bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Method for Calculating Fat Content and Determining Appropriate Fat Levels in Foods
Authors: Forouzesh Abed , Forouzesh Fatemeh , Foroushani Sadegh Samadi , Forouzesh Abolfazl
Published: May 2023

Background: Calculating the fat content per 100 g or 100 mL, 50 g, or the reference amount customarily consumed (RACC) shows the fat content of some foods inappropriately. Therefore, making some food choices based on them to limit fat intake may increase the risks of some chronic diseases.
Methods: We calculated the fat content and determining appropriate fat levels (to limit fat intake) based on U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), and the proposed method were performed on 8,596 food items during July 2018 to June 2020 in Tehran, Iran. Information on food and fat profiles was provided from the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, released in 2016.
Results: Making some food choices based on the CAC per 100 g or 100 mL or FDA per serving (the serving is derived from the RACC, 100 g, or 50 g) to limit fat intake exceeded fat needs, which may increase the risks of some chronic diseases. Some foods that did not exceed fat needs were not appropriate food choices based on the CAC per 100 g or 100 mL or FDA per serving to limit fat intake. Some foods were free of, but not low in, fat, based on the FDA per serving.
Conclusion: Making food choices based on the proposed method to limit fat intake did not exceed fat needs and the appropriate percentage of energy from fat. Also, foods that did not exceed fat needs were appropriate food choices based on the proposed method to limit fat intake.
Modeling the Effect of Climate Change on the Distribution of Main Malaria Vectors in an Endemic Area, Southeastern Iran
Authors: Saberi Nasrollah , Raeisi Ahmad , Gorouhi Mohammad Amin , Vatandoost Hassan , Bozorg Omid Faramarz , Hanafi-Bojd Ahmad Ali
Published: May 2023

Background: Although malaria is endemic in some areas of southeastern Iran, following the successful national malaria elimination plan (NMEP), the local transmission area has been shrunk. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of climate change on the distribution of main vectors.
Methods: All documents related to research investigations conducted in Kerman Province on malaria vectors published during 2000–2019 were retrieved from scientific databases. Spatial distributions of the main vectors were mapped and modeled using MaxEnt ecological model. The future environmental suitability for main vectors was determined under three climate changes scenarios in the 2030s.
Results: Five malaria vectors are present in Kerman Province. The best ecological niches for these vectors are located in the southern regions of the province under the current climatic condition as well as different climate change scenarios in the 2030s.
Conclusion: Climate change in 2030 will not have a significant impact on the distribution of malaria vectors in the region. Entomological monitoring is advised to update the spatial database of Anopheles vectors of malaria in this malaria receptive region.
An Invisible Threat to Public Health: Nano-Sized Colorants in Hair Fiber
Authors: Chae Byeongmin , Lee Do Gyun
Published: May 2023

The Article Abstract is not available.
Intersecciones entre Vanguardia e Indigenismo en la música académica ecuatoriana para guitarra. ABYA YALA de Juan Mullo Sandoval
Authors: ÁVILA VANEGAS BOLÍVAR
Published: May 2023

Las vanguardias musicales latinoamericanas del siglo XX, constituyen un espacio de cruces, intersecciones, resignificaciones, y reconceptualizaciones de los paradigmas y rupturas planteadas en Europa, asentadas en territorios como el ecuatoriano, donde a la vez que generaron nuevas búsquedas, nuevas disputas, se dieron también nuevos espacios y nuevas oportunidades de reorganización de las músicas locales. Caso interesante, el repertorio para guitarra, instrumento apropiado, reinterpretado y reutilizado por nuestras sociedades, hasta convertirlo en depósito de identidades, a pesar de su procedencia colonial. Analizamos puntualmente el caso de la obra ABYA YALA, del compositor Juan Mullo, identificando los recursos musicales mediante los cuales se insertan sonoridades ancestrales, consideradas identitarias, en el marco de la dinámica de vanguardia musical ecuatoriana. Discutimos este proceso desde la línea de pensamiento decolonial, encabezada por Catherine Walsh, para comprender conceptualmente, en las coordenadas planteadas, el postulado que Juan Mullo enunciara en su momento, como vanguardia nacionalista.

Palabras clave: Vanguardia musical, guitarra ecuatoriana, música siglo XX, Decolonialidad musical.
Desigualdad y dominación: el juego del arte en el espacio social
Authors: ZAMBRANO U. H. MARCELO
Published: May 2023

El presente trabajo parte de la idea de que el mundo descansa sobre las nociones de desigualdad y dominación, frase que, de repetirse tanto, normaliza la forma en la que la desigual distribución de capitales se presenta mientras desplaza cualquier cuestionamiento crítico a las relaciones asimétricas de poder, convirtiendo la frase en simple discurso. Así, resulta fácil establecer asociaciones entre diversas actividades, disciplinas, grupos de personas o ideas con las nociones de desigualdad y dominación, desplegadas e insertas en los espacios vitales de los seres humanos.

