bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracking Double-Stranded DNA Bacteriophages and Their Hosts in a Deep Freshwater Lake by Integrating Metagenomics and The Hi-C Technique
Authors: Tao Ye , Gao Peixin , Li Biao , Xing Peng , Wu Qinglong L.
Published: December 2020

Background: In aquatic ecosystems, bacteriophages play key roles in species diversity, host population dynamics and functional gene transfer. Due to a lack of high-throughput experimental tools to obtain robust associations between bacteriophages and hosts, the current metagenome-based phage community research generally predicts interactions based on various computational pipelines. In this study, by introducing an in vivo proximity-ligation chromosomal confirmation capture (Hi-C) technique combined with existing sequencing data from a freshwater metagenome study, we investigated double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) bacteriophages distribution, bacteriophage-host associations and abundance profiles at various depths in a deep alpine lake.Results: A total of 985 nonredundant viral genomes (containing 1,464 viral contigs measuring at least 10 kb) were identified using rigorous bioinformatic pipelines, and 67.3% of bacteriophages had never been reported previously. The bacteriophages had a significant depth-dependent distribution, and 56.9% of phage populations were only present in the epilimnion. Overall, 567 auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) were identified in 239 phages (24.26% of the total population). Hi-C reconstructed 58 bacteriophage-host association events encompassing eight bacterial phyla, among which 14 AMG-coding bacteriophages were clearly linked to their hosts. Three bacteriophages contained the mec gene, which was exactly complementary to their hosts in the sulfur-related pathway, and three other bacteriophages contained AMGs that likely participated in host fructose and mannose metabolism.Conclusions: The present study identifies bacteriophages in Lake Fuxian and describes the bacteriophages and their host dynamics along the depth profile. Our results indicate that metagenomics combined with the Hi-C technique has promise for future applications in high-throughput bacteriophage identification and bacteriophage-host association detection, which could further extend our knowledge of the functional roles played by bacteriophages in aquatic ecosystems.
Multi-Drug Resistant Gram-Negative Infections Among Critically Ill Patients: Analysis of Baseline Characteristics and Factors Associated with Mortality
Authors: Aljamaan Fadi , Altawil Esraa , Temsah Mohamad-Hani , Almeman Ahmad
Published: December 2020

BackgroundBacterial infections are a frequent cause of hospitalization and a leading cause of death, particularly with the emergence of antibiotics resistance. The emergence of Carbapenem resistance among gram-negative bacteria (GNB) is one of the evolving alerts as its use is considered the last resort of treatment [1]. Therefore, this urged studying the risk factors for the development of multi-drug resistant [2] GNB, identify the clinical outcomes and factors associated with mortality, especially among critically ill patients who are expected to have the worst outcomes.Materials/methodsThis is a retrospective observational study of critically ill patients who had an infection with Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), or MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or MDR Acinetobacter spp. between May 2016- Nov 2018. Baseline demographics, co-morbidities, and clinical outcomes were collected and were evaluated for association with 28 days mortality. ResultsA total of 255 patients with MDR Gram-negative cultures were screened, 77 patients met the inclusion criteria. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most common index organism (53% of patients), followed by Acinetobacter spp. and CRE, respectively. The mortality rate at 28 days was (59.7%). Non-survivors were significantly older (mean age 64 vs. 44 years, P= 0.0001), had significantly worse disease severity scores on ICU admission, higher incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) (43% vs. 16%, P= 0.010), required more continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) (54% vs. 13% P= 0.0001), had longer hospital length of stay prior to infection (median 34 vs. 13 days, P= 0.018), and required longer inotropic and vasopressors support (median 19 vs. 8 days, P = 0.0001). In multivariate logistic regression the following factors were significantly associated with mortality; requirement of inotropic support [OR 10.01 (95% CI 1.55-64.77); P= 0.015], age [OR 1.05 (95% CI 1.0-1.1); P=0.01], APACHE IV score on ICU admission [OR 1.03 (95% CI 1.0- 1.06); P= 0.04], and ICU length of stay [OR 1.03 (95% CI 1.0- 1.06); P= 0.035].ConclusionMDR Gram-negative infection is associated with significant in-hospital mortality among critically ill patients. Old age, high APACHE IV score, higher ICU length of stay, and higher hemodynamic support are associated with higher mortality.Trial registrationretrospectively registered.
Economic Policy Uncertainty and International Trade: A Gravity Model Approach
Authors: MAWUSI Charles
Published: December 2020

Considering the increasing exposure of firms to global policy shocks, this paper study the bilateral trade adjustments to the increases in economic policy uncertainty (EPU) of 126 countries over the period 1996-2014. We employ a gravity model and a robust Poisson Pseudo Maximum Likelihood (PPML) estimator that mitigates the problem of heteroscedasticity and zero trade flows. The results show that large variations in bilateral trade can be explained by the changes in economic policy uncertainty. Whereas heightened EPU from partner countries has a positive spillover effect on imports to the reporting country, we find a negative and statistically significant effect of domestic EPU on exports.
Trends of multimorbidity in 15 European countries: a population-based study in community-dwelling adults aged 50 and over
Authors: Souza Dyego L. B. , Oliveras-Fabregas Albert , Minobes-Molina Eduard , Cancela Marianna de Camargo , Galbany-Estragués Paola , Roig Javier Jerez
Published: December 2020

