bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Key Regulatory Pathways, microRNAs, and Target Genes Participate in Adventitious Root Formation of Acer Rubrum L.
Authors: Zhu Wenpeng , Zhang Manyu , Li Jianyi , Zhao Hewen , Zhang Kezhong , Ge Wei
Published: August 2021

BackgroundAcer rubrum L. is a colorful ornamental tree with great economic value. Because this tree is difficult to root under natural conditions and the seedling survival rate is low, vegetative propagation methods are often used. Because the formation of adventitious roots (ARs) is essential for the survival of asexual propagation of A. rubrum, it is necessary to investigate the molecular regulatory mechanisms in the formation of ARs of A. ruburm. To address this knowledge gap, we sequenced the transcriptome and sRNA of the A. rubrum variety ‘Autumn Fantasy’ using high-throughput sequencing and explored changes in gene and microRNA (miRNA) expression in response to exogenous auxin treatment. ResultsWe identified 82,468 differentially expressed genes between the treated and untreated ARs, as well as 48 known and 95 novel miRNAs. We also identified 172 target genes of the known miRNAs using degradome sequencing. Two regulatory pathways (ubiquitin mediated proteolysis and plant hormone signal transduction), Ar-miR160a and the target gene ArARF10 were shown to be involved in the auxin response. We further investigated the expression patterns and regulatory roles of ArARF10 through subcellular localization, transcriptional activation, plant transformation, qRT-PCR analysis, and GUS staining. ConclusionsDifferential expression patterns indicated the Ar-miR160a-ArARF10 interaction might play a significant role in the regulation of AR formation in A. rubrum. Our study provided new insights into mechanisms underlying the regulation of AR formation in A. rubrum.
Harnessing Optoelectronic Noises in a Hybrid Photonic Generative Adversarial Network (GAN)
Authors: Wu Changming , Yang Xiaoxuan , Yu Heshan , Peng Ruoming , Takeuchi Ichiro , Chen Yiran , Li Mo
Published: August 2021

Integrated programmable optoelectronics is emerging as a promising platform of neural network accelerator, which affords efficient in-memory computing and high bandwidth interconnectivity. The analog nature of optical computing and the inherent optoelectronic noises, however, make the systems error-prone in practical implementations such as classification by discriminative neural networks. It is thus imperative to devise strategies to mitigate and, if possible, harness optical and electrical noises in optoelectronic computing systems. Here, we demonstrate a prototypical hybrid photonic generative adversarial network (GAN) that generates handwritten numbers using an optoelectronic core consisting of an array of programable phase-change optical memory cells. We harness optoelectronic noises in the hybrid photonic GAN by realizing an optoelectronic random number generator derived from the amplified spontaneous emission noise, applying noise-aware training by injecting additional noise to the network, and implementing the trained network with resilience to hardware non-idealities. Surprisingly, the hybrid photonic GAN with hardware noises and inaccuracies can generate images of even higher quality than the noiseless software baseline. Our results suggest the resilience and potential of more complex hybrid generative networks based on large-scale, non-ideal optoelectronic hardware. The demonstrated GAN architecture and the proposed noise-aware training approach are generic and thus applicable to various types of optoelectronic neuromorphic computing hardware.
Health Risk behaviours Among Adolescents in Argentina: Trends Between 2007, 2012 and 2018 National Cross-Sectional School Surveys
Authors: Peltzer Karl , Pengpid Supa
Published: August 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to assess trends of various health risk behaviours among adolescents across three different surveys in Argentina.
Methods

Data from 115,697 adolescents (mean age:14.6 years, SD = 1.2) that participated in three cross-sectional national school surveys in 2007, 2012 and 2018 were analysed. In all, 27 health risk behaviours were assessed through a self-administered questionnaire. Significance of a linear trend was tested by treating study year as categorical variable in logistic regression analyses, adjusted by age group and food insecurity for boys and girls separately
Results

Among both sexes, four health risk behaviours (current cigarette use, passive smoking, trouble from alcohol use, and physically attacked) significantly reduced from 2007 to 2018. Among boys five health risk behaviours (experience of hunger, parental tobacco use, current alcohol use, involvement in physical fighting, and multiple sexual partners), and among girls, inadequate physical activity significantly reduced over time. Among both sexes, the prevalence of four health risk behaviours (overweight/obesity, obesity, leisure-time sedentary behaviour and insufficient fruit intake) significantly increased among both sexes, and among girls ten health risk behaviours (not walking/biking to school, current other tobacco use, bullying victimisation, lifetime drunkenness, having no close friends, suicide plan, suicidal ideation, worry-induced sleep disturbance, loneliness, and ever sexual intercourse) significantly increased over time.
Conclusion

Nine health risk behaviours among boys and five health risk behaviours among girls decreased, and four health risk behaviours among boys and 14 health compromising behaviours among girls increased over a period of 11 years. School health programmes for adolescents should be strengthened in Argentina.
Genetic Determinants of Biofilm Formation and Antibiotic Resistance of Helicobacter Pylori using Whole Genome Sequencing
Authors: Fauzia Kartika Afrida , Aftab Hafeza , Miftahussurur Muhammad , Waskito Langgeng Agung , Tuan Vo Phuoc , Matsumoto Takashi , Yurugi Michiyuki , Subsomwong Phawinee , Tshibangu-Kabamba Evariste , Akada Junko , Yamaoka Yoshio
Published: August 2021

The nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the biofilm formation phenotype of Helicobacter pylori were investigated. Fifty-six H. pylori isolates from Bangladeshi patients were included in this cross-sectional study. Crystal violet was used to classify the phenotypes into high- and low-biofilm formers. Whole genome sequences were analyzed using the “Antimicrobial Resistance Identification By Assembly” (ARIBA) pipeline. The results indicated 19.6% high- and 81.4% low-biofilm formers. These phenotypes were not related to specific clades in the phylogenetic analysis. Biofilm formation was significantly associated with SNPs of alpA, alpB, cagE, cgt, csd4, csd5, futB, gluP, homD, and murF (P < 0.05). Among the SNPs reported in alpB, strains encoding the N156K, G160S, and A223V mutations were high-biofilm formers. Mutations associated with antibiotic resistance can be detected. This study revealed the potential role of SNPs to biofilm formation, and propose a method to detect mutation in antibiotic resistance and biofilm from whole genome sequences.
Triggering Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Apoptosis Under Chronic Low-dose Lambda-cyhalothrin Exposure Modulated by Melissa Officinalis L Methanol Extract in Rat Hippocampus
Authors: Benaicha Brahim , Rouabhi Rachid , GASMI Salim , Menaceur Fouad , Mennai Imad , Lakroun Zhoura , Fetoui Hamadi , Kebieche Mohamed , Soulimani Rachid
Published: August 2021

The extensive use of Lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) has been associated with the various toxicities that non-target organisms can undergo including mammals. However, the mechanism of induced-LCT cytotoxicity in animal brain cells is still elusive, particularly in brain regions, notably the hippocampus, an area directly involved in cognitive function. This study aimed to investigate the neurotoxic effects in the rat hippocampus chronically exposed to LCT (0.18 mg/kg and 0.36 mg/kg), and the neuroprotective potential of Melissa officinalis L methanol extract (MOE) (200 mg/kg) against this toxicity. After experimental period (90 days), the redox status, the functional and structural integrity of the hippocampus mitochondria as well as the apoptotic signaling pathway were evaluated. The current findings suggest that LCT produces imbalance of mitochondrial redox status expressed by, on one side, increasing of stress markers such as protein carbonyls (PCO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels; and on the other side, by a decline in the potential of antioxidant systems, namely the level of mitochondrial enzymatic activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH).This study also showed an increase in mitochondrial permeability, along with mitochondrial edema and considerable decrease in its O2 consumption. Moreover, the same results recorded an increase in caspase-3 and cytosolic cytochrome-c. Conversely, this study proved that all these toxic aspects induced by LCT were significantly mitigated when the administration of this synthetic pyrethroid was associated with MOE. Taken together, data of this study shed light on mitochondrial damage and apoptosis stimulation under the toxic effect of LCT and suggests that MOE is endowed with potent neuroprotective effect, possibly via its antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties.
Incidence of COVID-19 Infection in Hospital Workers From March 1, 2020 to May 31, 2021 Routinely Tested, Before and After Vaccination With BNT162B2
Authors: Filon Francesca Larese , Rui Francesca , Ronchese Federico , Michieli Paola , Negro Corrado
Published: August 2021

Objective

To evaluate the incidence of COVID-19 infection in health care workers from the start of COVID-19 pandemic in NE of Italy, to the vaccination with BNT162b2.
Materials and methods

This was a retrospective cohort study. Health care workers were routinely tested for SARS-CoV-2 infections using real-time polymerase chain reaction tests in nasopharyngeal swabs. Logistic regression was used to calculate incident rate ratios (IRRs) of factors associated to COVID-19.
Results

A total of 4251 workers were followed-up and an annual incidence of COVID-19 of 13.6% was found. In March 2021 the incidence of infection was 4.88 and 103.55 cases for 100.000 person-days in vaccinated and non-vaccinated workers, respectively, with an adjusted IRRs of 0.05 (95% CI 0.02–0.08).
Conclusions

Our study evaluated the monthly incidence in health care workers in Trieste hospitals before and after the vaccination finding the protective effect of BNT162B2 vaccine in 95% of health care workers routinely tested.
Characterization of New Inorganic- Organic Hybrid Compounds: (C6H10N2).Cl2 (I), [C6H10N2]2ZnCl4 (II): Crystal Structure, Hirschfield Surface, IR and NMR spectroscopy Analysis.
Authors: hannachi nejeh , hlel faouzi
Published: August 2021

Two new organic-inorganic hybrid materials, (C6H10N2).Cl2 (I) and [C6H10N2]2ZnCl4 (II), have been synthesized by hydrothermal method and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and XRD pattern investigations. These two compounds are crystallized in the monoclinic system; C2/c space group. In the both structures, the anionic-cationic entities are interconnected by hydrogen bonding contacts and p-p Interaction forming three-dimensional networks. Intermolecular interactions were investigated by Hirshfeld surfaces and the contacts of the four different chloride atoms in (II) were compared. The vibrational absorption bands were identified by infrared spectroscopy. These compounds were also investigated by solid state 13C NMR spectroscopy.
Environment-friendly High Efficiency CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells Fabricated by Green Antisolvent Method
Authors: gao bowen , MENG JING
Published: August 2021

