bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulation of antigen discrimination by duration of immune contacts in a kinetic proofreading model of T cell activation with extreme statistics
Authors: Morgan Jonathan , Lindsay Alan E.
Published: August 2023

T cells form transient cell-to-cell contacts with antigen presenting cells (APCs) to facilitate surface interrogation by membrane bound T cell receptors (TCRs). Upon recognition of molecular signatures (antigen) of pathogen, T cells may initiate an adaptive immune response. The duration of the T cell/APC contact is observed to vary widely, yet it is unclear what constructive role, if any, such variations might play in immune signaling. Modeling efforts describing antigen discrimination often focus on steady-state approximations and do not account for the transient nature of cellular contacts. Within the framework of a kinetic proofreading (KP) mechanism, we develop a stochastic First Receptor Activation Model (FRAM) describing the likelihood that a productive immune signal is produced before the expiry of the contact. Through the use of extreme statistics, we characterize the probability that the first TCR triggering is induced by a rare agonist antigen and not by that of an abundant self-antigen. We show that defining positive immune outcomes as resilience to extreme statistics and sensitivity to rare events mitigates classic tradeoffs associated with KP. By choosing a sufficient number of KP steps, our model is able to yield single agonist sensitivity whilst remaining non-reactive to large populations of self antigen, even when self and agonist antigen are similar in dissociation rate to the TCR but differ largely in expression. Additionally, our model achieves high levels of accuracy even when agonist positive APCs encounters are rare. Finally, we discuss potential biological costs associated with high classification accuracy, particularly in challenging T cell environments.
Development and piloting of a primary school-based salt reduction programme: Formative work and a process evaluation in rural and urban Malawi
Authors: Phiri Nozgechi , Cunningham Yvonne , Witek-Mcmanus Stefan , Chabwera McDonald , Munthali-Mkandawire Shekinah , Masiye Jones , Saka Albert , Katundulu Miryam , Chiphinga Mwale Caroline , Dembo Kang’ombe Dalitso , Kimangila Joseph , Crampin Amelia C. , Mair Frances S.
Published: August 2023

Excess salt intake is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Promoting salt reduction as part of routine school-health programming may be a pragmatic way to address this risk factor early in the life course but has not been tested in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Here we describe the formative work with stakeholders and process evaluation of pilot work to develop a school-based salt reduction programme for children aged 11–14 years, in preparation for a cluster-randomised trial in rural/urban Malawi. Collection of observational data and documentary evidence (meeting minutes/field notes) from the earliest key stakeholder engagement with Malawi Ministries of Health, Education, Local Government and Rural Development and Malawi Institute of Education, and non-governmental stakeholders; and a series of semi-structured interviews and focus groups (with head teachers (n = 2); teachers (n = 4); parents (n = 30); and learners (n = 40)). Data was analysed thematically and conceptualised through a Normalization Process Theory lens. Formative work illustrated a range of administrative, technical, and practical issues faced during development of the programme; including allocation of stakeholder roles and responsibilities, harmonisation with pre-existing strategies and competing priorities, resources required for programme development, and design of effective teaching materials. While participants were positive about the programme, the process evaluation identified features to be refined including perceived challenges to participation, recommended adaptations to the content and delivery of lessons, and concerns related to quantity/quality of learning resources provided. This study demonstrates the importance of comprehensive, sustained, and participatory stakeholder engagement in the development of a novel school health programme in SSA; and highlights the factors that were critical to successfully achieving this. We also demonstrate the value of detailed process evaluation in informing development of the programme to ensure that it was feasible and relevant to the context prior to evaluation through a cluster-randomised trial.
Parental experiences of the impacts of Covid-19 on the care of young children; qualitative interview findings from the Nairobi Early Childcare in Slums (NECS) project
Authors: Hughes Robert C. , Muendo Ruth , Bhopal Sunil S. , Onyango Silas , Kimani-Murage Elizabeth , Kirkwood Betty R. , Hill Zelee , Kitsao-Wekulo Patricia
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The Covid-19 pandemic, and societal attempts to control it, have touched almost every aspect of people’s lives around the world, albeit in unequal ways. In particular, there is considerable concern about the way that stringent ‘lockdowns’, as implemented in Kenya and many other countries, affected young children, especially those living in informal settlements. However, to date, there has been little research attempting to unpack and understand how the pandemic has impacted on the care of young children.

