bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conserved RNA Secondary Structure In Cherry Virus A 5′-UTR Associated With Translation Regulation
Authors: Wang Deya , Yang Chen , Deng Yanmei , Cao Xue , Xu Wei , Han Zishuo , Li Qingliang , Yang Yang , Yuan Xuefeng
Published: March 2022

Background: A variety of cis-acting RNA elements with structures in the 5′- or 3′-untranslated region (UTR) of viral genomes play key roles in viral translation. Cherry virus A (CVA) is a member of the genus Capillovirus in the family Betaflexiviridae. It has a positive single-stranded RNA genome of ~7400 nucleotides (nt). The length of the CVA 5′-UTR is ~100 nt; however, the function of this long UTR has not yet been reported.Methods: Molecular and phylogenetic analyses were performed on 75 CVA sequences, which could be divided into four groups, and the RNA secondary structure was predicted in four CVA 5-′UTR types. These four CVA 5′-UTR types were then inserted upstream of the firefly luciferase reporter gene FLuc (FLuc), and in vitro translation of the corresponding transcripts was evaluated using wheat germ extract (WGE). Then, in-line structure probing was performed to reveal the conserved RNA structures in CVA -5′UTR.Results: The four CVA 5′-UTR types appeared to have a conserved RNA structure, and the FLuc construct containing these four CVA 5′-UTR types increased the translation of FLuc by 2-3 folds, suggesting weak translation enhancement activity. Mutations in CVA 5′-UTR that suppressed translation, suggesting that the conserved RNA structure was important for function.Conclusion: The conserved RNA secondary structure was identified by structural evolution analysis of different CVA isolates and was found to regulate translation.
Nutritional Quality of Bovine Cheeks Meal From Tannery Industry as a Protein Source for Monogastric Animals
Authors: Castro-Bedriñana Jorge Isaac , Chirinos-Peinado Doris , Lizárraga-Velásquez Flor , Ríos-Ríos Elva , Quispe-Ramos Rolando
Published: March 2022

The digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), and the concentration of digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) of bovine cheek meal (CM), included in 15 and 20% were compared. The bovine cheeks not chemically contaminated, prior to the pre-tanning stage of the hides, were collected, washed, cooked, dried, and ground for their nutritional evaluation. As the CM cannot constitute 100% of the guinea pig diet, to estimate its digestibility the indigestibility coefficients of a reference diet (Barley meal-BM) were used and assuming that the indigestibility of the BM is the same in the diets with 15% and 20% CM the digestibility of CM was estimated. Twelve six-month-old male guinea pigs were used, divided into three groups of four animals per group, housed in individual metabolic cages for the total collection of urine-free feces. The DM, CP and EE digestibility’s of CM-15% and CM-20% were 72.30, 95.71 and 78.34%, and 76.34, 96.03 and 82.37%, and the DE and ME contents were 4089.5, 3353.8 and 4129.0 and 3385.8 (P < 0.05). The results would indicate that the production of CM would be a viable option to obtain a protein meal of high nutritional value for feeding guinea pigs and could totally replace other less available and expensive protein sources, such as fish meal or soybean meal, contributing to sustainable animal production and with environmental decontamination strategies.
The effect of propolis on 5-fluorouracil-induced cardiac toxicity in rats
Authors: Barary Mohammad , Hosseinzadeh Rezvan , Liang Jackson J. , Mansouri Razieh , Sio Terence T. , Hosseini Mohammad , Kazemi Sohrab , Moghadamnia Ali Akbar
Published: March 2022

Background
5- Fluorouracil (5-FU) is one of the most common chemotherapeutic agents used in treating solid tumors, and the 5-FU-induced cardiotoxicity is the second cause of cardiotoxicity induced by chemotherapeutic drugs. Propolis (Pro) has vigorous anti-inflammatory activity. Its cardio-protective characteristic against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity was previously proven. The current study aimed to appraise the effect of Pro on 5-FU-induced cardiotoxicity in rats.
Methods
Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Control, 5-FU, 5-FU + Pro 250 mg/kg, and 5-FU + Colchicine (CLC) 5 mg/kg. Different hematological, serological, biochemical, histopathological, and molecular assays were performed to assess the study aim. Moreover, rat myocardium (H9C2(2 − 1)) and human skin fibroblast (HNFF-P18) cell lines were also used to assess this protective effect in-vitro.
Results
5-FU resulted in significant cardiotoxicity represented by an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression, cardiac enzyme levels, and histopathological degenerations. 5-FU treatment also decreased bodyweight, total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT) levels, blood cell counts, and hemoglobin (Hb) levels. In addition, 5-FU disrupted ECG parameters, including increased elevation in the ST-segment and increased QRS complex and QTc duration. Treating with Pro reduced oxidative stress, cardiac enzymes, histopathological degenerations, and COX-2 expression in cardiac tissue alleviated ECG disturbances and increased the number of blood cells and TAC levels. Moreover, 5-FU-induced bodyweight loss was ameliorated after treatment with Pro.
Conclusion
Our results demonstrated that treatment with Pro significantly improved cardiotoxicity induced by 5-FU in rats.
The Occupational Neck Pain Prevention Behaviors Assessment Questionnaire: Development and psychometric evaluation
Authors: Tavafian Sedigheh Sadat , Moradi Zohreh , Kazemi Seyedeh Somayeh , Montazeri Ali
Published: March 2022

