bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Christian Anti-Torture Movement and the Politics of Conscience in France
Authors: Johnston-White Rachel M
Published: September 2021

This article investigates how the concept of ‘conscience’ emerged as a battleground within the French Catholic Church and as a politicized concept with implications for ideas about human rights. State-sponsored torture during the Algerian War (1954–62) prompted dissident Christians to pioneer the use of ‘individual conscience’ as a tool of resistance. The Christians of the anti-torture movement embraced the theologically informed language of conscience alongside a French, secular tradition of rights drawn from the 1789 Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. The way that Catholic dissidents thought about rights transcended the secular–religious divide; while recognizing a liberal concept of rights coming out of the French Revolution, these Catholics also insisted upon the spiritual function of individual conscience as a check upon the state. Intra-Catholic debates about conscience thus reveal the political and theological diversity within mid-twentieth-century Christianity, long assumed to have been dominated by actors on the political right, as well as the multiplicity of coexisting ways of speaking about and interpreting human rights.
How to reach optimal estimates of confidence intervals in microscopic counting of phytoplankton?
Authors: Salonen Kalevi , Salmi Pauliina , Keskitalo Jorma
Published: September 2021

Present practices in the microscopic counting of phytoplankton to estimate the reliability of results rely on the assumption of a random distribution of taxa in sample preparations. In contrast to that and in agreement with the literature, we show that aggregated distribution is common and can lead to over-optimistic confidence intervals, if estimated according to the shortcut procedure of Lund et al. based on the number of counted cells. We found a good linear correlation between the distribution independent confidence intervals for medians and those for parametric statistics so that 95% confidence intervals can be approximated by using a correction factor of 1.4. Instead, the recommendation to estimate confidence intervals from the total number of counted cells according to Lund et al. should be categorically rejected. We further propose the adoption of real-time confidence intervals during microscopic counting as the criterion to define how long counting should be continued. Then each sample can be counted in its individual way to reach the necessary reliability independent of highly different samples. Such a dynamic counting strategy would be the most significant development in the quality control of phytoplankton counting since the early pioneers established the present counting practices in the late 1950s.
Predator-induced allometric changes in the tail spine length ofDaphnia: a distinct resource allocation strategy
Authors: Gu Lei , Xu Yang , Yang Tingting , Qin Shanshan , Zhang Lu , Sun Yunfei , Huang Yuan , Yang Zhou
Published: September 2021

Understanding resource allocation strategies underlying inducible defense is a challenging scientific issue, because of the difficulty in measuring resource allocations of defensive traits. We examined allometric changes to evaluate resource allocation strategies on the tail spine of Daphnia within and between species and further explore the allometric changes at different developmental stages and their relationship with growth and reproduction. We found that four Daphnia species (Daphnia magna, Daphnia sinensis, Daphnia galeata and Daphnia mitsukuri) can perform significant inducible defensive responses when exposed to fish kairomone. Different from the other Daphnia species, D. mitsukuri significantly enhanced the allometric slope of its tail spine when exposed to fish kairomone. We also found that allometric changes among different D. mitsukuri clones are significant in adult individuals. Furthermore, the allometric changes show a significant negative interaction with individual growth, indicating that a trade-off may exist between the resource allocations of tail spine elongation and growth. This study highlights the species-specific allometric changes in tail spine elongation and provides an explanation for this from resource allocations.
Prey selectivity and feeding rates of the scyphozoan Catostylus tagi (Haeckel, 1869)
Authors: Cruz Joana , Cerveira Inês , Andrade Inês , Baptista Vânia , TeodÓsio M Alexandra
Published: September 2021

The occurrence of scyphozoan blooms is frequently reported in coastal areas, suggesting a need to assess its impacts on trophic webs. However, many scyphozoan species remain understudied with regard to their feeding ecology. Here, feeding selectivity experiments were conducted to learn about the possible prey preference of Catostylus tagi among mesozooplankton prey and estimate feeding rates. In general, C. tagi demonstrated a relative positive selection on small prey as cyclopoid copepods (Oithona spp. and Oncaea spp.), copepod nauplii as well as non-swimming prey (fish eggs), and ingestion rates increased with prey concentration. Further in situ studies must be conducted during summer blooms, to determine the predatory impact, retrieving data of C. tagi and prey abundance, particularly in important nursery areas such as estuaries.
Architecture and plasticity: optimizing plant performance in dynamic environments
Authors: Pierik Ronald , Fankhauser Christian , Strader Lucia C , Sinha Neelima
Published: September 2021

Plasticity in plant architecture drives plant performance through dedicated molecular networks.
Nudging and Muddling through
Authors: Van Ryzin Gregg G
Published: September 2021

