bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“African magic” or “African science”: Issues of technology in African higher education
Authors: Amuzu Delali 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAfrican ideas, science, technology, scholarship and worldviews have been disproportionately displaced and marginalized in relevant global dialogues. In academic circles, African methods of knowing have been questioned, undervalued, mocked, misconstrued, and disregarded, causing apprehension. These negative attitudes are internalized via the educational system, stifling agency and conditioning African learners to rely on technology from outside sources, resulting in the exteriorization of innovation and creativity. African inventiveness becomes “African magic” with no real desire to interrogate, explain, or grasp its basic mechanics. This article contends that technology and creative imaginations exist in African societies. The task, however, remains the exploration and integration of African knowledge systems into higher education. The study aims to demonstrate how the interaction of two components of traditional African education—a sense of community and informal learning—could assist in the embrace, facilitation, and mainstreaming of marginalized African technologies. Although the paper may appear eclectic, it is intended to conscientiously push the paradigm that technology has been integral to African education. Regardless of Africa's technical challenges, salvation does not lie in excessive external reliance but rather in investing and building on Indigenous African knowledges/practices in order to establish an African technological identity.Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic:African dependency on foreign technology.Lack of interest in African science and technology.Lack of African technological identity.Low technology penetration in African higher education.What this paper adds:The need to explore African science and technology.Mind‐set change towards African science and technology.Mainstreaming African achievements in science and technology.Implications for practice and/or policy:Indigenization of science and technology.Indigenous empowerment.Exploring alternate ways of knowing.Changing perspectives on science and technology.
Alluvial development during climate fluctuations depicted with spectral decomposition of the Middle Triassic to Lower Jurassic post‐rift succession in the Horda Platform (Norway) and the impact on reservoir properties
Authors: Würtzen Camilla L. , Hassaan Muhammad , Anell Ingrid M. , Nystuen Johan Petter , Faleide Jan Inge , Midtkandal Ivar 
Published: July 2023

AbstractFor the first time, this study presents interpretations of alluvial fans in spectral decomposition RGB Blends, analysed in seismic time slices from the Middle Triassic to Lower Jurassic stratigraphical interval of the Horda Platform (northern North Sea). The time slices record a shifting alluvial fan front, fluvial variability, uplift and erosion and reveals depositional elements that may set the common conception of the geological development of this area during the Early–Middle Mesozoic up for discussion. Results show that the Upper Triassic Lunde Formation in the eastern margin of the Horda Platform was characterized by the deposition of coalesced alluvial fans. A variable extent of the fan front through the Upper Triassic is linked to interplaying allogenic factors: uplifted source areas in the aftermath of Early–Middle Triassic rifting determined sediment availability; climate transitioning from arid to semi‐humid, with increasingly fluctuating precipitation, controlled sedimentation, and run‐off; provenance dictated bulk sedimentology and affected prevailing alluvial processes. An overall retreat of the fan system through the Late Triassic coincided with a significant change in landscape characteristics at the transition into the overlying Statfjord Group. Uplift and initial tilting of the Horda Platform caused landscape degradation and the formation of plateaus and incised valleys, contemporaneous with increased humidity and marine transgression, forming estuaries. The shift in depositional style has implications for reservoir properties, creating complexity and heterogeneity in terms of facies distribution and connectivity, which may benefit potential CO2 storage. Upper Triassic alluvial fan development in the Horda Platform (northern North Sea) depicted through spectral decomposition of seismic time slices Enhanced level of seismic stratigraphic interpretation with RGB blending Impact of allogenic factors on alluvial depositional development Implications of alluvial variability on reservoir properties
Reutilization of fluid flow pathways over 54 million years, offshore New Zealand
Authors: Cao Liu , Sun Qiliang , Magee Craig 
Published: July 2023

AbstractStructures that facilitate fluid migration are common in sedimentary basins. We document several possible hydrothermal and/or volcanic vents located above a >157 km2, late Cretaceous volcanic field in the Great South Basin, offshore New Zealand. Three of the four vents are vertically stacked, suggesting episodic re‐use of the same fluid pathway between ca. 75 and 56 Ma. A palaeo‐pockmark dated to ca. 49 Ma and free gas occurring within strata ca. 21 Myr old are located directly above these stacked vents. The spatial association of the vents, pockmark and free gas further suggests re‐use of the fluid migration pathway(s) extended for over 54 Myr. Our results imply that reutilization of fluid flow pathways can affect the distribution of fluids within basins over prolonged periods, potentially impacting hydrocarbon/geothermal exploration and geohazard assessment.
Value of combining transect counts and telemetry data to determine short‐term population trends in a globally threatened species
Authors: Kendall Corinne J. , Bracebridge Claire , Lynch Emily C. , Mgumba Msafiri , Monadjem Ara , Nicholas Aaron , Kane Adam 
Published: July 2023

