bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Title Protective effects of rituximab on puromycin-induced apoptosis, loss of adhesion and cytoskeletal alterations in human podocytes
Authors: Jeruschke Stefanie , Künzl Dana , Hoyer Peter Friedrich , Weber Stefanie
Published: May 2021

Background Podocytes are highly specialized cells playing a key role in the filtration function of the kidney. A damaged podocyte ultrastructure is associated with a reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and accompanied with a loss of adhesion to the glomerular basement membrane leading to proteinuria in many forms of glomerular diseases, e.g. nephrotic syndrome. If the first-line therapy with glucocorticoids fails, alternative immunosuppressive agents are used, which are known to have the potential to stabilize the actin cytoskeleton. A new option for preventing relapses in steroid dependent nephrotic syndrome is the monoclonal antibody rituximab, which, in addition to its B-cell depleting effect, is assumed to have direct effects on podocytes.Objectives We here provide data on the non-immunological off-target effects of the immunosuppressant rituximab on podocyte structure and dynamics in an in vitro puromycin aminonucleoside model of podocyte injury.Methods A conditionally immortalized human podocyte cell line was used. Differentiated podocytes were treated with puromycin aminonucleoside and rituximab. Our studies focussed on analyzing the structure of the actin cytoskeleton, cellular adhesion and apoptosis using immunofluorescence staining and protein biochemistry methods.Results Treatment with rituximab resulted in a stabilization of podocyte actin stress fibers in the puromycin aminonucleoside model, leading to an improvement in cell adhesion. A lower apoptosis rate was observed after parallel treatment with puromycin aminonucleoside and rituximab visualized by reduced nuclear fragmentation. Consistent with this data Western-blot analyses demonstrated that rituximab directly affects the caspase pathways by inhibiting the activation of Caspases-8 and − 3, suggesting that rituximab may inhibit apoptosis.Conclusions In conclusion, our results indicate an important role of the immunosuppressant rituximab in terms of stability and morphogenesis of podocytes, involving apoptosis pathways. This could help to improve therapeutical concepts for patients with proteinuria mediated by diseased podocytes.
Multicenter Survey for Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriales in Central Japan
Authors: Hara Yuki , Iguchi Mitsutaka , Tetsuka Nobuyuki , Morioka Hiroshi , Hirabayashi Aki , Tomita Yuka , Oka Keisuke , YAGI Tetsuya
Published: May 2021

Background: Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriales (CPE) are resistant to many antimicrobial agents and raise concerns about its treatment options as well as its infection control. Methods: It was conducted a multicenter study between 2015 and 2019 in order to clarify the molecular epidemiology of CPE in the Central Japan region.Results: Out of the 56,494 Enterobacteriales strains detected during the timeframe of this study, 341 (0.6%) strains which met our criteria were analyzed. 65 out of 341 strains were determined to be CPE, and the incidence rate of CPE in Enterobacteriales was 0.12% (65/56,494). Most of which were IMP-1 and only three were IMP-6 types. Three Escherichia coli strain producing NDM-5 were detected and MLST analysis also showed the ST78 type was most predominant in the E. cloacae complex CPE (n = 14, 60.9%). On the other hand, various STs were detected in CP-K. pneumoniae, in which ST37 and ST517 were the most common ST types. Conclusion: The incidence rate of CPE was slightly higher than the national data registers for this region, and it was possible to detect the spread of ST78 of carbapenemase-producing E. cloacae complex across hospitals by using this limited three-month follow-up analysis, which indicated the need to strengthen regional infection control programs.
PROPOSAL FOR A MECHANICAL MODEL OF MOBILE SHALES
Authors: Soto Juan , Heidari Mahdi , Hudec Michael
Published: May 2021

Structural systems involving mobile shale represent one of the most difficult challenges for geoscientists dedicated to exploring the subsurface structure of continental margins. Mobile-shale structures range from surficial mud volcanoes to deeply buried shale diapirs and shale-cored folds. Where mobile shales occur, seismic imaging is typically poor, drilling is hazardous, and established principles to guide interpretation are few. The central problem leading to these issues is the poor understanding of the mechanical behaviour of mobile shales. Here we propose that mobile shales are at critical state, and discuss how this proposition can explain key observations associated with mobile shales. The critical-state model can explain the occurrence of both fluidized shales (e.g., in mud volcanoes) and more viscous shales flowing with grain-to-grain contact (e.g., in mud diapirs), mobilization of cemented or compacted materials, and the role of overpressure in shale mobility. Our model offers new avenues for understanding complex and fascinating mobile-shale structures.
Special Relativity sans Lorentz Transformation (OR) Perceptional Relativity
Authors: Asokan Sebastin Patrick
Published: May 2021

