bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comerciantes españoles en los albores del Perú republicano. Entre la persecución y la supervivencia, 1824-1828
Authors: Ruiz de Gordejuela Urquijo Jesús
Published: May 2023

Este trabajo pretende reflejar cómo vivieron los comerciantes gaditanos con el Perú su ejercicio profesional en el lapso entre la Colonia y la República. Para poder ilustrar en primera persona este breve pero intenso periodo, nos hemos apoyado en la correspondencia inédita del comerciante Francisco de Carranza, testigo directo de los acontecimientos. Asimismo, podemos observar cómo, ante las enormes dificultades que padecieron, estos comerciantes articularon mecanismos fraudulentos como la adulteración de facturas o el uso de falsos certificados para introducir productos españoles en el Perú.
Correlates of Suicidal Ideation Among Sexual Minority Male Students in a Nigerian University
Authors: Oginni Olakunle Ayokunmi , Ogunbajo Adedotun , Mapayi Boladale Moyosore , Afolabi Olusegun T. , Oloniniyi Ibidunni Olapeju , Seun-Fadipe Champion T. , Mosaku Kolawole S.
Published: May 2023

Sexual minority men report higher suicidal ideation compared to heterosexual men. As a consequence of the high levels of stigma in Nigeria and most of sub-Saharan Africa, few studies have investigated psychosocial risk factors for suicidal ideation in these settings. The present study aimed to fill this research gap by identifying factors associated with suicidal ideation among Nigerian sexual minority men. Eighty-one sexual minority men were assessed for suicidal ideation, sociodemographic and family background, sexuality-related, minority stress, and psychosocial factors. Childhood adversity, minority-stress factors, and all three psychosocial (intimate partner violence, alcohol use problems and depressive symptoms) variables were significantly associated with increased suicidal ideation (ΔR2= 11%, 15% and 20%, respectively). Our findings highlight the importance of known risk factors for suicidal ideation as well as factors specific to sexual minority men. Recognising these factors may help in identifying young sexual minority men who may require further support in high-stigma settings such as Nigeria.
Pandemic Preparedness, Covid Collective Phase 2 Helpdesk Report No. 3
Authors: Hrynick Tabitha , Grant Catherine
Published: May 2023

This rapid literature review aims to provide initial insights into emerging lessons on pandemic preparedness in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. It pays special attention to research generated by the Covid Collective research partners, contextualising it within the perspectives and lessons from the broader literature and debates on preparedness. The report especially considers evidence which indicates how future approaches to pandemic preparedness (based on what we have learned from our research) can really serve the interests of those in different societies who experience the greatest levels of vulnerability, exclusion, and marginalisation.
Joseph Mallord William Turner e a Inglaterra de 1834: entre linguagens e contextos
Authors:   Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Faria Marcela Cristina de
Published: May 2023

Este presente artigo parte de um trabalho de monografia ainda em andamento que traça uma investigação histórica na Inglaterra de mil oitocentos e trinta e quatro retratado sob o olhar de Joseph Mallord William Turner em duas obras — mais exatamente, “The burning of the house of lords and commons - 16 October 1834” e sua considerada “opposite”, de mesmo nome; ambas expostas no ano de mil oitocentos e trinta e cinco.
Andrea Zittel a arte contemporânea no contexto do total design
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo, Solfa Marilia
Published: May 2023

Para Fredric Jameson a pós-modernidade é marcada pela confluência entre as esferas da economia e da cultura. O capitalismo “tardio” já não pode ser visto apenas como um sistema econômico, já que se torna parte constitutiva da “cultura”, que por sua vez passa a operar de outra forma, gerando novas sensibilidades e sociabilidades. Também a arte, nesse cenário, passa a buscar novas formas de inserção social, já que ao artista é cada vez menos possível posicionar-se fora do sistema. Ao artista crítico resta agir de maneira tática, operar no interior do sistema instituído, dentro de sua lógica, explicitando seu funcionamento e desmascarando ocultações necessárias para sua manutenção. Nesse contexto, nosso intuito é desenvolver uma reflexão a partir da análise de alguns trabalhos desenvolvidos pela artista Andrea Zittel, abordando a noção do artista como marchand e empresário de si mesmo presente em projetos como “A to Z Administrative Services”, uma empresa a partir da qual a artista cria, produz, e divulga objetos e serviços cujo principal intuito seria infiltrar-se no universo da vida cotidiana fazendo com que o espectador se confronte criticamente com sua própria realidade existencial. A partir da análise de uma parcela da produção desta artista, buscamos maior compreensão sobre as possibilidades da arte enquanto prática crítica no interior da cultura contemporânea.
Pedro Corona e as pinturas da capela do imaculado coração de Maria
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo, Salomão Myriam
Published: May 2023

A Capela do Imaculado Coração de Maria, conhecida como Capela da Pontifícia Universidade Católica, no bairro das Perdizes em São Paulo, tem em seu interior um importante – e pouco estudado – conjunto de pinturas executados pelo pintor Pedro Corona entre 1936 e 1940. Apesar de atualmente a capela ser consagrada ao Imaculado Coração de Maria, até o ano de 1948 ela atendia às irmãs da Ordem das Carmelitas Descalças que ali viviam em clausura e tinham como patrona Santa Teresa de Ávila.
BARBARUS AD PORTAS: homilética e catequese na pintura dos nártexes de algumas igrejas e capelas barrocas e rococós de Minas Gerais
Authors:   Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Leite Pedro Queiroz
Published: May 2023

