bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Концепція «гуманітарної війни», або застосування сили для захисту цивільного населення (на прикладі Держави Лівія)
Authors: Вовчук Людмила , Центій Олег
Published: July 2022

Лівійська криза 2011 року знову поставила перед провідними міжнародними акторами й організаціями важливу проблему вибору засобів при здійсненні захисту цивільного населення, яке потерпає під час військового конфлікту. Ухвалені міжнародним співтовариством військові операції у Лівії відродили концепцію «гуманітарної війни» та підняло низку питань для гуманітарних організацій, зокрема, щодо поняття нейтральна, неупереджена та самостійна гуманітарна акція. Після прийняття резолюції неодноразово підіймалося питання щодо правильності застосування «справедливої війни» у захисті цивільного населення. Тому, з початку лівійської операції у міжнародному співтоваристві виникла стурбованість щодо меж Резолюції 1973. Оскільки військові операції під егідою НАТО, які тривали в Лівії з метою запобігання масових вбивств на території країни, все більш «розмивались». Не дивлячись на низку критики на адресу цієї концепції щодо її недосконалості та потреби подальшого доопрацювання, застосування концепції Відповідальності за захист (R2P) у Лівії було успішним.
Монастирі Київської єпархії в системі управління Православною церквою синодального періоду
Authors: Чучалін Олександр
Published: July 2022

Досліджується особливість організації управління православними монастирями в синодальний період, що є важливим для розуміння протікання в них культурних, соціально-економічних і господарських процесів. З’ясовано, що саме у досліджуваний період вищими органами державної влади Російської імперії було сформовано низку нормативно-правових актів, що стосувалися православних монастирів і чернецтва. Внаслідок експансійної політики російського царату в кінці XVIII ст. православні монастирі в Україні потрапили під дію російського імперського законодавства. Встановлено, що зі створенням Святійшого правлячого Синоду характер взаємовідносин між Православною церквою і державою змістився у бік верховенства світської держави над усіма релігійними інституціями підвладних їй територій.

Для українського народу служіння Православної церкви самодержавству посилювалося тотальною русифікацією як засобом навернення до «офіційного православ’я». Досліджено, що вищим органом у системі управління православними монастирями синодального періоду був Святійший правлячий Синод та обер-прокурор, як представник імператора в цьому органі державного управління. Середня ланка управління монастирями була представлена місцевим єпархіальним начальством, до складу якого входили архієпископ, єпископи, єпархіальні духовні консисторії, а також благочинний над монастирями. У самих монастирях все управляння зосереджувалося в руках настоятелів. Їх стиль керівництва носив авторитарний характер, що, до певної міри, сприяло підтриманню в обителях суворої дисципліни та дотриманню монастирських статутів.

Розглянуто діяльність Київської єпархії та становище її монастирів у цій системі організації управлінської діяльності Православною церквою синодального періоду. Досліджено процес визначення територіальних меж єпархії та перелік повітів. З’ясовано, що усі монастирі Київської губернії перебували під наглядом і канонічним управлінням митрополита Київського і Галицького, Київської духовної консисторії та благочинного єпархії над монастирями. Становище та чисельність православних монастирів Київської єпархії в синодальний період зазнавали суттєвих змін.
Відродження поліфонічності в мистецькому житті УРСР на фоні суспільно-політичних змін кінця 1980-х рр.
Authors: Абакумова Вікторія , Михайлюк Віталій
Published: July 2022

У статті, на основі використання широкого кола джерел, досліджуються результати суспільно-політичних змін, що позитивно відбилася на українському мистецтві. З’ясовано, що явища гласності, свободи творчості, віротерпимості, реабілітація жертв політичних репресій, незаангажоване дослідження історії та культури зумовили відродження поліфонічності українського мистецтва. Автори вважають, що плюралізм стилів і течій розширив арсенал художньо-методологічних прийомів, започаткував нові форми контакту з глядачами. В рамках цього процесу відбувалося входження до української культури творчості виразників неформального мистецтва. Наголошено, що період вивільнення творчого слова з-під цензури став для багатьох митців стартом у професійному мистецтві. Їх слід визнати першим, чиє становлення у вітчизняному мистецтві відбувалося по-справжньому нормально, оскільки митці не відчували естетичного чи ідеологічного тиску.
Two Half-Dugouts from Excavations on Berezan Island in 2020
Authors: Bondarenko Denys
Published: July 2022

The main results of a study of two semi-dugouts found during the excavations of a residential block to the west of temenos of Berezan settlement in 2020 are analyzed in the paper. Special attention is paid to the description of the layout and construction features of the complexes, and the analysis of the remains of material culture from their filling. The chronology of buildings and their relationship with the evolution of the architectural character of archaic Borysthenes are determined.