Background: The objective of this work was to analyse the prevalence trends of multimorbidity among European community-dwelling adults.Methods: A temporal series study based on waves 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) was conducted, and community-dwelling participants aged 50+ (n=274,614) from 15 European countries were selected for the period 2004-2017. Prevalence, adjusted by age, Average Annual Percentage Change (APC) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were all calculated. Trend analyses were realised by period, age groups and groups of diseases. Results: The results showed a large variability in the prevalence of multimorbidity in adults aged 50 and over among European countries. Increase in the prevalence of multimorbidity in the countries of central Europe (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany and Switzerland) and Spain in both sexes, and in the Netherlands among men. Stability was observed in northern and eastern European countries. Musculoskeletal and neurodegenerative groups showed more significant changes in the trend analyses. Conclusions: This information can be useful for policy makers when planning health promotion and prevention policies addressing modifiable risk factors in health.
Qualitative study exploring the barriers to menstrual hygiene management faced by adolescents and young people with a disability, and their carers in the Kavrepalanchok district, Nepal 
Authors: Wilbur Jane , Kayastha Shubha , Mahon Thérèse , Torondel Belen , Hameed Shaffa , Sigdel Anita , Gyawali Amrita , Kuper Hannah
Published: December 2020

Background: Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is a recognised public health, social and educational issue, which must be achieved to allow the realisation of human rights. People with disabilities are likely to experience layers of discrimination when they are menstruating, but little evidence exists. Methods: The study aims to investigate barriers to MHM that people with disabilities and their carers, face in the Kavrepalanchok, Nepal, using qualitative methods. Twenty people with disabilities, aged 15-24, who menstruate and experience ‘a lot of difficulty’ or more across one or more of the Washington Group functional domains were included, as well as 13 carers who provide menstrual support to these individuals. Purposeful sampling was applied to select participants. Different approaches were used to investigating barriers to MHM and triangulate data: in-depth interviews, observation, PhotoVoice and ranking. We analysed data thematically, using Nvivo 11. Results: Barriers to MHM experienced by people with disabilities differ according to the impairment. Inaccessible WASH facilities were a major challenge for people with mobility, self-care and visual impairments. People with intellectual impairments had difficulty accessing MHM information and their carers despaired when they showed their menstrual blood to others, which could result in abuse. No support mechanisms existed for carers for MHM, who overwhelmed and isolated. Menstrual discomfort was a major challenge; these were managed with home remedies, or not at all. Most participants followed menstrual restrictions, which were widespread and expected, for fear of being cursed if they did not. As disability is often viewed as a curse, this demonstrates the layers of discrimination faced. Conclusion: Issues related to MHM for people with disabilities is more complex than for others in the population due to the additional disability discrimination and impairment experienced. Research exploring these issues must be conducted in different settings, and MHM interventions, tailored for impairment type and carers requirements, must be developed. Attention to, and resourcing for disability inclusive MHM must be prioritised to ensure ‘no one is left behind’.
Photoperiodic Response of In Vitro Cannabis sativa Plants
Authors: Moher Melissa , Jones Max , Zheng Youbin
Published: December 2020

The majority of commercial Cannabis sativa L. (cannabis) cultivators use a 12.0-hour uninterrupted dark period to induce flowering; however, scientific information to prove this is the optimal dark period for all genotypes is lacking. Knowing genotype-specific photoperiods may help to promote growth by providing the optimal photoperiod for photosynthesis. To determine whether the floral initiation of cannabis explants respond to varied photoperiods in vitro, explants were grown under one of six photoperiod treatments: 12.0, 13.2, 13.8, 14.4, 15.0, and 16.0 hours per day for 4 weeks. The percentage of flowering explants was highest under 12.0- and 13.2-hour treatments. There were no treatment effects on the fresh weight, final height, and growth index. Based on the results, it is recommended that an uninterrupted dark period of at least 10.8 hours (i.e., 13.2-hour photoperiod) be used to induce flowering for the ‘802’ genotype. In vitro flowering could provide a unique and high-throughput approach to study floral/seed development and secondary metabolism in cannabis under highly controlled conditions. Further research should determine if this response is the same on the whole-plant level.
Age determination of oriented rutile inclusions in sapphire and of moonstone from the Mogok metamorphic belt, Myanmar
Authors: Shi Guanghai , Zhang Xiaochong , Wang Yu , Li Qiuli , Wu Fuyuan , He Huaiyu
Published: December 2020

