bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the role of SGLT2 inhibitors in glycogen storage disease type Ib: the experience of one UK centre
Authors: Halligan Rebecca , Dalton Neil , Turner Charles , Lewis Katherine , Mundy Helen
Published: February 2022

Background: Glycogen storage disease type Ib (GSD Ib) is a severe disorder of carbohydrate metabolism due to bi-allelic variants in SLC37A4. It is associated with neutropaenia and neutrophil dysfunction, which has recently been attributed to the accumulation of 1,5-anhydroglucitol-6-phosphate (1,5AG6P) within neutrophils. Treatment with sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, such as empagliflozin, is a novel therapy that reduces 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5AG) in plasma.Results: We report our experience in treating 8 paediatric GSD Ib patients with empagliflozin with a total treatment time greater than 12 years. Treatment with a median dose of 5mg (0.22mg/kg height weight) of empagliflozin resulted in improvement in bowel health, growth, and laboratory parameters. Plasma 1,5AG levels reduced by a median 78%. Baseline 1,5AG levels in our cohort were higher than in adult patients with GSD Ib. Hypoglycaemia on empagliflozin treatment occurred in 50% of our cohort.Conclusion: We report the largest single centre cohort of GSD Ib patients treated with empagliflozin to date. Treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors is a novel and favourable treatment option for neutropaenia and neutrophil dysfunction in GSD Ib. We suggest a low starting dose of empagliflozin with careful titration due to the risk of hypoglycaemia. The interpretation of 1,5AG levels and their role in treatment monitoring is yet to be established, and requires ongoing research.
Attitude Towards Home-Based Management of Diarrhea and Associated Factors Among Mothers of Under-Five Children of Fagita Lekoma District, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020
Authors: Desta Bogale Kassahun , Muhye Addise Bilal , Melkie Kibret Asmare , Tekletsadik Esayas Alemshet , Kelkil Bethlehem Assefa , Beko Zerko Wako
Published: February 2022

Background: Diarrhea is the second most common cause of morbidity and mortality among children under 5 years old, following acute respiratory tract infection. Despite that home interventions can prevent 57% of mortality related to diarrhea. However, still mothers’ attitudes towards home-based diarrheal management range from 39-78% as a result of different factors.Objective: This study aimed at assessing attitudes towards home-based management of diarrhea and associated factors among mothers of under-five children attending health care institutions.Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Systematic random sampling was used to select study participants. Data were entered using Epidata version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 25. The result was presented in frequency and percentage using tables and figures. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the data. Those variables with p-value <0.2 in bivariate were entered in multivariate analysis to avoid confounding variables whereby p-value <0.05 were considered as significantly associated. Result: A total of 422 mothers were surveyed with a 100% response rate. The mean age of the mothers was 33 ±10. Positive mothers’ attitude was 51.9% with 95%CI (46.8, 57.1). Maternal age ranges from 25-35 years (AOR:3.27, 95% CI: 1.72,6.22), 36-45 years (AOR: 8.79, 95%CI: 3.50, 22.11), age >45 years (AOR: 8.00, 95%CI: 2.62, 24.43), being single (AOR 0.18, 95%CI:0.06, 0.56), being divorced (AOR:0.25, 95%CI:0.08,0.81), primary education (AOR: 7.26, 95%CI: 3.62,14,57), Secondary and above (AOR:8.43, 95%CI:3.77,18.82), Daily labor (AOR:5.44, 95%CI:1.19, 24.96), Income level with 1001-3000 ETB and greater or equal to 3001ETB with (AOR:3.14, 95%CI:1.35, 7.29) and (AOR:4.06, 95% CI: 1.71, 9.66) respectively. Knowing about how to prepare ORS (AOR: 6.72, 95%CI: 3.62,12.48) were significantly associated variables with the out came variable in the multivariate regressionConclusion: One in every two mothers had a favorable attitude in this study. Maternal age, marital status, maternal educational status, occupation, and knowing about the preparation of ORS were factors associated with mothers’ attitude. The focus should be made on younger mothers, illiterate, unmarried couples, not knowing how to prepare ORS to boost mothers’ attitude.
Postoperative vision outcomes after cataract surgery in the Eastern region of Ghana
Authors: Danso-Appiah Anthony , Mensah-Debrah Agatha , Akuffo Kwadwo Owusu , Nortey Pricilla , Junior Isaiah Osei Duah
Published: February 2022

