bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic regulation of CTCF stability and sub-nuclear localization in response to stress
Authors: Lehman Bettina J. , Lopez-Diaz Fernando J. , Santisakultarm Thom P. , Fang Linjing , Shokhirev Maxim N. , Diffenderfer Kenneth E. , Manor Uri , Emerson Beverly M.
Published: January 2021

The nuclear protein CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) has diverse roles in chromatin architecture and gene regulation. Functionally, CTCF associates with thousands of genomic sites and interacts with proteins, such as cohesin, or non-coding RNAs to facilitate specific transcriptional programming. In this study, we examined CTCF during the cellular stress response in human primary cells using immune-blotting, quantitative real time-PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequence (ChIP-seq) analysis, mass spectrometry, RNA immunoprecipitation-sequence analysis (RIP-seq), and Airyscan confocal microscopy. Unexpectedly, we found that CTCF is exquisitely sensitive to diverse forms of stress in normal patient-derived human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs). In HMECs, a subset of CTCF protein forms complexes that localize to Serine/arginine-rich splicing factor (SC-35)-containing nuclear speckles. Upon stress, this species of CTCF protein is rapidly downregulated by changes in protein stability, resulting in loss of CTCF from SC-35 nuclear speckles and changes in CTCF-RNA interactions. Our ChIP-seq analysis indicated that CTCF binding to genomic DNA is largely unchanged. Restoration of the stress-sensitive pool of CTCF protein abundance and re-localization to nuclear speckles can be achieved by inhibition of proteasome-mediated degradation. Surprisingly, we observed the same characteristics of the stress response during neuronal differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). CTCF forms stress-sensitive complexes that localize to SC-35 nuclear speckles during a specific stage of neuronal commitment/development but not in differentiated neurons. We speculate that these particular CTCF complexes serve a role in RNA processing that may be intimately linked with specific genes in the vicinity of nuclear speckles, potentially to maintain cells in a certain differentiation state, that is dynamically regulated by environmental signals. The stress-regulated activity of CTCF is uncoupled in persistently stressed, epigenetically re-programmed “variant” HMECs and certain cancer cell lines. These results reveal new insights into CTCF function in cell differentiation and the stress-response with implications for oxidative damage-induced cancer initiation and neuro-degenerative diseases.
Onchocerca volvulus and epilepsy: A comprehensive review using the Bradford Hill criteria for causation
Authors: Colebunders Robert , Njamnshi Alfred K. , Menon Sonia , Newton Charles R. , Hotterbeekx An , Preux Pierre-Marie , Hopkins Adrian , Vaillant Michel , Siewe Fodjo Joseph Nelson
Published: January 2021

Background

The possibility that onchocerciasis may cause epilepsy has been suggested for a long time, but thus far, an etiological link has not been universally accepted. The objective of this review is to critically appraise the relationship betweenOnchocerca volvulusand epilepsy and subsequently apply the Bradford Hill criteria to further evaluate the likelihood of a causal association.

Methods

PubMed and gray literature published until September 15, 2020, were searched and findings from original research were synthesized. Adherence to the 9 Bradford Hill criteria in the context of onchocerciasis and epilepsy was determined to assess whether the criteria are met to strengthen the evidence base for a causal link between infection withO.volvulusand epilepsy, including the nodding syndrome.

Results

Onchocerciasis as a risk factor for epilepsy meets the following Bradford Hill criteria for causality: strength of the association, consistency, temporality, and biological gradient. There is weaker evidence supporting causality based on the specificity, plausibility, coherence, and analogy criteria. There is little experimental evidence. Considering the Bradford Hill criteria, available data suggest that under certain conditions (high microfilarial load, timing of infection, and perhaps genetic predisposition), onchocerciasis is likely to cause epilepsy including nodding and Nakalanga syndromes.

Conclusion

Applying the Bradford Hill criteria suggests consistent epidemiological evidence thatO.volvulusinfection is a trigger of epilepsy. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for seizure induction still need to be elucidated.
Forecasting COVID-19 confirmed cases, deaths and recoveries: Revisiting established time series modeling through novel applications for the USA and Italy
Authors: Gecili Emrah , Ziady Assem , Szczesniak Rhonda D.
Published: January 2021

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is an emergent disease that initially had no historical data to guide scientists on predicting/ forecasting its global or national impact over time. The ability to predict the progress of this pandemic has been crucial for decision making aimed at fighting this pandemic and controlling its spread. In this work we considered four different statistical/time series models that are readily available from the ‘forecast’ package in R. We performed novel applications with these models, forecasting the number of infected cases (confirmed cases and similarly the number of deaths and recovery) along with the corresponding 90% prediction interval to estimate uncertainty around pointwise forecasts. Since the future may not repeat the past for this pandemic, no prediction model is certain. However, any prediction tool with acceptable prediction performance (or prediction error) could still be very useful for public-health planning to handle spread of the pandemic, and could policy decision-making and facilitate transition to normality. These four models were applied to publicly available data of the COVID-19 pandemic for both the USA and Italy. We observed that all models reasonably predicted the future numbers of confirmed cases, deaths, and recoveries of COVID-19. However, for the majority of the analyses, the time series model with autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and cubic smoothing spline models both had smaller prediction errors and narrower prediction intervals, compared to the Holt and Trigonometric Exponential smoothing state space model with Box-Cox transformation (TBATS) models. Therefore, the former two models were preferable to the latter models. Given similarities in performance of the models in the USA and Italy, the corresponding prediction tools can be applied to other countries grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, and to any pandemics that can occur in future.
Predicting health behavior in response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Worldwide survey results from early March 2020
Authors: Anaki David , Sergay Jamie
Published: January 2021

