bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of COVID‐19 on academic productivity by female physicians and researchers in transfusion medicine
Authors: Ipe Tina S. , Goel Ruchika , Howes Lydia , Bakhtary Sara
Published: February 2021

Background

Several studies have highlighted the disparities in gender equity that exist in different medical specialties. The COVID‐19 pandemic has further heightened the inequity faced by female physicians as they are challenged by increasing household and childcare duties in addition to their professional responsibilities. Given these hurdles, fewer women than men have published in various medical disciplines. In this brief report, we wanted to determine the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the academic output of female physicians and researchers in transfusion medicine.

Study Design and Methods

We compared all articles in four transfusion medicine journals published from January 1 to July 31, 2019 with the same time period in 2020. Overall, 1024 articles were reviewed for whether they included women as first or senior authors.

Results

Overall, women were first authors in 45.9% (n = 458) of all publications and senior authors in 35% (n = 356) of all publications. There was a statistically significant decrease in the percentage of women as first authors between 2019 (49.1%) and 2020 (42.7%) (p = .04). There was no significant change in the percentage of women as senior authors between 2019 (35.4%) and 2020 (35.5%) (p = 0.99).

Conclusions

Similar to other medical specialties, the COVID‐19 pandemic has further increased the disparities faced by female researchers in transfusion medicine as evidenced by a decrease in publications with women as first authors.
Carbon Source-Dependent Reprogramming of Anaerobic Metabolism in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Troitzsch Anne , Loi Vu Van , Methling Karen , Zühlke Daniela , Lalk Michael , Riedel Katharina , Bernhardt Jörg , Elsayed Eslam M. , Bange Gert , Antelmann Haike , Pané-Farré Jan
Published: February 2021

To be a successful pathogen, Staphylococcus aureus has to adapt its metabolism to the typically oxygen- and glucose-limited environment of the host. Under fermenting conditions and in the presence of glucose, S. aureus uses glycolysis to generate ATP via substrate-level phosphorylation and mainly lactic acid fermentation to maintain the redox balance by reoxidation of NADH equivalents. However, it is less clear how S. aureus proceeds under anoxic conditions and glucose limitation, likely representing the bona fide situation in the host. Using a combination of proteomic, transcriptional, and metabolomic analyses, we show that in the absence of an abundant glycolysis substrate, the available carbon source pyruvate is converted to acetyl coenzyme A (AcCoA) in a pyruvate formate-lyase (PflB)-dependent reaction to produce ATP and acetate. This process critically depends on derepression of the catabolite control protein A (CcpA), leading to upregulation of pflB transcription. Under these conditions, ethanol production is repressed to prevent wasteful consumption of AcCoA. In addition, our global and quantitative characterization of the metabolic switch prioritizing acetate over lactate fermentation when glucose is absent illustrates examples of carbon source-dependent control of colonization and pathogenicity factors.

IMPORTANCE Under infection conditions, S. aureus needs to ensure survival when energy production via oxidative phosphorylation is not possible, e.g., either due to the lack of terminal electron acceptors or by the inactivation of components of the respiratory chain. Under these conditions, S. aureus can switch to mixed-acid fermentation to sustain ATP production by substrate level phosphorylation. The drop in the cellular NAD+/NADH ratio is sensed by the repressor Rex, resulting in derepression of fermentation genes. Here, we show that expression of fermentation pathways is further controlled by CcpA in response to the availability of glucose to ensure optimal resource utilization under growth-limiting conditions. We provide evidence for carbon source-dependent control of colonization and virulence factors. These findings add another level to the regulatory network controlling mixed-acid fermentation in S. aureus and provide additional evidence for the lifestyle-modulating effect of carbon sources available to S. aureus.
Supplemental Material 2: Geomorphic expression and slip rate of the Fairweather fault, southeast Alaska, and evidence for predecessors of the 1958 rupture
Authors: Witter R.C. , al. et
Published: February 2021

Ten figures and five tables that support the analyses and discussion presented in the paper.
Occupational exposure to solar ultraviolet B radiation and risk of subtypes of breast cancer in Danish women
Authors: Pedersen Julie Elbaek , Strandberg-Larsen Katrine , Andersson Michael , Hansen Johnni
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Previous epidemiological studies have indicated that solar ultraviolet B radiation (UVR) may have a protective effect on breast cancer. However, the evidence remains inconclusive. Despite the fact that outdoor work history may be considered a reliable measure of long-term UVR exposure, objective information on lifetime employment has not been included in previous investigations focusing on breast cancer. To address this issue, we explored the association between occupational UVR exposure and female breast cancer, including subtypes.

Methods

A total of 38 375 women under the age of 70 years were identified with primary breast cancer using the Danish Cancer Registry. Five female controls born on the same year, alive and free of breast cancer at the time of diagnosis of the index case, were randomly selected from the Danish Civil Registration System. The Danish Supplementary Pension Fund Register was used to retrieve full employment history, and a job exposure matrix was used to assess occupational UVR exposure. Conditional logistic regression with adjustment for important confounders was used to estimate the OR.

