bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combination of feet soaking in warm water and deep breathing relaxation with classical music accompaniment to lower headaches' hypertensive patients
Authors: Purqoti Dewi Nur Sukma , Rusiana Herlina Putri , Romadonika Fitri , Oktaviana Elisa , Ernawati Ernawati
Published: May 2022

Hypertension is a problem that is found in people in both developed and developing countries, including Indonesia. One of the symptoms of hypertension is headache and neck stiffness. Management of Hypertension consists of pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies. Non-pharmacological therapies (foot soak in warm water and breathing therapy in classical music accompaniment) can reduce hypertension. This community service aims to health the steps of Mekar Sari citizens in hypertension cases with non-pharmacological therapies it makes comport feels. The data were obtained from the majority of residents suffering from hypertension and who had complaints of headaches and neck stiffness. The approach method is with lectures on delivery of material, then soak the feet of warm water and relaxation therapy in deep breathing with classical music accompaniment then evaluated. The results of these therapies showed the increase in knowledge about hypertension non-pharmacological therapy in Mekar Sari citizens. There was a decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and a decrease in scale after warm water foot baths and breathing therapy. Based on the service results, it is expected that this activity can be applied independently twice a week.
Catfish spawning training and silkworm cultivation in Pelita Jaya Village Indonesia
Authors: Soetignya Widadi Padmarsari , Kustiati Kustiati
Published: May 2022

The catfish culture development program organized by the National Peatland Restoration Agency in 2017 in the Village of Pelita Jaya Indonesia, has a positive impact on the economy. However, there are several obstacles related to the problem of providing catfish juveniles and formulated feed. The Community Partnership Program (PKM) activity aims to increase the income of the â€œSenang Bersamaâ€ Fish Farmers Group through training in catfish spawning techniques and silkworm cultivation. The activity was held in the Village of Pelita Jaya, Kabupaten Kubu Raya, from May to September 2019. The methods used were lectures, demonstrations, training which included hormonal-induced catfish spawning techniques using ovaprim and sludge worm cultivation training. Monitoring and evaluation of activities are carried out starting from the first training until the activity ends. Activity evaluation was carried out using a retrospective (before-after) method using a questionnaire. The training results showed that the activity received a good response from PKM partners with the active participation of the partners and increasing the knowledge and skills of partners in the application of catfish spawning techniques and silkworm cultivation. The PKM partners could practice catfish spawning techniques and silkworm cultivation and apply them to fulfill the needs of group members in terms of catfish juveniles and feed. The impact of the activity as a whole is to develop the independence of the â€œSenang Bersamaâ€ Fish Farmers Group in providing juveniles and natural feed for catfish.
Development of exotic cultural tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic in Gunungsari Village Madiun Indonesia
Authors: Meilasari Priska , Yustisiana Rr. Arielia , Waluyo Lorensius Anang Setiyo
Published: May 2022

This Society Service Program aimed to explore the unique tourism offered by Gunungsari Tourism Village of Kabupaten Madiun. Gunungsari people, through their Tourism Awareness Group (Kelompok Sadar Wisata) Sentono Taruno Puroboyo has offered Javanese Culture tourism packages which are branded as â€œBackdoor Tourismâ€ and â€œKampung Ajar Kejawenâ€. The programs arranged to develop this tourism village have been modified to fit in Covid 19 pandemic situation. The programs are documentary literature writing, Javanese culture-themed short story competition, bilingual travel guide, English for tourism training, protective health gear procurement for tourism place, Javanese manuscript writing on lontar leaves, and decorative display made of â€œJanur Kuningâ€ (young leaf of big palm tree) through youtube channel, and digital technology training. Therefore, some methods and approaches are used in this program, including Participatory Rural Appraisal, Participatory Technology Development, Community Development, persuasive, and educative. This program has equipped Pokdarwis members with enough knowledge to communicate in English, manage the website and youtube channel, and supply their protective health gear. The direct impact of this program on Gunungsari tourism is the significant increase in the number of visitors coming on-site by applying strict health protocol in the tourism place to ensure tourist security.
Optimizing the brand awareness of Gaia Daily and Zuist Leather MSME through the Go online system
Authors: Harto Budi , Wahyuni Ning , Sumarni Teti
Published: May 2022

In the current era, where information is absorbed and moved as fast as it is today, every effort needs to keep up with technology development. This program can help existing efforts to help build brand awareness in the public's eyes, find new markets or customers, and increase sales. GAIA Daily and Zuist Leather, as one of the MSMEs in Bandung Indonesia, need this program to increase brand awareness and find new markets. This optimization activity by (1) Providing training on the Internet and its benefits for marketing purposes by doing marketing planning; (2) Provide social media management training such as Instagram and Facebook; (3) Provide training on advertising on social media through Instagram Ads and Facebook Ads. GAIA Daily and Zuist Leather Genuine Leather have been proven by the Go Online System that has been done through Social Media. The results are very good, where Gaia Daily and Zuist Leather Genuine Leather social media has gained market reach and new potential consumers as many as 1,157,119 people from the online platforms used today. This can help MSMEs GAIA Daily and Zuist Leather Genuine Leather increase sales turnover while raising brand awareness in the eyes of its regular consumers.
Assistance in the preparation of academic study materials on traditional villages in West Papua Province: conservation and development of customary peoples
Authors: Warami Hugo
Published: May 2022

