bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelets-to-lymphocyte ratio, and eosinophils correlation with high-resolution computer tomography severity score in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Man Milena Adina , Rajnoveanu Ruxandra-Mioara , Motoc Nicoleta Stefania , Bondor Cosmina Ioana , Chis Ana Florica , Lesan Andrei , Puiu Ruxandra , Lucaciu Sergiu-Remus , Dantes Elena , Gergely-Domokos Bianca , Fira-Mladinescu Ovidiu
Published: June 2021

Inflammation has an important role in the progression of various viral pneumonia, including COVID-19. Circulating biomarkers that can evaluate inflammation and immune status are potentially useful in diagnosing and prognosis of COVID-19 patients. Even more so when they are a part of the routine evaluation, chest CT could have even higher diagnostic accuracy than RT-PCT alone in a suggestive clinical context. This study aims to evaluate the correlation between inflammatory markers such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelets-to-lymphocytes ratio (PLR), and eosinophils with the severity of CT lesions in patients with COVID-19. The second objective was to seek a statically significant cut-off value for NLR and PLR that could suggest COVID-19. Correlation of both NLR and PLR with already established inflammatory markers such as CRP, ESR, and those specific for COVID-19 (ferritin, D-dimers, and eosinophils) were also evaluated. One hundred forty-nine patients with confirmed COVID-19 disease and 149 age-matched control were evaluated through blood tests, and COVID-19 patients had thorax CT performed. Both NLR and PLR correlated positive chest CT scan severity. Both NLR and PLR correlated positive chest CT scan severity. When NLR value is below 5.04, CT score is lower than 3 with a probability of 94%, while when NLR is higher than 5.04, the probability of severe CT changes is only 50%. For eosinophils, a value of 0.35% corresponds to chest CT severity of 2 (Se = 0.88, Sp = 0.43, AUC = 0.661, 95% CI (0.544; 0.779), p = 0.021. NLR and PLR had significantly higher values in COVID-19 patients. In our study a NLR = 2.90 and PLR = 186 have a good specificity (0.89, p = 0.001, respectively 0.92, p<0.001). Higher levels in NLR, PLR should prompt the clinician to prescribe a thorax CT as it could reveal important lesions that could influence the patient’s future management.
Replication of machine learning methods to predict treatment outcome with antidepressant medications in patients with major depressive disorder from STAR*D and CAN-BIND-1
Authors: Nunez John-Jose , Nguyen Teyden T. , Zhou Yihan , Cao Bo , Ng Raymond T. , Chen Jun , Frey Benicio N. , Milev Roumen , Müller Daniel J. , Rotzinger Susan , Soares Claudio N. , Uher Rudolf , Kennedy Sidney H. , Lam Raymond W.
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Antidepressants are first-line treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD), but 40–60% of patients will not respond, hence, predicting response would be a major clinical advance. Machine learning algorithms hold promise to predict treatment outcomes based on clinical symptoms and episode features. We sought to independently replicate recent machine learning methodology predicting antidepressant outcomes using the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) dataset, and then externally validate these methods to train models using data from the Canadian Biomarker Integration Network in Depression (CAN-BIND-1) dataset.

Methods

We replicated methodology from Nie et al (2018) using common algorithms based on linear regressions and decision trees to predict treatment-resistant depression (TRD, defined as failing to respond to 2 or more antidepressants) in the STAR*D dataset. We then trained and externally validated models using the clinical features found in both datasets to predict response (≥50% reduction on the Quick Inventory for Depressive Symptomatology, Self-Rated [QIDS-SR]) and remission (endpoint QIDS-SR score ≤5) in the CAN-BIND-1 dataset. We evaluated additional models to investigate how different outcomes and features may affect prediction performance.

Results

Our replicated models predicted TRD in the STAR*D dataset with slightly better balanced accuracy than Nie et al (70%-73% versus 64%-71%, respectively). Prediction performance on our external methodology validation on the CAN-BIND-1 dataset varied depending on outcome; performance was worse for response (best balanced accuracy 65%) compared to remission (77%). Using the smaller set of features found in both datasets generally improved prediction performance when evaluated on the STAR*D dataset.

Conclusion

We successfully replicated prior work predicting antidepressant treatment outcomes using machine learning methods and clinical data. We found similar prediction performance using these methods on an external database, although prediction of remission was better than prediction of response. Future work is needed to improve prediction performance to be clinically useful.
Harnessing digital technology to improve agricultural productivity?
Authors: Subramanian Arjunan
Published: June 2021

Can improving access to mobile extension improve agricultural productivity? Recent evidence suggests both significant and insignificant ways in which SMS-based agricultural information could affect farming outcomes. It is unclear if variations in the programs’ design or the methodological challenges in evaluating the programs cause wide-ranging impacts. Extension hotline services provide rapid, unambiguous information by agricultural experts over the phone, tailored to time- and crop-specific shocks. Using methods from experimental economics, we randomly distributed the hotline number to generate exogenous variation in the access to farming information. We conducted our study among 300 farmers in the South Indian state of Karnataka. Our results show that eliminating informational inefficiencies increases farmers’ average yields for a high-stakes pigeon pea crop that faced adverse aggregate shock. The impact on the yield is through the adoption of cost-effective and improved farming practices. However, we do not observe any effect on the crops that were not affected by the shock. Our findings reveal that advisory recommendations customized to time- and crop-specific shocks are associated with a greater impact on agricultural productivity.
The h-index is no longer an effective correlate of scientific reputation
Authors: Koltun Vladlen , Hafner David
Published: June 2021

