bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender, planning, and academic expectations in first-year higher education students: testing two alternative mediation models
Authors: Alfonso Sonia , Diniz António M. , Deaño Manuel , Tellado Fernando , García-Señorán Mar , Conde Ángeles , Iglesias-Sarmiento Valentín
Published: May 2020

We examined the relationships among gender, planning, and academic expectations through the testing of two alternative models with latent variables tested with LISREL 8.80: one model considered planning as a mediator of the relationship between gender and academic expectations, and the other model considered academic expectations as mediators of the relationship between gender and planning. Participants were 662 first-year higher-education students from two academic years, predominantly female (60%) and mainly with majors in the juridical-social field (66.2%). The Inventario sobre Estrategias Metacognitivas (IEM; Inventory of Metacognitive Strategies) and the Academic Perceptions Questionnaire (APQ) were applied at the beginning of the first semester to assess planning and academic expectations, respectively. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the IEM’s structure after examining its psychometric properties with the sample from the first academic year (N = 338). The test of the alternative mediation models with the full sample indicates that the best model was that with planning as a mediator. In this model, gender directly predicted only two APQ academic expectations, but with the mediation of planning, gender predicted all seven academic expectations. Women showed higher levels of academic expectations and planning than did men. The results are discussed at both the theoretical and practical levels.
Modeling the trend of coronavirus disease 2019 and restoration of operational capability of metropolitan medical service in China: a machine learning and mathematical model-based analysis
Authors: Liu Zeye , Huang Shuai , Lu Wenlong , Su Zhanhao , Yin Xin , Liang Huiying , Zhang Hao
Published: May 2020

Background

To contain the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China, many unprecedented intervention measures are adopted by the government. However, these measures may interfere in the normal medical service. We sought to model the trend of COVID-19 and estimate the restoration of operational capability of metropolitan medical service in China.

Methods

Real-time data of COVID-19 and population mobility data were extracted from open sources. SEIR (Susceptible, Exposed, Infectious, Recovered) and neural network models (NNs) were built to model disease trends in Wuhan, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Combined with public transportation data, Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model was used to estimate the accumulated demands for nonlocal hospitalization during the epidemic period in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Results

The number of infected people and deaths would increase by 45% and 567% respectively, given that the government only has implemented traffic control in Wuhan without additional medical professionals. The epidemic of Wuhan (measured by cumulative confirmed cases) was predicted to reach turning point at the end of March and end in later April, 2020. The outbreak in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou was predicted to end at the end of March and the medical service could be fully back to normal in middle of April. During the epidemic, the number of nonlocal inpatient hospitalizations decreased by 69.86%, 57.41% and 66.85% in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou respectively. After the end of epidemic, medical centers located in these metropolises may face 58,799 (95% CI 48926–67,232) additional hospitalization needs in the first month.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 epidemic in China has been effectively contained and medical service across the country is expected to return to normal in April. However, the huge unmet medical needs for other diseases could result in massive migration of patients and their families, bringing tremendous challenges for medical service in major metropolis and disease control for the potential asymptomatic virus carrier.
Isolation, identification of entomopathogenic nematodes, and preliminary study of their virulence against the great wax moth, Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Khashaba Etr H. K. , Moghaieb Reda E. A. , Abd El Azim Amany M. , Ibrahim Sanaa A. M.
Published: May 2020

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are a group of biological control agents that are characterized by their ability to search for hosts, safety to non-target insects and environment, and their ability to be used combined with agricultural chemicals. The objectives of this study were to isolate EPNs from agricultural soil in Egypt and study their virulence against the great wax moth,Galleria mellonellaL. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), for further use in biological control program. Two out of 20 soil samples collected from orchards cultivated with olives and mango were positive for the presence of EPNs, using theGalleriabaiting technique. The positive soil samples were sandy clay loam. Sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region indicated that the isolates obtained belong toHeterorhabditis indica. The ITS sequences were submitted to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and registered under the accession nos. MH553167 andMK300683. The efficacy of the isolates was tested onG. mellonella, using different nematodes’ concentrations. Using 50 IJs/larvae fromH. indicaAborawash and ERSAG2 showed 100 and 86% mortality rate after 48 h, respectively. The penetration rate reported in deadG. mellonellawas 40% atH. indicaAborawash, while it was 35% in case of ERSAG2.
Software development for modeling irregular fine protrusions formed by sputter etching
Authors: Gao Sande , Nakasa Keijiro , Huang Loulin
Published: May 2020

Irregular fine protrusions formed on the surface of a mechanical part through biomimetic technology can enhance the part’s properties, including tribology, self-cleaning, and light absorption. However, underlying principles for the formation of fine protrusions according to the requirements of their shapes, sizes, and material distributions have not been studied sufficiently. This paper presents the software development for modeling irregular fine protrusions, which is essential for the simulation, experimentation, and analysis of fine protrusions formed by sputter etching.
Wild primate microbiomes prevent weight gain in germ-free mice
Authors: Sidiropoulos Dimitrios N. , Al-Ghalith Gabriel A. , Shields-Cutler Robin R. , Ward Tonya L. , Johnson Abigail J. , Vangay Pajau , Knights Dan , Kashyap Purna C. , Xian Yibo , Ramer-Tait Amanda E. , Clayton Jonathan B.
Published: May 2020

Background

The gut microbiome harbors trillions of bacteria that play a major role in dietary nutrient extraction and host metabolism. Metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes are associated with shifts in microbiome composition and have been on the rise in Westernized or highly industrialized countries. At the same time, Westernized diets low in dietary fiber have been shown to cause loss of gut microbial diversity. However, the link between microbiome composition, loss of dietary fiber, and obesity has not been well defined.

