bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What Lies Ahead for Manakins
Authors: Schlinger Barney A.
Published: May 2024

Research on manakins continues with advances in our appreciation of the forces generated by the manakin leg muscles and our appreciation of how muscle proteins have evolved over time in the manakin lineage. Work in a geographic zone where two Manacus species hybridize and unique Manacus manakin morphs are found on islands offers perspectives on manakin evolution, female mate choice, and the genetics underlying plumage color and display physicality. The National Science Foundation funds on connection with a diversity of manakin species raises excitement about many future discoveries involving this fascinating avian group.
A Fork in the Road
Authors: Sayen Jamie
Published: May 2024

In June 1994, RESTORE proposed a 3.2-million-acre Maine Woods National Park. Maine conservation groups were furious, and over the next six months the old schism between political and ecological conservation reopened, and several preservation-oriented groups withdrew from the Northern Forest Alliance. Without the regional council to advocate for its agenda, its recommendations failed to take hold. By 1997, only five of the council’s recommendations had made any progress.
Design and performance evaluation of an enhanced monofocal intraocular lens
Authors: Li Kunqi , Xing Yuwei , Liu Yongji
Published: May 2024

Enhanced monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs), aimed at improving intermediate vision while maintaining distance vision comparable to traditional monofocal IOLs, are emerging as a promising option for cataract surgery. This study introduces a method for designing such enhanced monofocal IOL and conducts a thorough investigation of its optical performance. Additionally, the visual acuity (VA) of the pseudophakic eye implanted with the designed IOL is examined. The designed IOL provides image quality for distance vision comparable to that of monofocal IOLs and a depth of focus of 1.30 D, demonstrating its ability to improve intermediate vision. Moreover, the optical performance of the designed IOL based on this method can be comparable to commercial products, in terms of the modulation transfer function (MTF). The designed enhanced monofocal IOL demonstrates a potential for real application in cataract surgery.
Spherical full-parallax light-field display using a ball of fly-eye mirror
Authors: Yano Hiroaki , Yendo Tomohiro
Published: May 2024

Creating a spherical full-parallax light-field display is challenging because it is difficult to curve conventional structures, although the spherical surface is suitable for displaying 3D images with a wide viewing area. Here, we present a spherical full-parallax light-field display that consists of a specially designed disco-ball-like spherical reflective screen (a ball mirror) and a high-speed projector. The ball mirror uniaxially rotates to change the ray direction, and the synchronized projector controls the ray color. By speeding up the rotation and employing time multiplexing, the system acts as a full-parallax light-field display. We designed the system mathematically and analyzed the image quality through computer simulations. In addition, the prototype successfully displays colored 3D images and has smooth parallax in both vertical and horizontal directions.
Fabrication of a low-cost benchtop optical imager for quantum dot microarray-based stress biomarker detection
Authors: Kishore Anusha , Varughese Arun Mathew , Roth Bernhard , Zeilinger Carsten
Published: May 2024

We report on a simplified optical imager to detect the presence of a stress biomarker protein, namely the Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90). The imager consists of two elements the optical unit and the sensor which is a custom-made biochip. Measurement is based on the masking of the streptavidin conjugated quantum dot’s (Sav-QDs) fluorescence when Hsp90 attaches to it via biotinylated antibodies (Ab). The masking effect was directly proportional to the Hsp90 concentration. The cost-efficient benchtop imager developed comprises a CMOS sensor, standard optical lenses, and a narrow bandpass filter for optically eliminating background fluorescence. This approach is promising for the realization of cheap, robust, and reliable point-of-care detection systems for various biomarker analysis.
A third-order smoothness metric to characterize progressive addition lenses
Authors: Barbero Sergio
Published: May 2024

Although second-order surface analysis, mainly mean power and cylinder maps, are commonly used to characterize progressive addition surfaces (PAL), recently it has been suggested that third-order variations may also have relevancy in PAL optical and visual performance. This paper proposes a third-order smoothness metric, and its associated Riemannian distance, to further characterize PAL's surface optical performance. These metrics can provide a complementary scoring tool to those classical ones; particularly, to analyze the transition zones between far, near, intermediate, and blending zones. A method to compute these metrics is provided. This third-order smoothness metric also enables a formal definition of the PAL principal curve, namely the curve, embedded in the PAL surface, that minimizes the line path integral joining the far and near reference points weighted by the third-order smoothness metric. Finally, the paper describes a comprehensive methodology to compute such principal curves using a level-set geodesic method. All these ideas are put into practice with several real PAL surfaces.
Light sheet microscope scanning of biointegrated microlasers for localized refractive index sensing
Authors: Cowie Ross C. , Schubert Marcel
Published: May 2024