Despite its grounding in prestigious theories of behavioral science, the findings of both academic and applied behavioral public administration (BPA) have tended to present a rather mixed picture of often contradictory results that appear highly context dependent. And more developed theory and better methods may not do much to remedy the situation. Rather, we should perhaps begin to view BPA through the lens of Charles Lindblom’s notion of a science of muddling through. That is, BPA should perhaps be seen not so much as a theory-driven attempt to uncover universal regularities of human thought and behavior, but rather as a method of incremental, limited adjustments—tested by successive randomized controlled trials (RCTs)—that form part of an evolutionary process of trial-and-error aimed at solving applied problems in localized settings. Implications for academic and applied BPA are discussed.
A comment on the averaging in an inhomogeneous cosmology and the Hubble constant problem
Authors: Tomonaga Masanori , Futamase Toshifumi
Published: September 2021

In recent cosmology, the Hubble constant problem has attracted much attention. As a possible solution to the problem, local variation of the expansion rate in an inhomogeneous cosmology has been proposed, where the spatial averaging over a finite domain was introduced in order to construct local Friedmann spacetime. However, the treatment was restricted to the comoving synchronous gauge and there is some confusion over the gauge ambiguity of the results. In this paper we study the spatial averaging in the Newtonian gauge in order to clarify the gauge ambiguity and obtain the same results as before.
Improving the Predictive Validity of the Dutch STarT Back Tool
Authors: Bier Jasper D , Kuijer Milou R , de Jong Annet , Verhagen Arianne
Published: September 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the predictive validity of the Dutch version of the STarT Back Tool (SBT) can be improved by (1) using other cut-off values, (2) changing the items, or (3) adding prognostic factors to the SBT.

Design

This was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study (PRINS study: Prevalence of Risk groups in Neck- and back pain patients according to the STarT back screening tool) in patients with low back or neck pain.

Methods

The predictive validity was calculated with a relative risk ratio and a Spearman correlation. The new cut-off values were calculated with receiver operating characteristic curves. Replacing items of the SBT and adding new items were assessed with logistic regression analyses.

Results

A total of 150 patients were included; 51% were categorized as having low risk, 39% as moderate risk, and 11% as high risk. Changing the cut-off total score to ≤2 and the subscore to ≥5 led to an improvement of the Spearman correlation and RR. Adding the item “duration of the complaints” improved the RR for moderate risk (3.6) (95% CI = 1.6–7.9) and for high risk (9.0) (95% CI = 4.2–19.1) compared with low risk. The new Spearman correlation was improved to rs = 0.37.

Conclusion

The predictive validity was improved by adding the item “duration of the complaints” and changing the cut-off values.
Mobility indicators and COVID-19 growth ratio in Iraq: a correlation study
Authors: Lami Faris , Khaleel Hanan Abdulghafoor , Khader Yousef S
Published: September 2021

Background

There is no prior study of the effect of mobility-limiting measures on the occurrence of COVID-19 in Iraq.

Objectives

To determine the relationship between publicly available mobility index data and the growth ratio (GR) of COVID-19.

Method

We used Google COVID-19 Community Mobility Reports to extract Iraq’s mobility data and the official Ministry of Health COVID-19 statements. We used the data to calculate the Pearson’s correlation coefficient and fit a linear regression model to determine the relationship between percentage change from the baseline in the mobility indices and the GR of COVID-19 in Iraq.

Results

There was a moderate positive correlation between each of the mobility indices except the residential index and COVID-19 GR in Iraq. The general linear model indicated that as each of the mobility indices increases by one unit, the GR of COVID19 increases by 0.002–0.003 except for the residential index. As the residential mobility index increases by one unit, the GR decreases by 0.009. All the findings were statistically significant (P-value < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Mobility-limiting measures may be able to reduce the growth rate of COVID-19 moderately. Accordingly, mobility-limiting measures should be combined with other public control measures particularly mass mask use.
The Greek smoking epidemic from a life-course perspective
Authors: Christopoulou Rebekka , Mavropoulos Georgios , Voucharas Georgios
Published: September 2021

Background

Smoking rates in Greece are the highest recorded among OECD countries, but the historical and life-course evolution of smoking patterns is largely unknown. The present paper addresses this gap.

Methods

We produce nationally representative life-course trajectories of smoking and related mortality of eight generations of Greek men and women. We estimate the smoking–mortality correlation conditional on several confounders and project the estimates forward.

Results

We show that smoking prevalence among Greek men has plateaued at >60% for all but the youngest generation. For women, smoking prevalence is relatively lower, lags by several generations and follows a hump-shaped pattern. Smoking-attributable mortality is currently peaking for men (nearing 40% of total deaths) and is rising for women. We estimate that it takes ~20 years of smoking to maximize the smoking–mortality correlation (at 0.48 for men and 0.32 for women). Based on this estimation, we forecast that mortality rates will begin falling within the current decade.