Practical problems from the presidential and development of customary peoples form traditional villages legally based on applicable laws and regulations. This mentoring program aims to increase the knowledge, attitudes, and skills of the provincial and district/city apparatus in understanding village and customary village administrations. The target is to discuss how the assets and potential of villages in West Papua Province can be identified as ingredients in preparing academic studies on traditional villages. The output is expected to contribute to (1) understanding the territory and characteristics of culture in West Papua and (2) Develop recommendations for forming institutions that can support custom and cultural preservation in West Papua. This activity uses a Participatory Exercise Model or Participatory Andragogi for adults with lecture, training, and assistance methods. Mentoring activities took place from 07-07 December 2019. The activity classification consists of elements (1) of the provincial Government and regency/cities throughout West Papua, (2) universities, (3) customary institutions, (4) women activists, and (5) Head of the Big Man (Big Man) with 75 participants and eight speakers. The impact of this activity is the congestion of provincial regions on traditional villages, and technical institutions related to the coaching and empowerment of villages can carry out the process of establishing traditional villages.
Improvement of experimental animal handling skills for higher education laboratory technicians in Semarang Region Indonesia
Authors: Marianti Aditya , Christijanti Wulan , Isnaeni Wiwi , Sholihah Badingatus , Widyaningrum Kartika , Anggoro Naufal Sebastian , Priyanto Yudi
Published: May 2022

Laboratory technician skills in handling experimental animals are needed by the study program, which uses experimental animals in the lecture and research process. The Biology Laboratory of FMIPA UNNES has the resources to practice these skills. As the realization of the 3rd Dharma of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, community service is carried out to improve the skills of higher education laboratory technicians both private and public universities in the city of Semarang in handling experimental animals. The method used is training in the form of hands-on practice. The animals used were mice and white rats. The trained practices were bioethics, maintenance techniques, handling, gavage, drawing blood, and vaginal smears of experimental animals. The participants consisted of 29 laboratory technicians from general medicine, dentistry, biology, biology education, pharmacy, and animal husbandry study programs. The training instructors consist of lecturers, technicians, and student assistants. The training was held for two days by implementing health protocols. As a result, the participants improved their skills. From the beginning, only 29,26% of participants had the knowledge and skills to handle experimental animals at the end of the training, increasing to 86.84%. It concludes that the participants have increased their knowledge and skills in handling experimental animals.
A Pilot Clinical Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Phellinus Linteus (Sanghuang) Extract Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Ryu Hwa yeon , Lee Hyun , Kang Jae Hui
Published: May 2022

Background: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Phellinus linteus (PL) extract for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) a pilot clinical study was performed.Methods: There were 24 patients with KOA who enrolled in this double-blind, randomized, controlled, clinical trial. There were 3 groups: PL 1,000 mg/day (PL 1,000), PL 1,500 mg/day (PL 1,500), and dextrin 3,000 mg/day (placebo). Patients took capsules twice a day, 3 capsules at a time, over 8 weeks. Patients were monitored prior to treatment (Visit 1: Week 0), and followed up every 4 weeks (Visit 2: Week 4 and Visit 3: Week 8) where outcome measurements were taken. The primary outcome measure was the score from the Korean version of the Western Ontario and McMasters Universities from baseline to Week 8. The secondary outcomes were measurements from the visual analog scale, quality of life scale, erythrocyte sedimentation, and c-reactive protein. Adverse events were recorded at every visit.Results: The Korean version of the Western Ontario and McMasters Universities score showed the greatest improvement in symptoms of KOA in the PL 1,500 group compared with the placebo group. The erythrocyte sedimentation tended to decrease in the PL 1,500 group compared with the placebo group (which was within the normal range). The visual analog scale score decreased in all groups, with no significant differences between groups. No adverse events related to PL were reported. There were no abnormal hematological or physical findings.Conclusion: This pilot clinical trial was the first step to assess the efficacy and safety of PL used in the treatment of patients with KOA.
Wet Cupping (al-hijama) for Mental Health: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ucun Yasemin
Published: May 2022

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of wet cupping on the treatment of mental illness. A total of 2,670 studies were retrieved using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Science Direct databases, and of these, 2,661 were excluded due to not meeting the inclusion criteria. There were 9 articles included in this review including 1,124 individuals who received wet cupping. Mental health was explored in, those who had migraines, metabolic syndrome, smoking addiction, post-traumatic stress, chronic medical disease, and depression. As an intervention procedure, the triple S technique was used in all studies. Only 3 studies reported that none of the participants complained of adverse events during or after the cupping therapy. In all studies, wet cupping was reported to be effective in reducing psychological symptoms. However, there are few randomized controlled trials testing the e?ectiveness of wet cupping in the treatment of mental health, and most are of poor quality. Therefore, more rigorous studies are required before the effectiveness of wet cupping for the treatment of mental illness can be determined.
Radiance backscattered by a strongly scattering medium in the high spatial frequency limit
Authors: Ilan Boaz , Kim Arnold D. , Venugopalan Vasan
Published: May 2022

