bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE IMPROVING OF STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES BY USING SUNDA MANDA GAME MEDIA
Authors: SARI DINAR AYU MIRUNGGAN
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTThis study aims to improve student learning outcomes by using Sunda Manda game media. This research was used Classroom Action Research (CAR) from Kemmis and Mc. Taggart with two cycles, each cycles consist of three meetings with several stages namely planning, implementing, observing, and reflecting. It was conducted in the fourtth grade of SD 1 Prambatan Lor with 37 students as the research subject. Data collection techniques are observation, interview, and documentation. Analysis of the data of this research is using quantitative and qualitative research. The result of the study showed an increase in student learning outcomes in the realm of knowledge in the first cycle of social studies, the total number of students was 26 students with an average of 72,76 (70,27%), the complete of Bahasa Indonesia content of students was 25 students with an average of 73,49 (67,57%) while the second cycle of social studies of students who completed were 34 students with an average of 80,21 (91, 89%), in Bahasa Indonesia’s subject who completed the task were 32 students with an average of 79,51 (86,49%). Learning outcomes in the realm of attitude in the first cycle with an average of 74,38 (61,98%) and the second cycle with an average of 96 (80,00%). Learning outcomes in the realm of skills in the first cycle with an average of 51,76 (61,62%) and the second cycle with an average of 66,84 (79,57%). The results of these studies at the fourth grade student at SD 1 Prambatan Lor have increased with the innovation in the learning media in the form of Sunda Manda game. The conclusion of this study is an increase in student learning outcomes by using traditional Sunda Manda game media at SD 1 Prambatan Lor. Keyword: Learning Outcomes, Sunda Manda Game, Visualization Auditory Kinesthetic.
IMPLEMENTATION OF DIRECTED READING ACTIVITY (DRA) STRATEGY IN IMPROVING COMPREHENSION READING ABILITY
Authors: Maladewi Sri
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to improve students' reading comprehension skills by using the DRA strategy using the classroom action research method in class I with 28 students with the results of research on teacher observation activities in the first cycle of meeting I in the low category with a score of 10 or 50.00%. At the second meeting, cycle I experienced an increase with the acquisition of a score of 12 or 60.00% in the sufficient category. In the second cycle of the first meeting, the teacher's activity has increased with the acquisition of a score of 15 or 75.00% in the good category, and in the second cycle of the second meeting, the teacher's activity has increased with a score of 17 or 85.00% in the very good category. The ability to read comprehension of class II students using the DRA strategy on classical completeness before taking action with an average of 39.29 in the incomplete category. After taking action by doing the DRA strategy, it was obtained an average classical completeness of 50 in the incomplete category, after reflecting on learning in cycle I was corrected for deficiencies in cycle II with completeness results reaching 79 in the complete category even though it was not in accordance with the high target of improvement.
INFLUENCE OF SUBSTITUTES ON THE RATE OF THE REACTION OF ORTHOSUBSTITUTED BENZOIC ACIDS WTH ANILINE, CATALYZED BY POLYBUTOXYTITANATES
Authors: Shteinberg Leon
Published: May 2021

The polybutoxytitanates catalysis of aniline acylation by orthosubstituted benzoic acids leads to the production of substituted benzanilides. Catalytic rate constants of the second order reaction (the first with respect to aniline and ortho-substituted benzoic acid; boiling ortho=xylene, 145°C) correlate well according to the Hammett and Bronsted equations with straight line segments with ρ=1.93 and α=0.66, in contrast to the reaction of aniline with meta- and parasubstituted benzoic acids and substituted anilines with benzoic acid. This dependence drops out 2=nitrobenzoic and 1=naphthoic acids, which have relatively low reactivity and the greatest steric hindrances both for nucleophilic attack by aniline and for possible coordination with catalytically active centers of the corresponding ortho-substituted titanium polybutoxybenzoates formed in situ.

Based on these data, the previously proposed mechanism of bifunctional catalysis due to titanium polybutoxybenzoates and their complexes with meta- and parasubstitutedbenzanilides was supplemented by the possibility of the steric inhibition of reaction by the most bulky substituents and chelate structures formation of orthosubstituted benzoic acids and their anilides with individual titanium atoms of the catalyst, as well as the simulta­neous H-bonding of the amino group hydrogen atoms of aniline, which leads to its activation to a nucleophilic attack, with a carbonyl group and an orthopositioned substituent of the orthobenzoate ligand in the coordination sphere of titanium. Taking into account such chelation and steric barriers, as well as inhibition of acid catalysis due to the formation of the imide form of anilides, containing electron-withdrawing substituents, the equations for the rate constants of the catalytic reaction of ortho-substituted benzoic acids with aniline are derived, corresponding to the experimentally obtained Hammett dependence.
Floristic Diversity of the Intrazonal Ecosystem of the Tovuzchay Basin Subalpine Belt
Authors: Novruzov V. , Kulieva G.
Published: May 2021