The impact of individual scientists is commonly quantified using citation-based measures. The most common such measure is the h-index. A scientist’s h-index affects hiring, promotion, and funding decisions, and thus shapes the progress of science. Here we report a large-scale study of scientometric measures, analyzing millions of articles and hundreds of millions of citations across four scientific fields and two data platforms. We find that the correlation of the h-index with awards that indicate recognition by the scientific community has substantially declined. These trends are associated with changing authorship patterns. We show that these declines can be mitigated by fractional allocation of citations among authors, which has been discussed in the literature but not implemented at scale. We find that a fractional analogue of the h-index outperforms other measures as a correlate and predictor of scientific awards. Our results suggest that the use of the h-index in ranking scientists should be reconsidered, and that fractional allocation measures such as h-frac provide more robust alternatives.
Target languages, types of activities, engagement, and effectiveness of extramural language learning
Authors: Zhang Ruofei , Zou Di , Cheng Gary , Xie Haoran , Wang Fu Lee , Au Oliver Tat Sheung
Published: June 2021

Since Sundqvist introduced the term “extramural English” in 2009, empirical research on extramural language learning has continued to expand. However, the expanding empirical research has yet yielded incommensurate review studies. To present a timely picture of the field of extramural language learning, this study conducts a review of 33 relevant articles retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science databases. The results showed the five types of target languages frequently investigated in this field (i.e., English, German, French, Chinese, and Japanese) and seven main types of extramural learning activities (i.e., playing digital games, watching videos, reading, listening to audios, having technology-enhanced socialisation, having face-to-face socialisation, and writing compositions). People’s engagement in extramural language learning was overall high, especially listening to audios and playing digital games, mediated by the relationship between the difficulty of the activities and people’s target language proficiency levels, gender, and the interactive environment. Extramural language learning was overall effective for language development and enhancing affective states in language learning. The effectiveness may be influenced by the involvement of language inputs and outputs and the amount of engagement time. Implications for practitioners were suggested concerning encouraging digital gameplay, emphasising formal language instruction, and creating positive interactive environments for extramural language learning.
Nonsterile immunity to cryptosporidiosis in infants is associated with mucosal IgA against the sporozoite and protection from malnutrition
Authors: Kabir Mamun , Alam Masud , Nayak Uma , Arju Tuhinur , Hossain Biplob , Tarannum Rubaiya , Khatun Amena , White Jennifer A. , Ma Jennie Z. , Haque Rashidul , Petri William A. , Gilchrist Carol A.
Published: June 2021

We conducted a longitudinal study of cryptosporidiosis from birth to three years of age in an urban slum of Dhaka Bangladesh. Fecal DNA was extracted from monthly surveillance samples and diarrheal stool samples collected from 392 infants from birth to three years. A pan-Cryptosporidium qPCR assay was used to identify sub-clinical and symptomatic cryptosporidiosis. Anthropometric measurements were collected quarterly to assess child nutritional status. 31% (121/392) of children experienced a single and 57% (222/392) multiple infections with Cryptosporidium. Repeat infections had a lower burden of parasites in the stool (Cq slope = -1.85; p<0.0001) and were more likely to be sub-clinical (Chi square test for trend; p = 0.01). Repeat infections were associated with the development of growth faltering (Pearson correlation = -0.18; p = 0.0004). High levels of fecal IgA antibodies against the Cryptosporidium Cp23 sporozoite protein at one year of life were associated with a delay in reinfection and amelioration of growth faltering through three years of life (HAZ IgA high responders -1.323 ± 0.932 versus HAZ -1.731 ± 0.984 p = 0.0001). We concluded that nonsterile immunity to cryptosporidiosis in young children was associated with high levels of mucosal IgA anti-Cp23 and protection from diarrhea and growth faltering.

Trial Registration: NCT02764918.
The endogenous cellular protease inhibitor SPINT2 controls SARS-CoV-2 viral infection and is associated to disease severity
Authors: Ramirez Alvarez Carlos , Kee Carmon , Sharma Ashwini Kumar , Thomas Leonie , Schmidt Florian I. , Stanifer Megan L. , Boulant Steeve , Herrmann Carl
Published: June 2021

