bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relation between Environmental Variables and the Spatial Distribution of the Aedes aegypti Mosquito in Rural Colombia
Authors: Cabezas Pinzón Laura Viviana , Sanabria-Marin Rigaud , Andrade-Rivas Federico , Darghan Aquiles , Olano Víctor-Alberto
Published: August 2022

Background: Changes in global and local environmental variables condition the distribution and density of disease vectors. This study aimed to estimate the relationship between the entomological indicator of immature and adult forms of the Aedes aegypti mosquito per unit area, the environmental variables of temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity in rural areas of two municipalities in Colombia.

Methods: Four spatial regression models were fitted: The Spatial Autoregressive Model with Autoregressive Disturbances of order [1,1]  (SARAR[1,1]), Spatial Error Model (SEM), Spatial Lag Model (SLM), and the Pure Spatial Autoregressive Model. Immature and adult A. aegypti forms were collected in homes during June 2013 (dry season). The houses were chosen at random and were georeferenced. Climate information was obtained from the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM- Instituto de Hidrología, Meteorología y Estudios Ambientales). Climatic information was completed with mathematical interpolation from the Akima library.

Results: The most appropriate model was SARAR[1,1], as it showed the lowest values of the Akaike information criterion (AIC = 473.34). In this model, the variable that best explained the entomological indicator (immature and adult forms per unit area) was the altitude of the houses in the rural area where the entomological samples were collected.  This means that the higher the altitude, the lower the entomological indicator calculated. The ranges of the environmental variables in which the presence of the mosquito occurred are between 602 to 1414 m.a.s.l (meters above sea level) for altitude, 17 °C to 27 °C for temperature, 27 mm to 86 mm for precipitation, and 70% to 85% for relative humidity.

Conclusions: The importance of understanding the relationship between local environmental characteristics and the presence of the vector for designing comprehensive management strategies was highlighted, contributing to better surveillance, prevention, and control of vectors and diseases transmitted by them.
Calidad de vida y percepción de la salud en personas mayores con enfermedad crónica
Authors: García-Barrera Amanda Elizabeth , Horta-Roa Luisa Fernanda , Bautista-Roa Milton Adolfo , Ibáñez-Pinilla Edgar Antonio , Cobo-Mejía Elisa Andrea
Published: August 2022

Introducción. La representación de calidad de vida de un sujeto se considera buena o mala según la experiencia.
Objetivo. Determinar la calidad de vida y la percepción de la salud-enfermedad en la persona mayor con enfermedad crónica no transmisible.
Métodos. Estudio con diseño mixto explicativo secuencial, en una población de personas mayores, con enfermedad crónica y pacientes de dos programas de atención en Tunja en 2017. Se elaboró una muestra de 44 personas y las variables fueron sociodemográficas, percepción de la salud, percepción de la enfermedad y calidad de vida. Se aplicaron los cuestionarios SF-36 y el IPQ-B, se realizó un grupo focal y el análisis fue con correlación de Spearman, regresión logística, análisis fenomenológico existencial y triangulación.
Resultados. La calidad de vida global promedio fue de 59,5 % y predominó la salud mental con un 93,2 %. En la percepción de la enfermedad sobresale la comprensión de la misma con 7,3±2,2. La correlación más alta fue el control personal y la salud en general con 0,770 (p=0,000). Las categorías reconocidas fueron: la enfermedad como marginación social y familiar, el apoyo familiar y divino, la influencia del sistema de salud, la necesidad del autocuidado, la importancia de las redes de apoyo y la calidad de vida.
Conclusiones. La calidad de vida y la percepción de la salud y enfermedad se correlacionan; además están influenciadas por la experiencia y los métodos de afrontamiento
Desórdenes músculo esqueléticos del miembro superior: condiciones de riesgo laboral y su prevención
Authors: Garzón Leal Diana Carolina , Giraldo Luna Clara ​M​argarita , López Michelena Luis Ignacio , Yepes Boada Alexandra , Sánchez Calderón Diana Carolina , Rojas Sánchez Eliana Marcela
Published: August 2022

Los DME siguen siendo la principal causa de morbilidad laboral en el mundo, lo que plantea una reflexión sobre la efectividad de las estrategias actuales de prevención. La prevención en los entornos laborales debe responder a los riesgos propios de la organización con la implementación de medidas en la fuente, el medio y el individuo, priorizadas de acuerdo con los niveles de riesgo. El diseño de programas de prevención multicomponente por los profesionales de SST adecuados a los problemas detectados (medicina ocupacional, ergonomía, diseño industrial, higiene industrial, terapia ocupacional, entre otros), que integren medidas en todos los niveles de la jerarquía de controles y en todos los niveles de prevención, en un marco donde se involucren a todos los actores del entorno ocupacional, corresponde a los lineamientos actuales sobre estrategias de prevención exitosas para trastornos musculoesqueléticos, incluyendo los DME del miembro superior. Adicionalmente, las estrategias de intervención temprana en todos los niveles de prevención (desde la promoción de la salud hasta la rehabilitación) han demostrado ser efectivas para disminuir la incidencia y prevalencia de DME, mejorar el pronóstico funcional y las tasas de discapacidad de los trabajadores, y lograr reincorporaciones laborales tempranas y efectivas.
Características clínicas de pacientes hospitalizados con infección por Covid-19 en la Clínica soma de Medellín, Colombia
Authors: Betancur Jiménez Carlos Alberto , Calle Lemos Beatriz Elena , García Vergara Luisa , Vásquez Daniel
Published: August 2022