Methods

In-depth telephone interviews were conducted with 21 parents/carers of children aged under five years living in three Nairobi slums between May and September 2021 exploring the ways in which Covid-19, and policies to control the pandemic, impacted on their household and the care of their child/children.

Results

The impacts of Covid-19 control measures on the care of children have been widely felt, deep and multiple. The impact of economic hardship has been significant, reportedly undermining food security and access to services including healthcare and childcare. Respondents reported an associated increase in domestic and community violence. Many people relied on help from others; this was most commonly reported to be in the form of variable levels of flexibility from landlords and help from other community members. No direct harms from Covid-19 disease were reported by respondents.

Conclusion

The impacts of Covid-19 control measures on the care of young children in informal settlements have been indirect but dramatic. Given the breadth and depth of these reported impacts, and the particular vulnerability of young children, deeper consideration ought to inform decisions about approaches to implementation of stringent disease control measures in future. In addition, these findings imply a need for both short- and long-term policy responses to ameliorate the impacts described.
Clinic presentation delay and tuberculosis treatment outcomes in the Lake Victoria region of East Africa: A multi-site prospective cohort study
Authors: Mulholland Grace E. , Herce Michael E. , Okech Brenda A. , Jeremiah Kidola , Bahemuka Ubaldo M. , Kwena Zachary A. , Nanyonjo Gertrude , Seeley Janet , Pettifor Audrey , Emch Michael , Weir Sharon S. , Edwards Jessie K.
Published: August 2023

In the Lake Victoria region of East Africa, little is known about delays between tuberculosis (TB) symptom onset and presentation at a clinic. Associations between clinic presentation delay and TB treatment outcomes are also poorly understood. In 2019, we abstracted data from routine TB treatment records for all adults (n = 776) initiating TB treatment in a 6-month period across 12 health facilities near Lake Victoria. We interviewed 301 cohort members and assessed whether they experienced a clinic presentation delay longer than 6 weeks. We investigated potential clinical and demographic correlates of clinic presentation delay and examined the association between clinic presentation delay and an unfavorable TB treatment outcome (death, loss to follow-up, or treatment failure). Clinic presentation delay was common, occurring among an estimated 54.7% (95% CI: 48.9%, 61.2%) of cohort members, though no specific correlates were identified. Clinic presentation delay was slightly associated with unfavorable TB treatment outcomes. The 180-day risk of an unfavorable outcome was 14.2% (95% CI: 8.0%, 20.4%) among those with clinic presentation delay, compared to 12.7% (95% CI: 5.1%, 20.3%) among those presenting earlier. Multi-level community-based interventions may be necessary to reduce clinic presentation delays in communities near Lake Victoria.
Beyond a deficit-based approach: Characterizing typologies of assets for cisgender and transgender female sex workers and their relationship with syndemic health outcomes
Authors: Maclin Beth J. , Wang Yan , Rodriguez-Diaz Carlos , Donastorg Yeycy , Perez Martha , Gomez Hoisex , Barrington Clare , Kerrigan Deanna
Published: August 2023

