bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of QuantiFERON Plus-diagnosed tuberculosis infection in adult Ugandan TB contacts: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Mayito Jonathan , Martineau Adrian R. , Tiwari Divya , Nakiyingi Lydia , Kateete David P. , Reece Stephen T. , Biraro Irene Andia 
Published: March 2023

Background
The tuberculin skin test is commonly used to diagnose latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in resource-limited settings, but its specificity is limited by factors including cross-reactivity with BCG vaccine and environmental mycobacteria. Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) overcome this problem by detecting M. tuberculosis complex-specific responses, but studies to determine risk factors for IGRA-positivity in high TB burden settings are lacking.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine factors associated with a positive IGRA by employing the QuantiFERON-TB® Gold-plus (QFT Plus) assay in a cohort of asymptomatic adult TB contacts in Kampala, Uganda. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with forward stepwise logit function was employed to identify independent correlates of QFT Plus-positivity.

Results
Of the 202 participants enrolled, 129/202 (64%) were female, 173/202 (86%) had a BCG scar, and 67/202 (33%) were HIV-infected. Overall, 105/192 (54%, 95% CI 0.48–0.62) participants had a positive QFT Plus result. Increased risk of QFT-Plus positivity was independently associated with casual employment/unemployment vs. non-casual employment (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.18, 95% CI 1.01–4.72), a family vs. non-family relation to the index patient (aOR 2.87, 95% CI 1.33–6.18), living in the same vs. a different house as the index (aOR 3.05, 95% CI 1.28–7.29), a higher body mass index (BMI) (aOR per additional kg/m2 1.09, 95% CI 1.00–1.18) and tobacco smoking vs. not (aOR 2.94, 95% CI 1.00–8.60). HIV infection was not associated with QFT-Plus positivity (aOR 0.91, 95% CI 0.42–1.96).

Conclusion
Interferon Gamma Release Assay positivity in this study population was lower than previously estimated. Tobacco smoking and BMI were determinants of IGRA positivity that were previously unappreciated.
Semantic-based memory-encoding strategy and cognitive stimulation in enhancing cognitive function and daily task performance for older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A pilot non-randomised cluster controlled trial
Authors: Mraz Hannah , Tong Choy-Ying , Liu Karen P. Y. 
Published: March 2023

Aim
To investigate the effectiveness of a semantic-based memory-encoding strategy intervention and cognitive stimulation that enhances function for older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

Methods
A two-armed single-blind non-randomised cluster controlled trial was conducted. Participants in two centres were allocated to the semantic-based memory-encoding experimental group and those in the other two centres received cognitive stimulation. In both groups, one centre- or community-based session and one home-based session were provided weekly for 10 weeks. Outcome measures included attention, memory and general cognitive function (Word List Memory and Word List Recall of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for the Alzheimer’s disease, Digit Span Forwards and Backwards and the Cognistat), and daily task performance (Disability Assessment for Dementia and Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale). They were administered pre- and post-intervention.

Results
Thirty-nine participants completed the study. No significant differences were revealed in the demographic or baseline data. The experimental group showed significant improvements in daily task performance (Disability Assessment for Dementia; p = 0.003), memory outcomes (Word List Recall; p < 0.001), general cognitive function (Cognistat subtests of Memory and Similarity; ps = 0.002 and < 0.001). The cognitive stimulation control group did not show any significant improvement in the measures. Between-group analysis showed significant differences in favour of the experimental group for the outcome measures of the Word List Recall and Cognistat Similarity subtest (ps < 0.001).

