bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association of estimated cardiorespiratory fitness with COVID-19 incidence and mortality: A cohort study
Authors: Christensen Rebecca A. G. , Arneja Jasleen , St. Cyr Kate , Sturrock Shelby L. , Brooks Jennifer D.
Published: May 2021

Background

It has been suggested that cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) may be used to identify those at greatest risk for severe COVID-19 illness. However, no study to date has examined the association between CRF and COVID-19. The objectives of this study were to determine whether CRF is independently associated with testing positive with or dying from COVID-19.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study of 2,690 adults from the UK Biobank Study that were followed from March 16th, 2020 to July 26th, 2020. Participants who were tested for COVID-19 and had undergone CRF assessment were examined. CRF was estimated (eCRF) and categorized as low (<20th percentile), moderate (20th to 80th percentile) and high (≥80th percentile) within sex and ten-year age groups (e.g. 50–60 years). Participants were classified as having COVID-19 if they tested positive (primarily PCR tests) at an in-patient or out-patient setting as of July 26, 2020. Participants were classified as having died from COVID-19 if the primary or underlying cause of death was listed ICD-10 codes U071 or U072 by June 30th, 2020. Adjusted risk ratios (aRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated and a forward model building approach used to identify covariates.

Findings

There was no significant association between eCRF and testing positive for COVID-19. Conversely, individuals with moderate (aRR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.25, 0.75) and high fitness (aRR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.85) had a significantly lower risk of dying from COVID-19 than those with low fitness.

Conclusions

While eCRF was not significantly associated with testing positive for COVID-19, we observed a significant dose-response between having higher eCRF and a decreased risk of dying from COVID-19. This suggests that prior gains in CRF could be protective against dying from COVID-19 should someone develop the virus.
Prevalence and factors associated with psychological burden in COVID-19 patients and their relatives: A prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Beck Katharina , Vincent Alessia , Becker Christoph , Keller Annalena , Cam Hasret , Schaefert Rainer , Reinhardt Thomas , Sutter Raoul , Tisljar Kai , Bassetti Stefano , Schuetz Philipp , Hunziker Sabina
Published: May 2021

Background

Due to the dramatic measures accompanying isolation and the general uncertainty and fear associated with COVID-19, patients and relatives may be at high risk for adverse psychological outcomes. Until now there has been limited research focusing on the prevalence of psychological distress and associated factors in COVID-19 patients and their relatives. The objective of our study was to assess psychological distress in COVID-19 patients and their relatives 30 days after hospital discharge.

Methods

In this prospective observational cohort study at two Swiss tertiary-care hospitals we included consecutive adult patients hospitalized between March and June 2020 for a proven COVID-19 and their relatives. Psychological distress was defined as symptoms of anxiety and/or depression measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), i.e., a score of ≥8 on the depression and/or anxiety subscale. We further evaluated symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), defined as a score of ≥1.5 on the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R).

Results

Among 126 included patients, 24 (19.1%) had psychological distress and 10 (8.7%) had symptoms of PTSD 30 days after hospital discharge. In multivariate logistic regression analyses three factors were independently associated with psychological distress in patients: resilience (OR 0.82; 95%CI 0.71 to 0.94; p = 0.005), high levels of perceived stress (OR 1.21; 95%CI 1.06 to 1.38; p = 0.006) and low frequency of contact with relatives (OR 7.67; 95%CI 1.42 to 41.58; p = 0.018). The model showed good discrimination, with an area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.92. Among 153 relatives, 35 (22.9%) showed symptoms of psychological distress, and 3 (2%) of PTSD. For relatives, resilience was negatively associated (OR 0.85; 95%CI 0.75 to 0.96; p = 0.007), whereas perceived overall burden caused by COVID-19 was positively associated with psychological distress (OR 1.72; 95%CI 1.31 to 2.25; p<0.001). The overall model also had good discrimination, with an AUC of 0.87.

Conclusion

A relevant number of COVID-19 patients as well as their relatives exhibited psychological distress 30 days after hospital discharge. These results might aid in development of strategies to prevent psychological distress in COVID-19 patients and their relatives.
Morphometric and physical characteristics distinguishing adult Patagonian lamprey, Geotria macrostoma from the pouched lamprey, Geotria australis
Authors: Baker Cindy F. , Rossi Carla Riva , Quiroga Pamela , White Emily , Williams Peter , Kitson Jane , Bice Christopher M. , Renaud Claude B. , Potter Ian , Neira Francisco J. , Baigún Claudio
Published: May 2021

The pouched lamprey, Geotria australis Gray, 1851, has long been considered monotypic in the Geotriidae family with a wide southern temperate distribution across Australasia and South America. Recent studies have provided molecular and morphological evidence for a second Geotria species in South America; Geotria macrostoma (Burmeister, 1868). The aim of this study was to determine morphometric and physical characteristics of adult G. macrostoma that further differentiate this re-instated species of Geotriidae from G. australis. The diagnostic features discriminating immature adult G. macrostoma from G. australis when entering fresh water, are distinct differences in dentition, oral papillae and fimbriae counts and differences in coloration. In addition, G. macrostoma display greater growth of the prebranchial region and oral disc and has a deeper body depth and higher condition factor. All current ecological knowledge of the genus Geotria is based on Australasian populations, which may not be applicable to G. macrostoma. To ensure the conservation and protection of the Patagonian lamprey as a re-identified species, further investigations are needed to understand its life history, biology and ecology throughout its range.
Distinct expression of select and transcriptome-wide isolated 3’UTRs suggests critical roles in development and transition states
Authors: Ji Shaoyi , Yang Ze , Gozali Leonardi , Kenney Thomas , Kocabas Arif , Jinsook Park Carolyn , Hynes Mary
Published: May 2021

