bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small Business Lending and Regulation for Small Banks
Authors: Srivastav Abhishek , Vallascas Francesco
Published: December 2021

Since May 2015 several U.S. Bank Holding Companies (BHCs) have been newly classified as small banks by regulators, thus benefiting from a friendlier regulatory capital environment. Using a difference-in-differences setting, we show that less regulation on small BHCs boosts small business lending of the affiliated commercial banks. We employ various tests to demonstrate that these findings are attributable to a capital channel where increases in lending are driven by the preferential capital treatment granted to the small BHC. The regulatory capital relief also has some positive effects for the local economy. Overall, the effects of the regulatory capital relief for small BHCs are consistent with its desired policy objectives.

This paper was accepted by Tomasz Piskorski, finance.
Collateral Damage: The Relationship Between High-Salience Events and Variation in Racial Discrimination
Authors: Gorbatai Andreea , Younkin Peter , Burtch Gordon
Published: December 2021

To what extent are individual or organizational biases affected by racially salient events? We propose that acts of discrimination and the individual biases that undergird them are sensitive to high-salience events and will oscillate with the salience of the focal attribute. In short, that the propensity to discriminate reflects both individual and environmental differences, and therefore a given person may become more prone to discriminate in the aftermath of a high-salience event. We test our hypothesis in three online experiments that examine how varying the salience of race affects the evaluation of in-group or out-group founders. We find that respondents evaluate their in-group members more favorably, and out-group members less favorably, when exposed to a high-salience event, which translates into a significant disadvantage for the minority (African American) group. We complement these studies with an assessment of how police shootings affect fundraising outcomes on Kickstarter to confirm the external validity of our findings. Together, these studies indicate that racially salient events depress the quality evaluations and success odds of African American entrepreneurs relative to others. Hence, discrimination levels can be affected by salient yet unrelated events, and such events are consequential for the economic fortunes of individuals belonging to minority and disadvantaged groups.

History: This paper has been accepted for the Organization Science Special Issue on Experiments in Organizational Theory.

Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2021.1527 .
Éden: o campo experimental e o supra-sensorial
Authors: Geraldo Sheila Cabo
Published: December 2021

O texto focaliza a participação do crítico Guy Brett na curadoria e apresentação de Hélio Oiticica na Whitechapel Gallery, em 1969, quando o artista realiza o ambiente Éden como campo experimental, assim como estabelece o conceito de suprassensorial, ou seja, para além do sensorial, que vinha desenvolvendo desde 1965 com as capas Parangolés.
ENSINO REMOTO EMERGENCIAL NA PERSPECTIVA DE LICENCIANDOS: A EMERGÊNCIA DE CRENÇAS, IDENTIDADES E EMOÇÕES EM UM FÓRUM DE DOCENTES EM FORMAÇÃO / Emergency remote teaching from the perspective of university students: the emergence of beliefs, identities and emotions on a forum of pre-service teachers
Authors: Rodrigues Mendonça da Fonseca Marissol , Da Silva Cardoso Janaina
Published: December 2021

Embora os fóruns de discussão em ambientes virtuais de aprendizagem (AVAs) venham sendo usados há muito tempo (CARDOSO; VALENTE, 2017); com o distanciamento físico imposto pela pandemia de Covid-19, sua importância foi acentuada, principalmente por se tornar uma das poucas chances de construção colaborativa de conhecimento. Além disso, para os docentes em formação, os fóruns podem representar também um espaço para expressar suas emoções e compartilhar suas crenças. Neste artigo, buscamos identificar algumas dessas crenças e emoções que emergiram das narrativas pessoais de quatro licenciandos de um estágio supervisionado de uma universidade pública. Entretanto, antes de passarmos para a análise das falas desses docentes em formação, apresentamos nossa fundamentação teórica, a partir da discussão sobre os seguintes conceitos: ensino remoto emergencial e cibercultura (SANTOS 2019, 2020), crenças, identidades e emoções (ARAGÃO, 2010; 2011; BARCELOS, 2004; 2007; 2009; KAJALA et al, 2015). A análise dessas narrativas deixa claro como esta nova realidade, que é o ensino remoto emergencial (ERE), afeta esses licenciandos, tanto como alunos quanto como professores. Concluímos, concordando com Barcelos (2011), Barcelos e Aragão (2018), Abrahão (2004), Bonfim e Conceição (2009) e Silva (2016), que na formação docente deve haver espaço para a discussão sobre crenças, identidades e emoções.
Transtorno relacionado ao uso de substâncias psicoativas: transições na vida de militares em tratamento
Authors: Ferrari Andreia Lucas , Caldas Célia Pereira , Santos Rosãngela Da Silva , Spíndola Thelma , Santos Mauro Leonardo Salvador Caldeira dos
Published: December 2021

Objetivo: delinear a terapêutica de enfermagem para militares internados em tratamento para transtorno relacionado ao uso de substâncias psicoativas à luz da Teoria das Transições. Método: estudo qualitativo, realizado em 2019, com 11 militares internados em uma unidade psiquiátrica, que responderam a uma entrevista aberta utilizando a técnica Narrativa de Vida. Foram tratados com emprego da técnica de análise de conteúdo. A pesquisa foi submetida e aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética. Resultados: Foram identificados três tipos de transição: situacional, organizacional e saúde-doença. Quanto ao padrão, as transições foram sequenciais, simultâneas e relacionadas. Como indicador de processo se destacou a formação de uma rede de apoio incluindo a família e os profissionais de saúde. Conclusão: a terapêutica de enfermagem envolve a conscientização do militar quanto ao processo de transição, sendo importante a participação da família, a preparação para a transição e a suplementação de papéis durante a internação.
Perfil e capacidade funcional de pessoas longevas: revisão integrativa
Authors: Leitão Júnior Francisco Antonio Pereira , Barbosa Rachel Gabriel Bastos , Diniz Jamylle Lucas , Araújo Wánderson Cássio Oliveira , Marques Marília Braga , Coutinho Janaína Fonseca Victor
Published: December 2021

