bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transformasi Digital Sebagai Strategi Kenusantaraan Warisan Budaya: Studi AI Pada Kereta Kencana Paksi Naga Liman
Authors: Wibawa Mahendra , Sunarmi Sunarmi , Soewarlan Santosa
Published: April 2024

Tujuan dari artikel ini adalah untuk meneliti bagaimana Kecerdasan Buatan (AI) menggunakan  Dall-E, dapat menginterpretasi kembali artefak budaya, memberikan perspektif baru dalam visualisasi dan pemahaman Sejarah tentang Kereta Kencana Paksi Naga Liman. Metodologi penelitian ini melibatkan pengumpulan data dari sudut pandang etik dan emik, yang kemudian digunakan untuk menginstruksikan AI dalam menghasilkan visualisasi baru. Selain itu pengumpulan data juga dilakukan dengan wawancara tidak terstruktur pada pramu wisata yang bertugas. Hasil penelitian ini menghasilkan sejumlah kata kunci yang dapat dijadikan prompt untuk AI, serta berbagai contoh hasil visual yang dihasilkan oleh AI berdasarkan kombinasi prompt tersebut. AI dapat merespon dan mereinterpretasi artefak budaya ini, memberikan dimensi baru pada pengalaman visual dan pemahaman sejarah
A temporoparietal infarct lesion presented as the first-episode mania in an elderly male
Authors: Srivastava Shrikant , Sonal Akanksha , Kumar Prerak
Published: April 2024

The occurrence of late-onset mania after 50 years of age for the 1st time is generally rare and is generally, but not necessarily, secondary to an organic lesion. Various underlying causes include neurological lesions, tumors, thyroid-related disorders, parathyroid abnormalities, electrolyte imbalances, and vascular lesions. After 75 years of age, the incidence of reported mania was 2/100,000, which is very rare. The main concern for such cases is to rule out secondary causes in assessment, diagnosis, and perspectives related to clinical management. We present a case where the first manic episode occurred at the age of 77 years with underlying infarcts in the temporal and parietal regions as seen in MRI brain contrast images.
Violino, Inglesa e o libro xigante. Pequena biografía de Luísa Villalta
Authors:   Real Academia Galega, Babarro Xoán , Fernández Ana María
Published: April 2024

O violín de Luísa Villata, a guitarra inglesa de Rosalía e unha pequena de pelo escuro e ollos da cor do loureiro presentan a vida e a obra de Luísa Villalta aos nenos e ás nenas.
Prospects in Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia Andrews) production in Mexico in relation to temperature fluctuations
Authors: Barreda-Castillo José M. , Menchaca Rebeca
Published: April 2024

Objective: To establish a time series model correlating vanilla production with temperature variation to forecast vanilla production in Mexico.Design/methodology/approach: Data on vanilla production in Mexico (Tons) and the annual average temperature were obtained for the period 1985-2020. An ARIMA model was constructed; Granger causality test was conducted to determine the effect of temperature on vanilla production, in addition to evaluating the orthogonal response of the model. A forecast for vanilla production was made for the period 2020-2040.Results: ARIMA (1,1,1) model was found, and the influence of temperature on vanilla production was determined. Both thermal variation and the production of the last three years determine current production. A reduction in the quantity of tons of vanilla produced in the coming years is expected. It is considered that this cultivation is highly sensitive to sudden increases or decreases in temperature.Limitations on study/implications: Vanilla cultivation is sensitive to temperature variation; therefore, in the face of climate change, it is considered necessary to take a series of actions in the present. These actions encompass a genetic perspective, new cultivation methods and locations, as well as technological investment.Findings/conclusions: Vanilla production is influenced by temperature variation and is sensitive to sudden increases or declines. If actions are not taken in the present, a reduction in the national production of vanilla in Mexico is expected due to climate change.
Forecasting Properties of Polyethylene Terephthalate and Its Carbon Nanotube Composites
Authors:   Ufa State Petroleum Technological University, Gabitov A. K. , Prosochkina T. R. ,   Ufa State Petroleum Technological University, Kichatov K. G. ,   Ufa State Petroleum Technological University
Published: April 2024

Molecular dynamic modeling of polymer - polyethylene terephthalate and composite materials based on it with different single- walled carbon nanotubes as filler has been performed. The influence of supramolecular structure on some physicochemical and mechanical properties of polymer composite material has been investigated. It was found that the value of interphase intermolecular interaction of the system "polymer matrix - filler" is the main determining factor influencing the physicochemical and mechanical properties, therefore, it is necessary to consider it mainly when predicting the properties of such materials.
Pengembangan Media Pembelajaran Tanaman Obat Tradisional Menggunakan Metode Multimedia Development Life Cycle
Authors: Muhammad Fauzan Yasykur  , Neo Mauizan Ali Fitrah  , Nanda Ega Wijaya Saputra
Published: April 2024