Background: Neck pain is a common problem among teachers. This study aimed to develop and evaluate an instrument for measuring occupational neck pain preventive behaviors among teachers. Method: In order to develop a neck pain preventive behavior this study was conducted in December 2020 in two phases: qualitative, and quantitative. In qualitative phase a purposeful sample of teachers were interviewed to generate an item pool. Then content validity and face validity were performed to provide a provisional version of the questionnaire. In the next stage, to evaluate the psychometric properties of the questionnaire, a cross sectional study was conducted. In total, 146 teachers participated in this study (with a mean age 36.7; SD 8.92 years). The questionnaire was distributed among a sample of teachers. Exploratory factor analysis was used to obtain the factor structure of the questionnaire. The item-scale correlation matrix was examined to further evaluate the validity of the questionnaire. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was calculated to assess reliability and intra class correlation coefficient (ICC) to assess stability.Results: Based on analysis of the exploratory factor, 8 factors with 43 substances, that together accounted for 65,25% variances were obtained. Also, the correlation matrix in the case scale to establish the validity of the questionnaire showed satisfactory results. The results of face validity showed that 4 factors were not approved and were removed from the questionnaire. Reliability evaluation with internal consistency method (Cronbach's alpha) showed excellent compatibility (0.87). The intra class correlation reliability assessment showed that the questionnaire has satisfactory stability (ICC) (0.92).Conclusion: This study provides the reliability and validity for the Occupational Pain Neck Preventive Behaviors Questionnaire. The questionnaire evaluates occupational neck pain prevention behaviors among teachers and possibly is useful for using in other settings.
lncRNA TERC promotes gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting miR-423-5p to regulate SOX12 expression
Authors: Huang Xiaoyan , Jin Zhankui , He Yangzhi , Liu Xiao , Duan Xianglong , Xu Cuixiang , Wang Jianhua
Published: March 2022

Background
Increasing evidences demonstrate long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an critical roles in gastric cancer initiation progression. However, the biological function of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) telomerase RNA component (TERC) remains unknown in human gastric cancer. The present study aimed to determine the biological function and underlying molecular mechanism of lncRNA TERC in gastric cancer progression.
Methods
The expression levels of lncRNA TERC in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines were anaylzed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. The effects of lncRNA TERC on the proliferation, migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells were determined using Cell Counting Kit-8 and Transwell assays, respectively. Dual luciferase reporter and argonaute 2-RNA immunoprecipitation assays were used to detect the binding between lncRNA TERC and microRNA (miR)-423-5p. Western blotting was performed to measure the expression levels of SOX12, N-cadherin, E-cadherin, MMP9 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA).
Results
lncRNA TERC expression levels were upregulated in gastric cancer cells and tissues, while miR-423-5p expression was downregulated. The upregulation of lncRNA TERC was associated with a shorter overall survival in patients with gastric cancer. lncRNA TERC knockdown significantly reduced the proliferation, migration and invasion of HGC-27 and SNU-1 cells. Furthermore, lncRNA TERC knockdown in HGC-27 and SNU-1 cells significantly downregulated the expression levels of SOX12, N-cadherin, MMP9 and PCNA, and upregulated the expression levels of miR-423-5p and E-cadherin. miR-423-5p was also identified as a target of lncRNA TERC and was found to directly bind with lncRNA TERC. Moreover, miR-423-5p was discovered to directly target SOX12 to inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of HGC-27 and SNU-1 cells.
Conclusion
The findings of the current study suggested that lncRNA TERC may regulate the miR-423-5p/SOX12 signaling axis via directly sponging miR-423-5p and inhibiting SOX12 expression, thereby leading to the progression of gastric cancer. These findings may offer novel targets for future gastric cancer therapy.
Global Carbon Inequality, 1990-2019: The Impact of Wealth Concentration on the Distribution of World Emissions
Authors: Chancel Lucas
Published: March 2022

This paper estimates the global inequality of individual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions between 1990 and 2019, using a newly assembled dataset of income and wealth inequality and Environmental Input-Output tables. I find that the bottom half of the world population emits 12% of global emissions, while the top 10% emits 48% of the total. The global top 1% share in world emissions rose from 14% in 1990 to 17% in 2019. While two thirds of the inequality in individual emissions was due to inequalities between countries in 1990, the situation has entirely reversed: in 2019, 63% of the global inequality in individual emissions was due to gaps between low and high emitters within countries. Emissions from investments, rather than from consumption, represent the bulk of emissions of the rich: around 70% of global top 1% emissions come from their investments. This has major implications for contemporary debates on fair climate policies. I stress the need for more systematic data on individual carbon emissions to allow informed policy debates.
A single amino acid at PNT domain of ERG mediates its leukemogenic activity through interaction with the NCoR-HDAC3 co-repressor complex
Authors: Kugler Eitan , Madiwale Shreyas , Yong Darren , Birger Yehudit , Thoms Julie , Sykes David , Yassin Muhammad , Aqaqe Nasma , Rein Avigail , Fishman Hila , Geron Ifat , Chen Chun-Wei , Raught Brian , Liu Qiao , Milyavsky Michael , Pimanda John , Privé Gilbert , Izraeli Shai
Published: March 2022