BackgroundThe reporting of cataract surgical outcomes serves as quality control checks to optimize postoperative vision outcomes and/or minimize ensued complications. However, there is paucity of data from low-and-middle-income countries such as Ghana. This study determined postsurgical visual outcomes after cataract surgery and assessed factors associated with poor postoperative visual acuity in the Eastern region of Ghana. Methods The study gathered data by mixed methods approach; quantitative and qualitative. Systematic random sampling was used to select 384 medical folders of patients who underwent cataract surgery from January 1 to December 31, 2017 in selected hospitals with ophthalmologists in the eastern region of Ghana. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect postoperative vision outcome data. Similarly, a key informant interview guide was employed to gather relevant ophthalmic expert views on predictors of postoperative outcomes using the World Health Organization cutoffs. Quantitative data were summarized with descriptive statistics (means, frequencies, percentages) and a logistic regression model. Qualitative data was explored with thematic or content analysis. Cataract surgical outcomes were measured based on visual acuity six weeks after surgery.Results Good postoperative visual acuity (≥6/18), borderline (6/24-6/60), and poor visual outcomes (<6/60) were estimated at 71.6%, 26.8%, and 1.8%, respectively. The major systemic comorbidities were hypertension (21.4%) and diabetes (9.4%), whereas the determinants of poor visual outcomes were postsurgical complications, biometry, comorbid, and complications during surgery. Only postsurgical complication (OR = 1.72, p = 0.000) was significantly associated with poor postoperative visual acuity. Further, ophthalmic surgeons reported postsurgical complications (90.0%) as the significant risk factor to sub-standard visual outcomes in the region. Conclusions Although our results showed satisfactory postoperative visual acuity after cataract surgery, nearly one-third had borderline and poor visual outcomes. Hence, measures needed to improve borderline cases and further mitigate complications associated with poor postoperatively visual acuity are warranted.
Revealing Dynamic Effects Of China's Regional Coal Consumption Control Policy On Energy Efficiency And Pollution Emissions
Authors: Wenjuan Zhao , Jianhua Huangfu , Lei Yu
Published: February 2022

Up to now, far too little attention has been paid to comprehensively assessing the impact of the coal consumption constraint policy (CCCP) on energy intensity and pollution emissions based on China cities level. The present study explores the impact of CCCP on energy intensity and pollution emissions in a panel of 73 Chinese cities using an SEM approach from 2005 to 2019. We find that the CCCP has significantly reduced SO2 and CO2 emission intensity and energy intensity by 0.1283%, 0.0747%, and 0.2493% respectively, but the CCCP effect on CO2 emission intensity and energy intensity has a lag of 3 years. Thus CCCP can effectively reduce emission intensity through industrial restructuring and technology advanced is the only effective way to reduce energy intensity. The study provides some valuable suggestions to enable the control of coal consumption.
Metabolic, physiological and anatomical responses of soybean plants under water deficit and high temperature condition
Authors: Vital Roberto Gomes , Müller Caroline , Freire Francisco Bruno Silva , Silva Fábia Barbosa , Batista Priscila Ferreira , Fuentes David , Rodrigues Arthur Almeida , Moura Luciana Minervina Freitas , Daloso Danilo Menezes , Silva Adinan Alves , Merchant Andrew , Costa Alan Carlos
Published: February 2022

Water deficit (WD) combined with high temperature (HT) is the major factor limiting agricultural worldwide, and it is predicted to become worse according to current climate change scenario. It is thus important to understand how current cultivated crops respond to these stress conditions. Here we investigated how four soybean cultivars respond to WD and HT isolated or in combination at metabolic, physiological, and anatomical levels. The WD+HT increased the level of stress in soybean plants, when compared to plants under well-watered (WW), WD or HT conditions. WD+HT exacerbate the increases in ascorbate peroxidase activity, which was associated with greater photosynthetic rate in two cultivars under WD+HT. The metabolic responses to WD+HT diverge substantially from plants under WW, WD or HT conditions. Myo-inositol and maltose were identified as WD+HT biomarkers and were connected to subnetworks composed by catalase, amino acids and both root and leaf osmotic potentials. Correlation-based network analyses highlight that the network heterogeneity increased and a higher integration among metabolic, physiological and morphological nodes is observed under stress conditions. Beyond unveiling biochemical and metabolic WD+HT biomarkers, our results collectively highlight that the mechanisms behind the acclimation to WD+HT cannot be understood by investigating WD or HT stress separately.
Determinants of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Older Adult Population: Data From the LOST in Lombardia Study
Authors: Mosconi Giansanto , Stival Chiara , Lugo Alessandra , Signorelli Carlo , Amerio Andrea , Cavalieri Luca , Iacoviello Licia , Stuckler David , Zucchi Alberto , Odone Anna , Gallus Silvano
Published: February 2022

Most COVID-19-related fatalities occurred among older adults, however to date, evidence on determinants of SARS-CoV-2 infection in this population is limited and mostly based on case series without a comparison group. A telephone-based cross-sectional study was conducted in November 2020 on a representative sample of 4,400 Italians aged ≥65 years residing in the Lombardy region. We determined the prevalence of a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the period between the beginning of the pandemic and the time of the interview. Thorough unconditional multiple logistic regression models, we estimated odds ratios (OR) of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). We also evaluated if the infection was a determinant of a worsening in mental health wellbeing. Overall, 4.9% of participants reported a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. No significant relationship between sex and SARS-CoV-2 infection was observed. SARS-CoV-2 infection was less frequently reported in subjects aged ≥70 (OR=0.55; 95% 0.41-0.74) compared to 65-69 years. No trend was observed after 70 years of age. Those with at least one chronic condition reported a lower infection rate compared to healthy subjects (OR=0.68 95% CI: 0.49-0.93). Separated/divorced participants less frequently reported infection than married/cohabiting ones (OR=2.33 95% CI: 1.29-4.20). Self-reported history of SARS-CoV-2 infection resulted being a determinant of an increase in depressive symptoms (OR=1.57; 95% CI: 1.17-2.10). This first large representative study of people aged 65 years or over suggests that in Italy the oldest subjects and those having chronic conditions less frequently expose themselves to SARS-CoV-2 infection during the pandemic.
To Explore the Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Mechanism of Chaihu Shugan Powder with the “Same Treatment for Different Diseases” for Insomnia and Depression Based on the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wang Liang , Wang Peng , Chen Yingfan , Li Chen , Wang Xuelin , Li Mingwei , Luan Zhenxian , Zhang Yin , Li Shaodan , Yang Minghui
Published: February 2022

