bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compact silicon-based Ka-band tunable-phase photonic microwave frequency downconverter
Authors: Jiang Xingyi , Zhang Qiang , Fang Shengyu , Li Yan , Zhang Shuyue , Huang Qikai , Yu Hui
Published: May 2024

In this paper, a compact silicon-based photonic microwave frequency downconverter with broadband operation capability and continuous phase shift tunability is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The photonic converter mainly comprises two micro-ring modulators (MRMs) connected in parallel and a cascaded resonator-based optical bandpass filter (OBPF) whose size is merely 200 × 700 µm2. In the proposed device, a radio frequency (RF) signal and a local oscillator (LO) signal drive the two MRMs for realizing the electro-optic conversion. The OBPF is utilized for selecting the first-order sidebands of both RF and LO signals. By manipulating the phase difference between the RF and LO optical sidebands through thermal-optic effect, the phase of the obtained intermediate frequency (IF) signal from a photodiode can be tuned continuously. Experimental results demonstrate a 137° phase shift while the RF signals of 20 and 40 GHz are downconverted to an IF signal of 0.4 GHz, which indicates the photonic microwave downconverter can be used in the Ka-band phased-array receiver.
Tunable nonreciprocal metasurfaces based on a nonlinear quasi-bound state in the continuum
Authors: Xie Yadong , Liu Zhimin , Zhou Fengqi , Luo Xin , Gong Yumin , Cheng Ziqiang , You Yun
Published: May 2024

Nonreciprocal devices are essential and crucial in optics for source protection and signal separation. A hybrid grating system consisting of a silicon grating, a graphene layer, and a silicon waveguide layer is employed to create a high-Q quasi-BIC (bound state in the continuum). Then, the high-Q properties of the quasi-BIC are harnessed to enhance the third-order nonlinear effect of silicon, thereby improving the nonreciprocal characteristics of the device. The nonreciprocal transmittance ratio of the device can be tunable by adjusting the graphene Fermi energy level, achieving tunability ranging from 0.0865 to 30.57 dB. It also enables the best performance of the device over a wider range of frequency bands. This study provides a new, to the best of our knowledge, method for designing tunable nonreciprocal devices with a wide range of potential applications.
Noma finally recognised as a neglected tropical disease
Authors: Ainsworth Stuart
Published: May 2024

In December 2023, after decades of tireless advocacy from stakeholders and partners, the World Health Organization (WHO) gave noma the long overdue recognition as a neglected tropical disease. The significance of this official recognition cannot be overstated, and it is hoped this will serve as a turning point in our battle against this devastating disease.
Nematode histone H2A variant evolution reveals diverse histories of retention and loss and evidence for conserved core-like variant histone genes
Authors: Singh Swadha , Anderson Noelle , Chu Diana , Roy Scott W.
Published: May 2024

Histone variants are paralogs that replace canonical histones in nucleosomes, often imparting novel functions. However, how histone variants arise and evolve is poorly understood. Reconstruction of histone protein evolution is challenging due to large differences in evolutionary rates across gene lineages and sites. Here we used intron position data from 108 nematode genomes in combination with amino acid sequence data to find disparate evolutionary histories of the three H2A variants found in Caenorhabditis elegans: the ancient H2A.ZHTZ-1, the sperm-specific HTAS-1, and HIS-35, which differs from the canonical S-phase H2A by a single glycine-to-alanine C-terminal change. Although the H2A.ZHTZ-1 protein sequence is highly conserved, its gene exhibits recurrent intron gain and loss. This pattern suggests that specific intron sequences or positions may not be important to H2A.Z functionality. For HTAS-1 and HIS-35, we find variant-specific intron positions that are conserved across species. Patterns of intron position conservation indicate that the sperm-specific variant HTAS-1 arose more recently in the ancestor of a subset of Caenorhabditis species, while HIS-35 arose in the ancestor of Caenorhabditis and its sister group, including the genus Diploscapter. HIS-35 exhibits gene retention in some descendent lineages but gene loss in others, suggesting that histone variant use or functionality can be highly flexible. Surprisingly, we find the single amino acid differentiating HIS-35 from core H2A is ancestral and common across canonical Caenorhabditis H2A sequences. Thus, we speculate that the role of HIS-35 lies not in encoding a functionally distinct protein, but instead in enabling H2A expression across the cell cycle or in distinct tissues. This work illustrates how genes encoding such partially-redundant functions may be advantageous yet relatively replaceable over evolutionary timescales, consistent with the patchwork pattern of retention and loss of both genes. Our study shows the utility of intron positions for reconstructing evolutionary histories of gene families, particularly those undergoing idiosyncratic sequence evolution.
Distribution characteristics of gastric mucosal colonizing microorganisms in different glandular regions of Bactrian camels and their relationship with local mucosal immunity
Authors: Li Jianfei , Xie Fie , Wang Xueyan , Zhang Wangdong , Cheng Cuicui , Wu Xiuping , Li Min , Huo Xingmin , Gao Xin , Wang Wenhui
Published: May 2024