Objetivo: descrever o perfil e a capacidade funcional de pessoas longevas encontradas na literatura científica. Método: revisão integrativa realizada em março de 2021, nas bases de dados CINAHL, MEDLINE, LILACS, BDENF, SCOPUS e WEB OF SCIENCE, incluindo estudos realizados com idosos de 80 anos ou mais, institucionalizados ou da comunidade, que utilizassem as escalas Barthel, Lawton e Brody ou Katz, sem delimitação de período ou idioma. A análise ocorreu de maneira descritiva. Resultados: selecionaram-se 16 artigos, a maioria publicada em 2020, no idioma inglês, desenvolvidos por médicos e em países europeus. Predominaram longevos da comunidade, do sexo feminino e com comorbidades. A escala de Katz foi a mais utilizada para avaliar a capacidade funcional dos longevos e estes possuíam algum grau de dependência nas atividades diárias e instrumentais. Conclusão: os longevos são, em sua maioria, da comunidade, mulheres, com comorbidades, principalmente hipertensão arterial, e apresentam maior grau de dependência nas atividades instrumentais.
Early childhood education and care: What effect on life chances?
Authors: Hancock Dave
Published: December 2021

Recent research has revealed that there are inconsistencies and inequalities in childhood education and care throughout the UK. Dave Hancock highlights some of the key findings
The importance of self-compassion for health visitors' wellbeing
Authors: Woods Laura
Published: December 2021

This article presents an extended literature review, undertaken to understand the significance of self-compassion for health professionals' wellbeing and its relevance for the health visiting workforce. The review showed that self-compassion reduces compassion fatigue, burnout, anxiety, stress and depression. Further, self-compassionate employees are more compassionate towards colleagues and patients, and compassionate practice enhances staff wellbeing. Organisational support for wellbeing increases staff members' sense of worth, resulting in improved ownership of their own wellbeing, and group interventions in particular foster self-compassionate work cultures. The review concludes that self-compassion enhances staff wellbeing and recommends that all NHS staff should be provided with the tools to prevent compassion fatigue and burnout.
Increasing Access Through Privatization? Bill 33 and the Introduction of Private Clinics and Duplicative Insurance in Québec
Authors:   McGill University, Khan Arisha , Quesnel-Vallée Amélie ,   McGill University, McKay Rachel ,   McGill University
Published: December 2021

On 15 June 2006, Bill 33: Act to amend the Act respecting health services and social services and other legislative provisions, was tabled at the Québec Legislature. It served as the government's response to the Supreme Court of Canada's 2005 ruling in Chaoulli vs. Québec (Attorney General), which had ruled that Québec's ban on duplicative health insurance was not consistent with the Québec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. Bill 33 implemented centralized waiting lists, specialized private medical centres and introduced duplicative private health insurance. The stated objectives were to reduce wait times and abide by the SCC ruling. However, the scope of the reform was strictly limited to three services: hip and knee replacement, cataract extraction, and intraocular lens implantation. It also placed regulations on the ability of physicians to practice in the private sector, suggesting that the government sought to achieve these reforms while attempting to maintain the integrity of the public system and change as little as possible. Minimal evaluations of Bill 33 have been conducted by the government, with no further evaluations planned. However, analysis of the current Québec health care landscape indicates that despite the stated aspirations of Bill 33, it has not made a substantial impact on reducing wait times. At the same time, it has not contributed to the growth of a private insurance market in Québec, as many of its detractors feared. The implications of the Chaoulli decision and Québec's response provide key lessons for government and stakeholders in responding to legal challenges on health equity and parallel health system.
Interphase interface structure and evolution of a single crystal Ni-based superalloy based on HRTEM image analysis
Authors: He Ruijun , Zhang Hongye , Liu Zhanwei , Wen Huihui , Xie Huimin
Published: December 2021

Interface plays an important role in determining several properties in multiphase systems. It is also essential for the accurate measurement of the interface structure in a single crystal Ni-based superalloy (SCNBS) under different conditions. In this work, a subpixel accuracy transform method is introduced in detail to measure SCNBS lattice spacing at high temperatures. An intensity ratio analysis based on a high-resolution transmission electron microscopy image is employed for SCNBS interface width analysis. In this particular sample, the interface width is about 2 nm. The evolution of the lattice spacing of an ordered

γ
′

phase and a solid solution

γ

matrix is also obtained at high temperatures. The lattice misfit between the matrix

γ

phase and the

γ
′

precipitation increases with the temperature, with values of

−

0.39

%

and

−

0.21

%

at 20°C and 600°C. In addition, the coefficient of the SCNBS thermal expansion at high temperatures is discussed.
Tunable multilayered lens made of PDMS with a biconical surface profile design and manufacture
Authors: Santiago-Alvarado Agustin , Cruz-Félix Angel S. , Reyes-Pérez Emilio R. , Muñoz-López Javier , Sánchez-López Orquídea , Hernández-Castillo Ignacio
Published: December 2021

