bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phragmites australis dieback in the Mississippi River Delta, USA: Vegetation restoration
Authors: Lee Herie , Diaz Rodrigo , Johnston Joseph , Knight Ian A , Nyman John A , Cronin James T
Published: April 2023

The Mississippi River Delta (MRD) is one of the largest wetlands in the world and is experiencing widespread dieback of its most prevalent plant species, Phragmites australis. The potential for revegetation of dieback sites was assessed by planting three genetically distinct lineages of P. australis at nine sites in the MRD that varied in water depth. These lineages include Delta, the most prevalent in the MRD, EU, a highly invasive lineage, and Gulf, a common lineage of the Gulf Coast and southern United States. Four additional wetland species were planted at a subset of these sites. Plantings were monitored for 32 months during which time, we surveyed plantings for survival, growth and infestation by a scale insect that has been implicated in P. australis dieback. Survivorship differed considerably among plant types and by 6 months, Delta, Gulf and California bulrush (Schoenoplectus californicus) had twice the survivorship of the other plant types. However, by the end of the study, Delta, Gulf and bulrush were the only plant types alive, with Delta persisting in more than twice as many sites and having > 6 times more area of coverage as Gulf and bulrush. For all plant types, water depth was negatively related to survivorship. Finally, although scale insects achieved twice the abundance on Delta than the other lineages, we found no evidence that scales were inhibiting the growth and survival of P. australis. Despite potential negative legacy effects of dieback, Delta can be used revegetate shallow-water sites within a year following dieback.
Hydrogeochemical and Multivariate statistical approaches to investigate the characteristics of groundwater quality in fluoride enriched hard rock region in Tirupathur district of Tamilnadu, India
Authors: Nagaraj Sathish , MASILAMANI UMA SHANKAR
Published: April 2023

Fluoride pollution is a major issue worldwide, posing health risks such as dental and skeletal fluorosis. This study was conducted in fluoride enrichment hard rock regions of Vaniyambadi and Ambur talks in Tirupathur district, Tamilnadu. 480 groundwater samples were collected from May 2021 to April 2022 and grouped as Summer, Southwest monsoon, Northeast monsoon, and Winter. Maximum concentration of fluoride was found to be 4 mg/L in the summer season in Vellakuttai region of Vaniyambadi taluk. The spatial distribution of fluoride in groundwater during the monsoon season indicates that it is mostly leached from fluoride-bearing minerals. The study aims to investigate the hydrogeochemical process and mechanism influencing groundwater chemistry. The Piper and Gibbs diagrams has been carried out to illustrate the rock-water interaction and anthropogenic sources that contribute to the NaHCO3 and NaCl-type waters, respectively. Multivariate statistical analysis such HCA, PCA, MLR and SEM has been carried out to determine the groundwater quality. HCA analysis manifests the nature and sources of groundwater through Q-mode and R-mode analysis. PCA plays a role in eliminating the factors that associates with TDS for better development of the MLR model. The results of the MLR model provides higher accuracy in detecting the contamination factors associated with the environment and natural rocks. SEM revealed the goodness of fit indices, that confirms the variation in regional groundwater quality caused by various physicochemical characteristics. This study also aims to provide the confirmation of exploratory data analysis in groundwater quality using structural equation modeling.
Strategies for capital and carbon emission constrained manufacturer in a retailer-led supply chain: Credit financing vs. bank loan
Authors: Yu Zhaoqing , Li Jing
Published: April 2023

To promote sustainable development, manufacturers must effectively reduce their carbon emissions. However, doing so often incurs higher costs for carbon emission reduction (CER), which can worsen the capital-constrained problems faced by manufacturers operating within a retailer-led supply chain. To address this challenge and optimize CER efficiency within limited funds, we propose a two-echelon supply chain model led by a retailer. We then analyze six different scenarios, including no financing, bank loan financing and retailer credit financing, both with and without CER investment, to identify optimal strategies for each situation. The results show that: (1) Increasing interest rates on bank loans and retailer credit will have a negative impact on the CER efficiency and retailer's profits. (2) If the initial funds are below a certain threshold, a higher interest rate on bank loans will reduce the manufacturer's profits. However, as the initial funds increase, a higher interest rate can improve the manufacturer's profits with the retailer's credit financing strategy. (3) The manufacturer's optimal financing strategy depends on both the interest rates and initial funds, while the retailer's credit decision is solely based on the manufacturer's initial funds. (4) The retailer credit financing strategy can lead to a mutually beneficial outcome by adjusting the interest rate of the retailer credit, thereby improving the CER efficiency and relieving financial pressure. However, the bank loan financing strategy does not have this advantage.
A roadmap to define and select aquatic biological traits at different scales of analysis
Authors: Morim Teófilo , Henriques Sofia , Vasconcelos Rita , Dolbeth Marina
Published: April 2023

