bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge and preventive practices of livestock farmers on infectious causes of reproductive disorders in dairy cows in the Kembata Tambaro zone, southern Ethiopia
Authors: Ayele Birhanu , Leta Samson
Published: August 2021

Several studies in Ethiopia have shown a high prevalence of reproductive disorders (RDs) in dairy cows. However, there is a lack of information about the levels of knowledge among farming community about the causes associated with RDs. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study design was administered to 278 livestock farmers (LFs) in the Kembata Tambaro zone to evaluate knowledge and preventive practices on infectious causes of RDs in dairy cows. The results show that almost all farmers had heard about RDs, but more than half did not realize that reproductive system infections (RSIs) could cause RDs in dairy cows. A significant number of participants were not aware of the spread of RSIs between animals through sharing of breeding bulls, ingestion of urine contaminated feed, unhygienic management, sharing of equipment between milking cows, and interactions with contagious animals. The majority of LFs reported that they frequently consulted with traditional healers regarding the treatment of RDs, but very few looked for veterinary assistance. The results of multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that level of education and living areas were factors significantly and positively associated with knowledge about RSIs. Likewise, occupation, level of education and being knowledgeable about RSIs were significantly associated with good preventive practices. Veterinarians and responsible authorities should take these results into consideration to educate farmers on preventing losses attributed to RSIs.
Mortality in Cancer Patients With COVID-19 Who Are Admitted to an ICU or Who Have Severe COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Nadkarni Amogh Rajeev , Vijayakumaran Swapna C. , Gupta Sudeep , Divatia Jigeeshu V.
Published: August 2021

PURPOSE

There are scarce data to aid in prognostication of the outcome of critically ill cancer patients with COVID-19. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we investigated the mortality of critically ill cancer patients with COVID-19.

METHODS

We searched online databases and manually searched for studies in English that reported on outcomes of adult cancer patients with COVID-19 admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) or those with severe COVID-19 between December 2019 and October 2020. Risk of bias was assessed by the Modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. We also determined the odds of death for cancer patients versus noncancer patients, as also outcomes by cancer subtypes, presence of recent anticancer therapy, and presence of one or more comorbidities. Random-effects modeling was used.

RESULTS

In 28 studies (1,276 patients), pooled mortality in cancer patients with COVID-19 admitted to an ICU was 60.2% (95% CI, 53.6 to 6.7; I2= 80.27%), with four studies (7,259 patients) showing higher odds of dying in cancer versus noncancer patients (odds ratio 1.924; 95% CI, 1.596 to 2.320). In four studies (106 patients) of patients with cancer and severe COVID-19, pooled mortality was 59.4% (95% CI, –39.4 to 77.5; I2= 72.28%); in one study, presence of hematologic malignancy was associated with significantly higher mortality compared with nonhematologic cancers (odds ratio 1.878; 95% CI, 1.171 to 3.012). Risk of bias was low.

CONCLUSION

Most studies were reported before the results of trials suggesting the benefit of dexamethasone and tocilizumab, potentially overestimating mortality. The observed mortality of 60% in cancer patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU is not prohibitively high, and admission to the ICU should be considered for selected patients (registered with PROSPERO, CRD42020207209).
Conjugation of Phenylboronic Acid Moiety through Multistep Organic Transformations on Nanodiamond Surface for an Anticancer Nanodrug for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy
Authors: Nishikawa Masahiro , Kang Heon Gyu , Zou Yajuan , Takeuchi Hidekazu , Matsuno Naoyoshi , Suzuki Minoru , Komatsu Naoki
Published: August 2021

Detonation nanodiamonds (DNDs) have attracted considerable attention, in particular, in the field of nanomedicine due to their biocompatibility as well as various functionalities imparted by surface modification. Meanwhile, boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is an advanced cancer treatment utilizing nuclear fission reaction of 10B upon neutron irradiation. Recently, quite a few boron-containing nanoparticles have been investigated to deliver 10B atoms into cancer tissue selectively and retentively. In this study, we explored boronic acid functionalized DNDs as an anticancer agent for BNCT. Phenylboronic acid (PBA) moiety was introduced to polyglycerol (PG) modified DNDs (DND-PG) through multistep organic transformation, giving percent order of boron atoms. The process is scalable and reliable by simple covalent chemistry and the resulting product is well dispersed, and stable chemically and physically under physiological conditions. In the in vivo experiments, the resulting material was accumulated in the tumor to exert BNCT efficacy upon neutron irradiation. These results demonstrate that the PBA functionalized DNDs are a promising candidate as an anticancer nanodrug for BNCT.
Predicting parameters of Weibull probability density function for diametric distributions in A. melanoxylon, E. camaldulensis, and E. nitens bioenergy plantation
Authors: Sandoval Simón , Cancino Jorge , Acuña Eduardo , Rubilar Rafael
Published: August 2021