Results

We observed no overall association between occupational UVR exposure and breast cancer. After the age of 50 years, longer duration of UVR exposure (≥20 years: OR=0.83, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.92) and highest cumulative exposure (OR=0.89, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.95) were inversely associated with risk. Our results did not reflect any notable risk difference by oestrogen receptor status.

Conclusions

This study indicates an inverse association between long-term occupational UVR exposure and late-onset breast cancer. This finding needs further attention in future occupational studies.
Thermal inactivation and kinetic parameters for Campylobacter jejuni on chicken skin
Authors: Al-Sakkaf Ali
Published: February 2021

New Zealand has a higher reported incidence rate of campylobacteriosis than other developed countries. It has been suggested that this may be due to the emergence of heat-resistant strains that can survive normal cooking. To test this, typed Campylobacter strains ST474 and ST48 were inoculated onto slices of chicken skin <18 mm in diameter and 4 mm thick using a pipette, and placed in a special aluminium cell, which was heated to a predetermined temperature (in the range of 56.5 to 65 °C) using a temperature-controlled water bath. Survivor curves were plotted, and GlnaFit software was chosen to fit the experimental data; inactivation parameters were estimated using 1-step and 2-step regression. The D values and z values were in the range of 3–6 s and 8–11 °C, respectively. The D values at 60 and 56 °C were in the range of 12–41 s. These D values are in general agreement with previously published reports. Thus, New Zealand’s higher reported rate of campylobacteriosis is possibly due to factors other than the emergence of heat-resistant strains.
Pterostilbene and its nicotinate derivative ameliorated vascular endothelial senescence and elicited endothelium-dependent relaxations via activation of sirtuin 1
Authors: Zhang Lili , Zheng Jianwei , Tie Xin , Lin Tong , Yang Wanqi , Li Ziqing , Zou Yong , Guan Guimei , Liu Peiqing , Luo Wenwei , Li Zhuoming
Published: February 2021

Vascular endothelial cell senescence is a leading cause of age-associated diseases and cardiovascular diseases. Interventions and therapies targeting endothelial cell senescence and dysfunction would have important clinical implications. This study evaluated the effect of 10 resveratrol analogues, including pterostilbene (Pts) and its derivatives, against endothelial senescence and dysfunction. All the tested compounds at the concentrations from 10−9 M to 10−6 M did not show cytotoxicity in endothelial cells by MTT assay. Among the 10 resveratrol analogues, Pts and Pts nicotinate attenuated the expression of senescence-associated β-galactosidase, downregulated p21 and p53, and increased the production of nitric oxide (NO) in both angiotensin II – and hydrogen peroxide – induced endothelial senescence models. In addition, Pts and Pts nicotinate elicited endothelium-dependent relaxations, which were attenuated in the presence of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) inhibitor L-NAME or sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) inhibitor sirtinol. Pts and Pts nicotinate did not alter SIRT1 expression but enhanced its activity. Both Pts and Pts nicotinate have high binding activities with SIRT1, according to surface plasmon resonance results and the molecular docking analysis. Inhibition of SIRT1 by sirtinol reversed the anti-senescent effects of Pts and Pts nicotinate. Moreover, Pts and Pts nicotinate shared similar ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) profiles and physiochemical properties. This study suggests that the Pts and Pts nicotinate ameliorate vascular endothelial senescence and elicit endothelium-dependent relaxations via activation of SIRT1. These two compounds may be potential drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases related to endothelial senescence and dysfunction.
A Semi-Online Algorithm for Single Machine Scheduling with Rejection
Authors: Guo Sainan , Ma Ran , Zhang Yuzhong , Fan Baoqiang
Published: February 2021

In this paper, a single-machine semi-online scheduling problem with rejection is addressed. In this model, “semi-online” implies that [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are the maximum processing time and the minimum one among all jobs, respectively, [Formula: see text]. In this setting, each job arrives online over time, and rejection is allowable. Our goal is minimizing the total penalty cost of rejected jobs plus the total completion time of processed jobs. The seminal result of this study is that we offer an algorithm with competitive ratio [Formula: see text], which matches the result of the problem without rejection.
Semi-classical approximation description of static properties of nuclei
Authors: Shlomo S. , Sanzhur A. I.
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we present recent development in semi-classical description of static properties of nuclei. By employing the Wigner transform, we derive simple semiclassical approximations for evaluating properties of nuclear system. We present results of calculations of static properties, using the energy density functional associated with Skyrme effective nucleon–nucleon interaction. In particular, we consider properties of the Wigner distribution function, line of beta stability, Coulomb and symmetry energies, deformation energies, equation of state, nuclear radii, and single-particle level density.
Nuclear binding energy predictions using neural networks: Application of the multilayer perceptron
Authors: Yüksel Esra , Soydaner Derya , Bahtiyar Hüseyin
Published: February 2021