Bactrian camels inhabiting desert and semi-desert regions of China are valuable animal models for studying adaptation to desert environments and heat stress. In this study, 16S rRNA technology was employed to investigate the distribution characteristics and differences of mucosal microorganisms in the anterior gland area, posterior gland area, third gland area, cardia gland area, gastric fundic gland area and pyloric gland area of 5-peak adult healthy Bactrian camels. We aimed to explore the possible reasons for the observed microbial distribution from the aspects of histological structure and mucosal immunity. Bacteroides and Fibrobacteria accounted for 59.54% and 3.22% in the gland area, respectively, and 52.37% and 1.49% in the wrinkled stomach gland area, respectively. The gland area showed higher abundance of Bacteroides and Fibrobacteria than the wrinkled stomach gland area. Additionally, the anterior gland area, posterior gland area, third gland area, and cardia gland area of Bactrian camels mainly secreted acidic mucus, while the gastric fundic gland area mainly secreted neutral mucus and the pyloric region mainly secreted a mixture of acidic and neutral mucus. The results of immunohistochemistry techniques demonstrated that the number of IgA+ cells in the anterior glandular area, posterior glandular area, third glandular area, and cardia gland area was significantly higher than that in the fundic and pyloric gland area (p < 0.05), and the difference in IgA+ between the fundic and pyloric gland area was not significant (p > 0.05). The study revealed a large number of bacteria that can digest and degrade cellulose on the mucosa of the gastric gland area of Bactrian camels. The distribution of IgA+ cells, the structure of the mucosal tissue in the glandular region, and the composition of the mucus secreted on its surface may have a crucial influence on microbial fixation and differential distribution.
Improving DNA barcoding library of armored scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) in China
Authors: Niu Minmin , Liu Yubo , Xue Linjia , Cai Bo , Zhao Qing , Wei Jiufeng
Published: May 2024

DNA barcoding is used to identify cryptic species, survey environmental samples, and estimate phyletic and genetic diversity. Armored scale insects are phytophagous insects and are the most species-rich taxa in the Coccoidea superfamily. This study developed a DNA barcode library for armored scale insect species collected from southern China during 2021–2022. We sequenced a total of 239 specimens, recognized as 50 morphological species, representing two subfamilies and 21 genera. Sequencing analysis revealed that the average G + C content of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequence was very low (~18.06%) and that the average interspecific divergence was 10.07% while intraspecific divergence was 3.20%. The intraspecific divergence value was inflated by the high intraspecific divergence in ten taxa, which may indicate novel species overlooked by current taxonomic treatments. All the Automated Barcode Gap Discovery, Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning, Taxon DNA analysis and Bayesian Poisson Tree Process methods yielded largely consistent results, indicating a robust and credible species delimitation. Based on these results, an intergeneric distance threshold of ≤ 5% was deemed appropriate for the differentiation of armored scale insect species in China. This study establishes a comprehensive barcode library for the identification of armored scale insects, future research, and application.
Enhancing sludge dewaterability in sequential bioleaching: Degradation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) by filamentous fungus Mucor sp. ZG-3 and the influence of energy source
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Feng Wen , Tang Shigang , Zhao Jing , Zheng Guanyu , Zhou Lixiang
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to enhance sludge dewatering through sequential bioleaching, employing the filamentous fungus Mucor sp. ZG-3 and the iron-oxidizing bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans LX5. The mechanism by which Mucor sp. ZG-3 alleviates sludge dissolved organic matter (DOM) inhibition of A. ferrooxidans LX5 was investigated, and the optimal addition of energy source for enhanced sludge dewaterability during sequential bioleaching was determined. Sludge dissolved organic carbon (DOC) decreased to 272 mg/L with a 65.2% reduction by Mucor sp. ZG-3 in 3 days, and the degraded fraction of sludge DOM was mainly low-molecular-weight DOM (L-DOM) which inhibited the oxidization of Fe2+ by A. ferrooxidans LX5. By degrading significant inhibitory low-molecular-weight organic acids, Mucor sp. ZG-3 alleviated DOM inhibition of A. ferrooxidans LX5. In the sequential bioleaching process, the optimal concentration of FeSO4·7H2O for A. ferrooxidans LX5 was 4 g/L, resulting in the minimum specific resistance to filtration (SRF) of 2.60×1011 m/kg, 40.0% lower than that in the conventional bioleaching process with 10 g/L energy source. Moreover, the sequential bioleaching process increased the sludge zeta potential (from -31.8 to -9.47 mV) and median particle size (d50) of the sludge particle (from 17.90 to 27.44 μm), contributing to enhanced sludge dewaterability. Inoculation of Mucor sp. ZG-3 during the bioleaching process reduced the demand for energy sources by A. ferrooxidans LX5 while improving sludge dewaterability performance.
Characteristics and prediction of agricultural ecological efficiency for coordination between economy and environment
Authors: Ma Lijun , Guo Fengyu , Chen Zhaoya , Meng Jingyi , Xu Lei , Yin Shi
Published: May 2024

