bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estilos de coaprendizaje y algunos indicadores de competencias digitales
Authors: Barros Daniela Melaré Vieira
Published: November 2022

Una de las discusiones de la educación actual se contextualiza dentro de la sociedad en red, donde el coaprendizaje formal e informal son indispensables en el desarrollo y ejercicio de actividades sociales, culturales, cognitivas, tanto en el dominio de la tecnología y la fluidez como las competencias profesionales en la ciudadanía. El principal propósito de esta reflexión es identificar los indicadores de estilos de coaprendizaje que favorezcan el desarrollo de habilidades digitales. Se presenta un análisis descriptivo apoyado por referencias bibliográficas, reflexiones y discusiones del espacio de diálogo del proyecto weSPOT de la Comunidad CoLearn, coordinado por la investigadora Alexandra Okada de la Open University. Así, los resultados aportan al conocimiento, pensando en las teorías de los estilos de aprendizaje y nuevas habilidades digitales.
Estilos de enseñanza de los docentes de distintas carreras de nivel superior vinculadas con las ciencias naturales
Authors: Laudadío Julieta , Mazzitelli Claudia
Published: November 2022

Los estilos de enseñanza manifiestan las preferencias en los modos de enseñar de los docentes, las cuales suponen determinadas concepciones de enseñanza (Heimlich & Norland, 2002). La identificación de los estilos de enseñanza es el punto de partida para reflexionar acerca de las prácticas de enseñanza y la coherencia entre la concepción teórica y el modo concreto de enseñar. El objetivo del presente trabajo es identificar los estilos de enseñanza predominantes en docentes de distintas carrera de nivel superior vinculadas con las ciencias naturales, y analizarlas en relación con la orientación de la carrera. Los resultados obtenidos evidencian la necesidad de reflexionar acerca de las características de la formación docente y sobre la importancia de la integración entre la formación disciplinar y la pedagógica.
Computación ubicua en la escuela. Estudio de caso sobre el proyecto de implementación de tablet en la educación primaria «EduTablettes-86» – Francia
Authors: Espinoza Bueno José María
Published: November 2022

La investigación realizada se enmarca dentro de un estudio de carácter exploratorio que se centra en la observación y el análisis de la integración de la tablet en el aula escolar, y que forma parte del proyecto «EduTablettes-86» (Poitiers-Francia). Este trabajo aborda la «computación pervasiva» o «computación ubicua» como enfoque que permite entender la orientación de la tecnología y su relación con el uso de la tablet en el ámbito escolar; se emplea como referencia la teoría de la «acción situada» que hace posible el estudio de la tablet en su contexto de aplicación, e incorpora la noción de la comunicación «hombre-máquina» para comprender y reflexionar sobre la interacción: profesor-alumno-tablet. Se hizo uso de la «etnometodología» como método que permite entender la organización y estructuración de una sesión de clase.
Non Tsinitibo: juegos del pueblo shipibo-konibo y su uso pedagógico
Authors: Monteluisa Gamaniel , Valera Verena , Frisancho Susana , Frech Hans , Delgado Enrique
Published: November 2022

En este artículo argumentamos a favor del juego como un espacio fundamental para el desarrollo humano y una herramienta necesaria para la construcción de sociedades interculturales y democráticas. Luego de un breve marco conceptual en el que se presenta el juego como un factor de desarrollo y se aborda la relación que este tiene con los procesos pedagógicos, presentamos una recopilación de juegos del pueblo shipibo-konibo, pueblo indígena de la Amazonía del Perú, y algunas ideas para su aprovechamiento como herramienta educativa. La idea general del artículo es reflexionar sobre cómo el juego infantil constituye un proceso que no se pude soslayar si se quiere contribuir a desarrollar individuos y sociedades interculturales, justas e inclusivas.
The Enigma of the Central–Local Government Relationship and Its Impact on Property Tax Administration in Developing Countries: The Ghanaian Perspective
Authors: Ohemeng Frank , Mohiuddin Fariya
Published: November 2022

Property tax administration is the bedrock for effective revenue mobilisation, development, and good local governance for local governments. Yet administering property taxation continues to be a major problem, especially for many developing countries. Scholarly explanations for this poor state of affairs have focused on limited capacity, poor quality local cadastres, corruption, and local political resistance to effective property tax administration, among others. This paper moves away from these explanations to focus on a less trodden area: the relationship between central and local government and how this relationship affects property tax administration. Property tax administration involves some collaboration and overlap between different levels of government, and thus depends very much on a good and functional relationship between both levels of government, especially when local governments derive their authorities from the largesse of central governments. This relationship may have powerful implications for the ability of local governments to effectively undertake property tax administration due to the central government’s policies and politics. Using Ghana as a case study, the paper illustrates how a dysfunctional relationship between central and local governments has undermined, and continues to undermine, effective property tax administration in the country, which should serve as a lesson for other developing countries.
Su Muhasebesi ve Türkiye'de Güncel Durum
Authors: ÖZTÜRK Merve , CERAN Yunus
Published: November 2022

