bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alternative assessment as a means of business English skills formation in non-linguistic students
Authors:   Vyatka State University, Ponomarenko Larisa N. , Susloparova Maria M. ,   Vyatka State University, Chernova Nadezhda I. ,   MIREA – Russian Technological University, Katakhova Nataliya V. ,   MIREA – Russian Technological University
Published: May 2023

Introduction. According to the requirements of the labor market, a modern specialist with a higher education must speak a foreign language in his or her professional field, i.e. be able to communicate in a business foreign language. Within the competence-based approach, teaching a professional business foreign language involves the use of not only practice-oriented teaching methods and technologies, but also alternative techniques of evaluating students' learning activities. In this regard, the purpose of the study is to identify how the use of alternative assessment affects the formation of Business English skills among non–linguistic students. Materials and Methods. The study involved 96 undergraduate students of Vyatka State University studying in the fields of "Biology", “Biotechnology”, “Chemistry” and "Chemical Technology". The formation of Business English skills is based on the “assessment as learning” approach. This assessment includes practice-oriented methods: Case Study, electronic portfolio (iPortfolio), pair work (We Create Activity), imitation of an interview (Mock job interview), reports (Reports) in the form of formal letters. Pearson’s χ2 test was used for the result statistical processing. Results. The results of the experiment showed that the number of students in the experimental group with a low level of Business English skills decreased from 37.5% to 4.2%, with an average level decreased from 50% to 41.7%, with a high level increased from 12. 5% to 54.1%; χ2 = 18.006, p ≤ 0.05. Conclusion. The significance of the conducted research lies in the "assessment as learning" approach used to solve the problem of the Business English skills and abilities formation among undergraduate students. This approach provided not only conditions for the development of Business English skills, but also for the development of critical thinking, creativity, and cooperation. Keywords: Business English, Business English skills, alternative assessment techniques, Case Study
The influence of social spirituality and parenting on the success of counselling program among Spanish high school students
Authors:   Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Purnomo Halim , Azhar Muhammad ,   Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta
Published: May 2023

Introduction. Spiritual values are needed in various aspects of educational activities, starting from the process of motivating teaching and learning activities, strengthening soft and hard skills, as well as important in student care and counseling programs. Thus, the counseling and nurturing process for students through spiritual values is very necessary. This topic becomes very meaningful and very important considering the tendency of students to often receive and access all information from their smart gadgets without being analyzed more deeply so that it has the potential to damage character. This research purports to define the influence of social spirituality on the success of counselling, the influence of parenting on the success of counselling, and the simultaneous influence of social spirituality and parenting on the success of the counselling program among Spanish high school students. Materials and methods. This research is a quantitative, non-experimental study looking for correlation. The research population covers all grade X and XI high school students in Madrid and Granada in the academic year 2020/2021. Research samples were 150 pupils selected using sample random sampling. Data collection relied on documentation and questionnaires. Methods for mathematical statistics: t-test, Pearson correlation analysis (r). Research results. The results show that social spirituality is found to influence the success of the counseling program of the study (t =15.932; p <0.000) which is confirmed by correlation analysis (r =0.799**; p<0.000). While there is an influence of parenting on the success of counseling (t =7.555; p <0.000) which is confirmed by correlation analysis (r =0.539**; p<0.000). In addition, «social spirituality» and «parenting» simultaneously influence the success of the сcounselling program for Spanish high school with a significance level of p< 0.000 and an R-squared value of 0.740. Conclusion. We urge researchers to study parenting models to guide students through understanding the values of social spirituality and how it contributes to understanding the students' own life values. Because with these spiritual values, students will be able to build their own life in a more oriented way. Keywords: social spirituality, parenting, success of counselling, Spanish
Practice-oriented model of professional training of students – future teachers of technical disciplines in the system: secondary vocational education – higher education
Authors:   Kuban State University, Fialko Alla I. , Tiunov Sergey V. ,   Kuban State University, Senan Adel M. ,   Kuban State Technological University
Published: May 2023

Introduction. In the conditions of the technological rise of the economy, the shortage of highly qualified middlelevel workers, and at the same time teachers who are ready for their high-quality training in the system of vocational education, has clearly manifested itself. The purpose of the study: theoretical and empirical substantiation and development of a practice-oriented model of professional training of students – future teachers of technical disciplines in the system: secondary vocational education – higher education. Materials and methods. The study involved students of Kuban State University (Russia) of the direction «Pedagogical education» (with two training profiles), profile «Technological education, Physics», in the number of 174 people, and teachers of secondary vocational institutions of Krasnodar in the number of 48 people. Methods: theoretical analysis of sources, testing, questionnaires, mathematical processing of results. Results. The preferences of teachers in relation to the training of HE students as teachers in the SPO system were revealed: the need for new methodological developments according to new standards (28%); interactive learning technologies (27%); the availability of consumables and appropriate stands for training skills (19%); the performance of tasks related to training in a certain module of demonstration exams (11%); internships at enterprises with the development of modern technologies (9%); availability of specialized video content (6%). A model of professional training of students in the pedagogical direction for teaching in vocational education has been developed, based on the inclusion in the training of future teachers of technical disciplines of the study of the content of standards governing the process of preparing vocational education students for the demonstration exam; features of the organization of practice on the basis of vocational education; the use of reverse-variable learning technologies aimed at the formation of subjectivity of students. Conclusion. For the successful training of mid-level specialists, it is necessary to create pedagogical conditions for the transprofessional training of bachelors of pedagogical direction in order to immerse them in the production environment of the vocational school and enable them to adapt to new requirements. Keywords: educational system, secondary vocational education, higher education, demonstration exam, readiness for professional and pedagogical activity, pedagogical conditions, modeling
МЕТОДИКА ПРОЄКТУВАННЯ ЕЛЕКТРОННИХ НАВЧАЛЬНИХ КУРСІВ ДЛЯ СИСТЕМИ ПРОФЕСІЙНО-ТЕХНІЧНОЇ ОСВІТИ У ВОЄННИЙ ТА ПОВОЄННИЙ ЧАС
Authors: Зуєва Альона
Published: May 2023

