bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal variation in the response to a toxin‐producing cyanobacteria in Daphnia
Authors: Hegg Alexander , Radersma Reinder , Uller Tobias
Published: March 2022

Many populations of water fleas (Daphnia) are exposed to algal blooms dominated by microcystin‐producing cyanobacteria. However, the severity of these effects on Daphnia fitness remain poorly understood in natural populations.

We investigated seasonal changes in body size, reproduction and survival of D. longispina individuals from five eutrophic lakes in southern Sweden. We tested whether individuals collected before, during or following algal blooms differed in their reproduction and survival when experimentally exposed to microcystin‐producing cyanobacteria.

The concentration of microcystin in the lakes was significantly higher during summer and autumn compared to spring, but there were substantial differences between lakes. The reproductive output of individuals declined consistently over the season, and this decline was stronger for Daphnia collected during periods of, or from lakes with, high microcystin concentration. There was little evidence that individuals adapted to the toxin over the season.

The strong seasonal changes in body size, reproduction and survival in these D. longispina appear to be caused partly by variation in the abundance of toxin‐producing cyanobacteria. Populations were unable to adapt sufficiently quickly during summer and autumn to recover from the negative effects of microcystin. We therefore suggest that seasonal increases in tolerance to microcystin‐producing cyanobacteria have limited effects on the eco‐evolutionary dynamics between Daphnia and phytoplankton.
Pathology of Wilms' tumour in International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) and Children's oncology group (COG) renal tumour studies: Similarities and differences
Authors: Vujanić Gordan M , Parsons Lauren N , D'Hooghe Ellen , Treece Amy L , Collini Paola , Perlman Elizabeth J
Published: March 2022

Excellent outcomes for patients with Wilms' tumour (WT), >90% for all stages together, have been achieved through researching WT in multicentre and multinational trials and studies in the last 50 years, led by two major groups—the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) and the Children's Oncology Group (COG) (previously the National Wilms' Tumour Study Group). Despite the two groups having different approaches, the survival outcomes are remarkably similar. In general, in the SIOP approach, which is followed in Europe and most other countries around the world, patients are first treated with preoperative chemotherapy; this is followed by surgery and, if necessary, postoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In the COG approach, which is mainly followed in North America, patients are treated with upfront surgery, followed, if necessary, by postoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In both groups, postoperative treatment primarily depends on tumour histological classification and stage, although, in recent studies, other prognostic factors have also been included (tumour volume, response to preoperative chemotherapy, and molecular markers). Owing to separate initial treatments, there are differences in histological assessment and subtyping of WT, and, more importantly, in staging criteria. In this review, we discuss the similarities and differences between the two groups in order to help pathologists who are dealing with WT to understand and follow the pathological protocol that is appropriate for a particular case, because, in many centres, both approaches may be followed, depending on individual case/patient circumstances.
Adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the Stoma‐QOL questionnaire among Chinese rectal cancer patients with colostomy
Authors: Shao Lu , Lv Lin , Zheng Mei‐Chun , Huang Man‐Rong , Zhang Jun‐E
Published: March 2022

Aim

The purpose of this study was to translate the Stoma‐quality of life into Chinese and evaluate its psychometric properties in Chinese patients.

Background

Quality of life is an important issue for patients with colostomy, and its appropriate and precise measurement is beneficial to promoting better care. The Stoma‐quality of life questionnaire has been widely used; however, the validity and reliability of its Chinese version has not been determined.

Design

A cross‐sectional validation study was conducted.

Methods

We translated the Stoma‐quality of life into Chinese using standardized methods. Then it was psychometrically tested on a convenience sample of 513 patients with colostomy. Construct validity was evaluated via exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Reliability was measured with Cronbach's alpha and the split‐half Spearman–Brown coefficient.

Results

The content validity, the Cronbach's α coefficient and the Spearman–Brown split‐half reliability coefficient indicated adequate validity and reliability. The exploratory factor analysis yielded four common factors, and the cumulative variance contribution rate was 67.5%. Moreover, the confirmatory factor analysis showed a good model fit.

Conclusion

This study confirmed that the Chinese version of Stoma‐quality of life is an effective and reliable measurement for evaluating the quality of life of patients with colostomy.
Le COVID‐19 en Amérique latine: les effets sur l'emploi et les revenus d'une crise sans précédent
Authors: BECCARIA Luis , BERTRANOU Fabio , MAURIZIO Roxana
Published: March 2022

L'Amérique latine a connu en 2020 une crise de l'emploi sans précédent du fait de la pandémie de COVID‐19. Les auteurs analysent les effets de cet événement sur le marché du travail et les revenus, ainsi que les mesures prises par les pays de la région pour y faire face. Ils montrent que le fort ralentissement de l'activité économique a provoqué une chute brutale de l'emploi, des heures travaillées et des revenus. Certains groupes en ont pâti plus que d'autres. La reprise s'accompagne elle aussi d'un creusement des inégalités en matière d'emploi et de revenus.
COVID‐19 y situación laboral: Quién resiste, quién no y con qué consecuencias en términos de desigualdad
Authors: SOARES Sergei , BERG Janine
Published: March 2022