Mature mRNA molecules are expected to be comprised of a 5’UTR, a 3’UTR and a coding region (CDS). Unexpectedly, however, there have been multiple recent reports of widespread differential expression of mRNA 3’UTRs and their cognate coding regions (CDS), reflecting the expression of isolated 3’UTRs (i3’UTRs); these i3’UTRs can be highly expressed, often in reciprocal patterns to their cognate CDS. As with other long non-coding (lncRNAs), isolated 3’UTRs are likely to play an important role in gene regulation, but little is known about the contexts in which they are deployed. To illuminate the functions of i3’UTRs, here we carry out in vitro, in vivo and in silico analyses of differential 3’UTR/CDS mRNA ratio usage across tissues, development and cell state changes both for a select list of developmentally important genes as well as by unbiased transcriptome-wide analyses. Across two developmental paradigms we find a distinct switch from high i3’UTR expression for stem cell related genes in proliferating cells to high CDS for these genes in newly differentiated cells. Unbiased transcriptome analysis across multiple gene sets shows that regardless of tissue, genes with high 3’UTR to CDS ratios belong predominantly to gene ontology categories related to cell-type specific functions. In contrast, the gene ontology categories of genes with low 3’UTR to CDS ratios are similar across tissues and relate to common cellular functions. We further show that, at least for some genes, traditional transcriptional start site genomic elements correspond to identified RNAseq 3’UTR peak regions, suggesting that some i3’UTRs may be generated by de novo transcription. Our results provide critical information from which detailed hypotheses for individual i3’UTRs can be tested, with a common theme that i3’UTRs appear poised to regulate cell-specific gene expression and state.
Sulfation of a FLAG tag mediated by SLC35B2 and TPST2 affects antibody recognition
Authors: Guo Xin-Yu , Gao Xiao-Dong , Fujita Morihisa
Published: May 2021

A FLAG tag consisting of DYKDDDDK is an epitope tag that is frequently and widely used to detect recombinant proteins of interest. In this study, we performed a CRISPR-based genetic screening to identify factors involved in the detection of a FLAG-tagged misfolded model protein at the cell surface. In the screening, SLC35B2, which encodes 3’-phosphoadenosine-5’-phosphosulfate transporter 1, was identified as the candidate gene. The detection of FLAG-tagged misfolded proteins at the cell surface was significantly increased in SLC35B2-knockout cells. Furthermore, protein tyrosine sulfation mediated by tyrosyl-protein sulfotransferase 2 (TPST2) suppressed FLAG-tagged protein detection. Localization analysis of the FLAG-tagged misfolded proteins confirmed that defects in tyrosine sulfation are only responsible for enhancing anti-FLAG staining on the plasma membrane but not inducing the localization change of misfolded proteins on the plasma membrane. These results suggest that a FLAG tag on the misfolded protein would be sulfated, causing a reduced detection by the M2 anti-FLAG antibody. Attention should be required when quantifying the FLAG-tagged proteins in the secretory pathway.
A prolonged hiatus in postmenopausal HRT, does not nullify the therapy’s positive impact on ageing related sarcopenia
Authors: Onambélé-Pearson Gladys L. , Tomlinson David J. , Morse Christopher I. , Degens Hans
Published: May 2021

Background

Previous work suggest a positive skeletal muscle effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on skeletal muscle characteristics This study aimed to quantify any continued positive effect of HRT even after a sustained hiatus in treatment, controlling for two key muscle modulation hormones: Estradiol (E2) and Tri-iodo-thyronine (T3).

Method and findings

In 61 untrained women (18-78yrs) stratified as pre-menopausal, post-menopausal without (No_HRT) and post-menopausal with (Used_HRT) HRT history, body composition, physical activity, serum E2 and T3 were assessed by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, Baecke questionnaire and ELISA. Gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and tibialis anterior (TA) electromyographic profiles (mean power frequency (mPowerF)), isometric plantar-flexion (PF) and dorsi-flexion (DF) maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), rate of torque development (RTD), isokinetic MVC and muscle volume, were assessed using surface electromyography, dynamometry and ultrasonography. Muscle quality was quantified as MVC per unit muscle size. E2 and E2:T3 ratio were significantly lower in postmenopausal participants, and were positively correlated with RTD even after controlling for adiposity and/or age. Pre-menopausal females had greater MVC in 8/8 PF and 2/5 DF (23.7–98.1%; P<0.001–0.049) strength measures compared to No_HRT, but only 6/8 PF (17.4–42.3%; P<0.001–0.046) strength measures compared to Used_HRT. Notably, Used_HRT had significant higher MVC in 7 PF MVC (30.0%-37.7%; P = 0.006–0.031) measures than No_HRT, while premenopausal and Used_HRT had similar uncorrected muscle size or quality. In addition, this cross-sectional data suggest an annual reduction in GM muscle volume corrected for intra-muscular fat by 1.3% in No_HRT and only 0.5% in Used_HRT.