Muito além de ser uma espécie de vestíbulo, ou um mero espaço restante sob o coro, entre a porta principal do templo e sua nave, ou entre o batistério e a escada da torre sineira de igrejas e capelas, o nártex desempenhou um importante papel na formação das consciências religiosas em Minas Gerais entre os séculos XVIII e XIX. Tendo sua origem nas igrejas e basílicas paleocristãs, como um local intermediário entre o exterior e o interior, o nártex destinava-se a abrigar os penitentes, catecúmenos, pecadores e loucos – privados da Eucaristia e, portanto, do pleno gozo da Missa – como também as mulheres, quando estas ainda não eram admitidas no templo. Porém, quanto a este caráter semiexcludente, e que pode, ao mesmo tempo, ser também compreendido como semi-inclusivo, ele manifestou-se ainda, acreditamos, em diversas igrejas e capelas mineiras do Barroco e do Rococó, como se pode verificar pelo tema das pinturas de diversos forros de nártexes encontradas em Ouro Preto (São Francisco de Assis e Matriz de Cachoeira do Campo), Mariana (Capela do Rosário de Santa Rita Durão), Santa Bárbara (Matriz de Santo Antônio), Itaverava (Matriz de Santo Antônio) e Prados (Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição). O tema das pinturas desses nártexes vincula-se a uma função homilética e catequética bastante assinalada na medida em que demarca claramente as distinções entre o fiel e o leigo: nas capelas das Ordens Terceiras, e das Irmandades, a decoração daquele espaço remete a motivos caros à devoção de seus membros, homens adultos na plenitude de seus direitos e deveres cívicos e religiosos; já nas matrizes, há uma preponderância a se enfatizar a necessidade do batismo, a fidelidade à Igreja , a repulsa à heresia, questões mais da ordem, ou que gravitavam ao redor, doscatecúmenos ou daqueles alheios à plena confissão, com vistas à sua plena adequação ao corpus místico da comunidade. O presente trabalho, um esboço em vista das pesquisas que ora efetuamos, propõe-se, portanto, a apresentar e analisar as pinturas de alguns nártexes de igrejas e capelas mineiras, barrocas e rococós, conforme as hipóteses ora levantadas, destacando seu caráter propiciatório, ou interditório, aos diversos membros das comunidades mineiras de então, quer catequizados, quer não: “os bárbaros às portas” da Igreja.
Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar (PNAE): percepções dos diretores das escolas estaduais do município de Campo Grande, MS
Authors: Silva Wellington , Lucchese-Cheung Thelma , Georges Celina , Magalhães Angélica , Schneider Sergio
Published: May 2023

Este estudo objetivou analisar as percepções dos diretores das escolas estaduais de Campo Grande, MS, em relação à Lei do Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar (PNAE) e aos produtos adquiridos da agricultura familiar. O caso das escolas estaduais de Campo Grande foi analisado a partir da abordagem da Sociologia Econômica, utilizando o conceito de embeddedness. Para o alcance do objetivo, foi formulado um roteiro de entrevista semiestruturado. Foram entrevistados 73 diretores das escolas estaduais de Campo Grande. As entrevistas foram transcritas e analisadas, usando o método de análise de conteúdo por meio da análise categorial temática. Foram associadas 24 percepções negativas à Lei do PNAE, dando origem à construção de 5 grandes categorias: Burocracia, Falta de Organização da Agricultura Familiar, Negligência Governamental, Valor Repassado e Outras. Positivamente, foram associadas 14 percepções à Lei do PNAE, dando origem à construção de 4 grandes categorias: Descentralização Administrativa, Qualidade, Economicamente Positivo e Socialmente Positivo. Conclui-se que há predominância de percepções negativas em relação à Lei do PNAE e que as escolas estaduais de Campo Grande têm dificuldades para cumprir a lei em sua totalidade, apontando que os objetivos da lei em relação à execução nas escolas ainda se mostram distantes de serem atingidos.
Sintaxe do espaço de praças como signo para regeneração urbana turística: Praça Mauá e Praça XV, Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Torres Tricárico Luciano , Garcia Thaís , Tomelin Carlos Alberto , Rossini Diva de Mello
Published: May 2023

A pesquisa teve como temas: regeneração urbana, urbanização turística e espaço público; o objeto da pesquisa se constituiu nas praças XV e Mauá, do destino turístico urbano da cidade do Rio de Janeiro (RJ, Brasil). O objetivo da pesquisa foi demonstrar o papel da sintaxe do espaço como atributo para a regeneração urbana turística, diante da discussão predominantemente pautada pela crítica socioeconômica dentro dos temas envolvidos. Para tanto, adotaram-se, como procedimentos metodológicos: revisão bibliográfica a partir de métrica bibliográfica acerca do tema e objeto de pesquisa, análise documental e levantamentos do uso do espaço ao se tomar o instrumental da Teoria da Sintaxe Espacial como método de abordagem dos dados coletados. Os resultados demonstraram que a Teoria da Sintaxe Espacial pode ser contributiva à teoria lefebvriana da produção do espaço, ao mesmo tempo que a teoria da produção do espaço, em sua vertente de “espaço percebido”, pode se servir da Teoria da Sintaxe Espacial como instrumentalidade. Aponta-se a necessidade de inserção das categorias lefebvrianas da produção do espaço diante de uma análise essencialmente sintática do espaço ou uma análise essencialmente socioeconômica do território turístico; parece que seria uma simplificação ou um reducionismo apontar apenas atributos espaciais ou apenas atributos sociais (socioeconômicos, na maioria das vezes) como responsáveis pelo desempenho do espaço público de praças em destinos turísticos urbanos.
As ferramentas tecnológicas voltadas para o bem-estar coletivo num ambiente urbano inteligente: um ensaio teórico sobre Campo Grande, MS
Authors: Pinheiro Lara Kamila Silva , Botton Gabriella Zanoto , Vasconcelos Alexandre Meira de , Lopes José Carlos de Jesus
Published: May 2023