Ekonomik, çevresel ve sosyal etkileri olan; aşırı talep, bilinçsiz kullanım, iklim değişikliği ve küreselleşme ile tetiklenen su sorunu günümüzde suyu çeşitli amaçlarla kullanan tüm paydaşların dikkatini çekmektedir. Dünyanın bugün karşı karşıya kalmış olduğu su krizi, suyun hem miktar hem de kalite açısından baskı altında olması su kaynakları planlaması ve su yönetimini zorlaştırmaktadır. Politika ve reformlar aracılığıyla gerçekleştirilecek olan etkili bir su yönetiminde karar verme sürecine yardımcı olacak yüksek kalitede bilginin önemi tüm paydaşlarca kabul görmektedir. Su muhasebesi, su yönetiminde hesap verebilirliği, şeffaflığı ve kontrol edilebilirliği sağlamayı ve suya ilişkin bilginin yüksek kalitede ve faydalı bilgi niteliğinde sunulmasını amaçlamaktadır. Çok kapsamlı su hesapları içeren birden fazla su muhasebesi yaklaşımı kurumsal bir şirket, bir ülke ya da bir nehir havzası gibi rapor biriminin suyu ne şekilde ne kadar kullandığı, kime tahsis ettiği ile ilgili bilgiyi sistematik bir biçimde, belirli bir formatta sunmak adına geliştirilmiştir. Su muhasebesi sistemleri olarak anılan ve çeşitli disiplinler aracılığı geliştirilen bu raporlama yaklaşımları etkili su yönetimi için birer araç olarak görülmektedir. Bu çalışmanın amacı literatür taraması yoluyla su muhasebesi kavramını tanımlamak, su muhasebesi sistemlerini açıklamak ve Türkiye’de su yönetiminde havza bazında su muhasebesinin güncel durumunu analiz etmektir.
Fistula Coronary and Coronary Steal Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Handari Saskia , Lestari Puspa
Published: November 2022

Background: A coronary artery fistula (CAF) is an aberrant vascular contact of coronary arteries with cardiac chambers or any section of the pulmonary or systemic circulation, which accounts for 0.3% of congenital heart disorders. CAFs have been observed to be as common as 0.9% at computed tomographic (CT) angiography, which is greater than the previously estimated prevalence of 0.002 – 0.3% at invasive angiography.

Case Summary: A 76-year-old woman reported with repeated episodes of chest pain. A considerable diameter of fistula from the proximal LAD and proximal RCA to the MPA was discovered on CT angiography, which could be the cause of coronary steal syndrome. Microflex10 7 mm/22 cm was used to perform coil embolization at the proximal RCA. After the procedure, the patient had no more chest pain.

Discussion: CT angiography is usefsul for determining coronary architecture and guiding therapeutic intervention. CAF data was gathered during pre- and post-procedural CT angiography evaluations.

Keyword: Fistula coronary, coronary steal syndrome, CCTA, percutaneous coil embolization
The Second Karabakh War in a Political and Strategic Retrospective
Authors: Krivopalov A.
Published: November 2022

The article is a brief strategic overview of the Six-week Armenian-Azerbaijani war in 2020 in Nagorno-Karabakh. The mutual influence of the foreign policy, strategic, operational and tactical level of this war opens an unexpected perspective on the reasons and prerequisites for the military success of Azerbaijan and the defeat of the Karabakh Armenians.
Problems of Georgian’s Relations with the EU
Authors: Fedorovskaya I.
Published: November 2022

Georgia’s relations with the EU over their 30-year history have experienced both periods of rapid development and periods of decline. At the moment, there is a crisis in the relationship. It is caused by the EU’s refusal to grant Georgia candidate status. The reasons for the refusal are the increasing political confrontation between the government and the opposition, the bureaucratization and oligarchization of the country, problems with respect for human rights. In order for Georgia's application to be reviewed again, the country must fulfill in 6 months 12 conditions put forward by the European Commission.
Presidential Elections in the Republic of South Ossetia
Authors: Mukhanov V. , Novikov V.
Published: November 2022

The article examines the course of the 2022 presidential election campaign in the Republic of South Ossetia. The course of the campaign itself is described, portraits of the main candidates for the presidency are given. Separately, the reasons for the loss of the current president Anatoly Bibilov and the victory of Alan Gagloev are analyzed. The first steps of Gagloev at the presidential post are also considered. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the issue of the possibility of holding a referendum on the accession of South Ossetia to the Russian Federation. This issue is considered not only through the prism of the domestic policy of South Ossetia, but also from the standpoint of Russian policy in the Caucasus.
Russian-Arab Relations amid the Ukrainian Crisis
Authors: Malashenko A.
Published: November 2022

The author analyzes relations between Russia and Arab world after the Russian special military operation in Ukraine has started. Mostly, despite distinctions in the approach of different Arab countries they try to keep normal relations with Russia that helps to keep their independence in their foreign politics. Also they don’t refuse from the cooperation with Russia in the economic field including technical military one. Despite pressure of the West, especially of the United States, the key exporters of oil, Saud Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, don’t participate in anti-Russian sanctions. The Arab world would avoid participating in the today’s global conflict. In the author’s view such a position could be slightly compared with the attitude of the Central Asia states.
Influence of Local Factors on Coastal Erosion: The Case of Vagueira Beach in Portugal
Authors: Magalhães Filho Luiz Norberto Lacerda , Roebeling Peter , Coelho Carlos
Published: November 2022