Conclusions
This study shows that the semantic-based memory-encoding strategy is more superior than cognitive stimulation with improvements in attention, memory, general cognitive function and daily task performance for people with a mild cognitive impairment.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration and Results System (NCT02953964).
The impact of culture on market competitiveness and food security for small indigenous species: An examination of theDagaafishery in Lake Victoria, Kenya
Authors: Onyango Horace Owiti , Ochiewo Jacob 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe Dagaa fishery accounts for the largest production in Lake Victoria, with many socio-economic benefits to artisanal fishers, traders, and most riparian poor households. However, it has lagged in comparative value to other key endemic species because it is perceived as fish for the poor. This study sought to investigate the influence of Luo socio-cultural perception of Dagaa on the purchasing habits of local Kenyan households. Secondary data from the 2015/16 Kenya Integrated Household Budget Survey was used to conduct a multiple linear regression to test the research hypothesis. Results indicate that being a Luo household in the Lake's basin could reduce consumption of Dagaa by an estimated 0.055 kg per week, whereas a food-poor household is apt to consume 0.062 kg more Dagaa within the basin. We therefore recommend that culture should be considered and mainstreamed in developing technologies and marketing strategies for the Dagaa fishery of Lake Victoria.
Impact of Mekong River biodiversity on the food culture of women and children in Prey Veng, Cambodia
Authors: Nurhasan Mulia , Sok Daream , Thilsted Shakuntala H. , Nguon Samnang , James David , Ritz Christian , Sok Seyha , Chhoun Chamnan , Roos Nanna 
Published: March 2023

AbstractSituated in the heart of the Mekong River basin, the biodiversity of Cambodian freshwaters is high, with around 475 fish species. Fisheries have shaped Cambodian culture, including traditional diets. Fish and other aquatic animals are the main and culturally preferred animal-source foods in a population vulnerable to food insecurity and malnutrition. The food culture of consuming fish with the bones and head is nutritionally valuable, providing high-quality nutrients. The objective of this study was to assess the consumption of fish and other aquatic animals among mothers and their young children, with details on species, types of processing, and parts consumed. We interviewed 100 mothers in Prey Veng Province, Cambodia, on fish and other aquatic animals consumed by themselves and their children (one child per mother) during the preceding rainy season. To support recall of fish consumption, we used 157 cards with pictures of fish and other aquatic animal species and 11 cards with processed fish. Our results showed that species diversity in mothers’ diets was higher than that of their children; on average, mothers and children consumed 69 and 14 species of fish, eight and one species of other aquatic animals, respectively, in the preceding rainy season. On average, mothers reported they knew of 113 fish species and 14 other species available in their surrounding environments. Consuming fish with the head and bones is common among mothers but not children. Our study showed that the rich biodiversity of aquatic animals in the Mekong River is reflected in the food culture of mothers, but not in children. Consequently, children in their most critical period, do not harness the nutritional benefits from the rich aquatic biodiversity. We suggest policymakers recommend feeding young children with a larger diversity of aquatic animals and promoting fish processing to allow young children to benefit from the rich aquatic diversity and their nutrient-rich parts.
Amantes e cúmplices
Authors: Pereira Gabriela Pirotti , Gomes Rosana Ruas Machado 
Published: March 2023

A presente análise propõe uma leitura sobre a homossexualidade feminina e como o tema é apresentado no romance As meninas, de Lygia Fagundes Telles. Este trabalho pretende debater questões de gênero e sexualidade sob a teoria de Judith Butler, discutindo também os conceitos de identidade e diferença. O estudo reflete sobre o silenciamento das identidades lésbicas, bissexuais – e outras – e discorre sobre como o tema é inserido na narrativa, tendo em vista o contexto de sua publicação durante a ditadura militar no Brasil. A partir dos tópicos analisados, pode-se considerar que a narradora Lia demonstra uma série de conflitos pessoais; embora busque construir sua identidade por meio da diferença ao rejeitar padrões de feminilidade e sustente ideias libertárias em sua militância de esquerda, Lia rejeita qualquer sugestão de que ela poderia não ser heterossexual – o que pode exemplificar a força do discurso normativo sobre o indivíduo.
Proposta de aplicação da metodologia Lean Startup em uma empresa de base tecnológica de Goiás
Authors: Araújo Juliana Alves , Yamanaka Lie 
Published: March 2023

