bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Healthy aging in India: evidence from a panel study
Authors: Irshad C.V. , Dash Umakant
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Recent public health policy emphasizes the achievement of healthy aging as average life expectancy increases worldwide. Evidence for healthy aging from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) is limited. The purpose of this paper is to assess the prospects of healthy aging and its associated factors in the Indian context.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was based on a national-level panel survey, the Indian Human Development Survey (IHDS) conducted in 2004-05 and 2011-12. The analytical sample consists of 10,218 elderly individuals who were 60 years old and above at the baseline. Change in health status was assessed based on disability and disease incidence at the follow-up. A generalized estimating equation (GEE) model was performed to assess health status change.

Findings

Increasing age was a risk factor for all dimensions of health outcomes. Elderly from the lowest wealth quintiles were more likely to lose health due to short-term morbidity, whereas the highest wealth quintiles were more likely to lose health due to long-term and multi-morbidity, indicating evidence for the presence of the “disease of affluence”. Social capital, such as living in a joint family acted as a protective factor against health risks.

Originality/value

With the results showing the evidence of the “disease of affluence” and “disease of poverty” in different health outcomes, there should be a health policy focus that copes with undergoing epidemiological transition. It is also important to pay attention to health-protecting factors such as social and familial support to achieve healthy aging.
Family planning use among young mothers in the peri-urban area of Osun State, Nigeria: the influence of spousal communication and attitude
Authors: Bolarinwa Obasanjo Afolabi , Olaniyan Akintayo Taiwo , Saeed Balsam Qubais , Olagunju Olalekan Seun
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of spousal communication and attitude toward family planning (FP) use among young mothers in the peri-urban area of Osun State, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was limited to a primary cross-sectional dataset collected among 420 young mothers between the ages of 15 and 30 years residing in the peri-urban area of Osun State, Nigeria. The distribution of the use of FP across the socio-demographic, spousal communication and attitude was described, and multivariate logistic regression was used to assess FP use likelihood. The results were presented as crude odds ratios (cOR) and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Statistical significance was set at p-value < 0.05.

Findings

FP use were more likely to be higher among the respondents whose male spouses have good communication [cOR = 35.5; 95% (15.93–78.99)], good attitude [cOR = 8.6 95% (3.59–20.65)] and this persisted after adjusting for significant covariates [aOR = 80.7; 95% (19.80–328.84)] and [aOR = 5.4 95% (1.34–22.17)].

Research limitations/implications

The study's strength is the ability to design questionnaires tailored toward the literature gap on nonuse of FP by young mothers. However, the study is without limitation because the focus was on young mothers alone why their spouses were not interviewed. Male spouse details were collected from the young mothers, and there may be inaccuracy in the reporting of male spouse socio-demographic characteristics used as a control variable in this study. Also, because this research was conducted among specific group, the results of the study cannot be used to generalize for other group.

Practical implications

Future studies should consider both partners to harness the true picture of poor communication and attitude toward each other. The future study will also be more robust if it can consider a qualitative research design as this will help unveil more underlining factors influencing the nonuse of FP among young mothers.

Originality/value

Young mothers with good spousal communication and attitude were more likely to use FP. Deliberate interventions should include focus group discussion and community sensitization to encourage good communication and attitude of male spouse toward their partner in the peri-urban area of Osun State, Nigeria.
The impact of COVID-19 on patients with stroke: an integrative review
Authors: Ruksakulpiwat Suebsarn
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This review aims to evaluate the evidence of the impact of COVID-19 on patients with stroke.

Design/methodology/approach

The author carried out a review following the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) for a review article. PubMed, the Web of Science and CINAHL Plus Full Text were searched from January 2019 to October 2020. Twenty-three studies were included in the final review, incorporating a total of 9,819 stroke patients.

Findings

The most commonly reported effects of COVID-19 on patients with stroke were delayed stroke treatment (n = 14 studies), thrombotic, blood and immune system complications (n = 8), increased risk of stroke severity and disability (n = 6), increased mortality (n = 8), elevated D-dimer levels (n = 4), comorbidity and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (n = 6) and prolonged hospitalization (n = 4).

Originality/value

COVID-19 has affected patients with stroke in various ways, either directly or indirectly, prior to admission or in hospital. The findings should help guide further investigation of the long-term impact of COVID-19 on patients with stroke and help to establish proper guidelines for the provision of efficient treatment for affected patients.
Bioclimatic drivers of fire severity across the Australian geographical range of giantEucalyptusforests
Authors: Furlaud James M. , Prior Lynda D. , Williamson Grant J. , Bowman David M. J. S.
Published: April 2021

The relationships between productivity, fire frequency and fire severity shape the distribution of plant communities globally. Dry forests are expected to burn frequently and wet forests to burn infrequently. However, the effect of productivity on intensity and severity of wildfire is less consistent and poorly understood. One productive ecosystem where this is especially true is the Australian tall wetEucalyptus‐dominated forest (TWEF), which spans wet areas across the continent. This study aims to characterise how climate shapes the likelihood of low‐ and high‐severity wildfire across Australian TWEF.

