bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Predictors of HIV Disclosure to Adult Family Members: A Cross-Sectional Survey Among People Living with HIV in South Africa
Authors: Simbayi Leickness C. , Mabaso Musawenkosi LH , Cloete Allanise
Published: December 2021

Disclosure in the context of HIV is the sharing of information about one’s HIV-positive status, and many factors influence the decision to do so. This study examined the prevalence and predictors of HIV disclosure to adult family members using data collected from the South African 2014 People Living with HIV (PLHIV) Stigma Index. A purposive sample consisting of 10 473 PLHIV were recruited into the study from 18 districts across all of the nine provinces (two districts per province) out of a total of 52 districts found in South Africa. All respondents were linked to an institution for PLHIV accessing support or care related to HIV. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the association between HIV disclosure to family members and selected explanatory variables. A large majority (85°§1%) of the 9874 PLHIV who responded to the question on disclosure to adult family members reported that they had done so. Significant positive predictors of HIV disclosure to adult family members included reporting an age between 25 - 49 years [OR=1°§5: 95% CI (1°§2-1°§8), p<0.001], aged 50 years and older [OR=1°§5: 95% °§CI (1°§1 - 2°§0), p=0012], unemployment [OR=1°§3: 95% CI (1°§1 - 1°§5), p=0.002] and living with HIV for 5 and more years [OR=1°§6: 95% CI (1°§2 - 2°§0), p<.0.001]. On the other hand, significant negative predictors of disclosure included HIV testing decision taken under pressure from others [OR=0.6: 95% CI (0.5-0.8), p<0.001], testing without own knowledge [OR=0.3: 95% CI (0.2-0.5), p<0.001], only receiving pre-test HIV counselling [OR=0.4: 95% CI (0.3-0.5), p<0.001], and not receiving any counselling when testing for HIV [OR=0.6: 95% CI (0.4-0.9), p=0.012]. Overall, the majority of study participants had disclosed their HIV positive status to family members. However, there is a need to equip younger PLHIV and those who were recently diagnosed with HIV with the necessary positive coping mechanisms and self-esteem strategies in order to facilitate disclosure among this population group. Involuntary or forced HIV testing and poor/lack of pre- and post-test counselling should be discouraged since they have been shown to have negative consequences for disclosure.
On the Ger\v{s}gorin disks of distance matrices of graphs
Authors: Aouchiche Mustapha , Rather Bilal A. , El Hallaoui Issmail
Published: December 2021

For a simple connected graph $G$, let $D(G)$, $Tr(G)$, $D^{L}(G)=Tr(G)-D(G)$, and $D^{Q}(G)=Tr(G)+D(G)$ be the distance matrix, the diagonal matrix of the vertex transmissions, the distance Laplacian matrix, and the distance signless Laplacian matrix of $G$, respectively. Atik and Panigrahi [2] suggested the study of the problem: Whether all eigenvalues, except the spectral radius, of $ D(G) $ and $ D^{Q}(G) $ lie in the smallest Ger\v{s}gorin disk? In this paper, we provide a negative answer by constructing an infinite family of counterexamples.
Femoral stem neck geometry determines hip range of motion shape
Authors: Eslam Pour Aidin , Lazennec Jean Yves , Patel Kunj P. , Anjaria Manan P. , Beaulé Paul Edgar , Schwarzkopf Ran
Published: December 2021

Aims

In computer simulations, the shape of the range of motion (ROM) of a stem with a cylindrical neck design will be a perfect cone. However, many modern stems have rectangular/oval-shaped necks. We hypothesized that the rectangular/oval stem neck will affect the shape of the ROM and the prosthetic impingement.

Methods

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) motion while standing and sitting was simulated using a MATLAB model (one stem with a cylindrical neck and one stem with a rectangular neck). The primary predictor was the geometry of the neck (cylindrical vs rectangular) and the main outcome was the shape of ROM based on the prosthetic impingement between the neck and the liner. The secondary outcome was the difference in the ROM provided by each neck geometry and the effect of the pelvic tilt on this ROM. Multiple regression was used to analyze the data.

Results

The stem with a rectangular neck has increased internal and external rotation with a quatrefoil cross-section compared to a cone in a cylindrical neck. Modification of the cup orientation and pelvic tilt affected the direction of projection of the cone or quatrefoil shape. The mean increase in internal rotation with a rectangular neck was 3.4° (0° to 7.9°; p < 0.001); for external rotation, it was 2.8° (0.5° to 7.8°; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our study shows the importance of attention to femoral implant design for the assessment of prosthetic impingement. Any universal mathematical model or computer simulation that ignores each stem’s unique neck geometry will provide inaccurate predictions of prosthetic impingement. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(12):780–789.
Finite Element Model for Investigating the Thermo-Electro-Mechanical Response of Inhomogeneously Deforming Dielectric Elastomer Actuators
Authors: Sharma Atul Kumar , Khurana Aman , Joglekar Manish M.
Published: December 2021

