bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The novel anti-CRISPR AcrIIA22 relieves DNA torsion in target plasmids and impairs SpyCas9 activity
Authors: Forsberg Kevin J. , Schmidtke Danica T. , Werther Rachel , Uribe Ruben V. , Hausman Deanna , Sommer Morten O. A. , Stoddard Barry L. , Kaiser Brett K. , Malik Harmit S.
Published: October 2021

To overcome CRISPR-Cas defense systems, many phages and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) encode CRISPR-Cas inhibitors called anti-CRISPRs (Acrs). Nearly all characterized Acrs directly bind Cas proteins to inactivate CRISPR immunity. Here, using functional metagenomic selection, we describe AcrIIA22, an unconventional Acr found in hypervariable genomic regions of clostridial bacteria and their prophages from human gut microbiomes. AcrIIA22 does not bind strongly to SpyCas9 but nonetheless potently inhibits its activity against plasmids. To gain insight into its mechanism, we obtained an X-ray crystal structure of AcrIIA22, which revealed homology to PC4-like nucleic acid–binding proteins. Based on mutational analyses and functional assays, we deduced that acrIIA22 encodes a DNA nickase that relieves torsional stress in supercoiled plasmids. This may render them less susceptible to SpyCas9, which uses free energy from negative supercoils to form stable R-loops. Modifying DNA topology may provide an additional route to CRISPR-Cas resistance in phages and MGEs.
Polymorphisms and gene expression in the almond IGT family are not correlated to variability in growth habit in major commercial almond cultivars
Authors: Montesinos Álvaro , Dardick Chris , Rubio-Cabetas María José , Grimplet Jérôme
Published: October 2021

Almond breeding programs aimed at selecting cultivars adapted to intensive orchards have recently focused on the optimization of tree architecture. This multifactorial trait is defined by numerous components controlled by processes such as hormonal responses, gravitropism and light perception. Gravitropism sensing is crucial to control the branch angle and therefore, the tree habit. A gene family, denominated IGT family after a shared conserved domain, has been described as involved in the regulation of branch angle in several species, including rice and Arabidopsis, and even in fruit trees like peach. Here we identified six members of this family in almond: LAZY1, LAZY2, TAC1, DRO1, DRO2, IGT-like. After analyzing their protein sequences in forty-one almond cultivars and wild species, little variability was found, pointing a high degree of conservation in this family. To our knowledge, this is the first effort to analyze the diversity of IGT family proteins in members of the same tree species. Gene expression was analyzed in fourteen cultivars of agronomical interest comprising diverse tree habit phenotypes. Only LAZY1, LAZY2 and TAC1 were expressed in almond shoot tips during the growing season. No relation could be established between the expression profile of these genes and the variability observed in the tree habit. However, some insight has been gained in how LAZY1 and LAZY2 are regulated, identifying the IPA1 almond homologues and other transcription factors involved in hormonal responses as regulators of their expression. Besides, we have found various polymorphisms that could not be discarded as involved in a potential polygenic origin of regulation of architectural phenotypes. Therefore, we have established that neither the expression nor the genetic polymorphism of IGT family genes are correlated to diversity of tree habit in currently commercialized almond cultivars, with other gene families contributing to the variability of these traits.
Impact of mass administration of azithromycin as a preventive treatment on the prevalence and resistance of nasopharyngeal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Hema-Ouangraoua Soumeya , Tranchot-Diallo Juliette , Zongo Issaka , Kabore Nongodo Firmin , Nikièma Frédéric , Yerbanga Rakiswende Serge , Tinto Halidou , Chandramohan Daniel , Ouedraogo Georges-Anicet , Greenwood Brian , Ouedraogo Jean-Bosco
Published: October 2021

Staphylococcus aureus is a major cause of serious illness and death in children, indicating the need to monitor prevalent strains, particularly in the vulnerable pediatric population. Nasal carriage of S. aureus is important as carriers have an increased risk of serious illness due to systemic invasion by this pathogen and can transmit the infection. Recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of azithromycin in reducing the prevalence of nasopharyngeal carrying of pneumococci, which are often implicated in respiratory infections in children. However, very few studies of the impact of azithromycin on staphylococci have been undertaken. During a clinical trial under taken in 2016, nasal swabs were collected from 778 children aged 3 to 59 months including 385 children who were swabbed before administration of azithromycin or placebo and 393 after administration of azithromycin or placebo. Azithromycin was given in a dose of 100 mg for three days, together with the antimalarials sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and amodiaquine, on four occasions at monthly intervals during the malaria transmission season. These samples were cultured for S. aureus as well as for the pneumococcus. The S. aureus isolates were tested for their susceptibility to azithromycin (15 g), penicillin (10 IU), and cefoxitine (30 g) (Oxoid Ltd). S. aureus was isolated from 13.77% (53/385) swabs before administration of azithromycin and from 20.10% (79/393) six months after administration (PR = 1.46 [1.06; 2.01], p = 0.020). Azithromycin resistance found in isolates of S. aureus did not differ significantly before and after intervention (26.42% [14/53] vs 16.46% [13/79], (PR = 0.62 [0.32; 1.23], p = 0.172). Penicillin resistance was very pronounced, 88.68% and 96.20% in pre-intervention and in post-intervention isolates respectively, but very little Methicillin Resistance (MRSA) was detected (2 cases before and 2 cases after intervention). Monitoring antibiotic resistance in S. aureus and other bacteria is especially important in Burkina Faso due to unregulated consumption of antibiotics putting children and others at risk.
Prevalence and nutritional quality of free food and beverage acquisitions at school and work by SNAP status
Authors: Musicus Aviva A. , Thorndike Anne N. , Block Jason P. , Rimm Eric B. , Bleich Sara N.
Published: October 2021

