bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survival trends among people living with human immunodeficiency virus on antiretroviral treatment in two rural districts in Ghana
Authors: Sackeya Eugene , Beru Martin Muonibe , Angmortey Richard Nomo , Opoku Douglas Aninng , Boakye Kingsley , Baatira Musah , Yakubu Mohammed Sheriff , Mohammed Aliyu , Ayisi-Boateng Nana Kwame , Boateng Daniel , Nakua Emmanuel Kweku , Edusei Anthony Kweku
Published: March 2024

Background

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has caused a lot of havoc since the early 1970s, affecting 37.6 million people worldwide. The 90-90-90 treatment policy was adopted in Ghana in 2015 with the overall aim to end new infections by 2030, and to improve the life expectancy of HIV seropositive individuals. With the scale-up of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy, the lifespan of People Living with HIV (PLWH) on antiretrovirals (ARVs) is expected to improve. In rural districts in Ghana, little is known about the survival probabilities of PLWH on ARVs. Hence, this study was conducted to estimate the survival trends of PLWH on ARVs.

Methods

A retrospective evaluation of data gathered across ARV centres within Tatale and Zabzugu districts in Ghana from 2016 to 2020 among PLWH on ARVs. A total of 261 participants were recruited for the study. The data was analyzed using STATA software version 16.0. Lifetable analysis and Kaplan-Meier graph were used to assess the survival probabilities. “Stptime” per 1000 person-years and the competing risk regression were used to evaluate mortality rates and risk.

Results

The cumulative survival probability was 0.8847 (95% CI: 0.8334–0.9209). The overall mortality rate was 51.89 (95% CI: 36.89–72.97) per 1000 person-years. WHO stage III and IV [AHR: 4.25 (95%CI: 1.6–9.71) p = 0.001] as well as age group (50+ years) [AHR: 5.02 (95% CI: 1.78–14.13) p = 0.002] were associated with mortality.

Conclusion

Survival probabilities were high among the population of PLWH in Tatale and Zabzugu with declining mortality rates. Clinicians should provide critical attention and care to patients at HIV WHO stages III and IV and intensify HIV screening at all entry points since early diagnosis is associated with high survival probabilities.
The impact of the digital economy on high-quality agricultural development——Based on the regulatory effects of financial development
Authors: Zhou Li , Zhang Shuning , Zhou Chenjing , Yuan Shuai , Jiang Hong , Wang Yifeng
Published: March 2024

The digital economy, as a new economic form with high information density, provides a new driving force for the realization of high-quality agricultural development. Panel data of 31 provinces in China from 2011 to 2020 were selected for analysis. The static panel data interaction effect model and panel threshold model were used to verify the nonlinear influence mechanism and heterogeneity of financial development in the process of the digital economy affecting high-quality agricultural development. The findings are as follows. (1) During the study period, the high-quality development of China’s agriculture showed a steady upward trend; however, the regional differences were significant, and the eastern part was larger than the central and western part. (2) The digital economy can promote high-quality agricultural development. (3) The digital economy has a double threshold effect in the process of affecting high-quality agricultural development, which depends on the level of financial development. When the threshold is exceeded, the digital economy has a more significant promoting effect on high-quality agricultural development. (4) The impact of the digital economy on high-quality agricultural development is heterogeneous. From the perspective of different regions, the impact effect is greatest in the eastern region, while the effect is smaller in the central and western regions. From different resource endowments, the positive impact effect is greatest in the major grain-selling areas, followed by the major grain producing areas, but the positive digital economy driving effect is not significant in the balance of production and sales areas. Finally, three policy suggestions are proposed. First, the Chinese government should increase investments in and support for digital technology to promote the integration of the digital economy and agriculture. Second, the Chinese government should promote the development of digital inclusive finance in areas with financial development below the threshold. Third, different regions should implement differentiated digital economies to promote high-quality agricultural development.
Systematic cryopreservation study of cardiac myoblasts in suspension
Authors: Ashrafi Elham , Radisic Milica , Elliott Janet A. W.
Published: March 2024

H9c2 myoblasts are a cell line derived from embryonic rat heart tissue and demonstrate the ability to differentiate to cardiac myotubes upon reduction of the serum concentration (from 10% to 1%) and addition of all-trans retinoic acid in the growth medium. H9c2 cells are increasingly being used as an easy-to-culture proxy for some functions of cardiomyocytes. The cryobiology of cardiac cells including H9c2 myoblasts has not been studied as extensively as that of some cell types. Consequently, it is important to characterize the cryobiological response and systematically develop well-optimized cryopreservation protocols for H9c2 cells to have optimal and consistent viability and functionality after thaw for high quality studies with this cell type. In this work, an interrupted slow cooling protocol (graded freezing) was applied to characterize H9c2 response throughout the cooling profile. Important factors that affect the cell response were examined, and final protocols that provided the highest post-thaw viability are reported. One protocol uses the common cryoprotectant dimethyl sulfoxide combined with hydroxyethyl starch, which will be suitable for applications in which the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide is not an issue; and the other protocol uses glycerol as a substitute when there is a desire to avoid dimethyl sulfoxide. Both protocols achieved comparable post-thaw viabilities (higher than 80%) based on SYTO 13/GelRed flow cytometry results. H9c2 cells cryopreserved by either protocol showed ability to differentiate to cardiac myotubes comparable to fresh (unfrozen) H9c2 cells, and their differentiation to cardiac myotubes was confirmed with i) change in cell morphology, ii) expression of cardiac marker troponin I, and iii) increase in mitochondrial mass.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of dapagliflozin for people with chronic kidney disease in Malaysia
Authors: Lim Soo Kun , Lee Shaun Wen Huey
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health concern which results in significant economic burden. Despite this, treatment options are limited. Recently, dapagliflozin has been reported have benefits in people with CKD. This study aimed to evaluate the cost–effectiveness of dapagliflozin as an add-on to standard of care (SoC) in people with CKD in Malaysia.