Among the available soft active materials, Dielectric elastomers (DEs) possess the capability of achieving the large actuation strain under the application of high electric field. The material behavior of such elastomers is affected significantly by the change in temperature. This paper reports a 3-D finite element framework based on the coupled nonlinear theory of thermo-electro-elasticity for investigating the thermal effects on the electromechanical performance of inhomogeneously deforming dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs). The material behavior of the actuator is modeled using the neo-Hookean model of hyperelasticity with temperature dependent shear modulus. An in-house computational code is developed to implement the coupled finite element framework. Firstly, the accuracy of the developed FE code is verified by simulating the temperature effects on the actuation response and pull-in instability of the benchmark homogeneously deforming planar DE actuator. Further, the influence of temperature on the electromechanical responses of complex bi-layered bending actuator and buckling pump actuator involving inhomogeneous deformation is investigated. The numerical framework and the associated inferences can find their potential use in addressing the effect of temperature in the design of electro-active polymer based actuators.
La recepció de Georges Valois a Catalunya. Aproximació a les influències i interpretacions d’un referent oblidat (1918-1928)
Authors: Pubill Brugués Joan
Published: December 2021

A través de l’anàlisi de la recepció de les seves idees en quatre cultures polítiques (maurisme, catalanisme noucentista, catolicisme social i catalanisme progressista), l’article que presentem pretén examinar l’impacte del pensament de Georges Valois a Catalunya.
Els drets sobre la pesca a l’Alt Maresme (terme de Montpalau). Delme, castellatge i peix senyoriu (segles xiii-xvi)
Authors: Ginot Julià Antoni
Published: December 2021

En la història de la renda senyorial, els drets sobre la pesca tenen un paper importantíssim en les senyories que comptaven amb activitat pesquera. Aquí ens centrarem en els drets que es documenten al llarg de quatre segles (xiii-xvi) a la baronia de Montpalau (Maresme), integrada al vescomtat de Cabrera. L’objectiu de l’estudi present és copsar com van evolucionar, entendre la vinculació que mantingueren amb la senyoria jurisdiccional i documentar drets poc estudiats: el castellatge del peix, per exemple.
Grandes inundaciones en la ciudad de Murcia a través de la documentación histórica: medidas de defensa y contexto socioeconómico
Authors: Gil-Guirado Salvador , Olcina Cantos Jorge , Pérez-Morales Alfredo
Published: December 2021

El estudio de inundaciones históricas ha generado en los últimos años metodologías que persiguen transformar la información cualitativa contenida en la documentación histórica en información cuantitativa. Sin embargo, la diversidad de los contextos culturales e históricos, así como la heterogeneidad de las fuentes documentales, dificulta la capacidad de extrapolación de los métodos cuantitativos en climatología histórica. Esta situación favorece que los análisis hermenéuticos de textos sigan siendo un elemento esencial en el estudio del clima pasado. Este trabajo realiza un análisis de estas características sobre las tres inundaciones más catastróficas ocurridas en la ciudad de Murcia en los últimos cuatrocientos años. Se destaca el hecho de que la sociedad murciana tenía estrategias de superación de catástrofes que involucraban al conjunto de la sociedad y preconizaban una gestión integral de las emergencias. No obstante, el estado de penuria económica previo a una inundación es un factor determinante para explicar la capacidad de resiliencia del sistema social. Es, asimismo, relevante el gran aumento de la exposición a zonas inundables producido en los últimos dos siglos, con ocupación progresiva del espacio de huerta tradicional para usos no agrarios que se mantiene hasta la actualidad. Se puede afirmar que la sociedad murciana preindustrial usaba de forma más eficiente los mecanismos de los que disponía para adaptarse a las inundaciones.
Reptes de la comunicació especialitzada
Authors: Bernat Francesc
Published: December 2021

Introducció.
Dir el dret: comprensibilitat i excés nominal, un repte pendent
Authors: Pou Pujolràs Agustí
Published: December 2021

El jurista té molt en compte els principis d’objectivitat i de precisió a l’hora de redactar els seus textos professionals. Per aquesta raó, utilitza diversos recursos que posen en relleu l’absència de la seva subjectivitat (impersonalització) i els seus coneixements tècnics (tecnicisme). Ara bé, moltes vegades el resultat contradiu l’objectiu pretès, i també la comprensibilitat del text se’n ressent. Aquesta conseqüència no desitjada no s’avé amb els corrents que advoquen per la claredat del llenguatge jurídic i pel dret a comprendre’l que té la ciutadania.
Un dels recursos més freqüentment utilitzats és la nominalització. La construcció textual basada en estructures nominals despersonalitza el text, li resta agilitat i el satura de conceptes pretesament tècnics fins a fer-lo difícilment comprensible. Una selecció d’exemples extrets de textos judicials il·lustra les formes més recurrents en aquest subllenguatge jurídic, els objectius que persegueixen i les distorsions que generen.
Los desafíos éticos de la infodemia. A propósito de la COVID-19
Authors: Ramos Pozón Sergio
Published: December 2021