The current pandemic outbreak of the novel COVID-19, which originated from Wuhan in China in late 2019, has eventually spread to six continents with a rising toll of death cases. No vaccine has yet been developed for COVID-19. The compliance of the general public with the advice and regulations of the health authorities and the adoption of effective health behavior regimens are currently the only weapons to effectively cope with the disease. Here we report the results of a worldwide survey (n = 953) conducted between March 2 and March 14, 2020 that sought (a) to identify critical proximal predictors of health behavior relevant to the current situation, (b) to examine their relationships to various demographic characteristics of the population, (c) and to provide a model of health behavior specific to COVID-19. We found that the perceived severity of the disease and susceptibility to it, emotional reactions, and attitudes toward COVID-19 predicted one-third of the preventive behavior variance. Various demographic variables influenced these predictors. Based on the data collected, we constructed, using path analysis, a theoretical model of health behavior. Our results emphasize the need to consider the impact of antecedent variables on actual precautionary behavior and the influence of demographic factors on these antecedent variables. Understanding the complex interplay of these precursors in health behavior will maximize their beneficial role, eliminate maladaptive prevention patterns, and facilitate the eradication of the disease.
Testing a mindfulness meditation mobile app for the treatment of sleep-related symptoms in adults with sleep disturbance: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Huberty Jennifer L. , Green Jeni , Puzia Megan E. , Larkey Linda , Laird Breanne , Vranceanu Ana-Maria , Vlisides-Henry Robert , Irwin Michael R.
Published: January 2021

The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to test whether a commercially available, mindfulness meditation mobile app, (i.e., Calm app), was effective in reducing fatigue (primary outcome), pre-sleep arousal, and daytime sleepiness (secondary outcomes) in adults with sleep disturbance (Insomnia Severity Index Score >10) as compared to a wait-list control group. Associations between the use of the Calm app (i.e., adherence to the intervention) and changes in sleep quality was also explored in the intervention group only. Adults with sleep disturbance were recruited (N = 640). Eligible and consenting participants (N = 263) were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 124) or a wait-list control (n = 139) group. Intervention participants were asked to meditate using the Calm app ≥10 minutes/day for eight weeks. Fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and pre-sleep arousal were assessed at baseline, mid- (4-weeks) and post-intervention (8-weeks) in both groups, whereas sleep quality was evaluated only in the intervention group. Findings from intent-to-treat analyses suggest the use of the Calm app for eight weeks significantly decreased daytime fatigue (p = .018) as well as daytime sleepiness (p = .003) and cognitive (p = .005) and somatic (p < .001) pre-sleep arousal as compared to the wait-list control group. Within the intervention group, use of the Calm app was associated with improvements in sleep quality (p < .001). This randomized controlled trial demonstrates that the Calm app can be used to treat fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and pre-sleep arousal in adults with sleep disturbance. Given that the Calm app is affordable and widely accessible, these data have implications for community level dissemination of a mobile app to improve sleep-related symptoms associated with sleep disturbance.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04045275.
Therapeutic plasma exchange for coronavirus disease-2019 triggered cytokine release syndrome; a retrospective propensity matched control study
Authors: Kamran Sultan Mehmood , Mirza Zill-e-Humayun , Naseem Arshad , Liaqat Jahanzeb , Fazal Imran , Alamgir Wasim , Saeed Farrukh , Saleem Salman , Nisar Shazia , Yousaf Muhammad Ali , Khan Asad Zaman , Hussain Mehmood , Azam Rizwan , Hussain Maryam , Khan Kumail Abbas , Jamal Yousaf , Iftikhar Raheel
Published: January 2021

Background

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology and progression of Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) by removing the pathogenic cytokines is hypothesized to dampen CRS.

Objective

To evaluate the outcomes of the patients with COVID-19 having CRS being treated with TPE compared to controls on the standard of care.

Methodology

Retrospective propensity score-matched analysis in a single centre from 1st April to 31st July 2020. We retrospectively analyzed data of 280 hospitalized patients developing CRS initially. PSM was used to minimize bias from non-randomized treatment assignment. Using PSM 1:1, 90 patients were selected and assigned to 2 equal groups. Forced matching was done for disease severity, routine standard care and advanced supportive care. Many other Co-variates were matched. Primary outcome was 28 days overall survival. Secondary outcomes were duration of hospitalization, CRS resolution time and timing of viral clearance on Polymerase chain reaction testing.