Conclusions

The breadth of the Greek smoking epidemic has been high by international standards, reflecting the ineffective tobacco control efforts in the country. While smoking popularity fell during the Great Recession, policy vigilance is necessary to prevent a relapse once the economy recovers.
Factors associated with non-adoption of healthy behavior among individuals with diabetes: a population-based study in Brazil
Authors: Dionato F A V , Nucci L B , Enes C C
Published: September 2021

Background

The non-adoption of behavioral changes to control diabetes mellitus contributes to a low adherence to self-care. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with non-adoption of healthy behaviors among diabetic individuals.

Methods

Cross-sectional study using data from the National Health Survey (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde) carried out in 2013 in Brazil, with adults (≥18 years) (n = 3098). The outcome variable was the non-adoption—two or fewer—of healthy behaviors. Logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with non-adoption of healthy behaviors.

Results

Approximately, 50% of the participants adopted two or fewer healthy habits and the most frequently mentioned were not drinking excessively (94.1%) and not smoking (89.1%). Not using diabetic medication (odds ratio (OR) = 1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02–1.85), not making regular doctor visits (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.08–1.87), no limitation of usual activities (OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.01–1.94) and good self-rated health (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.09–1.98) increased the chance of individuals non-adoption of healthy behaviors independently of gender, age, schooling and economic status.

Conclusions

Health professionals need to be aware of issues, such as diabetic medication use, frequency of doctor visits, limitation of usual activities and good self-rated health, which are factors that can interfere with the adoption of healthy behaviors of diabetic patients.
Low Pseudomoments of Euler Products
Authors: Gerspach Maxim , Lamzouri Youness
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we determine the order of magnitude of the 2 q-th pseudomoment of powers of the Riemann zeta function $\zeta(s)^{\alpha}$ for $0 \lt q\le 1/2$ and $0 \lt \alpha \lt 1$, completing the results of Bondarenko, Heap and Seip, and Gerspach. Our results also apply to more general Euler products satisfying certain conditions.
Ageing enhances cellular immunity to myeloperoxidase and experimental anti-myeloperoxidase glomerulonephritis
Authors: Alikhan Maliha A , Jaw Juli , Shochet Lani R , Robson Kate J , Ooi Joshua D , Brouwer Elisabeth , Heeringa Peter , Holdsworth Stephen R , Kitching A Richard
Published: September 2021

Objectives

ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) is an autoimmune disease characterized by small blood vessel inflammation, commonly affecting the kidneys and respiratory tract. It is unclear why the incidence of this condition increases with age. Previous studies in a passive antibody transfer system in aged mice have implicated innate effectors. To test the hypothesis that autoimmunity to myeloperoxidase (MPO), an autoantigen responsible for AAV, increases with age, anti-MPO autoimmunity was studied in murine models of active autoimmunity and disease induced by cellular immunity.

Methods

Young (8 weeks) and aged (either 15 or 22 months) mice were immunized with whole proteins or peptides from ovalbumin, as a model foreign antigen, or MPO protein or peptides. Mice were subjected to a model of active anti-MPO glomerulonephritis. Cellular and humoral immune responses, and tissue inflammation were assessed.

Results

While cellular immunity to ovalbumin was diminished in aged mice, cellular autoimmunity to MPO and its immunodominant CD4+ and CD8+ T cell epitopes was increased after immunization with either MPO peptides or whole MPO protein, assessed by peptide and antigen-specific production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ and IL-17A. MPO-ANCA titres were not increased in aged mice compared with young mice. In experimental anti-MPO glomerulonephritis, cell-mediated injury was increased, likely due to CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, innate immunity and the increased vulnerability of aged kidneys.

Conclusion

Heightened cellular immunity to MPO develops with ageing in mice and may contribute to the increased incidence and severity of AAV in older people.
NATURALLY OCCURRING RADIONUCLIDE 40K BODY CONTENT OF KAKRAPAR GUJARAT SITE POPULATION
Authors: Jha M K , Patra A K , Wagh S S , Saradhi I V , Kumar A Vinod
Published: September 2021

An attempt was made to investigate the naturally occurring radionuclide 40K body content of the Kakrapar Gujarat Site (India) population by using whole-body counting method. The population comprises occupational workers (regular and contract personnel working at Kakrapar Atomic Power station) and students from various educational institutions. A total of 1056 subjects of different age groups and gender were monitored for 40K body content by using a Standfast-II Whole Body Counting System. The reactor released radionuclides such as 137Cs, 60Co and 131I are not detected in occupational workers of Kakrapar Atomic Power station which indicates that occupational workers are free from radioactive contamination. Based on the activity measurement, an effective dose due to 40K was estimated for different groups of the site population based on the dietary habits, sex and age. Statistical significant correlation was not observed in any of the groups. The annual effective dose due to 40K was found to be in the range of 52–243 μSv y−1 with an average of 133 ± 35 μSv y−1 for the vegetarian group (588 subjects), 60–223 μSv y−1 with an average of 136 ± 35 μSv y−1 for the non-vegetarian group (468 subjects), 52–243 μSv y−1 with an average of 134 ± 35 μSv y−1 for the male group (1007 subjects) and 67–203 μSv y−1 with an average of 128 ± 35 μSv y−1 for the female group (49 subjects), respectively. Among the four age groups of the population studied, an effective dose due to 40K is slightly higher in the age group of 20–29 (161 subjects). The annual effective dose due to 40K reported by UNSCEAR, 1982(3) is 180 μSv y−1.
DEVELOPMENT OF EMERGENCY MONITORING SYSTEM FOR ALPHA-PARTICLE-EMITTING RADIONUCLIDES IN THE AIR
Authors: Hokama Tomonori , Fujita Hiroki , Nakano Masanao , Iimoto Takeshi
Published: September 2021