La pandemia generada por la COVID-19 ha significado un desafío para los medios de comunicación, pues ha propiciado un volumen inmenso de información en muy poco tiempo. Se ha tenido que informar a la ciudadanía de manera apresurada en un clima de incertidumbre. Y esto ha cristalizado en una infodemia, la cual ha generado desconcierto y desinformación. En este artículo exponemos el fenómeno de la infodemia y todo lo que ha creado a su alrededor (fake news como, por ejemplo, mitos, falsas creencias, ideas conspirativas, etc.). En segundo lugar, presentamos algunas ideas éticas y deontológicas con las que guiar su proceso comunicativo, de manera que los medios de comunicación puedan informar con rigor, fiabilidad y respeto con la ciudadanía para que tengan una opinión fundamentada, contrastada y argumentada. Dicha pretensión ha de ser concebida por los profesionales de la comunicación como una obligación ética y deontológica hacia la ciudadanía.
Large photonic spin Hall effect in two dimensional semi-Dirac materials
Authors: Huang Ling , He Yan , Zhou Xiaoying , Zhou Guanghui
Published: December 2021

A strong photonic spin Hall effect (PSHE) in the absence of external magnetic field is important to control the spin states of photons and design next-generation photonic devices based on spinotpics. Herein, we theoretically study the PSHE on the surface of semi-Dirac materials. We established a general model, by changing various incident conditions, to describe the spin-orbit interaction of light in semi-Dirac materials. When we made these changes, we found that a large PSHE arises from the intrinsic anisotropy in the dispersion of semi-Dirac materials. The in-plane (transverse) spin Hall shift is dozens times of λ
i
, where λ
i
is the wavelength of the incident photon. Both of them can be effectively tuned by adjusting the optical axis angle and the photon energy. The maximum of the total in-plane and transverse spin Hall shift is 83.91λ
i
and 19.65λ
i
, respectively, which is larger than those in conventional anisotropic two-dimensional materials and isotropic Dirac materials. Our results shed light on the spin-orbit coupling of light in semi-Dirac materials and pave the way for designing spin-optical devices.
One-shot three-dimensional imaging using a two-dimensional spectrometer with a fiber bundle
Authors: Kato Takashi , Uchida Megumi , Tanaka Yurina , Minoshima Kaoru
Published: December 2021

Using spectral interference from a chirped optical frequency comb, we developed a one-shot three-dimensional (3D) imaging method. We formed a two-dimensional spectrometer using fiber bundles made up of single-mode and multi-mode fibers to detect the spectral interference fringe images. The proposed method demonstrated one-shot 3D imaging of reflective targets with sub-µm level depth uncertainty and a wide dynamic range of 6 digits. Furthermore, by developing a method to remove the speckle noise caused by multi-mode fibers, we succeeded in capturing 3D profiles with sub-µm uncertainty in a one-shot with 299 times higher efficiency than single-mode fibers using a large numerical aperture.
Self-compensation of errors in optical coating production with monochromatic monitoring
Authors: Tikhonravov A. V. , Lagutina A. A. , Lagutin Iu. S. , Lukyanenko D. V. , Kochikov I. V. , Yagola A. G.
Published: December 2021

The presence of the error self-compensation effect in optical coating production with monochromatic monitoring other than turning point optical monitoring, is demonstrated. For the demonstration, a series of computational manufacturing experiments with a UV-IR edge filter are performed. The strength of the error self-compensation effect is estimated using the approach previously applied to the case of broadband optical monitoring.
Turbulence-immune computational ghost imaging based on a multi-scale generative adversarial network
Authors: Zhang Hao , Duan Deyang
Published: December 2021

There is a consensus that turbulence-free images cannot be obtained by conventional computational ghost imaging (CGI) because the CGI is only a classic simulation, which does not satisfy the conditions of turbulence-free imaging. In this article, we report a turbulence-immune CGI method based on a multi-scale generative adversarial network (MsGAN). Here, the conventional CGI framework is not changed, but the conventional CGI coincidence measurement algorithm is optimized by an MsGAN. Thus, the satisfactory ghost image can be reconstructed by training the network, and the visual effect can be significantly improved.
Broadband and flat millimeter-wave noise source based on the heterodyne of two Fabry–Perot lasers
Authors: Liu Wenjie , Huang Yimin , Sun Yuehui , Wang Anbang , Qin Yuwen , Wang Yuncai
Published: December 2021

We demonstrate a broadband and flat millimeter-wave (MMW) noise source based on the heterodyne of two Fabry–Perot lasers subject to optical feedback. Different mode intervals between two lasers are designed to generate beat terms at specific frequencies. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, a MMW noise signal with a 3-dB bandwidth of 50 GHz (limited by the measurement bandwidth) and flatness of less than 2.9 dB is experimentally achieved. The physical origination of the broadband flat MMW noise generation is analyzed, and the properties of the MMW signal are characterized. The proposed method has the potential to generate a broadband flat noise signal in the MMW or even the terahertz region.
Confocal 3D reflectance imaging through multimode fiber without wavefront shaping
Authors: Lee Szu-Yu , Parot Vicente J. , Bouma Brett E. , Villiger Martin
Published: December 2021