Актуальність: сучасні умови провадження освітньої діяльності актуалізували дистанційне та змішане навчання; більшість педагогічних працівників закладів професійної освіти обрали платформу Google Classroom та інструмент для відеоконференцій Google Meet для забезпечення навчального процесу, однак нема єдиної методики проєктування електронних навчальних курсів з використанням цих цифрових інструментів.
Мета: визначення основних складових та етапів методики проєктування електронних навчальних курсів для професійної освіти.
Методи: аналіз – для визначення стану розробленості проблеми; узагальнення – для формулювання висновків щодо основних складових та етапів методики проєктування електронних навчальних курсів для професійної освіти.
Результати: встановлено, що 84,4 % педагогічних працівників закладів професійної освіти проводили заняття та надавали завдання з використанням платформи Google Classroom, а 74,5 % опитаних для організації відеоконференцій обрали Google Meet. Методика проєктування електронних навчальних курсів для змішаного навчання в системі професійної (професійно-технічної) освіти у воєнний та повоєнний час опирається на цифрові інструменти середовища Google Workspace for Education, оскільки ними користуються більшість педагогічних працівників закладів професійної освіти. Ці інструменти легкі в застосуванні, адаптивні, враховують різні умови та технічні можливості учасників навчального процесу, дають змогу врахувати індивідуальні особливості та навчальні потреби учнів.
Українські педагоги та вчені виділяли від чотирьох до восьми етапів проєктування електронних навчальних курсів, і визначали різне функціональне наповнення цих етапів.
Методика проєктування електронних навчальних курсів для змішаного навчання має п’ять основних етапів (ADDIE: Analysing, Designing, Developing, Implementing, Evaluating), розширених та адаптованих для потреб змішаного навчання в закладах професійної освіти у воєнний та повоєнний час.
Висновки: Методика проєктування електронних навчальних курсів для змішаного навчання в системі професійної (професійно-технічної) освіти у воєнний та повоєнний час визначається як сукупність взаємопов’язаних методів, форм і засобів розроблення електронного навчального курсу в середовищі Google Workspace for Education. Вона має п’ять основних етапів проєктування ADDIE, з врахуванням педагогічних процесів, необхідних для змішаного навчання в закладах професійної освіти у воєнний та повоєнний час.
Ця методика дає можливість розроблення чіткого алгоритму взаємодії між викладачами й учнями, організації та супроводу педагогічних процесів в електронному навчальному курсі, врахування особливостей навчального процесу  та індивідуальних особливостей учнів.
Адвокатська діяльність в Україні : навчально-методичний посібник
Authors:   Національний університет ", Бакаянова Нана Мезенівна ,   Одеська юридична академія"
Published: May 2023

Методичні вказівки підготовлені для здобувачів вищої освіти за спеціальністю 081 «Право» з метою засвоєння ними знань про адвокатську діяльність в Україні. Містять перелік тем, які розглядаються під час навчання, завдання, які студенти вирішують під час практичної роботи, посилання на законодавство та на рекомендовану наукову літературу.
Адвокатура та адвокатська діяльність : навчально-методичний посібник
Authors:   Національний університет ", Бакаянова Нана Мезенівна ,   Одеська юридична академія"
Published: May 2023

Методичні вказівки з навчальної дисципліни «Адвокатура та адвокатська діяльність» підготовлено для здобувачів вищої освіти факультету адвокатури та антикорупційної діяльності Національного університету «Одеська юридична академія» з метою засвоєння ними знань про адвокатуру та адвокатську діяльність в Україні. Методичні вказівки містять: перелік тем, які розглядаються під час навчання; завдання, які студенти вирішують під час практичної роботи в процесі навчання; посилання на законодавство та на рекомендовану наукову літературу. Призначені для здобувачів першого рівня вищої освіти за спеціальністю 081 «Право».
Voter Turnout and Income Inequality in Latin America
Authors: Gyurkovics Gabriella
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this paper is to gain some insight into the age-old question: Why is there income inequality at all in our modern world? I narrow this question down into a sub-question that I can investigate: what is the effect of voter turnout on income inequality? I narrow my regional focus to Latin America and add a temporal focus to the years from 2000 to present. I theorize that higher voter turnout leads to decreased income inequality. This is because, as theorized by Lijphart (1996), low voter turnout is by and large a result of the people in low economic groups’ failure to turnout to vote. Therefore, the alternate hypothesis of this thesis is that high voter turnout leads to more equal income distribution in Latin America from 2000 to present. I discover that I cannot reject my null hypothesis. There is not sufficient statistically significant evidence to believe that, based on a multivariate ordinary least squares regression analysis, increased voter turnout leads to increased income equality. This paper has implications for future researchers studying the effects of voter turnout in Latin America and for researchers interested in answering macroeconomic questions about this region.
To see the complete thesis, please visit https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/undergraduate_honors_theses/m900nv68b.
Rule of Wild Dogs
Authors: Elena Wilson
Published: May 2023