Results

To study the interactions between gut microbiota, dietary fiber, and weight gain, we transplanted captive and wild douc gut microbiota into germ-free mice and then exposed them to either a high- or low-fiber diet. The group receiving captive douc microbiota gained significantly more weight, regardless of diet, while mice receiving a high-fiber diet and wild douc microbiota remained lean. In the presence of a low-fiber diet, the wild douc microbiota partially prevented weight gain. Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing we identified key bacterial taxa in each group, specifically a high relative abundance ofBacteroidesandAkkermansiain captive douc FMT mice and a higher relative abundance ofLactobacillusandClostridiumin the wild douc FMT mice.

Conclusions

In the context of our germ-free mouse experiment, wild douc microbiota could serve as a reservoir for microbes for cross-species transplants. Our results suggest that wild douc microbiota are tailored to diverse fiber diets and can prevent weight gain when exposed to a native diet.

Graphical abstract
Microbial symbiosis and coevolution of an entire clade of ancient vertebrates: the gut microbiota of sea turtles and its relationship to their phylogenetic history
Authors: Scheelings Titus Franciscus , Moore Robert J. , Van Thi Thu Hao , Klaassen Marcel , Reina Richard D.
Published: May 2020

Background

The microbiota plays a critical role in host homeostasis and has been shown to be a major driving force in host evolution. However, our understanding of these important relationships is hampered by a lack of data for many species, and by significant gaps in sampling of the evolutionary tree. In this investigation we improve our understanding of the host-microbiome relationship by obtaining samples from all seven extant species of sea turtle, and correlate microbial compositions with host evolutionary history.

Results

Our analysis shows that the predominate phyla in the microbiota of nesting sea turtles was Proteobacteria. We also demonstrate a strong relationship between the bacterial phyla SR1 and sea turtle phylogeny, and that sea turtle microbiotas have changed very slowly over time in accordance with their similarly slow phenotypic changes.

Conclusions

This is one of the most comprehensive microbiota studies to have been performed in a single clade of animals and further improves our knowledge of how microbial populations have influenced vertebrate evolution.
The fecal microbiota of wild and captive raptors
Authors: Oliveira Bruno C. M. , Murray Maureen , Tseng Florina , Widmer Giovanni
Published: May 2020

Background

The microorganisms populating the gastro-intestinal tract of vertebrates, collectively known as “microbiota”, play an essential role in digestion and are important in regulating the immune response. Whereas the intestinal microbiota in humans and model organisms has been studied for many years, much less is known about the microbiota populating the intestinal tract of wild animals.

Results

The relatively large number of raptors admitted to the Tufts Wildlife Clinic on the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University campus provided a unique opportunity to investigate the bacterial microbiota in these birds. Opportunistic collection of fecal samples from raptors of 7 different species in the orders Strigiformes, Accipitriformes, and Falconiformes with different medical histories generated a collection of 46 microbiota samples. Based on 16S amplicon sequencing of fecal DNA, large β-diversity values were observed. Many comparisons exceeded weighted UniFrac distances of 0.9. Microbiota diversity did not segregate with the taxonomy of the host; no significant difference between microbiota from Strigiformes and from Accipitriformes/Falconiformes were observed. In contrast, in a sample of 22 birds admitted for rehabilitation, a significant effect of captivity was found. The change in microbiota profile was driven by an expansion of the proportion of Actinobacteria. Based on a small number of raptors treated with anti-microbials, no significant effect of these treatments on microbiota α-diversity was observed.

Conclusions

The concept of “meta-organism conservation”, i.e., conservation efforts focused on the host and its intestinal microbiome has recently been proposed. The observed effect of captivity on the fecal microbiota is relevant to understanding the response of wildlife to captivity and optimizing wildlife rehabilitation and conservation efforts.
Chemical pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusion: which agent is perfect?
Authors: Saleh Mohamed Elshabrawy , Awad Gehad , Sanad Mohammed
Published: May 2020

Background

Pleurodesis is defined as symphysis between two layers of pleura to prevent recurrence of effusion, and it is the best available treatment for recurrent effusions of incurable malignancies. An ideal agent must be highly effective, safe, inexpensive, and readily available which is yet to be identified.

The aim of this study was to assess our results of medical pleurodesis, using 3 different chemical agents: bleomycin ampoules, doxycycline capsules, povidone–iodine solution, through two different routes, chest tube and small bore indwelling catheter.

Over a period of 5 years, 104 patients with malignant recurrent pleural effusion underwent pleurodesis at our university hospital, using 3 different agents and two routes of delivery.