In recent years, artificial neural networks and their applications for large data sets have become a crucial part of scientific research. In this work, we implement the Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), which is a class of feedforward artificial neural network (ANN), to predict ground-state binding energies of atomic nuclei. Two different MLP architectures with three and four hidden layers are used to study their effects on the predictions. To train the MLP architectures, two different inputs are used along with the latest atomic mass table and changes in binding energy predictions are also analyzed in terms of the changes in the input channel. It is seen that using appropriate MLP architectures and putting more physical information in the input channels, MLP can make fast and reliable predictions for binding energies of atomic nuclei, which is also comparable to the microscopic energy density functionals.
In vivo evaluation of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization in rats simultaneously using optical coherence tomography and photoacoustic microscopy
Authors: Du Fengxian , Gao Lei , Li Lin , Li Qian , Wang Fenghua , Zhou Chuanqing , Dai Cuixia
Published: February 2021

Determination of the precise location and the degree of the Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) lesion is essential for diagnosation Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and evaluation the efficacy of treatment. Noninvasive imaging techniques with specific contrast for CNV evaluation are demanded. In this paper, two noninvasive imaging techniques, namely Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Photoacoustic microscopy (PAM), are combined to provide specific detection of CNV for their complimentary contrast mechanisms. In vivo time-serial evaluation of Laser-induced CNV in rats is present at days 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21 after laser photocoagulation is applied to the rat fundus. Both OCT and PAM show that the CNV increases to its maximum at day 7 and decreases at day 14. Quantification of CNV area and CNV thickness is given. The dual-modal information of CNV is consistent with the histologic evaluation by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining.
A Review of Cognitive Assistants for Healthcare
Authors: Preum Sarah Masud , Munir Sirajum , Ma Meiyi , Yasar Mohammad Samin , Stone David J. , Williams Ronald , Alemzadeh Homa , Stankovic John A.
Published: February 2021

Healthcare cognitive assistants (HCAs) are intelligent systems or agents that interact with users in a context-aware and adaptive manner to improve their health outcomes by augmenting their cognitive abilities or complementing a cognitive impairment. They assist a wide variety of users ranging from patients to their healthcare providers (e.g., general practitioner, specialist, surgeon) in several situations (e.g., remote patient monitoring, emergency response, robotic surgery). While HCAs are critical to ensure personalized, scalable, and efficient healthcare, there exists a knowledge gap in finding the emerging trends, key challenges, design guidelines, and state-of-the-art technologies suitable for developing HCAs. This survey aims to bridge this gap for researchers from multiple domains, including but not limited to cyber-physical systems, artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, robotics, and smart health. It provides a comprehensive definition of HCAs and outlines a novel, practical categorization of existing HCAs according to their target user role and the underlying application goals. This survey summarizes and assorts existing HCAs based on their characteristic features (i.e., interactive, context-aware, and adaptive) and enabling technological aspects (i.e., sensing, actuation, control, and computation). Finally, it identifies critical research questions and design recommendations to accelerate the development of the next generation of cognitive assistants for healthcare.
Impact of Silicon Content within Silicon-Graphite Anodes on Performance and Li Concentration Profiles of Li-Ion Cells using Neutron Depth Profiling
Authors: Moyassari Erfan , Streck Luiza , Paul Neelima , Trunk Markus , Neagu Robert , Chang Chia-Chin , Hou Shang-Chieh , Märkisch Bastian , Gilles Ralph , Jossen Andreas
Published: February 2021

Due to its high specific capacity, silicon is a promising candidate to substitute conventional graphite as anode material in lithium-ion batteries. However, pure silicon-based anodes suffer from poor capacity retention, mainly due to a large volume change during cycling, which results in material pulverization and other side reactions. Therefore, alternative compositions with lowered silicon content and a similar working voltage as graphite are favored, e.g. silicon-graphite (SiG), as they can reduce these volume change and side reactions while maintaining a high capacity. Here, neutron depth profiling (NDP) offers the unique possibility to quantify non-destructively the lithium concentration profile over the depth of these electrodes. In this study, the (de-)intercalation phenomena during (de-)lithiation in SiG porous anodes with silicon contents ranging from 0 wt% to 20 wt% is investigated for the first time using ex situ NDP during the initial discharge at defined depths of discharge (DODs) states. These findings are complemented by a conventional electrochemical analysis of the first full cycle with a charge/discharge rate of C/20. While the specific capacity is observed to increase with higher silicon content, NDP directly reveals a homogeneous irreversible lithium accumulation within the entire electrode depth.
Simultaneous Resolution and Electrochemical Quantification of Tyrosine and Tryptophan at a Poly (Diphenylamine) Modified Electrode
Authors: Krishnan Rajasree G. , Saraswathyamma Beena
Published: February 2021

Polydiphenylamine modified pencil graphite was fabricated for the simultaneous electrochemical determination of tyrosine and tryptophan. Both tyrosine and tryptophan underwent an irreversible electroxidation at the modified electrode surface in phosphate buffer pH 9. These amino acids generally exhibit proximities in their oxidation overpotential, overlapping oxidation signals and interferences from other co-existing biomolecules. These points have been addressed using the developed electrode. The sensor has been characterized morphologically and electrochemically. The kinetic parameters such as charge transfer coefficient and the heterogeneous rate constant at the modified electrode surface were estimated using cyclic voltammetry. Differential pulse voltammetry was employed to quantify both tyrosine and tryptophan simultaneously with good sensitivity and high selectivity. A wide linearity of 20 μM–1 mM and 20 μM–1.4 mM was obtained using the sensor for tyrosine and tryptophan respectively. Practical utility of the developed sensor was tested in real human serum samples and obtained satisfactory recovery percentage.
Resonance between the Representation Function and Exponential Functions over Arithemetic Progression
Authors: Ma Li , Yan Xiaofei
Published: February 2021