Precise modeling of stand diameter distributions is required to provide accurate estimates of volume per diameter class and unit area. Therefore, it is necessary to obtain the most accurate probability density functions parameters estimates to predict stand diameter distribution in time. We evaluate two methods to estimate the parameters of the Weibull probability density function in the modeling of diameter distributions of bioenergy plantations. The methods considered a direct method of parameter prediction based on regression models (PPRM) and an indirect method of parameter recovery through the determination of percentiles (PRDP). Both methods are considered systems of linear equations and are adjusted through simultaneous estimation of parameters using stand variables. The greatest precision was obtained with PPRM. The PRDP method was not effective in the prediction of diameter distributions due to the high level of truncation of the observed distributions showing an overestimation of the distribution for the largest diameter classes. Estimated parameters of the Weibull PDF are directly related to mean height, quadratic mean diameter, and crop age; and are inversely related to stocking.
Sobering Up To the Other: Levinas Paradoxical View on Mystical Enthusiasm
Authors: Burggraeve Roger
Published: August 2021

In the thought of Levinas, we discover a double, apparetnly contradictory approach to mystical ethusiasm. Upon closer inspection, however, they do not annul each other but on the contrary need each other. Inthe Period of his first major work, Totality and Infinity, Levinas is quite disapproving of 'mystical enthusiasm'. Later, in the period of his second major work Otherwise than Being or Beyound Essence, the idea of enthusiasm appears once again but the one-sided negative connotation has rather disappeared. Especially Levinas' movement of transDescendence offers prossibilities for a Christian 'thorough reflection' on mysticism, starting from Spirit-theology.
Negative Memory, Art and the World Peace
Authors: Sugiharto Ignatius Bambang
Published: August 2021

In the World agitated by terrorism, solidification of identity, paranoia, xenophobia and genocide, art indeed expresses the negativity, that is, the void, the chaos, or the spiritual blindness of the socio-cultural plight. But it also serves as a diagnostic tool for identifying the disease; a process of intensifying and heightening our perceptual awareness of the crises; a necessary visualization of the ciritical interface between body, mind and soul. Art renders palpabic the ugliness, the meanness, the unbearableness of life, and this, in turn, will open the possibility to see what ultimately is mroe desirable, the deeper mystery of the soul, what we usually call 'peace'. It is in this spiritual sense that art can serve as the negation of negation.
Management Practices in Hospital Administration: a study of the Challenges Faced by the Healthcare Organisation in South India
Authors: Varghese Bindi
Published: August 2021

This paper accentuates the need for quality assurance and standardization norms for hospital administration which is the need of the hour.  Lack of effective administration practices in the hospital and hospitality sector necessitate the need for a total quality management approach in the Healthcare Sector.  Application of quality control systems is a vital aspect that hospitals in South India cannot disregard. It would lead the South in a new direction by ensuring quality and enhancing customer satisfaction.  Hence, this paper makes an attempt to understand the hospital management practices in South India effectively.  The research addresses Medical Tourism as a ‘cost effective’ private medical care initiative in collaboration with the tourism industry for patients needing surgical and other forms of specialised treatment.  This process is being facilitated by the corporate sector involved in medical care as well as the tourism industry – both private and public.  There is also a constant effort taken by corporate hospitals to support medical tourism to its fullest potential.  India today has copious opportunities to compete with other developed nations and building a quality health care system of its own.
Tourism Development and Exchequer's Encouragment
Authors: Bheemanagouda B
Published: August 2021

Despite the arguments against the development of tourism a large number of positive aspects can be noticed in favour of tourism development.  The data presented in this paper substantiates the need for development of tourism in India.  It is observed that the yields emanated from this sector percolate to every corner of the economy and society starting from advanced cities to hamlets. As a result it leads to balanced and inclusive growth.  To tap the latent potential of the tourism sector, it is necessary to make integrated efforts from all corners of the economy.  One such effort focussed in this paper, has been initiated by the Indian Tax System.  The system has designed various special provisions to motivate the sector, but they are scattered in various Acts.  The knowledge of these provisions facilitate a sound tax planning.  This paper makes an attempt to put important tax provisions, relating to different players in the tourism sector scattered in various tax laws, in one place to provide a basic understanding.  It concludes that the sops offered by the exchequer are inadequate looking at the needs of the industry.  This sector is a cash-cow.  Its yields outweigh the sops and efforts.  Hence, this sector needs focused attention from the policy makers.
The dynamics of host participation in tourism for effectively offsetting agrarian crisis in Wayanad
Authors: George Sibi , Anjaneya Swamy G
Published: August 2021

