bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccines: Immunological Mechanism and Beyond
Authors: Bettini Emily , Locci Michela
Published: February 2021

To successfully protect against pathogen infection, a vaccine must elicit efficient adaptive immunity, including B and T cell responses. While B cell responses are key, as they can mediate antibody-dependent protection, T cells can modulate B cell activity and directly contribute to the elimination of pathogen-infected cells. In the unprecedented race to develop an effective vaccine for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of the respiratory disease coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have emerged as front runners thanks to their capacity for rapid development and ability to drive potent adaptive immune responses. In this review article, we provide an overview of the results from pre-clinical studies in animal models as well as clinical studies in humans that assessed the efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines, with a primary focus on adaptive immune responses post vaccination.
mRNA Vaccines against Flaviviruses
Authors: Wollner Clayton J. , Richner Justin M.
Published: February 2021

Numerous vaccines have now been developed using the mRNA platform. In this approach, mRNA coding for a viral antigen is in vitro synthesized and injected into the host leading to exogenous protein expression and robust immune responses. Vaccines can be rapidly developed utilizing the mRNA platform in the face of emerging pandemics. Additionally, the mRNA coding region can be easily manipulated to test novel hypotheses in order to combat viral infections which have remained refractory to traditional vaccine approaches. Flaviviruses are a diverse family of viruses that cause widespread disease and have pandemic potential. In this review, we discuss the mRNA vaccines which have been developed against diverse flaviviruses.
Flow and Transport Numerical Model of a Coastal Aquifer Based on the Hydraulic Importance of a Dyke and Its Impact on Water Quality. Manglaralto—Ecuador
Authors: Carrión-Mero Paúl , Montalván F. Javier , Morante-Carballo Fernando , Loor-Flores de Valgas Carolina , Apolo-Masache Boris , Heredia Javier
Published: February 2021

Coastal aquifers are part of the natural resources contributing to local development and promote resilience in the most vulnerable communities near the sea. Manglaralto, an Ecuadorian coastal parish, is affected by water resource scarcity. The increase in salinity and deterioration of the water quality is generated by the local and floating population’s demand, causing an increase in the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) concentrations and decreasing the aquifer’s piezometric levels. The aim is to establish a numerical model of flow and transport of the Manglaralto coastal aquifer by using hydrogeological data and Visual Transin software, relating the hydraulic importance of a dyke’s design (“tape”) and its impact on the quality of the water. The methodology is (i) hydrogeological database analysis, (ii) the system’s recharge concerning the soil water balance, (iii) the boundary conditions of the flow and transport model and, (iv) the results and validation of the numerical simulation. The results configure the importance of the coastal aquifer’s artificial recharge in the area where the tape is located, as reflected in the increase in piezometric levels and the decrease in salinity in wells near the sea. In conclusion, the numerical model of flow and transport allows expanding the knowledge of the variation of the piezometric levels and TDS concentrations over time, the importance of recharge in the hydrogeological system’s operation, and correct community management resilience and projection to sustainable development.
Microbial Electrolysis Cells for Decentralised Wastewater Treatment: The Next Steps
Authors: Fudge Thomas , Bulmer Isabella , Bowman Kyle , Pathmakanthan Shangami , Gambier William , Dehouche Zahir , Al-Salem Sultan Majed , Constantinou Achilleas
Published: February 2021

Traditional wastewater treatment methods have become aged and inefficient, meaning alternative methods are essential to protect the environment and ensure water and energy security worldwide. The use of microbial electrolysis cells (MEC) for wastewater treatment provides an innovative alternative, working towards circular wastewater treatment for energy production. This study evaluates the factors hindering industrial adoption of this technology and proposes the next steps for further research and development. Existing pilot-scale investigations are studied to critically assess the main limitations, focusing on the electrode material, feedstock, system design and inoculation and what steps need to be taken for industrial adoption of the technology. It was found that high strength influents lead to an increase in energy production, improving economic viability; however, large variations in waste streams indicated that a homogenous solution to wastewater treatment is unlikely with changes to the MEC system specific to different waste streams. The current capital cost of implementing MECs is high and reducing the cost of the electrodes should be a priority. Previous pilot-scale studies have predominantly used carbon-based materials. Significant reductions in relative performance are observed when electrodes increase in size. Inoculation time was found to be a significant barrier to quick operational performance. Economic analysis of the technology indicated that MECs offer an attractive option for wastewater treatment, namely greater energy production and improved treatment efficiency. However, a significant reduction in capital cost is necessary to make this economically viable. MEC based systems should offer improvements in system reliability, reduced downtime, improved treatment rates and improved energy return. Discussion of the merits of H2 or CH4 production indicates that an initial focus on methane production could provide a stepping-stone in the adoption of this technology while the hydrogen market matures.
Fecal Contamination and High Nutrient Levels Pollute the Watersheds of Wujiang, China
Authors: Sekar Raju , Jin Xin , Liu Shuang , Lu Jing , Shen Jianwei , Zhou Yingya , Gong Ziyang , Feng Xueying , Guo Shengjie , Li Wenlong
Published: February 2021