Conclusion

Even years after cessation of the therapy, a history of HRT is positively associated with negating the expected post-menopausal drop in muscle quantity and quality. Whilst mPowerF did not differ between groups, our work highlights positive associations between RTD against E2 and E2:T3. Notwithstanding our study limitation of single time point for blood sampling, our work is the first to illustrate an HRT attenuation of ageing-related decline in RTD. We infer from these data that high E2, even in the absence of high T3, may help maintain muscle contractile speed and quality. Thus our work is the first to points to markedly larger physiological reserves in women with a past history of HRT.
Health knowledge and care seeking behaviour in resource-limited settings amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study in Ghana
Authors: Saah Farrukh Ishaque , Amu Hubert , Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Bain Luchuo Engelbert
Published: May 2021

Background

The emergence of a pandemic presents challenges and opportunities for healthcare, health promotion interventions, and overall improvement in healthcare seeking behaviour. This study explored the impact of COVID-19 on health knowledge, lifestyle, and healthcare seeking behaviour among residents of a resource-limited setting in Ghana.

Methods

This qualitative study adopted an exploratory design to collect data from 20 adult residents in the Cape Coast Metropolis using face-to-face in-depth interviews. Data collected were analysed thematically and statements from participants presented verbatim to illustrate the themes realised.

Results

Health knowledge has improved due to COVID–19 in terms of access to health information and increased understanding of health issues. There were reductions in risky health-related lifestyles (alcohol intake, sharing of personal items, and consumption of junk foods) while improvements were observed in healthy lifestyles such as regular physical exercise and increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. COVID–19 also positively impacted health seeking behaviour through increased health consciousness and regular check-ups. However, reduced healthcare utilization was prevalent.

Conclusion

The COVID–19 pandemic has presented a positive cue to action and helped improved health knowledge, lifestyle, and care seeking behaviour although existing health system constrains and low economic status reduced healthcare utilization. To improve health systems, health-related lifestyles and healthcare seeking behaviour as well as overall health outcomes even after the pandemic wades off, COVID–19 associated conscious and unconscious reforms should be systematically harnessed.
Field study on the improvement of coal gangue filling using dynamic compaction
Authors: Zhang Qingfeng , Wang Dongquan
Published: May 2021

In this study, dynamic compaction method was used to treat the gangue hill of the Xinglongzhuang coal mine in China, and the deep compaction of deep coal gangue was examined. The crushing characteristics and improving depth of coal gangue filling under different dynamic compaction conditions were determined. Dynamic compaction tests with different tamping energy were performed to improve the coal gangue filling. In addition, dynamic penetration tests and the foundation bearing capacity were conducted. The relationship between the tamping energy and improvement was investigated, and the optimum tamping energy, number of tamping blows, improving depth, and other dynamic compaction parameters and filling bearing characteristics were obtained. The field test results show that with increasing number of tamping blows, compaction induced deformation gradually decreased and begins to stabilize, while the optimum number of tamping blows increases with increasing ramming energy. The optimum number of tamping blows is in the range 9–11, and the effective coal gangue improving depth is in the range 6–8m, when the tamping energy is greater than 3000 kN.m. The gradation improved, and the weight percentage of the particles smaller than 4.75 mm was larger than 50%, resulting in better physical and mechanical behavior of the coal gangue filling. The coal gangue filling bearing capacity and anti-deformation ability increase with increasing tamping energy. The coal gangue filling bearing capacity reached at least 350 kPa after being improved by dynamic compaction with a tamping energy greater than 3000kN.m.
Poor sleep quality and its associated factors among pregnant women in Northern Ethiopia, 2020: A cross sectional study
Authors: Jemere Tadeg , Getahun Berhanu , Tadele Fitalew , Kefale Belayneh , Walle Gashaw
Published: May 2021

Background

Sleep is a physiologic necessity for all humankind. Pregnant women, in particular, need adequate sleep to develop their fetuses as well as save energy required for delivery. A change in sleep quality and quantity is the most common phenomena during pregnancy due to mechanical and hormonal factors. However, there is a scarcity of data about poor sleep quality and its associated factors among pregnant mothers in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence of poor sleep quality and its associated factors among pregnant mothers at Wadila primary hospital, Ethiopia.

Methods

Institution based cross-sectional study design was employed on 411 pregnant mothers. Data were collected using a pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire. SPSS Version 23 for Windows software was used for data analyses. Bivariate analysis was conducted to detect the association between dependent and independent variables, and to choose candidate variables (p < 0.25) for multivariate logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at p-value <0.05.

Results

A total of 411 participants were included in the study making a response rate of 97.4%. Overall, 68.4% of participants found to have poor sleep quality (PSQI>5). Age of the mother [age 20–30 years; AOR = 4.3 CI (1.8, 9.9), p = 0.001, and age >30 years; AOR = 4.7 CI (1.6, 13.9) p = 0.005], gestational age [second trimester, AOR = 2.46, CI (1.2, 4.9), p = 0.01 and third trimester, AOR = 7.5, CI (3.2, 17.8), p = 0.000] and parity [multiparous women; AOR = 2.1(1.24, 3.6) p = 0.006] were predictor variables for poor sleep quality among pregnant mothers.

