bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of building height on urban thermal environment in summer: A case study of Chinese megacities
Authors: Wang Meiya , Xu Hanqiu
Published: April 2021

The quantitative relationship between the spatial variation of building’s height and the associated land surface temperature (LST) change in six Chinese megacities is investigated in this paper. The six cities involved are Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Based on both remote sensing and building footprint data, we retrieved the LST using a single-channel (SC) algorithm and evaluate the heating/cooling effect caused by building-height difference via correlation analysis. The results show that the spatial distribution of high-rise buildings is mainly concentrated in the center business districts, riverside zones, and newly built-up areas of the six megacities. In the urban area, the number and the floor-area ratio of high to super high-rise buildings (>24m) account for over 5% and 4.74%, respectively. Being highly urbanized cities, most of urban areas in the six megacities are associated with high LST. Ninety-nine percent of the city areas of Shanghai, Beijing, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Tianjin are covered by the LST in the range of 30.2~67.8°C, 34.8~50.4°C, 25.3~48.3°C, 29.9~47.2°C, 27.4~43.4°C, and 33.0~48.0°C, respectively. Building’s height and LST have a negative logarithmic correlation with the correlation coefficients ranging from -0.701 to -0.853. In the building’s height within range of 0~66m, the LST will decrease significantly with the increase of building’s height. This indicates that the increase of building’s height will bring a significant cooling effect in this height range. When the building’s height exceeds 66m, its effect on LST will be greatly weakened. This is due to the influence of building shadows, local wind disturbances, and the layout of buildings.
Willingness to help climate migrants: A survey experiment in the Korail slum of Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Castellano Rachel , Dolšak Nives , Prakash Aseem
Published: April 2021

Bangladesh faces a severe rural to urban migration challenge, which is accentuated by climate change and the Rohingya crisis. These migrants often reside in urban slums and struggle to access public services, which are already short in supply for existing slum dwellers. Given the inadequacy of governmental efforts, nonprofits have assumed responsibility for providing essential services such as housing, healthcare, and education. Would local slum-dwellers in Dhaka be willing to support such nonprofits financially? We deploy an in-person survey experiment with three frames (generic migrants, climate migrants, and religiously persecuted Rohingya migrants) to assess Dhaka slum-dwellers’ willingness to support a humanitarian charity that provides healthcare services to migrants. Bangladesh is noted as a climate change hotspot and its government is vocal about the climate issue in international forums. While we expected this to translate into public support for climate migrants, we find respondents are 16%less likelyto support climate migrants in relation to the generic migrants. However, consistent with the government’s hostility towards Rohingya, we find that respondents are 9%less likelyto support a charity focused on helping Rohingya migrants. Our results are robust even when we examine subpopulations such as recent arrivals in Dhaka and those who have experienced floods (both of which could be expected to be more sympathetic to climate migrants), as well as those who regularly follow the news (and hence are well informed about the climate and the Rohingya crisis).
Differences in metabolic profiles between the Burmese, the Maine coon and the Birman cat—Three breeds with varying risk for diabetes mellitus
Authors: Öhlund Malin , Müllner Elisabeth , Moazzami Ali , Hermansson Ulrika , Pettersson Ann , Anderson Fredrick , Häggström Jens , Hansson-Hamlin Helene , Holst Bodil S.
Published: April 2021

Feline diabetes mellitus shares many features with type 2 diabetes in people, regarding clinical presentation, physiology, and pathology. A breed predisposition for type 2 diabetes has been identified, with the Burmese breed at a fivefold increased risk of developing the condition compared to other purebred cats. We aimed to characterize the serum metabolome in cats (n = 63) using nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomics, and to compare the metabolite pattern of Burmese cats with that of two cat breeds of medium or low risk of diabetes, the Maine coon (MCO) and Birman cat, respectively. Serum concentrations of adiponectin, insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 were also measured (n = 94). Burmese cats had higher insulin and lower adiponectin concentrations than MCO cats. Twenty one metabolites were discriminative between breeds using a multivariate statistical approach and 15 remained significant after adjustment for body weight and body condition score. Burmese cats had higher plasma levels of 2-hydroxybutyrate relative to MCO and Birman cats and increased concentrations of 2-oxoisocaproic acid, and tyrosine, and lower concentrations of dimethylglycine relative to MCO cats. The metabolic profile of MCO cats was characterized by high concentrations of arginine, asparagine, methionine, succinic acid and low levels of acetylcarnitine while Birman cats had the highest creatinine and the lowest taurine plasma levels, compared with MCO and Burmese. The pattern of metabolites in Burmese cats is similar to that in people with insulin resistance. In conclusion, the metabolic profile differed between healthy cats of three breeds. Detection of an abnormal metabolome might identify cats at risk of developing diabetes.
Strategies to prevent hospital readmission and death in patients with chronic heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and chronic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bamforth Ryan J. , Chhibba Ruchi , Ferguson Thomas W. , Sabourin Jenna , Pieroni Domenic , Askin Nicole , Tangri Navdeep , Komenda Paul , Rigatto Claudio
Published: April 2021

Background

Readmission following hospital discharge is common and is a major financial burden on healthcare systems.