Campo Grande, capital do estado de Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), vivencia desafios para promover o bem-estar coletivo, num ambiente urbano inteligente, como propõem os Objetivos do Desenvolvimento Sustentável. Parte desses desafios está relacionada ao aumento da população urbana, combinado com a elevação do número de veículos. A literatura aponta as Cidades Inteligentes que, por meio dos aparatos tecnológicos e das Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação (TICs), buscam mitigar os impactos negativos derivados da crescente mobilidade urbana e torná-las cidades mais receptivas. Assim, este ensaio teórico objetiva refletir sobre as ferramentas tecnológicas que comportam as Cidades Inteligentes, com vistas à redução dos acidentes de trânsito, nos centros urbanos. Trata-se de uma pesquisa básica e exploratória, amparada por uma revisão bibliográfica. Os resultados apontaram que as Cidades Inteligentes não se traduzem apenas no emprego das ferramentas das TICs, mas sim no emprego de ferramentas tecnológicas de apoio às tomadas de decisões dos gestores públicos municipais e nas construções das cidades do futuro, tornando-as mais receptivas. Espera-se que este estudo possa promover um debate mais amplo, no ambiente acadêmico e coletivo, entre os agentes que integram o poder público municipal, além dos membros e das partes interessadas no bem-estar coletivo da sociedade urbana.
Internacionalizando a extensão e estendendo a internacionalização: estudo de caso das 3ª e 4ª missões da universidade
Authors: Ortiz-Rojo Ramon , Finardi Kyria Rebeca
Published: May 2023

Este artigo analisa resultados parciais de um projeto de extensão de uma instituição de ensino superior do sudeste do Brasil, que teve como objetivo internacionalizar a extensão e estender a internacionalização do ensino superior para o interior do estado, por meio do apoio a pequenas e médias empresas, focando, assim, nas 3ª (extensão) e 4ª (internacionalização) missões da universidade. Com esse fim, um estudo foi realizado em uma pequena empresa produtora de café participante do projeto. A abordagem metodológica adotada foi a de estudo de caso usada para analisar os dados coletados por meio de observações feitas durante visitas técnicas que envolveram ações de capacitação e conversas com os proprietários e funcionários, além de um questionário respondido pela gerente da empresa. Resultados da análise do estudo ressaltaram a relevância das terceira e quarta missões da universidade por meio desse projeto e de sua contribuição para a sociedade. O estudo conclui com a sugestão de integração das missões de extensão e internacionalização por meio de projetos de extensão/internacionalização como o descrito aqui, para aproximar a universidade da comunidade, fomentando o desenvolvimento humano, social e econômico da sociedade em seus diversos níveis, local, nacional e global.
Ensuring the Security of Financial-Accounting Data Stored in the Database of ERP Systems
Authors:   Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania, BARNA Laura-Eugenia-Lavinia , IONESCU Bogdan-Stefan ,   Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania
Published: May 2023

The accounting profession is in a continuous digitization process, as a result of the frequent use of computer systems with the aim of streamlining and improving the daily activity of employees in this field. However, in addition to the benefits offered by these IT systems for accounting professionals, the risks to which the information processed and stored with these IT systems could be subjected must also be taken into account so that the quality of financial-accounting activities is not disturbed. The present work aims to analyze the main risks to which the financial-accounting data processed and stored in the database of the ERP systems could be subjected, as well as the way to ensure the security of the financialaccounting data within these integrated IT solutions. This article focused on a quantitative research using bibliometric analysis which is basically based on the analysis of a sample of 263 articles dealing with the two key topics of the paper: "data security" and "ERP systems".
Do Financial Statement Auditors Recognise ESG-Related Aspects as Key Audit Matters?
Authors:   FCCA, Financial Analyst, INDYK Magdalena
Published: May 2023

