bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Institutionalizing Crisis-Sensitive Education Planning, Preparedness and Capacity Building through Media and Technology Practical Skills for Undergraduate Pre-Service Teachers
Authors: Mukuna Truphena E.
Published: April 2024

Abstract: There is consensus that teacher educators should be held responsible for the trainees that they graduate. COVID-19 led to rapid response to the crisis by promoting adoption of remote learning. Ministries of education all over the world aligned rapid response to their long-term learning priorities. Efforts should be geared towards enhancing the skills of teacher educators and the trainee teachers in crisis risk reduction and management through micro-teaching course. Educational media practical skill training is critical to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promotion of lifelong learning opportunities for all. Teachers need Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge to use technology for economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental conservation. Digitalization of the curriculum is about looking ahead of crises that may disrupt learning. However, studies on integration of ICT into pedagogy have revealed gross incompetence of teachers and lack of infrastructure and instructional leadership to support its implementation. Additionally, Ministries of Education in Africa have not institutionalized crisis-risk reduction and management into education policies and programs. Moreover, effective continuous professional development for teacher educators and learners has not been institutionalized in higher education in Kenya. Therefore, adoption and integration of ICT into higher education curriculum and pedagogy is still at a nascent stage. A study was done among fourth year pre-service teacher trainees at Maasai Mara University to establish how effective the media practical skills training prepared them for teaching practice and Technological Pedagogical Knowledge Content. The findings revealed that there was a relationship between media practical skills training and teaching practice. They also revealed that most of the students had pedagogical and content knowledge but no Technological Knowledge. This study has recommended revision of the teacher education curriculum, capacity building of teacher educators in 21st Century skills on Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge and provision of well-equipped resource centers in teacher training institutions.
The Body as Metaphor for Portuguese Decadence: An Interpretation of A Gorda (2016), by Isabela Figueiredo
Authors: Ferreira Paulo Rodrigues
Published: April 2024

Abstract: In A Gorda (2016), Isabela Figueiredo gives life to Maria Luísa, a middle-aged teacher whose dreams of attaining happiness dissolve into depression due to her inability to overcome trauma. Apart from narrating her return from Mozambique and the adversities she goes through as she grows up, Luísa recounts sexual experiences and describes her dysfunctional relationships with her relatives and lovers. Revolving around topics such as body dysmorphia and gender inequality, A Gorda also chronicles the misfortunes of a retornado dealing with issues associated with her own identity. To examine Portugal's transition to democracy and adaptation to a multicultural lifestyle contrasting with the backwardness brought about by decades of dictatorship, this article evaluates how Maria Luísa's personal struggles hold a mirror to societal problems that help to comprehend the mentalities of the Portuguese. Through a brief incursion into Caderno de Memórias Coloniais (2009), this article also evaluates how Figueiredo's experiences in Africa contributed to consolidate her viewpoints on topics such as sexism and violence against women. Finally, it scrutinizes the writer's denunciations of a male-dominated culture that ostracizes emancipated women.
Challenges, Successes, and Possibilities: How MLS- and PhD-holding Librarians Perceive their Roles in Academic Libraries
Authors: Sevryugina Yulia V. , Smith Craig , Mordoch Gabriel
Published: April 2024

abstract: This paper discusses perceptions regarding the roles of PhD- and MLS (or MLIS)-holding librarians within academic libraries in the United States gathered via a survey conducted in 2019. Based on a review of previous literature and the results of the survey—which present mixed opinions about PhD holders as librarians—the authors provide recommendations for ways libraries can effectively address some of the tensions regarding the role of PhD holders within academic librarianship. This article is useful for librarians of all educational backgrounds, PhD holders who are considering the transition to a library career, and library administrators involved in the hiring process.
The Big Peach Divided: Demographic-Electoral Transitions and Geographic Polarization in Atlanta Metropolitan Area Counties
Authors: Davis Kyle
Published: April 2024

Like much of the Southern United States, Georgia was once overwhelmingly Democratic. Towards the end of the 20th century, however, it became a stronghold for the Republican party. By the late 2010s, the Peach State was transformed into an electoral battleground, delivering crucial victories to both parties in federal and statewide elections. In 2020, Joe Biden became the first Democratic presidential candidate to win the state in 28 years. The Atlanta Metropolitan area has been at the center of these political shifts due to rapid and ongoing demographic changes that reflect and amplify the urban-rural divide. Voters in the region are geographically concentrated in a Democratic-dominated core and a Republican-dominated exurban periphery. Caught in between these zones are suburban areas, which are growing and diversifying at a rate much faster than the national average. As they do so, they are joining the Democratic core, while Republican voters are increasingly concentrated in smaller, outlying counties. These patterns are re-defining the state’s politics and provide an accelerated example of what we will likely see in other metropolitan areas of the United States in the future.
Mesoscale simulations predict the role of synergistic cerebellar plasticity during classical eyeblink conditioning
Authors: Geminiani Alice , Casellato Claudia , Boele Henk-Jan , Pedrocchi Alessandra , De Zeeuw Chris I. , D’Angelo Egidio
Published: April 2024

