bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Folate-producing bifidobacteria: metabolism, genetics, and relevance
Authors: D’Aimmo Maria Rosaria , Satti Maria , Scarafile Donatella , Modesto Monica , Pascarelli Stefano , Biagini Simone Andrea , Luiselli Donata , Mattarelli Paola , Andlid Thomas
Published: December 2023

Folate (the general term for all bioactive forms of vitamin B9) plays a crucial role in the evolutionary highly conserved one-carbon (1C) metabolism, a network including central reactions such as DNA and protein synthesis and methylation of macromolecules. Folate delivers 1C units, such as methyl and formyl, between reactants. Plants, algae, fungi, and many bacteria can naturally produce folate, whereas animals, including humans, must obtain folate from external sources. For humans, folate deficiency is, however, a widespread problem. Bifidobacteria constitute an important component of human and many animal microbiomes, providing various health advantages to the host, such as producing folate. This review focuses on bifidobacteria and folate metabolism and the current knowledge of the distribution of genes needed for complete folate biosynthesis across different bifidobacterial species. Biotechnologies based on folate-trophic probiotics aim to create fermented products enriched with folate or design probiotic supplements that can synthesize folate in the colon, improving overall health. Therefore, bifidobacteria (alone or in association with other microorganisms) may, in the future, contribute to reducing widespread folate deficiencies prevalent among vulnerable human population groups, such as older people, women at child-birth age, and people in low-income countries.
The nature and operations of African migrant informal enterprises in the Mandeni Local Municipality, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
Authors: Fortunate Gumede Nondumiso , Moyo Inocent
Published: December 2023

This study investigated the nature and operations of African migrant informal enterprises in Mandeni municipality. The study utilised a qualitative approach with an exploratory research design.  The participants were sampled using the purposive sampling and the semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from research participants who were African migrant informal enterprise owners. Thematic analysis was employed as a tool for data analysis.  The study established that African migrants own different informal enterprises in which they sell a variety of goods and most African migrants do not start businesses out of their own free will, rather, they do so in response to a lack of other alternatives, which makes starting a business appear to be the only possible option. These enterprises vary in size, scale, and operations.
Development of guiding virtual reality at the Sultanate Palace in North Maluku as cultural tourism content
Authors: Marasabessy Fachria Yamin , M Effendi , Jhay Zainuddin , Ahmad Muhammad Sabri
Published: December 2023

Virtual reality is a new phenomenon that has rapidly developed over the past few years, while studies on the development of virtual reality in cultural objects such as sultanate palaces are still very few, so further studies are needed. This research aims to develop virtual reality as a guiding and promotional media for cultural tourism of the sultanate palace in North Maluku, especially the sultanate palace of Ternate and Bacan. The steps in developing Virtual reality consist of 3 steps. First, take the original image of the palace using drones and cameras. The second step is the development of 3D objects of the sultanate palace using Blender. The third step is application development using Unity and Virtual Reality tools: Smartphones and Cardboard. This research uses the SDLC Waterfall method. Testing in this study uses four stages of the testing process: (1) black box test, (2) media expert test, (3) expert test, and (4) UEQ (User Experience Questionnaire) test. The result of this research is that the availability of virtual guiding applications for the Bacan and Ternate Palaces has created an immersive cultural virtual tourism experience.
The tourism industry and the South African economy during a pandemic and recovery prospects
Authors: Redda Ephrem Habtemichael , Surujlal Jhalukpreya
Published: December 2023

The tourism industry is a substantial contributor to the South African economy. The main aim of this study is to analyse the tourism industry’s performance during the Covid-19 pandemic, with specific reference to tourism accommodation income, and to shed light on the recovery prospects of the tourism industry and the overall South African economy. The study followed a descriptive research design and quantitative method using secondary data obtained from Statistics South Africa. The data covers a span of over 16 years, from January 2007 to May 2023. Results indicated that the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry was marked by a drastic drop in total income at the height of the pandemic, which coincided with similar performance of the overall economy. The tourism industry as well as the overall economy showed a V-shape recovery with a negative trendline suggesting their recovery potential and the need for sustained efforts by industry players and policymakers for full recovery in the medium term. Among the strategies for full recovery are diverse offerings by tourist accommodation providers, intensified digital marketing campaigns and providing exceptional service experiences.
Collaborative teaching strategies used to enhance learning of accounting concepts
Authors: Ndovela Sithembele Goodman , Hlongwane Nokuphiwa Felicia , Ngwenya Jabulisile Cynthia
Published: December 2023

Collaborative teaching strategies that teachers use to enhance learning of accounting concepts were explored in schools located in the Pinetown education district in South Africa. The study employed a qualitative case study within the interpretivist paradigm. A purposive sample of five Grade 10 Accounting teachers from five secondary schools was selected to participate in the study. Individual semi-structured interviews and focus group interviews were used to generate data that was analyzed through thematic analysis. The study found that accounting teachers emphasize the necessity of using diverse collaborative strategies to teach accounting concepts. A questioning approach to the teaching of accounting was used to ascertain learners’ experiences and prior knowledge. Infusing technology and group discussions were utilized to encourage learner involvement and participation in the teaching of accounting concepts. The study emphasizes the need for accounting teachers to strengthen learners’ understanding of concepts in Grade 10 by actively engaging them during the process of teaching and learning.
As imagens do moderno em São Luís pelo álbum de Miécio Jorge, de 1950
Authors: Pflueger Grete Soares , Furtado Livia
Published: December 2023