Objetivo: el virus SARS-COV-2 llegó a Medellín el 9 de marzo del 2020, afectando hasta el 8 de octubre 2021 a 397.395 personas en esta ciudad. Este estudio busca describir el comportamiento clínico de los pacientes hospitalizados en la Clínica soma en el periodo entre julio 1 de 2020 y enero 31 de 2021, así como identificar variables clínicas y paraclínicas asociadas a su ingreso a uci y la mortalidad. Metodología: cohorte retrospectiva con datos de historias clínicas de adultos admitidos en la Clínica soma por Covid-19 entre julio 1 de 2020 y enero 31 de 2021. Resultados: se identificaron 849 individuos adultos con Covid-19, de los cuales 326 fueron hospitalizados (38.4%), la mortalidad fue del 13%. Los factores más asociados a severidad fueron la disnea, hipertensión arterial, enfermedad cardiovascular, dímero D elevado, deshidrogenasa láctica, linfopenia y una mayor edad. Conclusiones: nuestro estudio evidenció un comportamiento similar al descrito en otros estudios en el mundo frente a variables al ingreso por Covid-19, que se asocian con peores desenlaces clínicos.
Conocimiento de los costarricenses sobre parasitosis en la población infantil
Authors: Arce Castro Ángela Mariana , Calvo Guido Eva Karina , Orozco Arguedas María de los Ángeles , Alfaro Mora Ramsés
Published: August 2022

Objetivo: los parásitos son organismos que viven en el interior o sobre otra especie para su propio beneficio. Logran afectar plantas, animales y humanos. Los niños son más vulnerables a infectarse, pero la incidencia ha disminuido en Costa Rica gracias a la mejora en salubridad. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el conocimiento general que tiene la población costarricense con respecto a las parasitosis infantiles. Metodología: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo de tipo transversal, a una muestra de 196 sujetos. Se presentó encuesta a costarricenses mayores de 18 años que tuvieran un dispositivo con acceso a internet. Se consultó sobre el conocimiento del cuadro clínico de las parasitosis infantiles en Costa Rica. Resultados: la mayoría de los participantes eran universitarios (68.3%). El 89.9% cree que los parásitos de las mascotas pueden infectar a los humanos. Los parásitos más conocidos fueron los piojos 173 (88.3%). La parte del cuerpo que se considera más afectada por los parásitos es el estómago (75.5%). La principal medida preventiva contra las parasitosis más conocidas es lavarse las manos (67.9%). Conclusión: muchos participantes creen que los humanos se pueden infectar por los mismos parásitos de los animales. Los piojos fueron los parásitos más conocidos y las garrapatas las menos conocidas. La mayoría considera el vómito o la diarrea como los síntomas principales de las parasitosis y creen que el estómago es el más afectado en una infección. Además, señalan que la principal medida preventiva para evitar el contagio es el lavado de manos.
Etiopatogenia de las drogodependencias: una síntesis explicativa desde una perspectiva epigenética
Authors: Cassiani Miranda Carlos Arturo , Blanco Palomino Alexander , Arismendy López Yinneth Andrea , Socarrás De la hoz Natalia Marcela
Published: August 2022

El consumo de sustancias con potencial adictivo es un problema relevante de salud. La evidencia científica sugiere que los mecanismos subyacentes que regulan los procesos comportamentales en las adicciones involucran un complejo interjuego entre factores genéticos y ambientales. Por lo tanto, esta revisión narrativa tiene como objetivo aportar un marco de referencia que permita sintetizar la evidencia sobre interacciones genes- ambiente-agente desde la perspectiva de la historia natural de la enfermedad y los estadios del proceso adictivo para: alcohol, nicotina, cannabis, psicoestimulantes y opioides. En esta revisión realizamos una búsqueda exhaustiva de la literatura sin límites de tiempo en PubMed, Ebsco, Lilacs y SciELO, revisando el título y el resumen se seleccionaron artículos originales en humanos o animales que abordaran la etiología de las adiciones según el enfoque metodológico de interacción entre genes y ambiente (G-A), incluyendo artículos en español, inglés y portugués. Los estudios genéticos han revelado el papel crítico de los modificadores epigenéticos (acetilación de las histonas) en mantener la homeóstasis cerebral en condiciones patológicas y enfocarse en las interacciones G-A también permitirá caracterizar subgrupos (basados en los factoresambientales) de alto riesgo para conductas adictivas que pueden ser objeto de intervenciones específicas, por lo que, las estrategias de tratamiento deben englobar una combinación de intervenciones psicosociales con terapia génica que involucren las manipulaciones farmacológicas de las histonas que pueden contribuir a diseñar mejores terapias y tal vez conducir a un manejo más exitoso de las drogodependencias.
Manifestaciones cardiovasculares y síndrome compartimental asociado a mordedura por Phoneutria spp: Reporte de un caso
Authors: Berrouet Mejía Marie Claire , Zuluaga Gómez Mateo , Castaño Vélez Manuela
Published: August 2022