We study the radiative transfer of a spatially modulated plane wave
incident on a half-space composed of a uniformly scattering and
absorbing medium. For spatial frequencies that are large compared to
the scattering coefficient, we find that first-order scattering
governs the leading behavior of the radiance backscattered by the
medium. The first-order scattering approximation reveals a specific
curve on the backscattered hemisphere where the radiance is
concentrated. Along this curve, the radiance assumes a particularly
simple expression that is directly proportional to the phase function.
These results are inherent to the radiative transfer equation at large
spatial frequency and do not have a strong dependence on any
particular optical property. Consequently, these results provide the
means by which spatial frequency domain imaging technologies can
directly measure the phase function of a sample. Numerical simulations
using the discrete ordinate method along with the source integration
interpolation method validate these theoretical findings.
Manufacture of TiO2 nanoparticles with high preparation efficiency and photocatalytic performance by controlling the parameters of pulsed laser ablation in liquid
Authors: Huang Zeyu , Feng Guoying , Zhou Kainan , Han Jinghua , Shi Zhongbing , He Changtao , Xie Na , Zhang Qiuhui
Published: May 2022

This study proposes a method to improve the production efficiency and photocatalytic performance of TiO2 nanoparticles using the pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) method to optimise preparation parameters. In this study, the variation of particle size, morphology, preparation, and catalytic efficiency due to the increase in the number of pulses is studied. The mechanism of particle morphology change is analysed using thermodynamic simulation. The density functional theory (DFT) is used to calculate and characterise the reason why the special structure formed by particle breaking improves the photocatalytic performance. In addition, the influence of the law of solution height on particle breakage is summarised to obtain an optimised preparation parameter. The proposed method provides a reference for the selection of parameters in actual production.
Extraction of silver losses at cryogenic temperatures through the optical characterization of silver-coated plasmonic nanolasers
Authors: Koulas-Simos Aris , Sinatkas Georgios , Zhang Taiping , Xu Jia-Lu , Hayenga William E. , Kan Qiang , Zhang Ruikang , Khajavikhan Mercedeh , Ning Cun-Zheng , Reitzenstein Stephan
Published: May 2022

We report on the extraction of silver losses in the range 10 K-180 K by performing temperature-dependent micro-photoluminescence measurements in conjunction with numerical simulations on silver-coated nanolasers around near-infrared telecommunication wavelengths. By mapping changes in the quality factor of nanolasers into silver-loss variations, the imaginary part of silver permittivity is extracted at cryogenic temperatures. The latter is estimated to reach values an order of magnitude lower than room-temperature values. Temperature-dependent values for the thermo-optic coefficient of III-V semiconductors occupying the cavity are estimated as well. This data is missing from the literature and is crucial for precise device modeling. Our results can be useful for device designing, the theoretical validation of experimental observations as well as the evaluation of thermal effects in silver-coated nanophotonic structures.
Crosstalk between guanosine nucleotides regulates cellular heterogeneity in protein synthesis during nutrient limitation
Authors: Diez Simon , Hydorn Molly , Whalen Abigail , Dworkin Jonathan
Published: May 2022

Phenotypic heterogeneity of microbial populations can facilitate survival in dynamic environments by generating sub-populations of cells that may have differential fitness in a future environment. Bacillus subtilis cultures experiencing nutrient limitation contain distinct sub-populations of cells exhibiting either comparatively high or low protein synthesis activity. This heterogeneity requires the production of phosphorylated guanosine nucleotides (pp)pGpp by three synthases: SasA, SasB, and RelA. Here we show that these enzymes differentially affect this bimodality: RelA and SasB are necessary to generate the sub-population of cells exhibiting low protein synthesis whereas SasA is necessary to generate cells exhibiting comparatively higher protein synthesis. Previously, it was reported that a RelA product allosterically activates SasB and we find that a SasA product competitively inhibits this activation. Finally, we provide in vivo evidence that this antagonistic interaction mediates the observed heterogeneity in protein synthesis. This work therefore identifies the mechanism underlying phenotypic heterogeneity in protein synthesis.
Challenges and opportunities for breast cancer early detection among rural dwelling women in Segamat District, Malaysia: A qualitative study
Authors: Schliemann Désirée , Hoe Wilfred Mok Kok , Mohan Devi , Allotey Pascale , Reidpath Daniel D. , Tan Min Min , Taib Nur Aishah Mohd , Donnelly Michael , Su Tin Tin
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Breast cancer patients in low- and middle-income countries often present at an advanced stage. This qualitative study elicited views regarding the challenges and opportunities for breast cancer screening and early detection among women in a low-income semi-rural community in Segamat district, Malaysia.