The Mogok metamorphic belt (MMB), Myanmar, is one of the most well-known gemological belts on Earth. Previously, 40Ar/39Ar, K-Ar, and U-Pb dating have yielded Jurassic-Miocene magmatic and metamorphic ages of the MMB and adjacent areas; however, no reported age data are closely related to the sapphire and moonstone deposits. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) U-Pb dating of acicular rutile inclusions in sapphire and furnace step-heating 40Ar/39Ar dating of moonstone (antiperthite) in syenites from the MMB yield ages of 13.43 ± 0.92 and 13.55 ± 0.08 Ma, respectively, indicating both Myanmar sapphire and moonstone formed at the same time, and the ages are the youngest published in the region. The ages provide insight into the complex histories and processes of magmatism and metamorphism of the MMB, the formation of gemstone species in this belt, and the collision between India and Asia. In addition, our high field strength element data for the oriented rutile inclusions suggest an origin by co-precipitation rather than exsolution. In situ age determination of this nature is particularly significant since rutile inclusions in other gemstones, such as rubies, can be used to help constrain the geological history of their host rocks elsewhere.
Phase diagram and thermal expansion of orthopyroxene-, clinopyroxene-, and ilmenite-structured MgGeO3
Authors: Hunt Simon A. , Santangeli James R. , Dobson David P. , Wood Ian G.
Published: December 2020

The MgGeO3 system is a low-pressure analog for the Earth-forming (Mg,Fe)SiO3 system and exhibits recoverable orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, and ilmenite structures below 6 GPa. The pressure-temperature conditions of the clinopyroxene to ilmenite phase transition are reasonably consistent between studies, having a positive Clapeyron slope and occurring between 4 and 7 GPa in the temperature range 900–1600 K. There are, though, significant discrepancies in the Clapeyron slope of the orthopyroxene to clinopyroxene phase transition in existing works that also disagree on the stable phase at ambient conditions. The most significant factor in these differences is the method used; high-pressure experiments and thermophysical property measurements yield apparently contradicting results. Here, we perform both high pressure and temperature experiments as well as thermal expansion measurements to reconcile the measurements. High-pressure and -temperature experiments yield a Clapeyron slope of −1.0−0.7+1.0 MPa/K for the MgGeO3 orthopyroxene-clinopyroxene phase transition, consistent with previous high-pressure and -temperature experiments. The MgGeO3 orthopyroxene-clinopyroxeneilmenite triple point is determined to be at 0.98 GPa and 752 K, with the ilmenite phase stable at ambient conditions. The high-temperature (>600 K) thermal expansion of the clinopyroxene phase is greater than that of the other phases. Debye-Grüneisen relationships fitted to the volume-temperature data give Debye temperatures for the orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, and ilmenite phases of 602(7), 693(10), and 758(13) K and V0 of 897.299(16), 433.192(10), and 289.156(6) Å3, respectively. The Clapeyron slopes calculated directly from the Debye-Grüneisen relationships are consistent with previous thermophysical property measurements. The presence of significant anharmonicity and/or formation of defects in the clinopyroxene phase at high-temperatures, which is not apparent in the other phases, accounts for the previous contradictions between studies. The inferred increased heat capacity of the clinopyroxene corresponds to an increase in entropy and an expanded phase field at high temperatures.
Strain-induced partial serpentinization of germanate olivine with a small amount of water
Authors: Sawa Sando , Miyajima Nobuyoshi , Muto Jun , Nagahama Hiroyuki
Published: December 2020

Antigorite, a high-pressure polymorph of serpentine, is considered to be the most abundant hydrous mineral in subduction zones. Although antigorite dehydration is presumed as one of the origins of intermediate-depth earthquakes in the subduction zone, the amount of antigorite is uncertain because the amount of water infiltrated into the oceanic lithosphere is still debated. To investigate whether antigorite can be formed even with limited water availability, we conducted the axial deformation experiments of magnesium germanate at 1.2 GPa and T = 500–800 °C using a Griggs-type deformation apparatus. Magnesium germanate is an analog material of magnesium silicate, and the starting material was dried prior to experimentation. Nevertheless, the samples had initially high porosity, and hence a small amount of water (about 200 ppm wt H2O) was retained in the samples. In the samples deformed at 600 °C, stable slip occurred, and TEM analysis revealed that fine-grained platelets of germanate antigorite existed along the faults. A sharp absorption band assigned to the OH-stretching vibration of antigorite in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) analysis also implies that antigorite was formed in the samples deformed at a temperature lower than 600 °C. Our results indicate that strain-induced hydration of germanate olivine results in antigorite formation even with only a small amount of water present. Thus, partial serpentinization in the oceanic lithosphere can occur under slight water infiltration due to the high strain accumulated by subduction.
Are global Exchange Traded Fund pretentious on exchange rate fluctuation? A study using GARCH model
Authors: E Geetha , Thonse Hawaldar Iqbal , Bai G Vidya , Mendon Suhan , Thekkekutt Mathukutti Rajesha
Published: December 2020