Background

The dual burden of poor diet quality and food insecurity makes free food—food acquired at no cost—a very important part of the nutrition safety net for low-income families. The goal of this study was to determine the national prevalence and nutritional quality of free food acquired separately in two settings: 1) by children at school; and 2) by employees at work; both stratified by participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Methods

Using National Household Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey data (2012; n = 4,826 U.S. households containing 5,382 employed adults and 3,338 school-aged children), we used survey-weighted proportions to describe free food acquisition and linear regression to compare the 2010 Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2010) for free/non-free food acquisition events (i.e., meals) by SNAP status. Analyses were conducted in 2019–2020.

Results

SNAP households had more free acquisition events (29.6%) compared to non-SNAP households (<185% federal poverty level (FPL) = 22.3%; ≥185%FPL = 21.0%, p’s<0.001). For SNAP-participant children, free acquisition events at school had a higher mean HEI-2010 compared to non-free acquisition events at school (50.3 vs. 43.8, p = 0.033) and free acquisition events by SNAP-non-participant children ≥185%FPL at school (50.3 vs. 38.0, p = 0.001). Free and non-free acquisition events at work had relatively low HEI-2010s, with no differences by SNAP status.

Conclusions

Over one fifth of all food acquisition events were free, but free food acquisitions at school and work were relatively unhealthy. For children participating in SNAP, free food acquired at school had higher nutritional quality. Improving the dietary quality of free foods could improve the health of families, especially those participating in SNAP.
The benefits and harms of open notes in mental health: A Delphi survey of international experts
Authors: Blease Charlotte , Kharko Anna , Hägglund Maria , O’Neill Stephen , Wachenheim Deborah , Salmi Liz , Harcourt Kendall , Locher Cosima , DesRoches Catherine M. , Torous John
Published: October 2021

Importance

As of April 5, 2021, as part of the 21stCentury Cures Act, new federal rules in the U.S. mandate that providers offer patients access to their online clinical records.

Objective

To solicit the view of an international panel of experts on the effects on mental health patients, including possible benefits and harms, of accessing their clinical notes.

Design

An online 3-round Delphi poll.

Setting

Online.

Participants

International experts identified as clinicians, chief medical information officers, patient advocates, and informaticians with extensive experience and/or research knowledge about patient access to mental health notes.

Main outcomes, and measures

An expert-generated consensus on the benefits and risks of sharing mental health notes with patients.

Results

A total of 70 of 92 (76%) experts from 6 countries responded to Round 1. A qualitative review of responses yielded 88 distinct items: 42 potential benefits, and 48 potential harms. A total of 56 of 70 (80%) experts responded to Round 2, and 52 of 56 (93%) responded to Round 3. Consensus was reached on 65 of 88 (74%) of survey items. There was consensus that offering online access to mental health notes could enhance patients’ understanding about their diagnosis, care plan, and rationale for treatments, and that access could enhance patient recall and sense of empowerment. Experts also agreed that blocking mental health notes could lead to greater harms including increased feelings of stigmatization. However, panelists predicted there could be an increase in patients demanding changes to their clinical notes, and that mental health clinicians would be less detailed/accurate in documentation.

Conclusions and relevance

This iterative process of survey responses and ratings yielded consensus that there would be multiple benefits and few harms to patients from accessing their mental health notes. Questions remain about the impact of open notes on professional autonomy, and further empirical work into this practice innovation is warranted.
Relationship between metabolic syndrome and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among adults 18 years old and over
Authors: Cho Ji-Hoon , Ko Jupil , Lim Seung-Taek
Published: October 2021

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk factors among the Korean population requires effective health surveillance and examination of the effects of preventative behaviors. Thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate the relationships between the clustering of MetS and MVPA in a large sample of 36,987 Koreans ranging from 20 to 80 years of age. This study recruited a total of 36,987 adults (23,813 males and 13,174 females). All participants were assessed for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) using the Korean version short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The International Diabetes Federation and the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria for blood pressure, hyperglycemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and high triglycerides (TG) defined MetS. Waist circumference (WC) was determined by Asian-Pacific region populations. According to the 150-minute MVPA, there were differences in MetS risk factors in young adult males, and only three factors (WC, HDL-C, and TG) were different males in ≥ 70 years old. In females, there was a difference in MetS risk factors in the elderly, and only three factors (WC, blood pressure, and TG) were different females in ≤ 29 years old. The males who did not met the recommended MVPA had a 1.16 to 3.14 -times increase in the MetS risk factors. The females who did not met the recommended MVPA had a 1.18 to 2.57 -times increase in the MetS risk factors. Our study provides evidence that Korean adults who do not engage in recommended MVPA levels increase the odds ratio for each of the MetS risk factors when compared to those who meet the recommendations.
Atrial proarrhythmic effect of lead as one of the PM10 metal components of air pollution. An in-silico study
Authors: Palacio Laura C. , Pachajoa Diana C. , Durango-Giraldo Geraldine , Zapata-Hernandez Camilo , Ugarte Juan P. , Saiz Javier , Buitrago-Sierra Robison , Tobón Catalina
Published: October 2021