Objectives

Our objectives were to 1) identify studies describing post-discharge interventions and their efficacy with respect to reducing risk of mortality and rate of hospital readmission; and 2) identify intervention characteristics associated with efficacy.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed. We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE and CINAHL. Our selection criteria included randomized controlled trials comparing post-discharge interventions with usual care on rates of hospital readmission and mortality in high-risk chronic disease patient populations. We used random effects meta-analyses to estimate pooled risk ratios for all-cause and cause-specific mortality as well as all-cause and cause-specific hospitalization.

Results

We included 31 randomized controlled trials encompassing 9654 patients (24 studies in CHF, 4 in COPD, 1 in both CHF and COPD, 1 in CKD and 1 in an undifferentiated population). Meta-analysis showed post-discharge interventions reduced cause-specific (RR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.63–0.80) and all cause (RR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.81–0.99) hospitalization, all-cause (RR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.65–0.83) and cause-specific mortality (RR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.54–0.84) in CHF studies, and all-cause hospitalization (RR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.32–0.83) in COPD studies. The inclusion of a cardiac nurse in the multidisciplinary team was associated with greater efficacy in reducing all-cause mortality among patients discharged after heart failure admission (HR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.54–0.75 vs. HR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.73–1.03).

Conclusions

Post-discharge interventions reduced all-cause mortality, cause-specific mortality, and cause-specific hospitalization in CHF patients and all-cause hospitalization in COPD patients. The presence of a cardiac nurse was associated with greater efficacy in included studies. Additional research is needed on the impact of post-discharge intervention strategies in COPD and CKD patients.
Rheumatic manifestations of Chikungunya virus infection: Prevalence, patterns, and enthesitis
Authors: Benjamanukul Saovanee , Osiri Manathip , Chansaenroj Jira , Chirathaworn Chintana , Poovorawan Yong
Published: April 2021

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arthropod-borne virus transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes. CHIKV infection causes various rheumatic symptoms, including enthesitis; however, these effects are rarely investigated. The aim of this study was to describe the rheumatic manifestations in CHIKV infection, estimate the prevalence of enthesitis in CHIKV-infected patients, and determine the factors associated with CHIKV-induced enthesitis. We conducted a prospective, observational study in patients with CHIKV infection confirmed by positive RT-PCR or IgM assay from October 2019 to March 2020. Patients with pre-existing inflammatory rheumatic diseases were excluded. A rheumatologist evaluated the demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, including the number of inflamed joints, enthesitis sites, tendinitis, and tenosynovitis. The Leeds enthesitis index (LEI) and the Maastricht ankylosing spondylitis enthesis score (MASES) were used to evaluate enthesitis sites. Factors associated with enthesitis were determined using logistic regression analysis. One hundred and sixty-four participants diagnosed with CHIKV infection were enrolled. The mean (SD) age of the patients was 48.2 (14) years. The most common pattern of rheumatic manifestations was polyarthritis with or without enthesitis. Enthesitis was observed in 63 patients (38.4%). The most common site of enthesitis was the left lateral epicondyle as assessed by LEI and the posterior superior iliac spine as assessed by MASES. Multivariate analysis indicated that the number of actively inflamed joints and Thai-HAQ score at the initial evaluation were significantly associated with the presence of enthesitis. The main rheumatic manifestations of CHIKV infection were arthritis/arthralgia, with enthesitis as a prominent extraarticular feature. CHIKV infection can cause enthesitis at peripheral and axial sites. We found that enthesitis was associated with a high number of inflamed joints and reduced physical function. These results indicate that the assessment of enthesitis should be considered when monitoring disease activity and as a treatment response parameter in CHIKV-infected patients.
Suitability of IgG responses to multiple Plasmodium falciparum antigens as markers of transmission intensity and pattern
Authors: Kyei-Baafour Eric , Oppong Mavis , Kusi Kwadwo Asamoah , Frempong Abena Fremaah , Aculley Belinda , Arthur Fareed K. N. , Tiendrebeogo Regis Wendpayangde , Singh Susheel K. , Theisen Michael , Kweku Margaret , Adu Bright , Hviid Lars , Ofori Michael Fokuo
Published: April 2021