Background: The classic prescription Chaihu Shugan Powder (CHSGP) has been widely used in clinical Chinese medicine treatment and has clear clinical effects in the treatment of emotional diseases. Based on the increasing incidence of emotional diseases such as insomnia and depression in the population during the COVID-19 pandemic, we will explore the mechanism of CHSGP in the treatment of insomnia and depression with “Same Treatment for Different Diseases”. Methods: Using a bioinformatics and network pharmacology platform, protein database and STRING database, we collected CHSGP chemical composition and related target data and constructed a "component-target" action network through Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome pathway enrichment analysis. Molecular docking technology was used to verify key active ingredients and core targets. Results: A total of 119 active compounds of CHSGP were screened, such as quercetin, kaempferol, and β-sitosterol, and 113 common related targets overlapped with insomnia and depression. GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis mainly involved immune, inflammation, cell proliferation, apoptosis, endocrine and other related targets and signaling pathways. Molecular docking showed that small molecular compounds (kaempferol, luteolin, quercetin, 7-methoxy-2-methyl isoflavone and beta-sitosterol) had good binding effects with five target proteins (AKT1, IL1B, IL-6, FOS, GSK3B) to play a role in regulating immunity, the inflammatory response, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and endocrine signaling. Conclusions: Under the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, it revealed the complex mechanism of multicomponent, multitarget, and multipathway of the classic CHSGP for insomnia and depression, laying a theoretical foundation for its clinical application of its "same treatment for different diseases".
Heterogeneity in BIRC3 and ATM Alterations in del(11q) Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Galvano Camila , Krzywinski Andrea , Stanganelli Carmen , Rodríguez Cecilia M. , Heller Viviana , Miodosky Marcela , Cugliari Silvana , Bezares Raimundo , Slavutsky Irma
Published: February 2022

Deletion 11q22 [del(11q)] is among the most common chromosomal alteration in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This anomaly is highly variable in size and may be distinguished in large and small deletions. The minimal deleted region on 11q usually includes ATM gene and can also encompass the BIRC3 locus, located 6 Mb centromeric to ATM, in approximately 80% of cases. In this study, we have evaluated BIRC3 and ATM losses and their association with adverse prognostic factors in CLL patients. Thirty-three out of 200 patients (16.5%) sequentially studied in our laboratory harbored del(11q). Our study shows a predominant presence of concomitant ATM and BIRC3 deletions but with differences in the percentage of abnormal cells: 54.5% of cases had similar ATM and BIRC3 percentages, 9.1% showed higher frequency of ATM deletion and 21.2% increased percentage of BIRC3 loss, indicating clonal evolution. Interestingly, 9.1% patients presented only BIRC3 deletion and 6.1% cases showed only ATM loss, suggesting the inclusion of BIRC3 analysis in the routine FISH laboratory screening. A strong association between ATM and BIRC3 deletions with TP53 loss (48.5%), complex karyotypes (36%), unmutated IGHV (72.7%) and intratumor heterogeneity (51.5% patients) was observed. A short time to first treatment (p<0.0001) in cases with del(11q) compared to patients with 13q14 deletion single and without cytogenetic alterations was also found, highlighting the increased genomic instability and poor outcome present in this subgroup of patients.
Ultra-durable Ni-Ir/MgAl2O4 catalysts for dry reforming of methane enabled by dynamic balance between carbon deposition and elimination
Authors: Li Haocheng , Hao Cong , Tian Jingqing , Wang Shuai , Zhao Chen
Published: February 2022

Carbon deposition is the main cause for the catalyst deactivation of methane dry reforming, and researchers are committed to exploring effective catalyst systems with zero carbon deposition in order to achieve a practically long life-time. In this work, we propose an equilibrium theory with matched rates of CH4 dissociation and CO2 activation to establish a balance between carbon deposition and carbon elimination, and construct highly dispersed Ni-Ir/MgAl2O4 alloy catalysts accordingly, where Ni activated CH4, MgAl2O4 adsorbed CO2 to form surface carbonates, and Ir effectively utilized the carbonates to eliminate carbon species generated by CH4 dissociation. Theoretical assessment further unveiled that the preferred CO2 activation on Ir over Ni is derived from its stronger oxophilicity. With an optimal Ni/Ir atomic ratio of 1/2, high activity and long-period stability (600 h) with zero carbon deposition were obtained concurrently for dry reforming of methane at industrially-relevant temperature (650 ℃).
Early Neurological Deterioration in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients after Intravenous Thrombolysis with Alteplase Predicts Poor 3-Month Functional Prognosis - Data from the Thrombolysis Implementation and Monitor of Acute Ischemic Stroke in China (TIMS-China)
Authors: Che Fengli , Wang Anxin , Ju Yi , Ding Yarong , Duan Honglian , Geng Xiaokun , Zhao Xingquan , Wang Yongjun
Published: February 2022