Las respuestas estatales ante la pandemia de COVID‐19 han diferido en cuanto a alcance y diseño, con importantes implicaciones para el mercado laboral en general, y para grupos específicos de trabajadores. Utilizando datos de encuestas de población activa de siete países de renta media y alta, se analizan las transiciones laborales entre los dos primeros trimestres de 2020 en comparación con las de 2019. Se observa que la pandemia exacerbó las desigualdades en los siete países; cuando se favorecieron los subsidios salariales frente a otras formas de apoyo a los ingresos se redujo la volatilidad del mercado laboral.
¿Es realmente distinto esta vez? Impactos comparados de la crisis de la COVID‐19 y de la crisis financiera mundial de 2008–2009 en los mercados de trabajo
Authors: VERICK Sher , SCHMIDT‐KLAU Dorothea , LEE Sangheon
Published: March 2022

En 2020 la pandemia causó una crisis del mercado de trabajo más profunda que la generada por la crisis financiera mundial de 2009. Las medidas de contención fueron la principal causa del daño a los mercados de trabajo, que afectó particularmente a las economías de ingreso mediano, así como a ciertos sectores, como las actividades de alojamiento y servicio de comidas, y determinados grupos poblacionales, como las mujeres jóvenes. Frente a los procesos de ajuste del empleo impuestos en la crisis financiera mundial, durante la crisis de la COVID‐19 la inactividad ha aumentado más que la desocupación. Deben mantenerse las políticas de apoyo para evitar la desigualdad en la recuperación.
Prevalence of most common skin diseases in Europe: a population‐based study
Authors: Richard M.A. , Paul C. , Nijsten T. , Gisondi P. , Salavastru C. , Taieb C. , Trakatelli M. , Puig L. , Stratigos A. ,   EADV burden of skin diseases project team
Published: March 2022

Background

The assessment of the prevalence of diseases is of primary importance in planning health policies. No complete data on the prevalence of skin diseases across European countries are available.

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of the most frequent skin conditions or diseases in 27 European countries (24 EU countries, plus Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom).

Methods

We conducted a population‐based study on representative and extrapolable samples of the general population aged 18 years or more in each of the 27 countries surveyed. Participants were selected using stratified, proportional sampling with a replacement design. Data were collected using a web‐based online survey. All participants were asked to fill in a questionnaire with sociodemographic data and to declare if they have had one or more skin conditions or diseases during the previous 12 months.

Results

A total of 44 689 participants from 27 countries responded to the questionnaire, 21 887 (48.98%) men and 22 802 (51.02%) women. The proportion of participants who reported having suffered from at least one dermatological condition or disease during the previous 12 months was 43.35% (95% CI: 42.89%, 43.81%). The projection in the total population of the 27 countries included in the study resulted in 185 103 774 individuals affected by at least one dermatological condition or disease. Accordingly, we can estimate that more than 94 million Europeans complain of uncomfortable skin sensations like itch, burning, or dryness. The most frequent conditions were fungal skin infections (8.9%), acne (5.4%), and atopic dermatitis or eczema (5.5%). Alopecia, acne, eczema, and rosacea were more common in women, whereas men were more likely to suffer from psoriasis and sexually transmitted infections.

Conclusion

Skin diseases are an important public health concern. Their high prevalence has to be taken into account in planning access to dermatological care to address patient needs.
Perceived dementia risk and advance care planning among older adults
Authors: Lee Yu Kyung , Fried Terri R. , Costello Darcé M. , Hajduk Alexandra M. , O'Leary John R. , Cohen Andrew B.
Published: March 2022

Background

Although advance care planning (ACP) is beneficial if dementia develops, and virtually all older adults are at risk for this disease, older adults do not consistently engage in ACP. Health behavior models have highlighted the importance of perceived susceptibility to medical conditions in motivating behavior. Following these models, we sought to determine how often older adults believe they are not at risk of developing dementia and to examine the association between perceived dementia risk and ACP participation.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional study of community‐dwelling adults without cognitive impairment, aged ≥65 years, who were interviewed for the Health and Retirement Study in 2016 and asked about their perceived dementia risk (n = 711). Perceived dementia risk was ascertained with this question: “on a scale of 0 to 100, what is the percent chance that you will develop dementia sometime in the future?” We used multivariable‐adjusted logistic regression to evaluate the association between perceived risk (0% versus >0%) and completion of a living will, appointment of a durable power of attorney for healthcare decisions, and discussion of treatment preferences.

Results

Among respondents, 10.5% reported a perceived dementia risk of 0%. Perceived risk of 0% was associated with lower odds of completing a living will (OR 0.53; 95% CI, 0.30–0.93) and discussing treatment preferences (OR 0.51; 95% CI, 0.28–0.93) but not appointment of a durable power of attorney (OR 0.77; 95% CI, 0.42–1.39). Many respondents with perceived dementia risk >0% had not completed ACP activities, including a substantial minority of those with perceived risk >50%.