One of the recent trends in ESG (which stands for Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) is an attempt to combine sustainability and financial reporting through direct references to financial statement figures (cf. the ED IFRS S1, S2, the CSRD). This article aims to verify whether it is possible. For this reason, it was assumed that Key Audit Matters (KAMs) identified by financial statement auditors might be a valuable source of information. Identification of ESG-related KAMs by auditors may prove that ESG information is directly traceable to a financial statement and, thus, quantifiable. The empirical part was based on 142 audit reports on the consolidated financial statements for 2021. The sample focused on ESG-related capital groups with the parent entity listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. 292 KAMs were obtained, among which 38 (13.01% of the sample) were identified as ESG-related (32 Environmental, 1 Social, and 5 Governance). This research paper: (1) confirms that it is possible to link ESG matters and their outcomes directly to financial statement categories, (2) shows that some areas could be more challenging to quantify, for example, social or governance aspects which may not be seen directly as a financial statement category, (3) comments on KAMs as a good information source if well-written. The article underlines that any attempts to combine sustainability and financial reporting might be demanding. The ESG-exposed businesses are privileged here as their financial statements naturally present ESG-related categories. However, it raises further questions about the presentation, comparability, and integrated reporting quality of all entities, which will have to consider financial and ESG linkages in the future. This article does not answer these questions, is limited to the perspective of KAMs, and, thus, touches only on identified financial statement categories. The article, with its findings, may be important to standard-setters, companies, and other researchers contributing to ESG, financial reporting, and financial audit.
Organizational Practices Related to Internal Audit in Economic Entities from a Pandemic Perspective
Authors:   Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania, GAVRILA Mihai-Daniel , STEFAN Alexandra ,   Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania
Published: May 2023

In the context of economic turmoil and the amplification and diversification of risks to which companies are exposed, internal audit plays an increasingly important role. This is enhanced by the inclusion of internal audit as a component of corporate governance, linked to the interests of investors and other stakeholders. The present research is two-dimensional: the first component includes a review of the literature on internal audit. The second component includes a qualitative research on the identification of organizational coordinates of internal audit at company level, in relation to specific regulatory requirements, in the pandemic period. The results revealed interferences and limitations with respect to compliance with regulated organizational practices on internal audit in relation to the sector in which companies operate.
Online Professional Development on Educational Neuroscience based on Design Thinking
Authors: Mystakidis Stylianos , Christopoulos Athanasios , Fragkaki Maria , Dimitropoulos Konstantinos
Published: May 2023

Higher education teaching staff members need to build a scientifically accurate and comprehensive understanding of the function of the brain in learning to optimize teaching and achieve excellent student learning. An international consortium developed a professional development six-module course on educational neuroscience and online community of practice applying design thinking. A mixed methods research design was employed to investigate the attitudes of thirty-two (N=32) participating academics using a survey comprising eleven closed and open questions. Data analysis methods included descriptive statistics, correlation, generalized additive model and grounded theory. The overall evaluation demonstrated a notable satisfaction level with regard to the quality of the course. Given the power of habits, mentoring and peer interactions are recommended to ensure the effective integration of theoretical neuroscientific evidence into teaching practice.
Effect of Red Beetroot Supplemented Diet on Gut Microbiota Composition and Metabolite Profile of Weaned Pigs – A Pilot Study
Authors: Adekolurejo Opeyemi O , McDermott Katie , Greathead Henry M , Miller Helen M , Mackie Alan R. , Boesch Christine
Published: May 2023

Red beetroot, is a well-recognized and established source of bioactives (e.g., betalains and polyphenols) with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is proposed as a potential alternative to zinc oxide, with a focus on gut microbiota modulation and metabolite production. In this study, weaned pigs aged 28-days were fed either a control diet, diet supplemented with zinc oxide (3,000 mg/kg), or 2% and 4% pulverized whole red beetroot (CON, ZNO, RB2 and RB4; respectively) for 14 days. After the pigs were euthanized, blood and digesta samples were collected for microbial composition and metabolite analyses. Results showed, red beetroot supplemented diet at 2% improved the gut microbial richness relative to other diets, but marginally influenced the caecal microbial diversity compared to zinc oxide supplemented diet. Further increase in red beetroot levels (4% -RB4) lead to loss of caecal diversity, decreased short chain fatty acids and secondary bile acid concentrations. An increased Proteobacteria abundance, presumably due to increased lactate/lactic acid producing bacteria was also observed. Summarily, red beetroot contains several components conceived to improve the gut microbiota and metabolite output of weaned pigs. Future studies investigating individual components in red beetroot will better elucidate their contributions to gut microbiota modulation and pig health.
Chronic Viral Hepatitis in Children: Socio-Economic Implications in Romania
Authors: Dijmărescu Irina , Coroleuca Alexandra , Dijmarescu Adrian Dumitru
Published: May 2023

In the present research, chronic viral hepatitis in children is approached from a multidisciplinary point of view, considering social status, economic and medical aspects. We conducted a 4-year observational prospective study. A questionnaire regarding the socio-economic status of pediatric patients diagnosed with chronic viral hepatitis B or C was applied. In total, 159 patients were included, 52 % from urban areas, 2.5 % coming from centres for abandoned children. Among 119 school-aged children, 66% were attending classes. All patients are registered with a general practitioner. Regarding the monthly income per family, 49% had less than 1000 RON (5 RON = 1$), of which 17% had no income, 28% had an income ranging between 1000 and 2000 RON and in only 23% of cases the income exceeded 2000 RON (5% had more than 4000 RON). There were between 3 and 12 members per family. Concerning parents` educational level, the average years of study for mothers was 7.8, while for fathers, it was 8.2. For 17 % of children, at least one of the parents was illiterate, and for 5.6 %, both parents were illiterate. For a third of patients, both parents were unemployed. Regarding social living conditions, 38.4% did not have water facilities or sewerage, and 32 % used personal objects (scissors, nail clippers) in common. The socio-economic level can have a significant impact on disease epidemiology (infectiousness) and access to treatment, and it is tightly related to educational level and access to information, which are critical factors in disease prevention through general and specific measures and in disease management (treating infected patients and limiting the transmission).
Treating Cylindrically Populated Endometrial Cancers With High Dose Rate Vaginal Cuff Brachytherapy: Should We Use a MulTi-Channel or Single-Channel Cylinder?
Authors: Zhang Hualin , Lim Andrew , Kang Zhuang , Donnelly Eric D , Ma Lijun , Chang Eric L.
Published: May 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dosimetric impact of multiple channels compared to a single channel in high dose rate (HDR) vaginal cuff brachytherapy (VCBT).