Detection of antibody reactivity to appropriate, specific parasite antigens may constitute a sensitive and cost-effective alternative to current tools to monitor malaria transmission across different endemicity settings. This study aimed to determine the suitability of IgG responses to a number of P. falciparum antigens as markers of transmission intensity and pattern. Antibody responses to multiple malaria antigens were determined in 905 participants aged 1–12 years from three districts with low (Keta), medium (Hohoe) and high (Krachi) transmission intensity in the Volta region of Ghana. Blood film microscopy slides and dry blood spots (DBS) were obtained for parasitaemia detection and antibody measurement, respectively. Sera were eluted from DBS and levels of IgG specific for 10 malaria antigens determined by a multiplex assay. Results were compared within and among the districts. Total IgG responses to MSPDBL1, MSPDBLLeucine, MSP2-FC27, RAMA, and PfRh2a and PfRh2b were higher in Krachi than in Hohoe and Keta. Seroprevalence of IgG specific for MSPDBLLeucine, RON4, and PfRh2b were also highest in Krachi. Responses to RALP-1, PfRh2a and PfRh2b were associated with patent but asymptomatic parasitaemia in Keta, while responses to MSPDBL1, MSPDBLLeucine, MSP2-FC27, RAMA, Rh2-2030, and PfRh2b were associated with parasite carriage in Hohoe, but not in Krachi. Using ROC analysis, only PfRh2b was found to predict patent, but asymptomatic, parasitaemia in Keta and Hohoe. Antibody breadth correlated positively with age (r = 0.29, p<0.0001) and parasitaemia (β = 3.91; CI = 1.53 to 6.29), and medium to high transmission (p<0.0001). Our findings suggest differences in malaria-specific antibody responses across the three transmission zones and that PfRh2b has potential as a marker of malaria transmission intensity and pattern. This could have implications for malaria control programs and vaccine trials.
Psychometric properties of a screening tool for autism in the community—The Indian Autism Screening Questionnaire (IASQ)
Authors: Chakraborty Satabdi , Bhatia Triptish , Sharma Vikas , Antony Nitin , Das Dhritishree , Sahu Sushree , Sharma Satyam , Shriharsh Vandana , Brar Jaspreet S. , Iyengar Satish , Singh Ravinder , Nimgaonkar Vishwajit L. , Deshpande Smita Neelkanth
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Currently available screening questionnaires for Autism spectrum disorders were tested in developed countries, but many require additional training and many are unsuitable for older individuals, thus reducing their utility in lower/ middle- income countries. We aimed to derive a simplified questionnaire that could be used to screen persons in India.

Methods

We have previously validated Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism (ISAA), that is now mandated for disability assessment by the Government of India. This detailed tool requires intensive training and it is time consuming. It was used to derive a new screening questionnaire: 1) items most frequently scored as positive by participants with autism in original ISAA validation study were modified for binary scoring following expert review. 2) In a new sample, clinically diagnosed individuals with/without autism were administered the screening tool and ISAA following written informed consent. Its psychometric properties were determined.

Results

A 10-item scale named Indian Autism Screening Questionnaire (IASQ) was prepared in Hindi and English. Thereafter 145 parents/caregivers of participants (autism, n = 90, other psychiatric disorders, n = 55) (ages 3–18), were administered IASQ and ISAA (parents/caregivers plus observation) by separate interviewers, blind to each other and to diagnosis. At a cutoff of 1, sensitivity was 99%, specificity 62%, Positive Predictive Value 81%, and Negative Predictive Value 95%. Test-retest reliability was r = 0.767 (CI = 0.62–0.86) and interrater reliability- Krippendorff”s-alpha was 0.872. The area under Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC) was 95%. There was a significant difference on IASQ-scores between participants with and without a clinical diagnosis of Autism (t = 14.57, p<0.0001).

Discussion

The IASQ is a simple, easy to use screening tool with satisfactory reliability and validity, that can be administered to caregivers in 15 minutes and provides information about DSM 5 criteria for autism. It may be applicable outside India, following additional adaptation, for community-based studies.
Assessment of salivary pro inflammatory cytokines profile level in patients treated with labial and lingual fixed orthodontic appliances
Authors: Baeshen Hosam Ali
Published: April 2021

The secretions of certain cytokines, chemokines and growth factors are triggered by orthodontic appliances, which often affect the remodelling of periodontal tissues. Critical cumulative forces are applied by various types of orthodontic appliances to the periodontium. The secretion of such molecules is probably responsible, through molecular and cellular communications, for the optimal resorption of hard tissues in the periodontal setting, which therefore enables the coordination of multiple movements of tooth. This study assessed and compared a wide range of cytokines, cellular marker analysis and defensins present in the saliva samples of human subjected to orthodontic treatment with two different treatment modalities, i.e., conventional lingual and labial fixed orthodontic appliances. A total 40 samples of saliva were obtained, of which 20 were treated with traditional lingual appliances and 20 were treated with labial fixed appliances. After 21 days of treatment, all salivary samples were collected from the subjects. In order to analyse a broad range of soluble cytokine levels in saliva by flow cytometry, a bead-based immunoassay was performed. Cell surface markers were analysed by flow cytometry. Protein levels of saliva for defensins were quantified by ELISA. Non-significant differences were observed in the cytokine levels in the saliva except for the significant effects for CCL2, IL-17A and IL-6. Cellular markers CD45 and CD326 showed high percentage in conventional lingual samples. Defensin levels were found to be lower in conventional lingual patients. Subjects with conventional lingual appliances had significantly higher salivary protein levels of IL-1β, CCL2, IL17A, and IL-6, higher CD45+ and CD326+ cells and lower defensin levels than subjects with fixed labial appliances. The current study provided a clear basis for the development of innovative methods to aid in the improvement of various procedural treatments and orthodontic equipment of next generation.
SARS-CoV-2 testing strategy: A comparison of restricted and extended strategies in a Swiss outpatient cohort from the community and hospital employees
Authors: Baggio Stéphanie , Spechbach Hervé , Vernaz Nathalie , Guessous Idris , Gétaz Laurent , Kaiser Laurent , Chappuis François , Salamun Julien , Jacquerioz Frédérique
Published: April 2021

Background

Testing is a key measure to control the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Here, we empirically compared two SARS-CoV-2 testing strategies.