Let

r

n

denote the number of representations of a positive integer

n

as a sum of two squares, i.e.,

n
=

x
1
2

+

x
2
2

, where

x

1

and

x

2

are integers. We study the behavior of the exponential sum twisted by

r

n

over the arithmetic progressions

∑

n
∼
X

n
≡
l
mod
q

r

n

e

α

n

β

,

where

0
≠
α
∈
ℝ

,

0
<
β
<
1

,

e

x

=

e

2
π
i
x

, and

n
∼
X

means

X
<
n
≤
2
X

. Here,

X
>
1

is a large parameter,

1
≤
l
≤
q

are integers, and

l
,
q

=
1

. We obtain the upper bounds in different situations.
Using Network Pharmacology to Explore the Mechanism of Peach Kernel‐Safflower in the Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Han Jingxue , Wang Xinwei , Hou Jingyi , Liu Yu , Liu Peng , Zhao Tingting
Published: February 2021

Objective. The mechanism of peach kernel‐safflower in treating diabetic nephropathy (DN) was investigated using network pharmacology. Methods. Network pharmacology methodology was applied to screen the effective compounds of peach kernel‐safflower in the SymMap and TCMSP databases. Potential targets were then screened in the ETCM, SEA, and SymMap databases to construct a compound‐target network. This was followed by screening of DN targets in OMIM, Gene, and GeneCards databases. The common targets of drugs and diseases were selected for analysis in the STRING database, and the results were imported into Cytoscape 3.8.0 to construct a protein‐protein interaction network. Next, GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed. Finally, Schrödinger molecular docking verified the reliability of the results. Results. A total of 23 effective compounds and 794 potential targets resulted from our screening process. Quercetin and luteolin were identified as the main effective ingredients in peach kernel‐safflower. Furthermore, five key targets (VEGFA, IL6, TNF, AKT1, and TP53), AGE‐RAGE, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, IL‐17, and HIF‐1 signaling pathways may be involved in the treatment of DN using peach kernel‐safflower. Conclusions. This study embodies the complex network relationship of multicomponents, multitargets, and multipathways of peach kernel‐safflower to treat DN and provides a basis for further research on its mechanism.
Factors Influencing the Allocation of Regional Sci-Tech Financial Resources Based on the Multiple Regression Model
Authors: Zhang Chengcheng
Published: February 2021

This article uses a multiple regression model to evaluate the extent to which financial resources in various regions can be put into the most appropriate direction through the financial system or financial market. This paper uses the Tobit model to conduct empirical analysis on the input and output data of technology finance in multiple provinces and cities and explores the impact of various factors on technology finance efficiency from the perspective of three technology finance entities: high-tech enterprises, governments, and venture capital companies. Based on the DEA model and Malmquist index model in the data envelopment analysis method, this paper uses deap software to calculate the efficiency of agricultural science and technology resource allocation in Gansu Province and the efficiency of agricultural science and technology operation in many provinces in the western region. This paper divides the allocation of scientific and technological innovation resources into the ability to allocate scientific and technological innovation resources and the allocation efficiency of scientific and technological innovation resources. By constructing a performance evaluation system for the allocation of scientific and technological innovation resources, it is found that there are obvious differences in the ability and efficiency of scientific and technological innovation resource allocation in various regions. This paper proposes the selected efficiency evaluation method, the multiple regression model, which uses the data from 2012 to 2018 to evaluate the efficiency of the allocation of scientific and technological financial resources in my country, calculates the efficiency value of each region, and conducts a comparative analysis of provinces and regions. Research shows that, through multiple regression model analysis, the total technical efficiency of technology finance in Northeast China rose from 0.759 fluctuations in 2012 to 0.922 in 2018, gradually reducing the difference with the eastern and western regions. The overall promotion plays a significant role. The innovation of this article lies in the use of multiple regression models to analyze the factors affecting the allocation of regional scientific and technological financial resources, aiming to improve the efficiency of financial resource allocation.
Diagnosis of Alzheimer Disease Using 2D MRI Slices by Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Al-Khuzaie Fanar E. K. , Bayat Oguz , Duru Adil D.
Published: February 2021

