bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinetic analysis of paramyxovirus-sialoglycan receptor interactions reveals virion motility
Authors: Wu Xuesheng , Goebbels Maite , Chao Lemeng , Wennekes Tom , van Kuppeveld Frank J. M. , de Vries Erik , de Haan Cornelis A. M.
Published: March 2023

Many viruses initiate infection by binding to sialoglycan receptors at the cell surface. Binding to such receptors comes at a cost, however, as the sheer abundance of sialoglycans e.g. in mucus, may immobilize virions to non-functional decoy receptors. As a solution, sialoglycan-binding as well as sialoglycan-cleavage activities are often present in these viruses, which for paramyxoviruses are combined in the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein. The dynamic interactions of sialoglycan-binding paramyxoviruses with their receptors are thought to be key determinants of species tropism, replication and pathogenesis. Here we used biolayer interferometry to perform kinetic analyses of receptor interactions of animal and human paramyxoviruses (Newcastle disease virus, Sendai virus, and human parainfluenza virus 3). We show that these viruses display strikingly different receptor interaction dynamics, which correlated with their receptor-binding and -cleavage activities and the presence of a second sialic acid binding site. Virion binding was followed by sialidase-driven release, during which virions cleaved sialoglycans until a virus-specific density was reached, which was largely independent of virion concentration. Sialidase-driven virion release was furthermore shown to be a cooperative process and to be affected by pH. We propose that paramyxoviruses display sialidase-driven virion motility on a receptor-coated surface, until a threshold receptor density is reached at which virions start to dissociate. Similar motility has previously been observed for influenza viruses and is likely to also apply to sialoglycan-interacting embecoviruses. Analysis of the balance between receptor-binding and -cleavage increases our understanding of host species tropism determinants and zoonotic potential of viruses.
An unconventional SNARE complex mediates exocytosis at the plasma membrane and vesicular fusion at the apical annuli in Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Fu Jiawen , Zhao Lin , Yang Juan , Chen Heming , Cao Shinuo , Jia Honglin
Published: March 2023

Exocytosis is a key active process in cells by which proteins are released in bulk via the fusion of exocytic vesicles with the plasma membrane. Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) protein-mediated vesicle fusion with the plasma membrane is essential in most exocytotic pathways. In mammalian cells, the vesicular fusion step of exocytosis is normally mediated by Syntaxin-1 (Stx1) and SNAP25 family proteins (SNAP25 and SNAP23). However, in Toxoplasma gondii, a model organism of Apicomplexa, the only SNAP25 family protein, with a SNAP29-like molecular structure, is involved in vesicular fusion at the apicoplast. Here, we reveal that an unconventional SNARE complex comprising TgStx1, TgStx20, and TgStx21 mediates vesicular fusion at the plasma membrane. This complex is essential for the exocytosis of surface proteins and vesicular fusion at the apical annuli in T. gondii.
Punk and decolonial thinking in Bogota, Colombia
Authors: Campion Minerva
Published: March 2023

This article gathers the work carried out with three punk bands of Bogota to talk about decoloniality regarding race, class and gender. To analyse the latter the theoretical framework we proposed was decolonial aesthetics and liberating music praxis. The results from the research were two-fold: on the one hand, through a quantitative methodology, Bogota’s punk scene composition regarding race, class and gender; and on the other hand, through a qualitative methodology, a discursive analysis of the workshops, the in-depth interviews and the lyrics of the songs. We sought to answer the question: how does punk connect with decoloniality and become a music genre that supports the narration of oppressions?
The impact of culture on market competitiveness and food security for small indigenous species: An examination of theDagaafishery in Lake Victoria, Kenya
Authors: Onyango Horace Owiti , Ochiewo Jacob
Published: March 2023

The Dagaa fishery accounts for the largest production in Lake Victoria, with many socio-economic benefits to artisanal fishers, traders, and most riparian poor households. However, it has lagged in comparative value to other key endemic species because it is perceived as fish for the poor. This study sought to investigate the influence of Luo socio-cultural perception of Dagaa on the purchasing habits of local Kenyan households. Secondary data from the 2015/16 Kenya Integrated Household Budget Survey was used to conduct a multiple linear regression to test the research hypothesis. Results indicate that being a Luo household in the Lake's basin could reduce consumption of Dagaa by an estimated 0.055 kg per week, whereas a food-poor household is apt to consume 0.062 kg more Dagaa within the basin. We therefore recommend that culture should be considered and mainstreamed in developing technologies and marketing strategies for the Dagaa fishery of Lake Victoria.
Impact of Mekong River biodiversity on the food culture of women and children in Prey Veng, Cambodia
Authors: Nurhasan Mulia , Sok Daream , Thilsted Shakuntala H. , Nguon Samnang , James David , Ritz Christian , Sok Seyha , Chhoun Chamnan , Roos Nanna
Published: March 2023