Methods

Individual semi-structured interviews with 22 people (health professionals, cancer survivors, community volunteers and member from a non-governmental organization) and four focus group discussions (n = 22 participants) with women from a local community were conducted. All participants were purposively sampled and female residents registered with the South East Asia Community Observatory aged ≥40 years were eligible to participate in the focus group discussions. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

The thematic analysis illuminated barriers, challenges and opportunities across six domains: (i) personal experiences and barriers to help-seeking as well as financial and travel access barriers; (ii) primary care challenges (related to delivering clinical breast examination and teaching breast-self-examination); (iii) secondary care challenges (related to mammogram services); (iv) disconnection between secondary and primary care breast cancer screening pathways; and (v) opportunities to improve breast cancer early detection relating to community civil service society activities (i.e. awareness raising, support groups, addressing stigma/embarrassment and encouraging husbands to support women) and vi) links between public healthcare personnel and community (i.e. improving breast self-examination education, clinical breast examination provision and subsidised mammograms).

Conclusion

The results point to a variety of reasons for low uptake and, therefore, to the complex nature of improving breast cancer screening and early detection. There is a need to adopt a systems approach to address this complexity and to take account of the socio-cultural context of communities in order, in turn, to strengthen cancer control policy and practices in Malaysia.
Characterizing the secret diets of siphonophores (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) using DNA metabarcoding
Authors: Damian-Serrano Alejandro , Hetherington Elizabeth D. , Choy C. Anela , Haddock Steven H. D. , Lapides Alexandra , Dunn Casey W.
Published: May 2022

Siphonophores (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) are abundant and diverse gelatinous predators in open-ocean ecosystems. Due to limited access to the midwater, little is known about the diets of most deep-dwelling gelatinous species, which constrains our understanding of food-web structure and nutrient flow in these vast ecosystems. Visual gut-content methods can rarely identify soft-bodied rapidly-digested prey, while observations from submersibles often overlook small prey items. These methods have been differentially applied to shallow and deep siphonophore taxa, confounding habitat and methodological biases. DNA metabarcoding can be used to assess both shallow and deep species’ diets under a common methodological framework, since it can detect both small and gelatinous prey. We (1) further characterized the diets of open-ocean siphonophores using DNA metabarcoding, (2) compared the prey detected by visual and molecular methods to evaluate their technical biases, and (3) evaluated tentacle-based predictions of diet. To do this, we performed DNA metabarcoding analyses on the gut contents of 39 siphonophore species across depths to describe their diets, using six barcode regions along the 18S gene. Taxonomic identifications were assigned using public databases combined with local zooplankton sequences. We identified 55 unique prey items, including crustaceans, gelatinous animals, and fish across 47 siphonophore specimens in 24 species. We reported 29 novel predator-prey interactions, among them the first insights into the diets of nine siphonophore species, many of which were congruent with the dietary predictions based on tentilla morphology. Our analyses detected both small and gelatinous prey taxa underrepresented by visual methods in species from both shallow and deep habitats, indicating that siphonophores play similar trophic roles across depth habitats. We also reveal hidden links between siphonophores and filter-feeders near the base of the food web. This study expands our understanding of the ecological roles of siphonophores in the open ocean, their trophic roles within the ‘jelly-web’, and the importance of their diversity for nutrient flow and ecosystem functioning. Understanding these inconspicuous yet ubiquitous predator-prey interactions is critical to predict the impacts of climate change, overfishing, and conservation policies on oceanic ecosystems.
Measuring equity of access to eye health outreach camps in rural Malawi
Authors: Trotignon Guillaume , Engels Thomas , Saeed Ali Shaneez , Mugwang’a Ziporah , Jones Iain , Bechange Stevens , Kaminyoghe Effie , Adera Tesfaye Haileselassie , Schmidt Elena
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Equity in the access and use of health services is critical if countries are to make progress towards universal health coverage and address the systematic exclusion of the most vulnerable groups. The purpose of this study was to assess if the Co-ordinated Approach To Community Health programme implemented by Sightsavers was successful in reaching the poorest population, women, and people living with disabilities in Kasungu district, Malawi.

Methods

Between April and September 2017, data on socio-economic status, household characteristics and functional disability were collected from patients attending at eye camps in Kasungu district, Malawi. Using asset-based tools to measure household wealth (EquityTool© and Simple Poverty Scorecard©) and the Washington Group Short Set of Questions, individuals were categorised by wealth quintiles, poverty status, and functional disability status and then compared to relevant representative national household surveys. In addition, a follow-up household survey was conducted to check the validity of self-reported household characteristics at eye camps.

Results

A total of 1,358 individuals participated in the study. The study shows that self-reported data on household characteristics and assets are reliable and can be collected in clinical settings (instead of relying on direct observations of assets). Individuals attending outreach camps were poorer in terms of relative wealth and absolute poverty rates compared to the rest of the population in Kasungu. It was estimated that 9% of the participants belonged to the poorest quintile compared to 4% for the population in Kasungu (DHS 2015–2016). The ultra-poverty rate was also lower among respondents (13%) compared to 15% for Kasungu district (IHS 2017). The functional disability rate was 27.5% for study participants, and statistically higher than the general population (5.6%, SENTIF 2017). Even though women are more at risks than men, 54% of the participants were men.