Vagueira Beach on the Central Portuguese coast, is known as one of the places in Europe most affected by coastal erosion. The area has suffered more than 156 meters of coastline retreat over the period 1958 to 2001. With the aim to evaluate the influence of local factors on coastal erosion, this paper assesses the anthropogenic and natural factors that are related with the retreat of the coastline, by adopting statistical correlation and regression analyses. Through the Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) it was observed that local factors such as annual dredging at the Aveiro Port entrance (r = 0.93), the total length of groins in the Espinho-Vagueira section (r = 0.89), and storm events (r = 0.52) are directly related to coastline retreat in the area. A multiple linear regression model was developed in which coastline retreat is explained by these same factors over the period 1980 to 2006. With a coefficient of determination of R² = 0.91, it was observed that length of groins (significant at the 1% level), dredging of the port entrance (significant at the 5% level) and precipitation (as a proxy for storm events; significant at the 10% level) are significantly correlated with coastline retreat. Hence, it is shown that anthropogenic factors are the main drivers of coastline retreat in Vagueira Beach. This study provides an innovative approach for the assessment of coastal erosion, resulting in important information that can be used for decision-making related to coastal zone management as it allows to understand in greater detail the main drivers of coastal erosion.
Cardiac Autonomic Function in Long COVID-19 Using Heart Rate Variability: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Junior Antonio da Silva Menezes , Schröeder Aline Andressa , Botelho Silvia Marçal , Resende Aline Lazara
Published: November 2022

Background: Heart rate variability is a non-invasive, measurable, and established autonomic nervous system test. Long-term COVID-19 sequelae are unclear; however, acute symptoms have been studied. Objectives: To determine autonomic cardiac differences between long COVID-19 patients and heathy controls and evaluate associations among symptoms, comorbidities, and laboratory findings. Methods: This single-center study included long COVID-19 patients and healthy controls. The heart rate variability (HRV), a quantitative marker of autonomic activity, was monitored for 24 h using an ambulatory electrocardiogram system. HRV indices were compared between case and control groups. Symptom frequency and inflammatory markers were evaluated. The significance level of 5% (p-value 0.05) was adopted. Results: A total of 47 long COVID-19 patients were compared to 42 healthy controls. Patients averaged 43.8 (SD14.8) years old, and 60.3% were female. In total, 52.5% of patients had moderate illness. Post-exercise dyspnea was most common (71.6%), and 53.2% lacked comorbidities. COVID-19 patients had 4 times more dyslipidemia. CNP, D-dimer, and CRP levels were elevated (p-values of 0.0098, 0.0023, and 0.0015, respectively). The control group had greater SDNN24 and SDANNI (OR = 0.98 (0.97 to 0.99; p = 0.01)). Increased low-frequency (LF) indices in COVID-19 patients (OR = 1.002 (1.0001 to 1.004; p = 0.030)) and high-frequency (HF) indices in the control group (OR = 0.987 (0.98 to 0.995; p = 0.001)) were also associated. Conclusions: Patients with long COVID-19 had lower HF values than healthy individuals. These variations are associated with increased parasympathetic activity, which may be related to long COVID-19 symptoms and inflammatory laboratory findings.
The Adaptive Force as potential biomechanical parameter in the recovery process of patients with long COVID
Authors: Schaefer Laura V , Bittmann Frank N
Published: November 2022

Neuromuscular symptoms in long COVID patients are common. Since adequate diagnostics are still missing, investigating muscle function might be beneficial. The holding capacity (maximal isometric Adaptive Force; AFisomax) was previously suggested to be especially vulnerable for impairments. This longitudinal, non-clinical study aimed to investigate the AF in long COVID patients in recovery process. AF parameters of elbow/hip flexors were assessed in 17 patients at three timepoints (pre: long COVID state, post: immediately after first treatment, end: recovery) by an objectified manual muscle test. The tester applied an increasing force on the limb of the patient, who had to resist isometrically for as long as possible. The intensity of 13 common symptoms were queried. At pre, patients started to lengthen their muscles at ~50% of the maximal AF (AFmax), which was then reached during eccentric motion, indicating unstable adaptation. At post and end, AFisomax increased significantly to ~99% and 100% of AFmax, respectively, reflecting stable adaptation. AFmax was statistically similar for all three timepoints. Symptoms intensity decreased significantly from pre to end. In conclusion, maximal holding capacity seems to be impaired in long COVID patients and increases with substantial health improvement. AFisomax might be a suitable sensitive functional parameter to assess long COVID patients and to support therapy process.
Estimation of Soil-Structure Model Parameters for the Millikan Library Building Using a Sequential Bayesian Finite Element Model Updating Technique
Authors: Ebrahimian Hamed , Taha Abdelrahman , Ghahari S. Farid , Asimaki Domniki , Taciroglu Ertugrul
Published: November 2022