Conclusion

More than two-third of pregnant mothers had poor sleep quality. Advanced maternal age, increased gestational age and multiparty are found to be predictors of poor sleep quality in pregnant women.
Do women prefer caesarean sections? A qualitative evidence synthesis of their views and experiences
Authors: Colomar Mercedes , Opiyo Newton , Kingdon Carol , Long Qian , Nion Soledad , Bohren Meghan A. , Betran Ana Pilar
Published: May 2021

Background

Caesarean sections (CS) continue to increase worldwide. Multiple and complex factors are contributing to the increase, including non-clinical factors related to individual women, families and their interactions with health providers. This global qualitative evidence synthesis explores women’s preferences for mode of birth and factors underlying preferences for CS.

Methods

Systematic database searches (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO) were conducted in December 2016 and updated in May 2019 and February 2021. Studies conducted across all resource settings were eligible for inclusion, except those from China and Taiwan which have been reported in a companion publication. Phenomena of interest were opinions, views and perspectives of women regarding preferences for mode of birth, attributes of CS, societal and cultural beliefs about modes of birth, and right to choose mode of birth. Thematic synthesis of data was conducted. Confidence in findings was assessed using GRADE-CERQual.

Results

We included 52 studies, from 28 countries, encompassing the views and perspectives of pregnant women, non-pregnant women, women with previous CS, postpartum women, and women’s partners. Most of the studies were conducted in high-income countries and published between 2011 and 2021.

Factors underlying women preferences for CS had to do mainly with strong fear of pain and injuries to the mother and child during labour or birth (High confidence), uncertainty regarding vaginal birth (High confidence), and positive views or perceived advantages of CS (High confidence).

Women who preferred CS expressed resoluteness about it, but there were also many women who had a clear preference for vaginal birth and those who even developed strategies to keep their birth plans in environments that were not supportive of vaginal births (High confidence). The findings also identified that social, cultural and personal factors as well as attributes related to health systems impact on the reasons underlying women preferences for various modes of birth (High confidence).

Conclusions

A wide variety of factors underlie women’s preferences for CS in the absence of medical indications. Major factors contributing to perceptions of CS as preferable include fear of pain, uncertainty with vaginal birth and positive views on CS. Interventions need to address these factors to reduce unnecessary CS.
GSK3ß inhibitor CHIR 99021 modulates cerebral organoid development through dose-dependent regulation of apoptosis, proliferation, differentiation and migration
Authors: Delepine Chloe , Pham Vincent A. , Tsang Hayley W. S. , Sur Mriganka
Published: May 2021

Cerebral organoids generated from human pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are unique in their ability to recapitulate human-specific neurodevelopmental events. They are capable of modeling the human brain and its cell composition, including human-specific progenitor cell types; ordered laminar compartments; and both cell-specific transcriptional signatures and the broader telencephalic transcriptional landscape. The serine/threonine kinase, GSK3β, plays a critical role in neurodevelopment, controlling processes as varied as neurogenesis, morphological changes, polarization, and migration. In the generation of cerebral organoids, inhibition of GSK3β at low doses has been used to increase organoid size and decrease necrotic core. However, little is known of the effects of GSK3β inhibition on organoid development. Here, we demonstrate that while low dose of GSK3β inhibitor CHIR 99021 increases organoid size, higher dose actually reduces organoid size; with the highest dose arresting organoid growth. To examine the mechanisms that may contribute to the phenotypic size differences observed in these treatment groups, we show that low dose of CHIR 99021 increases cell survival, neural progenitor cell proliferation and neuronal migration. A higher dose, however, decreases not only apoptosis but also proliferation, and arrests neural differentiation, enriching the pool of neuroepithelial cells, and decreasing the pools of early neuronal progenitors and neurons. These results reveal new mechanisms of the pleiotropic effects of GSK3β during organoid development, providing essential information for the improvement of organoid production and ultimately shedding light on the mechanisms of embryonic brain development.
Alphabetical ordering of author surnames in academic publishing: A detriment to teamwork
Authors: Joanis Steven T. , Patil Vivek H.
Published: May 2021

Introduction

In academia, many institutions use journal article publication productivity for making decisions on tenure and promotion, funding grants, and rewarding stellar scholars. Although non-alphabetical sequencing of article coauthoring by the spelling of surnames signals the extent to which a scholar has contributed to a project, many disciplines in academia follow the norm of alphabetical ordering of coauthors in journal publications. By assessing business academic publications, this study investigates the hypothesis that author alphabetical ordering disincentivizes teamwork and reduces the overall quality of scholarship.

Methods

To address our objectives, we accessed data from 21,353 articles published over a 20-year period across the four main business subdisciplines. The articles selected are all those published by the four highest-ranked journals (in each year) and four lower-ranked journals (in each year) for accounting, business technology, marketing, and organizational behavior. Poisson regression and binary logistic regression were utilized for hypothesis testing.

Results

This study finds that, although team size among business scholars is increasing over time, alphabetical ordering as a convention in journal article publishing disincentivizes author teamwork. This disincentive results in fewer authors per publication than for publications using contribution-based ordering of authors. Importantly, article authoring teamwork is related to article quality. Specifically, articles written by a single author typically are of lesser quality than articles published by coauthors, but the number of coauthors exhibits decreasing returns to scale—coauthoring teams of one to three are positively related to high-quality articles, but larger teams are not. Alphabetical ordering itself, however, is positively associated with quality even though it inhibits teamwork, but journal article coauthoring has a greater impact on article quality than does alphabetical ordering.