A polymer that has been used for the development of optical components and has had a significant impact is polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) due to its remarkable mechanical and optical properties and easy handling. We present a practical and straightforward technique for designing and manufacturing a tunable graded index, graphical input (GRIN)-type lenses, and tunable lenses with a homogeneous refractive index made of PDMS. Implementing a biconical surface profile in a tunable plane-convex lens is proposed for elaborating both a homogeneous refractive index lens and a multilayered GRIN-type lens with a constant increased variation of 0.014 on its refractive index. Likewise, we introduce a mechanical mounting system that aims to modify their curvatures and therefore their focal lengths through mechanical stimuli applied on the lenses. Simulations of the optomechanical behavior and optical characterization of the lenses are also presented.
Multiphoton excitation imaging via an actively mode-locked tunable fiber-cavity SOA laser around 800 nm
Authors: Jun Seung Won , Jang Hansol , Kim Jaeheung , Kim Chang-Seok
Published: December 2021

In this study, an active mode-locked tunable pulsed laser (AML-TPL) is proposed to excite picosecond pulsed light with a rapid wavelength tunability of approximately 800 nm for multiphoton microscopy. The AML-TPL is schematically based on a fiber-cavity semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) configuration to implement a robust and align-free pulsed light source with a duration of 1.6 ps, a repetition rate of 27.9271 MHz, and average output power of over 600 mW. A custom-built multiphoton imaging system was also built to demonstrate the imaging performance of the proposed AML-TPL by comparing with the commercial Ti:Sapphire femtosecond laser. Two-photon excited fluorescence images were successfully acquired using a human breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) stained with acridine orange.
Color-selective geometric-phase lenses for focusing and imaging based on liquid crystal polymer films
Authors: Li Lingshan , Shi Shuojia , Kim Jihwan , Escuti Michael. J.
Published: December 2021

The geometric-phase lens (GPLs) with small form factor compared to traditional refractive lenses has been identified as a compelling solution in augmented-/virtual-/mixed-reality (AR/VR/MR) headsets. Formed either with liquid crystals (LCs) or metasurfaces, the GPL is a type of emerging leading technology that implements the arbitrary aspheric phase to realize low loss and minimal ghosting. However, the inherent chromatic abberation (CA) of GPLs can significantly degrade the image quality. A possible solution is the independent spectral phase implementation for RGB. In this work, we propose the design of three types of multi-twist LC based color-selective GPLs (CS-GPLs), exhibiting highly chromatic efficiency spectra with diameter 30 mm, focal length around 41.2~mm, and F −number 1.37. Through theoretical and experimental validation, each type of CS-GPL manifests high diffraction efficiency (>91%) on respective primary color of orthogonal polarization and high transmission on the complementary color of input polarization. The triplet composed by RGB CS-GPLs demonstrates relative contrast ratio and minimal ghosting. The strong color and polarization dependency of CS-GPLs not only provide a novel technique to mitigate CA but also offer more design freedom in the AR/VR/MR polarization and imaging system.
Solid-state laser cooling in Yb:CaF2 and Yb:SrF2 by anti-Stokes fluorescence
Authors: Püschel Stefan , Mauerhoff Felix , Kränkel Christian , Tanaka Hiroki
Published: December 2021

We report on the first example, to the best of our knowledge, of solid-state laser cooling in ytterbium-doped CaF2 and SrF2 crystals by anti-Stokes fluorescence. The crystals were grown by the Czochralski method in a fluorine-rich atmosphere to prevent the formation of divalent ytterbium ions. Using laser-induced thermal modulation spectroscopy (LITMoS), we find the cooling efficiencies for both crystals to be higher than 3% at room temperature. According to model calculations performed using temperature-dependent spectroscopic data, these crystals can be cooled to temperatures as low as 150 K when excited at around 1030 nm.
Veränderungen für Projektentwickler in der immobilienwirtschaftlichen Transformation – Netzwerkanalyse und Stakeholder-Interviews zur Bestimmung handlungsrelevanter Einflüsse und strategischer Anpassungen
Authors: Wagner Benjamin , Pfnür Andreas
Published: December 2021

In der immobilienwirtschaftlichen Transformation wirken zahlreiche Einflüsse auf den Immobilienprojektentwickler, die für strategische Anpassungen eine unterschiedliche Handlungsrelevanz erzeugen. Der Beitrag analysiert, wie aktuelle strukturelle Umweltveränderungen Projektentwickler beeinflussen sowie welche strategische Anpassungen sich daraus ergeben. Für diesen Zweck untersucht eine Netzwerkanalyse, welche Stakeholder den stärksten Einfluss auf Projektentwickler ausüben und wie sich die Unternehmensumwelt verändert. Datengrundlage ist eine quantitative Befragung von 249 Entscheidungsträgern. Darüber hinaus wurden 28 halbstrukturierte Interviews mit relevanten Stakeholdern geführt, um handlungsrelevante Einflüsse zu identifizieren und den konkreten Handlungsbedarf abzuleiten.

