bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-altitude hypoxia exposure inhibits erythrophagocytosis by inducing macrophage ferroptosis in the spleen
Authors: Yang Wan-ping , Li Mei-qi , Ding Jie , Li Jia-yan , Wu Gang , Liu Bao , Gao Yu-qi , Wang Guo-hua , Luo Qian-qian
Published: May 2023

High-altitude polycythemia (HAPC) affects individuals living at high altitudes, characterized by increased red blood cells (RBCs) production in response to hypoxic conditions. The exact mechanisms behind HAPC are not fully understood. We utilized a mouse model exposed to hypobaric hypoxia (HH), replicating the environmental conditions experienced at 6000 m above sea level, coupled with in vitro analysis of primary splenic macrophages under 1% O2 to investigate these mechanisms. Our findings indicate that HH significantly boosts erythropoiesis, leading to erythrocytosis and splenic changes, including initial contraction to splenomegaly over 14 days. A notable decrease in red pulp macrophages (RPMs) in the spleen, essential for RBCs processing, was observed, correlating with increased iron release and signs of ferroptosis. Prolonged exposure to hypoxia further exacerbated these effects, mirrored in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Single-cell sequencing showed a marked reduction in macrophage populations, affecting the spleen’s ability to clear RBCs and contributing to splenomegaly. Our findings suggest splenic ferroptosis contributes to decreased RPMs, affecting erythrophagocytosis and potentially fostering continuous RBCs production in HAPC. These insights could guide the development of targeted therapies for HAPC, emphasizing the importance of splenic macrophages in disease pathology.
Rubella virus tropism and single-cell responses in human primary tissue and microglia-containing organoids
Authors: Popova Galina , Retallack Hanna , Kim Chang N , Wang Albert , Shin David , DeRisi Joseph L , Nowakowski Tomasz
Published: May 2023

Rubella virus is an important human pathogen that can cause neurological deficits in a developing fetus when contracted during pregnancy. Despite successful vaccination programs in the Americas and many developed countries, rubella remains endemic in many regions worldwide and outbreaks occur wherever population immunity is insufficient. Intense interest since rubella virus was first isolated in 1962 has advanced our understanding of clinical outcomes after infection disrupts key processes of fetal neurodevelopment. Yet it is still largely unknown which cell types in the developing brain are targeted. We show that in human brain slices, rubella virus predominantly infects microglia. This infection occurs in a heterogeneous population but not in a highly microglia-enriched monoculture in the absence of other cell types. By using an organoid-microglia model, we further demonstrate that rubella virus infection leads to a profound interferon response in non-microglial cells, including neurons and neural progenitor cells, and this response is attenuated by the presence of microglia.
Spatial chromatin accessibility sequencing resolves high-order spatial interactions of epigenomic markers
Authors: Xie Yeming , Ruan Fengying , Li Yaning , Luo Meng , Zhang Chen , Chen Zhichao , Xie Zhe , Weng Zhe , Chen Weitian , Chen Wenfang , Fang Yitong , Sun Yuxin , Guo Mei , Wang Juan , Xu Shouping , Wang Hongqi , Tang Chong
Published: May 2023

As the genome is organized into a three-dimensional structure in intracellular space, epigenomic information also has a complex spatial arrangement. However, most epigenetic studies describe locations of methylation marks, chromatin accessibility regions, and histone modifications in the horizontal dimension. Proper spatial epigenomic information has rarely been obtained. In this study, we designed spatial chromatin accessibility sequencing (SCA-seq) to resolve the genome conformation by capturing the epigenetic information in single-molecular resolution while simultaneously resolving the genome conformation. Using SCA-seq, we are able to examine the spatial interaction of chromatin accessibility (e.g. enhancer–promoter contacts), CpG island methylation, and spatial insulating functions of the CCCTC-binding factor. We demonstrate that SCA-seq paves the way to explore the mechanism of epigenetic interactions and extends our knowledge in 3D packaging of DNA in the nucleus.
Virioplankton and virus-induced mortality of prokaryotes in the Kara Sea (Arctic) in summer
Authors: Kopylov Alexander Ivanovich , Zabotkina Elena Anatoliyevna , Sazhin Andrey Fiodorovich , Romanova Nadezda , Belyaev Nikolay , Drozdova Anastasia
Published: May 2023