Wayanad, the green paradise of Kerala, is located in the Southern most part of the Deccan Plateau. Wayanad, where , majority of the population completely depend on agriculture for their livelihood, has been facing a high magnitude  agrarian crisis in the last few years.  This district has witnessed a number of farmer suicides and as a result of this; farmers are forced ato look our for some additional source of livelihood along with agriculture.  Having a remarkable image of a beautiful tourist destination, the government of Kerala has identified Wayanad as a Tourism District and tourism is an emerging sector here.  The scenic beauty, exotic landscape and rich heritage sites of  Waynad offer several opportunities for a 360 degree tourism expansion in the district.  Considering the district wise foreign tourist arrivals, Wayanad shows the highest variation among other districts of Kerala in the last few years.  In a fast urbanising country like Kerala, places such as Wayanad is one of the few Indian districts which still retain its charm as a rural district.  It is not swept by mindless urbanization like many other regions of India. Of course, this unique characteristic gives enourmous tourism potential to the place.  Keeping in view the distinctive features of Wayanad, especially the natural attractions and the indigenous culture, a sustainable tourism model can be an effective alternative to offset the agrarian crisis of the district.  The present scenario of host community participation in th various facets of tourism in Wayanad is intensively studied in this paper.  It aims at proposing concrete ways in which the benefits from tourism can be channelized productively to uplift the affected sections of society facing agrarian crisis in Wayanad.
Tourism Development and its Impact on the Peripheral Society: A Case Study of Ladakh
Authors: Singh Priyanka , Kumar Singh Ajay
Published: August 2021

Tourism has strongly been considered as an agent of change and widely used as a major tool for achieving the goals of development.  Sinc the prefix, ‘sustainable’ has been added to the term development and subsequently applied to all major economic sectors, the dimensions of development stretched  to a greater extent than before  and desired goals of development have been redefined.  Tourism industry, often regarded as a world’s largest and fastest growing economic sector has also come under the diameters of sustainable  development.  The impact of tourism is not limited to the economic sector only.  This industry has proven to be a strong stimulus for socio-cultural changes too.  These impacts become more apparent in remote and peripheral regions where the, societies are traditional and closed and where  the cultural elements are preserved in authentic form.

In this paper, an attempt has been made to examine the nature of tourism development in Ladakh, which is a peripheral  region and explain how socio-cultural changes occur in this region since the introduction of tourism.  Further, assumptions have been made through discussion regarding the future impact and the nature of tourism development in Ladakh.
The Attitude of Consumers towards Organised Food Retailing: An Application of Attitude-towards-Object Model
Authors: Kumar Shandilya Abhinav , Srivastava Praveen
Published: August 2021

Organised retail sector is booming in metros, cities and now even in small towns; and organised food retailing is one of the fastest growing sector among them.  The different types of food retail formats have its own characteristics, focus and target market.  The customer or consumer has their own criteria to select a particular food retail format.  The selection is based on the attitude of the customer or consumer towards the attribute of the retail format. There are many model to find the attitude of customer or consumer towards any product, service and brands.  This study is an attempt to find out the customer's or consumer's attitude towards three major food retailing formats i.e Big Bazaar, a hypermarket; Reliance Fresh, a convenience store and Suvidha, a supermarket.
Hubungan Persepsi Label Halal Mui Terhadap Minat Beli Produk Makanan Pada Mahasiswa Fakultas Ilmu Kesehatan Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta
Authors: Nanda Kurnia Fitra , Ikawati Retty
Published: August 2021

Islam mengatur banyak mengenai halal dan haram dalam bidang makanan. Makanan adalah kebutuhan primer yang menunjang aktifitas fisik. Pengetahuan mengenai makanan halal sangat penting bagi masyarakat umum, terutama umat Islam. Secara umum, konsumen Muslim akan memiliki persepsi yang positif terhadap produk makanan yang menggunakan pendekatan halal. Persepsi konsumen dalam menentukan label halal pada makanan berpengaruh positif terhadap keputusan konsumen dalam menentukan minat beli. Indonesia dengan populasi penduduk mayoritas Muslim, tentu akan membawa pengaruh yang besar bagi budaya yang berkembang di Indonesia, terutama dalam budaya konsumsi pangan. Di Indonesia makanan halal sudah diatur oleh Majelis Ulama Indonesia  (MUI) yang secara teknis ditangani oleh Lembaga Pengkajian Pangan Obat-obatan (LPPOM) dengan mengeluarkan sertifikat halal dan label halal. Label Halal adalah tanda kehalalan suatu produk. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan persepsi label halal MUI dengan minat beli produk makanan pada mahasiswa Fakultas Ilmu Kesehatan Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian observasional dengan pendekatan cross sectional. Jumlah subjek penelitian sebanyak 62 dipilih dengan metode propotionate stratified random sampling. Data persepsi sertifikasi halal dan data minat beli diperoleh dengan menggunakan kuesioner di google form. Skala menggunakan skala Likert. Analisis data dengan uji Rank Spearman. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan persepsi label halal MUI responden termasuk dalam kategori rendah (54,8%). Minat beli produk makanan sebagian besar termasuk dalam kategori tinggi (58,1%). Hasil uji Rank Spearman untuk persepsi label halal MUI dengan minat beli produk makanan nilai p=0,000. Ada hubungan persepsi label halal MUI dengan minat beli produk makanan.
Catching the second wave: clinical characteristics and nosocomial infection rates in major trauma and orthopaedic patients during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ajayi Bisola , Trompeter Alex J. , Umarji Shamim , Saha Priyanshu , Arnander Magnus , Lui Darren F.
Published: August 2021