The preservation of the biodiversity of mountain ecosystems is one of the independent problems of mountain regions. The formation and development of vegetation in the subalpine belt is largely determined by the ecological conditions of their habitat. Strongly sparse groups of cold-resistant plants, represented by hyperkryophytes and hemicryophytes: perennials of short stature, pillows, mosses and lichens, adapted to various habitats, are of predominant importance. The flora of the studied meadow communities is distributed according to the main taxonomic groups as follows: lichens 25%, spore 2%, conifers 13%, flowering 58%. Of the higher vascular plants, 45 species grow here, all flowering plants are combined into 20 families and 38 genera. In terms of life expectancy, all species are perennials, the main part of which, in terms of the rhythm of development, belongs to summer-green species. The article describes the flora of the subalpine belt of the Tovuzchay basin.
Taxonomic, Ecobiomorphological and Areological Analysis of Wild Vegetable Plants of the Lesser Caucasus Flora (Azerbaijan)
Authors: Gurbanova L.
Published: May 2021

152 species of 120 genus of wild vegetable plants belonging to 42 families were identified as a result of research in the flora of the botanical and geographical regions of the Lesser Caucasus within the Republic of Azerbaijan. Their taxonomic spectra have been refined and systematized. An ecobiomorphological analysis of wild-growing vegetables has been carried out and their areas have been specified.
Morphogenesis and Features of Growth of Ornamental Plants Relating to Euonymus L. and Lonicera L. Genus Under ex situ Conditions
Authors: Mammadova K.
Published: May 2021

Morphogenesis and growth features of seedlings of representatives of the Euonymus L. and Lonicera L. genus in the early development of seedlings have been analyzed in the paper. The study of the morphogenesis of seedlings began with the study of their biomorphological structure, the morphological parameters of leaves and epicothelium. The process of growth and development of these species is more intense in April-June, and the features of the formation of primary and secondary lateral roots were also analyzed the monthly height of representatives of both genus under the conditions of Apsheron. The root system of seedlings of the studied species differed from each other in morphological structure and growth characteristics. Good growth and development of seedlings of the studied species in the dry subtropical climate of Absheron depends on the formation of the upper part, root system, climate, soil factor and agrotechnical service was revealed based on the analysis of the research results.
Editorial
Authors:   College of Education, The University of Otago, Sexton Steven
Published: May 2021

Editorial volume 29, issue 1
Phytochemical analysis and antibacterial properties of Calotropis procera against bacterial phytopathogens
Authors: Sabzal Najma , Mehr Saima , Rehman Haneef Ur
Published: May 2021

Calotropis procera, is known as crown flower or giant milkweed and belongs to the family Asclepiadacea. It has been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes. In the present study, the phytochemical analysis, antioxidant property, and antimicrobial activity of C. procera were evaluated. Methanol was used as a solvent for the extract preparation using soxhlet extraction. The extracts were subjected to the analysis of the different secondary bioactive metabolites. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activities of these extracts were determined against various pathogens. The qualitative analysis of plant extracts of leaves stems, and roots showed the presence of phenolic compounds, alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosidic, protein, phytosterols, steroid, saponin, and flavonoid compounds. The leaf extract of C. procera plants inhibited 95% 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DDPH) activity at 0.8 mg/mL Methanol extract of C. procera showed the maximum antibacterial and antifungal activities against the tested plant pathogen of bacterial and fungal strains. This research explored the various phytochemicals, including carbohydrates, glycosides, alkaloids, steroid, saponins, amino acids, phenols, and flavonoids, present in the stem, leave, root, and flower of the indigenous C. procera plant. The study gave a systematic base for the isolation of the novel bioactive phytochemicals with the antioxidant and antibacterial activities from the Calotropis species of Balochistan
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Their Secretome: New Therapeutic Perspectives for Skeletal Muscle Regeneration
Authors: Sandonà Martina , Di Pietro Lorena , Esposito Federica , Ventura Alessia , Silini Antonietta Rosa , Parolini Ornella , Saccone Valentina
Published: May 2021

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells found in different tissues: bone marrow, peripheral blood, adipose tissues, skeletal muscle, perinatal tissues, and dental pulp. MSCs are able to self-renew and to differentiate into multiple lineages, and they have been extensively used for cell therapy mostly owing to their anti-fibrotic and immunoregulatory properties that have been suggested to be at the basis for their regenerative capability. MSCs exert their effects by releasing a variety of biologically active molecules such as growth factors, chemokines, and cytokines, either as soluble proteins or enclosed in extracellular vesicles (EVs). Analyses of MSC-derived secretome and in particular studies on EVs are attracting great attention from a medical point of view due to their ability to mimic all the therapeutic effects produced by the MSCs (i.e., endogenous tissue repair and regulation of the immune system). MSC-EVs could be advantageous compared with the parental cells because of their specific cargo containing mRNAs, miRNAs, and proteins that can be biologically transferred to recipient cells. MSC-EV storage, transfer, and production are easier; and their administration is also safer than MSC therapy. The skeletal muscle is a very adaptive tissue, but its regenerative potential is altered during acute and chronic conditions. Recent works demonstrate that both MSCs and their secretome are able to help myofiber regeneration enhancing myogenesis and, interestingly, can be manipulated as a novel strategy for therapeutic interventions in muscular diseases like muscular dystrophies or atrophy. In particular, MSC-EVs represent promising candidates for cell free-based muscle regeneration. In this review, we aim to give a complete picture of the therapeutic properties and advantages of MSCs and their products (MSC-derived EVs and secreted factors) relevant for skeletal muscle regeneration in main muscular diseases.
Vitamin C Inhibits Blood-Stage Plasmodium Parasites via Oxidative Stress
Authors: Shi Xiaoyu , Wei Meng , Xu Zihao , Liu Ying , Zhang Mujia , Lv Li , Wang Qian
Published: May 2021