Conclusions

Older adults with no perceived dementia risk are less likely to participate in several forms of ACP, but the fact that many older adults with high levels of perceived risk had not completed ACP activities suggests that efforts beyond raising risk awareness are needed to increase engagement.
Phylogenomic conflict analyses in the apple genus Malus s.l. reveal widespread hybridization and allopolyploidy driving diversification, with insights into the complex biogeographic history in the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Liu Bin‐Bin , Ren Chen , Kwak Myounghai , Hodel Richard G.J. , Xu Chao , He Jian , Zhou Wen‐Bin , Huang Chien‐Hsun , Ma Hong , Qian Guan‐Ze , Hong De‐Yuan , Wen Jun
Published: March 2022

Phylogenomic evidence from an increasing number of studies has demonstrated that different data sets and analytical approaches often reconstruct strongly supported but conflicting relationships. In this study, 785 single‐copy nuclear genes and 75 complete plastomes were used to infer the phylogenetic relationships and estimate the historical biogeography of the apple genus Malus sensu lato, an economically important lineage disjunctly distributed in the Northern Hemisphere and involved in known and suspected hybridization and allopolyploidy events. The nuclear phylogeny recovered the monophyly of Malus s.l. (including Docynia); however, the genus was supported to be biphyletic in the plastid phylogeny. An ancient chloroplast capture event in the Eocene in western North America best explains the cytonuclear discordance. Our conflict analysis demonstrated that ILS, hybridization, and allopolyploidy could explain the widespread nuclear gene tree discordance. One deep hybridization event (Malus doumeri) and one recent event (Malus coronaria) were detected in Malus s.l. Furthermore, our historical biogeographic analysis integrating living and fossil data supported a widespread East Asian‐western North American origin of Malus s.l. in the Eocene, followed by several extinction and dispersal events in the Northern Hemisphere. We also propose a general workflow for assessing phylogenomic discordance and biogeographic analysis using deep genome skimming data sets.
The relationship between hope levels and unmet needs of caregivers of advanced cancer patients†
Authors: Altınışık Müge , Kocabıyık Burcu , Arıkan Fatma , Şevik Huri Yeşim , Coşkun Hasan Şenol
Published: March 2022

Aim

The effects in cultural and health provisions can lead to different unmet support needs. Hope is seen as an important support, a supportive power, and an efficient coping strategy for cancer caregivers. The purpose of this study in Turkish society is to determine supportive care needs of caregivers of cancer patients, to determine the hope levels of those caring for cancer patients and foresee how variables and hope can trigger needs.

Methods

To identify the unmet needs and hope levels of caregivers of advanced cancer patients in Turkish society. Data were collected using the Supportive Care Needs of Caregivers Scale and Herth Hope Index.

Results

More than half of the advanced cancer caregivers (56.51%) reported unmet care needs. Their unmet needs and hope levels were above average. Regression analysis showed the total score for hope was related to health care and information needs, work‐social needs.

Conclusion

Hope was related to health care and information needs and work‐social needs. Oncology nurses should focus on the unmet needs of caregivers, taking into account their cultural differences in order to raise their hopes.
A practical survey of fertility‐preservation treatments in the startup phase in Japan
Authors: Takae Seido , Kato Keiichi , Watanabe Chie , Nara Kazuko , Koizumi Tomoe , Kawai Kiyotaka , Ota Kuniaki , Yumura Yasushi , Yabuuchi Akiko , Kuwahara Akira , Furui Tatsuro , Takai Yasushi , Irahara Minoru , Suzuki Nao
Published: March 2022

Aim

The actual status of fertility preservation treatments in the startup phase in Japan was investigated as a basis for discussing future directions.

Methods

This study was conducted as “Research project to promote support of children and parenting 2016” which was supported by Ministry of Health in Japan with the approval of the institutional review board at St. Marianna University. Subjects of the survey were facilities registered with the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology as fertility preservation facilities, and facilities belonging to the Japan Association of Private Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinics and Laboratories. We provided questionnaires to survey both the medical care system and cases for which fertility preservation was implemented between 2006 and 2016.

Results

Responses were obtained from 68 facilities (of the 64, 59 [92.2%] responded to the questionnaire and 9 clinics cooperated). Many facilities limited the cryopreservation of oocytes and ovaries to patients 40–41 years old and the use of eggs to patients 44–45 years old. In the patient survey, 812 cases of oocyte cryopreservation and 201 cases of ovarian tissue cryopreservation were performed during study period. Breast cancer was the most indicated disease, with oocyte cryopreservation in the late 30s and ovarian tissue cryopreservation in the early 30s. Very few babies were born from fertility preservation, and no live birth cases of ovarian tissue cryopreservation were identified.

Conclusions

Even from the early days, fertility preservation was implemented according to certain standards in Japan, but was characterized by a large variety of facilities.
Challenge to improve Japan's deplorable HPV vaccination rate by local government actions
Authors: Miyoshi Ai , Ueda Yutaka , Yagi Asami , Kimura Toshihiro , Kobayashi Eiji , Tasaka Keiichi , Todo Aiko , Matsunami Katsura , Matsuoka Taro , Kimura Tadashi
Published: March 2022

Aim

In Japan, in 2013, following reports of several alleged adverse reactions in young girls following vaccination, the previously successful national human papillomavirus infection (HPV) vaccination program collapsed rapidly. In the 8 years since vaccination rates have hovered near zero. In October of 2020, in an attempt to mitigate this lingering disaster, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare (MHLW) agency finally revised its HPV vaccination informational leaflet that was designed to be distributed by local governments nationwide. Prior to this revision, Toyonaka City, in Japan's Osaka province, had already begun sending out their own unique leaflet to girls in the targeted 6th–10th grades. As a preview of how MHLW's revised leaflet might eventually succeed, we have studied the HPV vaccination results from Toyonaka City's experiment.

Method

This study was a population‐based analysis that compared the monthly rates of new vaccinations in girls of a targeted grade school age group. We looked at rates before and after the leaflets were sent by Toyonaka City's Division of Health Promotion and Senior Services.