Freshwaters in China are affected by point and non-point sources of pollution. The Wujiang District (Suzhou City, China) has a long history of canals, rivers, and lakes that are currently facing various water quality issues. In this study, the water quality of four rivers and a lake in Wujiang was assessed to quantify pollution and explore its causes. Seventy-five monthly samples were collected from these water bodies (five locations/samples per area) from August to October 2020 and were compared with nine control samples collected from a water protection area. Fifteen physicochemical, microbiological, and molecular–microbiological parameters were analyzed, including nutrients, total and fecal coliforms, and fecal markers. Significant monthly variation was observed for most parameters at all areas. Total phosphorus, phosphates, total nitrogen, ammonium–nitrogen, and fecal coliforms mostly exceeded the acceptable limits set by the Chinese Ministry of Environmental Protection. The LiPuDang Lake and the WuFangGang River were the most degraded areas. The studied parameters were correlated with urban, agricultural, industrial, and other major land use patterns. The results suggest that fecal contamination and nutrients, associated with certain land use practices, are the primary pollution factors in the Wujiang District. Detailed water quality monitoring and targeted management strategies are necessary to control pollution in Wujiang’s watersheds.
Two-Dimensional Numerical Modeling of Flow in Physical Models of Rock Vane and Bendway Weir Configurations
Authors: Baird Drew , Abban Benjamin , Scurlock S. , Abt Steven , Thornton Christopher
Published: February 2021

While there are a wide range of design recommendations for using rock vanes and bendway weirs as streambank protection measures, no comprehensive, standard approach is currently available for design engineers to evaluate their hydraulic performance before construction. This study investigates using 2D numerical modeling as an option for predicting the hydraulic performance of rock vane and bendway weir structure designs for streambank protection. We used the Sedimentation and River Hydraulics (SRH)-2D depth-averaged numerical model to simulate flows around rock vane and bendway weir installations that were previously examined as part of a physical model study and that had water surface elevation and velocity observations. Overall, SRH-2D predicted the same general flow patterns as the physical model, but over- and underpredicted the flow velocity in some areas. These over- and underpredictions could be primarily attributed to the assumption of negligible vertical velocities. Nonetheless, the point differences between the predicted and observed velocities generally ranged from 15 to 25%, with some exceptions. The results showed that 2D numerical models could provide adequate insight into the hydraulic performance of rock vanes and bendway weirs. Accordingly, design guidance and implications of the study results are presented for design engineers.
How Does Mytilus galloprovincialis Respond When Exposed to the Gametophyte Phase of the Invasive Red Macroalga Asparagopsis armata Exudate?
Authors: Coelho Sónia D. , Vieira Hugo C. , Oliveira Jacinta M. M. , Pires Sílvia F. S. , Rocha Rui J. M. , Rodrigues Andreia C. M. , Soares Amadeu M. V. M. , Bordalo Maria D.
Published: February 2021

Asparagopsis armata is classified as an invasive species in Europe. Through the exudation of secondary metabolites, this macroalga holds a chemical defence against consumers, with potential toxic effects to native rocky shore communities. This study aims to evaluate the potential impact of A. armata (gametophyte) exudate in a native species, the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis, in terms of biochemical and organismal effects. The 96 h-LC50 was 3.667% and based on it, exudate concentrations (0.25; 0.5; 1; 2%) were determined to further sublethal experiments. These sublethal concentrations caused no oxidative damage in the digestive gland since lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation were not affected. Nevertheless, there was a significant rise in the electron transport system activity and total glutathione content in muscle, suggesting an increased non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity and consequent energy consumption to cope with potential pro-oxidant compounds. This might have contributed to the observed decline in cellular energy allocation of the exposed mussels. At the organismal level, clearance capacity declined along the concentration gradient. Moreover, the number of functional byssuses decreased with increasing concentrations and a significant reduction in their attachment strength was observed. These findings suggest that the presence of A. armata may compromise M. galloprovincialis integrity in the invaded coastal areas.
Optimal Location of Energy Dissipation Box in Long Distance and High Drop Gravitational Water Supply System
Authors: Ni Weixiang , Zhang Jian , Chen Sheng
Published: February 2021

In the long-distance and high-drop gravitational water supply systems, the water level difference between the upstream and downstream is large. Thus, it is necessary to ensure energy dissipation and pressure head reduction to reduce the pipeline pressure head. The energy dissipation box is a new type of energy dissipation and pressure head reduction device, which is widely used in the gravitational flow transition systems. At present, there is still a dearth of systematic knowledge about the performance of energy dissipation boxes. In this paper, a relationship between the location of the energy dissipation box and the pressure head amplitude is established, a theoretical optimal location equation of the energy dissipation box is derived, and numerical simulations using an engineering example are carried out for verification. The protective effects of an energy dissipation box placed at the theoretical optimal location and an upstream location are compared. The results indicate that for the same valve action time, the optimal position allows effectively reducing the total volume of energy dissipation box. The oscillation amplitudes of the water level in the box and the pressure head behind the box are markedly reduced. Under the condition that the water level oscillation of the energy dissipation box is almost the same, the optimal location offers better pressure head reduction protection performance than the upstream location.
Modeling Bacterial Regrowth and Trihalomethane Formation in Water Distribution Systems
Authors: Abhijith Gopinathan , Kadinski Leonid , Ostfeld Avi
Published: February 2021