Particulate matter (PM) is considered the most severe environmental pollution problem due to its serious effects on human health associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In this work, a physicochemical characterization of PM10 from the city of Medellin was developed. The results evince that lead (Pb) is one of the most abundant elements since it is present in all analyzed samples. Therefore, Pb was chosen to perform an in-silico study to assess its effects on atrial arrhythmias generation. For this purpose, we developed a model representing the Pb2+ blocking effect on the L-type calcium channel. This formulation was incorporated in a human atrial cell mathematical model and in 2D and 3D models of human atria. The simulations showed a proarrhythmic effect at high Pb2+ concentrations, through shortening of action potential duration inducing the generation of reentrant activity and atrial flutter. The results contribute to the knowledge about the cardiac physiopathological processes, triggered by lead as one of the main PM10 metal components of air pollution, that yields the generation of arrhythmias.
A novel dimension reduction algorithm based on weighted kernel principal analysis for gene expression data
Authors: Liu Wen Bo , Liang Sheng Nan , Qin Xi Wen
Published: October 2021

Gene expression data has the characteristics of high dimensionality and a small sample size and contains a large number of redundant genes unrelated to a disease. The direct application of machine learning to classify this type of data will not only incur a great time cost but will also sometimes fail to improved classification performance. To counter this problem, this paper proposes a dimension-reduction algorithm based on weighted kernel principal component analysis (WKPCA), constructs kernel function weights according to kernel matrix eigenvalues, and combines multiple kernel functions to reduce the feature dimensions. To further improve the dimensional reduction efficiency of WKPCA, t-class kernel functions are constructed, and corresponding theoretical proofs are given. Moreover, the cumulative optimal performance rate is constructed to measure the overall performance of WKPCA combined with machine learning algorithms. Naive Bayes, K-nearest neighbour, random forest, iterative random forest and support vector machine approaches are used in classifiers to analyse 6 real gene expression dataset. Compared with the all-variable model, linear principal component dimension reduction and single kernel function dimension reduction, the results show that the classification performance of the 5 machine learning methods mentioned above can be improved effectively by WKPCA dimension reduction.
Remanufacturing end-of-life passenger car waste sheet steel into mesh sheet: A sustainability assessment
Authors: Abdullah Ziyad Tariq
Published: October 2021

This study analysed the business sustainability of remanufacturing waste steel sheet from the shells of end-of-life vehicles into mesh steel sheet for manufacturing sheet-metal products. Hybrid statistical, fuzzy, and overall sustainability-index curve-fitting models were used to analyse the technical, economic, environmental, management, and social feasibility of remanufacturing, where the sales price, eco-cost savings, and CO2 emission reductions were used as typical statistical indicators. The remanufacturing process was optimised to allocate hardware for a plant recovering 480 m2/shift of waste sheet steel and producing 2851–5520 m2/shift of mesh sheet steel. Six scenarios were used to model the sustainability parameters to normalise the sustainability index values. The sustainability index of each parameter was calculated by multiplying its weight of importance by its weight of satisfaction. The highest sustainability index of 0.95 was calculated for the economic feasibility index, while the lowest sustainability index of 0.4 was calculated for the management feasibility. Remanufacturing of waste sheet steel into mesh sheet steel can be applied with an estimated overall sustainability index of 0.88.
Effectiveness of community-based health education and home support program to reduce blood pressure among patients with uncontrolled hypertension in Nepal: A cluster-randomized trial
Authors: Khanal Mahesh Kumar , Bhandari Pratiksha , Dhungana Raja Ram , Bhandari Pratik , Rawal Lal B. , Gurung Yadav , Paudel K. N. , Singh Amit , Devkota Surya , Courten Barbora de
Published: October 2021

Background

Hypertension is a major global public health problem. Elevated blood pressure can cause cardiovascular and kidney diseases. We assessed the effectiveness of health education sessions and home support programs in reducing blood pressure among patients with uncontrolled hypertension in a suburban community of Nepal.

Methods

We conducted a community-based, open-level, parallel-group, cluster randomized controlled trial in Birendranagar municipality of Surkhet, Nepal. We randomly assigned four clusters (wards) into intervention and control arms. We provided four health education sessions, frequent home and usual care for intervention groups over six months. The participants of the control arm received only usual care from health facilities. The primary outcome of this study was the proportion of controlled systolic blood pressure (SBP). The analysis included all participants who completed follow-up at six months.