Palabras clave: Arte, desigualdad, dominación, espacio social.
acesso à educação superior de pessoas em privação de liberdade no Brasil
Authors: Lemes Mariana Martins , Assis Allan de Moura
Published: May 2023

Desde 1984, com a criação da atual Lei de Execução Penal (nº 7.210), a assistência educacional de presos e internados tornou-se oficialmente uma estratégia voltada a contribuir para o retorno desses indivíduos à sociedade, graças ao seu caráter “reformador”. O sistema prisional brasileiro, porém, apresenta características que dificultam a efetivação desse direito – cenário ainda mais complexo no caso do acesso ao ensino superior. Objetivamos apresentar uma breve contextualização sobre a assistência educacional no sistema prisional brasileiro, discutindo os principais aspectos que influem no acesso da população encarcerada ao ensino superior, e analisar duas experiências que podem contribuir para indicar possíveis caminhos para garantir o direito à Educação Superior dessa população no Brasil. Para isso, realizou-se uma revisão bibliográfica narrativa sobre a temática, mobilizando também dados apresentados por órgãos oficiais e legislação pertinente. O estudo concluiu que, em que pesem os avanços legislativos e as particularidades de cada ente federado, as circunstâncias vividas por pessoas em privação de liberdade no Brasil ainda envolvem diversos empecilhos ao prosseguimento dos estudos dessa população. Condições de infraestrutura e contradições inerentes ao sistema prisional são elementos que contribuem com esse cenário, prejudicando a efetivação da assistência educacional prevista em lei e o acesso da população encarcerada ao ensino superior. Ainda assim, projetos-piloto, desenvolvidos nacional e internacionalmente, podem indicar caminhos possíveis para superar ao menos alguns desses entraves.
Trajetórias de diretoras de grupos escolares do Maranhão
Authors: Frazão Maria das Dores Cardoso
Published: May 2023

Trata-se de resultado de pesquisa sobre a formação e as práticas de diretoras dos grupos escolares no Maranhão. Analisamos as memórias sobre a formação de diretoras dos grupos. Uma das questões investigadas foi de que modo as professoras se constituem diretoras? Desse modo, estudamos sua formação e trajetória profissional docente. O conceito de memória norteia os pressupostos teóricos da investigação uma vez que se trabalha com a perspectiva metodológica da História Oral. A memória também apresenta suas limitações, é uma reconstrução continuamente atualizada do passado. Realizamos entrevistas com diretoras que atuaram nos Grupos Escolares da capital e do interior maranhense. O estudo mostra a importância de conhecermos suas experiências, saberes e práticas.
Escola e prática pedagógica
Authors: Machado Laêda Bezerra , Severo Wilma Nayra Santos
Published: May 2023

Este artigo identifica as representações sociais de estudantes de ensino médio a respeito da escola em que estudam e da prática pedagógica nessas instituições. Representações sociais são modos de interpretar a realidade que orientam as práticas dos sujeitos. Desenvolvemos um estudo de campo com 33 estudantes de primeiro ano do ensino médio de diferentes escolas situadas em Recife, Olinda e Jaboatão dos Guararapes-PE. Como técnica de coleta de dados, utilizamos a entrevista semiestruturada. Os resultados indicaram representações sociais de escola centradas na qualidade do ensino, abrangência da formação, boa convivência no espaço e infraestrutura deficitária. No que se refere à prática pedagógica identificamos, com algumas restrições, compromisso e boa convivência por parte dos docentes; funcionários dedicados, equipe gestora burocrática e distante do cotidiano dos estudantes. Constatamos indícios representacionais diversificados nas práticas de estudantes de escolas técnicas, de referência e regulares. Os achados sugerem um repensar das políticas de ensino médio no estado de Pernambuco que, mesmo voltadas para inclusão da juventude, têm sido excludentes para grande parte desse grupo social.
Reformas no ensino médio no Brasil
Authors: Neves Raimundo Clecionaldo Vasconcelos , Colares Anselmo Alencar
Published: May 2023

A etapa de escolarização denominada Ensino Médio já passou por diversas reformas e há uma em curso no atual contexto da educação brasileira. Este artigo tem como objetivo compreender as reformas ocorridas no ensino Médio no Brasil e o chão da escola em areia movediça. A metodologia foi do tipo bibliográfica e documental. Os resultados revelam que as contradições ocorridas nas reformas do Ensino Médio no Brasil integram o regime da acumulação flexível, cuja finalidade é a formação de trabalhadores com subjetividades flexíveis e que, por meio de uma base de educação geral complementada por itinerários formativos, por áreas do conhecimento, incluindo a formação técnica e profissional, recebem uma formação simplificada, como preconiza a Base Nacional Comum Curricular. Essas reformas são efetivadas a partir dos interesses de órgãos internacionais. Por isso, a diminuição de investimentos em educação e em pesquisa, provocando a flexibilização e a precarização da classe trabalhadora. Negar a ciência, negar para a classe o direto a educação, significa um retrocesso e a transformação da escola em instrumento de alienação e em local onde se forma através do treino e não de uma formação que valoriza o pensar crítico. É necessário que as reformas ocorridas no ensino Médio sejam efetivadas a partir da classe trabalhadora.
Idee a problem natywizmu w filozofii Kartezjusza
Authors: Zbroszczyk Wojciech
Published: May 2023

According to Descartes ideas are the immediate objects of human mind. In "Meditationes de prima philosophia" there are three groups of ideas: "innatae", "adventitiae", "factae". However, in "Notae in Programma" Descartes says, that all human ideas must be innate. The ideas potentially exist in human mind.
Descartes asserts human ideas are some kind of disposition to respond to sensory stimuli in particular way – by perceiving. The senses deliver occasions to actualizing our innate ideas. However, Descartes does not explain the way of actualizing of innate dispositions (ideas). This problem has not been resolved by now.
Między racjonalnością a moralnością. O rozważaniach Kołakowskiego nad językiem wiary
Authors: Linek Ewa
Published: May 2023