Agricultural ecological efficiency is an important tool with which to measure the coordination of the sustainable development of agricultural economies and ecological environments. In this paper, a super-efficiency slacks-based measures model was used to measure the agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province. The characteristics of spatial and temporal evolution patterns were explored using a spatial Markov transfer matrix. The results showed that (i) based on measurements, the agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province showed regional differences in four regions (eastern, northern, central and southern Hebei) and 141 counties; (ii) from the perspective of evolutionary characteristics of agricultural ecological efficiency, the overall development of in Hebei Province was good, with more concentrated spatial distribution and more obvious direction, while the type of transfer of agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province showed strong stability that was significantly affected by geographical neighborhood conditions and the club convergence phenomenon; (iii) from the perspective of the long-term evolutionary trend of agricultural ecological efficiency, the areas adjacent to counties with low efficiency had limited potential for improvement, and the areas adjacent to counties with high grade had great potential. However, it was difficult to achieve large-scale improvement in agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province, whether the impact of geospatial backgrounds was considered or not.
Interplay between vitamin D status, vitamin D receptor gene variants and preeclampsia risk in Ghanaian women: A case-control study
Authors: Fondjo Linda Ahenkorah , Mensah Jonah Buah , Awuah Enoch Ofori , Sakyi Samuel Asamoah
Published: May 2024

Background and aim

Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by hypertension and proteinuria mostly after 20 weeks of gestation. It affects 2–8% of pregnancies worldwide, with detrimental consequences for both mother and foetus. Evidence, suggests that genetic factors, including vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms, could contribute to PE complexity. However, their role in the Ghanaian population remains underexplored. We assessed the interplay between Vitamin D, VDR gene variants and preeclampsia risk in Ghanaian women.

Methods

This unmatched case-control study was conducted at Kumasi South Hospital, Ghana, from June to November 2022. A total of 162 participants consisting of 62 PE cases and 100 normotensive controls were enrolled. Clinical and obstetric data were collected. Blood samples were also collected for DNA extraction and vitamin D assay. Genotyping of VDR Fok1 and Bsm1 gene variants was performed using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Polymerase Chain Reaction—Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis whereas Vitamin D levels were estimated using sandwich ELISA. Statistical analyses were computed with SPSS version 25 and GraphPad prism version 8.0. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Vitamin D concentration were significantly lower in the PE group (p < 0.0001). Vitamin D deficiency (aOR = 3.311, 95% CI: 1.584–6.921, p = 0.0010) was significantly associated with a three-fold increase in preeclampsia risk, whilst VDR gene variants, particularly the "bb" genotype (cOR = 0.227, 95% CI: 0.055–0.944, p = 0.0410) was associated with reduced risk of PE. There was no association between the distribution of Fok1 genotypes and PE.

Conclusion

This study highlights a significant association between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of PE among Ghanaian women. However, the VDR gene variant, "bb", genotype, for Bsm1 reduces the risk of PE.
Spatial differences and underlying mechanisms in electronic word of mouth in the foodservice industry: A case of Sanya, China
Authors: Yu Xinjie , Xu Ke , He Biao , Zeng Xiangjing
Published: May 2024

Studying the electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) in the foodservice industry can not only provide guidance for merchants, but also spatially optimize the urban foodservice industry, restaurants’ location selection, and customers’ purchasing decisions. In this study, taking Sanya city as the research object, using big data crawling technology to collect the directory and their attribute information of 2107 restaurants with more than 100 reviews. Kernel density analysis, grid analysis and the geographically weighted regression (GWR) model were applied to reveal the distribution characteristics and influencing factors of eWOM in the foodservice industry in Sanya, China. The main results are as follows. The foodservice industry in Sanya extends along the southern coastline and is characterized by little dispersion and agglomeration at the macro level. The overall eWOM score of the foodservice industry is low. Market popularity, restaurant rating, transportation conditions, and commercial development all have a positive impact on the eWOM of the foodservice industry. Population and price have both positive and negative effects and the public services has a nonsignificant impact on the eWOM. This study not only improves the theoretical understanding of the foodservice industry, but also provides a general reference for its development in other industries and cities.
Habitat remediation followed by managed connectivity reduces unwanted changes in evolutionary trajectory of high extirpation risk populations
Authors: Lamka Gina F. , Willoughby Janna R.
Published: May 2024

As we continue to convert green spaces into roadways and buildings, connectivity between populations and biodiversity will continue to decline. In threatened and endangered species, this trend is particularly concerning because the cessation of immigration can cause increased inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity, leading to lower adaptability and higher extirpation probabilities in these populations. Unfortunately, monitoring changes in genetic diversity from management actions such as assisted migration and predicting the extent of introduced genetic variation that is needed to prevent extirpation is difficult and costly in situ. Therefore, we designed an agent-based model to link population-wide genetic variability and the influx of unique alleles via immigration to population stability and extirpation outcomes. These models showed that management of connectivity can be critical in restoring at-risk populations and reducing the effects of inbreeding depression. However, the rescued populations were more similar to the migrant source population (average FST range 0.05–0.10) compared to the historical recipient population (average FST range 0.23–0.37). This means that these management actions not only recovered the populations from the effects of inbreeding depression, but they did so in a way that changed the evolutionary trajectory that was predicted and expected for these populations prior to the population crash. This change was most extreme in populations with the smallest population sizes, which are representative of critically endangered species that could reasonably be considered candidates for restored connectivity or translocation strategies. Understanding how these at-risk populations change in response to varying management interventions has broad implications for the long-term adaptability of these populations and can improve future efforts for protecting locally adapted allele complexes when connectivity is restored.
Mastering movement: A Cross-sectional investigation of motor competence in children and adolescents engaged in sports
Authors: Saraiva Flôres Fábio , Paschoal Soares Denise , Willig Renata M. , Reyes Ana Carolina , Silva Ana Filipa
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Motor Competence (MC) is related to the development of healthy lifestyles in children and adolescents, and many studies have compared it with different variables, including sports participation. This investigation aimed to characterize the components and total scores of MC regarding different physical activity practices, such as physical education (PE) classes, futsal, volleyball, and ballet, and to compare MC regarding sports, sex, and age-groups.