Imaging through optical multimode fiber (MMF) has the potential to
enable hair-thin endoscopes that reduce the invasiveness of imaging
deep inside tissues and organs. Active wavefront shaping and
fluorescent labeling have recently been exploited to overcome modal
scrambling and enable MMF imaging. Here, we present a computational
approach that circumvents the need for active wavefront control and
exogenous fluorophores. We demonstrate the reconstruction of
depth-gated confocal images through MMF using a raster-scanned,
focused input illumination at the fiber proximal end. We show the
compatibility of this approach with quantitative phase, dark-field,
and polarimetric imaging. Computational imaging through MMF opens a
new pathway for minimally invasive imaging in medical diagnosis and
biological investigations.
Inverse design and realization of an optimized photonic multilayer for thermophotovoltaics
Authors: De Leo Eva , Prins Ferry , Norris David J.
Published: December 2021

Photonically tailored thermal emission can boost the efficiency of thermophotovoltaics through selective emission of above-bandgap energies. 1D photonic crystals are attractive candidates for this purpose, providing strong modulation of the optical density of states at the photonic band edge. However, optimization of the emission spectrum of such multilayer structures is challenging due to the large number of parameters involved. Here, we present the inverse design of an Al2O3/W multilayer using an evolutionary optimization algorithm. The experimental realization of the optimized design shows emission close to unity at above-bandgap energies while suppressing up to 40% of below-bandgap energies.
Ten simple rules for creating a scientific web application
Authors: Burnett Jessica L. , Dale Renee , Hou Chung-Yi , Palomo-Munoz Gabriela , Whitney Kaitlin Stack , Aulenbach Steve , Bristol Robert Sky , Valle Denis , Wellman Tristan P.
Published: December 2021

The use of scientific web applications (SWApps) across biological and environmental sciences has grown exponentially over the past decade or so. Although quantitative evidence for such increased use in practice is scant, collectively, we have observed that these tools become more commonplace in teaching, outreach, and in science coproduction (e.g., as decision support tools). Despite the increased popularity of SWApps, researchers often receive little or no training in creating such tools. Although rolling out SWApps can be a relatively simple and quick process using modern, popular platforms like R shiny apps or Tableau dashboards, making them useful, usable, and sustainable is not. These 10 simple rules for creating a SWApp provide a foundation upon which researchers with little to no experience in web application design and development can consider, plan, and carry out SWApp projects.
Research on the impact of COVID-19 on Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises: Evidence from Beijing
Authors: Ma Zhengwei , Liu Yiran , Gao Yida
Published: December 2021

COVID-19 leads small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to survive very hard. The development difficulties of SMEs lead to weak employment and GDP growth in various countries. In the process of COVID-19’s continuous spread, what is the major reason for the difficulties of SMEs? This paper hopes to answer this question by studying SMEs in Beijing. On this basis, this paper uses structural equation model (SEM) to study the relatively fast recovery of SMEs in Beijing, China, to explore the factors affecting SMEs in the pandemic. After detailed desk research and interviews with relevant entrepreneurs, this paper collects 234 valid questionnaires from SMEs in various industries in Beijing with the help of Federation of Industry and Commerce and Chamber of Commerce in Beijing. Then the data is analyzed with the SEM, which shows the relationship between cash flow from financing activities, markets, employees, costs, government policies and the impact of the pandemic. Finally, an impact model of the pandemic on SMEs is established. The result of the model indicates that the direct effect of the pandemic on the market is the most prominent, and government policies can significantly reduce the negative impact of the pandemic on SMEs indirectly. Based on this, this paper puts forward some policy suggestions, such as the targeted issuance of consumption vouchers and the reduction of administrative barriers. This will enable megacities in various countries to improve policy support for SMEs and promote the recovery and development of SMEs.
Current clinical practice in adapted automated peritoneal dialysis (aAPD)—A prospective, non-interventional study
Authors: Vera Manel , Cheak Bee Boon , Chmelíčková Hana , Bavanandan Sunita , Goh Bak Leong , Abdul Halim Abdul Gafor , Garcia Isabel , Gajdoš Martin , Alonso Valente Rafael , De los Ríos Tatiana , Atiye Saynab , Stauss-Grabo Manuela , Galli Emilio
Published: December 2021

Adapted automated peritoneal dialysis (aAPD), comprising a sequence of dwells with different durations and fill volumes, has been shown to enhance both ultrafiltration and solute clearance compared to standard peritoneal dialysis with constant time and volume dwells. The aim of this non-interventional study was to describe the different prescription patterns used in aAPD in clinical practice and to observe outcomes characterizing volume status, dialysis efficiency, and residual renal function over 1 year. Prevalent and incident, adult aAPD patients were recruited during routine clinic visits, and aAPD prescription, volume status, residual renal function and laboratory data were documented at baseline and every quarter thereafter for 1 year. Treatments were prescribed according to the nephrologist’s medical judgement in accordance with each center’s clinical routine. Of 180 recruited patients, 160 were analyzed. 27 different aAPD prescription patterns were identified. 79 patients (49.4%) received 2 small, short dwells followed by 3 long, large dwells. During follow-up, volume status changed only marginally, with visit mean values ranging between 1.59 (95% confidence interval: 1.19; 1.99) and 1.97 (1.33; 2.61) L. Urine output and creatinine clearance decreased significantly, accompanied by reductions in ultrafiltration and Kt/V. 25 patients (15.6%) received a renal transplant and 15 (9.4%) were changed to hemodialysis. Options for individualization offered by aAPD are actually used in practice for optimized treatment. Changes observed in renal function and dialysis efficiency measures reflect the natural course of chronic kidney disease. No safety events were observed during the study period.
A continent-wide high genetic load in African buffalo revealed by clines in the frequency of deleterious alleles, genetic hitchhiking and linkage disequilibrium
Authors: van Hooft Pim , Getz Wayne M. , Greyling Barend J. , Zwaan Bas , Bastos Armanda D. S.
Published: December 2021