L'intention de ce texte est de présenter l'opinion de Leszek Kołakowski sur la relations entre le discours de la rationalité et celui de la foi. Chacun de ces domaines a son propre discours qui lui est specifique et intraduisible.
En general, la réflexion de Kołakowski tand à prouver que la présence d'un Absolu est necessaire. Ici, cet Absolu a le visage de Dieu. C'est Lui qui permet de reconnaître comme valables les principes moraux qui en dehors de la foi sont dépourvus de fondement. Ces principes ont évolué à partir du discours de la foi et ont été adaptés à l'ordre de la vie quotidienne.
The Effect of COVID-19 on Small Farmers’ Economic Conditions
Authors: Al-Dala’een Jawad Atef
Published: May 2023

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic left hundreds of small farmers in economic problems. The objective was to measure the effect of COVID-19 economic impact on farmers in Jordan. Methods: Quantitative descriptive study was used. The questionnaire was used as a tool to collect the data about the effect COVID-19 pandemic on the economic conditions of small farmers. A random sample of 630 farmers were selected to fill this questionnaire. Result: The first effect of the pandemic was on the prices which decreased due to the decrease in the quality. The second impact was on the imports and exports which affected the inputs and the product prices. The effect of supply chain increased the inputs prices. The final impact was on the cash flow and the low prices of products.
The Genomics Education Partnership: First Findings on Genomics Research in Community Colleges
Authors:   Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Croonquist Paula , Falkenberg Virginia ,   Perimeter College, Georgia State University, Minkovsky Natalie ,   Community College of Baltimore County, Sawa Alexa ,   College of the Desert, Skerritt Matthew ,   SUNY Corning Community College, Sustacek Maire ,   Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Diotti Raffaella ,   Bronx Community College, Aragon Anthony ,   Dodge City Community College, Mans Tamara ,   North Hennepin Community College, Sherr Goldie ,   Bronx Community College, Ward Catherine ,   Durham Technical Community College, Hall-Woods Monica ,   St. Charles Community College, Goodman Anya ,   California Polytechnic State University, Reed Laura ,   University of Alabama, Lopatto David ,   Grinnell College
Published: May 2023

The Genomics Education Partnership (GEP), a consortium of diverse colleges and universities, provides support for integrating genomics research into undergraduate curricula. To increase research opportunities for underrepresented students, GEP is expanding to more community colleges (CC). Genomics research, requiring only a computer with Internet access, may be particularly accessible for two-year institutions with limited research capacity and significant budget constraints. To understand how GEP supports student research at CCs, the authors analyzed student knowledge and self-reported outcomes. It was found that CC student gains were comparable to non-CC student gains, with improvements in attitudes toward science and thriving in science. The early findings suggest that the GEP model of centralized support with flexible implementation of a course-related undergraduate research experience benefits CC students and may help mitigate barriers to implementing research at CCs.
‘Tell Me! Learning from Narratives’: an evaluation of an educational programme on narrative inquiry for nursing home care students
Authors:   Tilburg University, the Netherlands, Muller-Schoof Irene , Snoeren Miranda ,   Fontys University of Applied  Science, Eindhoven, the Netherlands, Verbiest Marjolein ,   Tilburg University, the Netherlands, Stoop Annerieke ,   Tilburg University, the Netherlands, Luijkx Katrien ,   Tilburg University, the Netherlands
Published: May 2023

Background: Narratives have the potential to promote person-centred practice, yet few studies have been undertaken on the impact of a narrative approach on learning for care professionals or students. With this in mind, we co-designed an educational programme on the use of older persons’ narratives for professionals in research, education and nursing. Aims: To investigate the impact of attending a narrative educational programme on the learning of nursing and healthcare assistant students, and on their person-centred practice. We also examined what factors characterised and influenced this learning. Methods: This was a mixed-methods evaluation study. We evaluated the impact of a narrative educational programme on third-year healthcare assistant students and second-year nursing students. Students were invited to complete a survey before and after the educational programme. After the programme, we performed interviews with all the educators and some of the students. Results: Students’ learning from the narratives was varied, and there were differences in the extent to which the programme raised awareness. Some students demonstrated new understandings, actions and behaviours. Students self-reported that they had experienced learning related to 12 learning outcomes and to their person-centred practice. According to educators and students, this learning was experiential and reflective, and was influenced by the students’ level of participation, personal characteristics and openness to other perspectives, as well as the educators’ guidance and the workplace conditions. Conclusion: This study shows that the educational programme ‘Tell Me! Learning From Narratives’ can contribute to the learning of healthcare assistant and nursing students in terms of their understanding of the field of narrative inquiry as well as the development of their person-centred practice. Providing support for educators is a prerequisite for the programme to work. Implications for practice: The programme has the potential to contribute to a person-centred care curriculum Self-evaluation, for example via the self-scan person-centred care survey in this study, prompts awareness in students Educators should be supported in their use of a narrative approach, person-centred care values and didactic skills Educators should reflect the values of person-centred care in their practice and in their relationships with students as role models
La inversión sostenible:¿Una oportunidad para "volver a construir mejor"?
Authors: Lalumière Jean-Sébastien
Published: May 2023