Green antisolvents propyl acetate and isooctane can promote the nucleation of PbI2 particles and provide the heterogeneous nucleation site of perovskite crystal, so as to promote the rapid growth of perovskite crystal. The films treated with propyl acetate and propylene glycol methyl ether have larger grains and lower root-mean-square value (RMS) than those treated with chlorobenzene. The full coverage perovskite films with uniform grain size which is closer to the exciton diffusion length of perovskite can be obtained. Compared with the CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells treated with chlorobenzene (power conversion efficiency (PCE) is 17.86%), the best efficiency of the devices treated with propylene glycol methyl ether is 21.60%, which is improved by 21%, which has certain reference value and guiding significance for researchers to obtain environment-friendly high-quality perovskite solar cells in the future.
CircZNF236 Facilitates Malignant Progression in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Sequestering miR-145-5p
Authors: Lu Qing , Che Yanhai , Che Hongze , Hu Min
Published: August 2021

BackgroundA number of non-coding circular RNAs (circRNAs) have recently been implicated in the modulation of gene expression in cancer models. We therefore sought to explore if circZNF236 has a role in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).MethodsWe first examined circZNF236 expression in 32 pairs of OSCC and noncancerous tissues. We then investigated a functional role for circZNF236 using knockdown and overexpression approaches in OSCC cancer cell lines. Cell counting kit-8, wound healing, Transwell, and flow cytometry were employed to assess circZNF236 function in vitro. The association between circZNF236 and miR-145-5p, or that between miR-145-5p and malignant brain tumour domain containing 1 (MBTD1) was predicted by bioinformatics and demonstrated by dual-luciferase reporter assays, RNA pull-down assays as well as RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. A mouse OSCC xenograft model was employed to demonstrate the impacts of circZNF236 inhibition on tumor development in vivo. ResultsOSCC tissues and cells had higher levels of circZNF236 expression compared with normal controls. Furthermore, high circZNF2361 levels in patients with OSCC correlated with a poor prognosis. CircZNF236 silencing decreased the malignant properties of OSCC cells and suppressed OSCC tumor formation in the mouse model. We then noticed that miR-145-5p can be regulated by circZNF236, and that circZNF2361 promoted OSCC development by absorbing miR-145-5p and consequently upregulating MBTD1 expression.ConclusionCircZNF236 modulates OSCC via an miR-145-5p/MBTD1 axis. These results support the potential of circZNF236 as a treatment target for OSCC.
High-intensity Physical Activity Is Not Associated With Better Cognition in the Elder: Evidence From the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study
Authors: Wu Zhiyuan , Zhang Haiping , Miao Xinlei , Li Haibin , Pan Huiying , Zhou Di , Liu Yue , Li Zhiwei , Wang Jinqi , Liu Xiangtong , Zheng Deqiang , Li Xia , Wang Wei , Guo Xiuhua , Tao Lixin
Published: August 2021

Objective To evaluate the association of physical activity (PA) intensity with cognitive performance at baseline and during follow up. Methods A total of 4 039 participants aged 45 years or above from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study were enrolled in visit 1 (2011-2012), and followed for cognitive function in visit 2 (2013-2014), visit 3 (2015-2016) and visit 4 (2017-2018). We analyzed the association of PA intensity with global cognition, episodic memory and mental intactness at baseline using adjusted regression methods, and evaluated the long-term effect of PA intensity using multiple measures of cognition scores by mixed effect model.Results Compared with individuals without PA, those with mild PA had 0.42 (3.7%) higher global cognition, and 0.20 (5.9%) higher episodic memory, while individuals with moderate PA had 0.59 (5.3%) higher global cognition, 0.25 (7.1%) higher episodic memory, and 0.34 (4.4%) higher mental intactness at baseline. The vigorous PA was not associated with better global cognition, episodic memory and mental intactness (all P>0.05). The results remained almost consistent in multiple sensitivity analyses. In addition, mild and moderate PA, rather than vigorous PA, was beneficial to long-term cognitive performance. Conclusions Our study indicates that mild and moderate PA could improve cognitive performance, rather than the vigorous activity. The targeted intensity of PA might be more effective to achieve the greatest cognition improvement considering age, overweight and depressive status.
Mapping Publication Trends and Knowledge Structure on Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing – A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Fan Ting , Zhang Bijun
Published: August 2021