Se describen las características sobre el phoneutrismo a propósito de un caso. El phoneutrismo es el término con el que se conoce al accidente ocasionado por la mordedura de la araña phoneutria spp, la cual tiene una relevancia clínica dada por las características tóxicas de su veneno. Se presenta un caso de mordedura de la araña phoneutria spp de un paciente atendido en un hospital de alta complejidad de la ciudad de Medellín, Colombia, con manifestaciones cardiovasculares y hallazgos compatibles con un síndrome compartimental, lo cual es inusual en este tipo de arañas, por lo que se necesitó vigilancia en unidad de alta dependencia y fasciotomía cutánea. En Colombia este tipo de accidentes no son de reporte obligatorio, por tanto existe un alto riesgo de subregistro. Lo llamativo de este caso está en las manifestaciones cardiovasculares y la presencia de síndrome compartimental que no se ha descrito en la literatura con este subespecie de arañas.
The Role of Ideology in Nation Building
Authors: Terec-Vlad Loredana
Published: August 2022

The society we live in is a complex one, and is called in the specialized literature the "postmodern society", based on knowledge, technological development and other such traits, a society that emerges from Modernity. Modernity is based on a series of "founding myths" or "legitimizing structures", such as: "the myth of reason", "the myth of progress" or "the myth of the superhuman". In the modern era, an important place is occupied by the "myth of nations", because this legitimating structure was the reason why the biggest revolutions and wars fought throughout history took place.
The European Dream – The International Authority for Ruhr and the emergence of the European Coal and Steel Community
Authors: Tascu-Stavre Miroslav , Staicu Maria Sofia
Published: August 2022

The present essay seeks to emphasize the importance that the Intarnational Authority for Ruhr, along with the European Coal and Steel Community, had the maintenance of peace on the European continent, but also in shaping the ideal of European unity.
The International Authority for Ruhr was one of the institutions designed to ensure the disarment and demilitarization of Germany. At the same time, albeit indirectly, the organization had a substantial role in the recovery and reconstruction of the European countries, including Democratic Germany, by promoting the cooperation of each of their economic sectors. Today's peaceful and prosperous Europe would not have been possible without the establishment of the International Authority, that made sure that the resourses of the Ruhr will not be used in destructive purposes.
On the 9th of May, 1950, the Schuman-Monet Plan will provide solutions for the challenges that the International Authority oh Ruhr has been confronting – in particular, for the representation of Western Germany in the organization`s structure.
The remarkable French proposal to pool the French and German resources of coal and steel not only solves the democratization of the organization, but also opens the horizon of participation to other desirable countries, while allowing the gradual withdrawal of the U.S.A. from the European cooperation and construction.
The Principle of Respecting the Rights of the Suspect/Accused, the Principle of Equality of Arms and the Principle of Immediacy - Basic Principles of the Criminal Trial
Authors: Pană Nicolae Silviu
Published: August 2022

By the basic principles of the criminal trial, we understand those rules of a general nature based on which the entire development of the criminal trial is regulated. The fundamental principles of the criminal trial are written as basic rules in the Criminal Procedure Code. Apart from these principles, procedural doctrine, judicial practice and other legal provisions enshrine other fundamental ideas that can be considered principles. Among these, the principle of equality of arms and the principle of immediacy are among the most important, because along with the presumption of innocence, they are the guarantors of the rights of the suspect or the accused.
Zabytkowy obszar chroniony w przestrzeni publicznej miasta: na przykładzie Parku Kulturowego – "Miasto Tkaczy" w Zgierzu
Authors: Kulesza Mariusz , Wojtkiewicz Justyna
Published: August 2022

Celem autorów niniejszego opracowania jest prześledzenie realizacji w przestrzeni publicznej miasta, w ramach unijnego programu „Ochrona Kulturowego Dziedzictwa Europejskiego”, unikatowego projektu rewitalizacji zabytków pod nazwą Park Kulturowy „Miasto Tkaczy” w Zgierzu, odtwarzającego historyczny kompleks architektury drewnianej w miejscu powstałej w latach 20. XIX w. osady sukienniczej.
Problem rynku jako przestrzeni publicznej w wybranych miastach konurbacji katowickiej
Authors: Kantor-Pietraga Iwona , Krzysztofik Robert , Runge Jerzy
Published: August 2022

W swojej pracy Autorzy omawiają rynek, który od początku istnienia miast stanowił niejako ich „salon”, a który nie wszędzie stał się przestrzennym dobrem publicznym. Mowa tu o miastach powstałych w oparciu o czynnik przemysłu i górnictwa, czego dobrym przykładem, opisywanym przez badaczy, jest konurbacja katowicka.
„Nowe” versus „stare” przestrzenie publiczne w centrum miasta: przykład Łodzi
Authors: Kazimierczak Jarosław
Published: August 2022

Autor w poniższym artykule zaprezentował dwa różne ujęcia terminologiczne dotyczące przestrzeni publicznej. Przeciwstawił „nową” / „odzyskaną” ( pierwotnie nie uwzględnioną w procesie kształtowania się struktury przestrzennej miasta) do „starej”, której zakres przestrzenny został ograniczony do centrum miasta.
Przestrzeń publiczna nowych terenów przemysłowych na wybranych przykładach z Łódzkiej Specjalnej Strefy Ekonomicznej
Authors: Gorczyczewska Emilia
Published: August 2022