Results

125 participants were assigned to either the intervention (n = 63) or the control (n = 62) group. Of them, 60 participants in each group completed six months follow-up. The proportion of controlled SBP was significantly higher among the intervention participants compared to the control (58.3% vs. 40%). Odds ratio of this was 2.1 with 95% CI: 1.01–4.35 (p = 0.046) and that of controlled diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was 1.31 (0.63–2.72) (p = 0.600). The mean change (follow-up minus baseline) in SBP was significantly higher in the intervention than in the usual care (-18.7 mmHg vs. -11.2 mmHg, p = 0.041). Such mean change of DBP was also higher in the intervention (-10.95 mmHg vs. -5.53 mmHg, p = 0.065). The knowledge score on hypertension improved by 2.38 (SD 2.4) in the intervention arm, which was significantly different from that of the control group, 0.13 (1.8) (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Multiple health education sessions complemented by frequent household visits by health volunteers can effectively improve knowledge on hypertension and reduce blood pressure among uncontrolled hypertensive patients at the community level in Nepal.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrial.gov: NCT02981251
Age of initiation of hookah use among young adults: Findings from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study, 2013–2017
Authors: Pérez Adriana , Kuk Arnold E. , Bluestein Meagan A. , Chen Baojiang , Sterling Kymberle L. , Harrell Melissa B.
Published: October 2021

Objective

To prospectively estimate the age of initiation of ever, past 30-day, and fairly regular hookah use among young adults (ages 18–24) overall, by sex, by race/ethnicity, and to explore the association of prior use of other tobacco products with these hookah use behaviors.

Methods

Secondary data analyses of the first four waves (2013–2017) of the PATH study, a nationally representative longitudinal cohort study of US young adults. Young adult never hookah users at the first wave of adult participation in PATH waves 1–3 (2013–2016) were followed-up into waves 2–4 (2014–2017) to estimate the age of initiation of three outcomes: (i) ever use, (ii) past 30-day use, and (iii) fairly regular hookah use. Weighted interval-censoring Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to examine the differences in the estimated age of initiation by sex and by race/ethnicity while controlling for the total number of other tobacco products ever used at participants’ first wave of PATH participation. In addition, to examine if prior use of other tobacco products was associated with the age of hookah initiation behaviors, six additional Cox models are reported for each hookah initiation behaviors.

Results

The largest increase in hookah use occurred between ages 18 and 19: 5.8% for ever use and 2.7% for past 30-day hookah use. By age 21, 10.5%, 4.7% and 1.2% reported initiation of ever, past 30-day and fairly regular hookah use, respectively. There were statistically significance differences in the age of initiation of hookah use behaviors by race/ethnicity.

Conclusion

Educational interventions should target young adults before the age of 21, focusing efforts specifically on males, non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics, to stall initiation and progression of hookah use behaviors.
Social cohesion and quality of life in Bandung: A cross sectional study
Authors: Paramita Sekar Ayu , Yamazaki Chiho , Hilfi Lukman , Sunjaya Deni Kurniadi , Koyama Hiroshi
Published: October 2021

In Bandung, Indonesia, urban expansion, rapid economic growth, and population increase present enormous challenges to the maintenance of a high quality of life (QOL) for its citizens. Moreover, income distribution in the city has become more unequal, thereby threatening social cohesion. Such situations led us to investigate the states and correlation of social cohesion and QOL in Bandung. In 2018, we conducted a questionnaire survey of social cohesion and QOL using 13 and 18 question items, respectively. We employed the Rasch model analysis to analyze the logit measures of 752 responses. The results revealed that the population of Bandung has high social cohesion and decent QOL. Our findings suggest that in Bandung QOL is significantly correlated with social cohesion, therefore strategies that seek to enhance social cohesion may be beneficial to improve the QOL.
Impact of the TEAM Wheels eHealth manual wheelchair training program: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Giesbrecht Ed , Faieta Julie , Best Krista , Routhier François , Miller William C. , Laberge Maude
Published: October 2021

Background

Variable, and typically inadequate, delivery of skills training following manual wheelchair (MWC) provision has a detrimental impact on user mobility and participation. Traditional in-person delivery of training by rehabilitation therapists has diminished due to cost, travel time, and most recently social distancing restrictions due to COVID-19. Effective alternative training approaches include eHealth home training applications and interactive peer-led training using experienced and proficient MWC users. An innovative TEAM Wheels program integrates app-based self-training and teleconference peer-led training using a computer tablet platform.

Objective

This protocol outlines implementation and evaluation of the TEAM Wheels training program in a randomized control trial using a wait-list control group.

Setting

The study will be implemented in a community setting in three Canadian cities.

Participants

Individuals ≥ 18 years of age within one year of transitioning to use of a MWC.

Intervention

Using a computer tablet, participants engage in three peer-led teleconference training sessions and 75–150 minutes of weekly practice using a video-based training application over 4 weeks. Peer trainers individualize the participants’ training plans and monitor their tablet-based training activity online. Control group participants also receive the intervention following a 1-month wait-list period and data collection.

Measurements

Outcomes assessing participation; skill capacity and performance; self-efficacy; mobility; and quality of life will be measured at baseline and post-treatment, and at 6-month follow-up for the treatment group.

Impact statement

We anticipate that TEAM Wheels will be successfully carried out at all sites and participants will demonstrate statistically significant improvement in the outcome measures compared with the control group.
Effect of hearing aids on body balance function in non-reverberant condition: A posturographic study
Authors: Ninomiya Chihiro , Hiraumi Harukazu , Yonemoto Kiyoshi , Sato Hiroaki
Published: October 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of hearing aids on body balance function in a strictly controlled auditory environment.

Methods

We recorded the findings of 10 experienced hearing aid users and 10 normal-hearing participants. All the participants were assessed using posturography under eight conditions in an acoustically shielded non-reverberant room: (1) eyes open with sound stimuli, with and without foam rubber, (2) eyes closed with sound stimuli, with and without foam rubber, (3) eyes open without sound stimuli, with and without foam rubber, and (4) eyes closed without sound stimuli, with and without foam rubber.

