bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Aflatoxin and Ochratoxin A in Spices by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Zareshahrabadi Zahra , Bahmyari Robab , Nouraei Hasti , Khodadadi Hossein , Mehryar Pouyan , Asadian Fatemeh , Zomorodian Kamiar
Published: December 2020

Background. Spices are one of the flavoring components of food in the cooking recipes of different nations that are used daily. However, these ingredients may be contaminated by toxicogenic fungi and subsequent production of mycotoxins that cannot be neutralized through cooking. In the present study, the possible contamination of spices by aflatoxins (AFs) and ochratoxin A (OTA) was investigated from Shiraz, the south part of Iran. Materials and Methods. A total of 80 spice samples including turmeric (n = 20), red pepper (n = 20), black pepper (n = 20), and cinnamon (n = 20) were purchased from markets and cultured on appropriate medium. The isolated fungi were identified. Simultaneously, mycotoxins from spices were extracted with immunoaffinity columns (IAC) and the occurrence of AFs (B1 + B2 + G1 + G2) and OTA was then determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a fluorescence detector (FD). Result. The results depicted that 40 spice samples were contaminated with AFs and 48 samples with OTA. The highest rate of AFs contamination was related to red pepper, in 80% of which the amount of contamination was excessive than the standard level (>10 μg/kg). All black pepper samples were determined to be contaminated with OTA at over legislation limits of >15 μg/kg. Aspergillus species were the predominant isolated fungi, followed by Penicillium, and Mucor species. Discussion. Regarding the high mycotoxins contamination in spices in the current study, regular effective surveillance and quality control procedures are highly recommended. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to empower food-related laboratories with precise methods of isolation and detection of mycotoxins.
Chemical, Microbial Quality, and Risk Assessment due to Toxic Metal Contamination of Egusi (Citrullus colocynthis L.) Powder Sold in Selected Ghanaian Markets
Authors: Arthur Winifred , Ofori Jemima , Addo Peter , Amey Nelson , Kortei Nii Korley , Akonor Paa Toah
Published: December 2020

The present study was undertaken to investigate the physicochemical and microbiological qualities of melon seed powder sold in some open Ghanaian markets. Twenty-five samples of powder were collected randomly from each of four major markets and analyzed for moisture, pH, total ash, acid insoluble ash, and free fatty acids (FFA) using standard methods. The microbial population was determined using the pour plate method. Melon seed powder samples had a neutral pH (6.9-7.3) and contained significant amounts of ash (0.1-0.6%). Acid insoluble ash of powder from one market was high (0.6%) and possibly indicate contamination with siliceous earth material. FFA ranged between 4.1 and 11.6% for powder from the four markets. Levels of lead were higher (0.4-0.8 ppm) than other metals such as cadmium (0.02 ppm) and copper (0.3-0.6 ppm). HQ values >1 were recorded for Pb, implying a greater risk of toxicity to consumers. Counts for aerobic bacteria, fecal coliforms, and yeast and molds were in the range of 3.2-4.4, 1.6-4.0, 1.4-2.8, and 1.1-3.2 log CFU/g correspondingly for these organisms. E. coli was not detected in any of the melon seed powder samples analyzed. This study highlights the need for proper handling of melon seed during processing, storage, and distribution, to safeguard its quality for consumers.
Compression Behavior of CFST Stub Columns with Holes
Authors: Liu Yanhua , Ren Qingxin , Li Yuqing
Published: December 2020

Holes are always opened in the steel tubes during the inspection and revision of initial concrete imperfections in concrete filled steel tubular (CFST) columns. The structural performance of such composite columns with holes may have obvious differences in comparison with normal CFST members. This paper intends to investigate the influences of sectional type, holes location, holes size, and holes depth on CFST stub columns. The typical failure modes, load‐deformation responses, the ultimate strength, and ductility were discussed in detail. A total of twenty‐eight specimens, twenty CFST  columns with holes, four intact CFST  specimens, and four reference hollow steel tubes subjected to axial compressive loading, were tested. The experimental results were compared with predictions of Eurocode 4 and finite element analysis. An empirical equation for predicting the ultimate strength of CFST stub columns with holes was proposed.
Prediction Model of Drilling Performance for Percussive Rock Drilling Tool
Authors: Kim Dae-Ji , Kim Jaewon , Lee Booyeong , Shin Min-Seok , Oh Joo-Young , Cho Jung-Woo , Song Changheon
Published: December 2020

This study suggests a method for quantitatively estimating the drilling performance of the down‐the‐hole (DTH) hammer during percussive drilling of rock surfaces. A pneumatic dynamic model of the DTH hammer was developed that considers the mass flow rate relations representing the orifice opening areas of the air tube, the piston, and bit flushing channels. A drill bit motion model was developed to represent the dynamics of a drill bit impacted by a dropped piston and explain the impact stress propagation and rock‐crushing mechanism. The rock‐crushing effect of the drill button bit was measured through a piston drop test. The pneumatic hammer model and drill bit motion model were then combined in a prediction model to determine the impact efficiency according to different rock types (i.e., soft, medium‐hard, and very hard). The drilling efficiency was defined as the input value of the prediction model, which was used to simulate the drilling performance of DTH hammers considering the rock type and dynamic effect of the drill bit. Finally, the simulation results were compared with the results of in situ drilling tests for verification.
Ethiopian Indigenous Traditional Fermented Beverage: The Role of the Microorganisms toward Nutritional and Safety Value of Fermented Beverage
Authors: Hotessa Niguse , Robe Jedala
Published: December 2020