Methods

Using a cross-sectional study, 398 Portuguese children and adolescents (398 participants: 200 boys and 198 girls; 12.649±3.46 years) were conveniently chosen between 2022 and 2023. Four groups of different sports were created: PE classes (n = 187), futsal (n = 80), volleyball (n = 101) and ballet (n = 30), and four different age groups: 7 to 9 years old (n = 117); 10 to 12 years old (n = 65), 13 to 15 years old (n = 96) and, 16 to 19 years old (n = 120). All participants reported to participate in at least two training sessions per week (1 hour each) for at least two years. MC was assessed with Motor Competence Assessment (MCA) comprising three components with six tests (two tests for each component). Participants’ total MC was calculated as the average of the three components of the MCA. Data were analyzed by applying ANOVA one-way with LSD post-hoc.

Results

Differences were found in MC among groups, where futsal participants showed better scores in general. Sex comparison showed that boys have a higher MC when practicing futsal, especially compared to volleyball players. Age-group analysis showed that younger participants had better MC levels compared to older ones.

Conclusion

The whole group showed the 50th percentile of MC, but volleyball adolescents showed results below this reference. MC is intrinsically linked to an individual’s motor experiences and motivations rather than depending directly on the specific practice of the sport.
A novel ilarvirus protein CP-RT is expressed via stop codon readthrough and suppresses RDR6-dependent RNA silencing
Authors: Lukhovitskaya Nina , Brown Katherine , Hua Lei , Pate Adrienne E. , Carr John P. , Firth Andrew E.
Published: May 2024

Ilarviruses are a relatively understudied but important group of plant RNA viruses that includes a number of crop pathogens. Their genomes comprise three RNA segments encoding two replicase subunits, movement protein, coat protein (CP), and (in some ilarvirus subgroups) a protein that suppresses RNA silencing. Here we report that, in many ilarviruses, RNA3 encodes an additional protein (termed CP-RT) as a result of ribosomal readthrough of the CP stop codon into a short downstream readthrough (RT) ORF. Using asparagus virus 2 as a model, we find that CP-RT is expressed in planta where it functions as a weak suppressor of RNA silencing. CP-RT expression is essential for persistent systemic infection in leaves and shoot apical meristem. CP-RT function is dependent on a putative zinc-finger motif within RT. Replacing the asparagus virus 2 RT with the RT of an ilarvirus from a different subgroup restored the ability to establish persistent infection. These findings open up a new avenue for research on ilarvirus silencing suppression, persistent meristem invasion and vertical transmission.
Integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in business education
Authors:   Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality, i-CATS University College, Malaysia, Ting Hiram ,   Faculty of Business, Sohar University, Sohar, Oman, Yusrini Lenny ,   Travel Operation Department, Universitas Asa Indonesia, Indonesia, Aragon Lilibeth Aragon ,   College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Philippines
Published: May 2024

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have emerged as critical imperatives in business education, reflecting a growing recognition of their interconnectedness in fostering fair, representative, and inclusive environments. This Editorial explores the multifaceted landscape of DEI in business education, including its importance, implementation challenges, advancement strategies, and best practices. It also discusses the role of business schools as change agents as well as the intersection of DEI with innovation and sustainability in business education. The integration of DEI principles into curricula is emphasised, as it prepares future leaders to navigate complex organisational environments and drive sustainable growth. Finally, this Editorial calls for business schools to amplify their impact through collaborative efforts and partnerships and drive collective action toward shared DEI goals, contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world for all.
Ústav translatologie v letech 2006–2021: rozhovor s doc. Rubášem
Authors: Králová Jana
Published: May 2024

Ústav translatologie v letech 2006–2021: dr. Stanislava Rubáše se ptala prof. Jana Králová
Sodium Metabisulphite, a Preservative Agent, Decreases the Heart Capillary Volume and Length, and Curcumin, the Main Component of Curcuma Longa, Cannot Protect It
Authors: Noorafshan A. , Asadi-Golshan R. , Monjezi S. , Karbalay-Doust Saied
Published: May 2024