Results

The auditory cue improved the total path area and sway velocity in both the hearing aid users and normal-hearing participants. The analysis of variance showed that the interaction among eye condition, sound condition, and between-group factor was significant in the maximum displacement of the center-of-pressure in the mediolateral axis (F [1, 18] = 6.19, p = 0.02). The maximum displacement of the center-of-pressure in the mediolateral axis improved with the auditory cues in the normal-hearing participants in the eyes closed condition (5.4 cm and 4.7 cm, p < 0.01). In the hearing aid users, this difference was not significant (5.9 cm and 5.7 cm, p = 0.45). The maximum displacement of the center-of-pressure in the anteroposterior axis improved in both the hearing aid users and the normal-hearing participants.
Potential application of measuring serum infliximab levels in rheumatoid arthritis management: A retrospective study based on KURAMA cohort data
Authors: Nakae Kazuto , Masui Sho , Yonezawa Atsushi , Hashimoto Motomu , Watanabe Ryu , Murata Koichi , Murakami Kosaku , Tanaka Masao , Ito Hiromu , Yokoyama Kotoko , Iwamoto Noriko , Shimada Takashi , Nakamura Miyuki , Denda Masaya , Itohara Kotaro , Nakagawa Shunsaku , Ikemi Yasuaki , Imai Satoshi , Nakagawa Takayuki , Hayakari Makoto , Matsubara Kazuo
Published: October 2021

Infliximab (IFX) therapy has considerably improved the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, some patients still do not respond adequately to IFX therapy, or the efficacy of the treatment diminishes over time. Although previous studies have reported a relationship between serum IFX levels and therapeutic efficacy, the potential applications of IFX therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in clinical practice remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential applications of IFX TDM by analyzing a Japanese cohort database. Data were collected retrospectively from the Kyoto University Rheumatoid Arthritis Management Alliance cohort between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2018. Serum IFX levels were measured using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer. Out of the 311 RA patients that used IFX, 41 were eligible for the analysis. Serum IFX levels were significantly higher in responders than in non-responders. An optimal cut-off value was determined to be 0.32 μg/mL based on a receiver operating characteristic curve. At the IFX measurement point, a better therapeutic response was observed in the high IFX group (n = 32) than in the low IFX group (n = 9). Conversely, at the maximum effect point, when DAS28-ESR was the lowest between IFX introduction and measurement points, there were no differences in responder proportions between the low and high IFX groups. IFX primary ineffectiveness could be avoided with appropriate dose escalation without blood concentration measurement in clinical practice. In conclusion, IFX TDM could facilitate the identification of secondary non-responders and in turn, proper IFX use.
The features of xylem tracheary elements in some herbaceous members of the family Convolvulaceae Horan.
Authors: Goremykina Yevgeniya V. , Azaryan Aleksandra D. , Akime Esong Linda , Leshchina Kseniya Y.
Published: October 2021

Numerous narrow xylem tracheary elements (tracheids and vessels) are present in liana stems, along with a few wide vessels that perform the main water-conducting function. This trait, known as “vessel dimorphism”, has been identified in studies on water-conducting tissue in autotrophic plants, including a large number of perennial climbing plants and a number of annual vines. Information is lacking on the presence of vessel dimorphism in parasitic plants of the lianescent habit. In this study, we performed a structural analysis of stems in the autotrophic herbaceous vines of Convolvulus arvensis L. and Calystegia sepium (L.) R. Br., as well as in the parasitic vines of Cuscuta monogyna Vahl, Cuscuta planiflora Ten., Cuscuta approximata Bab., and Cuscuta campestris Yunck., of the family of Convolvulaceae Horan. The xylem of C. arvensis and C. sepium contains a few wide conductive elements and many narrow ones. This feature is typical of autotrophic climbing plants. Only narrow tracheary elements are present in the xylem of the parasitic vines of the genus of Cuscuta L. (dodders). The total number of the tracheary elements is an order of magnitude less in the dodders than it is in the autotrophic vines. It is possible that the autotrophic ancestor of dodders lost the characteristic feature of the xylem of climbing plants, known as vessel dimorphism, during its transition to the parasitic lifestyle.
New to Kazakhstan species of zygomycetes in forest soil of Trans-Ili Alatau and Kungey Alatau
Authors: Rakhimova Elena V. , Assylbek Asem M. , Kyzmetova Lyazzat A. , Sypabekkyzy Gulnaz , Aitymbet Zhangeldy , Urmanov Georgy A.
Published: October 2021