Methods

A Markov model was adapted to estimate the economic and clinical benefits of dapagliflozin in people with Stage 2 to 5 CKD. The cost-effectiveness was performed based upon data from the Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Chronic Kidney Disease (DAPA-CKD) trial supplemented with local costs and utility data whenever possible.

Results

In Malaysia, dapagliflozin in combination with SoC was the dominant intervention compared to SoC alone (RM 81,814 versus RM 85,464; USD19,762 vs USD20,644). Adding dapagliflozin to SoC in people with CKD increased life expectancy by 0.46 years and increased quality-adjusted life years (QALY) by 0.41 in comparison with SoC alone (10.01 vs. 9.55 years, 8.76 vs. 8.35 QALYs). This translates to a saving of RM8,894 (USD2,148) with every QALY gained. The benefits were due to the delay in CKD progression, resulting in lower costs of dialysis and renal transplantation. Results were robust to variations in assumptions over disease management costs as well as subgroup of population that would be treated and below the accepted willingness-to-pay thresholds of RM 46,000/QALY.

Conclusion

The use of dapagliflozin was projected to improved life expectancy and quality of life among people with CKD, with a saving RM8,894 (USD2,148) for every quality-adjusted life-year gained and RM7,898 (USD1,908) saving for every life year gained.
Towards identification of postharvest fruit quality transcriptomic markers in Malus domestica
Authors: Hadish John A. , Hargarten Heidi L. , Zhang Huiting , Mattheis James P. , Honaas Loren A. , Ficklin Stephen P.
Published: March 2024

Gene expression is highly impacted by the environment and can be reflective of past events that affected developmental processes. It is therefore expected that gene expression can serve as a signal of a current or future phenotypic traits. In this paper we identify sets of genes, which we call Prognostic Transcriptomic Biomarkers (PTBs), that can predict firmness in Malus domestica (apple) fruits. In apples, all individuals of a cultivar are clones, and differences in fruit quality are due to the environment. The apples transcriptome responds to these differences in environment, which makes PTBs an attractive predictor of future fruit quality. PTBs have the potential to enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce crop loss, and provide higher and more consistent quality for consumers. However, several questions must be addressed. In this paper we answer the question of which of two common modeling approaches, Random Forest or ElasticNet, outperforms the other. We answer if PTBs with few genes are efficient at predicting traits. This is important because we need few genes to perform qPCR, and we answer the question if qPCR is a cost-effective assay as input for PTBs modeled using high-throughput RNA-seq. To do this, we conducted a pilot study using fruit texture in the ‘Gala’ variety of apples across several postharvest storage regiments. Fruit texture in ‘Gala’ apples is highly controllable by post-harvest treatments and is therefore a good candidate to explore the use of PTBs. We find that the RandomForest model is more consistent than an ElasticNet model and is predictive of firmness (r2 = 0.78) with as few as 15 genes. We also show that qPCR is reasonably consistent with RNA-seq in a follow up experiment. Results are promising for PTBs, yet more work is needed to ensure that PTBs are robust across various environmental conditions and storage treatments.
Impact of prenatal maternal dietary exclusion on childhood obesity and overweight risk
Authors: Horne Brenton , Kabir Enamul , Alam Khorshed
Published: March 2024

Background

Child birthweight is a measure of fetal nutrition that is primarily determined by prenatal maternal (PM) diet. Child birthweight and child obesity/overweight risk are well established to be linked. Nevertheless, no studies have investigated the impact of PM dietary exclusion on child obesity/overweight risk or body mass index z-score (BMIz).

Objectives

The study aimed to determine whether PM dietary exclusion affected the child’s BMIz, obesity/overweight risk, whether child birthweight serves as a mediator of this, and whether PM use of dietary supplements can protect against this.

Methods

Waves within the years 2004–2019 from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, a population-based cohort study, were analyzed. The participants were aged 0 to 15 years during these waves of the study. Analysis was conducted using logistic and linear models. A total of 5,107 participants were involved in the first wave of the study.

Results

The PM exclusion of fish was associated with a higher risk of being underweight at age 14 or 15 years and mild-to-moderate obesity at age 6 or 7 years. The PM exclusion of egg was associated with a higher risk of being overweight at age 14 or 15 years. The exclusion of dairy was associated with more mixed effects. Mediation effects did not reach statistical significance. Moderation effects involving PM dietary supplement use, when they did occur, were associated with higher child BMIz and usually a higher risk of obesity/overweight.