Both half-dugouts are found in the courtyard area of one of the blocks of Berezan settlement dated to the third quarter of the 6th century BCE and, despite the earlier creation, they fully correspond to the spatial orientation of the constructions of this block and the entire street network of this area. Stratigraphic and planigraphic observations, as well as a detailed analysis of the ceramic complex from the filling of half-dugouts, allow us to link their origin with the arrival in Borysthenes of the ‘second’ wave of colonists around 540 BCE, for whom they served as temporary constructions until construction of permanent dwellings. However, in contrast to most similar complexes, the described half-dugouts continued to exist next to ground-based constructions and for a long time (probably until the end of the 6th century BCE) were apparently used as utility rooms.
Dnipro-Buh Estuary Coast in Context of Eastern Campaigns of Prince Sviatoslav (964-972)
Authors: Kuzovkov Volodymyr
Published: July 2022

The debatable aspects of the eastern policy of Kyivan Rus during the reign of Prince Sviatoslav (964-972) are studied in the paper. Particular attention is paid to the campaigns of Rus troops against the Khazar Khaganate. The quantity of Sviatoslav’s eastern campaigns, the complement of their participants, the influence of Byzantine diplomacy on their organization, evidence of sources on the geography of military operations, and a role played by the Dnipro-Buh estuary as a strategic point on the Rus’ waterway to the Caspian Sea are considered.

Analysis of written sources and the international context of the eastern policy of Prince Sviatoslav of Kyiv makes it possible to state that the military operations of Rus troops against Khazaria can be combined into two campaigns that are of 965 and 968-969. The route of those campaigns passed along the ancient waterway, which connected the Middle Dnipro region with the Caspian Sea. Waypoints of that route can be considered being the Dnipro trade route, the Black and Azov Seas, the Don and Volga rivers. An important place on this route was taken by the Dnipro-Buh estuary and its coast, in particular the island of St. Epheria (Berezan) and the Biloberezhzhia. It was there that Sviatoslav’s troops made a stop for rest and re-equipment of ships for seafaring. Probably, in 965, Sviatoslav’s allies were “a large group of Turks.” The latter could be recognized as a combined contingent of Oghuz and Pechenegs or detachments of one of those tribes. The campaign of 965 could enjoy the support of Byzantium, which during the 10th century considered Khazaria its competitor in the struggle for influence in the region.
On Probability of Single Cult Complex of Achilles in Lower Buh Region in Archaic Times (Berezan – Beikush – Velyka Chornomorka II)
Authors: Lazarenko Vladimir
Published: July 2022

The discoveries at Cape Beikush allow us to significantly expand and refine our understanding of the nature and extent of local influence on the archaic cult of Achilles in the Northern Black Sea region. The decisive factor in the formation of the archaic cult of Achilles in the Northern Black Sea region at the initial stage was the meeting of the colonists with a powerful ideological phenomenon – the veneration of the local tribes (relic Aryans) almost continuously, since the IV millennium BCE, AXI-the Serpent – the first Ancestor and personification of the Indo-European worldview born in the Northern Black Sea region.

The earliest archaeological evidence of the Achilles worship in the Northern Black Sea region dates from the end of the VII – early VI centuries BC and is associated with a cult complex of Achilles in the Lower Buh region (‘Lower Pobuzhzhia’), combining Berezan’, Beikush and Velyka Chornomorka II. This allows us to distinguish a special and earliest stage in the development of the cult of Achilles in the Northern Black Sea region: the end of the VII – early V centuries BCE, when the sanctuary of Achilles on Beikush ceased to exist. After that, in other places of Achilles’ worship in the Northern Black Sea region, the «Serpent» features of the cult of Achilles on Beikush were no longer repeated. In other words, the image and cult of Achilles was no longer associated with serpents. This indicates a gradual loss of syncretism of these images and cults due to the decline of local, «barbaric» influence on them after the 5th century BCE.

This is also due to the fact that AXI-the «Serpent-ancestor» was for the Greek colonists, obviously, an alien deity. The subsequent transfer of the center of the veneration of Achilles to the Island of Levke seems to be the realization of the need to bring the cult important for further colonization (to completely abandon the cult of AXI-the Serpent – the «master» of the Northern Black Sea Region to the colonists, surrounded by «barbarians», was clearly unprofitable) in accordance with the already existing legends about the White Island and Homer’s Achilles, as well as with the «norms» of the Delphic oracle, which clearly did not meet the «barbarian» Beikush. The appearance in Roman times of the cult of Achilles Pontarchus – the «Lord of the Black Sea» and God cannot be explained by anything other than the great importance of the prototype of Achilles in the Northern Black Sea region in previous times, from the beginning of the formation of the Indo-European community.
Діяльність громадських єврейських товариств на Поділлі у 1920-х – 30-х роках
Authors: Каdeniuk Oleksandr
Published: July 2022

У статті досліджуються маловідомі сторінки історії Поділля, а саме: діяльність єврейських культурницьких організацій, починаючи від періоду так званої «Кам’янецької Доби» УНР (червень-листопад 1919 р.) до початку насильницької форсованої колективізації в УСРР, коли розпочався поступовий наступ з боку центральної та місцевої влади на єврейські заклади культури та поступове їх скасування. У даній праці ми ставимо за мету висвітлити діяльність єврейських культурницьких організацій на Поділлі у часи УНР і в перше десятиліття радянської влади; проаналізувати та порівняти політику державних інституцій УНР і радянської влади стосовно діяльності єврейських культурницьких товариств; показати процес боротьби у самому єврейському середовищі щодо перспектив єврейського культурно-освітнього процесу.