Die Ergebnisse zeigen den Projektentwickler in einer gleichermaßen betroffenen und veränderungsindizierenden Rolle. In dieser zentralen Rolle ist es der Projektentwickler, der die maßgeblich durch den Nutzer ausgelösten Veränderungsprozesse in das Wertschöpfungssystem trägt, die wirkenden Einflüsse zwischen den Akteuren managt und somit für die Integration immobilienwirtschaftlicher Wertschöpfungsstufen von Bedeutung ist. Konkret erhöhen veränderte Nutzeranforderungen nach Flexibilität in Flächenbereitstellung und Flächenqualität die Nachfrage nach ganzheitlichen Dienstleistungen von Projektentwicklern. Eine partnerschaftliche Zusammenarbeit zwischen Projektentwicklern und Nutzern ermöglicht die Anpassung bestehender Flächen an die aktuellen Anforderungen neuer Arbeitswelten und liefert Ansätze für die Entwicklung innovativer Formen der Flächenbereitstellung im Sinne von Space-as-a-Service. Für Projektentwickler als zentral vernetzte Akteure entstehen durch vertikale Geschäftsfelderweiterungen Potenziale, die immobilienwirtschaftliche Wertschöpfung mit integrierten Lösungen und Innovationen zu organisieren. Vor allem Building Information Modeling liefert Ansätze datengetriebener Servicemodelle, wobei Unsicherheiten und fehlende Standardisierung noch Hürden darstellen.

Die Ergebnisse helfen, die Wirkungsverläufe der immobilienwirtschaftlichen Transformation tiefer zu verstehen. Für Immobilienentwickler bieten sie die Identifikation handlungsrelevanter Einflüsse und strategische Anpassungsoptionen ihrer Geschäftsmodelle.
Occurrence, diversity and distribution of Trypanosoma infections in cattle around the Akagera National Park, Rwanda
Authors: Gashururu S. Richard , Maingi Ndichu , Githigia Samuel M. , Gasana Methode N. , Odhiambo Peter O. , Getange Dennis O. , Habimana Richard , Cecchi Giuliano , Zhao Weining , Gashumba James , Bargul Joel L. , Masiga Daniel K.
Published: December 2021

Background

African Trypanosomiases threaten the life of both humans and animals. Trypanosomes are transmitted by tsetse and other biting flies. In Rwanda, the African Animal Trypanosomiasis (AAT) endemic area is mainly around the tsetse-infested Akagera National Park (NP). The study aimed to identify Trypanosoma species circulating in cattle, their genetic diversity and distribution around the Akagera NP.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was carried out in four districts, where 1,037 cattle blood samples were collected. The presence of trypanosomes was determined by microscopy, immunological rapid test VerY Diag and PCR coupled with High-Resolution Melt (HRM) analysis. A parametric test (ANOVA) was used to compare the mean Packed cell Volume (PCV) and trypanosomes occurrence. The Cohen Kappa test was used to compare the level of agreement between the diagnostic methods.

Findings

The overall prevalence of trypanosome infections was 5.6%, 7.1% and 18.7% by thin smear, Buffy coat technique and PCR/HRM respectively. Microscopy showed a low sensitivity while a low specificity was shown by the rapid test (VerY Diag). Trypanosoma (T.) congolense was found at a prevalence of 10.7%, T. vivax 5.2%, T. brucei brucei 2% and T. evansi 0.7% by PCR/HRM. This is the first report of T.evansi in cattle in Rwanda. The non-pathogenic T. theileri was also detected. Lower trypanosome infections were observed in Ankole x Friesian breeds than indigenous Ankole. No human-infective T. brucei rhodesiense was detected. There was no significant difference between the mean PCV of infected and non-infected animals (p>0.162).

Conclusions

Our study sheds light on the species of animal infective trypanosomes around the Akagera NP, including both pathogenic and non-pathogenic trypanosomes. The PCV estimation is not always an indication of trypanosome infection and the mechanical transmission should not be overlooked. The study confirms that the area around the Akagera NP is affected by AAT, and should, therefore, be targeted by the control activities. AAT impact assessment on cattle production and information on the use of trypanocides are needed to help policymakers prioritise target areas and optimize intervention strategies. Ultimately, these studies will allow Rwanda to advance in the Progressive Control Pathway (PCP) to reduce or eliminate the burden of AAT.
Chemical and technological attributes of sugarcane as functions of organomineral fertilizer based on filter cake or sewage sludge as organic matter sources
Authors: Gonçalves Carlos André , de Camargo Reginaldo , de Sousa Robson Thiago Xavier , Soares Narcisa Silva , de Oliveira Roberta Camargos , Stanger Mayara Cristina , Lana Regina Maria Quintão , Lemes Ernane Miranda
Published: December 2021