Ignited by the sense of fury faced from being stuck in a singular, down-trodden town, the so-called “Paul” has delved into a life of crime with an equally impulsive crime mate, who mysteriously won’t reveal his true name. Together they discover the meaning of life, love, tragedy, loneliness, guilt, and anger amidst unforgiving creatures and melancholic dunes.
Life Satisfaction Among Undergraduate Students: Correlates with Body Appreciation, Athlete Self-Identification, and Exercise Frequency
Authors: Leger Grace
Published: May 2023

Personal identity, body perceptions, and lifestyles have been researched and documented for decades. However, several athlete versus non-athlete lifestyles and characteristics have yet to be documented. Low life satisfaction is extremely common on college campuses today. With clinical depression (resulting from low life satisfaction) being the leading mental illness among college students. The current study uses a self-report questionnaire to examine how college students’ life satisfaction is impacted by athlete self-identification, body appreciation, and exercise frequency. From this research, implications, such as exercise interventions can be implemented to improve life satisfaction and mental health. The following research used bivariate correlations and a multiple regression analysis to examine these variables. Body appreciation was found to be significantly correlated with life satisfaction. Meanwhile, body appreciation and life satisfaction were individually associated with athlete self-identification. Further research is needed to confirm results of the study across different populations.
To see the complete thesis, please visit https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/undergraduate_honors_theses/w6634514d.
Black Sea Glass on the Shores of Time
Authors: Kuster Jemma
Published: May 2023

Following eleven-year-old Samuel and his guardian Annie as they journey to find the ocean in a dying world, this short story explores themes of growing up, the passage of time, acceptance of change, and the power of hope.
Experience
Authors: Woodward Diego
Published: May 2023

N/A
I, Chicano
Authors: Encinias Devin
Published: May 2023

I Chicano is an artistic testimony which speaks to the experience of Indigenous, Mexican-American, Hispanic/Latino individuals and commmunities from a socially and politically conscious perspective.
Martyrdom
Authors: Roberts Max
Published: May 2023

Digital Painting, Procreate
Dimensions: 2480 x 3054 px.
Exploring the gendered expectations of transgender people. Idealized form of classical figures with top surgery scars showing the societal expectations for medical transition in order to be fully accepted. The societal expectation to suffer as a trans person, wherein inner transgender joy is the ultimate form of acceptance.
Self Portrait In Pride Colors
Authors: Roberts Max
Published: May 2023

Acrylic Painting on Canvas
Dimensions: 18" x 30"
Exploring my gender identity through self-portraiture. Using the colors of the Nonbinary flag, I ask myself who I am and what it means to be gender-nonconforming. I do not care how others perceive me as long as I am comfortable in my own identity and intrinsic values, therefore having a confident attitude within the piece.
Microchasm
Authors: Bos Aja
Published: May 2023

For this piece, I decided to create an inkblot using the traditional Japanese art method of Suminagashi. Suminagashi involves dropping blots of ink into a pan of water and alternatively dropping dots of soap into the ink. The ink is adverse to the soap and will disperse away from it. After repeating this process continuously, rings of ink form in the water. These rings can be blown on and manipulated to form patterns. When the pattern is satisfactory, the artist dips their paper into the pan, thereby transferring the ink pattern to the paper. The result is a gray-to-black scale of ink patterns. This piece reflects my views on truth. I feel the truth moves as a unit. To me truth is not wholly black and white, and it does not completely conform to one shape or pattern. It is gray, and changes shape, and can be hard to pin down.  I think there is a lot to be considered when we think about how our truths impact the lives of others. It is never too late to consider both sides of the story.
Dynamic Viscosity Prediction of Blends of Paving Grade Bitumen with Reclaimed Bitumen
Authors: Rosta Szabolcs , Gáspár László
Published: May 2023