Female sex workers (FSWs) live and work at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities that place them at greater risk for various negative health outcomes. Resilience theory asserts that an individual or community needs assets from which they can draw in response to stressors, such as chronic discrimination and abuse. This study characterizes and compares patterns of assets among cisgender and transgender FSWs living with HIV in the Dominican Republic and their relations with syndemic health outcomes. With Latent Class Analysis, we used companion cross-sectional datasets comprised of cisgender and transgender FSWs (N = 211 and 100, respectively) to estimate typologies of interpersonal, community, and institutional assets. We used multivariate logistic regression to model the relationship between class membership and HIV care and treatment, mental health, violence exposure, and substance use outcomes, respectively. Among cisgender FSWs, we identified three classes: Internal and External Multilevel Assets (Class 1); External Institutional Assets (Class 2); and Low Reported Assets (Class 3). Compared to Class 3, Class 1 membership among cisgender FSWs was significantly associated with ART adherence and marginally associated with viral suppression, and Class 2 membership was marginally associated with currently taking ART. We identified two classes in the transgender sample: Internal and External Multilevel Assets (Class 1) and External Institutional Assets (Class 2). Class 1 membership among transgender FSWs was significantly associated with ART adherence and marginally associated with current ART use and physical or sexual violence, compared to Class 2. Having a variety of assets may explain the ability of some FSWs to more effectively engage with healthcare and maintain their HIV medication regimen. Future interventions should seek to expand FSWs’ interpersonal and community assets, both from within and outside of the sex worker community, to bolster their ability to care for themselves and their community.
Utilization of immediate post-partum long acting reversible contraceptives and its associated factors among mothers who gave birth in Addis Ababa public hospitals, Ethiopia: An institutional based cross-sectional study
Authors: Wudineh Kihinetu Gelaye , Desalegn Sisay , Ewunetu Mesafint , Shiferaw Shumiye
Published: August 2023

Background

An immediate postpartum period is a good opportunity to utilize immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraceptives for women whom they want to delay pregnancy. Long-acting reversible contraceptive methods like intrauterine device, Jaddel and implants can improve maternal and newborn health by preventing unintended pregnancy. Despite on their advantage, evidence on its utilization and associated factors is limited in our study area.Ethiopia. This study assessed the utilization of immediate postpartum long acting reversible contraceptives and its associated factors among mothers who delivered in selected public hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2022.

Method

An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 420 study participants to assess the immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraceptive utilization and its associated factors from August 30- September 25, 2022. Systematic sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data was entered into epi-data version 4.6 and analysis was performed by using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used. All statistical tests were significant at P-value < 0.05.

Result

A total of 417 postpartum women were participated in the study making a response rate of 99.3%. Of the total study participants, 30.7% [95% CI (26.1, 35.3)] utilized immediate postpartum family planning. Women at the age of 25–34 years (AOR = 3.228[95% CI: 1.140–9.136]), had discussion with their partners about family planning (AOR = 1.891[95% CI: 1.003, 3.565]), received counseling about immediate post-partum long acting reversible contraceptive (AOR = 3.146 [95% CI: 1.489, 6.647]), had positive attitude towards immediate post postpartum long acting reversible contraceptive (AOR = 3 [95% CI: 1.770–5.648]) were associated with utilization of immediate post-partum long acting reversible contraceptive.

Conclusion and recommendation

Almost one in three women delivering in health facilities of Addis Ababa Ethiopia started using immediate post-partum long acting reversible contraceptives. Discussion about contraception with partners, getting counseling about family planning on antenatal care, attitude toward contraception and the age of women were all factors that could increase IPPLARC uptake. Healthcare providers clarify any rumors about contraceptives to assure a positive and supportive attitude to increase its uptake.
Types and anatomical locations of injuries among mountain bikers and hikers: A systematic review
Authors: Braybrook Paul John , Tohira Hideo , Birnie Tanya , Brink Deon , Finn Judith , Buzzacott Peter
Published: August 2023

Background

Mountain biking and hiking continue to grow in popularity. With new participants to these sports, it is likely the number of injuries will increase. To assist medical personnel in the management of these patients we attempted to quantify the types and locations of injuries sustained by mountain bikers and hikers. Objective The objective of this systematic review is to identify the type and anatomical location of injuries for both mountain bikers and hikers.