Ethiopia is one of the countries where a wide variety of traditional fermented beverages are produced and consumed for a long time. Traditional fermented beverages are those which are indigenous to a particular area and have been developed by the people using age-old techniques from locally available raw materials. Some of Ethiopian indigenous traditional fermented beverages products are Cheka, Keribo, Borde, Areki, Tella, Shamita, Booka, and Korefe, in which fermentation is natural and involves mixed cultures of microbes. The most common fermenting microorganisms, lactic acid bacteria and yeast, are used as probiotics, for improvement of organoleptic properties, for provision of nutritional quality and biopreservative. The nature of beverage preparation in Ethiopia, traditional household processing, associated microorganisms with a fermented beverage, and their contribution toward improving the nutritional value and safety, the extent, and its prospect in supporting the livelihood of people in Ethiopia need concern. Therefore, in the future, to improve its quality, it is important to standardize the methods of beverage fermentation processes.
Low-Speed Stability Optimization of Full-Order Observer for Induction Motor
Authors: Liu Xiangsheng , Ren Lin , Yang Yuanyuan , He Jun , Zhou Zhengxin
Published: December 2020

In terms of the instability of the full-order observer for the induction motor in the low-speed regenerative mode, the low-speed unstable region which leads to the extension of the commissioning cycle cannot be eliminated by the traditional adaptive law which aims at good system performance. It is proposed that the feedback gain matrix can control both the unstable region and the system performance both. To make a trade-off between the stability and performance by designing the feedback gain matrix is still an open problem. To solve this problem, first we analyze the cause of instability and derive constraints to ensure system stability by establishing a transfer function of the adaptive observing system for the speed. Then, with the derived constraints as the design criteria for the feedback gain matrix, a control strategy combining the weighted adaptive law with the improved feedback gain matrix is proposed to improve the stability at low speed. Finally, by comparing the traditional control strategy with the proposed control strategy through simulations and experiments, we show that the proposed control strategy achieves better performance with higher stability.
СВІТОВИЙ ДОСВІД БОРОТЬБИ З ВЕЙПІНГОМ ТА ЙОГО НАСЛІДКАМИ СЕРЕД ДІТЕЙ ТА МОЛОДІ
Authors: Dobrovolska L. I. , Boyarchuk O. R. , Hariyan T. V. , Hlushko K. T.
Published: December 2020

Резюме. Використання електронних сигарет (вейпу) стрімко зростає в усьому світі. Поширення вживання е-сигарет відрізняється залежно від країни і по-різному контролюється державами. Все більша кількість наукових праць спрямована на вивчення наслідків вейпінгу. Найбільш поширеним виявилося специфічне ускладнення у споживачів е-сигарет – ураження легень, пов’язане із вживанням вейпінг-продуктів (EVALI). Триває активне вивчення механізмів розвитку цього захворювання. Доведена ключова роль ацетату вітаміну Е у розвитку вказаної патології. Хоча на сьогодні етіологія відома, однак патогенез залишається до кінця не вивченим, особливо в умовах пандемії COVID-19.
Мета дослідження – проаналізувати літературні дані щодо поширення вейпінгу та його наслідків в усьому світі й Україні зокрема, визначити загрози для здоров’я дітей та молодих людей.
Матеріали і методи. У дослідженні опрацьовано наукові публікації за останні роки, які доступні у мережі «Інтернет», ключовими словами були «вейпінг», «е-сигарети», «EVALI».
Результати. Дані, оприлюднені в 2017 р., показують, що в Україні 18,4 % молодих людей віком від 13 до 15 років (22,6 % хлопців та 14 % дівчат) є теперішніми споживачами електронних сигарет, а більш як 40 % молодих людей мають досвід їх вживання. За даними Національного опитування молоді щодо тютюнових виробів у США використання е-сигарет щороку зростає, незважаючи на законодавчо врегульований обіг вейп-продуктів. Разом з тим, станом на 18 лютого 2020 р. у США було підтверджено 68 смертей унаслідок EVALI. Середній вік померлих пацієнтів складав від 15 до 75 років. Встановлено, що в умовах пандемії COVID-19 курці в 1,4 раза частіше мають важкі симптоми коронавірусної інфекції і приблизно в 2,4 раза частіше потрапляють до відділень інтенсивної терапії. Це викликає суттєве занепокоєння, враховуючи швидке поширення вейпінгу та його наслідків серед підлітків та молодих людей в усьому світі, а також і Україні.
Висновки. На сьогоднішні існують серйозні медичні ризики за умов вживання е-сигарет. Спалах EVALI підкреслює необхідність регулювання вейп-продукції, що, на жаль, відсутнє в Україні. Це викликає суттєвє занепокоєння.
Octavio Paz e a busca da presença
Authors: Prado Vinícius de Oliveira
Published: December 2020