Sodium metabisulphite is used as an antioxidant agent in many pharmaceutical formulations. It is extensively used as a food preservative and disinfectant. It has been demonstrated that sulphite exposure can affect some organs. Curcumin, the main element of Curcuma longa, has been identified to have multiple protective properties. The present study extends the earlier works to quantitative evaluation of the effects of sulphite and curcumin on the heart structure using stereological methods. In this study, 28 rats were randomly divided into four experimental groups. The rats in groups I to IV received distilled water (group I), sodium metabisulphite (25 mg/ kg/day) (group II), curcumin (100 mg/kg/day) (group III), and sodium metabisulphite+curcumin (group IV), respectively, for 8 weeks. The left ventricle was subjected to stereological methods to estimate the quantitative parameters of the myocardium. A 20 % decrease was observed in the total volume of ventricular tissue in the sulphite-treated animals compared to the distilled water treatment (P < 0.02). Also, the volume and length of the capillaries were reduced by 43 % on average in the sulphite-treated rats in comparison to the distilled water-treated animals (P < 0.02). However, no significant change was seen in the mean and total volume of the myocardium and the cavity and diameter of the capillaries after sulphite ingestion. Treatment with curcumin did not protect the animals against the structural changes of the ventricle. Sulphite, as a preservative food agent, reduced the length and volume of the ventricular capillaries and curcumin could not protect them.
Extending Graph Rules with Oracles
Authors: Liu Xueli , Dong Bowen , Fu Wenzhi , Wu Nannan , Wang Xin , Wang Wenjun
Published: May 2024

This paper proposes a class of graph rules for deducing associations between entities, referred to as Graph Rules with Oracles and denoted by GROs. As opposed to previous graph rules, GROs support oracle functions to import (a) external knowledge, and (b) internal computations such as aggregate operators and machine learning predicates, and so on. Moreover, the semantics of GROs are defined in terms of pivoted dual simulation, in contrast to the subgraph isomorphism. We show how GROs can be used to predict links and catch anomalies, among other things. We formalize the association deduction problem with GROs in terms of the chase, and prove their Church-Rosser property. We show that both the deduction and incremental deduction problems with GROs are in PTIME, as opposed to the intractability of their counterparts with prior graph rules. We also provide sequential and parallel algorithms for association deduction and incremental deduction. Using real-life and synthetic graphs, we experimentally verify the effectiveness, scalability, and efficiency of the algorithms.
An example related to Whitney’s extension problem for L
2,p
(R2) when 1 < p < 2
Authors: Carruth Jacob , Israel Arie
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we prove the existence of a bounded linear extension operator

T
:

L

2
,
p

(

E

)

→

L

2
,
p

(

R

2

)

$T:{L}^{2,p}\left(E\right)\to {L}^{2,p}\left({\mathbb{R}}^{2}\right)$

when 1 < p < 2, where

E
⊂

R

2

$E\subset {\mathbb{R}}^{2}$

is a certain discrete set with fractal structure. Our proof makes use of a theorem of Fefferman–Klartag (“Linear extension operators for Sobolev spaces on radially symmetric binary trees,” Adv. Nonlinear Stud., vol. 23, no. 1, p. 20220075, 2023) on the existence of linear extension operators for radially symmetric binary trees.
Chancen und Herausforderungen der E-Preferred-Strategie für die monografische Erwerbung in wissenschaftlichen Bibliotheken
Authors: Reymer Melanie , Platzbecker Deborah
Published: May 2024

Die Implementierung einer E-Preferred-Strategie in wissenschaftlichen Bibliotheken hat durch die digitalen Fortschritte in der Wissenschaftskommunikation in den letzten Jahren zunehmend an Bedeutung gewonnen. In diesem Beitrag werden die Chancen und Herausforderungen einer E-Preferred-Erwerbungsstrategie für wissenschaftliche Bibliotheken im Bereich elektronischer Monografien (E-Books) analysiert. Dabei wird die Vielfalt des E-Book-Marktes in Bezug auf Plattformen, Lizenzmodelle und Digital Rights Management (DRM) berücksichtigt.
Congenital tuberculosis (TB) use of second-line medication and therapeutic drug monitoring
Authors: Abdelmajid Haram A. , Mustafa Ghassan M.A. , Fernandez Antonia , Franco Susannah D. , Esquibies Americo E. , Valencia Gloria B. , Kohlhoff Stephan A.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Congenital tuberculosis (TB) is a rare complication of TB during pregnancy. Diagnosis and treatment are challenging, especially in premature infants due to limited data on drug dosing.

Case presentation

A male infant was born at 33 weeks gestational age to a mother who was hospitalized with respiratory illness and diagnosed with TB after delivery. The diagnosis was based on the presence of granulomas and mycobacteria in the placenta, positive mycobacterium TB PCR in gastric aspirate, and growth of MTB from gastric aspirate and bronchoalveolar lavage cultures. Treatment started initially with isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. The patient’s clinical course was complicated with ongoing respiratory distress and abdominal distension which raise the possibilities of drug resistance, but sensitivity was confirmed by PCR, or malabsorption of the medications due to concerns of abdominal TB. Isoniazid and rifampin doses needed to be adjusted due to low serum drug levels. Ethambutol was replaced by Levofloxacin, due to concerns about drug toxicity and unreliable therapeutic levels, but still there was no clinical improvement which raised the possibility of paradoxical reaction to the treatment, so we started the patient on prednisone for one month and tapered over two weeks. From age two months the patient showed progressive improvement and has by now completed 12 months of therapy with good clinical outcome.