Background： We aimed to investigate the risk factors of early neurological deterioration (END) after intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) and the relationship between END and poor 3-month functional outcomes.Methods: Patients who accepted intravenous recombinant rt-PA were enrolled continuously. END was defined as an increase of National Institute of Health Stroke (NIHSS) score ≥ 4 points or death within 24 hours after intravenous thrombolysis. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was recorded to evaluate the functional prognosis of stroke, and the poor 3-month prognosis was defined as an mRS score ≥ of 3. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to analyze the risk factors of END. The relation between END and 3-month functional outcome was analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 1107 patients (mean age, 63.42±11.33 years; 673 males) were included in the final analysis, and 81(7.32%) patients had END. In multivariate analysis, the serum glucose level was significantly associated with END; the odds ratio was 1.10 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.18, p =0.004). The multivariate logistic analysis showed END has a notable association with the poor 3-month functional recovery even after adjusting for confounding factors; the adjusted OR was 8.25 (95% CI 3.77 to 18.03, p<0.0001). Conclusions: The initial serum glucose level might be an independent risk factor of END, and END might predict a poor 3-month prognosis.
Differential impact of rhamnolipids and TWEEN80 on the composition and functionality of the gut microbiota in the SHIME system.
Authors: Miclotte Lisa , Paepe Ellen , Li Qiqiong , Camp John , Raikovic Andreja , Wiele Tom , Rymenans Leen
Published: February 2022

Background: Dietary emulsifiers have been shown to affect the composition and function of the gut microbial community, both in vivo and in vitro. Yet, several knowledge gaps remain to be addressed: the impact from a longer timeframe exposure on the gut microbiota, interindividual variability in microbiome response and the putative impact from novel clean label alternatives for current food emulsifiers.Results: In the present study, the impact of one conventional dietary emulsifier, TWEEN80, and one potential novel alternative, rhamnolipids, on the human gut microbiota was investigated using the Mucosal Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (M-SHIME). The faecal microbiota from two human donors, with high and low responsiveness to the emulsifiers, were exposed to 0,05 m% and 0,5 m% of the emulsifiers for 7 days. The results confirmed previous observations that the effects on the composition and functionality are both emulsifier- and donor dependent. The effects reached an equilibrium after about 3 days of exposure. Overall, TWEEN80 and rhamnolipids displayed opposite effects: TWEEN80 increased cell counts, reduced propionate concentration, increased butyrate levels, increased a.o. Faecalibacterium, Blautia and Hungatella abundance, while rhamnolipids did the opposite. Rhamnolipids also sharply increased the abundance of unclassified Lachnospiraceae. On the other hand, both emulsifiers increased the relative abundance of unclassified Enterobacteriaceae. Both emulsifiers also altered the microbial metabolome in different ways and a pathway enrichment analysis tool revealed that the metabolome alterations could be reminiscent of gut issues and obesity.Conclusions: Overall, the impact from the rhamnolipids was larger than that of TWEEN80 at similar concentrations, indicating that the former may not necessarily be a safer alternative for the latter. The microbiota’s response also depended on its original composition and the sensitivity status for which the faecal donors were selected, was preserved. Whether the same donor-diversity and longitudinal impact can be expected in the human colon as well and what impact this has on the host will have to be further investigated.
Analysis of the evolutionary characteristics of indirect energy flow and dependence among Chinese industrial sectors
Authors: Jia Yanjing , Dong Zhiliang
Published: February 2022

Background: The diversification of product production and consumption generates closer links between industrial sectors and increases the complexity of indirect energy flows between industrial sectors and interdepartmental interdependence. Methods: We calculated the indirect energy flows between various industrial sectors in 2002, 2007, 2012 and 2017. Then, we have built four indirect energy flow networks and explored the characteristics and the interdependence of indirect energy consumption between sectors. Finally, a quadratic assignment procedure correlation analysis was performed to clarify the relationship between the indirect energy flow relationship and the dependence relationship between industrial sectors.Results: Different industrial sectors play different roles in the process of indirect energy consumption, with a more concentrated indirect energy supply among industrial sectors compared with consumption and a gradual shift in the indirect energy supply from the chemical industry to the service industry. Higher and more stable flow paths that carry indirect energy flows and clearer interdepartmental dependencies are reflected in the upstream and downstream links of the industrial chain. The correlation between indirect energy flows and interdepartmental dependencies is gradually increasing but requires improvements to further optimize China’s industrial structure and reduce energy consumption.Conclusions: Efforts should be made to reduce the energy supply in the chemical sector, optimize the quality of the energy supply in the service sector, and reduce energy consumption. Appropriate attention should be focused on the indirect energy flow relationship between the upstream and downstream industries of the industrial chain, and the integrity of the domestic industrial chain can be improved to reduce the total energy consumption.
Genome Sizes, Ploidy Levels, and Base Compositions of Styrax Species and Cultivars
Authors: Lobdell Matthew S. , Shearer Kimberly
Published: February 2022

