bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Birth weight and nutritional status of children under five in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Aboagye Richard Gyan , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku , Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Frimpong James Boadu , Archer Anita Gracious , Adu Collins , Hagan John Elvis , Amu Hubert , Yaya Sanni
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Over the past three decades, undernutrition has become a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years globally. Low birth weight has been identified as a risk factor for child morbidity and mortality, especially among children under five years in sub-Saharan Africa. There is, however, a paucity of empirical literature establishing the association between low birth weight and undernutrition in sub-Saharan Africa. We examined the association between birth weight and nutritional status of children under five in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

Our analyses were performed on a weighted sample of 110,497 children under five years from 32 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Data were obtained from the Demographic and Health Surveys conducted from 2010 to 2019. We reported the prevalence of low birth weight and nutritional status (stunting, wasting, and underweight) for all the 32 countries using percentages. We used multilevel binary logistic regression to examine the association between birth weight and nutritional status (stunting, wasting, and underweight) of the children, controlling for covariates. The results of the regression analyses were presented using adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

Results

The prevalence of low birth weight was 5.4%, with the highest (13.1%) and lowest (0.9%) reportedin South Africa and Chad, respectively. The pooled prevalence of wasting, underweight, and stunting were 8.1%, 17.0%, and 31.3%, respectively. Niger had the highest prevalence of wasting (21.5%) and underweight (37.1%), whereas Burundi had the highest prevalence of stunting (51.7%). We found that children with low birth weight were more likely to be stunted [aOR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.58–1.78], underweight [aOR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.70–1.94], and wasted [aOR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.20–1.38] after controlling for covariates.

Conclusion

Our study has demonstrated that low birth weight is a key determinant of undernutrition among children under five in sub-Saharan Africa. Policymakers need to give special attention to improving the nutritional status of children under-five years in sub-Saharan Africa by implementing measures aimed at enhancing the weight of children. To accelerate progress towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 target of ending preventable deaths of newborns and under-five by 2030, it is imperative for countries in sub-Saharan Africa to intensify interventions aimed at improving maternal and child nutrition. Specific nutrition interventions such as dietary modification counselling should prioritized.
A cross sectional study to examine factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, hesitancy and refusal in urban and rural settings in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Joshi Ashish , Surapaneni Krishna Mohan , Kaur Mahima , Bhatt Ashruti , Nash Denis , El-Mohandes Ayman
Published: June 2022

The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic left the Indian healthcare system overwhelmed. The severity of a third wave will depend on the success of the vaccination drive; however, even with a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, hesitancy can be an obstacle to achieving high levels of coverage. Our study aims to estimate the population’s acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine in an Indian district. A pilot community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March-May 2021. The data was collected from eight primary health centres in Tamil Nadu. The eligible study participants were interviewed using a self-constructed questionnaire. A total of 3,130 individuals responded to the survey. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to assess the factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and refusal. Results of our study showed that 46% percent (n = 1432) of the respondents would accept the COVID-19 vaccine if available. Acceptance for the COVID-19 vaccine was higher among males (54%), individuals aged 18-24years (62%), those with higher education (77%), having the higher income (73%), and employed (51%). Individuals with no education (OR: 2.799, 95% CI = 1.103–7.108), and low income (OR: OR: 10.299, 95% CI: 4.879–21.741), were significant predictors of vaccine hesitancy (p < 0.05). Living in urban residence (OR: 0.699, 95% CI = 0.55–0.888) and age between 18 to 25 years (OR: 0.549, 95% CI = 0.309–0.977) were protective factor of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. While individuals in the age group 25-54years (OR = 1.601, 95%CI = 1.086–2.359), fewer education (OR = 4.8, 95% CI = 2.448–9.412,), low income (OR = 2.628, 95% CI = 1.777–3.887) and unemployment (OR = 1.351, 95% CI = 1.06–1.722) had high odds of refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. Concerns and suspicions about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine (63%) was the major reasons causing hesitancy towards the COVID-19 vaccine The public health authorities and government need to design, develop and implement targeted interventions to enhance awareness about COVID-19 vaccines, and barriers and enablers to vaccine acceptance among individuals across diverse settings. Emphasis on involving local and religious leaders, ASHA workers, community healthcare workers, Anganwadi workers, and auxiliary nurse midwives can help to overcome context-specific barriers in areas of low COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, especially in rural settings.
Genetic diversity of the two-spotted stink bug Bathycoelia distincta (Pentatomidae) associated with macadamia orchards in South Africa
Authors: Pal Elisa , Allison Jeremy D. , Hurley Brett P. , Slippers Bernard , Fourie Gerda
Published: June 2022

