bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in physical performance characteristics of female volleyball players during regional division competitions
Authors: Karahan Mustafa , Çolak Mergül
Published: February 2022

This study aims to examine the seasonal changes in the physical performance of female volleyball players competing in the regional division. Forty-three volunteer female players (age: 22 ± 2.1 years, height: 172.9 ± 4 cm, weight: 61.5 ± 6 kg, experience: 8.8 years) competing in the same group of the regional division of the Turkish volleyball league participated in this study. Players participated in a series of test protocols including the 20m shuttle-run, T-run, 20m sprint, vertical jump, and running anaerobic sprint (RAST) in the beginning, mid, and ending of the 16-week competition season. The results showed that all tested physical performance characteristics of the players improved significantly in both the first and second periods of the competition season. However, the improvements in the first period were significantly higher than in the second period for VO2max (4.7 vs 1.5%, p<0.05), anaerobic power (6.6 vs 1.9%, p<0.05), vertical jump height (3.46 vs 1.54%, p<0.05), explosive power (4.48 vs 3.72%, p<0.05), 20-m sprint (2.4 vs 0.98%, p<0.05) and change of direction abilities (0.9 vs 0.7%, p<0.05). This study indicated that the prolonged competition season might induce significant functional improvements in the physical fitness profile of female volleyball players competing in the regional division.

Este estudio tiene como objetivo examinar los cambios estacionales en el rendimiento físico de las jugadoras de voleibol que compiten en la división regional. En este estudio participaron 43 jugadoras voluntarias (edad: 22 ± 2,1 años, altura: 172,9 ± 4 cm, peso: 61,5 ± 6 kg, experiencia: 8,8 ± 1,8 años) que competían en el mismo grupo de la división regional de la liga turca de voleibol. Las jugadoras participaron en una serie de pruebas que incluían el test de ida y vuelta de 20 metros, T-test de agilidad, sprint de 20 m, salto vertical y carrera de sprint anaeróbico (RAST) al principio, a la mitad y al final de la temporada de competición de 16 semanas. Los resultados mostraron que todas las características de rendimiento físico evaluadas de las jugadoras mejoraron significativamente tanto en el primer como en el segundo período de la temporada de competición. Sin embargo, las mejoras en el primer período fueron significativamente más altas que en el segundo período para el VO2máx (4,7 vs 1,5%, p <0,05), potencia anaeróbica (6.6 vs 1,9%, p <0,05), altura del salto vertical (3,46 vs 1,54%, p <0,05), potencia explosiva (4,48 vs 3,72%, p <0,05), sprint de 20 m (2,4 vs 0,98%, p <0,05) y habilidades de cambio de dirección (0,9 vs 0,7%, p <0,05). Este estudio indicó que la temporada de competición prolongada podría inducir mejoras funcionales significativas en el perfil de condición física de las jugadoras de voleibol que compiten en la división regional.
A historical overview of childhood asthma in southern Africa: Are we there yet?
Authors:   Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Mphahlele R E M , Masekela R
Published: February 2022

Background. The prevalence of asthma, the most common respiratory disease in children, has increased in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly in Africa. Despite poor infrastructure and limited resources, researchers in southern Africa have sought to determine the prevalence of childhood asthma, with variable results reflecting actual differences as much as methodological limitations and biases. Objective. To collate and report findings from studies on the epidemiology of childhood asthma in southern Africa. Method. A review of the literature was undertaken. Results. The prevalence of childhood asthma in southern Africa is variable but has increased over the last four decades, particularly in South Africa (3.17% to 21.29%). Methods used to assess the burden of asthma have been in the form of questionnaires, bronchial hypersensitivity provocation tests, lung function measurement and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO). Conclusion. The prevalence of childhood asthma is increasing in rural and urban areas in southern Africa. Research collaboration driven by a better understanding of the heterogeneous nature of asthma can improve challenges faced in evaluating the burden of asthma in African countries
New life after near death: Surviving critical COVID-19 infection
Authors:   Rheumatology Division, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa, Hodkinson B , Gina P , Schneider M
Published: February 2022

Background. Few studies have explored the illness perceptions, experiences or attitudes towards the future of survivors of critical coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Through in-depth qualitative interviews, we aimed to enrich our understanding of participants’ perspectives, with the hope of offering more holistic and appropriate care to future patients. Methods. Participants who had survived critical COVID-19 illness (defined as a laboratory or clinical diagnosis of COVID-19, with hypoxia requiring high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) or mechanical ventilation) were invited to participate. After informed consent procedures, clinic-demographic details were documented and individual interviews conducted using a topic guide, and were audio-recorded, translated, transcribed and coded into NVivo software where themes were extracted. Results. Of 21 participants (13 female, 8 male), the mean age was 51.8 years (range 34 - 68), and mean duration of COVID symptoms was 21.7 days (range 17 - 37). Eighteen participants had been on HFNO, and 5 required mechanical ventilation. The major themes were: distressing experience; faith-based beliefs sustaining them; gratitude to healthcare workers (HCWs); better understanding of COVID and how dangerous it is; optimism for the future; and a resolve to implement lifestyle changes. Conclusion. Qualitative interviews revealed our participants’ experience of severe COVID-19 as a difficult and terrifying ordeal, mitigated by faith-based beliefs, and the presence and care of HCWs. These experiences were reported by the participants as life changing, and all were inspired to focus on future self-care, and invest in fulfilling relationships. These insights call for future interventions to improve patientcentred care, including follow-up debriefing sessions, and support for lifestyle changes.
Correlation between pulse oximetry and the clinical profile of children with acute lower respiratory tract infection
Authors:   Department of Community Medicine, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, Chinawa A T , Chukwu B F , Chinawa J M , Nduagubam O C , Aronu A E
Published: February 2022