Results

The vaccination rates between April 2020 and March 2021 were improved across all grades; 1.2% in 6th grade (p = 0.000185), 2.5% in 7th grade (p < 0.0001), 3.5% in 8th grade (p < 0.0001), 6.8% in 9th grade (p < 0.0001), and a remarkable 16.5% in 10th grade (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

When a local government sends an HPV informational leaflet targeted at young girls, it can significantly improve their HPV vaccination rates.
Diagnostic office hysteroscopy; why is it still painful procedure despite the surgical experience and mini‐hysteroscope?
Authors: Guraslan Hakan , Senturk Mehmet B. , Dogan Keziban , Yuksel Berkay , Kaya Cihan , Karacan Tolga , Karabay Akgul Ozlem , Ceylan Yasin
Published: March 2022

Aim

To evaluate the effect of cervical canal features on pain during outpatient hysteroscopy performed by experienced surgeons using mini‐hysteroscope.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted on 303 women undergoing diagnostic hysteroscopy without anesthesia. Pain intensity was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) when the cervical canal was passed. The patients were divided into two groups according to the VAS score: painless or mild pain (VAS <4) and moderate or severe pain (VAS ≥ 4). The relationship between cervical canal characteristics (length, version, and flexion positions, history of cervical intervention, stenosis, synechiae), obstetric and gynecological history, preoperative anxiety level, procedure duration, and pain intensity was examined.

Results

Moderate pain (4 ≤ VAS < 7) was observed in 38% of patients (n = 117) and 14 patients (5%) experienced severe pain (VAS ≥ 7). In multivariate analysis, nulliparity (p = 0.01; OR, 4.6; 95% CI, 1.7–13.2), postmenopausal state (p = 0.02; OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.2–4.3), excessive flexion of the cervix and retroverted uterus (p <0.001; OR, 4.1; 95% CI, 2.0–8.5) were identified as risk factors for a painful procedure. Diagnostic hysteroscopy was successful in 98% of the patients. The pain was the primary cause of the failed hysteroscopy.

Conclusion

In addition to nulliparity and postmenopausal status, unfavorable features of the cervical canal, such as the excessive flexion position of the cervix and uterine retroversion are significant causes of pain during outpatient hysteroscopy.
Oral exercises significantly improve oral functions in people with mild and moderate dementia: A randomised controlled study
Authors: Somsak Kwanrutai , Tangwongchai Sookjaroen , Komin Orapin , Maes Michael
Published: March 2022

Background

There have been no standard protocols of oral exercises for maintaining and improving oral function for people with dementia.

Objective

This study aimed to determine the effects of home‐based oral exercises on the oral function of people with mild to moderate dementia.

Methods

Twenty‐two participants at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital were randomly assigned to the exercise group (n = 11) or control group (n = 11). The exercise group was instructed to do three home‐based oral exercises, consisting of tongue‐strengthening, oral diadochokinesis (ODK) and mouth‐opening exercises, for 3 months, while the control group received advice on oral health care. The maximum tongue pressure (MTP) was the primary outcome. MTP, ODK rates of /pa/, /ta/, /ka/, modified water swallowing test (MWST) and oral moisture were measured at baseline, and after 1, 2 and 3 months of training. The generalised estimating equation analysis was used to evaluate the effects of oral exercises on the oral function.

Results

The MTP and all ODK rates in the exercise group were significantly increased after 3 months of training. There were significant interaction effects between time and intervention in MTP and all ODK rates. No significant interaction effects between time and intervention in oral moisture were found. The MWST scores in both groups did not change through the end of study, and no adverse effects were reported.

Conclusion

Home‐based oral exercises were found to be effective for improving tongue strength and tongue‐lip motor function in people with mild to moderate dementia.
The ‘Viennese epidemic’ of acute HCV in the era of direct‐acting antivirals
Authors: Chromy David , Bauer David J. M. , Simbrunner Benedikt , Jachs Matthias , Hartl Lukas , Schwabl Philipp , Schwarz Caroline , Rieger Armin , Grabmeier‐Pfistershammer Katharina , Trauner Michael , Ferenci Peter , Mandorfer Mattias , Gschwantler Michael , Reiberger Thomas
Published: March 2022

The recently reported epidemic of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections —observed predominantly among men who have sex with men (MSM)—may now decline due to wide availability of direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs). This study aimed to investigate the current trends of acute hepatitis C in Vienna. Patients presenting with acute hepatitis C between 01/2007 and12/2020 at the Vienna General Hospital were retrospectively enrolled and followed after virologic clearance/eradication. The introduction of unrestricted DAA access after 09/17 defined the ‘DAA era’, as compared to the ‘pre‐DAA era’ prior to 09/17. We identified 134 acute hepatitis C cases in 119 patients with a mean age of 39 ± 9 years at inclusion. The majority of patients were male (92%), HIV‐positive (88%) and MSM (85%). In the DAA era, a history of prior chronic HCV infection at inclusion was found in 24% (11/46) compared to 7% (5/73) in the pre‐DAA era (p = .012). The annual rate of acute hepatitis C cases increased in the DAA era (17.11 per year) compared to the pre‐DAA era (7.76 per year). The DAA era included an AHC‐genotype‐2 cluster and more HIV‐negative acute hepatitis C cases (0% (0/73) vs. 30% (14/46), p < .001). Patients were followed after spontaneous clearance or sustained virologic treatment response (SVR) for a total of 251.88 patient‐years (median 1.39 years per patient). In the DAA era, we recorded 15 acute hepatitis C‐reinfections — corresponding to an incidence rate of 5.96 (95% CI: 3.57–9.66) reinfections per 100‐patient‐years. We continue to observe a high incidence of acute hepatitis C in Vienna in the DAA era—primarily among HIV‐positive MSM, but increasingly also in HIV‐negative MSM.
RETRACTED: Infectivity of hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) positive plasma with undetectable HBV‐DNA: Can HBsAg screening be discontinued in Egyptian blood donors?
Authors: Ekiaby Magdy El , Tanaka Junko , van Drimmelen Harry , Allain Jean‐Pierre , Lelie Nico
Published: March 2022