The South African macadamia industry is severely affected by a complex of stink bugs, dominated by the two-spotted stink bug, Bathycoelia distincta Distant (Pentatomidae). This species was first discovered during the spring of 1984 in the Limpopo province. Although considerable effort has been spent trying to manage this pest, it continues to be a pest of concern for the macadamia industry. Information on the genetic diversity of this species is lacking, despite the potential relevance of such information for management strategies. The present study aimed to characterise the genetic diversity of B. distincta populations in South Africa. The Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit 1 (COI) and cytochrome b (Cytb) gene regions were sequenced from individuals collected from the three main regions of macadamia production over three different seasons (2018–2020). An overall high haplotype diversity (COI = 0.744, Cytb = 0.549 and COI+Cytb = 0.875) was observed. Pairwise mean genetic distance between populations from each region varied from 0.2–0.4% in both datasets, which suggests the absence of cryptic species. The median joining network for both datasets consisted of one or two central haplotypes shared between the regions in addition to unique haplotypes observed in each region. Finally, low genetic differentiation (FST < 0.1), high gene flow (Nm > 1) and the absence of a correlation between genetic and geographic distance were estimated among populations. Overall, these results suggest that the B. distincta populations are not structured among the areas of macadamia production in South Africa. This might be due to its ability to feed and reproduce on various plants and its high dispersal (airborne) between the different growing regions of the country along with the rapid expansion of macadamia plantations in South Africa.
Effect of acute postsurgical pain trajectories on 30-day and 1-year pain
Authors: Awadalla Saria S. , Winslow Victoria , Avidan Michael S. , Haroutounian Simon , Kannampallil Thomas G.
Published: June 2022

Untreated pain after surgery leads to poor patient satisfaction, longer hospital length of stay, lower health-related quality of life, and non-compliance with rehabilitation regimens. The aim of this study is to characterize the structure of acute pain trajectories during the postsurgical hospitalization period and quantify their association with pain at 30-days and 1-year after surgery. This cohort study included 2106 adult (≥18 years) surgical patients who consented to participate in the SATISFY-SOS registry (February 1, 2015 to September 30, 2017). Patients were excluded if they did not undergo invasive surgeries, were classified as outpatients, failed to complete follow up assessments at 30-days and 1-year following surgery, had greater than 4-days of inpatient stay, and/or recorded fewer than four pain scores during their acute hospitalization period. The primary exposure was the acute postsurgical pain trajectories identified by a machine learning-based latent class approach using patient-reported pain scores. Clinically meaningful pain (≥3 on a 0–10 scale) at 30-days and 1-year after surgery were the primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. Of the study participants (N = 2106), 59% were female, 91% were non-Hispanic White, and the mean (SD) age was 62 (13) years; 41% of patients underwent orthopedic surgery and 88% received general anesthesia. Four acute pain trajectory clusters were identified. Pain trajectories were significantly associated with clinically meaningful pain at 30-days (p = 0.007), but not at 1-year (p = 0.79) after surgery using covariate-adjusted logistic regression models. Compared to Cluster 1, the other clusters had lower statistically significant odds of having pain at 30-days after surgery (Cluster 2: [OR = 0.67, 95%CI (0.51–0.89)]; Cluster 3:[OR = 0.74, 95%CI (0.56–0.99)]; Cluster 4:[OR = 0.46, 95%CI (0.26–0.82)], all p<0.05). Patients in Cluster 1 had the highest cumulative likelihood of pain and pain intensity during the latter half of their acute hospitalization period (48–96 hours), potentially contributing to the higher odds of pain during the 30-day postsurgical period. Early identification and management of high-risk pain trajectories can help in ascertaining appropriate pain management interventions. Such interventions can mitigate the occurrence of long-term disabilities associated with pain.
Cost-analysis of COVID-19 sample collection, diagnosis, and contact tracing in low resource setting: The case of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Yigezu Amanuel , Zewdie Samuel Abera , Mirkuzie Alemnesh H. , Abera Adugna , Hailu Alemayehu , Agachew Mesfin , Memirie Solomon Tessema
Published: June 2022

Background

Ethiopia has been responding to the COVID-19 pandemic through a combination of interventions, including non-pharmaceutical interventions, quarantine, testing, isolation, contact tracing, and clinical management. Estimating the resources consumed for COVID-19 prevention and control could inform efficient decision-making for epidemic/pandemic-prone diseases in the future. This study aims to estimate the unit cost of COVID-19 sample collection, laboratory diagnosis, and contact tracing in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

Primary and secondary data were collected to estimate the costs of COVID-19 sample collection, diagnosis, and contact tracing. A healthcare system perspective was used. We used a combination of micro-costing (bottom-up) and top-down approaches to estimate resources consumed and the unit costs of the interventions. We used available cost and outcome data between May and December 2020. The costs were classified into capital and recurrent inputs to estimate unit and total costs. We identified the cost drivers of the interventions. We reported the cost for the following outcome measures: (1) cost per sample collected, (2) cost per laboratory diagnosis, (3) cost per sample collected and laboratory diagnosis, (4) cost per contact traced, and (5) cost per COVID-19 positive test identified. We conducted one-way sensitivity analysis by varying the input parameters. All costs were reported in US dollars (USD).

Results

The unit cost per sample collected was USD 1.33. The unit cost of tracing a contact of an index case was USD 0.66. The unit cost of COVID-19 diagnosis, excluding the cost for sample collection was USD 3.91. The unit cost of sample collection per COVID-19 positive individual was USD 11.63. The unit cost for COVID-19 positive test through contact tracing was USD 54.00. The unit cost COVID-19 DNA PCR diagnosis for identifying COVID-19 positive individuals, excluding the sample collection and transport cost, was USD 37.70. The cost per COVID-19 positive case identified was USD 49.33 including both sample collection and laboratory diagnosis costs. Among the cost drivers, personnel cost (salary and food cost) takes the highest share for all interventions, ranging from 51–76% of the total cost.