During the early phase of a nuclear accident, major radioactive materials are released into the environment, necessitating the prompt deployment of various protective actions to avoid or reduce radiation exposure. To implement these actions, the levels of radioactivity in the environment should be determined. However, the radioactivity concentrations of artificial alpha-particle-emitting radionuclides such as plutonium are difficult to measure in airborne samples, because they are interfered with natural radionuclides such as uranium decay products. Therefore, chemical separation is required to measure the concentrations. This study presents a new emergency monitoring system for airborne samples, which performs multiple-pulse time-interval analysis (MTA) without chemical separation. The system is used in conjunction with an alpha/beta-particle survey meter and adopted an analysis method focusing on the detected time interval of each particle. Its features are that a short time to output measurement result, easy handling and nondestructive. The estimated detection limit of the system was 9.5 × 10−2 Bq m−3. The MTA-based monitoring system could be useful in situations requiring prompt measurement and screening of samples.
MODELING THE LONG-TERM RETENTION OF PLUTONIUM IN THE HUMAN RESPIRATORY TRACT USING SCAR-TISSUE COMPARTMENTS
Authors: Poudel Deepesh , Avtandilashvili Maia , Klumpp John A , Bertelli Luiz , Tolmachev Sergei Y
Published: September 2021

The respiratory tract tissues of four former nuclear workers with plutonium intakes were radiochemically analyzed post mortem by the United States Transuranium and Uranium Registries. Plutonium activities in the upper respiratory tract of these individuals were found to be higher than those predicted using the most recent biokinetic models described in publications of the International Commission on Radiological Protection. Modification of the model parameters, including the bound fraction, was not able to explain the data in one of the four individuals who had inhaled insoluble form of plutonium. Literature review points to the presence of—and a significant retention of—plutonium in the scar tissues of the lungs. Accordingly, an alternate model with scar-tissue compartments corresponding to larynx, bronchi, bronchioles, alveolar-interstitium and thoracic lymph nodes was proposed. The rates of transfer to the scar tissue compartments were determined using Markov Chain Monte Carlo analysis of data on urinary excretion, lung counts and post-mortem measurements of liver, skeleton and individual respiratory tract compartments, as available. The posterior models predicted that 20–100%—depending on the solubility of the material inhaled—of the activities retained in the respiratory tract were sequestered in the scar tissues.
Suicide and Psychosis: Results From a Population-Based Cohort of Suicide Death (N= 4380)
Authors: Docherty Anna R , Bakian Amanda V , DiBlasi Emily , Shabalin Andrey A , Chen Danli , Keeshin Brooks , Monson Eric , Christensen Erik D , Li Qingqin , Gray Douglas , Coon Hilary
Published: September 2021

Approximately 5% of individuals with schizophrenia die from suicide. However, suicide in psychosis is still poorly characterized, partly due to a lack of adequate population-based clinical or genetic data on suicide death. The Utah Suicide Genetics Research Study (USGRS) provides a large population-based cohort of suicide deaths with medical record and genome-wide data (N = 4380). Examination of this cohort identified medical and genetic risks associated with type of suicide death and investigated the relative contributions of psychotic and affective symptoms to method of suicide. Key differences in method of suicide (common vs. atypical methods) were tested in relation to lifetime psychosis and genome-wide genetic risk for schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and neuroticism. Consistent with previous studies, psychosis-spectrum disorders were observed to be common in suicide (15% of the cohort). Individuals with psychosis more frequently died from atypical methods, with rates of atypical suicide increasing across the schizophrenia spectrum. Genetic risk for schizophrenia was also associated with atypical suicide, regardless of clinical diagnosis, though this association weakened when filtering individuals with schizophrenia from the analysis. Follow-up examination indicated that high rates of atypical suicide observed in schizophrenia are not likely accounted for by restricted access to firearms. Overall, better accounting for the increased risk of atypical suicide methods in psychosis could lead to improved prevention strategies in a large portion of the suicide risk population.
Risk of Overdose Associated With Co-prescription of Antipsychotics and Opioids: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Szmulewicz Alejandro G , Bateman Brian T , Levin Raisa , Huybrechts Krista F
Published: September 2021