Background. Hypoxaemia is a common predictor of mortality and a potent marker of severe illness in children with acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI). Objective. To determine the mean oxygen saturation (SpO2) in children with ALRTI and its correlation with selected clinical and anthropometric variables. Methods. A cross-sectional study of 178 children, aged between 2 months and 5 years, treated in two teaching hospitals in southeast Nigeria. All patients were assessed for ALRTI, focusing on their clinical profile and sociodemographic risk factors. Student’s t-test was used to compare means of discrete variables. Pearson correlation was used to express association between discrete variables and multiple regression was used to predict dependent variables. Results. Patients with severe ALRTI had significantly lower oxygen saturation (SpO2=89%) than those with mild disease (SpO2=95%) (p=0.001). A negative correlation was found between oxygen saturation and respiratory rate. Multiple regression analysis showed respiratory rate to be the only variable predicting oxygen saturation in children with ALRTI, with a negative association between the two variables. Conclusion. Low oxygen saturation is associated with decreased respiratory rate in children with ALRTI. Oxygen supplementation should always be considered in children with ALRTI, especially those with severe disease
Physical activity and sedentary behaviours during pregnancy are associated with neonatal size at birth
Authors:   SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Prioreschi A , Wrottesley S V , Norris S A
Published: February 2022

Background. Pregnancy is a crucial time to examine modifiable maternal behaviours associated with neonatal outcomes so that preventative measures can be taken against childhood obesity. Objectives. This study aimed to examine the pathways through which maternal physical activity impacted neonatal size and body composition. Methods. A subsample of participants who had objectively measured physical activity data were included from a pregnancy cohort study. Sociodemographic data were collected at the first visit during pregnancy. Gestational weight gain (GWG) was calculated at each visit, and the presence of gestational diabetes, hypertension and HIV were assessed. Physical activity was measured using a hip-worn triaxial accelerometer, at 14 - 18 weeks’ and 29 - 33 weeks’ gestation. At delivery, gestational age, birthweight and length were measured and neonatal body composition was analysed. A structural equation model (SEM) was run with either weight-to-length ratio (WLR) or fat mass index (FMI) as the outcome. Results. A total of 84 participants were included in this study, and a subsample of neonates (n=45) also had FMI data. Most (66%) mothers presented as overweight or obese at their first visit, and gained on average 0.35 (19) kg per week. The SEM showed that only gestational age at delivery and sedentary time were positively associated with WLR. Step count was directly associated with GWG (ß=-0.02, p=0.01), and with gestational age (ß=0.16, p=0.04), and was therefore indirectly associated with decreased fetal abdominal circumference. Conclusion. This study showed that increasing daily step count and decreasing sedentary behaviour could have beneficial effects on maternal health as well as delivery outcomes and neonatal size.
Early language development in children with autism (ages 3 - 5 years) in Bloemfontein, South Africa: A comparative study
Authors:   Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa, Scholtz N , Aveling S , de Jager C , Scheepers C , Griessel D J , Joubert G
Published: February 2022

Background. Autism is a developmental disorder, which presents during the childhood years, with social communication difficulties and signs of delay in early language development. Objectives. The aim of the study was to compare the early language development of children aged 3 - 5 years with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) V diagnosis of autism with that of children of the same age with typical early language development. The secondary aim was to determine if certain children with autism have better language development in the language to which they are exposed on television (English) than in their home language (Afrikaans). Methods. The Language Development Survey was translated into Afrikaans, modified and used as a questionnaire. For the control group, questionnaires were distributed at preschools and completed by the parents. For the sample group, questionnaires were distributed at the practice of a developmental paediatrician. Results. The median percentages of Afrikaans words used in all the categories were lower in the sample group than in the control group. More children in the sample group tended to speak English the best, use words not spoken at home, and imitate words and sounds in the incorrect context. Most of the parents of children in the sample group considered their child’s language development poor. Children in both groups watched television for long periods of time. Conclusions. Afrikaans-speaking children with autism have a poorer vocabulary in Afrikaans and used more English words than in the control group. The television exposure of children under the age of two years is high.
Prevalence of coeliac disease in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus in a tertiary hospital in South Africa
Authors:   Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, University of Pretoria, South Africa, Karsas M ,   University of Pretoria Diabetes Research Centre, South Africa, Terblanche A J , Kemp T , van Dyk J C
Published: February 2022