Conclusions

Our study shows that existing tools can be reliably used, and combined, if based on recent population data, to assess equity of access to health services for vulnerable groups of the population. The findings suggest that the programme was successful in reaching the poorest people of the Kasungu district population as well as those with disabilities through outreach camps but that more men than women were reach through the programme. Subsequently, our study showed that self-reported household characteristics are a reliable method to measure asset-based wealth of camps’ attendee. However, it is essential to use sub-national data (district or regional level) from recent surveys for the purpose of benchmarking in order to produce accurate results.
Spatial pattern and predictors of malaria in Ethiopia: Application of auto logistics regression
Authors: Warkaw Yamral M. , Mitku Aweke A. , Zeru Melkamu A. , Ayele Muluwerk
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Malaria is a severe health threat in the World, mainly in Africa. It is the major cause of health problems in which the risk of morbidity and mortality associated with malaria cases are characterized by spatial variations across the county. This study aimed to investigate the spatial patterns and predictors of malaria distribution in Ethiopia.

Methods

A weighted sample of 15,239 individuals with rapid diagnosis test obtained from the Central Statistical Agency and Ethiopia malaria indicator survey of 2015. Global Moran’s I and Moran scatter plots were used in determining the distribution of malaria cases, whereas the local Moran’s I statistic was used in identifying exposed areas. The auto logistics spatial binary regression model was used to investigate the predictors of malaria.

Results

The final auto logistics regression model was reported that male clients had a positive significant effect on malaria cases as compared to female clients [AOR = 2.401, 95% CI: (2.125–2.713) ]. The distribution of malaria across the regions was different. The highest incidence of malaria was found in Gambela [AOR = 52.55, 95%CI: (40.54–68.12)] followed by Beneshangul [AOR = 34.95, 95%CI: (27.159–44.963)]. Similarly, individuals in Amhara [AOR = 0.243, 95% CI:(0.195–0.303], Oromiya [AOR = 0.197, 955 CI: (0.158–0.244)], Dire Dawa [AOR = 0.064, 95%CI(0.049–0.082)], Addis Ababa[AOR = 0.057,95%CI:(0.044–0.075)], Somali[AOR = 0.077,95%CI:(0.059–0.097)], SNNPR[OR = 0.329, 95%CI: (0.261–0.413)] and Harari [AOR = 0.256, 95%CI:(0.201–0.325)] were less likely to had low incidence of malaria as compared with Tigray. Furthermore, for one meter increase in altitude, the odds of positive rapid diagnostic test (RDT) decreases by 1.6% [AOR = 0.984, 95% CI: (0.984–0.984)]. The use of a shared toilet facility was found as a protective factor for malaria in Ethiopia [AOR = 1.671, 95% CI: (1.504–1.854)]. The spatial autocorrelation variable changes the constant from AOR = 0.471 for logistic regression to AOR = 0.164 for auto logistics regression.

Conclusions

This study found that the incidence of malaria in Ethiopia had a spatial pattern which is associated with socio-economic, demographic, and geographic risk factors. Spatial clustering of malaria cases had occurred in all regions, and the risk of clustering was different across the regions. The risk of malaria was found to be higher for those who live in soil floor-type houses as compared to those who lived in cement or ceramics floor type. Similarly, households with thatched, metal and thin, and other roof-type houses have a higher risk of malaria than ceramics tiles roof houses. Moreover, using a protected anti-mosquito net was reducing the risk of malaria incidence.
Effects of trust, risk perception, and health behavior on COVID-19 disease burden: Evidence from a multi-state US survey
Authors: Ridenhour Benjamin J. , Sarathchandra Dilshani , Seamon Erich , Brown Helen , Leung Fok-Yan , Johnson-Leon Maureen , Megheib Mohamed , Miller Craig R. , Johnson-Leung Jennifer
Published: May 2022

Early public health strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the United States relied on non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) as vaccines and therapeutic treatments were not yet available. Implementation of NPIs, primarily social distancing and mask wearing, varied widely between communities within the US due to variable government mandates, as well as differences in attitudes and opinions. To understand the interplay of trust, risk perception, behavioral intention, and disease burden, we developed a survey instrument to study attitudes concerning COVID-19 and pandemic behavioral change in three states: Idaho, Texas, and Vermont. We designed our survey (n= 1034) to detect whether these relationships were significantly different in rural populations. The best fitting structural equation models show that trust indirectly affects protective pandemic behaviors via health and economic risk perception. We explore two different variations of this social cognitive model: the first assumes behavioral intention affects future disease burden while the second assumes that observed disease burden affects behavioral intention. In our models we include several exogenous variables to control for demographic and geographic effects. Notably, political ideology is the only exogenous variable which significantly affects all aspects of the social cognitive model (trust, risk perception, and behavioral intention). While there is a direct negative effect associated with rurality on disease burden, likely due to the protective effect of low population density in the early pandemic waves, we found a marginally significant, positive, indirect effect of rurality on disease burden via decreased trust (p= 0.095). This trust deficit creates additional vulnerabilities to COVID-19 in rural communities which also have reduced healthcare capacity. Increasing trust by methods such as in-group messaging could potentially remove some of the disparities inferred by our models and increase NPI effectiveness.
A new cryptic species of green pit viper of the genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 (Serpentes, Viperidae) from northeast India
Authors: Rathee Yashpal Singh , Purkayastha Jayaditya , Lalremsanga Hmar Tlawmte , Dalal Siddharth , Biakzuala Lal , Muansanga Lal , Mirza Zeeshan A.
Published: May 2022

