracy. It focuses on combining classifiers to outperform individual models using structured and unstructured data from agricultural datasets. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) and ensemble methods were used to increase deep neural network efficiency. Experiments with different network structures, training iterations, and topologies were conducted, evaluating measures like sensitivity and specificity. The research also includes predicting crop yields using ensemble classification algorithms, comparing accuracy with conventional methods. The study highlights the importance of crop yield prediction for agricultural management and discusses the benefits of ensemble methods. Results show that Random Forest, XGBoost, AdaBoost, and ANNs perform well in predicting crop yields as compared to the other algorithms. This research contributes to understanding the impact of weather patterns and genotype on crop yields.
Lactate-associated gene MCU promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Yuhang , Zhang Fenglin , Dai Suoyi , Zhao Jiangang , Cai Wenxun , Zhang Ke , Liao Xinghe , Chen Lianyu
Published: January 2025

This study aims to evaluate the predictive value and therapeutic significance of lactate-related genes (LRGs) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). By analyzing PDAC data from the TCGA and GEO databases and employing WGCNA and consensus clustering, we identified two lactate subtypes with distinct gene expression profiles and clinical outcomes, and extracted differentially expressed genes. Functional enrichment and GSEA analyses were conducted to explore related pathways, and a lactate-associated risk signature based on four LRGs was constructed, which demonstrated significant accuracy in predicting survival. In vitro experimental results showed that MCU gene knockdown reduced the proliferation, migration, invasion, and stemness of PDAC cells, confirming its role in the malignancy of PDAC. This study underscores the importance of LRGs in PDAC, providing new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the prognostic assessment and treatment of PDAC.
Background
The metabolism of lactate and lactylation of proteins are believed to influence tumor development through their effects on the tumor microenvironment and immune escape mechanisms. Nevertheless, its significance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has yet to be fully understood. This investigation sought to assess the predictive value and treatment implications of lactate-related genes (LRGs) in PDAC.
Methods
We analyzed PDAC data from TCGA and GEO, identifying LRGs. Using WGCNA and consensus clustering, we delineated lactate subtypes and extracted differentially expressed genes. Functional enrichment and GSEA analyses were conducted to explore pathways. A lactate-linked risk signature was constructed using Lasso-Cox regression, and its prognostic value was validated. In vitro experiments were executed to examine the function of MCU in PDAC cells.
Results
Two lactate subtypes were identified, with distinct gene expression profiles and clinical outcomes. The risk signature, comprising four LRGs, predicted survival with significant accuracy. In vitro, MCU knockdown reduced cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and stemness, confirming its role in PDAC malignancy.
Conclusion
Our investigation underscores the importance of LRGs in PDAC, providing a novel prognostic signature and therapeutic target.
Towards global carbon transparency: Spaceborne imaging spectroscopy enables precise CO2 emission quantification at facility scale
Authors: Han Ge , Wang Huayi , Pei Zhipeng , Mao Huiqin , Ying Jiaying , Li Siwei , Ma Xin , Liu Boming , Mao Feiyue , Gong Wei
Published: January 2025

The Paris Agreement requires countries to develop Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, with regular verification efforts. Establishing a transparent and accurate CO2 Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system is a cornerstone for supporting the Paris Agreement. Facility-scale CO2 emissions account for more than half of anthropogenic carbon emissions, making them a key focus of MRV systems. Current verification methods rely heavily on accounting approaches, which face challenges in transparency, accuracy and cost. In recent years, satellite remote sensing has emerged as a promising approach for top-down emission monitoring. However, significant gaps remain in the availability and accuracy of remote sensing measurements for facility-scale CO2 emissions. This study proposes a novel hyperspectral satellite-based method for directly monitoring facility-scale CO2 emissions. Leveraging abundant data and high-resolution features, this method achieves unbiased measurements with a correlation (R) exceeding 0.82 compared to Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS). Existing satellites, such as the GF and ZY series, can detect point sources with CO2 emission intensities above 350 t/h. According to emission inventories, over 1,000 global point sources exceed this threshold, collectively emitting more than 50 MT CO2 annually—greater than the total annual emissions of the United States. Benefiting from extensive hyperspectral satellite data (e.g., EMIT, PRISMA, EnMAP), this work offers a novel pathway for achieving transparent, accurate, and affordable facility-scale CO2 emission monitoring and verification on a global scale.