Background. International literature has shown the prevalence of coeliac disease (CD) in children and adolescents with diabetes to range from 1 - 10%. Prevalence rates in African countries are limited or unknown. Objective. The objective was to describe the prevalence of CD in all children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus presenting to the paediatric and adult diabetic clinic at Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa. Method. A retrospective review of the files of all children and adolescents in the paediatric and adult diabetic clinic with type 1 diabetes mellitus between August 2016 and June 2019 was conducted. Children requiring screening and/or intestinal biopsies were also prospectively included during this period. The setting of this study was Steve Biko Academic Hospital, a tertiary referral centre, in Pretoria, South Africa. Coeliac screening included anti-deaminated gliadin antibodies and anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (both IgA and IgG). All biopsies were obtained by a paediatric gastroenterologist or an experienced paediatric surgeon. Results. A total of 184 files were screened; 132 met inclusion criteria but only 108 patients in total had coeliac screening. Positive antibody screening for CD was found in 11 out of 108 patients (10.2%). Nine of the 11 serology-positive patients had biopsies performed. Out of the nine biopsies, two (22.2%) were positive for CD based on the Marsh-Oberhuber classification. Conclusion. This study found a prevalence of serology-positive CD in our local population of South African children with type 1 diabetes mellitus of 10.2%, while the prevalence of biopsy-confirmed CD was found to be 1.9%.
http://www.samj.org.za/index.php/samj/article/view/13517
Authors:   Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa, Naidoo K , Spijkerman S , Wyngaard J , de Menezes-Williams H , Janse van Rensburg C
Published: February 2022

Background. Patients with severe COVID-19 may require endotracheal intubation. Unique adjustments to endotracheal intubation and extubation practices are necessary to decrease the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission to healthcare workers (HCWs) while avoiding complications of airway management. Objectives. To investigate the practice of endotracheal intubation and extubation, resources available and complications encountered by clinicians performing endotracheal intubation and extubation of COVID-19 and suspected COVID-19 patients in South Africa (SA). Method. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted during the initial surge of COVID-19 cases in SA. Data were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire completed by clinicians in the private and public healthcare sectors after performing an endotracheal intubation and/or extubation of a patient with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. Results. Data from 135 endotracheal intubations and 45 extubations were collected. Anaesthetists accounted for 87.0% (n=120) of the study participants, specialist clinicians in their respective fields for 59.4% (n=82), and public HCWs for 71.0% (n=98). Cases from Gauteng Province made up 76.8% (n=106) of the database. Haemoglobin desaturation was the most frequent complication encountered during endotracheal intubation (40.0%; n=54). Endotracheal intubations performed at private healthcare institutions were associated with a significantly lower complication rate of 17.5% (n=7) compared with 52.6% (n=50) in the public healthcare sector (p<0.001). Endotracheal intubations performed in theatre had the lowest complication rate of 10.4% (n=5; p<0.001). Propofol was used in 90 endotracheal intubations (66.7%), and its use was associated with fewer complications relative to other induction agents. Minimising the number of intubation attempts (p=0.009) and the use of checklists (p=0.013) significantly reduced the frequency of complications encountered during endotracheal intubation. Intravenous induction technique, neuromuscular blocking agent used, intubating device used and time at which intubation was performed did not affect the incidence of complications. The majority of endotracheal extubations were uncomplicated (88.9%). Conclusions. The study provides valuable insight into the resources used by clinicians and complications encountered when endotracheal intubations and/or extubations were performed. Data from this study may be used to guide future clinical practice and research, especially in resource-limited settings.
Facilitating remote access to specialist medical expertise through the scaled up adoption of a smartphone application: A South African case
Authors:   Cape Winelands District, Western Cape Government Health, South Africa, Blanckenberg N , Motala T
Published: February 2022

Background. In the context of a shortage of medical specialists, a medical referral app, designed for use on smartphones, was launched in 2014 for use by doctors in the public health service in South Africa. Objectives. As this is a novel intervention, with potential to have an impact on the use of scarce resources, and because not much was known about the use of the app, a descriptive study was undertaken to assess its adoption in Western Cape Government Health (WCGH) facilities. Methods. Usage data of the app in WCGH facilities, in terms of referral and user numbers, were obtained from the date of its introduction in 2014. In addition, all the referrals to WCGH facilities for July 2019, stripped of any identifying data of patients or doctors, were analysed for origin, destination, outcome and response times. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Results. Use of the app grew rapidly from 40 referrals per quarter to 16 437 per quarter after 5 years in use, with a cumulative total of 95 381 referrals. In July 2019, active users of the system included 913 sending doctors and 298 receiving doctors, representing 20 medical specialties. The senders and receivers were representative of every level in the healthcare system, from clinic to tertiary hospital. In July 2019, a total of 5 941 referrals were sent by means of the app to public facilities in Western Cape Province. Of the referrals, 80% were classified as acute and 20% as non-urgent. The referral outcomes included 51% accepted for transfer, 19% accepted for a specialist appointment, and 13% concluded with advice alone without the need for a specialist appointment or patient transfer – this category accounted for 28% of non-urgent referrals and 9% of acute referrals. In 50% of referrals, advice was given to the referring doctor, either as an additional or the only outcome. The median response times were 9 minutes for acute referrals and 19 minutes for non-urgent referrals. Conclusions. This study documents the scale-up of a mobile phone consultation and referral app from pilot phase to significant growth in use across a resource-constrained healthcare system. In a large proportion of cases, advice was given to the referring doctor by means of the app, frequently obviating the need for a specialist appointment or patient transfer. This finding demonstrates that a mobile app has the potential to reduce the need for face-to-face specialist visits, thereby improving the use of scarce medical resources
Cochlear implantation in South Africa (part 2)
Authors:   Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Pretoria, South Africa, Bhamjee A , Mahomed-Ismail F , Perold J , Loock J W , le Roux T
Published: February 2022