The ETS transcription factor ERG is involved in several cancers including leukemias. We and others have demonstrated a direct role for ERG in leukemia initiation and maintenance of several subtypes of myeloid and lymphoid leukemias. However, ERG domains and co-factors involved in leukemogenesis remains largely uncharacterized and as a transcription factor it is undruggable. Here we report a critical role for the conserved amino-acid proline at position 199, at the 3’ end of the PNT domain, for ERG’s leukemogenic activity. Specifically, we demonstrate that it is required for ERG-induced self-renewal and restriction of myeloid differentiation in hematopoietic progenitor cells and for initiation of leukemia in mouse transduction/transplantation models. Mechanistically, we show that P199 facilitates the interaction of ERG with the NCoR-HDAC3 co-repressor complex. Inhibition of HDAC3 reverses ERG’s restriction of myeloid differentiation and reduces human ERG-dependent leukemic burden in immunodeficient mice. Thus, the interaction of ERG with the NCoR-HDAC3 co-repressor complex is required for its oncogenic activity and modulation of this interaction may provide an opportunity for therapeutic intervention.
Nicotiana Tabacum Tolerance to CPSMV Involves Increased H2O2/phenol Contents and Adjustments of Defense Protein Biosynthesis and Expression of Initiation/elongation Factors
Authors: Bret Raissa , Lima-Melo Yugo , Carvalho Cristina , Oliveira Jose Tadeu Abreu
Published: March 2022

CPSMV is one of the various pathogens that infect cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.), an important leguminous crop, and cause significant yield losses. To the best of our knowledge, there is no report on the reaction of tobacco, a model, non-leguminous plant, in response to CPSMV. In this study, we inoculated Nicotiana tabacum L. (var. Xanthi) leaves with a CPSMV isolate to evaluate which type of relationship (compatible, incompatible or tolerance) is established in this pathosystem and what are the plant biochemical responses to the CPSMV challenge. Tobacco plants were grown in vitro under controlled conditions and their leaves inoculated with CPSMV. The disease symptoms, the presence of the virus, and the tobacco biochemical responses were assessed in comparison with the mock-inoculated controls at 1, 2, and 6 days after inoculation (DAI). CPSMVCE modulated the activity of some enzymes and gene expression in tobacco to its own benefit, whereas, in parallel, N. tabacum actively responds against the viral infection. Accordingly, the severe disease symptoms caused by CPSMVCE in susceptible cowpea genotypes were not developed although the CPSMVCE viral particles were present in the tobacco leaves at 6 DAI. These findings suggest that N. tabacum (var. Xanthi) exhibited the patterns of a typical tolerant host to CPSMVCE. However, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of tolerance of N. tabacum (var. Xanthi) to CPSMVCE is of utmost importance to develop new cowpea genotypes tolerant or resistant to this viral disease.
Cyclosaplin analog peptides design and analysis of their cytotoxicity effects on breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) and human leukemia cell line (K562)
Authors: Elyaderani Parisa Kadkhodaei , Abbasi Elham , Asgharian Ali Mohammad
Published: March 2022

Objective: It was the aim of this study to develop Cyclosaplin analogs and assess the anticancer effects of those analog peptides on MDA-Mb-231 as well as K562 cell lines. The analogs of Cyclosaplin peptide (Cyclosaplin-2A and Cyclosaplin-7G) were designed and then investigated by online web server predictor AntiCP. The analog peptides were applied to MDA-MB-231 and K562 cells in various concentrations and for various periods of time. The anticancer potential was confirmed by the MTT assay. Hemolytic activity also was assessed. In order to investigate the apoptotic effects of peptides on cancer cells, various tests such as morphological examination, Giemsa test, and DNA fragmentation were performed. Lactate dehydrogenase leakage also was examined to confirm the effects of analogs. Results: Our experimental and computational data show that the analog peptides have anticancer potential. The MTT assay and morphological study confirmed the anticancer effects. Other tests also confirmed the anticancer effect of the analog peptides. According to hemolytic assays, none of the analog peptides possess any hemolytic activity against human erythrocytes, indicating the compounds are not toxic for normal cells. Analog peptides found in this study were shown to have anticancer potential on two human cancer cell lines.
B7-H6 is a Prognostic Biomarker for Human Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma and Correlates with Immune Cell Infiltration
Authors: Sun Ziling , Qiu Hao , Gao Shangshang , Wang Jiamin
Published: March 2022

The B7 homolog 6 (B7-H6) is a newly discovered co-stimulatory molecule of the B7 family, which found to be widely expressed in various tumors. The purpose of this study is to identify the prognostic significance of B7-H6 and its relation with immune cell infiltration in human clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database and Kaplan-Meier plotter database, we explored B7-H6 expression and its prognostic significance of ccRCC. Finally, the association between B7-H6 expression and tumor infiltration immune status was estimated via TIMER and CIBERSORT. We found that B7-H6 was remarkably elevated in ccRCC than normal kidney tissues and adjacent tumor-free tissues. Patients with high B7-H6 expression had favorable overall, disease-free survival and progress-free interval. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses demonstrated that B7-H6 expression was an independent protective factor for overall survival in ccRCC patients. Moreover, the expression of B7-H6 was correlated with differential immune cell infiltration and various immune biomarkers. This study reveals that increased B7-H6 expression correlates with favorable prognosis in ccRCC. It could be a novel clinical biomarker and provide new insights for future treatments in ccRCC.
Hypertensive crisis merging paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia after dezocine injection during caesarean delivery: a case report
Authors: Huang Liping , Yan Xi , Yi Mingliang
Published: March 2022