Łódzka Specjalna Strefa Ekonomiczna funkcjonuje od 1997 r. i jest jednym ze sposobów na odwrócenie negatywnych skutków po czasach funkcjonowania w tym mieście przemysłu włókienniczego. Analizie Autorka poddała dwa kompleksy przemysłowe: Olechów i Centrum. Posiadają one zróżnicowaną genezę oraz odmienne uwarunkowania funkcjonowania. Przeprowadzona analiza zebranych materiałów pozwoliła ukazać wpływ odmiennych uwarunkowań na proces zagospodarowania przestrzeni publicznych poddanych analizie kompleksów.
Przestrzeń publiczna w wybranych miastach województwa śląskiego
Authors: Runge Jerzy , Spórna Tomasz
Published: August 2022

Celem autorów niniejszego opracowania jest analiza zróżnicowania przestrzeni publicznej miast województwa śląskiego na przykładzie Bytomia, Dąbrowy Górniczej, Rudy Śląskiej oraz Tychów. Zakres czasowy badań to 2011 r.
Podobieństwa i różnice przestrzeni publicznej Molsheim i Niepołomic
Authors: Petryszyn Jacek , Zuzańska-Żyśko Elżbieta
Published: August 2022

Przestrzeń publiczna stanowi niezwykle interesujący przedmiot badań, co wyraźnie można zaobserwować na terenie mniejszych ośrodków miejskich. Autorzy porównali stan zagospodarowania przestrzeni publicznej dwóch małych miast, Molsheim we wschodniej Francji i Niepołomic na południu Polski. Obydwa miasta znajdują się w bezpośredniej strefie oddziaływania dwóch dużych metropolii: Strasburga i Krakowa. Obydwa wykazują, pomimo dużej dzielącej ich odległości, podobieństwa wynikające m.in. z rozwoju we wspólnym kręgu cywilizacyjnym.
Evaluating Capacity-Strengthening Impact: A Funder Perspective
Authors: Taylor Peter
Published: August 2022

The Think Tank Initiative (TTI) was a large-scale, ten-year, multi-donor-funded programme of institutional research capacity strengthening for thinktanks in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It offered flexible, long-term funding combined with technical support to help over 40 organisations move along a pathway to sustainability, generating a consistent flow of high-quality evidence, data, and analysis to inform and influence national and regional policy debates. This CDI Practice paper by Peter Taylor describes the evolution of the TTI evaluation approach as it engaged progressively with the complexity of the programme. It reflects critically on key lessons learned through process and outcomes. It also offers some takeaways for those commissioning evaluation of large, complex capacity‑development interventions.
Nowe kierunki w heglizmie. Rozmowa z Catherine Malabou
Authors: Malabou Catherine
Published: August 2022

Rozmowa Agona Hamzy i Franka Rudy z Catherine Malabou poświęcona aktualności ﬁlozoﬁi Hegla.
Drosophila suzukii, a species to monitor
Authors: Delbac Lionel , Rouzes Raphaël
Published: August 2022

Drosophila suzukii has recently arrived in Northern Hemisphere vineyards and has caused damage to grape, particularly in Europe. Damage to the grapes has been observed, as well as the development of sour rot linked to its presence. Other species of drosophila are also present in the vineyards. This insect has now clearly established itself in the vineyard, requiring the attention of the viticultural and wine industry.
Queer Up Your Work: Adding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity to Public and Nonprofit Research
Authors: Meyer Seth , Millison Judith
Published: August 2022

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual plus (LGBTQIA+) communities are underrepresented in public and nonprofit affairs research. This has led to an incomplete picture of how public and nonprofit organizations can better support LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities. In this article, we discuss how researchers can include the LGBTQIA+ community, why they should care about this community, and the appropriate terminology and distinctions within the LGBTQIA+ community. This article is a call to arms: LGBTQIA+ individuals are an important part of the work in the public and nonprofit sector; and as such the language used to describe their experiences should be supportive and affirming.
Testing the Strategic Response Model to Show Joint Effect of Resource Dependency and Centrality in Donor Network on NGO Response to Donor Demand
Authors: AbouAssi Khaldoun , Tschirhart Mary
Published: August 2022

The Strategic Response Model (SRM) integrates two constructs, an organization’s resource dependence and network centrality, to predict response to an external demand. This article puts the SRM to test to demonstrate its applicability as a management tool to help with decision-making. Using forty-nine Lebanese nongovernmental environmental organizations’ (NGOs’) responses to bilateral donors who changed funding interests, the results are consistent with the model’s prediction of three types of responses, exit, voice, and adjustment, regardless of which of three resource dependency variables are used. To add context to this test of the SRM model, the dynamics within a larger system of resource pursuit and allocation across sectors, especially for non-Western settings characterized by turbulence and uncertainty, are discussed. Donors and nonprofits need to consider short- and long-term strategic decisions, knowing that relationships created and fostered may be as important as resources provided and consumed.
What Sector Do Consumers Prefer for the Delivery of ‘Public’ Services? A Comparative Analysis of the US and China
Authors: Meier Ken , Dhillon Anita , Xu Xiaoyang
Published: August 2022

Although we have literature on the advantages and disadvantages of delivering public services via public, nonprofit, or for-profit organizations, there is little research on who the public prefers to deliver such services. This study uses a least similar systems design to present an exploratory analysis of such preferences in the US and China for twelve different service areas. Based on two internet surveys, we find that general sector preferences for services are similar across the countries, but there are differences in emphasis for some of the individual services that reflect the country’s historical, cultural, and political traditions. The reasons for such similarities, however, appear to be different in the two countries.
The Significance of 501(c) Status Among Environmental Nonprofits Engaged in Oil and Gas Policy Debates
Authors: Kagan Jennifer A.
Published: August 2022