We present a finite element model updating technique for soil-structure system identification of the Millikan Library building using the seismic data recorded during the 2002 Yorba Linda earthquake. A detailed finite element (FE) model of the Millikan Library building is developed in OpenSees and updated using a sequential Bayesian estimation approach for joint parameter and input identification. A two-step system identification approach is devised. First, the fixed-base structural model is updated to estimate the structural model parameters (including effective elastic modulus of structural components, distributed floor mass, and Rayleigh damping parameters) and some uncertain components of the foundation-level motion. Then, the identified structural model is used for soil-structure model updating wherein the Rayleigh damping parameters, the stiffness and viscosity of the soil subsystem (modeled using a substructure approach), and the foundation input motions (FIMs) are estimated. The identified model parameters are compared with state-of-practice recommendations. While a specific application is made for the Millikan Library, the present work offers a framework for integrating large-scale FE models with measurement data for model inversion. By utilizing this framework for different civil structures and earthquake records, key structural model parameters can be estimated from the real-world recorded data, which can subsequently be used for assessing and improving, as necessary, state-of-the-art seismic analysis and structural modeling techniques. This paper presents an effort towards using real-world measurements for large-scale FE model updating in the soil and structure, uniform soil time domain for joint parameter and input estimation, and thus paves the way for future applications in system identification, health monitoring and diagnosis of civil structures.
Konsep Wayfinding untuk Perancangan Arsitektur Kesehatan Mental
Authors: Sutantio Yosivan Erlanda , Dinapradipta Asri , Hayati Arina
Published: November 2022

Architectural design through the concept of wayfinding for mental health facilities can support the patient's healing process, by providing designs that can influence cognitive behavior. The main problem is how to solve the spatial disorientation in the building. The healing architecture theories observe and harness the environmental elements as a factor in the design of a building. This information is applied to help the occupants in the process identifying their environment. The statement provides a basis for ideas of ideas regarding the architecture that provides information on the occupant, and it presents a hypothesis about architecture as a guide the user inside the building (wayfinding). The design proposal aims is to produce proposed structures designed as facilities to deal with mental health disorders according to the needs of the patient, and knowing what architectural elements can be used in using the concept of wayfinding as a result of research.
Efektivitas atau Aksesibilitas: Kajian Desain Mal Pelayanan Publik dalam Perspektif Desain Inklusi
Authors: Sholeh Moh Syahru Romadhon , Antaryama I Gusti Ngurah , Noerwasito Vincentius Totok
Published: November 2022

The SDG's primary target of providing an inclusive environment has a lot to do with the quality of public services. However, in terms of infrastructure, there are still various shortcomings, especially in implementing designs based on inclusive design.  Malang City, one of the cities with new public service facilities, chose an existing building to become a public service mall. Issues that occur include unfriendly circulation, inappropriate space functions and not adequately accommodated mobility of users with special needs, elders and children because there is only one access. This research uses a qualitative approach with observation and interviews as a method and the principle of inclusive design as a research tool. The result of the study from this research is that the Mal Pelayanan Publik Merdeka Kota Malang has not yet become an inclusive public facility.
Growth Monitoring in Under-Three Children Using the Mother Child Protection Card
Authors: Prabhakar Kamini , S. Kowsalya , K. Kalaivani , Ramachandran Prema
Published: November 2022

Right from its inception, ICDS programme envisaged monthly weighing and monitoring of growth in under-three children for early detection of under-nutrition. Currently accurate portable digital balances are available in anganwadi and Mother Child Production Card (MCPC) with child growth charts has been provided to children. A community based mixed longitudinal study was taken up in under-three children from urban low middle income families to assess feasibility and impact of growth monitoring and appropriate nutrition education using MCPC. Monthly weighing of children and plotting the weight-for-age in the MCPC was carried out by the research staff. A total of 5708 children were enrolled and followed up over 32879 visits between 2015 and 2019. Plotting the weight-for-age of the child in growth chart enabled identification of underweight children at the time of the visit so that appropriate nutrition and health education and care can be provided. Monthly weighing and plotting weight-for-age in growth chart enabled identification of small children growing along their own trajectory and prevented them from being mislabelled as under-nourished. Children showing deterioration in Weight for age Z score (WAZ) as compared to earlier visit(s) were readily identified and given needed advice. Personalised nutrition and health education provided at each visit taking into account current nutritional status, morbidity and Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices (IYCF) helped in preventing rise in underweight rates in the first 18 months and brought about some improvement in nutritional status of moderate and severely underweight children. It is feasible to operationalize growth monitoring as envisaged in Poshan Abhiyaan and accelerate the pace of reduction in under-nutrition in under three children.
The Impact of the COVID-19-Induced Lockdown on SRR College Undergraduate Student’s Nutrition, Health and Lifestyle Patterns
Authors: Godisela Kishore Kumar , Puppala Muthenna , Shalini Tattari
Published: November 2022