Whispering gallery mode (WGM) microlasers are highly sensitive to localized refractive index changes allowing to link their emission spectrum to various chemical, mechanical, or physical stimuli. Microlasers recently found applications in biological studies within single cells, in three-dimensional samples such as multicellular spheroids, or in vivo. However, detailed studies of biological samples also need to account for the structural heterogeneity of tissues and live animals, therefore requiring a combination of high-resolution microscopy and laser spectroscopy. Here, we design and construct a light sheet fluorescence microscope with a coupled spectrometer for use in microlaser studies for combined high-resolution, high-speed imaging and WGM spectral analysis. The light sheet illumination profile and the decoupled geometry of excitation and emission hereby directly affect the lasing and sensing properties, mainly through geometric constraints and by light coupling effects. We demonstrate the basic working principle of microlaser spectroscopy under light sheet excitation and measure the absolute refractive index within agarose and in zebrafish tail muscle tissue. We further analyze the light coupling conditions that lead to the occurrence of two separate oscillation planes. These so-called cross modes can be scanned around the entire microlaser surface, which allows to estimate a surface-averaged refractive index profile of the microlaser environment.
Trust in climate science and climate scientists: A narrative review
Authors: Cologna Viktoria , Kotcher John , Mede Niels G. , Besley John , Maibach Edward W. , Oreskes Naomi
Published: May 2024

Trust in climate science provides the foundation for evidence-based policymaking on climate change mitigation and adaptation and public perceptions of the urgency of climate change. Here we consider the possibility that lack of public trust in climate science and climate scientists may undermine the effectiveness of climate science communication. To this end, we narratively review three topics of relevance to climate science and climate scientists: 1) The current state of trust; 2) Reasons for distrust; 3) How political engagement affects trust. We then draw on insights from communication and behavioral science to recommend how climate change communicators can become more trustworthy.
Association between self-reported oral habits and oral health related quality of life of adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Lawal Folake Barakat , Idiga Ejiro , Fagbule Omotayo Francis , Ajayi Iyanuoluwa Jesupemi , Amusa Folakemi , Adejumo Ooreoluwa , Osuh Mary Ebelechukwu , Temisanren Orighoye Tosan , Lawal Taiwo Akeem
Published: May 2024

Oral habits such as nail biting, thumb/digit sucking and teeth grinding could be harmful, and may lead to teeth misalignment, anterior open bite, protruded or flared upper anterior teeth especially if they persist into adolescence. Such orofacial dysfunction may result to impairment of the Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) of an individual. The extent to which oral habits affect the major domains of the self-reported outcomes remains understudied especially during adolescence, a unique period of growth, where there is increased aesthetic desire, increased self-awareness, and unique social and psychological needs. The aim of this study, therefore, was to determine the prevalence of oral habits and its association with oral health related quality of life of adolescents. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 700 adolescents aged 10 to 19 years (with mean age 14.6 (±1.3) years) attending 14 secondary schools in Ibadan, Nigeria. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, which assessed sociodemographic characteristics of the students, oral habits and OHRQoL with Oral Health Impact Profile 5 (OHIP-5). Data were analyzed with SPSS and p value was at <5%. Mann Whitney U statistics was used to test for associations between OHIP-5 scores and presence or absence of oral habits. Logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis. A total of 363 (51.9%; 95%CI = 48.1%–55.6%) bite their nails, 216 (30.9%; 95%CI = 27.5%–34.4%) breathe with their mouth, 122 (17.4%; 95%CI = 14.7%–20.4%) suck their lips, 89 (12.7%; 95%CI = 10.3%–15.4%) grind their teeth together and 32 (4.6%; 95%CI = 3.1%–6.7%) sucked their thumbs. A total of 403 (81.1%) adolescents who engaged in at least an oral habit reported an impairment of their OHRQoL. Painful aching in the mouth was the most frequently affected OHRQoL item reported by the adolescents who engaged in oral habits. Those who sucked their thumbs (OR = 2.3, 95%CI = 1.1–4.7, p = 0.028) and those who sucked their lips were more likely to have poorer OHRQoL (OR = 1.6, 95%CI = 1.1–2.5, p = 0.024). Oral habits were prevalent among the adolescents and affected their OHRQoL. Those who sucked their thumbs and lips were more likely to report poorer OHRQoL than those who did not.
Low COVID-19 vaccine uptake in people living with HIV and those with hypertension and diabetes without HIV at Mbarara and Masaka regional referral hospitals: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Owaraganise Asiphas , Beesiga Brian , Okiring Jaffer , Roh Michelle E. , Kakande Elijah , Nangendo Joan , Akatukwasa Cecilia , Lee Jordan John , Mwangwa Florence , Kabami Jane , Semitala Fred C. , Kamya Moses R.
Published: May 2024

