Subtype H10 viruses are known to infect humans in Africa, Oceania, and Asia. In 2021, 2022, and recently in April 2024, a novel H10N3 subtype avian influenza virus was found cause human infection with severe pneumonia. Herein, we comprehensively studied the phylogenetic evolution and biological characteristics of the newly emerged influenza A(H10N3) virus. We found that the human isolated H10N3 virus was generated in early 2019 in domestic poultry. The viruses bound to salic acid α2, 3 receptors, indicating their insufficient ability to infect humans. Although a low pathogenic avian influenza virus, the human isolated H10N3 virus exhibited robust pathogenicity in both BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice, with MLD50 1000 times higher than a homologous environmental isolate. The human isolated H10N3 also showed respiratory droplet transmissibility in ferrets. Considering the continuous circulation in avian populations and repeated transmission to humans, strengthened surveillance of H10 subtype viruses in poultry should be put into effect.
BackgroundThe study of the formation and evolution of black soils holds significant implications for the sustainable utilization of black soil resources and human societal development. However, research exploring the regularity of black soil formation and evolution through surface substrate investigations remains limited.MethodThis paper, based on the novel concept of “surface substrate layer” proposed by China’s Ministry of Natural Resources, takes the black soils in Fengcheng City and Kuandian County of Dandong City, Liaoning Province, China as the research object.ObjectiveThrough integrated analysis of surface substrate classification and geochemical element characterization, this study systematically elucidates the multidimensional controlling mechanisms of parent rock properties on black soil pedogenesis for the first time.ResultsThe results demonstrate pronounced differences in soil characteristics developed from various parent materials. In terms of physical properties: soils formed by the weathering of sedimentary rocks (e.g., carbonate rocks) exhibit finer particle sizes, while soils derived from older metamorphic rocks (e.g., TTG gneiss) have the coarsest particle sizes; soil pH is primarily influenced by parent rock mineral composition, with basic rocks (e.g., basalt) developing acidic soils whereas marble forms neutral soils; soil bulk density correlates with the compactness of parent rocks, with soils developed from Cenozoic basalt exhibiting the highest bulk density. Regarding geochemical characteristics: principal component analysis clearly distinguishes soils developed from different parent rock types, demonstrating their elemental composition inheritance from parent rocks. Chemical index of alteration (CIA) and silica-alumina ratio (Sa) analyses reveal that basic rocks (e.g., Cenozoic basalt) undergo the highest degree of weathering, while metamorphic rocks such as TTG gneiss exhibit the greatest weathering resistance. Beneficial trace elements (e.g., Se, N, P) are generally enriched, but their enrichment levels are closely related to parent rock types. Therefore, lithology of parent rocks serves as the key factor controlling the formation and differentiation of surface substrate properties in the study area’s black soil.ConclusionsThis understanding holds significant scientific importance for deepening the comprehension of black soil formation and evolution patterns, as well as for implementing precise conservation measures and soil quality improvement based on surface substrate investigation backgrounds.
Introduction. The problem of the research is connected with the constant change of the life rhythm caused by technocratic innovations. The neeed for new skills is today an integral component of a multifaceted life in a rapidly changing society. In this regard, the issues of continuous education carry a deep meaning of the objective variability of human life in the context of a dynamically changing reality.Materials and methods. The research methodology is based on the use of a set of methods of scientific knowledge: analysis, classification, systematization, comparison, generalization. Dissertation studies on Pedagogy, the title of which contains the category «continuous education», coducted in the period from 2000 to 2022, served as an empirical base.The Research results. Based on the data obtained through scientometric analysis of dissertation studies, the specified semantic units of the studied scientific and pedagogical content have been recorded; thematic clusters containing in the title significant areas of scientific and practice-oriented topics on the problem of continuous education have been determined.Discussion and conclusion. The evolution of the scientific direction «continuous education» has been revealed, quantitative indicators of its state, the degree of development and demand for pedagogical practice have been determined. An objective picture of the development of this scientific direction has been obtained and its prospects as a subject of scientific and pedagogical discourse ahave been determined.