According to the motor learning theory by Albus and Ito, synaptic depression at the parallel fibre to Purkinje cells synapse (pf-PC) is the main substrate responsible for learning sensorimotor contingencies under climbing fibre control. However, recent experimental evidence challenges this relatively monopolistic view of cerebellar learning. Bidirectional plasticity appears crucial for learning, in which different microzones can undergo opposite changes of synaptic strength (e.g. downbound microzones–more likely depression, upbound microzones—more likely potentiation), and multiple forms of plasticity have been identified, distributed over different cerebellar circuit synapses. Here, we have simulated classical eyeblink conditioning (CEBC) using an advanced spiking cerebellar model embedding downbound and upbound modules that are subject to multiple plasticity rules. Simulations indicate that synaptic plasticity regulates the cascade of precise spiking patterns spreading throughout the cerebellar cortex and cerebellar nuclei. CEBC was supported by plasticity at the pf-PC synapses as well as at the synapses of the molecular layer interneurons (MLIs), but only the combined switch-off of both sites of plasticity compromised learning significantly. By differentially engaging climbing fibre information and related forms of synaptic plasticity, both microzones contributed to generate a well-timed conditioned response, but it was the downbound module that played the major role in this process. The outcomes of our simulations closely align with the behavioural and electrophysiological phenotypes of mutant mice suffering from cell-specific mutations that affect processing of their PC and/or MLI synapses. Our data highlight that a synergy of bidirectional plasticity rules distributed across the cerebellum can facilitate finetuning of adaptive associative behaviours at a high spatiotemporal resolution.
Association between dental scaling and metabolic syndrome and lifestyle
Authors: Lee TaeYeon , Han Kyungdo , Yun Kyoung-In
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Periodontal disease is a risk factor for diabetes and metabolic syndrome, and non-surgical periodontal treatment has been shown to help maintain stable blood sugar in diabetic patients. Determining the level of preventive scaling in patients with metabolic syndrome will help manage the disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which people with metabolic syndrome or bad lifestyle performed scaling and the association between preventive scaling and metabolic syndrome or lifestyle in a large population.

Methods

This study was conducted on adults aged 20 years or older from January 2014 to December 2017 in the National Health Insurance System (NHIS) database. Among 558,067 people who underwent health checkups, 555,929 people were included. A total of 543,791 people were investigated for preventive scaling. Metabolic syndrome components were abdominal obesity, lower high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL)-C, high triglycerides, high blood pressure and hyperglycemia. Unhealthy lifestyle score was calculated by assigning 1 point each for current smokers, drinkers, and no performing regular exercise.

Results

When multiple logistic regression analysis was performed after adjusting for age, sex, income, body mass index (BMI), smoking, drinking and regular exercise, the Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the group with 5 metabolic syndrome components were 0.741 (0.710, 0.773) (p<0.0001). After adjustment for age, sex, income, BMI, smoking, drinking, regular exercise, diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia, the OR (95% CI) of the group with unhealthy lifestyle score = 3 was 0.612 (0.586, 0.640) (p<0.0001).

Conclusions

The more metabolic syndrome components, and the higher unhealthy lifestyle score, the less scaling was performed.
Occupational exposures among women beedi workers in Mysore District, India: A mixed-methods study protocol
Authors: Ravi Priyanka , Muralidhar Kiranmayee , Madhivanan Purnima , Wilson Amanda M. , von Hippel Frank A. , Salamova Amina , Moya Eva , Gerald Lynn B.
Published: April 2024

Beediis the most common smoking form of tobacco used in India. The rolling ofbeedisis performed primarily by women in settings that lack occupational safeguards. The aims of this protocol are to establish methods for the study of occupational exposures among womenbeediworkers and their experiences and challenges working with unburnt tobacco. This protocol employs a convergent parallel mixed-methods approach. Qualitatively, we plan to explore the experiences and challenges faced by womenbeediworkers using photovoice, a community based participatory method. Occupational exposures to pesticides will be assessed through the use of silicone wristbands worn for seven days by workers, and exposure to toxic metals and metalloids will be assessed in dust samples collected in the homes of workers. The outcomes will be analyzed to form policy recommendations to improve the occupational health of women beedi workers.
Unveiling hidden structural patterns in the SARS-CoV-2 genome: Computational insights and comparative analysis
Authors: Ziesel Alison , Jabbari Hosna
Published: April 2024

SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, is known to exhibit secondary structures in its 5’ and 3’ untranslated regions, along with the frameshifting stimulatory element situated between ORF1a and 1b. To identify additional regions containing conserved structures, we utilized a multiple sequence alignment with related coronaviruses as a starting point. We applied a computational pipeline developed for identifying non-coding RNA elements. Our pipeline employed three different RNA structural prediction approaches. We identified forty genomic regions likely to harbor structures, with ten of them showing three-way consensus substructure predictions among our predictive utilities. We conducted intracomparisons of the predictive utilities within the pipeline and intercomparisons with four previously published SARS-CoV-2 structural datasets. While there was limited agreement on the precise structure, different approaches seemed to converge on regions likely to contain structures in the viral genome. By comparing and combining various computational approaches, we can predict regions most likely to form structures, as well as a probable structure or ensemble of structures. These predictions can be used to guide surveillance, prophylactic measures, or therapeutic efforts. Data and scripts employed in this study may be found at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8298680.
Effect of treadmill ambulatory training on glucose control and blood pressure in persons with type 2 diabetes: A pilot study
Authors: Abonie Ulric Sena , Addo Raphael Aseye , Kumah Laureen , Ofori – Ampomah Ama Kissiwaa , Makinyi Vincent
Published: April 2024

Background

Lack of time is often cited by persons with type 2 diabetes for non-participation in regular exercise. This highlights the need to explores ways to help persons with type 2 diabetes to engage in an active lifestyle. This study evaluated the effect of a short duration norm intensity exercise on blood glucose and blood pressure in persons with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Twenty persons with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to either training group (n = 10) or control group (n = 10). The training group received 4-weeks ambulatory training on a motor-driven treadmill (2 x 20 min per week at 60% target heart rate). The control group received no training. Blood glucose, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures were assessed before and after the 4-weeks training. Repeated measures ANOVA were used to examine training effect.

Results

Training significantly improved blood glucose (mean difference = -2.73; p = 0.03). No effects were found for systolic blood pressure (mean difference = -0.30; p = 0.96) and diastolic blood pressure (mean difference = -0.90; p = 0.82).

Conclusion

Training improved blood glucose but not blood pressure. A short-duration ambulatory training is an appropriate exercise mode to elicit beneficial effect, and exercise adoption in persons with type 2 diabetes.

Trial registration

This pilot trial is registered with the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry at pactr.samrc.ac.za (PACTR202306601940612).
Long-term population projections: Scenarios of low or rebounding fertility
Authors: Spears Dean , Vyas Sangita , Weston Gage , Geruso Michael
Published: April 2024

The size of the human population is projected to peak in the 21st century. But quantitative projections past 2100 are rare, and none quantify the possibility of a rebound from low fertility to replacement-level fertility. Moreover, the most recent long-term deterministic projections were published a decade ago; since then there has been further global fertility decline. Here we provide updated long-term cohort-component population projections and extend the set of scenarios in the literature to include scenarios in which future fertility (a) stays below replacement or (b) recovers and increases. We also characterize old-age dependency ratios. We show that any stable, long-run size of the world population would persistently depend on when an increase towards replacement fertility begins. Without such an increase, the 400-year span when more than 2 billion people were alive would be a brief spike in history. Indeed, four-fifths of all births—past, present, and future—would have already happened.
Accelerated corrosion of low carbon steel by oscillatory acidic streams generated with a bio-inspired claw device
Authors: Godínez Francisco A. , Montoya-Rangel Marvin , Montoya Rodrigo
Published: April 2024

A mechanical device inspired by the pistol shrimp snapper claw was developed. This technology features a claw characterized by a periodic opening/closing motion, at a controlled frequency, capable of producing oscillating flows at transitional Reynolds numbers. An innovative method was also proposed for determining the corrosion rate of carbon steel samples under oscillating acidic streams (aqueous solution of HCl). By employing very-thin carbon steel specimens (25μm thickness), with one side coated with Zn and not exposed to the stream, it became possible to electrochemically sense the Zn surface once the steel sample was perforated, thus providing the average dissolution rate into the most relevant pit on the steel surface. Furthermore, a laser light positioned beneath the metallic sample, along with a camera programmed to periodically capture images of the steel surface, facilitated the accurate counting of the number of newly formed pits. The system consisting of the thin steel sample and the Zn coating can be seen as a type of corrosion sensor. Furthermore, the proposed laser illumination method allows corroborating the electrochemical detection of pits and also establishing their location. The techniques crafted in this study pave the way for developing alternative corrosion sensors that boast appealing attributes: affordability, compactness, and acceptable accuracy to detect in time and space localized damage.
Changes in lymph node surgery in breast cancer and preoperative drug prescription analysis for postoperative pain management: A retrospective, cross-sectional study
Authors: Kang Eun Sol , Lim Yu-Cheol , Jang Bo-Hyoung , Lee Yoon Jae , Ha In-Hyuk , Lee Ye-Seul
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to investigate the changes in lymph node surgery types and prescription patterns of postoperative medications for pain management in patients with breast cancer using national health insurance claim data from South Korea. The study population comprised patients with at least one record of a principal diagnosis of breast cancer (ICD-10 code: C50) from the national health insurance claim database between 2010 and 2019. Patients who underwent mastectomy or lumpectomy only once were selected for the analysis. Patients who underwent axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) with mastectomy or lumpectomy on the day of surgery were included in the ALND group, whereas those who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) were included in the SLNB group. Prescription records of opioids before, after and on the date of breast cancer surgery were collected and categorized according to the opioid type. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was used to compare postoperative opioid prescriptions. The proportion of those undergoing ALND among 3,080 patients decreased consistently after 2014, while the proportion undergoing SLNB increased. Although the rate of pain medication prescription on the day of surgery was similar between the two groups, the rate of prescription of postoperative pain medication and anticancer agents was lower in the SLNB group than in the ALND group. Logistic regression modeling showed that the SLNB group had lower odds of receiving opioids than did the ALND group (Odds ratio (OR) = 0.727, Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.546–0.970). A consistent trend was observed when the model was adjusted for neoadjuvant chemotherapy and the use of preoperative pain medications (OR = 0.718, CI = 0.538–0.959). To manage postoperative pain and prevent chronic pain with minimal side effects, sufficient discussion among clinicians, patients, and other healthcare professionals is imperative, along with adequate treatment planning.
The internal organizational performance influence factors study-an empirical test
Authors: Yuan Xiuling , Ma Lihua , Wang Cheng , Yan Huizhe , Chen Yufei
Published: April 2024