Conclusions

Therapeutic drug monitoring is important for adjusting medication dosage in premature infants due to limited experience in this age group.
Analysis of a New Model of Economic Growth in Renewable Energy for Green Computing
Authors: Long Yunan , Chen Man
Published: May 2024

Energy consumption, which works as the physical engine of economic development, significantly influences the environment; using renewable energy, which originates from naturally filled resources, helps mitigate these adverse effects. The high price of fossil fuels, carbon dioxide emissions, and electricity generation are the most difficult aspects of this kind of renewable energy, which is often regarded as one of the main factors holding back economic progress. An artificial neural network-enabled economic growth model (ANN-EGM) has been constructed in this research to predict the restraining and pushing energy variables that impede economic growth. ANN-EGM optimizes the limiting and driving energy forces, which helps to improve the use of renewable energy and assist the economy’s growth. The prominent enhancement in driving economic activity and employment rates may result in cost-effective improvement for the effective production of energy from renewable resources for green computing. The proposed article constructs an ANN-EGM and examines its topological structure and the effect of training errors the network allows on its performance to address issues in green computing technology and sustainable social and economic development. Conventional approaches based on liming and driving energy forces are predicted to be less successful than an ANN-EGM in predicting the increase of the renewable energy industry for green computing and its correlation with quicker economic growth. The study’s findings suggest that the ANN-EGM can accurately forecast and verify the limiting and driving factors in renewable energy generation. The experimental outcome demonstrates that the proposed ANN-EGM model increases the prediction ratio by 85.6% and the performance ratio by 86.4% and has a reduced mean square error rate of 10.1% compared to other existing methods.
The impact of barbecue pickling materials on flavor changes and storage quality of pork at different processing stages
Authors: Li Hang , Zhi Yaqin , Nie Yuyang , Liu Jiabo , Liao Zhenyu , He Xinyi
Published: May 2024

In order to enhance the aroma and flavor of pork and improve the water retention and binding power of pork, the effects of sensory score, TBARS, TVB-N, total number of colonies, water distribution, color and storage time on pork were studied. SPME-GC-MS was used to detect the flavor changes at different processing stages. The results showed that the storage time of pork products could be extended for 6d after 12 days. Meanwhile, the volatile flavor components of pork before, after and after curing were 71, 54 and 59. After curing, the types of aldehydes and alkenes increased significantly. It can be concluded that the addition of pickling materials can effectively slow down the oxidation of pork lipids and proteins, inhibit the growth of microorganisms, and extend the shelf life. It can significantly improve pork flavor and reduce the production of harmful substances such as acrylamide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Language revitalization as a postponed aspiration: anti-essentialist ethnolinguistic identity among Aymaras in Bolivia
Authors: Ravindran Tathagatan
Published: May 2024

Twenty-first century Bolivia witnessed indigenous resurgence and state promotion of indigenous languages. This article ethnographically examines the impact of these processes on indigenous language revitalization and ethnolinguistic identities in urban spaces. It reveals that language attrition continues because indigenous resurgence occurred at a time when language shift from Aymara to Spanish had already occurred in most households and schools were considered the spaces for learning Aymara. Moreover, although indigenous identity continues to be linked to language, linguistic proficiency no longer determines Aymara identity in a reductionist sense. Most contemporary Aymaras deploy a rhetoric that historically contextualizes the process of language attrition, thereby, asserting an anti-essentialist ethnolinguistic identity. This enables learning Aymara to be an aspiration that is highly valued but can be endlessly postponed. The article points out the limitations of state-led language revitalization policies and calls for creating synergies between state planning from above and communitarian initiatives from below.
Corporate Embodiment as the Pedagogical Foundation of the Pentecostal Tradition
Authors: Vondey Wolfgang
Published: May 2024

This article examines the pedagogical foundations of Pentecostal theology that are responsible for shaping and sustaining this theological tradition. The formative mechanisms of the Pentecostal tradition are found in the embodied logic of corporately embedded patterns of spiritual practices formed around the “full gospel” of Jesus Christ. The article traces how the Pentecostal tradition emerges from and yields practices associated with the apostolic experience of Jesus intensified with Pentecost by categorizing the dominant corporate forms of embodying the doctrines of salvation, sanctification, Spirit baptism, divine healing, and the expectation of God’s kingdom. This typology suggests that the corporate embodiment of faith identifies most closely the particular contribution of the Pentecostal movement to the Christian life.
Die Pädagogik der Bekehrung. Überlegungen zu einer Gemeindepädagogik im Kontext chilenischer Pfingstgemeinden und pentekostaler Migrationskirchen in der Schweiz
Authors: Frei Daniel
Published: May 2024

In diesem Artikel werden Überlegungen zu einer pentekostalen Gemeindepädagogik im Kontext chilenischer Pfingstkirchen und Schweizer Migrationskirchen entwickelt. Dazu werden Sozialisationsprozesse untersucht, bei denen die individuelle Bekehrung von zentraler Bedeutung ist. Diese Erfahrungen prägen die Mitglieder nachhaltig und stärken die pfingstlerische Gemeinschaft.
Local Governance and Household Composition around Huế during the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Ueda Shinya , Quốc Lê Thọ
Published: May 2024