Arnau Valls-Esteve, Rubén I. García, Anna Bellmunt
et al.
Abstract Background 3D technologies [Virtual and Augmented 3D planning, 3D printing (3DP), Additive Manufacturing (AM)] are rapidly being adopted in the healthcare sector, demonstrating their relevance in personalized medicine and the rapid development of medical devices. The study’s purpose was to understand the state and evolution of 3DP/AM technologies at the Point-of-Care (PoC), its adoption, organization and process in Spanish hospitals and to understand and compare the evolution of the models, clinical applications, and challenges in utilizing the technology during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Methods This was a questionnaire-based qualitative and longitudinal study. Data on 3DP and AM activities in Spain were collected from 73 hospitals/institutions falling under the ITEMAS (Platform for Innovation in Medical and Health Technologies) and the Plataforma ISCIII Biomodelos y Biobancos from January 2019 to May 2020 for the first study, and at the end of 2022 and 2023 for the second study. Results A total of 23 (31.5%) hospitals during the first study, while 30 (41.09%) during the second study reported having at least one 3DP/AM initiative. Post-covid, the majority of hospitals had onsite 3DP/AM services with a well-defined, structured, and centralized system. Traumatology and maxillofacial surgery services were found to be the most involved in 3DP projects for the production of custom-made surgical guides, prostheses and orthoses. Bioprinting initiatives were also noted to be expanding. Human resources, cost, and regulatory compliance were the key hurdles in introducing 3D/AM in hospitals. Conclusions In-house 3DP/AM units, with Mixed-Model is the most common model in Spain; The COVID-19 pandemic influenced the 3D planning activity and adoption. Further research and clinical trials, and improvements in resources, reimbursement and regulatory compliance are critical for the Point-of-care hospital growth of this breakthrough technology.
Medical physics. Medical radiology. Nuclear medicine
Angel Blanco-Lapaz, Ana B. Marín-Arroyo, Igor Gutiérrez-Zugasti
et al.
The Gravettian site of Fuente del Salín Cave is located in the northern Iberian Peninsula (Cantabrian Region, Spain). In 2016, excavations conducted at the site yielded numerous faunal remains, including mammals and fish. Researchers also recovered molluscs remains during the 1990, 1991, and 2000 campaigns. This study presents the results of the archaeozoological and taphonomical analyses of the large mammals and fish remains recovered during these excavations. At Fuente del Salín Cave, a high level of bone fragmentation and the presence of burning damage characterizes the faunal assemblage. Taxonomy of large game shows diverse habitat exploitation, such as coastal valleys and plains (red deer, Cervus elaphus; horse, Equus ferus) as well as rocky landscapes (Iberian ibex, Capra pyrenaica; and chamois, Rupicapra rupicapra). Additionally, fish remains show the presence of salmonids (Salmo sp.), cyprinids, and haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), indicating the exploitation of coastal, demersal, and riverine species. The taphonomic analysis of the mammals revealed burning damage concentrated on axial elements and epiphyses, characterized by temperatures typical of carbonization or calcification. The scarcity of carnivore gnawing marks and the presence of butchering marks prove that humans were the main accumulators at Fuente del Salín Cave. Concerning fish, most remains correspond to spines, branchial spines, ribs, and vertebrae, indicating humans processed fish by removing these elements for consumption. Based on our results, Fuente del Salín Cave provides an essential record of the subsistence strategies of the inhabitants of the Cantabrian Region during the Gravettian.
IntroductionThe genetic structure of species is shaped by natural (e.g., terrain, climate) and non-natural (e.g., human activities) factors. Geographical isolation and natural barriers are important causes of genetic structure formation of species. Here, we explored this issue in bamboo grasshopper, Ceracris kiangsu, which is an important pest that feeds on bamboo in East and Southeastern Asia.MethodsBased on 186 newly sequenced and 286 previously sequenced mitochondrial COI fragments, and 8 nuclear microsatellite loci, we examined the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of C. kiangsu.ResultsThe degree of genetic differentiation among populations was also high, and Mantel test showed that it was significantly correlated with geographical distance. Principal coordinate analysis and STRUCTURE results revealed two genetically different groups, a South China (S-China) Group and a Southeast Asia (SE-Asia) Group. Climate variables partly explained the population genetic structure. The demographic history and ABC showed that the S-China Group experienced population expansion, whereas the SE-Asia Group was consistently stable.DiscussionOur study demonstrates an obvious population structure maintained in this migratory insect and reveals the potential effect of past climatic change, geographical isolation, and ecological factors on the evolution of their genetic structure.