Results

After PS-matching, the selected cohort had a median age of 60 years (range 32–73 in TPE, 37–75 in controls), p = 0.325 and all were males. Median symptoms duration was 7 days (range 3–22 days’ TPE and 3–20 days controls), p = 0.266. Disease severity in both groups was 6 (6.6%) moderate, 40 (44.4%) severe and 44 (49%) critical. Overall, 28-day survival was significantly superior in the TPE group (91.1%), 95% CI 78.33–97.76; as compared to PS-matched controls (61.5%), 95% CI 51.29–78.76 (log rank 0.002), p<0.001. Median duration of hospitalization was significantly reduced in the TPE treated group (10 days vs 15 days) (p< 0.01). CRS resolution time was also significantly reduced in the TPE group (6 days vs. 12 days) (p< 0.001). In 71 patients who underwent TPE, the mortality was 0 (n = 43) if TPE was done within the first 12 days of illness while it was 17.9% (deaths 5, n = 28 who received it after 12th day (p = 0.0045).

Conclusion

An earlier use of TPE was associated with improved overall survival, early CRS resolution and time to discharge compared to SOC for COVID-19 triggered CRS in this selected cohort of PS-matched male patients from one major hospital in Pakistan.
Enhancer polymorphisms at the IKZF1 susceptibility locus for acute lymphoblastic leukemia impact B-cell proliferation and differentiation in both Down syndrome and non-Down syndrome genetic backgrounds
Authors: Gant Vincent U. , Junco Jacob J. , Terrell Maci , Rashid Raushan , Rabin Karen R.
Published: January 2021

Children with Down syndrome have an approximately 10-fold increased risk of developing acute lymphoblastic leukemia and this risk is influenced by inherited genetic variation. Genome-wide association studies have identified IKZF1 as a strong acute lymphoblastic leukemia susceptibility locus in children both with and without Down syndrome, with association signals reported at rs4132601 in non-Down syndrome and rs58923657 in individuals with Down syndrome (r2 = 0.98 for these two loci). Expression quantitative trait locus analysis in non-Down syndrome lymphoblastoid cell lines has demonstrated an association between the rs4132601 risk allele and decreased IKZF1 mRNA levels. In this study, we provide further mechanistic evidence linking the region encompassing IKZF1-associated polymorphisms to pro-leukemogenic effects in both human lymphoblastoid cell lines and murine hematopoietic stem cells. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of the region encompassing the rs17133807 major allele (r2 with rs58923657 = 0.97) resulted in significant reduction of IKZF1 mRNA levels in lymphoblastoid cell lines, with a greater effect in Down syndrome versus non-Down syndrome cells. Since rs17133807 is highly conserved in mammals, we also evaluated the orthologous murine locus at rs263378223, in hematopoietic stem cells from the Dp16(1)Yey mouse model of Down syndrome as well as non-Down syndrome control mice. Homozygous deletion of the region encompassing rs263378223 resulted in significantly reduced Ikzf1 mRNA, confirming that this polymorphism maps to a strong murine Ikzf1 enhancer, and resulted in increased B-lymphoid colony growth and decreased B-lineage differentiation. Our results suggest that both the region encompassing rs17133807 and its conserved orthologous mouse locus have functional effects that may mediate increased leukemia susceptibility in both the Down syndrome and non-Down syndrome genetic backgrounds.
Combining botanical collections and ecological data to better describe plant community diversity
Authors: Alba Christina , Levy Richard , Hufft Rebecca
Published: January 2021

In this age of rapid biodiversity loss, we must continue to refine our approaches to describing variation in life on Earth. Combining knowledge and research tools from multiple disciplines is one way to better describe complex natural systems. Understanding plant community diversity requires documenting both pattern and process. We must first know which species exist, and where (i.e., taxonomic and biogeographic patterns), before we can determine why they exist there (i.e., ecological and evolutionary processes). Floristic botanists often use collections-based approaches to elucidate biodiversity patterns, while plant ecologists use hypothesis-driven statistical approaches to describe underlying processes. Because of these different disciplinary histories and research goals, floristic botanists and plant ecologists often remain siloed in their work. Here, using a case study from an urban greenway in Colorado, USA, we illustrate that the collections-based, opportunistic sampling of floristic botanists is highly complementary to the transect- or plot-based sampling of plant ecologists. We found that floristic sampling captured a community species pool four times larger than that captured using ecological transects, with rarefaction and non-parametric species estimation indicating that it would be prohibitive to capture the “true” community species pool if constrained to sampling within transects. We further illustrate that the discrepancy in species pool size between approaches led to a different interpretation of the greenway’s ecological condition in some cases (e.g., transects missed uncommon cultivated species escaping from nearby gardens) but not others (e.g., plant species distributions among functional groups were similar between species pools). Finally, we show that while using transects to estimate plant relative abundances necessarily trades off with a fuller assessment of the species pool, it is an indispensable indicator of ecosystem health, as evidenced by three non-native grasses contributing to 50% of plant cover along the highly modified urban greenway. We suggest that actively fostering collaborations between floristic botanists and ecologists can create new insights into the maintenance of species diversity at the community scale.
The effect of breast density on the missed lesion rate in screening digital mammography determined using an adjustable-density breast phantom tailored to Japanese women
Authors: Yamamuro Mika , Asai Yoshiyuki , Hashimoto Naomi , Yasuda Nao , Ozaki Yoshiaki , Ishii Kazunari , Lee Yongbum
Published: January 2021

Objective

Despite the high risk of missing lesions in mammography, the missed lesion rate is yet to be clinically established. Further, no breast phantoms with adjustable breast density currently exist. We developed a novel, adjustable-density breast phantom with a composition identical to that of actual breasts, and determined the quantitative relationship between breast density and the missed lesion rate in mammography.