This paper shows that if we accept that there is no absolute perception of Reality and the same Reality is perceived differently by different observers, then a simple and straightforward explanation for the constancy of Light's speed in all inertial frames of reference is possible without any need for paradoxical Lorentz Transformation. This paper also proves that Lorentz Transformation, as incorporated in the Special Theory of Relativity, is conceptually flawed. This paper also points out the misconceptions regarding the claimed experimental verifications of Lorentz Transformation's predictions in the Hafele–Keating experiment and μ meson experiment. This paper concludes that Einstein's Special Theory Relativity can stand on its own merits without Lorentz Transformation.
Progression of a Muscular Dystrophy Due to a Genetic Defect in Membrane Synthesis is Driven by Large Changes in Neutral Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Tavasoli Mahtab , Lahire Sarah , Sokolenko Stanislav ,   J. Pedro Fernández-Murray1, Uaesoontrachoon Kitipong , Lefsay Abir , Rowsell Joyce , Srinivass Sadish , Praest Molly , MacKinnon Alexandra , Mammoliti Melissa , Maloney Ashley , Moraca Marina , Nagaraju Kanneboyina , Hoffman Eric , McMaster Christopher
Published: May 2021

CHKB encodes one of two mammalian choline kinase enzymes that catalyze the first step in the synthesis of the major membrane phospholipid, phosphatidylcholine (PC). In humans, inactivation of the CHKB gene causes a recessive form of a rostral-to-caudal congenital muscular dystrophy. Using Chkb knockout mice, we reveal that at no stage of the disease is PC level significantly altered. Instead, at early stages of the disease the level of mitochondrial specific lipids acylcarnitine (AcCa) and cardiolipin (CL) increase 15-fold and 10-fold, respectively. Importantly, these changes are only observed in affected muscle and contribute to the decrease in the skeletal muscle functional output in these mice. As the disease progresses, AcCa and CL levels normalize and there is a 12-fold increase in the neutral storage lipid triacylgycerol and a 3-fold increase in its upstream lipid diacylglycerol. Our findings indicate that the major changes in lipid metabolism upon loss of function of Chkb is not a change in PC level, but instead is an initial inability to utilize fatty acids for energy resulting in shunting of fatty acids into triacyglycerol.
Translation of a circulating microRNA signature of melanoma into a solid tissue assay with the potential to improve diagnostic precision and reproducibility
Authors: Laar Ryan Van , King Samuel , McCoy Richard , Saad Mirette , Fereday Sian , Winship Ingrid , Uzzell Catherine , Landgren Anthony
Published: May 2021

Background: Successful treatment of cutaneous melanoma depends on early and accurate diagnosis of clinically suspicious melanocytic skin lesions. Multiple international studies have described the challenge of providing accurate and reproducible histopathological assessments of melanocytic lesions, highlighting the need for new diagnostic tools including disease-specific biomarkers. Previously, a 38-microRNA signature (“Mel38”) was identified in melanoma patient plasma and validated as a novel biomarker. In this study, Mel38 expression in solid tissue biopsies representing the benign naevi to metastatic melanoma spectrum is examined. Methods: Nanostring digital gene expression assessment of the Mel38 signature was performed on 308 formalin fixed paraffin embedded biopsies of naevi, melanoma in-situ and invasive melanoma. Genomic data were interrogated using hierarchical clustering, univariate, and multivariate statistical approaches. Classification scores computed from the Mel38 signature were analysed for their association with demographic data and histopathology results, including MPATH-DX class, AJCC disease stage and tissue subtype. Results: The Mel38 score can stratify higher-risk melanomas (MPATH-Dx Class V or more advanced) from lower-risk skin lesions (Class I-IV) with an area-under-the curve of 0.97 (P<0.001). The genomic score ranges from 0 to 10 and is positively correlated with melanoma progression, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.85 with stage 0 to IV disease. Using an optimised classification threshold of ≥2.7 accurately identifies higher-risk melanomas, associated with poorer outcomes and more intensive suggested clinical actions with 89% sensitivity and 94% specificity. Multivariate analysis showed the score to be a significant predictor of malignancy, independent of technical and clinical covariates. Application of the Mel38 signature to spitz naevi reveal an intra-subtype profile, with elements of the profile in common to both naevi and melanoma. Conclusion: Melanoma-specific circulating microRNAs maintain their association with malignancy when measured in the hypothesized tissue of origin. The Mel38 signature is an accurate and reproducible metric of melanoma status, based on changes in microRNA expression that occur as the disease develops and spreads. Inclusion of the Mel38 score into routine practice would provide physicians with previously unavailable, personalised genomic information about their patient’s skin lesions. Combining molecular biomarker data with conventional histopathology data may improve diagnostic accuracy, healthcare resource utilisation, and patient outcomes.
Schulddogmatik in der bundesgerichtlichen Rechtsprechung
Authors: Urwyler Thierry , Ranzoni Luca
Published: May 2021

Mit seinem Urteil 6B_1363/2019 hat sich das Bundesgericht zu einer Fülle von dogmatischen Streitfragen im Schuldkontext geäussert. Es bekannte sich grundsätzlich zu einem sozialen Schuldbegriff. Die Autoren legen dar, dass ein funktionaler Schuldbegriff in seinem theoretischen Fundament überzeugender ist. Auf Basis dieser Erkenntnis wird aufgezeigt, dass sich die Auffassung des Bundesgerichts, bei schweren Straftaten hohe Anforderungen an eine vollständige Aufhebung der Schuldfähigkeit zu stellen, in ihrer Generalisierung selbst bei einem funktionalen Schuldverständnis nicht halten lässt. Schliesslich wird auch der bundesgerichtlichen Auffassung widersprochen, wonach sich die forensisch-psychiatrisch sachverständige Person zur Frage der Schuldfähigkeit äussern dürfe.