Background: Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has become the widely adopted prenatal testing for screening the common aneuploidy of pregnant woman and even expented to detecting copy number variations (CNVs) and Monogenic disease. In recent 10 years, NIPT has become an increasingly important scholarly focus. However, date on long-term bibliometric studies on NIPT has not been reported. Objective: The purpose of this study was to map publications trends and to explore the knowledge structure on NIPT. Methods: Publications were collected from database PubMed in the past 10 years. A bibliometric analysis based on PubMed was conducted to investigate the publication trends and the knowledge structure. Co-word blustering analysis and strategic diagram of highly frequent major MeSH terms were utilized to detect the hot spots in this field. Results: A total of 2160 articles about NIPT were retrieved according to our search strategy in this study. Article was the main document type. The 10 most active journals published 29.3% (633/2160) of the publications in this area. By analyzing and summarizing the highly frequent major MeSH, 7 research hot spots were founded.Conclusion: Our data indicated that NIPT mainly focuses on the 7 major research hot spots, and strategic diagram provides some hints for the future research trend of NIPT.
Functional Ovarian Reserve in Women With Infertility and Euthyroidism: What Is the Role of Thyroid Autoimmunity?
Authors: Silva Diana Festas , Carvalho Tânia , Gomes Leonor , Paiva Isabel , Cortesão Paulo , Santos Teresa Almeida
Published: August 2021

Background: Thyroid dysfunction is the most common endocrine disorder in women of childbearing age, and is associated with menstrual irregularities, anovulation and infertility. Whether it is thyroid function, thyroid autoimmunity (AI) or both that affects functional ovarian reserve remains to be clarified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between functional ovarian reserve and thyroid AI in women with infertility in euthyroidism.Methods: retrospective study of women with infertility, in euthyroidism, followed in a Human Reproduction Department, between May 2016 and January 2020. TSH, anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies, anti-thyroglobulin (TG) antibodies were measured. Functional ovarian reserve was assessed by anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels with antral follicle count (AFC) performed by endovaginal ultrasound. Women with at least one of the following criteria were excluded: prior thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine treatment, cervical surgery/radiotherapy, oophorectomy, malignant/autoimmune pathology, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, current pregnancy and current medication with levothyroxine, methimazole or propylthiouracil. Results with p<0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results: 730 women were evaluated, with mean age of 34.9±3.9 years, with positive thyroid AI (≥ 1 positive antibody) present in 14.8% of cases. Anti-TPO antibodies were positive in 11.0% of patients and anti-TG antibodies in 7.0%. Mean TSH level was 1.6±0.7 µIU/mL (NR: 0.4-4.0). Median body mass index (BMI) was 22.8 kg/m2 (IQR 5.1). Median AMH was 1.7ng/mL (IQR 2.1), and mean AFC was 10.2±6.3. Patients with positive and negative thyroid AI did not differ significantly with age (p=0.133), BMI (p=0.784], AFC (p=0.508) and AMH (p=0.825). TSH levels were significantly higher in the positive AI group (2.0±0.8 vs 1.5±0.7µIU/mL; p<0.001).In the univariate and multivariate analysis, only patient's age and AFC were predictive of AMH levels (p<0.001; p<0.001, respectively). TSH levels, BMI and thyroid AI were not predictive of AMH levels.In regard to AFC, in the univariate analysis, only age was predictive (p<0.001). TSH levels, BMI and thyroid AI were not predictive of AFC.Conclusions: In this study we found that thyroid autoimmunity, in women with infertility and TSH levels in the normal range, apparently, do not have a predictive role for functional ovarian reserve.
The Therapeutic Effect of Edible Horticultural Therapy on Extrapyramidal Symptoms in Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: He Hui , Li Tingting , Zhou Fan , Yang Qianjun , Hu Luyun , Yu Yanwei
Published: August 2021

Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPSs) are common adverse reactions to antipsychotics in patients with schizophrenia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of edible horticultural therapy (EHT) on EPSs in schizophrenic patients. This study assessed the changes in psychopathological symptoms and extrapyramidal symptoms in patients with schizophrenia before and after participating in a six-session EHT. Forty schizophrenic patients, recruited from Wuhan Wudong Hospital, were randomly assigned to the EHT group (average age: 45.40 ± 13.960 years) or the control group (average age: 49.30 ± 12.516 years). The EHT program held weekly sessions from May 2020 to June 2020. A psychiatrist assessed the psychopathological symptoms and extrapyramidal symptoms of schizophrenic patients in both groups with the Chinese version of the Positive and Negative Syndromes Scale (PANSS) and the Rating Scale for Extrapyramidal Side Effects (RSESE). After six courses of horticultural therapy, the terms of positive, negative, and general symptoms on the PANSS significantly improved in the EHT group. Moreover, the EPSs were also significantly improved in the EHT group. However, there was no change in the PANSS and RSESE scores in the control group. This study shows that EHT has the potential to improve not only psychopathological symptoms but also EPSs in psychiatric patients. This adds new evidence for EHT as an adjunct to treatment for schizophrenia.
Cranberry Germination and Emergence Response to Environmental Factors and Seeding Depth
Authors: Besançon Thierry E.
Published: August 2021