HBV infectivity data were reviewed and the 50% infectious dose (ID50) was reassessed in different HBsAg positive infection stages enabling modelling of transfusion‐transmitted (TT)‐HBV infection risk if HBsAg donor screening was replaced by individual donation nucleic acid amplification technology (ID‐NAT). Quantitative HBsAg and HBV‐DNA assays were performed against international standards to compare the ratio between potential infectious HBV virions and subviral HBsAg particles in Egyptian HBsAg positive blood donors as well as in Japanese chimpanzee samples of known infectivity. HBV‐DNA load below the quantification limit of detection was estimated against a reference standard by replicate NAT testing (n = 25). Infectivity of chimpanzee samples collected during ramp‐up and declining viremic phase were tested in a human liver chimeric mice (HLCM) model and compared with published infectivity data from different HBsAg positive infection stages. Lowest estimates of ID50 in HBsAg positive plasma were 3–6 HBV virions in chimpanzee studies. Infectivity decreased approximately 10–100‐fold in the declining viremic phase using HLCM. In acute‐phase samples, HBV to HBsAg particle ratios varied between 1:102–104 but in HBsAg positive blood donors this particle ratio reached 1:106–1012 when viral load was below 100 HBV‐DNA copies/ml. Modelled TT‐HBV risk of an HBsAg positive/ID‐NAT nonreactive blood transfusion was estimated at 9%–46% for components containing 20–200 ml of plasma assuming an ID50 of 316 (point estimate between 100 and 1000) virions. In the Egyptian setting, discontinuation of HBsAg donor screening and reliance on ID‐NAT alone seems to be unsafe.
Phenotypic plasticity and selection on leaf traits in response to snowmelt timing and summer precipitation
Authors: Navarro Jocelyn , Powers John M. , Paul Ayaka , Campbell Diane R.
Published: March 2022

Vegetative traits of plants can respond directly to changes in the environment, such as those occurring under climate change. That phenotypic plasticity could be adaptive, maladaptive, or neutral.

We manipulated the timing of spring snowmelt and amount of summer precipitation in factorial combination and examined responses of specific leaf area (SLA), trichome density, leaf water content (LWC), photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and intrinsic water‐use efficiency (iWUE) in the subalpine herb Ipomopsis aggregata. The experiment was repeated in three years differing in natural timing of snowmelt. To examine natural selection, we used survival, relative growth rate, and flowering as fitness indices.

A 50% reduction in summer precipitation reduced stomatal conductance and increased iWUE, and doubled precipitation increased LWC. Combining natural and experimental variation, earlier snowmelt reduced soil moisture, photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance, and increased trichome density and iWUE. Precipitation reduction reversed the mortality selection favoring high stomatal conductance under normal and doubled precipitation, and higher LWC improved growth.

Earlier snowmelt is a strong signal of climate change and can change expression of leaf morphology and gas exchange traits, just as reduced precipitation can. Stomatal conductance and SLA showed adaptive plasticity under some conditions.
Effectiveness of cognitive analytic therapy for bipolar affective disorder: A co‐produced single subject cumulative treatment design with extended follow‐up (A1/B/A2/C‐FU)
Authors: Kellett Stephen , Alhadeff Lisa , Gaskell Chris , Simmonds‐Buckley Melanie
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Evidence for the treatment of bipolar affective disorder with cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) is limited, and so this study sought to intensively evaluate outcomes in a co‐produced single‐case experimental design (SCED).

Design

An A1/B/A2/C with extended follow‐up SCED with a female patient meeting diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder.

Methods

Following the 6‐week baseline period ‘A1’, treatment occurred in two phases (18 ‘B’ and 6 sessions ‘C’) sandwiching a 12‐week treatment withdrawal phase (‘A2’) and a 24‐week structured follow‐up phase. Five idiographic daily measures were collected daily to create a 622‐day timeline. The PHQ‐9 and the Mania Rating Scale were completed after each treatment session. The participant held two roles: as the patient and provider of the idiographic/nomothetic outcomes and also as part of the research team through providing a commentary on the outcomes identified.

Results

CAT was a partially effective intervention. There were improvements to idiographic measures of self‐criticism, self‐acceptance, body dissatisfaction and worry. Nomothetic outcomes showed little change. CAT did not insulate from the occurrence of a hypermanic relapse during the follow‐up phase. The change commentary mirrored the idiographic outcomes in noting that the ‘exits’ were harder to implement during the manic relapse.