Cochlear implantation is a timeous and cost-effective solution for severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and has transformed the lives of many individuals with significant hearing loss. The advent of cochlear implantation has meant that, for the first time, one of the senses (hearing), having been entirely lost, can be restored. The previous article in this series sketched the problem of severe-toprofound SNHL, and how cochlear implantation can overcome this, how a cochlear implant (CI) works, the history of cochlear implantation and the principles of the multidisciplinary CI team. The current status of cochlear implantation in South Africa (SA) is the subject of discussion in this article, the second of this two-part series on cochlear implantation. It comprises a study of the best available current data on the status of CI in SA.
Parcours d’immigration, minorisation ethnoculturelle/raciale et identités LGBTQ+
Authors: Chbat Marianne , Chamberland Line
Published: February 2022

Ce numéro thématique met en valeur et explore les parcours multiples et complexes qui sont partagés par des personnes LGBTQ+ migrantes, réfugiées ou issues de la diversité ethnoculturelle. Dans un contexte social où les normes de genre et de sexualité associées aux immigrants tendent à être reléguées au conservatisme et à la répression et celles des sociétés occidentales au libéralisme et à l’émancipation, il apparaît important de réfléchir sur cette tension telle qu’elle se répercute véritablement dans le parcours des personnes migrantes et racisées qui s’identifient comme LGBTQ+. Le numéro est organisé en trois axes : 1) les réalités des personnes LGBTQ+ réfugiées et demandeuses d’asile en Occident ; 2) les négociations identitaires au sein des communautés ethnoculturelles minorisées et 3) les divers positionnements des chercheuses et chercheurs qui se penchent sur les réalités des personnes LGBTQ+ racisées/ethnicisées.
D’une normalisation… L’autre. Parcours d’une lesbienne libyenne en Italie
Authors: Lachheb Monia
Published: February 2022

Cette étude tente de mettre en évidence la trajectoire migratoire d’une jeune femme libyenne qui se définit comme lesbienne et réfugiée en Italie : Fatma. Elle repose sur le récit de vie réalisé avec la protagoniste à Milan en 2019. Dans son pays d’origine, Fatma est confrontée à une hétérosexualité obligatoire qui la force à quitter la Libye. Cependant, le changement de territoire et la fuite vers l’espace européen lui font découvrir une autre réalité, celle de l’imbrication de son identité sexuelle à son identité ethnique. Fondée sur une approche intersectionnelle, cet article porte sur les moments forts de l’expérience migratoire de Fatma. En effet, sa mobilité du « Sud » vers le « Nord » s’avère marquée par différentes formes de discrimination et de marginalisation. Contre toute forme de victimisation, Fatma s’engage dans une lutte pour les personnes migrantes, notamment les lesbiennes racisées, dans le but de changer le regard sur l’altérité.
Écriture auto-ethnographique et positionnement : réflexivité entourant l’arabité et le queer
Authors: Bouqentar Lamiae
Published: February 2022

Cet article est un texte réflexif sur mon recours à une écriture auto-ethnographique dans ma recherche doctorale à propos de la migration arabe queer. En tant que chercheure arabe queer migrante, je puise dans la notion de positionnement, qui permet de considérer les expériences des groupes minorisés et racialisés comme une source pertinente de savoir. Inspirée de la tradition auto-ethnographique, je procède en incluant des fragments de récit de soi tirés de mes propres échanges de la vie, pour ainsi problématiser les identifications arabe et queer composant mon positionnement.
Le signalement à la protection de la jeunesse et les populations noires : exploration des représentations sociales des intervenants
Authors: Lavoie-Taylor Gwyneth , Dufour Sarah , Lavergne Chantal
Published: February 2022

La surreprésentation des enfants noirs à l’étape du signalement des services de protection de la jeunesse montréalais est démontrée. Cette étude explore l’hypothèse de biais chez les signalants intervenants les disposant à être particulièrement inquiets à l’égard de la sécurité ou du développement des enfants noirs. L’analyse qualitative porte sur les discours de 33 signalants potentiels afin d’explorer leurs représentations des populations noires et de leurs intentions de pratique, lorsqu’ils sont confrontés à un enfant noir en difficulté psychosociale. Les résultats révèlent une typologie de vigiles d’enfants noirs en quatre types et deux sous-types. La discussion aborde trois thèmes principaux : le moment où impliquer la protection de la jeunesse, la place centrale de la punition corporelle dans les représentations et enfin le rôle de la reconnaissance de la discrimination.
La emblemática en la mitología didáctica: Alciato en Baltasar de Vitoria a través de Francisco Vélez de Arciniega / Emblematics in Didactic Mythology: Alciato in Baltasar de Vitoria through Francisco Vélez de Arciniega
Authors: Martínez Sobrino Alejandro
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACT: Following the path outlined in «La emblemática subsidiaria de la mitología didáctica: Alciato en El Teatro de los Dioses de la Gentilidad», this study analyzes the role played by Francisco Vélez de Arciniega’s Historia de los animales mas recebidos en el uso de la medicina as a mediator between Alciato’s Emblemata and Baltasar de Vitoria’s El Teatro de los Dioses de la Gentilidad.
KEYWORDSAlciato; Baltasar de Vitoria; Francisco Vélez de Arciniega; Author; Auctor, Authorial; Authority; Auctoritas; Intertextuality; Influence; Translation; Version.
RESUMEN: Continuando con la senda trazada en «La emblemática subsidiaria de la mitología didáctica: Alciato en El Teatro de los Dioses de la Gentilidad», este trabajo estudia el papel que juegan Francisco Vélez de Arciniega y su La Historia de los animales mas recebidos en el uso de la medicina como mediadores entre los Emblemata de Alciato en El Teatro de los Dioses de la Gentilidad de Baltasar de Vitoria.
PALABRAS CLAVESAlciato; Baltasar de Vitoria; Francisco Vélez de Arciniega; Autor; Auctor; Autoridad; Auctoritas; Intertextualidad; Influencia; Traducción, Versión.
Metafísica de la humildad en las Empresas Morales de Juan de Borja / The Metaphysics of Humility in Juan de Borja's Empresas Morales
Authors: González Cea David María
Published: February 2022