Styrax L. is a genus of ≈130 species, many with horticultural traits of interest, though sparsely represented in cultivation. Previous studies reporting chromosome counts have established a base chromosome number of x = 8 and provided evidence of diploid, tetraploid, pentaploid, and hexaploid levels within the genus, including the more commonly cultivated Styrax japonicus Siebold & Zucc. being reported as pentaploid. Little has been reported relative to genome size within the Styracaceae. We conducted flow cytometry using fluorochromes propidium iodide (PI) and 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) to estimate relative 2C genome size and ploidy of 47 accessions representing 15 species of Styrax and base composition of a subset of 9 accessions representing 6 species. Cytologic analysis of chromosomes was completed on Styrax confusus Hemsl. for ploidy calibration to genome size. Diploids, tetraploids, pentaploids, hexaploids, and octoploids were identified. Relative 2C genome size ranged from 1.38 to 6.61 pg. This survey confirms published ploidy for Styrax americanus Lam., Styrax obassia Siebold & Zucc., Styrax redivivus (Torr.) L.C.Wheeler (diploid), and S. japonicus (pentaploid); suggests alternate ploidy levels and/or ploidy series for Styrax grandifolius Aiton (diploid) and Styrax hookeri C.B.Clarke (octoploid); and establishes ploidy levels for Styrax glabrescens Benth., Styrax odoratissimus Champ. ex Benth., Styrax officinalis L., Styrax platanifolius Engelm. ex Torr., Styrax ramirezii Greenm., Styrax wilsonii Rehder (diploid), Styrax confusus, Styrax hemsleyanus Diels (tetraploid), and Styrax fortunei Hance (diploid and hexaploid).
Evaluation of Compost and Soil Mix Ratios for Perennial Ryegrass Establishment on Topsoil and Subsoil
Authors: Pease Benjamin , Thompson Grant L. , Thoms Adam W.
Published: February 2022

Soil degradation during construction often results in soil loss through erosion and reduced vegetation establishment. Composted organic materials are used to restore soil health of compromised urban soils when planting trees and shrubs; however, less is known about compost amendments for turfgrass establishment. The objective of this trial was to determine the effects of differing compost incorporation rates in two soil types on perennial ryegrass [PR (Lolium perenne)] establishment. The hypothesis was that as compost incorporation rates increase, turfgrass germination would increase until the compost rate becomes detrimental to turfgrass germination because of increased nitrate content and electrical conductivity (EC) levels. A salt-sensitive PR cultivar and a salt-tolerant PR cultivar were seeded into a loam topsoil and a clay subsoil at soil:compost volume ratios of 100:0, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60, and 0:100 using a mixed-source mature compost. Percent green cover (PGC) and leachate pH, EC, and nitrate content were measured during the 5-week establishment period. This trial showed that with a suitable topsoil, compost incorporation may be unnecessary to obtain acceptable PGC, but that compost additions (30% to 40%) to a clay subsoil achieve faster establishment while limiting the potential for reduced establishment because of increased nitrate content or EC associated with greater levels of compost incorporation. The EC or pH of soil:compost leachate was not found to predict turfgrass establishment. This trial suggests that soil type should be considered when making compost use rate recommendations; however, further research is needed to link compost physiochemical properties to compost use rates.
Synchronized Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Black Cumin
Authors: El-Mahrouk Mohammed Elsayed , Maamoun Mossad Khairy , Dewir Yaser Hassan , El-Banna Antar Nasr , Rihan Hail Z. , Salamh Ahmed , Al-Aizari Ahmed A. , Fuller Michael P.
Published: February 2022

Black cumin (Nigella sativa) is an important medicinal plant in the pharmacological industry. It is cultivated on a commercial scale, but its seeds have a slow, unsynchronized germination rate. Enhancing seed germination is crucial for improving the production of black cumin. The influence of presowing treatments [gibberellic acid (GA3), potassium nitrate, salicylic acid, and stratification at 4 °C] on seed germination was assessed. Seed germination was determined daily for 30 days, and germination parameters, including final germination percentage (FGP), corrected germination rate, number of days to reach 50% of FGP, and seedling length vigor index, were evaluated. Endogenous contents of GA3 and abscisic acid (ABA) in nonstratified and stratified seeds were estimated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and seedling growth was determined in 45-day-old seedlings. All presowing treatments tended to boost early germination for the first 10 days compared with the control. Low concentrations of GA3 at 0.25 g·L−1 also increased FGP (80%) compared with the control group (65.55%). Stratification for 4 weeks provided the greatest FGP value at 95.56%, and stratification for 3 weeks proved to be the most effective treatment for optimal seedling growth. Sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis patterns of stratified seeds revealed the alteration in intensities of 13 bands and the appearance of a new band (180 kDa) indicating a change in the synthesis of proteins during stratification. Moreover, stratification modulated the endogenous GA3 and ABA contents of black cumin seeds, which alleviated the physiological dormancy and resulted in high and synchronized seed germination.
DEVELOPMENT OF USV AUTONOMY: ARCHITECTURE, IMPLEMENTATION AND SEA TRIALS
Authors:   School of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology 430074, Wuhan, China, Liu Chuan , Xiang Xianbo , Huang Jian , Yang Shaolong , Shaoze Zhang ,   Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519080, China,   Zhuhai Yunzhou Intelligence Technology Ltd., Zhuhai 519080, China, Su Xiang , Zhang Yunfei
Published: February 2022