This paper examines the advocacy activities of 30 environmental nonprofits engaged in oil and gas policy debates. Because 501(c)(3) organizations are restricted or prohibited from engaging in certain types of advocacy, the literature typically considers 501(c)(3) organizations service providers and 501(c)(4)s advocacy organizations. This study looks at whether this dichotomy holds among a group of organizations that actively advocates and examines the implications of 501(c) status. Data come from surveys of organizations active in hydraulic fracturing policy debates, along with organizations’ Form 990s and websites. Results obtained through statistical analyses and qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) indicate that the environmental nonprofits actively advocate and report doing so relatively effectively. Furthermore, this research uncovers new patterns in advocacy tactics and the organizations that use them by analyzing advocacy participation and effectiveness separately and through QCA.
Rethinking Perspectives of Power in Collaborative Governance
Authors: Hafer Joseph , Ran Bing , Hossain Md Sharif
Published: August 2022

Power is an important concept in understanding collaborative governance, however, the existing research is largely dominated by the functional and critical perspectives of power. Aided by a conceptual content analysis of power used in collaborative governance literature in the top public administration journals, we viewed power as a family resemblance concept that should be conceptualized through four perspectives: functional, critical, social construction, and pragmatic. We provide elaboration of each of these four perspectives and propose counterarguments to assumptions that have arisen due to the reliance on a functional or critical perspective of power. We conclude that viewing power as a family resemblance concept with at least four perspectives offers collaborative governance researchers the ability to adopt the best perspective that is the most useful for their analysis and most helpful for public administrators to understand power in their collaborative efforts.
A Conceptual Framework for Constructing Decision Policies by Processing the Possibilities in Mental Models of Dynamic Systems with the Cognitive Theory of Mental Models
Authors: Schaffernicht Martin FG. , López-Astorga Miguel , Rojas-Barahona Cristian A. , Castillo Ramón D.
Published: August 2022

This article is a theoretical contribution to mental model research, which currently has different threads. Whereas some researchers focus on the perceived causal structure, others also include decision policies and decisions. We focus on the link between recognized causal structure (“mental models of dynamic systems”) and policies, proposing Johnson-Laird’s theory of mental models as the link. The resulting framework hypothesizes two types of systematic mental model errors: (1) misrepresentation of the system’s structure and (2) failure to deploy relevant mental models of possibilities. Examination of three experiments through this lens reveals errors of both types. Therefore, we propose that the cognitive theory of mental models opens a path to better understand how people construct their decision policies and develop interventions to reduce such mental model errors. The article closes by raising several questions for empirical studies of the reasoning process leading from mental models of dynamic systems to decision policies.
Free Will, Temporal Asymmetry, and Computational Undecidability
Authors: Doyle Stuart
Published: August 2022

One of the central criteria for free will is “Could I have done otherwise?” But because of a temporal asymmetry in human choice, the question makes no sense. The question is backward-looking, while human choices are forward-looking. At the time when any choice is actually made, there is as of yet no action to do otherwise. Expectation is the only thing to contradict (do other than). So the ability to do something not expected by the ultimate expecter, Laplace’s demon, is a better criterion for free will. If human action is fundamentally unpredictable, then we have free will. Scientists have studied a form of fundamental unpredictability, known as undecidability. The features that make a system capable of undecidable dynamics have been identified: program-data duality; potential to access an infinite computational medium; and the ability to implement negation. Humans have all three of these features, so we very likely are fundamentally unpredictable, so we have free will.
A Closed-loop Approach to Fight Coronavirus: Early Detection and Subsequent Treatment
Authors: Rong Guoguang , Zheng Yuqiao , Yang Xi , Bao Kangjian , Xia Fen , Ren Huihui , Bian Sumin , Li Lan , Zhu Bowen , Sawan Mohamad
Published: August 2022

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has caused tremendous damage to social economy and people’s health. Some major issues fighting COVID-19 include early and accurate diagnosis and the shortage of ventilator machines for critical patients. In this work, we propose a closed-loop solution to deal with COVID-19: portable biosensing and wearable photoacoustic imaging for early and accurate diagnosis of infection and magnetically neuromodulation or minimally invasive electrical stimulation to replace the traditional ventilation. Proposed technique can guarantee ubiquitous and onsite detection, and electrical hypoglossal stimulator can be more effective in helping severe patients as well as reducing complications caused by ventilators.
Workplace Assessment Scale: Pilot Validation Study
Authors: Huang Eileen , Edgar Nicole E. , MacLean Sarah E. , Hatcher Simon
Published: August 2022

