bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individual and collective contribution of antenatal psychosocial distress conditions and preterm birth in Pakistani women
Authors: Lalani Sharifa , Premji Shahirose Sadrudin , Shaikh Kiran , Sulaiman Salima , Yim Ilona S. , Forcheh Ntonghanwah , Babar Neelofur , Nausheen Sidrah , Letourneau Nicole ,   the Maternal-infant Global Health Team (MiGHT) Collaborators in Research
Published: March 2023

Background

We determined whether dimensions of psychosocial distress during pregnancy individually and collectively predicted preterm birth (PTB) in Pakistani women as it may be misleading to extrapolate results from literature predominantly conducted in high-income countries.

Methods

This cohort study included 1603 women recruited from four Aga Khan Hospital for Women and Children in Sindh, Pakistan. The primary binary outcome of PTB (i.e., livebirth before 37 completed weeks’ gestation) was regressed on self-reported symptoms of anxiety (Pregnancy-Related Anxiety (PRA) Scale and Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y-1), depression (Edinburgh Perinatal Depression Scale (EPDS)), and covariates such as chronic stress (Perceived Stress Scale) assessed with standardized question and scales with established language equivalency (Sindhi and Urdu).

Results

All 1603 births occurred between 24 and 43 completed weeks’ gestation. PRA was a stronger predictor of PTB than other types of antenatal psychosocial distress conditions. Chronic stress had no effect on the strength of association between PRA and PTB and a slight but non-significant effect on depression. A planned pregnancy significantly lowered risk of PTB among women who experienced PRA. Aggregate antenatal psychosocial distress did not improve model prediction over PRA.

Conclusions

Like studies in high-income countries, PRA became a strong predictor of PTB when considering interactive effects of whether the current pregnancy was planned. Women’s resilience and abilities to make sexual and reproductive health decisions are important to integrate in future research. Findings should be generalized with caution as socio-cultural context is a likely effect modifier. We did not consider protective/strength-oriented factors, such as resilience among women.
Necrotic cardiac myocytes skew macrophage polarization towards a classically activated phenotype
Authors: Jiang Wenlong , Adamo Luigi , Lim Kenji , Matkovich Scot J , Evans Sarah , Rocha-Resende Cibele , Mann Douglas L
Published: March 2023

Necrotic and dying cells release damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that can initiate sterile inflammatory responses in the heart. Although macrophages are essential for myocardial repair and regeneration, the effect of DAMPs on macrophage activation remains unclear. To address this gap in knowledge we studied the effect of necrotic cardiac myocyte extracts on primary peritoneal macrophage (PPM) cultures in vitro. We first performed unbiased transcriptomic profiling with RNA-sequencing of PPMs cultured for up to 72 hours in the presence and absence of: 1) necrotic cell extracts (NCEs) from necrotic cardiac myocytes in order to mimic the release of DAMPs; 2) lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is known to polarize macrophages towards a classically activated phenotype and 3) Interleukin-4 (IL-4), which is known to promote polarization of macrophages towards an alternatively activated phenotype. NCEs provoke changes in differential gene expression (DEGs) that had considerable overlap with LPS-induced changes, suggesting that NCEs promote macrophage polarization towards a classically activated phenotype. Treating NCEs with proteinase-K abolished the effects of NCEs on macrophage activation, whereas NCE treatment with DNase and RNase did not affect macrophage activation. Stimulation of macrophage cultures with NCEs and LPS resulted in a significant increase in macrophage phagocytosis and interleukin-1β secretion, whereas treatment with IL-4 had no significant effect on phagocytosis and interleukin-1β. Taken together, our findings suggest that proteins released from necrotic cardiac myocytes are sufficient to skew the polarization of macrophages towards a classically activated phenotype.
The RoboCOS Study: Development of an international core outcome set for the comprehensive evaluation of patient, surgeon, organisational and population level impacts of robotic assisted surgery
Authors: Robertson Clare , Shaikh Shafaque , Hudson Jemma , Roberts Patrick Garfjeld , Beard David , Mackie Terry , Matthew Cameron , Ramsay Craig , Gillies Katie , Campbell Marion
Published: March 2023

Background

The introduction of robot-assisted surgery is costly and requires whole system transformation, which makes the assessment of benefits (or drawbacks) complex. To date, there has been little agreement on which outcomes should be used in this regard. The aim of the RoboCOS study was to develop a core outcome set for the evaluation of robot-assisted surgery that would account for its impact on the whole system.

Methods

Identification of a long-list of potentially relevant outcomes through systematic review of trials and health technology assessments; interviews with individuals from a range of stakeholder groups (surgeons, service managers, policy makers and evaluators) and a focus group with patients and public; prioritisation of outcomes via a 2-round online international Delphi survey; consensus meeting.

Results

721 outcomes were extracted from the systematic reviews, interviews and focus group which were conceptualised into 83 different outcome domains across four distinct levels (patient, surgeon, organisation and population) for inclusion in the international Delphi prioritisation survey (128 completed both rounds). The consensus meeting led to the agreement of a 10-item core outcome set including outcomes at: patient level (treatment effectiveness; overall quality of life; disease-specific quality of life; complications (including mortality); surgeon level (precision/accuracy; visualisation); organisation (equipment failure; standardisation of operative quality; cost-effectiveness); and population (equity of access).