Aims

The new COVID-19 variant was reported by the authorities of the UK to the World Health Organization (WHO) on 14 December 2020. We aim to describe the clinical characteristics and nosocomial infection rates in major trauma and orthopaedic patients comparing the first and second wave of COVID-19 infection.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected trauma database was reviewed at a level 1 major trauma centre from 1 December 2020 to 18 February 2021 looking at demographics, clinical characteristics, and nosocomial infections and compared to our previously published first wave data (26 January 2020 to 14 April 2020).

Results

From 1 December 2020 to 18 February 2021, 522 major trauma patients were identified with a mean age of 54.6 years, and 53.4% (n = 279) were male. Common admissions were falls (318; 60.9%) and road traffic accidents (RTAs; 71 (13.6%); 262 of these patients (50.2%) had surgery. In all, 75 patients (14.4%) tested positive for COVID-19, of which 51 (68%) were nosocomial. Surgery on COVID-19 patients increased to 46 (61.3%) in the second wave compared to 13 (33.3%) in the first wave (p = 0.005). ICU admissions of patients with COVID-19 infection increased from two (5.1%) to 16 (20.5%), respectively (p = 0.024). Second wave mortality was 6.1% (n = 32) compared to first wave of 4.7% (n = 31). Cardiovascular (CV) disease (35.9%; n = 14); p = 0.027) and dementia (17.9%; n = 7); p = 0.030) were less in second wave than the first. Overall, 13 patients (25.5%) were Black, Asian and Minority ethnic (BAME), and five (9.8%) had a BMI > 30 kg/m2. The mean time from admission to diagnosis of COVID-19 was 13.9 days (3 to 44). Overall, 12/75 (16%) of all COVID-19 patients died.

Conclusion

During the second wave, COVID-19 infected three-times more patients. There were double the number of operative cases, and quadruple the cases of ICU admissions. The patients were younger with less dementia and CV disease with lower mortality. Concomitant COVID-19 and the necessity of major trauma surgery showed 13% mortality in the second wave compared with 15.4% in the first wave. In contrast to the literature, we showed a high percentage of nosocomial infection, normal BMI, and limited BAME infections. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(8):661–670.
Reconceptualising emotional capital and intimacy using a sociological lens: the Authentic Revolution
Authors: Nica Andreea
Published: August 2021

Sociologists and public health scholars have called attention to the rise of social isolation and loneliness in the US. Considering these developments, it is vital to extend the sociological imagination to better understand the forms of meaningful connection and social relationship characteristics sought by individuals. The growing Authentic Movement represents a series of decentralised social groups in the US and abroad that focus on Authentic Relating and Circling Practices. This ethnographic research combines semi-structured interviews and participant observation techniques to examine how these groups promote and allow for participants to explore concepts of emotion intimacy and alternative ways to form authentic connections with others in psychologically safe and (semi-) structured environments. In addition, the research aims to explore how these communities specifically address the rising trends and social problem of social isolation and limited meaningful (emotional) connection with others.
Winning the 5G Race with China: A U.S.-Japan Strategy to Trip the Competition, Run Faster, and Put the Fix In
Authors: Harold Scott W. , Kamijima-Tsunoda Rika
Published: August 2021

executive summary: This article argues that China's 5G wireless information and communications technology (ICT) poses serious risks to privacy and national security and describes a potential U.S.-Japan strategy for countering these threats. main argument
Chinese leaders have promoted 5G ICT as a component of both the Belt and Road Initiative and Military-Civil Fusion—efforts intended to extend China's influence around the world for national, commercial, and military advantage. Under Chinese law, 5G ICT firms like Huawei and ZTE are required to grant Chinese authorities access to any data that touches their systems. In response, the U.S. and Japan should consider working to counter the advantages of Chinese firms by cutting off their access to key markets, technology inputs, talent, and capital ("tripping the competition"); build up free-world alternatives ("running faster"); and restructure the global playing field to protect privacy, economic competition, and national security ("putting the fix in"). policy implications
• To reduce Chinese firms' market access, the U.S. and Japan have focused on expelling untrustworthy Chinese 5G technology from their ICT markets, tightening foreign investment review processes, enhancing visa screening and working with universities to counter Chinese intellectual property theft and talent recruitment, and ensuring that Chinese 5G firms are unable to draw on allied capital markets to fund their expansion. • To provide alternatives to Chinese 5G ICT, Washington and Tokyo are actively investing in secure and resilient 5G technologies and using these as a bridge to 6G solutions, while leveraging export promotion and development finance tools to help these technologies spread in third-country markets. • To balance privacy, economic competition, and national security, the U.S. and Japan can promote Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) and virtualized core technology solutions to restructure wireless markets, while also working with partners to advocate for data privacy norms embodied in international standard-setting institutions.
Afghanistan after the U.S. Withdrawal: Trends and Scenarios for the Future
Authors: Giustozzi Antonio
Published: August 2021

