bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary tracks of chromosomal diversification in Trichopsis (Anabantiformes, Osphronemidae) fishes: New insights from a molecular cytogenetic perspective
Authors: MINGKWAN BOONYADA , SASSI FRANCISCO DE MENEZES CAVALCANTE , MUANGLENM NAWARAT , PINMONGKHONKUL SITTHISAK , PINTHONG KRIT , TONGNUNUI SAMPAN , YEESIN PUN , TANOMTONG ALONGKLOD , LIEHR THOMAS , CIOFFI MARCELO DE BELLO , SUPIWONG WEERAYUTH
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Mingkwan B, Sassi FDMC, Muanglenm N, Pinmongkhonkul S, Pinthong K, Tongnunui S, Yeesin P, Tanomtong A, Liehr T, Cioffi MDB, Supiwong W. 2023. Evolutionary tracks of chromosomal diversification in Trichopsis (Anabantiformes, Osphronemidae) fishes: New insights from a molecular cytogenetic perspective. Biodiversitas 24: 1551-1559. This study investigated the chromosomes of three Trichopsisspecies (namely Trichopsis pumila, Trichopsis vittata, and Trichopsis schalleri) using conventional (Giemsa stain, Ag-NOR) and molecularcytogenetic techniques. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with repetitive DNAs, including 5S and 18S rDNAs, and microsatellites as probes were also performed. Our results indicated a conserved diploid number of 46 (2n) for all analyzed species of both sexes, although varying in their karyotype structure. Furthermore, T. schalleri and T. vittata karyotypes were presented with only acrocentric chromosomes (46a), while T. pumila had a submetacentric pair in addition to acrocentric ones (2sm+44a). Positive Ag-NOR sites were differentially found in each species adjacent to the acrocentric chromosome's centromeric and/or interstitial sub-centromeric regions. Both 5S and 18S rDNAs vary between the analyzed species, but all were localized in multiple sites. However, the distribution pattern of microsatellites differed in each species, mostly scattering at peri-centromeric and telomeric regions. These findings show that Trichopsis species, while having a conserved diploid number, differ significantly in the distribution of repetitive sequences in their karyotypes, particularly for rDNAs. These species-specific patterns can be useful for characterizing and identifying further different species and examining the evolutionary mechanisms that drove the evolution of these fishes' karyotypes.
Mangrove vegetation and fish diversity in Kaledupa Island, Wakatobi National Park, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Hewindati Yuni Tri , Yuliana Ernik , Adimu Hasan Eldin , Djatmiko Wibowo A.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Hewindati YT, Yuliana E, Winata A, Adimu HE, Djatmiko WA. 2023. Mangrove vegetation and fish diversity in Kaledupa Island, Wakatobi National Park, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 1766-1772. The purpose of the study is to analyze the association of mangrove ecosystems with fish diversity at Kaledupa Island, Wakatobi National Park (WNP), Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. The study was conducted around the mangrove areas of Balasuna and Tampara villages. Observations and measurements of mangrove vegetation were collected using quadrats of 10×10 m2. In addition, fish data were collected on the fish catches of fishermen who used a sero (a set net). The mangrove data was analyzed using the Importance Value Index (IVI), whereas the fish diversity was analyzed descriptively and length-weight correlation. The results indicated that the Tampara mangrove was dominated by Bruguiera gymnorrhiza with an IV of 172.31, followed by akkapanda (Rhizophora apiculata) and ongke (R. mucronata) with an IVI of 68.15 and 59.54, respectively. The Balasuna mangrove was dominated by R. apiculata, followed by B. gymnorrhiza and R. mucronata, with IVI of 143.67, 93.25, and 45.84, respectively. A total of 74 fish species were found at the two sites, including 63 species of reef fish and 11 species of non-reef fish. Based on the analysis of the length-weight correlation, it was found that the fish captured around the mangrove were not well-fed. From this result, it is presumed that food availability in the study location is reducing due to anthropogenic activities like tourism and transportation. Hence, it is proposed that periodic monitoring should be carried out to enhance the ecological health of the mangroves to ensure the fishery production services of mangroves.
Estimation of the aboveground biomass and carbon sequestration in an urban forest remnant using aerial photogrammetry from a low-cost Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: PENBOON CHATCHARIN , SUPAVETCH SORAVIS , SIRIRUEANG KAMPANART , RINNAMANG SASIWIMOL , LADPALA PHANUMARD , KAEWGRAJANG THARNRAT , MEUNPONG PONTHEP
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Penboon C, Supavetch S, Sirirueang K, Rinnamang S, Ladpala P, Kaewgrajang T, Meunpong P. 2023. Estimation of the aboveground biomass and carbon sequestration in an urban forest remnant using aerial photogrammetry from a low-cost Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Biodiversitas 24: 1908-1915. For low-income nations, a low-cost Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) offers an alternative to the traditional time-intensive forest survey that requires many resources. This study was conducted in the remnant forest with the dominant tree species, Dipterocarpus alatus Roxb., forming the upper canopy. Photogrammetry techniques with UAV images were used to obtain the Canopy Height Model (CHM). The results of tree height, individual tree detection, biomass, and carbon sequestration were compared between ground truthing and photogrammetry estimation. The large percentages of trees were automatically recognized. However, due to a closed forest canopy, some trees might have been left out from the actual count, leading to an undercounting of trees and an underestimation of the aboveground biomass (AGB). The photogrammetric dataset demonstrated a good tree height extraction accuracy and did not differ significantly from that determined by ground truthing (RMSE=2.59 m and 8.24%). The mean predicted height AGB from direct measurement was 24.76 tons ha-1, higher than those obtained from single- and multi-set photogrammetry, 5.41 and 17.99 tons ha-1, respectively. AGB and carbon sequestration estimated from photogrammetry were 72.66% of the ground truthing value. The accuracy of the photogrammetry results was acceptable and feasible for detecting individual tree heights, biomass, and carbon sequestration in the remnant forest. Overall, low-cost UAV could create a cost, time-efficient, and reasonably accurate local-scale forest inventory.
Anthropogenic introduction of the Spotted Barb, Barbodes binotatus, across the Wallace Line in western Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: ASTUTI SEPTIANA SRI , HARIATI ANIK MARTINAH , KUSUMA WAHYU ENDRA , YUNIARTI ATING , KURNIAWAN NIA , WIADNYA DEWA GEDE RAKA
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Astuti SS, Hariati AM, Kusuma WE, Yuniarti A, Kurniawan N, Wiadnya DGR. 2023. Anthropogenic introduction of the Spotted Barb, Barbodes binotatus across the Wallace Line in western Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 1713-1722. Barbodes binotatus (Valenciennes, 1842) is a native freshwater fish species in the western part of Indonesia, ranging from Sumatra, Borneo, Java, and Bali Islands to the east in the Wallacea region as far as Lombok and Sumbawa Islands. We reported the first record of its occurrence in other Wallacea regions, especially in the western part of Sulawesi Island. Thirty specimens were captured from the Salu Salibo and Lantora Rivers during the field survey. Morphological examinations and genetic confirmation by DNA barcoding approach provided accurate and reliable identification for B. binotatus. The DNA data suggested that the existence of B. binotatus in the western part of Sulawesi Island, across the Wallace Line, is due to human introduction. The human introduction of non-native species, such as B. binotatus, may cause a severe decline in native ichthyo-biodiversity in Sulawesi Island. We, therefore, suggest that further studies are important to mitigate the negative consequences of this supposedly introduced species on the island.
Vacuum-assisted tissue embedding for whole-heart imaging
Authors: Wang Zhi , Xie Ruiheng , Shi Qishuo , Li Yafeng , Chang Jin , Yuan Jing , Gong Hui , Chen Jianwei
Published: April 2023