Results

Fifty patients were male, patients’ age ranged from 22 to 74 years (57.55 ± 9.02). Fifty-nine patients (56.7%) had right-sided effusion, 61 patients (58.7%) had massive effusion. All patients were dyspneic. The rout of effusion drainage and sclerosing agent instillation was chest tube in 64 patients (61.5%) and small indwelling catheter in 40 patients. Forty-three patients received bleomycin, 36 patients received doxycycline, and 25 patients received povidone–iodine. The total success rate was 78.8%.

Conclusion

Pleurodesis is a safe acceptable palliative procedure for malignant pleural effusion with not yet definite ideal agent or rout. Hence, the availability and the expense of agent are important.
Person-centred care and psychiatry: some key perspectives
Authors: Boardman Jed , Dave Subodh
Published: May 2020

This paper outlines the importance of person-centred approaches to the practice of contemporary medicine and psychiatry. In considering the many aspects of person-centred approaches it outlines some key perspectives, including freedom and human rights; improving individual practice and the quality of services; increasing clinicians’ work satisfaction; combining value-based and evidence-based practice; and the training of future generations of psychiatrists.
How, When, and With Whom Should Cost of Care Conversations Occur? Preferences of Two Distinct Cancer Survivor Groups
Authors: Pisu Maria , Banegas Matthew P. , Liang Margaret I. , Tuzzio Leah , Henrikson Nora B.
Published: May 2020

PURPOSE:

Cost of care (CoC) conversations should occur routinely in oncology practice. However, patient preferences about with whom, when, and how to have these conversations are missing and preferences may vary across patient populations.

METHODS:

We performed a secondary qualitative analysis of quotes from interviews with 28 cancer survivors from two health care settings (Kaiser Permanente Washington and O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at University of Alabama at Birmingham [UABCCC]). A targeted approach searched for three constructs: (1) Who should have CoC conversations with patients? (2) When should CoC conversations occur? and (3) How should CoC conversations happen?

RESULTS:

Interviewees were similar in age and education, but UABCCC participants had more racial/ethnic minority representation and financial distress. Within each construct, themes were similar across both groups. As to who should have CoC conversations, we found that (1) providers’ main role is medical care, not CoC; and (2) care team staff members are a more appropriate choice to address CoC needs. About the question of when, we found that (3) individuals have strong convictions about when and if they want to discuss CoC; and (4) CoC information and resources need to be available when patients are ready. About the question of how, themes were (5) provide estimates of anticipated out-of-pocket costs and insurance coverage; (6) provide reassurance, sympathy, and concrete solutions; and (7) because of their sensitivity, conduct CoC conversations in a comfortable, private space.

CONCLUSION:

These findings offer general guidance as to who should conduct CoC conversations and when and how they should occur, with applicability across different patient populations.
Endocrinologist Burnout: We Need to Tackle It and Bring Joy to Work
Authors: Gabbay Robert A , Barrett Alana M
Published: May 2020

Context

Physician burnout is a national problem that has gained increasing attention among the medical community. Many organizations like the American Medical Association, American College of Physicians, and the National Academy of Medicine are taking action.

Evidence Acquisition

Endocrinologists and other members of the endocrine community are not immune to burnout. Approximately 47% of endocrinologists report feeling burnt out or have experienced symptoms of burnout, and this number is rising.

Evidence Synthesis

The consequences of burnout include personal factors such as stress, depression, and risk of suicide as well as organizational impacts like decreased quality of care, increased clinical errors, reduced empathy for patients, decreased patient satisfaction, and higher turnover rates, with some physicians leaving practice altogether. Burnout has substantial economic impacts at an organizational level, and high costs are associated with replacing, recruiting, and retraining endocrinologists. Endocrinologists identified feeling a lack of respect from administration, excessive bureaucratic tasks, increased computerization, emphasis on profit that has contributed to loss of control over schedules, and insufficient compensation as top contributors to burnout. One strategy to address burnout is to focus on the promotion of joy in work. Joy in work is guided by 4 key themes: meaning, camaraderie, choice, and equity. Each of these themes can be implemented through cocreating solutions. We discuss how each theme can be addressed among endocrine practices.

Conclusion

Ultimately, initiatives need to be implemented across the endocrinology community to cultivate joy and reduce burnout.
Thyroid Function Affects the Risk of Stroke via Atrial Fibrillation: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Marouli Eirini , Kus Aleksander , Del Greco M Fabiola , Chaker Layal , Peeters Robin , Teumer Alexander , Deloukas Panos , Medici Marco
Published: May 2020

Context

Observational studies suggest that variations in normal range thyroid function are associated with cardiovascular diseases. However, it remains to be determined whether these associations are causal or not.

Objective

To test whether genetically determined variation in normal range thyroid function is causally associated with the risk of stroke and coronary artery disease (CAD) and investigate via which pathways these relations may be mediated.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Mendelian randomization analyses for stroke and CAD using genetic instruments associated with normal range thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxine levels or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease. The potential mediating role of known stroke and CAD risk factors was examined. Publicly available summary statistics data were used.