During the Plasmodium erythrocytic cycle, glucose is taken up by glucose transporters (GLUTs) in red blood cells (RBCs) and supplied to parasites via the Plasmodium hexose transporter. Here, we demonstrate that the glucose uptake pathway in infected RBCs (iRBCs) can be hijacked by vitamin C (Vc). GLUTs preferentially transport the oxidized form of Vc, which is subsequently reduced in the cytosol. Vc, which is expected to burden the intracellular reducing capacity, inhibits Plasmodium berghei and Plasmodium falciparum growth. Vc uptake is drastically increased in iRBCs, with a large proportion entering parasites. Increased absorption of Vc causes accumulation of reactive oxygen species, reduced ATP production, and elevated eryptosis in iRBCs and apoptosis in parasites. The level of oxidative stress induced by Vc is significantly higher in iRBCs than uninfected RBCs, not seen in chloroquine or artemisinin-treated iRBCs, and effective in inhibiting chloroquine or artemisinin-resistant parasites. These findings provide important insights into the drug sensitivity of Plasmodium.
Ivacaftor Inhibits Glioblastoma Stem Cell Maintenance and Tumor Progression
Authors: Liu Kun , Pu Jun , Nie Zhi , Shi Yulin , Jiang Liping , Wu Qisheng , Chen Yongbin , Yang Cuiping
Published: May 2021

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and malignant primary brain tumor. Glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) not only initiate and sustain uncontrolled cell proliferation but also resistant to conventional clinical therapies including temozolomide (TMZ) dependent chemotherapy and radiotherapy, implying that there is an urgent need to identify new therapeutic strategies especially specific targeting GSCs. Here, we provide evidence showing that ivacaftor commonly applied in cystic fibrosis therapy acts as a potent inhibitor for GSCs maintenance. We found that ivacaftor promotes cellular apoptosis in vitro and represses patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumor growth in vivo. In addition, we demonstrate that ivacaftor decreases stemness marker gene expressions of GSCs, including CD133, CD44, and Sox2. In summary, our findings reveal that ivacaftor inhibits glioblastoma progression via specifically eliminating GSCs, which opens a new avenue for GBM clinical therapy in the future.
Biomass Hydrothermal Carbonization: Markov-Chain Monte Carlo Data Analysis and Modeling
Authors: Gallifuoco Alberto , Papa Alessandro Antonio , Taglieri Luca
Published: May 2021

This paper introduces Bayesian statistical methods for studying the kinetics of biomass hydrothermal carbonization. Two simple, specially developed computer programs implement Markov-chain Monte Carlo methods to illustrate these techniques' potential, long since established in other areas of chemical reaction engineering. A range of experimental data, both from this study and the literature, test the soundness of a Bayesian approach to modeling biomass hydrothermal carbonization kinetics. The first program carries out parameter estimations and performs better or equal than the traditional deterministic methods (R2 as high as 0.9998). For three out of the 22 datasets, the program detected the global minima of the parameter space, while the deterministic least-square found local values. The second program uses Gillespie's algorithm for the statistical simulation of the reactions occurring in hydrothermal carbonization. Comparing six basic kinetic models with literature data tested the stochastic simulation as a tool for assessing biomass conversion reaction networks rapidly. Among the simple models discussed, reaction scheme 3 fitted better to the experimental data (R2 > 0.999). The proposed approach is worth extending to more complex, time-consuming computer models and could support other techniques for studying hydrothermal conversions.
Scrutinizing Self-Assembly, Surface Activity and Aggregation Behavior of Mixtures of Imidazolium Based Ionic Liquids and Surfactants: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Kumar Harsh , Kaur Gagandeep
Published: May 2021

The desire of improving various processes like enhanced oil recovery (EOR), water treatment technologies, biomass extraction, organic synthesis, carbon capture etc. in which conventional surfactants have been traditionally utilized; prompted various researchers to explore the self-assembly and aggregation behavior of different kinds of surface-active molecules. Ionic liquids (ILs) with long alkyl chain present in their structure constitute the advantageous properties of surfactant and ILs, hence termed as surface-active ionic liquids (SAILs). The addition of ILs and SAILs significantly influence the surface-activity and aggregation behavior of industrially useful conventional surfactants. After a brief review of ILs, SAILs and surfactants, the prime focus is made on analyzing the self-assembly of SAILs and the mixed micellization behavior of conventional surfactants with different ILs.
Low-Lying Electronic States of the Nickel Dimer
Authors: Tamukong Patrick K. , Hoffmann Mark R.
Published: May 2021