The use of combined optical imaging and tissue sectioning has potential for use in visualizing heart-wide fine structures at single-cell resolution. However, existing tissue preparation methods fail to generate ultrathin cavity-containing cardiac tissue slices with minimal deformation. This study developed an efficient vacuum-assisted tissue embedding method to prepare high-filled, agarose-embedded whole-heart tissue. Utilizing optimized vacuum parameters, we achieved 94% filled whole-heart tissue with the thinnest cut slice of 5 µm. We subsequently imaged a whole mouse heart sample using vibratome-integrated fluorescence micro-optical sectioning tomography (fMOST) with a voxel size of 0.32 µm × 0.32 µm × 1 µm. The imaging results indicated that the vacuum-assisted embedding method enabled whole-heart tissue to withstand long-term thin cutting while ensuring that slices were consistent and of high quality.
Exploring the dynamics of the quality of HIV care experienced by female sex workers living in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Karver Tahilin Sanchez , Barrington Clare , Donastorg Yeycy , Perez Martha , Gomez Hoisex , Page Kathleen R. , Celentano David D. , Smith Katherine Clegg , Kerrigan Deanna
Published: April 2023

Despite increased attention and efforts to improve HIV care among female sex workers (FSWs), they continue to have suboptimal HIV outcomes. Exploring the socio-structural dynamics related to the quality of HIV care received by FSWs is critical to further strengthen interventions to improve their HIV care continuum outcomes. In this study, we conducted two rounds of qualitative in-depth interviews with 20 FSWs living with HIV in the Dominican Republic to explore how healthcare experiences contributed to their quality of HIV care. Data was analyzed using a thematic analytic approach exploring diverse structural and relational aspects of the quality of HIV care affecting FSWs as they navigate the clinic environment. Results indicated that quality of HIV care was influenced by both structural and relational factors within clinics. At the structural level, insufficient stock of antiretroviral therapy and the financial burden created by HIV care related costs hindered FSWs’ satisfaction with their current HIV care and presented a barrier in FSWs’ ability to access HIV care services. Quality of care was also closely linked to relational aspects of the HIV care environment, including FSWs’ relationship and communication with their clinical providers, as FSWs often expressed their satisfaction with HIV care experiences based on these interpersonal factors. Lastly, personal agency emerged as an important factor contributing to the quality of HIV care, specifically as FSWs’ treatment literacy resulted in greater advocacy and demands for quality care. Programmatic efforts should be directed to improving the quality of HIV care experiences of FSWs in the clinic environment. These include addressing resource shortages, promoting positive and effective patient-provider relationships, and facilitating HIV treatment education opportunities for FSWs.
Implementation considerations in case-area targeted interventions to prevent cholera transmission in Northeast Nigeria: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Kaur Gurpreet , Salem-Bango Lindsay , Nery Ana Leticia Melquiades dos Santos , Solomon Emmanuel Chimda , Ihemezue Emmanuel , Kelly Christine , Altare Chiara , Azman Andrew S. , Spiegel Paul B. , Lantagne Daniele
Published: April 2023

