bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La presenza cristiana in Mesopotamia e Kurdistan e le sfide del riassetto post-ottomano nell'Iraq contemporaneo (1918-1936)
Authors: Maggiolini Paolo
Published: July 2024

La storia della presenza cristiana in Mesopotamia e Kurdistan a cavallo del Primo conflitto mondiale racconta il travaglio di tutte quelle comunità tagliate fuori dai disegni politici tanto delle cancellerie europee quanto delle nuove leadership nazionaliste della regione. Attraverso la ricostruzione della loro microstoria il contributo ripensa alle conseguenze prodotte dall'imposizione di nuovi confini e sfere di potere all'interno di territori espressione di complesse matrici culturali, religiose e comunitarie. Lo studio degli intrighi, delle incomprensioni e delle diverse visioni circa il loro futuro politico nella regione sarà utile per metter in luce il controverso processo di integrazione di queste realtà liminali all'interno della moderna sintesi irachena.
La "terra di mezzo" tra Iran e Iraq: conflitti e interazioni nel Khuzestan e il ruolo delle comunità arabe nella guerra del 1980-1988
Authors: Perletta Giorgia
Published: July 2024

Questo saggio offre una ricostruzione storico-­politica della regione del Khuzestan finalizzata ad illustrare il tessuto demografico e identitario del territorio e gli effetti che il suo contraddistinto pluralismo ha generato nei meccanismi politici interni e nelle relazioni tra Iran e Iraq, i due stati moderni sorti lungo quest'area di confine. È preso in esame il caso studio della guerra degli anni Ottanta del Novecento e, in particolare, le prime fasi del conflitto, per comprendere le ragioni di natura storica, politica e identitaria, per cui le comunità arabe iraniane stanziate nella regione confinaria non abbiano aderito allo sforzo militare di Baghdad, mosse della comune identità etnica, ma l'abbiano invece ostacolato e respinto. La riflessione che questo saggio vuole intraprendere si concentra sulle comunità arabe di questa "terra di mezzo", una zona liminale e al confine tra due entità politiche che si sono contese a lungo il controllo su questo territorio e la fedeltà dei suoi abitanti. Iran Iraq
Effect of Column Deformation for Steel Frames with Semi-rigid Connection
Authors: Mohammad Shahrin , Tan Cher Siang , Abd Rahman Ahmad Baharuddin , Lee Yeong Huei
Published: July 2024

As semi-rigid behaviour will give a more economical design, it should be applied in the structural steel design. The properties of semi-rigid connection may affect the column design and is the main focus in this study. Complex calculation with semi-rigid consideration in design may cause unfavourable time consuming. Therefore, a simplified column design is needed to eliminate complicated procedures while accommodating the semi-rigid condition. In this analysis, the validated finite element procedure has been used for the analysis of a semi-rigid column in a non-sway frame. Parametric study was performed within variables of types of connection, loading patterns, locations of investigated column and column base fixity. The influences of column slenderness and beam flexibilities were also included and the implications towards the column design were then identified.
Discriminación y generalización temporal en automoldeamiento: transición y estado estable
Authors: Fernández Serra Francisco ,   Universidad de Sevilla, Arias Holgado Ma Francisca , Gómez Sancho Luis E. ,   Universidad de Sevilla,   Universidad de Sevilla
Published: July 2024

Se utilizó un grupo de cinco palomas que, procedentes de una investigación previa, poseían un extenso entrenamiento con un EC automoldeado de 32 s seguido de comida en el 50% de los ensayos. A lo largo del EC los sujetos manifestaron Lll1comportamiento diferenciado consistente en una progresiva aceleración de la tasa de picoteo conforme se acercaba la terminación del EC. Este comportamiento se tomó como línea base para el estudio de la generalización temporal mediante [a instauración de un procedimiento del vértice: ensayos con el EC de 32 s reforzados al 50% (ensayos base) y presentación ocasional de ensayos en extinción con la tecla iluminada durante 64 s (ensayos de prueba). El registro y análisis de la respuesta de picoteo en los ensayos de prueba permitió observar un gradiente de generalización temporal que, en los primeros ensayos, manifestaba desplazamientos del vértice y del área más allá de la duración reforzada de 32 s. La prolongación del entrenamiento diferencial entre ensayos base y ensayos de prueba condujo al progresivo ajuste del vértice de respuestas a la duración reforzada y a la disminución del desplazamiento del área. Los resultados se discuten e interpretan en el marco de la teoría clásica de interacción de gradientes (Spence, 1937).
Privacidade, variáveis não aparentes e a investigação do comportamento de inferir
Authors: Bernardy João Lucas , Simonassi Lorismario Ernesto , Teixeira Andrade Sousa Paula
Published: July 2024