Methods and materials: Sample plans of HDR VCBT from both single and multiple channel cylinders at 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 cm in diameter were created and analyzed. The doses were prescribed either at the 0.5 cm depth with 5.5 Gy for 4 fractions or at the cylinder surface with 8.8 Gy for 4 frac¬tions, in various treatment lengths ranging from 3 to 8 cm. A 0.5 cm ring target volume called PTV_Eval was contoured for each plan and served as the target volume for dosimetric evaluation. Mean doses and the doses covering 90% (D90), 10% (D10), and 5% (D5) of PTV_Eval were calculated and compared. The same treatment lengths, same prescription regimens, same target volume contouring and same plan evaluation methods were repeated for the similar size single channel and multiple channel cylinders.

Results: The mean doses of both regimens with the multi-channel cases (6.3 to 7.1 Gy) were comparable to single channel ones (6.4 and 7.5 Gy). The ranges of D90, D10 and D5 were from 3.654 to 5.04 Gy, 8.44 to 10.08 Gy and 8.84 to 10.86 Gy in the multi-channel cases, but from 5.36 to 5.76 Gy, 7.40 to 9.97 Gy and 8.16 to 11.93 Gy in the single channel cases, respectively.

Conclusion: The single channel and multiple-channel cylinder deliver a similar mean dose, but with marked heterogeneity in D90, D5 and D10 for the same prescription dose and target volume. Multi-channel cylinders adequately cover the target volume, but given the heterogeneity, increased treatment time and cost are best suited for asymmetric target volumes.
Influence of Tool-base Metal Interference on the Performance of Aluminum-Magnesium Alloy Joined by Bobbin Tool Friction Stir Welding
Authors: Balos Sebastian , Labus Zlatanovic Danka , Kulundzic Nenad , Janjatovic Petar , Dramicanin Miroslav , Lanc Zorana , Hadzistevic Miodrag , Radisic Slobodan , Rajnovic Dragan , Pecanac Milan
Published: May 2023

Bobbin Tool Friction Stir Welding (BTFSW) is a variant of FSW process using the special two shoulder tool that forms the top and bottom weld surface. As such, a significant simplification of welding setup is achieved. One of the dominant parameters of BTFSW process is the interference between tool shoulder pinch gap and weld metal thickness. In this research, the influence of interference of the square pin tool with convex shoulders on process temperature, microstructure, tensile, impact and bend performance were studied, and appropriate correlations were devised. The base metal was aluminum-magnesium alloy, with the interference varied in the range of 0.1 to 0.5 mm. The worm defects and irregularities were found in all specimens except in specimen welded with 0.4 mm interference. Optimal interference of 0.4 mm resulted in the highest mechanical properties, which, in terms of tensile strength and reduction of area were similar to the base metal. Furthermore, impact strength was significantly higher, which was attributed to grain refinement effect in the nugget zone.
Liposome Nanoparticle Conjugation and Cell Penetrating Peptide Sequences (CPPs) Enhance the Cellular Delivery of the Tau Aggregation Inhibitor RI-AG03
Authors: Reich Niklas , Allsop David , Parkin Edward , Dawson Neil
Published: May 2023