The formation of bacterial regrowth and disinfection by-products is ubiquitous in chlorinated water distribution systems (WDSs) operated with organic loads. A generic, easy-to-use mechanistic model describing the fundamental processes governing the interrelationship between chlorine, total organic carbon (TOC), and bacteria to analyze the spatiotemporal water quality variations in WDSs was developed using EPANET-MSX. The representation of multispecies reactions was simplified to minimize the interdependent model parameters. The physicochemical/biological processes that cannot be experimentally determined were neglected. The effects of source water characteristics and water residence time on controlling bacterial regrowth and Trihalomethane (THM) formation in two well-tested systems under chlorinated and non-chlorinated conditions were analyzed by applying the model. The results established that a 100% increase in the free chlorine concentration and a 50% reduction in the TOC at the source effectuated a 5.87 log scale decrement in the bacteriological activity at the expense of a 60% increase in THM formation. The sensitivity study showed the impact of the operating conditions and the network characteristics in determining parameter sensitivities to model outputs. The maximum specific growth rate constant for bulk phase bacteria was found to be the most sensitive parameter to the predicted bacterial regrowth.
Methodology for Determining the Maximum Potentially Recoverable Energy in Water Distribution Networks
Authors: Cubides-Castro Elkin , López-Aburto Carlos , Iglesias-Rey Pedro , Martínez-Solano F. , Mora-Meliá Daniel , Iglesias-Castelló Marta
Published: February 2021

The excess pressure available in water distribution networks (WDNs) is a relevant aspect in the management and appropriate handling of water resources. If a WDN meets the minimum performance criteria (minimum pressure and maximum flow), excess pressure can occur throughout the day, which is usually lost. These excesses could be considered as potentially recoverable energy (PRE). One way of taking advantage of this energy is to find the nodes on the network where this excess pressure is evident and try to analyze the possible amount of PRE. This work presents a methodology to determine the maximum PRE in a WDN. This methodology includes the locations of the points where the installation of recovery devices leads to this maximum PRE. The method is based on reducing pressures but maintaining circulating points through the lines. Additionally, a new energy balance that allows visualizing and breaking down in more detail all the energy found in a WDN is proposed. The analysis is carried out in an extended period considering different feeding points either by gravity or pumping. Finally, a network resilience index called the Potentially Recoverable Energy Index (PREI) in WDNs is proposed, with which it is possible to diagnose and determine how much energy could be recovered from the network. Study cases presented demonstrate the effectiveness of the methodology and will allow the development of optimizations in the operation of WDNs in favor of the good management of water and energy resources.
Analysis of Weakening Law and Stability of Sliding Zone Soil in Thrust-Load-Induced Accumulation Landslides Triggered by Rainfall Infiltration
Authors: Zhou Zhou , Shen Junhui , Tang Song , Duan Weifeng , Wang Jingyong , Yang Richang , Zheng Shengzhe , Guo Fulin
Published: February 2021

This study investigated the weakening model, law of mechanics parameters, and stability of the sliding zone soil associated with thrust-load-induced accumulation landslides triggered by rainfall infiltration. The spatial and morphological characteristics and rule of the sapping process were analyzed, considering the constitutive equation of the sliding zone soil, in order to establish a state curve equation for the weakening coefficient of sliding zone soil based on the “S”-shaped curve. Moreover, a formula for calculating slope stability with this failure mode was derived and applied to calculate the stability of a deformation body in Danbo reservoir, China. The results show that the sliding zone in this type of landslide exhibits steep upward and slow downward trends, and affected by rainfall infiltration, its failure develops gradually from the trailing edge to the front edge. In the constitutive equation, the weakening of soil mechanical parameters is manifested as the weakening of shear stiffness, while the “S”-shaped curve of the weakening coefficient reflects the spatial characteristics of the weakening process. The main factors affecting the accuracy of the slope stability calculation are the values of model parameters and assessment of the development characteristics and weakening stage of the sliding zone.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Sediments from Typical Algae, Macrophyte Lake Bay and Adjoining River of Taihu Lake, China: Distribution, Sources, and Risk Assessment
Authors: Dong Yibo , Yan Zaisheng , Wu Huifang , Zhang Guoqing , Zhang Haichen , Yang Mingzhong
Published: February 2021