Conclusion

The costs of sample collection, diagnosis, and contact tracing for COVID-19 were high given the low per capita health expenditure in Ethiopia and other low-income settings. Since the personnel cost accounts for the highest cost, decision-makers should focus on minimizing this cost when faced with pandemic-prone diseases by strengthening the health system and using digital platforms. The findings of this study can help decision-makers prioritize and allocate resources for effective public health emergency response.
Occupational stress in industry setting in Benin 2019: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Adjobimey Mênonli , Hinson Vikkey , Mikponhoué Rose , Hountohotegbe Esdras , Klikpo Elvyre , Mama Cissé Ibrahim , Adjogou Amelée , Dossougbété Véronique , Campbell Jonathon R. , Ayélo Paul , Houinato Dismand
Published: June 2022

Background

Occupational stress is a psychosocial risk in the workplace. Working conditions in industrial settings may lead to occupational stress. In Benin, however, there is little epidemiological data on occupational stress in industrial settings. We aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with occupational stress in industrial settings in Benin in 2019.

Methods

This was a prospective, cross-sectional study conducted from January 31 to April 11, 2019, among 15 cotton ginning plants. Sampling was exhaustive for permanent workers and stratified in clusters by shift for occasional cotton gin workers. Data were collected through Karasek and Siegrist questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using R software. Binary multivariable logistic regression was performed. The significance level was p < 0.05.

Results

Of 1883 workers included, 90.8% were male. The median age was 38 years (IQR: 28 years to 49 years). The prevalence of occupational stress was 77.7% (95% CI: 75.8–79.6). Psychological demand was high in 93.0% of workers and 83.9% had low decision latitude. Among the workers, 16.3% had low social support and 89.9% had a low recognition score at work. Factors associated with occupational stress were: being an occasional vs. permanent worker (aOR 6.43, 95% CI 4.18 to 9.88); age less than 38 years (aOR 0.55, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.76); high intensity physical activity at work (aOR 1.33, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.73); working in production vs. administration (aOR 1.59, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.45); spending fewer than 4 years at the current work location (aOR 1.60, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.44); and scoring low for recognition at work (aOR 1.53, 95% CI 1.04 to 2.23). Noise exposure and being a shift worker were significant in univariable analysis, but not multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

Occupational stress is very common among workers in industrial settings. The implementation and evaluation of preventive measures against these risk factors is necessary.
Role of heat shock protein 60 in primed and naïve states of human pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Choi Hong Seo , Lee Hyun Min , Kim Min Kyu , Ryu Chun Jeih
Published: June 2022

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) exist in at least two distinct states in mammals: naïve pluripotency that represents several molecular characteristics in pre-implantation epiblast and primed pluripotency that corresponds to cells poised for differentiation in post-implantation epiblast. To identify and characterize the surface molecules that are necessary for the maintenance of naïve hPSCs, we generated a panel of murine monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific to the naïve state of hPSCs. Flow cytometry showed that N1-A4, one of the MAbs, bound to naïve hPSCs but not to primed hPSCs. Cell surface biotinylation and immunoprecipitation analysis identified that N1-A4 recognized heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) expressed on the surface of naïve hPSCs. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis showed that HSP60 expression was rapidly downregulated during the embryoid body (EB) differentiation of primed hPSCs. HSP60 knockdown led to a decrease in the expression of pluripotency genes in primed hPSCs. HSP60 depletion also led to a decrease in the expression of pluripotency genes and representative naïve-state-specific genes in naïve hPSCs. Taken together, the results suggest that HSP60 is downregulated during differentiation of hPSCs and is required for the maintenance of pluripotency genes in both primed and naïve hPSCs, suggesting that HSP60 is a regulator of hPSC pluripotency and differentiation.
Reporting adverse events of COVID-19 vaccines: The case of Bulgaria
Authors: Rangelova Vanya , Raycheva Ralitsa , Sariyan Sara , Kevorkyan Ani
Published: June 2022

As a member state of the European Union, where vaccines against COVID-19 are available and affordable, Bulgaria reports the lowest immunization coverage and the most pronounced vaccine distrust. The present study aimed to assess the self-reported adverse reactions following COVID-19 vaccination as a possible tool to increase the trust in vaccines. A cross-sectional survey-based study, covering 761 vaccinated respondents, was conducted in Plovdiv (469 with an mRNA vaccine and 292 with an adenoviral vector vaccine). Descriptive statistics parametric and non-parametric methods were applied. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. The median age of the respondents was 42 years, females (72.5%). At least one adverse reaction was reported in 89.9% of those immunized with mRNA vaccine and 93.8% in the adenoviral vector vaccine group (p>0.05). They were mild to moderate and resolved within several days. The levels of local reactions were comparable: 91.7% in those who received mRNA and 89.7% in those who received an adenoviral vector vaccine (p = 0.366). The most common types of systemic reactions were fatigue, headache, and muscle pains. An association was found between the systemic reactions and the type of vaccine administered: 59.7% in mRNA recipients and 89.4% in adenoviral vector vaccinees (p<0.001). None of the registered systemic reactions required medical attention. There were 3 reports of generalized urticaria after an mRNA and 2 after an adenoviral vector vaccine. The reported reactions are relatively high but expected and no adverse events have been reported that are not listed in the official Summary of Product Characteristics.
Visual control during climbing: Variability in practice fosters a proactive gaze pattern
Authors: Hacques Guillaume , Dicks Matt , Komar John , Seifert Ludovic
Published: June 2022