Maintaining health is a crucial aspect of human life, and one traditional method to boost the immune system is through the use of medicinal plants. The practice of using medicinal plants has been passed down through generations, but in the present era, there is a decline in interest, particularly among the younger generation due to a lack of knowledge about the benefits of medicinal plants. This research aims to develop an interactive learning media introducing traditional medicinal plants, named "Herba Wisdom," as a solution to educate the younger generation on harnessing the benefits of medicinal plants. In an effort to create innovative learning media, this study will implement the Multimedia Development Life Cycle (MDLC) method. MDLC serves as a structured framework in the development of learning media, ensuring quality and consistency throughout the development process. The development will be carried out using Construct 2, a practical, fast, and efficient platform for creating interactive multimedia. The research employs black-box testing to assess program functionality, resulting in a program that operates effectively and provides a high level of user satisfaction.
Теоретическая оценка влияния вязкопластичности на ударную фрагментацию компактных твердых тел
Authors:   ФГБУН Институт прикладной механики РАН, Москва, Россия, Мягков Н.Н. , Шумихин Т.А. ,   ФГБУН Институт прикладной механики РАН, Москва, Россия
Published: April 2024

В трехмерной (3D) постановке, мы рассматриваем задачу об ударной фрагментации двух одинаковых алюминиевых сфер, чувствительных к скорости деформации, движущихся навстречу друг другу по прямой, соединяющей их центры, с одинаковой по величине скоростью V в лабораторной системе координат. Мы используем анализ размерностей и численное моделирование полной системы уравнений механики деформируемого твердого тела (МДТТ) методом гладких частиц (SPH) с использованием вязкопластической модели Джонсона-Кука, чтобы изучить поставленную задачу. Делается предположение о полной автомодельности задачи по безразмерному параметру эффективной скорости деформации eff ε, которое проверяется численным моделированием. В результате мы рассматриваем и сравниваем два случая, соответствующие высокоскоростному 1eff>> ε и низкоскоростному нагружению 1eff<< ε. Размер каждой сферы характеризуется общим числом totN SPH-частиц, аппроксимирующих сферу кубической решеткой. Предположение о полной автомодельности по параметру eff ε подтверждается численным моделированием, по крайней мере, на физическом уровне строгости. Показано, что для конечного totN пороговая скорость фрагментации при высокоскоростном нагружении cV∞ превышает таковую при низкоскоростном нагружении 0cV, т.е. 0ccVV∞>. Расчеты показывают слабое различие между 0cV и cV∞, которое составляет всего 1-3%. Кроме того, мы находим, что кумулятивные распределения по массам при низкоскоростном и высокоскоростном нагружении практически совпадают в области малых и средних масс, а различаются только в области больших масс. Таким образом, можно утверждать, что вязкопластичность оказывает слабое влияние на фрагментацию сферы.
Термоупругопластическое деформирование армированных цилиндрических оболочек при динамическом нагружении
Authors:   ФГБУН Институт теоретической и прикладной механики им. С.А. Христиановича СО РАН, Новосибирск, Россия, Янковский А.П.
Published: April 2024

Сформулирована связанная задача неизотермического упругопластического динамического деформирования гибких круговых цилиндрических оболочек, армированных волокнами по произвольным траекториям. Плохое сопротивление таких композитных конструкций поперечным сдвигам и волновые процессы в них моделируются в рамках теории изгиба Амбарцумяна. Учитывается обжатие оболочек. Геометрическая нелинейность задачи рассматривается в приближении Кармана. Пластическое деформирование материалов композиции описывается определяющими уравнениями теории течения с изотропным упрочнением. Функции нагружения компонентов композиции зависят как от параметра упрочнения, так и от температуры. Учитывается также термочувствительность упругих и теплофизических характеристик этих материалов. По толщине оболочек температура задается полиномом высокого порядка. Приведены двумерные уравнения теплового баланса тонкостенной композитной конструкции, соответствующие такому представлению температуры в ней. Для интегрирования поставленной нелинейной двумерной задачи разработана явная численная схема. Исследовано упругопластическое и термоупругопластическое осесимметричное деформирование длинных гибких цилиндрических оболочек, армированных в продольном и окружном направлениях. Конструкции нагружены внутренним давлением, аналогичным давлению в воздушной взрывной волне. Продемонстрировано, что для практически приемлемого расчета теплового отклика в динамически изгибаемых армированных оболочках температуру по их толщине нужно аппроксимировать полиномом 7-го порядка. Показано, что стеклопластиковые оболочки при указанном нагружении дополнительно нагреваются не более чем на 10-12оС, и их можно рассчитывать без учета теплового отклика. Металлокомпозитные оболочки могут дополнительно нагреваться на 40оС, и расчет их неупругого динамического поведения необходимо проводить с учетом возникающих в них температурных полей. В противном случае расчетное деформированное состояние компонентов металлокомпозиций может быть сильно (на несколько десятков процентов) искажено.
Sistemas dinámicos en psicología: una aproximación conceptual al estudio de la comunicación emocional
Authors: Estévez Ceballos José Areth
Published: April 2024

El proceso de comunicación entre madre-bebé se caracteriza por un intercambio recíproco de emociones, sensaciones, y afectos que se evidencian en diferentes repertorios de interacción en los que emergen respuestas que se expresan en una gran variedad de formas, a saber: el cruce de miradas, las caricias, sonrisas y demás movimientos corporales. La emergencia de estas respuestas emocionales se ha estudiado mediante escalas de medición temporal en tiempo real y en tiempo de desarrollo. La evidencia empírica muestra cómo durante este proceso aparecen emociones en la comunicación madre – bebé que seguirán patrones de estabilidad y transformación.  El presente documento presenta una revisión de literatura sobre sistemas dinámicos en psicología y su relación con la comunicación emocional en la diada durante los primeros meses de vida del infante.
Un testimonio y una crónica sobre un texto, la política y la academia
Authors: Davalos Pablo
Published: April 2024