Situated in the heart of the Mekong River basin, the biodiversity of Cambodian freshwaters is high, with around 475 fish species. Fisheries have shaped Cambodian culture, including traditional diets. Fish and other aquatic animals are the main and culturally preferred animal-source foods in a population vulnerable to food insecurity and malnutrition. The food culture of consuming fish with the bones and head is nutritionally valuable, providing high-quality nutrients. The objective of this study was to assess the consumption of fish and other aquatic animals among mothers and their young children, with details on species, types of processing, and parts consumed. We interviewed 100 mothers in Prey Veng Province, Cambodia, on fish and other aquatic animals consumed by themselves and their children (one child per mother) during the preceding rainy season. To support recall of fish consumption, we used 157 cards with pictures of fish and other aquatic animal species and 11 cards with processed fish. Our results showed that species diversity in mothers’ diets was higher than that of their children; on average, mothers and children consumed 69 and 14 species of fish, eight and one species of other aquatic animals, respectively, in the preceding rainy season. On average, mothers reported they knew of 113 fish species and 14 other species available in their surrounding environments. Consuming fish with the head and bones is common among mothers but not children. Our study showed that the rich biodiversity of aquatic animals in the Mekong River is reflected in the food culture of mothers, but not in children. Consequently, children in their most critical period, do not harness the nutritional benefits from the rich aquatic biodiversity. We suggest policymakers recommend feeding young children with a larger diversity of aquatic animals and promoting fish processing to allow young children to benefit from the rich aquatic diversity and their nutrient-rich parts.
Diversidades sexuais, de gênero e identidade
Authors: Caribé Yuri Jivago Amorim , Viana Maria Rita Drumond , Morais Juliana Borges Oliveira de
Published: March 2023

A partir da constatação de que a literatura por muito tempo privilegiou expectativas e visões de mundo heteronormativas, também foram lançadas obras com o propósito de discutir uma “temporalidade queer”, com destaque para escritores como Jack Halberstam (2005), Elizabeth Freeman (2010) e Lee Edelman (2004). Nessa direção, buscamos organizar uma contribuição, na forma deste número temático, que reúne uma gama de trabalhos acadêmicos relacionados às diversidades sexuais, de gênero e de identidade não somente em textos literários, mas também em filmes e em outras artes e mídias. Logo, a academia cumpre papel relevante ao produzir paratextos (livros, ensaios, artigos e resenhas) que discutem obras afinadas com essas diversidades, convidando seus leitores/espectadores a repensá-las, algo que reitera seu compromisso político.
Pode a travesti amar?
Authors: Fernandes Carlos Eduardo Albuquerque
Published: March 2023

Este artigo discute sobre as relações entre personagens travestis da literatura brasileira do século XX e as demais personagens masculinas com as quais formam laços de conjugalidade ou somente afetivos e sexuais. Escolhemos dois textos literários emblemáticos para enfatizar essa discussão: o conto “A grande atração”, de Raimundo Magalhães Junior, publicado em 1936; e o romance Uma mulher diferente, de Cassandra Rios, publicado em 1965. Ambos expressam conflitos entre a experiência de travestilidade das personagens principais e a masculinidade hegemônica de seus parceiros. A base teórica utilizada se concentra na área de gênero e de sexualidades e se divide nas etnografias sobre travestis brasileiras de Pelúcio (2009) e Silva (2007), nos estudos literários de Cândido (2007) e Fernandes e Schneider (2017) e nos percursos históricos de Green (2000) e Albuquerque Jr (2010).
Amantes e cúmplices
Authors: Pereira Gabriela Pirotti , Gomes Rosana Ruas Machado
Published: March 2023

A presente análise propõe uma leitura sobre a homossexualidade feminina e como o tema é apresentado no romance As meninas, de Lygia Fagundes Telles. Este trabalho pretende debater questões de gênero e sexualidade sob a teoria de Judith Butler, discutindo também os conceitos de identidade e diferença. O estudo reflete sobre o silenciamento das identidades lésbicas, bissexuais – e outras – e discorre sobre como o tema é inserido na narrativa, tendo em vista o contexto de sua publicação durante a ditadura militar no Brasil. A partir dos tópicos analisados, pode-se considerar que a narradora Lia demonstra uma série de conflitos pessoais; embora busque construir sua identidade por meio da diferença ao rejeitar padrões de feminilidade e sustente ideias libertárias em sua militância de esquerda, Lia rejeita qualquer sugestão de que ela poderia não ser heterossexual – o que pode exemplificar a força do discurso normativo sobre o indivíduo.
Pengembangan Alat Peraga Penjernihan Air Sederhana Materi Koloid berbasis Green Chemistry
Authors: Nafira Amelia
Published: March 2023

Materi sistem koloid merupakan salah satu materi kimia yang dapat diterapkan konsep green chemistry. Banyak sekali fenomena alam atau peristiwa sehari hari yang dapat dikaitkan dengan sistem koloid. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan media berupa alat peraga penjernihan air sederhana berbasis green chemistry pada materi sistem koloid di SMA/MA. Model pengembangan dalam penelitian ini mengadaptasi model 4D (Define, Design, Development, dan Disseminate). Produk yang dikembangkan divalidasi oleh oleh dosen ahli materi dan dosen ahli media. Penilaian produk juga dilakukan oleh dua guru kimia SMA/MA serta direspon oleh 10 siswa. Instrumen penelitian berupa lembar validasi, penilaian kualitas produk dan lembar respon siswa. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa produk yang dikembangkan memiliki kualitas yang sangat baik berdasarkan penilaian dosen ahli materi, dosen ahli media, dan dua orang guru kimia SMA/MA memiliki kualitas yang sangat baik (SB) dengan persentase keidealan berturut-turut sebesar 91,3 %, 95 %, dan 96%. Respon siswa dikategorikan sangat baik (SB) dengan persentase keidealan sebesar 93%. Panduan penggunaan dan pembuatan alat peraga berdasarkan penilaian dosen ahli materi, dosen ahli media, dan dua orang guru kimia memiliki kualitas yang sangat baik (SB) dengan persentase keidealan berturut-turut sebesar 92,3 %, 93 %, dan 95%.
Análise ergonômica em postos de trabalho de uma empresa de pequeno porte
Authors: Suntti Carla , Medeiros Gilnei Ribeiro de , Camara Inara Pagnussat
Published: March 2023