Among the Arctic seas, the largest volume of river runoff (~45% of the total river-water inflow into the Arctic Ocean) enters the Siberian Kara Sea. The viral communities of the Kara Sea are important for the functioning of the marine ecosystem. Studies of virus–prokaryote interactions on the Kara Sea shelf have been conducted only in spring and autumn. Here, we investigated the abundance of free viruses, viruses attached to prokaryotes, and pico-sized detrital particles; the morphology (shape and size) of the viruses, viral infection and virus-mediated mortality of prokaryotes in early summer, i.e., during a seasonal ice melting period and maximum inflow of river-water volumes with high concentrations of dissolved and suspended organic carbon. Seawater samples for microbial analyses were collected across the Kara Sea shelf zone on board the Norilskiy Nickel as a research platform from June 29 to July 15, 2018. Abundances of prokaryotes (range (0.6–25.3) × 105 cells mL−1) and free viruses (range (10–117) × 105 viruses mL−1) were correlated (r = 0.63, p = 0.005) with an average virus: prokaryote ratio of 23.9 ± 5.3. The abundance of free viruses and viral-mediated mortality of prokaryotes were significantly higher in early summer than in early spring and autumn. Free viruses with a capsid diameter of 16–304 nm were recorded in the examined water samples. Waters in the Kara Sea shelf contained high concentrations of suspended organic particles 0.25–4.0 µm in size (range (0.6–25.3) × 105 particles mL−1). The proportions of free viruses, viruses attached to prokaryotes, and viruses attached to pico-sized detrital particles were 89.8 ± 6.0%, 2.2 ± 0.6% and 8.0 ± 1.3%, respectively, of the total virioplankton abundance (on average (61.5 ± 6.2) × 105 viruses mL−1). Viruses smaller than 60 nm clearly dominated at all studied sites. The majority of free viruses were not tailed. We estimated that an average of 1.4% (range 0.4–3.5%) of the prokaryote community was visibly infected by viruses, suggesting that a significant proportion of prokaryotic secondary production, 11.4% on average (range 4.0–34.0%), was lost due to viral lysis. There was a negative correlation between the abundance of pico-sized detrital particles and the frequency of visibly infected prokaryotic cells: r = −0.67, p = 0.0008.
Vulnerabilidad del sistema de abasto popular alimentario ante la contingencia sanitaria por covid-19
Authors: Murillo Cuevas Damarix , De la Torre Galindo Francisco Javier
Published: May 2023

El presente artículo analiza la desigualdad urbana en la Zona Metropolitana del Valle de México (ZMVM), haciendo hincapié en el proceso histórico que conformo al municipio de Nezahualcóyotl -uno de los municipios con mayor densidad poblacional de la federación, que ha encabezado los primeros lugares de mayor número de contagios y decesos por coronavirus en el país- así como, el papel de los mercados públicos municipales, para identificar los aspectos de vulnerabilidad del sistema de abasto popular que a través del discurso derivado de la contingencia sanitaria por COVID-19, resalta el desprestigio surgido por las ineficiencias sanitarias de los mercados, señalados como zonas de alto riesgo contagio, que han favorecido el desarrollo económico de otros formatos comerciales oligopólicos, que agudizan la ya de por sí, crisis de seguridad alimentaria de la población más vulnerable del municipio; que al mismo tiempo representa la gran oportunidad de cambio, si se asume el rol protagónico de estos equipamientos en los proceso de recuperación tras la pandemia.
“Nosotros tomamos agua de mar” Injusticias hídricas asociadas al agua desalinizada para consumo humano en la ciudad de Antofagasta
Authors:   Departamento de Geografía, Universidad de Chile, Fragkou Maria , Monsalve Tamara ,   Departamento de Geografía, Universidad de Chile, Contreras Miguel ,   Departamento de Geografía, Universidad de Chile, Crisostomo Javiera ,   Departamento de Geografía, Universidad de Chile
Published: May 2023

La escasez hídrica que vive el país, y la consecuente presión a sus fuentes continentales de agua, ha resultado en la consolidación de la desalinización de agua de mar como estrategia principal del Estado chileno para abastecer con agua potable a poblaciones costeras en zonas áridas. A pesar de la creciente expansión de esta tecnología, todavía no se han estudiado las implicancias sociales de la distribución de agua desalinizada en ciudades chilenas para consumo humano. En este trabajo cubrimos este vacío analizando el caso de Antofagasta, ciudad que se abastece tanto por fuentes cordilleranas como por agua desalinizada, proveniente de la mayor planta desalinizadora para consumo humano en América Latina. Para nuestro análisis usamos el marco teórico de justicia hídrica, el cual operacionalizamos a partir de las dimensiones de reconocimiento, participación, y distribución. Nuestros resultados, basados en una encuesta aplicada a 1.150 hogares antofagastinos, revelan que existen injusticias en las 3 dimensiones analizadas, que se asocian tanto a dinámicas regionales, las cuales resultan en la privación de la ciudad de sus fuentes cordilleranas, como domésticas, que demuestran que los habitantes de Antofagasta viven distintas realidades hídricas según la fuente del agua que reciben y su nivel socioeconómico.
Contradicciones, riesgos y vulnerabilidad en la provisión de saneamiento básico en áreas de asentamiento precarias El problema del agua en la favela Rocinha, Río de Janeiro, Brasil
Authors:   Arquitecta, Doctorado en Planificación Urbana y Regional (Ph.D.), Cornell University, Estados Unidos de América, Profesor Asociado, Programa de Posgrado en Arquitectura, Departamento de Arquitectura y Urbanismo, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Río de Janeiro, Marques da Silva Rachel Coutinho , Zainotte Milena ,   Arquitecta, estudiante de maestría en Arquitectura, Programa de Posgrado en Arquitectura, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Río de Janeiro
Published: May 2023