Sugarcane is one of the main alternative sources of biomass for the biofuel sector, and its large-scale production has considerable environmental impact. Organomineral fertilizers formulated with potential environmental contaminants, such as filter cake and sewage sludge, positively influence plant growth and development. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the chemical and physical characteristics of sugarcane fertilized with pelletized organomineral fertilizers based on filter cake or sewage sludge. Eight field treatments were applied, based on three organomineral fertilizer compositions (50%, 100%, and 150%) associated with two organic matter (OM) sources (filter cake or sewage sludge), in addition to a control with 100% mineral fertilizer application, and a no-fertilization control (0%). Sugarcane attributes were evaluated during two consecutive harvests. The weights of stalks per hectare (ton ha-1), sugarcane productivity (ton ha-1), quantity of sugar per hectare (TSH, ton ha-1), and physicochemical properties of sugarcane juice (pol [%], Brix [%], purity [%], and fiber [%]) were evaluated. There were no significant differences in the attributes between OM sources or organomineral fertilization treatments and the exclusive mineral fertilization. The organomineral fertilizer application rate recommended for maximum quantitative and qualitative sugarcane in the first sugarcane harvest was between 2 and 9% above the regular recommendation for mineral fertilizer, regardless of the OM source. In the second harvest, the sewage sludge source increased total sugar and sugarcane per hectare by 4.68 and 4.19%, respectively, compared to the sugarcane filter cake source. Sewage sludge and sugarcane filter cake are viable alternatives for organomineral composition and could improve economic returns and minimize negative environmental impacts in sugarcane cultivation systems.
Rapid health impact assessment of COVID-19 on families with children with disabilities living in low-income communities in Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Hearst Mary O. , Hughey Lauren , Magoon Jamie , Mubukwanu Elizabeth , Ndonji Mulemba , Ngulube Esther , Makhoul Zeina
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Worldwide, children with disabilities are a vulnerable population and at high risk for COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. There is little information on the impact that COVID-19 had on children with disabilities and their families, particularly in low-income settings. This assessment describes the extent to which the pandemic impacted seven indicators of well-being in three low-income communities in Lusaka, Zambia.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with a random selection of families participating in an existing program (n = 39), community health workers (n = 6), healthcare workers (n = 7) and government officials (n = 2). Descriptive data was summarized and qualitative responses reviewed for themes.

Results

Most families reported a major loss of income resulting in food insecurity (79%), housing instability (67%), stress (36%), and increased risk of child separation and neglect (18%). Most families did not report receiving governmental financial assistance and reported loss of access to health services for their child such as physiotherapy (33%). Stakeholders interviewed reported that COVID-19 information was widely available although few specific interventions for children. Families were seen to have greater food insecurity, more poverty, more crowding, less healthcare services and children left alone or on the streets to beg.

Discussion

COVID-19 and related containment measures have impacted the lives of children with disabilities and their families to a great extent. There is an urgent need for disability-inclusive responses that deliberately address the needs of children with disabilities and their families, notably uninterrupted access to adequate food, inclusive education, rehabilitation therapy, and income-generating activities.
Depression, anxiety, and happiness in dog owners and potential dog owners during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States
Authors: Martin Francois , Bachert Katherine E. , Snow LeAnn , Tu Hsiao-Wei , Belahbib Julien , Lyn Sandra A.
Published: December 2021

Major life events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, affect psychological and physiological health. Social support, or the lack thereof, can modulate these effects. The context of the COVID-19 pandemic offered a unique opportunity to better understand how dogs may provide social support for their owners and buffer heightened symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression and contribute to happiness during a major global crisis. Participants (768 pet dog owners and 767 potential pet dog owners) answered an online survey, including validated depression, anxiety, happiness psychometric scales, attitude to and commitment towards pet, and perceived social support. Potential pet dog owners were defined as individuals who did not own a dog at the time of the survey but would be very or extremely interested in owning one in the future. Dog owners reported having significantly more social support available to them compared to potential dog owners, and their depression scores were also lower, compared to potential dog owners. There were no differences in anxiety and happiness scores between the two groups. Dog owners had a significantly more positive attitude towards and commitment to pets. Taken together, our results suggest that dog ownership may have provided people with a stronger sense of social support, which in turn may have helped buffer some of the negative psychological impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Diabetic retinopathy service delivery and integration into the health system in Pakistan—Findings from a multicentre qualitative study
Authors: Bechange Stevens , Roca Anne , Schmidt Elena , Gillani Munazza , Ahmed Leena , Iqbal Robina , Nazir Imran , Ruddock Anna , Bilal Muhammed , Khan Itfaq Khaliq , Buttan Sandeep , Jolley Emma
Published: December 2021

This paper is based on qualitative research carried out in a diabetic retinopathy (DR) programme in three districts of Pakistan. It analyses the organisation and delivery of DR services and the extent to which the interventions resulted in a fully functioning integrated approach to DR care and treatment. Between January and April 2019, we conducted 14 focus group discussions and 37 in-depth interviews with 144 purposively selected participants: patients, lady health workers (LHWs) and health professionals. Findings suggest that integration of services was helpful in the prevention and management of DR. Through the efforts of LHWs and general practitioners, diabetic patients in the community became aware of the eye health issues related to uncontrolled diabetes. However, a number of systemic pressure points in the continuum of care seem to have limited the impact of the integration. Some components of the intervention, such as a patient tracking system and reinforced interdepartmental links, show great promise and need to be sustained. The results of this study point to the need for action to ensure inclusion of DR on the list of local health departments’ priority conditions, greater provision of closer-to-community services, such as mobile clinics. Future interventions will need to consider the complexity of adding diabetic retinopathy to an already heavy workload for the LHWs.
Subtractive genomics and molecular docking approach to identify drug targets against Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
Authors: Saleem Hira , Ashfaq Usman Ali , Nadeem Habibullah , Zubair Muhammad , Siddique Muhammad Hussnain , Rasul Ijaz
Published: December 2021