Given the pathological role of hyperphosphorylated Tau aggregation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) our laboratory previously developed the novel Tau aggregation inhibitor peptide, RI-AG03. As Tau aggregates accumulate intracellularly, it is essential that Tau-targeting peptides efficiently traverse the cell membrane. In addition, these peptides need to avoid sequestration into cell organelles, particularly those involved in degradation, to ensure interaction with Tau in the cytoplasm. Here, we examine the cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of RI-AG03 when the peptide is unconjugated or linked to nanoliposome carrier particles. The impact of adding the cell penetrating peptide (CPP) sequences, polyarginine (polyR) and transactivator of transcription (TAT), to RI-AG03 was also characterised. Our data show that the conjugation of CPP-containing RI-AG03 to liposomes dramatically increases cellular liposomes uptake. The majority of this uptake occurs via direct cell penetration. However, we find that macropinocytosis is also an important mechanism for unconjugated and RI-AG03-polyR-conjugated, but not RI-AG03-TAT-conjugated, liposome uptake. In agreement with this macropinocytosis-mediated internalisation, liposome lipids localise to lysosomes and macropinosomes following cellular uptake. However, while unconjugated RI-AG03 peptides also localise to lysosomes, liposome conjugation prevents this localisation, with the peptide detaching from the liposomes at the cell surface and evading organelle entrapment. Overall, this study demonstrates that CPP sequences and nanoliposomes carriers enhance the intracellular delivery of RI-AG03, furthering the possibility of the peptide’s use in targeting Tau pathology in AD.
Effect of Cotton Gin Trash Supplementation as an Unconventional Feedstuff on Feed Intake and Production Characteristics of Mecheri sheep of India
Authors: Sri Balaji N. , Ramakrishnan S. , Muralidharan J. , Vasan P. , Sivakumar K. , Thiruvenkadan A.K.
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study was to see how feeding cotton gin trash (CGT) as an alternative meal affected the growth performance, carcass features, and meat quality of Mecheri ram lambs. A growth performance trial was conducted with thirty-two weaned Mecheri ram lambs from four months to nine months (180 days) of marketing age and assigned into four groups (T1, T2, T3 and T4) of eight animals in each group. The lambs were fed with CGT at 0 (T1), 25 (T2), 50 (T3) and 75 (T4) per cent inclusion levels in the roughage portion at 60:40 roughage: concentrate ratio. All the group of animals were fed on dry matter requirement basis at four per cent of their body weight. The lambs fed with 75 (T4) and 50 (T3) per cent inclusion level of CGT showed signifi-cantly (P<0.01) higher total body weight gain (kg) than T1 (14.54) and T2 (15.05) groups. The av-erage daily gain (g) of lambs in T3 (99.24) and T4 (105.51) were significantly (P<0.01) higher than T1 (80.77) and T2 (83.61) groups. Over the course of the 180-day trial period, there was no statisti-cally significant difference in the average DMI (g) between the groups (P>0.05), however the lambs in T4 demonstrated higher feed efficiency (7.4) than the T1 (9.3) group. The slaughter studies revealed that the lambs in T4 followed by T3 group registered significantly (P<0.01) higher hot carcass weight, dressing percentage and Meat: Bone ratio than T2 and T1 group ani-mals. The weights of the liver, spleen, head, stomach, and intestines empty were considerably (P<0.05) larger in the T3 and T4 groups than in the other groups, although there was no signifi-cant (P>0.05) difference in the weights of edible and inedible offals. Meanwhile, there were no significant variations (P>0.05) in pH, water holding capacity, shear force value, sensory charac-teristics, or proximate composition of meat across treatment groups. In accordance to the find-ings, CGT can be added up to 75% of the roughage component in sheep feed as an effective un-conventional supplementation, as it improves body weight, feed efficiency, and carcass characteristics in Mecheri ram lambs.
Brain Endothelial Cells Play a Central Role in the Development of Enlarged Perivascular Spaces in the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Hayden Melvin R.
Published: May 2023

Brain capillary endothelial cell(s) (BECs) have numerous functions including their semipermeable interface-barrier (transfer and diffusion of solutes), trophic (metabolic homeostasis), tonic (vascular hemodynamics), and trafficking (vascular permeability, coagulation, and leukocyte extravasation) functions to provide brain homeostasis. BECs also serve as the brain’s sentinel cell of the innate immune system and are capable of antigen presentation. In metabolic syndrome (MetS) there are two regions resulting in proinflammatory signaling of BECs. Namely, visceral adipose tissue depots supplying excessive peripheral cytokines/chemokines (pCC) and gut microbiota dysbiotic regions supplying excessive soluble lipopolysaccharide (sLPS), small LPS-enriched extracellular vesicle exosomes (lpsEVexos), and pCC. This dual signaling of BECs at their receptor sites results in BEC activation and dysfunction (BECact/dys) and neuroinflammation. sLPS and lpsEVexos signal BECs toll-like receptor four, which then signals translocated nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB). Translocated NFkB promotes the synthesis and secretion of BEC proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Specifically, the chemokine CCL5 (RANTES) is capable of attracting microglia cells to BECs. BEC neuroinflammation activates perivascular space(s) (PVS) resident macrophages. Excessive phagocytosis by reactive resident PVS macrophages results in a stagnation-like obstruction, which along with increased capillary permeability due to BECact/dys could expand the fluid volume within the PVS to result in enlarged PVS (EPVS). Importantly, this remodeling may result in pre- and post-capillary EPVS that would contribute to their identification on T2-weighted MRI, which are considered to be biomarkers for cerebral small vessel disease.
A Comparative Analysis: Whey Protein Concentrate Vs Isolated Soy Protein
Authors: M Raghul
Published: May 2023

The main objective of this study is to compare and investigate the proximate, sensory parameters of the biscuits fortified with (1) whey protein concentrate (WPC), (2) isolated soy protein (ISP) at various proportions as a source of protein enrichment. The fortified biscuits were analysed for sensory and proximate analysis. The study evaluated and compared the effect of fortifying whey protein concentrate and isolated soy protein at various proportions T0 control (0%), T1 (5%), T2 (10%), T3 (15%), T4 (20%). The protein content in both WPC and ISP samples tends to increase, but much higher in WPC formulated biscuits. At 20% WPC the protein content peaked to 29.11%, other nutritional components such as fat, ash, fibre and moisture content of WPC samples increased significantly, whereas no such significant changes were observed and only linear increase of protein content were in ISP fortified samples. The sensory analysis of ISP fortified samples were acceptable up to 10% proportion, exceeding 10% showed unacceptable results, on comparison WPC biscuits were acceptable at all proportions, more desirable at 20% WPC. Conclusively, fortifying biscuits with either WPC or ISP might be a source of protein without any significant effect on the quality of biscuits.
A Cost-Analysis of the 2014/15 Ebola Virus Disease in the United States
Authors: Berthe Paul
Published: May 2023