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants in sediments and pose a serious risk for freshwater ecosystems. In this study, sediment samples from 24 sites were collected from the cyanobacterial bloom-occurring, macrophyte-growing lake bay and adjoining river of Taihu Lake. Here, the concentration levels, sources, and risk assessment of 16 priority PAHs in the surface sediments from typical algae, macrophyte lake bay and adjoining river of Taihu Lake, were investigated, and the results were compared with those of previous studies. The total PAH (ΣPAH) concentrations ranged from 4900 to 16,800 ng·g−1 in sediments of the Taihu Lake bay and from 5736.2 to 69,362.8 ng·g−1 in sediments of the adjoining river. The level of PAHs in riverine sediments was significantly higher than those of the Taihu Lake bay, and that of the Dongshan River was significantly higher than that of the Mashan River, while there was no significant difference in the concentrations of PAHs between the cyanobacterial bloom-occurring and macrophyte-growing lake zone. The results indicated petroleum contamination was dominated in the cyanobacterial bloom-occurring, macrophyte-growing lake bay, while PAHs of the riverine sediments derived from petroleum contamination and the combined combustion including wood, coal combustion, and petroleum combustion according to the identification by the molecular diagnostic ratio and principal component analysis (PCA). Sediment risk assessment based on sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) suggested that partial regions of the Taihu Lake bay were subjected to the potential ecological risk of the 3-ring and 5-ring PAHs, and there existed negative effects related to naphthalene pollutant in all survey regions. The adjoining riverine sediments showed a high ecological risk.
Framework to Study the Effects of Climate Change on Vulnerability of Ecosystems and Societies: Case Study of Nitrates in Drinking Water in Southern Finland
Authors: Rankinen Katri , Holmberg Maria , Peltoniemi Mikko , Akujärvi Anu , Anttila Kati , Manninen Terhikki , Markkanen Tiina
Published: February 2021

Climate change may alter the services ecosystems provide by changing ecosystem functioning. As ecosystems can also resist environmental perturbations, it is crucial to consider the different processes that influence resilience. Our case study considered increased NO3− concentration in drinking water due to the climate change. We analyzed changes in ecosystem services connected to water purification at a catchment scale in southern Finland. We combined climate change scenarios with process-based forest growth (PREBAS) and eco-hydrological (PERSiST and INCA) models. We improved traditional model calibration by timing of forest phenology and snow-covered period from network of cameras and satellite data. We upscaled the combined modelling results with scenarios of population growth to form vulnerability maps. The boreal ecosystems seemed to be strongly buffered against NO3- leaching by increase in evapotranspiration and vegetation NO3- uptake. Societal vulnerability varied greatly between scenarios and municipalities. The most vulnerable were agricultural areas on permeable soil types.
The Use of Constructed Wetland for Mitigating Nitrogen and Phosphorus from Agricultural Runoff: A Review
Authors: Li Jiayu , Zheng Bohong , Chen Xiao , Li Zhe , Xia Qi , Wang Hua , Yang Yuan , Zhou Yaoyu , Yang Hong
Published: February 2021

The loss of nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers in agricultural runoff is a global environmental problem, attracting worldwide attention. In the last decades, the constructed wetland has been increasingly used for mitigating the loss of nitrogen and phosphate from agricultural runoff, while the substrate, plants, and wetland structure design remain far from clearly understood. In this paper, the optimum substrates and plant species were identified by reviewing their treatment capacity from the related studies. Specifically, the top three suitable substrates are gravel, zeolite, and slag. In terms of the plant species, emergent plants are the most widely used in the constructed wetlands. Eleocharis dulcis, Typha orientalis, and Scirpus validus are the top three optimum emergent plant species. Submerged plants (Hydrilla verticillata, Ceratophyllum demersum, and Vallisneria natans), free-floating plants (Eichhornia crassipes and Lemna minor), and floating-leaved plants (Nymphaea tetragona and Trapa bispinosa) are also promoted. Moreover, the site selection methods for constructed wetland were put forward. Because the existing research results have not reached an agreement on the controversial issue, more studies are still needed to draw a clear conclusion of effective structure design of constructed wetlands. This review has provided some recommendations for substrate, plant species, and site selections for the constructed wetlands to reduce nutrients from agricultural runoff.
Benthic Diatoms in River Biomonitoring—Present and Future Perspectives within the Water Framework Directive
Authors: Masouras Andreas , Karaouzas Ioannis , Dimitriou Elias , Tsirtsis George , Smeti Evangelia
Published: February 2021

The European Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC (WFD) has been implemented over the past 20 years, using physicochemical, biological and hydromorphological elements to assess the ecological status of surface waters. Benthic diatoms (i.e., phytobenthos) are one of the most common biological quality elements (BQEs) used in surface water monitoring and are particularly successful in detecting eutrophication, organic pollution and acidification. Herein, we reviewed their implementation in river biomonitoring for the purposes of the WFD, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages over other BQEs, and we discuss recent advances that could be applied in future biomonitoring. Until now, phytobenthos have been intercalibrated by the vast majority (26 out of 28) of EU Member States (MS) in 54% of the total water bodies assessed and was the most commonly used BQE after benthic invertebrates (85% of water bodies), followed by fish (53%), macrophytes (27%) and phytoplankton (4%). To meet the WFD demands, numerous taxonomy-based quality indices have been developed among MS, presenting, however, uncertainties possibly related to species biogeography. Recent development of different types of quality indices (trait-based, DNA sequencing and predictive modeling) could provide more accurate results in biomonitoring, but should be validated and intercalibrated among MS before their wide application in water quality assessments.
Aesthetic Expertise for Sustainable Development: Envisioning Artful Scientific Policy Advice
Authors: Heinrichs Harald
Published: February 2021