In rapidly urbanizing areas, intense human development activities and fierce competition for spatial resources have led to apparent territorial space conflicts. This paper selects Jiangsu Province as the study area to explore the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and response relationship between the expansion of county-level construction land and territorial space conflicts from 1985 to 2020 to provide a reference for regional territorial space optimization. The results show that the construction land expansion intensity (CEI) at the county level showed a spatial characteristic of greater power in the southeast than in the northwest. The spatial expansion mode (SEI) was mainly characterized by spread type, with construction land experiencing marginal expansion, the emergence of new independent expansion points, and then the expansion process of agglomeration distribution. From 1985 to 2020, there was a significant increase in territorial space conflicts and an increase in spatial aggregation at the county level. The regions with high space conflicts intensity index (SCII) values and high increase in space conflicts intensity changes (SCIIC) were mainly located in Xuzhou, Nanjing, and at the junction of Changzhou, Wuxi, Suzhou, and Zhenjiang. There was a positive correlation between CEI and SCIIC, and the correlation of positive correlation units increased from south to north. There was a positive correlation between SEI and SCIIC, and the units with a strong positive correlation were mainly located in Xuzhou, Nantong, Changzhou, and Wuxi. The changes in population density and GDP also affect SCIIC. This paper strengthens the understanding of the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and related relationships of construction land expansion and territorial space conflicts at the county level over a long time, which can provide a decision-making basis and reference for the regulation of county construction land expansion, territorial space optimization in Jiangsu Province.
Abstract The Metaverse is no revolution, but another step in the evolution of the internet. Today we can observe various 3D virtual worlds with different focuses and purposes, like meeting spaces, education, or classic gaming. Most of these applications run on computer or smart phone, some of these 3D platforms support virtual reality glasses, or even further wearables like haptic gloves. Nevertheless, the general interconnection of these platforms is still lacking. Due to this, user information, including avatars, cannot be reused for other applications. Even if the research company Gartner predicts that already “by 2026, 25% of the people will spend at least 1 h a day in the Metaverse for work, shopping, education, social and/or entertainment,” the vision still did not manifest yet. This gives society and academia time to start a productive discussion. The article wants to support this ambition by first discussing a potential definition of what the Metaverse will be, including different types for different purposes. After that this, the text predicts the arrival, including required circumstances, then later the expected psychologic impact of the expected scenarios on the regular users. As human psychology depends on experience, environment and, of course, the contact with other humans, such a scenario will have a relevant impact, up to a different understanding of reality, as people frictionless move from physical to virtual world, and even interact on complete different virtual worlds. Existing articles regarding the connections between online (like video games and social media) and offline behavior focused on particular cohorts. As the Metaverse will change work and private life, wide parts of society are voluntary and non-voluntary affected, which limits the possibility to transfer the insights from earlier scenarios to this topic. This article focuses on shifted Socialization, Roles, Perception, and the relating Humanization of Artificial Intelligence, as it enables the algorithm, consciously or subconsciously, to influence the human mind. Graphical Abstract
This paper discusses the expansion of the mosque of the Prophet (œ) in Madinah by Caliph ‘Umar b. al-KhaÏÏÉb (A.S.). The paper concludes that the undertaking was in full consonance both with the spiritual benchmarks of the Islamic message and the emerging socio-cultural Traditions and norms of the nascent Muslim community. So significant was the expansion and at such a critical juncture in the Muslim history, that it set some high standards for the future development and nurturing of the spiritual as well as human dimensions in the sphere of Muslim architecture. The main discussion of the paper focuses on three vital dimensions of the Mosque expansion which proved significant for the early development of the authentic identity of Muslim architecture: the role of consultation and mutual agreements, which is tantamount to what is today called public participation in architecture; the significance and impact of the dynamic process of institutionalization of the mosque of the Prophet (œ) myriad religious, educational, social, cultural and political activities; and the austere, yet judicious, views of ‘Umar b. al-KhaÏÏÉb (A.S.) on architecture which, by and large, reverberated the core of the Islamic attitude towards the prospect of erecting buildings. The three dimensions are dealt with after the main physical features of the Mosque’s expansion have been expounded. The paper also shows that so interwoven were the evolution of Muslim architectural identity and the community development processes in Islam, that successfully investigating the former without systematically referring to the latter can never be complete. Thus, the orb of Muslim architecture, both as a concept and sensory reality, should always be seen as a multidimensional, universal, fluid, vibrant, expressive and as much scientific, technological and applied, as spiritual, educational and ethical, phenomenon.