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Dans son arrêt 6B_1363/2019, le Tribunal fédéral s'est prononcé sur plusieurs controverses dogmatiques relatives à la notion de culpabilité. Sur le principe, la Cour s’est déclarée en faveur d'un concept social de culpabilité. Cependant, les auteurs soutiennent que le concept fonctionnel de culpabilité (funktionaler Schuldbegriff) est davantage convaincant dans son fondement théorique. Sur cette base, il est démontré en quoi l'opinion du Tribunal fédéral ­– selon laquelle, en cas d'infractions graves, des exigences élevées à la suppression totale de la culpabilité doivent être posées – ne peut être généralement maintenue même avec une compréhension fonctionnelle de la culpabilité. Enfin, l’avis du Tribunal fédéral selon lequel l'expert en psychiatrie légale est habilité à se prononcer sur la question de la culpabilité sera également contesté.
A Genre Analysis of Bachelor of Arts in English’ Undergraduate Theses
Authors: Arnaiz Runalyn O. , Colagbang Lorlie , Inoc Maria Regla , Torregosa Ailene , Maxilom-Mangompit Rowanne Marie Ramos
Published: May 2021

Research Article (RA) is one of the most important genres that received considerable attention in genre analysis. This study sought to investigate the rhetorical structures of RA abstracts written by AB-English students of Cebu Technological University. This investigation used Hyland’s (2000) framework which includes: Introduction, Purpose, Methodology, Product, and Conclusion. This paper utilizes qualitative approach where a total of fifteen abstracts were selected from Cebu Technological University. The corpus of abstracts written by AB- English students were randomly selected from the CTU graduate library. The researchers found out there were no instances of Introduction move found in the abstracts.  The purpose move constituted the fourteen (14) abstracts in the undergraduate theses written by AB- English. Fourteen (14) studies included the method move in their research abstracts. Fourteen out of fifteen studies included the product move and thirteen (13) instances of conclusion move were found in the abstracts. The researchers concluded that the abstracts followed the commonly-applied three moves such as purpose, methodology and product. The results demonstrated that the research topics on phonology, morphology, and purposive communication were already widely-explored by the student researchers. There was a dearth of research topics related to multimodal communication, child and adolescent learners and learning principles. Therefore, this study provides implications to writing research abstracts and topics that need to be explored in the undergraduate theses writing.
Development of Bioadhesives Based on Recombinant Analogues of Spider Web Proteins
Authors: Davydova L.I. , Shulyakov V.S. , Sidoruk K.V. , Krasheninnikov S.V. , Bychkova M.A. , Debabov V.G.
Published: May 2021

It has been shown that the recombinant spidroins rS1/9 and rS2/12, which were developed by us previously, exhibit adhesive properties with respect to both inorganic and organic substrates. It is well known that the adhesive properties of mussel leg proteins are associated with the level of L-3,4-dihydroxy-phenylalanine (DOPA), which is formed as a result of the post-translational modification of tyrosine residues by the tyrosinase enzyme. Therefore, we used recombinant tyrosinase for in vitro modification of tyrosine residues in the recombinant rS1/9 and rS2/12 spidroins to increase their adhesion capacity. The conversion of tyrosine residues into DOPA led to an increase in the adhesion properties of these proteins, which was demonstrated in experiments on gluing plates of polyvinyl chloride, aluminum, polylactic acid, and also tubular pork bones. The molecules of recombinant spidroins retained their inherent properties to form supramolecular structures, hydrogels (microgels), transparent films and 3D matrices. Interestingly, tyrosinase-modified proteins exhibited increased cohesion in experiments on bonding different materials in the presence of water.

recombinant spidroins, modification, tyrosinase, DOPA, wetting, adhesion, cohesion

The work was supported by a state assignment no. АААА-А20-120093090015-2.
Diagnostic Potential of Monoclonal Antibodies to Adenovirus
Authors: Amosova I.V. , Grudinin M.P.
Published: May 2021

The diagnostic potential of 4B7 and 6B12 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against human adenovirus hexon protein has been studied in various immunological tests, namely: in-cell enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cell-ELISA), sandwich ELISA, and immunofluorescent assay (IFA). It was shown that the sensitivity of cell-ELISA, sandwich ELISA and IFA was 96%, 86% and 84%, respectively as compared to PCR. Thus, 4B7 and 6B12 mAbs are promising immunoreagents for the construction of various diagnostic kits to use in laboratory practice for adenovirus detection in clinical samples.

monoclonal antibodies, human adenovirus, adenovirus infection, diagnosis
Rapid Neutralizing Antibody Assessment Using Influenza Viruses with Luciferase Reporter
Authors: Pulkina A.A. , Romanovskaya-Romanko E..A. , Mustafaeva A.S. , Egorov A.Yu. , Stukova M.A.
Published: May 2021