Conclusions

Fish and eggs are likely important parts of PM diets for preventing childhood obesity and overweight. Further studies will be needed to determine reasons for this and the apparent adverse effects of dietary supplements on overweight/obesity risk.
Sex differences in associated factors for age-related hearing loss
Authors: Nam Dong Woo , Park Min-Hyun , Jeong Su Ji , Lee Kook Lae , Kim Ji Won , Jeong Ji Bong
Published: March 2024

The prevalence and age of onset of hearing loss differ according to sex. This study aimed to identify associated factors for age-related hearing loss (ARHL) and determine whether there are differences between males and females regarding associated factors for ARHL. This cross-sectional study used data from adults who underwent medical examinations including hearing tests from 2011 to 2021. A total of 2,349 individuals were included. The study conducted sex-specific analyses using both univariate and multiple regression. Univariate analysis employed logistic regression, while multiple regression involved variable selection through the augmented backward elimination method. Separate multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted for each sex. In the univariate analysis, among males, age, underweight, alcohol consumption, weight, and height exhibited statistical significance. Among females, age, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, sarcopenia, weight, height, age at menarche, and duration of hormone exposure were found to be significant factors. However, in the multiple logistic regression model for males, underweight, and smoking emerged as significant, while in females, age, weight, obesity, and age at menarche retained their significance. We found that there are different associated factors for ARHL in each sex. Assessment and counseling for smoking, obstetric history, underweight, and obesity may be beneficial in managing patients with ARHL.
Diving dinosaurs? Caveats on the use of bone compactness and pFDA for inferring lifestyle
Authors: Myhrvold Nathan P. , Baumgart Stephanie L. , Vidal Daniel , Fish Frank E. , Henderson Donald M. , Saitta Evan T. , Sereno Paul C.
Published: March 2024

The lifestyle of spinosaurid dinosaurs has been a topic of lively debate ever since the unveiling of important new skeletal parts for Spinosaurus aegyptiacus in 2014 and 2020. Disparate lifestyles for this taxon have been proposed in the literature; some have argued that it was semiaquatic to varying degrees, hunting fish from the margins of water bodies, or perhaps while wading or swimming on the surface; others suggest that it was a fully aquatic underwater pursuit predator. The various proposals are based on equally disparate lines of evidence. A recent study by Fabbri and coworkers sought to resolve this matter by applying the statistical method of phylogenetic flexible discriminant analysis to femur and rib bone diameters and a bone microanatomy metric called global bone compactness. From their statistical analyses of datasets based on a wide range of extant and extinct taxa, they concluded that two spinosaurid dinosaurs (S. aegyptiacus, Baryonyx walkeri) were fully submerged “subaqueous foragers,” whereas a third spinosaurid (Suchomimus tenerensis) remained a terrestrial predator. We performed a thorough reexamination of the datasets, analyses, and methodological assumptions on which those conclusions were based, which reveals substantial problems in each of these areas. In the datasets of exemplar taxa, we found unsupported categorization of taxon lifestyle, inconsistent inclusion and exclusion of taxa, and inappropriate choice of taxa and independent variables. We also explored the effects of uncontrolled sources of variation in estimates of bone compactness that arise from biological factors and measurement error. We found that the ability to draw quantitative conclusions is limited when taxa are represented by single data points with potentially large intrinsic variability. The results of our analysis of the statistical method show that it has low accuracy when applied to these datasets and that the data distributions do not meet fundamental assumptions of the method. These findings not only invalidate the conclusions of the particular analysis of Fabbri et al. but also have important implications for future quantitative uses of bone compactness and discriminant analysis in paleontology.
Associations between adiposity measures and depression and well-being scores: A cross-sectional analysis of middle- to older-aged adults
Authors: Lonergan Caoimhe , Millar Seán R. , Kabir Zubair
Published: March 2024

Background

Obesity and mental health are significant global health concerns. Evidence has linked increased adiposity with depression and well-being; however, there is limited documented evidence in Ireland. Research also suggests lifestyle factors and disease conditions to be related to mental health. These may modulate relationships between adiposity and depression and well-being.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of 1,821 men and women aged 46–73 years, randomly selected from a large primary care centre. Depression and well-being were assessed using the 20-item Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and the World Health Organization-Five (WHO-5) Well-Being Index. Linear regression analyses were performed to examine relationships between mental health scores (dependent variable) and adiposity (independent variable) defined using body mass index (BMI) and waist-height ratio while adjusting for demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors and disease conditions.

Results

BMI and waist-height ratio had a significant positive association with depression scores and a significant inverse association with well-being scores in males and females. These associations were maintained following adjustment for demographic variables and lifestyle factors. In final models where disease conditions were adjusted for, BMI (β = 0.743, p < .001) and waist-height ratio (β = 0.719, p < .001) associations with the CES-D score remained significant. In stratified analyses, relationships between measures of adiposity and depression were found to be stronger in females (BMI: β = 0.806, p = .007; waist-height ratio: β = 0.768, p = .01) than males (BMI: β = 0.573, p = .049; waist-height ratio: β = 0.593, p = .044) but no effect modification was identified.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that increased adiposity is significantly associated with poorer mental health, independent of lifestyle factors and disease conditions. Targeted interventions for reducing depression should include better population-level weight management measures.
Extreme risk spillovers between US and Chinese agricultural futures markets in crises: A dependence-switching copula-CoVaR model
Authors: Hu Xin , Zhu Bo , Zhang Bokai , Zeng Lidan
Published: March 2024

