Initial Exploration Research Articles

Detecting Natural Wolbachia Infection and Supergroup Identification of Metochus uniguttatus in North India

Introduction: Insect endosymbionts have a crucial evolutionary and ecological role. Insects, particularly arthropods, have evolved to tolerate a wide range of endosymbionts that provide them with external biochemical, genetic, and reproductive capacities that improve their fitness. Wolbachia is a widely prevalent bacterial endosymbiont that is gaining popularity in insect research due to its utility in pest and vector management. Although India has a diverse insect population, little research has been undertaken on insect-microbe interactions. Therefore, This study aimed to ascertain the spread of Wolbachia in a randomly sampled set of insects, identify any novel Wolbachia infections, and determine the Wolbachia infection’s supergroup. Materials and methods: Field capture of insects was carried out manually with netting and gloves, and the insects were immediately stored in absolute ethanol to immobilize them. Phenol-chloroform-isoamyl alcohol was the method used to extract the insect DNA. Insect species identification was carried out via the CO1 mitochondrial gene using PCR amplification. PCR was utilized to identify the presence of Wolbachia, and 16S Wspec DNA was amplified to confirm its presence. The Sanger method was used to sequence the amplified CO1 and the positive samples for Wspec. Using NCBI blast, the sequences of the infected insects were compared with the database sequences. The obtained FASTAs were then aligned using Sequencher 5.4.6, and the chromatograms were examined to ensure contig quality and similarity. Results: Among the 21 insects screened, one was found weakly positive (Playpleura octoguttata) and two were strongly positive (Metochus uniguttatus and Velarifictorus micado) with Wolbachia, which represented an infection rate of 14.29%. Although the individual infection rate in this limited sample size falls at the lower end compared to extensive surveys reporting rates between 20% and 76%. This study indicated the dissemination of Wolbachia in randomly screened insects. Moreover, this is one of the first records of Metochus uniguttatus being infected with Wolbachia in North India. Conclusion: This study represents an initial exploration of insects not previously considered hosts of the Wolbachia endosymbiont. The results could be useful for future studies on insect biocontrol and pest management.

A long way for the popularization and improvement of burn rehabilitation

In more than half a century, burn rehabilitation in China has experienced three periods: initial exploration in the latter half of the 20th century, gradual development in the first decade of the 21st century, and the accelerating popularization in the recent decade. Looking back at the historical development of burn rehabilitation, we can see not only great progresses, but also many problems and deficiencies. In China, many units still do not even provide burn rehabilitation treatment, and many units where rehabilitation is also in practice, are commonly experiencing problems such as lack of enough therapists, insufficient team construction and training, incomplete treatment programs and limited curative effects, unstable multi-disciplinary cooperation mode, and lack of high-level rehabilitation research and technological innovation. Based on this, this paper puts forward some suggestions for further development and improvement, hoping to push the burn rehabilitation in China from popularization towards a comprehensive high level.

Untangling operational performance implication of ambidextrous blockchain initiatives: an empirical investigation of Chinese manufacturers

PurposeBlockchain has been considered as a disruptive technology and every industry stands to benefit from it. According to Deloitte, increasing number of managers claim that their firms will suffer loss in competitive advantage if they do not adopt blockchain. Despite this motivation, insufficient knowledge on how can blockchain add value inhibits the commitment to its adoption. To better understand the possible influence of blockchain, two dimensions (exploitation and exploration) of blockchain initiatives are distinguished. This research aims to examine the impact of ambidextrous blockchain initiatives on firms' operational efficiency, as well as the moderating role of unabsorbed slack and environmental munificence.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, secondary panel data were collected from multiple sources to test the proposed hypotheses. Content analysis was adopted to operationalise ambidextrous blockchain initiatives from firms' official announcements.FindingsThe authors find that firms' ambidexterity in blockchain initiatives have significantly positive impact on operational efficiency. Furthermore, when firms have lower unabsorbed slack or in more munificent environments, they may benefit from managing a balance between exploration and exploitation.Originality/valueThis research offers some insightful theoretical and managerial implications of ambidextrous blockchain initiatives. The findings of this study contribute to blockchain literature by providing theory-driven empirical research.