executive summary: This essay discusses the prospects for Afghanistan after the completion of the U.S. forces withdrawal and assesses that a relatively wide range of outcomes remain possible. main argument
Neither the Taliban's leadership nor any of their regional sponsors aim for the re-establishment of a Taliban autocracy. However, the deadlock in intra-Afghan talks raises the possibility of that happening by default, especially if the Taliban gain such a military edge that a balanced negotiated outcome becomes impossible. A Taliban military campaign could increasingly weaken the Taliban's willingness to make concessions, whether to the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan or to individual factions of the political elite in Kabul. In that scenario, two outcomes are possible: a de facto Taliban autocracy, in which fragments of the old political elite could be co-opted in a marginal, window-dressing role; or state collapse, in which the Taliban would not be able to assert order over the chaos created by the defeat of the republic. policy implications
• Unblocking the intra-Afghan talks will be a top priority for Kabul's elite officials, and arguably, if to a lesser extent, for the Biden administration too. While political (and possibly physical) survival is at stake for Kabul's elite, the problem for the Biden administration is one of ending U.S. intervention with a somewhat positive outcome. • Direct and unofficial talks between Taliban and elements of Kabul's political elite, bypassing the Ghani administration, are likely to increase in intensity and seriousness, even if the distance between most of the political factions and the Taliban remains wide. • At the same time, there is also likely to be an intensification of scheming to unseat Ghani and replace him with an interim government that is deemed to be more acceptable to the Taliban and better able to prevent the deterioration of the government's hold on the country. • Regional powers, already skeptical of the staying power of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, are likely to view both growing Taliban strength and the bickering among political factions in Kabul as additional reasons to distance themselves from the internationally recognized Afghan government and throw their weight behind either the Taliban or a political solution that circumvents the Ghani administration.
Probing Vietnam's Legal Prospects in the South China Sea Dispute
Authors: To Nguyen Hong Kong , Ho Manh Tung , Vuong Quan-Hoang
Published: August 2021

executive summary: This article reviews dispute settlement procedures under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), discusses the application in two cases, and draws implications for the actionable legal procedures available to Vietnam. main argument
Although most Asian states are signatories to UNCLOS, which offers options for dispute resolution by either voluntary or compulsory processes, in reality fewer than a dozen Asian states have taken advantage of such an approach. The decision to adopt third-party mechanisms comes under great scrutiny and deliberation, not least because of the entailing legal procedures and the politically sensitive nature of disputes. Vietnam claims the second-largest maritime area in the South China Sea dispute after China. A comparison of two recent cases—the arbitration between the Philippines and China and the conciliation between Timor-Leste and Australia—highlights the importance of selecting between binding and nonbinding decisions and framing a complaint. In particular, any legal action under UNCLOS should specify China's claims and actions in areas that encroach on Vietnam's claimed exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and violate international law. policy implications
• Were Vietnam to build a case against China in the South China Sea based on maritime entitlements, rather than boundary delimitation, it should initiate a compulsory arbitration procedure pursuant of Article 287 and Annex VII of UNCLOS. In taking this step, Vietnam should seek a ruling regarding (1) entitlements to living and nonliving resources in its EEZ and continental shelf and (2) the legality of China's claims and activities in the South China Sea. • While Vietnam continues to prefer negotiations, the growing assertiveness of China, including its activities in Vietnam's claimed EEZ, may change this calculation. A potential victory in international arbitration could secure Vietnam's sovereignty over its EEZ and continental shelf.
Pathology-specific experimental antivenoms for haemotoxic snakebite: The impact of immunogen diversity on the in vitro cross-reactivity and in vivo neutralisation of geographically diverse snake venoms
Authors: Alomran Nessrin , Alsolaiss Jaffer , Albulescu Laura-Oana , Crittenden Edouard , Harrison Robert A. , Ainsworth Stuart , Casewell Nicholas R.
Published: August 2021

Background

Snakebite is a neglected tropical disease that causes high global rates of mortality and morbidity. Although snakebite can cause a variety of pathologies in victims, haemotoxic effects are particularly common and are typically characterised by haemorrhage and/or venom-induced consumption coagulopathy. Antivenoms are the mainstay therapeutic for treating the toxic effects of snakebite, but despite saving thousands of lives annually, these therapies are associated with limited cross-snake species efficacy due to venom variation, which ultimately restricts their therapeutic utility to particular geographical regions.