In climbing, the visual system is confronted with a dual demand: controlling ongoing movement and searching for upcoming movement possibilities. The aims of the present research were: (i) to investigate the effect of different modes of practice on how learners deal with this dual demand; and (ii) to analyze the extent this effect may facilitate transfer of learning to a new climbing route. The effect of a constant practice, an imposed schedule of variations and a self-controlled schedule of variations on the gaze behaviors and the climbing fluency of novices were compared. Results showed that the constant practice group outperformed the imposed variability group on the training route and the three groups climbing fluency on the transfer route did not differ. Analyses of the gaze behaviors showed that the constant practice group used more online gaze control during the last session whereas the imposed variability group relied on a more proactive gaze control. This last gaze pattern was also used on the transfer route by the imposed variability group. Self-controlled variability group displayed more interindividual differences in gaze behaviors. These findings reflect that learning protocols induce different timing for gaze patterns that may differently facilitate adaptation to new climbing routes.
Rate of diagnosed seasonal influenza in children with influenza-like illness: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Uchida Mitsuo , Yamauchi Takenori
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Although influenza surveillance systems have been used to monitor influenza epidemics, these systems generally evaluate diagnostic information obtained from medical institutions and they do not include patients who have not been examined. In contrast, community based epidemiological studies target people with influenza-like illness (ILI) that self-reported influenza-like symptoms whether they have medical examinations or not. Because the criteria for influenza surveillance systems and ILI differ, there is a gap between them. The purpose of this study was to clarify this gap using school-based survey data.

Methods

Questionnaires about both ILI and the influenza diagnosis history during the 2018/19 season were administered to the guardians of 11,684 elementary schoolchildren in a single city in Japan. Based on their responses, a Bayesian model was constructed to estimate the probability of infection, ILI onset, and diagnosis at medical institutions.

Results

Responses were obtained from guardians of 10,309 children (88.2%). Of these, 3,380 children (32.8%) had experienced ILI, with 2,380 (23.1%) diagnosed as influenza at a medical institution. Bayesian estimation showed that the probability of influenza cases being diagnosed among ILI symptomatic children was 70% (95% credible interval, 69–71%). Of the infected children, 5% were without ILI symptoms, with 11% of these patients diagnosed with influenza.

Conclusions

This epidemiological study clarified the proportion gap between ILI and influenza diagnosis among schoolchildren. These results may help to establish epidemic control measures and secure sufficient medical resources.
Photoreceptors’ gene expression of Arabidopsis thaliana grown with biophilic LED-sourced lighting systems
Authors: Beatrice Peter , Chiatante Donato , Scippa Gabriella Stefania , Montagnoli Antonio
Published: June 2022

Using specific photoreceptors, plants can sense light signals fundamental to their growth and development under changing light conditions. Phytochromes sense red and far-red light, cryptochromes and phototropins sense UV-A and blue light, while the UVR8 gene senses UV-B signals. The study of the molecular mechanisms used by plants to respond to artificial biophilic lighting is of pivotal importance for the implementation of biophilic approaches in indoor environments. CoeLux® is a new lighting system that reproduces the effect of natural sunlight entering through an opening in the ceiling, with a realistic sun perceived at an infinite distance surrounded by a clear blue sky. We used the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana to assess the gene expression of the main plant photoreceptors at different light intensities and at different times after exposure to the CoeLux® light type, using high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps as control light type. Genes belonging to different families of photoreceptors showed a similar expression pattern, suggesting the existence of a common upstream regulation of mRNA transcription. In particular, PHYA, PHYC, PHYD, CRY1, CRY2, PHOT1, and UVR8, showed a common expression pattern with marked differences between the two light types applied; under the HPS light type, the expression levels are raising with the decrease of light intensity, while under the CoeLux® light type, the expression levels remain nearly constant at a high fold. Moreover, we showed that under biophilic illumination the light spectrum plays a crucial role in the response of plants to light intensity, both at the molecular and morphological levels.
ESTRUTURAS DE GOVERNANÇA E INOVAÇÃO EM SISTEMAS AGROALIMENTARES DIFERENCIADOS (SADs): UM ESTUDO NA CADEIA DA CARNE BOVINA NO PARANÁ
Authors: Guimarães Amanda Ferreira , Schiavi Sandra Mara de Alencar , Pereira Jaiane Aparecida , Bánkuti Ferenc Istvan
Published: June 2022