Este texto visa a explorar a significação da noção de presente, presença e instante para Octavio Paz (1914-1998), poeta mexicano e ensaísta crítico. Em suas Obras Completas (1991), Paz nomeou o primeiro volume La casa da la presencia. Iniciamos este ensaio com uma exegese do título que, a nosso ver, é uma das muitas metáforas que o mexicano atribuiu à poesia e também uma importante chave de compreensão do seu pensamento. A poesia, manancial de sentidos e significados, seria, portanto, o local por excelência da experiência do presente: marcado por um alargamento sensorial e pela nietzschiana “eterna vivacidade”. Para Paz, o ser humano é tempo, em sua forma de ser e existir. Por estas razões, Paz pode ser considerado um autor que, na sua interpretação do contemporâneo, propõe uma visão de tempo que se coaduna à sua poética, a qual classificamos como uma poética do instante, uma vez que faz do instante poético o núcleo da experiência sensível, isto é, experiência estética da vivacidade e da transmutação do próprio tempo, bem como da história. Compreender o tempo em Paz implica em responder, também, à questão: seria o instante temporal evocado pela poesia um recorte sincrônico – entendido como justaposição – ou o poeta, em sua pretensão de totalidade, busca tor- nar a palavra uma unidade do absoluto? A nosso ver, a experiência da presençaguarda uma resposta para esse par tensionado, que exploramos neste ensaio, além de outras questões que constituem a experiência da presença, objetivo último do poeta.
Chronic Hypoxia Decreases Endothelial Connexin 40, Attenuates Endothelium‐Dependent Hyperpolarization–Mediated Relaxation in Small Distal Pulmonary Arteries, and Leads to Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Si Rui , Zhang Qian , Cabrera Jody Tori O. , Zheng Qiuyu , Tsuji‐Hosokawa Atsumi , Watanabe Makiko , Hosokawa Susumu , Xiong Mingmei , Jain Pritesh P. , Ashton Anthony W. , Yuan Jason X.‐J. , Wang Jian , Makino Ayako
Published: December 2020

Background

Abnormal endothelial function in the lungs is implicated in the development of pulmonary hypertension; however, there is little information about the difference of endothelial function between small distal pulmonary artery (PA) and large proximal PA and their contribution to the development of pulmonary hypertension. Herein, we investigate endothelium‐dependent relaxation in different orders of PAs and examine the molecular mechanisms by which chronic hypoxia attenuates endothelium‐dependent pulmonary vasodilation, leading to pulmonary hypertension.

Methods and Results

Endothelium‐dependent relaxation in large proximal PAs (second order) was primarily caused by releasing NO from the endothelium, whereas endothelium‐dependent hyperpolarization (EDH)–mediated vasodilation was prominent in small distal PAs (fourth–fifth order). Chronic hypoxia abolished EDH‐mediated relaxation in small distal PAs without affecting smooth muscle–dependent relaxation. RNA‐sequencing data revealed that, among genes related to EDH, the levels of
Cx37
,
Cx40
,
Cx43
, and
IK
were altered in mouse pulmonary endothelial cells isolated from chronically hypoxic mice in comparison to mouse pulmonary endothelial cells from normoxic control mice. The protein levels were significantly lower for connexin 40 (Cx40) and higher for connexin 37 in mouse pulmonary endothelial cells from hypoxic mice than normoxic mice. Cx40 knockout mice exhibited significant attenuation of EDH‐mediated relaxation and marked increase in right ventricular systolic pressure. Interestingly, chronic hypoxia led to a further increase in right ventricular systolic pressure in Cx40 knockout mice without altering EDH‐mediated relaxation. Furthermore, overexpression of Cx40 significantly decreased right ventricular systolic pressure in chronically hypoxic mice.

Conclusions

These data suggest that chronic hypoxia‐induced downregulation of endothelial Cx40 results in impaired EDH‐mediated relaxation in small distal PAs and contributes to the development of pulmonary hypertension.
The NORTH KOREA’S GAUNTLET, INTERNATIONAL LAW AND THE NEW SANCTIONS IMPOSED BY THE SECURITY COUNCIL
Authors: Borlini Leonardo
Published: December 2020

The Security Council’s reaction to the nuclear tests conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK or North Korea) in 2016 through Resolutions 2270 and 2321 have significantly changed the picture of UN sanctions regime against this country and created the most comprehensive, legally-binding, sanctions program imposed against a State since Iraq in the 1990s. While raising questions on their lawfulness under international law, the DPRK’s military actions have repeatedly challenged the international community. At the moment of finalising the present article, the situation seems more precarious than ever: despite the severity and comprehensiveness of the sanctions regime, the DPKR’s launches of ballistic missiles hit the headlines again, and its military aggressiveness does not appear reversed. The article examines this regime against the background of the Council’s past practice and the international rules on non-proliferation, also by discussing legal issues related to the different actions by Pyongyang. Ultimately, it seeks to assess the DPRK’s nuclear and ballistic missile tests vis-à-vis relevant international law and to determine the main limitations of the new set of binding obligations placed upon Member States to thwart the “North Korean threat”. For, in order to succeed, sanctions must be capable of coercing their targets into adjusting the particular course of behaviour that, according to the Security Council, poses a threat to international peace and security, the article concludes that the new sanctions regime is still affected by weaknesses that impair its effectiveness.
Ceria-Zirconia Antioxidant Nanoparticles Attenuate Hypoxia-Induced Acute Kidney Injury by Restoring Autophagy Flux and Alleviating Mitochondrial Damage
Authors: Hong Sang-Eun , An Jong Hun , Yu Seong-Lan , Kang Jaeku , Park Chang Gyo , Lee Hoi Young , Lee Dong Chul , Park Hwan-Woo , Hwang Won-Min , Yun Sung-Ro , Park Moon Hyang , Yoon Kuk Ro , Yoon Se-Hee
Published: December 2020