Methods

An original breast phantom consisting of adipose- and fibroglandular-equivalent materials was developed, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) study was performed. Breast density, which is the fraction by weight of fibroglandular to total tissue, was adjusted to 25%, 50%, and 75% by arbitrarily mixing the two materials. Microcalcification, mass lesions, and spiculated lesions, each with unique characteristics, were inserted into the phantom. For the above-mentioned fibroglandular densities, 50 positive and 50 negative images for each lesion type were used as case samples for the ROC study. Five certified radiological technologists participated in lesion detection.

Results

The mass-lesion detection rate, according to the area under the curve, decreased by 18.0% (p= 0.0001, 95% Confidence intervals [CI] = 0.1258 to 0.1822) and 37.8% (p= 0.0003, 95% CI = 0.2453 to 0.4031) for breast densities of 50% and 75%, respectively, compared to that for a 25% breast density. A similar tendency was observed with microcalcification; however, spiculated lesions did not follow this tendency.

Conclusions

We quantified the missed lesion rate in different densities of breast tissue using a novel breast phantom, which is imperative for advancing individualized screening mammography.
Pastoralism in the highest peaks: Role of the traditional grazing systems in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem function in the alpine Himalaya
Authors: Ingty Tenzing
Published: January 2021

Rangelands cover around half of the planet’s land mass and provide vital ecosystem services to over a quarter of humanity. The Himalayan rangelands, part of a global biodiversity hotspot is among the most threatened regions in the world. In rangelands of many developing nations policies banning grazing in protected areas is common practice. In 1998, the Indian state of Sikkim, in the Eastern Himalaya, enacted a grazing ban in response to growing anthropogenic pressure in pastures and forests that was presumably leading to degradation of biodiversity. Studies from the region demonstrate the grazing ban has had some beneficial results in the form of increased carbon stocks and regeneration of some species of conservation value but the ban also resulted in negative outcomes such as reduced household incomes, increase in monocultures in lowlands, decreased manure production in a state that exclusively practices organic farming, spread of gregarious species, and a perceived increase in human wildlife conflict. This paper explores the impact of the traditional pastoral system on high elevation plant species in Lachen valley, one of the few regions of Sikkim where the grazing ban was not implemented. Experimental plots were laid in along an elevation gradient in grazed and ungrazed areas. Ungrazed areas are part of pastures that have been fenced off (preventing grazing) for over a decade and used by the locals for hay formation. I quantified plant species diversity (Species richness, Shannon index, Simpson diversity index, and Pielou evenness index) and ecosystem function (above ground net primary productivity ANPP). The difference method using movable exlosure cages was used in grazing areas to account for plant ANPP eaten and regrowth between grazing periods). The results demonstrate that grazing significantly contributes to greater plant species diversity (Species richness, Shannon index, Simpson diversity index, and Pielou evenness index) and ecosystem function (using above ground net primary productivity as an indicator). The multidimensional scaling and ANOSIM (Analysis of Similarities) pointed to significant differences in plant species assemblages in grazed and ungrazed areas. Further, ecosystem function is controlled by grazing, rainfall and elevation. Thus, the traditional transhumant pastoral system may enhance biodiversity and ecosystem function. I argue that a complete restriction of open grazing meet neither conservation nor socioeconomic goals. Evidence based policies are required to conserve the rich and vulnerable biodiversity of the region.
Application of artificial neural network and support vector regression in predicting mass of ber fruits (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) based on fruit axial dimensions
Authors: Abdel-Sattar Mahmoud , Aboukarima Abdulwahed M. , Alnahdi Bandar M.
Published: January 2021

Fruit quality attributes are important factors for designing a market for agricultural goods and commodities. Support vector regression (SVR), MLR, and ANN models were established to predict the mass of ber fruits (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) based on the axial dimensions of the fruit from manual measurements of fruit length, minor fruit diameter, and maximum fruit diameter of four ber cultivars. The precision and accuracy of the established models were assessed given their predicted values. The results revealed that using the validation dataset, the developed ANN (R2 = 0.9771; root mean square error [RMSE] = 1.8479 g) and SVR (R2 = 0.9947; RMSE = 1.8814 g) models produced better results when predicting ber fruit mass than those obtained by the MLR model (R2 = 0.4614; RMSE = 11.3742 g). In estimating ber fruit mass, the established SVR and ANN models produced more precise prediction values than those produced by the MLR model; however, the performance differences between the SVR and ANN models were not clear.
Study on Endophytic Fungi Associated with Moringa oleifera Lam. Collected from Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara
Authors: Ramadhani Indriati , Rohadi Hasnadiazahra , Yuliani Yeni , Ilyas Muhammad
Published: January 2021