Background: Significant national and global costs were incurred from recent emerging infectious disease outbreaks, notably H1N1 highly pathogenic influenza, Zika and Severe Acute Respiratory Disease (SARS), both in the medical sphere and within the socioeconomic context around it. With forecasts expecting an increase in direct and indirect burden of novel infectious disease events, costs of future outbreak events are likely to be exacerbated. In this scope, it is critical for countries to identify this trend and work towards minimizing costs while continuing to improve prevention, treatment and mitigation. Objectives: The impacts of the West Africa Ebola crisis have largely focused on the response to the outbreak abroad. The aim of this paper was to determine the direct and indirect domestic costs of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) introduction into the United States (U.S.), compare the economic consequences of the epidemic with other disease outbreaks and identify the primary drivers of such costs to leverage more global health preparation to prevent, prepare for, and respond to disease threats more effectively. Methods: I conducted a literature review of 1) EVD cases documented by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), 2) scientific articles identifying the costs of Ebola for the U.S. and countries around the world and 3) grey literature on treatments and public reactions. Extrapolating data from these sources, I then performed a cost-analysis of direct costs (preparation, treatment and contact tracing) and indirect costs (loss of productivity owing to disease, death, and risk avoidance behaviors) of the disease. Findings: The country spent between $300-$700 million in direct costs. Additionally, roughly $200-$340 million were forgone as results of loss of productivity from to disease, death or social risk avoidance behaviors. The cost-per-case for the United States was vastly higher than for any other country. Conclusions: High direct costs suggest that either the United States took disproportionate preparative measures to mitigate a potential American outbreak or were unprepared for a potential outbreak of this magnitude. The significant risk avoidance behavior estimates hint that forces having the ability to shape social attitudes and norms – namely traditional and online media – played a significant role in driving social behavior towards fear of exposure to others. The findings reinforce that outbreaks occurring in a single part of the world can have dramatic economic effects globally, even in areas with existing public health capacity and other preventive measures, highlighting the need for change in global health systems to shift from a passive responder and incorporate other societal actors to effectively reduce the ever-increasing costs of disease threats.
An Efficient and Mild Method for the Alkylation of p-Cresol with tert-Butyl Alcohol
Authors: Wu Qi , Zhang Dejin , Sun Shu , Liu Chengcheng , Wang Cong
Published: May 2023

The synthesis 2-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol is of great significance because of its widely application in industry, and the development of highly efficient catalyst is necessary to the alkylation of p-cresol and tert-butyl alcohol. Here, an efficient and mild method was established, caprolactam was chosen as hydrogen-bonding acceptor, p-toluenesulfonic acid was employed as hydrogen-bonding donor, and deep eutectic solvent (DES) was prepared to catalyze the alkylation reaction. The structure of the DES catalyst was characterized by 1H NMR spectra, thermogravimetric analysis and fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR). In addition, response surface design based on Box-Behnken method was employed to optimize the alkylation reaction process parameters, the study of reaction kinetics was also carried out subsequently. The recycle performance of the catalyst was evaluated by recovery experiments, and a good result was obtained. Comparing with the literature reported, we here provide a mild method to the synthesis of 2-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol.
Collision Entropy Estimation in a One-Line Formula
Authors: Gecchele Alessandro
Published: May 2023

Integer-order Rényi entropies are synthetic indices useful for the characterization of probability distributions. In recent decades, numerous studies have been conducted to arrive at unbiased and consistent estimates of these indices starting from experimental data, to derive a suitable classification method for the underlying processes. However, optimal solutions have not been reached yet. A one-line formula limited to the estimation of collision entropy is presented here. The results of some specific Monte Carlo experiments gave evidence of its validity even for the very low densities of the data spread in the sample space. The strengths of this method are efficiency, unbiased consistency, and generality.
Relevance of Genetic Identification and Kinship Analysis in Human and Natural Catastrophes – A Review
Authors: Real-Picado Alejandra , Diaz Luis , Gomes Cláudia
Published: May 2023

Different types of disasters, whether natural or human character, lead to the significant loss of human lives. In the latter case, the quick action of identification of corpses and human remains is mandatory. There are a variety of protocols to identify victims, however, genetics is one of the tools that allow an exact identification of the victim. However, several factors may interfere with this identification, from the biological samples’ degradation not allowing the analysis of nuclear information, to failure to dispose of biological samples from family members. Access to certain family members could be a determinant of the proper choice of genetic markers that allow the identification of the victim, or his/her inclusion in a given genetic maternal or paternal lineage. With the new advances in the genetic field, it is expected to allow soon the identification of victims from disasters only with his/her biological postmortem samples, being possible to draw a robot portrait and its most likely physical characteristics. In all cases, genetics is the only modern tool with universal character and can be used in essentially all biological samples, giving and identification of more or less accurate statistical character, depending on whether nuclear or lineage markers are used.
Advances in dredged material evaluations for inland and ocean aquatic placement : modernized processes and supportive tools
Authors: Kennedy Alan , Moore David , Farrar J. , Lotufo Guilherme , Suedel Burton , Bailey Susan , Schroeder Paul , Krupa Paige , Rycroft Taylor , May Trent
Published: May 2023