The generalized Van Vleck second order multireference perturbation theory (GVVPT2) method was used to investigate the low-lying electronic states of Ni2. Because the nickel atom has an excitation energy of only 0.025 eV to its first excited state (the least in the first row of transition elements), Ni2 has a particularly large number of low-lying states. Full potential energy curves (PECs) of more than a dozen low-lying electronic states of Ni2, resulting from the atomic combinations 3F4 + 3F4 and 3D3 + 3D3, were computed. In agreement with previous theoretical studies, we found the lowest lying states of Ni2 to correlate with the 3D3 + 3D3 dissociation limit, and the holes in the d-subshells were in the subspace of delta orbitals (i.e., the so-dubbed δδ-states). In particular, the ground state was determined as X 1Γg and had spectroscopic constants: bond length (Re) = 2.26 Å, harmonic frequency (ωe) = 276.0 cm−1, and binding energy (De) = 1.75 eV; whereas the 1 1Σg+ excited state (with spectroscopic constants: Re = 2.26 Å, ωe = 276.8 cm−1, and De = 1.75) of the 3D3 + 3D3 dissociation channel lay at only 16.4 cm−1 (0.002 eV) above the ground state at the equilibrium geometry. Inclusion of scalar relativistic effects through the spin-free exact two component (sf-X2C) method reduced the bond lengths of both of these two states to 2.20 Å, and increased their binding energies to 1.95 eV and harmonic frequencies to 296.0 cm−1 for X 1Γg and 297.0 cm−1 for 1 1Σg+. These values are in good agreement with experimental values of Re = 2.1545 ± 0.0004 Å, ωe = 280 ± 20 cm−1, and D0 = 2.042 ± 0.002 eV for the ground state. All states considered within the 3F4 + 3F4 dissociation channel proved to be energetically high-lying and van der Waals-like in nature. In contrast to most previous theoretical studies of Ni2, full PECs of all considered electronic states of the molecule were produced.
Effect of Uric Acid-Lowering Agents on Patients With Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Xu Hongxuan , Liu Yunqing , Meng Lingbing , Wang Li , Liu Deping
Published: May 2021

Background: Elevated serum uric acid (SUA) level is considered an independent predictor of all-cause mortality and the combined endpoint of death or readmission in cardiovascular disease patients. However, the causal relationship between uric acid-lowering therapies (ULTs) and heart failure is still controversial.

Design: Meta-analyses were performed to systematically compile available evidence to determine the overall effect of ULTs on heart failure patients.

Method: We conducted this systematic review following the PRISMA statement guidelines. Databases were searched to identify randomised controlled trials related to the influence of a ULT intervention in people with heart failure. Data extracted from the included studies were subjected to a meta-analysis to compare the effects of ULTs to a control.

Results: Pooled analysis of left ventricular ejection fraction (LEVF) showed an insignificant result towards the ULT group (MD, 1.63%; 95%CI, −1.61 to 4.88; p = 0.32; three studies). Pooled analysis of the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) showed an insignificant result towards the ULT group (MD, 4.59; 95%CI, −12.683 to 22.00; p = 0.61; four studies). Pooled analysis of BNP/NT-pro-BNP led to a nearly statistically significant result towards the ULT group (SMD, −0.30; 95%CI, −0.64 to 0.04; p = 0.08; five studies). Pooled analysis of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular death between ULTs (all XOIs) and placebo did not show a significant difference (RR, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.74 to 2.15, p = 0.39).

Conclusion: ULTs did not improve LVEF, BNP/NT-pro-BNP, 6MWT, all-cause mortality, and CV death in heart failure patients. UA may just be a risk marker of heart failure.
Role of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography in Acute Coronary Syndromes During the COVID-19 Pandemic-Single Center Snapshot Study
Authors: Alasnag Mirvat , Ahmed Waqar , Al-Nasser Ibrahim , Al-Shaibi Khaled
Published: May 2021

Background: In clinical practice, cardiac computed tomography (CCT) has a limited role in acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Several trials evaluated CCT in low and intermediate risk patients presenting to the emergency room (ER) and noted that it was both safe and feasible. During the COVID19 pandemic, it is imperative to adopt a pathway for the evaluation of ACS that permits early discharge, reduces invasive coronary angiography and limits exposure of healthcare workers. Here, we present a single center experience by which CCT was incorporated in the clinical pathway of patients presenting to the ER with chest pain and ACS.

Methods: This is a snapshot study of the first 27 patients who underwent CCT immediately after the lockdown in the city of Jeddah. ST elevation myocardial infarctions and hemodynamically unstable patients were excluded. Those with unstable angina or a Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction were screened for COVID19. The patients' COVID19 status and the results of the CCT were then used to determine the treatment strategy. Patient predisposition, hospital stay and exposure of staff are collected and reported.

Results: All CCT images were interpretable with no limitations or significant artifact. CCT identified critical disease in 7 patients (26%), normal epicardial coronary arteries in 11 (41%) and mild to moderate disease in 9 (33%). All patients with normal or mild to moderate disease were assigned to a conservative strategy and discharged within 24 h. Those with a NSTEMI and critical anatomy were assigned to an additional invasive evaluation with subsequent revascularization. During the course of this study, no transmission to healthcare workers occurred.