Cholera outbreaks primarily occur in areas lacking adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and infection can cause severe dehydration and death. As individuals living near cholera cases are more likely to contract cholera, case-area targeted interventions (CATI), where a response team visits case and neighbor households and conducts WASH and/or epidemiological interventions, are increasingly implemented to interrupt cholera transmission. As part of a multi-pronged evaluation on whether CATIs reduce cholera transmission, we compared two organizations’ standard operating procedures (SOPs) with information from key informant interviews with 26 staff at national/headquarters and field levels who implemented CATIs in Nigeria in 2021. While organizations generally adhered to SOPs during implementation, deviations related to accessing case household and neighbor household selection were made due to incomplete line lists, high population density, and insufficient staffing and materials. We recommend reducing the CATI radius, providing more explicit context-specific guidance in SOPs, adopting more measures to ensure sufficient staffing and supplies, improving surveillance and data management, and strengthening risk communication and community engagement. The qualitative results herein will inform future quantitative analysis to provide recommendations for overall CATI implementation in future cholera responses in fragile contexts.
Lack of effectiveness of Bebtelovimab monoclonal antibody among high-risk patients with SARS-Cov-2 Omicron during BA.2, BA.2.12.1 and BA.5 subvariants dominated era
Authors: Sridhara Srilekha , Gungor Ahmet B. , Erol Halil K. , Al-Obaidi Mohanad , Zangeneh Tirdad T. , Bedrick Edward J. , Ariyamuthu Venkatesh K. , Shetty Aneesha , Qannus Abd A. , Mendoza Katherine , Murugapandian Sangeetha , Gupta Gaurav , Tanriover Bekir
Published: April 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron subvariants are expected to be resistant to Bebtelovimab (BEB) monoclonal antibody (MAb) and the real-world experience regarding its effectiveness is scarce. This retrospective cohort study reports a data analysis in Banner Healthcare System (a large not-for-profit organization) between 4/5/2022 and 8/1/2022 and included 19,778 Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) positive (by PCR or direct antigen testing) patients who were selected from Cerner-Electronic Health Record after the exclusions criteria were met. The study index date for cohort was determined as the date of BEB MAb administration or the date of the first positive COVID-19 testing. The cohort consist of COVID-19 infected patients who received BEB MAb (N = 1,091) compared to propensity score (PS) matched control (N = 1,091). The primary composite outcome was the incidence of 30-day all-cause hospitalization and/or mortality. All statistical analyses were conducted on the paired (matched) dataset. For the primary composite outcome, the event counts and percentages were reported. Ninety-five percent Clopper-Pearson confidence intervals for percentages were computed. The study cohorts were 1:1 propensity matched without replacement across 26 covariates using an optimal matching algorithm that minimizes the sum of absolute pairwise distance across the matched sample after fitting and using logistic regression as the distance function. The pairs were matched exactly on patient vaccination status, BMI group, age group and diabetes status. Compared to the PS matched control group (2.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.7%, 3.7%), BEB MAb use (2.2%; 95% CI: 1.4%, 3.3%) did not significantly reduce the incidence of the primary outcome (p = 0.67). In the subgroup analysis, we observed similar no-difference trends regarding the primary outcomes for the propensity rematched BEB MAb treated and untreated groups, stratified by patient vaccination status, age (<65 years or ≥65), and immunocompromised status (patients with HIV/AIDS or solid organ transplants or malignancy including lymphoproliferative disorder). The number needed to treat (1/0.026–0.022) with BEB MAb was 250 to avoid one hospitalization and/or death over 30 days. The BEB MAb use lacked efficacy in patients with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants (mainly BA.2, BA.2.12.1, and BA.5) in the Banner Healthcare System in the Southwestern United States.
Time to diabetic neuropathy and its predictors among adult type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Amhara regional state Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022: A retrospective follow up study
Authors: Tantigegn Sharie , Ewunetie Atsede Alle , Agazhe Moges , Aschale Abiot , Gebrie Muluye , Diress Gedefaw , Alamneh Bekalu Endalew
Published: April 2023

Background

Diabetic neuropathy is the primary cause of foot ulcers and amputations in both industrialized and poor countries. In spite of this, most epidemiological research on diabetic neuropathy in Ethiopia have only made an effort to estimate prevalence, and the information underlying the condition’s beginning is not well-established. Therefore, determining the time to diabetic neuropathy and its variables among adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at the Compressive Specialized Hospitals of the Amhara region was the aim of this study.

Methods

An institutional-based retrospective follow-up study was undertaken among 669 newly recruited adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were diagnosed between the first of March 2007 and the last day of February 2012. Patients with diabetic neuropathy at the time of the diagnosis for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), patients without a medical chart, patients with an unknown date of DM diagnosis, and patients with an unknown date of diabetic neuropathy diagnosis were excluded from the study. All newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients aged 18 years and older who were enrolled from 1st March 2007 to 28th February 2012 in selected hospitals were included in this study. Cox proportional hazard model was fitted to determine predictors of time to diabetic neuropathy, and the Kaplan Meier survival curve was used to assess the cumulative survival time. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered to be statistically significance at 95% confidence interval.

Results

The restricted mean survival time of this study was 179.45 (95% CI: 173.77–185.14) months. The overall incidence rate of diabetic neuropathy was 2.14 cases per 100 persons-years. Being aged > 60 years [AHR = 2.93(95% CI: 1.29–6.66)], having diabetic retinopathy [AHR = 2.76(95% CI: 1.84–4.16)], having anemia [AHR = 3.62 (95% CI: 2.46–5.33)], having hypertension [AHR = 3.22(95% CI: 2.10–4.93)], and baseline fasting blood sugar > 200 mg/dl [AHR = 2.56(95% CI: 1.68–3.92)] were the predictors of diabetic neuropathy.