O objetivo deste trabalho é propor a aplicação da “Metodologia Lean Startup”, como forma de melhorar a organização interna de uma empresa de base tecnológica de Goiás. Essa abordagem à gestão empreendedora propõe a criação de novos negócios no modelo de startups, para auxiliar empreendedores e gestores nas tomadas de decisões sobre projetos recém-criados, a partir da experimentação e validação das estratégias, para aumentar a possibilidade de construírem uma startup de sucesso. Para elaboração do presente trabalho foi desenvolvida uma pesquisa de caráter exploratório por meio de um estudo de caso. O estudo de caso foi realizado em uma empresa nascente de base tecnológica incubada no Centro de Empreendedorismo e Inovação da Universidade Federal de Goiás (CEI/UFG). Foram realizadas visitas e entrevistas semiestruturadas com a empreendedora fundadora sobre o processo de criação e gestão da empresa; sobre o conhecimento da metodologia lean startup e de seus parâmetros. Em seguida, foi feita a proposta de aplicação da metodologia, ressaltando a sua importância para colaborar com a alavancagem da empresa, especialmente, no que diz respeito ao desenvolvimento e lançamento de produtos de acordo com as necessidades do cliente. Como resultado, verificou-se que alguns dos parâmetros eram conhecidos pela empreendedora fundadora, mas não eram utilizados pela empresa. A partir da análise individual de cada parâmetro, foi elaborada a proposta de acordo com os princípios e ferramentas utilizadas pela metodologia lean startup.
Neocamarosporium aquaticum (Neocamarosporiaceae, Dothideomycetes), a novel fungus from salt marsh habitats
Authors: Prematunga Chasika , Boonmee Saranyaphat , Jones E. B. Gareth , Calabon Mark S. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Neocamarosporium aquaticum, collected from a drift dead stem of a halophyte at the Kench Nature Reserve, Hayling Island, UK, is described as a new species in the family Neocamarosporiaceae, Dothideomycetes. Multi-locus analyses based on LSU, SSU, ITS rDNA, and EF1-α placed the new fungus as a distinct species in the genus Neocamarosporium, a sister to Neocamarosporium aesturinum isolated from seawater. The new species is characterized by the asexual morph with pycnidial conidiomata, doliiform, enteroblastic, annellidic conidiogenous cells, and conidia that are initially hyaline, aseptate, with longitudinal and transverse septa when matured, muriform, and turning brown to dark brown on maturity. Neocamarosporium aquaticum and Ne. aesturinum differ in the colour of the conidia, degree of septation, and conidial measurements.
SARS CoV-2 spike protein-guided exosome isolation facilitates detection of potential miRNA biomarkers in COVID-19 infections
Authors: Mimmi Selena , Zimbo Anna Maria , Rotundo Salvatore , Cione Erika , Nisticò Nancy , Aloisio Annamaria , Maisano Domenico , Tolomeo Anna Maria , Dattilo Vincenzo , Lionello Rosaria , Fioravanti Antonella , Di Loria Antonio , Quirino Angela , Marascio Nadia , Russo Alessandro , Trecarichi Enrico Maria , Matera Giovanni , Quinto Ileana , Torti Carlo , Iaccino Enrico 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Nearly three years into the pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 infections are occurring in vaccinated and naturally infected populations. While humoral and cellular responses in COVID-19 are being characterized, novel immune biomarkers also being identified. Recently, an increase in angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 expressing (aka, ACE2 positive) circulating exosomes (ExoACE2) were identified in the plasma of COVID-19 patients (El-Shennawy et al.). In this pilot study, we describe a method to characterize the exosome-associated microRNA (exo-miRNA) signature in ACE2-positive and ACE2-negative exosomal populations (non-ExoACE2).

Methods
We performed a sorting protocol using the recombinant biotin-conjugated SARS CoV-2 spike protein containing the receptor binding domain (RBD) on plasma samples from six patients. Following purification, exo-miRNA were characterized for ACE2-positive and ACE2-negative exosome subpopulations by RT-PCR.

Results
We identified differential expression of several miRNA. Specifically let-7g-5p and hsa-miR-4454+miR-7975 were upregulated, while hsa-miR-208a-3p and has-miR-323-3p were downregulated in ExoACE2 vs. non-ExoACE2.