The recycling of reclaimed asphalt pavement is of significant economic and environmental benefits. In this case, however, the satisfactory performance of the final product needs scientific planning of the mixture and thorough quality control. Before its use, a number of tests must be performed to verify that the binder meets the relevant requirements and can be used in asphalt mixtures. The binder characteristics in the reclaimed asphalt pavement and the expected properties of the binder blend in the new asphalt mixture must be known. For its prediction and calculation, a European standard offers the calculation of the penetration or softening point of the binder blend in the mixture with reclaimed asphalt content. However, in some countries, the determination of paving grade bitumen types (categories) is based not on dynamic viscosity measured with DSR instrument, so other validated test and calculation methods are in force. A viscosity-based method has not yet been validated for paving grade bitumens standardized on a penetration basis, although this method is more advantageous in many aspects when monitoring daily production processes; it is much shorter and requires less material than measuring softening point or penetration. The article deals with the measurement of the dynamic viscosity of bitumen blends of asphalt mixtures made using reclaimed asphalts, determined with a dynamic shear rheometer at different frequencies (0.1–10.0 Hz sweep). Furthermore, the relationships between the different composition ratios of national paving grade bitumens classified on the bases of penetration level and bitumens from reclaimed asphalt pavement are examined.
Importancia de la histopatología en el diagnóstico del Distemper canino o moquillo
Authors: Cabascango Martínez Lucía Vanessa
Published: May 2023

Introducción: el virus del Distemper canino causa una enfermedad de gran letalidad en un amplio espectro de huéspedes, incluyendo animales que pertenecen al orden Carnívora, y debido a la existencia de un gran número de hospederos susceptibles, la inmunización a través de la vacunación sistemática es la única medida profiláctica eficaz para su control, aunque igualmente se han producido brotes ocasionales de la enfermedad en animales vacunados. La infección puede provocar una variedad de presentaciones clínicas, afectando los sistemas respiratorio, gastrointestinal, tegumentario y nervioso. Siendo la manifestación neurológica más común la encefalomielitis y sus signos clínicos pueden ser variados, debido al daño que el virus provoca tanto en la sustancia blanca como en la gris del sistema nervioso. Objetivo: identificar la importancia de la histopatología en el diagnóstico del Distemper Canino, conocer los principales hallazgos patológicos presentes en los pacientes con esta enfermedad de origen viral, analizar la importancia de un buen diagnóstico en el Distemper canino.  Metodología: revisión bibliográfica de literatura. Resultados: se evidencio neurodegeneración en caninos infectados naturalmente, tanto en animales vacunados como en no vacunados, evaluando presencia, intensidad y distribución de las lesiones causadas por el virus en cerebro y cerebelo. Conclusiones: con respecto a las lesiones histopatológicas, el hallazgo constante es la desmielinización, además de la presencia de gliosis, leptomeningitis, manguitos perivasculares, necrosis y cuerpos de inclusión en varios cortes histológicos, siendo estos hallazgos más severos en el cerebelo; es así como este trabajo evidencia la importancia de la Histopatología en el diagnóstico del Distemper canino o Moquillo. Área de estudio general: Medicina Veterinaria. Área de estudio específica: Microbiología / Anatomía Patológica.
Workshop Penulisan Penelitian Tindakan Kelas untuk Guru SMA Negeri 1 Bengkulu Tengah
Authors: Stiadi Elwan , Putra Ari
Published: May 2023

Penelitian Tindakan Kelas (PTK) adalah salah satu upaya yang dapat dilakukan seorang guru profesional dalam peningkatan kualitas pembelajaran. Pelatihan penulisan PTK dalam kegiatan pengabdian ini bertujuan untuk: (1) Meningkatkan pemahaman guru-guru SMA Negeri 1 Bengkulu Tengah tentang PTK, dan (2) Meningkatkan kemampuan guru dalam penulisan laporan PTK. Metode yang digunakan dalam kegiatan pengabdian adalah metode ceramah dan demonstrasi. Metode ceramah untuk menyampaikan prinsip-prinsip PTK, prosedur PTK, implementasi PTK, dan prosedur penulisan laporan PTK, sedangkan metode demonstrasi untuk memberikan kesempatan berlatih kepada peserta mempraktekkan mulai  dari penyusunan masalah dalam  proses pembelajaran yang dapat dipecahkan melalui PTK, rancangan proposal PTK, hingga penulisan laporan PTK. Kegiatan pengabdian secara keseluruhan dapat dinilai cukup baik, dilihat dari keberhasilan target jumlah peserta pelatihan dinilai cukup baik (73,33%), ketercapaian tujuan  pelatihan  dinilai  kurang baik  (40,9%), ketercapaian  target materi yang telah direncanakan dinilai baik (80%), dan kemampuan peserta dalam penguasaan materi dinilai baik (80%).
DOUBLE CHARGE ON THE SURFACE OF THE SUN AND STARS
Authors: Svanbayev Yeldos
Published: May 2023

A. S. Eddington in 1926 pointed out that stars must have a small positive charge to hold electrons. I propose a model of the formation of a double charged layer on the surface of the Sun's spicules. Thermal energy of the star leads to the emission of electrons, and strong gravity leads to the retention of ions and the formation of a self-regulating positive charge on the surface of the star. The positive surface charge is shielded by electrons from the coronal plasma and a double charged layer with a Coulomb field is formed. Ions are accelerated by the Coulomb field and form a high-temperature corona and a fast solar wind. The star's high coronal temperature, many-charged ions, EUF, X-ray radiation, and solar wind are all caused by the double charged layer on the star's surface. The charge of a star's surface, depends on mass, spin, temperature, and composition.
Exploring the effects of skeletal architecture and muscle properties on bipedal standing in the common chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) from the perspective of biomechanics
Authors: Xv Xiao-Wei , Chen Wen-Bin , Xiong Cai-Hua , Huang Bo , Cheng Long-Fei , Sun Bai-Yang
Published: May 2023