Oxidative stress is one of the principal causes of hypoxia-induced kidney injury. The ceria nanoparticle (CNP) is known to exhibit free radical scavenger and catalytic activities. When zirconia is attached to CNPs (CZNPs), the ceria atom tends to remain in a Ce3+ form and
its efficacy as a free radical scavenger thus increases. We determined the effectiveness of CNP and CZNP antioxidant activities against hypoxia-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) and observed that these nanoparticles suppress the apoptosis of hypoxic HK-2 cells by restoring autophagy flux and
alleviating mitochondrial damage. In vivo experiments revealed that CZNPs effectively attenuate hypoxia-induced AKI by preserving renal structures and glomerulus function. These nanoparticles can successfully diffuse into HK-2 cells and effectively counteract reactive oxygen species
(ROS) to block hypoxia-induced AKI. This suggests that these particles represent a novel approach to controlling this condition.
A Preliminary Study of miR-144 Inhibiting the Stemness of Colon Cancer Stem Cells by Targeting Krüppel-Like Factor 4
Authors: Qiu Zhenghua , Tu Lingjing , Hu Xiongwei , Zhou Zhipeng , Lin Yongwei , Ye Lili , Cui Chunhui
Published: December 2020

Colon cancer is a prevalent clinical malignant tumor of the digestive system. The current study aims to explore the miR-144 expression in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines and CRC stem cells (CSCs) and to explore its effect on the stemness of CSCs and the targeted regulation of Krüppel-like
factor 4 (KLF4). Use qRT-PCR to detect the expression level of miR-144 in CRC cells SW480, HCT116, and H129 and the healthy colon cell NCM460. The CSCs that were used were cultured in HCT116 cells. Use western blot to explore the expressions of Nanog, SOX2, and OCT4 stemness marker protein.
After it was transfected with miR-144 mimics or KLF4 plasmid, use MTT to explore the cell viability of CSCs, use flow cytometry to evaluate apoptosis, and use transwell assay to evaluate the ability of invasive of CSCs. The targeting effect of miR-144 on the KLF4 gene was verified using TargetScan
prediction and the double-luciferase reporter gene test. Use qRT-PCR to evaluate the role of miR-144 mimics on KLF4 mRNA expression in CSCs. The qRT-PCR results exhibited that the miR-144 expression in CRC cells was higher than that in the healthy colon cell line. The expressions of OCT4,
Nanog, and SOX2 stem cell markers were up-regulated in CSCs, and the expression of miR144 increased in CSCs. The cell viability, apoptosis, and invasion of CSCs increased after miR-144 was transfected. The TargetScan prediction and double-luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that miR-144
was targeted by KLF4, and the expression of KLF4 mRNA in the miR-144 mimics group reduced. Moreover, the overexpression of KLF4 could partially reverse the role of miR-144 mimics on CSCs. In summary, miR-144 was highly expressed in CRC cell lines and CSCs, and the overexpression of miR-144
in CSCs significantly promoted the proliferation of CSCs, inhibited its apoptosis, and promoted its invasion ability. In addition, its preliminary mechanism, possibly through negative regulation KLF4, promotes the stemness of CSCs, and miR-144 is likely to be a potential target for eliminating
CSC from CRC treatment.
Systematic Evaluation of Protein-Based Nanoparticles for Stable Delivery of Small Interfering RNA
Authors: Suresh Dhananjay , Jenkins Brian , Zambre Ajit , Upendran Anandhi , Kannan Raghuraman
Published: December 2020

Developing a delivery vehicle to protect siRNA from degradation is a significant challenge. To solve this challenge, researchers attempted to use protein-based nanoparticles to deliver siRNA with limited to moderate success. However, a systematic investigation of comparing the ability
of different protein-based nanoparticles as vehicles to deliver siRNA stably within cells is still unavailable. Therefore, in this study we synthesized a library of both non-targeted (proteinsiRNA) nanoparticles (NPs) and targeted (antibody conjugated protein-siRNA) NPs and evaluated ability
to stably deliver siRNA in to cells to silence the gene of interest. We investigated nanoparticles of casein, bovine serum albumin, and gelatin for the delivery of siRNA. We synthesized and characterized a total of 12 nanoconjugates; in these conjugates, we either encapsulated, electrostatically
attached, or covalently conjugated siRNA. We evaluated the efficiency of attaching siRNA to nanoconjugates, stability, and cellular delivery. The ability of siRNA to silence the protein of interest in cancer cells was also investigated. Among non-targeted conjugates, BSA matrix imparted relatively
high stability to siRNA when encapsulated. Among targeted nanoconjugates, gelatin nanoparticles rendered high stability to siRNA upon covalent conjugation to the surface. On comparing with both targeted and non-targeted NPs for release of siRNA within cells, antibody-gelatin-siRNA conjugate
exhibited high release and functional activity (down-regulation of target protein levels) within the cells as confirmed by both fluorescence imaging and Western blotting. In summary, our investigations show that targeted gelatin nanoparticles and non-targeted BSA nanoparticles possess high
stability and excellent gene suppression capabilities and warrants further studies. We can extend the results from this study to develop stable siRNA delivery vehicles to specifically silence the protein of interest.
Antitumor Activity of Lipid-DNA Aptamer Modified T Lymphocytes in Carcinoma
Authors: Zhong Liping , Gan Lu , Deng Zhiming , Liu Xiuli , Peng Hongmei , Tang Hongliang , Liu Xueling , Fang Fang , Yao Fei , Li Wanqiu , Liu Zhenbo , Hou Weijia , Cui Cheng , Zhao Yongxiang , Tan Weihong , Shi Wei , He Jian
Published: December 2020