Abstract: The Hispanic emblematic tradition possesses a deep doctrine both moral and political. Its symbolics explanation of virtues rests on a metaphysical background. It is possible and advisable a metaphysical reading of Empresas Morales by Juan de Borja, as well as his other main works. In them, an implied Philosophy is portrayed through images and Latin mottos. This is specially reinforced in the exposition of the virtue of humility.
KEYWORDSImprese; Empresas Morales; Juan de Borja; Doctrine; Metaphysical background; Humility.
Resumen: La tradición emblemática hispánica posee una profunda doctrina moral y política. Su exposición simbólica de las virtudes descansa sobre un trasfondo metafísico. Es posible y conveniente una lectura metafísica de las Empresas Morales de Juan de Borja, como de otras obras sapienciales. En ellas, a través de imágenes y lemas latinos, se representa una filosofía sobreentendida. Esto se confirma de manera especial en la exposición de la virtud de la humildad.
PALABRAS CLAVESEmpresa; Empresas Morales; Juan de Borja; Doctrina; Trasfondo metafísico; Humildad.
Sortibvs Dominatur Prvdentia Temporis Aluvmna
Authors: Editorial Equipo
Published: February 2022

Editorial:Sortibvs Dominatur Prvdentia Temporis Aluvmna
Spontaneous vigilantism and conflictogenic potential of the everyday Internet discourse
Authors: Luk'yanova Galina Vladimirovna , Martyanov Denis
Published: February 2022

This article discusses the conflictogenic potential of spontaneous vigilantism in third spaces. Vigilantism is associated with usurpation of the function of justice by unauthorized persons. Vigilantism can be institutionalized and spontaneous, which is related to disorganized participation of individuals in penalizing the violators of social norms. In the conditions of post-truth, the important role in the formation of vigilant discourse is played by the environments of everyday communication – the so-called third spaces. In the context of third spaces, communication is realized beyond the institutional field, i.e. political parties and social movements. Besides the interpersonal relations, the discussion of crucial social issues also takes place in third spaces, which requires assessment from the perspective of its conflictogenic potential. The novelty of this article is determined by the relevant theoretical aspects – analysis of the phenomenon of post-truth, public sphere, echo chambers and third spaces, as well as the authorial empirical research dedicated to the content of messages in third spaces of the social network Vkontakte. The study of spontaneous vigilantism employs the range of posts from the online community “Overheard” in 15 megacities for the past two years. The quantitative and qualitative content analysis revealed the key topics with a vigilant problematic, which were assessed through the prism of conflictogenic potential. The conclusions is made on the contradictory nature of spontaneous vigilantism in the Russian third spaces.
Organizational and Personal Factors in Teachers’ Engagement to Work Activities
Authors: Gaziel Haim H. , Ifanti Amalia A.
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to examine the effects of specific factors on teachers’ work engagement. In particular, it explored the relationships between teachers’ work engagement, work-related resources, work-related demands and their characteristics, such as job position, gender, years of teaching experience, education level and psychological availability. An increasing interest in the way teachers engage in work activities has been recently attributed to accumulating evidence showing the relations of teachers’ beliefs, feelings and behaviors with student outcomes. To this end, 250 out of 370 primary school teachers from 30 primary schools in the Jerusalem educational district answered the questionnaire adopted from previous studies (response rate: 67%). The data obtained were analyzed according to the variables, and the SPSS v. 24 was used to perform a hierarchical multiple regression analysis for the hypotheses of this study. The results revealed that each of the three categories of predictors on work engagement were significant, whereas work-related resources accounted for a significant amount of variance among teachers, especially after taking into account demographic variables. In conclusion, this study underlined that more attention should be paid to ways to improve work-related resources among teachers, in an effort to enhance work-related engagement, thus contributing to the discussion about the predictors of work engagement at schools.
Genetically engineered insects with sex-selection and genetic incompatibility enable population suppression
Authors: Upadhyay Ambuj , Feltman Nathan R , Sychla Adam , Janzen Anna , Das Siba R , Maselko Maciej , Smanski Michael
Published: February 2022