Methods

We used data from a Swiss single-centre, outpatient cohort study (n = 6,331 test results). A “restricted” strategy was applied to individuals with respiratory symptoms and/or fever and selected risk factors, or an epidemiological link and an “extended” strategy included any clinical symptoms without restriction, irrespective of risk factors and exposure. Data on infection, symptoms, viral load were collected during the first wave (March 11-April 21, 2020) and patients were followed up for clinical complications and hospitalisations until August 31, 2020.

Findings

Infection, clinical complications, and hospitalisation rates were lower for those in the extended strategy compared with the restricted strategy (17.2% vs. 25.0%, 12.3% vs. 20.8%, and 0.7% vs. 2.3%). In the whole cohort, participants included in the extended strategy had a lower number of symptoms (3.51 vs. 4.57; p < .001) and visits occurred earlier after symptom onset (0–3 days: 59.2% vs. 44.2%; p < .001). Among positive cases, the viral load was higher for the extended strategy (p < .001).

Conclusions

These findings highlighted the crucial importance to implement a widespread testing strategy to achieve a better understanding of the infection, to mount an effective control response, by capturing people when their viral load is highest. A widespread test strategy should be available without barriers to help break the chains of transmission.
Antimicrobial use through consumption of medicated feeds in chicken flocks in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam: A three-year study before a ban on antimicrobial growth promoters
Authors: Cuong Nguyen Van , Kiet Bach Tuan , Hien Vo Be , Truong Bao Dinh , Phu Doan Hoang , Thwaites Guy , Choisy Marc , Carrique-Mas Juan
Published: April 2021

Antimicrobials are included in commercial animal feed rations in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We measured antimicrobial use (AMU) in commercial feed products consumed by 338 small-scale chicken flocks in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, before a gradual nationwide ban on prophylactic use of antimicrobials (including in commercial feeds) to be introduced in the country over the coming five years. We inspected the labels of commercial feeds and calculated amounts of antimicrobial active ingredients (AAIs) given to flocks. We framed these results in the context of overall AMU in chicken production, and highlighted those products that did not comply with Government regulations. Thirty-five of 99 (35.3%) different antimicrobial-containing feed products included at least one AAI. Eight different AAIs (avilamycin, bacitracin, chlortetracycline, colistin, enramycin, flavomycin, oxytetracycline, virginamycin) belonging to five classes were identified. Brooding feeds contained antimicrobials the most (60.0%), followed by grower (40.9%) and finisher feeds (20.0%). Quantitatively, chlortetracycline was consumed most (42.2 mg/kg SEM ±0.34; 50.0% of total use), followed by enramycin (18.4 mg/kg SEM ±0.03, 21.8%), bacitracin (16.4 mg/kg SEM ±0.20, 19.4%) and colistin (6.40 mg/kg SEM ± 4.21;7.6%). Other antimicrobials consumed were virgianamycin, avilamycin, flavomycin and oxytetracycline (each ≤0.50 mg/kg). Antimicrobials in commercial feeds were more commonly given to flocks in the earlier part of the production cycle. A total of 10 (9.3%) products were not compliant with existing Vietnamese regulation (06/2016/TT-BNNPTNT) either because they included a non-authorised AAI (4), had AAIs over the permitted limits (4), or both (2). A number of commercial feed formulations examined included colistin (polymyxin E), a critically important antimicrobial of highest priority for human medicine. These results illustrate the challenges for effective implementation and enforcement of restrictions of antimicrobials in commercial feeds in LMICs. Results from this study should help encourage discussion about policies on medicated feeds in LMICs.
Injury deaths in Australian sport and recreation: Identifying and assessing priorities for prevention
Authors: Fortington Lauren V. , McIntosh Andrew S. , Finch Caroline F.
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Sport and recreation is beneficial for health and wellbeing but comes with a probability of loss, including occasional fatal injuries. Following high-profile injury deaths in Australia, concerns are raised regarding the safety of sport participation. To understand the scale and scope of injury deaths, and identify potential prevention opportunities, the aim of this investigation was to describe the number and nature of fatal injuries in Australian sport and recreation.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of injury deaths reported between 1 July 2000 to 31 December 2019 using data from the National Coronial Information System, Australia. Unintentional deaths with an external cause, where the activity was recorded as sport and exercise during leisure time were included. Drowning deaths were excluded. Presented are the number and % of cases by age, sex, sport, broad cause and annual crude death rate (population).

Results

There were 1192 deaths, averaging 63 per year. Deaths were mostly in males (84.4%), with the largest proportion in people aged 15–24 years (23.1%). Wheeled motor (26.9%) and non-motor (16.2%) sports accounted for the highest proportion of cases. The primary mechanism of death was most commonly blunt force (85.4%), followed by piercing/penetrating force (5.0%). The years 2001 and 2005 recorded the highest crude injury death rate (2001, n = 92, 0.47 per 100,000 population; 2005, n = 95, 0.47 per 100,000 population).