Investors invest in a foreign market to reap the benefits of currency differences. The change in the value of underlying assets affects these hedged funds and, at the same time, restricts investors from higher return possible in unhedged funds. This study aims to examine the performance of most actively traded shares in Exchange Traded Fund and any influence, along with tracking the information from the index. This study also analyzes the currency fluctuation and its impact on returns and volatility of ETF and index. The equity ETF, which tracks NASDAQ (NDX 100), is chosen for the study, and the data analysis is carried out using statistical methods such as correlation, regression, and GARCH model. The study utilizes the currency rate data from 2013 to 2018 of USD, GBP, and INR and examines its effect on the NDX (NASDAQ). The study emphasizes whether the ETF as a basket of securities is insensitive to currency rate fluctuations. It is found that the response of ETF to the currency movements is likely due to its underlying index. The study concludes that Motilal Oswal shares in NASDAQ 100 ETF are highly sensitive to the NDX 100 movements; thus, there is no direct impact between ETF and index performance through exchange rate fluctuation.
Possibilities, Problems, and Perspectives of Data Collection by Mobile Apps in Longitudinal Epidemiological Studies: Scoping Review
Authors: Fischer Florian , Kleen Sina
Published: December 2020

Background

The broad availability of smartphones and the number of health apps in app stores have risen in recent years. Health apps have benefits for individuals (eg, the ability to monitor one’s health) as well as for researchers (eg, the ability to collect data in population-based, clinical, and observational studies). Although the number of health apps on the global app market is huge and the associated potential seems to be great, app-based questionnaires for collecting patient-related data have not played an important role in epidemiological studies so far.

Objective

This study aims to provide an overview of studies that have collected patient data using an app-based approach, with a particular focus on longitudinal studies. This literature review describes the current extent to which smartphones have been used for collecting (patient) data for research purposes, and the potential benefits and challenges associated with this approach.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review of studies that used data collection via apps. PubMed was used to identify studies describing the use of smartphone app questionnaires for collecting data over time. Overall, 17 articles were included in the summary.

Results

Based on the results of this scoping review, there are only a few studies that integrate smartphone apps into data-collection approaches. Studies dealing with the collection of health-related data via smartphone apps have mainly been developed with regard to psychosomatic, neurodegenerative, respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases, as well as malign neoplasm. Among the identified studies, the duration of data collection ranged from 4 weeks to 12 months, and the participants’ mean ages ranged from 7 to 69 years.
Potential can be seen for real-time information transfer, fast data synchronization (which saves time and increases effectivity), and the possibility of tracking responses longitudinally. Furthermore, smartphone-based data-collection techniques might prevent biases, such as reminder bias or mistakes occurring during manual data transfers. In chronic diseases, real-time communication with physicians and early detection of symptoms enables rapid modifications in disease management.

Conclusions

The results indicate that using mobile technologies can help to overcome challenges linked with data collection in epidemiological research. However, further feasibility studies need to be conducted in the near future to test the applicability and acceptance of these mobile apps for epidemiological research in various subpopulations.
Perspectives From Underserved African Americans and Their Health Care Providers on the Development of a Diabetes Self-Management Smartphone App: Qualitative Exploratory Study
Authors: Barber-Gumbs Tai , Trolle Lagerros Ylva , Sena Laura M , Gittelsohn Joel , Chang Larry W , Zachary Wayne W , Surkan Pamela J
Published: December 2020

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) affects approximately 10% of the US population, disproportionately afflicting African Americans. Smartphone apps have emerged as promising tools to improve diabetes self-management, yet little is known about the use of this approach in low-income minority communities.

Objective

The goal of the study was to explore which features of an app were prioritized for people with T2DM in a low-income African American community.

Methods

Between February 2016 and May 2018, we conducted formative qualitative research with 78 participants to explore how a smartphone app could be used to improve diabetes self-management. Information was gathered on desired features, and app mock-ups were presented to receive comments and suggestions of improvements from smartphone users with prediabetes and T2DM, their friends and family members, and health care providers; data were collected from six interactive forums, one focus group, and 15 in-depth interviews. We carried out thematic data analysis using an inductive approach.

Results

All three types of participants reported that difficulty with accessing health care was a main problem and suggested that an app could help address this. Participants also indicated that an app could provide information for diabetes education and self-management. Other suggestions included that the app should allow people with T2DM to log and track diabetes care–related behaviors and receive feedback on their progress in a way that would increase engagement in self-management among persons with T2DM.

Conclusions

We identified educational and tracking smartphone features that can guide development of diabetes self-management apps for a low-income African American population. Considering those features in combination gives rise to opportunities for more advanced support, such as determining self-management recommendations based on data in users’ logs.
Technology-Based Psychological Interventions for Young Adults With Early Psychosis and Cannabis Use Disorder: Qualitative Study of Patient and Clinician Perspectives (Preprint)
Authors: Tatar Ovidiu , Abdel-Baki Amal , Tra Christophe , Mongeau-Pérusse Violaine , Arruda Nelson , Kaur Navdeep , Landry Vivianne , Coronado-Montoya Stephanie , Jutras-Aswad Didier
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

The persistence of cannabis use disorder (CUD) in young adults with first-episode psychosis (FEP) is associated with poor clinical and functional outcomes. Face-to-face psychological interventions are effective in treating CUD. However, their use in early intervention services (EISs) for psychosis is inconsistent because of barriers, including high workload and heterogeneity in training of clinicians and lack of motivation for treatment among patients. Tailoring new technology-based psychological interventions (TBPIs) to overcome these barriers is necessary to ensure their optimal acceptability.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is twofold: to explore psychological intervention practices and intervention targets that are relevant for treating CUD in individuals with early psychosis and to explore factors related to the development and implementation of a technology-assisted psychological intervention.