COVID-19 outbreak is the biggest threat to human health in recent history. Currently, there are over 1.5 million related deaths and 75 million people infected around the world (as of 22/12/2020). The identification of virulence factors which determine disease susceptibility and severity in different cell types remains an essential challenge. The serine protease TMPRSS2 has been shown to be important for S protein priming and viral entry, however, little is known about its regulation. SPINT2 is a member of the family of Kunitz type serine protease inhibitors and has been shown to inhibit TMPRSS2. Here, we explored the existence of a co-regulation between SPINT2/TMPRSS2 and found a tightly regulated protease/inhibitor expression balance across tissues. We found that SPINT2 negatively correlates with SARS-CoV-2 expression in Calu-3 and Caco-2 cell lines and was down-regulated in secretory cells from COVID-19 patients. We validated our findings using Calu-3 cell lines and observed a strong increase in viral load after SPINT2 knockdown, while overexpression lead to a drastic reduction of the viral load. Additionally, we evaluated the expression of SPINT2 in datasets from comorbid diseases using bulk and scRNA-seq data. We observed its down-regulation in colon, kidney and liver tumors as well as in alpha pancreatic islets cells from diabetes Type 2 patients, which could have implications for the observed comorbidities in COVID-19 patients suffering from chronic diseases.
Should I stay, or should I go? Migration attitudes after the financial crisis (2014–19) among students from Halabja (KRI)
Authors: Nicola Silvia-Lucretia , Faraj Shahen Mohammed
Published: June 2021

Students from the University of Halabja were asked in a survey conducted in April 2019 about their attitudes towards emigration in the wake of a prolonged financial crisis burdening the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) since 2014. While these students are not yet migrants, researching the reasons for their envisaged migration helps to better understand the challenges they face. Despite a continuous development of its post-secondary education sector, the KRI still struggles with low absorption rates of graduates. At the same time, the KRI exhibits a growing youth bulge, as well as high unemployment levels among its young population. These unfavourable conditions might cause a brain drain, pushing the educated youth to leave the country in search of better financial means, as well as waves of social unrest as seen throughout Iraq and the wider Middle East. First results show that more than half of the surveyed students have considered emigrating. Local job opportunities would, however, diminish their percentage.
Do FDI and domestic investment affect unemployment in MENA countries? Dynamic panel data analysis
Authors: Almula-Dhanoon Mufeed , Abdul-Malik Dhannoon Marwan , Muneer Al-Salman Mohannad , Fadhil Hammadi Mustafa
Published: June 2021

Over recent decades, countries have been competing to attract foreign investments to benefit from the advantages they offer in financing economic development, providing modern technology and effective administrative methods, as well as providing job opportunities. In addition to the problems of financing development, Middle East and North African (MENA) countries experience high unemployment rates. We therefore believe that one way to overcome this issue is to bring in FDI as more investment provides new job opportunities. This article explores the dynamic relationship between FDI and domestic investment (DI) on unemployment in MENA countries using panel data for the period 2003–18. The empirical analysis, based on the Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) model, finds that FDI increases unemployment and domestic investment reduces it. Further, the findings show that the prominent determinant of unemployment rates is corruption.
Petroleum Fiscal Systems, Erik T. Jarlsby and Eduardo G. Pereira (2018)
Authors: Jiyad Ahmed Mousa
Published: June 2021

Review of: Petroleum Fiscal Systems, Erik T. Jarlsby and Eduardo G. Pereira (2018)

Oklahoma, OK: PennWell Books, 471 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-59370-480-3, h/bk, $119
SMART TOURISM DESTINATIONS - A case study of Seoul, South Korea
Authors: Cardoso Isadora Bortolan Fernandes , Ruiz Thays Cristina Domareski
Published: June 2021

The phenomenon of smart destinations is a recent concept in tourism that is still in the construction process. Smart destinations can be understood as places that have created an infrastructure where tourism offers value through personalized experiences using technology. The concept of smart destinations comes from that of smart cities, but it has its own characteristics and individualities. This study presents the characteristics of a smart destination - the city of Seoul, South Korea - as an example of a consolidated model. The research methodology used is exploratory, with a qualitative approach and a case study. The results have shown that Seoul fits the model of a smart destination because it presents key factors, such as: smart support infrastructure (smart systems, ICTs available for everyone to use), integrated governance, sustainability, innovative tourist attractions, and public policies that highlight and integrate technology for the use of both residents and tourists.Â
A PILOT STUDY OF AGE-RELATED CHANGES IN THE SPHINGOLIPID COMPOSITION OF THE RAT SARCOPLASMIC RETICULUM
Authors: RUSS D.W. , NAKAZAWA M. , BOYD I.M.
Published: June 2021

Background: Muscle strength declines more rapidly than muscle size, manifesting as a loss of muscle quality. One putative contributor to this impairment of muscle quality is impaired sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) function. Objectives: The principal objective of this study was to characterize the sphingolipid composition of the SR in adult and aging rat muscles. A secondary, exploratory objective was to test for associations between SR sphingolipids and SR function (i.e., Ca2+ release). Design: Using an animal model, the objectives were evaluated in a pre-clinical, cross-sectional study. Setting: Data were collected in an academic research laboratory. Participants: Medial gastrocnemius muscles of adult (n=8; 7-8 months) and aged (n=8; 24-25 months), male F344/BN hybrid rats were processed to extract SR. Measurements: Sphingolipids in the SR were measured using tandem mass spectrometry. Fatty acid concentrations within the major sphingolipid classes were evaluated via Principal Component Analysis (PCA). In a subset of samples, SR Ca2+ release rates were determined using fluorometric methods, and associations with specific (based on results of PCA) fatty acid concentrations were evaluated. Results: Aging SR showed an overall decline in the ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids. Age-specific differences were observed for hexosylceramide and ceramide-1-phosphate. Within subset of samples with SR Ca2+ release data, a significant negative association between Ca2+ release and C1P18:0 and trends for positive associations with hexCER24:0 and 24:1 were observed. Conclusions: These preliminary, pre-clinical data suggest that changes in SR sphingolipids may play a role in age-related impairment of muscle function. Further work is needed to explore this hypothesis, as SR sphingolipids may prove a fruitful target for interventions, be they physical (i.e., exercise), nutritional or pharmacological.
A problem-based approach in musculoskeletal ultrasonography: heel pain in adults
Authors: Kim Yong Hee , Chai Jee Won , Kim Dong Hyun , Kim Hyo Jin , Seo Jiwoon
Published: June 2021