Trait-based approaches are a powerful tool, as not only they improve the understanding on ecological complexity and functioning, but also allow the comparison across different ecosystems and biogeographic regions. They may be used to unveil ecosystem processes and assess community structures, but their great potential becomes limited when dealing with scattered trait data and its historically unstandardised trait nomenclature. The lack of standardisation allows for authors to use terminology of their preference, inevitably resulting in ambiguous misunderstandings and limiting the comparison between different studies. There have been a few attempts at organising trait vocabularies, but even these tend to be created following a single-ecosystem perspective, which limits their applicability. A systematic literature review was performed, where we identified and compiled 1127 traits across 37 datasets of fish, invertebrates and zooplankton from freshwater, marine and transition ecosystems. This dataset was then used to build on the Marine Species Traits Wiki and to propose a new unified approach for a trait vocabulary based directly on readily available trait data. We suggest one single standardised designation for all different traits identified, providing as well with a list of all different synonyms usually employed for these traits. A roadmap to help along the process of trait selection is also provided, offering a guide through four main steps and important questions for choosing an adequate set of traits at the beginning of any study, which constitutes one of the main challenges in functional ecology research. Overall, this proposal will provide a solid baseline for tackling gaps in trait nomenclature and ensuring a clearer future for functional ecology studies.
Design of multistage FBG with variable filter parameters
Authors: ali hosam A.M. , Mohra Ashraf S. , Hussein Khalid F. A.
Published: April 2023

Dispersion is the main problem that limits long-distance and high-speed optical fiber transmission. Bit error rate, the signal-to-noise ratio, and system performance all suffer from dispersion. Many dispersion adjustment strategies have been created to combat this. One of the effective methods for compensating for dispersion is the usage of fiber Bragg grating (FBG). In the suggested thesis, cascaded uniform fiber Bragg grating (UFBGs) with various lengths, a constant grating period, and a constant gap between FBGs are used. This system is modeled, analyzed, and compared for the best performance and different applications. The control parameters affecting the system are the coupling coefficient, number of FBGs, grating period, and the number of grating periods. The control parameters for this system are studied to compensate for the effect of dispersion. A trade-off between increasing bandwidth and roll-off factor. Another trade-off between flatness and roll-off factor. These trade-offs can be considered according to applications. MATLAB is used to simulate the mathematical equations for the suggested model.
The probability of developing posterior capsular opacification with Nd:YAG laser treatment after four types of IOL implantation
Authors: Ren Hong-Xing , Zhu Li , Wang Bin , Chen Bi-Feng , Sun Dai-Hong , Ye Ying-Jia
Published: April 2023

Background To compare the probability of posterior capsular opacification treatment with Nd:YAG laser after cataract extraction surgery with the AT Lisa tri 839 MP lens, ZMB00 lens, AA lens and ZCB00 lens, and to investigate the factors influencing posterior capsular opacification treatment with Nd:YAG laser.Methods We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent cataract surgery with the AT Lisa tri 839 MP lens, ZMB00 lens, AA lens, and ZCB00 lens at our hospital from July 2018 to June 2021, analyzed the probability of posterior capsular opacification with Nd:YAG laser in these patients, as well as the factors affecting posterior capsular opacification with Nd:YAG laser treatment.Results A total of 395 eyes were treated with Nd:YAG laser in 317 patients, with an overall incidence of 6.1%. 14 eyes (42.4%) in the AT Lisa tri 839 MP group were treated with Nd:YAG laser, 3 eyes (1.9%) in the ZMB00 group were treated with Nd:YAG laser, 6 eyes (5.2%) in the AA group were treated with Nd:YAG laser, and 1 eye (1.1%) in the ZCB00 group was treated with Nd:YAG laser.Conclusion Hydrophilic IOLs with hydrophobic surface were more likely to have posterior capsular opacification treated with the Nd:YAG laser than hydrophobic IOLs .
The role of microRNA-155 in Viral Diseases
Authors: Biswas Susmita , Sarkar Neelakshi
Published: April 2023

On account of their potential to regulate gene expression, microRNAs are currently under the focus of modern antiviral research.miR-155 is a multifunctional microRNA that has a notable contribution to the regulation of the host immune system. Predictably, it also has a profound role in the pathogenesis of numerous viruses. More and more research has disclosed the involvement of miR-155 in various aspects of the host viral interface. Studies have also revealed that miR-155 or its inhibitor could be used as a potential tool in viral therapeutics and diagnosis. The current review attempts to highlight viral diseases which have been shown to be considerably modulated by miR-155. This is particularly important as exogenous molecular control of miR-155 expression could open new avenues to confine viral proliferation.
Imbalanced motivated behaviors according to motor sign asymmetry in drug-naïve Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Béreau Matthieu , Castrioto Anna , Servant Mathieu , Lhommée Eugénie , Desmarets Maxime , Bichon Amélie , Pelissier Pierre , Schmitt Emmanuelle , Klinger Hélène , Longato Nadine , Phillipps Clélie , Wirth Thomas , Fraix Valérie , Benatru Isabelle , Durif Franck , Azulay Jean-Philippe , Moro Elena , Broussolle Emmanuel , Thobois Stéphane , Tranchant Christine , Krack Paul , Anheim Mathieu
Published: April 2023