Influenza viruses cause an acute respiratory infection, especially in the autumn-winter period. They are characterized by a high mutation frequency and cause annual seasonal epidemics. The detection of virus-neutralizing antibodies is an important criterion in the assessment of population immunity and the influenza vaccine effectiveness. In this study, a method for determining the titer of virus-neutralizing antibodies in blood serum has been developed. A new test, called the luciferase neutralization assay, uses measurement of a bioluminescent signal as a detection method. The influenza A reporter viruses of various subtypes were constructed that encode the nanoluciferase protein in the non-structural NS1 protein reading frame. The developed method was used to compare paired sera of volunteers before and after their immunization with a seasonal influenza vaccine. The proposed method was also compared with certified antibody assay methods: neutralization reaction and hemagglutination inhibition reaction. The tests showed a high correlation, while the luciferase neutralization assay reduced the time and simplified the detection procedure.

microneutralization, reporter virus, influenza virus, bioluminescence, nanoluciferase

The study was supported by the grant of the President of the Russian Federation for young PhDs (no. 075-15-2019-226); and also by the grant of the Government of Saint-Petersburg for undergraduate and graduate students (September 25, 2018, no 124).
Personal Branding through Da'wah on TikTok Social Media
Authors: Nabilah Amirah , Aulia Bhunga , Yuniar Dwi
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic that has hit the world requires people to stay at home, making social media the choice of people to seek entertainment or share knowledge. TikTok is one of the interesting centers for preachers to do their preaching. This study discussed Personal Branding on Husain Basyaiban @basyasman00 account through TikTok social media intending to be achieved by researchers is to find out how personal branding Husain Basyaiban through three da'wah content with the highest viewers on social media TikTok. Husain is a person with successful personal branding through the social media networking platform TikTok, where he presents content about Islamic Da'wah. Based on this, the research team was interested in analyzing how the personal branding process carried out by Husain Basyaiban through Da'wah on the social media platform TikTok. This research uses a qualitative approach with a data collection method in the form of document study, resulting in descriptive data in the form of written words from the behavior studied. The results of the research showed that Husain Basyaiban can meet 11 Criteria for Effective Authentic Personal Branding, namely Authenticity, Integrity, Consistency, Specialization, Authority, Privileges, Relevant, Perseverance, Visibility, Good Deeds, Performance.
The Effect of the Application of Total Quality Management, Supply Chain Management, and Entrepreneurship Orientation on Operational Performance
Authors: Latifah Siti Nur , Wijayanti Wijayanti , Utami Esti Magiyanti
Published: May 2021

Small and medium enterprises in the food sector in the pandemic era were significantly affected, so SMEs need to improve their performance, so they are not significantly affected. This study aims to examine the effect of implementing TQM on the operational performance of Food SMEs, examining the effect of SCM application on the operational performance of Food SMEs, and examining the effect of the application of entrepreneurial orientation on the operational performance of Food SMEs in Wonosobo Regency. This study used a purposive sampling technique and obtained a total sample of 120 people. This study used a survey research design and data collection was carried out using a questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using multiple linear regression. The results of multiple linear regression and hypothesis testing show that the TQM variable has a positive and significant effect on operating performance. The SCM variable has a positive and significant effect on operating performance. The entrepreneurial orientation variable has a positive and significant effect on operating performance.
Development of Motivation Sphere in 14- and 15-Year-Olds
Authors: Mikhailova Margarita , Shamovskaya Tatiana
Published: May 2021

The article deals with teenagers' motivation, which is important for education, project of life, etc. The research objective was to assess a set of measures aimed at increasing cognitive motivation and motivational awareness in learning process. The study focused on the development of motivational sphere in 14- and 15-year-olds. The article introduces an analysis of patterns and factors of the motivational development, as well as types of motives behind educational and cognitive activity. The empirical research featured the motivational sphere of teenagers, which demonstrated instability, failure avoidance, and a decrease in interest in learning. Their conscious cognitive interest in educational activity decreased as the leading activity shifted from educational to communicative. The article also describes a set of measures aimed at increasing the level of cognitive motivation and the motivational awareness of educational activities. The experiment included educational techniques that promote students' involvement in the learning process, as well as group sessions with elements of psychological training, aimed at raising self-esteem, improving communication skills, and building a friendly attitude towards peers. The empirical and statistical methods confirmed the effectiveness of the new method.
Conceptual Foundations for Designing the Spatial Learning Environment in Pre-School Establishments
Authors: Shmireva Natalia , Lopatkin Grigory
Published: May 2021

The present research featured the conceptual foundations of pre-school spatial learning environment with its interdependent semantic components and a potential for new products. The study was based on the systematic approach to the problem as an integral complex of interrelated elements. A thorough analysis of various definitions of spatial learning environment made it possible to separate it from the concept of learning environment. Both internal and external environment of educational organizations should create such spaces that stimulate children's development. The article also describes the concept of pedagogical design as an important multifaceted phenomenon and introduces efficiency criteria and a basic algorithm of actions: mission, environment components, functions, principles, goals, tools, requirements, directions of activity, and resource provision. Designing the strategic and tactical guidelines can improve the quality of early childhood. The conceptual foundations of design were formulated as tools that facilitate the movement towards solving the problem in the system of theoretical and practical steps. The conceptual foundations include organizational and pedagogical conditions that ensure the high-quality level of life in all subjects of learning process in pre-school educational establishments.
Free Legal Assistance in the Kemerovo Region (Kuzbass)
Authors: Rossiev Victor
Published: May 2021