Este artículo busca investigar el recurso natural agua en asentamientos precarios de la ciudad de Río de Janeiro, Brasil, enfocándose en dos aspectos: el agua como recurso natural esencial para las actividades humanas, y el agua como elemento de riesgo y vulnerabilidad por lluvias torrenciales, que provoca inundaciones, deslizamientos de tierra, derrumbes de viviendas y riesgos para la salud y la vida. Así, enfatizaremos el agua como recurso fundamental y como una amenaza para el medio ambiente natural y construido. Nuestro ejemplo es la favela Rocinha, en Río de Janeiro, que sufre por el precario abastecimiento de agua, y también por las inundaciones que provocan desastres socio ambientales en su territorio. La favela sufrió mucho por las inundaciones de enero de 2019, que provocaron deslizamientos de tierra e indujeron una investigación parlamentaria sobre estos torrentes, para identificar las fallas en las obras públicas y en las políticas relacionadas a las áreas en riesgo. Uno de los mayores problemas que enfrenta Rocinha es el saneamiento básico, que fue uno de los temas principales del Programa de Aceleración del Crecimiento - Urbanización de Asentamientos Precarios (PAC-UAP), que asignó recursos para la urbanización de favelas en Brasil (2007-2016).
Sistemas hídricos en la interfase de la ciudad de Santiago de Chile y la Cordillera de Los Andes
Authors:   Arquitecta, Master en Renovación y rediseño de áreas urbanas de la Universidad Técnica de Delft, Holanda. Coordinadora de Internacionalización de la Universidad Diego Portales, Jans Báez Margarita , Felsenhardt Rosen Cristina ,   Universidad Finis Terrae, Zuniga Acosta Pamela ,   Universidad Finis Terrae
Published: May 2023

Este artículo pretende restaurar el valor y reconocimiento de los procesos naturales del territorio, con enfoque en la relación entre el sistema hídrico y la ciudad de Santiago dada la preexistencia natural de la precordillera andina. Desde esta aproximación, el desafío actual de adaptación de ciudades al cambio climático exige definiciones e intervenciones en el territorio piemontano que trascienden en la protección ambiental del territorio natural y la planificación estratégica sustentable. El objetivo es relevar la importancia estructural de las aguas cordilleranas para la relación urbana-natural el piedemonte, que permitan a establecer bases de una estrategia territorial para la reconexión del tejido urbano y el paisaje primigenio en este territorio de transición caracterizado por las quebradas precordilleranas, que permita la adaptación del uso de este territorio al cambio climático desde la diversidad de los procesos naturales de la cordillera a la complejidad urbana. Se demuestra la oportunidad del sistema hídrico natural y artificial para la simbiosis de ambas circunstancias, urbano y natural, que permita abordar las problemáticas de pérdida de biodiversidad, sequía, disminución de la infiltración de aguas, aumento de temperatura y riesgo socio-natural.
Gobernanza del agua Heterogeneidad y poder en territorios en conflicto en el Sur de Chile
Authors:   Heidelberg Center Latin America, Heidelberg University, Santiago, Chile, Höhl Johanna , Rodríguez Leiva Sebastián Igor ,   Geógrafo de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; MSc Gobernanza de Riesgos y Recursos Naturales, Ruprecht – Karls – Universität Heidelberg, Alemania, Siemon Jo ,   Heidelberg Center Latin America, Heidelberg University, Santiago, Chile., Videla Angélica ,   Laboratorio de Estudios Territoriales, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.
Published: May 2023

A nivel mundial, los problemas relacionados con la gestión y organización de los recursos hídricos configuran escenarios territoriales complejos. En el sur de Chile, la construcción de pequeñas centrales hidroeléctricas en territorios indígenas ha tensado las relaciones Estado – comunidades mapuche - empresas del sector hidroeléctrico. Este trabajo analiza dichas relaciones en el proceso de consulta indígena, para ver en qué medida, la institucionalidad del Estado, y el marco en el que se desarrollan las relaciones, son un factor que permite o no acciones colectivas. En base a una metodología de carácter cualitativo basada en el estudio de caso, los resultados permiten identificar retos para la gobernanza, relacionados con el grado de heterogeneidad de las comunidades, las relaciones de poder en el proceso, y el contexto histórico-territorial, aspectos que dan forma a estructuras formales e informales y procesos de toma de decisiones en torno al agua
Analysis of the relationship between futures market instruments and the spot market
Authors: Yamakawa Franco Makoto , Magnani Vinícius Medeiros , Gatsios Rafael Confetti , Ambrozini Marcelo Augusto
Published: May 2023

With the development of the Brazilian market, the objectives of markets currently focus on the over-the-counter market based on market and futures exchange. Additionally, firms and investors prefer using hedge protection instruments for their protection against risks. The present study aims to evaluate the Brazilian market and the relationship of future market instruments on the market Bovespa Index (Ibovespa). The methodology proposed differs from others that apply time series econometrics per sector only, incurring a potential sample to selectivity draw more general conclusions about the market. The results indicate that the spot market anticipates future scenarios, obtaining a positive and significant relationship between the forward rate agreement (explanatory variable) and the volume of futures market contracts with Ibovespa, indicating that, in fact, futures and present markets are integrated and can influence each other. The study aims to contribute to the literature on derivatives as only few studies were conducted in the area of risk management with derivatives focused on the Brazilian market.
Legal aspects of responsible purchasing in public institutions of higher education: a case study for the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco
Authors: De Araujo Carlos Willian Ferreira , Albuquerque José de Lima , Correia Neto Jorge da Silva , Silva Napiê Galve Araújo , Lyra Marília Regina Costa Castro , De Paulo Felipe Luiz Lima , Marinho Giovanni Giuseppe da Nobrega , Cunha Felipe Gustavo Gomes
Published: May 2023