METHODS

A total of 10 patients undergoing treatment for FEP and CUD in EISs participated in a focus group in June 2019. Semistructured individual interviews were conducted with 10 clinicians working in first-episode clinics in the province of Québec, Canada. A hybrid inductive-deductive approach was used to analyze data. For the deductive analysis, we used categories of promoting strategies found in the literature shown to increase adherence to web-based interventions for substance use (ie, tailoring, reminders, delivery strategies, social support, and incentives). For the inductive analysis, we identified new themes through an iterative process of reviewing the data multiple times by two independent reviewers.

RESULTS

Data were synthesized into five categories of factors that emerged from data collection, and a narrative synthesis of commonalities and differences between patient and clinician perspectives was produced. The categories included attitudes and beliefs related to psychological interventions (eg, behavioral stage of change), strategies for psychological interventions (eg, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, stress management), incentives (eg, contingency management), general interest in TBPIs (eg, facilitators and barriers of TBPIs), and tailoring of TBPIs (eg, application needs and preferences, outcome measures of interest for clinicians).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a comprehensive portrait of the multifaceted needs and preferences of patients and clinicians related to TBPIs. Our results can inform the development of smartphone- or web-based psychological interventions for CUD in young adults with early psychosis.
Ocupación incaica en Cueva Inca Viejo y Abra de Minas, Puna de Salta, Argentina
Authors: López Gabriel , Coloca Federico I. , Orsi Juan P. , Araya Sonia , Seguí Silvina , Rosenbusch Mariana , Solá Patricia
Published: December 2020

We analyze mining and ritual activities during the Inca occupation of the Ratones basin, Puna de Salta, Northwest Argentina (NOA). From the archaeological evidence of the sites Cueva Inca Viejo and Abra de Minas, indicators about the link between these activities are presented. We also emphasize that Cueva Inca Viejo is the first documented source with evidence of turquoise exploitation in prehispanic contexts of NOA. The results obtained by SEM-EDX and XRD allowed the detection of this mineral in the rock walls of the cave and in stratigraphy. New EDX analyses of archaeological samples from Cueva Inca Viejo are presented in this paper. The existence of a turquoise mine explains the intense Inca occupation in this sector of the Puna. Likewise, the modification of previous occupations based on mining work and the construction of roads and architectural structures is noteworthy. In this regard, the presence of a ceremonial structure with staircase and platform at the entrance of Cueva Inca Viejo is highlighted. This evidence, among others, indicates the link between mining and ritual practices, and allows us to discuss the control of both activities by the Inca Empire.
Calendario metropolitano en El Shincal de Quimivil (Catamarca, Argentina)
Authors: Corrado Gustavo Manuel , Gim´énez Benítez Sixto
Published: December 2020

This work exposes the results obtained in the Cerro Aterrazado Occidental of the Inca site “El Shincal de Quimivil” located south of the Tawantinsuyu (Catamarca, Argentina). On this topic, two alignments were found with respect to the sunrise, which give us important dates within the Inca calendar. The Cerro Aterrazado Occidental had been a local huaca, reason why it was covered by a zigzag-shaped wall of probable Cuzco construction. Because the Cerro Occidental had been an important ceremonial space of the site, where probably, the calendarical control of the fiestas had been carried out.
Trichomonas vaginalis: pathogenesis and its role in cervical cancer
Authors: Núñez-Troconis José
Published: December 2020

The objective of this article was to review and to analyze the possible role that Trichomonas vaginalis has as a co-factor in the origin and development of cervical cancer. For that purpose, the Latin-American and international bibliography was reviewed using the Pub-Med, Google Scholar, Springer, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Scielo, Imbiomed-L, Redalyc and Latindex web sites. The searches included the key words: Trichomonas vaginalis, epidemiology of Trichomonas vaginalis, epidemiology of cervical cancer, inflammation mechanisms, Trichomonas vaginalis and inflammation mechanisms, Trichomonas viruses, carcinogenesis, cervical cancer and co-factors, sexually transmitted infections and cervical cancer, cancer and inflammation mecha¬nisms, Trichomonas vaginalis and cervical cancer. Publications from 1970 to June 2020 were reviewed and analyzed. This review article analyzes the possible mechanisms that Trichomonas vaginalis could play in the carcinogenesis of the cervical cancer as a co-factor with the human papilloma virus or as an independent factor.
North-Eastern India (NER) as an example of “clash of civilizations”
Authors: Mikhailov S. A.
Published: December 2020