COVID-19 is a worldwide emergency of public health that leads to lockouts, changes in the dietary pattern and life-style of the population. To assess the impact of COVID-19 mediated lockdown on nutrition, health and lifestyle patterns among teenagers aged ?18 years. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics (age, gender and place of residence), food system dimensions, dietary intake, physical activity, stress and anxiety, body image attitudes, lifestyle behaviours such as smoking, alcohol consumption, screentime and ease of access to health services. Most of the participants (n=537) were women (53.9%) aged 16 to 24. The lockdown has led to an increase in food prices (81.4%) and a decrease in the rate of physical activity (67.4%). Additionally, there is an increased intake of fruits (68.7%), meat (60%), eggs (75%) and leafy vegetables (49.9%). Around 44.5% of the people reported stress for some days. The majority of the students have increased their weight by 53.8%, weight loss by 10.6% and no change in weight by 30.2%. Approximately half (52.3%) reported challenging access to pharmaceuticals and 66.7% had medical emergency services. An increase in food price, decreased dietary diversification, unhealthy eating patterns, lack of physical activity and perceived weight gain were demonstrated during the COVID-19 induced lockdown period. Further research is needed from various socioeconomic backgrounds to obtain more definitive results which may improve the quality of life of the people.
Ansiedad y su relación con la calidad de vida en comerciantes de Huancavelica, en tiempos de Covid-19
Authors:   , Marmolejo Loza Omar Lizandro
Published: November 2022

La presente investigación tiene como propósito evidenciar la relación que existe entre la “ansiedad” y la “calidad de vida” en “comerciantes” del distrito de Lircay, Huancavelica durante la pandemia. Comprende una investigación de tipo básica, descriptiva, con diseño no experimental, correlacional y de tipo transversal. En una población conformada por 90 comerciantes de ambos sexos, donde se utilizó el muestreo no probabilístico y se aplicó de forma virtual el Inventario de ansiedad de Beck y la “escala de calidad de vida de Olson y Barnes” Los resultados obtenidos muestran que el 37,8% se ubica en niveles moderados de ansiedad y el 77.8% muestran una “calidad de vida” de manera óptima. Asimismo, la ansiedad se correlaciona de manera negativa, baja y significativa con la “calidad de vida” a nivel general (r= -,350; p=,001) y en las dimensiones hogar y bienestar económico (r= -,384; p=,000), vida familiar y familia extensa (r= -,265; p=,012) y educación y ocio (r= -,382; p=,000). Se concluye que a menor ansiedad estaría relacionado a la tendencia a una calidad de vida óptima, ante estos resultados es recomendable que se implemente medidas que ayuden a manejar la ansiedad y con ello mejorar su calidad de vida.
A comparison of five single-file systems in the preparation of severely curved root canals
Authors: Liu Yina , Chen Meizhi , Tang Weilong , Liu Chang , Du Minquan
Published: November 2022

Background
To evaluate the root canal preparation outcomes achieved by five nickel-titanium single-file instrumentation systems (M3-L, Reciproc Blue, V-Taper 2H, WaveOne Gold, XP-endo Shaper) in severely curved molar root canals.
Methods
A total of 60 root canals were selected from extracted human molar teeth with curvatures ranging from 25° to 50° and divided into five groups based on the instrumentation system employed (n = 12). Before and after root canal preparation, a Micro-CT scan was taken, and pre- and post-operative data were analyzed to evaluate the following parameters: volume increment of root canals (VI), untouched root canal areas (UTA), and canal transportation (CT). Apically extruded debris (AD) was collected during preparation. After that, all samples were separated into two parts and examined respectively by scanning electron microscope (SEM) to assess cleaning ability. Data were statistically analyzed with ANOVA (UTA, AD, VI) or Kruskal-Wallis test (CT, SEM-score), the level of significance was set at α = 0.05.
Results
There were no significant differences between the five systems regarding the AD, VI, and UTA parameters (P > 0.05). In terms of CT, no significant difference was noted at the straight section of canal and apical levels, while XP-endo Shaper showed less canal transportation than M3-L at the level of curved vertex (P < 0.05), and the centering ability of V-Taper 2H was significantly better than WaveOne Gold at the initial point of bending (P < 0.05). Debris and smear layers were present on the canal walls of all specimens, the apical thirds of the canal presented higher SEM scores than the coronal thirds in all groups (P < 0.05). Reciproc Blue and XP-endo Shaper showed fewer smear scores than WaveOne Gold in the apical thirds (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively), and no statistical difference was found between other groups in the middle and coronal thirds.
Conclusions
The five single-file systems evaluated performed equally in apically debris extrusion, dentin removal, and untouched root canal areas, while XP-endo Shaper and V-Taper 2H resulted in less canal transportation compared to M3-L and WaveOne Gold. Regarding cleaning ability, Reciproc Blue and XP-endo Shaper were associated with less smear layer than WaveOne Gold in the apical thirds.
Vulnerability of cocoa-based agroforestry systems to climate change in West Africa
Authors: Salamanca Antonio Jesús Ariza , Navarro-Cerrillo Rafael Mª , Quero-Pérez José L. , Gallardo-Armas Belinda , Crozier Jayne , Stirling Clare , de Sousa Kauê , González-Moreno Pablo
Published: November 2022