Sustainable development is an issue that has been on the agenda for decades, but that has been taking on greater proportions over time. In Brazil, sustainable national development is a major challenge and one of the ways to ensure this development is through sustainable public purchasing (CPS), given that the government is the country's biggest buyer, thus being able to modify the consumption pattern through their practices. Public institutions have a duty to promote CPS, complying with legal determinations, but actions in this regard are still timid. The objective of this study was to identify the relevant legislation to the CPS and to investigate the actions of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco - UFRPE related to the strengthening of environmentally sustainable hiring. Throughout the research, documents and information were raised, through bibliographical and documentary research, with the objectives of presenting the legal aspects related to sustainable contracting and observing UFRPE's actions to intensify sustainable contracting in the period between 2010 and 2020. The methodology Qualitative analysis allowed us to verify the actions of UFRPE for the growth of sustainable purchases in the institution. As a result, UFRPE tries to move forward in terms of compliance with laws, such as the obligation to have a Sustainable Logistics Management Plan, which includes Sustainable Purchasing, but does not apply the guidelines outlined in the plan.
Disclosure of the sustainable development goals in the maritime industry and port sector
Authors: Diniz Natália Viana , Cunha Darliane Ribeiro , Porte Marcelo de Santana , Oliveira Clóvis Bôsco Mendonça
Published: May 2023

The maritime industry and port sector are catalysts of economic growth and development of countries. However, they can generate significant environmental and social impacts on marine ecosystems and neighbouring communities. The sustainable development goals (SDGs) proposed by the United Nations (UN) make up the 2030 Agenda and suggest a global sustainable development that needs the collaboration of various stakeholders.  In this context, the article aims to identify the SDGs most evidenced in the maritime industry and port sector from a systematic literature review using the tools EndNote, IRaMuTeQ and VOSviewer. The results pointed to SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, 13 Action against Climate Change and 14 Life on the Water as the most addressed by the studies, highlighting the guidance of the maritime industry and the port sector in contributing to sustainable development based on concern for the marine environment and climate change. It was observed that the studies identified the relevance of contributing to the SDGs. On the other hand, the practical applications were not properly described, thus making it difficult to understand the priority actions for an effective contribution to the SDGs.
Organizational Practices Advancing Racial Equity (OPARE): Development of a Tool Using an Implementation Science Approach
Authors: Danseco Evangeline , Lucente Gabrielle , Kurzawa Julia
Published: May 2023

Organizational practices to advance racial equity are needed to address the systemic nature of racism. Implementation science frameworks offer a comprehensive approach when implementing complex initiatives. We describe the development of a tool to assess organizational practices in advancing racial equity (OPARE). Findings on the acceptability, reliability and preliminary validity are presented based on 98 responses from child and youth mental health agencies across Ontario. The OPARE shows promise as a valid and reliable organizational assessment tool for helping plan, implement and evaluate racial equity efforts in community mental health settings.
Development and Organoleptic Evaluation of Vegan Honey Tender Bamboo Shoots Murabba
Authors: Devi Koushki , Singh Neetu
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study was to make a Bamboo Shoots (Phyllostachys edulis) are regarded as one of the beneficial health foods due to their high protein, carbohydrate, vitamin, fiber, and mineral composition and very low fat content. In the current study, "Value of tender bamboo shoots murabba with cinnamon, cardamom, lemon, vegan honey, jaggery," vegan honey bamboo murabba was made in the food science and technology laboratory of the department of food and nutrition at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University in Lucknow. Five different preparation methods for the vegan honey bamboo murabba. This research sought to determine whether vegan honey bamboo murabba was acceptable based on a sensory evaluation test completed at BBA University in India. Tender bamboo shoots, jaggery, vegan honey, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, juice, lemon juice, and water made up the basic ingredients for bamboo murabba. These ingredients were combined, dissolved, condensed, and made to an80°C (about 50°C) jaggery content. In a glass container, bamboo that had been heated to 50°C was placed. This sample was referred to as a cold-packed bamboo murabba. In order to sterilize it, the hot-pack murabba was heated on low temperature for 20 minutes. The bamboo was sterilized after 20 minutes and allowed to settle at room temperature. The sample that underwent sterilization was referred to as a heated murabba. Each sample was assessed using a Murabba sample, which was graded on a 9-point hedonic scale for flavor, smell, texture, appearance, and general acceptances in the sensory test. The color, sweetness, acidity, taste, and flavor of each sample were also assessed.
Analysis of Radiation Dose Distribution and Organs at Risk in Breast Cancer Using Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy Technique on A Linear Accelerator at RSUP Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah
Authors: Latifa Luqyana , Ratini Ni Nyoman , Sudarsana I. Wayan Balik , Suryatika Ida Bagus Made , Ratnawati I. Gusti Ayu , Gunawan Anak Agung Ngurah , Irhas Rozi
Published: May 2023

The aim of the study was to analyze the radiation dose distribution in breast cancer cases using IMRT techniques on a LINAC equipment, specifically examining the Conformity Index (CI), Homogeneity Index (HI), and radiation dose distribution to the OAR, including lungs and heart on a 6 MV photon beam energy LINAC equipment at the Radiotherapy Sub-Installation of Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G Ngoerah Hospital. Analysis of the Conformity Index (CI), Homogeneity Index (HI) and radiation dose distribution to the OAR, namely the lungs and heart in cases of right and left breast cancer using statistical data on the Dose Volume Histogram (DHV) graphic obtained from patient calculations using the Treatment Planning System (TPS) Monaco. The CI value for the right and left breast cancer cases is 0.9819 and 0.9942 respectively with a nonparametric statistical test result of 0.141 that greater than 0.05 which means it is not significant. Meanwhile, the HI values for the right and left breast cancer cases are 0.1211 and 0.1410 respectively with the multivariate statistical test result of 0.159 that greater than 0.05 which means it is not significant. For the dose distribution values in the lungs close and far from the cancer, the average values of 32.24% and 440.03 cGy for right breast cancer and 33.04% and 500.55 cGy for left breast cancer were obtained, respectively, with a multivariate statistical test value for both of them of 0.115 that greater than 0.05 in the lungs close to the cancer and 0.124≥0.05 in the lungs far from the cancer, which means insignificant. As for the heart, a value of 3.13% was obtained for right breast cancer and 8.02% for left breast cancer with a nonparametric statistical test result of 0.000 that less than 0.05 which means significant. This can be caused by the position of the heart in cases of left breast cancer closer to the target or cancer than cases of left breast cancer.
Biochemical Symmetrization/ Desymmetrization of Organic Compounds: Dendrimeric Relationship with Molecular Formulas
Authors: Iga Dumitru Petru I. , Popescu D. , Niculescu V. I. R.
Published: May 2023