With the changes of social and economic development, more and more people pay attention to the development of non-profit organizations, and the performance research of non-profit organizations has become the focus of research. As the internal governance organization of non-profit organization, the board of directors and the management organization are related internal factors that will affect the organizational performance of non-profit organization. Based on the data of Form 990 of the US Internal Revenue Service, this paper conducted an empirical study on the relationship between internal governance and organizational performance of non-profit organizations, and studied the moderating effects of board size, average weekly working hours, number of managers, members’ work involvement and compensation incentives on internal governance and organizational performance of non-profit organizations. The results show that the number of managers in non-profit organizations is negatively correlated with organizational performance, the average weekly working hours of managers are significantly correlated with organizational performance, and the compensation of managers is significantly correlated with organizational performance. Through the empirical demonstration, this study promotes the management and development practice of non-profit organizations, and lays a solid foundation for the construction of socialist harmonious society in China.
LAVRF: Sign language recognition via Lightweight Attentive VGG16 with Random Forest
Authors: Ewe Edmond Li Ren , Lee Chin Poo , Lim Kian Ming , Kwek Lee Chung , Alqahtani Ali
Published: April 2024

Sign language recognition presents significant challenges due to the intricate nature of hand gestures and the necessity to capture fine-grained details. In response to these challenges, a novel approach is proposed—Lightweight Attentive VGG16 with Random Forest (LAVRF) model. LAVRF introduces a refined adaptation of the VGG16 model integrated with attention modules, complemented by a Random Forest classifier. By streamlining the VGG16 architecture, the Lightweight Attentive VGG16 effectively manages complexity while incorporating attention mechanisms that dynamically concentrate on pertinent regions within input images, resulting in enhanced representation learning. Leveraging the Random Forest classifier provides notable benefits, including proficient handling of high-dimensional feature representations, reduction of variance and overfitting concerns, and resilience against noisy and incomplete data. Additionally, the model performance is further optimized through hyperparameter optimization, utilizing the Optuna in conjunction with hill climbing, which efficiently explores the hyperparameter space to discover optimal configurations. The proposed LAVRF model demonstrates outstanding accuracy on three datasets, achieving remarkable results of 99.98%, 99.90%, and 100% on the American Sign Language, American Sign Language with Digits, and NUS Hand Posture datasets, respectively.
Post-vaccination SARS-CoV-2 IgG spike antibody responses among clinical and non-clinical healthcare workers at a tertiary facility in Kenya
Authors: Mwangi Lucy W. , Omuse Geoffrey , Adam Rodney , Ong’ete George , Matheka Cyrus , Mugaine Patrick , Sayed Shahin , Maina Daniel
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Following the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, vaccination became the main strategy against disease severity and even death. Healthcare workers were considered high-risk for infection and, thus, were prioritised for vaccination.

Methods

A follow-up to a SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence study among clinical and non-clinical HCWs at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, we assessed how vaccination influenced SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike IgG antibody responses and kinetics. Blood samples were drawn at two points spanning 6 to 18 months post-vaccination, and SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Almost all participants, 98% (961/981), received a second vaccine dose, and only 8.5% (83/981) received a third dose. SARS-CoV-2 spike IgG antibodies were detected in 100% (961/961) and 92.7% (707/762) of participants who received two vaccine doses, with the first and second post-vaccine test, respectively, and in 100% (83/83) and 91.4% (64/70) of those who received three vaccine doses at the first and second post-vaccine test, respectively. Seventy-six participants developed mild infections, not requiring hospitalisation even after receiving primary vaccination. Receiving three vaccine doses influenced the anti-spike S/Co at both the first (p<0.001) and second post-vaccination testing (p<0.001). Of those who tested SARS-CoV-2 positive, the anti-spike S/Co ratio was significantly higher than those who were seronegative at the first post-vaccine test (p = 0.001). Side effects were reported by almost half of those who received the first dose, 47.3% (464/981), 28.9% (278/961) and 25.3% (21/83) of those who received the second and third vaccine doses, respectively.