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) cultivars are clonally propagated. Germination of cranberry seeds produces off-type varieties that are generally characterized by lower fruit productivity and higher vegetative vigor. Over time, the productivity of cranberry beds decreases as off-type frequency increases over time. Improved knowledge of cranberry germination biology would facilitate the use of targeted agronomic practices to reduce the emergence and growth of less productive off-types. The influences of light, temperature regime, pH, and water potential on cranberry seed germination were assessed in a growth chamber, whereas the effect of seeding depth on seedling emergence was evaluated in a greenhouse. Seeds stratified for 6 months at 3 °C were used for these experiments. Cranberry germination was influenced by light quality, with maximum germination reaching 95% after 15 minutes of exposure to red light but decreasing to 89% under far-red light. However, light was not required for inducing germination. Cranberry seeds germinated over a range of alternating diurnal/nocturnal temperatures between 5 and 30 °C, with an average maximum germination of 97% occurring for diurnal temperatures of 20 to 25 °C. The length of emerged seedlings was reduced by an average of 75% for pH 6 to 8 compared with pH 3 to 5. Seedlings that emerged at pH greater than 5 showed increasing chlorotic and necrotic injuries and were not considered viable at pH 7 or 8. Germination at 15 °C was reduced when seeds were subjected to water stress as low as −0.2 MPa, and no germination occurred below −0.4 MPa. Seeds incubated at 25 °C were more tolerant to water stress, with at least 70% maximum germination for osmotic potential (ψS) −0.6 MPa or greater. The average seedling emergence was 91% for seeds left on the soil surface or buried at a maximum depth of 1 cm; however, it was null at a burying depth of 4 cm. These results indicate that germination of cranberry seeds in cultivated beds in the northeastern United States likely occurs during the summer months, when temperatures are optimal and the moisture requirement is supported by irrigation. However, timely application of residual herbicide or sanding (a traditional cranberry agronomic practice) of open areas in cranberry beds could help prevent seed germination and reduce minimizing the onset of off-type varieties.
On the paragenetic modes of minerals: A mineral evolution perspective
Authors: Hazen Robert M. , Morrison Shaunna M.
Published: August 2021

A systematic survey of 57 different paragenetic modes distributed among 5659 mineral species reveals patterns in the diversity and distribution of minerals related to their evolving formational environments. The earliest minerals in stellar, nebular, asteroid, and primitive Earth contexts were dominated by relatively abundant chemical elements, notably H, C, O, Mg, Al, Si, S, Ca, Ti, Cr, and Fe. Significant mineral diversification subsequently occurred via two main processes, first through gradual selection and concentration of rarer elements by fluid-rock interactions (for example, in hydro-thermal metal deposits, complex granite pegmatites, and agpaitic rocks), and then through near-surface biologically mediated oxidation and weathering.

We find that 3349 mineral species (59.2%) are known from only one paragenetic context, whereas another 1372 species (24.2%) are associated with two paragenetic modes. Among the most genetically varied minerals are pyrite, albite, hornblende, corundum, magnetite, calcite, hematite, rutile, and baryte, each with 15 or more known modes of formation.

Among the most common paragenetic modes of minerals are near-surface weathering/oxidation (1998 species), subsurface hydrothermal deposition (859 species), and condensation at volcanic fumaroles (459 species). In addition, many species are associated with compositionally extreme environments of highly differentiated igneous lithologies, including agpaitic rocks (726 species), complex granite pegmatites (564 species), and carbonatites and related carbonate-bearing magmas (291 species). Biological processes lead to at least 2707 mineral species, primarily as a consequence of oxidative weathering but also through coal-related and other taphonomic minerals (597 species), as well as anthropogenic minerals, for example as byproducts of mining (603 minerals). However, contrary to previous estimates, we find that only ~34% of mineral species form exclusively as a consequence of biological processes. By far the most significant factor in enhancing Earth’s mineral diversity has been its dynamic hydrological cycle. At least 4583 minerals—81% of all species—arise through water-rock interactions.

A timeline for mineral-forming events suggests that much of Earth’s mineral diversity was established within the first 250 million years. If life is rare in the universe, then this view of a mineralogically diverse early Earth provides many more plausible reactive pathways over a longer timespan than previous models. If, however, life is a cosmic imperative that emerges on any mineral- and water-rich world, then these findings support the hypothesis that life on Earth developed rapidly in the early stages of planetary evolution.
Using cathodoluminescence to identify oscillatory zoning of perthitic K-feldspar from the equigranular Toki granite
Authors: Yuguchi Takashi , Nonaka Mai , Suzuki Satoshi , Imura Takumi , Nakashima Kazuo , Nishiyama Tadao
Published: August 2021

For the first time, cathodoluminescence (CL) was used to show oscillatory zoning in perthitic K-feldspars from the equigranular Toki granite, central Japan. Based on the CL patterns, two types of zoning are identified: single core oscillatory zoning (SCOZ) and multiple core oscillatory zoning (MCOZ). The SCOZ is defined by oscillatory zoning around a single-crystal core within the K-feldspar crystal, whereas the MCOZ depicts two or more such crystal cores. The crystal cores displayed in CL images reflect the nucleation parts of magmatic K-feldspar. The existence of MCOZ patterns in K-feldspars indicates multiple nuclei. CL patterns reveal crystal growth behavior of magmatic K-feldspar in the equigranular Toki granite. CL intensities are positively correlated with titanium and barium concentrations, indicating that the CL variations depend on two factors: (1) titanium concentration as a CL activator and (2) density of Al-O−-Al structural defects. The analysis of CL images revealed that albite-rich phases in microperthite and patchperthite with low-luminescence intensities cut across the CL bands of the oscillatory zoning, indicating that the oscillatory zoning in the orthoclase-rich host phase of K-feldspar was not perturbed by the formation of microperthite and patchperthite in the post-crystallization stage. The luminescence intensities of albite-rich phases in patchperthite are lower than those in microperthite, which is due to the differences in titanium and barium concentrations between them. In the post-crystallization stage, the mass transfer of titanium and barium occurred during the formation of microperthite and patchperthite. Therefore, the difference in the luminescence intensities between microperthite and patchperthite lamellae reflects their different formation mechanisms between exsolution coarsening and dissolution-precipitation coarsening. In summary, CL analyses can be used for the evaluation of the nucleation and growth not only of anhedral K-feldspar crystals in equigranular granite but also of K-feldspar phenocrysts/megacrysts in porphyritic granite. It can reveal the spatial extent of element partitioning between the melt and crystal, along with that of mass transfer from the melt into crystals during the magma evolution. Moreover, the CL analyses can also be used for the interpretation of K-feldspar textural development during the post-crystallization stage.
Radial Distribution Function for a Hard Sphere Liquid: A Modified Percus-Yevick and Hypernetted-Chain Closure Relations
Authors: Carvalho Felipe , Braga João Pedro
Published: August 2021