An assemblage of endophytic fungi was isolated from Moringa oleifera Lam. collected from Lombok island, West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. Fungal endophytes were isolated using surface sterilization methods with slight modification. Forty-six selected endophytic fungal strains were isolated from the leaves, petioles, and stems of M. oleifera. The fungal strains identification through morphological observation and ITS rDNA-based molecular analysis showed that fungal endophytes were associated with host plants belonging to the taxa Alternaria, Cladosporium, Colletotrichum (Glomerella), Corynespora, Curvularia (Cochliobolus), Fusarium, Mucor, Ochrocladosporium, Phomopsis (Diaporthe), and Trametes. In this study, endophytic Phomopsis dominating the obtained strains, whereas 26% (12/46) strains were isolated from host plant samples.
Peer Learning: An Effective Teaching-Learning Method for Improving Ability in Arterial Blood Gases Interpretation
Authors: Mauliandari Riana , Sumarwati Made , Upoyo Arif Setyo
Published: January 2021

Background: Competent nurses are expected to be able to interpret arterial blood gases (ABGs). The benefits of peer learning, an innovative teaching-learning method today, have long been recognized. However, to date, no studies have compared the effect of this method and the traditional classical method in interpreting ABGs. Purpose: This study aimed to compare the effect of peer learning and classical learning methods on the nurses’ ability to interpret ABGs. Method: This was a quasi-experimental research with pre and post-test design. Forty ward nurses were invited in the peer learning method group, and another 40 ward nurses were invited in the classical learning method group through a randomization process. Data were collected using a questionnaire before and after the educational intervention. The classical class was taught by an experienced trainer, while peer groups, divided into groups of 5-6, were taught by one member of each group who obtained the best pre-test score and received special training first. The analysis of data was performed by t-test.Result: The result showed that after the intervention, the mean score of interpreting ABGs in the peer learning group increased by 3.18±1.12 (p<0.001), while in the classical learning method, it only increased by 2.32±0.988 (p<0.001). Although there were significant increases in ABGs analysis’s ability in both groups, the peer teaching-learning group demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in interpreting ABGs (p<0.001).Conclusion: The peer learning method facilitates a more significant improvement in the nurses’ ability for ABGs interpretation. Peer learning is appropriate as one of the methods in clinical education for nurses.
Children’s Nurses’ Knowledge and Attitudes on Paediatric Pain: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Survey in a Developing Country
Authors: Oduro Evans , Diji Abigail Kusi-Amponsah , Kusi Grace , Amagyei Albert , Kyei-Dompim Joana , Lomotey Alberta , Boateng Edward Appiah , Budu Hayford Isaac
Published: January 2021

Background: Children’s nurses’ knowledge of pain affects their pain management practices. Even though poor knowledge and attitudes have been reported in several studies, most were carried out in developed settings. However, little has been reported on the management of paediatric pain by nurses in resource-limited settings such as in sub-Saharan Africa.Purpose: This study sought to assess the knowledge and perceptions of children’s nurses regarding paediatric pain in a Ghanaian context.Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out among 65 nurses at eight hospitals at various levels of healthcare in Ghana. Over three months, participants’ demographic data and responses on the Pediatric Nurses Knowledge and Attitude Survey Regarding Pain (PNKAS) instrument were collected. Data were analyzed and presented using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: Participants’ average (SD) knowledge and attitudes regarding paeditric pain was 36.7% (6.9%) and ranged from 21.4% to 57.1%. Pediatric pain knowledge and attitudes (PPKA) of the nurses differed based on working years in the children’s unit and the hospital type they worked in (p<0.05). Nevertheless, the type of hospital facility was the only independent predictor of their PPKA (R2=0.181, p<0.001).Conclusion: Children nurses in this setting generally had insufficient knowledge and attitudes on paediatric pain. They should be motivated to undertake self-directed learning and regular continuing professional education to update their knowledge, attitude and skills on evidence-based pediatric pain assessment and management.
The Potential Of Steel Wire As A Binder With Plates To Withstand Loads
Authors: Saragih Deardo Samuel , Sianturi Novdin Manoktong , Purba Virgo Erlando , Damanik Dermina Roni Santika
Published: January 2021

Road and bridge construction needs to be supported by a strong system, both in terms of material and connections between structural elements. A pile reinforcement connection system with slab support construction on it needs to be considered to work together in carrying the load. Therefore, research is needed to determine how much effect the steel wire has as a binding pile with a plate in resisting uniform loads on it. This research was conducted by testing the model in a laboratory on a test medium that was reinforced with the pile with the slab system. Pile joints are distinguished bound perfectly and unbound. A reduction settlement analysis is performed on the difference in settlement for bound and unbound piles. The results showed that the pile system's performance, which was bound with steel wires on the slab, was better at resisting loads. This is known from the reduction of settlement for bound and unbound piles, which is 11.43% for the time stage and 11.51% for the load stage. The system can work together so that the stability of construction is better maintained and more durable.
KAAC Symbol Search Service - Development of a Web-Based Service for Low-tech AAC Devices-
Authors: Kwon Sun Young , Hong Ki-Hyung ,   Korean Society of Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Published: January 2021