The present research featured the state policy that ensures the right on free legal assistance in the Kemerovo region. The author analyzed the efficiency of state and non-state systems of free legal aid in Kuzbass. He believes the state of affairs in this area can hardly be called satisfactory, due to both the lack of political will, funding, information, and public awareness. Kuzbass lawyers and other entities have no motivation to provide free legal assistance as they are discouraged by low fees and red tape. The author believes that it is the non-state system of free legal assistance that should be considered as a priority. Free legal assistance requires significant organizational costs to set up legal clinics at universities and a full-scale system of state legal bureaus. Currently, lawyers are not capable of providing primary qualified free legal assistance in all civil cases. Therefore, it would be reasonable to create conditions for consulting a wide range of citizens by other organizations involved in the system of non-state legal assistance.
Strategic value of interviewer training and local community-based organisations for WaSH and antibiotic resistance surveys
Authors: Iyer Gopal , Giesen Myra J. , Juneja Rohit , Graham David W.
Published: May 2021

Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) research has long relied on household surveys to gather knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) data with local enumerators or community correspondents (CCs). However, CCs must be trained to build capacity and ensure representative survey responses. Here, we use a case study in low-income, informal communities from New Delhi, India to assess the value of structured training for individuals who lead the gathering of KAP data (CC leaders, CCLs) on WaSH and antibiotic resistance. Feedback from CCLs showed that directed training increased their motivation, confidence, and technical competence and provided them skills that enhanced data collection. Training further strengthened relationships and empowered our local community-based organisation (CBO), expanding their role beyond being an implementing partner. Empowerment led to new insights, such as evident problems with communications between local doctors and community dwellers. Only three of 38 focus group attendees knew what an antibiotic was, apparently because they were never told. Overall, this work shows that interviewer training has many trickle-down benefits, improving the quality of data, building confidence in field teams, and empowering local CBOs, but most importantly, by increasing knowledge among community dwellers, such that they also might be empowered.
Efisiensi Kapasitas Lentur Beton Pracetak (U-Ditch) Dengan Model Dinding Corrugated
Authors:   Universitas Iqra Buru, Wagola Erwin Syaiful , Kemal Muhammad Tharik ,   Universitas Iqra Buru
Published: May 2021

This study discusses to analyze the flexural capacity and efficiency of the corrugated U-Ditch type with dimensions of 50x50 cm to the normal U-Ditch type. In this research using JIS (Japan International Standard) method for The U-Ditch Corrugated test. The results showed that the flexural behavior of the Normal Type U-Ditch is linear to collapse with a crack pattern occurring on the U-Ditch wall. The bending of the U-Ditch Corrugated type tends to be linear until it collapses with a crack pattern occurring in the structural wall. The magnitude of the bending moment capacity for the normal type is 9.11 kN.m and capacity of the U-Ditch corrugated type is 8.05 kN. m where the efficiency of bending capacity is 98%.
Identifikasi Risiko Proyek Konstruksi Flyover dan Underpass di Indonesia (Kajian Literatur)
Authors:   Universitas Katolik Parahyangan Bandung, Enderzon Vederieq Yahya
Published: May 2021

Flyover and underpass is one of the options to reduce congestion especially in urban areas. These flyover and underpass construction projects have unique and very complex characteristics, so they face various types of risks that may occur during the project life cycle. Risk event may occur due to several risk agents that cause it. Since the construction of flyover and underpass is very important and is a very strategic and usually large-scale project, a study of the types of risk factors that might occur during the construction of flyovers and underpass in Indonesia is needed. This research is dedicated to answering this problem. This study uses the literature review method for data collection. Based on the results of the study it was found that the risk of the conception stage is an obstacle in land acquisition, the planning stage is a change in design, the implementation stage is Occupational Health and Safety (OHS).
Mikrosimulasi Kinerja Simpang Bersinyal Dengan Menggunakan Software Surrogate Safety Assessment Model (SSAM) di Kota Malang (Studi Kasus: Simpang Terusan Sulfat)
Authors:   Politeknik Keselamatan Transportasi Jalan, Rusmandani Pipit , Anggana Enrico Pria ,   Politeknik Keselamatan Transportasi Jalan, Sasmito Agus ,   Politeknik Keselamatan Transportasi Jalan
Published: May 2021

Safety, speed, and capacity should be taken into account for designing intersection (AASHTO, 2001). Therefore, it is necessary to know the conflicts at the intersection. This experimental research aims (1) to find out the performance of Malang Sulfate Canal intersection, (2) to know the conflicts in it, and (3) to find the best recommendation. MKJI, PTV Vissim 10, and Surrogate Safety Assessment (SSAM) were used for data analysis. The result shows that the delay value at the peak hour was 54.4 seconds with an E service level category. The conflicts at the highest peak hours were 2782 conflicts (2035 crossing conflicts and 747 lane-change conflicts). At the end, widening the road reduced the number of traffic conflict by 26% and the delay value by 2%.
DELITOS Y DELINCUENTES. CUBA EN LOS FINALES DEL SIGLO XIX E INICIOS DEL XX
Authors: Díaz Martínez Yolanda
Published: May 2021