Methods

A systematic search was undertaken using CINAHL, Cochrane, ProQuest, PubMed and Scopus databases. Reviewers assessed the eligibility of articles by a title/abstract review and final full-text review. Studies were included if the types of injuries were reported by medical personnel and contained anatomical locations. Studies were excluded if it did not take place on a trail or if the injuries were self-reported. Risk of bias was assessed utilising the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklists for study quality. No meta-analysis or comparison between mountain bikers and hikers was possible due to the high heterogeneity of the definition of injury.

Results

A total of 24 studies met the inclusion criteria, 17 covering mountain biking and 7 hiking. This represented 220,935 injured mountain bikers and 17,757 injured hikers. The most common type of injuries sustained by mountain bikers included contusions, abrasions and minor lacerations, which made up between 45–74% of reported injuries in studies on competitive racing and 8–67% in non-competitive studies. Fractures represented between 1.5–43% of all reported injuries. The most injured region was the upper limbs reported in 10 of 17 studies. For hikers the most common injuries included blisters and ankle sprains with blisters representing 8–33% of all reported injuries. The most common body location to be injured by hikers was a lower limb in all 7 studies.

Conclusions

This is the first systematic review to report on the injury epidemiology of the two most common trail users; mountain bikers and hikers. For participants in both activities the majority of injuries were of minor severity. Despite this, the high proportions of upper limb fractures in mountain bikers and ankle sprains in hikers cannot be ignored.

Trial registration

Registration: This systematic review was prospectively registered with the University of York PROSPERO database on the 12/4/2021 (CRD42021229623) https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021229623.
Are rapid tests and confirmatory western blot used for cattle and small ruminants TSEs reliable tools for the diagnosis of Chronic Wasting Disease in Europe?
Authors: Mazza Maria , Tran Linh , Loprevite Daniela , Cavarretta Maria C. , Meloni Daniela , Dell’Atti Luana , Våge Jørn , Madslien Knut , Vuong Tram T. , Bozzetta Elena , Benestad Sylvie L.
Published: August 2023

The first case of CWD in Europe was detected in a Norwegian reindeer in 2016, followed later by two CWD cases in Norwegian moose. To prevent the potential spread of CWD to the EU, the European Commission (Regulation EU 2017_1972) implemented a CWD surveillance programme in cervids in the six countries having reindeer and or moose (Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Sweden). Each country had to test a minimum of 3000 cervids for CWD using diagnostic rapid tests approved by the EC Regulation. Experimental transmission studies in rodents have demonstrated that the CWD strains found in Norwegian reindeer are different from those found in moose and that these European strains are all different from the North American ones. Data on the performances of authorised rapid tests are limited for CWD (from North America) and are currently minimal for CWD from Europe, due to the paucity of positive material. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performances of three of the so-called “rapid” tests, commercially available and approved for TSE diagnosis in cattle and small ruminants, to detect the CWD strains circulating in Europe. The performances of these three tests were also compared to two different confirmatory western blot methods. Using parallel testing on the same panel of available samples, we evaluated here the analytical sensitivity of these methods for TSE diagnosis of CWD in Norwegian cervids tissues. Our results show that all the methods applied were able to detect the CWD positive samples even if differences in analytical sensitivity were clearly observed. Although this study could not assess the test accuracy, due to the small number of samples available, it is conceivable that the rapid and confirmatory diagnostic systems applied for CWD surveillance in Northern Europe are reliable tools.
PrEP uptake and early persistence among adolescent girls and young women receiving services via community and hybrid community-clinic models in Namibia
Authors: Barnabee Gena , Billah Idel , Ndeikemona Lylie , Silas Lukas , Ensminger Alison , MacLachlan Ellen , Korn Abigail K. , Mawire Susan , Fischer-Walker Christa , Ashipala Laimi , Forster Norbert , O’Malley Gabrielle , Velloza Jennifer
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) face barriers in accessing clinic-based HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services and community-based models are a proposed alternative. Evidence from such models, however, is limited. We evaluated PrEP service coverage, uptake, and early persistence among AGYW receiving services through community and hybrid models in Namibia.