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal disease with no current effective therapeutics. One of the main reasons for the low efficacy of PDAC immunotherapy is the limited CD8+ T cell infiltration, without neo antigen present in PDAC. Aptamers represent single-stranded
oligonucleotides which bind to specific targets with high specificity. We developed DNA conjugates and prepared diacyl phospholipid-aptamer XQ-2d which has potential for the targeted therapy and diagnosis of PDAC. In this study, flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy were employed to assess
whether the Lipo-XQ-2d probe could anchor on activated T cells to constitute ligands specifically recognizing PDAC PL45 cells. Flow cytometry was employed to determine cytotoxicity in activated T cells. Results showed that the Lipo-XQ-2d probe could be inserted into T cells, and was specifically
bound to both T cells and PL45 cells. In addition, the Lipo-XQ-2d probe redirected T cells to kill PL45 cells in vitro and was not toxic to cells. In conclusion, lipid-DNA-aptamer-modified T-lymphocytes might effectively kill PDAC in vitro, supporting the clinical application
of T cell adoptive immunotherapy.
Recent Advances of Artificial Intelligence in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Chen Zhu , Xiao Changhu , Qiu Haihua , Tan Xinxing , Jin Lian , He Yi , Guo Yuan , He Nongyue
Published: December 2020

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the most serious health disorders with increasing prevalence and high morbidity and mortality. Although diagnosis and treatment of CVD have achieved huge breakthrough in recent years, it still needs additional enhancements, which result in the
demand for new techniques. Artificial intelligence (AI) is an emerging science field that has been widely used to guide diseases diagnosis, evaluation and treatment. AI techniques are promising in CVD to explore novel pathogenic genes phenotype, guide optimal individualized therapeutic strategy,
improve the management and quality of discharged patients, predict disease prognosis, and as adjuvant therapy tool. Thus, we summarize the latest application of AI techniques in clinical diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of CVD, aiming to provide novel beneficial evidence of AI and promote
its application in CVD.
Current Progress in Messenger RNA-Based Gene Therapy
Authors: Lei Sibei , Zhang Xueyan , Li Jingmei , Gao Yan , Wu Jieping , Duan Xingmei , Men Ke
Published: December 2020

Based on its rapid expression, simple sequence composition, low immunogenicity, and flexible modification possibilities, in vitro synthesized mRNA has demonstrated strong potential as a candidate for gene therapy. Many efforts have been made to enhance its therapeutic efficacy
and safety. Profiting from the development in pathogenesis and materials science, much progress has been achieved in mRNA-based therapy studies. Many mRNA-derived therapeutics including vaccines, antibodies, cytokines, and growth factors have emerged for the treatment of diverse diseases that
have multiple modes of action. Novel delivery vectors with enhanced capacity, safety, and properties have been developed to meet the demands of mRNA delivery. Advanced strategies like library screening, environment interaction, and bio-inspiration materials have been used in the investigation
process and produced valuable results. In this review, we summarize and discuss recent advances in mRNA-based gene therapy studies.
Mapping the Margins in Health Services Research: How Does Race Intersect With Gender and Socioeconomic Status to Shape Difficulty Accessing HealthCare Among Unequal Brazilian States?
Authors: Constante Helena Mendes , Bastos João Luiz
Published: December 2020

Research on healthcare inequities has centralized whether marginalized racial, gender, or socioeconomic (SES) groups are afforded equitable access to care, yet scant investigations have focused on how race intersects with other social statuses to shape difficulty accessing health services. Contextual specificity has also been under-researched in this field of knowledge. Data from 59,249 respondents 18 years of age and over from the 2013 Brazilian National Health Survey were analyzed using multilevel regressions models. We test 3 hypotheses: racial, gender, and socioeconomically oppressed groups are each more likely to report difficulty accessing health services (H1); compared to high-SES white men, low-SES Black women report expressively higher frequencies of the outcome (H2); and intersectional healthcare inequities are larger among low-SES Brazilian states (H3). Partially supporting H1 and H2, results suggest that race and SES, but not gender, are each strong predictors of difficulty accessing healthcare, with low-SES Black respondents facing the highest odds of reporting this outcome. Although H3 was not supported, intersectional groups residing in low-SES Brazilian states were more likely to report difficulty accessing healthcare. This study demonstrated that, together with contextual specificity, the intersections of race with other axes of marginalization should be at the forefront of research and policy addressing healthcare inequities.
An Empirical Evaluation of the DSM-5 Alternative Model of Personality Disorders in Later Life
Authors: Stone Lisa E. , Segal Daniel L.
Published: December 2020