We performed a continental‐scale analysis of fuels in 48 permanent plots in early‐mature stage TWEF across four climate regions in Australia. We estimated fuel loads and measured understorey microclimate. We then obtained historical fire‐weather observations from nearby meteorological stations and used fuel moisture and fire behaviour equations to predict the historical frequency with which TWEF could burn and what fire severities were expected. We investigated how this varies across the different TWEF climate regions. Lastly, we validated our approach by remeasuring eight plots that burned unexpectedly post‐measurement.

We found that surface fuels in cooler, moister regions were available to burn 1–16 days per year historically, with only low‐severity, surface fire possible most of these days: high‐severity fire was only possible under rare, extreme fire‐weather conditions. However, in warmer, drier regions, fuels were available to burn 23–35 days annually, and high‐severity fire was more likely than low‐severity fire. Validation showed that we slightly overestimated flame heights, inflating high‐severity risk estimates. If we used elevated fuel loads to predict flame heights, however, high‐severity fire was more likely than low‐severity fire everywhere. Lastly, the likelihood of high‐severity fire increased with increasing temperature and worsening fire weather.

Synthesis. Fire activity in early‐mature TWEF is limited by climatic constraints on fire weather and availability to burn, with high‐severity fire more likely in warmer, drier regions than in cooler, wetter ones. This indicates a particularly worrisome vulnerability to climate change, given TWEF's diminished ability to recover from disturbance in a warmer world. The occurrence of both low‐ and high‐severity fire means the fire regimes of TWEF are best described as mixed severity.
First description of hepatitis E virus in Australian rabbits
Authors: Jenckel M , Hall RN , Strive T
Published: April 2021

We report the first detection of hepatitis E virus in rabbits in Australia. While conducting metatranscriptomic sequencing of liver samples collected from domestic rabbits that had died, we detected hepatitis E virus in three samples. Two viral genome sequences were obtained, which shared 96% nucleotide identity and clustered with hepatitis E strains isolated from rabbits and humans in Europe. This raises a potential public health risk in Australia, as the abundance of wild rabbits and the increasing popularity of domestic rabbits as pets represent a substantial human/rabbit interface to allow for potential zoonotic infections to occur.
Cultural metaphors as means to contextualised understanding of child and childhood
Authors: Khunyakari Ritesh
Published: April 2021

The conceptualizations about children and childhoods enrich our understanding of adult–child interactions, educational practice, policy and child‐welfare interventions. This study explored 42 cultural metaphors drawn from diverse socio‐economic, geographical and linguistic settings to construct Indian childhoods. The paper reports an interpretative analysis of reconstructions leading to a typology of metaphors‐in‐use. The conceptual‐analytical exercise helped unpack nuances and contextual meanings of metaphors. The paper argues for richness and subtlety in theorising childhoods, which is multilayered, situated and intertwined with contextual issues and tensions. The study offers methodological, pedagogical and conceptual insights and proposes possibilities for using cultural tools into inquiring childhoods.
Reconceptualizing the phenomenon of inbreeding: Labour markets, stratification, and capital
Authors: Jones Glen A. , Jefferson Alison Elizabeth
Published: April 2021

This paper illuminates how three distinct but complementary concepts can be used to explain the prevalence of inbreeding in some contexts and the absence or limited frequency of inbreeding in others. The concepts of internal and external labour markets can be useful in understanding the academic labour market conditions that may support or discourage inbreeding. The concepts of vertical fragmentation of the academic labour within universities and the vertical stratification of institutions within systems can be helpful in understanding why inbreeding may be more prevalent for some categories of academic labour, located within specific institutional contexts, than others. Finally, the concepts of social and cultural capital can be useful in understanding inbreeding in terms of academic hiring decision processes.
Migration, Integration, and the City
Authors: Balint Peter , Torresi Tiziana
Published: April 2021

Given that cities are now bearing the brunt of migration and integration, it might seem that we should shift our normative focus away from the state towards the city. This is the suggestion of Avner de Shalit’s (2018) Cities and Integration: Political and Moral Dilemmas in the New Era of Migration. In this article, we suggest that this move is not so straightforward. Other levels, including the global, the state, and the neighbourhood, on top of the city, are also impacted by migration and so also have claims for normative priority, which need to be addressed. And even if the city is responsible for integration, we argue that de Shalit’s promotion of Amsterdam’s ‘Milkshake Model’ – a form of respect and appreciation of difference – is, despite its clear initial appeal, not an ideal for accommodating diversity.
Cities, Neighbourhoods, and the Challenges of Immigration
Authors: Bonotti Matteo
Published: April 2021