The population registers of the nineteenth century highlight a visible conflict between the administration’s objective of increasing poll tax revenue and the village’s desire to suppress the poll tax. We can suppose that the repeated division of households would have reduced the area under cultivation per household and increased the number of small-scale peasants within the village. This social transformation likely reinforced the village’s inclination to avoid the poll tax. The population pressure caused by this transformation may have resulted in a closed social space and fixed membership within the village community.
Determining Factors that Affect Tax Professional’s Ethics Intention
Authors: Yenni Mangoting  , Maria Anastasia Fidelis Foek  , Stella R. Gomaz
Published: May 2024

Purpose: This study aims to forecast the inclinations of tax professionals to engage in ethical conduct within their work setting, by examining the impact of their immediate social circle, personal attitudes, and organizational support. 
Method: The study utilizes a sample of individuals, both as tax consultant business owners and tax professionals working in a company. Data collection was conducted by distributing questionnaires through Google Forms. A total of 90 questionnaires were analyzed using Partial Least Squares.
Findings: The findings of this study identify that perceived organizational support and subjective norm has a role in influencing the ethical intentions of tax professionals. Furthermore, it is proven that the attitude of tax professionals can mediate the impact of perceived organizational support on ethical intentions. In fact, the role of attitude, influenced by subjective norm, has a greater influence on enhancing the ethical intentions of tax professionals compared to the absence of subjective norm without the role of attitude aspect. The variable in question exhibits an inverse relationship with perceived organizational support, wherein the latter exerts a more significant impact independent of attitude mediation.
Novelty: This research is beneficial for regulators and professional associations as regulators to systematically enhance integrated organizational support within the work environment to influence the ethical intention of tax professionals.
La La metáfora como elemento estructurador de los poemas de Antonio Martínez Sarrión
Authors: Acebo Bello Héctor
Published: May 2024

En la lírica de Antonio Martínez Sarrión ―exponente de la neovanguardista generación de los Novísimos― la metáfora no solo transmite ideas de una forma precisa y estética, sino que también funciona como un medio para estructurar el poema. En ese sentido, el autor albaceteño utiliza los diferentes modos de desarrollo metafórico caracterizados por Vicente Cabrera: la singularidad metafórica (los diferentes juegos lingüísticos están al servicio de una idea expresada en una conceptualización), la pluralidad metafórica (se yuxtaponen las metáforas), la metaforización de metáforas (los conceptos se superponen, naciendo así metáforas dobles) y la revitalización de metáforas (a una metáfora gastada se le inyecta un elemento de sorpresa, con lo que conviven, en la mente del lector, el significado actual y el antiguo).
Estilos de Aprendizaje en la Enseñanza de la Contabilidad. Un Estudio de Caso Usando el Modelo Vak
Authors: Román Palma Luis Pedro , Roncancio Garcia Angel David , Camargo Mayorga David Andrés
Published: May 2024

This descriptive research addresses the recognition of learning styles according to the VAK (visual-auditory-kinesthetic) model in students of basic levels of financial accounting in a Public Accounting university program in Bogotá. For this purpose, the VAK test was applied to a sample of 99 students and an analysis was carried out through descriptive statistics using SPSS Statistics version 25. The main results show the predominance of visual and kinesthetic styles.
La Cultura Tributaria en Colombia
Authors: López-Rodríguez Campo Elías , Torres Rodríguez Ginna Marcela , Villarreal Villarreal Vanesa
Published: May 2024

The objective of this research is to characterise the current state of tax culture globally and to identify the development of tax culture in Colombia, in order to conceptually recognise tax culture as a social and economic value of countries. In this regard, a bibliometric analysis was developed from the Scopus database and using the Bibliometrix tool, complemented by a qualitative systematic review using the Prisma protocol. The results of the bibliometric analysis determine that there is a scarce scientific production associated with the topic addressed. Between 2006 and 2021, 53 scientific articles were found globally, finding that the greatest increase in scientific production was generated in 2021; however, from the systematic review of the literature, 8 documents were identified that describe different tools and strategies aimed at promoting tax culture in Colombia. The results of the bibliometric analysis determine that there is a scarce scientific production associated with the topic addressed.  It is concluded that research processes related to tax culture should be strengthened, not only in Colombia but globally.
Análisis de la Percepción Sobre la Cultura Organizacional en el AFBG de la Universidad Veracruzana, México
Authors: Pacheco Belizario Antonio , Ordaz Hernández Mónica Berenice , Mis Linares Claudia Margarita
Published: May 2024

The present study sought to determine the perception of the teachers of the General Basic Training Area (AFBG), active in the period August 2022-January 2023 in the Coatzacoalcos-Minatitlán region of the Universidad Veracruzana (UV), on organizational culture. It had a quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional approach. A questionnaire composed of seven dimensions was taken: identity, norms, involvement with the purpose, creation of change, customer focus, teamwork and search for social well-being. The general results show the presence of a strong culture; however, the dimensions of seeking social well-being and involvement with the purpose were positioned in medium perceptions; However, since the study was limited to teachers, it is necessary to apply the survey to administrative staff and students. It is concluded that the AFBG is more likely to generate work schemes that stimulate the construction of ideas and the retention of human talent.
Forensic Assessment of Alcohol Intoxication in Cases of Fatal Road Traffic Accidents in Lithuania
Authors: Kirstukaitė Beata , Paškauskienė Akvilė , Chmieliauskas Sigitas , Laima Sigitas , Vasiljevaitė Diana , Stasiūnienė Jurgita
Published: May 2024