Few studies have considered the influence of motor sign asymmetry on motivated behaviors in de novo drug-naïve Parkinson’s disease (PD). We tested whether motor sign asymmetry could be associated with different motivated behaviors patterns in de novo drug naïve PD. We performed a cross-sectional study in 149 de novo drug-naïve Parkinson’s disease patients and used the Ardouin Scale of Behavior in Parkinson’s disease (ASBPD) to assess a set of motivated behaviors. We assessed motor asymmetry based on i) the side of motor onset and ii) the MDS-UPDRS motor score, then we compared right hemibody Parkinson’s disease to left hemibody Parkinson’s disease. Patients with de novo right hemibody onset PD had significantly lower scores on the ASBPD for nocturnal hyperactivity (p = 0.031), eating behavior (p = 0.008), and approach behavior composite scores (p = 0.004) than patients with de novo left hemibody onset PD. Patients with de novo left hemibody onset PD had significantly higher scores on the ASBPD for anxiety (p = 0.025) than patients with de novo right hemibody onset PD. Our findings suggest that motor sign asymmetry may be associated with an imbalance between motivated behaviors in de novo drug-naïve Parkinson’s disease.
von Willebrand factor-binding protein (vWbp)-activated Factor XIII and transglutaminase 2 (TG2) promote cross-linking between FnBPA from Staphylococcus aureus and fibrinogen
Authors: Motta Chiara , Pellegrini Angelica , Camaione Stefano , Geoghegan Joan A , Speziale Pietro , Barbieri Giulia , PIETROCOLA GIAMPIERO
Published: April 2023

The secreted von Willebrand factor-binding protein (vWbp) from Staphylococcus aureusinteracts with the coagulation factors prothrombin and fibrinogen (Fbg), leading to the non-proteolytic transglutaminase activation of Factor XIII (FXIII). In this study we found that vWbp-activated FXIII catalyses the incorporation of amino-donor dansylcadaverine into region A of fibronectin-binding protein A (FnBPA). Incubation of Fbg with recombinant region A of S. aureus Fbg-binding proteins FnBPA, FnBPB, ClfA or ClfB in presence of vWbp-activated FXIII resulted in the formation of high molecular heteropolymers with FnBPA only, suggesting a specificity of the cross-linking reaction between fibrin(ogen) and the staphylococcal surface. As previously observed, cross-linking sites were mapped to the a-chain and the N1 subdomain of fibrin(ogen) and region A of FnBPA, respectively. Comparable results were obtained when tissue tranglutaminase-2 (TG2) was tested for cross-linking of FnBPA and Fbg. Of note, FnBPA-mediated covalent cross-linking promoted by vWbp-activated FXIII was also observed when bacteria were allowed to attach to fibrin(ogen). Together these findings suggest a novel pathogenetic mechanism by which the transglutaminase action of FXIII and/or TG2 contributes to entrapment and persistence of S. aureus in blood and host tissues.
“Grade-1 Skin-only Acute-gvhd”: One Week After Rash Appearance as the Time Point to Decide on Treatment
Authors: Milone Giuseppe , Cupri Alessandra , Leotta Salvatore , Giuffrida Giulia , Milone Giulio , Sapuppo Gabriele , Giunta Giuliana , Esposito Benedetta , Leotta Dario , Fiore Sebastiano , Pennisi Chiara , Longo Ermelinda
Published: April 2023

After allogeneic hematopoietic transplantation, a limited skin a-GVHD (Grade 1 a-GVHD) is usually managed by topical treatment and the criteria to start systemic immunosuppressive therapy are not established. We performed a prospective observational study on 102 consecutive adult patients who underwent allogeneic HSC transplantation. Eighty-two presented a skin rash (80.3%) and thirty-one of them (37.8%) progressed to Grade 2- some within 48 hours (Group 1) while others within days 3–7 (Group 2). Fifty-one patients (62.2%) did not have progression to Grade 2 GVHD within 7 days (Group 3). These patients were followed up. The Group 3 patients were subdivided into Group 3A (these had a stable or fading rash from the day of appearance to day 8) and Group 3B (these had a worsening rash from appearance to day 8). In group 3A the clinical results were significantly superior compared to results obtained in group 3B patients. In Group 3A versus Group 3B, Overall Survival at 2 years was 75.1% vs 39.8% (p = 0.03), Treatment Related mortality was 10.4% vs 39.2% (p = 0.05), need for secondary anti-GVHD treatment was 46.6% vs 76.4% (p = 0.002). The dynamic of skin rash during the first week from appearance marks patients with different prognosis.
Gender Differences in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Obese Children and Adolescents: A Large Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Jin Binghan , Wu Zhaoyuan , Wang Shan , Yu Zhu , Ullah Rahim , Liang Xinyi , Wu Wei , Huang Ke , Ni Yan , Wang Jianbing , Dong Guanping , Fu Junfen
Published: April 2023