Conclusions

On average, there is more than one injury death per week in a sport or recreation setting in Australia. Cases occurred in many sports and recreation activities, including those generally considered to be safe (e.g. individual athletic activities, team ball sports.) Detailed investigation of the coronial recommendations that are present within each case is now needed to understand and identify potential prevention opportunities.
Inoculation of pear flowers with Metschnikowia reukaufii and Acinetobacter nectaris enhances attraction of honeybees and hoverflies, but does not increase fruit and seed set
Authors: Colda Agneta , Bossaert Sofie , Verreth Christel , Vanhoutte Bart , Honnay Olivier , Keulemans Wannes , Lievens Bart
Published: April 2021

Currently, one of the most important challenges is to provide sufficient and affordable food and energy for a fast-growing world population, alongside preserving natural habitats and maintaining biodiversity. About 35% of the global food production depends on animals for pollination. In recent years, an alarming worldwide decline in pollinators has been reported, putting our food production under additional pressure. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find sustainable ways to ensure this crucial ecosystem service. Recent studies have shown that floral nectar is generally colonized by microorganisms, specifically yeasts and bacteria, which may alter nectar chemistry and enhance attraction of pollinators. In this study, we investigated changes in pollinator foraging behavior and pollination success in European pear (Pyrus communis L.) cultivars ‘Regal Red’ and ‘Sweet Sensation’ (red sports of ‘Doyenné de Comice’) after flower inoculation with the typical nectar-inhabiting microorganisms Metschnikowia reukaufii and Acinetobacter nectaris, and a combination of both. Pollination success was monitored by measuring the number of flower visits, fruit set and seed set in two consecutive years, 2019 and 2020. Results revealed that application of a mixture of M. reukaufii and A. nectaris resulted in significantly higher visitation rates of honeybees and hoverflies. By contrast, no effects on flower visits were found when yeasts and bacteria were applied separately. Fruit set and seed set were not significantly affected by any of the inoculation treatments. The only factors affecting fruit set were initial number of flower clusters on the trees and the year. The absence of treatment effects can most likely be attributed to the fact that pollination was not a limiting factor for fruit set in our experiments. Altogether, our results show that inoculation of flowers with nectar microbes can modify pollinator foraging patterns, but did not lead to increased pollination success under the conditions tested.
Key factors involved in reduction of damage to sunflower by the European sunflower moth in China through late planting
Authors: Cheng Yunxia , Sappington Thomas W. , Luo Lizhi , Liu Chenguang , Wang Yongjun , Liu Shuangping , Zhang Zongze , Wang Lijun , Jiang Xingfu
Published: April 2021

The European sunflower moth, Homoesoma nebulellum (Denis et Schiffermüller), emerged as a major new pest in Bayannur, China, in 2006. Insecticidal control with a single application is problematic because timing is critical, and multiple applications increase production and environmental costs. Management of H. nebulellum by planting date adjustment can be effective, but the optimal time window for late planting is unknown. Natural levels of H. nebulellum infestation were compared among sunflowers planted on five dates from April 25 to June 5 in two years, and the relationship between timing of adult abundance and flowering assessed. Delaying planting of sunflower from the traditional planting period of April 25 –May 5 to May 15 –June 5 significantly decreased damage by H. nebulellum. Seed infestation rate was 30–40 times higher, and number of larvae/head 75–100 times higher in the earliest two plantings than in the latest two. Within two years of implementing delayed planting in Bayannur city, infestation area decreased from 72% in 2006 to 1.5% in 2008, and production losses decreased from 4.5 ton/ha in 2006 to 0.36 ton/ha in 2008, a 97% decrease compared to 2006. Moreover, the infestation area caused by H. nebulellum was continuously controlled below 5.3% of the planting area since 2008. We found the overlap between the first two days of flowering and peak adult presence was the key factor influencing level of damage caused by H. nebulellum. Because the number of eggs laid in the first two days of flowering accounted for 68% of the total, and sunflower seed infestation rate was positively correlated with the number of trapped adults weighted by proportion of daily oviposition. Oviposition of the majority of eggs in the first two days of flowering suggests an evolutionary mechanism whereby females choose host plants most conducive to larval development, consistent with the preference-performance hypothesis.
The role of foreign technologies and R&D in innovation processes within catching-up CEE countries
Authors: Prokop Viktor , Stejskal Jan , Klimova Viktorie , Zitek Vladimir
Published: April 2021

Prior research showed that there is a growing consensus among researchers, which point out a key role of external knowledge sources such as external R&D and technologies in enhancing firms´ innovation. However, firms´ from catching-up Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries have already shown in the past that their innovation models differ from those applied, for example, in Western Europe. This study therefore introduces a novel two-staged model combining artificial neural networks and random forests to reveal the importance of internal and external factors influencing firms´ innovation performance in the case of 3,361 firms from six catching-up CEE countries (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania), by using the World Banks´ Enterprise Survey data from 2019. We confirm the hypothesis that innovators in the catching-up CEE countries depend more on internal knowledge sources and, moreover, that participation in the firms groups represents an important factor of firms´ innovation. Surprisingly, we reject the hypothesis that foreign technologies are a crucial source of external knowledge. This study contributes to the theories of open innovation and absorptive capacity in the context of selected CEE countries and provides several practical implications for firms.
Effects of climate changes and road exposure on the rapidly rising legionellosis incidence rates in the United States
Authors: Han Xiang Y.
Published: April 2021