Main Outcome Measures

Stroke or CAD risk per genetically predicted increase in TSH or FT4 levels.

Results

A 1 standard deviation increase in TSH was associated with a 5% decrease in the risk of stroke (odds ratio [OR], 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.91-0.99; P = 0.008). Multivariable MR analyses indicated that this effect is mainly mediated via atrial fibrillation. MR analyses did not show a causal association between normal range thyroid function and CAD. Secondary analyses showed a causal relationship between Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and a 7% increased risk of CAD (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01-1.13; P = 0.026), which was mainly mediated via body mass index.

Conclusion

These results provide important new insights into the causal relationships and mediating pathways between thyroid function, stroke, and CAD. We identify variation in normal range thyroid function and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis as risk factors for stroke and CAD, respectively.
Novel Insights Into Effects of Cortisol and Glucagon on Nocturnal Glucose Production in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Basu Ananda , Yadav Yogesh , Carter Rickey E , Basu Rita
Published: May 2020

Context

The effect of physiological changes in night-time cortisol and glucagon on endogenous glucose production (EGP) and nocturnal glycemia are unknown.

Objective

To determine the effects of changes in cortisol and glucagon on EGP during the night.

Design

Two overnight protocols were conducted. In Protocol 1, endogenous cortisol was blocked with metyrapone and hydrocortisone infused either at constant (constant) or increasing (variable) rates to mimic basal or physiological nocturnal cortisol concentrations. In Protocol 2, endogenous glucagon was blocked with somatostatin and exogenous glucagon was infused at either basal or elevated rates to mimic nocturnal glucagon concentrations observed in nondiabetic (ND) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) individuals. EGP was measured using [3-3H] glucose and gluconeogenesis estimated with 2H2O in all studies.

Setting

Mayo Clinic Clinical Research Trials Unit, Rochester, MN, US.

Participants

In Protocol 1, 34 subjects (17 ND and 17 T2D) and in Protocol 2, 39 subjects (21 ND and 18 T2D) were studied.

Main Outcome Measures

Endogenous glucose production

Results

EGP, gluconeogenesis, and glycogenolysis were higher with variable than with constant cortisol at 7 am in T2D subjects. In contrast, nocturnal EGP did not differ in ND subjects between variable and constant cortisol. While elevated glucagon increased EGP, glycogenolysis, and gluconeogenesis in ND, the data in T2D subjects indicated that EGP and gluconeogenesis but not glycogenolysis were higher during the early part of the night.

Conclusion

Nocturnal hyperglucagonemia, but not physiological rise in cortisol, contributes to nocturnal hyperglycemia in T2D due to increased gluconeogenesis.
Case Series of Adaptive Changes in Clinical Practice and Trainee Education for Cesarean Delivery due to Drug Shortages of 0.75% Hyperbaric Bupivacaine in 2018
Authors: Thenuwara Kokila N. , Dexter Franklin , Ituk Unyime S. , Weetman David
Published: May 2020

Hyperbaric bupivacaine, the local anesthetic routinely selected for single-injection spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery (CD), was in short supply in 2018. Hospital stocks were significantly less than before and after the shortage period. We developed a contingency plan to communicate with pharmacy and retrieve, restrict, and reallocate remaining stocks of drug to continue performing CD under neuraxial anesthesia, specifically spinal anesthesia for emergency CD, when time appropriate. Retrospective chart review revealed that elective and emergency CDs were performed without delays or increase in rate of general anesthesia during this period. However, trainees had fewer opportunities to perform spinal anesthesia for CD.
Sissy Remixed
Authors: Gilbert Aster
Published: May 2020

Available scholarship on trans* pornography has favored mainstream studio and alternative/queer productions. Relatively little work has examined the phenomenon of trans* micropornography: user-made remixes of copywritten source material that are shared online within networks of pornographic fandoms. Trans* identities hold a significant purchase on microporn networks, evidenced by the ubiquity of trans* bodies and the work of trans* microporn video makers, who while hidden behind screen names and avatars, largely identify as trans* women and cis male “sissies.” Drawing on textual analysis of these videos and their methods of addressing the viewer, the author identifies a practice within microporn networks that she calls trans* porno remix (TPR). Through digital editing techniques, TPR creates haptic spaces for the viewer to imagine themselves as trans* subjects. Through modes of direct address to the viewer, on-screen captions, and audio-visual montage, TPR videos construct a trans* imaginary that is coproduced with the porn consumer and create space for viewers to experiment with gendered embodiment through imagining a future-oriented transformation into a trans* subject.
Sex Work Saved My Life
Authors: Adams Skylar
Published: May 2020

In this essay, Skylar Adams highlights the ways in which porn has provided her with not only economic stability but also a creative outlet and a sense of belonging and community.
Nuclear encoded mitochondrial ribosomal proteins are required to initiate gastrulation
Authors: Cheong Agnes , Archambault Danielle , Degani Rinat , Iverson Elizabeth , Tremblay Kimberly , Mager Jesse
Published: May 2020