A criterion for systematization of organic compounds is described. Organic compounds (estimated to 16-20 millions) are of three types: (A) symmetric (especially meso and C2 symmetric), (B) possible symmetry generators, i.e. compounds possessing a real or imaginary, but plausible, symmetric correspondent: irrechi (from irregular distribution of chiral carbons) and constitutional), and (C) archaic (or primitive) that are neither symmetric nor possible symmetry generators. Symmetric compounds are a minority in organic chemistry. The three groups are (bio) chemically interchangeable. In preceding papers we have demonstrated that almost all natural micromolecular combinations are either symmetric or possible symmetry generators; archaic (primitive) type is also represented in natural chemistry. On the other hand, it should be stressed that symmetric compounds, both meso and C2 symmetrical (C2 symm.) have been found almost exclusively in plants and microorganisms, and they are usually produced from constitutional (constit.) precursors. A series of symmetrization/desymmetrization reactions are presented, and the proof is evidenced that they can establish a new and coherent concept in biochemistry and organic chemistry. Symmetrization reactions can be followed according to chemical type involved: oxidation, cyclization, esterification, glycosylation, methylation, etc. This approach is valid to all major classes of compounds. A dendrimeric relationship is presented within molecular formulae.
Effect of Organic Manures on Growth and Yield of Rice Varieties (Oryza sativa L.) and Yield Validation using SPSS Model
Authors: Kumar Gandla Suresh , Mehera Biswarup , Kumar Prateek
Published: May 2023

The experiment was conducted during the Kharif season 2022, at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Science, Prayagraj (U.P.) to find out the “Effect of Organic manures on growth and yield of Rice varieties (Oryza sativa L.) and yield validation using SPSS model”. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design comprising of 9 treatments which include 3 varieties NDR-359, BPT-5204 and MTU-7029 and 3 organic manures Poultry manure 5(t/ha), Vermicompost 10(t/ha) and Poultry manure 2.5(t/ha) + Vermicompost 5(t/ha). Whose effect is observed in Rice varieties. The result showed that the treatment with the application of MTU-7029 + Poultry manure 2.5(t/ha) and Vermicompost 5(t/ha) at 100 DAT was recorded higher in number of tillers per hill (13.1/hill), and also recorded significant and higher number of effective tillers per hill (11.33/hill), number of grains per panicle (112.33), test weight (22.20 g), grain yield (5.21 t/ha) and straw yield (6.49 t/ha), Harvest index (44.45 %). Higher gross return (1,50,920.91 INR/ha), net return (1,00,770.91 INR/ha) and benefit-cost ratio (2.01) was recorded in the application of (MTU-7029 + Poultry manure 2.5 t/ha + Vermicompost 5 t/ha) as compared to other treatments. Treatment 9 has shown 44.68 % increase over predicted yield whereas there was 26.58 % increase in treatment 8 over predicted yield through SPSS model.
Knowledge Management as a Tool for Improving Work Performance in Selected Law Firms in Nairobi County, Kenya: An Assessment
Authors: Meso Alfred , Bosire Emily , Massey Elseba
Published: May 2023

Knowledge management is recognized as an important tool for sustaining competitive merit and improving performance of work. It is a means through which law firms can clout their knowledge base and intensify work performance. The assessment of knowledge management performance has become increasingly invaluable since it provides the indicator for guiding organizations to improve their work execution and competitiveness. Many law firms have no documented and planned approach to tap the organization’s knowledge and make it accessible to the staff for enhancement of service delivery. 

The study was informed by the learning organization theory. The research design for this study was a descriptive and positivism case study that was analysed largely through quantitative methods with a small qualitative component. Purposive sampling design was employed to select 222 law firms, qualitative data was collected using focus group discussions from 12 key informants supported by document review. The results revealed that most of the respondents 86.5% were aware of knowledge management whereas 64.9% indicated that knowledge management contributed to their law firm’s legal practice. From the inferential statistics analysis, there was a significant relationship and influence across different attributes examined that knowledge management is a tool for improving work performance which is, p<0.05. This was also reflected in focus group discussion results.