This article provides data on two species of soil zygomycetes, new to Kazakhstan, found in the rhizosphere of various woody plants in the Trans-Ili and Kungey Alatau (Northern Tien Shan) – Piptocephalis cylindrospora and Lichtheimia corymbifera. P. cylindrospora is an obligate parasite of zygomycetous fungi; in the study area, it was found twice in Kungey Alatau on species Absidia spinosa and Lichtheimia corymbifera in the rhizosphere of Populus tremula. It does not cause a noticeable deterioration in the development of the host. Earlier, in Kazakhstan, only Piptocephalis arrhiza was registered in the rhizosphere of Armeniaca vulgaris, Populus tremula, Picea schrenkiana, Juniperus spp. Lichtheimia corymbifera, previously belonging to the genus Absidia, was recorded in the rhizosphere of Populus tremula in Kungey Alatau and in the rhizosphere of Picea schrenkiana, Salix sp., Crataegus sp. in Trans-Ili Alatau. L. corymbifera is characterized by heights of 1677 m in Kungey Alatau, and from 1516 to 2007 m a. s. l. in Trans-Ili Alatau. Until recently, in Kazakhstan, only a closely related species Absidia spinosa was isolated from the rhizosphere of Malus sieversii, Armeniaca vulgaris, Crataegus spp., Pinus sylvestris, Populus spp., Sorbus tianschanica, Picea schrenkiana, Salix spp. Descriptions of species colonies based on isolated pure cultures, morphological data, information on ecology and distribution are offered. In L. corymbiferacultures, the so-called “self-parasitism” is observed, in which the fungal hyphae colonize sporangiophores, and the latter look like penetrated by hyphae. The sexual stage of both species was not found in our studies.
Findings of new and rare lichen species of Eastern Siberia
Authors: Kharpukhaeva Tatyana M.
Published: October 2021

The materials of the article contain data on the findings of 13 new species of lichens from Eastern Siberia. Among them, Rhizocarpon chioneum is the species new for Southern Siberia, Peltigera lyngei and Biatora pallens are two new species for the Central Siberian Plateau, six new species are new for the Taymyrskyi Biosphere Nature Reserve (Taimyr Peninsula), Leproplaca chrysodeta, Rhizocarpon chioneum, Rinodina terrestris are new species of lichens for the Republic of Buryatia. The world’s northernmost habitat for the species Bryoria nadvornikiana is reported from the Taimyr Peninsula. New localities for species Leptogium burnetiae, Leptogium hildenbrandii, Lobaria retigera, Lobaria pulmonaria, Nephromopsis laureri, Pyxine sorediata listed in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation (2008) are noted. New localities for the thirteen species included in the Red Data Books of the Republic of Buryatia, Irkutsk Region, Krasnoyarsk Territory are presented.
2.3.2 Digitale Souveränität
Authors: Pohle Julia , Thiel Thorsten
Published: October 2021

Der Beitrag rekonstruiert den Diskurs um digitale Souveränität und dessen Aufstieg zur Konsensformel. Er fragt danach, wie sich die zunehmende Ineinssetzung von Souveränität, Demokratie und europäischen Werten vollzogen hat - und inwiefern sie überzeugt. Ohne die strukturellen und politisch-ökonomischen Beweggründe für die Forderungen nach mehr Selbstbestimmung im Digitalen zu negieren, werden Verkürzungen in der mit dem Begriff verbundenen Argumentation aufgezeigt. Hierfür wird wird zunächst die wechselhafte Begriffsgeschichte (digitaler) Souveränität vorgestellt, anschließend detaillierter auf die gegenwärtige Verwendung im deutschen und europäischen Diskurs eingegegangen. Abschließend wird dsikutiert, warum aus einer normativ-demokratietheoretischen Perspektive die gegenwärtige Verwendungsweise des Konzepts gerade seitens progressiv-emanzipatorischer Kräfte ein Kurzschluss ist, und skizziert, wie die zentralen Werte von Demokratie und Gemeinwohl besser vorgetragen werden könnten.
Analog wird digital
Authors: Kempen Leander , Lankeit Elisa
Published: October 2021

Leander Kempen und Elisa Lankeit beschreiben in diesem Beitrag die Produktion von Vorlesungsvideos im Rahmen zweier Mathematikvorkurse in der Zeit der Corona-Pandemie. Zentraler Betrachtungsgegenstand ist dabei die Übertragung der vorherigen, auf Blended-Learning ausgelegten Lehr-/Lernszenarien und Vorlesungen in das Digitale. Auf der Basis von Literaturarbeit, Erfahrungen aus der Praxis und Ergebnissen der entsprechenden Evaluation werden schließlich Qualitätsmerkmale und Gelingensbedingungen für eine pragmatische und alltagstaugliche Produktion von Vorlesungs-videos im universitären Kontext herausgestellt.
Der lange Weg zum Internet
Authors: Röhr Matthias
Published: October 2021

Vernetzte Computer sind das wichtigste Kommunikationsmedium unserer Zeit. Die Verschmelzung von Datenverarbeitung und Telekommunikation war allerdings kein gradliniger Prozess. Das neuartige »Medium Computer« entwickelte sich vielmehr in einem komplexen Wechselverhältnis von technologischen Innovationen, dem Wandel von Wirtschafts- und Wettbewerbspolitik sowie gegenkulturellen Strömungen. In seiner zeithistorischen Studie analysiert Matthias Röhr diesen durchwachsenen Verlauf und zeigt auf, wie die Bundespost in den 1970er und 1980er Jahren mit Bildschirmtext und ISDN auf diese Entwicklung reagierte, und warum Hackerkulturen als Reaktion hierauf für ein »Menschenrecht auf freien Datenaustausch« eintraten.
Das Phänomen »Yizu«
Authors: Suda Kimiko
Published: October 2021