Unsustainable developments will continue to be a significant challenge from the global to local level. The United Nations Transformation Agenda 2030 reflects the breadth and depth of the task and serves as a central reference point. The participation and collaboration of state and non-state actors are considered necessary to make progress in this context. However, politics and policy-making play a central role for guiding and shaping sustainable development. In order to secure societal acceptance for the targeted sustainability transformation, this article claims that policy-making for sustainable development should aim to bring about well-being-oriented transformations. In this regard, besides cognitive insight into the need for change, the multisensory dimensions of human existence in general as well as in everyday social practices in particular should be taken into account more systematically. It is argued that the presented approach of artful scientific policy advice may enable sensory-informed and creative policy-making by providing aesthetic expertise.
Progressive respiratory distress caused by a laryngeal histiocytic sarcoma in a European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: TAULESCU Marian , SOARE Teodoru , TOMA Corina , NEGOESCU Andrada , MURESAN Cosmin , LELESCU Cristina
Published: February 2021

Histiocytic sarcoma (HS) represents a rare type of malignant disease, characterized by neoplastic proliferation of interstitial dendritic cells (iDCs). In rabbits, there are only two previous reports of HS with pulmonary and cutaneous primary localizations. A 2-year-old, male, European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) with a clinical history of chronic respiratory distress and progressive weight loss was necropsied. Postmortem examination revealed a gray-white, well-demarcated ovoid mass that deformed the ventral region of the larynx. Similar nodules were identified in both lungs. Histologically, the laryngeal mass and pulmonary nodules were composed of dense sheets of neoplastic histiocytes with marked atypia and multinucleated neoplastic cells. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells were intensely positive for Iba1, CD1a, and vimentin, occasionally for E-cadherin, and negative for multi-cytokeratin. A diagnosis of laryngeal HS with multiple pulmonary metastases was made. To the authors' knowledge, laryngeal histiocytic tumor has not been previously reported in rabbits.
Manual de experimentación como apoyo didáctico en la enseñanza de las ciencias naturales a nivel de Educación Inicial
Authors: Lorca Noriega Pablo Ramón
Published: February 2021

La presente investigación consistió en diseñar una propuesta basada en la experimentación como apoyo didáctico en la enseñanza de las ciencias naturales en la educación inicial dirigido a los docentes de los centros de educación inicial del municipio Naguanagua del estado Carabobo. Estuvo fundamentada teóricamente bajo Piaget y la teoría socio–pedagógica de Díaz y Hernández. La metodología empleada se enmarcó en la modalidad de proyecto factible, sustentado en un análisis documental y estudio de campo. La población estuvo constituida por 30 docentes, de los cuales se tomó una muestra por azar simple de 15 docentes, se utilizó una encuesta bajo la modalidad de escala de Likert. Los principales resultados muestran deficiencias en la enseñanza de las ciencias naturales mediante la experimentación en niños y niñas, además de actividades realizadas por ellos de manera espontánea, situación que conlleva a trabajar actividades donde se introducen símbolos sin referencias a sus significados.
COVID-19–associated Nephropathy Includes Tubular Necrosis and Capillary Congestion, with Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 in the Nephron
Authors: Bouquegneau Antoine , Erpicum Pauline , Grosch Stéphanie , Habran Lionel , Hougrand Olivier , Huart Justine , Krzesinski Jean-Marie , Misset Benoît , Hayette Marie-Pierre , Delvenne Philippe , Bovy Christophe , Kylies Dominik , Huber Tobias B. , Puelles Victor G. , Delanaye Pierre , Jouret Francois
Published: February 2021

Background

Kidney damage has been reported in patients with COVID-19. Despite numerous reports about COVID-19–associated nephropathy, the factual presence of the SARS-CoV-2 in the renal parenchyma remains controversial.

Methods

We consecutively performed 16 immediate (≤3 hours) postmortem renal biopsies in patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Kidney samples from five patients who died from sepsis not related to COVID-19 were used as controls. Samples were methodically evaluated by three pathologists. Virus detection in the renal parenchyma was performed in all samples by bulk RNA RT-PCR (E and N1/N2 genes), immunostaining (2019-nCOV N-Protein), fluorescence in situ hybridization (nCoV2019-S), and electron microscopy.