First responders, such as police officers, paramedics, and fire-fighters are at an increased risk of experiencing negative mental health outcomes compared to the general population. This predisposition can partially be attributed to common occupational stressors, such as poor workplace culture and mistreatment from leadership, which may provoke strong feelings of betrayal and humiliation. The Workplace Assessment Scale (WAS) was developed as there is currently no appropriate measure to assess such feelings in the first responder population. The scale consists of the Betrayal Subscale and the Humiliation Subscale, each comprised of 5 Likert scale questions which ask participants to report the frequency at which they experience specific feelings associated with their workplace. This pilot validation study was conducted to assess preliminary reliability and validity of the WAS, using data which was originally collected as part of a larger first responder-based observational study. Based on 21/22 (95%) participant responses, the internal consistency appeared to be strong for both sub-scales as well as the overall questionnaire. However, item 9 will likely require modification or deletion from the scale. The validity analysis found no significant correlations between WAS and other psychiatric scales. Additional research is needed for further analysis and validation of the WAS.
Comparison of Four Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction Assays for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 on respiratory samples from Tunja, Boyacá - Colombia
Authors: Salamanca Neita Lorenzo Hernando , Carvajal Rojas Óscar Leonardo , Carvajal Rojas Juan Pablo , Forero Ruth Maribel , Segura Niya Alexandra
Published: August 2022

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2. In Colombia, many commercial methods are now available to perform the RT-qPCR assays, and the laboratories must evaluate its diagnostic accuracy to ensure reliable results to suspected COVID-19 patients. The purpose of the study was to compare four commercial RT-qPCR assays for detection of SARS-CoV2 virus, from nasopharyngeal swab samples referred to Laboratorio Carvajal IPS, SAS of Tunja, Boyacá - Colombia. Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 152 samples of respiratory tract samples (Nasopharyngeal Swab) from patients with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection. Diagnostic accuracy of GeneFinderTM COVID-19 Plus RealAmp (In Vitro diagnostic), One-Step Real-Time RT-PCR (Vitro Master diagnostica), Berlin modified protocol and gold standard Berlin protocol (Berlin Charite Probe One-Step RT-qPCR Kit, New England Biolabs) as reference was assessed. Operational characteristics were estimated in terms of sensitivity, specificity, agreement, and predictive values. Results: Using Berlin Charite Probe One-Step RT-qPCR Kit as reference, the sensitivity/specificity for the diagnostic tests were found to be GeneFinderTM COVID-19 Plus RealAmp Kit 100%/92.7%, One-Step Real-Time RT-PCR, One-Step Real-Time RT-PCR 92.75%/67.47%, and Berlin modified protocol 100%/96.39%. The results of four commercially available methods were found to be consistent with those obtained from Berlin Modified protocol analysis for % of the samples and showed good agreement (κ= 0.96). Concordant SARS-CoV2 negative and positive RT-qPCR results were reported for xxx and xxx samples, respectively. Summarize something about the Ct. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that all commercially available methods are rapid and reliable for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 virus associated with COVID-19. One-Step RT-qPCR Kit and GeneFinderTM COVID-19 Plus RealAmp assay show optimal sensitivity compared with Belin modified protocol. In addition, there is no significant correlation between xxxxx
Extension of the Set of Raw Sludges used in Industrial Anaerobic Digestion Reactors Implementable in Control Schemes Using an On-line Model Parameter Identification Strategy
Authors: Cortes Ocaña Luis Gabriel , Barbancho Concejero Julio , De la Rubia Romero María Ángeles , Larios Marín Diego Francisco , Marín Batista Jose Daniel , Fernandez Mohedano Angel , Portilla Caicedo Christian Roviro
Published: August 2022

This work presents a methodology that seeks to be a new standard in modeling identification in anaerobic digestion reactors. Because it is not possible to measure all variables with reliable and cost-efficient real-time methods, a specific structure composed of an asymptotic observer for the concentration of state variables; acidogenic and methanogenic bacterias, unlock the use of new types of raw sludges for industrial control and monitoring purposes. New yield parameters were included in the reduced anaerobic digestion model (ADM2) used as the core, precisely two terms in total alkalinity, to bring about the modeling of additional organic materials at inlet containing proteins or amino acids. The fermentation of these substances introduces ammonium, providing variations in the amount of alkalinity available inside the reaction. The new model is used to solve an optimization problem that calculates the parameters that best fit the dynamics of state variables with the same information taken on the experimental data. The adjustment process started with the genetic algorithm; however, to improve the performance, a novel method is proposed called step-ahead. Together, including the design of an asymptotic observer, numerical simulations demonstrate the strengths of the structure, which constitutes a significant step in paving the way further to implement feasible, cost-effective control and monitoring systems in the industry.
Non-indigenous Marine Species in the Greek Seas and the Role of Ballast Water in their Dispersal: A Mini-integrated Review
Authors: Dimitriadou Ioanna , Anestis Andreas
Published: August 2022

The Greek seas as a part of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, have been considered as a hotspot for the entrance of non-indigenous species (NIS). Ballast water functions as a major pathway for the spread of NIS in new environments, posing significant threats to both the ecosystems and human health. Nine non-indigenous fish species, originating from the Red Sea, have been introduced to the Greek seas since 1925. Despite the implemented laws for limiting the spread of NIS and the subsequent impacts, current global environmental issues, such as climate change and micro-plastic pollution, could result in a rapid spread and establishment of NIS in hot-spot regions, including the Greek seas. A more systematic use of advanced tools for the systematic monitoring of all NIS in the Mediterranean Sea is necessary.
Saving Food from Waste or Advance Selling? An Empirical Analysis of Too Good To Go Offering in Rome
Authors: Yu Mengting , Palumbo Luigi , Secondi Luca
Published: August 2022