Methods

We analyzed routine data for AGYW aged 15–24 who initiated PrEP within HIV prevention programming. PrEP was delivered via three models: community-concierge (fully community-based services with individually-tailored refill locations), community-fixed (community-based initiation and refills delivered by community providers on a set schedule at fixed sites), and hybrid community-clinic (community-based initiation and referral to clinics for refills delivered by clinic providers). We examined proportions of AGYW engaged in services along a programmatic PrEP cascade, overall and by model, and assessed factors associated with PrEP uptake and early persistence (refill within 15–44 days after initiation) using multivariable generalized estimating equations.

Results

Over 10-months, 7593 AGYW participated in HIV prevention programming. Of these, 7516 (99.0%) received PrEP education, 6105 (81.2%) received HIV testing services, 6035 (98.9%) tested HIV-negative, and 2225 (36.9%) initiated PrEP. Of the 2047 AGYW expected for PrEP refill during the study period, 254 (12.4%) persisted with PrEP one-month after initiation. Structural and behavioral HIV risk factors including early school dropout, food insecurity, inconsistent condom use, and transactional sex were associated with PrEP uptake. AGYW who delayed starting PrEP were 2.89 times more likely to persist (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.52–5.46) and those receiving services via the community-concierge model were 8.7 times (95% CI: 5.44–13.9) more likely to persist (compared to the hybrid model).

Conclusion

Community-based models of PrEP service delivery to AGYW can achieve high PrEP education and HIV testing coverage and moderate PrEP uptake. AGYW-centered approaches to delivering PrEP refills can promote higher persistence.
Building an ecological momentary assessment smartphone app for 4- to 10-year-old children: A pilot study
Authors: Milojevich Helen M. , Stickel Daniel , Swingler Margaret M. , Zhang Xinyi , Terrell Jeffery , Sheridan Margaret A. , Tan Xianming
Published: August 2023

Objective

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) minimizes recall burden and maximizes ecological validity and has emerged as a valuable tool to characterize individual differences, assess contextual associations, and document temporal associations. However, EMA has yet to be reliably utilized in young children, in part due to concerns about responder reliability and limited compliance. The present study addressed these concerns by building a developmentally appropriate EMA smartphone app and testing the app for feasibility and usability with young children ages 4–10 (N = 20; m age = 7.7, SD = 2.0).

Methods

To pilot test the app, children completed an 11-item survey about their mood and behavior twice a day for 14 days. Parents also completed brief surveys twice a day to allow for parent-child comparisons of responses. Finally, at the end of the two weeks, parents provided user feedback on the smartphone app.

Results

Results indicated a high response rate (nearly 90%) across child surveys and high agreement between parents and children ranging from 0.89–0.97.

Conclusions

Overall, findings suggest that this developmentally appropriate EMA smartphone app is a reliable and valid tool for collecting in-the-moment data from young children outside of a laboratory setting.
Differences in coagulation-relevant parameters: Comparing cryoprecipitate and a human fibrinogen concentrate
Authors: Stanford Sophia , Roy Ashok , Cecil Tom , Hegener Oliver , Schulz Petra , Turaj Anna , Lim Sean , Arbuthnot Emily
Published: August 2023

Background

Variable fibrinogen content within cryoprecipitate makes accurate dosing challenging in patients with coagulopathic bleeding, in addition to pathogen transmission risks associated with its administration. Purified and standardized human fibrinogen concentrates (HFCs) represent reliable alternatives. Full cryoprecipitate characterization is required to inform selection of an appropriate fibrinogen source for supplementation therapy.

Methods

Extended biochemical comparison of pooled cryoprecipitate and HFC (Fibryga, Octapharma) was performed using commercially available assays to determine levels of variability in cryoprecipitate and HFC. In addition to standard procoagulant factors, measurements included activities of platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs) and plasminogen, and levels of fibrin degradation products.