Legionellosis is an infection acquired through inhalation of aerosols that are contaminated with environmental bacteria Legionella spp. The bacteria require warm temperature for proliferation in bodies of water and moist soil. The legionellosis incidence in the United States has been rising rapidly in the past two decades without a clear explanation. In the meantime, the US has recorded consecutive years of above-norm temperature since 1997 and precipitation surplus since 2008. The present study analyzed the legionellosis incidence in the US during the 20-year period of 1999 to 2018 and correlated with concurrent temperature, precipitation, solar ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, and vehicle mileage data. The age-adjusted legionellosis incidence rates rose exponentially from 0.40/100,000 in 1999 (with 1108 cases) to 2.69/100,000 in 2018 (with 9933 cases) at a calculated annual increase of 110%. In regression analyses, the rise correlated with an increase in vehicle miles driven and with temperature and precipitation levels that have been above the 1901–2000 mean since 1997 and 2008, respectively, suggesting more road exposure to traffic-generated aerosols and promotive effects of anomalous climate. Remarkably, the regressions with cumulative anomalies of temperature and precipitation were robust (R2 ≥ 0.9145, P ≤ 4.7E-11), implying possible changes to microbial ecology in the terrestrial and aquatic environments. An interactive synergy between annual precipitation and vehicle miles was also found in multiple regressions. Meanwhile, the bactericidal UVB radiation has been decreasing, which also contributed to the rising incidence in an inverse correlation. The 2018 legionellosis incidence peak corresponded to cumulative effects of the climate anomalies, vast vehicle miles (3,240 billion miles, 15904 km per capita), record high precipitation (880.1 mm), near record low UVB radiation (7488 kJ/m2), and continued above-norm temperature (11.96°C). These effects were examined and demonstrated in California, Florida, New Jersey, Ohio, and Wisconsin, states that represent diverse incidence rates and climates. The incidence and above-norm temperature both rose most in cold Wisconsin. These results suggest that warming temperature and precipitation surplus have likely elevated the density of Legionella bacteria in the environment, and together with road exposure explain the rapidly rising incidence of legionellosis in the United States. These trends are expected to continue, warranting further research and efforts to prevent infection.
Does increasing social presence enhance the effectiveness of writing explanations?
Authors: Jacob Leonie , Lachner Andreas , Scheiter Katharina
Published: April 2021

Writing explanations has demonstrated to be less effective than providing oral explanations, as writing triggers less amounts of perceived social presence during explaining. In this study, we investigated whether increasing social presence during writing explanations would aid learning. University students (N = 137) read an instructional text about immunology; their subsequent task depended on experimental condition. Students either explained the contents to a fictitious peer orally, wrote their explanations in a text editor, or wrote them in a messenger chat, which was assumed to induce higher levels of social presence. A control group retrieved the material. Surprisingly, we did not obtain any differences in learning outcomes between experimental conditions. Interestingly, explaining was more effortful, enjoyable, and interesting than retrieving. This study shows that solely inducing social presence does not improve learning from writing explanations. More importantly, the findings underscore the importance of cognitive and motivational conditions during learning activities.
Mental health difficulties, coping mechanisms and support systems among school-going adolescents in Ghana: A mixed-methods study
Authors: Addy Noella Dufie , Agbozo Faith , Runge-Ranzinger Silvia , Grys Pauline
Published: April 2021

Background

Although adolescents are highly vulnerable to mental health challenges, they receive little attention, especially in developing countries. We investigated the mental health difficulties (MHDs) faced by adolescent students in four senior high schools in Ghana, their coping strategies and support systems.

Methods

In this convergent mixed-methods study, quantitative data was obtained using validated strengths and difficulties questionnaire to assess the mental health of 405 adolescents. Qualitative data was collected through in-depth interview with 18 teachers and seven focused group discussions with 35 students. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) for MHDs were estimated through ordinal logistic regression in Stata 14.2. Qualitative data was analyzed inductively and deductively using ATLAS.ti 7.1.

Results

Over half (58.5%) experienced peer (20.5%), emotional (16.3%), conduct (13.3%) and hyperactivity (3.0%) problems, whereas 5.4% exhibited prosocial behaviours. MHDs were associated with females (OR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.47–3.50), bullying (OR = 1.72, CI: 1.07–2.75), domestic violence (OR = 1.87, CI: 1.10–3.17), substance abuse (OR = 8.14, CI: 1.41–46.8), academic pressure (OR = 2.40, CI: 1.30–4.42) and self-perceived poor school performance (OR = 7.36 CI: 2.83–19.16). Qualitatively, we identified financial challenges, spiritual influences, intimate relationships, bullying, and domestic violence as the main themes attributed to MHDs. Coping strategies included isolation, substance use and spiritual help. The main school-based support system was the guidance and counselling unit, but there were complaints of it been ineffective due to trust and confidentially issues, and non-engagement of qualified counsellors.