This article attempts to analyze the current situation in North-Eastern India (NER) in the light of well-known concept clash of civilizations developed by S. Huntington (the American political scientist and proponent of the modern version of the civilizational approach to History). One may say that even a superficial glance at NER problems demonstrates a very characteristic example of the visual manifestation of this concept. The relevance of the work implies the possibilities of practical application of this concept for the analysis of India and NER existing ethnic and religious problems as well as the best ways to solve them. The author (besides S. Huntingtons work Clash of civilizations) used the works of the Russian indologists - S. Baranov (Separatism in India), B. Klyuyev (Religion and conflict in India), K. Likhachev (Ethnic separatism in NER: old problems in the new century) and the book of the Indian specialist on separatism in NER S. Bhaumik (Troubled periphery: crisis of Indias North East) as well as other sources.
Excavaciones en los conchales de la Costa de Barlovento
Authors: Reichel-Dolmatoff Gerardo
Published: December 2020

El presente trabajo tiene por objeto la descripción y discusión de los resultados obtenidos en las excavaciones efectuadas en los conchales de la costa vecina a Cartagena, Departamento de Bolívar, República de Colombia. El sitio arqueológico en cuestión se encuentra ubicado sobre el litoral, a unos 10 kms. al Norte de la ciudad de Cartagena, zona ésta que se conoce bajo el nombre de Costa de Barlovento. Las excavaciones descritas a continuación se llevaron a cabo en misión del Instituto Colombiano de Antropología y se efectuaron en los meses de Febrero-Marzo y luego en Junio-Julio de 1954.
Contactos y cambios culturales en la Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Authors: Reichel-Dolmatoff Gerardo
Published: December 2020

En una serie de publicaciones anteriores (38, 39, 40, 42), he presentado un voluminoso material descriptivo sobre diferentes aspectos de las culturas indígenas del Departamento del Magdalena. Dicho material consta principalmente de los resultados de investigaciones arqueológicas, de datos etnográficos sobre las culturas aborígenes en el siglo XVI y los siguientes, y de un estudio sobre los Kogi, la tribu menos aculturada entre los tres grupos étnicos que actualmente habitan las faldas de la Sierra Nevada.

En el presente trabajo me propongo correlacionar algunos de estos aspectos en un continuum histórico-cultural. Trataré en primer lugar de trazar los parentescos entre los antiguos Tairona y los actuales indios de la Sierra Nevada y seguir luégo el desarrollo de su cultura, bajo la influencia de contactos foráneos, desde el siglo XVI hasta la actualidad. La Cultura Tairona de comienzos del siglo XVI, fue indudablemente una de las más avanzadas de Colombia pero por falta de investigaciones, ha quedado hasta la fecha poco conocida. Los estudios efectuados en los últimos años nos proporcionan sin embargo una serie de datos nuevos que nos permiten seguir su trayectoria más reciente. Aunque estos datos tal vez no son suficientes como para eliminar muchos errores especulativos que un tal estudio implica necesariamente, ellos representan de todas maneras un material cuya validez se puede verificar en futuras investigaciones.
Mitología y cuentos de la parcialidad de Calderas, Tierradentro
Authors: Bernal Villa Segundo
Published: December 2020

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Studying the Fluxes of the Marine Ecosystem Components from the Northwestern Shelf to the Deep Part of the Black Sea
Authors: Dorofeyev V. L. ,   Marine Hydrophysical Institute, Russian Academy of Science, Sevastopol, Russia, Sukhikh L. I. ,   Marine Hydrophysical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Sevastopol, Russia
Published: December 2020

Purpose. The study represents analysis of the features of the Black Sea ecosystem components transfer from the northwestern shelf to the deep-sea part and its dependence on circulation in the sea upper layer. Methods and Results. The fluxes of water mass, nutrients and bioproduction from the shelf zone to the deep part of the sea were calculated using the current fields and biogeochemical ones resulted from the reanalysis, which, in its turn, was carried out due to the Black Sea ecosystem model including assimilation of remote sensing data both in the numerical circulation model and in the biogeochemical block. Numerical modeling permitted to calculate the fluxes through three sections that bound the shelf zone (by the capes Kaliakra and Chersonesus, and along the 200 m isobath). Behavior of the RIM Current jet and, consequently, direction and magnitude of the flows through the boundaries of the northwestern shelf depend on the wind stress vorticity over the western part of the Black Sea. The type of circulation with the intense RIM Current jet pressed to the shelf edge, is characterized by the pattern of distribution of the inorganic nitrogen and phytoplankton surface concentration as a narrow strip of its high values along the Black Sea western and partially southern coasts. When the RIM Current jet is weak or moves from the shelf edge (that corresponds to the low values of the wind stress vorticity) the increased concentration values are located on the northwestern shelf. Conclusions. Direction, magnitude and character of horizontal distribution of the nutrient and bioproduction fluxes are determined mainly by circulation in the sea upper layer. The magnitude of these flows is significantly affected by difference between the nutrient and bioproduction concentrations in the shelf zone and in the deep part of the Black Sea.
Inter-Annual Variability of Water Exchange between the Azov Sea and the Sivash Bay through the Tonky Strait
Authors: Eremina Е. S. ,   Marine Hydrophysical Institute, Russian Academy of Science, Sevastopol, Russia, Evstigneev V. P. ,   Marine Hydrophysical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Sevastopol, Russia,   evastopol State University, Sevastopol, Russian Federation,   Sevastopol Center for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring, Sevastopol, Russian Federation
Published: December 2020