Stenotrophomonas maltophiliais a multidrug resistant pathogen associated with high mortality and morbidity in patients having compromised immunity. The efflux systems ofS.maltophiliainclude SmeABC and SmeDEF proteins, which assist in acquisition of multiple-drug-resistance. In this study, proteome based mapping was utilized to find out the potential drug targets forS.maltophiliastrain k279a. Various tools of computational biology were applied to remove the human-specific homologous and pathogen-specific paralogous sequences from the bacterial proteome. The CD-HIT analysis selected 4315 proteins from total proteome count of 4365 proteins. Geptop identified 407 essential proteins, while the BlastP revealed approximately 85 non-homologous proteins in the human genome. Moreover, metabolic pathway and subcellular location analysis were performed for essential bacterial genes, to describe their role in various cellular processes. Only two essential proteins (Acyl-[acyl-carrier-protein]—UDP-N acetyl glucosamine O-acyltransferase and D-alanine-D-alanine ligase) as candidate for potent targets were found in proteome of the pathogen, in order to design new drugs. An online tool, Swiss model was employed to model the 3D structures of both target proteins. A library of 5000 phytochemicals was docked against those proteins through the molecular operating environment (MOE). That resulted in to eight inhibitors for both proteins i.e. enterodiol, aloin, ononin and rhinacanthinF for the Acyl-[acyl-carrier-protein]—UDP-N acetyl glucosamine O-acyltransferase, and rhazin, alkannin beta, aloesin and ancistrocladine for the D-alanine-D-alanine ligase. Finally the ADMET was done through ADMETsar. This study supported the development of natural as well as cost-effective drugs againstS.maltophilia. These inhibitors displayed the effective binding interactions and safe drug profiles. However, furtherin vivoandin vitrovalidation experiment might be performed to check their drug effectiveness, biocompatibility and their role as effective inhibitors.
Prevalence of tobacco dependence and associated factors among patients with schizophrenia attending their treatments at southwest Ethiopia; hospital-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Desalegn Defaru , Abdu Zakir , Hajure Mohammedamin
Published: December 2021

Background

Tobacco smoking is the most typically employed in patients with mental disorders; among them, patients with schizophrenia are the very best users. The rate of smoking among patients with schizophrenia is between two and three times greater than the general population in western countries. However, there is a scarcity of studies on the magnitude and associated factors of tobacco dependence among patients with schizophrenia in Ethiopia. Therefore, we assessed the prevalence of tobacco dependence and associated factors among patients with schizophrenia at Mettu Karl referral, Bedelle, and Agaro hospitals, Southwest, Ethiopia.

Method

Hospital-based the multistage stratified cross-sectional study design was conducted among 524 patients with schizophrenia who are on treatment. Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) was used to screen the prevalence of tobacco dependence. Analysis of data was done using SPSS version 24.

Result

The prevalence of tobacco dependence among study participants was 22.3% (95% CI) (18.6, 26). Concerning the severity of tobacco dependence, 3.5%, 13.8%, and 5% of the respondents report moderate, high, and very high levels of tobacco dependence respectively. The proportions of tobacco dependence among male schizophrenic patients 88 (25.8%) were higher compared to their counterparts 27 (15.5%). After controlling the effects of cofounders in the final regression analysis, male gender (AOR 2.19, 95% CI = 1.25, 3.83), being on treatment for more than 5years (AOR 4.37, 95% CI = 2.11, 9.02), having a history of admission (AOR 4.01, 95% CI = 1.99, 8.11), and family history of mental illness (AOR 1.90, 95% CI = 1.04, 3.48) were shown to have a significant positive association with tobacco dependence.

Conclusion and recommendation

A study show a significant proportion of tobacco dependence among people living with schizophrenia. Factors like, being male gender, being on treatment for more than 5 years, having a history of admission, and family history of mental illness was found to have a significant positive association with tobacco dependence. Hence, there is a need for coordinated and comprehensive management clinically to manage tobacco dependence along with identified risk factors in patients with schizophrenia. Also the finding call for the clinicians, managers, ministry of health and other stakeholders on the substance use prevention strategies that target personal and environmental control.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated generation of biallelic F0 anemonefish (Amphiprion ocellaris) mutants
Authors: Mitchell Laurie J. , Tettamanti Valerio , Rhodes Justin S. , Marshall N. Justin , Cheney Karen L. , Cortesi Fabio
Published: December 2021

Genomic manipulation is a useful approach for elucidating the molecular pathways underlying aspects of development, physiology, and behaviour. However, a lack of gene-editing tools appropriated for use in reef fishes has meant the genetic underpinnings for many of their unique traits remain to be investigated. One iconic group of reef fishes ideal for applying this technique are anemonefishes (Amphiprioninae) as they are widely studied for their symbiosis with anemones, sequential hermaphroditism, complex social hierarchies, skin pattern development, and vision, and are raised relatively easily in aquaria. In this study, we developed a gene-editing protocol for applying the CRISPR/Cas9 system in the false clown anemonefish,Amphiprion ocellaris. Microinjection of zygotes was used to demonstrate the successful use of our CRISPR/Cas9 approach at two separate target sites: the rhodopsin-like 2B opsin encoding gene (RH2B) involved in vision, and Tyrosinase-producing gene (tyr) involved in the production of melanin. Analysis of the sequenced target gene regions inA.ocellarisembryos showed that uptake was as high as 73.3% of injected embryos. Further analysis of the subcloned mutant gene sequences combined with amplicon shotgun sequencing revealed that our approach had a 75% to 100% efficiency in producing biallelic mutations in F0A.ocellarisembryos. Moreover, we clearly show a loss-of-function intyrmutant embryos which exhibited typical hypomelanistic phenotypes. This protocol is intended as a useful starting point to further explore the potential application of CRISPR/Cas9 inA.ocellaris, as a platform for studying gene function in anemonefishes and other reef fishes.
Taxonomic and geographic bias in 50 years of research on the behaviour and ecology of galagids
Authors: Ellison Grace , Jones Martin , Cain Bradley , Bettridge Caroline M.
Published: December 2021