Este estudo teve como objetivo discutir o comportamento de inferir por meio de um modelo experimental e relacioná-lo com diferentes concepções de privacidade. Skinner, em uma concepção behaviorista radical, propôs a análise de estímulos e respostas privadas como variáveis comportamentais. Entre os críticos da concepção de Skinner da privacidade estão os defensores da visão molar/multiescalar, que argumentam que o conceito de privacidade é prejudicial ao desenvolvimento de uma ciência do comportamento. Contudo, propõe-se que eventos não aparentes continuam sendo relevantes, mesmo na visão molar/multiescalar, dada a natureza histórica do comportamento. Conduziu-se dois experimentos que comparam a probabilidade de inferências corretas sobre o comportamento de outros participantes com o número de estímulos discriminativos acessados (Experimento 1) e com uma história de treino de relações formas-palavras em comum (Experimento 2). Participantes do Grupo Base escreveram na presença de conjuntos de palavras, enquanto que os participantes do Grupo Inferência, que não tiveram acesso às palavras escritas por aqueles participantes, inferiram sobre as respostas do Grupo Base. Tanto o acesso aos estímulos discriminativos quanto a história em comum, aumentaram a probabilidade de inferências corretas. Argumenta-se que estudos que investigam a privacidade entre dois participantes podem ser uma solução para estudar o comportamento de inferir.
Autocontrole cultural: efeitos da interação verbal sobre a seleção de culturantes
Authors: Aristides Tomaz de Almeida João , Valderlon Yan , Zagury Tourinho Emmanuel
Published: July 2024

Vários estudos empíricos de fenômenos culturais adotam a metacontingência como procedimento de análise. Metacontingência descreve relações funcionais entre contingências comportamentais entrelaçadas (CCEs) com seu produto agregado (PA), culturantes, e eventos ambientais selecionadores, consequências culturais (CCs). Autocontrole cultural descreve contingências em que culturantes autocontrolados, que produzem consequências culturais atrasadas e de maior magnitude, concorrem com culturantes impulsivos, produzem consequências culturais imediatas e de menor magnitude. O presente estudo avaliou os efeitos da interação verbal na seleção de culturantes autocontrolados. Participaram 12 pessoas divididas em 4 microculturas, 2 expostas ao delineamento experimental ABAB, 2 ao BABA. Na condição A permitia-se interação verbal, na condição B não. Para coleta de dados usou-se o software FreeMtrix©. A tarefa consistiu na escolha de linhas coloridas e numeradas em uma figura. Escolhas de linhas pares/ímpares produziram 1 ficha individual. Havia duas metacontingências programadas, nas quais culturantes impulsivos produziam como consequência cultural 1 item escolar para doação 1 dia após o experimento; e culturantes autocontrolados produziam 10 itens escolares para doação 10 dias após o experimento. Houve seleção de ambos os culturantes (impulsivos e autocontrolados), porém com maior ocorrência dos culturantes autocontrolados.
Pengaruh Penggunaan Gagdet terhadap Hasil Belajar Siswa Kelas XII MIPA SMAN 5 Model Palu pada Mata Pelajaran Biologi
Authors: Aprilya Dinda , Masrianih Masrianih , Trianto Manap
Published: July 2024

Gadgets are small electronic devices that have special functions to download the latest information. The use of gadgets is not only limited to the entertainment aspect, but has also penetrated into the world of education, especially among students. This study aims to describe the effect of gadget use on the learning outcomes of students of class XII MIPA SMAN 5 Model Palu in Biology subject. This type of research is descriptive quantitative. The sample in this study were XII MIPA class students of SMAN 5 Model Palu as many as 55 students using purposive sampling technique. Data collection techniques using questionnaires and documentation. Data analysis techniques were performed with normality test, simple linear regression test and F test. The results showed that there is a positive influence of gadget use on student learning outcomes at SMAN 5 Model Palu. Through hypothesis testing with the F test, the f-table is obtained at 4.02 so that f-count = 28.238> f-table = 4.02 which means it has a significant effect.
Kültürel Değerlerin Örgütsel Bağlılığa Etkisi: Yiyecek İçecek İşletmeleri Üzerine Bir Araştırma
Authors: Üzülmez Meral
Published: July 2024

Kültürel değerler, çalışanların çeşitli örgütsel davranışları üzerinde önemli bir etkide bulunabilmektedir. Bu kapsamda, araştırmada kültürel değerlerin örgütsel bağlılık üzerindeki etkisini test etmek amaçlanmıştır. Araştırma keşifsel tarama modeli biçimde tasarlanmıştır. Araştırmada veriler, anket tekniği ile Adana ilinde faaliyet gösteren yiyecek içecek işletmelerindeki çalışanlardan toplanmıştır. Söz konusu anket, 16 Mayıs-31 Mayıs 2024 tarihinde kolayda örnekleme tekniği kullanılarak yiyecek içecek çalışanlarından topla-bırak temas tekniği, yüz yüze ve çevrimiçi anket aracılığıyla toplanmıştır. Veri toplama sonucunda, geçerli 235 ankete ulaşılmıştır. Verilerin analizinde tanımlayıcı istatistikler, faktör, korelasyon ve regresyon analizlerinden faydalanılmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda, kültürel değerlerin örgütsel bağlılık üzerinde kısmen etkisinin olduğu saptanmıştır. Bu kapsamda kültürel değerler boyutlarından olan erillik ve belirsizlikten kaçma boyutlarının örgütsel bağlılık üzerinde anlamlı bir etkisi olduğu saptanmıştır. Araştırma kapsamında elde edilen bulgular kültürel değerlerden hangi boyutun örgütsel bağlılığın artırılmasına katkı sağlayacağı konusunda gerek çalışanlara gerekse de sektör yöneticilerine yol gösterici olacaktır.
COVID-19 in patients with rheumatic diseases: frequency and course
Authors: Kulikov A. N. , Muravyeva N. V. , Belov B. S.
Published: July 2024

Objectives. The aim of the study was to assess frequency and severity of COVID-19 in patients with rheumatic diseases (RD).