Este artigo apresenta algumas construções historiográficas da economia que foi implantada no Brasil a partir da colonização europeia feita a partir do século XVI como base para se entender o interesse pela Numismática como fonte histórica e objeto de pesquisa; por fim, apresenta uma leitura das moedas comemorativas produzidas pelo Estado brasileiro para celebrar a Independência do Brasil em determinadas efemérides, visando compreender seu uso ideológico por parte das elites socioeconômicas, detentoras também do poder político
Análisis crítico sobre la detención provisional sin orden judicial o en flagrancia en el Ecuador
Authors: Muñoz Andrade Leonardo Homero , Torres Wílchez Marcelo
Published: April 2024

En la presente investigación se realizó un análisis crítico sobre la detención provisional sin orden judicial o en flagrancia en el Ecuador, por lo que esta investigación presenta un enfoque cualitativo, se realizó una exhaustiva revisión bibliográfica, asimismo, se utilizaron los métodos analítico - sintético, inductivo - deductivo, histórico – lógico y dogmático, además de las técnicas de revisión bibliográfica. Luego del análisis crítico se justificó que, si bien es cierto que la detención provisional sin orden judicial o en flagrancia en el Ecuador tiene como finalidad dar una respuesta rápida ante el cometimiento de un delito, por tanto, al momento de proceder con la detención la institución pertinente debe proceder según el mandato constitucional con relación al debido proceso y sus garantías, cabe recalcar que el procedimiento para que opere una detención legal debe ser aplicado de acuerdo al caso concreto, en el caso de proceder a la detención de una persona nacional o de un ciudadano extranjero.
Propuesta de modelo matemático del rendimiento de mano de obra en porcelanato en pisos. Caso de estudio: ciudad de Cuenca
Authors: Lucero Bonilla Jorge Fabián , Calle Castro Carlos Julio , Mendoza Enríquez Nayra
Published: April 2024

Introducción.  El rendimiento de mano de obra en la actividad de colocación de porcelanato en piso es clave para una eficiente planificación de proyectos constructivos. Sin embargo, aún hoy, la planificación de este rendimiento no se realiza de manera técnica y se asume la linealidad en los resultados, sin considerar la variabilidad de este rendimiento en función de factores externos e internos de los obreros. Objetivo.  Proponer un modelo matemático para predecir el rendimiento de la mano de obra en la instalación de porcelanato en pisos en la ciudad de Cuenca, específicamente en la parroquia Machángara. Metodología.  Se realizó una revisión de la literatura relacionada con los factores que influyen en el rendimiento de los obreros en esta actividad. A partir de esta información, se diseñó una ficha de observación que incluyó 6 variables y 35 indicadores relevantes. Se aplicó una metodología descriptiva de tipo correlacional con enfoque cuantitativo, recolectando datos de una muestra de 5 edificaciones en fase de colocación de porcelanato. Resultados. Los resultados, analizados estadísticamente, revelaron una eficacia del 98% del modelo propuesto en relación con el rendimiento real de los trabajadores. Además, se evidenció que, en Machángara, los rendimientos de los obreros se sitúan por debajo del estándar teórico proporcionado por el GAD de Cuenca. Conclusión.  Se concluye que los modelos matemáticos basados en los factores estudiados son capaces de predecir con precisión el rendimiento de los obreros, lo que puede mejorar las predicciones y tiempos de ejecución de los gestores de obra.
Factores psicosociales que afectan a los trabajadores en una empresa procesadora de alimentos de Cuenca
Authors: Loayza Romero Amparo del Rocío , Andrade Campoverde Diego Paul , Quinde Alvear Ángel Giovanny
Published: April 2024

Introducción.  Los factores psicosociales existentes dentro del ámbito laboral son diversos y están conformados por aquellos aspectos como el ambiente físico, estructura institucional y las relaciones interpersonales en las organizaciones. Objetivo.  identificar los factores psicosociales que afectan a los empleados en una empresa procesadora de alimentos de la ciudad de Cuenca, en las áreas de administración, almacenamiento y entrega. Metodología.  Se realizó un estudio transversal, cuantitativo, descriptivo, mediante la aplicación del cuestionario CoPsoQ-istas21 versión 2; el número de encuestados (44) se determinó mediante el formulario de muestreo (Krejcie y Morgan). Se utilizaron variables laborales como horario, salud, cargo, reconocimiento salarial y demográfico como el sexo y la edad. Los datos se recolectaron a través de hojas de cálculo y se analizaron a través del programa estadístico SPSS versión 26. Resultados. La satisfacción laboral es más alta entre los mayores de 45 años, con un 43.75% muy satisfechos. En general, hay una tendencia positiva hacia la satisfacción laboral en todos los grupos de edad. Conclusión.  En resumen, los datos sugieren que la satisfacción laboral tiende a aumentar con la edad, siendo más pronunciada entre aquellos mayores de 45 años. Sin embargo, en general, la mayoría de los encuestados, independientemente de su edad, se encuentran satisfechos o muy satisfechos con su trabajo, lo que indica un nivel generalizado de satisfacción laboral en la muestra estudiada. Área de estudio general: Medicina del trabajo. Área de estudio específica: Salud ocupacional
Análisis jurídico para el planteamiento de reforma a la disposición que regula el delito de abuso sexual en la legislación penal ecuatoriana
Authors: Soto Palacios Lizeth Verónica , Trelles Vicuña Diego Fernando
Published: April 2024