Personality disorders (PDs) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( DSM-5) are conceptualized as distinct clinical syndromes. However, debate persists about the clinical utility of this categorical model, with many researchers supporting a dimensional model that focuses on pathological personality traits and personality dysfunction. This model was published in Section III of DSM-5 and named the Alternative Model of Personality Disorders (AMPD). This study evaluated the AMPD by examining relationships between traits and dysfunction with traditional categorical PD constructs among older adults. Older adults ( N = 202) completed the Personality Inventory for DSM-5, Levels of Personality Functioning Scale-Self-Report, and Coolidge Axis II Inventory. Results indicated that pathological personality traits do not relate to categorical PDs in directions predicted by the AMPD. Personality functioning related to categorical PDs in expected theoretical patterns according to the AMPD but lacked incremental validity above pathological personality traits. An implication of these findings is that the AMPD does not fully resolve the age-related issues with the traditional categorical PD model.
Comparing Student Attitudes to Spreadsheet and Advanced Statistical Packages
Authors: Surrusco Angela R. , Kunicki Zachary J. , DiPerri Sarah L. , Tate Marie C. , Risi Megan M. , Zambrotta Nicholas S. , Harlow Lisa L.
Published: December 2020

The statistical package chosen to aid in teaching quantitative methods is at the instructor’s discretion, but little research has investigated student attitude toward these different packages. This study compared Google Sheets, a spreadsheet package similar to Microsoft Excel, and a traditional package, SPSS, to determine which of the two programs students preferred to use. One hundred and thirty-nine students enrolled in a quantitative methods course completed surveys at the middle and end of the semester during Spring 2016 and Fall 2016. The results suggested Google Sheets was preferred to SPSS at both time points, and attitudes toward Google Sheets improved over time. Further research could investigate the perspectives of students in other levels of experience with statistics and other statistical packages.
“SET” for Success: Targeted Instruction in Learning Strategies and Behavior Change in Introductory Psychology
Authors: McCabe Jennifer A. , Friedman-Wheeler Dara G. , Davis Samuel R. , Pearce Julia
Published: December 2020

Background:

Undergraduates may not use the most effective learning strategies, particularly those considered “desirable difficulties” such as spacing, elaboration, and testing (“SET”).

Objective:

This study examined knowledge-based, metacognitive, and behavioral outcomes from interventions designed to teach undergraduates about the “SET” strategies and about behavior change techniques to support adoption of these study behaviors.

Method:

Introductory psychology students ( n = 244) received a learning-strategies-only intervention (LS), a learning-strategies-plus-behavior-change (LS+BC) intervention, or no intervention. They completed three assessment surveys to measure outcomes across the semester.

Results:

Intervention participants showed enhanced knowledge of the “SET” strategies. LS participants rated testing as more helpful, reported higher use of elaboration and testing, and had marginally higher final course grades than the control group. Adding behavior-change training did not enhance the outcomes. Growth mindset was associated with greater intervention-related gains on several measures.

Conclusion:

Curriculum-embedded LS training was associated with positive shifts in “SET” strategy knowledge and with behavioral changes for two strategies.

Teaching Implication:

This study provides evidence of the benefits of LS training as integrated into the introductory psychology curriculum, and can help guide educators to support students in acquiring more effective study strategies.
Geographic and behavioral differences associated with sexually transmitted infection prevalence among Indian men who have sex with men in Chennai and Mumbai
Authors: Safren Steven A , Devaleenal Bella , Biello Katie B , Rawat Shruta , Thomas Beena E , Regenauer Kristen S , Balu Vinoth , Bedoya C Andres , Dange Alpana , Menon Sunil , O’Cleirigh Conall , Baruah Dicky , Anand Vivek , Hanna Luke E , Karunaianantham Ramesh , Thorat Rakesh , Swaminathan Soumya , Mimiaga Matthew J , Mayer Kenneth H
Published: December 2020

India has one of the largest numbers of men who have sex with men (MSM) globally; however, geographic data on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevalence and associations with sexual behavior are limited. Six-hundred and eight MSM in Chennai and Mumbai underwent screening for a behavioral trial and were assessed for bacterial STIs (syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea), HIV, and past-month self-reported condomless anal sex (CAS). Mumbai (37.8%) had a greater prevalence of any STI than Chennai (27.6%) (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.73). This pattern also emerged for gonorrhea and chlamydia separately but not syphilis. Conversely, Mumbai MSM reported lower rates of CAS (mean = 2.2) compared to Chennai MSM (mean = 14.0) (mean difference = −11.8, 95% CI: −14.6, −9.1). The interaction of city by CAS on any STI prevalence (PR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.45, 3.01, p < .0001) revealed that in Chennai, higher rates of CAS were not associated with STI prevalence, but in Mumbai they were (PR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.65, 3.76, p < .0001). The higher prevalence of bacterial STIs but lower frequency of CAS in Mumbai (versus Chennai), along with the significant interaction of CAS with city on STI rates, suggests that there are either differences in disease burden or differences by city with respect to self-reported assessment of CAS. Regardless, the high prevalence rates of untreated STIs and condomless sex among MSM suggest the need for additional prevention intervention efforts for MSM in urban India.
Low health numeracy is associated with higher disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Maheswaranathan Mithu , Eudy Amanda M , Bailey Stacy C , Rogers Jennifer L , Clowse Megan EB
Published: December 2020

Objective

Evidence suggests low health literacy is prevalent in the United States and associated with worse clinical outcomes, yet few studies have investigated health literacy in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of low health literacy and numeracy in lupus patients and to examine its association with disease characteristics.