Background: Dezocine is a novel opioid receptor-antagonistic analgesic, which is widely used in clinic work. However, its usage in cesarean section is rare.Case presentation: A 28-year-old woman of 38 weeks' gestation (163cm, 79kg) underwent emergency cesarean section because of pelvic outlet stenosis in November 2021. There was no history of preeclampsia, anticoagulation, or hemorrhagic diathesis. The most recent electrocardiogram (ECG) during pregnancy was sinus tachycardia, and the heart rate (HR) was 108 beats/min. After the accomplishment of spinal anesthesia, the cesarean section started smoothly. After the fetus was delivered, the patient complained of pain when suturing the skin. The anesthesiologist gave her dezocine 5mg and the parturient presented with hypertensive crisis merging paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). The fastest HR was 178 beats/min and the highest blood pressure (BP) was 190/128mmHg. After Esmolol 20mg and Urapidil 12.5mg were administrated, her HR and BP returned normal range 3min later. After observation, the patient returned to the ward one hour later and left hospital after 5 days. The patient denied the history of PSVT and hyperthyroidism.Conclusion: Nowadays，dizocine has been widely used in the area of postoperative analgesia. However, its usage is rare in obstetrics and gynecology. The malignant adverse reactions of dizocine needs to be highly vigilant.
Dynamic Explicit Analysis and Prediction of Compressive Damage effects & Stress-strain response of nine Shaft Lining Composites
Authors: TOUOLAK Bénédicte TOUOGAM
Published: March 2022

In this paper, the nonlinear finite element analysis by ABAQUS was used to predict the behavior and ultimate capacity of shaft lining steel-concrete composite structures. The numerical data for designing the shaft lining structure in coal mines; the stress-strain response and damage of steel-concrete composites is deeply explore through finite element analysis and analytical methods. The present work studies the influence of thickness-diameter ratio on the shaft lining structures performance by focusing on the stress-strain characteristics, geometry imperfections, damage and deformations occurs inside the materials structure properties. The results from the finite element simulation agree very well with the experimental observations, especially with regard to load-deflection response, crack patterns at different load stages, failure modes and stress-strain mechanisms. All these indicate that the constitutive models used for shaft linings concrete by ABAQUS are able to capture compressive behavior and stress-strain response of the different Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5, Z6, Z7, Z8, and Z9 specimens. The results show that the nine models have an acceptable agreement with the experimental results for stress-strain response and progressive damage with high reliability. In this paper the traditional bearing capacity calculation formula is also used to calculate the ultimate bearing capacity of the shaft lining structures. The finite element software ABAQUS is employed for modeling, analyzing and simulation of a new high strength composite for coal mining application design. Finally, the plastic strain, compressive damage variable, tensile damage variable, compressive stressstrain curves, and load-displacement diagrams are obtained at the same time verified by incremental loading method employed on ABAQUS for solving the rationality of the shaft lining structures bearing in finite element dynamic analysis.Based on the present research, for the studied cases, the experiment results of shaft linings concrete and FEM analysis by ABAQUS were in good agreement; the mean ratios of experimental-to-predicted values for: ultimate load capacities equal to 40 MPa; the limit loop strain of steel and concrete varying between 4000 to 6000 𝜇𝜀; the limit loop stress of steel is about 300 to 400 MPa, while for the concrete is about 150 to 200 MPa. Finite element analysis and experimental results show that, as loading progressed, the strain distribution in the shaft lining structure became approximately uniform indicating the formation of a tied arch mechanism. Concrete strain distribution is nonlinear and non-conform to Bernoulli’s assumptions for strain and stress distribution; this nonlinearity is due to the shear deformations inside the structural element. The study can provide certain reference for practical engineering calculation and analysis of compressive damage effects & stress-strain response of shaft lining structures.
Clinical outcomes of exercise in people with pre-dialysis stages of chronic kidney disease: A systematic review with meta-analyses.
Authors: Traise Annette , Dieberg Gudrun , Smart Neil A , Pearson Melissa J
Published: March 2022