The linkages between the US and China, the world’s two major agricultural powers, have brought great uncertainty to the global food markets. Inspired by these, this paper examines the extreme risk spillovers between US and Chinese agricultural futures markets during significant crises. We use a copula-conditional value at risk (CoVaR) model with Markov-switching regimes to capture the tail dependence in their pair markets. The study covers the period from January 2006 to December 2022 and identifies two distinct dependence regimes (stable and crisis periods). Moreover, we find significant and asymmetric upside/downside extreme risk spillovers between the US and Chinese markets, which are highly volatile in crises. Additionally, the impact of international capital flows (the financial channel) on risk spillovers is particularly pronounced during the global financial crisis. During the period of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine 2022 war, the impact of supply chain disruptions (the non-financial channel) is highlighted. Our findings provide a theoretical reference for monitoring the co-movements in agricultural futures markets and practical insights for managing investment portfolios and enhancing food market stability during crises.
Otariid gammaherpesvirus 1 in South American fur seals (Arctocephalus australis) and a novel related herpesvirus in free-ranging South American sea lions (Otaria byronia): Prevalence and effects of age, sex, and sample type
Authors: Tang Karisa N. , Adkesson Michael J. , Cárdenas-Alayza Susana , Adamovicz Laura , Deming Alissa C. , Wellehan James F. X. , Childress April , Cortes-Hinojosa Galaxia , Colegrove Kathleen , Langan Jennifer N. , Allender Matthew C.
Published: March 2024

Otariid gammaherpesvirus 1 (OtGHV1) is associated with high rates of urogenital carcinoma in free-ranging California sea lions (Zalophus californianus; CSL), and until recently was reported only in the Northern Hemisphere. The objective of this study was to survey free-ranging South American sea lions (Otaria byronia; SASL) and South American fur seals (Arctocephalus australis: SAFS) in Punta San Juan, Peru for OtGHV1 and to determine prevalence characteristics. Twenty-one percent (14/67) of urogenital swabs collected over three years (2011, 2014, 2015) from live pinnipeds of both species tested positive with a pan-herpesvirus conventional PCR. Sequencing of SAFS amplicons revealed 100% homology to OtGHV1 at the DNA polymerase, glycoprotein B, and viral bcl2-like genes. Sequencing of SASL amplicons revealed a novel related virus, herein called Otariid gammaherpesvirus 8 (OtGHV8). For comparison of sample sites, urogenital, conjunctival, and oropharyngeal swabs collected from 136 live pinnipeds of both species at Punta San Juan between 2011–2018 were then assayed using quantitative PCR for a segment of the OtGHV1/8 DNA polymerase gene using a qPCR assay now determined to cross-react between the two viruses. In total, across both species, 38.6% (51/132) of urogenital swabs, 5.6% (4/71) of conjunctival swabs, and 1.1% (1/90) of oropharyngeal swabs were positive for OtGHV1/8, with SASL only positive on urogenital swabs. Results from SASL were complicated by the finding of OtGHV8, necessitating further study to determine prevalence of OtGHV1 versus OtGHV8 using an alternate assay. Results from SAFS suggest a potential relationship between OtGHV1 in SAFS and CSL. Though necropsy surveillance in SAFS is very limited, geographic patterns of OtGHV1-associated urogenital carcinoma in CSL and the tendency of herpesviruses to cause more detrimental disease in aberrant hosts suggests that it is possible that SAFS may be the definitive host of OtGHV1, which gives further insight into the diversity and phyogeography of this clade of related gammaherpesviruses.
Adding some zest to product development articles: How food technology findings can spark designers’ interest
Authors: Schifferstein Hendrik N. J.
Published: March 2024

To qualify as food design, technological details must be placed in perspective of the all-encompassing challenge of designing a successful, tasty food product that contributes to a desirable society. Articles describing food product development typically focus on technological issues, while they should provide a broader, multidisciplinary perspective to inform food design. Furthermore, food design articles also consider the creative and developmental processes followed to innovate. Including a description of the future consumption context can complete the discourse.
Visual depictions of the Rohingya crisis: Exodus, cultural othering, genocidal aggression and audience aversion to graphic portrayals
Authors: Grandjean Julie , Bucy Erik P.
Published: March 2024

The Rohingya people of Myanmar (formerly Burma) have been described by the UN as the ‘most persecuted ethnic group in the world’. Yet despite recognition of the Rohingya’s attempted eradication as a genocide, this humanitarian crisis is rarely the subject of intensive news coverage and largely flies under the radar of international media. When the Rohingya’s plight does appear in the news, media coverage tends to portray this religious and ethnic minority as a displaced people fleeing their native Myanmar rather than depicting the reality of genocide and the gruesome visual truth of systematic, violent elimination. To document how an ongoing genocide is visually framed in news and understood by audiences, this article develops an inventory of visual frames used in coverage about the crisis, then employs a ‘picture prompt’ method of soliciting responses from viewers to document how these frames are received and interpreted. Analysis of 2132 responses from 533 online participants reveals stark differences in viewer evaluations of more graphic portrayals compared to mundane depictions of the crisis. The study summarizes the consequences that viewer interpretations of images of conflict and mass displacement can have for humanitarian support and perceptions of event severity.
The visual storytelling of war: Mobilizing Tatik and Papik
Authors: Davidjants Jaana
Published: March 2024