Establishment of the radial distribution function by solving the Ornstein-Zernike equation is still an important problem, even more than a hundred years after the original paper publication. New strategies and approximations are common in the literature. A crucial step in this process consists in defining a closure relation which retrieves correlation functions in agreement with experiments or molecular simulations. In this paper, the functional Taylor expansion, as proposed by J. K. Percus, is applied to introduce two new closure relations: one that modifies the Percus‑Yevick closure relation and another one modifying the Hypernetted-Chain approximation. These new approximations will be applied to a hard sphere system. An improvement for the radial distribution function is observed in both cases. For some densities a greater accuracy, by a factor of five times compared to the original approximations, was obtained.
Fronteiras e limites na prática da pedagogia da alternância a partir do Médio Jequitinhonha-MG
Authors: Pereira Santos Rafael , Silva Roberta Alves
Published: August 2021

Este trabalho apresenta sucintamente o surgimento das Escolas Famílias Agrícolas – EFAs e sua expansão da França até o Brasil discutindo as experiências de alternâncias e suas implicações teóricas e práticas. Discutem-se as potencialidades e problemáticas de se manter uma EFA no sentido estrutural e pedagógico no contexto do Vale do Jequitinhonha. A metodologia utilizada embasa-se na análise bibliográfica e pesquisa participante com base em Brandão (1985) a partir das observações na escola e entrevistas junto aos monitores considerando as suas tutorias aos estudantes. Os resultados apresentam a necessidade de engajamento e articulação sociopolítica das EFAs para continuar oferecendo a formação integral dos jovens do campo, que só se realiza a partir da formação continuada dos monitores e efetivo diálogo entre escola, família e comunidade a partir do empoderamento de todos os envolvidos na utilização dos “instrumentos pedagógicos”.
Moda e Economia Solidária
Authors: Soares Junior Glauber , Eloy Atílio Batista Fabiano , José de Medeiros Dantas Ítalo
Published: August 2021

Tem-se como intuito analisar como a Economia Solidária e a Moda podem dialogar, utilizando comocontexto o projeto “Casa Verde IVERT”, fundamentado na cidade de Minas Gerais, Barbacena.Inicialmente realizou-se uma pesquisa bibliográfica. Sequencialmente, foi realizado um estudo de casosobre o projeto através de entrevistas online e aplicação de questionários com participantes ou antigosintegrantes do projeto e os dados foram examinados através de uma análise de conteúdo. Destaca-seque a maioria dos participantes são mulheres, que se autodeclaram pretas ou pardas e que possuemensino superior completo. A casa funciona como uma “incubadora”, onde são desenvolvidas diferentesatividades que promovem a interação entre artistas, artesãos, pequenos produtores e profissionaisinteressados na busca pelo fortalecimento de uma ação coletiva. Por fim, destaca-se que Moda eEconomia Solidária estão sendo inter-relacionadas, propiciando o consumo consciente e a elevação dociclo de vida de produtos, principalmente através de trocas.
Jacutinga
Authors: Dittz Vítor
Published: August 2021

O presente artigo é uma etnografia de um bairro rural formado por pequenas unidades familiares com produção destinada a subsistência. A Jacutinga está situada no município do Serro—Minas Gerais. Ao longo da pesquisa analisei o Espaço Social Alimentar (POULAIN e PROENÇA, 2003) dos moradores, sobretudo o Espaço do Comestível e o Sistema Alimentar local. As mudanças e permanências na alimentação e sua dinâmica de produção e consumo foram analisadas no período que se estende de 1970 a 2018. Procedimentos metodológicos como entrevista semiestruturada recorrente, observação participante e conversas informais auxiliaram no desenvolvimento desse estudo. As relações sociais e as de trabalho, assim como as sociabilidades entorno do processo de obtenção e de produção dos gêneros alimentícios foram contempladas ao longo da análise.
Educar a quem, educar a quê?
Authors: Carneiro Francisca Jeannie Gomes , Moura Ana Maria do Nascimento , Oliveira Antonia Aleksandra Mendes
Published: August 2021