No contexto do sistema de produção em conjunto com os princípios básicos de ergonomia em postos de trabalho, este artigo busca apresentar um estudo de caso desenvolvido para avaliar as condições ergonômicas dos trabalhadores de uma fábrica semiautomatizada de artefatos de cimento como bloco e pavimento intertravado (paver). Buscamos discutir como a falta de interação na concepção de projetos contribui para o aparecimento de problemas ergonômicos ocasionados aos colaboradores para o desenvolvimento das tarefas. O objetivo deste estudo é um projeto de melhoria das condições dos postos de trabalho. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de caráter qualitativo explanado em um estudo de caso, utilizando os métodos OWAS (Ovako Working posture Assessement System) e NIOSH (Instituto Nacional Conjunto de Segurança e Saúde Ocupacional) como base. Com a aplicação dos métodos verificou-se a necessidade de ações corretivas nas atividades de movimentação de matéria prima, paletização de material e coleta do material da prensa, visando a utilização de requisitos de projeto que possibilitem aos atores envolvidos desenvolverem mudanças que beneficiem o trabalhador e qualifiquem a forma de produção.
Proposta de aplicação da metodologia Lean Startup em uma empresa de base tecnológica de Goiás
Authors: Araújo Juliana Alves , Yamanaka Lie
Published: March 2023

O objetivo deste trabalho é propor a aplicação da “Metodologia Lean Startup”, como forma de melhorar a organização interna de uma empresa de base tecnológica de Goiás. Essa abordagem à gestão empreendedora propõe a criação de novos negócios no modelo de startups, para auxiliar empreendedores e gestores nas tomadas de decisões sobre projetos recém-criados, a partir da experimentação e validação das estratégias, para aumentar a possibilidade de construírem uma startup de sucesso. Para elaboração do presente trabalho foi desenvolvida uma pesquisa de caráter exploratório por meio de um estudo de caso. O estudo de caso foi realizado em uma empresa nascente de base tecnológica incubada no Centro de Empreendedorismo e Inovação da Universidade Federal de Goiás (CEI/UFG). Foram realizadas visitas e entrevistas semiestruturadas com a empreendedora fundadora sobre o processo de criação e gestão da empresa; sobre o conhecimento da metodologia lean startup e de seus parâmetros. Em seguida, foi feita a proposta de aplicação da metodologia, ressaltando a sua importância para colaborar com a alavancagem da empresa, especialmente, no que diz respeito ao desenvolvimento e lançamento de produtos de acordo com as necessidades do cliente. Como resultado, verificou-se que alguns dos parâmetros eram conhecidos pela empreendedora fundadora, mas não eram utilizados pela empresa. A partir da análise individual de cada parâmetro, foi elaborada a proposta de acordo com os princípios e ferramentas utilizadas pela metodologia lean startup.
Neocamarosporium aquaticum (Neocamarosporiaceae, Dothideomycetes), a novel fungus from salt marsh habitats
Authors: Prematunga Chasika , Boonmee Saranyaphat , Jones E. B. Gareth , Calabon Mark S.
Published: March 2023

Neocamarosporium aquaticum, collected from a drift dead stem of a halophyte at the Kench Nature Reserve, Hayling Island, UK, is described as a new species in the family Neocamarosporiaceae, Dothideomycetes. Multi-locus analyses based on LSU, SSU, ITS rDNA, and EF1-α placed the new fungus as a distinct species in the genus Neocamarosporium, a sister to Neocamarosporium aesturinum isolated from seawater. The new species is characterized by the asexual morph with pycnidial conidiomata, doliiform, enteroblastic, annellidic conidiogenous cells, and conidia that are initially hyaline, aseptate, with longitudinal and transverse septa when matured, muriform, and turning brown to dark brown on maturity. Neocamarosporium aquaticum and Ne. aesturinum differ in the colour of the conidia, degree of septation, and conidial measurements.
SARS CoV-2 spike protein-guided exosome isolation facilitates detection of potential miRNA biomarkers in COVID-19 infections
Authors: Mimmi Selena , Zimbo Anna Maria , Rotundo Salvatore , Cione Erika , Nisticò Nancy , Aloisio Annamaria , Maisano Domenico , Tolomeo Anna Maria , Dattilo Vincenzo , Lionello Rosaria , Fioravanti Antonella , Di Loria Antonio , Quirino Angela , Marascio Nadia , Russo Alessandro , Trecarichi Enrico Maria , Matera Giovanni , Quinto Ileana , Torti Carlo , Iaccino Enrico
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Nearly three years into the pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 infections are occurring in vaccinated and naturally infected populations. While humoral and cellular responses in COVID-19 are being characterized, novel immune biomarkers also being identified. Recently, an increase in angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 expressing (aka, ACE2 positive) circulating exosomes (ExoACE2) were identified in the plasma of COVID-19 patients (El-Shennawy et al.). In this pilot study, we describe a method to characterize the exosome-associated microRNA (exo-miRNA) signature in ACE2-positive and ACE2-negative exosomal populations (non-ExoACE2).