This paper presents the development of autonomy capability for an unmanned surface vehicle (USV). The development mainly focuses on the high-level autonomy on perception, path planning, guidance and control to achieve real sea applications of the USV. First, visual recognition and point cloud data processing techniques are utilized to achieve a real-time perception of the object in the sea environment. Second, detailed path planning strategies are illustrated to plan the easily reachable path for different missions, and the classic guidance and heading controller are adopted to implement the path following algorithm. Subsequently, these autonomy algorithms run in the high-level computer and render the actuator commands for the low-level embedded control system. Finally, sea trials of the USV are conducted by attending the 2020 Zhuhai Wanshan International Intelligent Vessel Competition (IIVC) in Dong Ao Island of South China Sea. The USV accomplish three missions: 1) path following, 2) navigating around the obstacle, and 3) rescuing the drowning. Sea trial results verify the autonomy of the USV in terms of the achieved performances.
Improving Mental Health Outcomes for Black and Minority Ethnic Communities: A Quantitative Study into Perception of Control
Authors: Joseph Stephen , Keating Frank
Published: February 2022

Background: Although the disparities in mental health outcomes for ethnic minorities in the United Kingdom are well-documented, little is known about the role perception of control plays in the experiences of service users and its role in perpetuating or improving health inequalities. This quantitative methods study investigated the perspectives of the members of these communities from the Locus of Control domain. Methods: A small-scale survey (N=50), applied a purposive sampling method to recruit mental health service users of African and Caribbean origin from a South London Borough to complete two structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using SPSS in the examination of the scores, various demographic variables, linear relationships, and other reliability tests. Results: Key findings indicate a moderate to high externality in LOC scores for participants, in general and mental health milieus, with some remarkable differences in ethnicity, gender, and age.  Conclusion: The results present some implications and opportunities for mental health services, policy, and professionals in engaging with clients from this target group towards addressing the inequality of outcomes.
La educación a distancia: características, desafíos y aprendizajes
Authors: Correa Guisao Natalia Andrea , David Posso Lenika Alejandra , García Quintero Crisly Vanessa , Toro Serna Astrid Johana
Published: February 2022

El artículo tiene como finalidad realizar una aproximación y reflexión sobre la educación a distancia en Colombia, rescatando sus principales características, las ventajas y desafíos que enfrenta esta modalidad educativa en la actualidad. El texto se construye con base en una revisión documental y el proceso reflexivo de estudiantes y docentes del semillero de educación social; dicha reflexión puede ser de interés para quienes participan en esta modalidad educativa y quienes gestionan los procesos de educación en el contexto actual.
El poder amar y el ser amado althusseriano: tránsitos y transformaciones en El porvenir es largo
Authors: López Arboleda Gloria María , Dasuky Quiceno Samir Ahmed , García-Castro Juan Fernando
Published: February 2022

El Porvenir es largo, obra autobiográfica de Louis Althusser, muestra una característica que hace novedosa su reflexión: no es un estudio sobre el amor o el afecto, pero en su narración este es el concepto que circula innegablemente. El artículo desarrolla los conceptos poder amar y ser amado como las acciones althusserianas que, aparejadas, constituyen los ejes fundamentales para comprender el concepto amor en la obra. Para abordarlo, se acude a un marco de comprensión filosófico y psicoanalítico, toda vez que permiten un acercamiento a los diálogos y tensiones que se trazan desde el deseo, la nominalización del Otro como un acto de configuración subjetiva y la escritura como un acto de interpretación de sí mismo. Se concluye que el filósofo realiza un tránsito epistemológico y ontológico que vislumbra tres Althusser, mostrando posibilidades de transformación del afecto que fue protagonista en la vida narrada por el filósofo. Metodológicamente se acude a la interpretación gadameriana de la obra, privilegiando una lectura profunda, lenta, en fin, unaconversación pausada y reflexiva.
Rethinking, Narrating, Consuming Modern and Contemporary Southeast Asia
Authors:   Department of English, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China., Chavez Jeremy De
Published: February 2022