Objective: Previous studies have reported sex differences in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults; however, little is known in children and adolescents. This study aims to examine their NAFLD prevalence and investigate the relationship between sex hormones and NAFLD.
Method: 2999 Chinese obese patients aged 2-18 years were included in the study. Liver ultrasound, anthropometry, blood test, and oral glucose tolerance test were performed. We examined the prevalence of NAFLD by sex, age, and Tanner stages. Regression model and principal component factor analysis were used.
Results: The prevalence of NAFLD increased with age in both sexes and the gender difference appeared before puberty. The prevalence in boys tended to be stable at the age of 11 years, whereas the girls reached the peak temporarily. NAFLD prevalence was positively associated with estradiol in boys (p = 0.011), but the opposite trend was observed in girls (P = 0.031). Testosterone levels decreased with the increase of NAFLD prevalence (P < 0.001). Luteinizing hormone and prolactin were inversely associated with NAFLD prevalence in boys and girls, respectively. Results from the principal component analysis showed that sex hormones levels and abdominal obesity were important risk factors for the prevalence of NAFLD in obese children (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The notable difference in NAFLD prevalence between genders in obese children starts in early childhood. The difference arises long before puberty onset and tends to stabilize during late adolescence. Sex hormones are associated with NAFLD prevalence and are influenced by the Tanner stages and fat distribution.
Macroeconomic Effects of Energy Efficiency Measures and Carbon Tax in Thailand: A Computable General Equilibrium Analysis
Authors: Pradhan Bijay B. , Rajbhandari Salony , Chaichaloempreecha Achiraya , Limmeechokchai Bundit
Published: April 2023

Energy efficiency improvement is one of the measures undertaken by government of Thailand to achieve its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) by 2030 and contribute towards carbon neutrality 2050. The objective of this study is to compare the economy of Thailand before and after the implementation of energy efficiency improvement. This study also assessed the rebound effects of energy efficiency improvement and further analyzed the role of carbon tax in minimizing the rebound effects. In addition, the effects of GHG emissions with energy efficiency improvement and carbon tax were also assessed. The study was analyzed by developing a static computable general equilibrium (CGE) model of Thailand. The CGE model consists of 27 non-energy sectors and 5 energy sectors. This study finds that the energy efficiency improvement in the production sectors would lower the energy consumption in the overall production sectors but increase the consumption in the household sector and its associated GHG emissions from the energy use. However, energy efficiency improvement in both households and production sectors would cause a decline in the overall energy consumption and GHG emissions. Results show the rebound effects in the aforementioned energy efficiency improvement cases. It is found that the implementation of carbon tax of $5/tCO2e would not be enough to neutralize the rebound effects, however, carbon tax of $10/tCO2e would be sufficient to neutralize the rebound effects with GDP gain.
Mental health status and Stressful life events among postgraduate students in Cyprus: A cross-sectional descriptive correlational study
Authors: Sokratis Sokratous , Giorgos Alexandrou , Rafailia Zavrou , Maria Karanikola
Published: April 2023

Background Despite prior evidence supporting the association between stressful life events and mental health status, there are limited data on the frequency and severity of stressful life events and their effects on university students’ mental health status. Therefore, the present study aimed to: a) examine mental health status and subsequent predictors of clinically significant mental distress symptoms, b) estimate the frequency and number of stressful life events, and c) explore the associations between the above and sociodemographic variables.Methods This study was descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational with internal comparisons. A convenience sample of 92 Master of Science students participated in the study. Participants with a General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) total score ≥ 24 were considered to have clinically significant mental distress symptoms. Descriptive and inferential statistics were evaluated, and Pearson's chi-square test for group differences was used to analyse the data. Analysis of variance and t-tests were used for comparisons between two or more groups, and regression analyses were employed to identify the predictors of GHQ-28 scores and clinical mental distress symptoms.Results The final sample comprised 90 students (response rate: 97.8%), 33 (36.7%) of whom reported clinically significant symptoms of mental distress. Students with divorced parents [29.92 (± 10.62), p < .05] scored high on the GHQ-28. Participants who had low/no satisfaction with the education system posted higher scores than participants who had high/very high satisfaction [24.82 (± 11.68) vs 17.93 (± 9.78), p < .05]. In the subscale measuring depressive symptoms, there was a statistically significant gender difference, with men reporting higher scores than females. [3.0± (3.69) vs 1.60 (± 2.42), p = .034]. In multiple analyses of sociodemographic characteristics and those who scored higher on the Life Events Scale for Students (LESS) scale (≥ 340), the loss of parent/s was associated with the total GHQ-28 score (B=-17.046, p < .001). In multiple analyses, chronic physical disorders or disabilities and numerous stressful life events among students (≥ 8 events) were correlated with higher overall GHQ-28 scores (B = 15.232, p < .005).Conclusion The high frequency of clinical symptoms of mental distress among postgraduate university students and their correlation with stressful events highlights the need for university counselling services to provide psychological support strategies to students.
Gut microbiota modulatory capacity of Brassica oleracea italica x alboglabra (Bimi ® )
Authors: Rosés Carles , Viadel Blanca , Nieto Juan Antonio , Soriano-Romaní Laura , Romo-Hualde Ana , Agudelo Agatha , Milagro Fermín I. , Barceló Anna
Published: April 2023

Many human diseases, including obesity and its comorbidities, have been related with changes in the gut microbiota profile, specifically with changes in bacterial diversity and richness. The main goal of the present work is to investigate the modulatory effect of Brassica oleracea italica x alboglabra (Bimi®) on gut microbiota composition through an in-vitro digester and an in-vivo trial. The digester simulates the entire gastrointestinal digestive process by using five interconnected compartments (stomach, small intestine and the three colonic sections). The human trial included 15 Spanish adults who included 90 g of Bimi® every two days into their habitual diet. This clinical trial has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with the reference NCT04799223 and date of registration of March 16th, 2021. In vitro results showed many short chain fatty acids (SCFA)-producing bacteria favoured by synergetic effects of the fibres, resistant starch and polyphenols present in Bimi®. The human intervention confirmed some of these results and evidenced an increase in beneficial bacteria, suggesting that Bimi® is capable of modulating gut microbiota towards a healthier status, with great potential in the management of human disorders related to microbiota dysbiosis.
Association between prior-night sleep and next-day fatigue in older adults: a daily diary study
Authors: Nakagawa Takeshi , Yasumoto Saori , Kabayama Mai , Matsuda Ken’ichi , Gondo Yasuyuki , Kamide Kei , Ikebe Kazunori
Published: April 2023

