bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Legend Categories and Structure in Nagari Sungai Limau Dharmasraya District and Its Implications for Indonesian Language Learning
Authors: Fauzi Ahmad , Nurizzati Nurizzati
Published: April 2024

Folklore as a source of cultural information for a community group needs to be studied, which then needs to be introduced and socialized to other community groups. Legends have the potential and role as cultural treasures. Legends also have educational value that can be appreciated, pondered and appreciated. This research aims to describe the categories and structure of legends in Nagari Sungai Limau, Dharmasraya Regency and the implications for learning. This type of research is qualitative using descriptive methods. The source of research data is a legend in Nagari Sungai Limau, Dharmasraya Regency. Research data collection techniques use observation, data, interviews and data techniques. Data analysis techniques are carried out by classifying or grouping data, analyzing categories and legend structures, drawing conclusions from the entire research work process, and compiling and reporting research results. The results of the research are: first, there are two categories of legends, namely local legends consisting of the Lubuk Tagadih legend and Lubuk Tosau legend and supernatural world legends consisting of Wang Binun (Binun People) and the Plisit legend. Second, the structure of legends in Nagari Sungai Limau, Dharmasraya Regency generally contains theme, plot, characters, setting and message. Third, the implication in learning is in the Basic Competency that it examines the structure and language of local fables/legends that are read and listened to. Therefore, the current study can be concluded that a category includes local legends and supernatural legends, the structure of the legend which includes theme, plot, characters, setting, and message.
Using Informal Assessments in Project-Based Learning to Motivate Students to Speak Up: A Classroom Action Research Learned from ESP Courses
Authors: Handoyo Futuh , Agustina Lia , R Setiawan , Laaribi Manal , Chuyen Nguyen Thi Hong
Published: April 2024

An assessment is a way of gathering and discussing data from various sources to gain an understanding of what a student knows, understands, and is able to do with their knowledge resulting from their education to improve their future learning. The purposes of this study were to see the motivation of students to learn the English project suggested in the ESP Course,  Business Meetings Project, and also measured the student's success in language skills, especially oral communication skills.The study was conducted  using an action research method where a questionnaire, students' achievements, and classroom activities were taken as the data. The questionnaire was scored using the Likert scale rating. Students will respond to this scale by rating the motivation factor on a scale. The researchers employed a pre- and post-test to determine how much the students' abilities had improved. The pre-test and post-test mean scores were compared and computed by the researcher using the T-test technique. The participants were 26 students from the Accounting Department of the State Polytechnic Of Malang. The outcome of this study was the successful implementation of the model. The T-test for the first project showed 62,30, the second project had 74,69, and the third project had 79,30.
Members Of the Educational Association (EO) In Greece: Quantitative and Qualitative Data
Authors: Chantzi Stella
Published: April 2024

The article deals with the members of the Educational Association "Ekpaideftikos Omilos "(EO), which was founded in Athens in 1910 by well-known and prominent people of the time, with the main purpose of improving Greek education and language and educational reform. The main topic is the investigation of the founding members and common members of the EO, in the context of its operation from 1910 to 1930. The purpose of the article is to answer the main question-topic: who and how many were the members of the association, and und what conditions could they register as members. In addition, the article clarifies certain parameters regarding the qualities and under what conditions of someone to become a member. In more detail, it explores the ideological stances of the members on the language issue, rights, obligations, and any quantitative data on the number of members registered based on the minutes. Also, it explores their social and educational status. Finally, it examines evidence about the founding members and their role and the differences between common members and founding members.
Glove decontamination procedures to prevent pathogen and DNA cross-contamination among frogs
Authors: Noelker JE , Abreu Ruozzi V , Craig HM , Sckrabulis JP , Raffel TR
Published: April 2024

Working with aquatic organisms often requires handling multiple individuals in a single session, potentially resulting in cross-contamination by live pathogens or DNA. Most researchers address this problem by disposing of gloves between animals. However, this generates excessive waste and may be impractical for processing very slippery animals that might be easier to handle with cotton gloves. We tested methods to decontaminate cotton or nitrile gloves after contamination with cultured Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) or after handling heavily Bd-infected Xenopus laevis with layered cotton and nitrile gloves. Bleach eliminated detectable Bd DNA from culture-contaminated nitrile gloves, but gloves retained detectable Bd DNA following ethanol disinfection. After handling a Bd-infected frog, Bd DNA contamination was greatly reduced by removal of the outer cotton glove, after which either bleach decontamination or ethanol decontamination followed by drying hands with a paper towel lowered Bd DNA below the detection threshold of our assay. These results provide new options to prevent pathogen or DNA cross-contamination, especially when handling slippery aquatic organisms. However, tradeoffs should be considered when selecting an animal handling procedure, such as the potential for cotton gloves to abrade amphibian skin or disrupt skin mucus. Disposing of gloves between animals should remain the gold standard for maintaining biosecurity in sensitive situations.
Gulf Stream intrusions associated with extreme seasonal fluctuations among larval fishes
Authors: Weisberg SJ , Roberts SM , Gruenburg LK , Schwemmer TG , Menz T , Fenwick IF , Nye JA , Asch RG
Published: April 2024