Conclusion

The risk of occurrence of diabetic neuropathy among type two diabetes mellitus patients was high in the early period. Age > 60 years, diabetic retinopathy, anemia, baseline fasting blood sugar level > 200 mg/dl, and hypertension were the main predictors of incidence of diabetic neuropathy. Therefore, early detection and appropriate interventions are important for patients with old age, diabetic retinopathy, anemia, hypertension, and FBS > 200mg/dl.
Determining the shelf life and quality changes of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) during storage using electronic nose and machine learning
Authors: Khorramifar Ali , Rasekh Mansour , Karami Hamed , Lozano Jesús , Gancarz Marek , Łazuka Ewa , Łagód Grzegorz
Published: April 2023

The activities of alpha-amylase, beta-amylase, sucrose synthase, and invertase enzymes are under the influence of storage conditions and can affect the structure of starch, as well as the sugar content of potatoes, hence altering their quality. Storage in a warehouse is one of the most common and effective methods of storage to maintain the quality of potatoes after their harvest, while preserving their freshness and sweetness. Smart monitoring and evaluation of the quality of potatoes during the storage period could be an effective approach to improve their freshness. This study is aimed at assessing the changes in the potato quality by an electronic nose (e-nose) in terms of the sugar and carbohydrate contents. Three potato cultivars (Agria, Santé, and Sprite) were analyzed and their quality variations were separately assessed. Quality parameters (i.e. sugar and carbohydrate contents) were evaluated in six 15-day periods. The e-nose data were analyzed by means of chemometric methods, including principal component analysis (PCA), linear data analysis (LDA), support vector machine (SVM), and artificial neural network (ANN). Quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA) and multivariate discrimination analysis (MDA) offer the highest accuracy and sensitivity in the classification of data. The accuracy of all methods was higher than 90%. These results could be applied to present a new approach for the assessment of the quality of stored potatoes.
The relationship between loneliness and mobile phone addiction among Chinese college students: The mediating role of anthropomorphism and moderating role of family support
Authors: Zhang Yanhong , Li Yongxue , Xia Meng , Han Miao , Yan Lei , Lian Shuailei
Published: April 2023

Background

Loneliness and mobile phone addiction are common phenomena in our daily life that can lead to physical and psychological maladaptation. Although loneliness has been considered to be correlated with adolescents’ mobile phone addiction, the underlying mechanisms of the relation between loneliness and mobile phone addiction are still unclear. In order to address the problem of mobile phone addiction among adolescents, the association of loneliness with mobile phone addiction was explored from the perspective of Compensatory Internet Use Theory. The mediating role of anthropomorphism and the moderating role of family support were examined.

Methods

Data were collected through convenience sampling from a comprehensive university in China. A total of 582 Chinese college students (279 men and 303 women), aged from 17 to 24 (Mage = 20.22 years, SD = 1.46), participated in this study. Their loneliness, anthropomorphism, family support and mobile phone addiction were measured using well-validated self-report questionnaires. Regression-based statistical mediation and moderation were conducted using the PROCESS macro for SPSS.

Results

Loneliness was significantly and positively associated with mobile phone addiction, and this link could be mediated by anthropomorphism. Moreover, the direct effect of loneliness on mobile phone addiction and the indirect effect of anthropomorphism in this link were moderated by family support. Both these two effects were stronger for college students with lower family support.

Conclusion

The present study broadened our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms between loneliness and mobile phone addiction. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the impact loneliness can have on mobile phone addiction as well as its paths. Moreover, the results can also provide advice for parents and constructive suggestions for rationalizing college students’ mobile phone use in the mobile Internet era. Educational professionals and parents should pay special attention to the problem of mobile phone addiction among lonely adolescents, especially for those with low family support.
Reactivity of Fe-amended biochar for phosphorus removal and recycling from wastewater
Authors: Strawn Daniel G. , Crump Alex R. , Peak Derek , Garcia-Perez Manuel , Möller Gregory
Published: April 2023

Using biochar to remove phosphorus (P) from wastewater has the potential to improve surface water quality and recycle recovered P as a fertilizer. In this research, effects of iron modification on P sorption behavior and molecular characterization on two different biochars and an activated carbon were studied. A biochar produced from cow manure anaerobic digest fibers (AD) pyrolyzed under NH3 gas had the greatest phosphate sorption capacity (2300 mg/kg), followed by the activated carbon (AC) (1500 mg/kg), and then the biochar produced from coniferous forest biomass (BN) (300 mg/kg). Modifying the biochars and AC with 2% iron by mass increased sorption capacities of the BN biochar to 2000 mg/kg and the AC to 2300 mg/kg, but decreased sorption capacity of the AD biochar to 1700 mg/kg. Molecular analysis of the biochars using P K-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy indicated that calcium phosphate minerals were the predominant species in the unmodified biochar. However, in the Fe-modified biochars, XANES data suggest that P was sorbed as P-Fe-biochar ternary complexes. Phosphorus sorbed on unmodified BN biochar was more available for release (greater than 35% of total P released) than the AD biochar (less than 1%). Iron modification of the BN biochar decreased P release to 3% of its total P content, but in the AD biochar, P release increased from 1% of total P in the unmodified biochar to 3% after Fe modification. Results provide fundamental information needed to advance the use of biochar in wastewater treatment processes and recover it for recycling as a slow-release soil fertilizer.
Carleman inequality for a class of super strong degenerate parabolic
operators and applications
Authors: Araújo Bruno Sérgio , Demarque Reginaldo , Viana Luiz
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we present a new Carleman estimate for the adjoint
equations associated to a class of super strong degenerate parabolic linear
problems. Our approach considers a standard geometric imposition on the
control domain, which can not be removed in general. Additionally, we also
apply the aforementioned main inequality in order to investigate the null
controllability of two nonlinear parabolic systems. The first application
is concerned a global null controllability result obtained for some
semilinear equations, relying on a fixed point argument. In the second one,
a local null controllability for some equations with nonlocal terms is also
achieved, by using an inverse function theorem.
Interpretaciones sociológicas de la salud y la salvación, y su relevancia teológica
Authors: Oviedo Torró Lluís
Published: April 2023