Musculoskeletal ultrasonography (US) has unique advantages, such as excellent spatial resolution for superficial structures, the capability for dynamic imaging, and the ability for direct correlation and provocation of symptoms. For these reasons, US is increasingly used to evaluate problems in small joints, such as the foot and ankle. However, it is almost impossible to evaluate every anatomic structure within a limited time. Therefore, US examinations can be faster and more efficient if radiologists know where to look and image patients with typical symptoms. In this review, common etiologies of heel pain are discussed in a problem-based manner. Knowing the common pain sources and being familiar with their US findings will help radiologists to perform accurate and effective US examinations.
“Restos da escravidão” e violência cotidiana: conflitos femininos expostos na primeira página da Gazeta de Notícias (1890)
Authors: Magalhães da Silveira Daniela
Published: June 2021

Este artigo aborda a forma pela qual a precariedade da vida de mulheres pobres foi utilizada pela imprensa fluminense, produzida nos primeiros anos após a assinatura da Lei Áurea, para apoiar medidas policiais agressivas e divulgar um modelo de mãe e mulher idealizado pela República que se construía. A partir da análise de colunas publicadas no espaço do noticiário da Gazeta de Notícias ao longo de 1890, investiga as nuances de abordagem proposta por cada articulista, assim como a utilização de recursos caros aos literatos que pretendiam garantir certa fidelização do público leitor. Mostra como, para defender direitos que acreditavam possuir, aquelas mulheres recorreram a tradições e práticas oriundas da escravidão.
“Da acrópole ao morro da Mangueira”: o afro-brasileirismo do samba na polêmica entre Pedro Calmon e José Lins do Rego (1939)
Authors: Gasparotto Lucas André
Published: June 2021

O artigo analisa a polêmica em torno do samba, travada na imprensa carioca entre Pedro Calmon e José Lins do Rego em meados de 1939. O debate ocorre quando Carmen Miranda viaja aos Estados Unidos, acompanhada do Bando da Lua, para realizar uma série de shows que incluía uma temporada na Broadway e apresentações no pavilhão brasileiro montado para a Feira Mundial de Nova York. Carmen e seu grupo levariam uma amostra da cultura brasileira ao maior palco internacional da música, num momento em que diversas nações se reuniriam para mostrar ao mundo sua cultura e seus avanços tecnológicos. Opõem-se, então, Pedro Calmon – historiador da Academia Brasileira de Letras, expoente do classicismo erudito dos autores consagrados e seguidor do determinismo científico racista, herança do século XIX – e José Lins do Rego, um dos nomes do “romance de 30”, adepto da proposta modernista de subversão das letras nacionais e que se colocava como discípulo do “tradicionalismo regionalista” de Gilberto Freyre. Sob o contexto do Estado Novo, quando uma política nacionalista procurava conformar a unidade do país imprimindo uma identidade popular à nação, a polêmica põe em evidência diferentes matrizes explicativas da cultura brasileira.
Agrarian extractivism in Latin America
Authors: Silva Anderson Antonio , Oliveira Karla , Sátiro Guadalupe
Published: June 2021

RESENHA: MCKAY, Ben M., ALONSO-FRADEJAS, Alberto and EZQUERRO-CAÑETE, Arturo. Eds. (2021), Agrarian Extractivism in Latin America. Abingdon, UK: Routledge.
Paradigm Shifts in Geographical Research and Geospatial Applications
Authors: Paul Koyel , Jha Vibhash Chandra
Published: June 2021