Awareness of knowledge management and contribution of knowledge management to legal practise were significant tools for improving work performance. The study recommended awareness forums for knowledge management.
GC-MS Characterization and Computational Assessment of Phytochemicals in Heliotropium indicum Ethanolic Leaves Extract
Authors: Faleye Bolanle Christianah , Bamisaye Fisayo Abraham , Fatoki Toluwase Hezekiah
Published: May 2023

Heliotropium indicum (Indian heliotrope) belongs to family Boraginaceae, which has wide ethnopharmacological applications such as antiulcer, antirheumatism and anti-cholera. The aim of this study was to characterize the phytochemicals in H. indicum ethanolic leaves extract using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and computationally assessed its pharmacokinetics profiles, molecular targets and infer overall medicinal application. The results showed twenty-nine (29) identified constituents of H. indicum in its ethanolic leaves extract from GC-MS, many of which are poorly soluble and have low gastrointestinal absorption (GIA). However, some of them are soluble with high GIA and could permeate blood brain barrier (BBB). The results showed that (+)-Isomenthol, and Ergost-22-en-3-ol are the two most active constituents of ethanolic leaves extract of H. indicum; targeting androgen receptor (AR) and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8 (TRPM8), which have implication in prostate cancer. Thus, H. indicum plant extract is a potential anti-PCa medicinal plants. However, there is need for in vivo and in vitro studies to validate these results, hence promoting these active compounds optimization and clinical evaluations in H. indicum.
A “lei anti-homofobia” nos jornais impressos brasileiros: um estudo dos discursos sobre o Projeto de Lei da Câmara 122 com base na Análise de Categorização de Pertencimento (ACP)//The “anti-homophobia law” on brazilian newspapers:...
Authors: Depiné Juliana
Published: May 2023

Em 2001, o Projeto de Lei da Câmara 122 (PLC 122), conhecido como “lei anti-homofobia”, foi proposto na Câmara dos Deputados, com objetivo de incluir a discriminação por orientação sexual ou identidade de gênero no Código Penal. O projeto foi arquivado no Senado Federal no final de 2014. Este artigo apresenta um resumo da seção empírica de minha tese de doutorado, que investigou os discursos jornalísticos acerca do Projeto com base em pressupostos metodológicos oriundos da Análise de Categorização de Pertencimento (ACP ou Membership Categorization Analysis, no original). Nossa pesquisa evidenciou quatro padrões analíticos, relativos às categorizações de pertencimento mais recorrentemente utilizadas nos discursos no período, sobre: I) os sujeitos LGBT, categorizados como “minorias sociais”, “vítimas de crimes homofóbicos” ou integrantes de “movimentos”; II) do Projeto de Lei em si, definido como um tipo de “censura” ou como promotor de igualdade e dignidade; III) da prática homossexual, descrita como “opção” ou “pecado” e IV) das instituições brasileiras, em que o Brasil ou as unidades da federação são categorizados em termos de um ranking de criminalidade homofóbica, em que o Congresso é definido como “conservador” ou “fundamentalista” e em que o Estado é descrito como “laico”. Além deste panorama, este artigo também apresenta a aplicação da ACP em exemplos discursivos do nosso corpus, referentes ao primeiro padrão.

Palavras-chave: Lei anti-homofobia. Discurso jornalístico. Análise de Categorização de Pertencimento.
Perception of physical rehabilitation center users about accessibility barriers and urban mobility / Percepção dos usuários de centro especializado em reabilitação física sobre barreiras de acessibilidade e mobilidade urbana.
Authors: Cruz Vanessa Vianna , Machado Wiliam César Alves , Sento Sé Aline Coutinho , Figueiredo Nebia Maria Almeida de , Pereira Rute Salomé da Silva , Monteiro Ricardo da Silva
Published: May 2023

Objetivo: Compreender a percepção dos usuários de programa de reabilitação física sobre suas experiências no enfrentamento de barreiras de acessibilidade e mobilidade urbana para comparecer nos atendimentos em Centro Especializado de Reabilitação. Método: Estudo descritivo, abordagem qualitativa, realizado na região Metropolitana I do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Dados coletados através de entrevistas semiestruturadas, analisados à luz da análise de conteúdo, abordagem temática. Resultados:  Da análise emergiram quatro categorias que evidenciaram reiteradas experiências desafiadoras no percurso de suas residências para agendamentos no programa de reabilitação, se deparando com ambientes de mobilidade urbana inadequados à circulação de pessoas com algum tipo de deficiência ou mobilidade reduzida. Considerações Finais: Os participantes experimentam situações constrangedoras que os fazem se sentir impotentes, desmotivados, frustrados e com baixa autoestima, requerendo das equipes de reabilitadoras a adoção de estratégias acolhedoras de atendimentos para que não comprometam o alcance de metas planejadas no programa de reabilitação.
Practice Patterns of Screening for Hydroxychloroquine Retinopathy in South Korea
Authors: Kim Jiyeong , Kim Ko Eun , Kim Ji Hong , Ahn Seong Joon
Published: May 2023

Importance

Practice patterns of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy screening have not yet been reported at a national level in South Korea.

Objective

To investigate the practice patterns of timing and modality for hydroxychloroquine retinopathy screening in South Korea.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This nationwide population-based cohort study of patients in South Korea used data from the national Health Insurance Review and Assessment database. Patients at risk were identified as those who had initiated hydroxychloroquine therapy between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2020, and used it for 6 months or more. Patients were excluded if they underwent any of the 4 screening modalities recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) for other ophthalmic diseases prior to hydroxychloroquine use. The timing and modalities of screening used in baseline and monitoring examinations were assessed between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2021, among patients at risk and long-term (≥5 years) users.

Exposure

Adherence of baseline screening practices to the 2016 AAO recommendations (fundus examination within 1 year of drug use) was evaluated; adherence of monitoring examinations in year 5 was classified as appropriate (≥2 tests recommended by the AAO), unscreened (no test performed), and underscreened (insufficient number of tests).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Timing of screening and modalities used at baseline and monitoring examinations.