Background: Fatigue is known as an element of frailty. Short sleep duration increases fatigue in older adults. However, the relationship between long sleep and fatigue remains unclear. Using a daily diary method, this study examined the within- and between-person associations between sleep and fatigue in older adults.
Methods:The study recruited 56 Japanese community dwellers (age: 82–86 years; female: 37.5%). Participants responded to a daily diary questionnaire at the end of each day. Over seven days, time in bed and satisfaction were measured after waking up, whereas fatigue was assessed before going to bed. We included person-level covariates (demographic factors, and physical and mental health) and day-level covariates (time in study, and positive and negative emotions). Multilevel models were estimated to examine within- and between-person associations.
Results: At the within-person level, on days following short and long time in bed and days following low levels of sleep satisfaction, individuals felt higher levels of fatigue compared with usual days. At the between-person level, no statistically significant differences in fatigue were observed between individuals with long and short time in bed.
Conclusions:The findings suggest that prior-day sleep is associated with next-day fatigue in older adults. Long and short sleep duration and low sleep quality can lead to fatigue. Enhanced management of sleep behavior may reduce fatigue.
Belowground plant traits and hydrology control microbiome composition and methane flux in temperate fen mesocosms
Authors: Piecha Marc , Kreyling Jürgen , Couvenberg John , Pester Michael , Günther Anke , Jurasinski Gerald , Blume-Werry Gesche , Urich Tim , Wang Haitao
Published: April 2023

The rewetting of formerly drained peatlands is a strategy to fight against global warming through the reduction of CO2 emissions, although this can lead to elevated CH4 emissions. The interplay between plants, hydrology and microbiomes as ultimate determinants of CH4 dynamics is still poorly understood, despite recent progress in field studies. Using a mesocosm approach, we simulated the re-cultivation of a degraded temperate fen with three different water levels and two different plant over the course of a growing season. Peat samples for microbiome analysis, above- and below-ground plant biomass and gas fluxes were measured in April, June, August and October. Microbiome composition in top and subsoils was determined using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. We found that peat depth and sampling time were the major factors shaping the microbiome composition dynamics. While plant species had a less strong impact, the difference to bare ground microbiomes was significant, especially in the lower layer. The water status also affected the microbiome, albeit to a much lesser extent. Methanogens were most abundant in the deeper peat and also more abundant in bare ground and Carex rostrata pots, as compared to Juncus inflexus or mixed pots. This was inversely linked to the larger root network size of J. inflexus. The methane emissions correlated positively with the abundance of methanogens and correlated negatively with the root network size. In conclusion, this interdisciplinary study sheds light on how the complex interplay between plants, hydrology and the fen microbiome affect CH4 emissions. It showed that the presence of plants as well as the plant functional type determine the abundance of methanogens and microbiome composition and thereby the resulting CH4 fluxes accordingly.
Clonal dynamics after allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation using genome-wide somatic mutations
Authors: Campbell Peter , Chapman Michael Spencer , Wilk Matthias , Boettcher Steffen , Mitchell Emily , Dawson Kevin , Williams Nicholas , Muller Jan , Kovtonyuk Larisa , Jung Hyunchul , Caiado Francisco , Roberts Kirsty , O'Neill Laura , Kent David , Green Anthony , Nangalia Jyoti , Manz Markus
Published: April 2023

Allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) replaces the stem cells responsible for blood production with those harvested from a donor, and is received by 40,000 patients worldwide each year. To quantify dynamics of long-term stem cell engraftment, we sequenced whole genomes of 2,824 single-cell-derived haematopoietic colonies from blood samples of 10 donor-recipient pairs taken 9-31 years after HLA-matched sibling HCT. With younger donors, 10,000–50,000 stem cells had engrafted and were still contributing to haematopoiesis at time of sampling, but estimates were 10-fold lower with older donors. Engrafted stem cells made multilineage contributions to myeloid, B-lymphoid and T-lymphoid populations, although individual clones often showed biases towards one or other mature cell type. Recipients had lower clonal diversity than matched donors, equivalent to ~10-15 years of additional ageing, arising from up to 25-fold greater expansion of stem cell clones. An HCT-related population bottleneck alone could not explain these differences: instead, phylogenetic trees evinced two distinct modes of HCT-specific selection. In ‘pruning selection’, cell divisions underpinning recipient-enriched clonal expansions had occurred in the donor, preceding transplant – their selective advantage derived from preferential mobilisation, harvest, survival ex vivo or initial homing. In ‘growth selection’, cell divisions underpinning clonal expansion occurred through proliferative advantage in the recipient’s marrow after homing – clones with multiple driver mutations especially demonstrated this pattern. Uprooting stem cells from their native environment and transplanting them to foreign soil exaggerates selective pressures, distorting and accelerating the loss of clonal diversity compared to the unperturbed haematopoiesis of donors.
Intercropping of Soybean within Maize for increasing the crop productivity and cropping intensity in Coastal Region of Bangladesh
Authors: Hasan Gazi Nazmul , Khan Md Mahmudul Hasan , Anik Md Rashidul Hasan , Mahmud Md Hasan
Published: April 2023