Identifying knowledge gaps and taxonomic and geographic bias in the literature is invaluable for guiding research towards a more representative understanding of animal groups. Galagids are nocturnal African primates and, for many species, detailed information on their behaviour and ecology is unavailable. To identify gaps and bias in the literature we reviewed published peer-reviewed research articles on galagid behaviour and ecology over a 50-year period from January 1971 to December 2020. Using the Web of Science and Google Scholar databases, we identified 758 articles, assessed 339 full texts for eligibility and included 211 in the review. Species ofOtolemurhave been extensively researched in comparison to other genera (78.2% of studies;Euoticus: 13.3% of studies;Galago: 66.4% of studies;Galagoides: 20.9% of studies;Paragalago: 22.3% of studies;Sciurocheirus: 15.2% of studies). The most common category of research was physiology (55.0% of studies), followed by behavioural ecology (47.4% of studies), and fewer studies were on genetics and taxonomy (16.1% of studies) and habitat and distribution (14.2% of studies). Text mining revealed that the word ‘behaviour’ was the most common word used in abstracts and keywords, and few words were related to ecology. Negative binomial regression revealed that mean body mass and geographic range size were significant positive predictors of the total number of scientific outputs on each species. Research on wild populations was carried out in only 24 (60%) of the 40 countries galagids are thought to inhabit. Studies were undertaken in locations with lower mean annual temperatures and higher human population densities over warmer and less populated areas. We encourage a more equal sampling effort both taxonomically and geographically that in particular addresses the paucity of research on smaller species and those with restricted ranges. Research onin situpopulations, especially in warmer and remote areas, is urgently needed, particularly in West, Central and some Southern African countries.
Migratory wild birds carrying multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli as potential transmitters of antimicrobial resistance in China
Authors: Yuan Yue , Liang Bing , Jiang Bo-wen , Zhu Ling-wei , Wang Tie-cheng , Li Yuan-guo , Liu Jun , Guo Xue-jun , Ji Xue , Sun Yang
Published: December 2021

Migratory birds play an important role in the spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. To investigate the prevalence of MDR Escherichia coli in migratory birds in China and potential relationships with the environment, a total of 1387 samples (fecal samples, cloacal swabs, or throat swabs) were collected from migratory birds from three different river basins in China. The collected samples were processed and subjected to bacteriological examinations. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the recovered isolates was performed using the E-test for the detection of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Some antibiotic resistance genes were detected and the PCR products were confirmed by sequencing. In total, 478 (34.7%) E. coli isolates were recovered. The results showed that the drug-resistant E. coli isolates were highly resistant to β-lactams (43.7%) and tetracycline (22.6%), and 73 (15.3%) were MDR, including eight that were extended spectrum β-lactamase-positive. The retrieved strains harbored the blaCTX-M, blaTEM-1, tet(A), tet(B), tet(M), sul1, sul2, sul3, cmlA, floR, and intI1 genes with a prevalence of 5.9%, 36.4%, 80.5%, 11.9%, 6.8%, 6.8%, 47.5%, 12.7%, 50.8%, 37.3%, and 61.0%, respectively. The drug resistance rate of the isolates from southern China was higher than those from northern China. The E. coli samples collected for migratory birds in the Pearl River Basin had the highest proportion (46.7%) MDR isolates. Furthermore, MDR bacteria carried by migratory birds were closely related to the antibiotic content in the basin, which confirms that MDR bacteria carried by migratory birds are likely acquired from the environment. This study also confirmed that migratory birds are potential transmitters of MDR bacteria, demonstrating the need to reduce the use and emission of antibiotics and further in-depth studies on the mechanisms underlying drug resistance of bacteria.
Making sense of sewage sludge as a renewable resource in the urban U.S.
Authors: C. Kawa Nicholas
Published: December 2021

Prior to industrialization, human excrement was commonly employed as a resource for agricultural fertilization. Following the advent of the hydraulic sanitation system, however, it became increasingly channeled into waterways rather than reincorporated into terrestrial agro-ecosystems. To counter this trend, more and more industrial cities are seeking to utilize treated sanitation waste, or “biosolids,” as a renewable resource that can be applied as a soil amendment in urban recreational settings, including parks, gardens, and golf courses. This article examines how the use of biosolids in the American city of Chicago comes to “make sense”—experientially, economically, and ecologically—to users and wastewater experts. Furthermore, it considers how sanitation infrastructures, social norms, and safety concerns both contour and constrain such usage. Ultimately, this article identifies how direct sensorial experiences (particularly of odors or their absence) as well as notions of economic and ecological “good sense” contribute to the social acceptability of biosolids usage. However, contaminants of emerging concern that are barely perceptible in sanitation waste raise more profound questions about the challenges of urban sustainability in this period known as late industrialism.
Terminologias linguísticas no ensino das Línguas Clássicas (LC) e do Português (PE)
Authors: Tavares de Faria Rui Miguel Ventura do Couto
Published: December 2021