Methodology/Principal findings

In this study we explored the feasibility of generating globally effective pathology-specific antivenoms to counteract the haemotoxic signs of snakebite envenoming. Two different immunogen mixtures, consisting of seven and twelve haemotoxic venoms sourced from geographically diverse and/or medically important snakes, were used to raise ovine polyclonal antibodies, prior to characterisation of their immunological binding characteristics and in vitro neutralisation profiles against each of the venoms. Despite variability of the immunogen mixtures, both experimental antivenoms exhibited broadly comparable in vitro venom binding and neutralisation profiles against the individual venom immunogens in immunological and functional assays. However, in vivo assessments using a murine preclinical model of antivenom efficacy revealed substantial differences in venom neutralisation. The experimental antivenom generated from the seven venom immunogen mixture outperformed the comparator, by providing protective effects against venom lethality caused by seven of the eight geographically diverse venoms tested, including three distinct venoms that were not used as immunogens to generate this antivenom. These findings suggest that a core set of venom immunogens may be sufficient to stimulate antibodies capable of broadly neutralising a geographically diverse array of haemotoxic snake venoms, and that adding additional venom immunogens may impact negatively on the dose efficacy of the resulting antivenom.

Conclusions/Significance

Although selection of appropriate immunogens that encapsulate venom toxin diversity without diluting antivenom potency remains challenging and further optimisation is required, the findings from this pilot study suggest that the generation of pathology-specific antivenoms with global utility is likely to feasible, thereby highlighting their promise as future modular treatments for the world’s tropical snakebite victims.
Analysis of the time course of COVID-19 cases and deaths from countries with extensive testing allows accurate early estimates of the age specific symptomatic CFR values
Authors: Rothman Jessica E. , Eidelberg David , Rothman Samantha L. , Holford Theodore R. , Rothman Douglas L.
Published: August 2021

Background

Knowing the true infected and symptomatic case fatality ratios (IFR and CFR) for COVID-19 is of high importance for epidemiological model projections. Early in the pandemic many locations had limited testing and reporting, so that standard methods for determining IFR and CFR required large adjustments for missed cases. We present an alternate approach, based on results from the countries at the time that had a high test to positive case ratio to estimate symptomatic CFR.

Methods

We calculated age specific (0–69, 70–79, 80+ years old) time corrected crude symptomatic CFR values from 7 countries using two independent time to fatality correction methods. Data was obtained through May 7, 2020. We applied linear regression to determine whether the mean of these coefficients had converged to the true symptomatic CFR values. We then tested these coefficients against values derived in later studies as well as a large random serological study in NYC at that time.

Results

The age dependent symptomatic CFR values accurately predicted the percentage of the population infected as reported by two random testing studies in NYC. They also were in good agreement with later studies that estimated age specific IFR and CFR values from serological studies and more extensive data sets available later in the pandemic.

Conclusions

We found that for regions with extensive testing it is possible to get early accurate symptomatic CFR coefficients. These values, in combination with an estimate of the age dependence of infection, allows symptomatic CFR values and percentage of the population that is infected to be determined in similar regions with limited testing.
“If I’ve got latent TB, I would like to get rid of it”: Derivation of the CARD (Constraints, Actions, Risks, and Desires) Framework informed by South African healthcare worker perspectives on latent tuberculosis treatment
Authors: Nathavitharana Ruvandhi R. , van der Westhuizen Ananja , van der Westhuizen Helene-Mari , Mishra Hridesh , Sampson Annalean , Meintjes Jack , Nardell Edward , McDowell Andrew , Theron Grant
Published: August 2021

Background

Healthcare workers (HWs) have at least twice the risk of tuberculosis (TB) compared to the general population. There is growing emphasis on latent TB infection (LTBI) in high-risk populations. Yet we know little about HWs’ perspectives of LTBI testing and treatment to inform implementation in high-incidence settings. We developed a qualitative networked approach to analyze HWs’ perspectives on LTBI testing and treatment.

Methods

We conducted 22 in-depth interviews with nurse and physician stakeholders, who had been recruited as part of a larger study evaluating TB transmission risk in HWs at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. We performed open coding to identify emergent themes and selective coding to identify relevant text citations. We used thematic analysis to inductively derive the CARD (Constraints, Actions, Risks, Desires) framework.

Results

All HWs desired to avoid developing TB but few felt this was actionable. Despite LTBI knowledge gaps, safety and cost concerns, most HWs reported hypothetical willingness to take LTBI treatment. The CARD framework showed that desire and action related to LTBI testing and treatment was clearly framed by the interactions between constraints, administrative action, and risk. The surprise HWs described on receiving a negative LTBI (Quantiferon-Plus) result suggests LTBI testing may recalibrate HWs’ perceptions regarding the futility of actions to reduce their TB risk.