Background: There is strong evidence that alcohol consumption is a significant risk factor for fatal road traffic accidents. It is estimated that the number of alcohol-related road accidents remains high in the past few years in Lithuania. This study aims to examine the prevalence of alcohol in blood samples collected from the autopsy results of road traffic accident victims.Materials and methods: A retrospective study of 136 road traffic accident victims was performed in State Forensic Medicine Service of Lithuania in the period of 2013 to 2023. We analyzed blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in relation to sex, age, road user type, place and time of the day at death.Results: 31% of the victims were under influence of alcohol at the time of death, with mean BAC 1.99 ± 0.92‰. The mean BAC was 2.16 ± 0.8‰ in male and 1.18 ± 1.12‰ in female group. By the type of road users, 23% of the pedestrians (mean BAC 2.45 ± 0.71‰), 32% of car drivers (mean BAC 2.13 ± 0.75‰), 41% of vehicle passengers (mean BAC of 1.73 ± 1.19‰), 37% of the motorcycle riders (mean BAC of 1.28 ± 0.53‰), 37% of the cyclists (mean BAC of 1.15 ± 0.75‰) were found to be intoxicated during the time of accident. Highest mean blood alcohol concentration was found during the night time hours (9 p. m. – 5 a. m.) 2.28 ± 0.91, comparing to in afternoon hours (12 p. m. – 5 p. m.) 1.49 ± 0.99, evening hours (5 p. m. – 9 p. m.) 2.10 ± 0.73 and morning hours (5 a. m. – 12 p. m.) 1.94 ± 1.00. The mean BAC in road traffic accidents during summer was 1.48 ± 0.71‰, spring 2.25 ± 0.76‰, autumn 2.12 ± 1‰, winter 2.42 ± 1‰.Conclusions: Alcohol consumption by road users is a significant contributing factor in road traffic accidents and their outcomes in Lithuania.
Attitudinal Loyalty Towards Online Stores Between Loyal and Disloyal Clients: Differences Across Four Countries
Authors: Dikcius Vytautas , Adomaviciute - Sakalauske Karina , Vilkaite - Vaitone Neringa , Kirse Sigita
Published: May 2024

The concept of loyalty has remained a central theme in business for over 50 years. This concept has gained additional attention with the growth of online retailing due to rapidly changing retail environments. Numerous studies have focused on the a ntecedents of online store loyalty; however, unlike previous works, the present study explores a conceptual perception of loyalty. This study provides insights into behavioral and attitudinal perspectives and concentrates on the importance of the affective dimension of attitudinal loyalty. Additionally, this study analyzes differences in attitudinal loyalty toward online stores between loyal and disloyal respondents. The study was based on a survey performed in four countries—the USA, China, Spain, and Lithuania. The results highlight the importance of the affective aspect of loyalty and differences in its evaluation among the surveyed countries. The findings reveal significant and stable differences in perception of the three dimensions of attitudinal loyalty between loyal and disloyal respondents; however, in contrast to expectations, the disloyal respondents exhibited very high levels of attitudinal loyalty. These findings contribute to better measurement and interpretation of loyalty for both scientific studies and business practitioners.
ALPHA-KETOGLUTARATE INDUCES NUCLEAR RECEPTORS RATHER THAN NRF2 IN THE FRUIT FLY Drosophila melanogaster
Authors:   Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine, Demianchuk O.I.
Published: May 2024

Aim. To test whether expression of Nrf2 targets in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster are activated by diet supplemented with alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG). Methods. The Canton-S strain of D. melanogaster was used in the study. Female flies were reared in demographic cages (150 flies per group) on the medium containing 5% sucrose, 5% yeast, 1.2% agar, 0.18% nipagin. Experimental diet was supplemented with 10 mM disodium salt of AKG. The flies were reared during 21 days and after that were anesthetized with carbon dioxide and snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen for further biochemical studies. Expression of genes Ugt37A2, GstD2, and Cyp6a2, coding for a uridine diphosphate glycosyltransferase family 37 member A2, glutathione S-transferase D2, and cytochrome P450 6a2, respectively, respectively, was analyzed using semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction followed by visualization of the products in agarose gel. The gene Tbp (TATA-box binding protein) was used as a reference gene. Results. Flies fed AKG-supplemented diet during 21 days had 2.8-fold higher level of the Cyp6a2 expression than control flies. At the same time, AKG-supplemented food did not affect expression of Ugt37A2 and GstD2 genes. Conclusions. Continuous consumption of AKG-supplemented food results in the increase in the levels of messenger ribonucleic acid of Cyp6a2 gene, a target of transcriptional factors Nrf2 and DHR96, but not Ugt37A2 and GstD2 genes. Since expression of the latter two genes was unaffected by AKG-supplemented diet, it indicates that AKG may influence other transcriptional regulators, such as nuclear receptors that have common targets with Nrf2.