Engineered Genetic Incompatibility (EGI) is a method to create species-like barriers to sexual reproduction. It has applications in pest control that mimic Sterile Insect Technique when only EGI males are released. This can be facilitated by introducing conditional female-lethality to EGI strains to generate a sex-sorting incompatible male system (SSIMS). Here, we demonstrate a proof of concept by combining tetracycline-controlled female lethality constructs with a pyramus-targeting EGI line in the model insect Drosophila melanogaster. We show that both functions (incompatibility and sex-sorting) are robustly maintained in the SSIMS line and that this approach is effective for population suppression in cage experiments. Further we show that SSIMS males remain competitive with wild-type males for reproduction with wild-type females, including at the level of sperm competition.
Rolling circle RNA synthesis catalyzed by RNA
Authors: Kristoffersen Emil Laust , Burman Matthew , Noy Agnes , Holliger Philipp
Published: February 2022

RNA-catalyzed RNA replication is widely considered a key step in the emergence of life’s first genetic system. However, RNA replication can be impeded by the extraordinary stability of duplex RNA products, which must be dissociated for re-initiation of the next replication cycle. Here, we have explored rolling circle synthesis (RCS) as a potential solution to this strand separation problem. We observe sustained RCS by a triplet polymerase ribozyme beyond full-length circle synthesis with strand displacement yielding concatemeric RNA products. Furthermore, we show RCS of a circular Hammerhead ribozyme capable of self-cleavage and re-circularization. Thus, all steps of a viroid-like RNA replication pathway can be catalyzed by RNA alone. Finally, we explore potential RCS mechanisms by molecular dynamics simulations, which indicate a progressive build-up of conformational strain upon RCS with destabilization of nascent strand 5′- and 3′-ends. Our results have implications for the emergence of RNA replication and for understanding the potential of RNA to support complex genetic processes.
Complementary length in Danish. Why not?
Authors: Vázquez-Larruscaín Miguel
Published: February 2022

This paper argues that the Danish coda consonants in kat and tal or the intervocalic obstruents in katte and stokke are, in fact, moraic. First, there is no difference in duration nor the possibility of a phonological contrast between long and short consonants, even in cases of contrast, such as in pen, with stød, versus ven, without. Second, if obstruents cannot be moraic, it is impossible to state important interdependencies between the length of the vowel and the size of consonant clusters in the same syllable, regardless of which major class the first consonant of the cluster belongs to. Similarly, systematic alternations between long and short vowels in pairs like ska[æ:]be – ska[ɑ]bt are arbitrary processes, if obstruents cannot be moraic. Making syllable structure dependent on the traditional notion of ‘stød basis’ severs syllable structure from the rest of the phonology. A more consistent view emerges if Danish, like the rest of the Scandinavian languages, Insular and Continental, is analyzed as a strict ‘complementary length’ type, such that stressed syllables are all parsed as heavy, that is, with a strictly bimoraic syllabic nucleus.
Amyloid protein‐induced sequestration of the eukaryotic ribosome: effect of stoichiometry and polyphenolic inhibitors
Authors: Ferdosh Sehnaz , Banerjee Senjuti , Singh Jayshree , Barat Chandana
Published: February 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the appearance of neurofibrillary tangles comprising of the Tau protein and aggregation of amyloid‐β peptides (Aβ 1–40 and Aβ 1–42). A concomitant loss of the ribosomal population is also observed in AD‐affected neurons. Our studies demonstrate that, similarly to Tau protein aggregation, in vitro aggregation of Aβ peptides in the vicinity of the yeast 80S ribosome can induce co‐aggregation of ribosomal components. The RNA‐stimulated aggregation of Aβ peptides and the Tau‐K18 variant is dependent on the RNA:protein stoichiometric ratio. A similar effect of stoichiometry is also observed on the ribosome–protein co‐aggregation process. Polyphenolic inhibitors of amyloid aggregation, such as rosmarinic acid and myricetin, inhibit RNA‐stimulated Aβ and Tau‐K18 aggregation and can mitigate the co‐aggregation of ribosomal components.
Strengthening of Fe50Mn25Ni10Cr15 Medium‐Entropy Alloys by Mo Addition for Cryogenic Applications
Authors: Zhang Kaisheng , Chen Junli , Zhang Engui , Wei Ran , Yuan Shuhan , Zhang Shuo , Han Zhenhua , Chen Chen , Wang Tan , Li Fushan
Published: February 2022

The effect of Mo addition of Fe50Mn25Ni10Cr15 medium‐entropy alloy (MEA) on its cryogenic mechanical properties is investigated. It is found that the optimized (Fe50Mn25Ni10Cr15)99.5Mo0.5 MEA exposes the yield strength, tensile strength, and ductility of 690 MPa, 1148 MPa, and 63% at 77 K, respectively. Especially, the yield strength increases by 29% after Mo addition. Herein, the solid‐solution strengthening, twinning‐induced plasticity, and transformation‐induced plasticity are beneficial to reveal the high work hardening capability and good strength‐ductility synergy at 77 K. This research can offer guidance for the design of low‐cost and high‐performance MEAs for cryogenic applications.
Effects of Elemental Modulation on Phase Purity and Electrochemical Properties of Co‐free High‐Entropy Spinel Oxide Anodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Patra Jagabandhu , Nguyen Thi Xuyen , Tsai Chia‐Chien , Clemens Oliver , Li Ju , Pal Pratibha , Chan Weng Kent , Lee Chih‐Heng , Chen Hsin‐Yi Tiffany , Ting Jyh‐Ming , Chang Jeng‐Kuei
Published: February 2022