Introduction: It is well known that the common chimpanzee, as both the closest living relative to humans and a facultative bipedal, has the capability of bipedal standing but cannot do so fully upright. Accordingly, they have been of exceeding significance in elucidating the evolution of human bipedalism. There are many reasons why the common chimpanzee can only stand with its hips–knees bent, such as the distally oriented long ischial tubercle and the almost absent lumbar lordosis. However, it is unknown how the relative positions of their shoulder–hip–knee–ankle joints are coordinated. Similarly, the distribution of the biomechanical characteristics of the lower-limb muscles and the factors that affect the erectness of standing as well as the muscle fatigue of the lower limbs remain a mystery. The answers are bound to light up the evolutional mechanism of hominin bipedality, but these conundrums have not been shed much light upon, because few studies have comprehensively explored the effects of skeletal architecture and muscle properties on bipedal standing in common chimpanzees.

Methods: Thus, we first built a musculoskeletal model comprising the head-arms-trunk (HAT), thighs, shanks, and feet segments of the common chimpanzee, and then, the mechanical relationships of the Hill-type muscle-tendon units (MTUs) in bipedal standing were deduced. Thereafter, the equilibrium constraints were established, and a constrained optimization problem was formulated where the optimization objective was defined. Finally, thousands of simulations of bipedal standing experiments were performed to determine the optimal posture and its corresponding MTU parameters including muscle lengths, muscle activation, and muscle forces. Moreover, to quantify the relationship between each pair of the parameters from all the experimental simulation outcomes, the Pearson correlation analysis was employed.

Results: Our results demonstrate that in the pursuit of the optimal bipedal standing posture, the common chimpanzee cannot simultaneously achieve maximum erectness and minimum muscle fatigue of the lower limbs. For uni-articular MTUs, the relationship between muscle activation, relative muscle lengths, together with relative muscle forces, and the corresponding joint angle is generally negatively correlated for extensors and positively correlated for flexors. For bi-articular MTUs, the relationship between muscle activation, coupled with relative muscle forces, and the corresponding joint angles does not show the same pattern as in the uni-articular MTUs.

Discussion: The results of this study bridge the gap between skeletal architecture, along with muscle properties, and biomechanical performance of the common chimpanzee during bipedal standing, which enhances existing biomechanical theories and advances the comprehension of bipedal evolution in humans.
Identification of microRNAs implicated in modulating resveratrol-induced apoptosis in porcine granulosa cells
Authors: Zhang Huibin , Wang Jinglin , Xie Fan , Liu Yangguang , Qiu Mengyao , Han Zheng , Ding Yueyun , Zheng Xianrui , Yin Zongjun , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: May 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that play a crucial role in the complex and dynamic network that regulates the apoptosis of porcine ovarian granulosa cells (POGCs). Resveratrol (RSV) is a nonflavonoid polyphenol compound that is involved in follicular development and ovulation. In previous study, we established a model of RSV treatment of POGCs, confirming the regulatory effect of RSV in POGCs. To investigate the miRNA-level effects of RSV on POGCs to reveal differentially expressed miRNAs, a control group (n = 3, 0 μM RSV group), a low RSV group (n = 3, 50 μM RSV group), and a high RSV group (n = 3, 100 μM RSV group) were created for small RNA-seq. In total, 113 differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) were identified, and a RT-qPCR analysis showed a correlation with the sequencing data. Functional annotation analysis revealed that DE-miRNAs in the LOW vs. CON group may be involved in cell development, proliferation, and apoptosis. In the HIGH vs. CON group, RSV functions were associated with metabolic processes and responses to stimuli, while the pathways were related to PI3K24, Akt, Wnt, and apoptosis. In addition, we constructed miRNA-mRNA networks related to Apoptosis and Metabolism. Then, ssc-miR-34a and ssc-miR-143-5p were selected as key miRNAs. In conclusion, this study provided an improved understanding of effects of RSV on POGCs apoptosis through the miRNA modulations. The results suggest that RSV may promote POGCs apoptosis by stimulating the miRNA expressions and provided a better understanding of the role of miRNAs combined with RSV in ovarian granulosa cell development in pigs.
Conformational analysis and interaction of the Staphylococcus aureus transmembrane peptidase AgrB with its AgrD propeptide substrate
Authors: Bardelang Philip , Murray Ewan J. , Blower Isobel , Zandomeneghi Sara , Goode Alice , Hussain Rohanah , Kumari Divya , Siligardi Giuliano , Inoue Katsuaki , Luckett Jeni , Doutch James , Emsley Jonas , Chan Weng C. , Hill Philip , Williams Paul , Bonev Boyan B.
Published: May 2023