Methods

We performed a sorting protocol using the recombinant biotin-conjugated SARS CoV-2 spike protein containing the receptor binding domain (RBD) on plasma samples from six patients. Following purification, exo-miRNA were characterized for ACE2-positive and ACE2-negative exosome subpopulations by RT-PCR.

Results

We identified differential expression of several miRNA. Specifically let-7g-5p and hsa-miR-4454+miR-7975 were upregulated, while hsa-miR-208a-3p and has-miR-323-3p were downregulated in ExoACE2 vs. non-ExoACE2.

Conclusions

The SARS CoV-2 spike-protein guided exosome isolation permits isolation of ExoACE2 exosomes. Such purification facilitates detailed characterization of potential biomarkers (e.g. exo-miRNA) for COVID-19 patients. This method could be used for future studies to further the understanding mechanisms of host response against SARS CoV-2.
Area-minimizing hypersurfaces in manifolds of Ricci curvature bounded below
Authors: Ding Qi
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we study area-minimizing hypersurfaces in manifolds of Ricci curvature bounded below with Cheeger–Colding theory. LetNi{N_{i}}be a sequence of smooth manifolds with Ricci curvature≥-n⁢κ2{\geq-n\kappa^{2}}onB1+κ′⁢(pi){B_{1+\kappa^{\prime}}(p_{i})}for constantsκ≥0{\kappa\geq 0},κ′>0{\kappa^{\prime}>0}, and volume ofB1⁢(pi){B_{1}(p_{i})}has a positive uniformly lower bound. AssumeB1⁢(pi){B_{1}(p_{i})}converges to a metric ballB1⁢(p∞){B_{1}(p_{\infty})}in the Gromov–Hausdorff sense. For a sequence of area-minimizing hypersurfacesMi{M_{i}}inB1⁢(pi){B_{1}(p_{i})}with∂⁡Mi⊂∂⁡B1⁢(pi){\partial M_{i}\subset\partial B_{1}(p_{i})}, we prove the continuity for the volume function of area-minimizing hypersurfaces equipped with the induced Hausdorff topology. In particular, each limitM∞{M_{\infty}}ofMi{M_{i}}is area-minimizing inB1⁢(p∞){B_{1}(p_{\infty})}providedB1⁢(p∞){B_{1}(p_{\infty})}is a smooth Riemannian manifold. By blowing up argument, we get sharp dimensional estimates for the singular set ofM∞{M_{\infty}}inℛ{\mathcal{R}}, and𝒮∩M∞{\mathcal{S}\cap M_{\infty}}. Here,ℛ{\mathcal{R}}and𝒮{\mathcal{S}}are the regular and singular parts ofB1⁢(p∞){B_{1}(p_{\infty})}, respectively.
The Religious Dimension of the First Antisemitic Violence in Eastern Galicia (June–July 1941): Manifestations and interpretations
Authors: Moutier-Bitan Marie
Published: March 2023

This article deals with the religious dimension of the violence against the Jews in Eastern Galicia at the start of Operation Barbarossa (the invasion of the Soviet Union by Nazi Germany on June 22, 1941), in June–July 1941. It examines the context of the various attacks, such as the burning of synagogues, the public persecutions of devout Jews, in addition to the verbal insults, especially by priests instigating the local population against their Jewish neighbors. The paper looks at the political use of these narratives, as well as their consequences and justifications.
Molecular determinants of protein half-life in chloroplasts with focus on the Clp protease system
Authors: Winckler Lioba Inken , Dissmeyer Nico
Published: March 2023

Proteolysis is an essential process to maintain cellular homeostasis. One pathway that mediates selective protein degradation and which is in principle conserved throughout the kingdoms of life is the N-degron pathway, formerly called the ‘N-end rule’. In the cytosol of eukaryotes and prokaryotes, N-terminal residues can be major determinants of protein stability. While the eukaryotic N-degron pathway depends on the ubiquitin proteasome system, the prokaryotic counterpart is driven by the Clp protease system. Plant chloroplasts also contain such a protease network, which suggests that they might harbor an organelle specific N-degron pathway similar to the prokaryotic one. Recent discoveries indicate that the N-terminal region of proteins affects their stability in chloroplasts and provides support for a Clp-mediated entry point in an N-degron pathway in plastids. This review discusses structure, function and specificity of the chloroplast Clp system, outlines experimental approaches to test for an N-degron pathway in chloroplasts, relates these aspects into general plastid proteostasis and highlights the importance of an understanding of plastid protein turnover.
Synthesis and optical properties of phosphorus doped ZnO: X-ray absorption, X-ray emission, and X-ray excited optical luminescence studies
Authors: Dong Zhi Liang , Wang Zhiqiang , Yiu Yun-Mui , Fu Jiamin , Lin Bi-Hsuan , Chang Lo-Yueh , Sham Tsun-Kong
Published: March 2023