This article critically examines four specific aspects of Avner de Shalit’s book Cities and Immigration. First, it argues that the influx of cosmopolitan migrants, which de Shalit considers unproblematic for destination cities, may in fact pose a challenge to some cities’ ethos, and to the ethos of specific neighbourhoods within cities. Second, it contends that gentrification, contrary to what de Shalit suggests, may sometimes hinder rather than promote social mixing and migrants' integration. Third, it claims that most of the examples of mutual assimilation (de Shalit’s preferred model of inclusion) provided by de Shalit concern superficial interactions and exchanges between members of different groups. This raises both the empirical question of whether deeper forms of mutual assimilation are possible and the normative question of whether they are desirable. Fourth, it takes issue with two concrete policy recommendations advanced by de Shalit: the first involves assessing potential matchings between source and destination cities in order to advise migrants where to move; the second concerns prioritizing immigrants who might be better capable than others of facilitating the integration of future immigrants, due to their values, religion, or country of origin.
Unintentional Residence and the Right to Vote
Authors: Lenard Patti Tamara
Published: April 2021

Democratic theory offers robust resources in order to defend the claim that noncitizens are, in many cases, entitled to the right to vote in their place of residence, regardless of their citizenship. On this, Avner de Shalit and I are in broad agreement. But the route we take to justify this right rests on substantially different argumentation: whereas I believe that residence is necessary and sufficient to justify the right to vote at the municipal and, more controversially, at the national level, de Shalit believes that noncitizens must also intend to reside in a city over the longer term in order to merit the right to vote on city matters. I will argue that this focus on intention is dangerous for the most vulnerable of city dwellers, who are most in need of the right to vote, even if only at the city level. In particular, I argue that the only way that the right to vote can play its protective role is if it is available to migrants on the basis of residence, regardless of their stated intention.
In it Together? An Exploration of the Moral Duties of Co‐parents
Authors: Cutas Daniela , Hohl Sabine
Published: April 2021

Even though co‐parenthood is one of the most significant close personal relationships that people can have, there is relatively little philosophical work on the moral duties that co‐parents owe each other. This may be due to the increasingly questionable assumption, still common in our societies, that co‐parenthood arises naturally from marriage or romantic coupledom and thus that commitment to a co‐parent evolves from a commitment to a marital or romantic partner. In this article, we argue that co‐parenthood should be seen as a relationship in its own right, which generates specific moral duties. Co‐parents should come to explicit agreements with each other regarding the most important areas of potential conflict between them. Such agreements may have to be renegotiated over time. We explore some possible non‐negotiable co‐parental duties such as the duties not to alienate the child from the other parent(s) and not to trap a co‐parent in a particularly vulnerable situation. We consider some legal and societal implications of our argument and, finally, suggest some pragmatic benefits of our proposal.
Cities and Immigration: A Reply
Authors: de Shalit Avner
Published: April 2021

In my book, Cities and Immigration, I suggest shifting responsibilities for the integration of immigrants from the state to the city level. The articles in this issue challenge some of my suggestions. I discuss these challenges with regard to three questions: should a city enjoy greater autonomy to decide who, and how many, immigrants should settle within its borders? Should immigrants enjoy local voting rights even before naturalization? And is there a morally preferable model for integrating immigrants into the city?
Editorial: ‘In our time’: Has the pandemic changed the way we write and read mental health and neurodevelopmental disorder research reviews?
Authors: Jaffee Sara R.
Published: April 2021

The past year was marked by upheaval, as countries across the globe shut down in the face of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Although the topics for this year’s Annual Research Review were decided long before most of had heard of the coronavirus, many readers may find themselves reading the papers in this issue through a pandemic lens. For some authors, the COVID‐19 pandemic and the social unrest that characterized parts of the world where these authors live are likely to have shaped the way they ultimately framed the topics of their reviews. This issue serves as a reminder that it is critical to read science in social and historical context. Our preoccupations as psychologists and psychiatrists reflect our cultural values and societal experiences at a particular time and place.
Comparative study of high‐intensity ultrasound and high‐pressure homogenization on physicochemical properties of peanut protein‐stabilized emulsions and emulsion gels
Authors: Jiang Yu Shan , Zhang Shao Bing , Zhang Shu Yan , Peng Yun Xuan
Published: April 2021

The physicochemical properties of peanut protein‐stabilized emulsions and emulsion gels prepared by high‐intensity ultrasound (HIU) and high‐pressure homogenization (HPH) were compared. The effects of different ultrasound emulsification conditions (ultrasonic time and power, protein concentration, and oil phase percentage) on the initial particle size and stability of peanut protein‐stabilized emulsions were investigated. It was observed that the optimal HIU emulsification conditions consisted of a concentration of 4% (w/v) proteins, a volume percentage of 30% (v/v) oil, and an ultrasonic treatment at 300 W for 20 min. Compared with the two emulsions prepared by HPH at 300 and 500 bar, respectively, the HIU‐prepared fresh emulsion showed a larger particle size, similar zeta potential but higher interfacial protein concentration and apparent viscosity. Additionally, the HIU‐prepared emulsion had lower flocculation and coalescence indices and was more resistant to gravitation separation during storage. The cold‐set gel strength of the HIU‐prepared emulsion was stronger than that of the HPH‐prepared emulsion (300 bar), but weaker than that of the emulsion (500 bar). The non‐adsorbed proteins from the HIU‐prepared emulsion had unique structural characteristics, such as higher molecular weight, more unordered secondary structures, and stronger surface hydrophobicity, which likely explained why the HIU‐prepared emulsion possessed better physical stability and gelling ability.