Geography enlightened a vast area of social sciences. It consists earth’s land and ocean surface, different landforms and their formation, evolution, sub-surface phenomena, atmosphere and related activities, environment and its attributes, environment as a habitat of living elements as well as a human being and their reciprocal relationships in a very critical and analytical approach.  From the inception of geography as a separate discipline, it evolved through its versatile, comprehensive and holistic nature. Alteration and modification change its nature through space and time. And accordingly, the established paradigm always changed depending on the demand of the geographers. This paper highlighted specifically the paradigm shift in geographical research with special reference to geospatial applications. Geography has two basic aspects,  Pure and  Applied. Recent trend shows that most of the geographical research is focused on the applied field rather than the pure aspects of the subject itself. The most interesting fact is that the applied research is basically depends upon the Geospatial technology. A distinct paradigm shifts have been taking place in both the Geographical Research and the Geospatial Technology through Digitalization.  The large growing population of the world require a logical and scientific shift in both pure and applied research in the domain of geography. Particular mention may be made in the fields of Geography such as geomorphology, population geography, urban geography, rural development and environmental geography. This paper also highlights the major paradigmn shifts in the behavioural geography, systematic geography, regional geography, medical geography, geospatial sustainability and cartography from paper map to digital map. It is now established  that no discipline can survive without adopting a new strategy and technology.
The Combination of Imaginative Teaching Methods and Multimedia Learning in Early Childhood Education during COVID Pandemic: Social-Emotional and Language Development
Authors: Yafie Evania , Olufunke Olusola-Fadumiye Titilope , Ali Manal , Robbaniyah Inayatur , Maulidia Lisa Nur , Setyaningsih Diana
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to identify whether there is an increase in social-emotional and language aspects’ enhancement through the combination of imaginative teaching methods and multimedia learning that the teacher carried out. This study is based on the impact of the viral pandemic, limiting learning activities and social relationships between children and peers, which can further impact children's socio-emotional and language aspects. However, teachers can overcome impact by providing appropriate stimulation to children through learning strategies, i.e., by combining imaginative methods and multimedia learning. The is a quantitative study that applies the pre-experimental design method. The model applied through this research was in the form of a pretest-posttest group which was carried out by comparing the emotional abilities of children before and after being given treatment in the form of a combination of imaginative processing methods and multimedia learning. The sampling technique used purposive sampling where the research subjects were in their early childhood, aged 5-6 years. The reliability testing results obtained a value of 0.893 for social-emotional development and 0.821 for language development, which means high reliability. The normality test is carried out using the Kolmogorov Smirnov test showing a value of 0.347 for social-emotional development and 0.527 for language development; this indicates that the data have a normal distribution because they have a value above 0.05. The t-test results show that all t count> t-table and all sig values ​​are 0.000 <0.05. Therefore, the combination of imaginative learning methods and multimedia learning improves language social-emotional aspects effectively. The results of this study contribute to understanding for teachers and school institutions to better utilize information and communication technology in optimizing child development.
Demystifying Religious Tolerance Practices at an Indonesian Early Childhood Education Context: Responding to Diversity
Authors: Muallifatul Khorida Filasofa Lilif , Prayogo Agus , Khasanah Felakhah
Published: June 2021

Teaching religious tolerance should be conducted from early childhood, but studies and references on religious tolerance among young children are limited. This study explores how to implement religious tolerance in schools and find out how early Muslim children instill religious values as a response to diversity. This study was an exploratory case study deploying an ethnographic classroom approach conducted in a playgroup and kindergarten in Semarang city, Central Java, Indonesia. The participants consisted of the school principal, teachers, Play Group students, and Kindergarten children, while the empirical data of this research were gathered through observation and interview. The findings showed that religious tolerance at the early childhood education level was enacted by celebrating religious events and conducting school activities containing togetherness. Additionally, the inculcation of religious teachings that supported religious tolerance was carried out during religious lessons and worship. Religious tolerance and religious values inculcation prepare children to encounter and respond to diversity in a real-life setting. This study contributes to understanding the implementation of religious tolerance in schools and recommends teachers design lesson plans that include inculcating the values of religious tolerance.
Introduction: Critical Animal Studies Perspectives on Covid-19
Authors: Taylor Chloë , Struthers Montford Kelly , Kasprzycka Eva
Published: June 2021

Animal Studies Journal 2021 10(1): Introduction: Critical Animal Studies Perspectives on Covid-19
Covid-19 and Capital: Labour Studies and Nonhuman Animals – A Roundtable Dialogue
Authors: Blattner Charlotte , Coulter Kendra , Wadiwel Dinesh , Kasprzycka Eva
Published: June 2021

Animal Studies Journal 2021 10(1): Covid-19 and Capital: Labour Studies and Nonhuman Animals – A Roundtable Dialogue.
[Review] Dara M. Wald and Anna L. Peterson. Cats and Conservationists: The Debate over Who Owns the Outdoors. West Lafayette: Purdue University Press, 2020. 153 pp.
Authors: Woodward Wendy
Published: June 2021

Animal Studies Journal 2021 10(1): [Review] Dara M. Wald and Anna L. Peterson. Cats and Conservationists: The Debate over Who Owns the Outdoors. West Lafayette: Purdue University Press, 2020. 153 pp.
[Review] Jody Berland. Virtual Menageries: Animals as Mediators in Network Cultures. Cambridge Mass: MIT Press, 2019. 328 pp.
Authors: Tait Peta
Published: June 2021

Animal Studies Journal 2021 10(1): [Review] Jody Berland. Virtual Menageries: Animals as Mediators in Network Cultures. Cambridge Mass: MIT Press, 2019. 328 pp.
A Covid Calendar, in Twelve Animals
Authors: Medora Dana
Published: June 2021

This poem reflects upon the year 2020, the killing of an animal-activist in Canada, and the murderous effects of COVID-19 on non-human animals
Multispecies Disposability: Taxonomies of Power in a Global Pandemic
Authors: Chang Darren , Corman Lauren
Published: June 2021