Change in phenology is one of the hallmarks of global climate change. In marine fishes, warming is expected to cause the advancement of a spring peak in larval occurrence or the delay of a fall peak. However, empirical evidence has not consistently upheld this broad prediction, implying that more nuanced hypotheses are needed. Our study investigates oceanic impacts on fish phenology by examining patterns in larval occurrence on the Northeast US continental shelf, one of the most rapidly warming regions of the global ocean. We use data from NOAA’s Ecosystem Monitoring Program, which samples larval fish taxa across the shelf on a bimonthly basis. The sampling program began in 1999, thus documenting changes during a period of rapid warming. We calculated the central tendency of seasonal larval occurrence for 38 taxa and tested for temporal relationships with oceanic drivers thought to influence larval seasonality in other ecosystems. We did not find evidence for warming-related changes in larval phenology over the last 2 decades. Rather, we found high interannual variability in larval timing among many populations, especially those along the shelf break. Among examined factors, salinity maximum intrusions associated with Gulf Stream warm core rings showed the strongest explanatory power for variation in larval fish phenology. Additionally, the occurrence timing of highly variable larval populations overlapped with that of salinity maximum intrusions. Our results suggest that uniform phenological responses to warming are unlikely in this ecosystem, and that hydrodynamic processes connecting widely dispersed regions can strongly influence the phenology of fish.
Vγ9Vδ2TCR and Beyond: Novel Insights and Strategies for Advanced T cell-based Immunotherapies
Authors:   , Cleven Astrid
Published: April 2024

Immunotherapy in general and CAR-T cell therapy in particular have emerged as groundbreaking approaches in the way we treat cancer by harnessing the power of the human immune system during the past decades. Despite their high success rates in some tumor types, many patients, especially those with solid tumors, still fail to benefit from this treatment. In this thesis we aim to improve engineered T cell therapies, with a focus on T cells engineered to express a defined γδ TCR (TEGs), by tackling from various sites: First, improving pre-treatment patient screening for Vγ9Vδ2TCR-based therapies by providing new insights into the recognition mechanism of those special TCRs. Second, by identifying and analyzing the most potent subsets of engineered T cells, and finally by modifying T cells for improved migration to the tumor site, tumor infiltration of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and tumor killing.
Every Wholly Other: Postsecular Pluralism in Isabel Rocamora'sFaith
Authors: Cauchi Mark
Published: April 2024

In this article, I undertake a close reading of Isabel Rocamora's 2015 film installation Faith, which shows, on three separate screens, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim men simultaneously performing their morning prayers in three distinct, historically significant sites in the Judean desert. Setting the cinematic and installation properties of the work into dialogue with a number of philosophers (Levinas, Derrida, Cavell), film theorists (Bazin, Deleuze, Chion), and art theorists (Fried, Elkins), I argue that it adopts a postsecular approach to religious pluralism. That is, without being a religious artwork, Faith nevertheless deconstructs the conventional liberal secular approach of universalist neutrality towards inter-religious relations and instead configures the relations between the human figures in the work according to an alterity that requires not cognitive certainty but inter-human faith. The work is thereby consistent with Derrida's notion that tout autre est tout autre (every other is wholly other).
ASSIGNED ASSET VALUE AND INVESTMENT TAX DEDUCTION: DEFERRED TAX ACCOUNTING PROBLEMS
Authors:   Kuban State University, Krasnodar, Russian Federation, AKSENTEV A.A. ,   Perspektiva LLC
Published: April 2024

The paper deals with methodological and theoretical aspects of accounting for investment tax deduction and assigned value of the asset in terms of rules and regulations of international standards and national standards of the United States (US GAAP). The problem of imperfection of IAS 12 «Income Taxes» in the part of accounting of deferred taxes at initial recognition of the asset is raised. The peculiarities of valuation at fair value when tax effects are included in the amortized value of the asset are disclosed. The calculation of the assigned value of the asset and deferred tax for investment tax deduction, as well as their accounting on accounting accounts is substantiated. The results of the work can be useful in improving national accounting standards and developing corporate accounting policies, as well as in the framework of related theoretical research. As promising directions in the field of the research topic can be highlighted a comparative analysis of the Russian investment tax deduction with the American investment tax credit; and methodological approaches to accounting for the latter in the U.S. in the 1960s.
ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF ECONOMIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL INDICATORS ON THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF COUNTRIES
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation, GRINEVA N.V. , KRINICHANSKY K.V.
Published: April 2024