Nos preguntamos si ha cambiado en los tiempos recientes la interacción entre la idea de salud y la de salvación, de sentido más teológico, y hasta qué punto los cambios percibidos redundan en la posibilidad de replantear las relaciones entre ciencia y fe religiosa. En primer lugar, un repaso a una tendencia en los estudios sobre religión y salud muestra por un lado su gran profusión y los resultados que apuntan a una influencia en general positiva de una variable en la otra. Por otro lado dichos estudios invitan a repensar algunos análisis en la sociología de la religión, en torno a su función y persistencia en sociedades bastante secularizadas, así como su carácter más decididamente “religioso”. Parece caro que dichos cambios inciden en la relación entre ciencia y fe, que puede reivindicar un discurso mucho más concreto y empírico, es decir la posibilidad de hablar un lenguaje común.
Of Feral and Obedient Cows
Authors: Bonifacio Valentina
Published: April 2023

In the Paraguayan Chaco, cattle evoke images of power, prosperity, and celebration, but they also trigger one of the quickest deforestation processes in the world. The presence of cattle in the region has deep historical roots, dating back to the beginning of the colonization process, when the establishment of a double economy based on cattle ranching and the tannin industry dispossessed indigenous people of their territories. Through a historical and ethnographic analysis of the Carlos Casado tannin company, I suggest considering domestication and ferality—and their local related idioms (amansar, anestesiar, sagua’a, señuelo, carne)—as inter-species categories crucial for understanding processes of colonization from a local perspective. In particular, I claim that practices and idioms related to the (un)domestication domain have been used to make sense of ethnic, class, and power relationships, as well as of practices of resistance. 

RESUMEN

En el Chaco paraguayo, el ganado bovino evoca imágenes de poder, prosperidad y abundancia. Pero, a la vez, es la causa de uno de los procesos de deforestación más rápidos del mundo. La presencia de ganado en la región tiene profundas raíces históricas y se remonta al principio del proceso de la colonización, cuando el establecimiento de una doble economía basada en la ganadería y la industria del tanino despojó a los pueblos indígenas de sus tierras. A través de un análisis histórico y etnográfico de la compañía taninera Carlos Casado S.A., propongo considerar a la domesticación y a lo asilvestrado—en sus distintas declinaciones: amansar, anestesiar, sagua’a, señuelo, carne—como categorías interespecíficas fundamentales para entender los procesos de colonización desde una perspectiva local. En particular, sostengo que las prácticas y los términos relacionados con el campo semántico de la (de)domesticación fueron utilizados para poner en escena y conceptualizar relaciones étnicas, de clase y de poder, como así también prácticas de resistencia.
Infrastructural Decay
Authors: Kurtiç Ekin
Published: April 2023

A growing ethnographic literature attends to maintenance and repair practices in the face of decay and ruination. This article explores the forms of decay that become an integral part of infrastructure maintenance. In Turkey’s Çoruh Basin, hydroelectric dam constructions lead to a concern about the landscape’s erosive character, which requires foresters’ practices of watershed rehabilitation in the uplands to protect the dams against sediment accumulation in the reservoirs. The work of repairing ecologies for the long-term maintenance of dams, I contend, is undergirded by the gradual decay of another maintenance labor—that is, the villagers’ arduous practices of tending landscape through farming and husbandry. Through an ethnographic study of how foresters and villagers experience the landscape under rehabilitation, this article offers a novel anthropological analytical perspective that foregrounds the continuum between maintaining and decaying, tracing the role of labored landscapes in this continuum. I argue that maintenance practices, while intending to counter decay, entail other forms of decay. 