O Álbum do Maranhão 1950 foi organizado pelo Jornalista Miécio de Miranda Jorge (1912-1975) e publicado em 1951 em São Luís. Constitui uma fonte de pesquisa importante e inédita para a arquitetura e urbanismo do século XX. Os novos edifícios retratados pelo fotógrafo demonstram a modernidade da inserção das novas linguagens arquitetônicas como o art déco e moderno no centro histórico colonial. Estas transformações urbanas e arquitetônicas, em São Luís, foram decorrentes da chegada das novas sedes dos edifícios institucionais e da renovação urbana na “Era Vargas”, na gestão do governador Paulo Ramos, entre os anos de 1937 a 1945, idealizadas pelo plano do urbanista Otacílio Ribeiro Saboia em 1936. O relato do jornalista identifica a cidade em suas modernidades e a fotografia é um importante documento para catalogação da arquitetura do século XX; as fotos do álbum de Miécio são pouco estudadas ainda, mas constituem fonte primária de pesquisa e instrumento fundamental para a identificação e valorização do acervo da arquitetura do século XX em São Luís, que atualmente encontra-se sem proteção e bastante descaracterizado. Esta pesquisa insere-se no projeto “Ideários urbanos e linguagens arquitetônicas do século XX em São Luís Maranhão”, desenvolvido dentro do curso de arquitetura da UEMA, que tem por objetivo identificar, catalogar e valorizar o acervo do século XX na capital.
Patrimônio arquitetônico da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso: obras inaugurais
Authors: Castor Ricardo Silveira , Frigeri Ana , Guimarães Maria Bárbara
Published: December 2023

O artigo tem como objetivo analisar as obras arquitetônicas que marcaram a criação do primeiro campus universitário da cidade de Cuiabá, hoje pertencente à Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT). A pesquisa consiste em descrever e caracterizar os projetos iniciais – Bloco Didático, Restaurante Universitário e Parque Aquático - e o plano diretor original da então Cidade Universitária de Cuiabá, criada pelo governo Pedro Pedrossian (1966-1970) e federalizada em 1970. Ao resgatar a história de construção do campus, espera-se demonstrar a relevância da sua arquitetura originária no processo de desenvolvimento urbano da capital mato-grossense e de modernização das práticas construtivas regionais, visto que a sua construção representou um marco na expansão urbana de Cuiabá, tanto no processo de renovação quanto na produção arquitetônica do Estado. A problemática do trabalho deriva do desconhecimento e consequente desvalorização do legado da arquitetura moderna em Mato Grosso, agravados pela necessidade de preservação do seu acervo, haja vista a recorrente descaracterização dos edifícios do período. O resgate da história de construção do campus busca o reconhecimento e a preservação do patrimônio moderno mato-grossense, expondo seu contexto de origem, suas influências e repercussões em nível regional e nacional.
Olhares convergentes para uma aproximação ao estudo da arquitetura contemporânea na América Latina
Authors: Silvestre María Victoria
Published: December 2023

Os episódios que convergiram e informaram idéias e ações no campo da arquitetura, como a forma sobre como a modernidade foi construída nos países latino-americanos, foram amplamente revisados durante as últimas décadas do século XX. A noção de «regionalismo crítico» no início da década de 1980 incentivou alguns discursos e debates que, no entanto, já estavam sendo abordados de forma factual ou «de fato» por arquitetos latino-americanos, tanto em elaborações conceituais quanto em suas produções. Assim, em grande parte, muitas de suas obras encarnam com um sentido crítico profundo, dimensões construtivas e técnicas, embora enraizadas nas possibilidades particulares de seus campos. Muitas das visões a partir das quais foram construídas as abordagens que tentam analisar a arquitetura na América Latina, persistem na idéia de uma visão tingida de idéias ligadas a localismos ou perspectivas unívocas. Assim, mais do que visões opostas ou polaridades, é pertinente apresentar algumas considerações que dão origem a uma abordagem e foco na realidade arquitetônica na América Latina a partir de uma perspectiva que encoraja a conexão e a convergência de pontos de vista. Considerando as trajetórias e os cruzamentos de abordagens entre os episódios e as diferentes perspectivas dessas abordagens, possibilita a elaboração de reflexões sobre a recente produção arquitetônica do continente, concebendo-os em um quadro mais amplo e assumindo suas particularidades isentas de adjetivos que tendem a valorar os aspectos divergências comuns e ocultas.
SUFRAMA de Severiano Porto: solução inventiva na flexibilidade da malha reticular
Authors: Lima Mirian Keiko Ito Rovo
Published: December 2023

O presente artigo faz parte de pesquisa maior sobre o pensamento e obra do arquiteto Severiano Mario Porto (1930). Dentre seus objetivos está a compreender o significado de sua arquitetura a partir da análise de algumas obras emblemáticas de sua produção. No presente trabalho, escolhemos para análise a sede da Superintendência da Zona Franca de Manaus – Suframa (1971-1974/1994- 1995). Estudar a contribuição dos arquitetos à arquitetura por meio do desvelamento do processo do projeto poderá ser de grande esclarecimento sobre a maneira como ele pensa a arquitetura. Os entraves durante o desenvolvimento de projeto são vários, há limite de tempo para a sua conclusão e o arquiteto deverá se apoiar a algum elemento do projeto para que possa concluí-lo. Para entender essa interdependência entre problema e solução, vários estudiosos mostram que os projetistas costumam fazer uma janela seletiva ou “emolduramento” (SCHON, 1983), e se apegar a determinadas ideias inicias (DARKE, 1979; ROWE, 1987) de solução antes mesmo de terem definido ou entendido completamente o problema. Diante da complexidade do projeto da sede da Suframa constatamos que Severiano Porto elegeu como “emolduramento” a indefinição do programa, considerando, por conseguinte a ideia de flexibilidade como o princípio gerador do projeto.
Modernização e Destruição Arquitetônica do Bairro da Campina, Belém do Pará
Authors: Morhy Samia Saady , Lima José Júlio Ferreira
Published: December 2023