Background and Objectives: In order to promote the development of low-tech augmentative and alternative communication(AAC) devices, it is important to search and collect appropriate AAC symbols. The purpose of this study was to develop a web-based service that supports the development of low-tech AAC devices. Method: Based on the analysis of current domestic and international AAC service systems, we identify four requirements for the production of low-tech AAC devices: searching symbols in convenient ways, managing symbol collections, printing symbol collections to low-tech media such as paper in various formats, and downloading AAC symbols. We designed and developed a web-based Korean ACC(KAAC) symbol search service with an intuitive and convenient user interface. Results: The KAAC symbol search service makes developing low-tech AAC devices easier. Users can search and collect AAC symbols from the Korean AAC Basic Symbol System (Park et al., 2016) that includes about 10,000 Korean AAC symbols. Users can print a symbol collection with their size dependant on the number of symbols per page. Users also can download symbols for use in low-tech AAC devices. The responsive user interface of the service can be used on all devices, such as PCs, tablets, and mobile devices. Conclusion: The KAAC symbol search service facilitates the production of low-tech devices, and We expect that it will prove useful in the future.
Survey on SLPs’ Perspectives on the Design of AAC Displays
Authors: Na Ji Young , Lee Su Hyang , Oh Gyung Ah , Lee Jin Hee , Chea Hee Jin ,   Korean Society of Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Published: January 2021

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate speech-language pathologist (SLP)s’ perspectives on the design of AAC displays. Method: Survey questions were developed based on national and international research and clinical experiences. A total of 168 responses were analyzed by calculating the frequency and percentage for each question. Results: Most participants answered that they often used graphic symbols for AAC evaluations and interventions. Many of them also reported that details of graphic symbols were important because they enhanced understanding of the symbols' meaning. Most participants provided positive responses to the questions about border and background colors for grid displays. However, for unstated reasons, they rarely used them for clinical purposes. Most also answered that they had very limited knowledge about visual- scene displays (VSDs) and rarely used them for clinical purposes. They reported that future education and availability of the VSD programs would help them to use VSD for clinical purposes. Conclusion: The participating SLPs provided helpful information about the design of AAC displays. They should be supported with education about VSDs, and related materials about the design of AAC displays should be made available to them.
Communication Experience and Support Needs of Parents Who Participated in the AAC Parent Education Program for the Physical and multiple disabilities
Authors: Cho A Ra , Lee Seol Hee , Choi Jin Hee , Park Eunhye ,   Korean Society of Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Published: January 2021

Background and Objectives: Education programs to support children with communication difficulties are mainly provided to teachers and related experts. In contrast, support programs for parents who spend the most time with their children are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct the AAC parental education program for parents with children with CCN and to find out their support needs. Method: Focus group interviews were conducted to find out the communication experiences and support needs of parents who participated in the AAC parent education program for the physical and multiple disabilities. Results: Three themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: 1) Communication experience with children, 2) AAC parent education program experience, 3) Communication support needs. Conclusion: First, the AAC education program should be expanded to include family members other than parents, teachers, assistants, and peers. Second, families and schools should cooperate to maximize the effect of communication intervention. Third, parent education needs to be conducted based on the composition of the training contents centered on the parties and specific cases. Fourth, the AAC education program needs to deal with not only the method of making AAC or using tools, but also the communication intervention strategy.
Dualisierung und Solidarität in Europas Arbeitswelt: Eine Hierarchische Perspektive
Authors: Corazza Arthur
Published: January 2021

Im Kontext Europas „Zeitalter der Dualisierung“ impliziert die polit-ökonomische Insider-Outsider-Theorie, dass strategische, rationale Intentionen solidarischer Vertretung zugrunde liegen. Gleichzeitig belegen jedoch Fallstudien, dass in erster Linie die Ressourcen von Sozialpartnern für deren Präferenzen, Strategien und letztlich Ergebnisse ausschlaggebend sind. Vor diesem Hintergrund untersucht der Forschungsbericht die Umstände, unter denen die Vertretung und Partizipation von Arbeitnehmerinnen und Arbeitnehmern auf Unternehmensebene effektiv subjektive Verunsicherung eindämmt. Ein gemischter Ansatz analysiert anhand Generalized Linear Mixed Models europäische Erhebungsdaten zu den EU-28 Mitgliedsstaaten und ergänzt die Ergebnisse mit einer kritischen Fallstudie zu Italien. Die resultierenden Ländercluster stützen die Ressourcen-basierte These, insbesondere bezüglich institutioneller und organisatorischer Parameter, wohingegen die Rational Choice-These aus komparativer Sicht unzureichend von den Daten untermauert ist. Mittels der hierarchischen Perspektive untersucht die Studie eine Prämisse der Dualisierungsthese und trägt somit zur Erforschung der Varianten von Ungleichheiten am A
COMPARISON OF SOME CHEMICAL, TEXTURAL AND SENSORIAL PROPERTIES OF COMMERCIAL HAZELNUT-CACAO SPREADS
Authors: POLAT Süleyman
Published: January 2021