Conclusions

This co‐produced SCED suggests a partially effective CAT intervention, but with exits much harder to sustain during manic relapse. Methodologically, it is possible to improve SCED methodology through widening the participant role further beyond that of data collection.
Strong cognitivist weaknesses
Authors: Hauthaler Nathan
Published: March 2022

Marušić & Schwenkler (Analytic Philosophy, 59, 309) offer a simple and elegant defense of strong cognitivismabout intention: the view that an intentionto φ isa form ofbelief that one will φ. I show that their defense fails: however simple and elegant, it fails to account for various aspects about intention and its expression, and faces distinctive challenges of its own, including a dilemma and counterexample. These also undermine Marušić & Schwenkler's claim to a best‐explanation type of account and recommend alternatives to strong cognitivism altogether.
Iron, hepcidin, and microcytosis in canine hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Polak Klaudia Z. , Schaffer Paula , Donaghy Dillon , Zenk Madison C. , Olver Christine S.
Published: March 2022

Background

Erythrocyte microcytosis in some dogs with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) suggests a derangement in systemic iron. Hepcidin, the master regulator of iron, is secreted by the liver in response to interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and/or bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6) and can cause microcytosis.

Objectives

Pilot study to compare the quantities of hepcidin, IL‐6, and BMP6 RNA molecules in archival tumoral (HCC) and adjacent peritumoral (non‐HCC) hepatic tissue to determine if they are different between tissue types or associated with microcytosis.

Methods

RNA was isolated from formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded HCC and non‐HCC tissue from seven microcytic dogs and four normocytic dogs. Digital RNA counts of hepcidin, IL‐6, or BMP6, and six other iron‐regulatory genes were determined using the Nanostring nCounter system. The area of blue on each section was digitally evaluated to measure the extent of Prussian blue staining objectively. Parameters were compared between HCC and non‐HCC tissue and between microcytic and normocytic groups.

Results

Hepcidin was decreased, and transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) was increased in HCC tissue compared with non‐HCC tissue. Non‐HCC hepcidin RNA counts correlated negatively with MCV and positively with the extent of iron staining. Hepcidin expression was higher in non‐HCC tissue of microcytic cases than in normocytic cases.

Conclusions

Canine HCC cases showed relatively increased iron staining in non‐HCC tissue and decreased hepcidin RNA in HCC tissue. Microcytic cases had higher hepcidin RNA in non‐HCC tissue than normocytic cases. Future studies may extend these findings to protein quantification, cellular localization of RNA changes, and determining if iron loading in canine liver is a predisposing factor for HCC.
TODOS SÃO IGUAIS PERANTE O ALGORITMO? UMA RESPOSTA CULTURAL DO DIREITO À DISCRIMINAÇÃO ALGORÍTMICA
Authors: Duarte Alan , Negócio Ramon de Vasconcelos
Published: March 2022

São cada vez mais notórios os casos em que algoritmos de aprendizado de máquina que operam em rede apresentam comportamentos discriminatórios, de modo a evidenciar uma semântica da discriminação que perpassa instituições e estruturas sociais, incorpora-se aos aspectos técnicos da programação e ameaça direitos fundamentais. Evidencia-se, nesse sentido, a importância de se discutir, no âmbito das ciências sociais, sobretudo do Direito, como se construir um modelo de observação, identificação e busca de soluções capaz de lidar com o problema da discriminação perpetrada por algoritmos de aprendizado de máquina, os quais operam majoritariamente por meio da internet. Para solucionar esse problema, o trabalho apresenta, em um primeiro momento, a igualdade compreendida como não discriminação. Questiona-se, em seguida, por meio da análise do funcionamento dos algoritmos, como esses sistemas com capacidade de aprendizado tratam – e como isso ocorre – grupos de maneira desfavorável. Por fim, partindo da compreensão do Direito como uma semântica social, como cultura imbricada nas mais variadas relações sociais, e não apenas nas instituições formais, apresentam-se mecanismos de construção de um modelo de observação, identificação e busca de soluções voltada ao combate da discriminação por algoritmos. A partir de uma pesquisa essencialmente bibliográfica e do método hipotético-dedutivo, conclui-se que a normatividade do Direito está na comunidade de usuários e nas práticas dos programadores, o que revela a importância de impregnar a semântica jurídica da igualdade na seleção e formação de programadores, como possibilidades de solução do problema posto.
WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE AN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE? NAGEL’S VIEW FROM NOWHERE AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AS SUBJECT OF LAW
Authors: Divino Sthéfano Bruno Santos , Magalhães Rodrigo Almeida
Published: March 2022

This paper has as its research problem the following question: what is it like to be an artificial intelligence? It aims to critically analyze the epistemological and semantic aspects developed by Thomas Nagel in What is it like to be a bat and The View from Nowhere, demonstrating the relationship between physicalism and subjectivity and its application to artificially intelligent beings.  We chose to approach these two works because of the author's importance in analytical philosophy and the approach to consciousness. The analysis shows that the defense of artificial intelligence as a subject of law is intrinsically based on physicalism. However, in refuting it, Nagel does not offer an alternative outside the scope of dualism. Thus, the Procedural Theory of the Subject of Law is developed with stages of emancipation of the being against the law. As a result, it is verified that the reductive physicalist vision is insufficient to substantiate the condition of the subject of law of an artificial intelligence as a legal and political being in the social order. However, if the three stages of its formation (emancipation, interspecies recognition, and personification) are observed, the possibility of achieving the condition under analysis is assumed. It is concluded that it is unverifiable to know what it is like to be an artificial intelligence. In the current scientific stage, an artificially intelligent being cannot (yet) be considered a subject of law, under penalty of characterization of instrumentalism. The methodology of integrated, analytical, deductive, and bibliographic research is used to obtain these results and conclusions.
Da “caixa-preta” à “caixa de vidro”: o uso da explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) para reduzir a opacidade e enfrentar o enviesamento em modelos algorítmicos
Authors: Alves Marco Antônio Sousa , Andrade Otávio Morato de
Published: March 2022