Enquanto aspecto de modernidade, a inovação em detrimento da tradição está estabelecida em momentos de contraposição entre o “antigo” e o “moderno”. A qualidade de ser moderno, associada ao modernismo, suplanta o debate da inovação e tradição na medida em que há uma aceitação crescente do que venha a ser o modernismo em arquitetura e no urbanismo. As alterações do moderno estariam associadas às transformações que o tecido urbano está sujeito, em contínua mudança, de destruição e construção, de substituição de tipologias de edificação. A demolição de edificações para substituição por outras pode ser observada em diversos momentos da história brasileira. Sob esta perspectiva, o objetivo deste artigo é analisar, a partir das transformações causadas pela sucessivas demolições e substituções a partir dos anos de 1960 de parte do casario eclético no bairro da Campina em Belém do Pará, como foram criadas as condições mais recentes para a degradação do remanescente. Para tal, relaciona a modernização, através da verticalização, da avenida Presidente Vargas com o atual processo de degradação arquitetônica no interior do Bairro da Campina, em Belém do Pará. A pesquisa de campo aponta a existência de demanda e oferta por imóveis degradados, cujo mercado tira proveito da sua má conservação, aventando que tais evidências podem ser incluídas nos debates preservacionistas.
Habitação popular em madeira: Avaliação pós-ocupação na cidade de Rio Branco
Authors: Alves Josélia
Published: December 2023

Este trabalho consiste numa avaliação das moradias de um Conjunto Habitacional, construído em 2011 pelo Governo do Estado do Acre na cidade de Rio Branco, realizada pelos alunos do Curso de Bacharelado em Engenharia Civil da UFAC. Através de uma avalição pós-ocupação-apo, foi aplicado um questionário aos chefes de família e feitas observações quanto a qualidade e condições das moradias, reformas e ampliações realizadas, levantamento fotográfico, além de buscar conhecer a opinião e a satisfação dos moradores. As casas são constituídas por dois quartos, sala/cozinha com cobertura em telhas de fibrocimento e apenas o banheiro em alvenaria. O resultado aponta para muitas avarias e patologias dos elementos construtivos em madeira, seja no piso, paredes, forro e esquadrias. Foram constatados problemas tanto no projeto arquitetônico como na execução das habitações. Destaca-se as condições da madeira utilizada, empregada na maioria das vezes, sem o processo de secagem adequado. Conclui-se que existe deficiência na aplicação da madeira, e que isto pode estar contribuindo para o preconceito quanto ao uso deste material na construção civil. Faz-se necessário maior investimento em tecnologia e capacitação técnica para o aprimoramento dos projetos e sua execução, além de maior controle de qualidade do material utilizado em todas as suas etapas.
CUYABA GOLDEN HOTEL: Um projeto inacabado de modernidade
Authors: Castor Ricardo Silveira , Cruz Matheus , Pessoa Thaiz , Santos Gabriel
Published: December 2023

O objetivo desta pesquisa é reconhecer e analisar as qualidades históricas e arquitetônicas de um dos marcos da arquitetura moderna mato-grossense, o Cuyaba Golden Hotel, projetado em meados dos anos 1980 pelo escritório paulistano Botti Rubin, confrontando as prescrições do projeto original com seu conturbado e até hoje inacabado processo de execução. Busca-se esclarecer o potencial simbólico do prédio enquanto marco urbanístico da paisagem mais verticalizada, moderna e pujante da cidade de Cuiabá, definida pela avenida Historiador Rubens de Mendonça. Trata-se de um edifício de quinze andares estruturado em concreto armado cuja arquitetura assinala uma fase de transição da cultura arquitetônica mato-grossense e brasileira. O projeto original mescla preceitos do chamado brutalismo paulista a uma série de inovações plásticas e construtivas que marcaram os anos 1980 como um período de experimentações em torno das correntes hegemônicas da arquitetura moderna brasileira. O trabalho baseia-se em fontes primárias como as pranchas dos projetos originais e das reformas sofridas pelo mesmo durante a execução das obras. Recorreu-se ainda a entrevistas com os autores do projeto e outros profissionais envolvidos em sua construção. Espera-se, dessa forma, preencher uma lacuna na história da arquitetura moderna de Mato Grosso, ao favorecer o reconhecimento do caráter desbravador, tanto do projeto do hotel, quanto das frentes de colonização que indiretamente lhe deram origem.
Caracaraí e o olhar de Sergio Bernardes sobre Roraima
Authors: Nascimento Claudia Helena Campos , Ramalho Paulina Onofre , Furo Arleisson Fernan Pedreira , Oliveira Leonardo Rocha
Published: December 2023