Results

The mean age of our COVID-19 cohort was 68.2±12.8 years, most of whom were male (69%). Proteinuria was observed in 53% of patients, whereas AKI occurred in 60% of patients. Acute tubular necrosis of variable severity was found in all patients, with no tubular or interstitial inflammation. There was no difference in acute tubular necrosis severity between the patients with COVID-19 versus controls. Congestion in glomerular and peritubular capillaries was respectively observed in 56% and 88% of patients with COVID-19, compared with 20% of controls, with no evidence of thrombi. The 2019-nCOV N-Protein was detected in proximal tubules and at the basolateral pole of scattered cells of the distal tubules in nine out of 16 patients. In situ hybridization confirmed these findings in six out of 16 patients. RT-PCR of kidney total RNA detected SARS-CoV-2 E and N1/N2 genes in one patient. Electron microscopy did not show typical viral inclusions.

Conclusions

Our immediate postmortem kidney samples from patients with COVID-19 highlight a congestive pattern of AKI, with no significant glomerular or interstitial inflammation. Immunostaining and in situ hybridization suggest SARS-CoV-2 is present in various segments of the nephron.
Access to microfinance and female labour force participation
Authors: Asadullah M Niaz , Shreya Nudrat Faria , Wahhaj Zaki
Published: February 2021

Although microfinance started as a movement to improve women’s economic well-being through increased female entrepreneurship in particular, its impact on women’s attitudes toward and participation in the labour market is not fully understood. We fill this gap by combining data on branch locations of the major microfinance institutions in Bangladesh with household survey data and implement a spatial regression discontinuity design. Our estimates suggest significant effects of access to credit on women’s work; attitudes towards gender, social and employment norms; and psychosocial well-being. Access to credit increases labour force participation in terms of paid employment and traditional economic participation. Relatedly, respondents are more likely to be prevented from working by their husbands or other household members. They are also more likely to express traditional beliefs in relation to gender, social, and employment norms. Finally, access to credit leads to a loss in life satisfaction, financial satisfaction, health satisfaction, and overall happiness.
Multigenerational mobility in India
Authors: Kundu Anustup , Sen Kunal
Published: February 2021

Most studies of intergenerational mobility focus on adjacent generations, and there is limited knowledge about multigenerational mobility—that is, status transmission across three generations. We examine multigenerational educational and occupational mobility in India, using a nationally representative data set, the Indian Human Development Survey, which contains information about education and occupation for three generations. We find that mobility has increased over generations for education, but not for occupation. We also find that there are stark differences across social groups, with individuals belonging to socially disadvantaged communities in India lagging behind in social progress. Multigenerational mobility for Muslims in education and occupation have decreased in comparison to Hindus over the three generations. While we find that there is an increase in educational mobility for other disadvantaged groups such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes compared to General Castes, we do not find evidence of increased occupational mobility over the three generations.
Estado, crimen organizado y pandemia por Covid-19
Authors: Iazzetta Marco
Published: February 2021

El presente artículo tiene por objeto abordar la actuación de diferentes organizaciones criminales de América Latina durante los primeros meses de la pandemia por Covid-19. Se considera que las medidas sociales que implementaron en el marco de este contexto de emergencia brindaron certidumbre y orden en las poblaciones que se encuentran en sus zonas de influencia. Además, los casos analizados pondrían en evidencia que estos grupos muchas veces poseen una mayor capacidad, autoridad y legitimidad que el propio Estado a la hora de garantizar el cumplimiento de las medidas promulgadas desde el ámbito estatal.
Nuevos públicos en pandemia: Distanciamiento social y teatro rosarino
Authors: Verna Orlando , Berdinelli Anabella , Contreras Malena , Noviski Ignacio , Privitera Noelia , Rosales Celina
Published: February 2021

Este ensayo reflexiona sobre las representaciones discursivas adoptadas en medio de una urgencia que conmovió las bases conceptuales, redimensionó la oferta y promovió la visualización del futuro inminente del teatro independiente de la ciudad de Rosario. Las reflexiones forman parte de la nueva estrategia de abordaje y gestión del proyecto de Extensión Universitaria “Nuevos públicos en construcción III”, de la Facultad de Ciencia Política y Relaciones Internacionales, y contienen el valor de la palabra puesta en funcionamiento en el mismo momento de la zozobra producida por los cambios en la sociabilidad de las personas, que impactaron directamente sobre el convivio que estructura al teatro. Formaron parte del ciclo virtual de videoconferencias organizado por el proyecto, con el auspicio de la Secretaría de Extensión de la Facultad de Ciencia Política, llamado “Extendiendo vínculos: Conversatorio sobre teatro en pandemia”, que se desarrolló entre el 7 de mayo y el 4 de junio de 2020. Con esas y otras voces se aborda una realidad inquietante: si el convivio y el arte aurático siguen desaparecidos de escena, quizás sea hora de repensar el concepto de teatro.
India en el marco de la pandemia: impactos a su status de potencia emergente
Authors: Dussort María Noel
Published: February 2021