This article focuses on the visual storytelling of war by studying the ‘We Are Our Mountains’ monument-related narration on Instagram. I analysed 371 posts, their comments and fourteen interviews with Armenian content creators to examine multimodal wartime storytelling and to shed light on how aesthetics are deployed in different war stages. During war, the Armenian content creators framed (and experienced) the monument as ‘beautiful’ to boost morale and mobilize external audiences. Post-war, stories turned to ‘working through’ and ‘building-up’, with aesthetics used for in-group affinity. However, online storytelling also includes unintended audiences; Azerbaijani audiences inserted themselves into the shared stories, and contested the aesthetic value of the monument, thus further highlighting the relevance of aesthetics in war-related storytelling.
Flexible populist ideology during Russia’s war in Ukraine: A multimodal analysis of internet memes
Authors: Pettersson Katarina , Martikainen Jari , Sakki Inari
Published: March 2024

The social media have become an increasingly important vehicle for populist mobilization and persuasion. In this study, we explore how populism as a flexible ideology becomes articulated and reconstructed in times of international political turmoil. More precisely, we focus on the multimodal construction of right-wing populist ideology in the political memes produced by the Finns Party during Russia’s war in Ukraine in the spring 2022. Our multimodal discourse analysis shows that the memes constructed national security and sovereignty, (gendered) anti-elitism, and anti-refugee arguments through drawing upon the ‘Russian threat’ as a central discursive resource. Further, it demonstrates how the specific features of internet memes – humour, entertainment, open-endedness and interactivity – can be creatively utilized in populist political communication. The results of this study have implications for the scholarly understanding of populism as a ‘thin’ and flexible ideology, and for internet memes as a channel for political persuasion and mobilization.
‘It is normal, that is, difficult’: Care obligation and solidarity in Balkan-Swiss families during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Waldis Barbara , Kurt Stefanie
Published: March 2024

This article explores the dynamics of care obligations and family solidarity within Balkan-Swiss families, specifically concerning ageing parents, against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through interviews with adult children residing in Switzerland whose ageing parents reside in Kosovo, North Macedonia and Serbia, we uncover the challenges exacerbated by the pandemic’s global border closures and lockdowns. Our conceptual framework places a spotlight on family solidarity, central during our interviews in contrast to major discussions in social science literature on ageing in cross-border families revolving around moral obligation. We explore how family solidarity plays a pivotal role in the support systems for ageing parents in the interviewed families. We contextualize by the history of migration between the Balkans and Switzerland and the relevant migration laws before we shed light on the conditions of parents in the Balkans both before and during the pandemic. We analyse the impact of international border closures on family relationships, support structures and international travel patterns. We highlight a pattern of cooperation and unity, a solidarity as it manifests in specific relationships within families. Yet, the notion of solidarity encompasses the broader ‘public’ sphere and social movements. Solidary connections transcend one’s immediate (family) circle, encompassing also a global dimension of solidarity. We argue that the intricate dynamics of cross-border family caregiving for ageing parents during the COVID-19 pandemic represent a contemporary social issue suitable for discussion in the context of the solidarity concept. This discussion, we believe, offers a valuable contribution to the discourses on solidarity.
Reja de arado de vástago localizada en la villa romana de Piecordero I (Cascante, Navarra)
Authors: Bonilla Santander Óscar , Gómara Miramón Marta , Santos Horneros Ángel , Pérez Aranda Miriam
Published: March 2024

En este trabajo se estudia una reja de arado de vástago en hierro de cronología altoimperial localizada en la villa romana de Piecordero I, en el término municipal de Cascante en la Comunidad Foral de Navarra. La principal novedad del estudio radica en la documentación de este elemento en excavación arqueológica y con un contexto arqueológico cerrado. Las rejas de arado localizadas en Hispania en su mayoría carecen de contexto arqueológico, por lo que la reja de arado localizada en Piecordero I con una cronología del siglo II d.C. se configura como un elemento fundamental para el estudio y seriación cronológica de este tipo de herramientas en los ambientes agrícolas romanos hispanos.
mito griego en un contexto cristiano. El Hilas de Draconcio
Authors: Konstan David
Published: March 2024

Draconcio, que escribió en el norte de África hacia finales del siglo V y principios del VI, compuso carmina christiana y carmina profana. Entre estos últimos hay tres poemas breves en hexámetros, que cuentan la historia de Medea, el rapto de Helena y el destino de Hilas, el compañero de Hércules. La historia de Hilas fue muy popular y de ella se han conservado varias versiones. Draconcio cambia muchos detalles y sobre todo introduce un largo prólogo que presenta a Venus y Cupido en sus papeles más traviesos. En cierto sentido, es una variación astuta de un tema mítico muy usado. Por otro lado, invita a una lectura crítica de la naturaleza y el comportamiento de los dioses. Además, el poema ofrece la opción de ver a Venus y Cupido como fuerzas naturales, proveedores de los placeres más profundos de la vida. Finalmente, se puede detectar en él un sutil indicio de imágenes cristianas.
tratamiento de la mitología en los escolios de Aristófanes
Authors: BILBAO RUIZ JAVIER
Published: March 2024