A field trial was conducted at Bhola sadar and Daulatkhan during the rabi season of 2020-21 and 2021-22 at the farmer’s field under AEZ-18 to verify the agro-economic performance of intercropping of Soybean with Maize and to ensure the maximum utilization of the land for higher yield, Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) and economic return. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design on farmer’s field condition in Bhola sadar. Four treatments combination of different seed rate of mustard and cowpea viz., T1= Sole maize, T2= Sole Soybean, T3= Two row maize (60cm x 25cm) with 2 row Soybean (30cm x 6cm), T4= Pair row maize (120cm x 25cm) with 4 row Soybean (30cm x 6cm). Variety was BARI Hybrid Maize-16 and BARI Soybean-6. In case of maize no. of cobs plant-1, 1000-grain wt. (g) of maize was significantly influenced by intercrop combination in two consecutive years. Plant population was higher (7.13cm & 6.87 cm) in T1 treatments followed by T3 treatments (7.13cm & 6.87cm) and lower plant population was from T4 treatments (6.38cm & 6.12cm) due to pair row maize combination in two consecutive years. The highest no. of grains cob-1 (545 & 558) was recorded from T1 followed by T4 (536 & 539) and the lowest (518 & 496) was obtained from T3 treatment in 2021 & 2022 respectively. The highest maize grain yield (7.83 & 7.92 t ha-1) was obtained from sole maize in both the years. Grain yield (1.72 & 1.82 t ha-1) of sole soybean was significantly higher and lowest soybean grain yield (1.30 & 1.25 t ha-1) was obtained from T3 treatment in 2021 & 2022 respectively. The highest Maize Equivalent Yield 9.41 t ha-1 and 9.63 t ha-1 was recorded from T3 intercropped combination in two consecutive years (Table 3a & 3b). In T4 treatment, the LER was higher 1.80 & 1.71 and LER was lower 1.67 & 1.60 from T3 treatment in both years. Growing maize and soybean in intercropping under rainfed condition resulted in higher LER (Table 4) when grown as T3 and T4 indicting beneficial association between the two.
COMPORTAMENTO DE BUSCA DA INFORMAÇÃO E COMPETÊNCIA INFORMACIONAL
Authors: Serafim Caldeira Lucas , Molinari Mello Cleverson , Cristina Lopes Elaine , Luvizotto Ferraz Manoela
Published: April 2023

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar o comportamento de busca de informações e a competência informacional dos pacientes de uma rede de clínicas particulares na cidade de Paranaguá-PR. A metodologia da pesquisa caracteriza-se como quali-quantitativa, com a participação de 305 pessoas. O instrumento de pesquisa utilizado foi um questionário online na ferramenta Google Docs. Para a análise dos dados utilizou-se a estatística descritiva, com a utilização de tabelas de frequências. Posteriormente, parte-se para a análise qualitativa dos dados obtidos, auferindo inferências baseadas nas interpretações dos dados e correlação com o referencial teórico construído. O resultado da pesquisa demonstra que grande parte dos indivíduos não apresentam um padrão para a busca de informações e nota-se que a falta de uma padronização estabelecida pela empresa. Propõe-se o uso de uma ferramenta de acesso a informações sobre especialidades médicas e diagnósticos que neste caso pode constituir-se de um manual de especialidades disponibilizado pela empresa, além da sugestão de maior investimento em tecnologias e capacitação para ao acesso de usuários.
Mermaids and Related Figures in Jersey and Channel Islands’ Folklore
Authors: Bois Giles
Published: April 2023

Drawing on the author’s sustained research on Jersey over the last forty years, this article surveys Channel Islands' folklore concerning mermaids and related figures. In particular it examines the absence of interactions between Channel Islands’ mermaids and landsmen and the possibility of residual traces of mermaid folklore in local tales and legends. In light of this, the sources of Jersey folktales, legends and superstitions are reviewed, with the likely impact of the nature of these sources on the authenticity of surviving material and any likely loss of folktales before they could be recorded, that might explain this absence. The effects on the Islands’ indigenous languages (Norman-French dialects) of immigration from the United Kingdom and the introduction of English over the course of the 19th century is also considered. A brief review is made of the religious disdain in Jersey towards superstitions, which nevertheless persisted. The rise of vernacular literature from the mid-19th century provided a medium for recording some traditions, that by then were already starting to fade away. The focus here is on Jersey, with reference to examples from Guernsey, in support.
Indigenous Island Autonomy and Special Economic Zone Status: Developmental tensions of Jeju Free International City, South Korea
Authors: Grydehøj Adam , Kim Seon-Pil , Su Ping
Published: April 2023