A high genetic load can negatively affect population viability and increase susceptibility to diseases and other environmental stressors. Prior microsatellite studies of two African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) populations in South Africa indicated substantial genome-wide genetic load due to high-frequency occurrence of deleterious alleles. The occurrence of these alleles, which negatively affect male body condition and bovine tuberculosis resistance, throughout most of the buffalo’s range were evaluated in this study. Using available microsatellite data (2–17 microsatellite loci) for 1676 animals from 34 localities (from 25°S to 5°N), we uncovered continent-wide frequency clines of microsatellite alleles associated with the aforementioned male traits. Frequencies decreased over a south-to-north latitude range (average per-locus Pearson r = -0.22). The frequency clines coincided with a multilocus-heterozygosity cline (adjusted R2 = 0.84), showing up to a 16% decrease in southern Africa compared to East Africa. Furthermore, continent-wide linkage disequilibrium (LD) at five linked locus pairs was detected, characterized by a high fraction of positive interlocus associations (0.66, 95% CI: 0.53, 0.77) between male-deleterious-trait-associated alleles. Our findings suggest continent-wide and genome-wide selection of male-deleterious alleles driven by an earlier observed sex-chromosomal meiotic drive system, resulting in frequency clines, reduced heterozygosity due to hitchhiking effects and extensive LD due to male-deleterious alleles co-occurring in haplotypes. The selection pressures involved must be high to prevent destruction of allele-frequency clines and haplotypes by LD decay. Since most buffalo populations are stable, these results indicate that natural mammal populations, depending on their genetic background, can withstand a high genetic load.
Fasting, food and farming: Value chains and food taboos in Ethiopia
Authors: D’Haene Eline , Vandevelde Senne , Minten Bart
Published: December 2021

The impact of food taboos–often because of religion–is understudied. In Ethiopia, religious fasting by Orthodox Christians is assumed to be an important impediment for the sustainable development of a competitive dairy sector and desired higher milk consumption, especially by children. However, evidence is limited. Relying on unique data, we shed light on three major issues. First, we observe that the average annual number of fasting days that Orthodox adults are effectively adhering to is 140, less than commonly cited averages. Using this as an estimate for extrapolation, fasting is estimated to reduce annual dairy consumption by approximately 12 percent nationally. Second, farms adapt to declining milk demand during fasting by increased processing of milk into storable products–fasting contributes to larger price swings for these products. We further note continued sales of milk by non-remote farmers and reduced production–by adjusting lactation times for dairy animals–for remote farmers. Third, fasting is mostly associated with increased milk consumption by the children of dairy farmers, seemingly because of excess milk availability during fasting periods. Our results suggest that fasting habits are not a major explanation for the observed poor performance of Ethiopia’s dairy sector nor low milk consumption by children. To reduce the impact of fasting on the dairy sector in Ethiopia further, investment is called for in improved milk processing, storage, and infrastructure facilities.
Good news reduces trust in government and its efficacy: The case of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine announcement
Authors: Hargreaves Heap Shaun P. , Koop Christel , Matakos Konstantinos , Unan Aslı , Weber Nina
Published: December 2021

The announcement of Pfizer/BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine success on November 9, 2020 led to a global stock market surge. But how did the general public respond to such good news? We leverage the unexpected vaccine announcement to assess the effect of good news on citizens’ government evaluations, anxiety, beliefs and elicited behaviors in the US and the UK. While most outcomes were unaffected by the news, trust in government and elected politicians (and their competency) saw a significant decline in both countries. As the news did not concern the governments, and the governments did not have time to act on the news, our results suggest that the decline of trust is more likely explained by the psychological impact of good news on reasoning style. In particular, we suggest two possible styles of reasoning that might explain our results: a form of motivated reasoning and a reasoning heuristic of relative comparison.
Gene network expression of whole blood leukocytes in dairy cows with different milk yield at dry-off
Authors: Cattaneo Luca , Mezzetti Matteo , Lopreiato Vincenzo , Piccioli-Cappelli Fiorenzo , Trevisi Erminio , Minuti Andrea
Published: December 2021