Introducción: El análisis jurídico del artículo 170 del Código Orgánico Integral Penal se centra en las circunstancias que rodean la aplicación de la disposición penal en casos de abuso sexual, particularmente observando el rango temporal establecido para la imposición de penas privativas de libertad en situaciones concretas. Este estudio busca comprender y evaluar la aplicación práctica de esta disposición en el sistema legal. Objetivo: El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar y proponer reformas al artículo 170 del Código Orgánico Integral Penal para establecer una nueva graduación de las penas privativas de libertad en casos de abuso sexual. Se busca reducir el rango mínimo de estas penas sin afectar el acceso de las víctimas a la justicia, garantizando una sanción proporcional a la gravedad del delito. Metodología: Este trabajo de investigación adopta un enfoque cualitativo, basado en fundamentación teórica y revisión bibliográfica para comprender en profundidad el contexto legal y las implicaciones de las reformas propuestas. Se utiliza el método analítico-sintético, que involucra el desarrollo del pensamiento crítico para analizar y sintetizar información relevante. Además, se emplea el método histórico-lógico para estudiar la evolución de las circunstancias que rodean el delito de abuso sexual a lo largo del tiempo. Resultados: La reforma propuesta resulta en una nueva graduación de los rangos de las penas privativas de libertad para el delito de abuso sexual, con una reducción en el rango mínimo de estas penas. Sin embargo, esta modificación no afecta el acceso de las víctimas a la justicia ni su derecho a obtener una reparación integral. Se garantiza que las penas impuestas sean proporcionales a la gravedad del delito, manteniendo un equilibrio entre la protección de los derechos de las víctimas y la justicia para los acusados. Conclusión: La propuesta de reforma al artículo 170 del Código Orgánico Integral Penal busca mejorar la efectividad y proporcionalidad de las penas en casos de abuso sexual. Esta reforma, al reducir el rango mínimo de las penas privativas de libertad, busca asegurar una respuesta legal más equitativa y justa, sin comprometer el acceso de las víctimas a la justicia ni la gravedad del castigo para los delitos más severos. Área de estudio general: Derecho Procesal Penal. Área de estudio específica: Derecho Procesal Penal y Litigación Oral.
Geomechanics of creating underground infrastructure during ore mining using emulsion explosives
Authors: Kononenko Maksym , Khomenko Oleh , Kovalenko Ihor , Myronova Inna , Kosenko Andrii
Published: April 2024

The monograph is devoted to solving the scientific problem of geomechanics of creating underground infrastructure during ore mining using emulsion explosives based on the established patterns of the formation of crush zones, intensive grinding and cracking around the charging cavity formed in a rock mass as a result of the explosion, as well as changes in the density and detonation velocity of emulsion explosives along the length of the charge column, formed at different angles of inclination of the wells. The established patterns form the basis of methods for calculating the parameters of drilling and blasting for creating underground infrastructure during ore mining, as well as calculating the performance of both emulsion and other industrial explosives based on the degree of detonation velocity. The monograph is intended for a wide range of engineering and technical workers, mining engineers, research and design organizations. Can be used in the educational process of institutions of higher and secondary vocational education when teaching disciplines in mining.
Jättääkö tehokkuusajattelu tilaa yhteiskunnan uudistumisen tarpeille?
Authors: Yli-Viikari Anja
Published: April 2024

Tehokkuusajattelu voi muodostua jopa jarruksi, kun työelämä vaatii systeemistä kehittämistä muutoksiin vastaamiseksi. Työn arjessa tehokkuusajattelun ja systeemisen uudistumisen näkökulmat limittyvät ja vahvistavat toisiaan, mutta niiden erilainen luonne on syytä tunnistaa, jotta organisaation toimintakulttuuri ei vinoudu kummankaan suuntaan. Kun siirrytään tehokkuusajattelusta laaja-alaisempaan systeemiseen uudistumiseen niin tiedollisia rakenteita kuin organisaatiokulttuuria ja toimijoiden välistä vuorovaikutusta koskevat toimintatavat muuttuvat.
The Use of QuillBot in Academic Writing
Authors: Latifah Siti , Muth'im Abdul , Nasrullah Nasrullah
Published: April 2024