Patients and methods. The study included information on the presence or absence of COVID-19 in the medical history of 9185 patients with immunoinflammatory RD (IIRD) and 491 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) who were observed at the V. A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology from September 21, 2021 to December 28, 2023.

Results. The incidence of COVID-19 in the analyzed IIRD was significantly higher compared to OA (p<0.02). All IIRD included in the analysis are characterized by an increased risk of COVID-19 incidence when compared with OA by 1.7–3.5 times. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Sjögren's disease, systemic sclerosis, psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, microcrystalline arthritis, ANCA- associated vasculitis and poly/dermatomyositis were significantly more likely (p<0.009) to receive COVID-19 therapy compared with the control group. Patients with these diseases are characterized by an increased risk of treatment for COVID-19 by 1.7–6.5 times compared with OA. Also, patients with inflammatory joint diseases (IJD), connective tissue diseases (CTDs) and systemic vasculitis (SV) were hospitalized with COVID-19 more often than patients with OA (p=0.013, p=0.003 and p<0.001, respectively). Patients with IJD, CTDs and SV are characterized by an increased risk of hospitalization with COVID-19 by 3.5–6.8 times compared with OA. In addition, elderly patients with IIRD are characterized by an increasing risk of treatment, hospitalization and use of biologics or targeted synthetic disease-modifying drugs for COVID-19.

Conclusion. According to the data obtained, the problem of COVID-19 remains very significant for patients with RD. This dictates the need to continue studying risk factors for adverse outcomes of the disease and vaccine prevention of this infectious pathology.
Effect of Equity and Liabilities on Net Profit of Manufacturing Companies Listed on The Indonesia Stock Exchange
Authors: Noviyanti Noviyanti , Yulia Iis Anisa , Rumna Rumna
Published: July 2024

This study aims to analyze the effect of equity and liabilities on net profit manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The type of research used is associative causal by using quantitative methods. The analytical method used is multiple linear regression with the independent variables equity and liabilities and the dependent variable is net income. The data in this study used secondary data taken from www.idx.co.id. The population in this study are manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the 2022 period. This study uses data from 2022 periods with 55 manufacturing companies as a sample. The study shows that the lowest equity is PT. Siantar Top Indonesia Tbk and the highest is owned by PT. Lion Metal Works Tbk. The lowest liability value is owned by PT. Astra International Tbk, and the highest is owned by PT. Lion Metal Works Tbk. The lowest net profit is owned by PT. Astra International Tbk and the highest net profit belongs to PT. Lion Metal Works Tbk, Equity partially has a positive effect on net income, Liabilities partially have no effect on net income, and equity and liabilities simultaneously have an effect on net income.
The impacts of muscle-specific force-velocity properties on predictions of mouse muscle function during locomotion
Authors: Charles James P. , Kissane Roger W. P. , Askew Graham N.
Published: July 2024

Introduction: The accuracy of musculoskeletal models and simulations as methods for predicting muscle functional outputs is always improving. However, even the most complex models contain various assumptions and simplifications in how muscle force generation is simulated. One common example is the application of a generalised (“generic”) force-velocity relationship, derived from a limited data set to each muscle within a model, uniformly across all muscles irrespective of whether those muscles have “fast” or “slow” contractile properties.

Methods: Using a previously built and validated musculoskeletal model and simulation of trotting in the mouse hindlimb, this work examines the predicted functional impact of applying muscle-specific force-velocity properties to typically fast (extensor digitorum longus; EDL) and slow-contracting (soleus; SOL) muscles.

Results: Using “real” data led to EDL producing more positive work and acting significantly more spring-like, and soleus producing more negative work and acting more brake-like in function compared to muscles modelled using “generic” force-velocity data. Extrapolating these force-velocity properties to other muscles considered “fast” or “slow” also substantially impacted their predicted function. Importantly, this also further impacted EDL and SOL function beyond that seen when changing only their properties alone, to a point where they show an improved match to ex vivo experimental data.

Discussion: These data suggest that further improvements to how musculoskeletal models and simulations predict muscle function should include the use of different values defining their force-velocity relationship depending on their fibre-type composition.
Enhanced secretion of promyogenic exosomes by quiescent muscle cells
Authors: Devan Prabhavathy , Ghosh Ananga , Rao T. Pallavi , Raychaudhuri Swasti , Adicherla Harikrishna , Devanshi Himadri , Kshetrapal Pallavi , Dhawan Jyotsna
Published: July 2024