Dairy cows at dry-off undergo several management and physiological changes, resulting in alterations in plasma biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune system. High milk yield at the end of lactation exacerbates these responses. The underlying mechanism of these changes has yet to be elucidated. We hypothesized altered leukocyte gene expression after dry-off and different responses in cows with different milk yield. Thirteen Holstein dairy cows were sampled at the turn of dry-off to investigated whole blood leukocyte gene expression and were grouped according to the average milk yield during the last week of lactation: low (< 15 kg/d) and high milk yield (> 15 kg/d). Blood samples were collected in PAXgene tubes (Preanalytix, Hombrechtikon, Switzerland) at -7, 7, and 34 days from dry-off (DFD) to measure mRNA abundance of 37 genes. Normalized gene abundance data were subjected to MIXED model ANOVA (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Compared with -7 DFD, at 7 DFD RNA abundance of lipoxygenase genes (ALOX5, ALOX15) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) increased, and that of the antioxidant gene (SOD2) decreased. Meanwhile, genes related to recognition and immune mediation (CD16, MYD88, TLR2), migration and cell adhesion (CX3CR1, ITGAL, ITGB2, TLN1), and the antimicrobial gene MMP9 were downregulated at 7 or 34 DFD, whereas the antimicrobial IDO1 gene was upregulated. Compared with low-producing cows, cows with high milk yield at dry-off cows had upregulated expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL8 and IL18 and a greater reduction in transcript abundance of the toll-like receptor (TLR) recognition-related gene TLR2. Overall, the dry-off confirmed to be a phase of intense changes, triggering an inflammatory response and somewhat suppressing leukocyte immune function. In cows with high milk yield during the week before dry-off, the inflammatory response was exacerbated.
Differences in anthropometric variables and muscle strength in relation to competitive level in male handball players
Authors: Lijewski Marcin , Burdukiewicz Anna , Stachoń Aleksandra , Pietraszewska Jadwiga
Published: December 2021

Somatic characteristics manifested in different body morphology have great importance for the selection of athletes in most sports. The aim of our study is to evaluate the differences in anthropometric variables and isometric strength of handball players presenting different levels of sports competence, and to study the discriminative power of selected morphological characteristics that do not change in the training process. The study included the results of anthropometric measurements routinely used to monitor athletes, and body proportion indices were calculated. Fat percentage was assessed using the BIA, whereas body build was assessed using the Heath-Carter method. Measurements of right and left hand grip strength and back strength were taken. The results of measurements and calculations were analyzed using statistical methods. It was shown that players presenting the highest level dominate by the overall size and massiveness of the body, characteristics ensuring an advantage in direct confrontation. The size of subcutaneous fat tissue and percentage of body fat varied poorly between athletes in each group. Muscle strength assessed under static conditions shows a gradient in magnitude across teams from higher to lower rank, but the differences are not statistically significant. The same somatotype (balanced mesomorph) was present in all groups. Athletes presenting high sports level are characterized by body proportions that determine biomechanical conditions conducive to optimizing the structure of movements important in handball. Stepwise discriminant analysis showed that throwing-related characteristics (hand length, upper arm length, upper limb span, lower limb length) account for 88% of the variance in team ranking and can be used to identify the morphological predisposition of adepts to play handball.
Autotheory as Feminist Practice in Art, Writing and Criticism, Lauren Fournier
Authors: Golovchenko Margaryta
Published: December 2021

Review of: Autotheory as Feminist Practice in Art, Writing and Criticism, Lauren Fournier

Cambridge, MA and London: MIT Press (2021), 320 pp., h/bk,

ISBN: 978-0-26204-556-8, US $35.00
La televisión en fin de año y los especiales de humor de José Mota. Imitaciones y parodias para relatar la actualidad y la COVID-19 desde la comedia
Authors: Gascón-Vera Patricia
Published: December 2021

El último día del año, la programación televisiva se adapta. Durante los últimos treinta años, en TVE los humoristas se han hecho cargo del especial previo a las campanadas. Concretamente, José Mota lo ha liderado veinte ocasiones, la mitad en solitario, con alta repercusión de audiencia, pero poca profusión académica. Por ello, se contrasta su guion con las preocupaciones sociales del CIS y sus características estructurales desde un análisis de contenido comparativo sobre sus dos últimas emisiones, 2019 y 2020. Cotejo que arroja que su escaleta aborda, pero no de forma mayoritaria, el paro, la política o el COVID-19 desde imitaciones y parodias.
¿Travestismo o transexualidad? Divergencia en la cobertura mediática del asesinato de un hombre travestido
Authors: Olveira-Araujo Rubén
Published: December 2021

Las representaciones mediáticas sobre las identidades trans(género) se han multiplicado en los últimos años. Para contribuir a la escasa literatura académica sobre travestismo en el área de Comunicación, se ha examinado mediante un análisis de contenido la cobertura mediática del asesinato de un hombre travestido en Castilla y León. Los resultados indican que la prensa continúa mezclando diferentes hechos de diversidad sexual. Asimismo, de confundir la transexualidad con el travestismo, ahora parece que se confunde el travestismo con la transexualidad. Pese a todo, también sugieren que la cobertura mediática sobre la diversidad sexual ha mejorado.
Spatial specialisation of livestock in Hungary
Authors: Komarek Levente
Published: December 2021