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a leading cause of death and premature morbidity. Exercise may potentially delay or prevent disease progression. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of exercise in people with pre-dialysis CKD on functional ability, quality of life, renal parameters, cardiovascular risk factors and inflammatory markers.Methods We searched 7 major databases from January 2000 to November 2021, using key terms related to pre-dialysis CKD and exercise. Trials comparing the effects of exercise with a control group were pooled. Meta-analyses used a random effects inverse variance model. Results Twenty-six trials (860 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Significant improvements were identified in peak VO2 (2.85mL/kg/min, 95%CI:1.31,4.40; p=0.0003); the 6 Minute Walk (54.25m, 95%CI:29.65,78.85; p<0.0001), Timed Up and Go (-0.34, 95%CI:-0.57,-0.12; p=0.003), 2 Minute Step (57.48 steps, 95%CI:27.80,87.16; p=0.0001), and Sit To Stand tests (6.45 repetitions, 95%CI:1.18,11.72; p=0.02)]; Short Form [SF]-36 General Health (5.27, 95%CI:0.25,10.28; p=0.04); SF-36 Physical Component Summary (1.91, 95%CI:0.25,3.57; p=0.02); SF-36 Mental Component Summary (2.40, 95%CI:0.37,4.42; p=0.02)]; and waist circumference (-3.17, 95%CI:-4.44,-1.89; p<0.00001).Conclusions Exercise improved aerobic capacity, functional ability and quality of life in people with early CKD. Additional evidence is needed to determine if progression towards dialysis can be delayed.
A review on the interplay between bioeconomy and soil organic carbon stocks maintenance.
Authors: Andrade Christhel , Albers Ariane , Zamora-Ledezma Ezequiel , Hamelin Lorie
Published: March 2022

Crop residues potential for the bioeconomy is often limited under the basis of avoiding prospective soil organic carbon depletion. However, when processed in the bioeconomy the biomass carbon can be partially recovered in a stabilized degradation-resistant state in the coproducts. This study interlinks the theoretical basis between the coproducts’ characteristics and behavior in soils and the use of soil models to predict the effect of replacing crop residues with bioeconomy coproducts. Stemming from a revision of over 600 datasets we defined conversion coefficients from biomass C to coproduct (Cc) and their inherent recalcitrance in soils (CR) for pyrolysis (Cc: 48%, CR: 95%) and gasification biochar (Cc: 20%, CR: 95%), hydrochar (Cc: 31%, CR: 83%), digestate (Cc: 36%, CR: 68%) and lignocellulosic bioethanol solid (Cc: 44%, CR: 42%) and liquid (Cc: 21%, CR: 46%) coproducts. Different approaches to incorporate stabilized organic matter in soil models were investigated as well as the data requirements of a variety of soil models to set the basis for model adaptation in a dynamic harvest – return of C to explore future scenarios involving the coproducts return as a strategy to increase the bioeconomy feedstock provision while ensuring the maintenance of SOC stocks.
Old and Valuable Trees of Wuzhishan, a Tropical City in Hainan, China: Distributional Patterns and Their Drivers
Authors: Cui Jianpeng , Qureshi Salman , Harris AJ , Jim CY , Wang Hua-Feng
Published: March 2022

Old, valuable trees (OVT) comprise an important urban ecological and cultural resource. Understanding their innate traits and driving factors can facilitate management, conservation and ecotourism development. This study assessed relationship between the species diversity composition, distribution, growth status, and tree-habitat of OVT in Wuzhishan City in Hainan Province, south China. We acquired tree and site data by field surveys, literature mining, interviews and laboratory tree-age determination. The results show that there are 216 OVT in Wuzhishan City, belonging to eight families and 13 genera and 21 species. Sapindaceae was the family with the largest number of species (79). Lychee was the predominant genus represented by Litchi chinensis. The overall age structure of OVT in Wuzhishan City is pyramidal, mainly concentrated in the range of 100-299a (average 163a). According to the grading norms of Chinese OVT, there are three Grade 1, 21 Grade 2 and 192 Grade 3 OVT. Tree height, trunk girth and crown width were normally distributed, mainly concentrated at ten-19 m (mean 32.1 m), 300-499 cm (mean 423 cm) and ten-20 m (mean 17 m), respectively. The overall number of individuals of OVT in Wuzhishan City was evenly distributed. The results of General Linear Model (GLM) analysis showed that the tree height of OVT in Wuzhishan City was highly significantly correlated with precipitation of wettest month (P=8.69E-04), trunk girth was highly correlated with annual mean temperature (P=9.30E-04) and precipitation of coldest quarter (P=3.06E-04), crown width was significantly correlated with mean temperature of warmest quarter (P=8.28E-03). The number of OVT in Wuzhishan City was significantly or highly significantly correlated with most environmental factors. In conclusion, Wuzhishan City has a rich variety of OVT with a uniform distribution; environmental factors have a greater impact on OVT, and it is recommended that targeted protection measures for OVT be developed in conjunction with the actual situation of the city.
Predicting European Cities’ Climate Mitigation Performance using Machine Learning
Authors: Hsu Angel , Wang Xuewei , Tan Jonas , Toh Wayne , Goyal Nihit
Published: March 2022

Although cities have risen to prominence as climate actors, emissions data scarcity has been the primary challenge to evaluating their performance. Here we develop a scalable, replicable machine learning methodology for evaluating the mitigation performance for nearly 50,000 local and municipal actors in the European Union from 2001–2018. We find that participation in one of the largest voluntary transnational climate initiatives is associated with a 1.6 percent reduction in annual emissions. Overall, these cities representing 301 million inhabitants have reduced nearly 186 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Compared to only 35 percent of external cities that have reduced emissions, 84 percent of cities participating in transnational climate governance have reduced emissions over the same time period. Participating cities reporting emissions data on average have higher annualized per capita reduction compared to cities without reported emissions. These findings provide quantitative evidence urban climate governance initiatives’ effect on global climate mitigation.
The Removal Of Copper From Aqueous Solution Using Modified Globimetula Oreophila
Authors: Ajaelu Chijioke John , Adegeye Bukola , Ikotun Adebomi
Published: March 2022