Signaling interactions are important during skeletal muscle regeneration, where muscle cells in distinct states (quiescent, reactivated, proliferating and differentiated) must coordinate their response to injury. Here, we probed the role of secreted small extracellular vesicles (sEV/exosomes) using a culture model of physiologically relevant cell states seen in muscle regeneration. Unexpectedly, G0 myoblasts exhibited enhanced secretion of sEV (∼150 nm) displaying exosome markers (Alix, TSG101, flotillin-1, and CD9), and increased expression of Kibra, a regulator of exosome biogenesis. Perturbation of Kibra levels confirmed a role in controlling sEV secretion rates. Purified sEVs displayed a common exosome marker-enriched proteome in all muscle cell states, as well as state-specific proteins. Exosomes derived from G0 cells showed an antioxidant signature, and were most strongly internalized by differentiated myotubes. Functionally, donor exosomes from all muscle cell states could activate an integrated Wnt reporter in target cells, but only G0-derived exosomes could induce myogenic differentiation in proliferating cells. Taken together, we provide evidence that quiescence in muscle cells is accompanied by enhanced secretion of exosomes with distinct uptake, cargo and signal activating features. Our study suggests the novel possibility that quiescent muscle stem cells in vivo may play a previously under-appreciated signaling role during muscle homeostasis.
The odyssey of the TR(i)P journey to the cellular membrane
Authors: Rivera Bastián , Orellana-Serradell Octavio , Servili Evrim , Santos Rodrigo , Brauchi Sebastián , Cerda Oscar
Published: July 2024

Ion channels are integral membrane proteins mediating ion flow in response to changes in their environment. Among the different types of ion channels reported to date, the super-family of TRP channels stands out since its members have been linked to many pathophysiological processes. The family comprises 6 subfamilies and 28 members in mammals, which are widely distributed throughout most tissues and organs and have an important role in several aspects of cellular physiology. It has been evidenced that abnormal expression, post-translational modifications, and channel trafficking are associated with several pathologies, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and brain disorders, among others. In this review, we present an updated summary of the mechanisms involved in the subcellular trafficking of TRP channels, with a special emphasis on whether different post-translational modifications and naturally occurring mutagenesis affect both expression and trafficking. Additionally, we describe how such changes have been associated with the development and progress of diverse pathologies associated with the gain or loss of functional phenotypes. The study of these processes will not only contribute to a better understanding the role of TRP channels in the different tissues but will also present novel possible therapeutic targets in diseases where their activity is dysregulated.
Investigating how early academic performance and parental socio-economic status predict and explain successful completion of secondary education in Germany
Authors: Bittmann Felix
Published: July 2024

In educational sociology, it is of greatest interest to explain why some students are more successful than others and obtain higher educational qualifications or receive better grades, which can have long-lasting consequences. The present study compares the influence of early academic performance, which can be regarded as a proxy of overall intelligence, to the socio-economic status (SES) of the family, which measures how much a family can invest in the education of their offspring. Using large-scale German NEPS panel data (N = 5,208), the analyses test statistically how much variance of two outcome variables (acquisition of higher education eligibility and final grade) are explained by academic performance and SES; both measured approximately 9 years earlier at the beginning of secondary education. Dominance analyses reveal that performance has a larger influence (ca. 14% for both outcomes) than SES (ca. 8% for eligibility and ca. 4% for grades). Regression analyses show that high performance can better compensate for low SES than vice versa. These results indicate that performance is probably more relevant for academic success than the SES of one’s own family.
Metabolic characteristics of different phenotypes in reproductive-aged women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Wen Xinling , Wang Li , Bai E.
Published: July 2024

Objective

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine metabolic disorder in reproductive-aged women. The study was designed to investigate the metabolic characteristics of different phenotypes in women with PCOS of reproductive age.

Methods

A total of 442 women with PCOS were recruited in this cross-sectional study. According to different phenotypes, all women were divided into three groups: the chronic ovulatory dysfunction and hyperandrogenism group (OD-HA group, n = 138), the chronic ovulatory dysfunction and polycystic ovarian morphology group (OD-PCOM group, n = 161), and the hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovarian morphology group (HA-PCOM group, n = 143). The metabolic risk factors and prevalence rates of metabolic disorders among the three groups were compared.

Results

The body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) of women from the OD-HA group and HA-PCOM group were significantly higher than those of women from the OD-PCOM group (p < 0.05). The serum insulin concentration and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA IR) at 2 h and 3 h after oral glucose powder in women from the OD-HA group and HA-PCOM group were significantly higher than those from the OD-PCOM group (p < 0.05). The serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in women from the OD-HA group and HA-PCOM group were significantly higher than those in women from the OD-PCOM group (p < 0.05). The prevalence rates of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), insulin resistance (IR), metabolic syndrome (MS), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and dyslipidemia of women with PCOS were 17.9%, 3.6%, 58.4%, 29.4%, 46.6%, and 43.4%, respectively. The prevalence rates of IGT, IR, MS, NAFLD, and dyslipidemia of women in the OD-HA group and HA-PCOM group were significantly higher than those of women in the OD-PCOM group (p < 0.05). T concentration (>1.67 nmol/L) and Ferriman–Gallwey (F–G) score (>3) significantly increased the risk of metabolic disorders in women with PCOS (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The phenotypes of OD-HA and HA-PCOM in women with PCOS were vulnerable to metabolic disorders compared to OD-PCOM. Thus, the metabolic disorders in women with PCOS especially those with the HA phenotype should be paid more attention in order to reduce long-term complications.
Bamboo charcoal application altered the mineralization process of soil organic carbon in different succession stages of karst forest land
Authors: Hu Lening , Liu Xuehui , Xie Yaqi , Zeng Yicheng , Ou Huiping , Yu Yuefeng , He Tieguang
Published: July 2024

Introduction: As a soil amendment, Bamboo charcoal helps to contributes to the improvement of soil carbon sequestration, but its effect on the accumulation and transformation of different soil organic carbon in soil of karst forests is not clear.