Conclusion: CCT enabled 80% of patients to be discharged within the first 24 h, the majority of whom were discharged from the emergency room. It was able to identify critical anatomy facilitating appropriate revascularization. This snapshot study warrants exploration of the role of CCT in ACS further particularly since the latest European Society of Cardiology's Non-STEACS guidelines suggest a role for CCT in the evaluation of low risk ACS.
Magnitude Estimation for Earthquake Early Warning Using a Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Zhu Jingbao , Li Shanyou , Song Jindong , Wang Yuan
Published: May 2021

Magnitude estimation is a vital task within earthquake early warning (EEW) systems (EEWSs). To improve the magnitude determination accuracy after P-wave arrival, we introduce an advanced magnitude prediction model that uses a deep convolutional neural network for earthquake magnitude estimation (DCNN-M). In this paper, we use the inland strong-motion data obtained from the Japan Kyoshin Network (K-NET) to calculate the input parameters of the DCNN-M model. The DCNN-M model uses 12 parameters extracted from 3 s of seismic data recorded after P-wave arrival as the input, four convolutional layers, four pooling layers, four batch normalization layers, three fully connected layers, the Adam optimizer, and an output. Our results show that the standard deviation of the magnitude estimation error of the DCNN-M model is 0.31, which is significantly less than the values of 1.56 and 0.42 for the τc method and Pd method, respectively. In addition, the magnitude prediction error of the DCNN-M model is not affected by variations in the epicentral distance. The DCNN-M model has considerable potential application in EEWSs in Japan.
Ensemble-Tailored Pattern Analysis of High-Resolution Dynamically Downscaled Precipitation Fields: Example for Climate Sensitive Regions of South America
Authors: Portele Tanja C. , Laux Patrick , Lorenz Christof , Janner Annelie , Horna Natalia , Fersch Benjamin , Iza Maylee , Kunstmann Harald
Published: May 2021

For climate adaptation and risk mitigation, decision makers in water management or agriculture increasingly demand for regionalized weather and climate information. To provide these, regional atmospheric models, such as the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, need to be optimized in their physical setup to the region of interest. The objective of this study is to evaluate four cumulus physics (CU), two microphysics (MP), two planetary boundary layer physics (PBL), and two radiation physics (RA) schemes in WRF according to their performance in dynamically downscaling the precipitation over two typical South American regions: one orographically complex area in Ecuador/Peru (horizontal resolution up to 9 and 3 km), and one area of rolling hills in Northeast Brazil (up to 9 km). For this, an extensive ensemble of 32 simulations over two continuous years was conducted. Including the reference uncertainty of three high-resolution global datasets (CHIRPS, MSWEP, ERA5-Land), we show that different parameterization setups can produce up to four times the monthly reference precipitation. This underscores the urgent need to conduct parameterization sensitivity studies before weather forecasts or input for impact modeling can be produced. Contrarily to usual studies, we focus on distributional, temporal and spatial precipitation patterns and evaluate these in an ensemble-tailored approach. These ensemble characteristics such as ensemble Structure-, Amplitude-, and Location-error, allow us to generalize the impacts of combining one parameterization scheme with others. We find that varying the CU and RA schemes stronger affects the WRF performance than varying the MP or PBL schemes. This effect is even present in the convection-resolving 3-km-domain over Ecuador/Peru where CU schemes are only used in the parent domain of the one-way nesting approach. The G3D CU physics ensemble best represents the CHIRPS probability distribution in the 9-km-domains. However, spatial and temporal patterns of CHIRPS are best captured by Tiedtke or BMJ CU schemes. Ecuadorian station data in the 3-km-domain is best simulated by the ensemble whose parent domains use the KF CU scheme. Accounting for all evaluation metrics, no general-purpose setup could be identified, but suited parameterizations can be narrowed down according to final application needs.
School Closures and Returning to School: Views of Parents of Children With Disabilities in England During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Castro-Kemp Susana , Mahmud Arif
Published: May 2021

Children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities and their families are likely to be significantly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic at various levels, particularly given the implementation of school closures during national lockdowns. This study employed a survey design to assess parental perspectives on the impact of school closures and of returning to school in England, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Eighty-three parents of children and young people with various types of need responded to the survey between September and December 2020. The survey included multiple choice questions and open-ended questions for further in-depth examination of parental perspectives. Results show that: the majority of parents reported that school closures had a detrimental effect on their children’s mental health (particularly those from the most deprived neighbourhoods) and on their own mental and physical health (particularly for ethnically diverse parents and for those whose children attend specialized settings); returning to school was considered to have a positive impact on children’s mental and physical health for the vast majority of parents, despite fearing exposure to the virus; many parents have reported that their children were calmer and happier at home during school closures and became more anxious and stressed upon returning to school. The role of cumulative risk in these children and families, as well as the role of schools as key support agents for the most vulnerable are discussed with implications for future research and policy.
Increasing the Diversity of the Teacher Workforce: Socio-Political Challenges to Reducing Inequalities in Access to Teacher Education Programs
Authors: Pit-ten Cate Ineke M. , Rivas Salvador , Busana Gilbert
Published: May 2021