AbstractTo evaluate conservation interventions, it is necessary to obtain reliable population trends for short (<10 years) time scales. Telemetry can be used to estimate short‐term survival rates and is a common tool for assessing population trends, but it has limitations and can be biased toward specific behavioral traits of tagged individuals. Encounter rates calculated from transects can be useful for assessing changes across multiple species, but they can have large confidence intervals and be affected by variations in survey conditions. The decline of African vultures has been well‐documented, but understanding of recent trends is lacking. To examine population trends, we used survival estimates from telemetry data collected over 6 years (primarily for white‐backed vultures [Gyps africanus]) and transect counts conducted over 8 years (for 7 scavenging raptors) in 3 large protected areas in Tanzania. Population trends were estimated using survival analysis combined with the Leslie Lefkovitch matrix model from the telemetry data and using Bayesian mixed effects generalized linear regression models from the transect data. Both methods showed significant declines for white‐backed vultures in Ruaha and Nyerere National Parks. Only telemetry estimates suggested significant declines in Katavi National Park. Encounter rates calculated from transects also showed declines in Nyerere National Park for lappet‐faced vultures (38% annual declines) and Bateleurs (18%) and in Ruaha National Park for white‐headed vultures (Trigonoceps occipitalis) (19%). Mortality rates recorded and inferred from telemetry suggested that poisoning is prevalent. However, only 6 mortalities of the 26 presumed mortalities were confirmed to be caused by poisoning, highlighting the challenges of determining the cause of death when working across large landscapes. Despite declines, our data provide evidence that southern Tanzania has higher current encounter rates of African vultures than elsewhere in East Africa. Preventing further declines will depend greatly on mitigating poisoning. Based on our results, we suggest that the use of multiple techniques improves understanding of population trends over the short term.
The effect of metal remediation on the virulence and antimicrobial resistance of the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Lear Luke , Hesse Elze , Newsome Laura , Gaze William , Buckling Angus , Vos Michiel 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAnthropogenic metal pollution can result in co‐selection for antibiotic resistance and potentially select for increased virulence in bacterial pathogens. Metal‐polluted environments can select for the increased production of siderophore molecules to detoxify non‐ferrous metals. However, these same molecules also aid the uptake of ferric iron, a limiting factor for within‐host pathogen growth, and are consequently a virulence factor. Anthropogenic methods to remediate environmental metal contamination commonly involve amendment with lime‐containing materials. However, whether this reduces in situ co‐selection for antibiotic resistance and siderophore‐mediated virulence remains unknown. Here, using microcosms containing non‐sterile metal‐contaminated river water and sediment, we test whether liming reduces co‐selection for these pathogenicity traits in the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. To account for the effect of environmental structure, which is known to impact siderophore production, microcosms were incubated under either static or shaking conditions. Evolved P. aeruginosa populations had greater fitness in the presence of toxic concentrations of copper than the ancestral strain and showed increased resistance to the clinically relevant antibiotics apramycin, cefotaxime and trimethoprim, regardless of lime addition or environmental structure. Although we found virulence to be significantly associated with siderophore production, neither virulence nor siderophore production significantly differed between the four treatments. Furthermore, liming did not mitigate metal‐imposed selection for antibiotic resistance or virulence in P. aeruginosa. Consequently, metal‐contaminated environments may select for antibiotic resistance and virulence traits even when treated with lime.
Roles, mutual expectations and needs for improvement in the care of residents with (a risk of) dehydration: A qualitative study
Authors: Paulis Simone J. C. , Everink Irma H. J. , Huppertz Vivienne A. L. , Lohrmann Christa , Schols Jos M. G. A. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAimExamining the perspectives of formal and informal caregivers and residents on roles, mutual expectations and needs for improvement in the care for residents with (a risk of) dehydration.DesignQualitative study.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews with 16 care professionals, three residents and three informal caregivers were conducted between October and November 2021. A thematic analysis was performed on the interviews.ResultsThree topic summaries contributed to a comprehensive view on the care for residents with (a risk of) dehydration: role content, mutual expectations and needs for improvement. Many overlapping activities were found among care professionals, informal caregivers and allied care staff. While nursing staff and informal caregivers are essential in observing changes in the health status of residents, and medical staff in diagnosing and treating dehydration, the role of residents remains limited. Conflicting expectations emerged regarding, for example, the level of involvement of the resident and communication. Barriers to multidisciplinary collaboration were highlighted, including little structural involvement of allied care staff, limited insight into each other's expertise and poor communication between formal and informal caregivers. Seven areas for improvement emerged: awareness, resident profile, knowledge and expertise, treatment, monitoring and tools, working conditions and multidisciplinary working.ConclusionIn general, many formal and informal caregivers are involved in the care of residents with (a risk of) dehydration. They depend on each other's observations, information and expertise which requires an interprofessional approach with specific attention to adequate prevention. For this, educational interventions focused on hydration care should be a core element in professional development programs of nursing homes and vocational training of future care professionals.ImpactThe care for residents with (a risk of) dehydration has multiple points for improvement. To be able to adequately address dehydration, it is essential for formal and informal caregivers and residents to address these barriers in clinical practice.Reporting MethodIn writing this manuscript, the EQUATOR guidelines (reporting method SRQR) have been adhered to.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.
Ivabradine in a 15‐day‐old male neonate with refractory focal atrial tachycardia
Authors: Tasci Onur , Karadeniz Cem 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIvabradine is used to reduce heart rate in children with chronic heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy, it has recently been used off‐label to treat tachyarrhythmias such as ectopic atrial tachycardia and junctional ectopic tachycardia (JET) in children. We report a successful ivabradine experience in a male neonate with refractory focal atrial tachycardia (FAT).
Positive emotion up‐regulation is resistant to working memory load: An electrocortical investigation of reappraisal and savoring
Authors: Cheng Yuhan , Peters Blaine R. , MacNamara Annmarie 
Published: July 2023