En el discurso o cial de las elites y la administracio?n colonial en Cuba, la poblacio?n negra frecuentemente era presentada como un sector propenso a cometer delitos; las estructuras creadas en la isla para garantizar el orden y control de sus habitantes si bien eran aplicables a todos los sectores sociales, haci?an especial e?nfasis y eran ma?s estrictas y severas con los pobladores negros. En el presente trabajo abordaremos algunas cuestiones relacionadas con la criminalidad despue?s de ser abolido el re?gimen esclavista y en los inicios del siglo XX. A trave?s de expedientes judiciales, causas criminales y diversos documentos, demostraremos el distanciamiento entre el discurso o cial propalador de una criminalidad negra y la realidad social en la que la delincuencia y las diversas formas que adoptada se encontraban extendidas entre diferentes sectores y grupos poblacionales.

Palabras clave: Delincuencia, justicia, esclavos, racismo.

Abstract

In the social discourse of the elites and the colonial administration in Cuba, the black population was often presented as a sector prone to commit crimes; the structures created on the island to ensure order and control its inhabitants if they were well applicable to all social sectors, emphasis and were made more stringent and severe with black people. In the present work, we will address some issues related to criminality after the abolition of the slave regime and in the early twentieth century. Through court records, criminal cases, and various documents, we demonstrate the distance between discourse or official peddler of black crime and the social reality in which crime and various forms adopted were spread across sectors and population groups.

Keywords: Delinquency, justice, slaves, racism

Resumo

No discurso o cial das elites e da administrac?a?o colonial em Cuba, a populac?a?o negra foi frequentemente apresenta- do como umas pessoas propensas a cometer crimes; as estruturas criadas na ilha para garantir a ordem e controlar seus habitantes se bem eram aplica?vel a todos os setores sociais, a aplicac?a?o era mais rigorosa e severa com os moradores pretos. Neste artigo iremos abordar algumas questo?es relacionadas com o crime depois de ser abolida o sistema escravista no comec?o do se?culo XX. Atrave?s de registros judiciais, processos criminais e va?rios documentos, vamos demonstrar a distancia entre discurso o cial do crime preto e a realidade social em que crime e as diversas formas foram adotadas estendido entre os diferentes setores e grupos populacionais.

Palavras-chave: Crime, justic?a, escravos, racismo.
Designing User-Centered Mobile Health Initiatives to Promote Healthy Behaviors for Children With Disabilities: Development and Usability Study
Authors: Shikako Keiko , Mogo Ebele R I , Grand-Maison Valerie , Simpson Robert , Pritchard-Wiart Lesley , Majnemer Annette ,   Jooay App Research Group
Published: May 2021

Background

The gap between research and its practical application in community settings limits its impact on public health. Closing this gap has the potential to improve the well-being of underserved groups, such as children with disabilities. Mobile health has the potential to improve access to community resources and support for underserved populations, thereby encouraging improved health behaviors.

Objective

In this feasibility pilot study, we describe the development of the mobile app Jooay. Jooay was developed in partnership with stakeholders to facilitate access to leisure and physical activity community programs for children and youth with disabilities. We also reflect on the lessons learned throughout the implementation process that are relevant for improving the health behaviors of children with disabilities.

Methods

We used a participatory action research approach to develop the app. We also administered a survey to current Jooay users and analyzed various app usage indicators to explore use patterns, user feedback, and preferences. Finally, we critically appraised the implementation process through a best practices for implementation research framework.

Results

We developed a product that responds to users’ identified need to find information and follows accessibility and user-centered design standards. The analysis of usage data revealed that access to the Jooay app is concentrated in urban areas. Perceptions, attitudes, and information needs varied according to the type of user. The use of the mobile app changed over time, and usage decreased after the app was downloaded, indicating a need for the sustained engagement of app users. Users found value in the ability to identify activities that they would not otherwise know about. However, app use alone was not sufficient to improve participation. Although the app was developed based on users’ active input in multiple iterations, we encountered challenges with survey recruitment and attrition, suggesting the need for more seamless and engaging means for collecting data within this population.

Conclusions

Interactions between users and the app can sustain user engagement and behavior change. We will improve the app’s next iterations by using the information gained from this study to conduct a larger study to assess the relationship among social and material deprivation, urban design, and access to inclusive and adaptive leisure programs. This study will inform the improvement of app listings to improve the use of Jooay by different user groups and promote health through mobile apps for marginalized groups.
Exploring the Potential of Personalized Dietary Advice for Health Improvement in Motivated Individuals With Premetabolic Syndrome: Pretest-Posttest Study
Authors: van der Haar Sandra , Hoevenaars Femke P M , van den Brink Willem J , van den Broek Tim , Timmer Mariëlle , Boorsma André , Doets Esmée L
Published: May 2021

Background

Dietary quality plays an essential role in the prevention and management of metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Objective

The aim of this pilot study is to organize personalized dietary advice in a real-life setting and to explore the effects on dietary intake, metabolic health, and perceived health.