Frente à tendência de comoditização e escala em Sistemas Agroindustriais, tem emergido os chamados Sistemas Agroalimentares Diferenciados (SAD), baseados na agregação de valor pela diferenciação no segmento produtor. Ao mesmo tempo em que demanda a realização de inovações, a continuidade do SAD depende do retorno por esses esforços. Nesse estudo, o objetivo foi compreender como a estrutura de governança entre produtores e compradores influencia, ex ante, a inovação, e, ex post, a distribuição do valor gerado, em um SAD da carne bovina no Paraná. Para tanto, foi desenvolvida uma pesquisa qualitativa, do tipo descritiva, por meio da realização de entrevistas semiestruturadas com 12 integrantes de um sistema agroalimentar diferenciado da carne bovina, sendo dois agentes-chave, dois representantes de uma cooperativa de carnes especiais e oito produtores cooperados. Observou-se que a estrutura de governança adotada é híbrida por acordo verbal, alicerçada pelo aspecto relacional. Embora essa estrutura tenha fomentado a inovação pela troca de conhecimento entre os cooperados, a cooperativa participou passivamente desse processo. Destacam-se elevada especificidade de ativos e complexidade nas dimensões envolvidas na transação, mensuráveis, mas nem sempre mensuradas. As falhas na mensuração dos atributos de qualidade abrem espaço para falhas na distribuição de valor, podendo desestimular as inovações e o desempenho do sistema. Apesar disso, conclui-se que a inserção nesses sistemas diferenciados se constitui em uma alternativa viável para a competitividade dos produtores. Por isso, mecanismos de incentivo a inovações, envolvendo agentes públicos e participação da cooperativa no processo de inovação, podem mitigar riscos associados às falhas observadas e favorecer o SAD.
PERCEPÇÃO DE GESTORES DE FUNDOS DE INVESTIMENTOS SOBRE O SISTEMA DE CONTROLE GERENCIAL DE EMPRESAS STARTUPS INVESTIDAS
Authors: Lopes Iago Franca , Beuren Ilse Maria , Theiss Viviane
Published: June 2022

Evidências empíricas apontam que os Sistemas de Controle Gerencial (SCG) podem fornecer suporte à tomada de decisão no aporte de investimentos em startups. Assim, neste estudo, investiga-se a percepção de gestores de fundos de investimentos sobre o desenho e o uso do SCG de startups nas diferentes etapas do processo de avaliação do aporte financeiro. Entrevistas semiestruturadas foram realizadas com gestores de três fundos de investimentos e a construção de evidências empíricas foi amparada na análise do conteúdo das narrativas. Os resultados revelaram, quanto ao desenho do SCG, que a ênfase está na capacidade de o sistema fornecer controles alinhados: ao projeto da startup e do perfil do empreendedor; aos riscos assumidos e recursos investidos; e à negociação da compra/venda da participação do fundo, continuidade da startup e criação de valor. Quanto ao uso do SCG, o foco está em controles voltados: aos riscos assumidos e plano de ação; à valoração da empresa e informações para alcançar o objetivo organizacional; e às informações que evidenciem a relevância do fundo para a execução do projeto e criação de valor na startup. Conclui-se que o desenho e o uso do SCG apresentam-se como condutores do processo de aportes financeiros pelos fundos de investimento em startups e da mitigação dos riscos inerentes.
ENGAJAMENTO NO TRABALHO E SÍNDROME DE BURNOUT: UMA ANÁLISE ESTRUTURAL COM ABORDAGEM QUANTÍLICA
Authors: Obregon Sandra Leonara , Schwaab Kalú Soraia , Dias Lopes Luis Felipe , Ceretta Paulo Sergio
Published: June 2022

A Síndrome de Burnout é um estado de esgotamento físico e mental do trabalhador, levando-o ao adoecimento. Em contrapartida, o Engajamento no Trabalho é um estado emocional positivo, de energia, entusiasmo e prazer em relação ao trabalho. Neste estudo, o objetivo foi analisar a relação existente entre os construtos da Síndrome de Burnout e do Engajamento no Trabalho, por meio da percepção dos servidores de uma Instituição Pública de Ensino Superior. Foram utilizadas duas escalas (MBI-GS e UWES) em uma amostra 1.511 respondentes, cuja técnica adotada foi estimação de equações estruturais com abordagem quantílica. Observou-se que a relação entre os construtos tem efeitos assimétricos, pois apresentaram diferentes impactos ao longo dos quantis. Esse resultado revela uma relação oposta e heterogênea entre o Engajamento e a Síndrome de Burnout, indicando que quanto maior o Engajamento no Trabalho, menor será a incidência de o indivíduo desenvolver a Síndrome. Destaca-se que este estudo elucida os gestores a compreender que os resultados esperados da relação entre os construtos não devem ser semelhantes na completude da organização. Contribuições teóricas e práticas podem ser vislumbradas nas áreas de comportamento organizacional e gestão de pessoas.
(Re)constructing Gay, a Classroom, and a Journey to Rhetorical Listening
Authors: Acevedo Velázquez Gabriel T.
Published: June 2022