Over the past decades, zinc oxide semiconductor and its derivatives have been extensively developed because of its optoelectronic properties. Since ZnO is an intrinsic n-type semiconductor, how to synthesize high-quality p-type ZnO semiconductors and investigate their optoelectronic properties and local chemical structures are important and necessary. In this article, two studies of synthesizing both undoped and phosphorus-doped ZnO nanostructures by hydrothermal method and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique are presented. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laboratory X-ray diffraction (XRD) are used to track the surface morphology and the crystalline structure of both undoped and phosphorus doped ZnO nanostructures, respectively. X-ray absorption near edge structures (XANES), X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) and X-ray excited optical luminescence (XEOL) are also used to determine the local chemical information of both undoped and phosphorus-doped ZnO nano/microstructures such as local symmetry and optical properties. It is found that the phosphorus is successfully doped into the surface of ZnO and substituted the Zn. The phosphorus-doped ZnO products have better crystallinity and less oxygen vacancies on the surface. These two are correlated as one leads to the other. The XEOL results suggest that the average bandgap for undoped and phosphorus doped ZnO is the same, 3.24 eV. The second derivative of the absorption-emission spectra yields the fundamental bandgap for undoped ZnO and phosphorus-doped ZnO is 3.25 eV. The implication of this observation is discussed.
WPŁYW STARTOWEJ KULTURY KOMERCYJNEJ I ŚRODOWISKOWEJ NA JAKOŚĆ SERÓW PODPUSZCZKOWYCH NIEDOJRZEWAJĄCYCH WYTWARZANYCH Z KROWIEGO NIEPASTERYZOWANEGO MLEKA
Authors: ŚMIGIELSKA NIKOLA , SZOSLAND-FAŁTYN ANNA , BARTODZIEJSKA BEATA
Published: March 2023

Background. The Polish cheese market is dominated by products made from pasteurized milk with commercial culture comprising microorganisms with genetically confirmed species affiliation. Current nutritional trends are focused on enriching the diet with natural products containing microorganisms characteristic of a given environment. Therefore, there is a need to look for ways to improve the quality of raw milk cheeses, which are characterized by a unique taste and aroma, as well as a large variety of lactic acid bacteria from a region. The aim of the study was to determine the quality of unripened rennet cheeses made from unpasteurized milk with two starter cultures: commercial and environmental. A microbiological analysis was carried out in order to: determine the total number of microorganisms, the number of mesophilic lactic acid bacteria, Escherichia coli and the presence of pathogens: Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. and staphylococcal enterotoxin. Results and conclusion. The microbiological quality of raw milk met the requirements for the total number of microorganisms laid down in the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council No. 853/2004, the Commission Regulation No. 2073/2005 (as amended). In cheeses produced using the environmental culture, the number of mesophilic LAB was significantly higher than in the other type of cheese. No pathogens or staphylococcal enterotoxin were detected in any of the products. During a sensory analysis of cheeses after production, it was found that they were very similar to each other in terms of overall acceptability. After 14 days of cheese storage, differences in sensory quality were found in favor of the products made using the environmental starter culture. All tested cheese samples met the requirements for microbiological safety.
Measurement of Flame Heat Flux Using the Cone Calorimeter
Authors: Ibrahimli Vusal , DiDomizio Matthew J. , Lakhani Ayaan A. , Weckman Elizabeth J.
Published: March 2023

The study described in this paper explored methods for measuring heat flux from a flame to a specimen surface using the cone calorimeter. Knowledge of flame heat flux in cone calorimeter measurements of heat release and mass loss rates used as input for fire modeling is needed to make accurate predictions of burning rates in actual fires. Methanol and black poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) samples were subjected to five levels of external irradiance in the cone calorimeter. Two methods were used for estimating flame heat flux to the fuel surface. First, simultaneous measurements of mass burning and heat release rate were obtained and values of effective heats of gasification and combustion, as well as fractions of heat release rate corresponding to heat feedback (heat feedback fraction) and heat flux from the flame to the fuel surface, were derived. Fractions of 0.076 and 0.065 and flame heat fluxes between 16.6 and 17.5 kW/m2 and between 3.5 and 18.2 kW/m2 were calculated for methanol and PMMA, respectively. Second, flame heat flux and corresponding heat feedback fractions were estimated by measuring the total heat flux to the fuel surface with a water-cooled heat flux gauge in the sample holder. Measured flame heat flux and derived heat feedback fraction decreased with increasing external irradiance for both fuels, possibly due to attenuation of thermal radiation by unburned fuel vapor above the heat flux gauge. Additional study of this phenomenon is needed. Because of uncertainties associated with flame heat flux values determined via measurement of total heat flux to the sample surface, the first approach is currently recommended for quantification of flame heat flux to condensed-phase fuels using the cone calorimeter. More work is needed to extend and validate the approach for condensed-phase fuels that produce soot-laden flames and do not burn at a steady rate.
Current and Future Parameters Used by the Fire Dynamics Simulator
Authors: McGrattan Kevin , Floyd Jason
Published: March 2023

This paper discusses important input parameters used by the Fire Dynamics Simulator, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of fire. Suggestions are made for new or enhanced submodels and measurements specifically for CFD models of fire.
Semantic Representations during Language Comprehension Are Affected by Context
Authors: Deniz Fatma , Tseng Christine , Wehbe Leila , Dupré la Tour Tom , Gallant Jack L.
Published: March 2023