Methods

We followed a one-group pretest-posttest design and included 37 individuals at risk of MetS, who indicated motivation to change dietary behavior. For a period of 16 weeks, participants received personalized advice (t=0 and t=8) and feedback (t=0, t=4, t=8, t=12 and t=16) on dietary quality and metabolic health (ie, waist circumference, BMI, blood pressure, lipid profile, fasting glucose levels, and C-peptide). Personalized advice was generated in a two-stage process. In stage 1, an automated algorithm generated advice per food group, integrating data on individual dietary quality (Dutch Healthy Diet Index; total score 8-80) and metabolic health parameters. Stage 2 included a telephone consultation with a trained dietitian to define a personal dietary behavior change strategy and to discuss individual preferences. Dietary quality and metabolic health markers were assessed at t=0, t=8, and t=16. Self-perceived health was evaluated on 7-point Likert scales at t=0 and t=16.

Results

At the end of the study period, dietary quality was significantly improved compared with the baseline (Dutch Healthy Diet Index +4.3; P<.001). In addition, lipid profile (triglycerides, P=.02; total cholesterol, P=.01; high-density lipoprotein, P<.001; and low-density lipoprotein, P<.001), BMI (P<.001), waist circumference (P=.01), and C-peptide (P=.01) were all significantly improved, whereas plasma glucose increased by 0.23 nmol/L (P=.04). In line with these results, self-perceived health scores were higher at t=16 weeks than at baseline (+0.67; P=.005).

Conclusions

This exploratory study showed that personalized dietary advice resulted in positive effects on dietary behavior, metabolic health, and self-perceived health in motivated pre-MetS adults. The study was performed in a do-it-yourself setting, highlighting the potential of at-home health improvement through dietary changes.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04595669; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04595669
Tanning Misinformation Posted by Businesses on Social Media and Related Perceptions of Adolescent and Young Adult White Non-Hispanic Women: Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Moreno Megan Andreas , Jenkins Marina C , Lazovich DeAnn
Published: May 2021

Background

Indoor ultraviolet (UV) tanning is common and consequential, increasing the risk for cancers including melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. At-risk groups include adolescents and young adults, who often report beliefs about benefits of tanning. Adolescent and young adults are also among the most ubiquitous social media users. As previous studies support that content about tanning is common on social media, this may be a way that young women are exposed to influential content promoting tanning, including health misinformation.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate health misinformation promoted by indoor tanning businesses via social media and to understand young women’s perceptions of this misinformation.

Methods

This mixed methods study included (1) retrospective observational content analysis of indoor tanning salons’ content on Facebook over 1 year and (2) qualitative interviews with a purposeful national sample of 46 White non-Hispanic women, age 16 to 23 years, who had recently tanned indoors. We assessed experiences with tanning businesses’ posted content on social media through interviews. We used the constant comparative approach for qualitative analyses.

Results

Content analysis findings included data from indoor tanning businesses (n=147) across 50 states, yielding 4956 total posts. Among 9 health misinformation topics identified, the most common was the promotion of UV tanning as a safe way to get Vitamin D (n=73, 1.5%). An example post was “Stop by Body and Sol to get your daily dose of Vitamin D.” Another misinformation topic was promoting tanning for health benefits (n=31, 0.62%), an example post was “the flu is not a season, it’s an inability to adapt due to decreased sun exposure…” A total of 46 participants completed interviews (age: mean 20 years, SD 2). Almost all participants (45/46, 98%) used Facebook, and 43.5% (20/46) followed an indoor tanning business on social media. Approximately half of participants reported seeing social media posts from tanning salons about Vitamin D, an example of a participant comment was “I have [seen that] a few times...” Among the participants, approximately half believed it was safe to get Vitamin D from indoor UV tanning; a participant stated: “I think it is a valid benefit to UV tanning.”

Conclusions

Despite the low frequency (range 0.5%-1.5%) of social media posts promoting health misinformation, participants commonly reported viewing these posts, and their perceptions aligned with health misinformation. Health education campaigns, possibly using social media to target at-risk populations, may be an innovative approach for tanning prevention messages.
Medical Students’ Perception and Perceived Value of Peer Learning in Undergraduate Clinical Skill Development and Assessment: Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Alzaabi Shaikha , Nasaif Mohammed , Khamis Amar Hassan , Otaki Farah , Zary Nabil , Mascarenhas Sharon
Published: May 2021

Background

The effectiveness of peer learning in clinical skill development is well recognized and researched, given the many benefits gained such as enhanced learning, alleviation of the burden on faculty, and early development of teaching skills for future doctors. However, little is known in terms of its effectiveness as an assessment tool and the extent to which peer assessment can be relied upon in the absence of faculty support.

Objective

This study was conducted to assess medical students’ perception toward peer learning, which is based on self-regulated learning as a tool of assessment, and to compare peer evaluation with faculty evaluation of clinical skill performance.

Methods

A cohort of 36 third-year medical students were exposed to peer learning (same-level) in clinical skills education for 3 months. A convergent mixed methods approach was adapted to collect data from 3 sources, namely, students’ perception of peer learning, performance scores, and reflective observational analysis. A 5-point Likert-type scale was used to assess students’ (n=28) perception on the value of peer learning. The students were asked to assess their peers by using a preset checklist on clinical skill performance, and scores were compared to faculty assessment scores. Reflective observational data were collected from observing video recordings of some of the peer learning sessions. The findings from all 3 sources were integrated using joint display analysis.