Yoko Fujita-Yamaguchi, Hideyuki Muramatsu, Alonso Tapia
et al.
ABSTRACT SHA is an l-rhamnose- and d-galactose-binding lectin that agglutinates human group B erythrocytes and was first purified almost 50 years ago. Although the original SHA-producing Streptomyces strain was lost, the primary structure of SHA was more recently solved by mass spectrometry of the archived protein, which matched it to a similar sequence in the Streptomyces lavendulae genome. Using genomic and protein biochemical analyses, this study aimed to identify SHA-secreting Streptomyces strains to further investigate the expression and binding activities of these putative proteins. Of 67 strains genetically related to S. lavendulae, 17 secreted pro-SHAs in culture. Seven SHA homologues were purified to homogeneity and then subjected to liquid chromatography–high-resolution multistage mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and hemagglutination (HA) assays. Processing of pro-SHAs occurred during and after purification, indicating that associated proteases converted pro-SHAs into mature SHAs with molecular masses and HA activities similar to that of the archived SHA. Previously, the SHA monomer was shown to have two carbohydrate binding sites. The present study, however, found no HA activity in pro-SHAs, suggesting that pro-SHAs have only one binding site. Genetically, the SHA gene resides in conserved syntenic regions. The published genomes of 1,234 Streptomyces strains were analyzed, revealing 18 strains with SHA genes, 16 of which localized to a unique syntenic region. The SHA syntenic region consists of ∼17 open reading frames (ORFs) and is specific to S. lavendulae-related strains. Notably, a lipoprotein gene excludes SHA from the synteny in some strains, suggesting that horizontal gene transfer events during the course of evolution shaped the distribution of SHA genes. IMPORTANCE Lectins are extremely useful molecules for the study of glycans and carbohydrates. Here, we show that homologous genes encoding the l-rhamnose- and d-galactose-binding lectins, SHAs, are present in multiple bacterial strains, genetically related to Streptomyces lavendulae. SHA genes are expressed as precursor pro-SHA proteins that are truncated and mature into fully active lectins with two carbohydrate binding sites, which exhibit hemagglutination activity for type B red blood cells. The SHA gene is located within a conserved syntenic region, hinting at specific but yet-to-be-discovered biological roles of this carbohydrate-binding protein for its soil-dwelling microbial producer.
Willem G. Coetzer, Trudy R. Turner, Christopher A. Schmitt
et al.
Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) are one of the most widely distributed non-human primate species found in South Africa. They occur across all the South African provinces, inhabiting a large variety of habitats. These habitats vary sufficiently that it can be assumed that various factors such as pathogen diversity could influence populations in different ways. In turn, these factors could lead to varied levels of selection at specific fitness linked loci. The Toll-like receptor (TLR) gene family, which play an integral role in vertebrate innate immunity, is a group of fitness linked loci which has been the focus of much research. In this study, we assessed the level of genetic variation at partial sequences of two TLR loci (TLR4 and 7) and a reproductively linked gene, acrosin (ACR), across the different habitat types within the vervet monkey distribution range. Gene variation and selection estimates were also made among 11–21 primate species. Low levels of genetic variation for all three gene regions were observed within vervet monkeys, with only two polymorphic sites identified for TLR4, three sites for TLR7 and one site for ACR. TLR7 variation was positively correlated with high mean annual rainfall, which was linked to increased pathogen abundance. The observed genetic variation at TLR4 might have been influenced by numerous factors including pathogens and climatic conditions. The ACR exonic regions showed no variation in vervet monkeys, which could point to the occurrence of a selective sweep. The TLR4 and TLR7 results for the among primate analyses was mostly in line with previous studies, indicating a higher rate of evolution for TLR4. Within primates, ACR coding regions also showed signs of positive selection, which was congruent with previous reports on mammals. Important additional information to the already existing vervet monkey knowledge base was gained from this study, which can guide future research projects on this highly researched taxon as well as help conservation agencies with future management planning involving possible translocations of this species.
Lez’er Victoria, Gusarova Miroslava, Kopytova Anna
This article, the authors have considered theoretical-methodological and practical aspects of human resource management in the process of restructuring enterprises of the machine-building complex of the Tyumen region. Based on the study of the evolution of theories concerning the human factor in the economy, the systematization and generalization of the provisions contained therein, the system of categories in the field of human resource management is substantiated. The basic principles of such management have been identified and supplemented, the tasks facing the enterprise management have been clarified, new tools for human resource management have been proposed, to ensure the completeness, continuity and validity of the decisions made in the field of human resources management in the restructuring of industrial enterprises.
Formation of bacterial colonies as biofilm on the surface/interface of various objects has the potential to impact not only human health and disease but also energy and environmental considerations. Biofilms can be regarded as soft materials, and comprehension of their shear response to external forces is a key element to the fundamental understanding. A mesoscale model has been presented in this article based on digitization of a biofilm microstructure. Its response under externally applied shear load is analyzed. Strain stiffening type behavior is readily observed under high strain loads due to the unfolding of chains within soft polymeric substrate. Sustained shear loading of the biofilm network results in strain localization along the diagonal direction. Rupture of the soft polymeric matrix can potentially reduce the intercellular interaction between the bacterial cells. Evolution of stiffness within the biofilm network under shear reveals two regimes: a) initial increase in stiffness due to strain stiffening of polymer matrix, and b) eventual reduction in stiffness because of tear in polymeric substrate.
Available data on Early Cretaceous Antarctic ferns, based on mega and microfossils from Cerro Negro Formation (Shetland Islands) in Livingston Island are evaluated, together with the information provided by recently collected fossils. Anatomically well preserved Osmundaceous stems are common in the fossil assemblage. The cyatheaceae are represented by fertile foliage with spores in situ and the first Antarctic petrified stems of this family are found in Cretaceous strata. Fertile structures support the presence of Marattiaceae in the flora. Spores of Lophosoriaceae and other families are present. This diversity suggests that ferns successfully inhabited these Antarctic areas during the Early Cretaceous, therefore at least warm, frost-free paleoclimatic conditions are proposed.
KEY WORDS. Cretaceous. Antarctica. Cerro Negro Formation. Ferns.
Pedro F. M. Ribeiro, Lissa eVentura-Antunes, Mariana eGabi
et al.
The human prefrontal cortex has been considered different in several aspects and relatively enlarged compared to the rest of the cortical areas. Here we determine whether the white and gray matter of the prefrontal portion of the human cerebral cortex have similar or different cellular compositions relative to the rest of the cortical regions by applying the Isotropic Fractionator to analyze the distribution of neurons along the entire anteroposterior axis of the cortex, and its relationship with the degree of gyrification, number of neurons under the cortical surface, and other parameters. The prefrontal region shares with the remainder of the cerebral cortex (except for occipital cortex) the same relationship between cortical volume and number of neurons. In contrast, both occipital and prefrontal areas vary from other cortical areas in their connectivity through the white matter, with a systematic reduction of cortical connectivity through the white matter and an increase of the mean axon caliber along the anteroposterior axis. These two parameters explain local differences in the distribution of neurons underneath the cortical surface. We also show that local variations in cortical folding are neither a function of local numbers of neurons nor of cortical thickness, but correlate with properties of the white matter, and are best explained by the folding of the white matter surface. Our results suggest that the human cerebral cortex is divided in two zones (occipital and non-occipital) that differ in how neurons distributed across their grey matter volume and in three zones (prefrontal, occipital, and non-occipital) that differ in how neurons are connected through the white matter. Thus, the human prefrontal cortex has the largest fraction of neuronal connectivity through the white matter and the smallest average axonal caliber in the white matter within the cortex, although its neuronal composition fits the pattern found for other, non-occipital areas.