A inteligência artificial (IA) tem sido utilizada em larga escala em variados domínios, com cada vez mais implicações sociais, éticas e de privacidade. À medida que suas potencialidades e aplicações são expandidas, surgem dúvidas sobre a confiabilidade dos sistemas equipados com IA, particularmente aqueles que empregam técnicas de machine learning que podem torná-los verdadeiras ‘caixas-pretas’. A XAI (Explainable Artificial Intelligence), ou inteligência artificial explicável, objetiva oferecer informações que ajudam a explicar o processo preditivo de determinado modelo algorítmico. Este artigo se volta especificamente para o estudo da XAI, investigando seu potencial para explicar decisões de modelos algorítmicos e combater o enviesamento dos sistemas de IA. Na primeira etapa do trabalho, é discutida a questão da falibilidade e enviesamento da IA, e como a opacidade agrava esses problemas. Na segunda parte, apresenta-se a inteligência artificial explicável e suas potenciais contribuições para tornar os sistemas mais transparentes, auxiliando no combate aos erros e vieses algorítmicos. Conclui-se que a XAI pode colaborar para a identificação de vieses em modelos algorítmicos, razão pela qual sugere-se que a capacidade de “se explicar” – ou seja, a explicabilidade – seja um requisito para a adoção de sistemas de IA em searas mais sensíveis, como por exemplo, o auxílio à tomada de decisão judicial.
Discriminação Algorítmica e Inclusão em sistemas de Inteligência Artificial - Uma Reflexão sob a ótica dos Direitos da Criança no Ambiente Digital
Authors: Henriques Isabella Vieira Machado , Sampaio Inês Vitorino
Published: March 2022

O artigo trata de explorar e sistematizar o tema da discriminação algorítmica e da inclusão de grupos historicamente discriminados, sobretudo em relação ao recorte de gênero, raça e vulnerabilidade econômica, no grupo social das crianças, consideradas as múltiplas infâncias, em especial no Brasil. Por meio de revisão bibliográfica em articulação com a análise factual de casos notórios de discriminação por sistemas de Inteligência Artificial, contextualiza a discriminação algorítmica de maneira ampla e em relação a crianças. Com base em revisão bibliográfica e análise documental de legislações como a Constituição Federal e a Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados Pessoais (LGPD), além de cartas internacionais, aborda os direitos fundamentais, especialmente o direito à inclusão e à não discriminação, e a relação entre os princípios éticos associados à Inteligência Artificial e os princípios e conceitos da proteção de dados pessoais, em termos genéricos e no recorte específico das múltiplas infâncias. Por fim, aponta possíveis caminhos para a solução em relação à discriminação algorítmica que acomete pessoas adultas, mas impacta sobremaneira crianças, no sentido de que as múltiplas infâncias sejam incluídas no ciberespaço com a garantia de seus direitos humanos.
VIGILÂNCIA, PERFILAMENTO E TRATAMENTO DE DADOS PESSOAIS NO CONTEXTO DO CONTROLE MIGRATÓRIO
Authors: Reimann Patz Stéfani , Covatti Piaia Thami
Published: March 2022

O artigo tem como objetivos investigar como se dá a utilização de técnicas de perfilamento e tratamento de dados pessoais no ambiente do controle migratório. Para isso, inicialmente analisam-se aspectos gerais da importância dos dados pessoais, da sociedade da vigilância, no que consistem as técnicas de perfilamento e nas repercussões das decisões automatizadas. Na sequência, observa-se como tais técnicas são utilizadas no controle migratório britânico e canadense. Depois, analisam-se as iniciativas brasileiras, como destaque no projeto piloto Embarque Mais Seguro. Por fim, o artigo dedica-se a investigar como se dá o tratamento dos dados pessoais no âmbito do controle migratório brasileiro, observando o disposto na Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados (LGPD) e o Anteprojeto da LGPD Penal. Trata-se de uma análise doutrinária com revisão bibliográfica referenciada que, após exemplificação prática e situando o atual estágio revolucionário dessas ferramentas nos controles migratórios de alguns Estados, com esteio no método dedutivo, compreende que o uso de tais ferramentas impacta os direitos humanos dos migrantes. Por fim, conclui-se a contribuição com uma perspectiva referente a novos desafios e novas abordagens de regulação ao tratamento dos dados pessoais no contexto migratório.
PANORAMA SOBRE O ACESSO AOS DADOS ARMAZENADO EM CELULAR EM SITUAÇÃO DE FLAGRANTE DELITO NO BRASIL
Authors: Matias Cavalcante de Oliveira Amanda , Cordeiro Néfi
Published: March 2022