Mitochondria are essential for energy production and while they have their own genome, many nuclear-encoded mitochondrial ribosomal proteins (MRPs) are required for proper function of the organelle. Although mutations in MRPs have been associated with human diseases, little is known about their role during development. Presented here are the null phenotypes for 21 nuclear encoded mitochondrial proteins and in-depth characterization of five MRP mutants - Mrpl3, Mrpl22, Mrpl44, Mrps18c and Mrps22. Loss of each MRP results in successful implantation and egg-cylinder formation but then severe developmental delay and failure to initiate gastrulation by embryonic day (E) 7.5. The robust and similar single knockout phenotypes are somewhat surprising given there are over 70 MRPs and suggest little functional redundancy. Metabolic analysis reveals that Mrp knockout embryos produce significantly less ATP than controls, indicating compromised mitochondrial function. Histological and immunofluorescence analyses indicate abnormal organelle morphology and stalling at the G2/M checkpoint in Mrp null cells. The nearly identical pre-gastrulation phenotype observed for many different nuclear-encoded mitochondrial protein knockouts hints that distinct energy systems are critical at specific timepoints during mammalian development.
Votes for Women: An Economic Perspective on Women’s Enfranchisement
Authors: Moehling Carolyn M. , Thomasson Melissa A.
Published: May 2020

The ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920 officially granted voting rights to women across the United States. However, many states extended full or partial suffrage to women before the federal amendment. In this paper, we discuss the history of women's enfranchisement using an economic lens. We examine the demand side, discussing the rise of the women's movement and its alliances with other social movements, and describe how suffragists put pressure on legislators. On the supply side, we draw from theoretical models of suffrage extension to explain why men shared the right to vote with women. Finally, we review empirical studies that attempt to distinguish between competing explanations. We find that no single theory can explain women's suffrage in the United States and note that while the Nineteenth Amendment extended the franchise to women, state-level barriers to voting limited the ability of black women to exercise that right until the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Self-control Mediates the Relationship between Psychosocial Strengths and Perceived Severity of COVID-19 among Frontline Healthcare Professionals of Pakistan: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Saleem Muhammad , Dastgeer Saima , Durrani Areeha Khan , Saad Abubakr Ali , Manzoor Zubair , Hussain Hafiz Nauman
Published: May 2020

Objective: To examine the relationship between psychosocial strengths (resilience, self-efficacy beliefs and social support) and perceived severity of COVID-19 and also to gauge the mediating role of self-control among frontline health care professionals of Pakistan.

Methods: A cross-sectional research design was utilized from March to April 2020 from one medical teaching hospital of South Punjab. As it was a single center experience so all the doctors were approached and asked to participate in this research. In total, 284 doctors (out of 300 approx.) completed online survey. The data were collected through online google forms consisting of self-report measures i.e. Brief Resilience Scale, Short General Self Efficacy Scale, Brief Scale for Social Support, Risk Behavior Diagnostic Scale and Brief Self-Control Scale.

Results: The results were analyzed by using SmartPLS (3.0), direct effect of psychosocial strengths on perceived severity of COVID-19 and indirect effect of self-control were assessed through path coefficients, t-values and r-square values. The results confirmed that there was significant negative relationship between psychosocial strengths and perceived severity of COVID-19 (β = -0.854, t =14.279) with 72% variance in perceived severity due to psychosocial strengths. Further, the results also suggest that self-control proved significant mediator between psychosocial strengths and perceived severity (β = -0.604, t = 11.004, variance in perceived severity is 74%).

Conclusion: In the time of pandemic, medical professionals are working as frontline force and can have several uncertainties regarding the risk associated with outbreak of COVID-19. This study concludes psychosocial strengths can play a significant role in subsiding the risk associated with severity of disease. Whereas, self-control can significantly contribute to buffer the negative influence of COVID-19 among frontline medical professionals. In line with findings of this study, there is a dire need to initiate psychotherapeutic studies for medical professionals to boost up their psychosocial strengths that would make them resilient against COVID-19.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2662

How to cite this:Saleem M, Dastgeer S, Durrani AK, Saad AA, Manzoor Z, Hussain HN. Self-control Mediates the Relationship between Psychosocial Strengths and Perceived Severity of COVID-19 among Frontline Healthcare Professionals of Pakistan: A Single Center Experience. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(COVID19-S4):COVID19-S62-S66. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2662

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Dynamic causal modelling of COVID-19
Authors: Friston Karl J. , Parr Thomas , Zeidman Peter , Razi Adeel , Flandin Guillaume , Daunizeau Jean , Hulme Ollie J. , Billig Alexander J. , Litvak Vladimir , Moran Rosalyn J. , Price Cathy J. , Lambert Christian
Published: May 2020

This technical report describes a dynamic causal model of the spread of coronavirus through a population. The model is based upon ensemble or population dynamics that generate outcomes, like new cases and deaths over time. The purpose of this model is to quantify the uncertainty that attends predictions of relevant outcomes. By assuming suitable conditional dependencies, one can model the effects of interventions (e.g., social distancing) and differences among populations (e.g., herd immunity) to predict what might happen in different circumstances. Technically, this model leverages state-of-the-art variational (Bayesian) model inversion and comparison procedures, originally developed to characterise the responses of neuronal ensembles to perturbations. Here, this modelling is applied to epidemiological populations—to illustrate the kind of inferences that are supported and how the model per se can be optimised given timeseries data. Although the purpose of this paper is to describe a modelling protocol, the results illustrate some interesting perspectives on the current pandemic; for example, the nonlinear effects of herd immunity that speak to a self-organised mitigation process.
Extension of a fixed-term employment contract: some theoretical and practical issues
Authors: Kichigin Sergey
Published: May 2020

The problem of introducing changes to a fixed-term employment contract in terms of amending (extending) its term is an urgent applied problem in the work of personnel services, which often arises in the course of their practical work. Argued, based on established judicial practice, the solution to this problem will create clarity in the application of the norms of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation.