O presente trabalho visa apresentar a contribuição do arquiteto Sergio Wladimir Bernardes para Roraima a partir de seus projetos e estudos voltados, especialmente, para a cidade de Caracaraí, situada no sul do Estado. A pesquisa apoiou-se na revisão bibliográfica, cruzamento de textos e fontes documentais, acrescida de dados de coleta de campo. A atenção sobre este tema surge a partir do mapeamento da produção arquitetônica moderna em Roraima, apontando para um projeto de Bernardes executado: o edifício da Prefeitura de Caracaraí. Durante a pesquisa pode-se perceber o olhar do arquitetos para as discussões e proposições no campo do desenvolvimento regional, em uníssono com os planos desenvolvimentistas para a Amazônia, a partir do que é consolidado em publicações sob a assinatura do Laboratório de Investigações Conceituais (LIC). O artigo, portanto, busca analisar as inserções de Bernardes em Caracaraí e o contexto histórico em que se insere, como consecução da proposta do LIC denominada «modelo hidráulico» que, por conseguinte, se configura não somente como importante marco da modernidade roraimense, mas também sob a perspectiva macro a que se destinava, de acordo com a política desenvolvimentista para a Amazônia, dos planos de desenvolvimento para a região da década de 1970.
O Lugar do Centro de Boa Vista
Authors: Dantas de Medeiros Ayana , Costa Graciete Guerra da
Published: December 2023

O centro de Boa Vista abriga história e origens arquitetônicas, sociais e culturais do meio urbano e pas-sou de luxo a lixo com o espraiamento da mancha urbana, a chegada de shoppings centers e o crescimento que tirou de si a virtude que carrega no nome: sua centralidade. Nas grandes cidades os centros vêm man-tendo, muitas vezes, apenas sua função econômica. São marcados por processos de degradação e exclusão social, suas terras perdem valor e tornam-se obsoletos. Porém, na contramão do processo de ocupação do espaço urbano movido pelo interesse próprio e na necessidade de revitalizar espaços que, como o centro, dispõem de boa infraestrutura urbana e localização estratégica, ganham força projetos de revitalização e requalificação em áreas urbanas centrais. Esse artigo trata da proposta de estudar a condição de centro em Boa Vista, tendo em vista a evolução urbana da cidade, que é constantemente transformada pela dinâmica do capital que modifica o espaço e que, com o abandono das autoridades, gera desprezo quanto á sua função social, histórica e cultural. Nesses termos, este trabalho oferece o embasamento teórico que busca proporcionar melhores condições de entendimento do Centro de Boa Vista, capital do estado de Roraima.
INCLUSÃO DA LEI MARIA DA PENHA NAS ESCOLAS À LUZ DA LEI 14.164 de 2021
Authors: Carvalho Anna Karoline Cavalcante
Published: December 2023

O presente artigo tem por finalidade abordar a inclusão da Lei Maria da Penha nos currículos da educação básica, uma vez que a Lei Federal 14.164 de 2021 criou a Semana Escolar de Combate à Violência contra a Mulher em todas as instituições públicas e privadas de ensino da educação básica. Nesse sentido, o Estado do Tocantins sancionou a Lei nº 3.442 de 11 de abril de 2019, que criou a Semana Estadual Maria da Penha nas Escolas. Além disso, analisar de que forma tal política pública educacional contribui para a promoção dos direitos das mulheres e redução das desigualdades de gênero como forma de prevenção de tais crimes contra as mulheres.
Prevention and treatment of cerebral vasospasm following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: McGrath Kyle , Hey Grace , Ebrahim Ghaidaa , Gilberstadt Noah , Mahan David , Lucke-Wold Brandon
Published: December 2023

Cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Post-hemorrhage cerebral vasospasm (PHCV) occurs through a complex pathophysiology, and numerous pharmacologic agents, including vasodilators, anti-inflammatories, and fibrinolytics, as well as endovascular techniques have been used to prevent and/or treat PHCV. Nimodipine continues to be the only agent with level 1 evidence, but other vasodilators have demonstrated promising results. Endovascular therapy likely has a role in treating severe/refractory PHCV, but randomized trials are needed to establish stronger evidence for this therapy. Numerous preclinical investigations highlight novel targets related to the immune response that could prove effective at improving outcomes in clinical trials. Further investigation of the glymphatic system and its role in PHCV pathogenesis could result in novel pharmacologic targets. Future trials of these therapies and combinations of existing therapies are needed, and functional outcomes should be included as an endpoint. Further exploration of the neuroinflammatory reaction following aSAH will continue to identify targetable molecules involved in PHCV pathogenesis.
Mortality Trend of Severe COVID-19 in Under-Vaccinated Population Admitted to ICU in French Amazonia
Authors: Matheus Severine , Houcke Stéphanie , Lontsingoula Guy Roger , Higel Nicolas , Ba Abesetou , Cook Fabrice , Gourjault Cyrille , Nkontcho Flaubert , Demar Magalie , Nacher Mathieu , Djossou Félix , Hommel Didier , RESIERE Dabor , Pujo Jean Marc , Kallel Hatem
Published: December 2023