Discussion and conclusion

Following the second dose of primary vaccination, all participants had detectable anti-spike antibodies. The observed mild breakthrough infections may have been due to emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Findings suggest that although protective antibodies are induced, vaccination protected against COVID-19 disease severity and not necessarily infection.
Informational continuity of medication management in transitions of care: Qualitative interviews with stakeholders from the HYPERION-TransCare study
Authors: Dinh Truc Sophia , Hanf Maria , Klein Astrid-Alexandra , Brueckle Maria-Sophie , Rietschel Lisa , Petermann Jenny , Brosse Franziska , Schulz-Rothe Sylvia , Klasing Sophia , Muth Christiane , Seidling Hanna , Engler Jennifer , Mergenthal Karola , Voigt Karen , van den Akker Marjan
Published: April 2024

Background

The transition of patients between inpatient and outpatient care can lead to adverse events and medication-related problems due to medication and communication errors, such as medication discontinuation, the frequency of (re-)hospitalizations, and increased morbidity and mortality. Older patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy are particularly at high risk during transitions of care. Previous research highlighted the need for interventions to improve transitions of care in order to support information continuity, coordination, and communication. The HYPERION-TransCare project aims to improve the continuity of medication management for older patients during transitions of care.

Methods and findings

Using a qualitative design, 32 expert interviews were conducted to explore the perspectives of key stakeholders, which included healthcare professionals, patients and one informal caregiver, on transitions of care. Interviews were conducted between October 2020 and January 2021, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using content analysis. We narratively summarized four main topics (stakeholders’ tasks, challenges, ideas for solutions and best practice examples, and patient-related factors) and mapped them in a patient journey map. Lacking or incomplete information on patients’ medication and health conditions, inappropriate communication and collaboration between healthcare providers within and across settings, and insufficient digital support limit the continuity of medication management.

Conclusions

The study confirms that medication management during transitions of care is a complex process that can be compromised by a variety of factors. Legal requirements and standardized processes are urgently needed to ensure adequate exchange of information and organization of medication management before, during and after hospital admissions. Despite the numerous barriers identified, the findings indicate that involved healthcare professionals from both the inpatient and outpatient care settings have a common understanding.
Multi-group symbiotic evolutionary mechanisms of a digital innovation ecosystem: Numerical simulation and case study
Authors: Li Yuqiong , Wu Liping
Published: April 2024

In the digital innovation ecosystem, the symbiosis mode formed between ecosystem members not only relates to their survival and development but also affects the ecosystem’s symbiosis evolution mechanism. Based on symbiosis theory, this study first explores the evolutionary equilibrium strategy and its stability for three types of populations—core enterprises, digital platforms, and university research institutes—and then uses numerical simulation and a case study to explore the symbiotic evolution mechanism of the digital innovation ecosystem. The results show that: First, the digital innovation ecosystem is a complex adaptive system in which the three types of populations form different symbiotic relationships under different symbiotic modes and conduct symbiotic activities, such as value co-creation, to characterize the unique symbiotic evolutionary structure. Second, in this ecosystem, the symbiotic relationship formed by the combined values of different symbiotic coefficients between populations determines the outcome of symbiotic evolution. Third, the ideal direction of the evolution of the digital innovation ecosystem is a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship. Thus, the symbiotic relationship between populations should be transformed into a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationships as much as possible. This study makes theoretical contributions by shedding light on the symbiotic evolution mechanism of the digital innovation ecosystem. It also offers countermeasures for the digital innovation cooperation of various stakeholders in China’s digital innovation ecosystem.
Genetic identification of three CITES-listed sharks using a paper-based Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC)
Authors: Tiktak Guuske P. , Gabb Alexandria , Brandt Margarita , Diz Fernando R. , Bravo-Vásquez Karla , Peñaherrera-Palma César , Valdiviezo-Rivera Jonathan , Carlisle Aaron , Melling Louise M. , Cain Bradley , Megson David , Preziosi Richard , Shaw Kirsty J.
Published: April 2024

Threatened shark species are caught in large numbers by artisanal and commercial fisheries and traded globally. Monitoring both which shark species are caught and sold in fisheries, and the export of CITES-restricted products, are essential in reducing illegal fishing. Current methods for species identification rely on visual examination by experts or DNA barcoding techniques requiring specialist laboratory facilities and trained personnel. The need for specialist equipment and/or input from experts means many markets are currently not monitored. We have developed a paper-based Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) to facilitate identification of three threatened and CITES-listed sharks, bigeye thresher (Alopias superciliosus), pelagic thresher (A. pelagicus) and shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) at market source. DNA was successfully extracted from shark meat and fin samples and combined with DNA amplification and visualisation using Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) on the LOC. This resulted in the successful identification of the target species of sharks in under an hour, with a working positive and negative control. The LOC provided a simple “yes” or “no” result via a colour change from pink to yellow when one of the target species was present. The LOC serves as proof-of-concept (PoC) for field-based species identification as it does not require specialist facilities. It can be used by non-scientifically trained personnel, especially in areas where there are suspected high frequencies of mislabelling or for the identification of dried shark fins in seizures.
Radical resection and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in the treatment of high risk recurrent retroperitoneal sarcoma—A pilot study in a tertiary Asian centre
Authors: Seo Chin Jin , Tan Joey Wee-Shan , Farid Mohamad , Wong Jolene Si Min , Soo Khee Chee , Chia Claramae Shulyn , Ong Chin-Ann Johnny
Published: April 2024