Rapid Evolution of a Fragment-like Molecule to Pan-Metallo-Beta-Lactamase Inhibitors: Initial Leads toward Clinical Candidates.

With the emergence and rapid spreading of NDM-1 and existence of clinically relevant VIM-1 and IMP-1, discovery of pan inhibitors targeting metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs) became critical in our battle against bacterial infection. Concurrent with our fragment and high-throughput screenings, we performed a knowledge-based search of known metallo-beta-lactamase inhibitors (MBLIs) to identify starting points for early engagement of medicinal chemistry. A class of compounds exemplified by 11, discovered earlier as B. fragilis metallo-beta-lactamase inhibitors, was selected for in silico virtual screening. From these efforts, compound 12 was identified with activity against NDM-1 only. Initial exploration on metal binding design followed by structure-guided optimization led to the discovery of a series of compounds represented by 23 with a pan MBL inhibition profile. In in vivo studies, compound 23 in combination with imipenem (IPM) robustly lowered the bacterial burden in a murine infection model and became the lead for the invention of MBLI clinical candidates.

As the crones fly

Catalysed by conversations amongst a group of colleagues, this article is an initial exploration of what happens to women academics aged 60+ who work in a university in Aotearoa New Zealand. This work is an example of when academic theories, in this case feminism, are called forth by real-world experiences – in this case, increasing academic job insecurity, catalysed by post-pandemic economic shortfalls. We blend together personal anecdotes and feminist analysis to show how women’s academic careers, which are commonly constrained by motherhood in their younger years, are also curtailed at the senior end by processes of voluntary/involuntary retirement, as and when demanded by adverse fiscal conditions.

Finding food in the dark: how trajectories of a gymnotiform fish change with spatial learning.

We analyzed the trajectories of freely foraging Gymnotus sp., a pulse-type gymnotiform weakly electric fish, swimming in a dark arena. For each fish, we compared the its initial behavior as it learned the relative location of landmarks and food with its behavior after learning was complete, i.e. after time/distance to locate food had reached a minimal asymptotic level. During initial exploration when the fish did not know the arena layout, trajectories included many sharp angle head turns that occurred at nearly completely random intervals. After spatial learning was complete, head turns became far smoother. Interestingly, the fish still did not take a stereotyped direct route to the food but instead took smooth but variable curved trajectories. We also measured the fish's heading angle error (heading angle - heading angle towards food). After spatial learning, the fish's initial heading angle errors were strongly biased to zero, i.e. the fish mostly turned towards the food. As the fish approached closer to the food, they switched to a random search strategy with a more uniform distribution of heading angle errors.

SKETCHING THE EARLY 20th CENTURY HIJAZ-JAWI ISLAMIC SCHOLARSHIP THROUGH THE COMMENTARY LITERATURE: A Preliminary Study on Muḥammad 'Ali al-Mālikī’s Inārat al-Dujā

This article seeks to highlight some important accounts on the intellectual history of Ḥijāz-Jāwī Islamic scholarship by examining the syarh (gloss or commentary) literature. The work under investigation is Inārat al-Dujā Syar ḥ Tanwīr al-Ḥijā Naẓm Safīnat al-Najā written by Muhammad ‘Ali al-Mālikī al-Makkī (1870-1945 AD/1287-1364 AH). This book is a commentary ( syar ḥ ) on Tanwīr al- Ḥijā Naẓm Safīnat al-Najā , a notable work by Ahmad Qusyairi bin Ahmad al-Siddiq al-Fāsuruwāni al-Lāsimī (1892-1972 AD/1311-1392 AH), a prominent Jawi scholar of the early 20 th century who had established a correspondence with Muhammad ‘Ali al-Maliki. Beginning with the initial exploration on what might be called “the trans-regional scholarship of Safinat al-Naja ”, this paper highlights the collaboration between ‘Ali al-Malikī and Ahmad Qusyairi al-Fāsuruwanī through Inārat al-Dujā, including the historical sketch behind the publication of the work, some important aspects it contains, and its significance for the larger picture of the early 20 th Century Hijāz-Jāwī Islamic intellectual history.