Results

Cryoprecipitate contains lower fibrinogen levels than HFC (4.83 vs.19.73 g/L; p<0.001), translating to approximately half the amount of fibrinogen per standard cryoprecipitate dose (two pools, pre-pooled from five donations each) vs. HFC (2.14 vs. 3.95 g; p<0.001). Factor XIII (FXIII) levels were also lower in cryoprecipitate vs. HFC (192.17 vs. 328.33 IU/dL; p = 0.002). Levels of procoagulants in cryoprecipitate, such as von Willebrand Factor (VWF) and factor VIII (FVIII), were highly variable, as was PMP activity. A standard cryoprecipitate dose contains significantly higher levels of measured plasminogen and D-dimer fragments than a standard HFC dose.

Conclusion

The tested HFC is a more reliable fibrinogen and FXIII source for accurate dosing compared with cryoprecipitate. Cryoprecipitate appears considerably less predictable for bleeding management due to wide variation in pro- and anticoagulation factors, the presence of PMPs, and the potential to elevate VWF and FVIII to prothrombotic levels.
The molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius canine clinical isolates submitted to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory in South Africa
Authors: Phophi Lufuno , Abouelkhair Mohamed , Jones Rebekah , Henton Maryke , Qekwana Daniel N. , Kania Stephen A.
Published: August 2023

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is an important cause of clinical infections in small-animal-veterinary medicine. Evolutionary changes of strains using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) have been observed among S. pseudintermedius in European countries and the United States. However, there are limited or no studies on the detection of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) and predominating MLST strains in South Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the molecular epidemiology of S. pseudintermedius in South Africa. Twenty-six, non-duplicate, clinical isolates from dogs were obtained as convenience samples from four provinces in South Africa. The Kirby Bauer disk diffusion test was used to determine antimicrobial susceptibility. We used Resfinder and the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD) to detect antimicrobial resistance genes. Virulence genes were identified using the virulence factor database and Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLASTN) on Geneious prime. geoBURST analysis was used to study relationships between MLST. Finally, the maximum likelihood phylogeny was determined using Randomized Axelerated Maximum Likelihood (RAxML). Twenty-three isolates were confirmed as S. pseudintermedius of which 14 were MRSP. In addition to β-lactam antimicrobials, MRSP isolates were resistant to tetracycline (85.7%), doxycycline (92.8%), kanamycin (92.8%), and gentamicin (85.7%). The isolates harbored antimicrobial resistance genes (tetM, ermB, drfG, cat, aac(6’)-Ie-aph(2”)-Ia, ant(6)-Ia, and aph(3’)-III) and virulence genes (AdsA, geh, icaA, and lip). MLST analysis showed that ST2228, ST2229, ST2230, ST2231, ST2232, ST2318, ST2326 and ST2327 are unique sequence types in South Africa. Whereas, previously reported major STs including ST45, ST71, ST181, ST551 and ST496 were also detected. The geoBURST and phylogenetic analysis suggests that the isolates in South Africa are likely genetically related to isolates identified in other countries. Highly resistant MRSP strains (ST496, ST71, and ST45) were reported that could present challenges in the treatment of canine infections in South Africa. Hence, we have gained a better understanding of the epidemiology of MRSP in the African continent, the genes involved in resistance and virulence factors associated with these organisms.
Human-induced land use changes and phosphorus limitation affect soil microbial biomass and ecosystem stoichiometry
Authors: Awoonor Johnny Kofi , Dogbey Bright Fafali , Salis Ibrahim
Published: August 2023