Background

Peritoneal sarcomatosis (PS) is a difficult entity to treat with limited options and guarded prognosis. We aimed to determine if the addition of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) could offer superior local recurrence-free survival in patients with retroperitoneal sarcoma at high risk of developing PS as opposed to extended resection alone.

Methods

This is a single arm, phase II intervention study where all patients with recurrent localized retroperitoneal sarcoma considered at high risk of developing PS were considered for enrolment (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03792867). Upon enrolment, patients underwent vigorous preoperative testing to ensure fitness for the procedure. During surgery, patients underwent extended resection and HIPEC with doxorubicin. Patients were followed-up every 2 weeks (± 10 days) for the first month and subsequently every three months (± 1 month) up to a year post-surgery, and were assessed for potential chemotherapy toxicity and post-treatment complications. After a year from resection and HIPEC, patients were followed-up either during routine clinic review or contacted via telephone every year (± 1 month) for 3 years.

Results

Six patients were recruited but one patient dropped out due to adverse and unexpected intraoperative events. The remaining patients completed the procedure uneventfully. Post-HIPEC, all patients recurred with a disease-free interval ranging from six to 24 months. Three patients died due to complications from recurrent disease whereas the remaining three patients are alive as of their last visit. The overall survival at time at reporting ranged between 22 to 56 months.

Conclusion

The procedure is feasible with no major morbidity to patients. However, we are unable to recommend for it to be implemented as a routine procedure at this current stage due to lack of improved survival outcomes. Further multi-institutional studies may be conducted to yield better results.
Patterns of sex behaviors and factors associated with condomless anal intercourse during the COVID-19 pandemic among men who have sex with men in Hong Kong: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Mo Phoenix K. H. , Xin Meiqi , Wang Zixin , Lau Joseph T. F. , Ye Xinchen , Hui Kam Hei , Yu Fuk Yuen , Lee Ho Hin
Published: April 2024

Objectives

The present study examined the patterns of sex behaviors before and during COVID-19, and identified the factors associated with condomless anal intercourse during COVID-19 from individual, interpersonal, and contextual level among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Hong Kong.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among MSM in Hong Kong. A total of 463 MSM completed a cross-sectional telephone survey between March 2021 and January 2022.

Results

Among all participants, the mean number of regular sex partners, non-regular sex partners, and casual sex partners during the COVID-19 period were 1.24, 2.09, and 0.08 respectively. Among those who had sex with regular, non-regular, and casual sex partner during the COVID-19 period, respectively 52.4%, 31.8% and 46.7% reported condomless anal intercourse. Compared to the pre-COVID-19 period, participants reported significantly fewer number of regular and non-regular sex partners during the COVID-19 period. However, a higher level of condomless anal intercourse with all types of sex partners during the COVID-19 period was also observed. Adjusted for significant socio-demographic variables, results from logistic regression analyses revealed that perceived severity of COVID-19 (aOR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.58, 0.88), COVID-19 risk reduction behaviors in general (aOR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.48, 0.96), COVID-19 risk reduction behaviors during sex encounters (aOR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.30, 0.66), condom negotiation (aOR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.44, 0.86), and collective efficacy (aOR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.64, 0.98) were protective factors of condomless anal intercourse with any type of sex partners during the COVID-19 period.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 control measures have caused a dramatic impact on the sexual behavior of MSM in Hong Kong. Interventions that promote condom use during the COVID-19 pandemic are still needed and such interventions could emphasize prevention of both COVID-19 and HIV.
Genetic diversity of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum) to mitigate abiotic stress: Drought, heat, and their combination
Authors: Chaouachi Latifa , Marín-Sanz Miriam , Barro Francisco , Karmous Chahine
Published: April 2024