Marine renewable energy technologies on the high seas: challenges and opportunities to strengthen international environmental and renewable energy governance

Marine areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) offer an extensive area of about half of the Earth’s surface with an unparalleled potential for the use of marine renewable energy (MRE) technologies to provide energy security and competitiveness to States and in the fight against climate change. However, the expansion of MRE technologies into ABNJ as well as the environmental impacts associated with their development can entail risks and threats to security and biodiversity. This paper focuses on highlighting key regulatory and governing challenges associated with the deployment of MRE technologies in ABNJ as well as an initial exploration of regulatory alternatives and forms of governance that could provide an effective way to enhance the sustainable and secure development of the MRE industry in ABNJ.

Potret Keterampilan Metakognitif Problem Solving dalam Level Penalaran Kontroversial Siswa

The purpose of this study is to describe the metacognitive problem-solving skills of class X SMA Negeri 1 Kediri students at the level of initial controversial reasoning, exploration, and clarification, when solving irrational inequality problems. This research is descriptive research with a qualitative approach. Data collection techniques used controversial problem tests, problem-solving tests, think-aloud methods, and task-based semi-structured interviews. The data analysis technique used was qualitative data analysis with steps of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion. The validity of the data used triangulation techniques and member checks. The results show that students' metacognitive problem-solving skills at the initial controversial reasoning level can meet the three indicators of metacognitive activity at the stage of understanding problems and determining the problem-solving strategy plan. Students' metacognitive problem-solving skills at the level of exploration can fulfill the three indicators of metacognitive activity at the stage of understanding problems, determining the problem-solving strategy plans, and completing problem-solving strategies. Students' metacognitive problem-solving skills at the level of clarification can meet the three indicators of metacognitive activity at the stage of understanding the problem, determining the problem-solving strategy plan, completing the problem-solving strategy, and looking back.

Infodemiologists Beware: Recent Changes to the Google Health Trends API Result in Incomparable Data as of 1 January 2022.

In an ever-increasingly online world, many Internet users seek information from online search engines such as Google. Accessing such search activity allows infodemiologists a glimpse into the collective online mind. Tools such as Google Trends and Google Health Trends (GHT) can be used to gauge search activity in key geographical regions and for specific periods of time. Recently, Google implemented changes to the GHT platform. Evidence is provided here for an initial exploration of how this change impacted the data obtained from GHT. Comparing 177 weekly probabilities for short search sessions of 421 Freebase IDs in thirty geographies extracted from GHT both before and after the implemented change, a low correlation (median of all Spearman ρ = 0.262 [IQR 0.04; 0.53]) between these data was observed for the year 2022. In general, the extracted values are higher after the implemented changes, compared to the values extracted before the change. Future research using the GHT API should not attribute increases in GHT data from 1 January 2022 onward as being reflective of increased search activity for a specific keyword, but rather attribute it to the implemented change to the GHT sampling strategy.