Este artículo estudia el tratamiento de la mitología en los escolios de Aristófanes. En primer lugar, se presta atención al papel que juega la mitología en Aristófanes, dado que los escoliastas siempre van a aludir a esa disciplina para explicar las comedias del cómico ateniense. A continuación, se estudia la terminología que usan los escoliastas para referirse a las cuestiones míticas y, luego, se presta atención al valor real que aportan los escolios para el conocimiento de la mitología. Para terminar, se describen los contextos en los que se aglutina la exégesis mitológica, prestando atención a la racionalización de los mitos. Los escoliastas se sienten cómodos explicando cuestiones míticas dentro de los parámetros de un sistema en el que la explicación racional del mito está bien integrada.   

Palabras clave: Mito; mitología; escolios; progymnasmata; Aristófanes
Physicochemical properties and fatty acid profile of oil extracted from black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens)
Authors: Srisuksai Krittika , Limudomporn Paviga , Kovitvadhi Uthaiwan , Thongsuwan Khunakon , Imaram Witcha , Lertchaiyongphanit Ratchaphon , Sareepoch Tharinee , Kovitvadhi Attawit , Fungfuang Wirasak
Published: March 2024

Background and Aim: Hermetia illucens, a black soldier fly, is widely recognized for sustainable recycling of organic waste. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFLs) can consume various types of biowastes and convert them into nutrient-rich biomass, including proteins, lipids, chitin, and minerals. This study investigated the best extraction method by comparing the fatty acid profiles, percentage yield, and antioxidant properties of BSFL oil extracted using different extraction methods.

Materials and Methods: The physicochemical properties, fatty acid profile, and free radical scavenging ability of BSFL oil were analyzed using six extraction methods.

Results: Ultrasonic extraction with hexane resulted in the highest yields compared with different extraction methods. Lauric acid (28%–37%) was the most abundant fatty acid in all extracts, followed by palmitic acid, myristic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid. Compared with other methods, aqueous extraction showed the highest lauric acid composition and free radical scavenging activities. In addition, high-temperature aqueous extraction resulted in higher oil yield and free radical scavenging activities than low-temperature extraction.

Conclusion: High-temperature aqueous extraction is the best extraction method because it is rich in lauric acid, has antioxidant ability, and can be further developed to produce novel sustainable biomaterials for humans and animals.

Keywords: black soldier fly, extraction method, fatty acid, Hermetia illucens.
Seroprevalence of peste des petits ruminants disease in Indonesian buffaloes may be an emerging threat to small ruminants
Authors: Sendow Indrawati , Hoerudin Heri , Hartawan Risza , Fairusya Nuha , Ratnawati Atik , Wardhana April Hari , Sawitri Dyah Haryuningtyas , Nuradji Harimurti , Dharmayanti Ni Luh Putu Indi , Saepulloh Muharam , Chowdhury Emdadul Haque
Published: March 2024

Background and Aim: The peste des petit ruminants (PPR) is a disaster-class virus that causes catastrophic drawbacks to small ruminant industries in affected countries. As PPR disease has been reported in neighboring countries, Indonesia, which has a large population of sheep and goats, has become prone to the emerging threat of infection. Because the virus can also infect other animals with subclinical manifestations, large ruminants, such as buffaloes, may play an important role in spreading the virus in the environment. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to identify PPR seroprevalence in the buffalo population of Indonesia.

Materials and Methods: A competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to identify the specific antibody for PPR viruses in the buffalo population using serum bank collection from the National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia.

Results: PPR virus seroprevalence was detected in buffalo from Central Java, East Java, and East Nusa Tenggara Province in Indonesia. Although seroprevalence was low in the population, the antibody titer was relatively high in the positive samples. Sex and age were identified as determinant factors in the seroprevalence distribution of the buffalo population.

Conclusion: The presence of antibodies against the PPR virus in buffaloes may indicate that PPR virus is circulating in the buffalo population of Indonesia.

Keywords: antibody, buffalo, Indonesia, peste des petit ruminants, seroprevalence.
Mandatas coletivas
Authors: Segurado Rosemary , Amorim Fabricio
Published: March 2024

Processos eleitorais são fundamentais nas democracias contemporâneas, mas nem por isso garantem representatividade dos governantes e ampliação da cidadania por parte dos eleitores. As mandatas coletivas compõe um experimento político recente que subverte as formas comuns de representação democrática no parlamento. Neste artigo, buscamos compreender este fenômeno que é mais recorrente no sul e sudeste do Brasil. Realizamos 20 entrevistas em profundidade com mandatas coletivas eleitas por todo país com objetivo de compreender essa nova realidade que desafia a estrutura engessada dos partidos políticos e a personalização na política, isto é, a chapa centrada em apenas uma personalidade. Verificamos, dessa maneira, que essas candidaturas coletivas dão voz a um grupo de pessoas que tem em comum as pautas identitárias, principalmente em coletivos de mulheres que buscam quebrar a hegemonia masculina nos espaços institucionais de poder.
Caracterização microbiológica e físico-química de kefir de leite de vaca produzido com grãos obtidos de cultivo doméstico
Authors: Tebaldi Victor Maximiliano Reis , Rodrigues Victória Macena , De Carvalho Alves Jonathan Neves , Pehrson Moysés Estevão De Souza Freitas , Braga Ariane Maria De Lacerda
Published: March 2024