As this special issue would not have been possible without the generosity of certain individuals during these most trying times, this modest introduction must necessarily begin with gratitude. My co-editor, Yue Zhang, and I would like to express our sincerest thanks to the tireless and gracious people behind Rupkatha. It is because of their vision and efforts that Rupkatha has become a truly global journal of interdisciplinary Humanities, a home to many ideas that challenge and extend the borders of what it means to do Humanistic research in order to all the more properly respect its integrity. We hope that this special issue that features works from and about the East and Southeast Asian regions, along with their associated diasporic communities, will contribute to the noble vision of Rupkatha. We extend our gratitude to the numerous scholars who shared their expertise as peer-reviewers and whose generosity ensured the success of this special issue. We are also very grateful to our editorial assistants Mr. John, Fong Chi Chon and Mr. Chris, Miao Chi both of whom often went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the smooth production of this special issue. Of course, we must also thank all those scholars, both established and up-and-coming, who responded to our call for submissions. The response to this special issue could only be described as overwhelmingly robust, which is indicative of the unquestionable vigor in the field of contemporary East and Southeast Asian literary and cultural studies. Indeed, the sheer diversity of the submissions makes it a challenge to collectively introduce the essays without the risk of taking away from their inevitable multiplicity by imposing an artificial thematic unity. Thus, while the concerns of the essays included in this issue cannot be fully contained within their assigned thematic categories, and by no means should be read exclusively within such, I shall nevertheless risk grouping them based on what I conceive to be their principal critical concern—that is to say, rethinking, narrating, consuming.
Translingual, Transcultural, and Transboundary Sceneries: Aesthetic Ideas and Discursive Practice in Yu Dafu’s Landscape Writing
Authors:   Duke University, Wang Yidan
Published: February 2022

The ways in which nature is watched and represented have changed rapidly alongside modernization in 20th-century China. This can be regarded as the product of an epistemological transformation led by the encounter of Chinese and Western cultures. One of the representatives in this transformation and fusion of seeing is Yu Dafu, who, although generally known for his fiction, penned many travel writings and descriptions of nature in the 1930s. Regarding Yu’s travelogue as an embodiment of his translingual and transcultural reflections, this paper reviews previous studies on Yu’s travelogue and investigates its latent creativity and antinomy. This article delves into the stylistic and aesthetic features of Yu’s travelogue to uncover the conservatism and misogyny obscured beneath the seemingly value-neutral landscapes, arguing that Yu’s travelogue is a twofold amalgamation of genres and aesthetics. On the one hand, his travel writing is an adaption and combination of the German Baedeker guidebooks and traditional Chinese travel notes (Youji ??). On the other hand, Yu’s texts incorporate aesthetic criteria influenced by different natural concepts, demonstrating both his broad vision ahead of time and his conservatism. Yu’s writing on nature and landscapes, as a discursive practice motivated by the emergence of tourism in his era, is a transboundary dialogue between literature and commerce, and the elite and the general public, while also implicitly denying the common people access to the scenery space. Through a close reading of Yu’s frequently employed tropes—picturesque and feminized scenes—I establish an isomorphic relationship between his views on nature, art, and female. Finally, the antinomy inherent in Yu’s landscape imaginary constructed by creativity and conservatism points to the ambiguity of the New Culture.
Traversing Paths/Pasts: Places of Filipino Philosophy
Authors:   Department of Philosophy, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines, Biana Hazel T.
Published: February 2022

Place is a vital framework of human experience and is essential to the configuration of experience. It is more than the mere geography or arrangement of things in a particular spatial location. As a concept and not merely as a specific instance, place moulds human experience and contributes to the understanding of oneself and the world. Philosophers have long tackled the unravelling of these significant experiences, and the importance of theorizing about the place. As such, understanding philosophy also necessitates looking into its place. Regrettably, Filipino Philosophy has not yet been examined closely in this regard. To address this gap, this paper inquires about the development of Filipino Philosophy as it has been shaped by the places of its pioneers. It uncovers the connections between the development of Filipino thought and the places of Filipino philosophers who emerged in the 1970s-80s. By culling these philosophers’ paths/pasts, homage is paid to a significant resource often ignored, viz., the places of philosophy.
The Teleserye Story: Three Periods of the Evolution of the Filipino TV Soap Opera
Authors:   Department of English, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, Philippines, Sanchez Louie Jon A.
Published: February 2022

The essay chronicles the history of the teleserye or the Filipino TV soap opera, one of today’s transnational televisual products making waves in different parts of the globe. It covers three periods—the period of transition from radio to TV (1962 to 1986), the period of competition (1986-2000), and the period of transformation (2000-present). Traversing through 60 years of the form’s enduring presence in Philippine television, it traces the format’s beginnings as it was introduced to the medium in a highly volatile social environment, and assesses its continued flourishing in democratized, contemporary times and consequent entry into the highly competitive global drama market, where it serves both foreign and its very own Filipino diasporic audiences. The essay echoes the abiding thesis of my studies about the cultural history of the teleserye—that the form is indeed the drama of Filipino life. As domestic, serial form, the teleserye’s intimate relation to the Filipino everyday ultimately makes it reflective of the country’s life and times, its evolution interconnected with the ebb and flow of Philippine history. These are illustrated by representative texts from the said periods, as well as key contexts that unravel the evolution of the form, now gleaned from a global, as well as diasporic context.
Book Review: Translating China as Cross-Identity Performance by James St. Andre?
Authors:   Department of English, University of Macau, Qilin Cao
Published: February 2022