Practical Applications

High‐pressure homogenization (HPH) is currently the most frequently used method in the food industry to produce emulsions. However, a high‐pressure homogenizer is expensive and not easy to operate. In contrast, high‐intensity ultrasound (HIU) emulsification is considered a cost‐effective technique. In this study, a peanut protein‐stabilized emulsion was successfully produced by HIU emulsification method. Its physical stability was significantly better than that of the emulsions made by HPH. This work provides new knowledge for the application of peanut protein as a natural emulsifier combined with ultrasonic technology in the food industry.
Evaluation of serum and urinary orsomucoid protein A in psoriatic patients and their relation to severity of disease
Authors: Khalid Hesham N. , Abd El Gayed Eman M. , Elrsool Asmaa M. A. , Bazid Heba A. S.
Published: April 2021

Background

Orsomucoid protein A (ORM) is a major acute‐phase protein. Serum ORM (se‐ORM) protein A elevates in infections, malignancies, and autoimmune diseases. Urinary ORM (u‐ORM) protein A is more accurate and less invasive marker of inflammation. Elevated u‐ORM was associated with pathomechanism factors related to psoriasis such as endothelial dysfunction; however, the clinical significance of it has not been explored yet.

Aim

To evaluate se‐ORM/u‐ORM protein A and urinary orsomucoid protein A/urinary creatinine (u‐ORM/u‐CREAT) in patient with psoriasis and their relations to severity of the disease.

Methods

This case‐control study was conducted at Dermatology and Andrology Department; 35 psoriasis patients and 35 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were included. They were subjected to history taking and general and dermatological examination. Psoriasis severity was assessed by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score. Measurement of se‐ORM/u‐ORM protein A using ELISA and u‐ORM/u‐CREAT using colorimetric method.

Results

Highly significant difference between psoriasis patients and controls regarding u‐ORM protein A level (p value = 0.01). It was also higher in severe cases than moderate and mild ones and higher in moderate than mild cases (p value 0.001, 0.001, and 0.004, respectively). There were significantly higher u‐ORM/u‐CREAT (p ˂ 0.001) levels in psoriasis patients than in controls. Also, significantly higher U‐ORM/u‐CREAT levels were found in severe psoriasis cases than in mild and moderate cases (p = 0.003 and 0.006, respectively). While the se‐ORM levels showed no significant differences between the studied groups.

Conclusion

u‐ORM/u‐CREAT is a highly sensitive, easily available, and new inflammatory biomarker of psoriasis which correlates to the disease severity.
Gratitude and patience moderate meaning struggles and suicidal risk in a cross‐sectional study of inpatients at a Christian psychiatric hospital
Authors: Schnitker Sarah A. , Currier Joseph M. , Abernethy Alexis D. , Witvliet Charlotte vanOyen , Foster Joshua D. , Root Luna Lindsey M. , VanHarn Karl , Carter Janet
Published: April 2021

Objective

Suicidal behavior is a leading cause of injury and death, so research identifying protective factors is essential. Research suggests gratitude and life hardships patience are character strengths that might protect against the deleterious association of struggles with ultimate meaning and suicide risk. However, no studies have evaluated their utility among people experiencing acute/severe mental health concerns.

Method

We tested the protective function of gratitude and life hardships patience with cross‐sectional data from adults (Mage = 31.83 years; SD = 14.84; range = 18–82) hospitalized in a Christian psychiatric inpatient facility (Mstay = 6.37 days, SD = 4.64).

Results

Gratitude and life hardships patience moderated the positive relation between meaning struggles and suicide risk. Specifically, gratitude and life hardships patience protected against meaning struggles as a risk factor for suicide through mechanisms separate from ameliorating depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Findings provide initial support for gratitude and patience interventions as an adjunct to standard psychiatric treatment for minimizing suicide risk.
Diary andCATAapproaches: A complementary study assessing Canastra cheese consumption
Authors: Rodrigues Jessica Ferreira , Siman Ingrid Brandemburg , de Oliveira Lorena Eduarda Aparecida , Barcelos Alessandra de Fátima , Arriel Rhaí André , Silva Ramon , da Cruz Adriano Gomes
Published: April 2021

This study is an extension of a previously research about cheese consumer behavior assessed by diaries (Rodrigues et al. 2020). It comprises an investigation of Diary (performed at home by consumers) and CATA (a traditional sensory method performed at lab) tools assessing Canastra cheese, to compare the results and information obtained from both sensory techniques. Sensory evaluations were performed during 10 days, evaluated every 5 days. Thus, cheeses were assessed with 22, 27, and 32 days of maturation. Diary and CATA provided similar sensory profiles and acceptances over the Canastra cheese consumption, as well as sensory changes related to product maturation. Moreover, the diary method allowed the acquisition of complementary information associated to the real and repeated consumption, such as the consumption context and habits, quantity consumed and food preparation. Results also will guide Canastra cheese producer to plan production, marketing and commercialization strategies.