Virulence gene expression in the human pathogen, S. aureus is regulated by the agr (accessory gene regulator) quorum sensing (QS) system which is conserved in diverse Gram-positive bacteria. The agr QS signal molecule is an autoinducing peptide (AIP) generated via the initial processing of the AgrD pro-peptide by the transmembrane peptidase AgrB. Since structural information for AgrB and AgrBD interactions are lacking, we used homology modelling and molecular dynamics (MD) annealing to characterise the conformations of AgrB and AgrD in model membranes and in solution. These revealed a six helical transmembrane domain (6TMD) topology for AgrB. In solution, AgrD behaves as a disordered peptide, which binds N-terminally to membranes in the absence and in the presence of AgrB. In silico, membrane complexes of AgrD and dimeric AgrB show non-equivalent AgrB monomers responsible for initial binding and for processing, respectively. By exploiting split luciferase assays in Staphylococcus aureus, we provide experimental evidence that AgrB interacts directly with itself and with AgrD. We confirmed the in vitro formation of an AgrBD complex and AIP production after Western blotting using either membranes from Escherichia coli expressing AgrB or with purified AgrB and T7-tagged AgrD. AgrB and AgrD formed stable complexes in detergent micelles revealed using synchrotron radiation CD (SRCD) and Landau analysis consistent with the enhanced thermal stability of AgrB in the presence of AgrD. Conformational alteration of AgrB following provision of AgrD was observed by small angle X-ray scattering from proteodetergent micelles. An atomistic description of AgrB and AgrD has been obtained together with confirmation of the AgrB 6TMD membrane topology and existence of AgrBD molecular complexes in vitro and in vivo.
Deficiency of germinal center kinase TRAF2 and NCK-interacting kinase (TNIK) in B cells does not affect atherosclerosis
Authors: van Os Bram W. , Kusters Pascal J. H. , den Toom Myrthe , Beckers Linda , van Tiel Claudia M. , Vos Winnie G. , de Jong Elize , Kieser Arnd , van Roomen Cindy , Binder Christoph J. , Reiche Myrthe E. , de Winther Menno P. , Bosmans Laura A. , Lutgens Esther
Published: May 2023

Background

Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of many cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction or stroke. B cells, and their production of pro- and anti-atherogenic antibodies, play an important role in atherosclerosis. In B cells, TRAF2 and NCK-interacting Kinase (TNIK), a germinal center kinase, was shown to bind to TNF-receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6), and to be involved in JNK and NF-κB signaling in human B cells, a pathway associated with antibody production.

Objective

We here investigate the role of TNIK-deficient B cells in atherosclerosis.

Results

ApoE−/−TNIKfl/fl (TNIKBWT) and ApoE−/−TNIKfl/flCD19-cre (TNIKBKO) mice received a high cholesterol diet for 10 weeks. Atherosclerotic plaque area did not differ between TNIKBKO and TNIKBWT mice, nor was there any difference in plaque necrotic core, macrophage, T cell, α-SMA and collagen content. B1 and B2 cell numbers did not change in TNIKBKO mice, and marginal zone, follicular or germinal center B cells were unaffected. Total IgM and IgG levels, as well as oxidation specific epitope (OSE) IgM and IgG levels, did not change in absence of B cell TNIK. In contrast, plasma IgA levels were decreased in TNIKBKO mice, whereas the number of IgA+ B cells in intestinal Peyer's patches increased. No effects could be detected on T cell or myeloid cell numbers or subsets.

Conclusion

We here conclude that in hyperlipidemic ApoE−/− mice, B cell specific TNIK deficiency does not affect atherosclerosis.
Individuals with numerical and structural variations of sex chromosomes: interdisciplinary management with focus on fertility potential
Authors: Juul Anders , Gravholt Claus H. , De Vos Michel , Koledova Ekaterina , Cools Martine
Published: May 2023

Diagnosis and management of individuals who have differences of sex development (DSD) due to numerical or structural variations of sex chromosomes (NSVSC) remains challenging. Girls who have Turner syndrome (45X) may present with varying phenotypic features, from classical/severe to minor, and some remain undiagnosed. Boys and girls who have 45,X/46,XY chromosomal mosaicism may have Turner syndrome-like features and short stature; therefore, unexplained short stature during childhood requires karyotype analysis in both sexes, particularly if characteristic features or atypical genitalia are present. Many individuals with Klinefelter syndrome (47XXY) remain undiagnosed or are only diagnosed as adults due to fertility problems. Newborn screening by heel prick tests could potentially identify sex chromosome variations but would have ethical and financial implications, and in-depth cost-benefit analyses are needed before nationwide screening can be introduced. Most individuals who have NSVSC have lifelong co-morbidities and healthcare should be holistic, personalized and centralized, with a focus on information, psychosocial support and shared decision-making. Fertility potential should be assessed individually and discussed at an appropriate age. Oocyte or ovarian tissue cryopreservation is possible in some women who have Turner syndrome and live births have been reported following assisted reproductive technology (ART). Testicular sperm cell extraction (TESE) is possible in some men who have 45,X/46,XY mosaicism, but there is no established protocol and no reported fathering of children. Some men with Klinefelter syndrome can now father a child following TESE and ART, with multiple reports of healthy live births. Children who have NSVSC, their parents and DSD team members need to address possibilities and ethical questions relating to potential fertility preservation, with guidelines and international studies still needed.
Accumulation and contamination assessment of heavy metals in sediments of commercial aquaculture farms from a coastal area along the northern Bay of Bengal
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Belal , Sultana Jakia , Pingki Farjana Haque , Nur As-Ad Ujjaman , Mia Md. Shoaib , Bakar Muhammad Abu , Yu Jimmy , Paray Bilal Ahamad , Arai Takaomi
Published: May 2023