Conclusions

These findings have important implications for academia. Scholars respond to incentives, yet alphabetical ordering of journal article authors conflicts with what is beneficial for the progress of academic disciplines. Based on these findings, we recommend that, to drive the highest-quality research, teamwork should be incentivized—all fields should adopt a contribution-based journal article author-ordering convention and avoid author ordering based upon the spelling of surnames. Although this study was undertaken using articles from business journals, its findings should generalize across all academia.
The influence of sham feedback on physiological processing during fear-driven stimulation
Authors: Ehlers Jan , Grimmer Janine , Strack Veronika , Huckauf Anke
Published: May 2021

Biofeedback constitutes a well-established, non-invasive method to voluntary interfere in emotional processing by means of cognitive strategies. However, treatment durations exhibit strong inter-individual variations and first successes can often be achieved only after a large number of sessions. Sham feedback constitutes a rather untapped approach by providing feedback that does not correspond to the participant’s actual state. The current study aims to gain insights into mechanisms of sham feedback processing in order to support new techniques in biofeedback therapy. We carried out two experiments and applied different types of sham feedback on skin conductance responses and pupil size changes during affective processing. Results indicate that standardized but context-sensitive sham signals based on skin conductance responses exert a stronger influence on emotional regulation compared to individual sham feedback from ongoing pupil dynamics. Also, sham feedback should forego unnatural signal behavior to avoid irritation and skepticism among participants. Altogether, a reasonable combination of stimulus features and sham feedback characteristics enables to considerably reduce the actual bodily responsiveness already within a single session.
Prospective estimation of the age of initiation of cigarettes among young adults (18–24 years old): Findings from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) waves 1–4 (2013–2017)
Authors: Pérez Adriana , Kuk Arnold E. , Bluestein Meagan A. , Penedo Elena , N’hpang Roi San , Chen Baojiang , Perry Cheryl L. , Sterling Kymberly L. , Harrell Melissa B.
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To prospectively estimate the age of cigarette initiation among young adults (18–24 years old) who were never cigarette users at their first wave of adult study participation overall, by sex, and by race/ethnicity given recent increases in cigarette initiation occurring in young adulthood.

Methods

Secondary analyses were conducted using the PATH restricted-use adult datasets among young adult never users of cigarettes in waves 1–3 (2013–2016) with outcomes followed-up in waves 2–4 (2014–2017). Interval censoring survival methods were used to estimate the age of initiation of (i) ever, (ii) past 30-day, and (iii) fairly regular cigarette use. Among never cigarette users when they first entered the adult study, interval censoring Cox proportional hazard models were used to explore differences in the estimated age of initiation of the three cigarette use outcomes by sex and by race/ethnicity, controlling for the effect of previous e-cigarette use and the total number of other tobacco products ever used (0–5 products) before cigarette initiation outcomes.

Results

Among the young adults who were never cigarette users at their first wave of adult participation, the highest increase in cigarette initiation occurred between 18 and 19 years old. By age 21, 10.6% (95% CI: 9.5–11.7) initiated ever cigarette use, 7.7% (95% CI: 6.1–8.1) initiated past 30-day of cigarette use, and 1.9% (95% CI: 1.4–2.5) initiated fairly regular cigarette use. After controlling for other tobacco products: (a) males were 83% more likely to initiate past 30-day cigarette use at earlier ages than females; (b) Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Black young adults had increased risk to initiate past 30-day cigarette use at earlier ages than Non-Hispanic White young adults (62% and 34%, respectively).

Conclusions

The substantial amount of cigarette initiation among young adults reinforces the need for prevention strategies among this population. Although, interventions are needed for all young adult populations, strategies should target 18-21-year-olds, with potentially differential prevention targets by sex and by race/ethnicity.
Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Staphylococcus spp. contaminating raw goat milk
Authors: Silva Júnior Abimael E. , Vasconcelos Priscylla C. , Saraiva Mauro M. S. , Santos Filho Lauro , Silva Núbia M. V. , Givisiez Patricia E. N. , Oliveira Celso J. B.
Published: May 2021

Background and Aim: Antimicrobial resistance poses a major threat to global public health. Foodstuff of animal origin can serve as potential vehicles for the dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and resistance genes to consumers. In view of the lack of knowledge about antimicrobial resistance in bacteria associated with goat milk, the aim of this study was to report species-level identification and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of a large collection of Staphylococcus spp. isolates recovered from raw goat milk in Brazil.

Materials and Methods: A total of 434 Staphylococcus spp. isolates originated from 510 goat milk samples in Northeast Brazil were investigated. The isolates were obtained by conventional microbiological methods. Species identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed by means of a semi-automated system using a panel for biochemical tests and broth microdilution method for 19 antimicrobial drugs.

Results: Although Staphylococcus aureus (22.6%) accounted for the majority of the isolates, a total of 13 different non-aureus staphylococci spp. were identified. High resistance rates against erythromycin (40.8%), and the beta-lactams ampicillin (45.9%) and penicillin (42.9%) were observed among S. aureus isolates. The most significant findings were related to the resistance against quinupristin-dalfopristin, a drug of last resort used in human medicine to treat infections caused by vancomycin-resistant S. aureus and enterococci.