The territorial location issues of livestock in the European Union and also in our country got into the focus over the past few years. There are different animal structures in the regions of our country and different animal species became dominant. The location and the development of certain animal types are affected by a number of socio-economic factors (the history of breeding, ownership, labour and capital assets, etc.). In case of the spatially differentiated species-structure, variable profitability, human-resource, technical standards, different risk factors and market opportunities must be taken into consideration in different regions. The actuality of the research topic is enhanced by the fact that nowadays the spatial structure of animal production has become an important key issue. That is why more and more research is needed in Hungary, primarily research studying and analysing the structural changes and principals of animal production in order to ensure that each region would have a rational and efficient breed-structure. In addition, it is expected in modern market economies that the various regions should specialize in animal species, for which they have the most favourable breeding conditions. In order to follow the livestock changes (spatial and structural) in the last decade, it was important to consider the spatial specialization of different species over time.
Results of co-fermentation experiments in half industrial size
Authors: Sallai László
Published: December 2021

The research work presented proposes the study of the impact for the qualitative and the quantitative property of the biogas production by the co-fermentation of the bio-fuel industrial by-products and the dangerous liquid pig manure of the concentrated stock of the big pig farms. The energetic utilization of these materials means more profitable technology for the bio-fuel industry with a longer product course, bigger income for the agricultural enterprises selling the electrical energy, the heat energy, getting support for the demolition of the dangerous materials, savings in the replacement of the plant nutrition with the utilization of the bio-manure, increases the performance of the plant production, making harmless the dung which means a big environmental load. Because of the profitability of bio-energy utilization depends on the local conditions it is necessary to do experiments to try the available composition of organic wastes in the ratio of the formation in advance. We have to investigate the different ways of technology and recipe of basic and by-products to increase the production.
The semantic analysis of the hashtag #blacklivesmatter
Authors: Katermina Veronica , Yachenko Ekaterina Yachenko
Published: December 2021

The article analyzes the use of the hash tag #blacklivesmatter during its most active use on the social network Twitter - from May 25 to June 7, 2020. Using the OSoMe: the IUNI observatory on social media big digital data analytics service, the correlation of this hashtag with others was investigated, and then the results were interpreted and systematized, as well as semantic analysis of hashtags. Correlating hashtags were combined by us into more than 10 thematic groups. The data obtained allow us to see exactly how the Black lives matter social movement is represented in the Internet space, as well as to track the assessment of the movement by Internet users. The relevance of this work is due to the fact that the social movement Black lives matter, which developed from the hash tag of the same name, gained even more popularity and turnover in the summer of 2020. The movement and the problems it raises are in the center of world attention at the moment. Attempts to investigate the rhetoric of this movement in social networks have not been made before.
Text Fragmentation in the novel “Troubled Blood” by Robert Galbraith
Authors: Tatiana Osadchaya Tatiana , Lushnikova Galina
Published: December 2021

The article examines specifics of fragmentation in contemporary works of fiction. Identifying elements that connect heterogeneous episodes or fragments can reshape readers’ experience and serve as a key for interpretation. The analysis of the detective novel “Troubled Blood” by R. Galbraith has demonstrated that fragmentation is realized at different text levels and in different compositional and stylistic forms, namely, within the categories of temporality and locality, in the development of plot lines, within the categories of description and reasoning, in dialogues, polylogues, internal monologues. The category of intertextuality plays a special role in the fragmentation of the novel under study. Non-linear narrative, intended lack of chronological and psychological sequence serve to effectively introduce the main focus of detective fiction – suspense and puzzle-solving; these literary devices also contribute to its unique narrative perspective.
Ethnolinguocultural Specifics of the Russian Concept "Court": Based on Proverbs
Authors: Popova Ludmila
Published: December 2021

The article considers the value component of the concept "court" in the Russian everyday linguistic consciousness based on the corpus of proverbs of judicial subjects. The ambiguity of the perception of the concept of "court" by ordinary legal consciousness is revealed. The linguistic means of positive and negative evaluation of the court are recorded. Evaluative language means express oppositions of ethno-cultural moral and ethical concepts: "(not)truth" / "lie", "(not)justice", "offense", "(not) righteousness", "good" / "evil". In everyday linguistic consciousness, the standard of justice is represented as a right, direct (objective, fair, lawful) court, carried out by a kind, righteous (honest, fair, conscientious, decent, law-abiding) judge, subject to the operation of the law (saint, peacemaker). The provision on the unconditional opposition of the ethical and legal aspects of the Russian linguistic consciousness is corrected: the conceptual syncretism "truth – justice – legality" is revealed.