Chronic diseases such as HIV, hypertension, and diabetes increase the risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and death. Thus, COVID-19 vaccine uptake data among these priority populations are needed to inform immunization programs. We assessed COVID-19 vaccine uptake among people living with HIV (PLWH) and those with hypertension/diabetes without HIV (PWoH) in Southwestern and Southcentral Uganda and determined factors influencing vaccination. We conducted a cross-sectional study from January to April 2023. We enrolled a random sample of participants aged 18 years and older seeking HIV, hypertension, or diabetes care at two regional referral hospitals (RRHs) in Mbarara and Masaka in Uganda. Using vaccination records abstraction and interviewer-administered questionnaires, we collected data on COVID-19 vaccine uptake, sociodemographic data, and reasons for non-uptake in unvaccinated persons. We compared COVID-19 vaccination uptake between PLWH and PWoH and applied modified Poisson regression to determine sociodemographic factors associated with vaccine uptake. The reasons for non-vaccine uptake were presented as percentages. Of the 1,376 enrolled participants, 65.6% were fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Vaccination coverage was 65% among PWLH versus 67% among PWoH. Higher education attainment and older age were associated with COVID vaccination. Participants with secondary education and those aged ≥50 years achieved >70% coverage. Fear of side effects was the most cited reason (67%) for non-vaccination among 330 unvaccinated participants, followed by vaccine mistrust (24.5%). People with chronic diseases in Southwestern Uganda had slightly lower than 70% COVID-19 vaccine coverage as recommended by WHO. Higher educational attainment and older age were linked to increased vaccine uptake. However, mistrust and fear of vaccine side effects were the main reasons for non-vaccination. To increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake, programs must reach those with lower educational attainment and younger age groups, and address the fear of vaccine side effects and mistrust among persons with underlying diseases in Uganda.
Evaluation of knowledge, attitude and practices towards loiasis in the rural community of Sindara, in central African Gabon
Authors: Hildebrandt Teite Rebecca , Davi Saskia Dede , Kabwende Anita Lumeka , Endamne Lilian Rene , Mehmel Esther , Rakotonirinalalao Maximilian , Alabi Ayodele , Manego Rella Zoleko , Kremsner Peter G. , Lell Bertrand , Adegnika Ayôla Akim , Mombo-Ngoma Ghyslain , Mischlinger Johannes , Agnandji Selidji Todagbe , Ramharter Michael
Published: May 2024

Background

More than 20 million people are infected with L. loa, and around 40 million live in high or intermediate-risk areas in West- and Central Africa. Although loiasis is associated with significant morbidity and excess mortality, little is known about the perception of loiasis by affected communities. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the rural population of Sindara, Gabon, a region characterized by high loiasis prevalence.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in Gabon between January and June 2022. During systematic door-to-door visits, randomly selected inhabitants were invited to participate in this questionnaire based survey. Venous blood was collected at midday from all participants for microscopic detection of filarial infection and clinical signs of loiasis were assessed.

Results

A total of 150 participants were recruited, of which 66% were infected by L. loa. While almost everyone had some knowledge about L. loa, 72% of the participants understood that L. loa is a parasitic worm. The transmission of L. loa via the deer fly was known to only 21% of participants. The most frequently mentioned clinical symptoms attributed to loiasis were itching (84%), eye worm migration (59%), and conjunctivitis-like symptoms (53%). Participants who experienced migratory loiasis had better knowledge of loiasis and considered it as more serious. Traditional and herbal medicine was reported most often as an available treatment option (72%). While the formal healthcare sector was mentioned as the preferred treatment provider, 60% of the reported infections were treated by traditional medical practitioners.

Conclusion

Loiasis is in general well known by this community residing in a region of high L. loa transmission. Important gaps in knowledge were discovered foremost regarding the mode of transmission. The available healthcare system does not seem to provide adequate management for loiasis.
Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence among pregnant women in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mulu Gelaw Yared , Worku Dagnew Gizachew , Degu Alene Getu , Gangneux Jean-Pierre , Robert-Gangneux Florence
Published: May 2024

Background

Toxoplasmosis is a serious endemic zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasma infection during pregnancy can result in congenital transmission and serious fetal and neonatal complications. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the pooled seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and its determinants among pregnant women in African countries.

Methods

All articles reporting the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in African countries and published from 2010 to 2023 were searched using various databases. The pooled prevalence of toxoplasmosis was calculated using a random-effect model. The variation between the included studies was assessed using a funnel plot and I2 heterogeneity statistics. To identify the sources of heterogeneity, sub-group analysis was further conducted by country, diagnostic method, and sub-African region. The association of prevalence rates with the socio-economic level and geoclimatic parameters was also explored.

Results

In total, 29,383 pregnant women from 60 articles were included for analysis. The pooled T. gondii seroprevalence was 42.89% with high heterogeneity (I2 = 99.4%, P < 0.001). Sub-group analysis revealed variation by country (ranging from 2.62% in Namibia to 80.28% in Congo), diagnostic method used (from 8.66% in studies using a rapid diagnostic test to 55.69% in those using an agglutination test), and sub-African region (from 4.14% in regions of Southern Africa to 53.96 in Central Africa). Cat ownership (OR = 1.58) and the consumption of raw meat (OR = 1.50) and raw vegetables (OR = 1.48) had a statistically significant combined effect on T. gondii seroprevalence. No association was found between T. gondii prevalence and the level of income of the country or geoclimatic parameters.

Conclusion

The prevalence of toxoplasmosis infection among pregnant women in Africa is high, particularly in Central and Eastern Africa. The determinants of prevalence are multifactorial. Therefore, efforts should be made to increase the awareness of women concerning the risk factors for toxoplasmosis.
Linking the preference in a bilateral asymmetric task with handedness, footedness, and eyedness: The case of ice-hockey
Authors: Grondin Simon , Fortin-Guichard Daniel , Dubeau Charles-Anthony , Tétreault Émie
Published: May 2024