Drought and heat are the main abiotic constraints affecting durum wheat production. This study aimed to screen for tolerance to drought, heat, and combined stresses in durum wheat, at the juvenile stage under controlled conditions. Five durum wheat genotypes, including four landraces and one improved genotype, were used to test their tolerance to abiotic stress. After 15 days of growing, treatments were applied as three drought levels (100, 50, and 25% field capacity (FC)), three heat stress levels (24, 30, and 35°C), and three combined treatments (100% FC at 24°C, 50% FC at 30°C and 25% FC at 35°C). The screening was performed using a set of morpho-physiological, and biochemical traits. The results showed that the tested stresses significantly affect all measured parameters. The dry matter content (DM) decreased by 37.1% under heat stress (35°C), by 37.3% under severe drought stress (25% FC), and by 53.2% under severe combined stress (25% FC at 35°C). Correlation analyses of drought and heat stress confirmed that aerial part length, dry matter content, hydrogen peroxide content, catalase, and Glutathione peroxidase activities could be efficient screening criteria for both stresses. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed that only the landrace Aouija tolerated the three studied stresses, while Biskri and Hedhba genotypes were tolerant to drought and heat stresses and showed the same sensitivity under combined stress. Nevertheless, improved genotype Karim and the landrace Hmira were the most affected genotypes by drought, against a minimum growth for the Hmira genotype under heat stress. The results showed that combined drought and heat stresses had a more pronounced impact than simple effects. In addition, the tolerance of durum wheat to drought and heat stresses involves several adjustments of morpho-physiological and biochemical responses, which are proportional to the stress intensity.
Insights into cork weathering regarding colour, chemical and cellular changes in view of outdoor applications
Authors: Miranda Isabel , Lourenço Ana , Simões Rita , Athayde João , Pereira Helena
Published: April 2024

A comprehensive analysis of outdoor weathering and soil burial of cork during 1-year experiments was carried out with measurements of CIELAB color parameters, cellular observations by scanning electron microscopy, and surface chemical features analysed by ATR-FTIR and wet chemical analysis. Cork applied in outdoor conditions above and below ground retained its physical structure and integrity without signs of deterioration or fracturing. The cellular structure was maintained with some small changes at the one-cell layer at the surface, featuring cellular expansion and minute cell wall fractures. Surface color and chemistry showed distinct results for outdoor exposure and soil burial. The weathered cork surfaces acquired a lighter color while the soil buried cork surfaces became darker. With outdoor weathering, the cork polar solubles increased (13.0% vs. 7.6% o.d. mass) while a substantial decrease of lignin occurred (about 28% of the original lignin was removed) leading to a suberin-enriched cork surface. The chemical impact on lignin is therefore responsible for the surface change towards lighter colors. Soil-burial induced hydrolysis of ester bonds of suberin and xylan, and the lignin-enriched cork surface displayed a dark brown color. FTIR and wet chemical results were consistent. Overall cork showed a considerable structural and physical stability that allows its application in outdoor conditions, namely for building façades or other surfacing applications. Architects and designers should take into account the color dynamics of the cork surfaces.
The rotavirus VP5*/VP8* conformational transition permeabilizes membranes to Ca2+
Authors: de Sautu Marilina , Herrmann Tobias , Scanavachi Gustavo , Jenni Simon , Harrison Stephen C.
Published: April 2024

Rotaviruses infect cells by delivering into the cytosol a transcriptionally active inner capsid particle (a "double-layer particle": DLP). Delivery is the function of a third, outer layer, which drives uptake from the cell surface into small vesicles from which the DLPs escape. In published work, we followed stages of rhesus rotavirus (RRV) entry by live-cell imaging and correlated them with structures from cryogenic electron microscopy and tomography (cryo-EM and cryo-ET). The virus appears to wrap itself in membrane, leading to complete engulfment and loss of Ca2+ from the vesicle produced by the wrapping. One of the outer-layer proteins, VP7, is a Ca2+-stabilized trimer; loss of Ca2+ releases both VP7 and the other outer-layer protein, VP4, from the particle. VP4, activated by cleavage into VP8* and VP5*, is a trimer that undergoes a large-scale conformational rearrangement, reminiscent of the transition that viral fusion proteins undergo to penetrate a membrane. The rearrangement of VP5* thrusts a 250-residue, C-terminal segment of each of the three subunits outward, while allowing the protein to remain attached to the virus particle and to the cell being infected. We proposed that this segment inserts into the membrane of the target cell, enabling Ca2+ to cross. In the work reported here, we show the validity of key aspects of this proposed sequence. By cryo-EM studies of liposome-attached virions ("triple-layer particles": TLPs) and single-particle fluorescence imaging of liposome-attached TLPs, we confirm insertion of the VP4 C-terminal segment into the membrane and ensuing generation of a Ca2+ "leak". The results allow us to formulate a molecular description of early events in entry. We also discuss our observations in the context of other work on double-strand RNA virus entry.
Investigation of Underwater Photogrammetry Method with Cost-Effective Action Cameras and Comparative Analysis between Reconstructed 3D Point Clouds
Authors: Hamal Seda Nur Gamze , Ulvi Ali
Published: April 2024