На основі маловідомих для широкого кола дослідників архівних матеріалів визначені основні етапи в історії діяльності єврейських культурницьких закладів та установ на теренах Поділля у 1920-ті рр. Визначені особливості кожного з цих етапів на подальший стан етнонаціональних відносин у Подільському регіоні і загалом в Україні.
HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AS A RISK FACTOR FOR TODDLER STUNTING IN MAJENE
Authors:   Nutrition Study Program, Faculty Health Sciences, Universities Sulawesi Barat, Indonesia., RAHMANIAH Dr. , MASNIATI Dr. ,   Health Administration Study Program, Faculty Health Sciences, Universities Sulawesi Barat, FAUZIAH Dr. ,   Nutrition Study Program, Faculty Health Sciences, Universities Sulawesi Barat. Indonesia., RAMADHANI Dr. IKA PUTRI ,   Nutrition Study Program, Faculty Health Sciences, Universities Sulawesi Barat, Indonesia.
Published: July 2022

Background: Stunting is a condition of failing to grow a toddler as an accumulation of chronic nutritional problems. Toddlers are categorized as stunting if the z-score is in the range of -3 to <-2SD based on the Height By Age index. Stunting children are more susceptible to disease and contribute to a child's below-average level of intelligence. The long-term effects of stunting can stunt economic growth as well as increase a nation's poverty. Objectives : To analyze household food security during the covid-19 pandemic with stunting events in toddlers aged 6-23 months in Pangali-Ali Village, Majene, West Sulawesi. Methods : This study is an observational study with a case-control study design. The population is all toddlers aged 6-23 months in Pangali-Ali Village of Majene Regency. The way of sampling is to use total sampling, so that the number of samples is equal to the population of 76 toddlers. The data was analyzed using SPSS with a chi square test. Results : Bi-variant analysis showed that household food security during the covid-19 pandemic had a significant association with stunting toddlers (p<0.05) and also obtained an odds ratio (OR) of 4.42. Toddlers who come from food-insecure households have a risk of stunting 4.42 times higher compared to toddlers who are in flood-resistant households. Conclusions: Household food security during the Covid-19 pandemic is a risk factor for stunting in toddlers in Majene in 2021. Children who are in food-insecure households are at risk of stunting at 4.42 times higher than children in flood-resistant households.
The Epigenetic Role of MiRNAs in Endocrine Crosstalk Between the Cardiovascular System and Adipose Tissue: A Bidirectional View
Authors: Soci Ursula Paula Reno , Cavalcante Bruno Raphael Ribeiro , Improta-Caria Alex Cleber , Roever Leonardo
Published: July 2022

Overweight and obesity (OBT) is a serious health condition worldwide, and one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), the main reason for morbidity and mortality worldwide. OBT is the proportional increase of Adipose Tissue (AT) compared with other tissue and fluids, associated with pathological changes in metabolism, hemodynamic overload, cytokine secretion, systemic inflammatory profile, and cardiac metabolism. In turn, AT is heterogeneous in location, and displays secretory capacity, lipolytic activation, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic status, performing anatomic, metabolic, and endocrine functions. Evidence has emerged on the bidirectional crosstalk exerted by miRNAs as regulators between the heart and AT on metabolism and health conditions. Here, we discuss the bidirectional endocrine role of miRNAs between heart and AT, rescuing extracellular vesicles’ (EVs) role in cell-to-cell communication, and the most recent results that show the potential of common therapeutic targets through the elucidation of parallel and ⁄or common epigenetic mechanisms.
Lysophosphatidylcholine Alleviates Acute Lung Injury by Regulating Neutrophil Motility and Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation
Authors: Jeong Soi , Kim Bora , Byun Da Jeong , Jin Sunmin , Seo Bo Seung , Shin Mi Hwa , Leem Ah Young , Choung Jai Jun , Park Moo Suk , Hyun Young-Min
Published: July 2022

Sepsis is predominantly initiated by bacterial infection and can cause systemic inflammation, which frequently leads to rapid death of the patient. However, this acute systemic inflammatory response requires further investigation from the perspectives of clinical judgment criteria and early treatment strategies for the relief of symptoms. Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) 18:0 may relieve septic symptoms, but the relevant mechanism is not clearly understood. Therefore, we aimed to assess the effectiveness of LPC as a therapeutic treatment for acute inflammation in the lung induced by lipopolysaccharide in mice. Systemic inflammation of mice was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) inoculation to investigate the role of LPC in the migration and the immune response of neutrophils during acute lung injury. By employing two-photon intravital imaging of the LPS-stimulated LysM-GFP mice and other in vitro and in vivo assays, we examined whether LPC alleviates the inflammatory effect of sepsis. We also tested the effect of LPC to human neutrophils from healthy control and sepsis patients. Our data showed that LPC treatment reduced the infiltration of innate immune cells into the lung. Specifically, LPC altered neutrophil migratory patterns and enhanced phagocytic efficacy in the damaged lung. Moreover, LPC treatment reduced the release of neutrophil extracellular trap (NET), which can damage tissue in the inflamed organ and exacerbate disease. It also reduced human neutrophil migration under inflammatory environment. Our results suggest that LPC can alleviate sepsis-induced lung inflammation by regulating the function of neutrophils. These findings provide evidence for the beneficial application of LPC treatment as a potential therapeutic strategy for sepsis.
Super Broadband at Telecom Wavelengths From RE3+-Doped SiO2-Ta2O5 Glass Ceramics Planar Waveguides
Authors: De Oliveira Lima Karmel , Caixeta Fábio José , Souza Vítor Dos Santos De , Rosa Leonardo Sousa , Soares Victor Del Vecchio , Crumo Carolina Assunção , Borin Ivana Aparecida , Ferrari Jefferson Luis , Gonçalves Rogéria Rocha
Published: July 2022