Este dossiê parte de um diálogo entre Antropologia e Educação para pensar as relações entre a Escola, o Estado e a Nação como amplas e diversas, acontecendo dentro de uma arena política de interesses. Nesta apresentação, trazemos algumas reflexões sobre o tema à luz de uma revisão sintética sobre o campo da Antropologia da Educação. Situamos também a produção dos artigos em meio à pandemia da COVID-19, que impõe outras questões desafiadoras para as pesquisas e as práticas acadêmicas e educacionais. Por fim, apresentamos os trabalhos selecionados para compor o dossiê, destacando as contribuições que estes trouxeram em relação à proposta.
Online News Coverage of the Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Tax in Malaysia: Content Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Mohd Hanim Muhammad Faiz , Md Sabri Budi Aslinie , Yusof Norashikin
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

In Malaysia, the Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) tax was announced during the parliament's 2019 Budget Speech. The tax was slated to be enforced by April 2019 but was later postponed to July 2019. The announcement has since generated significant media coverage and public feedback.

OBJECTIVE

This study presents a qualitative and quantitative cross-sectional study using netnography to examine how Malaysian online news articles responded to the SSBs tax after the announcement and postimplementation.

METHODS

Online news articles published on popular online news platforms from November 2018 to August 2019 were downloaded using NCapture and imported into NVivo for analysis using the inductive approach and thematic content analysis following the initial SSBs implementation announcement.

RESULTS

A total of 62 news articles were analyzed. Most of the articles positively portrayed the SSBs tax (46.8%) and highlighted its health impacts (76%). There were 7 key framing arguments identified in the articles. The positive arguments revolved around incentivizing manufacturers to introduce healthier products voluntarily, positive health consequences, the tax’s impact on government revenue, and the use of the generated revenue toward beneficial social programs. The opposing arguments included increased operating costs to the manufacturer, the increased retail price of drinks, and how the SSBs tax is not a robust solution to obesity. The top priority sector considered in introducing the tax was the health perspective, followed by economic purposes and creating policies such as regulating the food and drinks industry.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of online news articles positively reported the implementation of the SSBs tax in Malaysia. This suggests media played a role in garnering support for the health policy. As such, relevant bodies can use negative findings to anticipate and reframe counteracting arguments opposing the SSBs tax.
The Evolution of Public Sentiments During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Case Comparisons of India, Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States (Preprint)
Authors: Lwin May O , Sheldenkar Anita , Lu Jiahui , Schulz Peter Johannes , Shin Wonsun , Panchapakesan Chitra , Gupta Raj Kumar , Yang Yinping
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Public sentiments are an important indicator of crisis response, with the need to balance exigency without adding to panic or projecting overconfidence. Given the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments have enacted various nationwide measures against the disease with social media platforms providing the previously unparalleled communication space for the global populations.

OBJECTIVE

This research aims to examine and provide a macro-level narrative of the evolution of public sentiments on social media at national levels, by comparing Twitter data from India, Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States during the current pandemic.

METHODS

A total of 67,363,091 Twitter posts on COVID-19 from January 28, 2020, to April 28, 2021, were analyzed from the 5 countries with “wuhan,” “corona,” “nCov,” and “covid” as search keywords. Change in sentiments (“very negative,” “negative,” “neutral or mixed,” “positive,” “very positive”) were compared between countries in connection with disease milestones and public health directives.

RESULTS

Country-specific assessments show that negative sentiments were predominant across all 5 countries during the initial period of the global pandemic. However, positive sentiments encompassing hope, resilience, and support arose at differing intensities across the 5 countries, particularly in Asian countries. In the next stage of the pandemic, India, Singapore, and South Korea faced escalating waves of COVID-19 cases, resulting in negative sentiments, but positive sentiments appeared simultaneously. In contrast, although negative sentiments in the United Kingdom and the United States increased substantially after the declaration of a national public emergency, strong parallel positive sentiments were slow to surface.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings on sentiments across countries facing similar outbreak concerns suggest potential associations between government response actions both in terms of policy and communications, and public sentiment trends. Overall, a more concerted approach to government crisis communication appears to be associated with more stable and less volatile public sentiments over the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Risk Factors of COVID-19 Critical Outcomes in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Multicountry Retrospective Study (Preprint)
Authors: Lami Faris , Elfadul Maisa , Rashak Hiba , Al Nsour Mohannad , Akhtar Hashaam , Khader Yousef , Hussein Ahmed M , Naciri Mariam , Samy Sahar , Ghaleb Yasser , Taha Hana , Hussein Alaa , Ali Nameer A , Hussein Raheem , Ikram Aamer , Rahman Fazal ur , Khan Mohammad Mujeeb , Adam Reema , Ahmed Abdulrazaq Yusuf , Afifi Salma
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

The establishment of empirical evidence in the Eastern Mediterranean Region necessitates the implementation of wide-scale studies to describe the demographic, clinical features, and severity profile of patients with COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess the patterns of COVID-19 severity and mortality in seven countries, and to determine the risk factors of COVID-19 severity and mortality.

METHODS

This multicountry study was based on a retrospective review of medical records of hospitalized patients confirmed to have COVID-19. This study includes data from Iraq, Pakistan, Sudan, Somalia, Morocco, Egypt, and Yemen. All demographic and clinical data were extracted from hospital records (paper files) by trained data collectors.