Bridging the research-practice gap in supply chain risks induced by the COVID-19

PurposeThis study aims to explore the gap between research and practice on supply chain risks due to COVID-19 by exploring the changes in global emphasis on supply chain risk research.Design/methodology/approachThis work designed a research framework to compare the research of supply chain risks before and during the COVID-19 pandemic based on machining learning and text clustering and using the relevant publications of the web of science database.FindingsThe results show that scholars' attention to supply chain crisis has increased in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, but there are differences among countries. The United Kingdom, India, Australia, the USA and Italy have greatly increased their emphasis on risk research, while the supply chain risk research growth rate in other countries, including China, has been lower than the global level. Compared with the pre-pandemic period, the research of business finance, telecommunications, agricultural economics policy, business and public environmental occupational health increased significantly during the pandemic. The hotspots of supply chain risk research have changed significantly during the pandemic, focusing on routing problem, organizational performance, food supply chain, dual-channel supply chain, resilient supplier selection, medical service and machine learning.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has limitations in using a single database.Social implicationsThis work compared the changes in global and various countries' supply chain risk research before and during the pandemic. On the one hand, it helps to judge the degree of response of scholars to the global supply chain risk brought about by COVID-19. On the other hand, it is beneficial for supply chain practitioners and policymakers to gain an in-depth understanding of the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain risk, which might provide insights into not only addressing the supply chain risk but also the recovery of the supply chain.Originality/valueThe initial exploration of the changing extent of supply chain risk research in the context of COVID-19 provided in this paper is a unique and earlier attempt that extends the findings of the existing literature. Secondly, this research provides a feasible analysis strategy for supply chain risk research, which provides a direction and paradigm for exploring more effective supply chain research to meet the challenges of COVID-19.

Material Molding and Control Engineering Program Vocational Undergraduate Initial Exploration

The practical significance of the high-vocational mold program under the condition of industrial upgrading and new technology-driven conditions to become the undergraduate program of materials molding and control engineering was discussed. through the college-industry co-construction of the industrial college, it has broaden the teachers and training facilities of vocational education, promote the in-depth integration of college and industries, realize the inherent attributes of vocational education for the industrial chain. Promote the high-quality development of the manufacturing industry and provide them with key positions of materials for molding.

The Extraperitoneal Approach to Left-Sided Colorectal Resections: A Human Cadaveric Study

IntroductionTechnical challenges during laparoscopic and robotic anterior resection include identification of key retroperitoneal structures and obtaining clear views of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) pedicle and total mesorectal excision (TME) plane. Steep head-down position improves surgical exposure but is associated with cerebral oedema, high intrapulmonary pressures, and rare neurological complications. In this article we describe the key steps of an anterior resection performed via the extra-peritoneal (XP) space in the supine position. MethodsThe technique of same-side lateral-to-medial XP dissection has been developed and refined in serial cadaveric workshops. A standard periumbilical port is inserted for initial laparoscopic exploration. Dissection is then performed in the left XP space via a 5 cm skin incision (later used as the extraction site) to allow for insertion of four (latterly three) working ports. The colon is mobilized along its lateral attachments, reflecting retroperitoneal structures down and away. The IMA pedicle is taken proximally, next to the duodenum. If required, TME dissection can be continued in the same plane. A short intraperitoneal phase is then required to complete the procedure. ResultsEight cadavers were studied (seven males; median 78 y). Four operations were performed laparoscopically and four robotically. Excellent views of the key retroperitoneal structures were achieved early in the procedure. Anatomical identification was performed sequentially for left-sided structures–psoas tendon, gonadal vessel, ureter, common iliac artery, IMA, and duodenum before ligation of the IMA pedicle. High ligation of IMA on the aorta and splenic flexure mobilization were performed in all eight procedures. ConclusionsThis novel study shows it is feasible to perform the key steps of an anterior resection using the XP space in the supine position. This will reduce the need for steep head-down positioning which may have meaningful clinical benefits. Prospective clinical studies are required to validate the technique within a patient population.

Flipping the Script: An Initial Exploration of Flipped Learning as an Enhanced Alternative to Traditional Physical Education Lessons.