Research in the field of financial development is an integral part of macroeconomic analysis and strategic planning at the national level. They allow the state and business to make informed decisions aimed at developing the financial system, maintaining high rates of economic growth or increasing them, etc. The aim of the study is to improve the quality and efficiency of the assessment of the financial system based on the analysis of the impact of economic and technological indicators on the pace of financial development. To achieve this goal , the following tasks were set and solved in the work: 1) the analysis of the main concepts, tools and algorithms for assessing the pace of financial development was carried out; 2) variables characterizing one of the sectors of the financial system, variables of interest were determined; 3) statistical interpretation of the processed data was carried out, 4) panel data models were constructed. Materials and Methods. The modeling used system and statistical analysis, econometric modeling of panel data. Conclusions: a conceptual approach has been developed to typologize the financial development of countries, which will allow government agencies to carry out more accurate macroeconomic forecasting and apply a strategic approach to planning economic development. The modeling of the influence of macroeconomic indicators, dummy variables of economic crises, variable technological components on indicators of financial development and variables characterizing the structure of the financial system is carried out.
SELECTED ASPECTS OF SCIENTIFIC FORENSIC ANALYSIS OF ABUSE OF AUTHORITY IN THE BANKING SYSTEM
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation, KOSTYLEVA G.V.
Published: April 2024

The article examines certain aspects of abuse of authority in the banking system as an object of scientific forensic analysis. The legislation regulating the activities of credit institutions as one of the elements of the banking system, the mechanisms of criminal law protection are analyzed, it is proved that the method of forensic analysis is the most optimal, which allows to identify and systematize abuse of authority in the banking system. This situation is due to the fact that this method of scientific knowledge begins with the study of general and particular elements of banking activity. Then, based on the revealed patterns, a model of the criminal activity of the subject is created, in its statics and dynamics. Conclusion. As a result of the conducted research, the author comes to the conclusion that the scientific criminalistic analysis of the crime in general and the considered illegal act in particular is an important element of the cognitive activity of the authorized subject, which is aimed at obtaining and systematizing information about the committed or impending crime in order to identify criminally significant information about the method of abuse of authority in the banking system and other circumstances of this acts, the identity of the perpetrator and the victim, as well as the mechanism of trace formation, necessary for its investigation and solving other tasks of criminal proceedings.
CORRELATION OF RISK MANAGEMENT METHODS AND PROCEDURES WITH RISK MANAGEMENT AND ECONOMIC SECURITY SYSTEMS
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation, TURGAEVA A.A.
Published: April 2024

Task. Issues devoted to the delimitation of methods and procedures of related scientific areas: risk management, economic security, management and risk management are studied and researched by many authors. This gives rise to thoughts about a single basic basis for the listed scientific movements. So, the author, in order to avoid constant repetition of listing the scientific directions under consideration in the article, calls them directions, economic categories, etc., but the problem raised by the author of the article is the differentiation of the main elements, in particular methods, procedures, goals, objectives, principles between the studied categories, namely risk management, economic security, management and risk management. The purpose of the article is to systematize the listed elements and consider their duplication in the scientific areas under consideration. Model. The author systematizes, on the basis of those reviewed by modern economists and analysts, as well as classic scientific works, the basic elements of risk management, economic security, management and risk management. An attempt was made to find an answer to the question «are there specific developed methods and techniques for risk management of an organization that would distinguish it from the risk management system and other scientific areas?» Conclusions. Economic categories: risk management, economic security, management and risk management are considered as a single process in economic research, and therefore economists do not have a clear opinion and understanding of the differences between these categories. Practical significance. A comparative analysis of the essence of the main elements of risk management, economic security, management and risk management allows us to determine the most appropriate methods and procedures for the practical application of risk management in organizations. Allows you to develop an understanding of the implementation of risk management principles in organizations to achieve their goals. Originality. The list of goals, objectives, procedures and principles of risk management, economic security, management and risk management has been clarified, expanded and systematized
DIGITAL DICTATORSHIP AS AN ACTUAL SOCIO-POLITICAL DISCOURSE: PROSPECTS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH (LAWYER'S OPINION)
Authors:   Kutafin Moscow State Law University, Moscow, Russian Federation, BELIKOVA K.M.
Published: April 2024

The subject-matter of this article is to identify the prospects for further research of digital dictatorship in order to substantiate on the basis of understanding and analyzing the ideas of socio-political discourse around this topic of real and fictional, imaginary threats to digitalization in the context of the level of legal awareness of the public and political circles of a number of countries and those innovations and/or trends that are perceived as manifested or potential threats to compliance human rights, and set out a modern vision of the development of digitalization of society and law based on ethics, which is able to help shape the image of Russia as an ethical state of the future of a new type, based on Russian values and value constants of Russian civilization and a special socio-political ethos, which is the result of the synergy of the identity and community of the peoples of Russia.
Relationship between adaptation and mitigation of climate change with the climate village program (ProKlim) In Paser Regency
Authors: Anshari Syafruddin , Listyarini Sri , Nurmawati Subekti
Published: April 2024