La inversión sostenible es una tendencia significativa desde la década de 1990, especialmente en los Estads Unidos, con una tasa de crecimiento anual compuesta de 14% desde 1995. La clase de activos representó en 2020 un tercio de todos los activos bajo gestión o $17.1 billones. Los gestores de activos y los empresarios reconocieron la transición del capitalismo de accionistas, donde dominan los resultados financieros, al capitalismo de partes interesadas, que incluye criterios ambientales, sociales y de gobernanza en su evaluación.
Conflict-Sensitive Social Protection: Somalia Country Report
Authors: Birch Izzy
Published: May 2023

This is one of three country case studies (the others being of Kenya and Sudan) that explore the interaction between social protection and conflict in the Horn of Africa. In a context of weak central political authority and persistent conflict, Somalia’s fledgling social protection sector continues to lean heavily on humanitarian actors for its delivery.
Conflict-Sensitive Social Protection: Kenya Country Report
Authors:   Institute of Development Studies, Birch Izzy , Carter Becky
Published: May 2023

This is one of three country case studies (the others being of Somalia and Sudan) that explore the interaction between social protection and conflict in the Horn of Africa. Kenya’s social protection system has matured significantly over the last decade, although its resilience in violent conflict has not been tested given the country’s relative stability.
KETAHANAN PANGAN DESA RAMBAN KULON MELALUI BUDIDAYA PEPAYA
Authors: Mala Gebby Nisit , Diana Istika Mei , Rahmawati Widya , Rizky Windy Aufir , Oderino Nano Triyoga , Habibah Isma Fitri , Yudha Satryawan Kusuma , Fajri Imas Andrian , Cahyani Annisa Shafia , Istiyani Nanik , Yuliati Lilis
Published: May 2023

Pepaya merupakan salah satu buah tropika yang berpotensi untuk dikembangkan di Indonesia. Hal ini dapat di buktikan dari manfaatnya untuk keperluan hidup manusia, antara lain yaitu buahnya sebagai sumber vitamin mineral serta dapat meningkatkan pendapatan masyarakat. Kelompok 257 KKN Universitas Jember dan masyarakat Desa Ramban Kulon melaksanakan program penanaman bibit pepaya California dengan tujuan dapat meningkatkan ketahanan pangan masyarakat Desa Ramban Kulon. Kegiatan ini dilaksanakan di Desa Ramban Kulon, Kecamatan Cerme, Kabupaten Jember pada tanggal 4 Agustus 2022 sampai 17 Agustus 2022. Pelaksanaan kegiatan dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode penyampaian informasi dan beberapa kegiatan sebagai berikut: Penyuluhan, Pemberian bibit simbolis, Penanaman bibit pertama, dan Penyebaran bibit. Penyebaran bibit pepaya California sudah terealisasi secara merata kepada warga desa melalui perantara ketua RT. Dengan berjalannya program ini semoga warga desa dapat merawat bibit pepaya California dengan baik sehingga program ketahan pangan dapat terwujud.
O trabalhador informal: como significa e confere sentido à sua experiência
Authors: Costa Ana Karolyna Branquinho da , Júnior Wercy Rodrigues Costa , Vasconcelos Eveli Freire de
Published: May 2023

Devido à grave crise econômica brasileira, pode-se observar que os trabalhadores afetados pelas consequências psicossociais do desemprego têm dificuldade para manterem-se no mercado de trabalho formal, sendo levados a ingressar na informalidade. Dessa forma, a proposta de pesquisa apresenta como objetivo caracterizar e descrever o significado atribuído pelos trabalhadores informais do camelódromo da capital de MS à sua experiência diante da crise do mercado de trabalho. O método empregado foi de estudo de casos, em que foram realizadas entrevistas, as quais, posteriormente, foram analisadas a partir de Bardin (2011), que permite a categorização dos conteúdos abordados. Todavia, o presente projeto utilizou a teoria em que as categorias apresentadas são consideradas equivalentes no que se refere a significado e sentido, baseados em Tolfo e Peccinini (2007). Nos resultados, emerge a vulnerabilidade psicossocial, devido às características do trabalho informal, com impactos à saúde do trabalhador informal.
Investigation of the value of MEW score and Perfusion Index parameters in identifying critically ill patients- a prospective study
Authors: AKGÜL Agit , KARAALİ Rezan , KARAKAYA Zeynep
Published: May 2023

Triage and scoring systems have been developed to differentiate critical patients from others and to ensure early intervention in crowded emergency departments. We aimed to determine the utility of the perfusion index in the triage of patients, and its association with mortality in comparison and combination with the Modified Early Warning score. This was a single-center and prospective study. The study included patients who received yellow or red triage code in emergency department. The modified Early Warning scores were calculated from patients data. The perfusion index value was measured using a Masimo® device with probe. The outcomes of the patients and one-month mortality were recorded. 397 patients were included in the study. Mean perfusion index and Modified Early Warning score was 4.05 (± 2.67) and 1.99, respectively in patients discharged from the emergency department, 1.12 (± 0.97) and 7.5, respectively in patients deceased at the emergency department. Finally, the Modified Early Warning score was added to the perfusion index and the effect of the created model on mortality was evaluated. In this case, the new model had an accurate classification rate of 91.7%, with a sensitivity of 98.6% and a specificity of 45.1%. Nagelkerke’s R2 of 0.434 suggested that the model was effective in explaining the dependent variable (mortality) at a rate of 43.4%. It would be possible to make early decisions on intervention and prevent mortality since the combined use of perfusion index and Modified Early Warning score provide higher reliability in identifying critical patients.
From Dearth to Excess: The Rise of Obesity in an Ultra-Processed Food System
Authors: Hall Kevin
Published: May 2023