The US FDA issued a black-box warning against co-prescription of antipsychotic (AP) agents and opioids due to the risk of respiratory depression, but evidence on the comparative safety of sedating vs nonsedating APs is lacking. We classified APs as sedating (eg, quetiapine, olanzapine, and chlorpromazine) and nonsedating (eg, aripiprazole, haloperidol, and risperidone) based on their affinity to the histamine-1 neuroreceptor (Ki < or ≥20, respectively) and sought to compare the rate of overdose between patients using sedating vs nonsedating APs plus opioids. We constructed a population-based cohort nested in the IBM MarketScan database (2004–2017). Patients with concomitant use of sedating APs and prescription opioids (“exposed”) were 1:1 matched to patients with concomitant use of nonsedating APs and prescription opioids (“referent”) based on the propensity score (PS). The primary outcome was any hospitalization or emergency department visit due to an overdose within 30 days. The final cohort comprised 62 604 exposed and an equal number of PS-matched reference patients. Characteristics of matched exposed and reference patients were similar. There were 178 overdose events among the exposed (35.3 events per 1000 person-years [PY]) vs 133 among the reference group (26.4 events per 1000 PY), for an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.34 (95% CI: 1.07-1.68). This finding was consistent across sensitivity and subgroup analyses. Among patients receiving prescription opioids, concomitant use of sedating APs was associated with an increased risk of overdose compared with nonsedating APs. Caution is required when co-prescribing opioids and APs. If co-prescription is needed, choosing a nonsedating agent should be preferred whenever possible given the clinical context.
Cyborg ethics and regulation: ethical issues of human enhancement
Authors: Ireni-Saban Liza , Sherman Maya
Published: September 2021

Contemporary technological developments undermine the core pillars defining the human self, under the emergence of cyborgs and super-empowered individuals. The pre-determined boundaries between humans and machines may turn obsolete with the consolidation of the new hybrid humanity. This may foster an innovative approach to the traditional understanding of human ethics and the establishment of cyborg norms and regulations. In this article, the primordial nexus between cyborg ethics and the eugenics movement is further analyzed, hence as enhancing catalysators of mankind. Moreover, the article raises an ethical decision-making diagram, in which the normative cyborgs debate is framed in terms of positive and negative eugenic regimes. This analysis aims at providing a clearer understanding of cyborg-related ethical decision-making and the ways it magnifies eugenic features. As technological components become an inherent part of the human body, the international community should adhere to reshaping the notion of cyborg ethics and its ethical and regulatory implications.
Technological structure network analysis to explore the hotspots of academic patents in international technology transfer
Authors: Chang Shu-Hao
Published: September 2021

International technology transfer is a determinant of a country’s national revenue and economic growth. Technology exported through international technology transfer can be the factor that gives a country a competitive edge. Therefore, investigation of international technology transfer has become essential. With the role of universities in innovation changing, academic patents have increased significantly over the past 10 years. Thus, this study used academic patents involved in international technology transfer as a basis for analysis and attempted to identify technological hotspots through a technological structure network analysis. The results indicated that key technologies in academic patent–based international technology transfer networks were mainly concentrated on measurement, nanotechnology, medical technology, biotechnology, and electric digital data processing. An academic patent technological hotspot network model was established to serve as a reference for academic technology transfers as well as for governments in their promotion of emerging technologies.
Training for War: Academy Socialization and Warrior Policing
Authors: Simon Samantha J
Published: September 2021

The role of the police in the United States is a topic of contentious debate. Central to this debate is a binary that constructs police officers as fulfilling either a protective, community-serving role, or an aggressive, crime-fighting role. The most recent iteration is reflected in the warrior-guardian construct, which conceptualizes officers as both initiators of, and defenders against, violence. This article examines how the warrior-guardian framework shapes police training, and highlights how this construct is itself gendered and racialized. I draw on one year of ethnographic field work at four police academies and 40 interviews with police officers and cadets to argue that police training is an organized effort to condition officers to conceptualize their relationship with the public as a war. Three components constitute this framing: (1) instructors construct an evil, unpredictable enemy; (2) cadets are taught to identify their enemy in gendered and racialized ways; and (3) cadets are encouraged to adopt a warrior mentality. I show that cadets are taught to view the world in a way that pits them against an enemy, pushes them to conceptualize their enemy as a man of color, and to think about violence as a moral necessity.
“Dream like the Whites”: Disjunctures in Racial Experiences and Interpretations of Low-Income First-Generation Students of Color and Their Parents
Authors: Rondini Ashley C
Published: September 2021