(1) Background: Until December 2021, French Guiana (FG), located in South America, faced four consecutive COVID-19 epidemic waves. This study sought to analyze the mortality trend of severe COVID-19 patients admitted to the referral ICU of FG. (2) Methods: We conducted a prospective, observational, and non-interventional study in ICU at Cayenne Hospital. We included 383 patients older than 18 admitted with SARS-CoV-2-related pneumonia hospitalized from May 2020 to December 2021. The study covers three periods. Period 1 (Waves 1 and 2, original variant), period 2 (Wave 3, gamma variant), and period 3 (Wave 4, delta variant). (3) Results: The median age was 63 years (52-70). Frailty was diagnosed in 36 patients over 70 (32.4%). Only 4.8% of patients were vaccinated. The median ICU LOS was 10 days (6-19). Hospital mortality was 37.3%. It was 30.9% in period 1, 36.6% in period 2 (p=0.329 vs. period 1), and 47.1% in period 3 (0.015 vs. period 1). In multivariate analysis, independent factors associated with hospital mortality were age more than 40 years (]40-60 years] OR=5.2, 95%CI: 1.4-19.5; (]60-70 years] OR=8.5 95%CI: 2.2-32; (]70+ years] OR=17.9, 95%CI: 4.5-70.9), frailty (OR=5.6, 95%CI: 2.2-17.2), immunosuppression (OR=2.6, 95%CI: 1.05-6.7), and MV use (OR=11, 95%CI: 6.1-19.9). This model had an overall sensitivity of 72%, a specificity of 80.4%, a positive predictive value of 68.7%, and a negative predictive value of 82.8%. (4) Conclusions: The mortality of severe COVID-19 patients in French Amazonia was higher during the delta variant wave. This over-death is explained by the virulence of the responsible SARS-CoV-2 variant and the under-vaccination coverage of the studied population.
What Health Concerns Could Micro and Nanoplastics Pose for Infants? A Review
Authors: Ragusa Antonio , Rinaldo Denise
Published: December 2023

Microplastics and nanoplastics (MP/NPs) have been found everywhere they have been searched. On the top of Everest, in the Mariana Trench, on the clouds e recently, microplastics have been discovered in the human placenta, meconium and babies’ feces. In this review we explain what the consequences of the presence of these pollutants in fetuses and newborns are, with particular attention to human breastfeeding. Finally, we outline the possible political and social solutions to the problem of plastic overproduction that characterizes the modern world.
Passive Surveillance as a Key Tool to African Swine Fever Eradications in Wild Boar: A Standardized Protocol to Find the Carcasses in Mediterranean Area.
Authors: Coradduzza Elisabetta , Loi Federica , Porcu Francesca , Mandas Daniela , Secci Fabio , Pisanu Marco Efisio , Pasini Cinzia , Zuddas Carlo , Cherchi Marcella , Denurra Daniele , Bandino Ennio , Pintore Antonio , Guberti Vittorio , Cappai Stefano
Published: December 2023

African Swine Fever (ASF) is one of the most important and serious contagious haemorrhagic viral disease of domestic pigs and wild boar, associated to high mortality rates and great sanitary and socioeconomic impact on international trade in animal and swine products. The early detection of the disease is often hampered by an inadequate surveillance. Among the surveillance strategies, passive surveillance of wild boar was considered the most effective for controlling African swine fever virus (ASFV). Otherwise, the design of a sufficiently sensitive ASF surveillance system re-quires a solid understanding of the epidemiology related to the local eco-social context, especially in absence of virus detection. Even if the number of carcasses needed to demonstrate the ASF eradication has been established, the scientific context is poor of details on protocols applied to active search the wild boar carcasses. The aim of the study was to describe the strategy applied for passive surveillance implemented in Sardinia, providing detailed information on the protocol applied in the field in term of number of people, dogs, time and space used to active search car-casses in the Mediterranean area. Using a specific tool developed to record, trace, and share on field data (GAIA Observer App), a total of 33 activities for active search the wild boar carcasses were organized during 2021-2023. Most of these activities were planned to find carcasses previously reported by hunters. A total of 24 carcasses were found, only 2 carcasses were not previously reported. The final protocol applied involved 4 people, with an average speed of 1.5 km/hour. When the carcass was reported, about 2 km of distance should be covered in about 1.5 hours to find the carcasses, and even less time was spent when the dog (not trained) was present. In conclusion, it can be stated that for searching for carcasses it is first mandatory a good collaboration with hunters or other forest visitors to report the carcasses, and involve small groups of expert people to active search the carcasses, possible with the use of hunting dogs with no special training.
The Latest Trends in Cryopreservation of Fungi
Authors: Eichlerová Ivana
Published: December 2023

Fungi belong to the species with the highest biodiversity and high potential for use in biotechnology and industry. Therefore, their long-term quality conservation is very important and it is necessary to continuously develop new methods and improve existing methods. Currently, cryopreservation appears to be the best available technique for the preservation of fungi. This study summarises the latest trends and advances in fungal cryopreservation over the last 7 years, i.e. findings from scientific publications from 2017 to 2023 dealing with cryopreservation of both basidiomycetes and non-basidiomycete fungi. The work analyzed the studied organisms and the cryopreservation method used, focused on the use of new procedures and modifications of existing methods; summarized the conditions for successful cryopreservation, such as cryopreservation time and temperature, as well as the substrate and cryoprotectant used.
Alterations in Gene Expression during Incompatible Interaction between Amendoim Cavalo Common Bean and Colletotrichum lindemuthianum
Authors: Lovatto Maike , Vidigal Filho Pedro Soares , Gonçalves Vidigal Maria Celeste , Vaz Bisneta Mariana , Calvi Alexandre Catto , Gilio Thiago Alexandre Santana , Nascimento Eduardo Ansilieiro , Melotto Maeli
Published: December 2023

Anthracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, poses a significant and widespread threat to the common bean crop. The use of plant genetic resistance has proven to be the most effective strategy for managing anthracnose disease. The Amendoim Cavalo (AC) Andean cultivar has resistance against multiple races of C. lindemuthianum, which is conferred by the Co-AC gene. Fine mapping of this resistance gene to common bean chromosome Pv01 enabled the identification of Phvul.001G244300, Phvul.001G244400, and Phvul.001G244500 candidate genes for further validation. In this study, we assessed the relative expression of Co-AC candidate genes, as well as other putative genes in vicinity of this locus and known resistance genes, in the AC cultivar following inoculation with the race 73 of C. lindemuthianum. Gene expression analysis revealed significantly higher expression levels of Phvul.001G244500. Notably, Phvul.001G244500 encodes a putative Basic Helix-Loop-Helix transcription factor, suggesting its involvement in the regulation of defense responses. Furthermore, we observed a significant modulation of the expression of defense related genes PR1a, PR1b, and PR2, in a time-course experiment. These findings contribute to the development of improved strategies for breeding anthracnose-resistant common bean cultivars, thereby mitigating the impact of this pathogen on crop yields and ensuring sustainable bean production.
Secure Cloud Computing By A dual-Layer Encryption Mechanism
Authors: Jabber Sanaa Ali , Hashem Soukaena , Jafer Shtha
Published: December 2023

: In today’s rapidly expanding era of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), the emphasis on robust data security and insightful data interpreta- tion is more pronounced than ever. This research introduces a comprehensive approach to both data protection and predictive analytics, leveraging the diverse dataset TON IoT.csv, sourced from a myriad of IoT and IIoT environments. For data security, a dual-encryption technique incorporating both AES and RSA algorithms is established. Its efficacy is evidenced by a perfect match between the original and decrypted datasets, underscoring the integrity of our encryption process. Concurrently, the study ventures into predictive modeling using a modified Snake Optimization Algorithm (SOA) to streamline hyperparameter selection. This subsequently aids in the development and fine-tuning of an LSTM network, which exhibits remarkable predictive accuracy. Additionally, the paper provides an in-depth examination of various encryption methodologies like elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), Lightweight Cryptography for Cloud computing, and homomorphic encryption, while also emphasizing the nuances of encryption in cloud setups, particularly contrasting server-side with client-side encryption and efficient key management. The insights presented serve as a cornerstone for ensuing research, promising a bright future for advancements in IoT and IIoT data protection and analysis
Genome Analysis of Epsilon Crass-like Phages Revealed That Some of Them Can Be Temperate Phages Encoding Atypical Diversity-Generating Retroelements
Authors: Babkin Igor V. , Tikunov Artem Y. , Baykov Ivan K. , Morozova Vera V. , Tikunova Nina V.
Published: December 2023

СrAss-like phages play an important role in maintaining ecological balance in the human intestine microbiome. However, their lifestyle and genetic diversity are still insufficiently studied. In this study, a novel CrAssE-Sib phage genome belonging to the epsilon сrAss-like phage genomes was found. Detailed analysis indicated that CrAssE-Sib encodes unusual proteins – DNA primase, virion RNA polymerase, prophage antirepressor, and transcriptional repressor, as well as reverse transcriptase (RT) and receptor binding protein (RBP) that are part of diversity-generating retroelement (DGR). Comparative analysis showed that all epsilon сrAss-like phages are divided into two putative genera, which were proposed to name Epsilonunovirus and Epsilonduovirus; CrAssE-Sib belongs to the first of them. RT from CrAssE-Sib and several Epsilonunoviruses contains a specific motif in its fourth domain that was not previously found in RTs from phage and bacterial DGRs. In addition, RBP from CrAssE-Sib and all Epsilonunoviruses has a unique structure. The presence of the conservative prophage repressor and anti–repressors that belong to the lysogenic-to-lytic cycle switches indicate that CrAssE-Sib and other Epsilonunoviruses could be temperate. Epsilon сrAss-like phage substantially differ from other crAss-like phages, including zeta сrAss-like phages. This fact indicates the need to isolate these phages into a separate family.
The Impact of Household Dynamics on Land Use Change in China: Past Experiences and Future Implications
Authors: Luo Yaxue , Chen Ruishan , Xiong Bo , Jia Nan , Guo Xiaona , Yin Chenglong , Song Wen
Published: December 2023

Population is the main driver of land systems and environmental change. However, the population is usually treated as a variable that only considers the population number, and the multidimensional population structure is largely ignored. There has been a systematic transition of population structure in the past several decades, such as the changing household structure, the increasing aging population and divorce rate, and human migration. All these have direct or indirect impacts on land use and environmental issues. Here, we will take China as an example to examine the relationship between household dynamics and land use change in China by exam-ining changes in household structure and land use change in China between 1980 and 2020. The results show:1) the number of households increased by 130.95% from 1980 to 2020, while the population only increased by 42.83%. The size of households decreased from 4.41 to 2.92 in China from 1982 to 2020. The household dynamics vary from province to province, which is affected by urbanization rate and economic development. 2) Birth rates, divorce rates, population aging, and migration all affect household structure, which directly or indirectly affects changes in land use systems. 3) The changes in China's land use are interlinked and interact with changes in household structure, evident in the increase in residential land use and the abandonment of arable land. The rising household number increased the area of urban and rural settlement, leading to the fragmentation of cultivated land and the reduction of ecological land. To regulate land use change for sustainable development, future land use planning should take into effect of household dynamics, and reduce the negative effects of household dynamics on land systems and environmental change.
Loading of the Hip and Knee During Swimming
Authors: Zhou Sijia , Bender Alwina , Kutzner Ines , Dymke Jörn , Maleitzke Tazio , Perka Carsten , Duda Georg N. , Winkler Tobias , Damm Philipp
Published: December 2023

Background:

Swimming is commonly recommended as postoperative rehabilitation following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). So far, in vivo hip and knee joint loads during swimming remain undescribed.