This paper reports on the preparation of Er3+/Yb3+/Tm3+, Er3+/Yb3+/Nd3+, and Er3+/Tm3+/Nd3+ triply doped and Er3+-doped SiO2-Ta2O5 glass ceramic nanocomposites and active planar waveguides by the sol–gel process using the dip-coating technique as deposition method. The investigation of their structural, morphological, and luminescent properties using XRD, AFM, and photoluminescence analysis, are reported here. The XRD results showed the presence of L-Ta2O5 nanocrystals dispersed in the SiO2-based amorphous host for all the nanocomposites and films. The rare earth ion (RE3+) doping concentration affected both the crystallinity, and the crystallite sizes of the Ta2O5 dispersed into SiO2-Ta2O5 nanocomposites and waveguides. AFM characterization revealed crack free and smooth surface roughness and differences in viscoelasticity on the Er3+-doped SiO2-Ta2O5 films surface, which allows the identification of Ta2O5 nanocrystals on the SiO2 amorphous host. The Er3+ doped and triply doped SiO2-Ta2O5 nanocomposites displayed broad- and super broadband NIR emissions with a FWHM up to 173 nm achieved in the telecom wavelengths. The lifetime of the 4I13/2 emitting level of the Er3+-doped SiO2-Ta2O5 waveguides is strongly dependent on Er3+ concentration and an emission quenching was negligible up to 0.81 mol%. The structural and luminescent investigations indicated that RE3+-doped SiO2-Ta2O5 glass ceramics are promising candidates for photonic applications in optical devices operating in wide wavelengths at the telecom bands.
Indole-3-Carboxylic Acid From the Endophytic Fungus Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae LPS-1 as a Synergist Enhancing the Antagonism of Jasmonic Acid Against Blumeria graminis on Wheat
Authors: Que Yawei , Huang Donghai , Gong Shuangjun , Zhang Xuejiang , Yuan Bin , Xue Minfeng , Shi Wenqi , Zeng Fansong , Liu Meilin , Chen Tingting , Yu Dazhao , Yan Xia , Wang Zhengyi , Yang Lijun , Xiang Libo
Published: July 2022

The discovery of natural bioactive compounds from endophytes or medicinal plants against plant diseases is an attractive option for reducing the use of chemical fungicides. In this study, three compounds, indole-3-carbaldehyde, indole-3-carboxylic acid (3-ICA), and jasmonic acid (JA), were isolated from the EtOAc extract of the culture filtrate of the endophytic fungus Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae LPS-1, which was previously isolated from the medicinal plant, Ilex cornuta. Some experiments were conducted to further determine the antifungal activity of these compounds on wheat powdery mildew. The results showed that JA was much more bioactive than indole-3-carbaldehyde and 3-ICA against Blumeria graminis, and the disease severity caused by B. graminis decreased significantly with the concentration increase of JA treatment. The assay of the interaction of 3-ICA and JA indicated that there was a significant synergistic effect between the two compounds on B. graminis in each of the ratios of 3-ICA to JA (3-ICA:JA) ranging from 1:9 to 9:1. When the compound ratio of 3-ICA to JA was 2:8, the synergistic coefficient was the highest as 22.95. Meanwhile, a histological investigation indicated that, under the treatment of JA at 500 μg/ml or 3-ICA:JA (2:8) at 40 μg/ml, the appressorium development and haustorium formation of B. graminis were significantly inhibited. Taken together, we concluded that JA plays an important role in the infection process of B. graminis and that 3-ICA as a synergist of JA enhances the antagonism against wheat powdery mildew.
Automated SEM Mineralogy and Archaeological Ceramics: Applications in Formative Period Pottery From the Atacama Desert
Authors: Riera-Soto Camila , Agüero Carolina , González-Maurel Osvaldo , Uribe Mauricio , Menzies Andrew
Published: July 2022