Results

Out of 28 students, 25 students completed the survey and 20 students perceived peer learning as valuable in clinical skills education. The mean score of peer assessment was higher than that of faculty assessment. There was a significant difference in student performance between supervised teaching and peer learning groups (P=.003). Most students focused on the mastery of skill with little attention to the technique’s quality. Further, students were unable to appreciate the relevance of the potential clinical findings of physical examination.

Conclusions

Peer learning in clinical skills education, based on self-regulated learning, empowers students to develop a more responsible approach toward their education. However, peer assessment is insufficient to evaluate clinical skill performance in the absence of faculty support. Therefore, we recommend that peer learning activities be preceded by supervised faculty-taught sessions.
River Mitigation as a Form of Elderly-Nature Interaction in Densely Populated Settlement in Yogyakarta
Authors: Rahmatul Hakim Muhammad Aldi , Pramitasari Diananta
Published: May 2021

High population density has been associated with disease susceptibility. To address this problem many suggest that the negative effects of population density can be reduced by interacting with nature as a restorative activity. This study aims to determine how the elderly in the residential areas on the banks of the Winongo river, Ngampilan District, Yogyakarta City with high population density interact with nature in the riverside environment, and what form of space is needed. This study uses a deductive exploratory method with elderly respondents who are active on the riverbank. The results showed that the riverside space which is used as a space for interaction between the elderly and nature is a room with sitting facilities, walls that are not closed, and shade that is not too tight. Interactions with nature that occur can be in the form of physical restoration, recreation, domestic, and mitigation activities. The activity of seeing water levels as flood mitigation is the most dominant form. Physical limitations make elderly people more aware of disasters along the riverbanks. A space that makes it easier for the elderly to do disaster anticipation activities needs to be prepared for long-term planning.
The Causes and Countermeasures of Corruption in China
Authors: Zhu Di
Published: May 2021

Based on the Transparency International’s rank, China have had serious corruption issue so far (Lawrence & Weber, 2017). Since the reform and opening-up policy has been carried out in 1978, corruption has rapidly worsened in China, although the Chinese economy has been performing well (Wederman, 2004). Some scholars argued that the corruption may distort the allocation of resources, but unlike other countries, China’s economic growth was not affected significantly by corruption because of high level of public trust (Li & Wu, 2007). However, corruption may result in a serious regional income inequality and has significant negative consequences of increasing public resentment and social unrest causing more harm to economy (Wu & Zhu, 2011). As a result, the Chinese government often aggressively punishes the corruption actions by law (Lawrence & Weber, 2017).There are currently few researches to focus on corruption in China because of sensitive nature of corruption and lack of effective methodologies limited to surveys and case studies (Guo, 2008). In this paper, corruption only refers to bribery, a common form and consequence of abuse of public authority for personal gains (Wederman, 2004). By looking at some literatures, this short paper first elaborated on several reasons why corruption in China has been so serious, then come up with a constructive framework coping with corruption.
Máscaras genológicas: Camões, personagem de Natália Correia (uma leitura de ‘Erros meus, má fortuna, amor ardente’)
Authors: Valentim Jorge Vicente
Published: May 2021

Partindo do conceito de “epicização”, proposto por Barbalosi e Plana (2012), a proposta deste ensaio é a de apontar uma leitura da obra dramática Erros meus, má fortuna, amor ardente (1981), de Natália Correia. Camões com- parece como protagonista da trama, tecida dentro da trajetória do poeta, de Lisboa ao degredo e, por fim, o seu retorno. Saindo da dinâmica do drama histórico – ainda que os fatos contextuais lá compareçam como uma forma de sublinhar as questões temáticas mais prementes –, Natália Correia, já a partir do título, estabelece um jogo de citações intertextuais com a finalidade de revelar as máscaras da sua personagem. A ideia, aqui, incide sobre a possibilidade de pensar cada um dos gêneros desenvolvidos pelo poeta português, apresentados ao longo da efabulação, como uma espécie de persona por onde o seu criador almejou destilar desde a amargura de um desconcerto consciente ao sofrimento das muitas dimensões amorosas: à(s) mulher(es) amada(s) e à pátria.
Camões e os reinos da estupidez: de Francisco de Melo Franco a Francisco Manoel de Mello Franco
Authors: Teixeira Gil Clemente
Published: May 2021

A presença de Camões na literatura brasileira é um dado incontestável, como provou claramente Gilberto Mendonça Teles em Camões e a poesia brasileira e o mito camoniano na língua portuguesa (2001). Partindo de alguns juízos críticos que procuramos modalizar, queremos neste ensaio demonstrar a presença d´Os Lusíadas em dois textos que situam o leitor entre Portugal e o Brasil: o poema herói-cómico O Reino da Estupidez (1785), de Francisco de Melo Franco, e o texto de um descendente do poeta, Francisco de Mello Franco, intitulado Novo Reino da Estupidez (1995). Nestas vozes de denúncia de uma estupidez penosamente atual, entre risos, revoltas e esperanças, convidamos o leitor a reconhecer, a escutar e a memorizar o singular timbre de Camões, uma das vozes mais indignadas da poesia em língua portuguesa.