Methods: The research focused on three distinct forest land succession stages: virgin forest, secondary forest, and planted forest. A 60-day indoor constant temperature culture experiment was conducted, applying bamboo charcoal to the soil of the three forest lands at four different addition ratios: 0%, 1.0%, 2.0%, and 4.0%. The analysis aimed to study the characteristics of SOC mineralization, different carbon fractions of organic carbon, and soil enzyme activity.

Results: The findings revealed that bamboo charcoal application led to an increase in the organic carbon (SOC) content within the three forest soils. Moreover, the organic carbon content showed an increase corresponding to the increased proportion of bamboo charcoal, with the highest SOC content observed in the planted forest land with 4.0% bamboo charcoal. The overall performance of the C0/SOC value in the three forest soils was ranked as follows: planted forest < secondary forest < virgin forest (C0: the mineralization potential of soil organic carbon). In both planted and secondary forest soils, the C0/SOC value increased after the application of bamboo charcoal. However, in the virgin forest soil, the application of 1.0% and 4.0% bamboo charcoal reduced the C0/SOC value, while the application of 2.0% bamboo charcoal increased the C0/SOC value. Particularly the C0/SOC value of the planted forest soil without bamboo charcoal was the smallest at 0.047, whereas that in the virgin forest soil with 2.0% bamboo charcoal had the largest value at 0.161.

Discussion: Herein, appropriate human intervention can enhance the carbon sequestration potential of forest soil, in different succession stages within the karst area. However, the external application of bamboo charcoal does not significantly improve the carbon sequestration potential in the planted and secondary forest. Notably, applying a higher proportion (4.0%) of bamboo charcoal can enhance the organic carbon sequestration potential, particularly in the virgin forest soil, representing the climax community of forest succession.
Financial stability and environment degradation in Turkey: evidence from fourier ARDL approach
Authors: Topalcık Olgun , Kirikkaleli Dervis
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the impact of financial stability on environmental degradation in Turkey, controlling for economic growth, renewable energy consumption, and primary energy consumption between 1990 and 2019. The study employs various statistical methodologies, including LS Unit Root, Fourier ARDL, DOLS, and FMOLS tests. The findings reveal an inverse relationship between financial stability and environmental degradation. Both economic growth and primary energy consumption are found to exacerbate environmental degradation. This study recommends that policymakers incorporate financial stability into policies aimed at reducing CO2 emissions. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of investing in renewable energy infrastructure and the transportation sector to effectively mitigate environmental degradation.
Mangroves trend and their impact on surface temperature in Al-Wajh Lagoon: a study aligned with Saudi Arabia's vision 2030
Authors: Al-huqail Asma A. , Islam Zubairul , Al-Harbi Hanan F.
Published: July 2024

Mangrove ecosystems are vital to arid environments like Saudi Arabia, offering crucial ecological services and enhancing biodiversity. This study investigates the spatial distribution and temporal dynamics of mangrove coverage in the Al Wajh lagoon area, crucial for crafting effective conservation and management strategies. Employing high-resolution Landsat and Sentinel imagery, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Land Surface Temperature (LST) were analysed across 35 mangrove clusters. By 2023, mangroves covered approximately 24.5 km2. Kendall Tau-b Correlation Coefficients confirmed a significant positive trend. The study further explored the relationship between NDVI and surface temperature, revealing an inverse correlation with slope values ranging from −4.03 to −44.1, suggesting that increased mangrove coverage significantly contributes to local cooling, thereby underscoring the climate regulation benefits of mangrove conservation. This positive change in NDVI post-2020 is directly attributable to the conservation efforts embedded within the Red Sea Project, Vision 2030, development phases, demonstrating the critical role of designated conservation zones in mitigating the environmental impacts of large-scale development projects. The findings underscore the need for targeted policies to protect and expand mangrove habitats as part of broader environmental sustainability goals in the region.
A DWI-based hypoxia model shows robustness in an external prostatectomy cohort
Authors: Fernandez Salamanca M. , Hompland T. , Deręgowska-Cylke M. , Van der Poel H. , Bekers E. , Guimaraes M. A. S. , Lyng H. , Van der Heide U. A. , Schoots I. G. , Van Houdt P. J.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Prostate cancer hypoxia is a negative prognostic biomarker. A promising MRI-based tool to assess hypoxia is the ‘Consumption and Supply based Hypoxia’ (CSH) model based on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). The aim of the study was to validate the association between the CSH hypoxia fraction (HFDWI) with pathological Grade Group (pGG) and pathological T-staging (pTstage) in an external prostatectomy cohort.

Methods

Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional blood volume (fBV) maps were assessed from DWI data from 291 prostatectomies and combined by the CSH model. HFDWI was calculated for each lesion after median scaling of ADC and fBV to address differences in acquisition and analysis between centers. The absolute HFDWI values and the associations of HFDWI between pGG < 3 versus ≥ 3, and pTstage = 2 versus = 3 in the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI) cohort were compared to the obtained by original cohort (Oslo cohort). Statistical T- and Mann-Whitney tests (p<0.05) were performed. Pearson correlation was determined between HFDWI and individual pGG groups.