The analysis of archaeological ceramics has rapidly evolved over the last decades by the application of new analytical techniques. An emerging analytical proposal to fully characterise archaeological ceramics using automated SEM mineralogy is presented. A case study is provided of sets of ceramics from the San Pedro de Atacama oases in the Atacama Desert, northern Chile. Ceramic fragments of different typologies (i.e., Los Morros, Loa Café Alisado and San Pedro Negro Pulido) found in the Ghatchi archaeological sites are analysed. Our results include automated mineralogical maps, which are used to define the components that form the ceramic pastes, i.e., clay matrix and non-plastic inclusions, as well as grain size and mineral abundance information. We show that the pastes that define the studied ceramic types are more complex than previously suggested. The overall composition for these pastes corresponds to clay mineral-rich matrices containing non-plastic inclusions, such as mineral grains, crushed ceramic fragments, and sedimentary to igneous rock fragments, that may vary in composition, size, and abundance among the studied ceramic types. This mineralogical information allows us to discuss possible sources of raw materials by comparing these paste components with geological information. Here we interpret Los Morros and Loa Café Alisado as foreign ceramic types to Ghatchi, whereas the San Pedro Negro Pulido fragments found in this site agree well with the pottery paste recipe typically recognised in the San Pedro de Atacama oases. The petrographic-approach employed here supports the automated SEM mineralogy as a valid option for archaeometric studies of ceramic pastes since includes precise quantitative data formulated from the chemical composition of each component of the paste, which may provide valuable evidence into raw materials and technological styles.
Characterization of Particulate Matter Generated at a Nickel Smelter Using Quantitative Mineralogy
Authors: Kelvin Michelle , Whiteman Elizabeth , Leybourne Matthew
Published: July 2022

Activities performed at mineral processing operations are capable of producing significant quantities of dust. To ensure that regulatory compliance is maintained throughout operation, dust levels are monitored by routine analysis of air filter samples. Determining the quantity and type of particulate matter present in dust allows for the operation to identify the sources of dust and where warranted, implement a dust suppressant strategy. Conventional methods of analysis, such as chemical assay, are unable to rigorously differentiate between phases containing the same elements and may result in ambiguity related to the identification of dust sources. By incorporating Quantitative Evaluation of Materials by Scanning Electron Microscope (QEMSCAN) into their routine monitoring programs, the Sudbury INO smelter has greatly improved characterization of the Ni and Co dust emissions generated at the operation. To determine specific activities responsible for emissions, bulk particulate matter was sampled from several key locations at the smelter that regularly produce dust. QEMSCAN was able to distinguish between critical subspecies of Ni and Co and mineralogical, and chemical signatures in the dust that are representative of locational activity were established. An apportionment of elements contributed by each source was calculated based on this information. The results of the characterization study assisted personnel in developing strategies to mitigate dust emissions that originate from the Smelter operations, and have general implications to occupational hygiene and environmental risk assessment.
Distribution Characteristics and Genesis of Marine Anoxic Conditions in the Southwest of the Upper Yangtze Basin During the Late Ordovician–Early Silurian, South China
Authors: Dong Zaitian , Wang Zetang , Zhang Wenli , Cheng Shaoning , Fu Xuehai , Wang Chaoyong
Published: July 2022

The distribution characteristics and formation of marine anoxic conditions through the Late Ordovician–Early Silurian (O–S) remain poorly resolved despite their importance in the preservation of sedimentary organic matter and the formation of black shale. In this study, the major, trace, and pyrite δ34S (δ34Spy) contents of 36 shale samples at the edge of the southwest depocenter of the Upper Yangtze Basin (Tianlin and Changhebian sections) were analyzed to understand the redox conditions, terrigenous clastic inputs, and primary productivity changes. The iron speciation and enrichment factor of U and Mo show that the range of anoxic conditions gradually expanded from the sedimentation center to the edge during the late Katian stage, peaked in the early Hirnantian stage followed by a rapid decrease, and expanded again during the early Rhuddanian stage. Comprehensive index analysis showed that the increase of terrigenous clastic input and the relative decrease of primary productivity due to tectonism and sea level change controlled the transformation of the water column from anoxic, especially euxinic, to suboxic-oxic conditions. This is reflected in the correlation between paleo-salinity, δ34Spy, chemical index of alteration, and the organic carbon accumulation rate. This work emphasizes the control of terrigenous clastic input and sulfate availability on the transformation of marine redox conditions during the O-S period in semi-restricted basins.
Mapping Forest Degradation and Contributing Factors in a Tropical Dry Forest
Authors: Jiménez-Rodríguez Diana Laura , Gao Yan , Solórzano Jonathan V. , Skutsch Margaret , Pérez-Salicrup Diego R. , Salinas-Melgoza Miguel Angel , Farfán Michelle
Published: July 2022