In recent years, QuillBot, an AI-powered writing assistance tool, has gained significant attention within the academic writing sphere due to its innovative features to enhance productivity and improve the quality of written content. This study, employing the systematic literature review method, aims to explore the use of QuillBot in academic writing. A total of seventeen research publications published between 2018 and 2024 were included in this study. These articles were gathered from reliable databases such as Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, ResearchGate, Emerald Insight Journals, Springer, ScienceDirect, and Taylor & Francis. The findings discovered that, while users value its time-saving features, concerns regarding overreliance and potentially hindering critical skills development exist. QuillBot significantly enhances writing quality and efficiency by detecting errors, paraphrasing, and expanding vocabulary. It also addresses language barriers and plagiarism concerns. Additionally, its function as a complement to autonomous writing and critical thinking was highlighted, and caution against over-reliance was suggested. Therefore, further research is needed to examine its influence on academic performance, effectiveness across linguistic contexts, and function in writing instruction.
Live-streaming: The Flipped Clinic Model for the Multidisciplinary Practice of Dentistry
Authors: Milord Fabiola , Ritter Andre V , Allen Kenneth , Moran Lillian
Published: April 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed new emphasis on remote learning. Maintaining social distancing while offering the same quality clinical education is a high priority. The "flipped clinic model" is based on the flipped classroom: instruction moves from the traditional classroom space to online teaching and videos. Traditionally, first-year students would be in the clinic for their introductory sessions when they role play the dentist-patient scenario. With the flipped clinic model, this is replaced by only faculty going into the clinic and students looking into the clinic operatory and being instructed via the Zoom video conferencing platform. The equipment consists of mobile phones and a computer.
Beyond lithium-ion: emerging frontiers in next-generation battery technologies
Authors: Vedhanarayanan Balaraman , Seetha Lakshmi K. C.
Published: April 2024

The rapid advancement of technology and the growing need for energy storage solutions have led to unprecedented research in the field of metal-ion batteries. This perspective article provides a detailed exploration of the latest developments and future directions in energy storage, particularly focusing on the promising alternatives to traditional lithium-ion batteries. With solid-state batteries, lithium-sulfur systems and other metal-ion (sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium) batteries together with innovative chemistries, it is important to investigate these alternatives as we approach a new era in battery technology. The article examines recent breakthroughs, identifies underlying challenges, and discusses the significant impact of these new frontiers on various applications–from portable electronics to electric vehicles and grid-scale energy storage. Against the backdrop of a shifting paradigm in energy storage, where the limitations of conventional lithium-ion batteries are being addressed by cutting-edge innovations, this exploration offers insights into the transformative potential of next-generation battery technologies. The article further aims to contribute to the ongoing scientific dialogue by focusing on the environmental and economic implications of these technologies.
Synthetic protein protease sensor platform
Authors: Devoy Ciaran , Flores Bueso Yensi , Buckley Stephen , Walker Sidney , Tangney Mark
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Protease activity can serve as a highly specific biomarker for application in health, biotech, and beyond. The aim of this study was to develop a protease cleavable synthetic protein platform to detect protease activity in a rapid cell-free setting.

Methods: The protease sensor is modular, with orthogonal peptide tags at the N and C terminal ends, which can be uncoupled via a protease responsive module located in between. The sensor design allows for several different readouts of cleavage signal. A protein ’backbone‘ [Green fluorescent protein (GFP)] was designed in silico to have both a C-terminal Flag-tag and N-Terminal 6x histidine tag (HIS) for antibody detection. A protease cleavage site, which can be adapted for any known protease cleavage sequence, enables the uncoupling of the peptide tags. Three different proteases—Tobacco, Etch Virus (TEV), the main protease from coronavirus SARS-COV-2 (Mpro) and Matrix Metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9)—a cancer-selective human protease—were examined. A sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was developed based on antibodies against the HIS and Flag tags. As an alternative readout, a C-terminal quencher peptide separable by protease cleavage from the GFP was also included. Purified proteins were deployed in cell-free cleavage assays with their respective protease. Western blots, fluorescence assays and immunoassay were performed on samples.

Results: Following the design, build and validation of protein constructs, specific protease cleavage was initially demonstrated by Western blot. The novel ELISA proved to afford highly sensitive detection of protease activity in all cases. By way of alternative readout, activation of fluorescence signal upon protease cleavage was also demonstrated but did not match the sensitivity provided by the ELISA method.

Discussion: This platform, comprising a protease-responsive synthetic protein device and accompanying readout, is suitable for future deployment in a rapid, low-cost, lateral flow setting. The modular protein device can readily accommodate any desired protease-response module (target protease cleavage site). This study validates the concept with three disparate proteases and applications–human infectious disease, cancer and agricultural crop infection.
Vaginal microbiota molecular profiling and diagnostic performance of artificial intelligence-assisted multiplex PCR testing in women with bacterial vaginosis: a single-center experience
Authors: Lu Sihai , Li Zhuo , Chen Xinyue , Chen Fengshuangze , Yao Hao , Sun Xuena , Cheng Yimin , Wang Liehong , Dai Penggao
Published: April 2024

Background

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a most common microbiological syndrome. The use of molecular methods, such as multiplex real-time PCR (mPCR) and next-generation sequencing, has revolutionized our understanding of microbial communities. Here, we aimed to use a novel multiplex PCR test to evaluate the microbial composition and dominant lactobacilli in non-pregnant women with BV, and combined with machine learning algorithms to determine its diagnostic significance.

Methods

Residual material of 288 samples of vaginal secretions derived from the vagina from healthy women and BV patients that were sent for routine diagnostics was collected and subjected to the mPCR test. Subsequently, Decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM) hybrid diagnostic models were constructed and validated in a cohort of 99 women that included 74 BV patients and 25 healthy controls, and a separate cohort of 189 women comprising 75 BV patients, 30 intermediate vaginal microbiota subjects and 84 healthy controls, respectively.