Results

The HFDWI showed comparable absolute values and similar metric performance as in the original published cohort. Higher HFDWI values were observed for higher pGG (Oslo: 0.27; NKI: 0.24) compared to lower pGG (Oslo: 0.11; NKI: 0.17). Similar results were obtained for pTstage. Furthermore, HFDWI demonstrated a significant positive correlation with pGG groups 1-5 (ρ = 0.41, p<0.001).

Conclusion

The CSH model exhibited sufficient robustness in the external cohort, suggesting a plausible reflection of true hypoxia and enabling the use of the HFDWI metric for further research into prostate cancer and hypoxia.
Development and characterisation of novel durum wheat–H. chilense 4Hch chromosome lines as a source for resistance to Septoria tritici blotch
Authors: Cifuentes Zuny , Calderón Maria-Carmen , Miguel-Rojas Cristina , Sillero Josefina C. , Prieto Pilar
Published: July 2024

The use of wild species as a source of genetic variability is a valued tool in the framework of crop breeding. Hordeum chilense Roem. et Schult is a wild barley species that can be a useful genetic donor for sustainable wheat breeding which carries genes conferring resistance to some diseases or increasing grain quality, among others. Septoria tritici blotch (STB), caused by the Zymoseptoria tritici fungus, is one of the most important wheat diseases worldwide, affecting both bread and durum wheat and having a high economic impact. Resistance to STB has been previously described in H. chilense chromosome 4Hch. In this study, we have developed introgression lines for H. chilense chromosome 4Hch in durum wheat using interspecific crosses, advanced backcrosses, and consecutive selfing strategies. Alien H. chilense chromosome segments have been reduced in size by genetic crosses between H. chilense disomic substitution lines in durum wheat and durum wheat lines carrying the Ph1 deletion. Hordeum chilense genetic introgressions were identified in the wheat background through several plant generations by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. An STB infection analysis has also been developed to assess STB resistance to a specific H. chilense chromosome region. The development of these H. chilense introgression lines with moderate to high resistance to STB represents an important advance in the framework of durum breeding and can be a valuable tool for plant breeders.
Sparse testing designs for optimizing predictive ability in sugarcane populations
Authors: Garcia-Abadillo Julian , Adunola Paul , Aguilar Fernando Silva , Trujillo-Montenegro Jhon Henry , Riascos John Jaime , Persa Reyna , Isidro y Sanchez Julio , Jarquín Diego
Published: July 2024

Sugarcane is a crucial crop for sugar and bioenergy production. Saccharose content and total weight are the two main key commercial traits that compose sugarcane’s yield. These traits are under complex genetic control and their response patterns are influenced by the genotype-by-environment (G×E) interaction. An efficient breeding of sugarcane demands an accurate assessment of the genotype stability through multi-environment trials (METs), where genotypes are tested/evaluated across different environments. However, phenotyping all genotype-in-environment combinations is often impractical due to cost and limited availability of propagation-materials. This study introduces the sparse testing designs as a viable alternative, leveraging genomic information to predict unobserved combinations through genomic prediction models. This approach was applied to a dataset comprising 186 genotypes across six environments (6×186=1,116 phenotypes). Our study employed three predictive models, including environment, genotype, and genomic markers as main effects, as well as the G×E to predict saccharose accumulation (SA) and tons of cane per hectare (TCH). Calibration sets sizes varying between 72 (6.5%) to 186 (16.7%) of the total number of phenotypes were composed to predict the remaining 930 (83.3%). Additionally, we explored the optimal number of common genotypes across environments for G×E pattern prediction. Results demonstrate that maximum accuracy for SA (ρ=0.611) and for TCH (ρ=0.341) was achieved using in training sets few (3) to no common (0) genotype across environments maximizing the number of different genotypes that were tested only once. Significantly, we show that reducing phenotypic records for model calibration has minimal impact on predictive ability, with sets of 12 non-overlapped genotypes per environment (72=12×6) being the most convenient cost-benefit combination.
Discrete and dimensional approaches to affective forecasting errors
Authors: Patel Prsni , Urry Heather L.
Published: July 2024

Evidence for affective forecasting errors is mixed. We review recent studies to determine whether taking a discrete versus dimensional approach to measuring affective forecasting could partly explain this inconsistency. We observed variation in measurement approaches to measuring and analyzing affective forecasting; those that adopted a discrete approach often examined high arousal positive (e.g., excitement) and negative (e.g., anger) emotions. We recommend conducting empirical studies and meta-analyses to examine whether affective forecasting errors differ systematically depending on measurement approach. Furthermore, we recommend expanding the scope of affective forecasting investigations to examine more granular dimensional affective states and low-arousal discrete emotions. The ideas and future directions presented enhance our understanding of affective forecasting errors and how we study them.
Politicizing science funding undermines public trust in science, academic freedom, and the unbiased generation of knowledge
Authors: Efimov Igor R. , Flier Jeffrey S. , George Robert P. , Krylov Anna I. , Maroja Luana S. , Schaletzky Julia , Tanzman Jay , Thompson Abigail
Published: July 2024