This study aims to understand the relationship between the Climate Village Program (ProKlim) success rate and climate change adaptation and mitigation actions in Paser Regency. The results of the analysis showed that simultaneously climate change adaptation actions had a real effect on the success rate of ProKlim in Paser Regency by 81.45% with a significance level of 0.00054 (less than α = 0.05), while climate change mitigation actions have a real effect on the success rate of ProKlim in Paser Regency by 83.66% with a significance level of 0.0052 (less than α = 0.05). Meanwhile, the relationship of adaptation actions to the success rate of the ProKlim in Paser Regency is partially influenced by the efforts of control of climate change-related diseases with a significant level of 0.0305 (less than α=0.05). Meanwhile, climate change mitigation actions, it is partially influenced by low-emission agricultural cultivation efforts with a significant level of 0.0305 (less than α=0.05). Thus, the efforts to achieve the success of ProKlim cannot be done partially but must be carried out comprehensively because the impact of climate change has been felt in all aspects so it is necessary to apply all variables of climate change adaptation and mitigation sustainably.
Investigating the relationship between population growth and temperature change in Nabire and Paniai Regencies
Authors: Faqi Ekky Amiral , Wibawa Leo Arie
Published: April 2024

Regional development is a priority programme of the government of the Republic of Indonesia. The region that has received significant development is the province of Papua. The form of development in Papua Province is the division of a new autonomous region (DOB). The formation of new autonomous regions encourages development in newly created areas, especially in urban areas. Cities that are increasingly developing can trigger the flow of urbanization so that the population increases. Increasing population affects climate parameters, especially air temperature. Temperature is expected to increase as a result of an increase in the number of urban residents and the imbalance of energy in and out of the earth. This study aims to determine the effect of population on variations in temperature in Nabire and Paniai Regencies. The data used are annual average, minimum, and maximum temperature data at the Nabire and Paniai Meteorological Stations. The data is displayed in graphical form, and the correlation is calculated to be analyzed descriptively. The results of the study show that there is a strong correlation between population growth and an increase in average and minimum average temperatures. While the average maximum temperature has a weak relationship to population growth.
ChatGPT-based representation of the Tagus River through the river putative microbial profile
Authors: Pedroso-Roussado Cristiano , Pestana Mariana , Nunes Nuno
Published: April 2024

Representing local ecosystems may bridge the gap between people and their surrounding natural environment, increasing the understanding by non-experts of ecological services. This preliminary study leverages the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to simplify the visualization and communication of these phenomena to non-experts. Here we generated a tentative Tagus River microbiota and then used ChatGPT to generate ecological services and functions derived from the microbiota produced by nanopore sequencing on samples collected in Praínha de Braço de Prata. The most abundant genera found were Candidatus Pelagibacter, Egibacter, and Ralstonia. For the combined microbiota the most relevant ecological services were organic matter decomposition, nutrient cycling, and biofilm formation. We concluded that the ChatGPT may provide a useful tool to represent the Tagus River microbiota, elucidate the ecological services and provide a guidance for the design of better objects and services to respect and value the water bodies such as the Tagus River estuary. Crossing the disciplines of design and biology, this experiment contributes towards an interface between humans and other-than-humans, by representing ecosystems like the estuary of Tejo.
Note for the Millennium Prize Problems
Authors: Vega Frank
Published: April 2024

The Riemann hypothesis and the $P$ versus $NP$ problem are two of the most important unsolved Millennium Prize Problems. Let $\Psi(n) = n \cdot \prod_{q \mid n} \left(1 + \frac{1}{q} \right)$ denote the Dedekind $\Psi$ function where $q \mid n$ means the prime $q$ divides $n$. Define, for $n \geq 3$; the ratio $R(n) = \frac{\Psi(n)}{n \cdot \log \log n}$ where $\log$ is the natural logarithm. Let $N_{n} = 2 \cdot \ldots \cdot q_{n}$ be the primorial of order $n$. We prove if the inequality $R(N_{n+1}) < R(N_{n})$ holds for all primes $q_{n}$ (greater than some threshold), then the Riemann hypothesis is true. In this note, we show that the previous inequality always holds for all large enough prime numbers. A precise statement of the $P$ versus $NP$ problem was introduced independently by Stephen Cook and Leonid Levin. Since that date, all efforts to find a proof for this problem have failed. Another major complexity class is $NP$-complete. It is well-known that $P$ is equal to $NP$ under the assumption of the existence of a polynomial time algorithm for some $NP$-complete. We show that the Monotone Weighted Xor 2-satisfiability problem ($MWX2SAT$) is $NP$-complete and $P$ at the same time.
A Home-Based Free Play Journey of Parents and Children in Hong Kong: A Narrative Inquiry Approach
Authors: Hung Wallace TSANG Wai , Sing Johnson CHEUNG Chun , Potato YU Kai Yin , De-Ming YUEN
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to explore the process of co-creating free play experiences between parents and children in the context of the "PLAYBAG" project (a home-based free play intervention protocol) in Hong Kong. The study utilized the narrative inquiry approach and collected qualitative data from 24 parents who participated in the focus group interviews. This study has made significant contributions to social work practice in three ways. Firstly, it identified four core elements for parental education in kindergartens: relating rapport, capturing moments, co-creating new experiences, and re-authoring identity. These elements enhance parental education on home-based children's free play. Secondly, promoting free play in community education programs is crucial, emphasizing its benefits for mental health and parent-child relationships. Lastly, social workers can collaborate with designers to create suitable materials for home based free play. Overall, this study provides practical strategies to enhance social work practice and benefit children and families.
Políticas públicas para educação especial na perspectiva inclusiva: uma análise da implementação na rede municipal de ensino de Campo Mourão
Authors: Fernanda Carolina Libanio  , Dorcely Isabel Bellanda Garcia
Published: April 2024