Islands are associated with both high levels of autonomous status and sovereign status on the one hand and the creation of exceptional spaces on the other, both linked with the development of distinctive island cultures. This article argues that there is a tension between these tendencies, as is illustrated by the case of Jeju Island, South Korea. Jeju is a self-governing province and subnational island jurisdiction (SNIJ). Its autonomy is rooted in contested understandings of Jeju natives as an Indigenous people, distinct from the people of the Korean Peninsula. In practice, however, Jeju’s autonomy is used as a tool for containing a special economic zone (SEZ) aimed at attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to South Korea as a whole. By taking an island studies approach, this paper shows how Jeju’s ostensible Indigenous autonomy has been compromised by the island’s use as an exceptional space crafted in conscious relation to the mainland. Key governance mechanisms on Jeju do not prioritise Indigenous rights. Studies of island political and economic development require careful analysis of how diverse political and economic processes are influenced by islandness itself.
Feasibility and Acceptability of a Novel Online Program for Mental Health Carers
Authors: Fitzgeraldson Elloyse , Triandafilidis Zoi , Franklin Yohana , Palazzi Kerrin , Kay-Lambkin Frances , Fitzpatrick Sally
Published: April 2023

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a new online program (Minds Together ) for carers of a person with depressive or anxiety symptoms. Methods: Using a two-arm randomised controlled trial design, 108 carers of a person with depressive or anxiety symptomology aged 16 years or over (89% female; mean age 50 years) received immediate or delayed access to the Minds Together program. Feasibility was measured using program activation and survey completion rates. Acceptability was measured using a project-specific satisfaction scale, semi-structured interviews, and program completion metadata. The study used intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis for participant-reported outcomes (carer burden, coping self-efficacy) across groups. Results: Feasibility and acceptability thresholds were consistent with similar studies: 59% activated their program account, 47% met the program completion threshold, and almost all reported satisfaction with the program. The ITT indicated trends in increased coping self-efficacy and reduced carer burden for the Intervention group, compared to the Waitlist control. Conclusions: The Minds Together program is a feasible and acceptable program for carers supporting a person with depressive or anxiety symptomology. Results support exploration of the program’s efficacy in a full-scale RCT.
Decisiones económicas, atractivo y competencia intrasexual durante el ciclo menstrual en el juego del ultimátum
Authors: Alzate-Pamplona Fraidy-Alonso , Galindo-Caballero Óscar , Sánchez Escudero Juan Pablo , Villada Zapata Johny
Published: April 2023

Introducción: parece ser que, en su fase de mayor fertilidad, la competenciaintrasexual de la mujer (con mujeres atractivas y que viven cerca) aumentapor el acceso a recursos, estatus y parejas biológicamente deseables.
Objetivo:comparar las decisiones económicas (DE) en las fases ovulatoria (FO) y lútea(FL) del ciclo menstrual (CM) con exposición a dos estímulos: fotografía de unamujer de mayor atractivo y fotografía de una mujer de menor atractivo, a travésdel juego del ultimátum (UG).
Metodología:la investigación tuvo un diseño crosssectional entre sujetos para ver diferencia de grupos mediante contrastede hipótesis. El muestreo fue probabilístico, con una muestra de 100 mujeresheterosexuales, estudiantes de una universidad pública con un rango de edadde 18 a 24 años, con CM regulares, que no usaran métodos anticonceptivos hormonales y no tuvieran ninguna afección endocrina.
Resultados: las fasesdel CM no tuvieron efectos sobre las DE; las mujeres se comportaron de forma similar en sus decisiones, sin importar la fase del ciclo en la que se encontrabano el tipo de estímulo al que fueron expuestas.
Conclusión: las FO y FL no afectan las DE de las mujeres cuando son expuestas a un estímulo atractivo. La discusión se hace a la luz de la teoría evolutiva de la hipótesis del cambio ovulatorio.
Clinical-Psychological Aspects Involved in Gynecological Surgery: Description of Peri-Operative Psychopathological Symptoms and Illness Behavior
Authors: Guidotti Sara , Pruneti Carlo , Mortilla Simona , Masellis Giuseppe , Caramuscio Chiara
Published: April 2023

Background. Within the current literature concerning the gynecological surgery, there are only a few studies that focus on the psychological aspects that characterize the peri-operative period. In this research, the psychopathological symptoms and the illness behavior were assessed in order to confirm previous results about clinical variables such as the type and method of intervention, as well as psychological aspects regarding the positive anamnesis for mental disorders. Moreover, other factors including the desire for maternity and previous surgical interventions and pregnancies were also investigated. Methods. In this observational research, 58 women (age = 41.5±8.8), that undergone gynecological surgery (conservative and non-conservative) for benign pathologies, were consecutively recruited. Information on psychopathological symptoms was collected 15 days (T0) and one day before surgery(T1), and at the time of discharge (T2) through the Symptom Questionnaire (SQ). At T2, the Illness Behavior Questionnaire (IBQ) was also administered. Results. The descriptive analyzes conducted on the total sample demonstrated that while anxious activation andirritable mood decrease from T0 to T1, somatizations and depression mood increase between T1 and T2. Moreover, the comparisons between groups, dividing the sample according to the clinical-medical and psychological variables, highlighted that the type and modality of the intervention, as well as a positive history for the presence of psychological disorders, the desire for maternity, and previous surgical interventions and pregnancies, can influence the course of psychopathological symptoms. Conclusion. This study highlights the need to include a clinical-psychological evaluation and to pay attention to specific clinical variables regarding women that are undergoing a conservative or non-conservative gynecological surgery. Considering the psychological impact of these type of interventions, the clinical history of these women, as well as their fears and desires, could facilitate a better management of the patients in terms of well-being, adherence to treatment, and recovery
Vocation of the Russian philosophy and sociology historian. Centennial of Professor Galaktionov
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Sinyutin Mikhail V.
Published: April 2023