Food waste is one of the greatest challenge to sustainability in developed and developing countries. In the former, food waste is concentrated in the final part of the chain. Too Good To Go is a digital platform aimed to prevent food waste, where consumers can buy magic boxes from different outlets containing food products that are approaching their end-of-life. However, the mechanism of the platform enable the outlets to publish their offering much in advance of the pick-up time, raising the question whether the food sold on the platform is effectively a leftover or a planned production. Our empirical study gathers data from over 1200 outlets in Rome on the Too Good To Go platform.
Use of Rotavirus Vaccine as a Containment Measure for SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus (COVID-19): A Study of Possible Cross and Trained Immunity
Authors: Lorite - Ayan Nuria
Published: August 2022

This proposal was prepared in the very first weeks of 2020 because of the outbreak of COVID-19.There is good reason to suppose that rotavirus vaccine can be used as protection tool to effectively and safely fight and mitigate SARS-CoV-2 infection and the impact caused by COVID-19 in adult humans, due to the development of cross and trained immunity following rotavirus vaccination. Up-to-date, some rotavirus vaccines are available and approved, two of them have a large experience in results and safety. Little experience has been achieved in the use of rotavirus vaccine in adults. However, it can be expected that it would be safe and effective in adults and in the elderly as well. This proposal explains the background.
Industry 4.0 in Latin America: Countries and Institutions with the Greatest Innovation and Global Impact
Authors: Herrero-Solana Víctor , Piedra-Salomón Yelina
Published: August 2022

Industry 4.0 (i4.0) is one of the fields of knowledge that is most extensively researched recently and whose definition is the most controversial, and Latin America (LatAm) is no exception. Identifying the LatAm countries and institutions with the highest degree of innovation and global impact in the i4.0 field. New citation micro-topics were used to identify the thematic domain: 4.224.1040 Industry 4.0. Difference indicators were extracted from Web of Science, Journal Citation Reports and especially Incites. Broadly speaking, the LatAm effort rate in i4.0 is high, as well as its global impact. The main countries are, in decreasing order, Brazil and Mexico. These countries show a high number of industry collaborations, and Brazil boasts many patent citations. Spain is a key partner of Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Cuba and Ecuador. The most prominent institutions are the Monterrey Institute of Technology (Tecnológico de Monterrey) and the University of Rio Grande do Sul (Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul – UFRGS). The former specializes in engineering and smart manufacturing systems and the latter in ICT (cloud computing, IoT, and big data, among others).
Perceptions of Self-Motives and Environmental Activists’ Motives for Pro-Environmental Behavior
Authors: Geiger Nathaniel
Published: August 2022

We conduct a thematic analysis of a U.S. adult sample’s self-reported motives and perception of environmental activists’ motives to engage in pro-environmental behavior via a qualitative online survey. We identified themes using a two-stage coding procedure, whereby the research team first helped to code all content into one or more of 17 inductive content categories, then the lead investigator examined themes in each of the categories and created 5 themes based on both inductive and theoretical (e.g., moral foundations theory) considerations: a) harm and care, b) purity, c) waste and efficiency, d) spreading awareness, and e) self-interest (mostly non-financial). Endorsement of themes were qualitatively similar across individuals’ own self-described motives and perceptions of environmental activists’ motives.
Response of Chironomids to Key Environmental Factors: Perspective for Biomonitoring
Authors: Rossaro Bruno , Marziali Laura , Boggero Angela
Published: August 2022

Chironomids are the species richest family among macroinvertebrates and are often used as indicators of ecological condition in inland waters. High taxonomic expertise is needed for identification and new species are still described even in the well-known West Palaearctic region. Data were filed in a Microsoft Access relational database and analysed using the R environment. Our database comprises data on Chironomid species collected in rivers and lakes in Italy and some other European countries over a period of about 50 years, often associated with physical-chemical data, but in some cases only benthic macroinvertebrates are available with no associated environmental data. In this case, the possibility of estimating water quality with only species composition available is discussed. Traits summarizing the species response to environmental variables were evaluated, with emphasis on natural and man influenced factors: current velocity, water temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, nutrients. Traits calculations was possible using the subset of database including both environmental data and Chironomid abundances. The relations between sites, species and traits were evaluated using correspondence analysis and other multivariate methods. The response of species showed an interaction among different factors, with the possibility to order species along a single environmental gradient, extending from cold running waters to warm standing waters, with few exceptions. The utility and limits of the use of ecological traits are discussed.
Assessing Climate Change Impact on Water Resources under Water Demand Scenarios using SWAT-MODFLOW-WEAP
Authors: Abbas Salam A. , Xuan Yunqing , Bailey Ryan T.
Published: August 2022

In this article, we present the use of the coupled land surface model and groundwater flow model SWAT-MODFLOW with the decision support tool WEAP (Water Evaluation and Planning software) to predict future surface water abstraction scenarios in a complex river basin, under conditions of climate change. The modeling framework is applied to the Dee River catchment in Wales, United Kingdom. Regarding hydrology, the coupled model improves overall water balance and low streamflow conditions, compared to a stand-alone SWAT model. The calibrated SWAT-MODFLOW is employed with high resolution climate model data from the UKCP18 project with future scenario of RCP85 from 2020 to 2040. Then, water supply results from SWAT-MODFLOW are fed into WEAP as input for the river reach in the downstream region of the river basin. This system is utilized to create various future scenarios of surface water abstraction of public water supply in the downstream region: maximum licensed withdraw, 50 % authorized abstractions, monthly time series with 1% increase of water use, and maximum water withdraw year based on historical records repeated every year with 1% increase of water use, to estimate the unmet demands and streamflow requirement. This modeling approach can be used in other river basins to manage scenarios of supply and demand.
Opinions Towards Medical Students’ Self-care and Substance Use Dilemmas- a Future Concern Despite a Positive Generational Effect?
Authors: McGurgan Paul , Calvert Katrina , Nathan Elizabeth , Celenza Antonio , Jorm Christine
Published: August 2022