High entropy oxide (HEO) is a new class of lithium‐ion battery anode with high specific capacity and excellent cyclability. The beauty of HEO lies in the unique tailorable properties with respect to tunable chemical composition, which enables the use of infinite element combinations to develop new electrode materials. This study synthesizes a series of Co‐free spinel‐type HEOs via a facile hydrothermal method. Based on quaternary medium‐entropy (CrNiMnFe)3O4, the fifth elements of V, Mg, and Cu are added, and their ability to form single‐phase HEOs is investigated. It is demonstrated that the chemical composition of HEOs is critical to the phase purity and corresponding charge–discharge performance. The oxygen vacancy concentration seems to be decisive for the rate capability and reversibility of the HEO electrodes. An inactive spectator element is not necessary for achieving high cyclability, given that the phase purity of the HEO is wisely controlled. The single‐phase (CrNiMnFeCu)3O4 shows a great high‐rate capacity of 480 mAh g−1 at 2000 mA g−1 and almost no capacity decay after 400 cycles. Its phase transition behavior during the lithiation/delithiation process is characterized with operando X‐ray diffraction. A (CrNiMnFeCu)3O4||LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cell is constructed with 590 Wh kg−1 (based on electrode materials) gravimetric energy density.
Messy or Ordered? Multiscale Mechanics Dictates Shape‐Morphing of 2D Networks Hierarchically Assembled of Responsive Microfibers
Authors: Ziv Sharabani Shiran , Edelstein‐Pardo Nicole , Molco Maya , Bachar Schwartz Netanel , Morami Michael , Sivan Aya , Gendelman Rom Yonatan , Evental Roey , Flaxer Eli , Sitt Amit
Published: February 2022

Shape‐morphing active networks of mesoscale filaments are a common hierarchical feature in biology for applying forces, transporting materials, and inducing motility with microscale resolution. Synthetic morphing systems of similar dimensions and capabilities hold potential for a range of technological applications, from micro‐muscles to shape‐morphing optical devices. Here, the fabrication of highly‐ordered 2D networks hierarchically constructed of thermoresponsive mesoscale polymeric fibers, which can exhibit morphing with microscale resolution, is presented. It is demonstrated both experimentally and computationally that the morphing of such networks strongly depends on the physical attributes of the single fiber, in particular on two intrinsic length scales—the fiber diameter and mesh size, which stems from network's density. It is shown that depending on these parameters, such fiber‐networks exhibit one of two thermally driven morphing behaviors: i) the fibers stay straight, and the network preserves its ordered morphology, exhibiting a bulk‐like behavior; or ii) the fibers buckle and the network becomes messy and highly disordered. Notably, in both cases, the networks display memory and regain their original ordered morphology upon shrinking. This hierarchically induced phase transition, demonstrated here on a range of networks, offers a new way of controlling the shape‐morphing of synthetic materials with mesoscale resolutions.
Ultrasound‐Induced Mechanical Compaction in Acoustically Responsive Scaffolds Promotes Spatiotemporally Modulated Signaling in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Humphries Brock A. , Aliabouzar Mitra , Quesada Carole , Bevoor Avinash , Ho Kenneth K. Y. , Farfel Alex , Buschhaus Johanna M. , Rajendran Shrila , Fabiilli Mario L. , Luker Gary D.
Published: February 2022

Cancer cells continually sense and respond to mechanical cues from the extracellular matrix (ECM). Interaction with the ECM can alter intracellular signaling cascades, leading to changes in processes that promote cancer cell growth, migration, and survival. The present study used a recently developed composite hydrogel composed of a fibrin matrix and phase‐shift emulsion, termed an acoustically responsive scaffold (ARS), to investigate effects of local mechanical properties on breast cancer cell signaling. Treatment of ARSs with focused ultrasound drives acoustic droplet vaporization (ADV) in a spatiotemporally controlled manner, inducing local compaction and stiffening of the fibrin matrix adjacent to the matrix–bubble interface. Combining ARSs and live single cell imaging of triple‐negative breast cancer cells, it is discovered that both basal and growth‐factor stimulated activities of protein kinase B (also known as Akt) and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), two major kinases driving cancer progression, negatively correlate with increasing distance from the ADV‐induced bubble both in vitro and in a mouse model. Together, these data demonstrate that local changes in ECM compaction regulate Akt and ERK signaling in breast cancer and support further applications of the novel ARS technology to analyze spatial and temporal effects of ECM mechanics on cell signaling and cancer biology.
Artificial Heterogeneous Interphase Layer with Boosted Ion Affinity and Diffusion for Na/K‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Jiang Yu , Yang Yang , Ling Fangxin , Lu Gongxun , Huang Fanyang , Tao Xinyong , Wu Shufan , Cheng Xiaolong , Liu Fanfan , Li Dongjun , Yang Hai , Yao Yu , Shi Pengcheng , Chen Qianwang , Rui Xianhong , Yu Yan
Published: February 2022