As part of the US Army Corps of Engineers’ mission to evaluate and move dredged material (DM) to maintain navigation channels, environmental evaluation of the prospective material is required by the Code of Federal Regulations. While existing guidance manuals provide useful guidance to DM regulators, they are over 30 years old and not reflective of the latest science. However, efforts to update procedures and publish the documents individually or as a combined dredging manual have been thus far unsuccessful. These issues, coupled with a lack of consistent reporting and decision documentation, lead to delays arising from challenges addressing project-specific issues not clearly covered within the existing guidance, revisiting previously resolved issues or negotiating disputes between permitting authorities. This technical report provides a path toward modernization of the environmental compliance aspects of DM evaluation guidance in part through software executables guiding the management and decision process and through a structured, evidence-based approach. The value added is an updated approach to DM testing and evaluation decisions.
Social positioning in humanitarian diplomacy: INGOs in North Korea
Authors: Boulanger-Plante Patrick
Published: May 2023

This article shows how the theoretical approach of ‘the practice turn’ can be useful when studying humanitarian diplomacy in international relations. The research argues that the social position of organisations influences the implementation of their humanitarian diplomacy. The article uses, as a central example, the case of international non governmental organisations (INGOs) providing humanitarian aid to North Korea. To paint a picture of the field of humanitarian aid in North Korea, this  research uses multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) to analyse around 2,000 pieces of qualitative information. The research shows that the field is made up of three groups of INGOs. We will present their social characteristics and their impact on the humanitarian aid sector in North Korea.
Pengaruh Kepemimpinan dan Iklim Sekolah terhadap Sekolah Efektif di SMP Negeri Kecamatan Pulung Kabupaten Ponorogo Tahun Pelajaran 2021/2022
Authors: Istiqomah Ainul Nurhayati , Rohmah Umi
Published: May 2023

Effective school implementation is used as a benchmark to find out how far the school has achieved the planned goals. Based on the observation that the creation of effective schools it has not been fully implemented, as evidenced by the lack of supervision by the principal towards teachers and students and school regulations being violated. Effective school implementation is influenced by many factors including leadership factors and school climate factors. The purpose of the study was to analyze the influence of leadership and school climate on effective schools in SMP Negeri Pulung District, Ponorogo Regency for the 2021/2022 academic year, either partially or simultaneously. This research is a quantitative research with Ex Post Facto design. Data collection techniques using questionnaires, documentation, and observation. The research population was 71 teachers. The data analysis technique used simple linear regression analysis and multiple linear regression with the help of IBM SPSS 25. The results showed: (1) there was a positive and significant effect of leadership on effective schools with a value of tcount(7,360) > ttable(1,995), an effect of 44%; (2) there is a positive and significant effect of school climate on effective schools with a value of tcount(6.779) > ttable(1.995), an effect of 40%; and (3) there is a positive and significant effect together with leadership and school climate on effective schools with a value of Fcount(4.601)>Ftable(2.74), an effect of 55% on effective schools.
Penerapan Difusi Inovasi pada Pelaksanaan Program Aplikasi E-Tahfizh Tahsin di MI Tahfizh Entrepreneur Qurrota A’yun Ponorogo
Authors: Winianti Lia Anies , Filaili Nur Sinta , Ngadhimah Mambaul , S Maryam Yusuf
Published: May 2023

Humas memiliki peran penting dalam sebuah lembaga pendidikan. Peran dalam menciptakan citra yang baik serta mendorong kesuksesan sebuah program di lembaga pendidikan. Penyampaian informasi dan kesan yang menyakinkan, akan mampu membuat orang lain bisa dan mau untuk mengikuti apa yang diberitakan oleh humas. Dan seiring semakin majunya teknologi informasi dan komunikasi yang beredar di tengah masyarakat sebagai akibat dari tuntutan zaman, humas harus mampu menggunakan perangkat teknologi tersebut, guna mendistribusikan informasi secara tepat dan akurat. Dalam program menyukseskan pembuatan laporan bulanan perkembangan tahfizh tahsin siswa, humas MI Tahfizh Entrepreneur berperan dalam mengawal berjalannya program E-Tahfizh Tahsin. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif deskriptif dan jenis observasi dalam penelitian ini adalah observasi terlibat atau participant. Hasil dari penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Humas MI Tahfizh Entrepreneur Qurrota A’yun Ponorogo dengan metode difusi inovasi berhasil mensukseskan program E-Tahfizh Tahsin. Mampu meyakinkan seluruh pengajar tahfizh tahsin untuk mengaplikasikan inovasi baru ini dalam pembuatan laporan perkembangan dengan empat elemen difusi inovasi. Tidak ada penolakan yang terjadi, namun masih ada yang masuk dalam tipe lambat dalam adpatasi dengan inovasi yang baru diterapkan. Saluran komunikasi informal dan non formal cukup efektif untuk menyosialisasikan inovasi E-Tahfizh Tahsin. Meskipun masih ada sedikit kendala terkait kemampuan IT beberapa pengajar yang masih harus didampingi. Juga adanya sedikit perubahan-perubahan rumus karena salah pencet yang dilakukan oleh pengajar yang mendapatkan akses aplikasi tersebut.