The meaning of words in natural language depends crucially on context. However, most neuroimaging studies of word meaning use isolated words and isolated sentences with little context. Because the brain may process natural language differently from how it processes simplified stimuli, there is a pressing need to determine whether prior results on word meaning generalize to natural language. fMRI was used to record human brain activity while four subjects (two female) read words in four conditions that vary in context: narratives, isolated sentences, blocks of semantically similar words, and isolated words. We then compared the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of evoked brain responses, and we used a voxelwise encoding modeling approach to compare the representation of semantic information across the four conditions. We find four consistent effects of varying context. First, stimuli with more context evoke brain responses with higher SNR across bilateral visual, temporal, parietal, and prefrontal cortices compared with stimuli with little context. Second, increasing context increases the representation of semantic information across bilateral temporal, parietal, and prefrontal cortices at the group level. In individual subjects, only natural language stimuli consistently evoke widespread representation of semantic information. Third, context affects voxel semantic tuning. Finally, models estimated using stimuli with little context do not generalize well to natural language. These results show that context has large effects on the quality of neuroimaging data and on the representation of meaning in the brain. Thus, neuroimaging studies that use stimuli with little context may not generalize well to the natural regime.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTContext is an important part of understanding the meaning of natural language, but most neuroimaging studies of meaning use isolated words and isolated sentences with little context. Here, we examined whether the results of neuroimaging studies that use out-of-context stimuli generalize to natural language. We find that increasing context improves the quality of neuro-imaging data and changes where and how semantic information is represented in the brain. These results suggest that findings from studies using out-of-context stimuli may not generalize to natural language used in daily life.
Influence of gadolinium doping on structural properties of carbon nanotubes
Authors: Abaszade R.G. , Babanli M.B. , Kotsyubynsky V.O. , Mammadov A.G. , Gür E. , Kapush О.А. , Stetsenko M.O. , Zapukhlyak R.I.
Published: March 2023

The paper presents an analysis of SEM, EDX, Raman scattering, and FTIR of Gadolinium-doped multi-walled carbon nanotubes obtained by hydrothermal method. The morphological characteristics of the materials were studied and their compositions were analyzed. Hydrothermal doping of MWCNs with Gd causes the formation of 3D network architecture and sharply increases the content of oxygen surface functionality. An unidentified intense broad peak for Gd-doped material at 2940 cm-1 was observed. The defect state of Gd-doped MWCNTs was studied by Raman spectroscopy.
Kinetic study of methyl orange adsorption on activated carbon derived from pine (Pinus strobus) sawdust
Authors: Yakout Sobhy M. , Hassan Mohamed R. , El-Zaidy Mohamed E. , Shair Omar H. , Salih Abdalrhaman M.
Published: March 2023

Pine (Pinus strobus) sawdust (PSD), a sawmill waste, was used as a precursor for the preparation of activated carbon through a chemical activation technique with phosphoric acid at 600 °C (100 min). Phosphoric acid pine sawdust activated carbon (PSDP) was characterized and used for the adsorption of methyl orange (MO). The textural examination was applied to determine the total pore volume and specific surface area of PSDP. Carbon surface functional groups were identified utilizing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The effects of pH, contact time, and adsorbent mass on the sorption were investigated in a batch procedure mode. Kinetic information was studied that followed the pseudo-second-order model. The results showed that PSDP could be used as a low-cost adsorbent for MO adsorption from waste effluents.
Cellulose nanofibril grades’ effect on the strength and drainability of security paper
Authors: Kim Kyung Min , Lee Ji Young , Jo Hae Min , Kim Su Ho
Published: March 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the grades of cellulose nanofibril (CNF) on the strength and drainage of security paper made from cotton lint mixed pulp (CLMP). Refined CNF (RE-CNF), enzymatic CNF (EN-CNF), and carboxymethylated CNF (CM-CNF) were prepared, and their characteristics were analyzed. Handsheets were made via the addition of three CNFs into CLMP furnish, and their physical properties were measured. The drainability of the CLMP in the presence of CNFs was also determined depending on the grades and the dosage of the CNFs. The CM-CNF was the most effective at enhancing tensile strength by 50%, folding endurance by 464%, and sheet density by 10% when 5% of CM-CNF was added in the CLMP furnish. Moreover, 5% of EN-CNF improved tensile strength by 30% and folding endurance by 156%, but it was less effective as a paper strength promotor than CM-CNF and RE-CNF. A dramatic drainage reduction by 34% was observed when 5% of CM-CNF was added into the CLMP furnish, and EN-CNF presented the highest drainage rate. A high dosage of CNFs deteriorated the furnish drainage and promoted the strength. Therefore, papermakers should select the proper grade and the dosage of CNF for the manufacture of high-strength security paper.
Evaluation of screw pulling and flexural strength of bamboo-based oil palm trunk veneer hybrid biocomposites intended for furniture applications
Authors: Siti Suhaily S. , Gopakumar Deepu A. , Aprilia N. A. Sri , Rizal Samsul , Paridah M. T. , Abdul Khalil H. P. S.
Published: March 2023

Screw withdrawal and flexural strength were evaluated for Dendrocalamus asper and Gigantochloa levis bamboo species to explore the possibility of their use as structural material in place of wood. Dry bamboo strips and 4-mm-thick oil palm trunk veneer (OPTV) were processed into thin laminates and hot-pressed using urea formaldehyde resin to produce bamboo-OPTV hybrid biocomposites. Bamboo furniture is far more resistant to damage than traditional hardwoods. Bamboo is even used in cutting boards for this reason. Even though there have been some reports on the mechanical enhancement of the bamboo-based composites, so far there has been no comprehensive study on the screw pulling and flexural strength of bamboo-based hybrid composites. The results revealed a stronger correlation of the bamboo hybrid under screw withdrawal and flexural strength, but there was a weaker correlation in the mechanical properties of the bamboo hybrid due to the random selection of laminate from different bamboo species. Furthermore, test results clearly showed that bamboo-OPTV hybrid biocomposites can be used as an alternative to wood and wood-based composites for furniture applications.
Baltic Archaeology, Cultural History, Ancient Lithuanian Symbolism, Old Europe, and the Archaeomythology of Marija Gimbutas
Authors: Marler Joan
Published: March 2023