RESULTS

A total of 4141 patients were included in this study from seven countries. Comorbidities were reported by nearly half of the patients, with hypertension (n=1021, 24.7%) and diabetes (n=939, 22.7%) being the most common. Older age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and heart diseases were significantly associated with COVID-19 severity and mortality. Ever smoking and renal diseases were significantly associated with severity but not mortality, while male gender, respiratory diseases, and malignancy were significantly associated with mortality but not severity.

CONCLUSIONS

The study confirms the role of comorbidities and demographic features on the severity and mortality of COVID-19. Understanding the contributing factors ensures attentive care and informs clinical management of patients with poorer prognoses in the early stages of diseases.
Web-Based Independent Versus Laboratory-Based Stop-Signal Task Performance: Within-Subjects Counterbalanced Comparison Study (Preprint)
Authors: Poulton Antoinette , Chen Li Peng Evelyn , Dali Gezelle , Fox Michael , Hester Robert
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Considered a facet of behavioral impulsivity, response inhibition facilitates adaptive and goal-directed behavior. It is often assessed using the Stop-Signal Task (SST), which is presented on stand-alone computers under controlled laboratory conditions. Sample size may consequently be a function of cost or time and sample diversity constrained to those willing or able to attend the laboratory. Statistical power and generalizability of results might, in turn, be impacted. Such limitations may potentially be overcome via the implementation of web-based testing.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate if there were differences between variables derived from a web-based SST when it was undertaken independently—that is, outside the laboratory, on any computer, and in the absence of researchers—versus when it was performed under laboratory conditions.

METHODS

We programmed a web-based SST in HTML and JavaScript and employed a counterbalanced design. A total of 166 individuals (mean age 19.72, SD 1.85, range 18-36 years; 146/166, 88% female) were recruited. Of them, 79 undertook the independent task prior to visiting the laboratory and 78 completed the independent task following their laboratory visit. The average time between SST testing was 3.72 (SD 2.86) days. Dependent samples and Bayesian paired samples t tests were used to examine differences between laboratory-based and independent SST variables. Correlational analyses were conducted on stop-signal reaction times (SSRT).

RESULTS

After exclusions, 123 participants (mean age 19.73, SD 1.97 years) completed the SST both in the laboratory and independently. While participants were less accurate on go trials and exhibited reduced inhibitory control when undertaking the independent—compared to the laboratory-based—SST, there was a positive association between the SSRT of each condition (r=.48; P<.001; 95% CI 0.33-0.61).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest a web-based SST, which participants undertake on any computer, at any location, and in the absence of the researcher, is a suitable measure of response inhibition.
Comparing the Chemical Characteristics of Pectin Isolated from Various Indonesian Fruit Peels
Authors: Susanti Siti , Legowo Anang Mohamad , Nurwantoro Nurwantoro , Silviana Silviana , Arifan Fahmi
Published: August 2021

The Indonesian pectin manufacturing industry is underdeveloped, and pectin is imported to meet its increasing demand; we attempted to isolate pectins from various fruit peels, such as orange peel (OP), papaya peel (PP), mango peel (MP), watermelon peel (WP), and chayote peel (CP) and investigated their chemical characteristics (equivalent weight of the extracted pectins and their moisture, ash, methoxyl, and galacturonic acid (GA) contents). Acid extraction, purification, precipitation, and drying processes were used to process the isolated pectins. We examined their chemical properties for conformance to quality standards advised by the International Pectin Producers Association (IPPA). The moisture (except OP pectin) and ash contents (except PP pectin) of the extracted pectins were within the limit set by IPPA. However, the equivalent weight (W eq) of any of the isolated pectins did not satisfy IPPA standards. The methoxyl contents of the pectins isolated from OP, WP, and CP satisfied IPPA standards. High methoxyl pectins were isolated from PP and MP. The galacturonic acid contents of the isolated pectins were higher than the acceptable limit of the GA level. Thus, OP, PP, MP, WP, and CP are potential sources of pectin.
Formulation of Blush Preparations by Using Natural Coloring from Red Beetroot Extract (Beta vulgaris L.)
Authors: Sari Suci Wulan , Djamil Ratna , Faizatun Faizatun
Published: August 2021

Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) has compounds that can be used for body health, beauty skincare, food additives, and much more. This research was aimed to prepare the dry extract of beetroot and formulate it into a loose powder, compact powder, and cream. The preparation was started by adding 2, 4, or 6% of dry extract, then blending the pulp and drying the resultant residue using a freeze dryer. Testing on color homogeneity, polishing, breakage, pH stability, color stability, and the hedonic test was carried out to determine the product quality. The initial result of phytochemical screening showed it might contain flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, triterpenoids, steroids, and quinones. The color stability test performed at 30 °C showed that the cream was unstable while other forms showed fair stability at 8 °C. All dosage forms were homogeneous and could be applied easily. The breakage test showed no fractures. The pH remained stable for all formulas (between 3–5) after 28 days of storage. The color stability test showed that the significant discoloration only happened to the loose powder and cream. The hedonic test showed that the compact powder with a concentration of 6% was the most preferred formula by users.