More people around the world now have obesity than suffer from starvation thanks to our modern food system. Agriculture was transformed over the 20th century by a variety of technological advancements that relied heavily on fossil fuels. In the United States of America, government policies and economic incentives led to surplus production of cheap inputs to processed food industries that produced a wide variety of heavily marketed, convenient, rewarding, timesaving, and relatively inexpensive ultra-processed foods. The energy available in the United States food supply increased much more than population needs, albeit with large inequities in food distribution and nutrition security. While most of the rise in per capita food availability during the late 20th and early 21st centuries in the United States resulted in increased food waste, a variety of mechanisms have been proposed by which changes in the increasingly ultra-processed food environment resulted in excess energy intake disproportionately in people genetically susceptible to obesity. As populations continue to grow, substantial investments in coordinated nutrition and agricultural research are needed to transform our current food system to one that relies less on fossil fuels, preserves biodiversity, ensures environmental health, and provides equitable access to affordable, safe, and nutritious food that reduces the prevalence of chronic diseases like obesity.
In Vitro and In Silico Analysis of the Anti-cancer Effects of Eurycomanone and Eurycomalactone from Eurycoma longifolia.
Authors: Yunos Nurhanan Murni , Wahab Habibah A , Al-Thiabat Mohammad G. , Sallehudin Nor Jannah , Jauri Muhamad Haffiz
Published: May 2023

Eurycomanone and eurycomalactone are known quassinoids present in the roots and stems of Eurycoma longifolia. These compounds had been reported to have cytotoxic effects, however, their mechanism of action in a few cancer cell lines have yet to be elucidated. This study was aimed to investigate the anti-cancer effects and mechanisms of action of eurycomanone and eurycomalactone in cervical (HeLa), colorectal (HT29) and ovarian (A2780) cancer cell lines via Sulforhodamine B assay. Their mechanism of cell death was evaluated based on Hoechst 33342 assay and in silico molecular docking toward DHFR and TNF-α as putative protein targets. Eurycomanone and eurycomalactone exhibited in vitro anti-cancer effects manifesting IC50 values of 4.58 ± 0.090 µM and 1.60 ± 0.12 µM (HeLa), 1.22 ± 0.11 µM and 2.21 ± 0.049 µM (HT-29), and 1.37 ± 0.13 µM and 2.46 ± 0.081 µM (A2780) respectively. They induced apoptotic cancer cell death in dose- and time-dependent manners. Both eurycomanone and eurycomalactone were also predicted to have good inhibitory potential as demonstrated by the docking into TNF-α with binding affinity of -8.83 and -7.51 kcal/mol, respectively, as well as into DHFR with binding affinity results of -8.05 and -8.87 kcal/mol, respectively. These results support the evidence of eurycomanone and eurycomalactone as anti-cancer agents via apoptotic cell death mechanism that could be associated with TNF-α and DHFR inhibition as among possible protein targets.
Regulation of Cathelicidin Antimicrobial Peptide (CAMP) Gene Expression by TLR9 in Adipocytes and in Adipose Tissue
Authors: Höpfinger Alexandra , Schmid Andreas , Schweitzer Leonie , Patz Marissa , Weber Anja , Schäffler Andreas , Karrasch Thomas
Published: May 2023

Understanding the complex interactions between metabolism and the immune system (“meta-flammation”) is crucial for the identification of key immunomodulatory factors as potential therapeutic targets in obesity and in cardiovascular diseases. Cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) is an important factor of innate immunity and is expressed in adipocytes. CAMP therefore might play a role as an adipokine in metaflammation and adipose inflammation. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 9 is another component of the innate immune system that is expressed and functionally active in adipocytes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of TLR9 signaling on CAMP expression in adipocytes and in adipose tissue.
CAMP gene expression in murine 3T3-L1 and human SGBS adipocytes and in murine and human adipose tissues was quantified by real-time PCR. TLR9 knockdown was applied in murine 3T3-L1 adipocytes via siRNA transfection. Adipocyte inflammation was induced in vitro by TNFα stimulation. Serum CAMP concentrations in TLR9 knockout (KO) and in wildtype mice were quantified by ELISA.
CAMP gene expression was considerably increased in 3T3-L1 adipocytes during differentiation. TNFα significantly induced CAMP gene expression in mature adipocytes, which was antagonized by inhibitors of NF-κB and PI3K signaling. Cell-free nucleic acids (cfDNA) as endogenous TLR9 ligand significantly impaired CAMP gene expression, whereas synthetic agonistic and antagonistic TLR9 ligands had no effect. Cellular TLR9 knockdown reduced adipocyte CAMP gene expression in vitro and male TLR9 knockout mice exhibited lower systemic CAMP concentrations than wildtype mice. CAMP and TLR9 gene expression were correlated positively in murine and human subcutaneous but not in intraabdominal/visceral adipose tissues.
These findings suggest a regulatory role of TRL9 in adipocytic CAMP expression as a novel putative molecular mechanism in adipose tissue innate immunity.
Microalgal and Nitrogen-Fixing Bacterial Consortia: From Interaction to Biotechnological Potential
Authors: Llamas Angel , Leon-Miranda Esperanza , Tejada-Jimenez Manuel
Published: May 2023