Este artigo é um recorte de uma pesquisa de mestrado, cujo objetivo foi verificar como a Política Nacional de Educação Especial na Perspectiva da Educação Inclusiva e as políticas públicas inclusivas do estado do Paraná estão sendo implementadas nas escolas municipais de Educação Básica/Anos Iniciais do município de Campo Mourão/PR, suas ações e encaminhamentos existentes.  Desenvolvida por meio de estudos teóricos e pesquisa de campo, utilizou entrevistas semiestruturadas com as coordenadoras da educação especial do município de Campo Mourão/PR.  Foram analisados documentos referentes às políticas da educação especial e normativas do estado e município da amostra. Os resultados demonstram que nesse município têm sido elaborados documentos normativos que preveem a efetivação das políticas educacionais inclusivas.
Tecnologias Assistivas: a Conquista da Alteridade e da Diferença na Perspectiva da Teoria Histórico-Cultural
Authors: Paulo Ricardo Ross
Published: April 2024

O objetivo deste ensaio consiste em explicitar como as mediações das tecnologias assistivas vêm contribuindo para emancipação social e política da pessoa com deficiência, implicando em uma nova concepção que a sociedade está formando sobre ser humano, diferença e cidadania. Trata-se de um ensaio teórico baseado nos pressupostos da teoria histórico-cultural, que concebe o desenvolvimento humano como resultado das relações sociais, a atividade de que participa como sujeito, ora reproduzindo limitações produzidas no contexto social, ora construindo sua identidade e transformando esse contexto e a si mesmo. No século XXI, temos o marco do paradigma da diversidade, do direito à igualdade de oportunidades, o direito à justiça social, o direito a não discriminação, que permitem o nascimento e o protagonismo de novos atores na esfera pública. Garantidos pelo direito e empoderados pelos recursos da tecnologia assistiva – TA. Com os benefícios da Tecnologia assistiva, ampliam-se as possibilidades de mediação material e não material, permitindo o desenvolvimento das capacidades superiores, como a atenção voluntária, a linguagem, a tomada de consciência, de decisão, entre outras.
Inhalation exposure-induced toxicity and disease mediated via mTOR dysregulation
Authors: Shinde Akshada , Shannahan Jonathan
Published: April 2024

Environmental air pollution is a global health concern, associated with multiple respiratory and systemic diseases. Epidemiological supports continued urbanization and industrialization increasing the prevalence of inhalation exposures. Exposure to these inhaled pollutants induces toxicity via activation of numerous cellular mechanisms including oxidative stress, autophagy, disrupted cellular metabolism, inflammation, tumorigenesis, and others contributing to disease development. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key regulator involved in various cellular processes related to the modulation of metabolism and maintenance of homeostasis. Dysregulation of mTOR occurs following inhalation exposures and has also been implicated in many diseases such as cancer, obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, and neurodegeneration. Moreover, mTOR plays a fundamental role in protein transcription and translation involved in many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. It is necessary to understand inhalation exposure-induced dysregulation of mTOR since it is key regulator which may contribute to numerous disease processes. This mini review evaluates the available literature regarding several types of inhalation exposure and their impacts on mTOR signaling. Particularly we focus on the mTOR signaling pathway related outcomes of autophagy, lipid metabolism, and inflammation. Furthermore, we will examine the implications of dysregulated mTOR pathway in exposure-induced diseases. Throughout this mini review, current gaps will be identified related to exposure-induced mTOR dysregulation which may enable the targeting of mTOR signaling for the development of therapeutics.
Innate immune response against vector-borne bunyavirus infection and viral countermeasures
Authors: Li Minghua
Published: April 2024

Bunyaviruses are a large group of important viral pathogens that cause significant diseases in humans and animals worldwide. Bunyaviruses are enveloped, single-stranded, negative-sense RNA viruses that infect a wide range of hosts. Upon entry into host cells, the components of viruses are recognized by host innate immune system, leading to the activation of downstream signaling cascades to induce interferons (IFNs) and other proinflammatory cytokines. IFNs bind to their receptors and upregulate the expression of hundreds of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Many ISGs have antiviral activities and confer an antiviral state to host cells. For efficient replication and spread, viruses have evolved different strategies to antagonize IFN-mediated restriction. Here, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the interactions between bunyaviruses and host innate immune response.
Genomic insights into the diversity, virulence, and antimicrobial resistance of group B Streptococcus clinical isolates from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alzayer Maha , Alkhulaifi Manal M. , Alyami Ahmed , Aldosary Mohammed , Alageel Abdulaziz , Garaween Ghada , Shibl Atef , Al-Hamad Arif M. , Doumith Michel
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Detailed assessment of the population structure of group B Streptococcus (GBS) among adults is still lacking in Saudi Arabia. Here we characterized a representative collection of isolates from colonized and infected adults.