Most people know whether they are left-handed or right-handed, and usually base this assessment on preferences during one-handed tasks. There are several manual tasks that require the contribution of both hands, in which, in most cases, each hand plays a different role. In this specific case, holding an ice-hockey stick is particularly interesting because the hand placement may have an incidence on the playing style. In this study (n= 854), the main objective was to determine to what extent the way of holding an ice-hockey stick is associated with other lateralized preferences. Amongst the 131 participants reporting a preference for the left hand in unilateral tasks, 70.2% reported a preference for shooting right (placing the right hand in the middle of the stick); and amongst the 583 participants reporting a preference for writing with the right hand, 66.2% reported a preference for shooting left. 140 (16.4%) participants were classified as ambidextrous and 61.4% of them reported a preference for shooting right. This preference on the ice-hockey stick is closely correlated (uncrossed preference) to the way one holds a rake, shovel, or broom, or a golf club, but inversely related to the way one holds an ax and a baseball bat. The link between the way of holding the ice-hockey stick and eyedness or footedness is weak. These results are contrasted with the results reported by Loffing et al. (2014) and reveal the need to clarify the exact nature and requirements of the targeted tasks when studying bilateral asymmetric preferences.
Cannabis sativa (Hemp) seed-derived peptides WVYY and PSLPA modulate the Nrf2 signaling pathway in human keratinocytes
Authors: Kim Euihyun , Jang Jihyeon , Seo Hyo Hyun , Lee Jeong Hun , Moh Sang Hyun
Published: May 2024

Cannabis sativa (Hemp) seeds are used widely for cosmetic and therapeutic applications, and contain peptides with substantial therapeutic potential. Two key peptides, WVYY and PSLPA, extracted from hemp seed proteins were the focal points of this study. These peptides have emerged as pivotal contributors to the various biological effects of hemp seed extracts. Consistently, in the present study, the biological effects of WVYY and PSLPA were explored. We confirmed that both WVYY and PSLPA exert antioxidant and antibacterial effects and promote wound healing. We hypothesized the involvement of the nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway in these observed effects, given that Nrf2 is reported to be a central player in the regulation of these observed effects. Molecular-level investigations unequivocally confirmed the role of the Nrf2 signaling pathway in the observed effects of WVYY and PSLPA, specifically their antioxidant effects. Our study highlights the therapeutic potential of hemp seed-derived peptides WVYY and PSLPA, particularly with respect to their antioxidant effects, and provides a nuanced understanding of their effects. Further, our findings can facilitate the investigation of targeted therapeutic applications and also underscore the broader significance of hemp extracts in biological contexts.
A cost-benefit analysis of WildFireSat, a wildfire monitoring satellite mission for Canada
Authors: Hope Emily S. , McKenney Daniel W. , Johnston Lynn M. , Johnston Joshua M.
Published: May 2024

In anticipation of growing wildfire management challenges, the Canadian government is investing in WildFireSat, an Earth observation satellite mission designed to collect data in support of Canadian wildfire management. Although costs of the mission can be reasonably estimated, the benefits of such an investment are unknown. Here we forecast the possible benefits of WildFireSat via an avoided cost approach. We consider five socio-economic components: suppression costs (fixed and variable), timber losses, property, asset and infrastructure losses, evacuation costs, and smoke related health costs. Using a Monte Carlo analysis, we evaluated a range of possible changes to these components based on expert opinions. The resulting Net Present Value (NPV) estimates depend on the presumed impact of using WildFireSat decision support data products, with pessimistic and conservative assumptions generating mission costs that typically exceed potential benefits by 1.16 to 1.59 times, while more optimistic assumptions generate benefits in excess of costs by 8.72 to 10.48 times. The analysis here excludes some possibly significant market and non-market impacts expected from WildFireSat due to data limitations; accounting for these additional impacts would likely generate positive NPVs under even cautious impact assumptions.
Exclusive breastfeeding practice during COVID-19 pandemic in West Java Indonesia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Apriningsih  , Hanifah Laily , Nasrulloh Nanang
Published: May 2024

Background

The achievement towards 100% exclusive breastfeeding still a challenge in many countries despite adverse impacts due to the absence of exclusive breastfeeding. One consequence from the low practice of exclusive breastfeeding is malnutrition, including stunting that can be prevented by providing optimal food to infants, starting with providing exclusive breastfeeding from birth to 6 months of age. However, the practice of exclusive breastfeeding still low and it is suspected that this practice also decreased during the COVID- 19 pandemic. This study aims to analyze the determinants of exclusive breastfeeding in sub-urban areas during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This study using cross sectional design conducted from interviewing 206 mothers in 2022 who meet the inclusion criteria, consisted of breastfeeding their babies in the last 1 year and live in Sub-urban area in Depok City, West Java. Multiple binary logistic regression used to measure the association and strength between independent variables with the outcome variable. Independent variables with a p-value < 0.25 during the Chi-square test were included in the logistic regression model.

Results

Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and early initiation of breastfeeding (EIB) was 58.3% and 57.8% respectively. Factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practices are education, employment status, knowledge and attitude about exclusive breastfeeding, self-efficacy in providing exclusive breastfeeding, EIB practice, and eating pattern. From multivariate analysis, it was found that the dominant factors to exclusive breastfeeding are EIB.