Forest degradation reduces biomass density, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, and affects biodiversity and natural resources available for local communities. Previous studies have reported that gross emissions from forest degradation might be higher than from deforestation, due to the larger area affected by the first process. The quantification of forest degradation with remote sensing has large uncertainty, mainly because the subtle and gradual changes in forest are challenging to detect, and sometimes these changes happen below the canopy cover which the optical sensors cannot see. The objective of this work is to map the degraded forests and the most relevant biophysical and socio-economic factors contributing to such degradation in the dry tropics. We mapped the degraded forests by modeling forest biophysical parameters with multi-temporal optical data of Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2 and identified the most relevant biophysical and socio-economic factors that can be associated with forest degradation. We included three biophysical variables and 11 socio-economic variables including parceled land and land in ejido property and used multiple linear regression to relate those variables with identified degraded forests. We identified 62,878 ha of tropical dry forest in a degraded state, cover 49.91% of the forest area. The most relevant biophysical factor was distance to settlements and the most relevant socio-economic factor was percentage of parceled land property (private land). Both factors were negatively associated with the mapped degraded forests. Since parceled land and land in ejido property are strongly and positively correlated (Pearson’s r = 0.82, p < 0.001), it suggests that ejido property, as a form of land tenure, plays an important role in preventing forest degradation. This experiment presents a possible way to measure and understand degradation which may help finding solutions to slow down forest degradation and promote forest restoration.
CaFÉ: A Sensitive, Low-Cost Filtration Method for Detecting Polioviruses and Other Enteroviruses in Residual Waters
Authors: Belgasmi Hanen , Miles Stacey Jeffries , Sayyad Leanna , Wong Kimberly , Harrington Chelsea , Gerloff Nancy , Coulliette-Salmond Angela D , Guntapong Ratigorn , Tacharoenmuang Ratana , Ayutthaya Apiradee Isarangkul Na , Apostol Lea Necitas G. , Valencia Ma.Anne-Lesley D. , Burns Cara C. , Benito Gloria-Rey , Vega Everardo
Published: July 2022

Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance has been used to identify polio cases and target vaccination campaigns since the inception of the Global Poliovirus Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988. To date, only Afghanistan and Pakistan have failed to interrupt wild poliovirus transmission. Circulation of vaccine-derived polioviruses (VDPV) continues to be a problem in high-risk areas of the Eastern Mediterranean, African, and Southeast Asian regions. Environmental surveillance (ES) is an important adjunct to AFP surveillance, helping to identify circulating polioviruses in problematic areas. Stools from AFP cases and contacts (>200,000 specimens/year) and ES samples (>642 sites) are referred to 146 laboratories in the Global Polio Laboratory Network (GPLN) for testing. Although most World Health Organization supported laboratories use the two-phase separation method due to its simplicity and effectiveness, alternative simple, widely available, and cost-effective methods are needed. The CAFÉ (Concentration and Filtration Elution) method was developed from existing filtration methods to handle any type of sewage or residual waters. At $10–20 US per sample for consumable materials, CAFÉ is cost effective, and all equipment and reagents are readily available from markets and suppliers globally. The report describes the results from a parallel study of CAFÉ method with the standard two-phase separation method. The study was performed with samples collected from five countries (Guatemala, Haïti, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines), run in three laboratories–(United States, Thailand and in the Philippines) to account for regional and sample-to-sample variability. Samples from each site were divided into two 500 ml aliquots and processed by both methods, with no other additional concentration or manipulation. The results of 338 parallel-tested samples show that the CAFÉ method is more sensitive than the two-phase separation method for detection of non-polio enteroviruses (p-value < 0.0001) and performed as well as the two-phase separation method for polioviruses detection with no significant difference (p-value > 0.05). The CAFÉ method is a robust, sensitive, and cost-effective method for isolating enteroviruses from residual waters.
Nexus Between Trading Non-Green Products and Environment: Introducing Non-Green Trade Openness Index
Authors: Can Muhlis , Oluc Ihsan , Sturm Bodo , Guzel Ihsan , Gavurova Beata , Popp József
Published: July 2022

Trade is a significant parameter that may impact environment positively or negatively. However, there is no consensus on this issue among the researchers. It seems likely that tradable products will affect the environmental quality level. However, this requires the separation of the international trade basket. Thus, this research asks whether trade in non-green products affects the level of environmental degradation in the 25 European Union (EU) member states? To answer this question, we develop an index of trade openness in non-green products and empirically investigate whether this index influences the ecological footprint. Non-green trade openness index represents the ratio of the total export and import of non-green products in a country’s international trade basket to that country’s Gross Domestic Product. Advanced panel estimation techniques are employed for a sample of 25 EU countries over the period between 2003 and 2016. The core finding–supporting the Pollution Haven Hypothesis–is that non-green trade openness reduces environmental degradation. We discuss several implications of this result for recent environmental policies, particularly for the EU climate policy.
Effects of Melatonin Priming on Suaeda corniculata Seed Germination, Antioxidant Defense, and Reserve Mobilization: Implications for Salinized Wetland Restoration
Authors: Zhang Mingye , Liu Shuchen , Tong Shouzheng , Zhang Dongjie , Qi Qing , Wang Yanji , Wang Xuehong , An Yu , Lu Xianguo
Published: July 2022

Melatonin priming has been widely reported to positively affect seed germination under abiotic stresses. However, there is still a gap in knowledge on how melatonin priming impacts the seed germination and physiological change of wetland plant species. We assessed the effects of different melatonin concentrations on germination characteristics, antioxidant defense, and reserve mobilization of Suaeda corniculata seeds. Priming of S. corniculata seeds with 50 μM melatonin significantly improved the germination rate, germination speed, germination index, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activity, and soluble sugar content as compared with the control, and effectively reduced the malondialdehyde content, promoted starch, soluble protein, and fat mobilization. However, the stress tolerance ability of S. corniculata seeds was reduced by high melatonin concentration. The structural equation model indicated that the melatonin priming directly affects the seed germination, while also indirectly regulating the antioxidant defense system and reserve mobilization. In conclusion, melatonin priming affects the S. corniculata seed germination under salinization stress in a concentration-dependent manner via both direct and indirect regulatory pathways. Insights into these aspects will advance our understanding of how melatonin priming affects S. corniculata seed germination and provide invaluable information and technical support for the restoration of salinized wetlands in the Momoge National Nature Reserve.
Differential Infiltration of Immune Cells Driven by Tumor Heterogeneity Reveals Two Immune Subtypes in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Liqiang , Song Ying , Bai Jing , Sun Wenjing , Yu Jingcui , Cai Mengdi , Fu Songbin
Published: July 2022