La pandemia por Covid-19 sorprendió al mundo. El impacto de la enfermedad fue crítico y de evolución rápida en algunos países de Europa (España, Italia, Alemania, Gran Bretaña, entre otros) y Asia-Pacífico (Corea del Norte, Nueva Zelanda, Japón), y provocó una crisis sanitaria nunca antes vista en el mundo contemporáneo. No obstante, en los países en desarrollo de Asia del Sur, África y América Latina, el crecimiento del número de casos comenzó siendo lento y aparentemente controlado. A medida que transcurrieron los meses, el centro neurálgico del aumento de los casos se trasladó a estos países en desarrollo. India ejemplifica el rumbo que tomó el efecto contagio del Covid-19 a nivel global. La pregunta que ha mantenido en vilo a quienes estudiamos este país ha sido la siguiente: ¿cómo controlar la expansión de una enfermedad altamente contagiosa, en la segunda nación más populosa del mundo y en el contexto de profundas carencias socioeconómicas? El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar la evolución de la pandemia en India y las medidas que su gobierno ha tomado para enfrentar esta “nueva normalidad”. Asimismo, se consideran los impactos que dicha crisis pueda generar en su categoría de potencia emergente en un orden internacional en transición.
Navigation and Object Detection for Blind Persons Based on Neural Network
Authors: Setiadi Budi , Supriyadi Tata , Nugroho Hertog , Solihin Ridwan
Published: February 2021

Tools for blind people with mobility activities in pedestrian pathways have been widely launched, approved and patented. However, there are still shortcomings that can be done only for pedestrian paths or nearby destinations. In this study, both a camera (detection of the pedestrian path) and LiDAR (detection of surrounding objects) sensors to help disability activities. The first stage of image data from the preparatory camera from RGB to XYZ, color filters, close morphology, resizing, learning and testing of neural networks. Bring up 3 voice attitudes information. Attitudes are perpendicular, left tilted, right tilted, or not reversed to the pedestrian yellow path. The second stage of the LiDAR distance points data is processed into 2D array geometry, learning, and testing of neural networks. Bring up the information 8 voice attitudes. Detection of the cycle and distance of objects right side, front, left, right-front, right-left, front-left, right-front-left, not captured. The test results approximately at lux <15000 got 89.7% accuracy for pedestrian path detection and 87.5% for object detection.
Context-responsive Approaches of / for Teachers’ Professional Development: A Participatory Framework
Authors: Dhungana Parbati , Luitel Bal Chandra , Gjøtterud Sigrid , Wagle Shree Krishna
Published: February 2021

Reflecting on Participatory Action Research (PAR) experiences in a Nepali community school, this paper showcases how collaborative approaches, such as cross-sectoral, teacher-student, interdisciplinary, and cross-professional action-reflections, created contextually relevant environments for improving teachers’ professional development. Considering the Habermasian Emancipatory interest (1972) as theoretical referents, this paper further explains how teachers’ growing professional autonomy through cross-professional collaboration enhanced their professional agency to integrate curriculum and professional development programs, to practice student-centered pedagogy, and to take on leadership positions. Finally, this paper envisions a participatory framework of and for teachers’ professional development.
From Consultation to Coproduction: A Comparison of Participation in Poverty Research
Authors: Osinski Agathe
Published: February 2021

In this article, we compare two international participatory studies on poverty – one conducted in 1999 and published in 2000 as “Voices of the Poor: Crying out for Change” by the World Bank; the other, conducted from 2016 to 2019 as a partnership between the University of Oxford and the international movement ATD Fourth World, titled The Hidden Dimensions of Poverty. After introducing the subject, we present our theoretical background, distinguishing between participatory poverty assessments (PPA) and transdisciplinary research. We then discuss the methodological tools and processes deployed in the studies, before widening the discussion to broader issues concerning the participation of persons experiencing poverty in poverty research. We explore the extent to which each study empowered participants by involving them at each stage of the research process, whether space was opened up for participants to exercise greater agency through the cultivation of pro-poor alliances; whether power relations were recognized and/or countered, and finally, whether the studies had the potential to achieve transformative results. We conclude that while both studies were participatory in nature, the ATD Fourth World research followed a more demanding methodology, requiring deeper and more intensive participation of persons experiencing poverty at all stages of the research process.
Sanare: Pluggable Intrusion Recovery for Web Applications
Authors: Matos David , Correia Miguel , Pardal Miguel
Published: February 2021

Web applications are exposed to many threats and, despite the best defensive efforts, are often successfully attacked. Reverting the effects of an attack on the state of such an application requires a profound knowledge about the application, to understand what data did the attack corrupt. Furthermore, it requires knowing what steps are needed to revert the effects without modifying legitimate data created by legitimate users. Existing intrusion recovery systems are capable of reverting the effects of the attack but they require modifications to the source code of the application, which may be unpractical. We present Sanare, a pluggable intrusion recovery system designed for web applications that use different data storage systems to keep their state. Sanare does not require any modification to the source code of the application or the web server. Instead, it uses Matchare, a new deep learning scheme we introduce to learn the matches between the HTTP requests and the database statements, file system operations and web services requests that the HTTP requests caused. We evaluated Sanare with three open source web applications: WordPress, GitLab and ownCloud. In our experiments Matchare achieved precision and recall higher than 97.5%.
A NATIONAL NEED: REHABILITATION SPECIALIST IN SUBSTANCE ABUSE DISORDER
Authors: Begum Dr. Nooreen
Published: February 2021