O constante desenvolvimento tecnológico dos aparelhos celulares trouxe uma série de discussões doutrinárias e desafios à jurisprudência brasileira, que passaram a lidar com ampla gama de casos concretos, especialmente no que tange às provas decorrentes de prisão em flagrante delito. Partindo da explicação do conceito de dado digital e das distinções dos níveis de tutela dos dados extraíveis dos referidos telefones, o presente trabalho visa traçar um panorama sobre efeitos práticos da distinção entre apreensão e acesso de smartphones pelo agente policial em situações de flagrante, impactos nos direitos do suspeito e entendimento jurisprudencial sobre os limites a serem observados em busca da elucidação dos fatos delituosos.
Internet and the Political Campaigns. The Perspective of the Italian Legislation
Authors: Spataro Ornella
Published: March 2022

This paper intends to discuss the issue of regulation of social networks as a media space employed by political actors (individuals or organizations) for the formation of public opinion and the construction of consensus in the context of the electoral campaigns: in more synthetic terms, social networks as an instrument of electoral propaganda. The main subject of my essay will concern, therefore, the problems de iure condito and de iure condendo about the subjection of communication on social media to rules aimed at ensuring a fair comparison between parties, lists, candidates in the electoral competition and, with it, the value of freedom and authenticity of the vote that emanates from article 48 of the Italian Constitution. This substantiates a constitutional directive in favor of a regulatory intervention of the legislator, called upon to achieve an adequate balance between the many rights and interests involved.
Execução de Mulheres Negras e o Caso Cláudia Silva Ferreira
Authors: Leal Camila Garcez , Flauzina Ana Luiza Pinheiro
Published: March 2022

Este artigo visa demonstrar a função cumprida pela polícia nos homicídios decorrentes de oposição à intervenção policial e a atuação tendenciosa dos atores do sistema de justiça criminal – Delegados/os, Ministério Público, Judiciário - na chancela a essas mortes. Partimos da hipótese de que as mulheres negras têm sido pessoalmente atingidas e executadas pela política genocida do Estado, mas há um silenciamento em torno dessas mortes. Para comprovar que o genocídio antinegro atualiza as suas formas de maneira cruel e desumanizadora, examinaremos a perícia de reprodução simulada do caso Cláudia Silva Ferreira, mulher negra, atingida por um tiro de fuzil disparado por policiais militares, no Morro do Congonha, em 2014. O que nos interessa demonstrar são as narrativas construídas pelos policiais, para a configuração do “revide à injusta agressão” e o endosso ofertado por delegados/as, juízes/as, promotores/as, referendando práticas de execuções sumárias por meio de justiçamentos.
Mulheres e Controle Policial no Recife Oitocentista: entre Silêncios e Práticas de Liberdade
Authors: Da Silva Fernanda Lima , Prando Camila Cardoso de Mello
Published: March 2022

A partir de jornais e documentos policiais do século XIX, este artigo analisa a experiência de mulheres negras diante do controle urbano em uma Recife de fim dos oitocentos. Em diálogo com a história social da escravidão, pensamos o papel dessas mulheres na construção e significação do espaço urbano, e como, nesse fazer, elas se tornam alvo da ação policial. Buscamos indagar os modos como acionavam o controle, bem como suas aproximações com os policiais e os impactos dessa proximidade para o trabalho de rua das polícias. O fio condutor de todo o texto é a reflexão sobre as tensões da cidade negra enquanto espaço de práticas de liberdade e precarização. Metodologicamente, utilizamos o paradigma indiciário e os jogos de escala como estratégias historiográficas. Entre as conclusões da investigação estão o forte protagonismo das mulheres negras na criação e a significação do espaço urbano e, por isso mesmo, do controle policial. No que se refere a esta última questão, embora as mulheres gerem respostas específicas da polícia em termos burocráticos, o controle sobre elas incidente não se distancia daquele praticado sobre os homens, particularmente no que diz respeito aos níveis de violência experimentados.
Research on Mechanical Simulation Model and Working Safety Boundary of Large-Capacity Prismatic Lithium-Ion Battery Based on Experiment
Authors: Yuan Quan , Chen Xiaoping , Meng Kangpei , Wang Pengxiang , Tang Li , Wang Tao , Cao Jieer , Wu Yaobo
Published: March 2022

The application of large-capacity automotive power batteries puts forward higher requirements on the safety test and evaluation technology. In this study, a series of mechanics experiments on a large-capacity prismatic lithium-ion battery (PLIB) cell, including quasi-static compression experiments and dynamic experiments at different speeds, were performed to investigate the mechanism involved in typical severe collision conditions of electric vehicles, such as side pillar collision, bottom ball impact, and frontal collision. The failure critical point of lithium-ion battery cell is obtained based on the record of test failure conditions. The finite element simulation on the platform Ls-Dyna is conducted to establish a numerical model of the selected large-capacity lithium-ion prismatic battery, where the constitutive behavior of the shell and jellyroll is determined through the experiments. The compression results of the finite element model have shown a good agreement with the experimental data, which demonstrates its effectiveness and accuracy. This research provides an effective and practical procedure to judge the safety of lithium-ion batteries after collisions and can be extended to the prediction and protection design of battery packs.
Some Comments on Added Mass Modeling for Tube Bundles Under Two-Phase Cross Flow
Authors: Deri Enrico
Published: March 2022

Within the study of fluid-elastic instability in heat exchangers tube banks, a considerable theoretical and experimental effort has been produced for understanding fluid–structure coupling in two-phase flow. This communication discusses the commonly accepted added mass modeling and proposes some ways of further improvement. Notably, it turns out that added mass may be overestimated in a two-phase flow. Taking into account this phenomenon improves the collapsing of flow-induced forces data.