Cross-border migration leads to a diversification of societies, which is reflected in the education system, where classrooms are composed of students with heterogeneous cultural, linguistic, socio-economic characteristics. However, this diversity is only to a limited extent reflected in the teacher population, even though teachers from different backgrounds can bring specific intercultural competencies, have more positive attitudes toward multicultural heterogeneity and act as role models. To facilitate the diversification of the teaching profession, it is imperative that the cohorts of students entering teacher education programs represent the diversity of societies, however studies have shown students with migration backgrounds or from families with lower socio-economic status are underrepresented in such programs. This study considered the demographic constellation of applicants for admission into the teacher education program in Luxembourg (2015–2019) and investigated to what extent the admission process (dis)advantages certain groups. Results revealed that although applicants come from diverse backgrounds, proficiency in the country’s native languages poses a disadvantage for students with migration backgrounds. In addition, applicants coming from more privileged families stand a better chance of being admitted. Results are interpreted within the framework of social mobility and social reproduction. Implications for the admission to the teachers’ education program are discussed.
Social Evolution With Decoupling of Multiple Roles of Biogenic Amines Into Different Phenotypes in Hymenoptera
Authors: Sasaki Ken , Okada Yasukazu , Shimoji Hiroyuki , Aonuma Hitoshi , Miura Toru , Tsuji Kazuki
Published: May 2021

Convergent evolution of eusociality with the division of reproduction and its plastic transition in Hymenoptera has long attracted the attention of researchers. To explain the evolutionary scenario of the reproductive division of labor, several hypotheses had been proposed. Among these, we focus on the most basic concepts, i.e., the ovarian ground plan hypothesis (OGPH) and the split-function hypothesis (SFH). The OGPH assumes the physiological decoupling of ovarian cycles and behavior into reproductive and non-reproductive individuals, whereas the SFH assumes that the ancestral reproductive function of juvenile hormone (JH) became split into a dual function. Here, we review recent progress in the understanding of the neurohormonal regulation of reproduction and social behavior in eusocial hymenopterans, with an emphasis on biogenic amines. Biogenic amines are key substances involved in the switching of reproductive physiology and modulation of social behaviors. Dopamine has a pivotal role in the formation of reproductive skew irrespective of the social system, whereas octopamine and serotonin contribute largely to non-reproductive social behaviors. These decoupling roles of biogenic amines are seen in the life cycle of a single female in a solitary species, supporting OGPH. JH promotes reproduction with dopamine function in primitively eusocial species, whereas it regulates non-reproductive social behaviors with octopamine function in advanced eusocial species. The signal transduction networks between JH and the biogenic amines have been rewired in advanced eusocial species, which could regulate reproduction in response to various social stimuli independently of JH action.
A Streamlined Approach to Prader-Willi and Angelman Syndrome Molecular Diagnostics
Authors: Strom Samuel P. , Hossain Waheeda A. , Grigorian Melina , Li Mickey , Fierro Joseph , Scaringe William , Yen Hai-Yun , Teguh Mirandy , Liu Joanna , Gao Harry , Butler Merlin G.
Published: May 2021

Establishing or ruling out a molecular diagnosis of Prader–Willi or Angelman syndrome (PWS/AS) presents unique challenges due to the variety of different genetic alterations that can lead to these conditions. Point mutations, copy number changes, uniparental isodisomy (i-UPD) 15 of two subclasses (segmental or total isodisomy), uniparental heterodisomy (h-UPD), and defects in the chromosome 15 imprinting center can all cause PWS/AS. Here, we outline a combined approach using whole-exome sequencing (WES) and DNA methylation data with methylation-sensitive multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) to establish both the disease diagnosis and the mechanism of disease with high sensitivity using current standard of care technology and improved efficiency compared to serial methods. The authors encourage the use of this approach in the clinical setting to confirm and establish the diagnosis and genetic defect which may account for the secondary genetic conditions that may be seen in those with isodisomy 15, impacting surveillance and counseling with more accurate recurrence risks. Other similarly affected individuals due to other gene disorders or cytogenetic anomalies such as Rett syndrome or microdeletions would also be identified with this streamlined approach.
Evolution of the Avian Eggshell Biomineralization Protein Toolkit – New Insights From Multi-Omics
Authors: Le Roy Nathalie , Stapane Lilian , Gautron Joël , Hincke Maxwell T.
Published: May 2021