Conclusion: The high diversity of Staphylococcus spp. showing phenotypic resistance against different antimicrobial drugs encourages further investigations on the real impact of these bacteria as reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance genes to consumers. Furthermore, the potential impact of technological processes, such as pasteurization, fermentation, and maturation, on the maintenance and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance among the microbial populations in milk and dairy products must also be investigated.
EDUCAÇÃO FÍSICA ESCOLAR E SAÚDE
Authors: Ferreira Maicon Soares , Teixeira Juliana Cotting
Published: May 2021

O estudo teve como objetivo geral investigar como foram desenvolvidos temas relacionados à saúde nas aulas de Educação física com os alunos do Ensino Médio, buscando capturar sentidos sobre saúde produzidos pelos discentes. Como objetivo específico, buscamos descrever como a saúde é abordada nos conteúdos da Educação física escolar desenvolvidos na escola. A pesquisa realizou-se em duas escolas públicas da zona leste de Bagé RS, de agosto a outubro de 2016, com 12 alunos matriculados no 3º ano do ensino médio, por meio de questionários semiestruturados. Como resultados, identificamos: entendimentos dos escolares pautados nas perspectivas ampliadas do conceito de saúde; a presença dos esportes como conteúdo privilegiado nas aulas, e um esvaziamento da questão “Por que ensinar?” nos relatos dos escolares. O fortalecimento da intencionalidade pedagógica pode funcionar como dispositivo de ressignficação dos conteúdos para uma formação em saúde na escola, em detrimento de uma abordagem em caixa ou uniprofissional.
Hidrogeoquímica das águas subterrâneas da microrregião do Baixo Jaguaribe, Ceará, Brasil
Authors: Nascimento Francisco Jonathan de Sousa Cunha , Barroso Andreia de Araujo Freitas , Santos Hosineide de Oliveira Rolim dos , Lima Paulo de Freitas
Published: May 2021

A Microrregião do Baixo Jaguaribe, Ceará, tem entre principais domínios hidrogeológicas Embasamento Fraturado Indiferenciado, os Depósitos Aluvionares, as Formações Jandaíra e Açu. Que no geral a atribui características hidrogeoquímicas cloretadas sódicas e mista, e como elevada salinidade, também na maior parte nas amostras apresentaram presença do coliformes. A região é favorável com a disponibilidade de águas subterrâneas, porém alguns usos da água devem se ter algumas cautelas, para não comprometer a saúde humana, e demais atividades antrópicas.
An efficient protocol for in vitro regeneration of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivar L14
Authors: Hoa Phung Thi Bich , Tue Nguyen Hoang , Trang Phan Thi Quyen , Hang Le Thi , Tien Nguyen Quang Duc , Loc Nguyen Hoang
Published: May 2021

The present work aims to establish an efficient protocol for in vitro regeneration of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) cultivar L14. The study showed that de-embryonated cotyledon was a suitable explant for shoot multiplication on MS medium containing 4 mg/L BAP. The highest number of shoots per explant obtained after 4 weeks of culture was up to 6.8 shoots. Shoots in vitro were able to produce a large number of approximately 11 roots on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L NAA. These results will be very useful in establishing an in vitro regeneration protocol for peanut cultivar L14 during gene transfer in the next studies to improve their disease resistance.
Identidad de género como concepto cotidiano en la infancia temprana
Authors: Ríos José Carlos Cervantes , García Silvia Chávez
Published: May 2021

Trata-se de um relatório de pesquisa qualitativa, realizada em Puerto Vallarta, México, entre 2015 e 2017. O objetivo principal foi identificar a origem e evolução da identidade de gênero em meninos e meninas na primeira infância a partir do enfoque histórico-cultural. O método de classificação foi utilizado com 12 meninos e 19 meninas entre três e cinco anos. Questionários foram aplicados a 34 mães para avaliar suas expectativas. Como principais achados, as crianças não apresentam evidências de identidade de gênero e a escola inibe respostas estereotipadas enquanto os pais promovem estereótipos.
Los motivos del aprendizaje en la primaria desde la teoría histórico-cultural
Authors: Mata-Esquivel Adriana
Published: May 2021

Este artigo apresenta uma abordagem para a compreensão dos motivos relacionados à aprendizagem escolar em crianças do ensino fundamental a partir da abordagem histórico-cultural e da teoria da atividade aplicada ao ensino. Essa abordagem representa uma nova concepção para o estudo da motivação escolar, afastando-se da visão predominante que limita a motivação escolar aos aspectos afetivo-emocionais. Nessa abordagem, os motivos constituem a representação interna (mental) dos objetivos que abrangem as diferentes atividades do homem, incluindo a atividade escolar (VIGOTSKY, 1996a, TALIZINA, 1998). Leontiev (1993) desenvolveu a Teoria da Atividade a partir das ideias de Vygotsky sobre a natureza social da psique, que se manifesta e se desenvolve no atividade.
Análisis del interés cognoscitivo en clases de matemáticas
Authors: Rosas-Rivera Yolanda
Published: May 2021