This paper bridges critical conversations regarding animal exploitation and racialized violence that have been occurring throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We apply Claire Jean Kim’s analysis of taxonomies of power to help make sense of the interwoven multispecies catastrophes of racialized animalization and animalized racialization, such as the violence experienced by various species of nonhuman animals, as well as East Asians and other People of Colour in the West, whether in public spaces, in media, on farms, or inside industrial animal slaughterhouses or meatpacking plants. We conclude by arguing that Kim’s ethics of mutual avowal provides a productive way for social movements to recognize the connectedness of our struggles; thus, Kim’s scholarship helps us challenge the multiple dimensions of oppressive powers that have been expressed and experienced in the COVID-19 crisis.
Greedy Bat Eaters versus Cruel Pig Killers: The Lose-Lose Battle of Divisive Discourse
Authors: Lee Angela
Published: June 2021

Unsurprisingly, the circumstances and challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic have generated strong reactions. Among the more notable, Canadian musician and animal activist Bryan Adams made headlines when he went on a tirade on social media denouncing ‘fucking bat eating, wet market animal selling, virus making greedy bastards’ and advocating for veganism. This article uses this incident as a prism through which to examine the values and assumptions informing some of the central debates within the mainstream animal advocacy movement today. Certainly, there is an urgent need for a critical re-evaluation of the policies and practices that have created the conditions in which viral pathogens can spread, especially those relating to our treatment of nonhuman animals (and our relationship with nature more broadly). However, the roots of the problem are fundamentally structural, and not attributable to any one country or culture. The thoughtless use of terms that contribute to a politically charged and rancorous public debate readily descends into a lose-lose battle, which may hinder efforts to address complex and collective concerns in a mutually cooperative manner. If COVID-19 is to represent a turning point towards building a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient world for humans and nonhuman animals alike, the kind of fractioning that is currently being exacerbated by the use of divisive discourse must be eschewed in favour of a greater recognition of our fundamental interconnectedness, including through a more pluralistic understanding of law.
Setting Aside Arbitral Awards for Contradicting Public Policy According to the Turkish International Arbitration Act
Authors: Bayata Canyas Asli
Published: June 2021

This study analyses the setting aside of arbitral awards for contradicting public policy according to the Turkish International Arbitration Act. In a setting aside action, the arbitral award is not scrutinized on its merits; rather, only certain grounds are taken into consideration. One ground that judges evaluate on their own motion is being against public policy. We believe that a more international public policy understanding that is in harmony with the needs and requirements of international arbitration should be adopted.
Effect of flue gas components on the NO removal and element mercury oxidation performance of Mn-modified low-temperature catalyst
Authors: Shi Guangwei , Liu Meng , Duan Yufeng , Hu Peng , Li Tao , Li Yinsheng
Published: June 2021

The development of a low-temperature water and sulfur-resistant catalyst with high efficiency of NO removal and element mercury Hg(0) oxidation performance is one of the main directions for the synergistic removal of multiple pollutants from flue gas. The transition metal Mn is used to modify the V-W/Ti catalyst to prepare a modified Mn-SCR catalyst. The effects of Mn loading and complex flue gas components (SO2, H2O and HCl) on the modified catalysts activity were investigated on a small fixed-bed experimental bench, respectively. As the Mn loading increases, the acid sites on the catalyst surface are significantly enhanced, the window of NO removal temperature is significantly widened, and the Hg(0) oxidation performance is nearly 100%. The optimal loading amount of Mn is 0.2(Mn/Ti, mol). When the Mn loading exceeds 0.2, the particles on the catalyst surface sinter, and the specific surface area decreases. However, little difference is observed in catalyst activity. When SO2 and H2O are present in the flue gas, dual-action catalyst activity can be significantly suppressed, but the effect of H2O on catalyst activity is greater than that of SO2. With the increase of the HCl concentration from 0 ppm to 50 ppm, the oxidation efficiency of Hg(0) and the removal efficiency of NO increased slightly.
Effects of Onosma dichroanthum Boiss. root extract on AGS human gastric cancer cell-line
Authors: Hashemi Mohammad Mostakhdem , Marjani Majid , Poursharifi Nahid , Marjani Abdoljalal
Published: June 2021

One of the cancer-related deaths is gastric cancer in this area. Onosma dichroanthum Boiss. roots have been used as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory for wound healing treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro cytotoxic and anticancer effects of O. dichroanthum Boiss. roots from the Golestan province of Iran. After identification of the taxonomical effect of O. dichroanthum Boiss., different concentrations of the hydroalcoholic root extract were used. Three different time periods (24, 48, and 72 h) were used to treat AGS gastric cancer and L-929 normal fibroblasts cell lines. The evaluation of different concentrations of root extract was performed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The 48 h treatment affected cell survival, while the concentration of 64 μg/mL was determined as IC50 concentrations at 48 h incubation time. The 48 h incubation time with 64 μg/mL showed the best effectiveness on cancerous cell-line while being safe for normal cell-line. Our results show that O. dichroanthum Boiss. roots extract may have cytotoxic and safe effects on gastric cancer cell-line and normal cells in 48 h treatment periods, respectively. The results indicated the O. dichroanthum Boiss. may be as an effective anticancer agent (gastric cancer).
Preliminary phytochemical screening andin vitroantibacterial activity ofPlumbago indica(Laal chitrak) root extracts against drug-resistantEscherichia coliandKlebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Bashir Salim Faruk , Kumar Gaurav
Published: June 2021