Marija Alseikaitė-Gimbutienė (Gimbutas) (1921–1994) was born and raised in Lithuania within a family of physicians and intellectuals devoted to the preservation of Lithuanian folk culture. She studied archaeology with Professor Jonas Puzinas who was the first scientifically trained archaeologist in independent Lithuania. Marija Gimbutas was thoroughly trained in Eastern European archaeology, Baltic prehistory, Indo-European linguistics, ethnology, history, folklore, mythology, and European languages taught by the most accomplished Lithuanian scholars in their fields. In 1942 she earned a Master՚s degree at Vilnius University for her thesis on “Burial Practices in the Lithuanian Iron Age.” In 1946 she earned her doctorate in archaeology from Tübingen University in Germany before immigrating to the United States in 1949. This paper traces her prodigious production of major publications and scholarly achievements fostered by her multidisciplinary education in Lithuania. It discusses the development of her Kurgan hypothesis, her excavations in Southeastern Europe, her theory of Old Europe, her formulation of archaeomythology, and the ancient veneration of the earth as the source of life.
Pytheas the Massaliot and the Baltic. Myth or Reality?
Authors: Tillisch Søren Skriver
Published: March 2023

Pytheas the Massaliot travelled the entire European coastline from Gades (Cadiz) to the mythological northern mouth of the Tanais (Don), circumnavigated Britain, reached ultima Thule, probably the Faroes, and the amber island of Abalus, probably Thy, and Norway, possibly the land of the Periscians.This article revisits the idea of Pytheas reaching the Baltic, very possibly the area of the northern mouth of Tanais (Vistula? Nemunas?), and the idea of Kaali on Saaremaa as “the place where the sun went to bed”’. The examination of the question is introduced with a historiographical excursus and chapters on the scientific background of the journey, the measurements of Pytheas, his hometown Massalia and his journey as far as the Western Baltic. The argument will be exposed through analysis and comparison of the archaeological and written evidence.In conclusion it is argued that Kaali on Saaremaa was visited by Pytheas the Massaliot and may indeed be considered “the place where the sun went to bed” but not “ultima Thule”.
Re-considering Processual and Post-Processual Archaeology: Can a Historical Approach Help Nuance the Usage of aDNA and Archaeogenetics
Authors: Andersson Adam
Published: March 2023

This article addresses the question of the use of modern archaeogenetics, taking into account the history of the discipline of archaeology itself, and comparing the criticisms that processual archaeology received with the criticisms that are currently directed to the use of archaeogenetics and “new” scientific methods. This paper illustrates that there are several parallels between processual archaeology in the 1980s and the criticisms received by contemporary users of archaeogenetics. This can be seen by examining the criticism that both have received and are currently receiving. This article aims to stimulate discussion about how the discipline best applies these scientific methods which are being increasingly used. The paper likewise aims to add to the discourse on how the discipline of archaeology best moves beyond the current concept of mobility and how a historical approach can be useful. At the same time, the work tries to emphasize the importance of learning from the history of one’s discipline and why it is worth taking history as a starting point.
Goddesses and the Moon: Images and Symbols of Сuсuteni–Trypillia
Authors: Burdo Nataliia
Published: March 2023

Maria Gimbutas devoted three fundamental monographs to the study of the religion of prehistoric Europe and the Goddess who, in her opinion, reigned in the sacred space of the population of Neolithic Europe. She believed that modern European civilization has its origins in the early agricultural societies of the Neolithic period from the 7th to the 3rd millennia BC, which corresponds to the term “Old Europe”. According to the researcher, the Great Triune Goddess, associated with the cycle of “birth, nurturing, growth, death, and regeneration”, played a dominant and all-encompassing role in the religion of Old Europe, the “goddess religion”. The analysis of the pictorial tradition of the Cucuteni–Trypillia cultural complex allows us to assert that, in addition to female characters, probably goddesses, the symbolism of the Moon, lunar cycles and sacred images related to the semantic field of the Moon were of particular importance during near 2000 years.
Cow, Bull, Woman, Man (Relief on a Vessel from the End of the Fifth Millennium BC from the Western Black Sea Coast)
Authors: Georgieva Petya
Published: March 2023

In the Varna Eneolithic necropolis three gold applications were found with shapes presenting cattle in profile. They have no clear sexual characteristics. These figures are usually interpreted as bulls. Images with analogous shapes occur rarely on ceramic vessels as well.This paper presents a vessel from the settlement mound Kozareva Mogila (Bulgaria). Two anthropomorphic and two zoomorphic figures are depicted on it. The images are schematic, modeled in relief along the entire middle part, arranged in a horizontal belt and alternating anthropomorphic and zoomorphic. The anthropomorphic ones are presented facing the observer, differing from each other only in that one has embossed female breasts. The zoomorphic ones are presented in profile. In shape they are very close to the gold cattle figures from Varna. Like the human figures, one has a clearly marked sex: a phallus in relief. This indicates that one depicts a bull and the other a cow, a rare example of simultaneous presentation of female and male anthropomorphic and zoomorphic images with clearly marked sex. This scene is a key to identifying the gender of the gold zoomorphic figures from the Varna necropolis, commonly called bulls.
Probiotic Fermentation and Organic Acid Profile in Milk Based Lactic Beverages Containing Potential Prebiotic Apple Constituents
Authors: ÖZCAN Tülay , YILMAZ ERSAN Lütfiye , AKPINAR BAYİZİT Arzu , DELİKANLI KIYAK Berrak , KESER Gökçe , CİNİVİZ Melike , BARAT Abdullah
Published: March 2023