Heavy metal contamination in aquaculture farm sediment may create a major risk to ecosystem and human health via the food web as a result of poor handling, incorrect waste management, and extensive use of artificial feed to increase yield and make profit. In this study, heavy metals (e.g., Cd, Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Ni) were analyzed to examine the accumulation, sources, and contamination levels from the bottom sediment samples in 12 different commercial aquaculture farms from a South Asian coastal area using atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). The findings revealed that the mean concentrations of heavy metals (µg/g) followed the decreasing order of Mn (48.75 ± 6.75) > Zn (7.09 ± 2.61) > Ni (6.85 ± 2.08) > Cr (5.01 ± 1.04) > Cu (3.00 ± 0.54) > Pb (2.77 ± 0.80) > Cd (0.22 ± 0.07). Contamination factor (CF < 1) and geo-accumulation index (Igeo < 0) for all metals implying the unpolluted status of fish farms by heavy metals. The mean pollution load index (PLI) was found 0.11 refereeing to very low level of contamination. Positive significant correlations (p < 0.05) between Cu-Cr (r = 0.65), Mn-Cd (r = 0.594), Zn-Pb (r = 0.591), Zn-Cu (r = 0.586) and Zn-Cr (r = 0.757) indicated their similar sources of origin. Multivariate analysis like cluster analyses (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) specified that Cr, Cu, and Zn might have anthropogenic sources. Therefore, future research is recommended to determine element mobility from the feed to pond sediment and fish, and thereby reduce environmental risk to ecosystem and human health.
On three types of sea breeze in Qingdao of East China: an observational analysis
Authors: Guo Zihan , Cao Lijuan , Guo Jianping , Shang Mengjiao , Guo Xiaoran
Published: May 2023

Our knowledge of sea breeze remains poor in the coastal area of East China, due largely to the high terrain heterogeneity. Five–year (2016–2020) consecutive wind observations from a 10-m wind tower and radar wind profiler are used to characterize the sea–land breeze at Qingdao, a coastal city in East China. The sea surface temperatures at the nearby buoy station in the Yellow Sea are further used to elucidate the land–sea thermal contrast. First of all, three types of sea breeze are determined according to the temporal evolution of wind direction, including pure sea breeze (PSB), corkscrew sea breeze (CSB) and backdoor sea breeze (BSB). Statistically, there are 522 days experiencing sea breezes, of which 61 days belong to pure sea breeze, 40 days witness corkscrew sea breeze, and only 2 days see the backdoor sea breeze. The occurrence of sea breeze is found to peak from April to September and the average wind speed lies at 3–5 m s−1. This suggests a salient seasonality of sea breeze at Qingdao, which is likely caused by the seasonal dependence of land–sea thermal contrast. In terms of the diurnal variability, the sea breezes tend to occur more frequently and have more intensity in the afternoon compared with in the morning, irrespective of sea breeze types. Interestingly, the backdoor sea breeze is merely observed in autumn, whereas corkscrew sea breeze and pure sea breeze can be found year round. Among all types of sea breeze, the pure sea breeze has the highest intensity and most frequency throughout the daytime, same in the seasons of spring, summer and autumn. Further analyses are conduced of the atmospheric circulation, lower troposphere stability and bulk Richard number (Ri) for three types of sea breeze. Both pure sea breeze and corkscrew sea breeze in Qingdao are characterized by prevailing westerlies at 500 hPa. In contrast, the backdoor sea breeze is generally accompanied with easterlies at 850 hPa. Meanwhile, the backdoor sea breeze has the lowest lower troposphere stability, in sharp contrast to the highest lower troposphere stability for the pure sea breeze. This indicates that the backdoor sea breeze (pure sea breeze) tends to occur in an unstable (stable) lower troposphere. The findings obtained here highlight the importance of typing sea breeze.
Effects of geographic origin and temperature on survival, development, and emergence of the managed pollinator Osmia lignaria
Authors: Scalici Morgan B. , McCabe Lindsie M. , Alston Diane G. , Pitts-Singer Theresa L.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The blue orchard bee,Osmia lignaria, is a widespread North American native pollinator that can be employed for commercial fruit and nut crop production. The largest supplies of these bees are collected in the wildlands ssssof Utah and Washington, United States. HowO. lignariafrom different geographic regions respond to current recommended management practices or translocation to novel environments is not fully understood.

Methods

Utah- and Washington-originatedO. lignariawere reared in laboratory incubators under two thermal regimens: (1) constant temperatures used to manage bees through immature development, adult winter dormancy, and for spring emergence, and (2) hourly fluctuating temperatures programmed to mimic the natural daily (24 h) thermal cycles of the nearest cherry orchard growing region through their life cycles.