A burgeoning body of scholarship addresses how low-income first generation (LIFG) college students, across racial groups, navigate communication with their families about their experiences of class-based dissonance at socioeconomically elite institutions. Yet, there is scant corollary research addressing how LIFG students of color navigate communication with their families regarding experiences of racial dissonance and racism on campuses that are both socioeconomically elite and predominantly white. This study examines disjunctures in familial perceptions and interpretations regarding race and racism consequent to intergenerational educational mobility for LIFG students of color, whose parents are unlikely to have had analogous experiences of complete occupational and residential immersion in socioeconomically elite and predominantly white institutional environments. This work highlights an important gap in the academic literature on first-generation students at the intersections of race, class, parental educational attainment level, and immigration dynamics. Without a race-conscious analytic lens, class-based understandings of LIFG college students and their families remain incomplete.
A Likelihood-Ratio Test for Lumpability of Phylogenetic Data: Is the Markovian Property of an Evolutionary Process Retained in Recoded DNA?
Authors: Vera-Ruiz Victor A , Robinson John , Jermiin Lars S
Published: September 2021

In molecular phylogenetics, it is typically assumed that the evolutionary process for DNA can be approximated by independent and identically distributed Markovian processes at the variable sites and that these processes diverge over the edges of a rooted bifurcating tree. Sometimes the nucleotides are transformed from a 4-state alphabet to a 3- or 2-state alphabet by a procedure that is called recoding, lumping, or grouping of states. Here, we introduce a likelihood-ratio test for lumpability for DNA that has diverged under different Markovian conditions, which assesses the assumption that the Markovian property of the evolutionary process over each edge is retained after recoding of the nucleotides. The test is derived and validated numerically on simulated data. To demonstrate the insights that can be gained by using the test, we assessed two published data sets, one of mitochondrial DNA from a phylogenetic study of the ratites and the other of nuclear DNA from a phylogenetic study of yeast. Our analysis of these data sets revealed that recoding of the DNA eliminated some of the compositional heterogeneity detected over the sequences. However, the Markovian property of the original evolutionary process was not retained by the recoding, leading to some significant distortions of edge lengths in reconstructed trees.[Evolutionary processes; likelihood-ratio test; lumpability; Markovian processes; Markov models; phylogeny; recoding of nucleotides.]
Online mathematics supports in lieu of university tutorials during COVID-19: student and lecturer perspectives
Authors: Lishchynska Maryna , Palmer Catherine , Cregan Vincent
Published: September 2021

When the first national lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, all higher educational institutions in Ireland moved to remote learning and have effectively remained in this mode ever since. The situation presented enormous challenges for many mathematics lecturers who had not delivered lectures or tutorials online before. This study looks closely at what a traditional (in-person) mathematics tutorial encompasses and examines learners’ needs with respect to support within a remotely delivered module. The work focuses on how well various formats of remote support address the affordances of the traditional in-person tutorial. The range of support formats explored here includes live tutorials, written homework with feedback, group work via breakout rooms in Zoom, a discussion forum and instant formative feedback through Canvas quizzes and the e-assessment tool Numbas. The effectiveness of the different formats of remote support is assessed through examining student engagement and student and lecturer feedback. Six student cohorts, of levels ranging from first year to MSc level, across three different departments, taking either a mathematics or statistics module, participated in the study and were surveyed on their experience and future preferences. The work highlights some of the key issues surrounding remote support within mathematics modules and discusses the findings in the context of the implications for a lecturer and the factors to consider when deciding on a strategy for remote learning. The paper also analyses student interaction and notes the aspects of remote mathematics support that will have value beyond the pandemic.
Asynchronous online mathematics learning support: an exploration of interaction data to inform future provision
Authors: O’Sullivan Linda , Casey Deirdre , Crowley Julie
Published: September 2021

Over the past 30 years, higher education institutions (HEIs) worldwide have been grappling with the difficulties experienced by many students entering higher education due to their poor pre-entry core mathematical skills. In the Republic of Ireland and the UK, the provision of mathematics learning support (MLS) is the approach most commonly adopted by HEIs to deal with this problem, providing free one-to-one mathematical support and/or workshops for students. However, despite the availability of such supports and research that suggests that engagement with these supports can have a positive impact on student retention and progression, ensuring high levels of student engagement with these supports remains a significant challenge. In more recent years, some institutions have started to provide online MLS which takes many different forms but mainly provide links to websites, revision notes, past exam papers, etc. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for many to resort to remote teaching, it would appear the successful provision of online mathematics support is set to become increasingly important over the coming years. This paper will examine student interaction data with one such online MLS provision, hosted within a virtual learning environment. The interaction data will be analysed in order to gain a better understanding of the level of student engagement with this resource and the content most frequently accessed. This analysis will be used to inform the future development and enhancement of the resource so as to encourage student engagement.
The student perspective on teaching and assessment during initial COVID-19 related closures at Irish universities: implications for the future
Authors: Hyland Diarmaid , O’Shea Ann
Published: September 2021