There are many kinds of brain abnormalities that cause changes in different parts of the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic condition that degenerates the cells of the brain leading to memory asthenia. Cognitive mental troubles such as forgetfulness and confusion are one of the most important features of Alzheimer’s patients. In the literature, several image processing techniques, as well as machine learning strategies, were introduced for the diagnosis of the disease. This study is aimed at recognizing the presence of Alzheimer’s disease based on the magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. We adopted a deep learning methodology for the discrimination between Alzheimer’s patients and healthy patients from 2D anatomical slices collected using magnetic resonance imaging. Most of the previous researches were based on the implementation of a 3D convolutional neural network, whereas we incorporated the usage of 2D slices as input to the convolutional neural network. The data set of this research was obtained from the OASIS website. We trained the convolutional neural network structure using the 2D slices to exhibit the deep network weightings that we named as the Alzheimer Network (AlzNet). The accuracy of our enhanced network was 99.30%. This work investigated the effects of many parameters on AlzNet, such as the number of layers, number of filters, and dropout rate. The results were interesting after using many performance metrics for evaluating the proposed AlzNet.
A Synchronization Criterion for Two Hindmarsh-Rose Neurons with Linear and Nonlinear Coupling Functions Based on the Laplace Transform Method
Authors: Su Chunlin , Zhen Bin , Song Zigen
Published: February 2021

In this paper, an analytical criterion is proposed to investigate the synchronization between two Hindmarsh-Rose neurons with linear and nonlinear coupling functions based on the Laplace transform method. Different from previous works, the synchronization error system is expressed in its integral form, which is more convenient to analyze. The synchronization problem of two HR coupled neurons is ultimately converted into the stability problem of roots to a nonlinear algebraic equation. Then, an analytical criterion for synchronization between the two HR neurons can be given by using the Routh-Hurwitz criterion. Numerical simulations show that the synchronization criterion derived in this paper is valid, regardless of the periodic spikes or burst-spike chaotic behavior of the two HR neurons. Furthermore, the analytical results have almost the same accuracy as the conditional Lyapunov method. In addition, the calculation quantities always are small no matter the linear and nonlinear coupling functions, which show that the approach presented in this paper is easy to be developed to study synchronization between a large number of HR neurons.
Altered Topological Properties of Grey Matter Structural Covariance Networks in Complete Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury Patients: A Graph Theoretical Network Analysis
Authors: Wang Wen-Li , Li Yu-Lin , Zheng Mou-Xiong , Hua Xu-Yun , Wu Jia-Jia , Yang Fei-Fei , Yang Nan , He Xia , Ao Li-Juan , Xu Jian-Guang
Published: February 2021

Purpose. This study is aimed at investigating brain structural changes and structural network properties in complete spinal cord injury (SCI) patients, as well as their relationship with clinical variables. Materials and Methods. Structural MRI of brain was acquired in 24 complete thoracic SCI patients (

38.50
±
11.19

years, 22 males) within the first postinjury year, while 26 age- and gender-matched healthy participants (

38.38
±
10.63

years, 24 males) were enrolled as control. The voxel-based morphometry (VBM) approach and graph theoretical network analysis based on cross-subject grey matter volume- (GMV-) based structural covariance networks (SCNs) were conducted to investigate the impact of SCI on brain structure. Partial correlation analysis was performed to explore the relationship between the GMV of structurally changed brain regions and SCI patients’ clinical variables, including injury duration, injury level, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS), International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) scale, Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), after removing the effects of age and gender. Results. Compared with healthy controls, SCI patients showed higher SDS score (

t
=
4.392

and

p
<
0.001

). In the VBM analysis, significant GMV reduction was found in the left middle frontal cortex, right superior orbital frontal cortex (OFC), and left inferior OFC. No significant difference was found in global network properties between SCI patients and healthy controls. In the regional network properties, significantly higher betweenness centrality (BC) was noted in the right anterior cingulum cortex (ACC) and left inferior OFC and higher nodal degree and efficiency in bilateral middle OFCs, while decreased BC was noted in the right putamen in SCI patients. Only negative correlation was found between GMV of right middle OFC and SDS score in SCI patients (

r
=
−
0.503

and

p
=
0.017

), while no significant correlation between other abnormal brain regions and any of the clinical variables (all

p
>
0.05

). Conclusions. SCI patients would experience depressive and/or anxious feelings at the early stage. Their GMV reduction mainly involved psychology-cognition related rather than sensorimotor brain regions. The efficiency of regional information transmission in psychology-cognition regions increased. Greater GMV reduction in psychology region was related with more severe depressive feelings. Therefore, early neuropsychological intervention is suggested to prevent psychological and cognitive dysfunction as well as irreversible brain structure damage.
Mindfulness no contexto dos transtornos mentais: uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Pinho Paula Hayasi , Carnevalli Lígia Maffei , Oliveira Santos Renata , Lacerda Luanna Carolyne Silva De
Published: February 2021