Metallic Na (K) are considered a promising anode materials for Na‐metal and K‐metal batteries because of their high theoretical capacity, low electrode potential, and abundant resources. However, the uncontrolled growth of Na (K) dendrites severely damages the stability of the electrode/electrolyte interface, resulting in battery failure. Herein, a heterogeneous interface layer consisting of metal vanadium nanoparticles and sodium sulfide (potassium sulfide) is introduced on the surface of a Na (K) foil (i.e., Na2S/V/Na or K2S/V/K). Experimental studies and theoretical calculations indicate that a heterogeneous Na2S/V (K2S/V) protective layer can effectively improve Na (K)‐ion adsorption and diffusion kinetics, inhibiting the growth of Na (K) dendrites during Na (K) plating/stripping. Based on the novel design of the heterogeneous layer, the symmetric Na2S/V/Na cell displays a long lifespan of over 1000 h in a carbonate‐based electrolyte, and the K2S/V/K electrode can operate for over 1300 h at 0.5 mA cm–2 with a capacity of 0.5 mAh cm–2. Moreover, the Na full cell (Na3V2(PO4)3||Na2S/V/Na) exhibits a high energy density of 375 Wh kg–1 and a high power density of 23.5 kW kg–1. The achievements support the development of heterogeneous protective layers for other high‐energy‐density metal batteries.
Surface Charge Affecting Fluid–Fluid Displacement at Pore Scale
Authors: Kalde Anna , Lippold Sophia , Loelsberg Jonas , Mertens Ann‐Kathrin , Linkhorst John , Tsai Peichun Amy , Wessling Matthias
Published: February 2022

Efficiency in fluid–fluid displacement is drastically reduced by viscous fingering, limiting the overall effectiveness in enhanced oil recovery, membrane science, and lateral flow devices used in biomedical applications. Local instabilities at the fluid–fluid interface lead to finger‐like patterns when a less viscous fluid displaces an immiscible fluid of higher viscosity. This widely observed phenomenon in multiphase flow inside porous media is infamously intricate to control, especially for given geometry and viscosity ratio. The presented study uses a highly controlled microfluidic porous network structure with tailored ionic surface strength. The direct correlation of viscous fingering evolution on the porous structure's zeta potential at a pore‐scale level is demonstrated via polyelectrolyte coatings using a layer‐by‐layer technique. Displacement patterns are tuned from vigorous viscous fingering over stable displacement to corner flow events across a broad range of capillary numbers depending on the applied coatings. The experimental data show an increasing trend of oil recovery with increasing surface wettability, consistent with several previous findings. Furthermore, the results reveal that surface zeta potential correlates positively with recovery rate but negatively with the displacement stability quantified by the fractal dimension. These insights enable a more targeted porous media design to obtain optimal multiphase flow control.
Human Organoids and Organs‐on‐Chips for Addressing COVID‐19 Challenges
Authors: Wang Yaqing , Wang Peng , Qin Jianhua
Published: February 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), poses an imminent threat to our lives. Although animal models and monolayer cell cultures are utilized for pathogenesis studies and the development of COVID‐19 therapeutics, models that can more accurately reflect human‐relevant responses to this novel virus are still lacking. Stem cell organoids and bioengineered organs‐on‐chips have emerged as two cutting‐edge technologies used to construct biomimetic in vitro three‐dimensional (3D) tissue or organ models. In this review, the key features of these two model systems that allow them to recapitulate organ physiology and function are introduced. The recent progress of these technologies for virology research is summarized and their utility in meeting the COVID‐19 pandemic is highlighted. Future opportunities and challenges in the development of advanced human organ models and their potential to accelerate translational applications to provide vaccines and therapies for COVID‐19 and other emerging epidemics are also discussed.
Highly Stable Co Single Atom Confined in Hierarchical Carbon Molecular Sieve as Efficient Electrocatalysts in Metal–Air Batteries
Authors: Liang Shuang , Zou Lian‐Chun , Zheng Li‐Jun , Li Fei , Wang Xiao‐Xue , Song Li‐Na , Xu Ji‐Jing
Published: February 2022

Single atoms catalysts’ (SACs) applications in the energy storage field are hindered by their insufficient stability and poor recyclability due to their oxidation and agglomeration. To address this challenge, herein, a Co‐CMS composite material is synthesized by confining Co SACs into the highly ordered pores of the carbon molecular sieve (CMS). Related theoretical and experimental methods prove that the microporous trapping and hydroxyl doping of CMS are favorable for synergistically stabilizing the precursor and contributing to the subsequent conversion of single atoms with strong interactions between Co, O, and N. The unique 3D spiral pore structure of CMS facilitates the mass transfer of reactants and the highly dispersed Co single atoms confined in CMS increase the active sites. These properties are ideal for oxygen reduction reaction catalysts. Benefiting from the above‐mentioned superiority, the Co‐CMS cathode exhibits superior performance in a rechargeable Zn–air battery with a lower charge–discharge voltage gap of 0.77 V and a power density of 219 mW cm−2. The applications of Co‐CMS catalysts are also extended to other metal–air batteries in this work, which further highlights the advantages of carbon molecular sieves in stabilizing SACs materials.