The norms of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation do not contain a ban on the application of the provisions of art. 72 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation. However, to date there is no single, reasoned opinion on whether it is possible to change the term of a fixed-term employment contract, and if possible, under what conditions? On this issue, there are polar opinions. Both the courts and state authorities have repeatedly changed their position on this issue, right up to the diametrically opposite.

In this paper, the author attempts to answer this question on the basis of the existing judicial practice and the courts understand the relevant provisions of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, the opinions of the federal authorities of the Russian Federation, as well as their own attempts to interpret the provisions of the law, and concludes that the term of a fixed-term labor contract in the presence of compliance with the necessary conditions dictated by the norms of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, established law enforcement practice.
Things We Do For No Reason™: Routine Overnight Vital Sign Checks
Authors: Orlov Nicola M , Arora Vineet M
Published: May 2020

Inspired by the ABIM Foundation's Choosing Wisely® campaign, the “Things We Do for No Reason™”(TWDFNR) series reviews practices that have become common parts of hospital care but may provide little value to our patients. Practices reviewed in the TWDFNR series do not represent “black and white” conclusions or clinical practice standards but are meant as a starting place for research and active discussions among hospitalists and patients. We invite you to be part of that discussion.
Pseudo-Valid Cutting Planes for Two-Stage Mixed-Integer Stochastic Programs with Right-Hand-Side Uncertainty
Authors: Romeijnders Ward , van der Laan Niels
Published: May 2020

Cutting planes need not be valid in stochastic integer optimization. Many practical problems under uncertainty, for example, in energy, logistics, and healthcare, can be modeled as mixed-integer stochastic programs (MISPs). However, such problems are notoriously difficult to solve. In “Pseudo-Valid Cutting Planes for Two-Stage Mixed-Integer Stochastic Programs with Right-Hand-Side Uncertainty,” Romeijnders and van der Laan introduce a novel approach to solve two-stage MISPs. Instead of using exact cuts that are always valid, they propose to use pseudo-valid cutting planes for the second-stage feasible regions that may cut away feasible integer second-stage solutions for some scenarios and may be overly conservative for others. The advantage of using such cutting planes is that the approximating problem remains convex in the first-stage decision variables and thus can be solved efficiently. Moreover, the performance of these cutting planes is good if the variability of the random parameters in the model is large enough.
Approximation Algorithms for a New Truck Loading Problem in Urban Freight Transportation
Authors: Fan Jie , Wang Guoqing , Thürer Matthias
Published: May 2020

Motivated by urban freight transportation practices in China, we study an optimal truck loading problem in which a fixed cost and an additional cost that depends on the number of unloading points are associated with each truck used. The truck loading problem is modeled as a one-dimensional bin packing problem, where the cost of each bin is a convex fixed-plus-linear function of the number of items in the bin. The objective is to minimize the total cost of bins used. We develop an asymptotic polynomial time approximation scheme and an efficient approximation algorithm with an asymptotic worst-case performance ratio of 1.5 to tackle the problem. Our computational experiments indicate that the approximation algorithm performs well for certain order patterns, and also reveal several important insights on using the freight charge scheme.
Guidance for the provision of antenatal services during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Richens Yana , Wilkinson Meg , Connor David
Published: May 2020

Novel coronavirus, known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2), is a new strain of coronavirus causing the COVID-19 infection. The incubation period is estimated at 0–14 days (mean 5–6 days). The majority of people with COVID-19 infection have mild symptoms. Typical symptoms include a fever and cough which may progress to a severe pneumonia causing breathing difficulties. Severe symptoms are more likely in people with weakened immune systems, older people and people with long-term conditions. Pregnant women do not appear to be more susceptible to the consequences of an infection with COVID-19 than the general population. Special consideration should be given to pregnant women with concomitant medical illnesses. There is currently no evidence concerning transmission through genital fluids or breastmilk.
SANEAMENTO BÁSICO GOIANO: uma proposta de intervenção regulatória para o aumento da eficiência e eficácia dos serviços oferecidos à população
Authors: Guimarães Patrick Souto , Carvalho Claudia Regina Rosal
Published: May 2020