Previous research indicates that some important cocoa cultivated areas in West Africa will become unsuitable for growing cocoa in the next decades. However, it is not clear if this change will be mirrored by the shade tree species that could be used in cocoa-based agroforestry systems (C-AFS). We characterized current and future patterns of habitat suitability for 38 tree species (including cocoa), using a consensus method for species distribution modelling (SDM) considering for the first time climatic and soil variables. The models projected an increase of up to 6% of the potential suitable area for cocoa by 2060 compared to its current suitable area in West Africa. Furthermore, the suitable area was highly reduced (14.5%) once considering only available land-use not contributing to deforestation. Regarding shade trees, 50% of the 37 shade tree species modelled will experience a decrease in geographic rate extent by 2040 in West Africa, and 60% by 2060. Hotspots of shade tree species richness overlap the current core cocoa production areas in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, suggesting a potential mismatch for the outer areas in West Africa. Our results highlight the importance of transforming cocoa-based agroforestry systems by changing shade tree species composition to adapt this production systems for future climate conditions.
A novel defined PANoptosis-related miRNA signature for predicting prognosis and immune characteristics in Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Yanmei , Zhou Jia , Zhang Nan , Zhu Yiran , Zhong Yiming , Wang Zhuo , Jin Hongchuan , Wang Xian
Published: November 2022

Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is one of the most common malignancies and PANoptosis is a unique inflammatory programmed cell death regulated by the PANoptosome. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of cancer occurrence and progress. However, the potential role of PANoptosis-related miRNAs (PRMs) in KIRC remains elusive. In this study, KIRC samples were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and two Gene Expression Omnibus datasets and PRMs were identified by previous literature reports. Univariate Cox and Lasso Cox regression analyses were applied to identify prognosis PRMs and then construct a PANoptosis-related miRNA prognostic signature evaluated by the risk score. By a variety of R software packages and web analysis tools, we found the high-risk patients bear worse survival prognoses and were significantly associated with high-grade and advanced-stage tumors. Furthermore, we demonstrated the low-risk group had significant changes in metabolic pathways and the high-risk group was characterized by high immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoints expression as well as low IC50 values of chemotherapeutic agents, suggesting that the high-risk patients may benefit more from immunotherapy and chemotherapy. In short, we constructed a PANoptosis-related miRNA signature and revealed its potential significance on the clinicopathological features and tumor immunity, providing new strategies for precise treatment.
Tailoring Exciton-Polariton Emission Lines From Wide-Ranging Monolayer Semiconductors with a Broadband Mie Resonator
Authors: Fang Jie , Yao Kan , Wang Mingsong , Yu Zhuohang , Zhang Tianyi , Jiang Taizhi , Huang Suichu , Korgel Brian , Terrones Mauricio , Alu Andrea , Zheng Yuebing
Published: November 2022

Two-dimensional (2D) exciton-polaritons in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) exhibit practical advantages in valley coherence, optical nonlinearities, and even bosonic condensation owing to their light emission capability. To achieve robust exciton-polariton emission, strong photon-exciton couplings are required at the TMD monolayer, which is challenging due to its limited thickness. High-quality(Q)-factor optical cavities with narrowband resonances are an effective approach but typically limited to a specific excitonic state of a certain TMD material. Herein, we achieve on-demand exciton-polariton emission for a wide range of monolayer TMDs by hybridizing 2D excitons with broadband Mie resonances spanning the whole visible spectrum. By tightly confining broadband light at the TMD monolayer, our one type of Mie resonator on different TMDs enables enhanced light-matter interactions with multiple excitonic states simultaneously. We demonstrate multi-Rabi splittings and robust polaritonic photoluminescence (PL) in monolayer WSe2, WS2, and MoS2. The hybrid system enables to approach the ultra-strong coupling regime at room temperature.
Recombination-aware phylogenetic analysis sheds light on the evolutionary origin of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: G Luis Roger Esquivel , Weber Ariane , Kocher Arthur , Kühnert Denise
Published: November 2022

SARS-CoV-2 can infect human cells through the recognition of the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors. This affinity is given by six amino acid located in the receptor binding domain (RBD) region within the Spike protein. Genetic recombination involving bat and pangolin Sarbecoviruses, and natural selection have been proposed as possible explanations for the acquisition of these amino acids. In this study we employed Bayesian phylogenetics to jointly reconstruct the phylogeny of the RBD among human, bat and pangolin Sarbecoviruses and detect recombination events affecting this region of the genome. A recombination event involving RaTG13, the closest relative of SARS-CoV-2 that lacks five of the six residues, and an unsampled Sarbecovirus lineage was detected. This result suggests that the key amino acids were likely present in the common ancestor of SARS-CoV-2 and RaTG13, with the latter losing five of the amino acids as the result of recombination.
Broad Humoral Immunity Generated in Mice by a Formulation Composed by Two Antigens From Delta Variant of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Lobaina Yadira , Chen Rong , Suzarte Edith , Ai Panchao , Huerta Vivian , Tan Changyuan , Alvarez-Lajonchere Liz , Liling Yang , Musacchio Alexis , Silva Ricardo , Guillén Gerardo Enrique , Zaixue Jiang , Yang Ke , Perera Yasser , Hermida Lisset
Published: November 2022