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the viability of probiotic bacteria in a fermented milk beverage fortified with apple juice and to understand the utilization of apple juice as a prebiotic source. The results indicated that the probiotic bacteria used in this study were viable over the predicted shelf life, and the cell counts ranged from 7.48 to 12.00 log10 cfu mL-1, since in order to confer the beneficial health effects on the host the probiotic bacteria must be at a minimum concentration of 6.0 log10 cfu mL-1 at the moment of consumption. However, Lactobacillus casei exhibited higher survival than all the other strains, possibly due to its higher tolerance to low acidity. During fermentation and storage of probiocated milk beverage fortified with apple juice the formation of organic acids were determined as an indirect characteristic of the LAB growth. Lactic, acetic, malic, tartaric and citric acids were the main organic acids, and the amount of propionic and butyric acids as short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) mostly increased during fermentation, depending on the strain.
RESVECH 2.0: cross-cultural adaptation for Brazil, reliability and validity for the evaluation of venous ulcers
Authors: Menegon Marina Rosa , Malaquias Suelen Gomes , Silva Joana Aragão da , Oliveira Beatriz Guitton Renaud Baptista de , Medrano Juan Carlos Restrepo , Verdú-Soriano José , Bachion Maria Márcia
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACT Objectives: to cross-culturally adapt the scale Resultados en la valoración y evolución de la cicatrización de las heridas - RESVECH 2.0 for Brazilian Portuguese; to estimate the internal consistency and construct and criterion validity of the scale in the evaluation of venous ulcers. Methods: methodological study, based on international guidelines for studies of this type. Wounds were evaluated using the RESVECH 2.0 and Pressure Ulcer Scale of Healing 3.0 (PUSH). Descriptive analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach’s alpha and Spearman’s correlation (p<0.05) were used. Results: 12 nurses and 77 people with 153 venous ulcers participated in the study. The translation was successful, the proposed factor model was validated, and Cronbach ‘s alpha = 0.832 (95%CI, 0.780-0.880) and correlation coefficient (RESVECH 2.0 and PUSH 3.0) = 0.74 were obtained. Conclusions: the adaptation of RESVECH 2.0 to Brazilian Portuguese is robust. Reliability and validity show compatibility for use in the country in the evaluation of venous ulcers.
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage: a literature review
Authors: DA-SILVA RODRIGO RODA RODRIGUES , MAFRA LUCAS GALLO DE ALVARENGA , BRUNALDI VITOR OTTOBONI , ALMEIDA LETÍCIA FRANÇA DE , ARTIFON EVERSON LUIZ DE ALMEIDA
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACT Neoplasms of the biliopancreatic confluence may present with obstruction of the bile tract, leading to jaundice, pruritus and cholangitis. In these cases drainage of the bile tract is imperative. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with placement of a choledochal prosthesis is an effective treatment in about 90% of cases, even in experienced hands. In cases of ERCP failure, therapeutic options traditionally include surgical bypass by hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) or percutaneous transparietohepatic drainage (DPTH). In recent years, endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage techniques have gained space because they are less invasive, effective and have an acceptable incidence of complications. Endoscopic echo-guided drainage of the bile duct can be performed through the stomach (hepatogastrostomy), duodenum (choledochoduodenostomy) or by the anterograde drainage technique. Some services consider ultrasound-guided drainage of the bile duct the procedure of choice in the event of ERCP failure. The objective of this review is to present the main types of endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage and compare them with other techniques.
Bilateral inguinal transabdominal pre-peritoneal laparoscopic hernioplasty associated to bilateral laparoscopic varicocelectomy in the same intervention: a feasibility study
Authors: BELKOVSKY MIKHAEL , SARMENTO EDGAR OLIVEIRA , NOVAES LUIS FELIPE COUTO , PASSEROTTI CARLO CAMARGO , PONTES JUNIOR JOSÉ , MAXIMIANO LINDA FERREIRA , OTOCH JOSÉ PINHATA , DA-CRUZ JOSE ARNALDO SHIOMI
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACT Introduction: Inguinal hernia and varicocele are common conditions in male population. Laparoscopy brings the opportunity to treat them simultaneously, through the same incision. However, there are different opinions about the risks for testicular perfusion of multiple procedures in the inguinal region. In this study, we assessed the feasibility of simultaneous laparoscopic procedures by studying clinical and surgical outcomes of patients undergoing bilateral inguinal hernioplasty using the transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) technique with and without concomitant bilateral laparoscopic varicocelectomy (VLB). Methods: a sample of 20 patients from the University Hospital of USP-SP with indirect inguinal hernia and varicocele with indication for surgical correction was selected. Patients were randomized into two groups, 10 undergoing TAPP (Group I) and 10 undergoing simultaneous TAPP and VLB (Group II). Data regarding total operative time, complications and postoperative pain was gathered and analyzed. Results: there was no statistical difference between groups regarding total operative time and postoperative pain. Only one complication (spermatic cord hematoma) was observed in Group I and no complications were observed in Group II. Conclusions: simultaneous TAPP and VLB in was shown to be effective and safe, which provides a basis for conducting studies on larger scales.