The ability of adsorbent prepared from by - product of agriculture for the removal of dye was investigated. This study was aimed at the use of citric acid modified Globimetula oreophila to remove copper from aqueous solution. The adsorbent was characterized by Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). The parameters investigated are the following: effect of pH, point of zero charge, initial copper concentration, contact time, kinetics and the effect of temperature. The optimum pH of adsorption was 5.2. Adsorption capacity increases gradually with increase in mass of biomass. The adsorption capacity decreased with increase in the initial copper concentration. 93% of the adsorption capacity was achieved in 15 minutes of contact time. The maximum adsorption capacity at equilibrium is 18.5 mg/g. The Dubinin–Radushkevich model was the most appropriate in describing the adsorption process. The Pseudo- second order kinetic model was suitable for explaining the adsorption of copper onto modified Globimetula oreophila. Thermodynamic properties related to the adsorption process were determined to be endothermic for the enthalpy change (36.3 kJmol-1), spontaneous (ΔG = -ve), and there was disorderliness at the adsorbent - adsorbate interface. The adsorption process was physisorption. Citric acid modified Globimetula oreophila is a promising adsorbent for the removal of copper from waste - water.
Spin Cross-Correlation Experiments in an Electron Entangler
Authors: Bordoloi Arunav , Zannier Valentina , Sorba Lucia , Schönenberger Christian , Baumgartner Andreas
Published: March 2022

Correlations are fundamental in describing many body systems - not only in natural sciences. However, in experiments, correlations are notoriously difficult to assess on the microscopic scale, especially for electron spins. Here, we demonstrate a direct measurement of the spin cross-correlations between the currents of a Cooper pair splitter, an electronic device that emits electrons originating from Cooper pairs in a superconductor. While it is firmly established theoretically that these electron pairs form maximally spin-entangled singlet states with opposite spin projections, no spin correlation experiments have been demonstrated so far. We use ferromagnetic sidegates, compatible with superconducting electronic structures, to individually spin polarize the transmissions of two quantum dots fabricated in the two electronic paths, which act as tunable spin filters. The signals are detected in standard transport and in highly sensitive transconductance experiments. We find that the spin-cross correlation is negative, compatible with spin singlet emission, and deviates from the ideal value mostly due to a finite overlap of the Zeeman split quantum dot states. Our results demonstrate a new route to perform spin auto- and cross correlation experiments in nanometer scaled electronic devices, especially suitable for those relying on magnetic field sensitive superconducting elements, like unconventional, triplet or topologically non-trivial superconductors, or to perform Bell tests with massive particles, like electrons.
Productive Safety Net Program and Its Impact on the Livelihood of Rural Households in Doba District, Ethiopia
Authors: Mume Abdulhakim Abdella , Demissie Solomon Tekalign , Kitila Abenezer Wakuma
Published: March 2022

The Productive SafetyNet Program (PSNP) is a major political ingenuity by governments and donors that makes millions of chronically food-deficient rural populations safer and more predictable from ongoing food relief. So, we will move mainly to cash-based social protection. This study aims at examining major features of Productive Safety Net Program and its impact on the livelihood of rural households in Doba District, Ethiopia. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to draw 220 sample respondents from PSNP beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. Household survey, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were employed to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Data were analyzed using Propensity Score Matching (PSM) and binary logistic regression model. Results revealed that PSNP increased total annual income by 39% and calorie intake by 8.4% of the PSNP participant households compared to non-participant households. PSNP has positive and statistically significant effect on food consumption and total annual income and on the livelihood of farming households. The logistic estimator also revealed participation in PSNP was significantly associated with variables such as cultivable land size, livestock holding, house roofing materials, distance from the extensions’ office and access to credit service.
Correlations between VO2max and match distance running performance of soccer players with visual impairment
Authors: Papadopoulos Chariton , Metaxas Thomas I. , Fotiadou Eleni G. , Giagazoglou Paraskevi F. , Michailidis Yiannis , Christoulas Kosmas , Tsimaras Vasilios
Published: March 2022

Background
Aerobic capacity is crucial for the performance of soccer players. However, the relationship between aerobic capacity and the running performance of visually impaired soccer players is not clear.
Aims
The aims of this study were: (a) to determine the differences of lab measured VO2max between athletes and sedentary with visual impairment (VI); and to assess the relationship between lab measured VO2max of soccer players with VI (b) with the total distance that was covered in a soccer match and (c) with physiological parameters during soccer match.
Methods
Six male soccer players with VI and six male sedentary people with VI participated in this study. An analyzed match running performance of the six soccer players during soccer matches took place using a global positioning system. VO2max of all the participants was measured in a laboratory.
Results
Soccer players’ weight was 33% lower and their BMI was 23% lower than this of the sedentary men (p = .023, η2 = .457 & p = .038, η2 = .394 respectively). The relative with body mass VO2max of athletes was 42.9% higher in comparison with sedentary men with VI (p = .002, η2 = .755). No correlations were found between VO2max and match running performance (p = .679) and other parameters during the match in soccer players with VI.
Conclusions
The results demonstrate that soccer players presented more healthy anthropometric and physiological characteristics than sedentary people with VI. The match running performance depends on the tactical role of each player in the team and the rules of the match.
Law but not order: Effectiveness of Brazil’s Native Vegetation Protection Law in preventing forest loss in human occupied areas of the Amazon
Authors: Arévalo-Sandi Alexander Roldán , Bobrowiec Paulo Estefano D. , Fragoso José , Spironello Wilson Roberto
Published: March 2022