Methods

Patients with SLE were recruited from an academic center clinic. Participants completed in-person assessments of health literacy (Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine, REALM) and numeracy (Numeracy Understanding in Medicine Instrument Shortened Version, S-NUMi). Clinical disease activity measures were obtained, including urine protein to creatinine ratio (UPC), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and physician global assessment (PhGA) scores.

Results

Ninety-five SLE patients participated in the study; 13% had low health literacy and 73% had limited health numeracy. Patients with lower health literacy and numeracy were more likely to be Black, have Medicaid insurance, and earn income <$50 K annually. In linear regression models, patients with limited health numeracy had, on average, PhGA scores 0.31 points higher (95% CI: 0.02, 0.60) than patients with adequate numeracy, after adjusting for race and age. No clinical outcomes were associated with health literacy.

Conclusion

In this exploratory study, we found SLE patients with low numeracy had higher disease activity. Our findings indicate that lower health literacy and numeracy are more common among Black and socioeconomically disadvantaged patients. Additional research will be needed to investigate the impact of health literacy on other outcomes and racial disparities in SLE.
Induced abortions in women with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Venne Karel , Scott Susan , Bernatsky Sasha , Vinet Evelyne
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To determine the rates of induced abortions in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) compared to women from the general population and assess disease-related predictors of induced abortion in women with SLE.

Methods

We identified women with SLE (15-45 years) and determined the number of induced abortions, using Quebec’s administrative databases. We calculated the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) using general population rates. We also performed a nested-case control analysis to investigate predictors of induced abortions in SLE women (such as teratogenic immunosuppressive and corticosteroid exposures).

Results

Among 2508 women with SLE, we observed 293 induced abortions [incidence rate of 17.1 induced abortions per 1000 person-years (95% CI 15.2, 19.2)]. There was no clear difference in the number of induced abortions among women with SLE versus women from the general population (SIR 1.10; 95% CI 0.98, 1.24). In the multivariable analysis, we did not observe higher rates of induced abortions among women exposed to teratogenic immunosuppressives [rate ratio (RR) 0.37; 95% CI 0.13, 1.07] or using corticosteroids (RR 0.67; 95% CI 0.39, 1.16).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that women with SLE have a similar rate of induced abortions as compared to the general population. This raises some concerns as unplanned pregnancies in SLE women can lead to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Our results should prompt further research on family planning counselling in women with SLE.
Rental Market of Pump-sets in the Central and Western Parts of Nepal Plains
Authors: Sharma Krishna , Goswami Binoy
Published: December 2020

Using data collected from the central and western parts of Nepal plains, we examine the extent of rental market of pump-sets therein, and identify the factors affecting the decision of farm households to purchase the service of pump-sets. Further, the article investigates whether cropping intensity and extent of crop diversification for non-users, owner users and rental users of pump-sets are significantly different. Our analysis suggests that there exist rental markets of considerable sizes in the field study locations. Access to extension service, proportion of high yielding varieties in total cropped land, availability of pump-sets, caste and locational characteristics have been identified as the determinants of the decision to purchase the service of pump-sets. Cropping intensity and extent of crop diversification for the rental users have been found to be higher than those of the non-users and the owner users, and this finding establishes the positive impact of the rental market.
Impact of Climatic Shocks on Household Well-being: Evidence from Rural Bangladesh
Authors: Barua Shubhasish , Banerjee Archis
Published: December 2020

Climatic shocks often jeopardise the well-being of rural households in many developing countries like Bangladesh. Due to lack of risk-sharing arrangements or formal insurance mechanisms, life and livelihood of households living in geographically challenged areas of Bangladesh are vulnerable to such shocks. These shocks increase households’ vulnerability to poverty and reduce their prospects of coming out of poverty. It is important to have a clear understanding of the impact of such shocks on the level of well-being to design policies to protect them from negative economic impact of such shocks. How such shocks affect the welfare of households relies on their ability to cope with the shocks. Using household-level survey data collected from remote areas of Bangladesh, this study investigates the impact of climatic shocks on household well-being. The study finds that climatic shocks have a negative impact on the level of well-being measured by total consumption as well as non-food consumption expenditures. However, the impact of shocks on food consumption is rather weak. The study also documents some evidence that climatic shocks negatively impact non-food consumption of not only the poorest but also the relatively wealthier households in the rural remote locations of Bangladesh.
The COVID-19 Misinfodemic: Moving Beyond Fact-Checking
Authors: Chou Wen-Ying Sylvia , Gaysynsky Anna , Vanderpool Robin C.
Published: December 2020

Online misinformation regarding COVID-19 has undermined public health efforts to control the novel coronavirus. To date, public health organizations’ efforts to counter COVID-19 misinformation have focused on identifying and correcting false information on social media platforms. Citing extant literature in health communication and psychology, we argue that these fact-checking efforts are a necessary, but insufficient, response to health misinformation. First, research suggests that fact-checking has several important limitations and is rarely successful in fully undoing the effects of misinformation exposure. Second, there are many factors driving misinformation sharing and acceptance in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic—such as emotions, distrust, cognitive biases, racism, and xenophobia—and these factors both make individuals more vulnerable to certain types of misinformation and also make them impervious to future correction attempts. We conclude by outlining several additional measures, beyond fact-checking, that may help further mitigate the effects of misinformation in the current pandemic.
Defining the Field of Events
Authors: Dolasinski Mary Jo , Roberts Chris , Reynolds Joel , Johanson Misty
Published: December 2020