ÖZET

Giderek büyüyen bir etnografik literatür, çöküş, yıkım ve tahribat süreçlerinin karşısında bakım ve onarım pratiklerine odaklanmaktadır. Bu makale, altyapı bakımının bütünleyici bir parçası haline gelen çöküş biçimlerine odaklanmaktadır. Türkiye’nin Çoruh Havzası’ndaki hidroelektrik baraj yapımları sürecinde arazinin erozyona yatkın yapısı bir mesele olarak ortaya çıkmıştır. Bu mesele, barajları rezervuarlardaki sediment birikimine karşı korumak için ormancıların yüksek kesimlerde havza rehabilitasyonu çalışmaları yapmalarını gerektirmiştir. Barajların uzun vadeli bakımı için yapılan ekoloji onarım çalışmalarının, başka bir bakım emeğinin—köylülerin tarım ve hayvancılık yoluyla araziye bakma pratiklerinin—zamanla gerçekleşen çöküşü tarafından desteklendiğini ileri sürüyorum. Ormancıların ve köylülerin rehabilitasyon altındaki coğrafyayı nasıl deneyimlediklerine odaklanan etnografik araştırmam sonucunda bu makale, bakım ve çöküş süreçleri arasındaki devamlılığı ön plana alan ve emekle şekillenen arazilerin bu devamlılıktaki rollerini takip eden yeni bir antropolojik analitik perspektif önermektedir. Bakım pratiklerinin, çöküş ve tahribatı engellemeyi amaçlarken, başka çöküş biçimleri içerdiğini iddia ediyorum.
Correlation and path coefficient analysis of yield and yield components of some Ethiopian faba bean (Vicia faba L.) accessions
Authors: HIYWOTU Andualem Muche , ABATE Alemu , WOREDE Fisseha
Published: April 2023

The knowledge of correlation and path coefficient analysis allow crop breeders to practice indirect selection to improve traits like grain yield which are complex in nature. The objectives of the present study were to measure association among yield and yield related traits and to identify important traits for indirect selection to improve faba bean grain yield. Eighty-one faba bean accessions were evaluated following 9 × 9 simple lattice design at one of the Bahir Dar University research sites at Mecha district in 2019 rainy cropping season. The result of correlation analysis revealed that grain yield had highly significant (p < 0.01) and positive phenotypic and genotypic correlations with plant height, pod length, number of pods per plant, number of branches per plant, biomass yield, 100-seed mass and harvest index indicating the possibility of simultaneous improvement of grain yield with these traits through selection. Path coefficient analysis demonstrated that higher positive direct effects were exerted by biomass yield and harvest index on grain yield both at phenotypic and genotypic levels, as a result, these traits could be used as indirect selection criteria to improve faba bean grain yield.
Inertni prahovi: alternativni pristop v varstvu rastlin pred koloradskim hroščem (Leptinotarsa decemlineata [Say, 1824], Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae)
Authors: BATISTIČ Luka , BOHINC Tanja , HORVAT Aleksander , TRDAN Stanislav
Published: April 2023

V preglednem članku se osredotočamo na alternativni pristop varstva krompirja (Solanum tuberosum) pred koloradskim hroščem (Leptinotarsa decemlineata), ki pri nas in v svetu velja za najpomembnejšega škodljivca te pomembne poljščine. V prispevku predstavljamo uporabo različnih inertnih prahov za zatiranje tega škodljivca. Osredotočili smo se na kategorizacijo prahov, predstavitev posameznih skupin inertnih prahov in opis ene ali več snovi, ki pripadajo specifični skupini. Poleg splošne predstavitve načinov delovanja posameznih prašiv navajamo tudi praktične zglede uporabe prašiv proti koloradskemu hrošču, s čimer želimo predstaviti potencial različnih prašiv za uporabo v praksi. Ugotavljamo, da veljata lesni pepel in diatomejska zemlja za bolj perspektivna inertna prahova pri zatiranju škodljivih žuželk. Lesni pepel učinkovito deluje proti ličinkam ter v manjši meri tudi na odrasle osebke, diatomejska zemlja pa prav tako vpliva na zmanjšanje številčnosti koloradskega hrošča na krompirju. Ostala inertna prašiva so v strokovni literaturi izpostavljena kot manj učinkovita oz. sploh še niso bila preizkušena ali uporabljena proti temu škodljivcu. Za dokončno določitev učinkovitosti prašiv bodo potrebne nadaljnje raziskave, tako v laboratorijskih razmerah kot na prostem.
On the local practice of narrative palliative care
Authors: Li Fei , Ning Xiaohong , He Zhong , Fang Jingwen , Wang Jianli , Hou Li , Jiang Yuhong
Published: April 2023

Objectives

In Mainland China, Hospice and Palliative Care are making significant progress; and meanwhile, Narrative Medicine is going through a process of localization in both theory and practice. Since the integration of the two areas in medicine, it is worth exploring practice on narrative palliative care more deeply.

Methods

Some of the authors have been collecting teaching cases in several cities by the research methods of anthropology (participant observation, in-depth interview and visual ethnography).

Results

Based on presenting a case and teaching feedback, this paper tries to show our effort in promoting and integrating Narrative Medicine education into the field of Palliative Care practice. And then we would try to explain it from two perspectives.

Conclusions

The work of education, research and clinical practice on narrative medicine in hospice and palliative care, can help us make sense of the end of life and especially help those medical students become capable of seeing the suffering around them in medical training.
Generalized Liouville theorem for viscosity solutions to a singular Monge-Ampère equation
Authors: Jian Huaiyu , Wang Xianduo
Published: April 2023

In this article, we study the asymptotic behaviour at infinity for viscosity solutions to a singular Monge-Ampère equation in half space from affine geometry. In particular, we extend the Liouville theorem for smooth solutions to the case of viscosity solutions by a completely different method from the smooth case.
越南學生華語聽辨、發音、記憶之聲調偏誤及相關性
Authors: 黃 雅菁 , 劉 德馨
Published: April 2023