A new cryptic species of green pit viper is described from northeast India, based on specimens collected from the state of Mizoram and Meghalaya. The new species is a member of the subgenusViridoviperaand is sister toTrimeresurus medoensisbased on molecular data for mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, whereas resemblesTrimeresurus gumprechtimorphologically. A combination of characters helps delimit the new species from its congeners. Description of the new species highlights the need for dedicated surveys across northeast India to document its reptilian diversity, as this represents the third new species of the genus to be described in the past three years.
Increasing obstructive sleep apnea risk is associated with hearing impairment in middle-aged Chinese men—A cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Yu , Wang Xiaoyi , Cui Jing , Ren Jiping , Xin Zhong , Chen Dongning
Published: May 2022

Objective

Midlife males with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) bear a high risk for cardiovascular diseases. However, the association of OSA and hearing impairment is controversial. Our objective was to observe the incidence of hearing loss in middle-aged males with different risks for OSA.

Methods

794 men aged 40–65 who participated in health examination and pure tone hearing screening between January and June 2021 were recruited in the study. Medical history was collected. Height, weight and blood pressure were tested, and biochemical test including blood lipids and blood glucose was performed. According to the STOP-BANG score, the observed subjects were divided into low, intermediate and high groups for OSA risk. Hearing impairment was defined as failure in responding to any pure tone of 25 dB HL in any ear at the frequencies: 4 kHz for high frequency range and 0.5k, 1k, 2 kHz for low/medium frequency range. The incidence of hearing loss in those groups was compared after adjusting the cardiovascular risk factors.

Results

The incidence of hearing impairment in the groups of intermediate, high, and intermediate/high risk for OSA (46.9%, 45.2%, 46.3%, respectively) were higher than that in the group of low risk for OSA (33.3%, P<0.001). After adjusting cardiovascular risk factors, the risk of hearing impairment in the group of high risk for OSA is 1.64 times of the group of low risk for OSA (95%CI: 1.02–2.69, P<0.05). The risk of hearing impairment at high frequency(4kHz) in the group of intermediate/high risk for OSA is 1.43 times of the group of low-risk for OSA (95%CI: 1.00–2.06, P<0.05).

Conclusion

The risk of hearing impairment in midlife men with high, intermediate/high risk for OSA is significantly increased, especially at high frequency of 4 kHz.
Spatial variation in food web structure in a recovering marine ecosystem
Authors: Krumsick Kyle J. , Fisher Jonathan A. D.
Published: May 2022

Spatial heterogeneity in food web structure and interactions may reconcile spatial variation in population and community dynamics in large marine ecosystems. In order to assess food web contributions to the different community recovery dynamics along the Newfoundland and Labrador shelf ecosystem, we quantified species interactions using stable isotope mixing models and food web metrics within three sub-regions. Representative samples of each species caught in trawls and plankton tows were analyzed for stomach contents and stable isotope ratios (δ15N and δ13C) to parameterize isotope mixing models. Regional variation, highlighted by the diets of three economically important species, was observed such that the southern region demonstrated a variety of trophic pathways of nutrient flow into the higher food web while the diets of fish in the northern regions were typically dominated by one or two pathways via dominant prey species, specifically shrimp (Pandalussp.) and hyperiids. Food web metrics indicated that the low-diversity northern regions had higher connectance and shorter food chain lengths. This observed regional variation contributes to our understanding of the role of specific forage species to the ecosystem which is an essential contribution towards ecosystem-based management decisions.
Designing instrument to measure STEM teaching practices of Malaysian teachers
Authors: Karpudewan Mageswary , Krishnan Pavitra , Ali Mohd Norawi , Yoon Fah Lay
Published: May 2022

The remarkable upsurge in the attention for STEM education globally has inspired many countries including Malaysia to formulate STEM education policies to reform the existing segmented teaching of the four STEM subjects towards integrated teaching. One of the Malaysian government’s initiatives include establishing a framework as a guide for teachers to practise STEM teaching. This exploratory, mixed methods study aimed to explore Malaysian science and mathematics teachers’ perceptions to practise STEM teaching and develop a questionnaire to measure factors that explain their teaching practices. The interview findings identified teachers’ knowledge of interdisciplinary and related pedagogical strategies, challenges encountered in STEM teaching practices, and teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs to perform STEM teaching as factors that explain STEM teaching practices. Following that, a 33-item questionnaire was developed based on the qualitative findings. The results of exploratory factor analysis produced four distinct factors echoing the qualitative findings with 29 items, which were then validated using confirmatory composite analysis (CCA). CCA results in retaining all four factors and removing six items with lower loading values. Thus, the final version of the questionnaire consists of 23 items. The findings of this study were expected to benefit STEM advocates and educators globally. Additionally, the developed questionnaire would allow collective measurement of the factors that explain STEM teaching practices.
Effect of airway clearance therapies on mucociliary clearance in adults with cystic fibrosis: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Trimble Aaron , Zeman Kirby , Wu Jihong , Ceppe Agathe , Bennett William , Donaldson Scott
Published: May 2022