Drug resistance is one of the problems affecting the world where drug-resistantEscherichia coliandKlebsiella pneumoniaehave been shown to be ubiquitous, frequently isolated from foods and commonly associated with surgical site infection in hospitals worldwide. The aims of this work were to analyze the antibacterial activity of root extracts of the plant obtained by serial extraction (using petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol, and water) and byin vitrotechniques and preliminary screen phytochemicals present in the extract by qualitative means. Fresh roots ofPlumbago indicawere collected, oven-dried, and extracted using Soxhlet apparatus; antibacterial activity, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of the active extract were evaluated by standard methods against clinically isolated drug-resistantE. coliandK. pneumoniae;preliminary phytochemical screening was taken to detect the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, tannins, reducing sugars, phenolics, protein, and oil and fat; and bioactive compounds were detected by GCMS analysis of the active extracts. Determination of antibacterial activity showed that the test organisms were susceptible to methanol and aqueous extracts only. MIC of methanolic extract was found to be 20 µg/mL on bothE. coliandK. pneumoniae,while aqueous extract had MIC of 10 and 20 µg/mL onE. coliandK. pneumoniae,respectively. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of all the above-mentioned phytochemicals except oil and fat. The significance of this work is to find a lasting solution to the current problem of emerging drug-resistant bacteria (E. coliandK. pneumoniae) through the use of extracts obtained fromP. indicawhich have long history of use as traditional medicine. The methanolic and aqueous extract can be recommended as an alternative and candidates for drug development against drug-resistantE. coliandK. pneumoniae.
Oxytocin levels in response to pituitary provocation tests in healthy volunteers
Authors: Sailer Clara O , Winzeler Bettina , Urwyler Sandrine A , Schnyder Ingeborg , Refardt Julie , Eckert Anne , Varghese Nimmy , Fassnacht Martin , Chifu Irina , Lawson Elizabeth A , Verbalis Joseph G , Fenske Wiebke , Christ-Crain Mirjam
Published: June 2021

Objective

Oxytocin, secreted into circulation through the posterior pituitary, regulates lactation, weight, and socio-behavioral functioning. Oxytocin deficiency has been suggested in patients with hypopituitarism; however, diagnostic testing for oxytocin deficiency has not been developed. The aim of this study was to investigate known pituitary provocation tests to stimulate plasma oxytocin.

Design

Sixty-five healthy volunteers underwent either the hypertonic saline or arginine infusion test, known to stimulate copeptin, or the oral macimorelin test, known to stimulate growth hormone. Plasma oxytocin was measured before and once plasma sodium level ≥ 150 mmol/L for the hypertonic saline, after 60 min for the arginine infusion, and after 45 min for the oral macimorelin test (expected peak of copeptin and growth hormone levels, respectively). Primary outcome was a change from basal to stimulated oxytocin levels using paired t-tests.

Results

As expected, copeptin increased in response to hypertonic saline and arginine infusion (P < 0.001), and growth hormone increased to oral macimorelin (P < 0.001). Oxytocin increased in response to hypertonic saline infusion from 0.4 (0.2) to 0.6 pg/mL (0.3) (P = 0.003) but with a high variance. There was no change to arginine infusion (P = 0.4), and a trend to lower stimulated levels to oral macimorelin (P = 0.05).

Conclusion

Neither the arginine infusion nor the oral macimorelin test stimulates plasma oxytocin levels, whereas there was an increase with high variance upon hypertonic saline infusion. As a predictable rise in most participants is required for a reliable pituitary provocation test, none of the investigated pituitary provocation tests can be recommended diagnostically to identify patients with an oxytocin deficiency.
Recensión de Pensadores temerarios
Authors: Filgueira Gutiérrez Elisabet
Published: June 2021

Mark Lilla aborda en Pensadores temerarios el intrigante tema de los diversos intelectuales del siglo XX que sucumbieron, en distinto grado, a la fascinación del poder totalitario, sus líderes carismáticos o sus mesiánicas ideologías.
Promoting Healthy Sexuality for Children and Adolescents With Disabilities
Authors: Houtrow Amy , Elias Ellen Roy , Davis Beth Ellen , Kuo Dennis Z. , Agrawal Rishi , Davidson Lynn F. , Ellerbeck Kathryn A. , Foster Jessica E.A. , Fremion Ellen , O’Connor Leppert Mary , Saunders Barbara S. , Stille Christopher , Vargus-Adams Jilda , Yin Larry , Norwood Kenneth , Coleman Cara , Mann Marie Y. , Simpser Edwin , Poon Jennifer , Yeargin-Allsopp Marshalyn , Kuznetsov Alexandra
Published: June 2021