Apesar de sua importância a universalização do acesso a serviços de água e esgoto ainda é uma realidade distante no estado de Goiás. Assim este trabalho teve como objetivo apontar se há espaço regulatório para a promoção de incentivos de cunho tarifário para que os serviços de água e esgoto no estado de Goiás sejam mais eficientes e eficazes. Especificamente avaliou a eficiência utilizando a modelagem DEA, a partir dos dados do SNIS 2016, além da análise da eficácia pelos índices de atendimento de água e esgoto. Os resultados apontaram que há possibilidade de aumento da eficiência via melhor utilização de insumos produtivos e possibilidade de aumento do índice de atendimento de água em 3,71% e o de esgoto em 1,21%. Como resultado do estudo foi observado que as regiões com melhores índices também são as que receberam a maior parte dos investimentos, com destaque para o centro-goiano, onde se localiza a capital do estado. Concluindo foi proposta a utilização de novas metodologias de revisões e reajustes tarifários, baseados em metas de universalização dos serviços de água e esgoto, além da utilização de um Fator X para o aumento da eficiência.
Toxicity of entomopathogenic fungal culture filtrate of lowland and highland soil of South Sumatra (Indonesia) against Spodoptera litura larvae
Authors: MIMMA GUSTIANINGTYAS  , Herlinda Siti , SUWANDI  , SUPARMAN  , HARMAN HAMIDSON  , HASBI  , ARUM SETIAWAN  , MARIESKA VERAWATY  , ELFITA  , ARSI
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Gustianingtyas M, Herlinda S, Suwandi, Suparman, Hamidson H, Hasbi, Setiawan A, Verawaty M, Elfita, Arsi. 2020. Toxicity of entomopathogenic fungal culture filtrate of lowland and highland soil of South Sumatra against Spodoptera litura larvae. Biodiversitas 21: 1839-1849. The use of secondary fungal metabolites for the active ingredient of mycoinsecticide is more effective and more easily integrated with other pest control techniques. This study aimed to measure the toxicity of the culture filtrate of entomopathogenic fungi originating from South Sumatra against the Spodoptera litura larvae. Beauveria bassiana (25 isolates) and Metarhizium anisopliae (20 isolates) of South Sumatra were cultured in liquid media and filtered to produce culture filtrate. The larvae which were sick due to the filtrate showed the symptoms of decreased appetite and were not actively moving, while the dead larvae were characterized by being wrinkled, dry, black integument, and odorless. Mortality caused by B. bassiana filtrate was the highest 98% (BJgTs isolate) and not significantly different from the BSwTd2 isolate (94.67%). Yet, the LT50 BSwTd2 isolate was shorter (5.92 days) compared to the LT50 BJgTs isolate (6.35 days). The most toxic M. anisopliae filtrate produced the mortality of 96% (MKbTp2 isolate) and 85.33% (MPdB isolate) each of which had LT50 of 7.36 days and 8.09 days, respectively. So, the most toxic culture filtrate was BSwTd2 isolate of B. bassiana and MKbTp2 isolate of M. anisopliae. The entomopathogenic fungi producing filtrate which are toxic have the potential to be active ingredients of mycoinsecticides.
Fauna diversity, production potential and total economic value of mangrove ecosystems in Mentawir Village, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Kristiningrum Rochadi , Lahjie Abubakar M. , MASJAYA  , SYAHRIR YUSUF  , RUSLIM YOSEP , AMIR MA’RUF
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Kristiningrum R, Lahjie AM, Masjaya, Yusuf S, Ruslim Y, Ma’ruf A. 2020. Fauna diversity, production potential and total economic value of mangrove ecosystems in Mentawir Village, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 1940-1953. Mangroves play important role in life. The benefits of the mangrove ecosystem consist of ecological and socio-economic values. However, it is a challenge to discern how the mangrove ecosystem provides a comprehensive economic value. This research is aimed to analyze the Total Economic Value (TEV) of mangrove ecosystems in Mentawir Village, North Penajam Paser District, East Kalimantan Province. This aim will be achieved by conducting fauna inventory, analysis of mangrove wood production potential, social-economic interviews, and infrastructure cost analysis as the inputs to calculate four elements (i.e. Direct Use Value, Indirect Use Value, Option Value, and Existence Value) to sum up the TEV. The research used a mixed-method combining both qualitative and quantitative methods. Fauna inventory was conducted using boat survey method and interviews with local fishermen. Data on mangrove wood production was obtained using the systematic random sampling method by establishing two plots with an area of one hectare for each plot to calculate mean annual increment (MAI) and current annual increment (CAI). The economic value of the mangrove ecosystem was calculated using market price values, replacement costs, and the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM). The results of fauna inventory consisted of 3 species of mammals, 1 species of reptile, 16 species of birds, 25 types of fish, 8 species of crustaceans, and 7 species of mollusks. The economic valuation resulted in the contribution of direct use value with 39.56% in the form of wood (94,875,000,000 IDR) and fishery products (103,500,000,000 IDR); indirect use value with 53.47% in the form of breakwater (38,028,881,407 IDR), abrasion resistance (218,549,528,110 IDR), and carbon sequestration (11,580,313,067); option value with 6.92% in the form of biodiversity (34,690,085,038 IDR); and existence value with 0.05% (241,500,000 IDR). All these resulted in the total economic value (TEV) of the mangrove ecosystem in Mentawir Village of 501,465,307,621 IDR. Therefore, this value can be the basis for policymakers in managing natural resources so that the ecosystem is more protected and sustainable, and can continue to provide environmental services for the welfare of the community.