Kefir é uma bebida fermentada tradicional originária de regiões do Cáucaso e da Europa Oriental, produzida pela adição direta de grãos de kefir ao leite. O estudo visou avaliar as características microbiológicas e físico-químicas de bebidas elaboradas com grãos obtidos de cultivo doméstico. As bebidas foram preparadas a partir da inoculação dos grãos em leite UHT integral na proporção 1:15 (p/v), fermentadas por 24 h e filtradas para separação dos grãos. Bactérias lácticas foram quantificadas em Ágar MRS e a contagem de leveduras em Ágar BDA. A enumeração de coliformes totais e termotolerantes foi realizada pela técnica dos tubos múltiplos em Caldo VB e EC. A acidez titulável foi determinada por titulometria com solução de NaOH 0,1N. O teor de lactose foi determinado pelo método de Fehling. Foi constatada a presença de coliformes totais em três amostras e coliformes termotolerantes em apenas uma. Menores teores de lactose foram observados nas amostras com maior crescimento de bactérias lácticas e leveduras. Maiores teores de acidez titulável foram observados nas amostras que apresentaram menores valores de pH e maior crescimento de bactérias lácticas. A maioria das amostras atende aos parâmetros estabelecidos para contagem de bactérias lácticas. Duas amostras apresentaram contagem de leveduras 10 UFC/mL. A presença de coliformes em três amostras revela falhas nas condições higiênicas durante os repasses contínuos ou ainda nas etapas de manipulação ou armazenamento. Ressalta-se a importância da adoção de boas práticas higiênicas durante a obtenção dos grãos e elaboração da bebida, visando um produto seguro para o consumo.
Qualidade microbiológica de requeijão moreno produzido em Salinas, MG: um estudo de caso
Authors: Castro Porto Bruna , Dos Santos Cristiana Ferreira , De Figueiredo Rafael Batista , Cruz Mariele Silva
Published: March 2024

Muitos dos queijos produzidos no Brasil são advindos de produção artesanal. A importância econômica e social desta forma de produção é indiscutível. Por outro lado, também é de extrema importância a comercialização de alimentos inócuos para a população. O requeijão moreno é um queijo artesanal tradicional do norte de Minas Gerais, amplamente consumido e comercializado na cidade de Salinas, MG, porém, sem o selo Arte que atesta a qualidade do produto artesanal para comercialização. Dessa forma, este trabalho objetivou realizar um estudo de caso que investigasse a qualidade microbiológica do requeijão moreno elaborado sob diferentes condições de processamentos e dos produtos comercializados no Mercado Municipal de Salinas, MG. Para isto, foram produzidas três formulações de requeijão moreno, duas a partir de leite cru (F1 e F2) e uma com leite pasteurizado (F3), e obtidas amostras de quatro produtores (C1, C2, C3, C4, todas produzidas com leite cru). De cada produto, já finalizado, foram retiradas 3 amostras, assim totalizando 21 amostras analisadas quanto a detecção de Salmonella sp., contagens de estafilococos coagulase positiva, coliformes totais e termotolerantes. Somente as amostras C3 e C4 apresentaram presença de Salmonella sp. Todas as amostras não apresentaram estafilococos coagulase positiva. A partir dos resultados, pode-se observar que é possível obter requeijão moreno produzido com leite cru com qualidade microbiológica desde que executadas as práticas higiênico sanitárias corretamente.
Pseudo-Participation in Sustainable Development Programs: A Critical Reflection on Indonesian Local Cases
Authors: Sulistyowati Fadjarini , Dibyorini MC. Candra  Rusmala , Tyas B. Hari Saptaning , Puspitasari Condrodewi
Published: March 2024

It is expected that the central government promotes sustainable development goals (SDGs) to enhance social participation and inclusivity in creating sustainable livelihoods at the village level. Although the Indonesian government has implemented policies to increase stakeholder awareness, there are still restrictions on inclusive participation, limiting the democratic process. This paper aims to analyse the promotion of SDGs in Terong Dlingo Village, Bantul Regency, Indonesia, focusing on regulatory aspects and social participation. The research adopts a case study approach using qualitative methods, including observations and in-depth interviews with local practitioners. The findings reveal that the SDGs village program is largely influenced by a top-down approach, despite efforts made by individuals, families, neighbourhoods, and other elements through surveys conducted on SDGs villages. In response, the researchers suggest that greater efforts are needed to effectively socialise and supervise the program to raise awareness among the local population regarding the benefits of SDGs village programs. It is recommended that an effective socialisation and communication strategy be implemented to encourage continuous local participation in this program.
La terapia de reminiscencia y factores asociados a su eficacia: una revisión sistemática.
Authors: Sanabria-Ródenas Amparo , Peris-Delcampo David
Published: March 2024