Methods

GBS isolates (n=89) were sequenced by Illumina and screened for virulence and antimicrobial resistance determinants. Genetic diversity was assessed by single nucleotide polymorphisms and core-genome MLST analyses.

Results

Genome sequences revealed 28 sequence types (STs) and nine distinct serotypes, including uncommon serotypes VII and VIII. Majority of these STs (n=76) belonged to the human-associated clonal complexes (CCs) CC1 (33.71%), CC19 (25.84%), CC17 (11.24%), CC10/CC12 (7.87%), and CC452 (6.74%). Major CCs exhibited intra-lineage serotype diversity, except for the hypervirulent CC17, which exclusively expressed serotype III. Virulence profiling revealed that nearly all isolates (94.38%) carried at least one of the four alpha family protein genes (i.e., alphaC, alp1, alp2/3, and rib), and 92.13% expressed one of the two serine-rich repeat surface proteins Srr1 or Srr2. In addition, most isolates harbored the pilus island (PI)-2a alone (15.73%) or in combination with PI-1 (62.92%), and those carrying PI-2b alone (10.11%) belonged to CC17. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the sequenced isolates according to CCs and further subdivided them along with their serotypes. Overall, isolates across all CC1 phylogenetic clusters expressed Srr1 and carried the PI-1 and PI-2a loci, but differed in genes encoding the alpha-like proteins. CC19 clusters were dominated by the III/rib/srr1/PI-1+PI-2a (43.48%, 10/23) and V/alp1/srr1/PI-1+PI-2a (34.78%, 8/23) lineages, whereas most CC17 isolates (90%, 9/10) had the same III/rib/srr2/P1-2b genetic background. Interestingly, genes encoding the CC17-specific adhesins HvgA and Srr2 were detected in phylogenetically distant isolates belonging to ST1212, suggesting that other highly virulent strains might be circulating within the species. Resistance to macrolides and/or lincosamides across all major CCs (n=48) was associated with the acquisition of erm(B) (62.5%, 30/48), erm(A) (27.1%, 13/48), lsa(C) (8.3%, 4/48), and mef(A) (2.1%, 1/48) genes, whereas resistance to tetracycline was mainly mediated by presence of tet(M) (64.18%, 43/67) and tet(O) (20.9%, 14/67) alone or in combination (13.43%, 9/67).

Discussion

These findings underscore the necessity for more rigorous characterization of GBS isolates causing infections.
Geochemical characteristics and hydrocarbon generation modeling of the Paleogene source rocks in the Qinnan Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, China
Authors: Lei Chuang , Meng Lingjian , Tian Zehua , Ma Qian , Wang Qi , Fu Jiang , Wei Yaqiong
Published: April 2024

Introduction: The Qinnan Depression in the Bohai Bay Basin is lowly explored, where hydrocarbon generation potential of source rocks is required detailed investigation to identify hydrocarbon exploration potential and direction.

Methods: This study is based on organic geochemical analysis performed on the Paleogene source rocks. After that, the burial, thermal maturity, and hydrocarbon generation histories of the Paleogene source rocks at various sags were reconstructed on BasinMod software based on reasonable geological models and geological parameters derived from geological analogy.

Results: Results show that the 3rd member (Es3) and 1st member (Es1) of the Eocene Shahejie Formation are high-quality source rocks with a mixture of type I and II kerogen, whose organic matter was originated from aquatic organisms under a reducing environment. The 3rd member (Ed3) of the Oligocene Dongying Formation are fair-quality source rocks with type II kerogen and are dominated by mixed organic matter depositing in a weakly reducing environment. Clear differences in hydrocarbon generation were observed in these three source rocks owing to differential subsidence and sedimentation among the Eastern, Southeastern, and Western sags. Source rocks at the Eastern Sag were maturated early and lasted for a long time, which were currently at late mature (1.0–1.3%Ro) to high mature (1.3–2.0%Ro) stages. Two hydrocarbon generation events occurred in the Oligocene and Miocene, respectively, with intensive hydrocarbon generation capacity. Source rocks at the Southeastern Sag were maturated late and lasted for a short period, which were currently at a medium mature (0.7–1.0%Ro) stage. The major hydrocarbon generation event had occurred since the late Miocene, with intensive hydrocarbon generation capacity. Source rocks at the Western Sag were at an early mature (0.5–0.7%Ro) stage and began to generate hydrocarbon in the Pliocene, with weak hydrocarbon generation capacity. The hydrocarbon generation capacity of the Paleogene source rocks is as follows: Es3>Es1>Ed3.