The avian eggshell is a remarkable biomineral, which is essential for avian reproduction; its properties permit embryonic development in the desiccating terrestrial environment, and moreover, are critically important to preserve unfertilized egg quality for human consumption. This calcium carbonate (CaCO3) bioceramic is made of 95% calcite and 3.5% organic matrix; it protects the egg contents against microbial penetration and mechanical damage, allows gaseous exchange, and provides calcium for development of the embryonic skeleton. In vertebrates, eggshell occurs in the Sauropsida and in a lesser extent in Mammalia taxa; avian eggshell calcification is one of the fastest known CaCO3 biomineralization processes, and results in a material with excellent mechanical properties. Thus, its study has triggered a strong interest from the researcher community. The investigation of eggshell biomineralization in birds over the past decades has led to detailed characterization of its protein and mineral constituents. Recently, our understanding of this process has been significantly improved using high-throughput technologies (i.e., proteomics, transcriptomics, genomics, and bioinformatics). Presently, more or less complete eggshell proteomes are available for nine birds, and therefore, key proteins that comprise the eggshell biomineralization toolkit are beginning to be identified. In this article, we review current knowledge on organic matrix components from calcified eggshell. We use these data to analyze the evolution of selected matrix proteins and underline their role in the biological toolkit required for eggshell calcification in avian species. Amongst the panel of eggshell-associated proteins, key functional domains are present such as calcium-binding, vesicle-binding and protein-binding. These technical advances, combined with progress in mineral ultrastructure analyses, have opened the way for new hypotheses of mineral nucleation and crystal growth in formation of the avian eggshell, including transfer of amorphous CaCO3 in vesicles from uterine cells to the eggshell mineralization site. The enrichment of multi-omics datasets for bird species is critical to understand the evolutionary context for development of CaCO3 biomineralization in metazoans, leading to the acquisition of the robust eggshell in birds (and formerly dinosaurs).
Sustaining the Private Sponsorship of Resettled Refugees in Canada
Authors: Hyndman Jennifer , Reynolds Johanna , Yousuf Biftu , Purkey Anna , Demoz Dawit , Sherrell Kathy
Published: May 2021

For more than 40 years, groups of Canadian residents have raised funds and offered their time and energy to support over 325,000 refugee newcomers to Canada through the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program. In 2020, targets for private refugee sponsorship in the Canadian context were double the number of government-assisted refugees. Private sponsorship is therefore an important focus of analysis in relation to refugee resettlement, representing a complementary pathway to refugee protection through civil society mobilization. Yet, little research to-date has focused on private sponsorship. Based on an original qualitative study, this paper probes how voluntary sponsorship has beensustainedover decades, despite the high personal and financial costs it entails, by analyzing the insights of those who have experienced sponsorship: former refugees who came through the program, long-term sponsors, key informants, and other community leaders. The authors argue that private refugee sponsorship is a communitypractice, a routine action that is part of a collective commitment, a way of connecting local community actions to global politics of injustice and displacement. Furthermore, refugee newcomers who land in Canada as permanent residents becomepart ofthe communities and society in which they stay. Having left family members behind in refugee camps and cities of refuge, many become sponsors themselves. This phenomenon of ‘family linked’ sponsorship is a defining and sustaining feature of the program, motivating family members in Canada to team up with seasoned sponsors to ‘do more’. Our data show that sponsorship occurs across scales—linking local sites in Canada to countries where human atrocities are common and neighboring states that host those who flee. Sponsorship connects people in various communities across the world, and these transnational links are important to understanding the sustainability of sponsorship over time in Canada. Our research pays attention to the narratives of sponsors and those they support with the objective of documenting the momentous contribution of this complementary, and expanding, pathway for refugee protection.
Immunoprofiling Correlates of Protection Against SHIV Infection in Adjuvanted HIV-1 Pox-Protein Vaccinated Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Lu Pinyi , Guerin Dylan J. , Lin Shu , Chaudhury Sidhartha , Ackerman Margaret E. , Bolton Diane L. , Wallqvist Anders
Published: May 2021

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection remains a major public health threat due to its incurable nature and the lack of a highly efficacious vaccine. The RV144 vaccine trial is the only clinical study to date that demonstrated significant but modest decrease in HIV infection risk. To improve HIV-1 vaccine immunogenicity and efficacy, we recently evaluated pox-protein vaccination using a next generation liposome-based adjuvant, Army Liposomal Formulation adsorbed to aluminum (ALFA), in rhesus monkeys and observed 90% efficacy against limiting dose mucosal SHIV challenge in male animals. Here, we analyzed binding antibody responses, as assessed by Fc array profiling using a broad range of HIV-1 envelope antigens and Fc features, to explore the mechanisms of ALFA-mediated protection by employing machine learning and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. We found that Fcγ receptor 2a-related binding antibody responses were augmented by ALFA relative to aluminium hydroxide, and these responses were associated with reduced risk of infection in male animals. Our results highlight the application of systems serology to provide mechanistic insights to vaccine-elicited protection and support evidence that antibody effector responses protect against HIV-1 infection.
Whole Blood Mycobacterial Growth Assays for Assessing Human Tuberculosis Susceptibility: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bok Jeroen , Hofland Regina W. , Evans Carlton A.
Published: May 2021

Background

Whole blood mycobacterial growth assays (WBMGA) quantify mycobacterial growth in fresh blood samples and may have potential for assessing tuberculosis vaccines and identifying individuals at risk of tuberculosis. We evaluated the evidence for the underlying assumption thatin vitroWBMGA results can predictin vivotuberculosis susceptibility.

Methods

A systematic search was done for studies assessing associations between WBMGA results and tuberculosis susceptibility. Meta-analyses were performed for eligible studies by calculating population-weighted averages.