提要

本研究針對華語單音節詞和雙音節詞的一聲（陰平）和四聲（去聲），對華語中級程度的 25 位越南學生進行聲調偏誤調查，並嘗試分析出系統性偏誤模式。前人研究多僅考察「發音」、「聽辨」偏誤，本研究加入「記憶」偏誤調查，用以排除「發音」偏誤中的「記憶」偏誤因素。由調查結果推論：前人研究對於越南學生發音和聽辨能力孰優孰劣之不同的研究結果，可能與研究測得的發音偏誤是否牽涉記憶偏誤因素有關。本研究調查發現：聲調「記憶」部分的偏誤率最高，其次為「聽辨」，再其次為「發音」，三者偏誤率之間皆達到統計上之顯著相關。「聽辨」影響「記憶」，「記憶」又進而影響「發音」，三者息息相關。偏誤模式方面，「聽辨」和「記憶」的模式高度一致，皆為一聲偏誤率最高，四聲次之，一聲或四聲居雙音節詞前字時，偏誤率高於居後字。「發音」則是四聲偏誤率最高，一聲次之，四聲居雙音節詞前字時，偏誤率比居後字高，但一聲居前字時，偏誤率比居後字低。
Analytical evaluation of a GAD65 antibodies chemiluminescence immunoassay for CSF in neurological syndromes
Authors: Musso Giulia , Zoccarato Marco , Gallo Nicoletta , Padoan Andrea , Cosma Chiara , Zuliani Luigi , De Gaspari Piera , Pegoraro Elena , Plebani Mario , Basso Daniela
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase isoform 65 (GAD-Ab) have been found in different severe neurological conditions associated with altered synthesis of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Serum GAD-Ab can be found in up to 90 % of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), mostly at relatively low concentrations, while high concentrations of GAD-ab are thought to be more frequently associate to a neurological condition, with levels 100-folds higher than those found in T1DM. Although CSF testing is recommended when suspecting a GAD-associated neurological syndrome, no commercial immunoassay is validated for this use and no cut-off is internationally recognized to support the diagnosis.

Methods

In this study we validated CSF testing of GAD-Ab on an automated chemiluminescence (CLIA) immunoassay that had previously shown good agreement with ELISA on serum.

Results

We tested 43 CSF from patients with typical GAD-associated neurological disorders and patients with other neurological conditions, identifying a clinical cut-off of 18 kIU/L that discriminated GAD-disease with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.921. CLIA showed good analytical performances on repeatability and recovery tests in CSF and confirmed an excellent agreement with ELISA.

Conclusions

GAD-Ab associated neurological disorders are rare but CSF testing for GAD-Ab is a common request for neurologists when suspecting an insidious autoimmune central nervous system disease. CLIA platforms are expected to be increasingly adopted in clinical laboratories due to their flexibility and reliability, therefore studies on decisional levels should be implemented for improving the interpretation and utilization of laboratory data.
Cytotoxic ketosteroids from the Red Sea soft coral Dendronephthya sp.
Authors: Ghandourah Mohammed A.
Published: April 2023

A marine specimen of the Red Sea soft coral Dendronephthya sp. was extracted with a mixture of n-hexane, diethyl ether, and methanol. One new cytotoxic steroid dendronestadione (1), five known steroids: dendronesterones A-C (2–4), dendrotriol (5), and cholesterol (6) along with 4-oxo-pentanoic acid (7) and a polyhydroxy alkane hexitol (8) were isolated from the Dendronephthya sp. extract. The chemical structures of the isolated metabolites were elucidated by the application of several spectroscopic techniques (1D, 2D NMR, IR, and UV) and mass spectrometry. The antiproliferative effect of the isolated compounds was assessed against a panel of human cancer cell lines including HepG2, HT-29, and PC. The obtained results indicated that compounds 1–4 (dendronesterones A–C) exhibited a higher cytotoxic effect than that of the other co-isolated ones. Among all examined dendronesterones, dendronesterone C showed the highest IC50 values of 19.1 ± 1.81, 32.4 ± 2.84, and 7.8 ± 0.80 µM against the three cancer cells under investigation. Interestingly, all isolated ketosteroids showed potent effects against prostate cancer cells. These findings highlight the role of ketosteroids as an antiproliferative agent against the examined cells in this study.
Dry synthesis of brannerite (UTi2O6) by mechanochemical treatment
Authors: Akiyama Daisuke , Mishima Tomoki , Okamoto Yoshihiro , Kirishima Akira
Published: April 2023

A powder mixture of UO2 and TiO2 was mechanochemically treated in a planetary ball mill under Ar atmosphere for 1 h using a tungsten carbide vial and balls as the milling medium. Such mechanochemical (MC) treatment reduced the crystallinity of UO2 and TiO2. The mechanochemically treated powder mixture was heated at 700–1,300°C for 6 h under Ar atmosphere and analyzed by X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption fine structure analysis. For comparison, a UO2 and TiO2 mixture without MC treatment was heated and analyzed under the same conditions. UTi2O6 did not form below 1,100°C without MC treatment and only the starting materials were observed. At 1,200 and 1,300°C, a small amount of UTi2O6 and equal amounts of UTi2O6 and UO2 were formed, respectively. The mechanochemically treated sample produced nearly pure UTi2O6 containing small amounts of UO2 impurities when heated above 900°C for 6 h. UTi2O6 was highly crystalline and uniform regardless of the synthesis temperature. It is suggested that the crystallinity of UO2 and TiO2 was reduced and the formation of UTi2O6 was promoted by MC treatment.
Reporting of adverse effects of pomegranate in clinical studies: a systematic review
Authors: Zare Hamid , Amiri Ardekani Ehsan , Tavakoli Ali , Bradley Ryan , Tavakoli Fatemeh , Pasalar Mehdi
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Numerous studies have shown the pharmacological effects of pomegranate, such as: anti-cancer, cholesterol-lowering, anti-diabetic, and antihypertensive features. Pomegranate consumption has also revealed some adverse effects. This systematic review aimed to explore the adverse effects of pomegranate reported in clinical studies.