Aprender matemática está relacionado a fatores cognitivos e emocionais. A partir da abordagem histórico-cultural, é possível analisar ambos os fatores estudando os interesses cognitivos para que o professor organize seus métodos de ensino voltados ao desenvolvimento do pensamento teórico e da personalidade (atitude criativa). O objetivo desta pesquisa é identificar e descrever o interesse cognitivo que os alunos desenvolvem durante as aulas de matemática. São apresentadas as experiências experiências escolares de duas turmas do terceiro ano do ensino fundamental de escolas particulares que identificam seu próprio método de ensino para o ensino de matemática. Conclui-se que o interesse cognitivo se desenvolve quando as atividades incluem conceitos matemáticos, uso de materiais e solução em grupo.
Potencialización del desarrollo psicológico en adolescentes a través de la representación de su ideal moral en el juego dramatizado
Authors: Alvarez Daniel Rosas , Rescalvo Claudia Amézquita
Published: May 2021

O presente estudo configura-se na perspectiva histórico-cultural, tendo como principais referências Bozhovich, Elkonin e Vygotski, que caracterizaram a adolescência como uma idade que apresenta as relações sociais entre os contemporâneos como uma linha geral de desenvolvimento. Este método psicopedagógico contribui para o desenvolvimento de novas qualidades psicológicas, como o desenvolvimento da autoconsciência e o estabelecimento de objetivos de médio ou longo prazo, a construção de relações afetivas entre pares ou pares e o desenvolvimento de uma autoavaliação que permite ao adolescente posicionar-se em um grupo de acordo com seus interesses e motivações. O objetivo foi promover o desenvolvimento psicológico de adolescentes por meio da representação de seu ideal moral em brincadeiras dramatizadas. O experimento natural e formativo foi usado como parte de uma investigação descritiva. Participaram oito adolescentes com idades entre 12 e 16 anos. As atividades foram realizadas com os adolescentes durante 25 dias, quatro horas por dia. As atividades de avaliação foram realizadas no primeiro e nos últimos dois dias. Os restantes dias correspondem a atividades de formação próprias: dramatização, autoavaliação e outras atividades que exigiram a participação coletiva para a sua resolução. Os resultados mostram que foi favorecido o desenvolvimento da comunicação próxima entre os pares e, com isso, o estabelecimento de relações pessoais íntimas. Conclui-se que a representação do ideal moral por meio da atividade lúdica dramatizada favorece o posicionamento dos adolescentes em um grupo que lhes permite desenvolver as novas formações psicológicas próprias da adolescência.
Trabalho docente e atividade pedagógica: a prospecção da liberdade-felicidade na trama da formação contínua do Campus Amílcar Ferreira Sobral (CAFS/UFPI) 2020
Authors: Coelho Grasiela Maria de Sousa
Published: May 2021

A tese teve como problemática o reconhecimento e valorização da docência no ensino superior, a omissão das políticas públicas e a formação contínua de professores, as dicotomias entre a identidade profissional do professor/pesquisador, as concepções de universidade/ensino/aprendizagem que o docente da educação superior possui, o desamparo dos professores na ausência dos conhecimentos pedagógicos, a legitimidade do saber científico que desconsidera a dimensão pedagógica. Como e o que movimenta o processo formativo que prospecta a liberdade-felicidade do docente do CAFS (Campus Amílcar Ferreira Sobral – UFPI – Floriano – PI) constituiu o problema de pesquisa. O processo de constituição humana em suas dimensões pedagógica e psicológica do ser-tornar-se-sentir-se docente foi objeto de pesquisa. O objetivo geral do estudo foi investigar, no movimento coletivo do processo de formação e aprendizagem docente, a prospecção liberdade-felicidade. Definiu-se como objetivos específicos: identificar as necessidades formativas dos professores partícipes da pesquisa; compreender as unidades dialéticas que movimentam o processo de formação na Atividade Pedagógica; entender o significado social e o sentido pessoal da formação contínua para os professores do CAFS; sintetizar, no coletivo, os fundamentos da formação contínua que dimensionam o projeto institucional de formação contínua dos professores do CAFS.
The Keefektifan Bakteri Asal Lahan Gambut Sebagai Agens Pengendalian Penyakit Kresek dan Pupuk Hayati pada Tanaman Padi
Authors: Giyanto Giyanto , Nurmansyah Ali
Published: May 2021