Intra-tumoral heterogeneity (ITH) is a critical factor leading to aggressive progression and response to immunotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, the relationship between ITH and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) has not been systematically elucidated. In the present study, we evaluated the ITH status of LUAD samples based on the mutational data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. First, we identified five key immune pathways with a significantly continuous downtrend among normal, low-heterogeneous, and high-heterogeneous samples and further excavated nine key immune cells related to the key immune pathways and tumor heterogeneity. Then, two immune subtypes were defined by a consensus clustering algorithm based on the infiltration of these immune cells. Differences between these two immune subtypes were remarkable, including alterations of tumor mutation burden and DNA copy number variation at the genomic level, various metabolic pathways, and the different clinical outcome, which was also validated in two independent Gene Expression Omnibus datasets. The results revealed that ITH was significantly associated with prognosis and infiltrating immune cells in the TME. Our study provides novel insights in understanding the relationship between ITH and immune cells and contributes to the immunotherapy of LUAD patients.
Current Status of Immune Deficiency Pathway in Tenebrio molitor Innate Immunity
Authors: Jang Ho Am , Kojour Maryam Ali Mohammadie , Patnaik Bharat Bhusan , Han Yeon Soo , Jo Yong Hun
Published: July 2022

Yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) is a highly beneficial beetle that serves as an excellent source of edible protein as well as a practical study model. Therefore, studying its immune system is important. Like in other insects, the innate immune response effected through antimicrobial peptides production provides the most critical defense armory in T. molitor. Immune deficiency (Imd) signaling is one of the major pathways involved in the humoral innate immune response in this beetle. However, the nature of the molecules involved in the signaling cascade of the Imd pathway, from recognition to the production of final effectors, and their mechanism of action are yet to be elucidated in T. molitor model. In this review, we present a general overview of the current literature available on the Imd signaling pathway and its identified interaction partners in T. molitor.
Identification of Key Biomarkers in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus by a Multi-Cohort Analysis
Authors: Wei Meilin , Dong Qiguan , Chen Shaoqiu , Wang Junlong , Yang Hua , Xiong Qin
Published: July 2022

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that affects multiple body systems with heterogeneous clinical manifestations. Since gene expression analyses have been accomplished on diverse types of samples to specify SLE-related genes, single-cohort transcriptomics have not produced reliable results. Using an integrated multi-cohort analysis framework, we analyzed whole blood cells from SLE patients from three transcriptomics cohorts (n=1222) and identified a five-gene signature that distinguished SLE patients from controls. We validated the diagnostic performance of this five-gene signature in six independent validation cohorts (n= 469), with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.88 [95% CI 0.7 − 0.96]. This five-gene signature may be associated with the proportion of SLE immune cells, and generalizable across ages and sample types with real diagnostic value for clinical application.
A Study on the Influence of Sand Median Grain Size on the Short-Term Recovery Process of Shorelines
Authors: Lim Changbin , Kim Tae-Kon , Kim Jong-Beom , Lee Jung-Lyul
Published: July 2022

Recently, the impacts of short-term erosion caused by storm waves on coastal damages are increasingly recognized as social issues, compared to those of long-term erosion from climate change or coastal development. The erosion caused by the storm wave has an episodic characteristic that the shoreline recovers gradually after retreating for a short-term. Furthermore, if shoreline changes caused by longshore sediment transport are not taken into consideration, the shoreline position is determined by following two physical parameters based on the bulk response model. The beach response factor determines converging ultimate erosion on the assumption that incident waves constantly affects a beach, which can be estimated according to the concept of Dean’s profile. On the contrary, the beach recovery factor affects the velocity of the shoreline retreat and recovery. Therefore, the parameter plays an important role to predict the peak erosion due to the storms. However, there are still insufficient researches to utilize it as an engineering design for erosion reduction. In this study, the two methodologies (i.e., approximation formula and statistical analysis) that estimates peak erosion width caused by the storms are compared to extract the beach recovery factor. During the process, it is confirmed that peak wave height has little impact on the beach recovery factor. Instead, it is mainly determined by the median grain size. Also, the beach recovery factor is estimated as a function of median grain size based on the shoreline and sand survey data conducted over ten years. Among the 41 surveyed sites along the east coast, 11 sites of straight-type shorelines that directly react to the incident waves were applied to consider only the short-term recovery process. To prove validity, the estimated applied into the real sea and then the results were compared to the shoreline data extracted from CCTV images. Using these results, the peak erosion width for a target wave event can be predicted with only median grain size. These study results are expected to be used as a concrete and practical means to manage the coast, in preparation for the current and future shoreline erosion threats.
Prevalence of Chronic Infection by Hepatitis C Virus in Asymptomatic Population With Risk Factors in Cartagena, Colombia
Authors: Imbeth-Acosta Pedro , Leal-Martínez Víctor , Ramos-Clason Enrique , Pájaro-Galvis Nehomar , Martínez-Ávila María Cristina , Almanza-Hurtado Amilkar , Rodríguez-Yanez Tomás , Bermudez-Montero Jorge , Vergara-Serpa Oscar , Abuabara-Franco Emilio , Raad-Sarabia María , Villar-González Erika Patricia , Tatis-Geney Steffany Isabel , Collazos-Torres Luis Adolfo , Rico-Fontalvo Jorge , Daza-Arnedo Rodrigo , Pérez-Calvo Christian , Alvarado-Castell Huber , López Acuña Gabriel Hernando
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Infection by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important cause of chronic liver disease, considered a public health problem worldwide with high morbidity and mortality due to limited access to diagnostic tests in developing countries. Only a small percentage know their infection status and receive timely treatment. It is critical to make diagnostic tests for HCV infection accessible and to provide timely treatment, which not only reduces the spread of infection but also stops the progression of HCV disease without symptoms.