Discussion: The Qinnan Depression has high oil and gas exploration potential, where exploration activities should focus on effective traps around depression and slope zones located at the Eastern and Southeastern sags.
Opportunities for changing teacher norms vary by underlying factors in teachers' selves, situations, standards, and society
Authors: Hwa Yue-Yi
Published: April 2024

Teachers are pivotal to any efforts to raise the devastatingly low levels of foundational learning that persist across much of the Global South. However, in many education systems, teachers are not equipped with the resources needed for effecting such change. Moreover, numerous reforms have failed to change either children's learning levels or the teacher norms that inadvertently contribute to low learning levels. Moving beyond these circumstances requires an understanding of the factors underlying such norms and of how these factors affect opportunities for changing teacher norms. I examine this question by analyzing the transcripts of interviews with 14 pairs of interlocutors from various contexts who have complementary expertise related to teacher norms. Based on this analysis, I develop a conceptual framework for mapping the factors that sustain teacher norms onto four domains of teachers' experiences: selves (“what I value”), situations (“what can be done”), standards (“what those in charge expect”), and society (broader influences). Different configurations of underlying factors can yield different types of norms: coherent norms, compromise norms, and contestation norms. Drawing on the interviews, I illustrate coherence, compromise, and contestation by discussing examples of teaching narrowly to certain standards and being absent from the classroom during scheduled lessons. Each type of norm offers distinct opportunities for changing the status quo by influencing particular aspects of teachers' selves, situations, and standards. Additionally, one broader opportunity for change is reshaping societal narratives about education and the teaching profession.
Developing digital proficiencies of English learners in adult education
Authors: Hauge Leah , Durgunoğlu Aydin Yücesan , Stewart Janet
Published: April 2024

All around the globe, the development of digital skills is considered a priority because individuals are increasingly asked to interact with digital information. Digital literacy is required to communicate effectively and accomplish social and work-related tasks. Although there is a significant body of literature on the development of digital proficiencies in educational settings from elementary school to university, there is limited research with adults who are continuing their education later in life, usually outside of formal educational systems. The purpose of this paper is to report results from a study conducted with English learners in an adult education program in the U.S. The study evaluated the digital component of a new curriculum named CILIA-T (Content-Integrated Language Instruction for Adults with Technology Support), CILIA-T is a 16-module curriculum supporting adult learners to build their English skills, US History and Civics knowledge and digital proficiencies. In this study, researchers partnered with teachers to introduce part of the digital literacy content of the curriculum. There was a test given before and after the teaching. To determine the effectiveness of the digital literacy curriculum, the scores on the pre and post-tests and the duration to complete the pre and post-tests were analyzed. There were also learner and teacher surveys to evaluate the usability and utility of the curriculum. Main findings indicated that explicit instruction in digital literacy skills led to significant improvement across all participants. Teachers and learners found the digital literacy curriculum to be helpful and relevant.
Competition and density dependence in arid mountain forest stands: revealing the complex process from spatial patterns
Authors: Yang Junlong , Yu Jian , Wang Guangping , Li Xiaowei
Published: April 2024

Understanding the spatial patterns and interaction of trees is crucial for exploring forest dynamics. However, limited research has explored the spatial pattern and interactions between adult trees and their offspring population in arid mountain forest ecosystems. We investigated the spatial distribution and interaction of recruitment, survival, and mortality at different size classes in the Populus davidiana forest in the Luoshan Mountains (Ningxia, China), to gain insights into its stand dynamics. (1) This demonstrated the characteristic shift from an aggregated to random distribution as seedlings grew and developed into adult trees. (2) The adult trees exhibited strong positive and weak negative spatial associations with seedlings and saplings, respectively, with an increasing spatial scale, yet both stages underwent stark transitions from negative (1–15 m scales) to positive (> 20 m scale) associations. (3) Generally, the closer the individual trees were to each other, the greater the negative impact of neighboring trees on the size of an individual tree. (4) Additionally, adult trees strongly increased the risk of seedling mortality across the spatial scale of 0–50 m. (5) Live seedlings were less than the dead ones around dead seedlings. There was a stronger aggregation of dead seedlings than live seedlings. Moreover, the density-dependent mortality in our study rejected the random mortality hypothesis. In summary, these results suggest that spatial separation occurs between dead and live seedlings of P. davidiana. Under adult trees, negative dependence plays an important role in the arid mountain forest recruitment. Our findings will contribute to the restoration and conservation of arid mountain forests and provide theoretical support for forest management.
The impact of regulatory T cells on the graft-versus-leukemia effect
Authors: Pacini Carolina P. , Soares Maria V. D. , Lacerda João F.
Published: April 2024

Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (allo-HSCT) is the only curative therapy for many hematologic malignancies, whereby the Graft-versus-Leukemia (GVL) effect plays a pivotal role in controlling relapse. However, the success of GVL is hindered by Graft-versus-Host Disease (GVHD), where donor T cells attack healthy tissues in the recipient. The ability of natural regulatory T cells (Treg) to suppress immune responses has been exploited as a therapeutical option against GVHD. Still, it is crucial to evaluate if the ability of Treg to suppress GVHD does not compromise the benefits of GVL. Initial studies in animal models suggest that Treg can attenuate GVHD while preserving GVL, but results vary according to tumor type. Human trials using Treg as GVHD prophylaxis or treatment show promising results, emphasizing the importance of infusion timing and Treg/Tcon ratios. In this review, we discuss strategies that can be used aiming to enhance GVL post-Treg infusion and the proposed mechanisms for the maintenance of the GVL effect upon the adoptive Treg transfer. In order to optimize the therapeutic outcomes of Treg administration in allo-HSCT, future efforts should focus on refining Treg sources for infusion and evaluating their specificity for antigens mediating GVHD while preserving GVL responses.
CARs derived from broadly neutralizing, human monoclonal antibodies identified by single B cell sorting target hepatitis B virus-positive cells
Authors: Schreiber Sophia , Dressler Lisa S. , Loffredo-Verde Eva , Asen Theresa , Färber Stephanie , Wang Wenshi , Groll Tanja , Chakraborty Anindita , Kolbe Fenna , Kreer Christoph , Kosinska Anna D. , Simon Sylvain , Urban Stephan , Klein Florian , Riddell Stanley R. , Protzer Ulrike
Published: April 2024

To design new CARs targeting hepatitis B virus (HBV), we isolated human monoclonal antibodies recognizing the HBV envelope proteins from single B cells of a patient with a resolved infection. HBV-specific memory B cells were isolated by incubating peripheral blood mononuclear cells with biotinylated hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), followed by single-cell flow cytometry-based sorting of live, CD19+ IgG+ HBsAg+ cells. Amplification and sequencing of immunoglobulin genes from single memory B cells identified variable heavy and light chain sequences. Corresponding immunoglobulin chains were cloned into IgG1 expression vectors and expressed in mammalian cells. Two antibodies named 4D06 and 4D08 were found to be highly specific for HBsAg, recognized a conformational and a linear epitope, respectively, and showed broad reactivity and neutralization capacity against all major HBV genotypes. 4D06 and 4D08 variable chain fragments were cloned into a 2nd generation CAR format with CD28 and CD3zeta intracellular signaling domains. The new CAR constructs displayed a high functional avidity when expressed on primary human T cells. CAR-grafted T cells proved to be polyfunctional regarding cytokine secretion and killed HBV-positive target cells. Interestingly, background activation of the 4D08-CAR recognizing a linear instead of a conformational epitope was consistently low. In a preclinical model of chronic HBV infection, murine T cells grafted with the 4D06 and the 4D08 CAR showed on target activity indicated by a transient increase in serum transaminases, and a lower number of HBV-positive hepatocytes in the mice treated. This study demonstrates an efficient and fast approach to identifying pathogen-specific monoclonal human antibodies from small donor cell numbers for the subsequent generation of new CARs.
hCeO2@ Cu5.4O nanoparticle alleviates inflammatory responses by regulating the CTSB–NLRP3 signaling pathway
Authors: Li Ying , Xia Xiaomin , Niu Zhaojun , Wang Ke , Liu Jie , Li Xue
Published: April 2024

Inflammatory responses, especially chronic inflammation, are closely associated with many systemic diseases. There are many ways to treat and alleviate inflammation, but how to solve this problem at the molecular level has always been a hot topic in research. The use of nanoparticles (NPs) as anti-inflammatory agents is a potential treatment method. We synthesized new hollow cerium oxide nanomaterials (hCeO2 NPs) doped with different concentrations of Cu5.4O NPs [the molar ratio of Cu/(Ce + Cu) was 50%, 67%, and 83%, respectively], characterized their surface morphology and physicochemical properties, and screened the safe concentration of hCeO2@Cu5.4O using the CCK8 method. Macrophages were cultured, and P.g-lipopolysaccharide-stimulated was used as a model of inflammation and co-cultured with hCeO2@Cu5.4O NPs. We then observe the effect of the transcription levels of CTSB, NLRP3, caspase-1, ASC, IL-18, and IL-1β by PCR and detect its effect on the expression level of CTSB protein by Western blot. The levels of IL-18 and IL-1β in the cell supernatant were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our results indicated that hCeO2@Cu5.4O NPs could reduce the production of reactive oxygen species and inhibit CTSB and NLRP3 to alleviate the damage caused by the inflammatory response to cells. More importantly, hCeO2@Cu5.4O NPs showed stronger anti-inflammatory effects as Cu5.4O NP doping increased. Therefore, the development of the novel nanomaterial hCeO2@Cu5.4O NPs provides a possible new approach for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.