Neurosciences. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry, Human anatomy
The neoclassical theory of the firm deals with the pattern of perfect competition, within which the perfect information available to economic agents provides instant allocation of production factors and access to economic goods. The Austrian School (C. Menger, L. von Mises, Hayek, etc.) supported the idea of minimal state intervention on the markets, bringing important conceptual developments on the theory of the firm. Hirschleifer (1982) put forward the model of social and institutional functioning, arguing that the game theory is able to predict the outcome of the collective behavior and the human characteristics necessary for building the respective institutions.The evolutionary theory provides the firm and the entrepreneur the recognition of the functions of innovation, of generating and exploiting information and of organizing and coordinating production. The evolutionary perspective of the firm assumes the existence of a body of knowledge that is acquired through and builds up
the organizational memory, subsequently found in routines, all choices being made based on these routines (Nelson and Winter, 2002). The evolution of the firm is considered to be similar to natural selection, but unlike the classic market selection, the evolutionists suggest the existence of a plurality of selection media. The present research is structured as follows: a brief introduction into the theories of the firm, the second part of the paper analyzes the theories of the firm from an institutional, neo-institutional and evolutionary perspective. In the third part of the paper the evolutionary games are described and analyzed from the evolutionary perspective of the firm. The last part of the paper represents a study of the “hawk-dove” game dynamic replicator. The final conclusions of the paper show that the evolutionary theory brings valuable contributions to the foundation of explanations regarding economic phenomena, indicating new directions for advanced economic research.
The main content of the resource theory and description of it evolution in three stages were considered in this article. The first stage was the formation of the classical concept of the resource, the second – the origin and development of the concept of core competencies and dynamic organizational capabilities, and the third is associated with the formation of the theory of resource advantages. The nature and the necessity to identify new resource elements (core competencies, dynamic capabilities and organizational routines) were characterized in the context of the selected stages. The signs of sustainable competitive advantage and types of economic rents that arise on the resource base were generalized. There is a connection between resource theory and concept of knowledge management based on identification of intellectual component in the economic nature of the core competencies and organizational abilities. The basic approach to the classification of resources and their elements, which form the intellectual capital of the company was described. New elements of economic resources such as competencies, organizational abilities, rutin and elements of intellectual capital are in close connection. It is concluded that the core competencies are best developed in human client and networking elements of intellectual capital, dynamic organizational capability in innovative capital and routines in process capital of an enterprise.
Origin and evolution of cannibalism in the animal populations: why to eat conspecific? The term «Cannibalism» is a linguistic distortion resulting from Arawak terminology (Amerindians in the Antilles) caribal that means courageous. Columbus uses it to describe Caribbean Indians identified as eaters of human flesh. Cannibalism behavior is widespread in the animal kingdom. It has occurred in human society since the paleolithic and many typologies of cannibalism have recently been described. Identifying the evolutionary causes and benefits of cannibalism in animal populations may provide information about its taxonomic diversity. In general cannibalism is favored by ecological factors related to the low availability of alternative food. It may also depend to varying degrees upon population density. Social factors, like competition for mates and offspring parental care when food is scare may also promote cannibalism behavior. Significant nutritional and energy benefits combined to a territorial advantage were provided by cannibalism. For many species cannibalism can strongly affect population dynamics and mortality rates with enhancing the risk of infection from parasites and viruses.