The aim of this research is to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 closures from the perspective of students studying mathematics at university level in Ireland. A survey was designed and administered to students who were enrolled in at least one mathematics module in an Irish university at the time of the closures. The survey comprised three sections: teaching and learning, assessment and personal experience, with a focus on how the changes in teaching and assessment were viewed by students. A total of 263 students from six universities responded to the survey. The corresponding data are described, as are various trends that were identified through open-response questions. The data offer a window into the student experience during the tertiary level closures and show the effect that the sudden shifts (e.g., in delivery and support) had on learning, assessment and student well-being. The survey responses show that most students dealt with the rapid changes in a resilient and mature manner, particularly when confronted with adversity. Numerous insights can be gleaned from the students’ perspectives that have the potential to improve the teaching and learning of mathematics at tertiary level in Ireland in the future. Many of the findings could also apply to teaching and learning in other subjects and internationally.
Metabolomics of Lung Microdissections Reveals Region- and Sex-Specific Metabolic Effects of Acute Naphthalene Exposure in Mice
Authors: Stevens Nathanial C , Edwards Patricia C , Tran Lisa M , Ding Xinxin , Van Winkle Laura S , Fiehn Oliver
Published: September 2021

Naphthalene is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant produced by combustion of fossil fuels and is a primary constituent of both mainstream and side stream tobacco smoke. Naphthalene elicits region-specific toxicity in airway club cells through cytochrome P450 (P450)-mediated bioactivation, resulting in depletion of glutathione and subsequent cytotoxicity. Although effects of naphthalene in mice have been extensively studied, few experiments have characterized global metabolomic changes in the lung. In individual lung regions, we found metabolomic changes in microdissected mouse lung conducting airways and parenchyma obtained from animals sacrificed at 3 timepoints following naphthalene treatment. Data on 577 unique identified metabolites were acquired by accurate mass spectrometry-based assays focusing on lipidomics and nontargeted metabolomics of hydrophilic compounds. Statistical analyses revealed distinct metabolite profiles between the 2 lung regions. Additionally, the number and magnitude of statistically significant exposure-induced changes in metabolite abundance were different between airways and parenchyma for unsaturated lysophosphatidylcholines, dipeptides, purines, pyrimidines, and amino acids. Importantly, temporal changes were found to be highly distinct for male and female mice with males exhibiting predominant treatment-specific changes only at 2 h postexposure. In females, metabolomic changes persisted until 6 h postnaphthalene treatment, which may explain the previously characterized higher susceptibility of female mice to naphthalene toxicity. In both males and females, treatment-specific changes corresponding to lung remodeling, oxidative stress response, and DNA damage were observed. Overall, this study provides insights into potential mechanisms contributing to naphthalene toxicity and presents a novel approach for lung metabolomic analysis that distinguishes responses of major lung regions.
Comparison of Expanded New Ballard, Eregie and Parkin Scores in Predicting Gestational Age in Newborns
Authors: Raj Mani , Kadirvel Karthikeyan , Anandaraj Lokeshmaran , Palanisamy Soundararajan
Published: September 2021

Background

Postnatal gestational age (GA) estimation is crucial in neonates with absent early trimester ultrasonography (USG) reports to evaluate the risk of morbidity and mortality. Widely used Expanded New Ballard (ENBS) is complex and needs an expert medical professional to assess. Eregie (ES) and Parkin (PS) scores are easy to perform with good inter-observer reliability. We aimed to compare these scores for their ability in predicting GA with early trimester USG-GA as the gold standard.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1114 intramural neonates who qualified according to the selection criteria. All neonates were evaluated using the three scores by residents (blinded to USG-GA) with a pre-defined inter-observer difference of <10%. Method applicability was compared in terms of accuracy, precision and validity.

Results

GA was systematically overestimated by 0.65, 0.68 and 0.32 weeks by ENBS, PS and ES, respectively. For GA subgroups, ES had better overall accuracy with mean difference of 0.32 ± 0.88 weeks. Validity was highest for ES (79.6%).

Interpretation

We conclude that all three scores were found to be of acceptable accuracy and validity. ES had better overall accuracy and validity among the subjects and for subgroups. In limited resource settings, ES or PS can substitute for ENBS.
Estimating the Volume of Equine Rabies Immunoglobulin (eRIG) Required for Local Infiltration in Soft Tissue Animal Bites in Children Using a Wound Size-Based Approach
Authors: Agarwal Anurag , Kumar Pawan , Mathur Surendra Bahadur , Khan Amir Maroof
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Post-exposure prophylaxis using rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) is universal recommendation for category III exposures. This study was conducted to determine quantity of RIG used to infiltrate animal bite wounds in relation to longest dimension and area of wound.

Methods

Children aged 2–18 years reporting within 7 days of category III animal bite were included. eRIG (300 IU/ml) was used in all subjects. A predesigned proforma was filled for clinical and epidemiological details of subjects. Maximum length and width of wounds was measured by using non-stretchable measuring tape. RIG was infiltrated in wounds as per WHO recommendations and volume infiltrated was noted.