Microalgae are used in various biotechnological processes, such as biofuel production due to their high biomass yields, agriculture as biofertilizers, production of high-value-added products, de-contamination of wastewater, or as biological models for carbon sequestration. The number of these biotechnological applications is increasing, and as such, any advances that contribute to reducing costs and increasing economic profitability can have a significant impact. Nitrogen fixing organisms, often called diazotroph, also have great biotechnological potential, mainly in agri-culture as an alternative to chemical fertilizers. Microbial consortia typically perform more com-plex tasks than monocultures and can execute functions that are challenging or even impossible for individual strains or species. Interestingly, microalgae and diazotrophic organisms are capable to embrace different types of symbiotic associations. Certain corals and lichens exhibit this sym-biotic relationship in nature, which enhances their fitness. However, this relationship can also be artificially created in laboratory conditions with the objective of enhancing some of the biotech-nological processes that each organism carries out independently. As a result, the utilization of microalgae and diazotrophic organisms in consortia is garnering significant interest as a potential alternative for reducing production costs and increasing yields of microalgae biomass, as well as for producing derived products and serving biotechnological purposes. This review makes an effort to examine the associations of microalgae and diazotrophic organisms, with the aim of highlighting the potential of these associations in improving various biotechnological processes.
Economic Policy Uncertainty and Its Interacting Impact on Firm Value: The Role of Investment Sentiments in the Energy and Petroleum Sector
Authors: Hussain Sarfraz , Ali Rosalan , Emam Walid , Tashkandy Yusra , Mishra Pradeep , Fahlevi Mochammad , Matuka Adelajda
Published: May 2023

This study seeks to determine how economic policy uncertainty (EPU) influences investment decisions and the market value of the Pakistan Stock Exchange. The study examines investment and operational data from 249 energy and petroleum companies between 2015 and 2020, in addition to macroeconomic variables such as EPU. This study investigates the moderating effects of EPU on investments in fixed and intangible assets, as well as its effect on Tobin's Q and the market price per share. The outcomes demonstrate that EPU reduces the costs of both tangible and intangible assets for businesses. In addition, companies with a greater Tobin's Q and market price per share are more impacted by uncertain corporate investment policies. However, financial leverage is found to be negatively correlated with share price and positively correlated with earnings per share and earnings per unit. Tobin's Q is positively correlated with financial leverage, indicating that firms that raise capital through debt are more likely to create value for investors. The research indicates that market-dependent enterprises are more susceptible to the unpredictability of monetary policy. Eventually, the findings suggest that consistent and transparent economic policies may increase the efficiency of corporate investment.
Identification and Characterization of Waxy Bread Wheat Carrying a Novel Wx-B1 Allele
Authors: Sung Yeonjun , Kim Keonghoon , Park Jinhee , Kang Seongwook , Park Chulsoo , Cho Seongwoo , Kim Changsoo
Published: May 2023

Starch content in wheat is an important characteristic for various purposes. Starch is composed of two components known as amylose and amylopectin, and the proportion between these two components plays a crucial role in determining the properties and structure of starch. One of the key genes involved in starch biosynthesis in wheat is granule bound starch synthase I (GBSSI), also known as the waxy protein, which synthesizes amylose in the endosperm. A mutant cultivar, named Gunji-3, was created by crossing the waxy type wheat (Shinmichal 1) with the wild type bread wheat (Keumkang). When comparing the Wx-B1 allele of the waxy protein gene in Gunji-3 with that of the waxy type wheat, there were 12 SNPs and one deletion difference. Additionally, when comparing amino acid sequences with Wx-B1 alleles, differences at two positions are found, indicating that the mutant carries new Wx-B1 allele which is named as Wx-B1o. In terms of the physicochemical properties of Gunji-3 starch, it had a lower amylose content than the parental wheat varieties and showed higher protein content and greater swelling power. These newly introduced waxy type wheat could provide important basis not only for understanding the starch characteristics of wheat but also for various breeding programs.
A Web GIS Platform to Modeling, Simulate and Analyze Flood Events: The RiverCure Portal
Authors: Rodrigues da Silva Alberto , Estima Jacinto , Marques Jorge , Gamito Ivo , Serra Alexandre , Moura Leonardo , Ricardo Ana Margarida , Mendes Luís , Ferreira Rui M.L.
Published: May 2023

Flood events are becoming more severe, causing significant problems to human communities, including physical, psychological, and material damage. For both flood forecasting in emergency response situations and flood mapping, georeferencing and data curation are paramount in the context of prevention or preparedness. Hence, data display, data management, and articulation with numerical simulation results must occur on GIS platforms. Our research is motivated by recent advances in Web and GIS technologies, social sensing and high-performance computing, and an envisaged wider availability of remote sensing data. This paper presents and discusses an innovative Web GIS platform named "RiverCure Portal" or "RCP" for short. This platform combines observations and hydrodynamic modelling tools to support various stages of the flood risk management cycle, including operational response, emergency preparedness, and risk assessment. RCP is a multi-organisation, multi-context digital platform with flexible configuration features to define and support multiple sensor types and modelling options, satisfying the various needs of different organisations and stakeholders. In addition, this paper discusses the RiverCure Approach, which encompasses the following tasks directly supported by the RCP platform: defining the context and involved geometries, associating sensors to the context, pre-processing and generating the context mesh, defining the simulation event, running the simulation event, and analysing the results from the simulation event. Thus, the RCP streamlines and simplifies data analysis and simulation procedures to meet decision-makers' needs. The novelties discussed in this paper include the design and discussion of a Web GIS platform that allows (i) to manage flood data and results of simulations at several contextual levels by different stakeholders such as domain experts, decision-makers, researchers, or students; (ii) to process and curate sensed data obtained from physical and social sensors; and (iii) update the state and values of the parameters of simulation tools through continuous data assimilation techniques for forecasting purposes. Finally, this paper supports the explanation and discussion with a running example, "Águeda 2016 flood" event, which dataset is publicly available for further study and experimentation.
Responsible Governance of Technological Risks of Food Innovations towards Food Security
Authors: Kunyanga Catherine Nkirote , Byskov Morten Fibieger , Hyams Keith , Mburu Samuel , Werikhe Grace , Onyango Cecilia Moraa
Published: May 2023