Objective

To determine the prevalence of chronic infection by HCV in patients with risk factors by using rapid tests in Cartagena, Colombia, and describe their epidemiological characteristics.

Methodology

A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was carried out on asymptomatic adults with risk factors for HCV infection in the city of Cartagena between December 2017 and November 2019. A rapid immunochromatographic test was performed to detect antibodies, characterizing the population.

Results

In total, 1,023 patients were identified who met the inclusion criteria, 58.5% women and 41.4% men, obtaining nine positive results, confirming chronic infection with viral load for HCV, finding seven cases of genotype 1b and two genotype 1a.

Conclusion

In our study, a prevalence of hepatitis C infection of 0.9% was found in asymptomatic individuals with risk factors, which allows us to deduce that the active search for cases in risk groups constitutes a pillar for the identification of the disease, the initiation of antiviral therapy, and decreased morbidity and mortality.
Advances and Trends in Omics Technology Development
Authors: Dai Xiaofeng , Shen Li
Published: July 2022

The human history has witnessed the rapid development of technologies such as high-throughput sequencing and mass spectrometry that led to the concept of “omics” and methodological advancement in systematically interrogating a cellular system. Yet, the ever-growing types of molecules and regulatory mechanisms being discovered have been persistently transforming our understandings on the cellular machinery. This renders cell omics seemingly, like the universe, expand with no limit and our goal toward the complete harness of the cellular system merely impossible. Therefore, it is imperative to review what has been done and is being done to predict what can be done toward the translation of omics information to disease control with minimal cell perturbation. With a focus on the “four big omics,” i.e., genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, we delineate hierarchies of these omics together with their epiomics and interactomics, and review technologies developed for interrogation. We predict, among others, redoxomics as an emerging omics layer that views cell decision toward the physiological or pathological state as a fine-tuned redox balance.
A Systematic Review of the (Un)known Host Immune Response Biomarkers for Predicting Recurrence of Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Sorić Hosman Iva , Cvitković Roić Andrea , Lamot Lovro
Published: July 2022

Recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTI) represent a major healthcare and economic burden along with a significant impact on patient’s morbidity and quality of life, even in the absence of well-known risk factors, such as vesicoureteral reflux. Despite numerous attempts to find a suitable therapeutic option, there is no clear benefit of any currently available intervention for prevention of UTI recurrence and its long-term consequences such as hypertension, renal scarring and/or insufficiency. The common treatment practice in many centers around the globe involves the use of continuous low-dose antibiotic prophylaxis, irrespective of various studies indicating increased microbial resistance against the prophylactic drug, leading to prolonged duration and escalating the cost of UTI treatment. Moreover, the rapid appearance of multi-drug resistant uropathogens is threatening to transform UTI to untreatable disease, while impaired host-microbiota homeostasis induced by a long-term use of antibiotics predisposes patients for various autoimmune and infectious diseases. New biomarkers of the increased risk of UTI recurrence could therefore assist in avoiding such outcomes by revealing more specific patient population which could benefit from additional interventions. In this light, the recent findings suggesting a crucial role of urothelial innate immunity mechanisms in protection of urinary tract from invading uropathogens might offer new diagnostic, prognostic and even therapeutic opportunities. Uroepithelial cells detect uropathogens via pattern recognition receptors, resulting in activation of intracellular signaling cascade and transcription factors, which ultimately leads to an increased production and secretion of chemokines, cytokines and antimicrobial peptides into the urinary stream. Emerging evidence suggest that the disturbance of a single component of the urinary tract innate immunity system might increase susceptibility for rUTI. The aim of the current review is to update clinicians and researchers on potential biomarkers of host immune response alterations predisposing for rUTI and propose those well worth exploring further. For this purpose, over a hundred original papers were identified through an extensive PubMed and Scopus databases search. This comprehensive review might enrich the current clinical practice and fill the unmet clinical needs, but also encourage the development of therapeutic agents that would facilitate urinary bacterial clearance by enhancing the host immune response.