Results

The rate or abundance of Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus jensenii were significantly reduced in BV-affected patients when compared with healthy women, while Lactobacillus iners, Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, BVAB2, Megasphaera type 2, Prevotella bivia, and Mycoplasma hominis were significantly increased. Then the hybrid diagnostic models were constructed and validated by an independent cohort. The model constructed with support vector machine algorithm achieved excellent prediction performance (Area under curve: 0.969, sensitivity: 90.4%, specificity: 96.1%). Moreover, for subjects with a Nugent score of 4 to 6, the SVM-BV model might be more robust and sensitive than the Nugent scoring method.

Conclusion

The application of this mPCR test can be effectively used in key vaginal microbiota evaluation in women with BV, intermediate vaginal microbiota, and healthy women. In addition, this test may be used as an alternative to the clinical examination and Nugent scoring method in diagnosing BV.
Vulnerability and resilience in the face of climate changes in Senegal's drylands: measurement at the household level and determinant assessment
Authors: Yessoufou Adjani Nourou-Dine , Kumar Shalander , Houessionon Prosper , Worou Omonlola Nadine , Wane Abdrahmane , Whitbread Anthony
Published: April 2024

The resilience capacity of smallholder households is one of the main drivers of their ability to continue to farm and make investments in the fragile dryland regions. This paper aims to assess the resilience profile of smallholder farmers in the face of climate change and the factors influencing it in three dryland sub-regions of Senegal, namely, Louga, Kaffrine, and Thies. We developed a composite index of climate resilience (CICR) using data on farmers' perceptions of climate variability and their perceived ability to withstand, adapt, and bounce back in the event of climatic shocks. Drought, strong winds, and soil fertility decline because of climate change emerged as the main climate hazards impacting smallholder farming systems. The CICR value ranged from −2 for the most vulnerable households to +2 for the most resilient households. On average, all the households were found to be vulnerable, with an average CICR value of −0.2. The LOUGA region was the most vulnerable, with an average CICR value of −0.36, followed by THIES (-0.2). The KAFFRINE region was relatively less vulnerable, with a CICR value of −0.1. Ordered logit model estimates show that the chances of improving CICR decrease with the increase of the household head's age until 59 years. Access to training on climate-smart agricultural (CSA) practices and climate information appeared to have the potential to increase by 171% the chance of the household improving its resilience status. Analysis also shows that one more woman working off-farm or in-home gardening has the potential to multiply by four times the chances of households being more resilient. This highlights the importance of empowering women to enhance household resilience to climate change. The off-farm revenue increased the chance to improve the resilience status of the farm household by 62% and the receipt of transfer revenue by 50%. This study provides a robust method for quantifying resilience or wellbeing and its drivers and enriches our understanding of the resilience ability of farmers to climate change in a West African context. It can be useful in designing effective adaptation interventions and improving the overall wellbeing of smallholder farmers.
Modeling the morphological response of gravel–bed rivers subject to repeated sediment bypass tunnel operations
Authors: Facchini Matteo , Vetsch David F. , Boes Robert M. , Siviglia Annunziato
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Sediment bypass tunnels (SBTs) are operated during floods to re-establish sediment continuity past dams with the ultimate goal of decreasing accumulation in reservoirs. Depending on the location of the intake structure and operational conditions, SBTs may release either bed load-laden or bed load-free flows in the form of sudden floods (pulses). When evaluating the impacts of SBTs, the traditional approach has been to monitor channel changes in the years following project completion. However, by the time these impacts become evident, mitigation is challenging.

Methods: This research adopts a forward-thinking methodology, emphasizing the prediction of potential impacts during the project’s early planning stages. We use a one-dimensional morphodynamic model to forecast the potential morphological response of a gravel-bed river with an idealized geometry to a series of SBT operations characteristic of projects in the Swiss Alps.

Results: The morphological response of the downstream reach over the medium to long term is influenced by the alternating pattern of bed load-laden and bed load-free flow releases. This pattern is instrumental in forming a transition region near the SBT outlet hydrograph boundary layer (HBL).

Discussion: Within the (HBL), fluctuations in bed elevation and slope are localized, while variations in grain-size distribution persist throughout the downstream region.
Education between individual freedoms and social arrangements: the case of African graduates in Bulgaria (1960–1990)
Authors: Kachakova Vesselina , Koleva Svetla
Published: April 2024

The contradiction between the gains achieved in educational attainment in African countries and the persistence of individual and social vulnerability raises questions about the role of education in the development of both individual freedoms and social well-being. Searching for an interpretative key to this paradox, we have turned to the capability approach, developed by Amartya Sen, as offering a broad theoretical framework for the assessment and evaluation of individual freedoms and social arrangements. The research relies on archival documents from various socialist institutions in Bulgaria and 19 interviews with African graduates who studied in Bulgaria during the period 1960–1990. Viewed through the lens of Sen’s capability approach, their educational and professional development reveals the spectrum of opportunities available to individuals as a result of different agreements in the field of education, as well as the deficits and limitations that affect individual and social well-being due to uncertain and changeable social arrangements at macro level. The intention of this research is a call for further development of the capability approach to better understand the dynamic relationships between individuals and social structures, the making of conversions and alternative combinations, and their influences on societal functioning. A possible direction for this development can be seen in Margaret Archer’s concept of corporate agency and collective capacity. Collective agency is viewed as a possible bridge between individual agency and the social arrangements needed for effective societal change.
Modulation of the skin microbiome in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma delays tumour growth and increases survival in the murine EL4 model
Authors: Dey Saptaswa , Vieyra-Garcia Pablo Augusto , Joshi Aaroh Anand , Trajanoski Slave , Wolf Peter
Published: April 2024