Esta revisión sistemática consta de 12 artículos de la terapia de reminiscencia bajo la metodología del método PRISMA, con la principal pretensión de estudiar las variables más efectivas para la correcta realización de esta terapia. Esta idea surge de la necesidad de crear información sobre la terapia debido a la escasez que se encuentra. Las variables son si es grupal o individual; si presenta una temática o no; la duración; si se realiza de formas aislada o junto con otras actividades; si el lugar se encuentra acomodado; y si es terapia de reminiscencia simple o integrativa. En cuanto a los resultados, es más eficaz si la terapia es individual, sin temática, junto con otras actividades, de corta duración e integradora. Pero, no solo los factores de forma aislada adquieren importancia, sino que la interacción de estos también resulta interesante en la consecución de los resultados.
Algae of specific environments in Slovenia
Authors: Krivograd Klemenčič Aleksandra , Vrhovšek Danijel , Smolar-Žvanut Nataša , Kosi Gorazd
Published: March 2024

Algae studies were carried out in some specific biotopes of Slovenia: eutrophic lakes (Koseski bajer, Sotelsko jezero), peat bogs (Lovrenska jezera, Sijec), waterfalls (Savica, Krka falls, small waterfall on Pohorje), springs (springs at Medvedje Brdo and Pohorje, hot spring at Terme Catez, mineral spring at Rimski vrelec), brackish waters (Fiesa lake, Dragonja estuary), hypereutrophic biotopes (manure water, constructed wetlands), aerial biotopes (concrete wall, stony wall, lime tree trunk (Tilia platyphyllos), limestone rock, Krska jama cave) and the Dragonja River. Samples were taken seasonally at 26 sampling sites in 1998, 1999, 2000 and 200 l. Similarity in species structure and abundance of algae were determined with the Bray-Curtis coefficient of similarity. Altogether, 537 species and subspecies of algae (of nine classes) were deter­ mined and most of them belonged to Bacillariophyceae. 146 species and sub­ species were identified for the first time in Slovenia; of these 107 belonged to Bacillariophyceae, 28 to Cyanophyceae, six to Chlorophyceae, four to Zygnematophyceae and one to Xanthophyceae. The appearance of almost half of all species and subspecies was limited to a single sampling site. Eight species (Achnanthes minutissima, Cymbella a/finis, Cymbella silesiaca, Gomphonema angustum, Navicula veneta, Navicula sp., Phormidium sp. and Trentepohlia aurea) were present in more than half of all spe­ cific biotopes.
Pollen grain bioassay for environmental contamination biomonitoring
Authors: Paradiž Jasna , Lovka Milan
Published: March 2024

Pollen grain bioassay near some highways was performed in 45 plant species for identification of environmental genotoxic impact on naturally growing plants due to environmental traffic contaminants. A relationship between the duration of heavy traffic on particular road sections and the degree of develop­ mental and morphological changes of pollen grains was indicated.

Increased fre­ quency of pollen deformation after more than 20 years of traffic influence was established, indicating the applicability of pollen grain bioassay for genotoxic risk assessment of chronic low level contamination impact in natural habitats.
Determinants Impacting the Triple Bottom Line Sustainability Performance in SMEs: A Systematic Literature Analysis and Future Research Agenda
Authors: Naharuddin Nur Syahirah , Abdul Rahim Ramita , Ngah Rohana
Published: March 2024

Identifying the factors that influence sustainable performance in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is crucial. However, few studies have comprehensively examined the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) which are economic, social, and environmental aspects of sustainable performance within a single research framework. A systematic review of articles published from 2019-2023 analysed 45 out of 358 papers from 8 databases. The in-depth reading results reveal three clusters representing the main research topics: green and environmental management issues; social and cultural issues; and the necessary values, skills, and capabilities. The findings suggest that future research could focus on green and environmental management issues which adopting sustainable supply chain management, green innovation, and sustainable manufacturing practices, as well as the attributes and competencies SMEs need for sustainability, including the role of training, leadership, and organisational culture in sustainability initiatives.
A Study on the Impacts of social media Towards Job Performance among Lecturers in UiTM Shah Alam
Authors: Sulaiman Syahida Aqilah , Zaman Maliza Delima Kamarul , Abdul Halim Haney Shafira , Ismail Nur Irdina Hanani , Ariffin Nur Ismah , Zamzuri Nik Nurul Izzah Nik Ahmad , Mohd Adam Syafiqah Subaihah , Mohd Khalid Adam Nur Alif
Published: March 2024

The widespread adoption of social media platforms has significantly transformed the way individuals communicate, interact, and share information. The existing research is limited in terms of industry representation and organizational levels, leaving a gap in our understanding of how social media usage affects different dimensions of job performance. The objective of the study was to examine the impact of social media on employees’ job performance in education sector. The aim was to provide insights for organizations to develop effective strategies and policies regarding social media usage in the workplace. The study was carried out among lecturers from the Faculty of Business and Management (FBM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam with 66 responses. The sampling technique used was stratified sampling from Department of Economics and Financial Studies. Questionnaire was developed based on a 5-point Likert scale and reliability analysis accepted Cronbach’s Alpha more than 0.7. Based on the findings, all factors namely: (i) work-related use (ii) social-related use, (iii) synchronicity, (iv) dialogism, (v) richness, and (vi) mobility were correlated with job performance and only synchronicity and richness were the most significant factors influencing lecturers’ job performance. These highlighted that synchronization needed between people to work together and collaborate while richness represented by the need of understanding and the meaning shared in the organizations to perform a better job.