Ever since the renewal of interest in metaphors prevailed in the mid-20th century, related research has empowered metaphors to possess more theoretical implications rather than to function as mere linguistic representations. The following decades bear witness to how metaphors are integrated into contemporary academic discussions and what roles the metaphor theory, having been continuously practised and enriched, plays in dealing with cognitive, linguistic, and sociocultural issues. Relevant works of importance are not only limited to more classic ones, such as Metaphor and Thought (1979) edited by Andrew Ortony, Metaphors We Live By (1980) written by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson, but also those more recently published, such as Stern Josef’s Metaphor in Context (2000), and Denis Donoghue’s Metaphor (2014). Given this academic context, St. Andre?’s Translating China as Cross-Identity Performance is another worthwhile attempt in venturing the frontier of metaphor theory by conceptualizing translation with metaphors, during which an academic model is set for employing metaphors to theorize a particular discipline and to investigate specific disciplinary cases.
Book Review: Digital Humanities: Knowledge and Critique in a Digital Age by David M. Berry and Anders Fagerjord
Authors:   Chungdu Normal University, Sichuan Province, China., Li Xi , Zeng Jie ,   Chungdu Normal University, Sichuan Province, China.
Published: February 2022

It is no doubt that we are living in an increasingly digitalized world. Seemingly ubiquitous, digitalization has significantly influenced our way of life and thinking. The rapid development and widespread application of digital technology has also stimulated the growth of scholarship. Amongst them, digital humanities is a relatively new discipline that lies at the intersection of computer technology and the humanities. By applying digital tools and technology to the traditional discipline of the humanities, digital humanities is an interdisciplinary and even transdisciplinary field that aims to advance our understanding of humanities as well as digital technology.
Evolution of landscape dynamics in the Yangtze River Delta from 2000 to 2020
Authors: Zhou Zhe Chen , Wang Jun
Published: February 2022

Based on the 2000–2020 land cover data, the landscape dynamics and landscape pattern index are used to study the landscape pattern changes of the Yangtze River Delta. The results show that with the growth of built-in land area, the dominance of natural landscape in the Yangtze River Delta is gradually weakened. From the perspective of the overall landscape pattern, the degree of landscape fragmentation in this area is increasing, and the degree of landscape connectivity and aggregation are decreasing in varying degrees. The regional landscape is developing toward homogeneous distribution and increasing complexity. At the same time, from the perspective of classified landscape, the spatial distribution of various landscapes shows a strong correlation between climate and landform. Through comparative analysis, this study puts forward that the development of the Yangtze River Delta needs to pay attention to maintaining the integrity of the regional dominant landscape and paying attention to the diversity and connectivity of the natural landscape with high ecological service value.
Effects of face masks and ventilation on the risk of SARS-CoV-2 respiratory transmission in public toilets: a quantitative microbial risk assessment
Authors: Denpetkul Thammanitchpol , Pumkaew Monchai , Sittipunsakda Oranoot , Leaungwutiwong Pornsawan , Mongkolsuk Skorn , Sirikanchana Kwanrawee
Published: February 2022

Public toilets may increase the risk of COVID-19 infection via airborne transmission; however, related research is limited. We aimed to estimate SARS-CoV-2 infection risk through respiratory transmission using a quantitative microbial risk assessment framework by retrieving SARS-CoV-2 concentrations from the swab tests of 251 Thai patients. Three virus-generating scenarios were investigated: an infector breathing, breathing with a cough, and breathing with a sneeze. The infection risk (95th percentile) was as high as 10−1 with breathing and increased to 1 with a cough or a sneeze. No significant gender differences for toilet users (receptors) were noted. The highest risk scenario, namely breathing with a sneeze, was further evaluated for risk mitigation measures. Mitigation to a lower risk under 10−3 succeeded only when the infector and the receptor both wore N95 respirators or surgical masks. Ventilation of up to 20 air changes per hour (ACH) did not decrease the risk. However, an extended waiting time of 10 min between an infector and a receptor resulted in approximately 1.0-log10 further risk reduction when both wore masks with the WHO-recommended 12 ACH. The volume of expelled droplets, virus concentrations, and receptor dwell time were identified as the main contributors to transmission risk.
Practical pressure management for a gradual transition from intermittent to continuous water supply
Authors: Sánchez David H. , Sánchez-Navarro Jesús R. , Navarro-Gómez Carmen J. , Renteria Marusia
Published: February 2022

Cities in developing countries that do not consider water resources as the basis for sustainable growth usually accept intermittent water supply (IWS) as the alternative to satisfy the demand of the population. Networks designed as constant water supply (CWS) operated as IWS hinder a safe and reliable water supply; thus, feasible alternatives to return the operation to CWS are required. This paper presents a methodology based flow/pressure control to accomplish an efficient transformation from an IWS sector to a CWS in the City of Chihuahua, Mexico. The management of pressure at sector entrance and critical supply points leads to successful improvement of service, ensuring water availability with adequate pressure at the peak of demand, as well as reducing the supply of water volume by 58% compared to the sector operated in IWS. The methodology allowed the improvement of decision-making and operating policy for the water operating agency (WOA), fixing service deficiency, avoiding the loss of water volumes, and maintaining competent management control. Nonetheless, resistance to the transition of using automation and setting the volume/pressure consumption based on reliable data persists. The change process will be successful to the extent that the WOA efficiently channels the participation of the personnel.