Penggunaan mikrob untuk pengendalian penyakit dan pupuk hayati telah dikembangkan sebagai alternatif bagi pengembangan pertanian ramah lingkungan. Upaya mendapatkan mikrob tersebut terus dilakukan dengan eksplorasi mikrob dari berbagai tipe habitat ekologi untuk mendapatkan yang diinginkan. Lahan gambut diduga mengandung banyak jenis mikrob khususnya bakteri yang berpotensi sebagai  agens antagonis sekaligus pupuk hayati yang bermanfaat bagi tanaman. Penelitian ini bertujuan mendapatkan galur bakteri yang berpotensi mengendalikan penyakit kresek atau hawar daun bakteri yang disebabkan oleh Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae sekaligus sebagai pupuk hayati. Tahapan penelitian mencakup pengambilan sampel, isolasi bakteri asal lahan gambut serta uji potensinya sebagai agens hayati terhadap X. oryzae pv. oryzae, uji keamanan hayati, karakterisasi galur potensial, uji keefektifan bakteri sebagai agens antagonis sekaligus pupuk hayati in planta. Bakteri yang diisolasi dari tanah hutan gambut dan sawah bekas lahan gambut ialah sebanyak 134 isolat bakteri dan 40 di antaranya memiliki karakteristik morfologi yang berbeda. Sebanyak 14 galur bakteri asal tanah gambut mampu menekan perkembangan  X. oryzae pv. oryzae. Karakterisasi 14 galur bakteri terhadap uji hypersensitive response, hemolisis agar-agar darah, kemampuan menambat nitrogen, siderofor yang dihasilkan, pelarut fosfat serta degradasi selulosa  menghasilkan empat galur bakteri potensial. Keempat galur ini tidak berpotensi sebagai patogen terhadap tanaman maupun mamalia serta memiliki karakter sebagai pupuk hayati. Uji in planta empat galur bakteri ini menunjukkan bahwa bakteri tersebut mampu menekan keparahan penyakit hawar daun pada padi serta meningkatkan pertumbuhan padi pada fase vegetatif.
The National Golf Foundation Top 100 Businesses in Golf: Investigating the Portfolio Returns vs the Market Portfolio
Authors: Willey Thomas , Robideaux Douglas
Published: May 2021

In early 2018, the National Golf Foundation (NGF) presented their inaugural list of the top 100 businesses in the approximately $70 billion golf industry. Six sectors of the U.S. Economy are represented by the following breakdown of companies: Equipment (22 firms); Turf and Course Supplies (18); Apparel and Accessories (13); Course Management (13); Media/Technology and Associations, Retail and Other (23). The purpose of our research is to determine if an investor could generate above-market returns by investing in a portfolio of the publicly traded firms that are part of this initial list. Our results, indicate that over the entire sample period, three golf related stocks outperformed the overall market index after adjusting for risk.
A 3D involvement comprehension model for the digital innovation fostering initiatives of the financial services industry.
Authors: Stamoulis Dimitrios S.
Published: May 2021

The financial services industry word-wide is active not only in financing the innovation, but also in creating opportunities for digital innovation take-up that will ultimately lead to economic growth and entrepreneurial success. By analyzing the activities of the four major financial institutions in Greece in the area of innovation support activities, a 3D model is constructed that clearly demonstrates the strategic area that is shaped for initiatives that foster innovation in the financial services industry sector. This model is also useful as a strategic positioning tool as well as a comprehension model for those actors that would like to enter into this area and gain an understanding of the projects and activities already run by the actors in this field.
Effort vs Value for Money (VfM) How to maximize efficiency in services to ensure VfM
Authors: Doukas Konstantinos
Published: May 2021

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An Assessment of Informal SMEs Governance Practices: A Case Study of SMEs in Harare CBD.
Authors: Chundu Moses , Chimonyo Sarah , Makwerere David
Published: May 2021

The study sought to assess the impact of implementing governance practices on the performance of Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) in the clothing sector operating in Harare’s CBD, Zimbabwe. Primary data was obtained mainly from structured interviews accompanied by questionnaires that sought to gather general information about the respondents. Face to face, verbal interviews were used to collect data during the study. The study made use of a sample that consisted of 100 respondents drawn from the target population using purposive sampling. The research study revealed that firms that implement corporate governance practices are more productive and perform well financially as compared to those that do not implement governance practices. The study also revealed that firms with corporate governance practices have better chances of surviving and acquiring funding for expansion and growth from banks and finance companies. The study concludes that governance practices impact the performance of SMEs operating in Harare’s CBD including their ability to introduce strategic changes. To encourage adoption of corporate governance practices by SMEs, government is encouraged to make the Code of Corporate Governance more relevant to SMEs as well as raising awareness through training and information dissemination.
A Critical Investigation on the Human Resources Innovation Practices in National Survey Authority (NSA)-Oman
Authors: Matriano Maria Teresa
Published: May 2021

Purpose: In any organization around the world, the Human Resources Department is considered to be an important division because it is responsible for personnel affairs in the organization through the practices of staff in the Human Resources Department. So much so that it is regarded as a police force that works for stability and security as well as human resources working for the stability of staff in the organization. Because of the importance of the Human Resources Department, the organization should periodically evaluate and verify  the processes of innovation and development of the Section if it is consistent with the latest practices of the developed organizations and if the innovation practices are implemented in the required manner or not.

Methodology:  The survey questionnaire was developed and disseminated among the staff of the National Survey Authority. There were personal interviews with some officials of the National Survey Authority where they were asked questions about innovation practices.

Findings: The tests conducted by the NSA in hiring staff was easy. This of course gives the  opportunity to those with simple qualification to be qualified and this serves as an  innovation for employment in the NSA. NSA randomly identifies the employee's   department to work in, more than relying on qualifications and experience. This leads to the appointment of those who lack experience and eligibility and put the employee in an    inappropriate place and this affects the productivity and causes a failure or weakness in the  system of innovation.

Research Implications:   The decline in the level of HR practices will lead to a decline in the level of productivity and also to the resignation of many aspiring employees who were looking for an environment that motivates them.  

Novelty :  Technology  as in the case of NSA,  has driven hugely human resource innovation practices in an organization. NSA to motivate staff to innovate and help officials in NSA to reach a deeper understanding of the practices of innovation in their practices of human resources which will facilitate the decision-making process in motivating the employee of the organization.