This article explores Ratcliffe’s (2005) theory of rhetorical listening and the means of utilizing it to interpret and facilitate conversations around gay identities, especially between teachers and students in the classroom. Conversations around sexual identities in classrooms have changed the way in which teachers and students communicate, as well as the way conversations are approached to the point of becoming nonexistent. By these conversations becoming nonexistent, gay identities become isolated in the classroom, therefore silencing what could become rhetorical opportunities for growth. I utilize rhetorical listening as a pedagogical strategy against the weaponization of the word gay. Using Ratcliffe’s (2005) original theory of listening pedagogically as a foundation, I build on listening’s potential to address controversial or highly charged rhetoric around issues of identity, in this case, utilizing the word gay in the classroom. I elaborate on the theory of rhetorical listening and its implications—raising awareness of identification and constructing conversations that can be applied in listening to identity rhetoric in pedagogical settings. Finally, this paper suggests using rhetorical listening pedagogy in classrooms and illustrates a series of arbitrations that show rhetorical listening as a tool for application in discussing issues of queer identity in the classroom.
Questioning Authority: Anthony Collins’ Challenge to Orthodox Anglican Authority Figures and George Berkeley’s Reply
Authors: Fasko Manuel
Published: June 2022

In this paper I argue that the English freethinker Anthony Collins (1676–1729) is making use of ‘conglobation’ to develop an argument across the Vindication of the Divine Attributes (1710) and the Discourse on Free-Thinking (1713), which aims to challenge the religious authority of orthodox representatives of the Anglican church. That is, Colins makes use of a rhetorical (piecemeal) strategy that serves to insinuate one’s proper position to create, what I will call, the ‘authority-challenge’. I reconstruct this challenge in three steps. First, I analyse Collins’ criticism of William King (1650–1729), the Archbishop of Dublin, who according to Collins’ Vindication advances a conception of the divine attributes and of the nature of God that is compatible with atheism. Second, I introduce Collins’ argument from disagreement, which he develops in his Discourse. This argument aims to establish that whenever there is meaningful disagreement, e. g., about the (philosophical) content and not merely about the best terminology, between the supposed experts, we have the right to think on our own about the issue at hand. In the third step, I present the ‘authority-challenge’. In a nutshell, this challenge requires orthodox representatives of the Anglican church either (i) to open the door to atheism by not substantively disagreeing with William King (thereby undermining everything they stand for and presenting themselves as hypocrites) or (ii) to substantively disagree with King to contain atheism (thereby undermining their status as experts for religious issues). Since (i) cannot be an option, they have no choice but to undermine their own authority by impairing their expert status, which, in turn, has ramifications for their political power as well. In the second part of my paper, I argue that §§ 16–22 of the fourth dialogue of George Berkeley’s Alciphron (1732/52) are designed to meet Collins’ ‘authority-challenge’. This will allow me to resolve the puzzle that these sections so far have posed for commentators. In particular, many have been puzzled by Berkeley’s argumentative strategy and in particular his references to the Scholastics. As I argue, however, if §§ 16–22 are read in the light of Collins’ authority challenge, it becomes evident that Berkeley uses these references in his attempt to refute King without failing to meet Collins’ challenge.
Mechanical properties of sandstone under hydro-mechanical coupling
Authors: Tan Tao , Zhao Yanlin , Zhao Xun , Chang Le , Ren Sheng
Published: June 2022

Study of mechanical properties of rock under hydro-mechanical coupling. The MTS815 rock mechanics system is used to perform triaxial compression tests of water-saturated sandstones under different confining pressures and pore water pressures. The results show that the peak deviation stress and its corresponding axial strain, residual deviation stress, initial deviation stress of dilation and deformation modulus of water-saturated sandstone are related to pore water pressure and confining pressure. They decrease with the increase of pore water pressure and increase with the increase of confining pressure. Poisson’s ratio and angle of rupture of water-saturated sandstone increase with pore water pressure. Based on the effective stress principle and Mohr–Coulomb criterion, the effective cohesion and effective residual cohesion of sandstone are 11.49 and 3.13 MPa, respectively, and the effective angle of internal friction and effective residual angle of internal friction are 38.32° and 25.32°, respectively. In addition, according to the variation relationship of sandstone strength, the relative strength criterion of sandstone under hydro-mechanical coupling is established.
Intercultural citizenship and pre-service teacher education
Authors: Bayyurt Yasemin , Yalçın Şebnem
Published: June 2022

This article explores the concept of intercultural citizenship and the significance of involving culturally sensitive issues in English language teaching and teacher education curriculum to train future global citizens. Before exploring ways to implement intercultural citizenship education from K-12 to university level, it is necessary to emphasize the need to integrate “intercultural citizenship education” into teacher education programs. In other words, English language teachers should become intercultural citizens themselves so that they can help their students to become intercultural citizens. In this paper, we emphasize the importance of training interculturally sensitive future teachers of English. In this respect, we report the findings of studies on intercultural telecollaboration projects involving cultural exchange between students in pre-/in-service teacher education programs in Turkey and abroad. We also suggest ways of increasing these intercultural citizenship courses and modules in training teachers to gain intercultural communicative competence and intercultural citizenship skills.
Crystal structure of methyl 3-(1,3-dioxo-1H-benzo[de]isoquinolin-2(3H)-yl)propanoate, C16H13NO4
Authors: Wang Tiantian , Su Yizi , Feng Yunyun , Deng Xin , Tan Yuxing
Published: June 2022