Conclusions

The study highlights the importance of improving exclusive breastfeeding practice through early initiation of breastfeeding, mother’s knowledge, education and self-efficacy. Therefore, health promotion and education should emphasize the importance of those factors, supported by the health policy and massive campaign as a key success in exclusive breastfeeding.
Navigating agricultural nonpoint source pollution governance: A social network analysis of best management practices in central Pennsylvania
Authors: Dingkuhn Elsa L. , O’Sullivan Lilian , Schulte Rogier P. O. , Grady Caitlin A.
Published: May 2024

The Chesapeake Bay watershed is representative of governance challenges relating to agricultural nonpoint source pollution and, more generally, of sustainable resources governance in complex multi-actor settings. We assess information flows around Best Management Practices (BMPs) undertaken by dairy farmers in central Pennsylvania, a subregion of the watershed. We apply a mixed-method approach, combining Social Network Analysis, the analysis of BMP-messaging (i.e. information source, flow, and their influences), and qualitative content analysis of stakeholders’ interviews. Key strategic actors were identified through network centrality measures such as degree of node, betweenness centrality, and clustering coefficient. The perceived influence/credibility (by farmers) of BMP-messages and their source, allowed for the identification of strategic entry points for BMP-messages diffusion. Finally, the inductive coding process of stakeholders’ interviews revealed major hindrances and opportunities for BMPs adoption. We demonstrate how improved targeting of policy interventions for BMPs uptake may be achieved, by better distributing entry-points across stakeholders. Our results reveal governance gaps and opportunities, on which we draw to provide insights for better tailored policy interventions. We propose strategies to optimize the coverage of policy mixes and the dissemination of BMP-messages by building on network diversity and actors’ complementarities, and by targeting intervention towards specific BMPs and actors. We suggest that (i) conservation incentives could target supply chain actors as conservation intermediaries; (ii) compliance-control of manure management planning could be conducted by accredited private certifiers; (iii) policy should focus on incentivizing inter-farmers interaction (e.g. farmers’ mobility, training, knowledge-exchange, and engagement in multi-stakeholders collaboration) via financial or non-pecuniary compensation; (iv) collective incentives could help better coordinate conservation efforts at the landscape or (sub-)watershed scale; (v) all relevant stakeholders (including farmers) should be concerted and included in the discussion, proposition, co-design and decision process of policy, in order to take their respective interests and responsibilities into account.
Cross-border data sharing through the lens of research ethics committee members in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Cengiz Nezerith , Kabanda Siti M. , Moodley Keymanthri
Published: May 2024

Background

Several factors thwart successful data sharing—ambiguous or fragmented regulatory landscapes, conflicting institutional/researcher interests and varying levels of data science-related expertise are among these. Traditional ethics oversight mechanisms and practices may not be well placed to guarantee adequate research oversight given the unique challenges presented by digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI). Data-intensive research has raised new, contextual ethics and legal challenges that are particularly relevant in an African research setting. Yet, no empirical research has been conducted to explore these challenges.

Materials and methods

We explored REC members’ views and experiences on data sharing by conducting 20 semi-structured interviews online between June 2022 and February 2023. Using purposive sampling and snowballing, we recruited representatives across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed the data with Atlas.ti V22.

Results

Three dominant themes were identified: (i) experiences in reviewing data sharing protocols, (ii) perceptions of data transfer tools and (iii) ethical, legal and social challenges of data sharing. Several sub-themes emerged as: (i.a) frequency of and approaches used in reviewing data sharing protocols, (i.b) practical/technical challenges, (i.c) training, (ii.a) ideal structure of data transfer tools, (ii.b) key elements of data transfer tools, (ii.c) implementation level, (ii.d) key stakeholders in developing and reviewing a data transfer agreement (DTA), (iii.a) confidentiality and anonymity, (iii.b) consent, (iii.c) regulatory frameworks, and (iii.d) stigmatisation and discrimination.

Conclusions

Our results indicated variability in REC members’ perceptions, suboptimal awareness of the existence of data protection laws and a unanimously expressed need for REC member training. To promote efficient data sharing within and across SSA, guidelines that incorporate ethical, legal and social elements need to be developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders and field experts, along with the training accreditation of REC members in the review of data-intensive protocols.
Motivating factors for physical activity participation among individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A qualitative study applying the motivation, opportunity, and ability model
Authors: Liao Yuanyu , Yu Jiaohua , Zhan Yuxin , Liu Yunfang , Zhou Yaoling , Wang Huan , Liu Xinghong , Wang Weiwei , Ma Yu , Lan Fenfen
Published: May 2024

Objective

The study aims to explore the driving forces behind physical activity engagement among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, focusing on motivation, opportunity, and capability.

Design

A phenomenological qualitative study applied the motivation, opportunity, and capability model, conducted in two respiratory units of a Chinese university hospital.

Methods

Participants, selected by age, gender, and illness duration, included inpatients during the interview sessions and those recently discharged within six months. One-on-one semi-structured interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by the Colaizzi seven-step method.

Results

Seventeen participants diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for over one year aged between 66 (range: 42–96) participated. Three major themes were identified: Inspiring participation motivation—transitioning from recognizing significance to habit formation; Offering participation opportunities—reiterating demand for personalized strategies and ideal environmental settings; Enhancing participation capability—addressing strategies for overcoming fears, setting goals, ensuring safety, and adjusting activity levels.