Conclusion

The RoboCOS core outcome set, which includes the outcomes of importance to all stakeholders, is recommended for use in all future evaluations of robot-assisted surgery to ensure relevant and comparable reporting of outcomes.
Effect of ischemic compressions versus extracorporeal shockwave therapy on myofascial trigger points: A protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Nahomi Kuroda Melissa , Thomaz de Aquino Nava Guilherme , Baldini Prudencio Caroline , Affonso Paulo Daiane , Peixouto Isadora , Yoshi Moroshima Maiki , de Almeida Lourenço Mariana , Nogueira da Silva Caroline , Mércia Pascon Barbosa Angélica , Rodrigues Pedroni Cristiane
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are hyperirritable nodules present in a tight muscle band. Among the symptoms, pain is one of the most common, but the individuals may have other sensory, motor, and autonomic changes. Athletes can have MTrPs more intensely due to the high physical and emotional demand. There are a variety of treatments, but not all have strong or moderate evidence of their effectiveness. Thus, the aim of this study is to compare the effects of ischemic compression (IC) and extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) on pressure pain threshold immediately after the intervention and after 48h.

Methods

This randomized clinical trial was registered in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trial (RBR-6wryhb9) and was approved by the Research Ethics Committee (CAAE 46682921.9.0000.5406). Forty participants will be randomized to receive IC or ESWT treatment once in each MTrPs. The protocol will consist of evaluations before (T0), immediate after (T1), and after forty-eight hours (T2) of the intervention. The primary outcome will be pressure pain threshold and the secondary outcomes will be jump height, muscle strength, dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), the correlation between MTrPs and temperature and participant’s satisfaction.

Conclusions

The IC and ESWT have been shown to be efficient in decreasing pain, however, the studies that compare the efficiency of these two treatments are limited in the literature, mainly in the muscles of the lower limbs, which are of great importance and are commonly injured. This study will provide evidence of the IC and ESWT in the triceps surae muscles, assisting in a better treatment for the individual with MTrPs.
Acute chest syndrome, airway inflammation and lung function in sickle cell disease
Authors: De Aliva , Williams Sanford , Yao Yujing , Jin Zhezhen , Brittenham Gary M. , Kattan Meyer , Lovinsky-Desir Stephanie , Lee Margaret T.
Published: March 2023

Background

Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is an acute complication in SCD but its effects on lung function are not well understood. Inflammation is a key component of SCD pathophysiology but with an unclear association with lung function. We hypothesized that children with ACS had worse lung function than children without ACS and aimed to investigate the association of lung function deficits with inflammatory cytokines.

Methods

Patients enrolled in a previous 2-year randomized clinical trial who had consented to future data use, were enrolled for the present exploratory study. Patients were categorized into ACS and non-ACS groups. Demographic and clinical information were collected. Serum samples were used for quantification of serum cytokines and leukotriene B4 levels and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were assessed.

Results

Children with ACS had lower total lung capacity (TLC) at baseline and at 2 years, with a significant decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) and mid-maximal expiratory flow rate (FEF25-75%) in the 2 year period (p = 0.015 and p = 0.039 respectively). For children with ACS, serum cytokines IL-5, and IL-13 were higher at baseline and at 2 years compared to children with no ACS. IP-10 and IL-6 were negatively correlated with PFT markers. In multivariable regression using generalized estimating equation approach for factors predicting lung function, age was significantly associated FEV1 (p = 0.047) and ratio of FEV1 and forced vital capacity (FVC)- FEV1/FVC ratio (p = 0.006); males had lower FEV1/FVC (p = 0.035) and higher TLC (p = 0.031). Asthma status was associated with FEV1 (p = 0.017) and FVC (p = 0.022); history of ACS was significantly associated with TLC (p = 0.027).

Conclusion

Pulmonary function abnormalities were more common and inflammatory markers were elevated in patients with ACS, compared with those without ACS. These findings suggest airway inflammation is present in children with SCD and ACS, which could be contributing to impaired pulmonary function.
Distributionally robust learning-to-rank under the Wasserstein metric
Authors: Sotudian Shahabeddin , Chen Ruidi , Paschalidis Ioannis Ch.
Published: March 2023

Despite their satisfactory performance, most existing listwise Learning-To-Rank (LTR) models do not consider the crucial issue of robustness. A data set can be contaminated in various ways, including human error in labeling or annotation, distributional data shift, and malicious adversaries who wish to degrade the algorithm’s performance. It has been shown that Distributionally Robust Optimization (DRO) is resilient against various types of noise and perturbations. To fill this gap, we introduce a new listwise LTR model called Distributionally Robust Multi-output Regression Ranking (DRMRR). Different from existing methods, the scoring function of DRMRR was designed as a multivariate mapping from a feature vector to a vector of deviation scores, which captures local context information and cross-document interactions. In this way, we are able to incorporate the LTR metrics into our model. DRMRR uses a Wasserstein DRO framework to minimize a multi-output loss function under the most adverse distributions in the neighborhood of the empirical data distribution defined by a Wasserstein ball. We present a compact and computationally solvable reformulation of the min-max formulation of DRMRR. Our experiments were conducted on two real-world applications: medical document retrieval and drug response prediction, showing that DRMRR notably outperforms state-of-the-art LTR models. We also conducted an extensive analysis to examine the resilience of DRMRR against various types of noise: Gaussian noise, adversarial perturbations, and label poisoning. Accordingly, DRMRR is not only able to achieve significantly better performance than other baselines, but it can maintain a relatively stable performance as more noise is added to the data.
Determinants of anaemia among women of reproductive age in South Africa: A Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative (HeLTI)
Authors: Silubonde Takana M. , Smuts Cornelius M. , Ware Lisa J. , Chidumwa Glory , Malan Linda , Norris Shane A.
Published: March 2023