C16H13NO4, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 9.930(3) Å, b = 6.9807(18) Å, c = 18.954(5) Å, β = 93.080(4)°, V = 1311.9(6) Å3, Z = 4, R

gt
(F) = 0.0400, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.1142, T = 296 (2) K.
Performance of a tunable photoconductive graphene plasmonic photodetector
Authors: Molavi-Vardanjani Fatemeh , Hatefi-Kargan Naser , Daraei Ahmadreza
Published: June 2022

In this paper, the performance of a graphene photodetector is investigated theoretically in the infrared spectral region (8–12 µm). To increase the absorption of infrared radiation in the graphene layer, plasmon–polaritons are excited in the graphene layer by using dielectric grating. Due to the large propagation constants of plasmon–polaritons compared to the propagation constants of the electromagnetic waves in free space, the dielectric grating is required to provide the phase matching condition of plasmon–polaritons excitation. The results show that due to the excitation of plasmon–polaritons in the graphene layer, the infrared wave has been confined to a small reign around the graphene layer with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of about 8 nm. Increasing in Fermi energy level leads to a shift in the wavelength of the infrared radiation required to excite plasmon–polaritons in the graphene layer towards shorter wavelengths, so that for the Fermi energy levels of 10, 30, 45, and 60 meV the required wavelengths for plasmon–polaritons excitation are 11.6, 10.6, 9.4, and 8.2 µm, respectively. Under the incidence of the infrared radiation with these wavelengths, and at the corresponding Fermi energy levels, the responsivities of the photodetector at peak points are 2.74, 2.39, 2.19, and 2.04 mA/W, respectively. Therefore, this photodetector is tunable where the detection wavelength is changed by tuning the Fermi energy level of the photodetector. In addition, the results indicate that excitation of plasmon–polaritons approximately increases the responsivity by two times compared to the case without the plasmon–polaritons excitation.
Rethinking Supervised Release Discovery with an Eye Toward Real “Fundamental Fairness”
Authors: Guernsey Alison K.
Published: June 2022

Supervised release revocation hearings result in the imprisonment of thousands of people per year. But unlike people facing substantive charges, those confronting revocation are not entitled to robust discovery protections. Instead, courts across the country have interpreted the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Morrisey v. Brewer and Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 32.1 to require the defense receive comparatively little and sometimes exclude plainly exculpatory and mitigating evidence from their terms entirely. The core of the problem centers around the fact that the investigating agency in supervised release cases—the U.S. Probation Office—is not considered an agent of the prosecution, but rather an arm of the Court. Federal defense lawyers across the country lament the difficulties that limited discovery production creates in defending against revocation and how fundamentally unfair the process can become without guaranteed access to exculpatory and mitigating evidence. Reform is needed. And as the relatively new supervised-release discovery practices of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina demonstrate, reform is possible.
Reenvisioning Success
Authors: Sosnov Maya , Kramer Leslie
Published: June 2022

The Supervision to Aid Reentry Program (“STAR”) established by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in 2007 has helped hundreds of people reenter society following their release from prison. Evaluations of the program demonstrate that STAR is successful under a traditional measure of success—recidivism—because it significantly reduces the likelihood of probation revocation for participants and the likelihood of rearrest and probation revocation for graduates. Recidivism rates alone, however, fail to accurately measure and, in fact, obscure some of STAR’s true successes. They fail to assess whether participants have progressed toward ceasing criminal conduct, a process known as desistance, and whether participants’ quality of life has improved. Although less quantifiable, it is important to examine whether STAR is a success based on these more holistic measures. Our analysis of STAR includes voices of participants and indicates that STAR advances desistance and improves quality of life by helping participants to strengthen their relationships with family and pro-social institutions, undergo cognitive transformation, and pursue opportunities for financial and educational advancement. STAR’s success demonstrates that reentry courts remain an integral tool in helping returning citizens reintegrate into society.
The Judicial Role in Supervision and Reentry
Authors: Schuman Jacob
Published: June 2022

Judges and courts play a key role in federal community supervision. To understand the part of the judiciary in community supervision and reentry, I interviewed two federal judges about their work. First, Judge L. Felipe Restrepo of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit told me about his experience managing the “Supervision to Aid Reentry” (STAR) program in Philadelphia. Second, Judge Richard Berman of the U.S. Court for the Southern District of New York described his approach of “court-involved supervision.” Both judges believe that the federal courts can provide support, encouragement, resources, and community that will aid in prisoners’ return to their communities. They encourage an active role in helping defendants under supervision obtain housing, employment, and treatment. They also suggest offering early termination of supervision as a way to encourage rehabilitation.
Precise control of microtubule disassembly in living cells
Authors: Liu Grace Y , Chen Shiau‐Chi , Lee Gang‐Hui , Shaiv Kritika , Chen Pin‐Yu , Cheng Hsuan , Hong Shi‐Rong , Yang Wen‐Ting , Huang Shih‐Han , Chang Ya‐Chu , Wang Hsien‐Chu , Kao Ching‐Lin , Sun Pin‐Chiao , Chao Ming‐Hong , Lee Yian‐Ying , Tang Ming‐Jer , Lin Yu‐Chun
Published: June 2022