V. Popova. Ethnolinguocultural Specifics of the Russian Concept "Court": Based on Proverbs

The article considers the value component of the concept "court" in the Russian everyday linguistic consciousness based on the corpus of proverbs of judicial subjects. The ambiguity of the perception of the concept of "court" by ordinary legal consciousness is revealed. The linguistic means of positive and negative evaluation of the court are recorded. Evaluative language means express oppositions of ethno-cultural moral and ethical concepts: "(not)truth" / "lie", "(not)justice", "offense", "(not) righteousness", "good" / "evil". In everyday linguistic consciousness, the standard of justice is represented as a right, direct (objective, fair, lawful) court, carried out by a kind, righteous (honest, fair, conscientious, decent, law-abiding) judge, subject to the operation of the law (saint, peacemaker). The provision on the unconditional opposition of the ethical and legal aspects of the Russian linguistic consciousness is corrected: the conceptual syncretism "truth – justice – legality" is revealed.
Liquefied natural gas road transport: a simulation study in Mato Grosso, Brazil
Authors: Dos Santos Júnior Dorival Suriano , Abreu Netto Anna Luisa , Peyerl Drielli , Fraga Denis Martins , Dos Santos Edmilson Moutinho
Published: December 2021

The aim of this article is to evaluate the viability of transporting Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) by truck in the Mato Grosso (MT) state, Brazil, comparing the costs of substituting other energy sources for the Bolivian Natural Gas (NG) and estimating the potential available market in the five mesoregions of the state. The simulation results show a potential NG market of 2.1 MMm3/day at a competitive cost compared to the assessed fuels in the economic sectors evaluated in the MT state. LNG transported by road has shown to be more advantageous than electric energy and diesel oil. On the other hand, fuel oil costs were slightly lower than NG costs. This simulation can serve as inspiration to extend the use of small-scale LNG by road in states or countries with similar characteristics, especially those with the possibility of the constant supply of NG and limited pipeline network.
TVET engineering students’ perceptions of the value of their qualification and the prospects of employment
Authors: Anthony Tolika Sibiya  , Nceba Nyembezi  , David Bogopa
Published: December 2021

The study described in this article explored the ways in which selected technical and vocational education and training (TVET) engineering students perceived their qualifications and employment prospects, given the youth unemployment rate in general and, in particular, that among TVET graduates. While the unemployment rate among South Africans with a tertiary qualification stood at 7%, it appeared to be a staggering 33% among TVET graduates in 2017. In order to gather data from a sample of TVET engineering students, a self-administered qualitative questionnaire was used to collect data from two colleges. A total of 113 TVET engineering students at the two colleges completed the questionnaire. The gender profile of the participants was 64 females and 49 males, who were all between the ages of 18 and 29 years. The findings showed that the TVET engineering qualification does not guarantee employment because of the lack of jobs in the South African economy. Moreover, the participants perceived unemployment as a function of job scarcity rather than of a lack of skills. However, some participants perceived a TVET engineering qualification to be in demand, and this demand is attributed to the electricity crisis/load-shedding in South Africa. The majority of the 79 participants, who perceived unemployment to be an economic crisis, recommended that a solution to unemployment should be to make voluntary service compulsory in both the public and the private sector. To this end, the government should make available funding for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and also encourage and fund students to study beyond their undergraduate qualification. As an entry-level requirement for employment, experience is seen as an unfair practice and a barrier to entry for graduates.
Editorial policy
Authors: Dr Catherine Robertson
Published: December 2021

The Journal of Vocational, Adult and Continuing Education and Training (JOVACET) recognises the need for critical engagement through studies in TVET and Adult and Continuing education and training, and for encouraging critical scrutiny of this expansive knowledge area on the African continent.
Institutional responses to the COVID-19 pandemic: Faculty and administrator experiences
Authors: Sparkman-Key Narketta , Dice Tammi F. , Gantt Alexandra C.
Published: December 2021

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic required shifts in operations for institutions of higher education everywhere. Faculty and administrators were asked to adapt to meet the needs of students. We conducted a qualitative content analysis to understand institutional responses and examine the experiences of faculty and administrators during the COVID-19 pandemic through the lens of chaos theory. Institutional responses to the pandemic varied. Participants identified supports and resources deemed helpful, as well as those found to be inadequate or unwanted. We also found that the pandemic resulted in some positive outcomes for faculty and administrators, which led to growth in teaching and self-care. Implications for strategic planning and future directions for research are explored.
Globalization of Commercial Banks in Nigeria: Impact of Information and Communication Technology (1988 – 2019)
Authors: Ifeanyi Titus Freeman , Ukah Ruth C.
Published: December 2021

The study examined the globalization of commercial banks in Nigeria: impact of information and communications technology for the period 1988 to 2019.   It was necessitated by the call for more insight on how information and communications technology impacts globalization of commercial banks in Nigeria.   It specifically determined the impact of teledensity on loans from non-resident banks to Nigeria, the impact of internet penetration on foreign banks asset in Nigeria, and the impact of banking market size on consolidated foreign claims of Bank of International Settlement in Nigeria.  The study adopted ex-post research design in the analysis of data. Data analysis technique is adopted ordinary least squares (OLS) method because of the desirable properties (linearity, unbiasedness and minimum variance, among other unbiased estimators) it possesses. The findings show that ICT plays significant positive role in commercial bank globalization. Recommendations were made on what should be done to ensure the development of the ICT sector in Nigeria.