The article is written to commemorate the centenary of the birth of the famous historian of Russian philosophy and sociology Anatoly Andrianovich Galaktionov (1922-2002), whose life activity for a long time was closely connected with St Petersburg (Leningrad) State University. The purpose of the article is a comprehensive understanding of the role of A. A. Galaktionov in the national historical and sociological tradition, as well as a synthesized assessment of his work from the standpoint of the current state of the history of sociology. The historian’s work is revealed within the biographical context and the main stages of the scientist’s life as a struggle for his research principles and beliefs. Based on the historiographical review, the sequence of formation of A. A. Galaktionov’s key scientific ideas is thoroughly considered and the fundamental importance of methodological developments in the field of historical research of the Russian philosophical process is shown. On basis of this approach, his fundamental contribution to the development of Russian science was first concretized. An important conclusion is made that the main creative achievement of A. A. Galaktionov is the concretization and systematization of the historical-materialistic understanding of social thought in Russia. The identification of the national and cultural peculiarities of the Russian philosophical process is indicated as an important moment of this concretization. A vivid example of this kind of concretization was the comprehension of the historical place and significance of Slavophilism in the history of Russian social thought. For the first time in the Russian literature, his characteristic of Russian philosophy as a philosophy of life is highlighted. At the end of the article, the relevance and value of A. A. Galaktionov’s ideas for modern research of Russian philosophical culture and sociological thought is emphasized.
Impact of land-use/cover change on water quality in the Mindu Dam drainage, Tanzania
Authors: Gobry Josephine John , Twisa Sekela Simon , Ngassapa Faustin , Kilulya Kessy F.
Published: April 2023

Water pollution caused by land-use/cover change is one of the most pressing problems facing both industrialized and developing countries. Freshwater quality deterioration suggests the collective outcomes of natural courses and alterations in land-use/cover. Understanding the correlation among land-use/cover and water quality parameters is vital for future water quality management. In this work, land-use/cover pattern and its effect on water quality in the Mindu Dam drainage area were analysed using Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques together with cellular automata–Markov model. The land-use/cover images between 1990 and 2020 were used to assess historical and spatial change of land-use/cover change, and projected for 2030 and 2040. We discovered that the dynamics of land use and land cover during the study period were significant. A strong correlation was revealed between changes in the land-use/cover and water quality parameters. Furthermore, a strong correlation exists between cultivated land and measured nutrient (nitrate and phosphate) and chlorophyll-a concentration. The natural vegetation buffer around Mindu Dam should be sufficient to prevent long-term water quality degradation from agricultural runoff in order to manage water quality sustainably. Therefore, land-use/cover management practices must be considered for sustainable resource management and water quality monitoring.
Antibacterial Activity of Origanum vulgare and Rosmarinus officinalis standardized extracts Against Curtobacterium and Xanthomonas
Authors: Vaz Priscila Dias da Silva , Souza Waléria Ramos Nogueira de , Wendland Adriane , Oliveira Matheus Gabriel de , Cirilo Hérica Nubia Cardoso , Cortes Marcio Vinicius de Carvalho Barros , Bara Maria Teresa Freitas
Published: April 2023

Diseases caused by Curtobacterium and Xantomonnas species represent an agricultural problem in crops and can generate economic impacts on the commercialization of seeds and food. Origanum vulgare L. (oregano) and Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) have rosmarinic acid and others phenolics that can lead to the control of phytopathogenic bacteria in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antibacterial activity of O. vulgaris and R. officinalis extracts, standardized in rosmarinic acid, against Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens, Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli, Xanthomonas fuscans subsp. fuscans and Xanthomonas sp. The antibacterial effect of the extracts in bean seed was also investigated. The content of rosmarinic acid was 8.55 % for O. vulgare and 16.30 % for R. officinalis extract. It was verified the complete in vitro inhibition of the bacteria studied by both extracts at 0.8% (w/w) with exception of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli BRM 025302 that was completely inhibited at 1.2% (w/w)  of oregano. In addition, no symptom of phytotoxicity were noted in detached bean leaves treated with them. Under greenhouse conditions, some reduction on severity of Curtobacterium wilt by both extracts at 1% (w/w) was noted to bean cultivars BRS Sublime and BRS Estilo. Under the experimental conditions these extracts were not efficient to control the common bacterial blight caused by X. axonopodis pv. phaseoli. Both extracts are promising in the treatment of seeds, specially in related to contamination by Fusarium spp., whose percentage decreased on average an average from 94% to 10%. In addition, these bean seeds maintained the germination percentage adequate to that required by legislation. Further studies must be conducted to better investigate the potential of these standardized extracts as a bioproduct for agriculture.