Anaemia continues to be a persistent concern among South African women of reproductive age (WRA), yet population specific information on its determinants remains sparse. We used baseline data from the Healthy Lives Trajectory Initiative a randomised trial (n = 480) to quantify factors associated with anaemia in Soweto, South Africa aged 18–25 years. We used multivariable logistic regression to describe associations with anaemia and used structural equation modelling to assess a theoretical model, which tested three categories socioeconomic status (household asset score, education level), nutritional factors (food security, leafy green vegetable and chicken and beef consumption, iron status and vitamin A status) and biodemographic factors (parity, age at start of menarche, HIV status, contraception use, anthropometry, and inflammation status). The multiple logistic regression showed that ID (OR: 2.62, 95% CI: 1.72, 3.98), iron deficiency erythropoiesis (IDE) (OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.07, 2.46), and elevated CRP (OR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.76), increased the odds of being anaemic. SEM analysis revealed Hb was directly and positively associated with adjusted ferritin (0.0031 per mg/dL; p≤0.001), and CRP (0.015 per mg/dL; p≤0.05), and directly and negatively associated with soluble transferrin receptor sTfR (-0.042 per mg/dL; p≤0.001). While contraception use had both a direct (0.34; p≤0.05) and indirect (0.11; p≤0.01) positive association with Hb. Additionally, chicken and beef consumption had a positive indirect association with Hb concentrations (0.15; p≤0.05) through adjusted ferritin. Iron deficiency was the main anaemia risk factor in this low resource setting. However, anaemia of inflammation is present. Therefore, we suggest that in our setting, WRA anaemia control programs that include interventions to reduce ID and inflammation should be tested.
Low pre-ART CD4 count is associated with increased risk of clinical progression or death even after reaching 500 CD4 cells/μL on ART
Authors: Pantazis Nikos , Paparizos Vasilios , Papastamopoulos Vasilios , Metallidis Simeon , Antoniadou Anastasia , Adamis Georgios , Psichgiou Mina , Chini Maria , Sambatakou Helen , Chrysos Georgios , Sipsas Nikolaos V. , Gogos Charalambos , Barbunakis Emmanouil , Panagopoulos Periklis , Katsarou Olga , Touloumi Giota ,   on behalf of the Athens Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (AMACS)
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Clinical disadvantages of initiating ART at low CD4 counts have been clearly demonstrated but whether any excess risk remains even after reaching relatively high/safe CD4 levels remains unclear. We explore whether individuals starting ART with <500 CD4 cells/μL who increased their CD4 count above this level, have, from this point onwards, similar risk of clinical progression to serious AIDS/non-AIDS events or death with individuals starting ART with ≥500 CD4 cells/μL.

Methods

Data were derived from a multicenter cohort (AMACS). Adults, starting PI, NNRTI or INSTI based ART, in or after 2000 were eligible, provided they started ART with ≥500 (“High CD4”) or started with CD4 <500 cells/μL but surpassed this threshold while on ART (“Low CD4”). Baseline was the date of ART initiation (“High CD4”) or of first reaching 500 CD4 cells/μL (“Low CD4”). Survival analysis, allowing for competing risks, was used to explore the risk of progression to study’s endpoints.

Results

The study included 694 persons in the “High CD4” and 3,306 in the “Low CD4” group. Median (IQR) follow-up was 66 (36, 106) months. In total, 257 events (40 AIDS related, 217 SNAEs) were observed. Rates of progression did not differ significantly between the two groups but the subgroup of those initiating ART with <200 CD4 cells/μL had significantly higher risk of progression after baseline, compared to those in the “High CD4” group.

Conclusions

Individuals starting ART with <200 cells/μL remain on increased risk even after reaching 500 CD4 cells/μL. These patients should be closely followed.
Business angels and firm performance: First evidence from population data
Authors: Lodefalk Magnus , Andersson Fredrik W.
Published: March 2023

Business angels dominate early-stage investment in firms, but research on their effects on firms is scarce and limited by sample selection. To address sample selection, we propose using population data and we develop an algorithm for identifying business angel investments in such data. We illustrate this novel approach by applying it to detailed and longitudinal total population data for individuals and firms in Sweden. In our application, we focus on a subset of business angels—active business angels who are themselves successful entrepreneurs with a profitable exit. We then study active business angels’ effects on firm performance, using population data. Employing a quasi-experimental estimator, we find that the business angels invest in firms that already perform above par. There is also a positive effect on subsequent growth compared with control firms. However, contrary to previous research on business angels, we cannot find any impact on firm survival. Overall, the paper underlines the need to address sample selection when studying business angels and suggests using population data for identification.
Sex specific serum uric acid levels are associated with ischemic changes on ECG and with 20-year all-cause mortality among older adults
Authors: Moshkovits Yonatan , Goldman Adam , Chetrit Angela , Dankner Rachel
Published: March 2023