When considering the field of events, an important initial step is to consider the definition of an event. The goal of this article was twofold, first to take a novel approach in defining an event by considering the contextual aspects of an event from the traditional definitions, but adding the perspective of the attendee; and second to develop a typology focused on a unified definition of the field of events relational to the extant literature. The definition of an event is an occurrence that has a time element, two or more participants, is planned, and is a unique opportunity. A systematic review of extant literature was conducted in order to define the field of events. A total of 95 articles were analyzed. The field of events is characterized as having four major categories: professional, entertainment, social, and common cause. Within these four categories there are 20 types of events, all of which meet the four components of the definition of an event.
Relational welfare: a socially just response to co-creating health and wellbeing for all
Authors: Von Heimburg Dina , Ness Ottar
Published: December 2020

Aims:

Contemporary approaches to pursuing public value and the vision of health and wellbeing for all have evolved notably in the past few decades, with distinct approaches termed ‘co-creation’ and ‘health promotion’ gaining traction. This article explores a critique of ongoing paradigmatic shifts in public health and the public sector, focusing on cross-fertilisation between co-creation and the promotion of health and wellbeing. Drawing on Nancy Fraser’s claims for social justice through redistribution, recognition and representation to achieve participatory parity, we discuss a need for transformative change to achieve societal goals of creating health and wellbeing for all, leaving no one behind.

Conclusions:

Health promotion and co-creation converge in a quest for active citizenship through participation, as well as embracing a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. However, inequity in such processes, as well as health and wellbeing outcomes, are still persistent and contradictory to health promotion aims. This article argues that radically attending to human relationships and our dependency on other humans as a ‘collective’ need to be placed at the core of future-forming social construction of public and democratic institutions to allow the ongoing cross-fertilisation between health promotion and co-creation to work. Responding to this calls for transformation, the article presents a framework for developing a relational approach to welfare. The framework advocates for ‘relational welfare’, which captures the intersection of the welfare state, democracy and human relationships attending to social justice, capabilities and health and wellbeing for all as key public values in societal development.
Control parameter optimization of a nonlinear vehicle suspension system with time-delayed acceleration feedback
Authors: Sun Yixia
Published: December 2020

A time-delayed acceleration feedback control is proposed to improve the vibration performance of a nonlinear vehicle suspension system. First, the harmonic balance method is applied to obtain the vertical acceleration amplitude of the system excited by simple harmonic road excitation. Then, taking the amplitude of the sprung mass acceleration and control force into account, the single-objective and multiple-objective optimization problems of time-delayed feedback control parameters, respectively, are discussed. Finally, the mathematical simulation is provided to verify the correctness of the optimization results. It is concluded that the nonlinear suspension with optimal time-delayed feedback control has better vibration control performance compared to passive one. The acceleration amplitude of the sprung mass is significantly reduced by the single-objective optimization of the control parameters. Moreover, when the optimal time delay is introduced, the active control force input is fewer than that without time delay. The phenomenon of energy transfer between the sprung mass and the unsprung mass is observed in some road-excitation frequencies.
Evaluation of employees’ vocational training programmes and professional development: A case study in Greece
Authors: Doufexi Theodora , Pampouri Anastasia
Published: December 2020

In this study the effectiveness of the continuing professional education programmes of the Centre of Vocational Training (KEK INE GSEE) of the Region of Central Greece was evaluated in relation to the professional development of the participants. The programmes evaluated were implemented between 2012 and 2018. The survey followed a mixed methodological approach. In the quantitative study, 52 graduates of these programmes completed a questionnaire. The questionnaires were provided electronically to participants by sending a relevant hyperlink to their emails. The qualitative study was conducted through a personal, semi-structured interview with the head of the KEK INE GSEE of the Region of Central Greece. The results showed the correlation of work progression with the evaluation of the effectiveness of the continuing vocational training programmes. Also, the trainees of KEK INE GSEE of Central Greece stated that they were more satisfied with the trainers, the organization of the programme and the curriculum and that they benefited the most from the expansion of knowledge-skills, consulting support and the utilization of knowledge and skills acquired.
Exposition and Application of a Framework for Integration in a Mixed Methods Study: A Case Study From Complicated Grief
Authors: Dodd Anne , Guerin Suzanne , Delaney Susan , Dodd Philip
Published: December 2020

The methodological literature considers the challenges of integrating data from various sources. However, it is sparse on how such integration might be executed. The unique contribution of this article is that, exploring mental health professionals’ attitude to complicated grief, it combines existing analysis principles and methods to present a stepwise framework that aims to guide the integration process. In a three-phase exploratory sequential mixed methods study (systematic review, qualitative, and quantitative research phases), the findings from the individual phases provided the data for integration, which involved data reduction, transformation using qualitization, and comparison through a process of following the thread. The article demonstrates how this method of integration produced added value, allowing identification of a more nuanced conclusion.