Currently, digital cameras and equipment used underwater are often inaccessible to the general public due to their professional-grade quality and high cost. Therefore alternative solutions have been sought that are both cost-effective and suitable for nonprofessional use. A review of
the literature shows that researchers primarily use GoPro action cameras, while other action cameras with similar capabilities are rarely used. This study thus examines underwater photogrammetry methods using a widely recognized action camera as a reference and compares it with another camera
of similar characteristics as a potential alternative. For a comprehensive temporal analysis in underwater studies, both cameras were used to capture photographic and video imagery, and the resulting 3D point clouds were compared. Comparison criteria included data collection and processing
times, point cloud densities, cloud-to-cloud analysis, and assessments of surface density and roughness. Having analysed, the study concluded that the proposed alternative action camera can feasibly be used in underwater photogrammetry.
Monitoring Based on InSAR for the Xinmo Village Landslide in Western Sichuan, China
Authors: Zheng Zezhong , Yu Shuang , Xie Chuhang , Yang Jiali , Zhu Mingcang , He Yong
Published: April 2024

A devastating landslide incident occurred on 24 June 2017, causing huge losses for Xinmo Village in western Sichuan. In this paper, we used two interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) methods, permanent scatterer (PS)-InSAR and small baseline subset (SBAS)- InSAR, to analyze
deformation signals in the area in the 2 years leading up to the landslide event using Sentinel-1A ascending data. Our experimental findings from PS-InSAR and SBAS-InSAR revealed that the deformation rates in the study region ranged between –50 to 20 mm/year and –30 to 10 mm/year,
respectively. Furthermore, the deformation rates of the same points, as determined by these methods, exhibited a significant increase prior to the event. We also investigated the causal relationship between rainfall and landslide events, demonstrating that deformation rates correlate with
changes in rainfall, albeit with a time lag. Therefore, using time-series InSAR for landslide monitoring in Xinmo Village is a viable approach.
Podobieństwo fizyczne a dobór dawcy w procedurach medycznie wspomaganej prokreacji
Authors: Łukasiewicz Rafał
Published: April 2024

Ustawa o leczeniu niepłodności umożliwia biorcom (małżeństwom, parom odmiennej płci) dostęp do dawstwa heterologicznego. Dopasowanie dawcy jest dokonywane przez lekarza, który jest zobowiązany ustalić podobieństwo fenotypowe między dawcą (dawcami) komórek rozrodczych (zarodków) a biorcami. Zgodnie z prawem polskim brane są pod uwagę następujące dane fenotypowe: wzrost, waga, kolor oczu, kolor włosów, struktura włosa (proste, kręcone, falowane), budowa ciała, rasa, pochodzenie etniczne. Celem niniejszego artykułu jest określenie możliwości zastosowania innych metod doboru wykorzystywanych do zapewnienia wyższego poziomu podobieństwa fizycznego między dawcą (dawcami) a biorcą (biorcami), które są stosowane w innych systemach prawnych, takie jak porównanie zdjęć lub zastosowanie nowoczesnych technologii opartych na rozpoznawaniu twarzy. Jest to uzasadnione tym, że polscy pacjenci mogą uczestniczyć w programach dawstwa za granicą (gdzie proces doboru dawcy różni się od polskich regulacji) i komórki rozrodcze mogą być wysyłane z międzynarodowych banków komórek rozrodczych i dostarczane do polskich klinik. Badania przeprowadzono, wykorzystując analizę komparatystyczną prawa i praktyk w Polsce oraz za granicą. Autor dochodzi do konkluzji, że obecne regulacje są niewystarczające, i formułuje propozycje nowelizacji prawa polskiego w kierunku zastosowania zdjęć i technologii rozpoznawania twarzy w procesie doboru dawcy.
Czy istnieje norma językowa? Między snobizmem i modą a potrzebami języka
Authors: Szczyszek Michał
Published: April 2024

In this article, I engage in a discussion of the approaches of the normativists postulating the absence of a linguistic norm and assuming the identification of the norm with usus. I have made an attempt to prove the existence of the norm as a level of internal organisation of language, based on linguistic and mathematical-computational considerations. I accept the need for separate models of language: linguistic and mathematical, which serve different purposes and have different properties. I ponder the dual nature of language manifested by its finite infinity, assuming that only the usus is infinite. I postulate the adoption of a theory (formulated by K. Kłosińska) assuming the existence of an invariant norm together with ‘allonorms’. I also propose the introduction of the probabilistic Gaussian model into the codification procedures of the linguistic norm as a method objectifying the procedure and removing the (qualitative and quantitative) arbitrariness of codifiers.
Literatura jako ilustracja zagadnień gramatycznych i leksykalnych – casus górnołużycki
Authors: Bura Renata
Published: April 2024

This article raises the issue of using fiction to present grammatical and lexical phenomena. The subject of the study is the most important Upper Sorbian grammars (Hinc Šewc Gramatika hornjoserbskeje rěče, 1968 and 1976; Helmut Faßke, Siegfried Michalk Grammatik der obersorbischen Schriftsprache der Gegenwart. Morphologie, 1981) and a phraseological dictionary (Anatolij Ivčenko, Sonja Wölke Hornjoserbski frazeologiski słownik, 2004). The aim of the study is to assess the usefulness of linguistic material taken from fiction for illustrating grammatical and lexical issues. The material contained in the mentioned grammars and dictionaries also says a lot about the language of the most frequently cited authors.