Conclusions

This research underscores the vital role of inspiring participation motivation, offering opportunities, and enhancing the capability for participation in effective engagement. Advocating increased attention from healthcare departments, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, improving activity guidance and counseling effectiveness, and considering individual preferences can significantly benefit those patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who hesitate or are unable to participate in physical activities, thereby increasing the dose of non-leisure time physical activity.
Reversal of diabetes by an oral Salmonella-based vaccine in acute and progressive diabetes in NOD mice
Authors: Cobb Jacob , Rawson Jeffrey , Gonzalez Nelson , Orr Chris , Kandeel Fouad , Husseiny Mohamed I.
Published: May 2024

Type 1 diabetes (T1D)-associated hyperglycemia develops, in part, from loss of insulin-secreting beta cells. The degree of glycemic dysregulation and the age at onset of disease can serve as indicators of the aggressiveness of the disease. Tracking blood glucose levels in prediabetic mice may demonstrate the onset of diabetes and, along with animal age, also presage disease severity. In this study, an analysis of blood glucose levels obtained from female NOD mice starting at 4 weeks until diabetes onset was undertaken. New onset diabetic mice were orally vaccinated with a Salmonella-based vaccine towards T1D-associated preproinsulin combined with TGFβ and IL10 along with anti-CD3 antibody. Blood glucose levels were obtained before and after development of disease and vaccination. Animals were classified as acute disease if hyperglycemia was confirmed at a young age, while other animals were classified as progressive disease. The effectiveness of the oral T1D vaccine was greater in mice with progressive disease that had less glucose excursion compared to acute disease mice. Overall, the Salmonella-based vaccine reversed disease in 60% of the diabetic mice due, in part, to lessening of islet inflammation, improving residual beta cell health, and promoting tolerance. In summary, the age of disease onset and severity of glucose dysregulation in NOD mice predicted response to vaccine therapy. This suggests a similar disease categorization in the clinic may predict therapeutic response.
Does repetition equal more of the same? tie strength and thematic orientation in R&D networks
Authors: Yankova Dima , D’Este Pablo , García-Melón Mónica
Published: May 2024

Despite organizations’ documented tendency to repeat research collaborations with prior partners, scholarly understanding on the implications of recurring interactions for the content of the collaboration has been fairly limited. This paper investigates whether and under what conditions organizations use repeated research partnerships to explore new topics, as opposed to deepening their expertise in a single one (exploitation). The empirical analysis is based on the Spanish region of Valencia and its publicly funded R&D network. Employing lexical similarity to compare the topic and content of project abstracts, we find that strong ties are not always associated with the exploitation of the same topic. Yet, exploration is more likely when at least one of the partners mobilizes a network of distinct contacts and can access novel knowledge.
Protocol for the establishment of a serine integrase-based platform for functional validation of genetic switch controllers in eukaryotic cells
Authors: de Oliveira Marco A. , Florentino Lilian H. , Sales Thais T. , Lima Rayane N. , Barros Luciana R. C. , Limia Cintia G. , Almeida Mariana S. M. , Robledo Maria L. , Barros Leila M. G. , Melo Eduardo O. , Bittencourt Daniela M. , Rehen Stevens K. , Bonamino Martín H. , Rech Elibio
Published: May 2024

Serine integrases (Ints) are a family of site-specific recombinases (SSRs) encoded by some bacteriophages to integrate their genetic material into the genome of a host. Their ability to rearrange DNA sequences in different ways including inversion, excision, or insertion with no help from endogenous molecular machinery, confers important biotechnological value as genetic editing tools with high host plasticity. Despite advances in their use in prokaryotic cells, only a few Ints are currently used as gene editors in eukaryotes, partly due to the functional loss and cytotoxicity presented by some candidates in more complex organisms. To help expand the number of Ints available for the assembly of more complex multifunctional circuits in eukaryotic cells, this protocol describes a platform for the assembly and functional screening of serine-integrase-based genetic switches designed to control gene expression by directional inversions of DNA sequence orientation. The system consists of two sets of plasmids, an effector module and a reporter module, both sets assembled with regulatory components (as promoter and terminator regions) appropriate for expression in mammals, including humans, and plants. The complete method involves plasmid design, DNA delivery, testing and both molecular and phenotypical assessment of results. This platform presents a suitable workflow for the identification and functional validation of new tools for the genetic regulation and reprogramming of organisms with importance in different fields, from medical applications to crop enhancement, as shown by the initial results obtained. This protocol can be completed in 4 weeks for mammalian cells or up to 8 weeks for plant cells, considering cell culture or plant growth time.
Preparation and performance evaluation of a novel orthodontic adhesive incorporating composite dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate—Polycaprolactone fibers
Authors: Xu Xuecheng , Yuan Qihan , Xu Linlin , Hu Mingchang , Xu Jidong , Wang Yuanfei , Song Yu
Published: May 2024

This study addressed enamel demineralization, a common complication in fixed orthodontic treatment, by evaluating a novel orthodontic adhesive with DMAHDM-PCL composite fibers. These fibers, produced through electrospinning, were incorporated into orthodontic adhesive to create experimental formulations at different concentrations and a control group. The study assessed antimicrobial properties, biosafety, and mechanical characteristics. New orthodontic adhesive exhibited significant bacteriostatic effects, reducing bacterial biofilm activity and concentrations. Incorporating 1% and 3% DMAHDM-PCL did not affect cytocompatibility. Animal tests confirmed no inflammatory irritation. Shear bond strength and adhesive residual index results indicated that antimicrobial fibers didn’t impact bonding ability. In conclusion, orthodontic adhesives with 3% DMAHDM-PCL fibers are potential antimicrobial bonding materials, offering a comprehensive solution to enamel demineralization in orthodontic patients.
La montaña suroccidental leonesa entre el fin del Imperio Romano y la Alta Edad Media: el poblado fortificado de Los Caleyos (La Cuesta, Cabreira)
Authors: Menéndez-Blanco Andrés , Ordóñez Bellón Irene , González-Álvarez David , Álvarez Martínez Valentín , Costa-García José Manuel , Fernández Calderón Noelia
Published: May 2024