Methods:

In vivo hip and knee joint loads were measured in 6 patients who underwent THA and 5 patients who underwent TKA with instrumented joint implants. Joint loads, including the resultant joint contact force (FRes), torsional moment around the femoral shaft axis or the tibial axis (MTors), bending moment at the middle of the femoral neck (MBend), torsional moment around the femoral neck axis (MTne), and medial force ratio (MFR) in the knee, were measured during breaststroke swimming at 0.5, 0.6, and 0.7 m/s and the breaststroke and crawl kicks at 0.5 and 1.0 m/s.

Results:

The ranges of the median maximal FRes were 157% to 193% of body weight for the hip and 93% to 145% of body weight for the knee during breaststroke swimming. Greater maxima of FRes (hip and knee), MTors (hip and knee), MBend (hip), and MTne (hip) were observed with higher breaststroke swimming velocities, but significance was only identified between 0.5 and 0.6 m/s in FRes (p = 0.028), MTors (p = 0.028), and MBend (p = 0.028) and between 0.5 and 0.7 m/s in FRes (p = 0.045) in hips. No difference was found in maximal MFR between different breaststroke swimming velocities. The maximal FRes was significantly positively correlated with the breaststroke swimming velocity (hip: r = 0.541; p < 0.05; and knee: r = 0.414; p < 0.001). The maximal FRes (hip and knee) and moments (hip) were higher in the crawl kick than in the breaststroke kick, and a significant difference was recognized in FRes Max for the hip: median, 179% versus 118% of body weight (p = 0.028) for 0.5 m/s and 166% versus 133% of body weight (p = 0.028) for 1.0 m/s.

Conclusions:

Swimming is a safe and low-impact activity, particularly recommended for patients who undergo THA or TKA. Hip and knee joint loads are greater with higher swimming velocities and can be influenced by swimming styles. Nevertheless, concrete suggestions to patients who undergo arthroplasty on swimming should involve individual considerations.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Insights from the Analysis of Ancient and Modern DNAs with Population-specific SNPs
Authors: Shi Gang
Published: December 2023

Studies of ancient and modern DNAs have substantially improved our understanding of the early history of human populations. Despite the advancement of whole-genome sequencing technologies, present studies of ancient DNAs (aDNAs) are largely based on a panel of preselected genomic variants; thus, valuable genetic information in aDNAs is not being fully explored. In this work, we analyze genotype data from 19 ancient and 16 modern high-coverage shotgun human genomes. We used modern populations from the 1000 Genomes Project and the Human Genome Diversity Project as reference populations and selected SNPs that were polymorphic in one reference population and monomorphic in the others. With the population-specific SNPs, we conducted ancestral spectrum analyses on the 19 aDNAs and the 16 modern DNAs to determine their coancestries with the modern reference populations. We show that ancestral spectrum analyses effectively reveal the genetic affinity between aDNAs and modern populations, which is also true for modern DNAs. Regarding the 11 aDNAs with normal transition to transversion ratios, the results agree with previous analyses. The other 8 aDNAs with excessive transition to transversion ratios revealed ancestral spectra indicative of a high level of DNA damage that cannot be fully explained by postmortem cytosine deamination. Additional biochemistry or bioinformatics treatments seem necessary for the meaningful study of such aDNAs.
Electric polarization near vortices in the extended Kitaev model
Authors: Egger Reinhold , Freitas Lucas , Bauer Tim , Pereira Rodrigo
Published: December 2023

We formulate a Majorana mean-field theory for the extended J-K-Gamma Kitaev model in a magnetic Zeeman field of arbitrary direction, and apply it for studying spatially inhomogeneous states harboring vortices. This mean-field theory is exact in the pure Kitaev limit and captures the essential physics throughout the Kitaev spin liquid phase. We determine the charge profile around vortices and the corresponding quadrupole tensor. The quadrupole-quadrupole interaction between distant vortices is shown to be either repulsive or attractive, depending on parameters. We predict that electrically biased scanning probe tips enable the creation of vortices at preselected positions.
Our results open new perspectives for the electric manipulation of Ising anyons in Kitaev spin liquids.
Differential expression of death receptors, their ligands and adaptors as molecular signatures of neuropathologies in a mouse model of prion disease
Authors: Giri Ranjit Kumar
Published: December 2023