This clinical report updates a 2006 report from the American Academy of Pediatrics titled “Sexuality of Children and Adolescents With Developmental Disabilities.” The development of a healthy sexuality best occurs through appropriate education, absence of coercion and violence, and developmental acquisition of skills to navigate feelings, desires, relationships, and social pressures. Pediatric health care providers are important resources for anticipatory guidance and education for all children and youth as they understand their changing bodies, feelings, and behaviors. Yet, youth with disabilities and their families report inadequate education and guidance from pediatricians regarding sexual health development. In the decade since the original clinical report was published, there have been many advancements in the understanding and care of children and youth with disabilities, in part because of an increased prevalence and breadth of autism spectrum disorder as well as an increased longevity of individuals with medically complex and severely disabling conditions. During this same time frame, sexual education in US public schools has diminished, and there is emerging evidence that the attitudes and beliefs of all youth (with and without disability) about sex and sexuality are being formed through media rather than formal education or parent and/or health care provider sources. This report aims to provide the pediatric health care provider with resources and tools for clinical practice to address the sexual development of children and youth with disabilities. The report emphasizes strategies to promote competence in achieving a healthy sexuality regardless of physical, cognitive, or socioemotional limitations.
Can cultural significance in plants be explained by domestication and usage spaces? A study case from a coffee producing community in Huila, Colombia
Authors: Rosero-Toro Jeison Herley , Dueñas Gómez Hilda del Carmen , Ruan-Soto Felipe , Santos-Fita Dídac
Published: June 2021

This study was aimed at delving into the relationship between botanical species with cultural significance and both the managed environments they inhabit (Coffee plantation, Forest, Garden, Orchard, Market) and their origin (Wild, Cultivated), as established by people from vereda Las Delicias, Colombia. We tested the hypothesis that cultivated plants from the coffee plantations would have the highest cultural significance. One hundred and ninety-two plants were recorded by common name, however, upon taxonomic analysis, 238 botanical species were established. The most relevant spaces in terms of diversity were the coffee plantation (91 useful plants) and the garden (81 useful plants). Regarding origin, most of the plants were cultivated (151), with only 50 wild species. Likewise, there is a significantly larger cultural significance of coffee plantantion plants than there is garden plants and forest plants. Furthermore, cultivated plants have a significantly larger cultural significance than do wild plants. In conclusion, there is a diversity of useful plants within coffee plantation systems, which guarantee family livelihoods, diversify income sources, and protect the natural resources of the region. Finally, the importance of coffee (Coffea arabica) comes from its role as a customary heritage for this community, which strengthens agricultural, environmental, and cooperative processes after each generation.
Learning from each other: Expanding and deepening international research on shadow education
Authors: Gordon Győri János , Bray Mark
Published: June 2021

Research on private supplementary tutoring, widely known as shadow education, has a long history but only gathered intensity during the present century. This research has shown much diversity in the scale and nature of shadow education, but further mapping and analysis is needed to reduce gaps in understanding and to keep up with changes. The collection of articles in this special issue of the journal presents insights from parts of Africa, Asia and Europe; and this introductory essay juxtaposes these insights with Hungarian research. The domain of shadow education has many tensions, with both positive and negative implications for individuals, families, the field of education, and societies as a whole. International research helps with understanding these tensions, and in due course with appropriate action to address them. In the process, much can be learned from counterparts in different systems, countries and cultures, not only about the nature and impact of shadow education but also about methodological approaches to research.
Origami hand for soft robotics driven by thermally controlled polymeric fiber actuators
Authors: Farhan Muhammad , Behl Marc , Kratz Karl , Lendlein Andreas
Published: June 2021

Active fibers can serve as artificial muscles in robotics or components of smart textiles. Here, we present an origami hand robot, where single fibers control the reversible movement of the fingers. A recovery/contracting force of 0.2 N with a work capacity of 0.175 kJ kg−1 was observed in crosslinked poly[ethylene-co-(vinyl acetate)] (cPEVA) fibers, which could enable the bending movement of the fingers by contraction upon heating. The reversible opening of the fingers was attributed to a combination of elastic recovery force of the origami structure and crystallization-induced elongation of the fibers upon cooling.

Graphic abstract
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: Definition Evolution, Epidemiology and Risk Factors
Authors: Korableva Natalya N.
Published: June 2021

The literature overview about the issues of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is presented in the article. The emphasis is on the evolution of the diagnosis definitions, incorrect use of the “synonym” term “sudden child death syndrome” in our country. Epidemiological characteristics of SIDS in countries with different levels of per capita income are presented. Modern view on the theories of the syndrome onset is analyzed. Risk factors are analyzed from the position of influence and change, i.e. possible modification to affect the syndrome incident that is crucial for every pediatrician. SIDS protective factors as the basis of primary prevention are discussed. The algorithm for organizing safe sleep space for children to reduce the risks of infant death associated with sleep is presented. This algorithm is proposed to be used in educational programs for pregnant women and parents of infants.
Determining Solar Power Plant Location Using Hesitant Fuzzy AHP Method
Authors: CANDAN Gökçe , CENGİZ TOKLU Merve
Published: June 2021

The fossil resource consumption, which is scarce for the solution of the increasing energy demand problem as the population increases, is replaced by the consumption of renewable energy resources. Solar energy from renewable energy sources is the type of energy with the highest potential on earth. The maximization of the efficiency to be taken from solar energy is possible with the correct selection of the location. The decision to decide on more than one criterion for multiple alternatives is a very difficult problem. Therefore, the problem of choosing a solar power plant is a complex decision problem, and this study aims to solve the problem of the most appropriate location for the Solar Power Plant by using Hesitant Fuzzy AHP. Based on linguistic expressions of three different decision makers, the three alternative locations were evaluated by considering four different evaluation criteria.