Due to the rapid development of new variants of SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as the real threat of new coronavirus zoonosis events, the development of a preventive vaccine with a broader scope of functionality is highly desirable. Previously, we reported the functionality of a nasal formulation based on the preparation of the nucleocapsid protein with the ODN-39M and combined with RBD, both antigens from Delta variant of SARSCoV-2. This combination induces a cross-reactive immunity in mucosal and systemic compartments until sarbecovirus level. In the present study, we explored the magnitude of the immunity generated in Balb/C mice by the same formulation, but adding alum as adjuvant, so as to enhance the humoral immunity against the two antigens. Animals were immunized with three doses of the bivalent formulation, administered by subcutaneous route. The humoral immunity was tested by ELISA and by a Surrogate of Viral Neutralization test. The cell-mediated immunity was also explored. High levels of antibodies against both antigens (N and RBD) were obtained upon immunization. Additionally, the anti-RBD Abs with neutralizing capacity reacted against the three SARS-CoV-2 variants of RBD assayed, including Omicron. At the same time, the Abs also recognized the nucleocapsid proteins from: SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron. Taken together, these results make the bivalent formulation tested, an attractive component of a pancorona vaccine able to broaden the scope of humoral immunity against both antigens. This will be particularly important in the reinforcement of immunity from previously vaccinated and/or infected populations.
Observation of entanglement transition of pseudo-random mixed states
Authors: Liu Tong , Liu Shang , Li Hekang , Li Hao , Huang Kaixuan , Xiang Zhongcheng , Song Xiaohui , Xu Kai , Zheng Dongning , Fan Heng
Published: November 2022

Random quantum states serve as a powerful tool in various scientific fields, including quantum supremacy and black hole physics. It has been theoretically predicted that entanglement transitions may happen for different partitions of multipartite random quantum states, however, the experimental observation of these transitions is still absent. Here, we experimentally demonstrate the entanglement transitions witnessed by negativity on a fully connected 20-qubit superconducting processor. We apply the parallel entangling operations, that significantly decrease the depth of the pseudo-random circuits, to generate pseudo-random pure states of up to 15 qubits. By quantum state tomography of the reduced density matrix of six qubits, we measure the negativity spectra. Then, by changing the sizes of the environment and subsystems, we observe the entanglement transitions that are directly identified by logarithmic entanglement negativities based on the negativity spectra.
In addition, we characterize the randomness of our circuits by measuring the distance between the distribution of output bit-string probabilities and the Porter-Thomas distribution. Our results show that the superconducting processor with all-to-all connectivity behaves a promising platform in generating random states and understanding the entanglement structure for multipartite quantum systems.
Effect of diosimin combined with ulinastatin on renal injury markers and renal ultrasound indicators in patients with delayed renal function recovery after transplantation
Authors: Yuan Ming , Qi Baoyu , Meng Qingyi
Published: November 2022

Backgroud: Renal transplantation, as an effective treatment for end-stage renal disease, has many clinical complications, among which delayed graft function recovery (DGF), as one of the common postoperative complications, is also a major risk factor affecting the short-term and long-term efficacy of renal transplantation. Therefore, reasonable use of DGF after renal transplantation to promote renal function recovery is of great significance for the prognosis of these patients.
Methods: Based on this, 62 patients who underwent renal transplantation and developed DGF in our hospital from June 2018 to December 2021 were selected as the research objects. According to the random color method, they were divided into three groups: diosimin group (n=20), ulinastatin group (n=21), and combination group (n=21). To observe the effects of different medication regimens on renal injury markers and renal ultrasound related indexes in patients with DGF, and to lay a theoretical foundation for guiding clinical medication and improving prognosis of DGF patients.
Results: After comparing the general data of the three groups, it was found that there was no significant difference (P > 0.05), indicating that there was no difference in medication results due to personal factors. The levels of Scr, CysC and BUN in the ulinastatin group after treatment were significantly better than those before treatment. The levels of renal injury markers in the combined group were significantly better after treatment than before treatment. According to the ultrasound results, there was no significant difference in the renal ultrasound indexes between the diosimine and ulinastatin groups after treatment, while the renal ultrasound indexes of the combined group were better than those of the other two groups.
Conclusion: It can be concluded from the results that diosimin combined with ulinastatin can significantly reduce renal injury in patients with DGF, and can effectively improve renal function in such patients, which has a positive effect on improving prognosis.
Toll-like receptor mediated inflammation directs B cells towards protective antiviral extrafollicular responses
Authors: Lam Jonathan , Baumgarth Nicole
Published: November 2022

Extrafollicular plasmablast responses (EFRs) are considered to generate antibodies of low affinity that offer little protection from infections. Paradoxically, high avidity antigen-B cell receptor engagement is thought to be the main driver of B cell differentiation, whether in EFRs or the slower-developing germinal centers (GCs). This study demonstrates that influenza infection rapidly induced EFRs generating protective antibodies in a B cell intrinsic and extrinsic Toll-like receptor (TLR)-dependent manner. B cell-intrinsic TLR signals supported antigen-stimulated B cell survival, clonal expansion, and the differentiation of B cells via induction of IRF4, the master regulator of B cell differentiation, through activation of NF-kB c-Rel. Provision of sustained TLR4 stimulation after immunization altered the fate of virus-specific B cells towards EFRs instead of GCs, accelerating rapid antibody production and improving their protective capacity over antigen/alum administration alone. Thus, inflammatory signals act as B cell fate-determinants for the rapid generation of protective, antiviral EF responses.
Preparation, characterization, and evaluation of the antitumor effect of kaempferol nanosuspensions
Authors: He Wen , Zhang Junfeng , Ju Jiale , Wu Yinghua , Zhang Yuxi , Zhan Lin , Li Chenchen , Wang Yanli
Published: November 2022