Background

Uric acid is an emerging biomarker for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, but its association with all-cause mortality and ECG findings remains unestablished, specifically among older adults. We aimed to evaluate the association between serum uric acid (SUA) with incidental findings of ECG abnormalities and with long-term all-cause mortality.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study of 851 community dwelling men and women, who were examined between 1999 and 2008, and followed over 20 years until December 2019 for all-cause mortality. Subjects free of Gout or diuretics treatment at baseline were included. SUA was categorized according to sex-specific tertiles and evaluated against baseline ECG findings and all-cause mortality.

Results

Mean baseline age was 72±7 years and 416 (49%) were females. Ischemic changes on ECG were observed in 85 (10.0%) participants, of them 36 (13.5%) belonged to the upper SUA tertile and 49 (8.4%) to the lower ones (p = 0.02). Multivariable logistic regression showed 80% higher odds for ischemic changes on ECG among participants in the high SUA tertile (adjusted-OR = 1.8, 95%CI 1.1–2.9, p = 0.03) compared with the lower SUA two-tertiles. During a median follow-up of 14 years, 380 (44.7%) participants died. SUA ≥5.3 mg/dl for women and ≥ 6.2 mg/dl for men, was associated with a 30% greater risk for all-cause mortality in a multivariable Cox regression model (HR = 1.3, 95%CI: 1.0–1.6, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

High SUA level was associated with ischemic changes on ECG and with an increased risk for all-cause mortality over 20 years of follow-up among community dwelling older adults free of Gout. Even lower sex-specific thresholds of SUA were associated with all-cause mortality than previously proposed. SUA should be considered as a biomarker for cardiovascular risk and all-cause mortality.
Is there such thing as a queer illustration practice?
Authors: Sordini Jo
Published: March 2023

This article defines and explores a set of methodologies for image-making that can be labelled as queer, based on concepts from queer and feminist theorists such as Jack Halberstam, José Muñoz or Donna Haraway. In order to do so, it builds on the author’s own artistic practice and lived experience and references the work of various artists within the fields of visual and performative arts. Amongst others, it discusses the conceptual frames of queer failure, drag as assemblage and utopian world-building and the ways in which they exist as artistic methodologies specifically within the field of image-making and illustration.
The Boer and the Jackal: Satire and resistance in Khoi orature
Authors:   University of the Western Cape, Wittenberg Hermann
Published: March 2023

Bushman narratives have been the subject of a large volume of scholarly and popular studies, particularly publications that have engaged with the Bleek and Lloyd archive. Khoi story-telling has attracted much less attention. This paper looks a number of lesser known Khoi narratives, collected by Thomas Baines and Leonhard Schultze. Despite commonalities in the respective oral traditions, Khoi folklore appears more open to discursive modes of satire, mockery and ridicule, features which are not readily found in Bushman story telling. A number of Khoi narratives that feature the trickster figure of the jackal are presented and analysed as discursive engagements with historical realities and political forces that impinged on indigenous societies. It is argued that Khoi orature was able to mock and subvert settler dominance by making imaginative use of animal proxies such as the jackal. This capacity for satire in Khoi oral culture allowed it to resist colonial violence on a discursive level, a strategy that was much less pronounced in Bushman narration.
Accessibility of Women's Empowerment in Tourism Industry from Mandalika Special Economic Zone
Authors: SYAFRUDDIN Syafruddin , SALAHUDDIN Muh. , NURHILALIATI Nurhilaliati
Published: March 2023

This study aims to map the types of work, gender inequality and patterns of empowerment of female workers in the tourism service sector in the Madalika Tourism Industrial Zone, Central Lombok. Researchers used the survey method, interviews, observation, and documentation. The results of this study found that the tourism industry in the Madalika Tourism Industrial Zone has encouraged the growth of new types of jobs, business opportunities, and new entrepreneurs. South Lombok women who originally worked in the domestic sphere (unpaid work) slowly moved into the public-professional sphere. The wrong perceptions of the existence of women workers in the tourism sector have created gender inequality that is detrimental to the existence of women workers in the tourism sector. The empowerment of women's resources in the tourism sector requires a development approach based on culture and local wisdom of the community, namely strengthening the capacity of women workers, which includes strengthening individual capacity and strengthening entity (institutional) capacity. Empowerment includes building women's abilities, cultural changes and structural policies that are pro-women.
The Applications of Technology Acceptance Models in Tourism and Hospitality Research: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: EL ARCHI Youssef , BENBBA Brahim
Published: March 2023