The lack of standard regulations for the formulation of hazelnut-cacao spreads makes them susceptible to food fraud.The present study examines the chemical, rheological and sensory characteristics of six different commercial hazelnut-cacao spreads coded as A, B, C, D, E and F. The color values for L*, chroma and hue angle were detected between 32.68-38.11, 13.76-17.18, 50.83-54.61, respectively. Sucrose was the only sugar type detected in the samples and its concentration was found between 53.63-57.60 g/100g spread. For textural analysis sample F was found firmer and stickier than other samples. Aldehyde, pyrazine, terpene, phenol, ketone, furan and acid compounds were detected as volatile aroma compounds and their relative concentrations showed significant difference between each other. The total phenolic content of the samples was detected between 346.81-643.09 mgGAE/kgDFW. Catechin (21.13-35.79 mg/kgDFW) and epicatechin (44.62-108 mg/kgDFW) were the major phenolic compounds of the tested spreads. Sensorial results showed that the samples B and D are the most preferred ones.
Recent evidence sets therapeutic targets for levothyroxine-treated patients with primary hypothyroidism based on risk of death
Authors: Perros Petros , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah , Hegedüs Laszlo
Published: January 2021

Since the introduction of sensitive assays for serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) clinicians have advised hypothyroid patients to adjust the dose of levothyroxine (L-T4) in order to achieve a normal serum TSH. A minority of patients are dissatisfied with this treatment strategy and experience symptoms. Some indirect evidence suggests that a normal serum TSH may not necessarily reflect euthyroidism at the tissue level in patients treated with L-T4. Increasingly hypothyroid patients demand higher doses of L-T4 or liothyronine (L-T3) or animal thyroid extract, often purchased online, and titrate the dose against symptoms, although ample evidence suggests that combination treatment (L-T4 with L-T3) is no more effective than L-T4 alone. Community surveys show that up to 53% of treated hypothyroid patients at any time have a serum TSH outside the normal range. The recommendation by guidelines that the upper limit of the normal range for serum TSH should not be exceeded is supported by robust evidence and is generally accepted by clinicians and patients. However, until recently the lower limit of serum TSH for optimal L-T4 replacement has been controversial. New evidence obtained by two independent large population studies over the past two years has shown that mortality of hypothyroid patients treated with levothyroxine is increased when the serum TSH exceeds or is reduced outside the normal reference range. It is estimated that the implementation of a policy of normalising serum TSH in hypothyroid patients will reduce the risk of death of 28.3 million people in the USA and Europe alone.
Votando al Partido Popular de Galicia: análisis de los componentes del voto a la formación en las elecciones autonómicas (1993-2016)
Authors: Gómez Cebey Rubén
Published: January 2021

Este trabajo analiza los componentes del voto al Partido Popular en las elecciones al Parlamento de Galicia celebradas entre 1993 y 2016. Profundiza en las principales tendencias que ha dibujado el comportamiento del electorado popular a lo largo del período autonómico atendiendo a los factores clásicos que han podido estar en su base, como la identificación partidista, la valoración del liderazgo, el contexto económico y político o la ideología. Este artículo presta, también, especial atención a la influencia del galleguismo, un factor que ha sido puesto en valor desde diferentes ámbitos, tanto académicos como políticos.
El carácter maleable y proyectivo de la caricatura peruana durante el golpe de Estado. 1992
Authors: Infante Yupanqui Carlos , Jorge León Rafael Giovanny
Published: January 2021

El siguiente artículo presenta los resultados del estudio sobre el rol del humor gráfico en el Perú frente al golpe de Estado, en 1992. Examinamos un número importante de caricaturas a la luz del enfoque histórico, crítico y contextual. La idea fue seguir construyendo el derrotero de la caricatura peruana. Entre los resultados que encontramos fue que la caricatura ratifica su condición proyectiva, problética y maleable. No ejerció un papel fundamental en la creación de las condiciones del golpe, pero, sin duda, sirvió a este objetivo. Fue un excelente vehículo para penetrar en los imaginarios sociales. Logró alcanzar su propósito al momento de afirmarse en el sentido común de la sociedad peruana, convirtiéndose en el magma de representaciones imaginarias, desde donde volvería a nutrir el humor con nuevos y viejos elementos simbólicos. En el estudio utilizamos un enfoque metodológico cualitativo; el análisis lo hicimos apoyándonos en el interaccionismo simbólico.
Reporte de caso: colangiocarcinoma y disgerminoma en pava aliblanca (Penelope albipennis), Perú
Authors: Vásquez Gloria , Perales Rosa , Icochea Eliana
Published: January 2021

Se reporta el caso de una pava aliblanca (Penelope albipennis) de 7 años edad con muerte súbita, propiedad de un zoocriadero y centro de rescate en Lambayeque, Perú. A la necropsia, se observaron manchas blanquecinas difusamente diseminadas en el hígado y nódulos de color blanquecino de diferentes tamaños en el ovario. El examen histopatológico dio el diagnóstico definitivo de colangiocarcinoma en hígado y disgerminoma en el ovario. Este es el primer reporte de estas patologías en la especie Penelope albipennis en Perú.
Construcción del conocimiento alrededor de sistemas híbridos fotovoltaicos mediante Descubrimiento basado en la literatura
Authors: Coral Marco , Salazar Miguel , Palacios Luis , Moquillaza Santiago , Álvarez José C.
Published: January 2021