Objetivo: analisar as evidências de como a prática das intervenções baseadas em mindfulness tem sido empregada terapeuticamente e quais os efeitos dessas intervençõesem adultos e idosos acometidos por transtornos mentais. Método: revisão integrativa de artigos publicados entre 2008 a 2018, nas bases: Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Scientific Electronic Library Online e PubMed. Após aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão e da metodologia PRISMA foram selecionados 37 artigos a serem analisados. Resultados: encontrou-se variabilidade nos métodos das intervenções baseadas em mindfulness, sendo Redução de Estresse Baseado em Mindfulness (MBSR), Terapia Cognitiva Baseada em Mindfulness (MBCT) e, a Prevenção à Recaída Baseada em Mindfulness (MBRP) as mais utilizadas. As práticas de intervenções baseadas no mindfulness apresentaram benefícios fisiológicos, melhora no bem-estar psicológico e emocional e mostraram-se ser moduladoras de interação social. Influências positivas foram observadas no gerenciamento do estresse, na redução do grau de ansiedade e sintomas de depressão e no desenvolvimento da atenção.Achados promissores foram encontrados sobre o uso dessas práticas em indivíduos com sintomas psicóticos. Conclusão: sugere-se que a prática de intervenções baseadas emmindfulness desenvolve habilidades que auxiliam noprocesso terapêutico de diversos transtornos mentais.
Intervenção baseada em mindfulness reduz parâmetros de sensibilidade em mulheres com DTM dolorosa crônica
Authors: Melchior Melissa de Oliveira , Magri Lais Valencise , Silva Graziela Valle da , Bataglion César , Panissi Christie Ramos Andrade Leite , Donato Edilaine Cristina da Silva Gherard
Published: February 2021

Objetivo: analisar parâmetros clínicos sugestivos de sensibilização central em mulheres com disfunção temporomandibular dolorosa crônica antes e após uma intervenção baseada em mindfulness. Método: onze mulheres com idade entre 27 e 44 anos (36,36 ± 5,61), com diagnóstico de disfunções temporomandibulares dolorosa crônica (Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders),participaram do estudo. A hiperalgesia, a alodinia e o limiar de dor à pressão foram avaliados em pontos trigeminais e extra-trigeminais antes e após a intervenção baseada em mindfulness, bem como a aplicação do questionário Mindful Attention Awareness Scale. O programa de mindfulness de 8 semanas foi oferecido às participantes do estudo, com base no protocolo Mindfulness Trainings International, em sessões semanais de 2 horas e uma sessão de 4 horas. Resultados: houve redução significativa da alodinia, da hiperalgesia e aumento do limiar de dor à pressão, além de aumento significativo do nível de atenção plena (p < 0,05) enquanto marcador de efetividade da intervenção baseada em mindfulness oferecida. Conclusão: índices mais saudáveis nos parâmetros clínicos sugestivos de sensibilização central investigados após a intervenção, representam melhora significativa na relação da pessoa com quadro de enfermidade crônica geradora de experiências desagradáveis contínuas como a disfunções emporomandibulares.
Entre braços e brasões: um olhar sobre o desenvolvimento ferroviário no interior paulista
Authors: Ribeiro Eduardo Bacani
Published: February 2021

O presente trabalho procura realizar uma breve revisão historiográfica do processo de desenvolvimento ferroviário ocorrido no interior do estado de São Paulo entre finais do século XIX e início do século XX – período de florescimento da cultura cafeeira. Por meio da produção de autores clássicos e pesquisadores mais recentes, o texto, além de abordar aspectos que ao longo dos anos têm sido frequentes nos estudos sobre tal trajetória, procura pontuar, também, termos pouco explorados e que ainda demandam investigação.
Multidisciplinarity and African Studies : At the Dawn of a Renewed Journal. Some Reflections.
Authors: Hoeree Joris
Published: February 2021

The author presents some reflections on the two main points of discussion that were raised in the process of outlining an editorial policy for the new journal Afrika Focus: the problem of interdisciplinarity or multidisciplinarity and the problem of the African research focus. The final choices, which he made together with his fellow editors seem to him so attractive that, in his view, the risk of editing the journal can be taken.
The Killing Desert? Droogte, Nomadentradities en Ontwikkelingsbestuur bij de Turkana
Authors: Wymeersch Patrick , Beke Dirk
Published: February 2021

The killing Desert? Drought, Nomadic Traditions and Development Administration with the Turkana.

The Turkana are nomadic pastoralists who live in the desert regions of northwestern Kenya. The majority of the Turkana practice no agriculture nor fishing and live exclusively from the products of their livestock (milk, blood and meat). They keep multiple species herds (cattle, camels, goats, sheep and donkeys) in order to buffer the variations in the quality and distribution of vegetal resources and water requirements. The Turkana were one of many affected by several droughts. Although the famine which resulted from the sharp drop in food production was dramatized by international press, insecurity of food availability is characteristic of pastoral production systems. One technique used by the Turkana to exploit an environment where the availability of food is inconsistent, sparse and scattered, is the management of herds composed by many species which can be divided in the dry season into different herds. The second technique used to manage livestock is mobility and raiding cattle from neighbouring ethnic groups. In times of stress the Turkana utilize a system of social ties, obligations and rights which they build up over a lifetime. Important social relationships are reconfirmed periodically via the exchange of livestock between friends. The not integrated new projects in Turkana land could lead to destruction of the ecology, and to a breakdown of the pastoral system and of the system of social ties which has enabled generations of Turkana to cope with the stresses imposed by living in a harsh and unpredictable environment.
Het Humanitaire Optreden van Leopold II in Kongo-Vrijstaat. De Anti-Slavernijconferentie van Brussel (1889-1890)
Authors: Chatelet Luc
Published: February 2021

The Humanitarian Action of Leopold II in Congo Free State. The Antislavery-Conference of Brussels (1889-1890).