Results

In comparison to rearing bees at orchard temperatures, we found that rearing bees at a constant temperature increased survival and shortened egg–adult development periods. Washington bees were more adversely affected by the consistent warm rearing temperatures than were Utah bees, possibly due to their adaptations to Washington’s relatively moderate climate. At orchard temperatures, Utah bees suffered high prepupal and pupal mortality, while Washington bees suffered high pupal and adult mortality. These late life stages coincided with the hottest maximum temperatures in their respective thermal regimens. Adult females from both states naturally emerged in synchrony with local bloom time, but their emergence period overall was prolonged compared to bees in the constant thermal regimen that were induced to emerge at orchard bloom times.

Discussion

Our data support that bees originating from cool montane habitats of different U.S. states suffer from the warmer climatic conditions at lower altitudes of their respective crop-growing regions. A better understanding of optimal management temperatures forO. lignariafrom different geographic regions and the effect of bee origin and temperature on survival and development timing is needed for best managing these pollinators when they are translocated or when climate change results in increased temperatures during bee development periods.
Volatile organic compounds conversion pathways and odor gas emission characteristics in chicken manure composting process
Authors: Jiang Yan , Yao Yanying , Liu Haolang , Zhang Shengmin , Bai Xin , Ma Xiulan , Wang Yujun , Ren Qibiao
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Composting is a highly effective method for managing the growing quantity of agricultural waste, promoting nutrient recycling, and advancing sustainable agriculture. However, the significant amounts of volatile inorganic compounds (VICs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) generated during the composting process cannot be ignored due to their serious ecological environmental hazards and detrimental impact on human health. The types and pathways of VICs and VOCs produced during the composting process remain not well understood.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the VOCs produced during chicken manure and straw composting using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). We performed qualitative and quantitative analyses of VOCs in composting emissions gases and their correlation with odor.

Results

Our results showed that 44 VOCs were detected during composting, including 4 oxidation-containing compounds, 2 sulfur-containing organics, 5 alkanes, 19 halogenated compounds, and 14 aromatic compounds. Aromatic compounds were found to be the main component of VOCs, accounting for 59.14% of the total content. The highest VOC content was found in the pre-composting period, and the highest emitting VOC was p-Isopropyl Toluene, which reached 7870.50 μg/m3. We identified eight substances that were highly correlated with odor concentration (p < 0.01) and are the main odor-causing substances that need to be monitored and controlled.

Discussion

Our study provides important insights into the transformation of volatile gases during the composting process. It highlights the need for proper management practices to control VOCs emissions and reduce their environmental impact.
Genetics of spontaneous cervical and coronary artery dissections
Authors: Rada Isabel , Calderón Juan Francisco , Martínez Gonzalo , Muñoz Venturelli Paula
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Spontaneous cervical artery dissections (SCeAD) and coronary artery dissections (SCoAD) are major causes of neurovascular and cardiovascular morbidity in young adults. Although multiple aspects of their etiology are still unknown, most consensuses are focused on the presence of constitutional genetic aspects and environmental triggers. Since recent evidence of genetic contribution points to a possible overlap between these conditions, we aimed to describe current information on SCeAD and SCoAD genetics and their potential shared pathological aspects.

Materials and methods

A narrative review is presented. Publications in English and Spanish were queried using database search. The articles were evaluated by one team member in terms of inclusion criteria. After collecting, the articles were categorized based on scientific content.

Results

Given that patients with SCeAD and SCoAD rarely present connective tissue disorders, other genetic loci are probably responsible for the increased susceptibility in some individuals. The common variant rs9349379 at PHACTR1 gene is associated with predisposition to pathologies of the arterial wall, likely mediated by variations in Endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels. The risk of arterial dissection may be increased for those who carry the rs9349379(A) allele, associated with lower expression levels of ET-1; however, the local effect of this vasomotor imbalance remains unclear. Sex differences seen in SCeAD and SCoAD support a role for sex hormones that could modulate risk, tilting the delicate balance and forcing vasodilator actions to prevail over vasoconstriction due to a reduction in ET-1 expression.

Conclusions

New evidence points to a common gene variation that could explain dissection in both the cervical and coronary vasculatures. To further confirm the risk conferred by the rs9349379 variant, genome wide association studies are warranted, hopefully in larger and ethnically diverse populations.
The exceptional year of 2022: “deathblow” to glacier summer skiing in the Alps?
Authors: Abegg Bruno , Mayer Marius
Published: May 2023

The summer of 2022 in the European Alps was characterized by extremely warm and dry conditions which led to a record ice melt on Alpine glaciers, also due to the preceding winter season with below average snow cover. Given its dependence on natural conditions, glacier summer skiing was highly affected. We compare the number of glacier ski operating days across the Alps for 2011, 2018 and 2022 and roll forward existing time series data from Austria to include the last three seasons (i.e., 2020–2022). Results show considerable decreases in the summer half-year ski operation all over the Alps (−45.1% compared to 2011). Summer ski operation in the meteorological (−63.3%) and astronomical summer (−69.7%) declined even more. In Austria, the decline trend of summer ski operating days continues and reaches all-time lows in 2022. We sum up the impacts of the extreme summer of 2022 on Alpine glacier ski areas and discuss its short- to mid-term repercussions. In combination with demand shifts like the potential change of national ski teams' training patterns ongoing climate change induced glacier shrinkage might lead to the definite end of Alpine summer skiing in the near future.