Conclusions

As many triggers of MHDs emanate in schools, we need mental health-friendly school environments where trained psychotherapists head counselling centres. We propose incorporating mental health education into school curricula and generating surveillance data on adolescent’s mental health.
“Am I representative (of my age)? No, I’m not”—Attitudes to technologies and technology development differ but unite individuals across rather than within generations
Authors: Fristedt Sofi , Svärdh Samantha , Löfqvist Charlotte , Schmidt Steven M. , Iwarsson Susanne
Published: April 2021

While a broad spectrum of technologies is integrated in everyday life and routines, most research on ageing, health and technology has focused on attitudes toward and adoption of digital technologies including e-health, or home based monitoring systems. The aim of this study was to explore differences and similarities in attitudes and experiences with different types of technologies and development within and between three generations. We applied a qualitative, descriptive design and recruited a purposeful sample of participants from three generations (30–39, 50–59, 70–79 year old). The 25 participants took part in 3 x 2 focus groups. Forming four categories, the findings show that technologies enable as well as complicate everyday life. Participants expressed trust as well as uncertainty about risks when using technology and stated that use of digital services is required while support is limited. They identified that technology development is inevitable but not always in the service of users. In conclusion, experiences of and attitudes towards technologies and technology development are not limited to generation; perspectives sometimes unite individuals across rather than within generations. Thus future technologies and technology development, as well as services and policies aiming to support the use of said technologies should consider individual user perspectives including needs, desires, beliefs or goals neglected in the existing technology models, and involve users beyond generations defined by chronological age. Such strategies are likely to be more successful in supporting development of technologies usable for all.
Optimizing the P balance: How do modern maize hybrids react to different starter fertilizers?
Authors: Weiß Thea Mi , Leiser Willmar L. , Reineke Alice-J. , Li Dongdong , Liu Wenxin , Hahn Volker , Würschum Tobias
Published: April 2021

Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient for plants, but also a limited resource worldwide. Strict regulations for fertilizer applications in the European Union are a consequence of the negative environmental effects in case of improper use. Maize is typically grown with the application of P starter fertilizer, which, however, might be reduced or even omitted if suitable varieties were available. This study was performed with the 20 commercially most important maize hybrids in Germany evaluated in multi-location field trials with the aim to investigate the potential to breed for high-performing maize hybrids under reduced P starter fertilizer. At the core location, three starter fertilizers with either phosphate (triple superphosphate, TSP), ammonium nitrate (calcium ammonium nitrate, CAN), or a combination of ammonium and phosphate (diammonium phosphate, DAP) were evaluated relative to a control and traits from youth development to grain yield were assessed. Significant differences were mainly observed for the DAP starter fertilizer, which was also reflected in a yield increase of on average +0.67 t/ha (+5.34%) compared to the control. Correlations among the investigated traits varied with starter fertilizer, but the general trends remained. As expected, grain yield was negatively correlated with grain P concentration, likely due to a dilution effect. Importantly, the genotype-by-starter fertilizer interaction was always non-significant in the multi-location analysis. This indicates that best performing genotypes can be identified irrespective of the starter fertilizer. Taken together, our results provide valuable insights regarding the potential to reduce starter fertilizers in maize cultivation as well as for breeding maize for P efficiency under well-supplied conditions.
Prognostic impact of early adjunctive corticosteroid therapy in non-HIV oncology or haematology patients with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia: A propensity score analysis
Authors: Assal Mehdi , Lambert Jérôme , Chow-Chine Laurent , Bisbal Magali , Servan Luca , Gonzalez Frederic , de Guibert Jean Manuel , Faucher Marion , Vey Norbert , Sannini Antoine , Mokart Djamel
Published: April 2021

Purpose

While early adjunctive corticosteroid therapy (EACST) has been proven effective in HIV patients with Pneumocystis Jirovecii Pneumonia (PJP), data remains controversial concerning non-HIV oncology or haematology patients.

Methods

This retrospective study included cancer patients without HIV and with diagnosis of PJP admitted in a cancer referral centre, from January-1-2010 to March-31-2017. We compared 30-day and 1-year mortality rate, change in the respiratory item of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score(SOFA-resp worsening), use of tracheal intubation between day-1 and day-5 of anti-pneumocystis therapy and occurrence of coinfections between patients with EACST and those with no or late corticosteroid therapy, using an inverse probability weighting propensity score-based (IPW) analysis.

Results

133 non-HIV oncology or haematology PJP patients were included (EACST n = 58, others n = 75). The main underlying conditions were haematological malignancies (n = 107, 80,5%), solid tumour (n = 27, 20,3%) and allogeneic stem cell transplantation (n = 17, 12,8%). Overall 30-day and 1-year mortality rate was 24,1% and 56,4%, respectively. IPW analysis found no difference on 30-day (HR = 1.45, 95% CI [0.7–3.04], p = 0.321) and 1-year (HR = 1.25, CI 95% [0.75–2.09], p = 0.39) mortality rate between groups.

Conclusion

No difference in SOFA-resp worsening, tracheal intubation and coinfections was found between groups. Combination of EACST with anti-pneumocystis therapy in non-HIV onco-haematology PJP-patients was not associated with clinical improvement.
Apoptosis-related gene expression induced by Colombian propolis samples in canine osteosarcoma cell line
Authors: Pardo-Mora Dolly Patricia , Murillo Oscar Julián , Rey-Buitrago Mauricio , Losada-Barragán Mónica , Uribe Jaime Fabian Cruz , Santiago Karina Basso , Conti Bruno José , Cardoso Eliza de Oliveira , Conte Fernanda Lopes , Gutiérrez Rafael María , García Orlando Torres , Sforcin José Maurício
Published: April 2021

Background and Aim: Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common bone tumor in canines and humans. This study aimed to assess the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of Colombian propolis samples on a canine OSA cell line (OSCA-8) by evaluating the expression of BCL-2, BAX, CASPASE 9, CASPASE 8, and TNFR1 genes involved in the apoptosis pathway.