Conclusions
The SARS CoV-2 spike-protein guided exosome isolation permits isolation of ExoACE2 exosomes. Such purification facilitates detailed characterization of potential biomarkers (e.g. exo-miRNA) for COVID-19 patients. This method could be used for future studies to further the understanding mechanisms of host response against SARS CoV-2.
Area-minimizing hypersurfaces in manifolds of Ricci curvature bounded below
Authors: Ding Qi 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we study area-minimizing hypersurfaces in manifolds of Ricci curvature bounded below with Cheeger–Colding theory. LetNi{N_{i}}be a sequence of smooth manifolds with Ricci curvature≥-n⁢κ2{\geq-n\kappa^{2}}onB1+κ′⁢(pi){B_{1+\kappa^{\prime}}(p_{i})}for constantsκ≥0{\kappa\geq 0},κ′>0{\kappa^{\prime}>0}, and volume ofB1⁢(pi){B_{1}(p_{i})}has a positive uniformly lower bound. AssumeB1⁢(pi){B_{1}(p_{i})}converges to a metric ballB1⁢(p∞){B_{1}(p_{\infty})}in the Gromov–Hausdorff sense. For a sequence of area-minimizing hypersurfacesMi{M_{i}}inB1⁢(pi){B_{1}(p_{i})}with∂⁡Mi⊂∂⁡B1⁢(pi){\partial M_{i}\subset\partial B_{1}(p_{i})}, we prove the continuity for the volume function of area-minimizing hypersurfaces equipped with the induced Hausdorff topology. In particular, each limitM∞{M_{\infty}}ofMi{M_{i}}is area-minimizing inB1⁢(p∞){B_{1}(p_{\infty})}providedB1⁢(p∞){B_{1}(p_{\infty})}is a smooth Riemannian manifold. By blowing up argument, we get sharp dimensional estimates for the singular set ofM∞{M_{\infty}}inℛ{\mathcal{R}}, and𝒮∩M∞{\mathcal{S}\cap M_{\infty}}. Here,ℛ{\mathcal{R}}and𝒮{\mathcal{S}}are the regular and singular parts ofB1⁢(p∞){B_{1}(p_{\infty})}, respectively.
The Religious Dimension of the First Antisemitic Violence in Eastern Galicia (June–July 1941): Manifestations and interpretations
Authors: Moutier-Bitan Marie 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
This article deals with the religious dimension of the violence against the Jews in Eastern Galicia at the start of Operation Barbarossa (the invasion of the Soviet Union by Nazi Germany on June 22, 1941), in June–July 1941. It examines the context of the various attacks, such as the burning of synagogues, the public persecutions of devout Jews, in addition to the verbal insults, especially by priests instigating the local population against their Jewish neighbors. The paper looks at the political use of these narratives, as well as their consequences and justifications.
Molecular determinants of protein half-life in chloroplasts with focus on the Clp protease system
Authors: Winckler Lioba Inken , Dissmeyer Nico 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Proteolysis is an essential process to maintain cellular homeostasis. One pathway that mediates selective protein degradation and which is in principle conserved throughout the kingdoms of life is the N-degron pathway, formerly called the ‘N-end rule’. In the cytosol of eukaryotes and prokaryotes, N-terminal residues can be major determinants of protein stability. While the eukaryotic N-degron pathway depends on the ubiquitin proteasome system, the prokaryotic counterpart is driven by the Clp protease system. Plant chloroplasts also contain such a protease network, which suggests that they might harbor an organelle specific N-degron pathway similar to the prokaryotic one. Recent discoveries indicate that the N-terminal region of proteins affects their stability in chloroplasts and provides support for a Clp-mediated entry point in an N-degron pathway in plastids. This review discusses structure, function and specificity of the chloroplast Clp system, outlines experimental approaches to test for an N-degron pathway in chloroplasts, relates these aspects into general plastid proteostasis and highlights the importance of an understanding of plastid protein turnover.
Synthesis and optical properties of phosphorus doped ZnO: X-ray absorption, X-ray emission, and X-ray excited optical luminescence studies
Authors: Dong Zhi Liang , Wang Zhiqiang , Yiu Yun-Mui , Fu Jiamin , Lin Bi-Hsuan , Chang Lo-Yueh , Sham Tsun-Kong 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Over the past decades, zinc oxide semiconductor and its derivatives have been extensively developed because of its optoelectronic properties. Since ZnO is an intrinsic n-type semiconductor, how to synthesize high-quality p-type ZnO semiconductors and investigate their optoelectronic properties and local chemical structures are important and necessary. In this article, two studies of synthesizing both undoped and phosphorus-doped ZnO nanostructures by hydrothermal method and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique are presented. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laboratory X-ray diffraction (XRD) are used to track the surface morphology and the crystalline structure of both undoped and phosphorus doped ZnO nanostructures, respectively. X-ray absorption near edge structures (XANES), X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) and X-ray excited optical luminescence (XEOL) are also used to determine the local chemical information of both undoped and phosphorus-doped ZnO nano/microstructures such as local symmetry and optical properties. It is found that the phosphorus is successfully doped into the surface of ZnO and substituted the Zn. The phosphorus-doped ZnO products have better crystallinity and less oxygen vacancies on the surface. These two are correlated as one leads to the other. The XEOL results suggest that the average bandgap for undoped and phosphorus doped ZnO is the same, 3.24 eV. The second derivative of the absorption-emission spectra yields the fundamental bandgap for undoped ZnO and phosphorus-doped ZnO is 3.25 eV. The implication of this observation is discussed.
Semantic Representations during Language Comprehension Are Affected by Context
Authors: Deniz Fatma , Tseng Christine , Wehbe Leila , Dupré la Tour Tom , Gallant Jack L. 
Published: March 2023