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) are a group of lymphoproliferative disorders of skin-homing T cells causing chronic inflammation. These disorders cause impairment of the immune environment, which leads to severe infections and/or sepsis due to dysbiosis. In this study, we elucidated the host-microbial interaction in CTCL that occurs during the phototherapeutic treatment regime and determined whether modulation of the skin microbiota could beneficially affect the course of CTCL. EL4 T-cell lymphoma cells were intradermally grafted on the back of C57BL/6 mice. Animals were treated with conventional therapeutics such as psoralen + UVA (PUVA) or UVB in the presence or absence of topical antibiotic treatment (neomycin, bacitracin, and polymyxin B sulphate) as an adjuvant. Microbial colonisation of the skin was assessed to correlate with disease severity and tumour growth. Triple antibiotic treatment significantly delayed tumour occurrence (p = 0.026), which prolonged the survival of the mice (p = 0.033). Allocation to phototherapeutic agents PUVA, UVB, or none of these, along with antibiotic intervention, reduced the tumour growth significantly (p = 0.0327, p ≤ 0.0001, p ≤ 0.0001 respectively). The beta diversity indices calculated using the Bray−Curtis model showed that the microbial population significantly differed after antibiotic treatment (p = 0.001). Upon modulating the skin microbiome by antibiotic treatment, we saw an increase in commensal Clostridium species, e.g., Lachnospiraceae sp. (p = 0.0008), Ruminococcaceae sp. (p = 0.0001)., Blautia sp. (p = 0.007) and a significant reduction in facultative pathogens Corynebacterium sp. (p = 0.0009), Pelomonas sp. (p = 0.0306), Streptococcus sp. (p ≥ 0.0001), Pseudomonas sp. (p = 0.0358), and Cutibacterium sp. (p = 0.0237). Intriguingly, we observed a significant decrease in Staphylococcus aureus frequency (p = 0.0001) but an increase in the overall detection frequency of the Staphylococcus genus, indicating that antibiotic treatment helped regain the microbial balance and increased the number of non-pathogenic Staphylococcus populations. These study findings show that modulating microbiota by topical antibiotic treatment helps to restore microbial balance by diminishing the numbers of pathogenic microbes, which, in turn, reduces chronic inflammation, delays tumour growth, and increases survival rates in our CTCL model. These findings support the rationale to modulate the microbial milieu during the disease course of CTCL and indicate its therapeutic potential.
Antiviral immunity of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome: current understanding and implications for clinical treatment
Authors: Niu Yuxin , Liu Yunhui , Huang Lanyue , Liu Wei , Cheng Qiuyu , Liu Tingting , Ning Qin , Chen Tao
Published: April 2024

Dabie Banda virus (DBV), a tick-borne pathogen, was first identified in China in 2009 and causes profound symptoms including fever, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and multi-organ dysfunction, which is known as severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS). In the last decade, global incidence and mortality of SFTS increased significantly, especially in East Asia. Though previous studies provide understandings of clinical and immunological characteristics of SFTS development, comprehensive insight of antiviral immunity response is still lacking. Here, we intensively discuss the antiviral immune response after DBV infection by integrating previous ex- and in-vivo studies, including innate and adaptive immune responses, anti-viral immune responses and long-term immune characters. A comprehensive overview of potential immune targets for clinical trials is provided as well. However, development of novel strategies for improving the prognosis of the disease remains on challenge. The current review may shed light on the establishment of immunological interventions for the critical disease SFTS.
The functional role of L-fucose on dendritic cell function and polarization
Authors: Burton Chase , Bitaraf Amirreza , Snyder Kara , Zhang Chaomei , Yoder Sean J. , Avram Dorina , Du Dongliang , Yu Xiaoqing , Lau Eric K.
Published: April 2024

Despite significant advances in the development and refinement of immunotherapies administered to combat cancer over the past decades, a number of barriers continue to limit their efficacy. One significant clinical barrier is the inability to mount initial immune responses towards the tumor. As dendritic cells are central initiators of immune responses in the body, the elucidation of mechanisms that can be therapeutically leveraged to enhance their functions to drive anti-tumor immune responses is urgently needed. Here, we report that the dietary sugar L-fucose can be used to enhance the immunostimulatory activity of dendritic cells (DCs). L-fucose polarizes immature myeloid cells towards specific DC subsets, specifically cDC1 and moDC subsets. In vitro, L-fucose treatment enhances antigen uptake and processing of DCs. Furthermore, our data suggests that L-fucose-treated DCs increase stimulation of T cell populations. Consistent with our functional assays, single-cell RNA sequencing of intratumoral DCs from melanoma- and breast tumor-bearing mice confirmed transcriptional regulation and antigen processing as pathways that are significantly altered by dietary L-fucose. Together, this study provides the first evidence of the ability of L-fucose to bolster DC functionality and provides rational to further investigate how L-fucose can be used to leverage DC function in order to enhance current immunotherapy.
Early identification of golimumab-treated patients with higher likelihood of long-term retention
Authors: García-Dorta Alicia , González-Dávila Enrique , Sánchez-Jareño Marta , Cea-Calvo Luis , Pombo-Suárez Manuel , Sánchez-Alonso Fernando , Castrejón Isabel , Díaz-González Federico
Published: April 2024

Background

The early identification of patients’ profiles most likely to respond to and maintain long-term therapy with a biological drug can have clinical and cost-effectiveness implications.