Purpose. The work is aimed at studying the components’ intra- and inter-annual variability in the water exchange between the Sivash Bay and the Sea of Azov through the Tonky Strait at the current climatic period based on the empirical conversion schemes and using the hydrometeorological observation data obtained at the nearby stations. Methods and Results. Using the data on the sea level, and the wind direction and speed, the runoffs of the Azov Sea and the Sivash Bay waters in the Tonky Strait during 1966–2013 are calculated by two methods developed by Slatinsky Yu.G. in 1969 and Raskin L.G. in 1992. Predominance of the Azov currents over the Sivash ones is revealed. Seasonal and long-term dynamics of the runoff values in the strait are given based on the monthly average and annual average data. The data on the wind regime variability in the Genichesk region, and the sea level at the Genichesk meteorological station and at the Chongarsky bridge meteorological post are cited. Conclusions. The calculations show that the average annual inflow of the Azov waters through the Tonky Strait varies within the wide range 0.3 km3 – 1.18 km3, and the outflow of the Sivash waters constitutes on average 0.26 km3 per year. Difference between the water inflow and outflow in the strait is characterized by high inter-annual variability. Over the whole period under study, it amounted on average up to 0.45 km3. In the components’ spectrum of water exchange between the Sivash Bay and the Azov Sea, distinguished are the ~ 4 year fluctuations of the Sivash waters outflow from the bay, and the 3 and 5–6 year fluctuations of the Azov Sea waters inflow to the Sivash Bay. Multi-year variability of the Sivash water outflow with the 4 year periodicity is conditioned by the same precipitation amount periodicity over the Sivash Bay.
Vertical Distribution of Bio-Optical Properties of the Azov – Black Sea Basin Waters in April – May, 2019
Authors: Efimova T. V. ,   A. O. Kovalevsky Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas, Russian Academy of Sciences, Sevastopol, Russia, Churilova T. Ya. ,   A. O. Kovalevsky Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas, Russian Academy of Sciences, Sevastopol, Russia, Skorokhod E. Yu. ,   A. O. Kovalevsky Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas, Russian Academy of Sciences, Sevastopol, Russia, Moiseeva N. A. ,   A. O. Kovalevsky Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas, Russian Academy of Sciences, Sevastopol, Russia, Zemlianskaia E. A. ,   A. O. Kovalevsky Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas, Russian Academy of Sciences, Sevastopol, Russia
Published: December 2020

Purpose. The work is aimed at investigating spatial distribution of the chlorophyll a concentration and the spectral light absorption coefficients by all optically active components in the Azov and Black seas in spring, when the seawater hydrophysical structure changes. Methods and Results. The data collected in the 106th scientific cruise of R/V Professor Vodyanitsky in April 19 – May 10, 2019 were used. The chlorophyll a concentration was measured by the spectrophotometric method. The spectral light absorption coefficients were determined in accordance with the NASA protocol 2018. The optical measurements were performed using the dual-beam spectrophotometer Lambda 35 (PerkinElmer). It was shown that in the surface layer of the Black Sea, the chlorophyll a concentration varied from 0.21 to 1.2 mg/m3. At some stations in the deep-water region, the increased values of this parameter were observed in the lower part of the euphotic zone that was associated with the beginning of seasonal water stratification due to the surface water heating. At these stations, the phytoplankton absorption spectra were more smoothed in the lower part of the euphotic zone than those in the upper layer. In the deep-water region, the non-algal particles contribution to the total particulate light absorption at wavelength 438 nm changed with depth from 40 ± 15 % at the surface to 29 ± 12 % near the bottom of the euphotic zone; whereas in the coastal waters this parameter was almost unchangeable within the water column (54 ± 11 %). No significant change of the colored dissolved organic matter contribution to the total light absorption with depth was revealed (69% on average). In the Sea of Azov, vertical distribution both of the chlorophyll a concentration (6.2 mg/m3 on average) and the spectral light absorption coefficients by all the optically active components was uniform. The non-algal particles contribution to the particulate light absorption was 40 ± 14 %, and the colored dissolved organic matter contribution to the total light absorption constituted 52 ± 6 %. Conclusions. New data on spatial distribution of the chlorophyll a concentration and the spectral light absorption coefficients by the optically active components in the Black and Azov seas were obtained for the spring period when the seawater hydrophysical characteristics changed.
Ecological Safety and Economic Profitability of a Recreation Object in the Coast – Sea System
Authors: Timchenko I. E. ,   Marine Hydrophysical Institute, Russian Academy of Science, Sevastopol, Russia, Igumnova E. M. ,   Marine Hydrophysical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Sevastopol, Russia, Beskorovayny A. S. ,   Marine Hydrophysical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Sevastopol, Russia
Published: December 2020