Background Prion diseases are transmissible and fatal neurodegenerative diseases characterized by accumulation of a misfolded form of a host-encoded protein (PrPSc), astrocytosis, microgliosis, spongiosis, and extensive neuron loss. Elevated levels of cell membrane associated PrPScprotein and inflammatory cytokines hint towards the activation of death receptor (DR) pathway/s in prion diseases. However, it is unclear whether prion disease is associated with the alteration of all major death receptors, their ligands and adaptors. Methods C57BL/6J mice were infected with RML scrapie mouse prion strain. Progression of prion disease was evaluated by observing clinical symptoms like motor deficits. Key neuropathologies like PrPScaccumulation and astrocytosis were evaluated by brain blot, western blot and immunofluorohistochemical analysis. To examine the expression of proteins involved in DR pathways, all major death receptors (TNFR1, Fas, DR3, DR5, DR6, p75NTR), their ligands (TNFα, FasL, TL1A, TRAIL and NGF), and adaptors (TRADD, FADD, TRAF2 and RIPK1) were studied by western blot analysis. Glycosylation of DRs was studied by PNGase F treatment followed by western blot analysis. Results Prion infected mice developed motor deficits like plastic tail, frequent circling, hind limb twitching and neuropathologies like prion protein accumulation and astrocytosis similar to other prion diseases. The prion-diseased mice brains exhibit significant increased expression of TNFR1, Fas and p75NTR but reduced ectodomain shedding of TNFR1 and Fas. Results show reduced expression of DR3 and DR5. All DR ligands like TNFα, TL1A, TRAIL, FasL and PrPScexhibit increased expression except NGF. DR adaptors like TRADD and TRAF2 that primarily regulate pro-survival pathways show reduced expression whereas, FADD expression remained unchanged. The results from RIPK1 demonstrate its increased expression and proteolysis in mouse prion disease. Conclusions The findings from the present study provide evidence towards the involvement of DR3, DR5, DR6, TL1A, TRAIL, TRADD, TRAF2, FADD and RIPK1 for the first time, along with a mechanistic insight into the significance of differential expression of these death receptor factors towards neuropathologies like neurodegeneration, astrocytosis and microgliosis seen in prion diseases.
Clinical prognosis of adult moyamoya disease patients after direct bypass surgery
Authors: Qian Yun , Hu Zongmin , Cui Yu , Zou Ting-ting , Zhao Peng
Published: December 2023

Background
This study aimed to identify the factors affecting the patency of the bridging vessels and the improvement of postoperative neurological function, so as to enable the prediction of the influence on vascular bypass before operation and to guide the selection of surgical strategies.
Methods
We used Logistic regression analysis to determine if the following factors were related to the patency of the bypass: age, sex, smoking history, drinking, diabetes, hypertension, history of pre-operation cerebral infarction, transient ischemic attack (TIA), clinical classification of moyamoya disease (MMD), clinical manifestations, preoperative modified Rankin Scale mRS score, and Suzuki staging (operative side, non-operative side, and posterior circulation involvement). Base on this, we can explore the related factors affecting the vascular patency and prognosis. The symptom improvement data at discharge, 6 months after discharge and 2 years after discharge after bypass surgery in adult patients with MMD disease through outpatient or telephone follow-up were collected. The postoperative neurological function through mRS score was evaluated. After that, the linear mixed effect model was used to analyze the effects of related factors on the changes of mRS score.
Results
There is a significant difference between hypertension history and indirect bridging angiogenesis in the grade of direct bridging angiogenesis (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis further confirmed that hypertension (OR:0.24, 95% CI: 0.10–0.56) was a risk factor affecting direct bridge angiogenesis after operation. Compared with grade 0 of direct bridge vessels, grade II vascular patency was related to the decrease of indirect angiogenesis (OR:0.14, 95% CI:0.03–0.64), but the results of trend test showed that indirect bridge angiogenesis decreased with the increase of grade (P = 0.030). The follow-up data (250 cases) were processed by linear mixed effect model. The study found that despite the risk of intracranial hemorrhage in patients with hyperperfusion, the neurological function recovered relatively quickly; The neurological function of patients with cerebral infarction after operation is generally poor, but the recovery speed is relatively fast, and the prognosis is still worse than that of patients without cerebral infarction.
Conclusions
Patients with hypertension are prone to direct bridge vascular occlusion after operation; Direct bridge angiogenesis after operation is better, which will inhibit indirect bridge angiogenesis. Patients with high perfusion after operation have large blood flow. Although they have the risk of bleeding, their neurological function recovers relatively quickly; Although the recovery rate of patients with postoperative cerebral infarction is relatively fast, the prognosis is still poor.
VTA projections to M1 are essential for reorganization of layer 2-3 network dynamics underlying motor learning
Authors: Schiller Jackie , Ghanayim Amir , Benisty Hadas , Cohen-Rimon Avigail , Schwartz Sivan , Talmon Ronen
Published: December 2023

The primary motor cortex (M1) is crucial for motor skill learning. Previous studies demonstrated that skill acquisition requires dopaminergic VTA (ventral-tegmental area) signaling in M1, however little is known regarding the effect of these inputs at the neuronal and network levels. Using dexterity task, calcium imaging, chemogenetic silencing, and geometric data analysis, we demonstrate VTA-dependent reorganization of M1 layer 2–3 during motor learning. While average activity and average functional connectivity of layer 2–3 network remain stable during learning, the activity kinetics, the correlational configuration of functional connectivity, and average connectivity strength of layer 2–3 neurons gradually transform towards an expert configuration. In addition, task success-failure outcome signaling gradually emerges. Silencing VTA dopaminergic inputs to M1 during learning, prevents all these changes. Our findings demonstrate dopaminergic VTA-dependent formation of outcome signaling and new connectivity configuration of the layer 2–3 network, supporting reorganization of the M1 network for storing new motor skills.