This study examines demographic factors which may influence opinions concerning medical students’ self-care and substance use behaviors as a means of providing insights into how future doctors view these issues compared to Australian doctors and members of the public. We conducted national, multicenter, prospective, on-line cross-sectional surveys using hypothetical scenarios to three cohorts- Australian medical students, medical doctors, and the public. Participants’ responses were compared for the different contextual variables within the scenarios and the participants’ demographic characteristics. In total 2,602 medical students, 809 doctors and 503 members of the public participated. Compared with doctors and the public, medical students were least tolerant of alcohol intoxication, and most tolerant of using stimulants to assist with study, and cannabis for anxiety. Doctor respondents more often aligned with the public’s opinions on the acceptability of the medical students’ behaviors. Although opinions are not equivalent to behaviour, Australian students’ views on the acceptability for cannabis to help manage anxiety, and inappropriate use of prescription-only drugs are concerning; these future doctors will be responsible for prescribing drugs and managing patients with substance abuse problems. However, if current Australian medical student’s opinions on alcohol misuse persist, one of the commonest substance addictions amongst doctors may decrease in future.
Ethnobotany in Iturbide, Nuevo León: The Traditional Knowledge on Plants Used in the Semiarid Mountains of Northeastern Mexico
Authors: Estrada-Castillón Eduardo , Villarreal-Quintanilla José Ángel , Cuéllar-Rodríguez Luis Gerardo , March-Salas Martí , Encina-Domínguez Juan Antonio , Himmeslbach Wibke , Salinas-Rodríguez María Magdalena , Guerra Jacqueline , Cotera-Correa Mauricio , Scott-Morales Laura Magdalena , Friesen Rebecca Jane , Garza-Zambrano Patricio , Arévalo-Sierra José Ramón , Garate-Escamilla Homero , Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez Maritza , Gutiérrez-Santillán Tania Vianney
Published: August 2022

Iturbide is located in the Northeast of Mexico, it has a rich native and exotic flora, however, there are no ethnobotanical records, therefore, it requires attention in the documentation of traditional practices and uses of its botanical resources. In 2021, twelve field trips were carried out, applying 110 semi-structured interviews. Plant samples were collected, identified and deposited in an herbarium. We used the Chi-square test to compare ethnobotanical uses with respect to others reported in Mexico. To determine the cultural importance, three ethnobotanical indices were applied (UVI, ICF and FL). We recorded 250 species with ethnobotanical uses associated with 121 genera and 83 families, including 140 native and 110 exotic species. The most common plant families were Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Fabaceae. The main uses were ornamental, medicinal and food. The species with the highest UVI values ​​were Lepidium peruvianum, Ocimum basilicum and Rosmarinus officinale. The multifunctionality of the native and exotic flora demonstrates the extensive knowledge associated with botanical resources. Examples, the role of ornamental plants, with a direct impact on human well-being, the resilience of healers and traditional inhabitants by using different species for the treatment of various ailments. or indigenous edible plants in the daily diet.
Application of Magnetic Nanoparticles in Bioreactors to Enhance Mass Transfer during Syngas Fermentation
Authors: Okolie Jude A , Sajeev Evelyn , Shekher Sheshank , Desongu Kwaghtaver S , Ogbaga Chukwuma C , Gunes Burcu
Published: August 2022

Gas-liquid mass transfer is a significant issue in most bioprocesses. More importantly, gas-liquid mass transfer limitation requires further attention during syngas fermentation (SNF). The gas-liquid mass transfer of gaseous substrates (CO, CO2, and H2) into the fermentation broth is a rate-limiting step in SNF that leads to low productivity and poor economic feasibility. Enhancing this process during SNF can result in high efficiency, better production of ethanol, as well as lower energy consumption. While pressure and power input are important factors for improving reactor design, adding magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in the liquid phase is critical to achieving an enhanced gas-liquid mass transfer. The present study reviewed recent advances in the application of MNPs for an improved gas-liquid mass transfer during syngas fermentation. A brief overview of SNF and the effects of MNPs on SNF process are outlined. In addition, the hydrodynamic effect at the gas-liquid boundary is also seen as a mechanism in which nanoparticles increase mass transfer, and the mechanism is elucidated in detail.
Medicinal Cannabis in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Maciver Bruce , Bathula Pavana Pragna
Published: August 2022

Cannabis has been used as an herbal remedy for thousands of years and recent research indicates promising new uses in medicine. Researchers have been particularly interested in the potential uses of cannabinoids in treating cancer due their ability to regulate cancer-related cell cycle pathways, leading to many beneficial effects such as tumor growth prevention, cell cycle obstruction, and cell death. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge on mechanisms of cannabinoids and their role in treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, relieving cancer-associated pain, and obstructing tumor cell growth.