Conclusions

LTBI testing and treatment are acceptable to HWs and could counteract the perceived inevitability of occupational TB infection that currently may limit risk reduction action. This should be coupled with administrative leadership and infrastructural support. The CARD analytic framework is a helpful tool for implementation scientists to understand current practices within complex health systems. Application of CARD could facilitate the development of contextually-relevant interventions to address important public health problems such as occupational TB.
Size, shape, and direction matters: Matching secondary genital structures in male and female mites using multiple microscopy techniques and 3D modeling
Authors: Cómbita-Heredia Orlando , Gulbronson Connor J. , Ochoa Ronald , Quintero-Gutiérrez Edwin Javier , Bauchan Gary , Klompen Hans
Published: August 2021

Studies of female genital structures have generally lagged behind comparable studies of male genitalia, in part because of an assumption of a lower level of variability, but also because internal genitalia are much more difficult to study. Using multiple microscopy techniques, including video stereomicroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, low-temperature scanning electron microscopy (LT-SEM), and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) we examined whether the complex sperm transfer structures in males of Megalolaelaps colossus (Acari: Mesostigmata) are matched by similarly complex internal structures in the female. While both LT-SEM and CLSM are well suited for obtaining high-quality surface images, CLSM also proved to be a valuable technique for observing internal anatomical structures. The long and coiled sperm transfer organ on the chelicera of the males (spermatodactyl) largely matches an equally complex, but internal, spiral structure in the females in shape, size, and direction. This result strongly suggests some form of genital coevolution. A hypothesis of sexual conflict appears to provide the best fit for all available data (morphology and life history).
Group contracts and sustainability: Experimental evidence from smallholder seed production
Authors: Veettil Prakashan Chellattan , Yashodha  , Johny Judit
Published: August 2021

Contract farming in seed production has played an instrumental role in bringing private investment into seed research and production. As developing countries have predominantly small and marginal farmers, the number of inefficiencies that arise from seed contractual agreements hinders producers from realizing the full potential benefits from seed contracts. We carried out an economic experiment with real producers and organizers currently engaged in seed production to analyze their preference for group seed contracts, its sustainability and welfare implications in the seed value chain. The producers are offered two types of group contracts: B and C. Contract B involves a company-organizer-seed producer group (SPG) whereas contract C removes the organizer and directly engages with the SPG (company → SPG). In the experiment, producers are asked to choose between an existing contract and either of the proposed group contracts. The experiment consists of two treatments: (i) concealed and revealed price information between agents, and (ii) presence and absence of a local organizer while making the decision. We find that the preference for group contract B is higher than for group contract C, suggesting the need for producers bargaining which can be achieved through group contract in the existing contract, Bargaining is high (6.3 percentage points) when price information is concealed. SPGs survive for about four out of five rounds and more than half of the groups (53%) formed in the first round survived throughout the five rounds, indicating a very high group sustainability.
Do legislated carbon reduction targets influence pro-environmental behaviours in public hospital pharmacy departments? Using mixed methods to compare Australia and the UK
Authors: Singleton Judith A. , Lau Esther T-L. , Nissen Lisa M.
Published: August 2021

Pharmaceuticals and their packaging have a significant negative impact on the environment providing a very strong argument for action on the part of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to engage with pro-environmental behaviours (PEBs) in their workplaces. The aims of this research were therefore to investigate in hospital pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, 1) factors affecting engagement with workplace PEBs, and 2) determine if legislated carbon reduction targets in the UK influenced workplace PEBs in the UK compared with Australia which does not have legislated carbon reduction targets. The environmentally responsible disposal of pharmaceutical waste was the PEB of interest in this study. A mixed methods research design was utilised and a conceptual model (key variables: environmental attitude, concern, and knowledge, and organisational factors) was developed to identify factors influencing workplace PEBs. Participants were from five hospitals in Queensland, Australia and five NHS hospitals in England, UK. There was no statistically significant difference in environmental attitude or concern between the two groups—most had a mid-environmental attitude score and low levels of environmental concern. Participants lacked knowledge of the issue and the link between the environment and public health. Both Australian and UK participants reported recycling packaging waste was not a priority in the hospital pharmacy workplace (even in hospitals with recycling capability) as hospitals focused on compliance with clinical (contaminated) and confidential waste streams. Environmental attitude, knowledge, and concern therefore appeared to be weak influences on intention to perform workplace PEBs with workplace social norms (compliance due to audits) appearing to be a significant mediator of action. The key difference between the cohorts was that UK pharmacists felt waste was not in the scope of their role, and therefore not their responsibility. This study identified that legislated carbon reduction targets did not influence hospital pharmacy workplace PEBs–neither cohort reported engaging significantly in workplace PEBs. UK Government and NHS sustainability policy did not appear to have disseminated to pharmacy department level of UK public hospitals to any great extent.
Soil enzyme responses to land use change in the tropical rainforest of the Colombian Amazon region
Authors: Silva-Olaya Adriana M. , Mora-Motta Dúber A. , Cherubin Maurício R. , Grados Daniel , Somenahally Anil , Ortiz-Morea Fausto A.
Published: August 2021