With continued forest loss in tropical regions, it is important to understand whether and how public policies influence deforestation rates. One potentially important policy is Brazil’s “Native Vegetation Protection Law” (NVPL), passed in 2012 and popularly known as the New Forest Code. The goal of the law is to prevent forest loss; however, its success at maintaining forest is unclear. We analyze the effectiveness of the law in the state of Amazonas, Brazil by measuring forest loss in 2009 and 2012, pre implementation of the new vegetation protection law (NVPL) and comparing this to loss that occurred in 2015 and 2018, post-NVPL, in Settlement Projects (SP) affected by NVPL and Indigenous Lands (IL) and State/National Forests which were not under the mandate of the NVPL. We used these last two categories as Control Areas. Forest loss was greatest in SP during both time periods relative to two other categories considered. Implementation of the NVPL did not reduce overall deforestation in SPs. However, it did keep deforestation within the 20% limit set by NVPL in 31 of 35 SPs surveyed. In addition, forest cover decreased in only a few SPs. The variable with the strongest influence on deforestation within SP and IL was intensity of human land use in surrounding areas. We also found that IL and CU categories play an important role in maintaining overall forest cover.
Aborted infection of HBV in human sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (hNTCP) expressed woodchuck cells
Authors: Yang Lu , Zhou Di , Kächele Martin , Wu Jun , Chen Mingfa , Lu Mengji , Yang Dongliang , Protzer Ulrike , Michael Roggendorf , Song Jingjiao
Published: March 2022

Background
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major healthy problem worldwide. Because of the narrow host range of HBV, relative research was hampered by lacking of an appropriate animal model. The natural history of woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) infection in woodchuck is highly similar to that of HBV infection in human. Therefore this animal may be an valuable species for establishing an in vivo and in vitro HBV infection model to evaluate HBV DNA vaccines and anti-HBV drugs. Sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) is the functional receptor for HBV and hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection. Considering that HBV cannot successfully infect woodchuck cells possibly due to the difference of the functional domain between woodchuck NTCP (wNTCP) and human NTCP (hNTCP), therefore, we tried to make woodchuck hepatocytes susceptible to HBV infection by replacing wNTCP with hNTCP .
Methods
The sequences alignment showed the functional domain of hNTCP related to HBV binding and entry process was different from wNTCP. In this study, hNTCP was introduced into the woodchuck hepatocytes by different approaches including transduction of vLentivirus-hNTCP in woodchuck hepatocytes, transfection of plentivirus-hNTCP-eGFP plasmids in woodchuck hepatocytes, as well as transduction of vAdenovirus-hNTCP-eGFP in woodchuck hepatocytes, in an attempt to make the woodchuck hepatocytes susceptible to HBV. After check the expression of hNTCP by immunofluorescence, the hNTCP-expressed woodchuck hepatocytes were then used to test its susceptibility to HBV infection, which was evaluated by secreted HBeAg in the supernatants. In order to determine whether these hNTCP-expressed hepatocytes could be infected by HDV, the established vAdenovirus-hNTCP-eGFP transduced woodchuck hepatocytes were subsequently subjected to HDV infection, and HDV viral genome was quantified by real-time PCR.
Results
hNTCP was successfully introduced to the woodchuck hepatocytes by using above three different methods. However, hNTCP-expressed woodchuck hepatocytes could not be infected by HBV. Nevertheless, we found that woodchuck hepatocytes containing hNTCP were sensitive to HDV infection.
Conclusion
This study indicating that there exist some other key factors mediate the HBV infection at early stage which have strict species specificity, and hNTCP is not the only determinant needed for HBV successful infection.
REA: Resource Exergy Analysis - A basic guideline for application focusing on energy systems evaluation
Authors: Jentsch Andrej
Published: March 2022

Evaluating energy systems using resource exergy analysis (REA) is key to ensure that climate targets are reached in time.The reason for this effect is wastefulness. Wastefulness in otherwise GHG-free energy systems increases the amount of GHG-free energy supply required to cover a considered demand. That means that less GHG-free energy converters are available for the rest of the energy system and overall fossil fuel use is increased.REA allows to assess wastefulness comprehensively and thus obtain a key indicator in addition to GHG emissions, that is grounded in science, namely resource exergy consumption.This publication provides a basic guideline to the application of resource exergy analysis (REA) with a focus on energy systems evaluation.REA is a well-tested application of exergy analysis to the field of technology comparison that can replace the less comprehensive Primary Energy Analysis and reduce the risk of suboptimal decisions.
From Clinical Trial to Education: Methodologies, Assumptions, and Directions
Authors: Zhang Ann Yinqi
Published: March 2022