Already from the time he was a crown prince Leopold II dreamt of acquiring a colony. He firmly believed in the economic importance for the motherland of overseas territories. However, when he appeared on the African scene he presented himself as a champion of the struggle against slave trade. This disinterested humanitarian image was meant as a means of bypassing Belgian indifference towards colonization and also the foreign rivalry.

But in Africa he was forced into an opportunist policy. A total lack of means left him no other choice but resorting to political and economic collaboration with the Arabs, who played a major role in the slave trade.

It was at the moment when the European colonization met the Arabic resistance in East-Africa that Cardinal Lavigerie’s campaign called for renewed public interest in the struggle against the Arabic slave trade. Great Britain asked Belgium to summon a diplomatic conference on the subject, In 1889 seventeen nations gathered to discuss a whole range of measures to limit slave trade on land and sea, arms trade and liquor traffic. The hottest issue on the agenda was the imposition of import duties in the Congo bassin. The main obstacle to the introduction of these taxes was the Dutch opposition against the changing of the terms of the Berlin Act (1885).

The General Brussels Act did not include import tax regulations. These were the subject of a separate declaration, which Leopold however managed to connect to the General Act in such a way that neither could be ratified singly. Hence, the customs committee, convened after the Brussels negotiations to define more clearly the import duties, was an essential factor in the Antislavery Conference. It was not until 1892 that all obstacles were overcome and the final discussions rounded off.

The Brussels Antislavery Conference did not induce Leopold to come to grips with slave trade and did not alter his Arabic policy. For the sovereign the conference was primarily a matter of economy and taxes. He wanted his colony to have more promising financial prospects. His attitude was conditioned by the precarious budget of the Congo Free State. The conference fitted in his new economic policy which consisted in carrying out his domanial projects.
Methodes D’identification et de Suivi D’un Projet de Developpement Integre (Dapaong, Nord Togo)
Authors: Counet Myriam , van Damme Patrick
Published: February 2021

Integrated Development Project Identification and Follow-Up Methods. (Dapaong, Nothern Togo).

The article treats the methodological aspects of the creation of a Vredeseilanden (Flemish N.G.O., “Islands of Peace”) project through an example in Dapaong, northern Togo. The philosophy of Vredeseilanden and problematics of the region are presented in the introduction. Interventions were defined through an active participation of the target group during a so-called active listening phase. This participatory approach is also used when evaluating project interventions.
Esquisse du Parlementarisme et du Monopartisme en Afrique: Le cas du Togo
Authors: van Rouveroy van Nieuwaal Emile A.B.
Published: February 2021

An Outline of the Parliamentarism and the One Party System in AfriKa: The Case of Togo.

Witnessed the last hundred years profound political and constitutional changes. In this respect there are many differences between African States depending on which kind of colonial overlord has been the ruling power. The African State was a juridical entity in international law, but was it also, at the time of independence, an empirical entity in national fact?

In almost all cases the empirical reality as a functioning government was still primarily the presence of European bureaucrats who has embodied the colonial state. Independence therefore opened a gap between the international legitimacy and the internal marginality of many emergent African State. The gap often presented a real political dilemma to the new African rulers: they usually could retain European officials only by compromising their national independence and could dispense with them only at the risk of undermining governmental performance.

After adoption of European constitutional law and with, initially, a high degree of similarity between most constitutions in French-speaking Africa, nowadays these constitutions differ widely, contrary to the Commonwealth Africa that has experienced fewer innovations and constitutional breakdowns. Parliamentary systems of government gave way to One Party Systems, introduced in many cases by the national army, as the best equiped, trained, paid and organised power in the country.

This has been the political and constitutional development in Togo as well. Since 1969, it has a One Party System, the Rassemblement du Peuple Togolais, founded by the President of the Togolese Republic, Gen. Gnassingbé Eyadéma. But, as everywhere else, doubts are growing about the effectiveness of the One Party System. Are the Togolese perspectives such that Eyadéma is willing to have an open mind and to be all ears for the critics to his own creation? Another intriguing question is to know in which way the African traditional authorities (“chieftancy”), as the core of the concern for the local world and as the embodiment of a moral and political order, could have a new (?) role in the socio-political development of the state in Africa? Will the chiefs’ position in the long term be that of a noble élite, an echo from the past, useful as a tourist attraction or as managers of fun parks with safari possibilities.
Revision of Australian species of the dung beetle genus Lepanus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae): review of the L. ustulatus, L. storeyi, and L. nitidus species groups and description of eight new species
Authors: GUNTER NICOLE L. , WEIR THOMAS A.
Published: February 2021