Objectives

To evaluate the utility of an innovative approach for early identification of patient profiles associated with long-term persistence of golimumab, a tumour necrosis factor inhibitor, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) under real-world conditions.

Design

Retrospective non-interventional database analysis.

Methods

Kaplan-Meier curves of golimumab retention over 8 years from the BIOBADASER registry, overall and by indication, were analysed using a novel approach (a two-phase decay model) to identify the point at which the golimumab retention curve shifted from rapid (indicating high golimumab discontinuation rate) to slow decay (low discontinuation rate). Factors associated with golimumab retention at these time points were identified using Cox regression, and retention rates for different patient profiles were calculated.

Results

885 patients were included. The golimumab retention curve shifted from rapid to slow decay at month 10 for the overall population (retention rate: 73.4%), at month 24 for RA patients (retention: 45.0%), and at month 8 for SpA, including axial SpA and PsA (81.6%). Factors associated with golimumab discontinuation at these early points were, overall, similar to those previously identified at year 8 (RA diagnosis, golimumab as second- or third-line of biological therapy, disease activity over the median and treatment with corticosteroids at golimumab initiation, advanced age [in RA], and female gender [in SpA]).

Conclusion

With this novel approach, the factors associated with long-term retention were identified in the initial period of rapid discontinuation of golimumab.
Exploring the role of CITED transcriptional regulators in the control of macrophage polarization
Authors: Wiggins Derek A. , Maxwell Jack N. , Nelson David E.
Published: April 2024

Macrophages are tissue resident innate phagocytic cells that take on contrasting phenotypes, or polarization states, in response to the changing combination of microbial and cytokine signals at sites of infection. During the opening stages of an infection, macrophages adopt the proinflammatory, highly antimicrobial M1 state, later shifting to an anti-inflammatory, pro-tissue repair M2 state as the infection resolves. The changes in gene expression underlying these transitions are primarily governed by nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB), Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activation of transcription (STAT), and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF1) transcription factors, the activity of which must be carefully controlled to ensure an effective yet spatially and temporally restricted inflammatory response. While much of this control is provided by pathway-specific feedback loops, recent work has shown that the transcriptional co-regulators of the CBP/p300-interacting transactivator with glutamic acid/aspartic acid-rich carboxy-terminal domain (CITED) family serve as common controllers for these pathways. In this review, we describe how CITED proteins regulate polarization-associated gene expression changes by controlling the ability of transcription factors to form chromatin complexes with the histone acetyltransferase, CBP/p300. We will also cover how differences in the interactions between CITED1 and 2 with CBP/p300 drive their contrasting effects on pro-inflammatory gene expression.
Distributions and controlling processes of the carbonate system in the Eastern Indian Ocean during autumn and spring
Authors: Wu Xi , Yuan Xiaolong , Liu Xiaoqing , Wang Xingzhou , Chen Zhuo , Gu Ting , Zhang Guicheng , Gong Xun , Sun Jun
Published: April 2024

The Eastern Indian Ocean (EIO) is an ideal region to explore the variability and controlling mechanisms of the seawater carbonate system and their potential influence on global climate change due to the distinctive environmental features, while studies in the EIO is far from sufficient. The spatiotemporal distributions of pH, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), alkalinity (Alk), and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) were investigated in the EIO during autumn 2020 and spring 2021. The respective quantitative contributions of different controlling processes to DIC were further delineated. Significant seasonal variations were observed in the study area. Overall, the surface pH was lower and DIC, Alk, and pCO2 were higher during spring 2021 than during autumn 2020. The pH generally decreased from east to west during autumn 2020, whereas it decreased from north to south during spring 2021. The low values of DIC and Alk that were detected in the Bay of Bengal in these two seasons were mainly attributed to the influence of river inputs. Coastal upwelling during monsoon periods led to higher pCO2 and DIC values near Sumatra and Sri Lanka during spring 2021. The relationships of carbonate system parameters with different types of nutrients and different sized chlorophyll-a in the two seasons indicated the shifts of nutrients utilized by the phytoplankton, and phytoplankton species dominated the carbonate system variabilities. In vertical profiles, carbonate system parameters showed strong correlations with other physical and biogeochemical parameters, and these correlations were more robust during spring 2021 than during autumn 2020. The average sea–air flux of CO2 was 10.00 mmol m−2 d−1 during autumn 2020 and was 16.00 mmol m−2 d−1 during spring 2021, which revealed that the EIO served as a CO2 source during the study period. In addition, the separation of different controlling processes of DIC indicated stronger mixing processes, less CaCO3 precipitation, more intensive sea–air exchange, and weaker photosynthesis during spring 2021 than during autumn 2020.