Physical activity (PA) is related to a variety of positive outcomes for youth and physical education (PE) represents a primary school-based environment where students can engage in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Limitations exist in secondary schools with low socio-economic status, where MVPA engagement is generally below the recommended 50% of lesson time. Growing evidence suggests that using a flipped learning approach (FLA) may naturally enhance PE lessons as outlined by The Theory of Expanded, Extended, and Enhanced Opportunities for Youth Physical Activity Promotion. The purpose of this study was to compare the impact of the FLA to traditional instruction on student MVPA, lesson context, and teacher involvement during middle school PE lessons. Participants were 56 male students from two 7th-grade classes from a low-SES, suburban school. This study employed the System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time (SOFIT). Data were examined through descriptive statistics. Linear regression models were used to predict SOFIT outcomes as a function of FLA versus traditional instruction. Students in the FLA class spent significantly more class time in MVPA (p < 0.01). Regression models predicted participants in FLA classes would spend 55% more class time in MVPA (p < 0.01). After adjusting for covariates, models showed students in FLA classes would spend almost 18 more minutes in MVPA than students in traditional classes (p < 0.01). The FLA may be a practical lesson enhancement strategy to increase student MVPA and improve PE opportunities for students in low SES schools when compared to the use of traditional instruction. The results of this study demonstrated positive potential of using FLA in PE but should be considered within the context of their limitations. Further examination of the FLA is warranted.

Development of Macrocyclic PRMT5-Adaptor Protein Interaction Inhibitors.

The PRMT5-MEP50 methyltransferase is a major target for anticancer drug discovery, and modulators of its interactions with different regulatory proteins are in high demand because they modulate PRMT5 substrate selectivity. We describe a strategy for the development of a PRMT5/adaptor protein PPI inhibitor, which includes the design and synthesis of macrocyclic peptides based on the motif for the interaction of PRMT5 with its adaptor protein RioK1. After the initial exploration of different macrocycle sizes and cyclization linkages, analysis of a peptide library identified hot spots for the variation of the amino acid structure. The incorporation of nonproteinogenic amino acids into the macrocyclic peptide led to a potent cyclic PRMT5 binding peptide (Ki = 66 nM), which selectively inhibits the interaction of PRMT5 with the adaptor proteins RioK1 and pICln (IC50 = 654 nM) but not with the alternative adaptor protein MEP50. The inhibitor is a promising tool for further biological investigation of this intriguing protein interface.

A retrospective analysis of schistosomiasis related literature from 2011-2020: Focusing on the next decade

BackgroundSchistosomiasis, an ancient and neglected tropical disease, which poses a huge threat to over 200 million people globally. It is necessary to have a general summary of schistosomiasis research after the new roadmap 2021–2030 issued by WHO. This study analyzes the current status of schistosomiasis research from the perspective of the One Health concept by analyzing important research literature published from 2011 to 2020, while further highlighting research priorities, difficulties, and research directions in order to propose suggestions for tropical disease studies research. MethodsPublished literature related to schistosomiasis was searched from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database. Focusing on a visual analysis of the main research literature in the field of schistosomiasis, CiteSpace software was used to conduct co-occurrence analysis with keywords, countries, institutions, and authors. Moreover, clustering and burst analyses of keywords and co-citation analysis of authors, publications, and journals were performed. ResultsA total of 6638 schistosomiasis-related articles were published from 2011 to 2020, all of which can be sourced from the WoSCC database. The publication of schistosomiasis research has remained stable over the past 10 years, and contains studies in the area of human epidemiology, animal surveillance and the environment. The top five high-frequency keywords included Schistosoma mansoni, schistosomiasis, infection, praziquantel, and Schistosoma japonicum. The keywords formed nine clusters, including praziquantel, epidemiology, Schistosoma japonicum, helminths, protein, diagnosis, schistosomiasis, response, and haematobium. In recent years, most research studies focused on the mechanism of liver fibrosis, eliminating schistosomiasis, controlling risk factors, and the relationship between schistosomiasis infection and host immunity. The most productive countries include the United States, China, and Brazil, and the most productive institutions are the University of Basel, the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, and the University of São Paulo. Highly productive authors include Jürg Utzinger and Donald P. McManus. At the time of writing, the author with the highest co-citation frequency (993 times) was Peter Hotez, and the journal with the highest co-citation frequency (3,720 times) was PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases. Human schistosomiasis, published by Colley et al. (2014), was the most frequently co-cited publication (494 times). ConclusionsThis study provides a preliminary description of the current status of schistosomiasis research and an initial exploration of future research directions. The One Health concept was applied in the field of schistosomiasis control, as confirmed by this bibliometric analysis. Our study provides guidance for the development of research on schistosomiasis and other neglected tropical diseases.