This publication is the third part of an ongoing revision of Australian species of the genus Lepanus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) and revises three species groups. Keys to species within the L. ustulatus, L. storeyi, and L. nitidus species groups are provided and eight new species are described. Within the L. ustulatus species group, L. ustulatus (Lansberge, 1874) and L. globulus (Macleay, 1887) are redescribed and three new species are described: Lepanus cameroni new species from Cape York Peninsula, far north Queensland; Lepanus cardwellensis new species from the Australian Wet Tropics, northern Queensland; and Lepanus lemannae new species from the Australian Wet Tropics to the Central Mackay Coast, Queensland. Within the L. storeyi species group, L. storeyi Weir & Monteith, 2010 is redescribed and two new species are described: Lepanus meierae new species from southeastern Queensland to Wollongong, New South Wales and Lepanus williamsi new species from eastern New South Wales. Within the L. nitidus species group, L. nitidus Matthews 1974 and L. dichrous Gillet, 1925 are redescribed and three new species are described: Lepanus vangerweni new species, Lepanus carbinensis new species, and Lepanus kulki new species from the Australian Wet Tropics, northern Queensland. Following these descriptions, a total of 50 Lepanus species are now described from Australia.
Pedestrian Crossing Decisions in Virtual Environments: Behavioral Validity in CAVEs and Head-Mounted Displays
Authors: Schneider Sonja , Maruhn Philipp , Dang Nguyen-Thong , Pala Prashant , Cavallo Viola , Bengler Klaus
Published: February 2021

Objective

To contribute to the validation of virtual reality (VR) as a tool for analyzing pedestrian behavior, we compared two types of high-fidelity pedestrian simulators to a test track.

Background

While VR has become a popular tool in pedestrian research, it is uncertain to what extent simulator studies evoke the same behavior as nonvirtual environments.

Method

An identical experimental procedure was replicated in a CAVE automatic virtual environment (CAVE), a head-mounted display (HMD), and on a test track. In each group, 30 participants were instructed to step forward whenever they felt the gap between two approaching vehicles was adequate for crossing.

Results

Our analyses revealed distinct effects for the three environments. Overall acceptance was highest on the test track. In both simulators, crossings were initiated later, but a relationship between gap size and crossing initiation was apparent only in the CAVE. In contrast to the test track, vehicle speed significantly affected acceptance rates and safety margins in both simulators.

Conclusion

For a common decision task, the results obtained in virtual environments deviate from those in a nonvirtual test bed. The consistency of differences indicates that restrictions apply when predicting real-world behavior based on VR studies. In particular, the higher susceptibility to speed effects warrants further investigation, since it implies that differences in perceptual processing alter experimental outcomes.

Application

Our observations should inform the conclusions drawn from future research in pedestrian simulators, for example by accounting for a higher sensitivity to speed variations and a greater uncertainty associated with crossing decisions.
Physico-chemical and mechanical characterization of bambusa vulgaris fibers from Cameroon
Authors: Sikame Tagne NR , Abessolo D , Harzallah O , Ndapeu D , Huisken W , Nkemaja D , Biwole A , Mbou TE , Njeugna E , Fogue M , Drean J-Y , Bistac S
Published: February 2021

In this study on characterization of bambusa vulgaris fibers from Cameroon (BV), we evaluated the linear density as well as the moisture uptake. With the help of SEM, the cross-sections were observed to be circular shapes; they increase from outside to inside in any transverse position along the stem. Also, the degradation temperature of BV was investigated with the aid of TGA and the result showed that the degradation temperature of BV fibers is between 366 °C and 380 °C. In addition, their Young's moduli in dynamic tensile test was determined and it was noticed that the Young moduli increase from inside to outside. The bending tests of BV fibers were carried out and enable the various parameters in zone 3/3. Finally, the creep behavior of BV fibers was studied and it was revealed that the 4-element Burger model describes very well this phenomenon and could help in well predicting fatigue behaviour of BV fibers reinforced composites.
A real-time health notification system aimed at enhancing the interaction between animal care staff and researchers promotes animal welfare
Authors: Yatkin Emrah , Kulmala Nina , Saukkonen Aija , Maaranen Jukka , Jaakkola Ulla-Marjut
Published: February 2021

Regardless of the microbiological status of an animal facility, research animals may experience health problems, leading to pain, suffering and distress. Simple and efficient tools are needed to collect data systematically, allowing researchers to react and resolve animals’ health issues. We have developed a real-time notification method for recording clinical observations, which caretakers can input into the ELLI record-keeping system, accompanied by a picture or video. A browser-based interface system sends alerts using a three-tier scale (+, 120 hours; ++, 72 hours; +++, 24 hours) by email and/or SMS. The percentage of animal health notifications for rodents was 1.31% in 2016, 1.33% in 2017 and 1.58% in 2018, with 34–44% for coat and skin conditions (wounds, bites and scratches). All other notifications, including environment and behaviour, procedure-specific indicators (weight loss, bleeding and abnormal secretions) and other abnormalities such as eye and teeth malformations, ranged from 5% to 10% during the three-year period. Researchers displayed good compliance by reacting to the notifications within the expected time frame. Most health notifications concerned genetically modified (GM) animals without a predetermined harmful phenotype, regardless of being on project licence or maintenance licence. Health notification records may be useful retrospectively not only to review the health and welfare issues of new GM lines but also to evaluate the actual severity of procedures. The health notification system described here provides valuable information to the veterinarian and the animal welfare body by helping to address specific health conditions and to improve animal welfare and implement the 3Rs.