Results

A total of 65 406 patients at risk (mean [SD] age, 53.0 [15.5] years; 50 622 women [77.4%]) were included; 29 776 patients were long-term users (mean [SD] age, 50.1 [14.7] years; 24 898 women [83.6%]). Baseline screening was performed for 20.8% of the patients within 1 year, with a gradual increase from 16.6% in 2015 to 25.6% in 2021. Monitoring examinations, mostly using optical coherence tomography and/or visual field tests, were performed for only 13.5% of the long-term users in year 5 and for 31.6% of the long-term users after 5 years. Appropriate monitoring was performed for less than 10% of long-term users each year from 2015 to 2021; however, the percentage gradually increased over time. The percentage of patients undergoing any monitoring examination in year 5 was 2.3 times greater for those who had received baseline screening than for those who did not (27.4% vs 11.9%; P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

This study suggests there is an improving trend in retinopathy screening among hydroxychloroquine users in South Korea; however, most long-term users remained unscreened after 5 years of use. Baseline screening may be useful in reducing the number of unscreened long-term users.
Glycolipids in Parkinson's disease: beyond neuronal function
Authors: Spanos Fokion , Deleidi Michela
Published: May 2023

Glycolipid balance is key to normal body function, and its alteration can lead to a variety of diseases involving multiple organs and tissues. Glycolipid disturbances are also involved in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis and aging. Increasing evidence suggests that glycolipids affect cellular functions beyond the brain, including the peripheral immune system, intestinal barrier, and immunity. Hence, the interplay between aging, genetic predisposition, and environmental exposures could initiate systemic and local glycolipid changes that lead to inflammatory reactions and neuronal dysfunction. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the link between glycolipid metabolism and immune function and how these metabolic changes can exacerbate immunological contributions to neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on PD. Further understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that control glycolipid pathways and their impact on both peripheral tissues and the brain will help unravel how glycolipids shape immune and nervous system communication and the development of novel drugs to prevent PD and promote healthy aging.
Finite‐time adaptive fuzzy tracking control for stochastic nonlinear systems with time‐delay via output‐feedback
Authors: Fu Zhumu , Lei Xinyu , Tao Fazhan , Wang Nan , Chen Qihong
Published: May 2023

In this paper, the finite‐time adaptive fuzzy tracking control issue for stochastic nonlinear systems with time‐delay via output‐feedback is studied. Firstly, a state observer and fuzzy logic systems with infinite approximation capability are utilized to estimate the unmeasured states and identify unknown nonlinear characteristics, respectively. Then, a finite‐time adaptive fuzzy tracking controller is devised by the backstepping technology. It is shown that the presented control scheme can ensure the finite‐time square stability of the stochastic nonlinear systems with time‐delay, that is, the output tracking error converges to a sufficiently small neighborhood around the origin in finite‐time, and all signals of the closed‐loop system are bounded. Finally, the effectiveness of the presented control strategy is illustrated via two simulation examples.
Model following adaptive control for the complex dynamic network with the dynamic matrix‐relation links
Authors: Li Xiaoxiao , Wang Yinhe , Li Shengping
Published: May 2023

This article formulates and solves a problem of model following adaptive control (MFAC) of nodes in the complex dynamic network (CDN) with the dynamic matrix‐relation links. From the perspective of composite systems, the CDN with the dynamic matrix‐relation links is considered as an interconnected system composed of intercoupling node subsystem (NS) and link subsystem (LS). Based on this idea, employing the Riccati matrix differential equation as the dynamic equation of LS, and the vector differential equation with the second derivative term as the dynamic equation of NS. Then, to remove the restriction that the state of LS is unavailable, an adaptive control scheme is proposed for NS with the help of constructed dynamic auxiliary tracking target for LS, such that the problem of MFAC of nodes is solved. Besides, it is proved mathematically that the state of NS is asymptotically tracking the state of the given reference model when the state of LS is asymptotically tracking the constructed dynamic auxiliary tracking target. Finally, the numerical simulation is given to verify the effectiveness of the theoretical results in this article.
Balancing MXene Surface Termination and Interlayer Spacing Enables Superior Microwave Absorption
Authors: Du Yiqian , Yan Zhikai , You Wenbin , Men Qiaoqiao , Chen Guanyu , Lv Xiaowei , Wu Yuyang , Luo Kaicheng , Zhao Biao , Zhang Jincang , Che Renchao
Published: May 2023

Surface chemistry and interlayer engineering determines the electrical properties of 2D MXene. However, it remains challenging to regulate the surface and interfacial chemistry of MXene simultaneously. Herein, simultaneous modulation of Ti3C2Tx MXene surface termination and layer spacing by alkali treatment are achieved. The electrical and electromagnetic properties of Ti3C2Tx are investigated in detail with respect to KOH and ammonia concentration dependence. A high concentration of KOH caused the Ti3C2Tx layer spacing to expand to 13.7 Å and the surface O/F ratio to increase to 33.84. Because of its weaker ionization effect, ammonia provides finer tuning compared to the drastic intercalation of KOH with a thorough sweeping of the F‐containing groups. Ti3C2Tx is enriched with conductive ‐OH termination after ammonia treatment, which achieves an effective balance with the increased interlayer resistance. Therefore, NH3H2O‐Ti3C2Tx achieves broad‐band impedance matching and exhibits an efficient microwave loss of −49.1 dB at a low thickness of 1.7 mm, with an effective frequency bandwidth of 3.9 GHz. The results herein optimize the electrical properties of Ti3C2Tx using surface and interfacial chemistry to achieve broad microwave absorption, providing a framework for enhancing the electromagnetic wave loss of intrinsic MXene.
Regulating Fe Aggregation State via Unique FeNV Pre‐Coordination to Optimize the Adsorption‐Catalysis Effect in High‐Performance Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Yang Lubin , Wang Xiaowei , Cheng Xiaomin , Zhang Yongzheng , Ma Cheng , Zhang Yayun , Wang Jitong , Qiao Wenming , Ling Licheng
Published: May 2023