Given the need to deepen the dynamics in the generation of new knowledge, with respect to renewable energies, in particular around hybrid photovoltaic systems, this study analyzes the research developed, through the “Literature Based Discovery” - LBD. A research chain is developed to capture emerging and other innovative or exploratory aspects. The steps followed have as a priority to generate the extraction and automated search, from the key- words, to group the results looking for their references, in addition to locating research on these semantic terms, concepts and the relationship between them through text mining. The results generate a grouping of topics based on the keywords, which were linked by LBD, these identify dependencies between various analyzes, concluding that LBD techniques generate correlations that are not explicitly seen, so it is necessary to carry out additional analyzes by the expert to correctly determine the implicit knowledge.
Educación sin república. Hitos de la educación peruana en el último siglo
Authors: Tovar Samanez Teresa
Published: January 2021

Retrospectiva de la educación peruana en el último siglo, que distingue cuatro hitos demarcatorios: 1. La educación como privilegio en la sociedad oligárquica; 2. La crisis del estado oligárquico y un orden nuevo en la educación; 3. La contrarreforma y la mercantilización de la educación y los derechos sociales; y 4. La crisis civilizatoria y el cuestionamiento del modelo educativo neoliberal. El artículo hace una lectura de la relación de la educación con el poder, con la sociedad y con el proceso de transformación del país. A partir de un análisis combinado de cinco componentes, se intenta una interpretación general y articuladora de lo ocurrido en la educación peruana en el último siglo. Estos componentes son: el tiempo político, el rol del Estado, el derecho a la educación y la prioridad de la educación en la agenda. Es posible visualizar los avances y retrocesos de un proceso que no sigue una ruta progresiva constante y que carece de una base institucional y democrática.
Teachers’ Self-Efficacy: How does it Predict Children's Task Persistence and Behavioral Self-Regulation?
Authors: Davolytė Justina , Raižienė Saulė , Šilinskas Gintautas
Published: January 2021

It has been suggested that the quality of pre-primary education influences children's learning abilities in a variety of ways. Teachers’ behaviors are among the major factors relating to the quality of the classrooms, and one aspect of them – teachers’ self-efficacy – has been put forward to predict successful development of childrens’ learning and abilities to learn. Given this, it is surprising that relatively few studies have taken pre-primary techers' self-efficasy into account, and no research on the topic has been conducted in Lithuania.

Futhermore, a few studies have analyzed how teachers' self-efficacy relates to childrens' learning abilities, such as, tasks persistence and self-regulation. Consequently, the present study analyzed relations between teachers' self-efficacy, childrens' task persistence and self-regulation. This study is based on the theory of teachers’ self-efficacy by Tschannen-Moran and Woolfolk Hoy (2001). The aim of the current study is to determine whether the self-efficacy of Lithuanian pre-primary teachers' is related to the learning outcomes, in particular, childrens' tasks persistence and ability to regulate their behavior. Childrens' tasks persistence was measured using the Behavioral strategy rating scale (teachers' form) (Aunola et al., 2000; Zhang et al., 2011); the Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders task (McCellandet al., 2007; Ponitz et al., 2008; Ponitz at al., 2009) was used to measure  childrens' self-regulation.

Participants were 18 pre-primary education teachers from six Lithuanian schools and their 229 pre-primary class students (116 [50.7%] girls and 113 [49.3%] boys). Teachers answered questionnaires concerning their self-efficacy towards the whole class and towards each child’s task persistence; school psychologists tested each child on their self-regulation. The statistical analyses of this study comprised of correlation analyses and hierarchical regression analyses.

The results supported our expectations about the positive significant relations between teachers' self-efficacy, childrens' tasks persistence and self-regulation. That is, the greater teachers' self-efficacy was, better childrens' tasks persistence and self-regulation were. The results stayed significant even after controlling for, child gender, parental education, and teachers’ experience. MoreoverIn particular, gilrs and children of higher educated parents were more likely to have better task persistence and self-regulation. Moreover, surprisingly, it was found that teachers' work experience predicted childrens' self-regulation. Taken together, the results have  verified that techers' self-efficacy plays a meaningful role in promoting childrens’ tasks persistence and self-regulation in Lithuanian preschool. Thus,  from the practical point of view, in order to facilitate children’s learning in preschool and primary school, one should also pay attention to the ways of strengthening teachers’ self-efficacy.
Konstruksi Media Online Mengenai Pemberitaan Blame Game Terkait Asal Mula Munculnya Virus Corona Analisis Framing Pada Newyorktimes.Com Dan Xinhua.Com
Authors: Meydianto Muhammad Yudistira
Published: January 2021

Penelitian ini dilatari adanya saling tuduh antara dua media mengenai asal mula Covid-19. New York Times (Amerika Serikat) menuduh Covid-19 berasal dari China, sedangkan Xinhua (China) menuduh sebaliknya. Bagaimana New York Times dan Xinhua.com menkonstruksi pemberitaan mengenai asal Covid-19? Penelitian ini menggunakan analisis framing Robert N. Entman, yang mengatakan bahwa framing dapat dilihat dari dua dimensi besar, yaitu: “Seleksi isu dan penonjolan aspek”. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa China menolak tuduhan Trump yang menuduh Covid-19 itu sengaja diciptakan dan berasal dari sana. New York Times mendukung pernyataan Trump, namun media ini menyalahkan Trump karena menyebarkan Covid-19 di Amerika Serikat akibat lambannya penanganan.