Floristic analysis of semi-arid mountain ecosystems of the Griqualand West centre of plant endemism, Northern Cape, South Africa
Authors: Van Staden Nanette , STEFAN JOHN SIEBERT  , DIRK PETRUS CILLIERS  , DIAN WILSENACH  , ARNOLD WALTER FRISBY
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Van Staden N, Siebert SJ, Cilliers DP, Wilsenach D, Frisby AW. 2020. Floristic analysis of semi-arid mountain ecosystems of the Griqualand West centre of plant endemism, Northern Cape, South Africa. Biodiversitas 21: 1989-2002. The Griqualand West Centre (GWC) is one of 13 centres of plant endemism in South Africa. Despite its unique flora, it remains poorly conserved and studied. A recent study identified an extensive geographical core area for the GWC, but endemic plant species were found to be absent from certain parts within these borders. To address this, we refined the current GWC borders based on an ecological niche model, which predicted that endemic species are restricted to four mountain ranges within GWC. Mountain floras within these refined borders were then floristically compared to assess whether they are hotspots of endemicity. Floristically, the Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, and Poaceae were the dominant plant families. Mountain ecosystems differed from one another at species level, with indicator species explaining the compositional differences. Distribution patterns of indicator species were determined by mean annual precipitation, Ca: Mg ratios, soil pH, cation exchange capacity, iron, and sand content. These environmental factors are possible drivers of niche partitioning, environmental filtering and habitat specialization in each mountain ecosystem. Limestone and banded ironstone habitats were identified as conservation priority areas, since they contained the highest numbers of rare and threatened GWC restricted-range species, of which six were narrow endemics.
Short Communication: Biological control of Fusarium wilt on banana plants using biofertilizers
Authors: Widyantoro Arief , HADIWIYONO  , SUBAGIYA
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Widyantoro A, Hadiwiyono, Subagiya. 2020. Biological control of Fusarium wilt on banana plants using biofertilizers. Biodiversitas 21: 2119-2123. Fusarium wilt is an important disease of banana caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (FOC). The FOC is a weak parasite that attacks many bananas whose conditions are weak such as nutrients. Therefore, controlling Fusarium wilt through fertilization is important so that bananas are not nutrient deficient which can cause plants to be susceptible to FOC. The research aimed to study the effect of biofertilizer applications on FOC suppression in planta. Seven treatments were tested on banana seedlings cv. Ambon Kuning under a completely randomized design: (i) no biofertilizer, (ii) carrier material of biofertilizer, (iii) comparative biofertilizer product, (iv) Azotobacter, (v) Azospirillum, (vi) Streptomyces and (vii) Bacillus. The present study showed that biofertilizer agents were antagonistic to Fusarium wilt. The results showed that biofertilizer agents had the potential to suppress the Fusarium wilt in planta. Streptomyces and Bacillus were the most effective in controlling the Fusarium wilt. Azotobacter and Azospirillum had not been able to prevent the incidence of wilt disease.
Environment carrying capacity and willingness to pay for bird-watching ecotourism in Kerandangan Natural Park, Lombok, Indonesia
Authors: Suana I Wayan , Ahyadi Hilman , Hadiprayitno Gito , Amin Saleh , Kalih Lalu Achmad Tan Tilar Wangsajati Sukmaring , Sudaryanto Franciscus Xaverius
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Suana IW, Ahyadi H, Hadiprayitno G, Amin S, Kalih LATTWS, Sudaryanto FX. 2020. Environment carrying capacity and willingness to pay for bird-watching ecotourism in Kerandangan Natural Park, Lombok, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 2266-2274.  Five trails of interest to bird-watchers and an observation point by the guest house of Kerandangan Natural Park (KNP) have potential to be developed as bird-watching ecotourism packages. In order to develop sustainable bird-watching ecotourism in KNP, we analyzed the environment carrying capacity and willingness to pay (WTP) for bird-watching ecotourism packages. All of the trails and an observation point in KNP were explored to determine the width and length of the trails, the visit time, as well as the soil texture and slope along the trails. Interviews with KNP managers and secondary data from Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Council (BMKG)-Climatology Station Class I-West Lombok were also used to determine the status of biophysical habitats. The environment carrying capacity was calculated by combining the physical carrying capacity, real carrying capacity, and effective carrying capacity. The results show that environment carrying capacity of bird-watching ecotourism packages in KNP was higher than the actual visitation levels. It indicates that opportunity to develop and increase the number of visitors is considerable. WTP was determined by Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) with payment card approach. Through the brochure, 150 respondents were given information on bird-watching ecotourism packages, then are offered three options, and only allowed to choose one that can be paid. Data were collected by the incidental sampling method. The results show that the visitors are willing to pay for bird-watching ecotourism packages, with mean WTP of US$ 20.7 per visitor. It implies that they are willing to shoulder the financial support for management and conservation of birds and their habitat in KNP. The findings provide important information for KNP managers for planning and marketing bird-watching ecotourism in KNP.