Practical Application

The findings of this study are useful for the sensory field, focusing on consumer‐based methodologies, and on the assessment of real and continued food consumption, complementing the diary application registers in a comparison perspective with a traditional sensory method performed at lab. Moreover, results will help Brazilian artisanal cheese producers to plan production, marketing and commercialization strategies.
Determinants of root system architecture for future‐ready, stress‐resilient crops
Authors: Lombardi Marco , De Gara Laura , Loreto Francesco
Published: April 2021

Climate change hampers food safety and food security. Crop breeding has been boosting superior quantity traits such as yield, but roots have often been overlooked in spite of their role in the whole plant physiology. New evidence is emerging on the relevance of root system architecture in coping with the environment. Here, we review determinants of root system architecture, mainly based on studies on Arabidopsis, and we discuss how breeding for appropriate root architecture may help obtain plants that are better adapted or resilient to abiotic and biotic stresses, more productive, and more efficient for soil and water use. We also highlight recent advances in phenotyping high‐tech platforms and genotyping techniques that may further help to understand the mechanisms of root development and how roots control relationships between plants and soil. An integrated approach is proposed that combines phenotyping and genotyping information via bioinformatic analyses and reveals genetic control of root system architecture, paving the way for future research on plant breeding.
Knickpoints and crescentic bedform interactions in submarine channels
Authors: Chen Ye , Parsons Daniel R. , Simmons Stephen M. , Williams Rebecca , Cartigny Matthieu J. B. , Hughes Clarke John E. , Stacey Cooper D. , Hage Sophie , Talling Peter J. , Azpiroz‐Zabala Maria , Clare Michael A. , Hizzett Jamie L. , Heijnen Maarten S. , Hunt James E. , Lintern D. Gwyn , Sumner Esther J. , Vellinga Age J. , Vendettuoli Daniela
Published: April 2021

Submarine channels deliver globally important volumes of sediments, nutrients, contaminants and organic carbon into the deep sea. Knickpoints are significant topographic features found within numerous submarine channels, which most likely play an important role in channel evolution and the behaviour of the submarine sediment‐laden flows (turbidity currents) that traverse them. Although prior research has linked supercritical turbidity currents to the formation of both knickpoints and smaller crescentic bedforms, the relationship between flows and the dynamics of these seafloor features remains poorly constrained at field‐scale. This study investigates the distribution, variation and interaction of knickpoints and crescentic bedforms along the 44 km long submarine channel system in Bute Inlet, British Columbia. Wavelet analyses on a series of repeated bathymetric surveys reveal that the floor of the submarine channel is composed of a series of knickpoints that have superimposed, higher‐frequency, crescentic bedforms. Individual knickpoints are separated by hundreds to thousands of metres, with the smaller superimposed crescentic bedforms varying in wavelengths fromca16 m toca128 m through the channel system. Knickpoint migration is driven by the passage of frequent turbidity currents, and acts to redistribute and reorganize the crescentic bedforms. Direct measurements of turbidity currents indicate the seafloor reorganization caused by knickpoint migration can modify the flow field and, in turn, control the location and morphometry of crescentic bedforms. A transect of sediment cores obtained across one of the knickpoints show sand–mud laminations of deposits with higher aggradation rates in regions just downstream of the knickpoint. The interactions between flows, knickpoints and bedforms that are documented here are important because they likely dominate the character of preserved submarine channel‐bed deposits.
Associations between veteran encounters with suicide prevention team and suicide‐related outcomes
Authors: Doran Neal , Bismark Andrew , Khalifian Chandra , Mishra Jyoti , De Peralta Sharon , Martis Brian
Published: April 2021

Objective

Suicide rates have been of increasing concern across the United States, particularly among military veterans. The Veterans Health Administration has initiated multiple suicide prevention initiatives, but little research has examined the impact of these programs. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that more frequent contact with suicide prevention clinicians would predict lower odds of suicidal behavior.

Method

Retrospective medical record review was performed for 1364 veterans identified as high risk for suicide during 2012–2018. Logistic regression was used to test whether the number of suicide prevention contacts predicted the odds of suicide attempt, any self‐directed violence, or reactivation of high‐risk status in the next year, accounting for age, sex, length of high‐risk episode, and other mental health contacts.

Results

Each additional suicide prevention coordinator contact was associated with 4%–5% lower odds of suicide attempt, suicidal behavior, and reactivation of high‐risk status in the next year (ps < 0.05). For suicide attempt and self‐directed violence, associations were stronger when considering only initial high‐risk episodes (8%–10% lower odds, ps < 0.05).