Background

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disorder causing impaired mucociliary clearance within the respiratory tract, and is associated with bronchiectasis, chronic respiratory infections, and early death. Airway clearance therapies have long been a cornerstone of management of individuals with CF, although evidence supporting their use is lacking. We designed a randomized controlled trial to quantitatively compare the effects of different forms of airway clearance on mucociliary clearance.

Methods

Three different physiotherapy methods to augment cough-clearance were studied in addition to cough-clearance alone: high-frequency chest-wall oscillating vest, oscillatory positive expiratory pressure, and whole-body vibration. We used gamma scintigraphy after inhalation of radiolabeled particles to quantify mucus clearance before, during, and after physiotherapy. As secondary endpoints, we measured concentrations of small molecules in exhaled breath that may impact mucus clearance.

Results

Ten subjects were enrolled and completed study procedures. No differences were identified between any method of airway clearance, including cough clearance alone. We did identify changes in certain small molecule concentrations in exhaled breath following airway clearance.

Conclusions

Due to the limitations of this study, we do not believe the negative results suggest a change in clinical practice with regard to airway clearance. Findings pertaining to small molecules in exhaled breath may serve as future opportunities for study.
Mendelian randomization analysis of plasma levels of CD209 and MICB proteins and the risk of varicose veins of lower extremities
Authors: Shadrina Alexandra S. , Elgaeva Elizaveta E. , Stanaway Ian B. , Jarvik Gail P. , Namjou Bahram , Wei Wei-Qi , Glessner Joe , Hakonarson Hakon , Suri Pradeep , Tsepilov Yakov A.
Published: May 2022

Varicose veins of lower extremities (VVs) are a highly prevalent condition, the pathogenesis of which is still not fully elucidated. Mendelian randomization (MR) can provide useful preliminary information on the traits that are potentially causally related to the disease. The aim of the present study is to replicate the effects of the plasma levels of MHC class I polypeptide-related sequence B (MICB) and cluster of differentiation 209 (CD209) proteins reported in a previous hypothesis-free MR study. We conducted MR analysis using a fixed effects inverse-variance weighted meta-analysis of Wald ratios method. For MICB and CD209, we used data from a large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) for plasma protein levels (N = 3,301). For VVs, we used GWAS data obtained in the FinnGen project (N = 128,698), the eMERGE network (phase 3, N = 48,429), and the UK Biobank data available in the Gene ATLAS (N = 452,264). The data used in the study were obtained in individuals of European descent. The results for MICB did not pass criteria for statistical significance and replication. The results for CD209 passed all statistical significance thresholds, indicating that the genetically predicted increase in CD209 level is associated with increased risk of VVs (βMR (SE) = 0.07 (0.01), OR (95% CI) = 1.08 (1.05–1.10), P-value = 5.9 ×10−11 in the meta-analysis of three cohorts). Our findings provide further support that CD209 can potentially be involved in VVs. In future studies, independent validation of our results using data from more powerful GWASs for CD209 measured by different methods would be beneficial.
Emulating the MERINO randomised control trial using data from an observational cohort and trial of rapid diagnostic (BSI-FOO)
Authors: Evans Rebecca N. , Harris Jessica , Rogers Chris A. , MacGowan Alasdair
Published: May 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to emulate the MERINO trial of piperacillin-tazobactam vs meropenem for the definitive treatment of bloodstream infection (BSI) caused by ceftriaxone-nonsusceptible E coli or Klebsiella spp.

Methods

Data from an observational study of BSI and a randomised controlled trial of a rapid diagnostic in BSI were used to emulate the MERINO trial. The primary outcome of the emulated trial was 28-day mortality after blood culture. Outcomes were compared using logistic regression adjusted for propensity score for emulated intervention.

Results

Of the 6,371 observational study and RCT participants, 1,968 had a bloodstream infection with E. coli or Klebsiella spp. of which 121 met the eligibility criteria. In the emulated trial, a total of 14/82 patients (17.1%) allocated to piperacillin-tazobactam met the primary outcome compared with 6/39 (15.4%) in the meropenem group (unadjusted odds ratio 1.13 (95% CI 0.40 to 3.21)). After adjustment for propensity score, the odds ratio increased to 1.31 (95% CI 0.40 to 4.26). This difference is in the same direction but of a smaller magnitudethan observed in the MERINO trial, where 30-day mortality was met by 23/187 patients (12.3%) in the piperacillin-tazobactam and 7/191 (3.7%) in the meropenem group (unadjusted odds ratio of 3.69 (95% CI 1.48 to 10.41)).