Microtubules tightly regulate various cellular activities. Our understanding of microtubules is largely based on experiments using microtubule‐targeting agents, which, however, are insufficient to dissect the dynamic mechanisms of specific microtubule populations, due to their slow effects on the entire pool of microtubules. To overcome this technological limitation, we have used chemo and optogenetics to disassemble specific microtubule subtypes, including tyrosinated microtubules, primary cilia, mitotic spindles, and intercellular bridges, by rapidly recruiting engineered microtubule‐cleaving enzymes onto target microtubules in a reversible manner. Using this approach, we show that acute microtubule disassembly swiftly halts vesicular trafficking and lysosomal dynamics. It also immediately triggers Golgi and ER reorganization and slows the fusion/fission of mitochondria without affecting mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, cell rigidity is increased after microtubule disruption owing to increased contractile stress fibers. Microtubule disruption furthermore prevents cell division, but does not cause cell death during interphase. Overall, the reported tools facilitate detailed analysis of how microtubules precisely regulate cellular architecture and functions.
Avances en la constitucionalización del procedimiento contencioso administrativo colombiano en tiempos del covid-19
Authors: Duque Ayala Corina , Sánchez Hernández Hugo Alejandro , Pinedo Mario Federico , Carreño Dalia , Cárdenas Carlos
Published: June 2022

Este artículo pretende mostrar los avances en la constitucionalización del procedimiento contencioso administrativo, con ocasión de la reforma a la Ley 1437 de 2011, que se materializó con la Ley 2080 de enero del 2021, en plena pandemia del covid-19, reforma mediante la cual se avanzó en la concreción de los principios constitucionales de transparencia, seguridad jurídica, buena fe, respeto del debido proceso, acceso efectivo a la justicia material, inmediación y oralidad, los cuales permiten concretar el Estado Social de derecho.
El desafío de los derechos económicos, sociales, culturales y ambientales en el posacuerdo colombiano
Authors: Fonseca-Ortiz Tania Lucía , Sierra-Zamora Paola Alexandra
Published: June 2022

Las dinámicas en las que se desarrollan los procesos de transición en el mundo se han direccionado a través de fórmulas de cambio copiadas y propias, encaminadas a mitigar los impactos que un conflicto armado o periodos dictatoriales dejan en un Estado específico. Sin embargo, no existen estándares comunes que se puedan utilizar en los procesos emergentes, por lo que las herramientas que se consolidan desde el derecho presentan una oportunidad de manejo efectivo a las violaciones masivas a los derechos humanos y la vinculación oportuna de derechos como los económicos, sociales, culturales y ambientales (Desca), cubriendo todas las aristas de necesidades. Sobre este base, el presente artículo de investigación tiene como objetivo definir las implicaciones del ius constitutionale commune como instrumento transformador y la justicia transicional frente al desarrollo de los Desca en el posacuerdo colombiano.
Farey-Subgraphs and Continued Fractions
Authors: Kushwaha Seema , Sarma Ritumoni
Published: June 2022

In this article, we study a family of subgraphs of the Farey graph, denoted as ℱN for every N ∈ ℕ. We show that ℱN is connected if and only if N is either equal to one or a prime power. We introduce a class of continued fractions referred to as ℱN -continued fractions for each N > 1. We establish a relation between ℱN-continued fractions and certain paths from infinity in the graph ℱN. Using this correspondence, we discuss the existence and uniqueness of ℱN-continued fraction expansions of real numbers.
Uridine alleviates LPS-induced ARDS and improves insulin sensitivity by decreasing oxidative stress and inflammatory processes
Authors: Zhang Lei , Li Bin , Zhang Degang , Wang Zhuo , Zhao Ye , Yu Qin
Published: June 2022

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) refers to the injury of alveolar epithelial cells and capillary endothelial cells due to various injury factors. Research on the pathogenesis of ARDS has made great progress, but the exact pathogenesis of ARDS has not been fully elucidated. Up to now, the prevention and treatment of ARDS is still an important scientific problem that needs to be solved urgently. In this work, we analyzed the effect of uridine on ARDS. An ARDS model was successfully constructed by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Western-blotting, IFA, ELISA, RT-PCT and CLSM were conducted to investigate the effect of uridine on ARDS and insulin resistance, and the results showed that lung histopathological alterations were significantly attenuated by uridine treatment. Further work showed that the levels of proinflammatory cytokines were significantly down-regulated in the lung tissue after treatment with uridine. Additionally, the numbers of total cells and neutrophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were also decreased in the uridine-treated ARDS mice. We further explored the potential mechanism by which uridine could treat ARDS, and the results indicated that NF-κB signaling was down-regulated by uridine treatment. Next, we studied insulin sensitivity in the ARDS mice, and found that insulin signaling was significantly down-regulated, and uridine could enhance insulin sensitivity in the ARDS mice model. Furthermore, we found that the levels of inflammation and oxidative stress were decreased by uridine treatment, which may be the potential mechanism by which uridine could improve insulin sensitivity. Taken together, the current work provides evidence that uridine can serve as a potential drug to treat ARDS and insulin resistance.