Conclusions

Findings suggest ongoing support from suicide prevention clinicians can have a significant protective effect. Additional research is needed to identify mechanisms by which this support reduces risk.
Characteristics of coronavirus disease 19 convalescent plasma donors and donations in the New York metropolitan area
Authors: Jain Saagar , Garg Keshav , Tran Sabrina M. , Rask Isabel L. , Tarczon Michael , Nandi Vijay , Kessler Debra A. , Strauss Donna , Sachais Bruce S. , Yazdanbakhsh Karina , Rehmani Shiraz , Luchsinger Larry , Shi Patricia A.
Published: April 2021

Background

Convalescent plasma (CP) is an important initial treatment in pandemics and the New York (NY) metropolitan area is likely to remain a hotspot for collection and distribution of such units. This study reports characteristics of coronavirus disease 19 CP (CCP) donors and their donations to the New York Blood Center (NYBC).

Study design and methods

All CCP data from our first day of collection on March 26th through July 7th, 2020 are included in this retrospective analysis. Donor and donation data were extracted from NYBC electronic databases. SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody testing was initially performed by the NY State Department of Health, and later by NYBC using Ortho and Abbott platforms.

Results

CCP donor age and ABO distributions were consistent with reported lower COVID‐19 susceptibility in O blood types. CCP versus whole blood donors had similar on‐site deferrals, but higher post‐donation deferral rates. CCP versus routine plasmapheresis donations had higher vasovagal reactions but similar product rejection rates. Changes in antibody (Ab) test platforms resulted in significant changes in the percent of donors regarded as antibody positive. Donor correlates with higher anti‐spike total Ig S/CO ratios were Hispanic ethnicity, overweight body mass index, and longer symptom duration; and with higher anti‐nucleocapsid IgG S/CO ratios were male gender, older age, Hispanic ethnicity, and fewer days between symptom onset and first donation.

Discussion

We identify donor characteristics not previously reported to correlate with Ab titer. Our analysis should assist with donor outreach strategies, blood center operating logistics, and recruitment of high titer donors.
How COVID‐19 travels in‐ and outside of value chains and then affects the stock market: Evidence from China
Authors: Egger Peter H. , Zhu Jiaqing
Published: April 2021

The organisation of value chains within and between firms and even countries is an important reason for domestic as well as international travel. Hence, value chains create interdependencies which have to do with economic but also personal interactions between firms and places. The latter means value chains are a springboard for shocks—positive or negative—to travel and other related outcomes. This paper sheds light on how input–output relations in China as one human‐interaction‐intensive activity can help explain spreading patterns of COVID‐19 in the first few months of 2020 in China. We document that COVID‐19 at that time spread more intensively where input–output relations were stronger between cities in China, and this contributed to inducing direct and mediated, indirect effects on the stock market.
Teacher Professional Development as a Catalyst for Faculty Development: The Case of a University in China
Authors: Adarkwah Michael Agyemang , Mekonen Yohana Kifle , Kalim Usama
Published: April 2021

Teacher professional development (TPD) is integral for faculty development through quality teacher performances and student outcomes. Prior research on TPD indicates that school leaders at the helm of educational affairs are responsible for implementing and sustaining TPD activities for better school improvement. In the higher education (HE) context, fewer research studies have been conducted on TPD. Most HE institutions still struggle to implement, sustain, and improve TPD in China and significant parts of the world. The qualitative research utilized a case study approach to solicit information from two deans of a selected university faculty in China reputable for its TPD programs. The three key leadership practices explored in this study were; how leadership support TPD, the role of TPD in faculty development, and the challenges of TPD in the HE context. Findings from the study indicate that China's hierarchical structure has positively affected TPD programs in this university due to the Chinese culture and tradition. Clear and concrete policies emerged as an essential step towards TPD implementation. Motivational strategies such as incentives and academic conferences have been identified as integral factors for TPD sustainability. Also, mentorship and collaboration among teachers and other stakeholders were integral to enhancing teachers' research capacity. Educators should ensure the evaluation and supervision of TPD for it to achieve its intended goals.
Carotid stiffness, intima–media thickness and aortic augmentation index among adults with SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Szeghy Rachel E. , Province Valesha M. , Stute Nina L. , Augenreich Marc A. , Koontz Laurel K. , Stickford Jonathon L. , Stickford Abigail S. L. , Ratchford Stephen M.
Published: April 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

We sought to investigate whether carotid stiffness, carotid intima–media thickness and the aortic augmentation index are altered in young adults 3–4 weeks after contraction of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) compared with young healthy adults.

What is the main finding and its importance?

We found that carotid stiffness, Young's modulus and the aortic augmentation index were greater in young adults who tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 compared with healthy young adults. These findings provide additional evidence for detrimental effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 on young adult vasculature, which might have implications for cardiovascular health.