Materials and Methods: After treating the cells with five Colombian propolis samples (Usm, Met, Fus, Sil, and Caj), we evaluated cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Early and late apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry using annexin V/propidium iodide. Furthermore, the effects of three selected samples on gene expression were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results: The Colombian propolis samples reduced OSCA-8 cell viability and increased LDH release. All samples induced apoptosis significantly and upregulated BCL-2 and CASPASE 8 expression. Usm and Sil increased BAX expression, Met and Sil induced CASPASE 9 expression, and Usm increased TNFR1.

Conclusion: Colombian propolis samples exhibited cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on canine OSA cells, and CASPASE 8 upregulation indicated apoptosis induction by the extrinsic pathway.
EMT and Political Reform Effects on Chinese Markets: A Literature Review
Authors: Gallo Luigi
Published: April 2021

The objective of this paper is to analyse the literature on and the evolution of the analysis of Chinese financial markets over time. Seven papers, based mainly on Efficient Market Theory (Fama, 1998) and the correlation between different markets, published in the years 1999-2019, have been selected and compared as they analyse data taken from the Shenzhen and Shanghai markets.
Covid19, lesson at vulnerability at Tacna – Perú: “The role of education at management risk in to building resilient communities at natural events”.
Authors: Osorio Soto Gary Martín , Moreno Guzmán Diego
Published: April 2021

Abstract: The present article, it’s a descriptive study, about the circumstances and conditions of Sendai Framework implementation by de Disaster Risk Reduction and the application of Sustainable Development Goals (ODS) at enforcement to build resilient communities to disruptive events by natural origin at Tacna – Perú, in to world health emergency by the Covid19 pandemic. And the new – future social, environmental and sanitary stage, therefore to determine a new social and governance dynamic. Accordingly, to promote a new method to comprehension at risk scene and determinate to requirement to implementation a better reduction risk education in to community, to purpose a enhance the governance indicators; make a sustainable communities and strong institution by mean of transversal a interinstitutional alliances as for get accomplishment integral reduction risk goals and enforcement to vulnerability communities at Tacna – Perú.
OTIMIZAÇÃO DO MONITORAMENTO DA VAZÃO DAS TORRES DE PIVÔ CENTRAL DE IRRIGAÇÃO POR INVERSOR DE FREQUÊNCIA VIA WEB
Authors: Carmo Ingredy Gabriela Gomes , Medeiros Antônio Marcos de Melo
Published: April 2021

A água é abundantemente encontrada em nosso planeta e é amplamente utilizada na agricultura para fornecer a irrigação correta a todos os tipos de culturas. Monitorar e controlar seu fluxo são de grande importância para evitar desperdícios. Devido a sua flexibilidade, desempenho e facilidade de operação, as torres centrais de irrigação são utilizadas para irrigação agrícola em grande extensão. Este artigo propõe simular um sistema automatizado, que pode ser implementado em sistemas de irrigação a pivô central. O sistema foi capaz de coletar dados em tempo real e exibi-los em uma plataforma online, permitindo ao usuário ligar ou desligar o sistema desde que esteja conectado à internet. Embora os sistemas de irrigação a pivô central possam ter muitas qualidades, uma preocupação é seu uso de energia, que pode aumentar o custo de produção e, para isso, este trabalho também explicou a importância do uso de inversores de frequência no sistema a fim de reduzir o consumo de energia.
PLATAFORMA EDUCACIONAL PARA ANÁLISE DE VIBRAÇÃO E DIAGNÓSTICO EM MOTORES ELÉTRICOS
Authors: Souza e Silva Willian Félix , Bessa Leão Pedro Arthur , de Almeida Maristela Costa Rezende , Ferreira Efrem
Published: April 2021

– O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar o desenvolvimento de uma interface em Matlab para análise de vibrações de motores elétricos. Através dessa interface, pode-se simular sinais com frequências específicas de problemas dos motores. Pode-se também analisar arquivos gerados por dispositivos de medições como acelerômetros. Através da ferramenta, é possível visualizar as formas de onda no domínio do tempo e da frequência e detectar possíveis componentes de frequências características dos defeitos dos motores. Também é possível visualizar as formas de onda após correções dos problemas encontrados. Além disso, a ferramenta permite a aplicação de filtros sobre o sinal assim como analisar o comportamento do filtro.
ESTABELECENDO UM PARALELO TEÓRICO ENTRE CONTAINERS E WEBASSEMBLY
Authors: RODRIGUES VICTORIA MARIA VELOSO , Cecília Carneiro e Silva Cecília , da Cunha Márcio José , da Silva Ronaldo Pires
Published: April 2021

O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar o método virtualização e desacoplamento de softwares não baseados em web utilizando WebAssembly por meio de uma comparação com a tecnologia mais utilizada atualmente no mercado, Containers. Estratégias e ferramentas utilizadas por ambas para assegurar necessidades básicas de máquinas virtuais, como portabilidade e segurança, são discutidas. E finalmente, conclui-se como, apesar de ainda ser uma tecnologia imatura, WebAssembly pode se estabelecer como opção viável para virtualização em um futuro próximo.