Results and conclusion

A total of 100 subjects were enrolled. The mean (±SD) volume of RIG infiltrated in wounds per unit length was 0.75 (±0.21) ml/cm and per unit area was 3.18 (±1.75) ml/cm2. Regression equations were calculated. Proposed equations y = 0.6x + 0.3, where y is the volume of RIG (ml) and x is the length of the wound (cm) and y = 0.9x + 1.1, where y is the volume of RIG (ml) and x is the area of the wound (cm2) can prove to be a useful tool in RIG volume calculation for primary health care providers.
Unexpected slowdown in the decline of tuberculosis mortality rates in Brazil from 1997 to 2017: an ecological study
Authors: Lobo Andréa de Paula , Pinheiro Rejane Sobrino , Rocha Marli Souza , Oliveira Patricia Bartholomay , de Araújo Wildo Navegantes
Published: September 2021

Background

Brazil is a signatory to the World Health Organization End TB Strategy and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This study aims to characterize tuberculosis (TB) deaths and TB mortality rates in Brazil for the period 1997–2017.

Methods

We performed an ecological study based on information for TB deaths between 1997 and 2017 extracted from the Mortality Information System of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Data included gender, age group and geographic regions. The trends in mortality rates were estimated using Joinpoint regression analysis, which identifies years in which there is a change in slope of the time series by the Monte Carlo permutation.

Results

Between 1997 and 2017 there were 104 172 recorded TB deaths in Brazil and the mortality rates were higher for men and the elderly. The age-adjusted mortality rate decreased from 4.2 per 100 000 in 1997 to 3.0 per 100 000 in 2003 to 2.0 per 100 000 in 2017. The average percentage reduction from 1997 to 2003 was 6.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] −7.7 to −4.7) per year, while from 2003 to 2017 it was 3.0% (95% CI −3.4 to −2.5) per year, representing a slowdown in the rate of decline.

Conclusion

The high number of deaths and the slowdown in the decline of mortality rates from TB in Brazil maintain the disease as an important public health concern and an obstacle to reaching goals set by international commitments.
The immature platelet fraction, a predictive tool for early recovery from dengue-related thrombocytopenia: a prospective study
Authors: Abeysuriya Visula , Seneviratne Suranjith L , de Mel Primesh , Clarice Choong Shi Hui , de Mel Chandima , Chandrasena Lal , Yip Christina , Yap Eng-Soo , de Mel Sanjay
Published: September 2021

Background

There is a paucity of predictive factors for early recovery from thrombocytopenia related to dengue. The immature platelet fraction (IPF%) is reflective of megakaryopoiesis and may correlate with recovery from dengue-related thrombocytopenia. Our objective was to assess the predictive value of IPF% on days 2 and 3 of illness for recovery from dengue-related thrombocytopenia.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted among patients with dengue admitted to our institution (Nawaloka Hospital PLC) from December 2019 to October 2020. Dengue was diagnosed based on positive non-structural antigen 1 or IgM. IPF% data were extracted from the Sysmex-XN-1000 automated hematology analyzer. Clinical data were obtained from electronic medical records. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20.

Results

We included 240 patients. An IPF% on day 2 of illness of >7.15% had a sensitivity of 80.0% and specificity of 70.4% for prediction of platelet recovery (defined as platelet count ≥60×109/L) on day 7 of illness. An IPF% of >7.25% on day 3 of illness had a sensitivity of 88.9% and specificity of 47.1% for predicting platelet recovery >60×109/L on day 8 of illness. The IPF% was significantly lower in patients with severe dengue. Platelet recovery was observed within 48 h after the peak IPF% was reached, regardless of severity.

Conclusion

We propose that IPF% values on days 2 and 3 of illness are a promising predictive tool for early recovery from dengue-related thrombocytopenia.
The management of moderate acute malnutrition in children aged 6-59 months in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gluning Imara , Kerac Marko , Bailey Jeanette , Bander Amela , Opondo Charles
Published: September 2021

Background

Malnutrition is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children aged <5 y, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Unlike severe acute malnutrition, moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) affects greater numbers globally, and guidelines lack a robust evidence base. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the evidence for lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNSs), fortified blended flours (FBFs) and nutrition counselling, in the treatment of MAM.

Methods

Four databases were systematically searched for studies conducted in LMICs that compared the effectiveness of food-based products with any comparator group in promoting recovery from MAM in children aged 6-59 mo. Where appropriate, pooled estimates of effect were estimated using random-effects meta-analyses.

Results

A total of 13 trials were identified for inclusion. All used active controls. There was evidence of increased probability of recovery (gaining normal weight-for-height and/or mid-upper arm circumference) among children treated with LNSs compared with children treated with FBFs (risk ratio 1.05, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.09, p=0·009).

Conclusion

Based on a relatively small number of studies mainly from Africa, LNSs are superior to FBFs in improving anthropometric recovery from MAM. Current evidence for the use of food supplements in MAM treatment is based on comparisons with active controls. Future studies should assess a wider range of comparator groups, such as nutrition education/counselling alone, and outcomes, including body composition, morbidity and development.