Contracting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has been observed to cause decrements in vascular function of young adults. However, less is known about the impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 on arterial stiffness and structure, which might have additional implications for cardiovascular health. The purpose of this study was to assess the carotid artery stiffness and structure using ultrasound and the aortic augmentation index (AIx) using applanation tonometry in young adults after they tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2. We hypothesized that carotid artery stiffness, carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT) and aortic AIx would be elevated in young adults with SARS‐CoV‐2 compared with healthy young adults. We evaluated 15 young adults (six male and nine female; 20 ± 1 years of age; body mass index, 24 ± 3 kg m−2) 3–4 weeks after a positive SARS‐CoV‐2 test result compared with young healthy adults (five male and 10 female; 23 ± 1 years of age; body mass index, 22 ± 2 kg m−2) who were evaluated before the coronavirus 2019 pandemic. Carotid stiffness, Young's modulus and cIMT were assessed using ultrasound, whereas aortic AIx and aortic AIx standardized to 75 beats min−1 (AIx@HR75) were assessed from carotid pulse wave analysis using SphygmoCor. Group differences were observed for carotid stiffness (control, 5 ± 1 m s−1; SARS‐CoV‐2, 6 ± 1 m s−1), Young's modulus (control, 396 ± 120 kPa; SARS‐CoV‐2, 576 ± 224 kPa), aortic AIx (control, 3 ± 13%; SARS‐CoV‐2, 13 ± 9%) and aortic AIx@HR75 (control, −3 ± 16%; SARS‐CoV‐2, 10 ± 7%; P < 0.05). However, cIMT was similar between groups (control, 0.42 ± 0.06 mm; SARS‐CoV‐2, 0.44 ± 0.08 mm; P > 0.05). This cross‐sectional analysis revealed higher carotid artery stiffness and aortic stiffness among young adults with SARS‐CoV‐2. These results provide further evidence of cardiovascular impairments among young adults recovering from SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, which should be considered for cardiovascular complications associated with SARS‐CoV‐2.
Grafoscopio: Un prototipo/hipótesis para indagar sobre cómo cambiamos los artefactos digitales que nos cambian
Authors: Luna Cárdenas Offray Vladimir
Published: April 2021

Este artículo da cuenta de un prototipo digital que indaga por la modificación recíproca entre comunidades de base y artefactos digitales a la vez que encarna hipótesis al respecto de cómo potenciar dicha modificación. Para ello, muestra las conexiones de dicho artefacto con movimientos de ciencia abierta, ciudadana y de garaje, de objetos activistas y de investigación y de la tecnopolítica del software libre. También considera elementos de diseño tenidos en cuenta para la creación del prototipo (auto-referencialidad y boostraping), así como metodológicos desde las apuestas del software como artesanía, como hipótesis y como manera de vincularse y conformar comunidades de práctica.
A Coupled Spring Forced Bat Searching Algorithm for Energy Resource Management
Authors: Zhang Haopeng
Published: April 2021

Swarm intelligence-based optimization algorithms show great success to solve complex problems with high efficiency. Recently, a novel and heuristic algorithm, Bat searching algorithm (BA) has been proposed. Moreover, numerical evaluation has already demonstrated the better performance of BA compared with other algorithms variations. In this paper, we propose a coupled spring forced BA (SFBA) algorithm by considering that each particle is a spring and is coupled with the optimal solution found so far as the second abstract spring. The synergistic integration of the coupled springs, the bat’s behavior, and swarm intelligence governs and navigates the new algorithm in the searching process. Moreover, the convergence of the SFBA is studied via Jury’s Test. Numerical evaluation is provided for the proposed SFBA algorithm by conducting comparison with other variations of BA in the literature, which indicates that the performance of SFBA surpasses all the listed variations of BA significantly. Moreover, the proposed SFBA is applied so solve a large-scale energy resource management in uncertain environments, and the results are numerically compared with other BA algorithms.
Numerical Analysis of API 5 L X42 and X52 Vintage Pipes With Cracks in Corrosion Defects Using Extended Finite Element Method
Authors: Zhang Xinfang , Lin Meng , Okodi Allan , Tan Leichuan , Leung Juliana Y. , Adeeb Samer
Published: April 2021

Cracks and corrosion in pipelines can occur simultaneously, representing a hybrid defect known as cracks in corrosion (CIC), which is often difficult to model using the available assessment codes or methods. As a result, detailed modeling of CIC has not been studied extensively. In this study, the extended finite element method (XFEM) has been applied to predict the failure pressures of CIC defects in API 5 L Grade X42 and X52 pipes. The pipes were only subjected to internal pressure and the XFEM models were validated using full-scale burst tests available in the literature. Several CIC models with constant total defect depths (55% and 60% of wall thickness) were constructed to investigate the effect of the initial crack depth on the failure pressure. The failure criterion was defined when wall penetration occurred due to crack growth, i.e., the instance the crack reached the innermost element of the pipe wall mesh. It was observed that for shorter cracks, the failure pressure decreased with the increase of the initial crack depth. The results indicated that the CIC defect could be treated as crack-only defects when the initial crack depth exceeded 50% of the total defect depth. However, for longer cracks, the initial crack depth was found to have a negligible effect on the failure pressure, implying that the CIC defect could be treated as either a crack or corrosion utilizing the available assessment methods.
Numerical Simulation of the Flow and Heat Transfer Induced by Corona Discharge Coupling With Electrostatically Forced Vibration
Authors: Tsui Yeng-Yung , Lin Hao-Yu , Wei Ting-Kai , Huang Yu-Jie , Wang Chi-Chuan
Published: April 2021