AbstractStudies of emotion regulation to‐date have mostly focused on negative emotion down‐regulation, leaving positive emotion up‐regulation poorly understood, particularly regarding factors that may modulate its success. While reappraisal and savoring have been shown to be effective at increasing electrocortical and subjective response to pictures in controlled laboratory settings, it remains unclear whether individuals can effectively enact these techniques to willfully increase positive emotions in everyday life when faced with other concurrent distractions/demands. Here, we used the late positive potential (LPP), an electrocortical measure that is larger for emotional compared to neutral stimuli, to assess the effect of working memory (WM) load on individuals' ability to reappraise or savor positive pictures. Seventy‐six participants were randomly assigned to use either reappraisal or savoring to up‐regulate positive emotion to pictures. Following training, participants engaged in a positive emotion up‐regulation task interspersed with high and low WM load trials, while EEG was recorded. Frequentist and Bayesian statistics showed that although high WM load seemed to consume resources and reduced picture processing overall, it did not interfere with the enhancement of the LPP via positive emotion up‐regulation. Nonetheless, WM performance (especially on high‐load trials) was worse when participants were engaged in positive emotion up‐regulation. Therefore, while both techniques appear to be effective under concurrent WM load, positive emotion up‐regulation may interfere with other ongoing tasks.
Leukoreduction of red blood cell units decreases dysregulatory micro RNAs during routine storage: An observational study with In‐silico analysis
Authors: Mukherjee Somnath , Das Potnuru Gouri Shankar , Prakash Satya , Ghosh Amit , Priyadarshini Trishna , Purkait Suvendu 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundRed Blood cells (RBCs) bring about harmful consequences during storage. MicroRNA (miRNA) dysregulation in stored RBCs could represent potential biomarkers of storage lesions. Although leukoreduction prevents damage to RBCs, it is uncertain whether leukoreduction of RBCs would impact the dysregulation of miRNAs during storage. This study evaluated the potential role of miRNAs for any alteration of leukoreduced (LR) and non‐leukoreduced (NLR) RBCs till 21 days of storage.Study Design and MethodsIn this prospective study, thirty male volunteers' blood was equally divided into leukoreduced RBCs (LR) and NLR RBC (NLR) bags and stored till Day 21 at 4‐60c. Selected miRNAs were quantified on Days 0 and 21. Further, bioinformatic tools were used to analyze the selected miRNAs and their predicted target genes (mRNAs) and identify the miRNA‐mRNA regulatory relationships.ResultsA significantly higher fold change values of three miRNAs (miR‐96‐5p, miR‐197‐3p, miR‐769‐3p) were observed in NLR RBCs (p < .05). A significantly higher (p < .05) expression levels of miR‐150‐5p and miR‐197‐3p were observed in NLR RBCs till 21 days of storage. Further, the correlation with mRNA quantification confirmed the regulatory role of these miRNAs upon functional pathway enrichment analysis.DiscussionA higher level of dysregulation of miRNAs was observed in NLR RBCs. Validation from In‐Silico analysis suggested the regulatory role of miRNAs in cell apoptosis, senescence, and RBC‐related signaling pathways. This indicated that stored LR RBCs would likely have better in vivo survival and function following transfusion. However, an in vivo study of miRNA in RBCs is warranted for conclusive evidence.
Quantitative differences in synthetic gut microbial inoculums do not affect the final stabilized
in vitro
community compositions
Authors: Gnanasekaran Thiyagarajan , Sarathi Arjun , Fang Qing , Azarm Asieh , Assis Geraldo Juliana , Nigro Eleonora , Arumugam Manimozhiyan 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT

In vitro
studies of synthetic gut microbial communities (SGMCs) can provide valuable insights into the ecological structure and function of gut microbiota. However, the importance of the quantitative composition of an SGMC inoculum and its effect on the eventual stable
in vitro
microbial community has not been studied. To address this, we constructed two 114-member SGMCs differing only in their quantitative composition—one reflecting the average human fecal microbiome and another mixed in equal proportions based on cell counts. We inoculated each in an automated anaerobic multi-stage
in vitro
gut fermentor simulating two different colonic conditions, mimicking proximal and distal colons. We replicated this setup with two different nutrient media, periodically sampled the cultures for 27 days, and profiled their microbiome compositions using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. While nutrient medium explained 36% of the variance in microbiome composition, initial inoculum composition failed to show a statistically significant effect. Under all four conditions, paired fecal and equal SGMC inoculums converged to reach stable community compositions resembling each other. Our results have broad implications for simplifying
in vitro
SGMC investigations.

IMPORTANCE

In vitro
cultivation of synthetic gut microbial communities (SGMCs) can provide valuable insights into the ecological structure and function of gut microbiota. However, it is currently not known whether the quantitative composition of the initial inoculum can influence the eventual stable
in vitro
community structure. Hence, using two SGMC inoculums consisting of 114 unique species mixed in either equal proportions (Eq inoculum) or resembling proportions in an average human fecal microbiome (Fec inoculum), we show that initial inoculum compositions did not influence the final stable community structure in a multi-stage
in vitro
gut fermentor. Under two different nutrient media and two different colon conditions (proximal and distal), both Fec and Eq communities converged to resemble each other’s community structure. Our results suggest that the time-consuming preparation of SGMC inoculums may not be needed and has broad implications for
in vitro
SGMC studies.
Possible ameliorative role of Spirulina platensis on coagulation factors, lymphocytopenia, and malnutrition in ICU patients with COVID-19
Authors: Hatami Monireh , Mojani-Qomi Mansooreh Sadat , Javid Zeinab , Taghavi Mohsen , Bakhshandeh Hooman , Sanaei Delir Zavaragh Davood , Mikaniki Fatemeh , Nazari Mojgan , Seyedmehdi Seyed Ahmad , Rahmani Jamal , Norouzi Mehdi , Shadnoush Mahdi 
Published: July 2023

Considering the anti-viral effects of Spirulina platensis (Sp), this study investigated the impact of Sp on impaired blood biomarkers of patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) with COVID-19. Therefore, 104 patients (aged 48–66; 61.5% male) were randomly assigned to the Sp (daily consumption of 5 g) or placebo group for 2 weeks. Linear regression analysis was employed to assess the differences in blood test results between the control and intervention groups among patients with COVID-19. Our results showed significant differences in certain hematological tests, including a higher level of hematocrit (HCT) and a lower platelet count (PLT) in the intervention group ( p < 0.05). The percentage of lymphocytes (Lym%) in serology testing was significantly different between the control and intervention groups ( p = 0.03). In terms of biochemical test analyses, Sp supplementation was associated with reduced levels of both blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ( p = 0.01). Furthermore, on day 14, the intervention group displayed significantly higher medians of serum protein, albumin, and zinc compared to the control group ( p < 0.05). Additionally, patients supplemented with Sp had a lower BUN–albumin ratio (BAR) ( p = 0.01). No immunological and hormonal differences were observed between groups following 2 weeks. Our analysis indicates that Sp supplementation may be effective in regulating some blood test abnormalities associated with COVID-19. This study was registered at ISRCTN as IRCT20200720048139N1.