In the field of education, emphasis on evidence-based practice, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), causal inference, and process evaluation can all find their roots back in clinical trials and medical research. This response paper surveys contemporary literature in psychometrics, process evaluation, and RCTs aiming to evaluate the feasibility and limitations of RCTs as a methodology in education and provide future directions. Based on the systematic literature review, the author argues: (1) A lack of significant positive treatment effect does not indicate that RCTs are not worth the investment. (2) A careful evaluation of the intervention itself, implementation process, and measurement instrument is recommended for RCTs. (3) There is the need to reframe some causal inference assumptions in an education setting. The paper also provides several examples of reframing assumptions and comments on the caveats. In conclusion, the author foresees a promising future for RCTs in education with the appropriate reframing of assumptions, process evaluation and replication, and recognition of the validity of parallel methodologies.
An adaptive beamforming algorithm for sound source localisation via hybrid compressive sensing reconstruction
Authors: Guo Wenyong , Han Jianggui , Chen Hantao , Yu Li , Wu Zhe
Published: March 2022

In this study, a hybrid compressive sensing reconstruction algorithm called SAMP-CoSaMP is proposed. The unique combination maintains the speed advantage of CoSaMP and the adaptive sparsity searching ability from the SAMP. Afterwards, an improved beamforming algorithm named SC-DAMAS for sound source localisation is created by integrating our hybrid algorithm with the classic DAMAS. Lastly, the reconstruction accuracy is compared between the SAMP-CoSaMP, SAMP, and CoSaMP algorithms in different signal-to-noise ratio scenarios. The results show that the SAMP-CoSaMP is balanced between running efficiency and reconstruction error. In addition, we perform comparative sound source localisation simulations and experiments by our SC-DAMAS with those of the conventional beamforming method and orthogonal matching pursuit algorithm-based deconvolution approach. SC-DAMAS is superior to the aforementioned counterparts in localisation performance without the need to predetermine the sparsity value.
Policy implications based on stakeholders’ perceptions for integrated management of the Halda River: Bangabandhu Fisheries Heritage of Bangladesh
Authors: Kibria Md. Manzoorul , Dilshad Tasnima , Al Asek Abdullah
Published: March 2022

The Halda River of Chattogram is an icon being the only tidal river supporting the spawning of the genetically pure major Indian carp species. Halda is declared as the Bangabandhu Fisheries Heritage due to the broader support for movement towards its conservation. Discrete studies addressed water quality, land-use changes, ecosystem valuation, etc. without taking an integrated heritage conservation approach. This study aims to elucidate priority policy interventions for its integrated management by mapping significant constraints against Halda conservation. Published journal articles, newspaper reports, and reports on Halda from different organizations served as secondary information sources. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires from 132 respondents from the egg collectors, tobacco farmers, and the rubber dam irrigation project users living in three Upazilas adjacent to the Halda River – Manikchhari, Hathazari, and Raozan. Key informant interviews were taken from the professionals of government and non-government institutions and researchers. Egg collectors appreciated the Upazila administration (65%) and the Department of Fisheries (48%) as effectively working institutions. Administrative bodies marked pollution (73%) as the main challenge in Halda conservation. Based on findings, recommendations were made which may assist the policymakers in developing strategies for integrated management of the river.
Adoption of modern irrigation technologies in the presence of water theft and corruption: evidence from public irrigated areas in Medjez-el-Bab
Authors: Mattoussi Wided , Mattoussi Foued
Published: March 2022

Water theft carried out by manipulating water meters constrains the implementation of water-saving technologies, which themselves affect the incentives for theft. Using a theoretical model of centralized management, we show that theft is more likely when water prices and monitoring costs are high and punishment levels are weak. Adoption of water-saving technologies is more likely when monitoring costs are low and water prices are high, though only within the range of low to medium prices. The basic analysis is extended to allow for collusion between cheating farmers and the monitor. In the model, we show that collusion is more likely when punishments are weak. We test the model predictions, using data from Tunisia for the years 2012–18, relying on instruments that proxy for unobservable monitoring costs. We use the inverse probability weighting (IPW) method to correct for the potential bias arising from non-random sample selection. Although the econometric evidence supports the majority of the theoretical findings, various economic, socioeconomic, physical, and geographical factors can counteract or supplement these effects.
Power relations in the co-creation of water policy in Bolivia: beyond the tyranny of participation
Authors: Helga Gruberg , Joost Dessein , Jean Paul Benavides , Marijke D'Haese
Published: March 2022

Integrated water management is complex and requires the participation of diverse actors to identify and implement transformative solutions. However, power relations can obstruct the more inclusive and equitable experiences of participatory approaches, hence limiting the empowerment of vulnerable groups. It is thus important to study how power relations are influenced by people's interests, socio-political structures, and knowledge in the process of (co)creation of water policies. We use a case study in a rural municipality of Bolivia to address this issue. Qualitative data were collected between 2017 and 2020 and analysed using the elements of the Power Cube of Gaventa as the analytical framework. Results confirm that different factors influence power relations in the making of a water policy such as interests, access to information, habits, and customs. Actors use different forms, spaces, and levels of power to achieve their interests. Our results show the importance and need to analyse power relations prior, during and after the (co)creation of any public policy and to step away from linear and sectoral frameworks of policy development.