A model of ecological safety of a recreation object has been developed that allows linking the volume and quality of recreational services with the risk of contamination of the marine environment by the by-products of the recreation process and in particular, by the waste water of the facility. The model combined the economic system of profit-making and the ecological system of control over the ecological state of coastal marine environment through management of an ecological safety resource. As an ecological safety resource, the value of risk of infecting a vacationer with various diseases associated with specific types of pollution has been considered. It is assumed that this risk is proportional to the rate of increase in the concentration of pollution entering the marine environment during delivery of services, and inversely proportional to the rate of decrease in this concentration due to self-cleaning of the environment and/or environmental measures. An increase in the concentration of pollution compared to the stationary (background) value meant the consumption of an environmental resource and a corresponding increase in the risk of infection of vacationers. The model is based on the concept of an environmentally safe stationary state of the marine ecosystem, in which these rates are equal and the risk of infection of vacationers with bacterial, viral and other types of infection is absent. The volume of production of recreational services depended on the value of the ecological safety index, which determined the integral speed balance. This index was equal to one when the risk of infection was absent and exponentially decreased with the growth of this imbalance. Thus, the size of the risk of infection of the object's ecosystem depended on the intensity of its work. The equations of the model are constructed by the method of adaptive balance of causes, which include logical control agents that make local decisions. In computational experiments on the example of Sevastopol Bay, scenarios for the volume of recreational services, the level of marine pollution, penalties for pollution, and integral volumes of consumption and reproduction of an environmental resource are constructed. The conclusion is made about the usefulness of such models for monitoring the level of environmental safety of a recreation facility.
Natural Conditions and Anthropogenic Change of the Coastal Zone in the Area of Kacha Village
Authors: Goryachkin Yu. N. ,   Marine Hydrophysical Institute, Russian Academy of Science, Sevastopol, Russia, Fedorov A. P. ,   Marine Hydrophysical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Sevastopol, Russia, Dolotov V. V. ,   Marine Hydrophysical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Sevastopol, Russia, Udovik V. F. ,   Marine Hydrophysical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Sevastopol, Russia
Published: December 2020

Development of not yet used parts of the coastal zone poses the task of developing appropriate management principles based on scientific ideas and forecast. The aim of the work is to characterize natural conditions, features of lithodynamics and anthropogenic impact on the coastal area adjacent to the village of Kacha (Sevastopol region); using this site as a case, to demonstrate the problems arising out of economic development; and to give recommendations for rational use of natural resources. The data of repeated geomorphological surveys, observations of the coastline dynamics at the controls, measurements of the beach profiles were analyzed using the results of tacheometric and photogrammetric surveys, satellite images, and other materials. Geological and geomorphological conditions and lithodynamics are considered in detail. In the area under study, a complex pattern of redistribution of sediment volumes is observed; it is characterized by a significant seasonal and interannual variability of alongshore sediment migrations. The average rate of the cliff edge retreat is 0.43 m/year in the northern part of the site, 0.04 m/year in the central part and 0.10 m/year in the southern part. At the same time, the central part of the cliff falls due to soil crumbling in the absence of landslides. According to satellite data, over a 2 km area centered at the Nemetskaya Clough, average displacement of the cliff edge was about 0.27 m/year in the period from 2004 to 2016. The most probable average annual value of sediment input due to destruction of cliffs is about 6,000 m 3 /year. Provided earlier in the literature, the values of the cliff retreat and sediment influx due to its destruction are not confirmed by the data of long-term observations and seem to the authors to be significantly overestimated. Specific cases of hazardous exogenous processes (landslides) and current anthropogenic impact on the coastal zone are considered. Specific recommendations are given for further economic development of the coastal zone.
Etnozooterapia em comunidades do cerrado piauiense, Brasil
Authors: Tyago Henrique Alves Saraiva Cipriano  , Diego Pires de Sousa Oliveira  , Irineu Campêlo da Fonseca Filho  , Bomfim Brunna Laryelle Silva
Published: December 2020

A Etnozoologia analisa a relação entre as comunidades humanas e a fauna local. A zooterapia se destaca como uma de suas subáreas e apresenta as práticas ligadas ao uso de remédios à base de animais. Objetivou-se analisar o uso medicinal de animais e subprodutos em duas comunidades rurais no cerrado nordestino brasileiro. Desenvolveu-se o estudo a partir da aplicação de formulários semiestruturados a 16 famílias de duas comunidades rurais. As espécies com maior número de citações foram: Lycalopex vetulus (raposa), Gallus gallus domesticus (galinha) e o Euphractus sexcinctus (tatu peba). Foi percebido que devido ao contato com a natureza, comunidades humanas desenvolveram saberes acerca da utilização de medicamentos à base de animais para o tratamento de doenças como gripe, asma e inflamações na garganta. Entretanto, a ação antrópica vem causando impactos ambientais negativos como, por exemplo, uma expressiva diminuição na densidade populacional de diversas espécies de animais na natureza.