Conclusions

The mortality rate in an emulated trial population was more than double the mortality rate in the MERINO trial. The methodology used attempts to address the concern that previous results could be explained by biases such as selection bias and uncontrolled confounding and provides information on how a trial such as the MERINO trial may have performed in the NHS.
Sensing spectrum sharing based massive MIMO radar for drone tracking and interception
Authors: Junior Milembolo Miantezila , Guo Bin
Published: May 2022

Radar sensors are becoming crucial for environmental perception in a world with the tremendous growth of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones. When public safety is a concern, the localization of drones are of great significance. However, a drone used for a wrong motive can cause a serious problem for the environment and public safety, given the fact that the dynamic movement of a drone’s emission signal and location tracking is different from existing positioning. This study proposes a safety zone characterized by the presence of N radars sensors with a goal to track and destabilized rogue drones attending to penetrate safety zones (stadium and school). Specifically, a new joint estimation based on a Gaussian filter has been introduced for spectrum sharing and detection awareness. The profit of this novel sensing method can be clearly seen when the two joint hidden states are taken into consideration. Therefore, the drone’s emission state is analyzed by estimating its movement jointly. Considering the drone’s unknown states and actual positioning, an algorithm is developed based on dynamic states space model. Where Bernoulli filter model is designed to estimate recursively the unknown stages of the drone and its changing location based on time. Meanwhile a power control acted from the radar to the targeted drones so that rogue drones are optimally tracked and destabilized over time. Furthermore, an expanding mechanism has been generated to accurately track the drone and enhance detection. A thoughtful result of the experimentation shows clearly that, even when the drone is moving, spectral detection can be performed accurately by chasing its positions. Its demonstrates at 90% of credibility that the original signal has a direct effect on the propagated signal. Therefore, the magnitude of the Doppler shift increases with frequency. And the clue of its positioning can be used for cognitive radio optimization.
Radical Mainstream: Independent Film, Video and Television in Britain, 1974–1990, Colin Perry (2020)
Authors: Connolly Maeve
Published: May 2022

Review of: Radical Mainstream: Independent Film, Video and Television in Britain, 1974–1990, Colin Perry (2020)

Bristol: Intellect Books, 190 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-78938-192-4, h/bk, £90.00
Experimental Film and Photochemical Practices, Kim Knowles (2020)
Authors: Snazell James
Published: May 2022

Review of: Experimental Film and Photochemical Practices, Kim Knowles (2020)

London: Palgrave Macmillan, 270 pp.,

ISBN 978-3-03044-309-2, h/bk, £69.99
Direct and indirect effects of microorganisms on autophagy
Authors: Al-Luhaibi Zaid Isam Issa
Published: May 2022

Autophagy is an intracellular catabolic process that controls infections both directly and indirectly via its multifaceted effects on the innate and adaptive immune responses. It has been reported that LPS stimulates this cellular process, whereas the effect of IL-36α on autophagy remains largely unknown. We, therefore, investigated how IL-36α modulates the endogenous and LPS-induced autophagy in THP-1 cells. The levels of LC3B-II and autophagic flux were determined by western blotting. The intracellular localization of LC3B was measured by immunofluorescence assay. The activation levels of signaling pathways implicated in autophagy regulation were evaluated by using a phosphokinase array. Our results showed that combined IL-36α and LPS treatment cooperatively increased the levels of LC3B-II and Beclin-1, stimulated the autophagic flux, facilitated intracellular redistribution of LC3B, and increased the average number of autophagosomes per cell. The IL36α/LPS combined treatment increased phosphorylation of STAT5a/b, had minimal effect on the Akt/PRAS40/mTOR pathway, and reduced the levels of phospho-Yes, phospho-FAK, and phospho-WNK1. Thus, this cytokine/PAMP combination triggers pro-autophagic biased signaling by several mechanisms and thus cooperatively stimulates the autophagic cascade. An increased autophagic activity of innate immune cells simultaneously exposed to IL-36α and LPS may play an important role in the pathogenesis of Gram-negative bacterial infections. SARS-CoV-2 can infect and replicate in esophageal cells and enterocytes, leading to direct damage to the intestinal epithelium. The infection decreases the level of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptors, thereby altering the composition of the gut microbiota. SARS-CoV-2 elicits a cytokine storm, which contributes to gastrointestinal inflammation. The direct cytopathic effects of SARS-CoV-2, gut dysbiosis, and aberrant immune response result in increased intestinal permeability, which may exacerbate existing symptoms and worsen the prognosis. By exploring the elements of pathogenesis, several therapeutic options have emerged for the treatment of COVID-19 patients, such as biologics and biotherapeutic agents. However, the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the feces may facilitate the spread of COVID-19 through fecal-oral transmission and contaminate the environment. Thus, gastrointestinal SARS-CoV-2 infection has important epidemiological significance. The development of new therapeutic and preventive options is necessary to treat and restrict the spread of this severe and widespread infection more effectively.