Lithium‐sulfur batteries (LSBs) suffer from uncontrollable shuttling behavior of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs: Li2Sx, 4 ≤ x ≤8) and the sluggish reaction kinetics of bidirectional liquid‐solid transformations, which are commonly coped through a comprehensive adsorption‐catalysis strategy. Herein, a unique FeNV pre‐coordination is introduced to regulate the content of “dissociative Fe3+” in liquid phase, realizing the successful construction of N‐doped micro‐mesoporous “urchin‐like” hollow carbon nanospheres decorated with single atom Fe‐N4 sites and VN nanoparticles (denoted as SA‐Fe/VN@NMC). The strong chemisorption ability toward LiPSs and catalyzed Li2S decomposition behavior on VN, along with the boosted reaction kinetics for sulfur reduction on SA‐Fe sites are experimentally and theoretically evidenced. Moreover, the nanoscale‐neighborhood distribution of VN and SA‐Fe active sites presents synergistic effect for the anchoring‐reduction‐decomposition process of sulfur species. Thus SA‐Fe/VN@NMC presents an optimized adsorption‐catalysis effect for the whole sulfur conversion. Therefore, the SA‐Fe/VN@NMC based Li‐S cells exhibit high cyclic stability (a low decay of 0.024% per cycle over 700 cycles at 1 C, sulfur content: 70 wt%) and considerable rate performance (683.2 mAh g−1 at 4 C). Besides, a high areal capacity of 5.06 mAh cm−2 is retained after 100 cycles under the high sulfur loading of 5.6 mg cm−2. This work provides a new perspective to design the integrated electrocatalysts comprising hetero‐formed bimetals in LSBs.
Does Water‐in‐Salt Electrolyte Subdue Issues of Zn Batteries?
Authors: Khan Ziyauddin , Kumar Divyaratan , Crispin Xavier
Published: May 2023

Zn‐metal batteries (ZnBs) are safe and sustainable because of their operability in aqueous electrolytes, abundance of Zn, and recyclability. However, the thermodynamic instability of Zn metal in aqueous electrolytes is a major bottleneck for its commercialization. As such, Zn deposition (Zn2+ → Zn(s)) is continuously accompanied by the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) (2H+ → H2) and dendritic growth that further accentuate the HER. Consequently, the local pH around the Zn electrode increases and promotes the formation of inactive and/or poorly conductive Zn passivation species (Zn + 2H2O → Zn(OH)2 + H2) on the Zn. This aggravates the consumption of Zn and electrolyte and degrades the performance of ZnB. To propel HER beyond its thermodynamic potential (0 V vs standard hydrogen electrode (SHE) at pH 0), the concept of water‐in‐salt‐electrolyte (WISE) has been employed in ZnBs. Since the publication of the first article on WISE for ZnB in 2016, this research area has progressed continuously. Here, an overview and discussion on this promising research direction for accelerating the maturity of ZnBs is provided. The review briefly describes the current issues with conventional aqueous electrolyte in ZnBs, including a historic overview and basic understanding of WISE. Furthermore, the application scenarios of WISE in ZnBs are detailed, with the description of various key mechanisms (e.g., side reactions, Zn electrodeposition, anions or cations intercalation in metal oxide or graphite, and ion transport at low temperature).
Printable High‐Efficiency and Stable FAPbBr3 Perovskite Solar Cells for Multifunctional Building‐Integrated Photovoltaics
Authors: Yue Wang , Yang Hang , Cai Haoyu , Xiong Yiming , Zhou Tao , Liu Yongjun , Zhao Juan , Huang Fuzhi , Cheng Yi‐Bing , Zhong Jie
Published: May 2023

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) show great promise for next‐generation building‐integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) applications because of their abundance of raw materials, adjustable transparency, and cost‐effective printable processing. Owing to the complex perovskite nucleation and growth control, the fabrication of large‐area perovskite films for high‐performance printed PSCs is still under active investigation. Herein, the study proposes an intermediate‐phase‐transition‐assisted one‐step blade coating for an intrinsic transparent formamidinium lead bromide (FAPbBr3) perovskite film. The intermediate complex optimizes the crystal growth path of FAPbBr3, resulting in a large‐area, homogeneous, and dense absorber film. A champion efficiency of 10.86% with high open‐circuit voltage up to 1.57 V is obtained with a simplified device architecture of glass/FTO/SnO2/FAPbBr3/carbon. Moreover, the unencapsulated devices maintain 90% of their initial power conversion efficiency after aging at 75 °C for 1000 h in ambient air, and 96% after maximum power point tracking for 500 h. The printed semitransparent PSCs, with average visible light transmittance over 45%, demonstrate high efficiencies for both small devices (8.6%) and 10 × 10 cm2 modules (5.55%). Finally, the ability to customize the color, transparency, and thermal insulation properties of FAPbBr3 PSCs makes them high prospects as multifunctional BIPVs.