Content

The keywords “pomegranate”, “Punica granatum”, “side effect”, “clinical trial”, and “case report or case series” were searched for in valid databases. Reports about adverse effects of pomegranate were also collected from several international registries.

This systematic review included a total of 66 clinical articles. Eleven articles have reported side effects of pomegranate. Twenty-one articles have recorded no side effects in the pomegranate group while 34 articles have not mentioned any side effects for this plant. The study also included 7 case report studies. The most common side effects included gastrointestinal problems, flu-like symptoms, and urinary problems. In case report studies, the most significant reported side effect was allergic reaction.

Outlook

In summary, pomegranate and its extract seem to be safe according to the reported adverse effects. Meanwhile, conducting more robust controlled trials with pomegranate products and documentation of any probable side effect is warranted.
The crystal structure of (Z)-4-amino-N′-(1-(o-tolyl)ethylidene)benzohydrazide, C16H17N3O
Authors: Qiao Ai-Li , Guo Zheng-Feng
Published: April 2023

C16H17N3O, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 8.2818(6) Å, b = 17.0495(10) Å, c = 10.2429(7) Å, β = 98.980(6)°, V = 1428.58(17) Å3, Z = 4, Rgt
(F) = 0.0629, wRref
(F
2) = 0.1461, T = 293 K.
Spanish Emphatic Possessives and Reflexivity
Authors: Eguren Luis
Published: April 2023

This paper studies the interpretive properties of emphatic possessives in Spanish (e.g.,El apartamento tiene su cocina y todo‘The flat has its own kitchen and all’), focusing on a feature that distinguishes this type of possessives from canonical prenominal possessives: their reflexive status. It is first claimed that emphatic possessives are consistently used in order to confirm and reinforce a pre-existent possession relation. Certain cases that prima facie might cast doubts on the characterization of emphatic possessives as reflexives are further addressed, showing that possessives with an emphatic meaning always behave like anaphors. The role reflexivity plays in the expression of emphasis is finally discussed, arguing that emphatic possessives belong to a group of optional non-core reflexive pronouns with an emphatic import, which also includes emphatic pronouns and the aspectual dative.
Using the Pandemic as a Pretext
Authors: Gherghina Sergiu , Mișcoiu Sergiu , Tap Paul
Published: April 2023

One of the most visible effects of the COVID-19 pandemic is on voter turnout. Earlier research concludes that the pandemic depresses turnout by looking at statistical patterns and testing the explanatory power of pandemic casualties against alternative causes. Based on the existing results, we only assume that the pandemic was related to depressing turnout but we do not know if that happened. In this sense, there is limited attention paid to people’s perspectives. This article addresses this gap in the literature and analyzes the importance of the pandemic for absenteeism through the eyes of (non)voters. It focuses on Romania, a country with a particularly low turnout in the 2020 national elections compared to the previous elections. The analysis uses 21 semi-structured interviews conducted with persons with a different sociodemographic profile who voted in 2016 but did not vote in 2020. We use inductive thematic analysis to identify the reasons behind their absenteeism. The main findings reveal that the main reasons for absenteeism are rooted in voters’ long-term attitudes toward the political system and elections. The COVID-19 pandemic did not appear to influence people’s absenteeism, but was sometimes used mainly as a pretext to stay at home.
Nutrient inputs from subarctic rivers into Hudson Bay
Authors: Lee Janghan , Tefs Andrew , Galindo Virginie , Stadnyk Tricia , Gosselin Michel , Tremblay Jean-Éric
Published: April 2023

Hudson Bay (HB), a large subarctic inland sea, is impacted by rapid climate change and anthropogenic disturbance. HB plays crucial roles in supporting resident and migratory species of birds and marine mammals, providing subsistence to coastal communities, and exporting nutrients into the western Labrador Sea. To better constrain the impact of river nutrients on the HB ecosystem and to obtain a contemporary reference point by which future change can be evaluated, we estimated fluxes of nitrate plus nitrite (N), phosphate (P), and silicate using contemporary and historical nutrient data in conjunction with discharge estimates produced by three global climate models. Concentrations and molar ratios of the different nutrients exhibited large contrasts between different sectors of HB, which is attributed to the diversity of geological settings across distinct watersheds. With respect to the needs of primary producers, river waters were characterized by a shortage of P during winter and spring (N:P molar ratios in dissolved nutrients >16), nearly balanced N:P ratios in summer, and a shortage of N during fall (N:P < 16). Southwestern rivers made the largest regional contribution to the total annual delivery of all nutrients, followed by modest contributions from southern and eastern rivers, and minor ones from northwestern rivers. While the regulation of river flow in the Nelson and La Grande rivers had no discernible impact on nutrient concentrations and ratios, it clearly shifted nutrient transports toward the winter when biological activity in the estuaries is reduced. Finally, the potential amount of new production supported by riverine N inputs was nearly two orders of magnitude (1.8 × 1011 g C yr−1) lower than the new production supported by marine nutrients (7.3 × 1012 g C yr−1). Although the potential contribution of river nutrients to new primary production is small (2.4%) at the bay-wide scale, it can be significant locally.