Kaempferol (KAE) is a natural flavonoid compound with antitumor activity. However, the low aqueous solubility, poor chemical stability and suboptimal bioavailability greatly restricted its clinical application of cancer. In order to overcome these shortages and enhance the antitumor effect of KAE, we developed a kaempferol nanosuspensions (KAE-NSps) with D-α-Tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) as stabilizer, screened the optimal preparation process, and investigated the basic properties and the antitumor effect in the study. The results demonstrated that the particle size was 186.6 ± 2.6 nm of the TPGS-KAE-NSps optimized, the shape of which was fusiform under the transmission electron microscope. The 2% (w/v) glucose was used as the cryoprotectant for TPGS-KAE-NSps, whose drug loading content was 70.31 ± 2.11%, and the solubility was improved prominently compared to KAE. The stability and biocompatibility of TPGS-KAE-NSps were favorable, which had a certain sustained release effect. Moreover, TPGS-KAE-NSps clearly seen to be taken in the cytoplasm exhibited a stronger cytotoxicity and suppression of cell migration, higher apoptosis rate and more intracellular ROS production compared to KAE in vitro cell experiments. In addition, TPGS-KAE-NSps showed a stronger inhibition of tumor growth (the tumor inhibition rate of high dose intravenous injection group was 68.9 ± 1.46%) than KAE with no obvious toxicity on 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. Overall, TPGS-KAE-NSps prepared improved the defect and the antitumor effect of KAE notably, which was a promising nanodrug delivery system for KAE and was expected to become a clinical antitumor drug.
Urban Tram Track Obstacle Detection Algorithm based on BF-SSD
Authors: Yunming Wang , Peng Guodu , Li Weidong , Chu Xianwu
Published: November 2022

In order to improve the detection accuracy of urban tram track obstacles running in complex environments, a track obstacle detection algorithm based on BF-SSD is proposed. Design convolutional splitting structure, replace all 3*3 convolutional layers in VGG16 except the first convolutional layer, improve the detection speed, design two-way fusion modules, strengthen the feature expression ability of the low-level feature layer, improve the detection accuracy of small targets, design a two-stage deconvolution module, make up for the noise information generated by the high-level feature layer due to excessive deconvolution, enhance the detection effect in harsh environments, propose to improve NMS, and improve the detection ability of coincident targets. Through the test and analysis of the obstacle image dataset of the self-made normal environment and the harsh environment, the experimental results show that compared with other algorithms, the loss function of the BF-SSD algorithm is the lowest, and the mAP of the BF-SSD algorithm reaches 90.03% and 87.83% respectively under normal weather and bad weather environments, and the mAP of the detection of small targets reaches 70.26% and 69.26%, respectively. The BF-SSD algorithm improves the detection accuracy of tram obstacles, especially the detection ability of small target obstacles.
Corrosion protection of carbon steel by methoxy naphthylbithiophene derivatives in acidic medium: Electrochemical, surface characterization and computational approaches
Authors: Fouda Abd El-Aziz S. , Etaiw Safaa-Eldin H. , Ismail Mohamed A. , El-Aziz Dina M. Abd , Eladl Mohamed M.
Published: November 2022

The inhibition efficiency and adsorption affinity were investigated for two novel compounds, namely: 6-methoxy-2-naphthyl-[2, 2’-bithiophene]-5-carboxamidine hydrochloride salt (MA-1440) and 5'-(4-chlorophenyl)-2, 2’-bifuran-5-carboxamidine hydrochloride salt (MA-1456). The inhibition study was conducted on carbon steel surface in 1.0 M HCl with different inhibitor doses and different temperature levels, to investigate the optimum dose and preferable temperature. The performed investigation included chemical, electrochemical, instrumental, and quantum computation techniques. A chemical technique was accomplished by using weight-loss measurements. Different factors were studied using weight-loss measurements in order to reach the maximum inhibition efficiency. The adsorption study revealed that the examined inhibitors obey the Langmuir adsorption isotherm and are chemically adsorbed on the steel surface. The electrochemical measurements were accomplished through the electrochemical impedance (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) techniques. Based on the electrochemical measurements, the examined compounds were categorized as mixed inhibitors. The instrumental examination using different techniques namely: scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed that the considered inhibitors are excellently adsorbed over the carbon steel surface. The extent of the adsorption affinity of these compounds on the carbon steel surface was studied theoretically using quantum computations and Monte Carlo simulation. The theoretical investigation results of quantum chemistry were validated with those obtained by chemical and electrochemical methodologies. All investigations prove that, the tested compounds were adsorbed chemically on the steel surface and achieved maximum inhibition efficiency of, 94.69% and 90.85% for M-1440 and MA-1456, respectively, at the optimum concentration 3010-6 mol. L-1 and temperature 328 K.