This commentary documents how federal funding agencies are changing the criteria by which they distribute taxpayer money intended for scientific research. Increasingly, STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) funding agencies are requiring applicants for funding to include a plan to advance DEI (“Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion”) in their proposals and to dedicate a part of the research budget to its implementation. These mandates undermine the academic freedom of researchers and the unbiased generation of knowledge needed for a well-functioning democracy. Maintaining excellence in science is fundamental to the continuation of the U.S. as a global economic leader. Science provides a basis for solving important global challenges such as security, energy, climate, and health. Diverting funding from science into activities unrelated to the production of knowledge undermines science's ability to serve humankind. When funding agencies politicize science by using their power to further a particular ideological agenda, they contribute to public mistrust in science. Hijacking science funding to promote DEI is thus a threat to our society.
Determining factors of sports dropout of young scholars: a cross-sectional analysis in the 8–13 year age group
Authors: Pisaniello Andrea , Figus Alessandro , Digennaro Simone , Spulber Diana
Published: July 2024

This article investigates the phenomenon of sports abandonment among young scholars aged between 8 and 13 years. Regardless of the growing awareness of the importance of sport and physical activity during childhood and adolescence, this theme must be adequately explored in the scientific literature. Our study addresses this gap through a cross-sectional research design, tracking and analyzing data from a cohort of young athletes over one year. The main objective of our study is to identify the determinants leading to sports dropout in this specific age group. We looked at several possible causes through a multivariate analysis, including social pressures, parental expectations, time conflicts, physical and psychological stress, and lack of enjoyment. The results show a significant attrition rate, with psychosocial factors emerging as the most influential in determining whether a young person will continue or stop their participation in sport. Furthermore, our study highlights the importance of targeted interventions and preventive strategies that promote a positive, inclusive, and balanced sports environment for adolescents. These interventions can be particularly effective when implemented by coaches, parents and others involved in youth sports education. Finally, this paper discusses the implications of the findings for sports professionals, physical educators, and public policy makers. It highlights the need for more effective support policies and innovative pedagogical approaches to promote sporting persistence during adolescence. Our findings can serve as a starting point for further research in this field, helping to build a future where young people can enjoy the many benefits of sport and physical activity.
Case report: Successful treatment of intestinal leiomyositis in a dog using adjunctive intravenous immunoglobulin
Authors: Olivarez Michelle Patrick , Williams Jarod , Udomteerasuwat Nutnapong , Corner Sarah , Byers Christopher
Published: July 2024

A 10-year-old spayed female Dachshund presented with abdominal pain and generalized severe ileus. An exploratory laparotomy was performed, confirming a severe ileus of undetermined origin. Multiple intestinal biopsy results confirmed acute intestinal leiomyositis. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) stains confirmed a T-cell predominant inflammatory infiltrate. Intravenous immunoglobulin (hIVIG) was administered prior to immunosuppressive therapy. Within 10 days of hIVIG treatment, functional peristaltic activity returned, and symptoms resolved. Long-term management, including the use of mycophenolate, resulted in sustained functional peristaltic recovery. Further studies are needed to explore the potential benefits of hIVIG treatment in the stabilization phase of this commonly fatal, treatment-refractory disease.
Betonfelület optikai vizsgálata
Authors: Gobesz Ferdinánd-Zsongor , Máthé Aliz Éva
Published: July 2024

Ahhoz, hogy pontos és megbízható adatokat lehessen nyerni a betonfelületek jellemzőiről, szakszerű vizsgálati módszerekre és különleges berendezésekre lehet szükség. Az optikai vizsgálatok a diagnosztikai vizsgálatok részét vagy előkészítését képezhetik. A dolgozatban egy olyan eljárás kerül ismertetésre, mely mikroszkopikus vizsgálatra is alkalmazható, ugyanis egy biológiai digitális képfeldolgozásra fejlesztett programcsomag alkalmazásából származó adatokra támaszkodik. Példaként egy betonkocka próbatest oldalán levő üregek mennyiségi számítását ismertetjük, lépésenként, de ilyen kézenfekvő eljárással más felületi jellemzőket is értékelni lehetne.
Mérőeszköz fejlesztése és validációja kenőanyagok konzisztenciájának vizsgálatára
Authors: Popa-Müller Izolda , Gál Zsolt
Published: July 2024

A kenőzsír konzisztenciájának mérésére egy penetrométert terveztünk és kiviteleztünk. Ellenőriztük, hogy a mért konzisztenciaértékek megfelelőek legyenek a gyártók által megadott értékkel. Ez egy fontos eszköz a tribológialaborgyakorlat kenőzsírvizsgálatának elvégzésére, hiszen a mérőműszer bármilyen kenőzsír-konzisztencia mérésére alkalmazható.
Épületek külső sztereo-fotogrammetriai felmérésének pontosítására irányuló módszertani fejlesztés
Authors: Rák Olivér , Bakai Nándor , Altamimi Motasem
Published: July 2024