Se exponen los resultados de una intervención arqueológica desarrollada en un poblado fortificado situado en la montaña suroccidental de la provincia de León, en el noroeste de la Península Ibérica. El área excavada muestra un horizonte de ocupación situado cronológicamente entre los siglos iv y v que difiere de las propuestas previas que lo encuadraban en época romana altoimperial. En primer lugar, se describen los métodos utilizados y las actuaciones llevadas a cabo para su investigación. A continuación, se presentan las evidencias documentadas, consistentes en los restos estructurales de una estancia y una serie de materiales recuperados en su interior, entre los que destaca una amplia colección cerámica. Finalmente se ofrece la interpretación del conjunto como un almacén doméstico enmarcado en la transición del Imperio Romano Tardío a la Alta Edad Media.
Des ṣaqāliba aux ciclaues. Un arabisme et des eunuques dans les principautés chrétiennes de la péninsule Ibérique (Xe-XIIe siècle)
Authors: Gallon Florian
Published: May 2024

En dehors du cas particulier de la Sicile normande, on admet communément que les monarchies chrétiennes d’Occident ignorèrent au Moyen Âge l’emploi d’eunuques palatins. Une série de textes produits dans les royaumes de León, de Pampelune et d’Aragon entre le début du Xe et le début du XIIe siècle y révèle pourtant la présence d’individus identifiés comme eunuques ou ciclaues, terme dérivé de l’arabe ṣiqlabī (plur. ṣaqāliba). Un tel emprunt linguistique suggère que l’emploi de ciclaues par les souverains chrétiens du nord de la péninsule Ibérique doit être corrélé à la présence beaucoup plus nombreuse des ṣaqāliba dans le califat de Cordoue. On peut y voir un effet méconnu des relations étroites qui connectaient les deux parties de la péninsule, et le résultat d’une forme d’impérialisme culturel exercé depuis al-Andalus en direction des principautés septentrionales aux Xe-XIe siècles.
Los oficios de la armería valenciana: rutinas productivas y modelos de negocio (siglos XIII-XVI)
Authors: Faus Faus Miquel
Published: May 2024

Existe una distribución muy desigual en la bibliografía referente al artesanado medieval, mientras que en sectores como el textil abundan los trabajos y las comparaciones entre observatorios, en otros como el armero se desconoce completamente su forma de trabajar. El presente artículo pretende reconstruir las principales rutinas productivas y modelos de negocio de la manufactura valenciana de armas. Para ello se compararán las actividades artesanales de los diferentes oficios que operaban en esta ciudad para ver similitudes y diferencias entre ellos. Los dos principales medidores serán la relación del armero con el proceso de fabricación y con el mercado. Al final del trabajo pretendemos conocer mejor el funcionamiento de los oficios de la armería, pero también el papel que jugaba el observatorio Valenciano en el contexto internacional.
Novel Metaphor Recognition, Interpretation and Construction: Barriers Face Kurds as Non-native English Speakers
Authors: Fattah Bikhtiyar O.
Published: May 2024

This study which is titled ‘Novel Metaphor Recognition and Interpretation:   Barriers Face Kurds as Non-native English speakers’ considers the recognition and the interpretation process difficulty of English novel metaphors. Novel metaphor is one of the most problematic types of metaphor in which its creation, recognition and interpretation usually require a higher level of efficiency. This sort of metaphor is highly connected with personal established conceptual systems which probably cause misunderstanding among interactants: native and non-native ones. This study aims at identifying novel metaphor, determining the nature of problems that Kurds as non-native English speakers face in recognizing novel metaphors in English. Thus, it would be helpful for both non-native English learners and speakers to improve their English comprehension and construction competence. The current study makes use of both quantitative and qualitative approach in the process of data analysis; and it has come up with the conclusion that the insufficiency in English communicative language competence, cognitive analysis proficiency, and background knowledge are three main problems in the process of recognizing and interpreting novel metaphors.
The Perceived Influence of Supply Chain Decisions on Overall Business Profitability
Authors: Ismael Goran Y. , Shareef Parwar S.
Published: May 2024

The demand for supply chain decisions is unending and continuously demands that managers be well equipped to make rational and effective decisions cost effectively to enhance business performance. This research aims to investigate the perceived influence of tactical, operational and strategic supply chain decisions on overall business profitability within the context of Kurdistan’s real estate companies. This study contributes to the academic understanding of the role of supply chain decisions in real estate profitability, providing a foundation for further research in the field. 3 hypotheses linking tactical, operational and strategic supply chain decisions with overall business performance were formulated. A multiple regression model was estimated using 362 questionnaire observations collected from Kurdistan real estate companies’ supply chain managers, project managers, procurement officers, and executives involved in decision-making processes in Erbil. The findings demonstrated that tactical, operational and strategic supply chain decisions positively impact overall business performance. Of paramount importance are the findings denoting that tactical supply chain decisions insignificantly enhance overall business performance because of their short-term nature. The study concludes that understanding and effectively implementing tactical supply chain decisions can lead to a direct and significant impact on overall business profitability. To optimize tactical supply chain decisions to positively impact overall business profitability and ensure a competitive edge in the market, real estate managers can strategies encompassing the application of data-driven decision making, integrated supply chain planning, optimize inventory management, vendor and supplier collaboration, streamlined procurement processes, and efficient transportation and logistics methods.
علماء حَرَّان الحنابلة إبان العصر السَّلجوقي
Authors: Amin Awaz jamal
Published: May 2024