Eye movement patterns in complex tasks: Characteristics of ambient and focal processing

Analyzing the time course of eye movements during scene viewing often indicates that people progress through two distinct modes of visual processing: an ambient mode, which is associated with overall spatial orientation in a scene, followed by a focal mode, which requires central vision of an object. However, the shifts between ambient and focal processing modes have mainly been identified relative to changes in the environment, such as relative to the onset of various visual stimuli but also following scene cuts or subjective event boundaries in dynamic stimuli. The results so far do not allow conclusions about the nature of the two processing mechanisms beyond the influence of externally triggered events. It remains unclear whether people shift back and forth from ambient to focal processing also based on internal triggers, such as switching between different tasks while no external event is given. The present study therefore investigated ambient to focal processing shifts in an active task solving paradigm. The Rubik's Cube task introduced here is a multi-step task, which can be broken down into smaller sub-tasks that are performed serially. The time course of eye movements was analyzed at multiple levels of this Rubik's Cube task, including when there were no external changes to the stimuli but when internal representations of the task were hypothesized to change (i.e., switching between different sub-tasks). Results suggest that initial ambient exploration is followed by a switch to more focal viewing across various levels of task processing with and without external changes to the stimuli. More importantly, the present findings suggest that ambient and focal eye movement characteristics might serve as a probe for the attentional state in task processing, which does not seem to be influenced by changes in task performance.

Comparison of a U.S. and Zambian Ob/Gyn Residency Training Programme.

The major objective of the study was to compare and contrast a U.S. and Zambian Ob/Gyn residency programme, using uniform metrics, as the basis for an initial exploration of perceived inequities in post-graduate medical education between low- and high-income countries. Measurements of the following procedures were used to indicate whether minimum standards had been met by trainees in their respective postgraduate programmes: vaginal deliveries; C-sections; abdominal, vaginal and laparoscopic hysterectomies; other laparoscopic surgeries; cancer cases; abortions; obstetrical ultrasounds; cystoscopies; incontinence and pelvic floor surgeries. Evaluations were also made with respect to the presence or absence of an official ultrasound rotation, subspeciality and off-service rotations, protected didactic time and exclusive time on obstetrics and gynaecologic clinical services. Comparisons were made relative to these various categories and the average procedural numbers at each level of training to determine differences in trends and degree of exposure. Minimal procedural requirements were met by both the U.S. and Zambian programmes. For open surgical cases, the minimum standards were higher for the Zambian programme, whereas for procedures associated with the use of high-end technology, such as ultrasound and minimally invasive surgery, minimum standards were higher for the U.S. programme. There were no significant differences in the Zambian and U.S. Ob/Gyn post-graduate training programmes, relative to their respective metrics. A more extensive analysis is required to determine the actual competency levels that are produced by the respective training systems.

Meditation Quality Matters: Effects of Loving-Kindness and Compassion Meditations on Subjective Well-being are Associated with Meditation Quality.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10902-022-00582-7.

Enhancing Emotional Resilience in the Face of Climate Change Adversity: A Systematic Literature Review

Australians have experienced repetitive exposure to climate change adversity (either in-person or through televised exposure from media and internet sources). As these events become more prevalent and severe, developing, and implementing strategies to enhance emotional resilience at individual, community, and government levels is beneficial. This literature review examines one way of addressing this issue: enhancement of societal emotional resilience capabilities that can minimize negative impacts of climate change adversity upon emotional wellbeing. The study also offers an initial exploration of climate change adversity and emotional resilience. A systematic literature review identified key research themes. Subsequent findings identified policy and framework recommendations aimed at supporting emotional resilience in communities. Such strategies should focus on community preparedness through needs-based assessments and community engagement, fostering knowledge-building pathways and ongoing collaboration among system levels to address a diversity of community needs. These systematic approaches would ensure the accessibility and appropriateness of relevant supports by establishing frameworks that are regularly monitored, evaluated, and promoted.