Napjainkban a pilóta nélküli légi járművekkel (UA) végzett felmérések egyre elterjedtebb megoldásnak számítanak, azonban azok pontossága megkérdőjelezhető. A szabályozás nagy jelentőséggel bír az UA alkalmazásában, mely technológia elterjedésére jelenleg negatívan hat. Számos szabályt szükséges alkalmazni felmérés közben, és több száz beállítás közül választhatunk az utófeldolgozás során. Több kombináció tesztelése és kiértékelése szükséges egy optimalizált folyamatmeghatározáshoz. Jelen kutatásban a felmérési módszertanok eltérő megoldásaira fókuszáltan készültek vizsgálatok. Az esettanulmányokban az eltérő felmérési, repülési szabályrendszerek és azok kombinációi kerültek elemzésre. A tanulmány bemutatja az UA alkalmazásának előnyeit és hátrányait, valamint az elvégzett kiértékelések révén javaslatokat fogalmaz meg a felmérési metódusok vonatkozásában. Ezenfelül számos jövőbeni kutatás irány is ismertetésre került, melyek az épületfelmérések fejlődéséhez vezethetnek.
Investigating the Life Expectancy at Birth of Companion Dogs in Portugal Using Official National Registry Data
Authors: Geraz Helena , Pinello Katia , Mendonça Denisa , Severo Milton , Niza-Ribeiro João
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to provide a comprehensive picture of the life expectancy of dogs in Portugal, focusing on the impact of diverse factors including breed, sex, size, and skull shape. The final dataset, gathering data from the national registry database, consisted of 278,116 dogs with confirmed deaths. The mean lifespan at birth for all the dogs was around 8.91 years, with the female dogs tended to have a similar lifespan to male dogs. The analysis of life expectancy at birth for the 20 most common non-Portuguese breeds and 10 Portuguese breeds revealed that Yorkshire Terriers had the highest life expectancy (10.89 years) and French Bulldogs the lowest (6.27 years). Size and cephalic index were found to be influential factors, with large brachycephalic breeds exhibiting shorter life expectancies and smaller, mesocephalic breeds experiencing longer lifespans. Additionally, the cephalic index had a more substantial impact on life expectancy compared to body size. These findings enhance the understanding of the factors influencing canine longevity and aid in developing strategies to improve the health and lifespan of companion dogs.
Biological Significance of the Komodo Dragon’s Tail (Varanus komodoensis, Varanidae)
Authors: Tomańska Anna , Stawinoga Martyna , Szturo Kacper , Styczyńska Marzena , Klećkowska-Nawrot Joanna , Janeczek Maciej , Goździewska-Harłajczuk Karolina , Melnyk Oleksii , Gębarowski Tomasz
Published: July 2024

The Komodo dragon is a unique reptile with an elongated tail that exhibits hitherto unknown adaptations and functions. This tail, composed of 60–86 vertebrae, serves diverse ecological and physiological roles. In juveniles, it is essential for an arboreal lifestyle and balance, while in adults, it functions as a tool for defense and offensive actions. It possesses characteristic haemal arches and a dorsal keel, along with well-developed muscles which enable precise tail control, influencing the Komodo dragon’s maneuverability and directional changes. The tail stores adipose tissue, providing Komodo dragons with the ability to regulate body temperature and independence from other seasonal variations. The tail adipose tissue impacts numerous biochemical processes and may play a crucial role in the animals’ metabolic strategies and reproductive capabilities. Its functions include providing essential mineral compounds for the organism, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Analysing the biochemical composition of tail fat is crucial for understanding the health of Komodo dragons.
Emergence of blaNDM-5 and blaOXA-232 Positive Colistin- and Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Bulgarian Hospital
Authors: Markovska Rumyana , Stankova Petya , Popivanov Georgi , Gergova Ivanka , Mihova Kalina , Mutafchiyski Ventsislav , Boyanova Lyudmila
Published: July 2024

The rapid spread of carbapenemase-producing strains has led to increased levels of resistance among Gram-negative bacteria, especially enterobacteria. The current study aimed to collect and genetically characterize the colistin- and carbapenem-resistant isolates, obtained in one of the biggest hospitals (Military Medical Academy) in Sofia, Bulgaria. Clonal relatedness was detected by RAPD and MLST. Carbapenemases, ESBLs, and mgrB were investigated by PCR amplification and sequencing, replicon typing, and 16S rRNA methyltransferases with PCRs. Fourteen colistin- and carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates were detected over five months. Six carbapenem-resistant and colistin-susceptible isolates were also included. The current work revealed a complete change in the spectrum of carbapenemases in Bulgaria. blaNDM-5 was the only NDM variant, and it was always combined with blaOXA-232. The coexistence of blaOXA-232 and blaNDM-5 was observed in 10/14 (72%) of colistin- and carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates and three colistin-susceptible isolates. All blaNDM-5- and blaOXA-232-positive isolates belonged to the ST6260 (ST101-like) MLST type. They showed great mgrB variability and had a higher mortality rate. In addition, we observed blaOXA-232 ST14 isolates and KPC-2-producing ST101, ST16, and ST258 isolates. The colistin- and carbapenem-resistant isolates were susceptible only to cefiderocol for blaNDM-5- and blaOXA-232-positive isolates and to cefiderocol and ceftazidime/avibactam for blaOXA-232- or blaKPC-2-positive isolates. All blaOXA-232-positive isolates carried rmtB methylase and the colE replicon type. The extremely limited choice of appropriate treatment for patients infected with such isolates and their faster distribution highlight the need for urgent measures to control this situation.