A thin, flexible plate electrode was adopted to generate both ionic wind and vibration in our previous study. The design contains a metal inductor placed next to the plate electrode so that it is attracted to vibrate by the induced electrostatic force. The resulting flow was used to enhance heat transfer. In this study, a numerical methodology is developed to unveil the flow structure induced by the corona discharge and electrode vibration. The oscillatory movement of the electrode is modeled as a cantilever beam vibrating at its first resonant mode. The electric and flow fields are solved by the finite volume methods (FVMs). It is shown that a jet-like flow is generated by the electric discharge. The oscillatory movement of the jet results in flat temperature profile in comparison with the corona only system. Owing to the unsteady characteristic, the jet strength is less strong than that without vibration. The calculated results are qualitatively in line with the experiments, though some considerable differences exist. It is found that the oscillatory flow brings about lower overall heat transfer effectiveness than that without vibration regardless of the corona voltage. On the contrary, experiments showed that heat transfer is enhanced at low corona voltages where the ionic wind is not so overwhelming. The disagreement is mainly attributed to the two-dimensional (2D) assumption made in the simulation. The experimental arrangement, the corona discharge, and the vortex flows resulted all are three-dimensional (3D). Therefore, 3D calculations become necessary.
A spider mite of the tribe Hystrichonychini (Acari, Trombidiformes, Tetranychidae) reported for the first time from Brazil

Authors: Flechtmann Carlos H.W. , Gómez-Moya Cristina Antonia
Published: April 2021

The first record of a Hystrichonychini (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae) mite from Brazil with the description of a new species of the genus Paraplonobia Wainstein is reported.
SARS-CoV-2 Infection Detection by PCR and Serologic Testing in Clinical Practice
Authors: Murad Douglas , Chandrasekaran Sukantha , Pillai Ajaya , Garner Omai B. , Denny Christopher T.
Published: April 2021

Patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can be diagnosed by PCR during acute infection or later in their clinical course by detection of virus-specific antibodies. While in theory complementary, both PCR and serologic tests have practical shortcomings.
Establishment of
Culex modestus
in Belgium and a Glance into the Virome of Belgian Mosquito Species
Authors: Wang Lanjiao , Rosales Rosas Ana Lucia , De Coninck Lander , Shi Chenyan , Bouckaert Johanna , Matthijnssens Jelle , Delang Leen
Published: April 2021

Culex modestus
mosquitoes are considered to be a potential “bridge” vector, being able to transmit pathogens between birds as well as from birds to mammals, including humans. In Belgium, this mosquito species was considered absent until the finding of one larva in 2018 and subsequent evidence of a large population in 2019 to 2020 described here.
Evaluation of the Effect of Storage Methods on Fecal, Saliva, and Skin Microbiome Composition
Authors: Marotz Clarisse , Cavagnero Kellen J. , Song Se Jin , McDonald Daniel , Wandro Stephen , Humphrey Greg , Bryant MacKenzie , Ackermann Gail , Diaz Edgar , Knight Rob
Published: April 2021

Expanding our knowledge of microbial communities across diverse environments includes collecting samples in places far from the laboratory. Identifying cost-effective preservatives that will enable room temperature storage of microbial communities for sequencing analysis is crucial to enabling microbiome analyses across diverse populations.
Magnetorheological Fluids Based on Star-Shaped and Linear Polydimethylsiloxanes
Authors: Kostrov S. A. , Tikhonov P. A. , Muzafarov A. M. , Kramarenko E. Yu.
Published: April 2021

Magnetorheological fluids are obtained on the basis of star-shaped and linear PDMS containing 70, 75, and 80 wt % of carbonyl iron microparticles. While pure PDMS polymers are Newtonian fluids, composites exhibit pseudoplasticity. The viscoelastic properties of the obtained magnetorheological fluids of different composition are studied in magnetic fields up to 1 T. The viscosity and storage modulus of the magnetorheological fluids in the maximum magnetic field reach ~0.19–0.65 MPa s and 0.4 MPa, respectively. The relative increase in the viscosity and storage modulus of the magnetorheological fluids based on the star-shaped PDMS with a magnetic filler concentration of 70 wt % in a magnetic field exceeds four orders of magnitude. In the magnetic field, the yield stress of the magnetic composites is as high as 70 kPa at a magnetic field strength of 1 T.
Dural spread from metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Peters Niamh , Zameer Mohammed Zeeshan , Waters Conor , Bambury Richard
Published: April 2021

A 59-year-old man with a known breast cancer type 1 gene mutation and a 2-year history of metastatic prostate cancer to bone and lymph nodes presented with a sudden onset of thunderclap headache, photophobia and a left sided facial droop. He was being treated at the time with the poly ADP ribose polymerase inhibitor Rucaparib. Of note, 6 weeks prior to this presentation, he had been diagnosed with malignant spinal cord compression at T3–T6, he underwent an emergency decompressive laminectomy and had received palliative postoperative radiotherapy. An urgent CT brain revealed dural metastases from his prostate cancer, with extensive oedema and midline shift. He underwent palliative whole brain radiotherapy but died 2 weeks later.