This paper aims to answer four fundamental questions: (1) What scientific journals have published papers on the application of the Technology Acceptance Models (TAM) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) in tourism and hospitality research? (2) In what context have the TAM and UTAUT models emerged in tourism and hospitality research? (3) Which types of TAM and UTAUT have attracted interest in tourism and hospitality research? (4) What methodologies are used in the applications of TAM and UTAUT in tourism research? The design of this study corresponds to establishing the framework for future research on TAM and UTAUT in tourism by outlining what is currently known. Based on 40 papers published between 2017 and 2022, the methodology consists of an analysis of studies that have been conducted in tourism and hospitality using technology adoption theories (TAM and UTAUT). A systematic literature review is the ideal approach for the current state with a focus on the application of the theories of TAM and UTAUT models. Based on an analysis of 40 studies, mobile applications and social media marketing emerged as the most prevalent constructs. This paper proposes a summary of potential paths for future studies, offering possibilities and guidelines.
A characterization of gauge balls in ℍ
n
by horizontal curvature
Authors: Guidi Chiara , Martino Vittorio , Tralli Giulio
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we aim at identifying the level sets of the gauge norm in the Heisenberg group

ℍ
n

{{\mathbb{H}^{n}}}

via the prescription of their (non-constant) horizontal mean curvature. We establish a uniqueness result in

ℍ
1

{\mathbb{H}^{1}}

under an assumption on the location of the singular set, and in

ℍ
n

{\mathbb{H}^{n}}

for

n
≥
2

{n\geq 2}

in the proper class of horizontally umbilical hypersurfaces.
Time-step heat problem on the mesh: asymptotic behavior and decay rates
Authors: Abadias Luciano , González-Camus Jorge , Rueda Silvia
Published: March 2023

In this article, we study the asymptotic behavior and decay of the solution of the fully discrete heat problem. We show basic properties of its solutions, such as the mass conservation principle and their moments, and we compare them to the known ones for the continuous analogue problems. We present the fundamental solution, which is given in terms of spherical harmonics, and we state pointwise and

ℓ
p

{\ell^{p}}

estimates for that. Such considerations allow to prove decay and large-time behavior results for the solutions of the fully discrete heat problem, giving the corresponding rates of convergence on

ℓ
p

{\ell^{p}}

spaces.
Utilization and reimbursement trends of osteopathic manipulative treatment for Medicare patients: 2000–2019
Authors: Starr Evan G. , Smith Jacob F. , Hanson Romney B. , Woolstenhulme Jonathan B. , Roush Andrew J. , Sperry Nathan B. , Wilde Benjamin , Brooks Amanda E. , Zapata Isain
Published: March 2023

Context

Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) has been established as a beneficial and noninvasive treatment option for multiple conditions. With the total number of osteopathic providers tripling and the subsequent increase in osteopathic physician representation, we would expect the clinical use of OMT to increase accordingly.

Objectives

To that end, we evaluated the utilization and reimbursement of OMT services among Medicare beneficiaries.

Methods

Current procedural terminology (CPT) codes 98925 to 98929 were accessed from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) from 2000 to 2019. These codes indicate OMT treatment, 98925 (1–2 body regions treated), 98926 (3–4 body regions treated), 98927 (5–6 body regions treated), 98928 (7–8 body regions treated), and 98929 (9–10 body regions treated). Monetary reimbursement from Medicare was adjusted for inflation, and total code volume was scaled to codes per 10,000 beneficiaries to account for the increase in Medicare enrollment.

Results

Overall OMT utilization declined between 2000 and 2019 by 24.5%. A significant downward trend in the utilization of CPT codes for OMT involving fewer body regions (98925–98927) was observed, and was contrasted by a slight upward trend in the use of codes for more body regions (98928, 98929). The adjusted sum reimbursement of all codes decreased by 23.2%. Lower value codes showed a higher rate of decline, whereas higher value codes changed less dramatically.

Conclusions

We conjecture that lower remuneration for OMT has disincentivized physicians financially and may have contributed to the overall decline in OMT utilization among Medicare patients, along with a decreased number of residencies offering specific training in OMT, and increased billing complexity. In considering the upward trend of higher-value code usage, it is possible that some physicians are increasing the comprehensiveness of their physical assessment and associated OMT to reduce the overall financial impact of reimbursement cuts.
Co-Management of Kauri Dieback in the Waitākere Ranges, Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Gibson Jade , Buelow Franca , Black Amanda , MacDonald Lindsey Te Ata o Tū , Brower Ann L.
Published: March 2023

This is a story of positive changes for the natural environment in Aotearoa, New Zealand, realised in a bottom-up mobilisation initiated by a local indigenous group. Kauri are a cornerstone of Aotearoa New Zealand’s native forests, creating unique soil conditions that enable other native species to grow. They are one of the longest living tree species in the world and possess the status of a chief to the local Māori indigenous people of Aotearoa. Over the past decade, a deadly soil-borne pathogen known as kauri dieback has been slowly killing native kauri forests in the Waitākere Ranges, home to a local tribe, Te Kawarau a Maki. Our case study on kauri dieback illustrates the implications of mobilisation and co-governance, specifically regarding power issues and voice of community stakeholders in collaborative decision-making. It is an example of the tension between conservation, recreation, culture, and tourism, which can create harmful ramifications for the management of pathogens. The success in bringing everyone together to protect natural resources is analysed and described here by means of literature research and qualitative interviews with participants.
Pandemia y un modelo de negocios periodístico en agonía: de cómo un virus aceleró un proceso de deterioro financiero que comenzó en 2008
Authors: Vargas-Masís Otto
Published: March 2023