Recently, the world has experienced severe food insecurity problems with most countries having inadequate access to affordable, nutritious and safe foods. Consequently, many food innovations and technologies have been approved to secure sustainable access to food for millions of people. This study investigated the implementation of two technologies to address food insecurity, namely genetically modified foods (GMOs) and the use of antibiotics in crops and animal production. In particular, the study explored how their implementation can be governed responsibly through approved legislation. Therefore, the knowledge, attitudes and practices as well as the governance of antibiotic resistance risks and GMO foods were assessed. In-depth key interviews were conducted for the qualitative survey with triangulation with quantitative data sources. The findings showed that 46% of the population have little knowledge about GMOs with about 79% indicating that food with GM ingredients were being consumed in the country. The main concerns reported on GM foods by most respondents were impact on environment, human health and adverse effects on traditional farming practices with 36% indicating that it intensifies contamination and 32% indicating that it contributes to loss of biodiversity. Notably, 64%) reported that GMOs are a solution to food security and that they are safe. On the use of antimicrobials mainly meant to prevent diseases and access better markets, respondents perceived their use to be associated with antimicrobial resistance a “large level of risk” (score 2 in a scale of 1-3) (M = 1.85, SD = 1.06). Overall, the study found that efforts towards promoting awareness on antibiotic resistance risks and response in human health is relatively limited as reported by 56% of the respondents. Findings show that most of the respondents have only seen minimal or small-scale awareness campaigns. On governance of the two technologies, 71% and 50% of the respondents reported that scientists and elected officials respectively have the greatest role in governance of GMOs with small scale farmers playing a negligible role. Further, it was noted that all the respondents were knowledgeable in AMR and GMO technologies and these findings are crucial to the advancement of food innovations that are geared towards achieving food security in Kenya. This study highlights the risks associated with the poor governance and implementation of technologies and the need for a framework for technological risk governance that is sensitive to local values and socio-economic circumstances that will benefit the achievement.
Metal Pollution Influences Habitat Preference in Three Endogeic Earthworms
Authors: CHATELAIN Marion
Published: May 2023

In response to long-lasting high levels of Metallic Trace Elements (MTEs) in urban soils, we expect soil invertebrates inhabiting urban environments to have evolved detection and avoidance and/or tolerance mechanisms to MTE pollution. In this study, I used artificial soils with concentrations of lead, zinc, copper, chromium and nickel that reflect pollution levels in soils of Parisian parks. Using choice experiments, I compared habitat preference (i.e. the occurrence of individuals in the polluted vs. unpolluted soil) and health status (i.e. body mass maintenance, mobility, mortality) between three species of endogeic earthworms – Apporectodea caliginosa, Apporectodea icterica and Allolobophora chlorotica – originating either from urban or rural grasslands. This study highlights a clear avoidance of MTE polluted soils in all three species, as well as MTE-induced health impairments, especially in A. chlorotica. Interestingly, earthworm response to MTE exposure only slightly differed between earthworms from urban and rural origin, suggesting the absence of widespread acclimatization or adaptation mechanisms to MTE pollution in cities. As a consequence, MTE pollution is expected to significantly shape earthworm spatial distribution in both urban and rural environments and, as a consequence, affect ecosystem functioning.
Analysis of Phase Diagram of CaO-CoOx-ErOy and Crystal Structure of Perovskite (Ca3-xErx)Co2O6-z Solid Solution
Authors: Wang Haocheng , Ning HaoMing , Liu GuangYao , Fan ZhenJun
Published: May 2023

In this work, a series of compounds in the CaO-½Er2O3-CoOz ternary oxide system were synthesized in air at 885℃ using high temperature solid-phase synthesis method. Phase boundary of each solid solution region in the CaO-½Er2O3-CoOz system was determined by X-ray powder diffraction technique. The phase diagram of the CaO-½Er2O3-CoOz system at 885℃ includes three series of ternary oxide solid solutions : (Ca3-xErx)Co4O9-z (0≤x≤0.9), (Ca3-xErx)Co2O6-z (0≤x≤1.25) and (Er1-xCax)CoO3-z (0≤x≤0.33). Four three-phase regions and five solid solution tie-line regions were obtained. The structure of perovskite solid solution (Ca3-xErx)Co2O6-z has been analyzed by Rietveld refinements. With the increase of Er content, the cell parameters of (Ca3-xErx)Co2O6-z exhibit an decreasing trend in a and b directions and an increasing trend in c direction.
Laboratory Findings and Biomarkers in Long COVID: What Do We Know So Far? Insights Into Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Therapeutic Perspectives and Challenges
Authors: Tsilingiris Dimitrios , Vallianou Natalia G. , Karampela Irene , Christodoulatos Gerasimos Socrates , Papavasileiou Georgios , Petropoulou Dimitra , Magkos Faidon , Dalamaga Maria
Published: May 2023