Beim Phänomen »Yizu« (Ameisenstamm) handelt es sich um Hochschulabsolvent*innen aus ländlichen Regionen Chinas, die sich in den Metropolen des Landes ein Leben aufbauen möchten und dabei auf strukturelle Diskriminierungen diverser Art stoßen. Angesichts der chinesischen Wirtschaftsentwicklung stellt sich die Frage, ob sich für diese Generation Chancenungleichheit aufgrund ländlicher Herkunft politisch noch legitimieren lässt. Anhand von vielfältigen Materialien aus Wissenschaft, Medien und Populärkultur eröffnet Kimiko Suda eine kritische Perspektive auf Migration, soziale Mobilität und Stratifikation, Individualisierungsprozesse und Handlungsspielräume im urbanen Raum Chinas.
Implantação do Business Intelligence (BI) em um Grupo de Concessionárias do Interior de Minas Gerais
Authors: Queiroz Zandra Cristina Lima Silva , Costa Giselle Alves Mundim
Published: October 2021

Dentre as aplicações tecnológicas que tratam o grande volume de informações para tomada de decisão, destaca-se o uso do Business Intelligence (BI), o qual permite a identificação de padrões de comportamento e ocorrências de eventos que agregam valor e conhecimento para as empresas. Entretanto, para que o BI possa proporcionar tais benefícios, o alinhamento entre a Tecnologia da Informação (TI) e o negócio é fundamental para o sucesso da implantação dessa ferramenta. Neste contexto, o presente estudo tem por objetivo apresentar a implantação do sistema BI em uma concessionária de veículos no interior de Minas Gerais a partir do diagnóstico do nível de alinhamento entre a TI e o negócio. Como metodologia foi realizada uma pesquisa descritiva, aplicada com abordagem mista. Para o diagnóstico do nível de alinhamento foi utilizada a metodologia de Lima (2008) por meio de questionários. Nas etapas posteriores da implantação do BI na organização foi utilizada a metodologia de Bezerra e Siebra (2015). Os resultados do estudo demonstram que a aplicação do modelo de diagnóstico do nível de alinhamento entre a TI e o negócio possibilitou a identificação de oportunidades de melhoria que promoveu a implantação do BI, cuja contribuição é a evidenciação de um caso de sua implantação em empresas do ramo de concessionárias de veículos do interior de Minas Gerais.
Combined control of fans of gas cooling units electric drives
Authors: Abakumov Alexander M. , Kuznetsov Pavel K.
Published: October 2021

The problem of the temperature control at the outlet of gas cooling units of compressor stations of main gas pipelines is discussed. To solve the problemt, a discrete or frequency control of electric motors of fans of gas air cooling devices is used. The problems of electromagnetic compatibility that arise in typical power supply systems of gas cooling installations when connecting electric motors of fans through frequency converters are noted. A combined fan motor control system is considered, in which the electric motors are divided into two groups. The electric motors of the first group are connected to the network directly, the second through frequency converters. By reducing the number of electric motors connected to the network through frequency converters, the negative impact of frequency-controlled drives on the quality of electricity is reduced and the costs of modernization projects are reduced in comparison with the option of the variant using a frequency converter for each electric motor. The energy characteristics of the combined control system are analyzed. The relations that establish the relationship between the temperature difference at the cooling unit and the power of the fan motors for various control methods are obtained. The optimal control algorithm according to the criterion of maximum power saving is proposed, which provides for the interconnected control of the number of discrete-controlled motors and the speed of frequency-controlled drives. The variants of the implementation of the optimal control algorithm are discussed. Analytical expressions for power saving on the fan motor shaft in a combined system compared with a discrete one and a method for estimating energy savings are considered. The obtained results are recommended to be used to assess the technical and economic efficiency of projects for the modernization of electrical complexes of gas cooling units.
Automatic control system of the mechatronic module
Authors: Lysov Vladimir E. , Polyakov Vasily A.
Published: October 2021

The paper discusses a new approach to improving the accuracy of reproducing the task signal by a precision circular transfer table based on the implementation in the form of a mechatronic module. This design eliminates the disadvantages of the traditional design, such as backlash, failure when fixing the face-plate. The mechatronic module is a gearless connection between the face-plate and the electric motor. The new design required a new approach to the operation of the automatic tracking and stage positioning control system. In the process of stage positioning, thermal deformations occur, and therefore, a feature is the inclusion of an additional automatic control system for the cooling of an executive synchronous electric motor with permanent magnets in the rotor. The paper deals with the issue of the interrelationship between the positioning and tracking systems with the thermal deformation compensation system. Simulation of the operation of two systems has been carried out.
Roles of Eco-labeling in Fisheries Conservation and Sustainability
Authors: Olopade Olaniyi Alaba , Dienye Henry E.
Published: October 2021

An important goal of fisheries management is to ensure that fish stocks are harvested at sustainable levels of fishing pressure. However, the classical maximum sustainable yield theory and its derivatives have not worked for fisheries management. A number of mitigating measures have been suggested of which eco -labeling is one. An ecolabel on a fish product is a distinctive mark or statement indicating that it has been harvested in compliance with preset sustainability standards. This paper examines eco labeling in fisheries as the new strategy to achieve fisheries conservation and sustainability. It emphasizes the importance of fish as critical food resources and new approach to fisheries management through the use of certification programs. It considers the benefits and problems that may accrue from eco-certification of fish harvesting and trade practices in fisheries. This paper, attention is focused on examining the likely option for development of eco-labeling scheme in Nigeria. The paper concludes that the increase awareness amongst stakeholders of the potential role of eco-labeling in conservation and sustainability tools should be established. Keywords: Fisheries management, fish, conservation, eco-certification
Analysis of the Brazilian tax incentives to innovation and patent data: a Principal-Agent model approach
Authors: Clemente Felippe , Da Silva Evaldo Henrique
Published: October 2021