In a matter of a few days, since the first case of Covid-19 was detected in Costa Rica in March 2020, the pandemic hit the finances of the Costa Rican media with the force of a mallet and accelerated a process of financial deterioration that  journalistic companies  around the world -like La Nación- began to experiment since 2008.This work analyzes the changes that the national circulation media experienced in their work dynamics in the six months that followed March 6, 2020, when the Government announced the first contagion in the country. To measure the impact not only from the labor point of view, but also from the economic perspective, it was necessary to interview journalists from these media and undertake a review of the advertising sales reports presented to the College of Journalists. The virus surprised the Costa Rican media without having resolved the dilemma of how to reinvent itself to survive and stay in force. The pandemic accelerated, as never before, the process of erosion of the advertising model as the financial base of journalistic companies. The era of big media has come to an end
La Edad de Oro de Joaquín García Monge: selección y edición de lecturas latinoamericanas y universales
Authors: Rodríguez-Vargas Nuria
Published: March 2023

During the 1920’s, the Costa Rican writer Joaquín García Monge -inspired by La Edad de Oro (The Golden Age) of José Martí- edited a great selectionof Latin American and universal texts based on different subjects and genres. He intended to connect with students belonging to the public education system. At the beginning, texts were published in Repertorio Americano, and then as a Supplement to this magazine, in 160-page notebooks. The aim of this article is to make a general description of the contents of the six volumes that became to be published and, at the same time, to highlight the influence of Martí on García Monge.
De ficciones y realidades, el caso del videojuego “Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Wildlands” y Bolivia
Authors: González-Sancho Roy
Published: March 2023

In this paper, the video game “Tom Clancey’s Ghost Recon: Wildlands” has been analyzed through a scientific essay departing from the fiction depicted on the setting context: Bolivia. In this way, various contents of this production are studied depending on the political or historical events on which Ubisoft Paris and Ubisoft Milan have based for the design of the game. It is concluded that this production corresponds with the general tendencies of the warlike video games, with the treatment of stereotypes and speeches of the United States exceptionality. in the case of Bolivia, it has been handled with an image of incapacity, defeat, traitors and as a country whose regime imposed by a fictional drug cartel poses a threat to the security of Northamerica. Meanwhile, a homogeneous view of Latin America is used.
La italianidad según las narraciones de la primera, segunda y tercera generación de ítalo-sanviteños (San Vito de Coto Brus, Costa Rica)
Authors: Rimolo Bariatti Annamaria
Published: March 2023

The aim of this article is to explore the construction of Italianness through the discursive elaborations of the Italian-San Vito population from the first to the third generations of Italian immigrants and their descends, in the southern region of Costa Rica. Research questions being investigated are: What it means to be Italian for the studied population? Do they consider themselves Italian, or Costa Rican (or both)? Which are the Italian elements of identity? This analysis follows the guidelines on the ideologies of Teun van Dijk (2000), and the conceptualizations about Italianness of Ernesto Galli (1998). It is considered that behind each collective self representation (positive or negative), there is the need to establish bonds of belonging.
La presión mediática como amenaza del principio de legalidad penal
Authors: López-González Ronny
Published: March 2023

This article presents a general overview of the criminal legality concept explained in the First Article of the Criminal Code and the Criminal ProcedureCode of Costa Rica, as well as its practical application. In the same way, based on the theoretical postulates of the legal institute, we analize the excesses commited by the Costa Rican State against this principle due to the media’s pressure.
Los tentáculos del imperialismo sobre América Latina: Nicaragua y el realismo mágico a favor de los intereses del Norte
Authors: Segura Umaña Gabriela
Published: March 2023

In this article a review is carried out on a series of historical events that occurred in Nicaragua between 1920 and 1933, which were reflected in several deliveries of Repertorio Americano. In the review, it becomes imperative to shape one of the actors so present in the reality of this Central American country, one who has used the collusion between magical events and chameleonic beings that have served its interests. With the help of Julio Cortázar’s intertext, this essay gives an account of the current affairs of the United States’ tricks and all its imperialist machinery.
Conversaciones sobre Bolívar a través de las páginas del Repertorio Americano
Authors: Morales Méndez Juan Andrey
Published: March 2023

This essay represents a journey through the pages of the magazine Repertorio Americano, and is inspired by texts dedicated to the figure of Simón Bolívar, published between January and April 1930. This exploration becomes a conversation that seeks to show the human part of the legend and coverspoetic and biographical portraits, learning in stages of his life, chronicles of his own words, and comparisons with magnificent beings like Don Quijote de la Mancha.
Centroamérica en el Repertorio Americano (1919-1958)
Authors: Cuevas Molina Rafael
Published: March 2023

This article analyzes the influence of the United States of America in Central America, as well as its intervention in these small countries, their interests in the Panama Canal and the Nicaragua Canal, through different texts published in Repertorio Americano.
Reducing specific binding affinity while maintaining the enzyme activity: Dual effects of lignosulfonates on enzyme hydrolysis of sulfite-pretreated lignocellulose
Authors: Dong Chengyu , Peng Yangyang , Hadi Pejman , Fu Shiyu , Liu Hao , Leu Shao-Yuan , Shi Lu
Published: March 2023