No presente artigo, analisa-se, demonstra-se e discute-se a (im)pertinência de duas nomenclaturas de termos gramaticais no ensino das sintaxes grega, latina e portuguesa. Até que ponto é coerente proceder à análise sintática de uma sequência linguística em grego antigo ou em latim, nos ensinos secundário e superior, recorrendo a uma classificação desconhecida de alunos que estão familiarizados com a Terminologia Linguística para os Ensinos Básico e Secundário (TLEBS), desde o 1.º ciclo do ensino básico? De que modo é legítimo e prático, do ponto de vista didático-pedagógico, um docente de Português e de Línguas Clássicas ter de usar dois glossários terminológicos para o ensino da sintaxe? Que (in)correspondências existem ao nível das classificações?  Quais as propriedades sintáticas que determinam uma dada classificação?
Models for diameter distribution and tree height in hybrid aspen plantations in southern Finland
Authors: Lee Daesung , Siipilehto Jouni , Hynynen Jari
Published: December 2021

Hybrid aspen ( L. Ã Michx.) is known with outstanding growth rate and some favourable wood characteristics, but models for stand management have not yet been prepared in northern Europe. This study introduces methods and models to predict tree dimensions, diameter at breast height (dbh) and tree height for a hybrid aspen plantation using data from repeatedly measured permanent sample plots established in clonal plantations in southern Finland. Dbh distributions using parameter recovery method for the Weibull function was used with NÃ¤slundâs height curve to model tree heights. According to the goodness-of-fit statistics of Kolmogorov-Smirnov and the Error Index, the arithmetic mean diameter () and basal area-weighted mean diameter () provided more stable parameter recovery for the Weibull distribution than the median diameter () and basal area-weighted median diameter (), while showed the best overall fit. Thus, NÃ¤slundâs height curve was modelled using with Loreyâs height (), age, basal area (), and tree dbh (Model 1). Also, Model 2 was tested using all predictors of Model 1 with the number of trees per ha (). All predictors were shown to be significant in both Models, showing slightly different behaviour. Model 1 was sensitive to the mean characteristics, and , while Model 2 was sensitive to stand density, including both and as predictors. Model 1 was considered more reasonable to apply based on our results. Consequently, the parameter recovery method using and NÃ¤slundâs models were applicable for predicting tree diameter and height.Populus tremulaP. tremuloidesDDGDMDGMDGDGHGBATPHDGHGBATPHDG
MorphGlaze: Point of Detection Device for the estimation of Morpholine on coated fruits and vegetables
Authors: Kumar Rupak
Published: December 2021

Besides the fact that it rhymes, it was never stated which apple do we like to eat, does it a bright red wax coated or ungloss fresh/natural one? Morpholine is a common solvent and emulsifier to give an
“attractive look” to fruits/vegetables to help them last longer and remains shiny and fresh even during prolonged transit. Morpholine alone does pose a health risk but when it combines with atmospheric and dietary nitrates, it forms the potent carcinogen
N-nitrosomorpholine (NMOR). Excessive formation of NMOR can cause multiple primary neoplasms in the respiratory, upper digestive tracts, and liver.
Standardized Approach in Leakage Studies: Sealing Ability of Endodontic Sealers
Authors: Lin Galvin Sim Siang , Ghani Nik Rozainah Nik Abdul , Noorani Tahir Yusuf
Published: December 2021

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Un modelo para el desarrollo del Pensamiento Histórico
Authors: Chávez Preisler Carolina
Published: December 2021

El objetivo del artículo es sistematizar un modelo para el desarrollo del Pensamiento Histórico. El modelo es el resultado de una investigación doctoral desarrollada desde la Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, en la que se indaga el desarrollo del Pensamiento Histórico en Formación Inicial Docente en seis universidades chilenas (Chávez, 2020). La metodología utilizada es cualitativa. El modelo emerge desde la interacción entre el análisis de los datos (narrativas y observación en universidades) y la revisión bibliográfica. Las particularidades de la propuesta respecto a sus precedentes (Duquette, 2011; Hassani, 2005; Martineau, 1999; Santisteban, 2010; Seixas y Morton, 2013) son: que ha sido pensada para promover el desarrollo del Pensamiento Histórico desde la enseñanza; emerge desde la interacción entre la teoría y la práctica; y en su estructura incluye dimensiones, componentes e indicadores cuya explicitación facilita la enseñanza de la disciplina.
Concepciones sobre la realidad aumentada en el profesorado de Infantil y Primaria
Authors: Pérez Castelló Teresa , Vera Juan Ramón Moreno
Published: December 2021

La experiencia práctica presentada se propone analizar las concepciones que tiene el profesorado de Educación Infantil y Primaria sobre el uso didáctico y práctico de la Realidad Aumentada en las aulas de Ciencias Sociales. El carácter innovador de la Realidad Aumentada y su potencial de aprendizaje, ofrecen un escenario educativo único, motivador y transformador de la realidad educativa actual.  Identificaremos sus posibilidades como recurso innovador y elemento clave en el desarrollo de una cultura de aprendizaje tecnológica, centrada en el área de Ciencias Sociales y valores educativos. El análisis estadístico-descriptivo de los datos se ha llevado a cabo mediante SPSS v24 y constata la importancia de ampliar la formación del profesorado en esta herramienta y la necesidad de favorecer propuestas metodológicas innovadoras que fundamentan la realidad tecnológica actual, presente y activa en las aulas de Infantil y Primaria.