Soil enzymes mediate key processes and functions of the soils, such as organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling in both natural and agricultural ecosystems. Here, we studied the activity of five extracellular soil enzymes involved in the C, N, and P-mineralizing process in both litter and surface soil layer of rainforest in the northwest region of the Colombian Amazon and the response of those soil enzymes to land use change. The experimental study design included six study sites for comparing long-term pasture systems to native forest and regeneration practices after pasture, within the main landscapes of the region, mountain and hill landscapes separately. Results showed considerable enzymatic activity in the litter layer of the forest, highlighting the vital role of this compartment in the nutrient cycling of low fertility soils from tropical regions. With the land use transition to pastures, changes in soil enzymatic activities were driven by the management of pastures, with SOC and N losses and reduced absolute activity of soil enzymes in long-term pastures under continuous grazing (25 years). However, the enzyme activities expressed per unit of SOC did not show changes in C and N-acquiring enzymes, suggesting a higher mineralization potential in pastures. Enzymatic stoichiometry analysis indicated a microbial P limitation that could lead to a high catabolic activity with a potential increase in the use of SOC by microbial communities in the search for P, thus affecting soil C sequestration, soil quality and the provision of soil-related ecosystem services.
What you say and what I hear—Investigating differences in the perception of the severity of psychological and physical violence in intimate partner relationships
Authors: Sikström Sverker , Dahl Mats , Lettmann Hannah , Alexandersson Anna , Schwörer Elena , Stille Lotta , Kjell Oscar , Innes-Ker Åse , Ngaosuvan Leonard
Published: August 2021

The correct communication of the severity of violence is essential in the context of legal trials, custody cases, support of victims, etc., for providing fair treatment. A narrator that communicates their experiences of interpersonal violence may rate the seriousness of the incident differently than a rater reading the narrator’s text, suggesting that there exist perceptual differences (PD) in severity ratings between the narrator and the rater. We propose that these perceptual differences may depend on whether the narrative is based on physical or psychological violence, and on gender differences. Physical violence may be evaluated as more serious by the receiver of the narrative than by the narrator (Calibration PD), whereas the seriousness of psychological violence may be difficult to convey, leading to a discrepancy in the seriousness ratings between the narrator and the rater (Accuracy PD). In addition, gender stereotypes may influence the seriousness rating (Gender PD), resulting in violence against women being perceived as more serious than the same violence against men. These perceptual differences were investigated in 3 phases using a new experimental procedure. In Phase 1, 113 narrators provided descriptions and seriousness ratings of self-experienced physical and psychological violence in relationships. In Phase 2, 340 independent raters rated the seriousness of 10 randomly selected narrations from Phase 1. In Phase 3, the genders in the narrations were changed to the opposite gender, and seriousness ratings were collected from 340 different raters. Our results confirmed the hypothesized perceptual differences. Violence to male victims was considerably more likely to be seen as severe when the raters were misled to believe the victim was a woman. We propose that these data provide practical guidelines for how to deal with misinformation in the communication of violence. The data also show that mean values and the confidence of such severity ratings need to be adjusted for several factors, such as whether it is self-experienced or communicated, the type of violence, and the gender of the victims and raters.
Research on optimization of perforation parameters for formation fractures based on response surface optimization method
Authors: Liu Wei , Wang Suling , Dong Kangxing , Cheng Tiancai
Published: August 2021

For staged multi-cluster fracturing, methods for controlling perforation friction to adjust the flow distribution of each cluster can effectively promote the uniform extension of multiple fractures but lacks a fast and quantitative optimization method for different perforation parameters of each cluster. By establishing a numerical model of single-stage three-cluster flow-limited fracturing under stress-seepage coupling, and based on the response surface optimization method, fully considering the impact of perforation parameters interaction among three perforation clusters, according to the regression equation fitted under the global response, the rapid optimization of perforation parameters of segmented multi-cluster fracturing model is realized. The results show that: in determining the three factors of the study, it is found that there is an obvious interaction between the number of intermediate cluster perforations and the number of cluster perforations on both sides, the number of cluster perforations on both sides and the diameter of intermediate cluster perforations, the response surface optimization method gives the optimal perforation parameter combination of three clusters of fractures under global response; When the perforation parameters were combined before optimization, the fracture length difference was 32.550m, and the intermediate perforation cluster evolved into invalid perforation cluster, when the perforation parameters were combined after optimization, the fracture length difference was 0.528m, the three perforation clusters spread uniformly, and there are no invalid clusters. At the same time, the regression equation under the response is optimized before and after the comparison between the predicted value of the equation and the actual simulation value. It is found that the estimated deviation rate of the equation before optimization is 1.2%, and the estimated deviation rate after optimization is 0.4%. The estimated deviation rates are all less, and the response regression equation based on the response surface optimization method can quickly optimize the perforation parameters. The response surface optimization method is suitable for the multi parameter optimization research of formation fracturing which is often affected by many geological and engineering factors. Combining with the engineering practice and integrating more factors to optimize the hydraulic fracturing parameters, it is of great significance to improve the success rate of hydraulic fracturing application.