The meaning of words in natural language depends crucially on context. However, most neuroimaging studies of word meaning use isolated words and isolated sentences with little context. Because the brain may process natural language differently from how it processes simplified stimuli, there is a pressing need to determine whether prior results on word meaning generalize to natural language. fMRI was used to record human brain activity while four subjects (two female) read words in four conditions that vary in context: narratives, isolated sentences, blocks of semantically similar words, and isolated words. We then compared the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of evoked brain responses, and we used a voxelwise encoding modeling approach to compare the representation of semantic information across the four conditions. We find four consistent effects of varying context. First, stimuli with more context evoke brain responses with higher SNR across bilateral visual, temporal, parietal, and prefrontal cortices compared with stimuli with little context. Second, increasing context increases the representation of semantic information across bilateral temporal, parietal, and prefrontal cortices at the group level. In individual subjects, only natural language stimuli consistently evoke widespread representation of semantic information. Third, context affects voxel semantic tuning. Finally, models estimated using stimuli with little context do not generalize well to natural language. These results show that context has large effects on the quality of neuroimaging data and on the representation of meaning in the brain. Thus, neuroimaging studies that use stimuli with little context may not generalize well to the natural regime.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTContext is an important part of understanding the meaning of natural language, but most neuroimaging studies of meaning use isolated words and isolated sentences with little context. Here, we examined whether the results of neuroimaging studies that use out-of-context stimuli generalize to natural language. We find that increasing context improves the quality of neuro-imaging data and changes where and how semantic information is represented in the brain. These results suggest that findings from studies using out-of-context stimuli may not generalize to natural language used in daily life.
Influence of gadolinium doping on structural properties of carbon nanotubes
Authors: Abaszade R.G. , Babanli M.B. , Kotsyubynsky V.O. , Mammadov A.G. , Gür E. , Kapush О.А. , Stetsenko M.O. , Zapukhlyak R.I. 
Published: March 2023

The paper presents an analysis of SEM, EDX, Raman scattering, and FTIR of Gadolinium-doped multi-walled carbon nanotubes obtained by hydrothermal method. The morphological characteristics of the materials were studied and their compositions were analyzed. Hydrothermal doping of MWCNs with Gd causes the formation of 3D network architecture and sharply increases the content of oxygen surface functionality. An unidentified intense broad peak for Gd-doped material at 2940 cm-1 was observed. The defect state of Gd-doped MWCNTs was studied by Raman spectroscopy.
Using composite structural equation modeling to examine high school teachers' acceptance of E-learning after Covid-19
Authors: Molefi Rethabile Rosemary , Ayanwale Musa Adekunle 
Published: March 2023

Electronic learning (e-learning) is a broader approach to learning that brings new opportunities for teaching and learning in many fields of education compared to the face-to-face classroom environment. The purpose of this study is to explore high school teachers’ acceptance to continue teaching through e-learning platforms after COVID-19. Based on the framework of a unified theory of technology acceptance and use of technology, this study investigates the research questions in the context of Lesotho. The study adopted a quantitative approach, with a total number of 300 questionnaires collected from high school teachers. The result was analyzed using composite structural equation modeling. According to the study, instructors' acceptance of e-learning is influenced by several factors, which in turn has a significant impact on teachers' behavioral intentions in Lesotho. As a result of the study, individual challenges associated with using e-learning platforms were identified.
Keywords: Composite-SEM; educational quality; e-learning; self-efficacy; technology acceptance.