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a category of symptoms consisting of behavioral, cognitive, and physiological characteristics arising from the persistent use of the substance despite significant substance-related difficulties in life. Substance usage is growing consistently across the globe as well as in Pakistan. According to one of the studies conducted in 2018; Pakistan has had up to 6.7million drug users, more than 4 million of whom meet the criteria of Substance Use Disorder. Another study also identified a high prevalence of substance use disorders among young adults; making it a national concern.
The high prevalence of drug use in the country is attributed to a rise in social adversities and health disparities. Since Pakistan is a transit route for drugs to other countries, it becomes more vulnerable to substance use. It is difficult to provide a strong monitoring system; therefore there must be a way to minimize the demand and supply. Also previously substance use was perceived to be a moral act and a deficiency in character, now it is changing from a taboo to a social status in some social groups which further increases its consumption among young adults
VISCERAL MOBILIZATION AS MANAGEMENT OPTION FOR LOW BACK PAIN - A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Zeeshan Saeed Mirza M. , Baig Nabeel , Hashmi Muhammad Ather
Published: February 2021

OBJECTIVE
This systematic review is to evaluate the impact of visceral mobilization or manipulation in improving low back pain via standard protocols.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Literature was searched electronically on various databases such as PEDro, PubMed Central, Google Scholar, BioMed Central, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Science Direct considering duration of 2011 to 2019. Randomized Controlled Trials investigating effectiveness of visceral manipulation or mobilization, either, in the comparison with different modalities or with sham/placebo were included. Data was extracted and studies were reviewed on standardized qualitative assessment criteria. Cochrane guidelines were followed to find out the risk of bias among the included studies.

RESULTS
All the studies provided moderate to high quality evidence in favor of visceral mobilization or manipulation being effective on low back pain in terms of risk of bias and quality assessment with significant results (p-value <0.05).

CONCLUSION
The available studies provided the significant and strong effectiveness of visceral manipulation and mobilization. However, scarcity of literature in domain raises an inevitable need for further studies to be conducted in future.
EFFECT OF CORE STABILITY EXERCISES VERSUS MYOFASCIAL RELEASE TECHNIQUE COMBINED WITH CORE STABILITY EXERCISES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF LOW BACK PAIN
Authors: Hasan Ahad , Mehdi Kazmi Syed Abid
Published: February 2021

OBJECTIVES
To compare the effectiveness of Core Stability with Myofascial release technique and Core Stability Exercises alone in the management of low back pain.
STUDY DESIGN
Randomized Control Trial (RCT).
STUDY SETTINGS & PARTICIPANTS
The study was conducted on 44 patients with low back pain in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, at tertiary care Hospital.
INTERVENTIONS
The participants were divided into group A (n=22) and group B (n=22) into Core Stability Exercises and Core Stability Exercises applied with Myofascial release technique respectively. Each group was provided interventions for 03 times weekly for 06 weeks, with a minimum of a 1 day gap between the 2 sessions. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) was utilized to assess pain, The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was utilized to assess the disability associated with LBP, and Rehabilitative Ultrasound imaging was used to provide multifidus muscle thickness.
RESULTS
The main effects analysis showed that the Core Stability Exercises applied with Myofascial release technique proved to be more effective than the Core Stability Exercises alone, reducing pain, functional disability and improving muscle mass of Lumber Multifidus (p <0.05) in patients with low back pain.
CONCLUSIONS
Core Stability Exercises applied with Myofascial release techniques effectively reduce pain and functional disability when compared to core stability exercises.
IMPACT OF BRAIN TRAINING ACTIVITIES ON WORKING MEMORY AND AGE RELATED DIFFERENCES; A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
Authors: Jehangir Sarah
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Working Memory is a set of information on which an individual plan actions. It forms a productive basis for accomplishing complex activities that require reasoning, learning, understanding and is classified into three domains; attention, executive function and short-term memory. Since, memory declines with increasing age it is predictive that training interventions can improve working memory of adults.

METHODOLOGY

A Randomized controlled trial included undergraduate students between 18–24 years of age from different universities in Karachi. The participants were divided in two groups. Group-A performed basic manual brain training activities while group-B performed computer and mobile based training activities. Data was collected by using Working memory questionnaire (WMQ), reliability of scale has been assessed by Cronbach’s alpha on 30 items of scale and was 0.89.

RESULTS

A total of 300 participants were included in the study divided into Group-A (n=150) and Group-B (n=150) with 21.5±1.62 and 21.9±1.66 mean age respectively. The pre-intervention total working memory score of group-A is 65.6±5.72 of group-B is 64.9±6.13. Post-intervention total working memory score of group A is 66.9±6.11 and of group B is 66.92±6.99.

CONCLUSION

Working memory is malleable through advanced training in the post-intervention group and is strongly predictive of individual performance on different cognitive measures. Thus, training, strategy use and learning styles could be emphasized for a better adult generation

KEY WORDS

Working memory, Attention, Short term storage, Executive functions, Cognition.