Long COVID (LC) encompasses a constellation of long-term symptoms experienced by at least 10% of people after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, and so far has affected about 65 million people. The etiology of LC remains unclear; however, many pathophysiological pathways may be involved, including viral persistence; chronic, low grade inflammatory response; immune dysregulation and defective immune response; reactivation of latent viruses; autoimmunity; persistent endothelial dysfunction and coagulopathy; gut dysbiosis; hormonal dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction; and autonomic nervous system dysfunction. There are no specific tests for the diagnosis of LC, and clinical features including laboratory findings and biomarkers may not specifically relate to LC. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to develop and validate biomarkers that can be employed for the prediction, diagnosis and prognosis of LC and its therapeutic response. Promising candidate biomarkers that are found in some patients are markers of systemic inflammation including acute phase proteins, cytokines and chemokines; biomarkers reflecting SARS-CoV-2 persistence, reactivation of herpesviruses and immune dysregulation; biomarkers of endotheliopathy, coagulation and fibrinolysis; microbiota alterations; diverse proteins and metabolites; hormonal and metabolic biomarkers; as well as cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers. At present, there are only two reviews summarizing relevant biomarkers; however, they do not cover the entire umbrella of current biomarkers or their link to etiopathogenetic mechanisms, and the diagnostic work-up in a comprehensive manner. Herein, we aim to appraise and synopsize the available evidence on the typical laboratory manifestations and candidate biomarkers of LC, their classification based on main LC symptomatology in the frame of the epidemiological and pathogenetic aspects of the syndrome, and furthermore assess limitations and challenges as well as potential implications in candidate therapeutic interventions.
Clinical Impact of Systematic Assessment and Psychoeducation in Specialized Treatment of Adolescents with Severe Functional Somatic Disorders: Results from the AHEAD Study
Authors: Kallesøe Karen Hansen , Wellnitz Kaare Bro , Ørnbøl Eva , Rask Charlotte Ulrikka
Published: May 2023

Functional somatic disorders (FSD) characterized by persistent and disabling physical symptoms are common in adolescents. Diagnostic uncertainty and insufficient illness explanations are proposed perpetuating factors that may constitute barriers for treatment engagement. This study evaluates the impact of manualized assessment and psychoeducation on diagnostic certainty and various clinical outcomes in adolescents with multi-system FSD. Ninety-one adolescents (15-19 years) included in a randomized trial testing group-based therapy (AHEAD) received systematic assessment (4 hrs.) and a subsequent psychiatric consultation (1.5 hrs.). Clinical outcomes included self-reported physical health, symptom severity, illness perception, illness related behavior, and psychological flexibility assessed before and approximately two months after assessment, prior to specialized treatment. Data were analyzed using t-tests. Immediately following assessment 71 (80.7%) adolescents out of 88 reported a higher diagnostic certainty and 74 (84.1%) reported that attending assessment gave them positive expectations for future treatment. A clinically relevant improvement of physical health was not observed at two months but considerable reductions were seen on symptom severity, illness worry, negative illness perceptions, limiting illness behavior and psychological inflexibility. The results underpin the importance of systematic assessment and psychoeducation which may be effective in their own right in specialized treatment of adolescents with severe FSD.
A Mysterious Middle Ages Inscription from Tuscany
Authors: Vicari Stefano , Perono Cacciafoco Francesco
Published: May 2023

At the entrance of some churches of Tuscany (Italy), there is the reproduction of an apparently mysterious inscription. Minimally from XVIII Century, this has induced a debate on its interpretation. This study proposes a hypothesis based on the Latin alpha-bet used in texts contemporary to the churches where the inscription is reproduced and a meaning of the message coherent with the official religious doctrine.
Hypergraph Regularized Lp Smooth Nonnegative Matrix Factorization for Data Representation
Authors: Xu Yunxia , Lu Linzhang , Liu Qilong , Chen Zhen
Published: May 2023

Nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) has been shown to be a strong data representation technique, with applications in text mining, pattern recognition, image processing, clustering and other fields. In this paper, we propose a hypergraph regularized Lp smooth nonnegative matrix factorization (HGSNMF), by incorporating hypergraph regularization and Lp smoothing constraint terms into the standard NMF. The hypergraph regularization term can capture the intrinsic geometry structure of the high dimension space data more comprehensively than simple graph, the Lp smoothing constraint may yield a smooth and more accurate solution to the optimization problem. The updating rules are given using multiplicative update techniques, and the convergence of HGSNMF is theoretically investigated. The experimental results on four different data sets show that the proposed method has better clustering effect than the related state-of-the-art methods in the vast majority of cases.
Chemoradiation with Cisplatin vs. Carboplatin for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head-and-Neck (SCCHN)
Authors: Rades Dirk , Zwaan Inga , Soror Tamer , Idel Christian , Pries Ralph , Bruchhage Karl L , Hakim Samer G. , Yu Nathan Y.
Published: May 2023

Keywords: head-and-neck cancer; chemoradiation; cisplatin; carboplatin; loco-regional control; metastases-free survival; overall survival; toxicity.