Results

No studies directly assessed whether WBMGA results predicted tuberculosis susceptibility. 15 studies assessed associations between WBMGA results and proven correlates of tuberculosis susceptibility, which we divided in two categories. Firstly, WBMGA associations with factors believed to reduce tuberculosis susceptibility were statistically significant in all eight studies of: BCG vaccination; vitamin D supplementation; altitude; and HIV-negativity/therapy. Secondly, WBMGA associations with probable correlates of tuberculosis susceptibility were statistically significant in three studies of tuberculosis disease, in a parasitism study and in two of the five studies of latent tuberculosis infection. Meta-analyses for associations between WBMGA results and BCG vaccination, tuberculosis infection, tuberculosis disease and HIV infection revealed consistent effects. There was considerable methodological heterogeneity.

Conclusions

The study results generally showed significant associations between WBMGA results and correlates of tuberculosis susceptibility. However, no study directly assessed whether WBMGA results predicted actual susceptibility to tuberculosis infection or disease. We recommend optimization and standardization of WBMGA methodology and prospective studies to determine whether WBMGA predict susceptibility to tuberculosis disease.
Infection and Immune Memory: Variables in Robust Protection by Vaccines Against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Ahluwalia Pankaj , Vaibhav Kumar , Ahluwalia Meenakshi , Mondal Ashis K. , Sahajpal Nikhil , Rojiani Amyn M. , Kolhe Ravindra
Published: May 2021

SARS-CoV-2 is the cause of a recent pandemic that has led to more than 3 million deaths worldwide. Most individuals are asymptomatic or display mild symptoms, which raises an inherent question as to how does the immune response differs from patients manifesting severe disease? During the initial phase of infection, dysregulated effector immune cells such as neutrophils, macrophages, monocytes, megakaryocytes, basophils, eosinophils, erythroid progenitor cells, and Th17 cells can alter the trajectory of an infected patient to severe disease. On the other hand, properly functioning CD4+, CD8+ cells, NK cells, and DCs reduce the disease severity. Detailed understanding of the immune response of convalescent individuals transitioning from the effector phase to the immunogenic memory phase can provide vital clues to understanding essential variables to assess vaccine-induced protection. Although neutralizing antibodies can wane over time, long-lasting B and T memory cells can persist in recovered individuals. The natural immunological memory captures the diverse repertoire of SARS-CoV-2 epitopes after natural infection whereas, currently approved vaccines are based on a single epitope, spike protein. It is essential to understand the nature of the immune response to natural infection to better identify ‘correlates of protection’ against this disease. This article discusses recent findings regarding immune response against natural infection to SARS-CoV-2 and the nature of immunogenic memory. More precise knowledge of the acute phase of immune response and its transition to immunological memory will contribute to the future design of vaccines and the identification of variables essential to maintain immune protection across diverse populations.
Responses of Southern Ocean Seafloor Habitats and Communities to Global and Local Drivers of Change
Authors: Brasier Madeleine J. , Barnes David , Bax Narissa , Brandt Angelika , Christianson Anne B. , Constable Andrew J. , Downey Rachel , Figuerola Blanca , Griffiths Huw , Gutt Julian , Lockhart Susanne , Morley Simon A. , Post Alexandra L. , Van de Putte Anton , Saeedi Hanieh , Stark Jonathan S. , Sumner Michael , Waller Catherine L.
Published: May 2021

Knowledge of life on the Southern Ocean seafloor has substantially grown since the beginning of this century with increasing ship-based surveys and regular monitoring sites, new technologies and greatly enhanced data sharing. However, seafloor habitats and their communities exhibit high spatial variability and heterogeneity that challenges the way in which we assess the state of the Southern Ocean benthos on larger scales. The Antarctic shelf is rich in diversity compared with deeper water areas, important for storing carbon (“blue carbon”) and provides habitat for commercial fish species. In this paper, we focus on the seafloor habitats of the Antarctic shelf, which are vulnerable to drivers of change including increasing ocean temperatures, iceberg scour, sea ice melt, ocean acidification, fishing pressures, pollution and non-indigenous species. Some of the most vulnerable areas include the West Antarctic Peninsula, which is experiencing rapid regional warming and increased iceberg-scouring, subantarctic islands and tourist destinations where human activities and environmental conditions increase the potential for the establishment of non-indigenous species and active fishing areas around South Georgia, Heard and MacDonald Islands. Vulnerable species include those in areas of regional warming with low thermal tolerance, calcifying species susceptible to increasing ocean acidity as well as slow-growing habitat-forming species that can be damaged by fishing gears e.g., sponges, bryozoan, and coral species. Management regimes can protect seafloor habitats and key species from fishing activities; some areas will need more protection than others, accounting for specific traits that make species vulnerable, slow growing and long-lived species, restricted locations with optimum physiological conditions and available food, and restricted distributions of rare species. Ecosystem-based management practices and long-term, highly protected areas may be the most effective tools in the preservation of vulnerable seafloor habitats. Here, we focus on outlining seafloor responses to drivers of change observed to date and projections for the future. We discuss the need for action to preserve seafloor habitats under climate change, fishing pressures and other anthropogenic impacts.