We propose to evaluate Lei do Bem (law 11.196/05) for Brazilian regions (North, Northeast, Center-West, Southeast and South). This is the first study that analyzes Lei do Bem using extensive game simulations for the different regions of the country. Based on data from 2006 to 2015, we find moral hazard between government and innovative Brazilian companies, as there was no express incentive in the Lei do Bem to stimulate the industrial sector to innovate and register the innovation as a patent. Thus, policies that review the tax incentives structure contained in the Lei do Bem as well as encourage industries and companies to file patents in public patent databases may have positive effects on the Brazilian innovation system.
Revisiting inflation and growth nexus: an asymmetric cointegration based on Non-linear ARDL approach in case of Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Zobayer
Published: October 2021

Sustainable high economic growth is the major objective of a country. Whereas inflation is one of the critical factors that affect economic development. Growth-inflation nexus is one of the most controversial topics in this present world. This study re-investigates the link between inflation and the economic development of Bangladesh by employing a non-linear autoregressive distributed lagged (NARDL) approach. For this study, we use annual time series data set on the growth rate of per capita gross domestic product, and the inflation rate for the time range from 1986 to 2017. The asymmetric cointegration result based on the NARDL approach shows the confirmation of long-run integration between the GDP growth rate and inflation rate (CPI). The study finds a positive and robust nexus between growth rate and inflation rate. The relationship exists both in the long-run as well as in the short-run. The results also have statistically significant. This study further explores that there is an asymmetric relationship between the rate of inflation and the rate of economic growth. The nonlinear ARDL approach shows that the GDP growth rate responds more with an upward change in inflation than that of a downward change.

Furthermore, in the short-run, the positive change in inflations has a significant and positive influence on the growth rate. Still, the influence of an adverse change in inflations has statistically insignificant. Both the policymakers of Bangladesh (Bangladesh Bank) and development partners working in the country can be benefited from these results in the context of policy implementation. This study recommends that to boosting up the economic growth in the context of Bangladesh, the inflation rate can be treated as a significant determination.
Country Risk Premium: The Case of Chile
Authors: Campos Zocimo , Tapia Gertosio Juan , Gudaris Paulina
Published: October 2021

Currently there is no agreed method to estimate the Risk Premium accurately, therefore, different authors arrive at significantly different results when calculating the risk premium for a given country or industry. This work estimates the risk premium of the Chilean stock market (PRM) for the period 1993-2020 using different estimation methodologies (Differential Returns, Implicit Return in Current Stock Prices). The results indicate, depending on the methodology used, a Premium for Risk that ranges between 1,91% and 10,28%, which shows the existence of a positive premium for assuming risk in Chile that ranges around 5,3%.
Chińczycy w Etiopii? „Seres” w „Opowieść etiopskiej o Teagenesie i Chariklei” Heliodora
Authors: Malinowski Gościwit
Published: October 2021

In the Ethiopian adventures of Theagenes and the Chariclea by Heliodorus, Seres are mentioned twice as allies of the Ethiopian king in the battle against the Persians (9, 16–18) and participants in the royal audience at Meroe (10, 25–26). They donate silk produced in their country to the King Hydaspes, so they are usually considered Chinese by commentators. However, the world presented in Heliodorus’ novel is set in the realities of the Roman era and Roman eastern trade, when African countries also participated in trans-oceanic contacts with India. The archetype of the Heliodorus’ Seres can be found in the kingdom of Chera, located in southern India.
Homo sum – amicus sum, sive de Terentio Christiano Hrotsvithae Gandeshemensis
Authors: Smolak Kurt
Published: October 2021

The most famous line from Terence, homo sum etc. (Heautontimoroumenos 77), has been interpreted in different ways under different circumstances by authors ranging from Cicero and Seneca in antiquity and Erasmus at the beginning of the modern age to figures of the 19th and 20th centuries, such as Friedrich Nietzsche, George Bataille, and Thomas Mann. Augustine of Hippo was the first to refer to Terence within a broader Christian context, and in the 12th century John of Salisbury equated the presumed philanthropic attitude of the Roman comedian and imitator of Menander with charity, the ultimate Christian virtue. Whereas most of the testimonia to the reception of Heautontimoroumenos 77 have already been identified and in part analyzed, a refined indirect ῾quotation᾿ of the line in question has been neglected: In a sort of réécriture of the initial scene of Terence’s drama, Roswita (Hrotsvit) of Gandersheim (10th century), in her hagiographic comedy ῾Abraham᾿, interpreted the even then proverbial sentence by introducing for the attitude of ῾humanity towards one’s neighbour᾿ both the Aristotelian definition of friendship (῾one soul in two bodies᾿) and a reference to the ideal of a Christian society with ‘one heart and one soul᾿ (Acts 4, 32). Thus the Terentian humanum is bothparaphrased by and identified with both an other classical and a Christian concept of mutual human affection.