It is well known that enzymatic hydrolysis is hampered by soluble inhibitors, while lignosulfonate (LS) generated from the sulfite pretreatment could enhance saccharification under certain conditions. To explain the roles of the LS during the hydrolyzing process, two types of LS were tested on selected lignocellulosic substrates and investigated through surface activity analysis and designed hydrolyzing experiments. The results showed that the LS with higher surface activity bound to and saturated the enzyme at a lower dosage and more effectively influenced the enzymatic hydrolysis. Both lignosulfonates, irrespective of their molecular weight and sulfonation degree, inhibited or enhanced the enzymatic saccharification related to two opposing mechanisms, i.e., competitive inhibition by the LS and its beneficial role on the enzyme activity. According to the Michaelis-Menten equation, the rate of cellulase-substrate complex conversion into product did not change with the introduction of the LS, whereas the specific binding affinity of the enzyme to the substrate was noticeably altered. With the introduction of LS, the stability of the enzyme increased, which increased the final hydrolysis yield. The hypothesis that the inhibition effects of LS could be effectively overcome by increasing the substrate content and the buffer concentration of the hydrolysates was confirmed through additional experiments.
Effective removal of cationic dyes from aqueous solutions by using black cumin (Nigella sativa) seed pulp and biochar
Authors: Sismanoglu Sedef , Akalin Mehmet Kuddusi , Akalin Gulen Oytun , Topak Fatıma
Published: March 2023

Black cumin seed pulp (C), as well as biochar (CC) produced via pyrolysis of black cumin seed pulp were used to remove methylene violet 2B (MV) and basic yellow 28 (BY28) from aqueous solution. Adsorption isotherms and kinetics were applied at 10, 25, and 35 °C. The adsorption of methylene violet 2B and basic yellow 28 on the black cumin seed pulp and biochar surface was exothermic; the heat of adsorption values were lower than 0. The adsorption capacities of BY28-C, BY28-CC, MV-C, and MV-CC were 212.8, 625, 164, and 909 mg g-1 at 25 °C, respectively. The adsorption of black cumin seed pulp and biochar data were examined with the Freundlich, Langmuir, Temkin, Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R), and Flory-Huggins (F-H) isotherm models. The kinetics of the adsorption were fitted to the pseudo first-order and pseudo second order equations. The pseudo second order equation gave a better fit than the pseudo first-order equation.
Increased dimensional stability of Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus urophylla ‘GLGU9’ wood through palm oil thermal treatment
Authors: Cao Yongjian , Li Xingwei , Liu Lulu , Xie Guijun , Lai Minting , Gao Jie
Published: March 2023

Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus urophylla ‘GLGU9’ is one of the most commonly planted tree species in South China. It is a new variety created by Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Forestry Research Institute. As a fast-growing species, the poor dimensional stability is one of its main drawbacks, which restricts its applications. Thermal treatment is one of the effective methods to improve the dimensional stability of wood. GLGU9 wood was treated using thermal modification with palm oil. The oil was used as a heating medium and a shielding material at temperatures of 150, 170, 190, 200, and 210 °C, at various treatment durations of 1.5, 3, 4.5 and 6 h. To investigate the effect of palm oil thermal treatment on dimensional stability, the anti-shrink efficiency (ASE1) and anti-swelling efficiency (ASE2) were examined. The results indicated that the ASE1 and ASE2 were increased by 62.8% and 56.6% at 210 °C for 6 h treatment, respectively.
NICU Versus Mother/Baby Unit Admission for Low-Acuity Infants Born at 35 Weeks’ Gestation
Authors: Wickremasinghe Andrea C. , Kuzniewicz Michael W. , Walsh Eileen M. , Li Sherian , Newman Thomas B.
Published: March 2023

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the effect of NICU admission of low-acuity infants born at 35 weeks’ gestation versus care in a mother/baby unit, on inpatient and outpatient medical outcomes.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 5929 low-acuity infants born at 350/7 to 356/7 weeks’ gestation at 13 Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals with level II or level III NICUs between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2021. Exclusion criteria included congenital anomalies and early respiratory support or antibiotics. We used multivariable regression and regression discontinuity analyses to control for confounding variables.

RESULTS

Infants admitted to the NICU within 2 hours of birth (n = 862, 14.5%) had a 58 hour adjusted (98-hour unadjusted) longer length of stay. NICU admission was associated with an increased probability of a length of stay ≥96 hours (67% vs 21%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.96–6.16). Regression discontinuity results suggested a similar (57 hour) increase in length of stay. Readmission risk, primarily for jaundice, was lower for those admitted to the NICU (3% vs 6%; aOR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.27–0.69). Infants admitted to the NICU were slightly less likely to be receiving exclusive breast milk at 6-month follow-up (15% vs 25%; aOR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.55–0.97; adjusted marginal risk difference −5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Admitting low-acuity infants born at 35 weeks’ gestation to the NICU was associated with decreased readmission, but with longer length of stay and decreased exclusive breast milk feeding at 6 months. Routine NICU admission may be unnecessary for low-acuity infants born at 35 weeks’ gestation.
Desigualdad (es) y pobreza, problemas persistentes en Colombia: reflexiones para una agenda urgente
Authors: Uribe-Gómez Mónica , Londoño Andrés-Julián
Published: March 2023