نتناول في هذا البحث دور مدينة حَرَّان في العصور الإسلامية من الناحية العلمية والثقافية. فقد كانت المدينة موطنًا لعدد كبير من العلماء المرموقين في مجالات متعددة من العلوم الإسلامية، وبخاصة في مجالات الحديث والفقه. وتتميز أهل المدينة بتبعيتهم لمذهب الإمام أحمد بن حنبل، مؤسس المذهب الحنبلي المعروف. ومن الأمور التي تستحق الاهتمام في المسيرة العلمية لهذه المدينة هو وجود علماء مرتبطين بها ومهتمين بشكل كبير بالحديث النبوي والمذهب الحنبلي. وقد أثرت هذه المدينة في تزويد مناطق متعددة في العالم الإسلامي بعلماء مرموقين، الذين لعبوا دورًا هامًا في الحركة العلمية الحنبلية.
تم اختيار عنوان البحث "علماء حَرَّان الحنابلة إبان العصر السَّلجوقي 429-552 هـ/1037-1157 م" بناءً على أهمية الموضوع، حيث نركز في البحث على سيرتهم في الحركة العلمية والثقافية في العالم الإسلامي. والهدف من إجراء هذا البحث هو إبراز دور مدينة حَرَّان في التاريخ الإسلامي خلال الفترة السلجوقية. فقد تناول العديد من الباحثين تاريخ حَرَّان ومساهماتها الحضارية في كتبهم التي خصصت لتاريخ المدينة بشكل عام. ومع ذلك، لم نعثر على كتاب أو بحث متخصص يتناول تاريخ حَرَّان ودور علمائها المشهود لهم والتابعين للمذهب الحنبلي في الفترة السلجوقية. ولذلك، نرى أهمية دراسة هذه الصفحات المنسية والمغيبة من تاريخها.
بەراوردكرنا پروژێن لێكسیكی و ئەركی
Authors: ئەمین شلێر نایف
Published: May 2024

ئەڤ لێكۆلینە ل ژێر ناڤ و نیشانێ (بەراوردکرنا پروژێن لێكسیكی و ئەركی د دیالێکتا كرمانجیا سەری – گوڤەرا بەهدینیدا) پروژێن لێكسیكی و ئەركی رۆلەکێ کاریگەر دگێرن د شروڤەكرنا یەکێن وەکی (فرێز و رستە) اندا ب هەمی جورێن وانڤە، چونکی ب شێواز و رێکارەکێ نوی ڤان یەکان شروڤەدکەن.  ل دویڤ بنەمایێن رێزمانا گشتگیر، پێدڤیە هەر رۆنانەکا سینتاکسی سەرەیەک هەبیت،  پروژێن لێكسیكی هەر ئێک ژ فرێزێن (ناڤ، کار، ئامراز، هەڤالناڤ) ی بخوڤەدگرن، بەلێ پروژێن ئەرکی گەلەگ ژ دانێن مۆرفۆسینتاکسێن (کار، ناڤ ، هەڤالناڤ) دکەتە سەرە د پروژاندا ئەڤە ژبلی رستا نەسادە. هەرئێک ژڤان هەردوو پروژان ب تمامکەرێ یێ دی دهێتە هژمارتن، هەردووکان هەمان بەها و گرنگی هەیە بۆ رۆنانێن سینتاکسی، هەرئێک ژوان پروژان خودان تایبەتیێن خونە بۆ رەفتارکرنێ ژ لایێ لقەتیورێن (رۆنانا فرێزان (X.Bar)، دوخ، دەستهەلات، رۆلێن واتایێ، جهگوهورین). مەرەما سەرەکی ژ ڤێ لێکۆلینێ دیارکرنا لایەنێن جوداهیێ د ناڤبەرا پروژێن ناڤبریدا، دیارکرنا گرنگی و بەهایێ هەر کەرەستەکی د هەر جورە پروژەکیدا ئەڤە ژ لایەکی، ژ لایەکی دیڤە لێکۆلەری ڤیایە دیارکەت ئەو چ پەرامێتەر و بنەمایێن رێزمانا گشتگیرن خۆ د چارچوڤێ گوڤەرا بەهدینیدا دبینن، کو رۆلێ هەی د ئاراستێ دوخ و دەستهەلات و جهگوهورینێدا. لێکۆلین ژ دوو تەوەرێن سەرەکی پێکدهێت، تەوەرێ ئێکێ نواندنا لایەنێ تیوری یێ بابەتی دکەت، بەلێ تەوەرێ دووێ نواندنا لایەنێ پراکتیکی دکەت کو ل دویڤ پێدڤیێ ب نموونەڤە بابەت هاتینە شرۆڤەکرن، ل دوماهیێ گرنگترین ئەنجامێن لێکۆلینێ هاتینە دیارکرن.