Colombia es uno de los países más desiguales de América Latina, que es a la vez la región más desigual del mundo. Aunque este desalentador panorama no es nuevo, si ha cobrado un lugar relevante en la agenda política nacional, despertando numerosas expectativas entre los ciudadanos que han sido los perdedores de siempre: los pobres. Este trabajo indaga por los retos que tiene el recién posesionado gobierno de Gustavo Petro para hacer frente a las condiciones persistentes de desigualdad y pobreza padecidas por más de la mitad de la población. Se parte de la pregunta por los retos y propuestas gubernamentales para disminuir la desigualdad, a la vez que se contextualiza el caso colombiano en las coyunturas socioeconómicas globales y regionales que inciden en la posibilidad de llevar a cabo cambios estructurales en la política social. Aunque este trabajo reconoce una variada gama de desigualdades presentes en el territorio como las brechas de género, etarias, étnicas y raciales; sin embargo, se concentrará fundamentalmente en las desigualdades de ingresos. El análisis se realiza a partir de la consulta de fuentes especializadas sobre el tema y del seguimiento a las fluctuaciones de la desigualdad en América Latina y el país en la última década.
Expansão urbana e percepção ambiental: uma análise sobre a relação homem-manguezal na cidade de Marapanim, Pará
Authors: Alves Raynon Joel Monteiro , Pinheiro Diego da Silva , Teixeira Jean Michel Jorge , Alves Reynan Jorge Monteiro , Tavares-Martins Ana Cláudia Caldeira
Published: March 2023

Este estudo objetivou analisar a expansão urbana e a percepção ambiental presente na relação homem-manguezal na cidade de Marapanim-PA. Para tanto, aplicaram-se formulários semiestruturados a 81 moradores no entorno dos manguezais, distribuídos em três bairros: Barraca, Centro e Novo, além do uso dos métodos de observação não participante e de diário de campo, durante o ano de 2017. Para os dados quantitativos sobre o perfil socioeconômico, ocupação humana, uso dos recursos naturais e percepção ambiental foram calculadas as frequências e outras informações foram analisadas qualitativamente pelo método de análise de conteúdo. Os entrevistados possuíram um perfil socioeconômico bastante heterogêneo e que, apesar de relativas melhorias nas condições de moradia, residiam em logradouros com saneamento básico e infraestrutura urbana precários, afetando o uso dos recursos naturais e a percepção ambiental. Tal uso dos manguezais ocorreu em pequena escala, se comparado a tempos pretéritos, e a percepção de alguns entrevistados evidenciou problemas e impactos socioambientais, que, por sinal, decorriam das atividades dos próprios habitantes locais, enquanto o cuidado com o meio foi limitado e pontual. Sugerem-se intervenções dos entes federativos para o planejamento urbano e o fortalecimento de ações educativas aos moradores para a efetivação dos manguezais como Área de Preservação Permanente.
AUTONOMIA E O PROTAGONISMO JUVENIL NAS ESCOLAS DEMOCRÁTICAS
Authors: Guridi Veronica Marcela , Queiroz Sharlene de Souza , Lima Ana Laura Godinho
Published: March 2023

Este trabalho buscou compreender a relação entre a educação democrática, a autonomia e protagonismo juvenil, partindo da hipótese de que um currículo democrático poderia favorecer a construção da autonomia e do protagonismo. Foi realizado uma pesquisa exploratória, do tipo estudo de caso, em uma escola democrática, e uma pequena parte de dados foi coletada em uma escola convencional, para fins comparativos. A análise dos dados foi realizada segundo a metodologia de análise de conteúdo. Os resultados mostram que na escola democrática há evidências de construção de um ambiente que prioriza a busca pela autonomia e o protagonismo juvenil. No entanto, fazem falta mais estudos para arrojar resultados mais conclusivos.
ESCOLA DE TEMPO INTEGRAL E CURRÍCULO INTERDISCIPLINAR
Authors: Silva Fabiana , Santos Marcio
Published: March 2023

Este artigo apresenta uma análise nos anos de 2020 a 2021, acerca da caminhada inicial da interdisciplinaridade no currículo de uma escola de ensino médio de tempo integral, localizada na Ilha de Mosqueiro, no município de Belém/PA. Do ponto de vista metodológico, o referido artigo tem uma abordagem qualitativa e seu  estudo foi realizado em duas etapas principais; na primeira, segue-se o viés da pesquisa bibliográfica e na segunda etapa a pesquisa documental conforme Gil (2017) por meio de estudo de caso dos relatórios específicos da escola-campo, bem como dos cadernos orientadores da Secretaria de Estado de Educação do Pará voltados para o Ensino Médio Integral. Os resultados apontam conexões entre as atividades desenvolvidas pelos docentes lotados na unidade escolar objeto de investigação, que evidenciam a perspectiva interdisciplinar. Com a possibilidade, inclusive, de adequação/alteração do currículo da escola que está trilhando um caminhar na proposta de uma educação integral em tempo integral fazendo uso da interdisciplinar escolar em seu currículo.