Soil and microbial biomass carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) play an important role in soil nutrient dynamics in biogeochemical cycles of terrestrial ecosystems. However, increased human activities as a result of agricultural intensification on soil nutrients and microbial C:N:P stoichiometry are poorly understood in this fragile forest-savanna transition agroecosystem. This study aimed to (i) assess soil and microbial C, N, and P stoichiometry in different land use systems, and (ii) examine the effect of soil and microbial C, N, and P stoichiometry on soils susceptible to human-induced land use changes. A total of 82 composite soil samples at a depth of 0–20 cm were sampled from forest, savanna, grassland, fallow and cropland for laboratory analysis. The results revealed that the concentrations of C, N, and P were low in Fallow and Cropland compared to other land use systems. Analysis of variance in microbial C, N, and P stoichiometric ratios revealed a significant decreasing tendency compared to soil C:N, C:P and N:P ratios with no statistical significance (p < 0.05). The C:P and N:P ratios were low compared to the C:N ratio in land uses. A significant positive correlation was observed between MBC and MBN (0.95; p < 0.01), and with C and N (0.69; p < 0.01). There were significant interactive effects of land use on soil and microbial variables. The estimated microbial C:N:P stoichiometric ratios (21:2:1) were well constrained in the study area. The transition from Forest to Cropland resulted in 64%, 52%, and 71% reduction in C, N, and P, respectively. This implies that phosphorus is the main factor limiting productivity. The low availability of phosphorus in these tropical soils may have resulted in low C:P and N:P ratios. Therefore, we conclude that our results highlight the importance of phosphorus limitation on ratios of microbial C:P and N:P in landuse systems. Nutrient inputs such as fertilizers, manure and crop residues should be applied to croplands to improve soil and microbial C, N and P levels. Further, effects of land use on soil nutrient status and stoichiometry at 1-meter depth will be considered in our future work.
A distributed SDN-based intrusion detection system for IoT using optimized forests
Authors: Luo Ke
Published: August 2023

Along with the expansion of Internet of Things (IoT), the importance of security and intrusion detection in this network also increases, and the need for new and architecture-specific intrusion detection systems (IDS) is felt. In this article, a distributed intrusion detection system based on a software defined networking (SDN) is presented. In this method, the network structure is divided into a set of sub-networks using the SDN architecture, and intrusion detection is performed in each sub-network using a controller node. In order to detect intrusion in each sub-network, a decision tree optimized by black hole optimization (BHO) algorithm is used. Thus, the decision tree deployed in each sub-network is pruned by BHO, and the split points in its decision nodes are also determined in such a way that the accuracy of each tree in detecting sub-network attacks is maximized. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated in a simulated environment and its performance in detecting attacks using the NSLKDD and NSW-NB15 databases is examined. The results show that the proposed method can identify attacks in the NSLKDD and NSW-NB15 databases with an accuracy of 99.2% and 97.2%, respectively, which indicates an increase compared to previous methods.
A nature-based solutions approach to managing shrimp aquaculture effluent
Authors: Goto Garrett M. , Corwin Emily , Farthing Alexander , Lubis Anisa Rilla , Klinger Dane H.
Published: August 2023

While coastal habitat conversion was a primary environmental concern in Asia for the mostly extensive shrimp aquaculture sector in previous decades, the transition towards intensive production is creating new environmental risks, primarily water quality impacts from nutrient-rich effluent. There is a need to compare the performance of conventional and Nature-based Solution (NbS) effluent treatment options given the increasing nutrient loads from more intensive aquaculture and historic loss of ecosystem services from mangrove deforestation. This study evaluates the potential for common and emerging effluent treatment systems to address total nitrogen and total phosphorus effluent from shrimp farms across a spectrum of production intensities. Nutrient waste loading for four stocking density scenarios (7PLm-2, 20PLm-2, 75PLm-2, and 120PLm-2) are estimated to compare the treatment efficiency, economic feasibility, spatial requirements, and ecosystem service provision of conventional and NbS effluent treatment systems. We use secondary data to assess effluent treatment systems applicable for shrimp aquaculture in Asia. Findings provide the conceptual framework for comparing the characteristics and tradeoffs of aquaculture effluent treatment systems. Constructed mangrove wetlands are an NbS approach that can meet the intensification needs of aquaculture producers and reduce negative impacts from aquaculture effluent at competitive costs, while also providing ecosystem service co-benefits.
Daily stream temperature predictions for free-flowing streams in the Pacific Northwest, USA
Authors: Siegel Jared E. , Fullerton Aimee H. , FitzGerald Alyssa M. , Holzer Damon , Jordan Chris E.
Published: August 2023

Supporting sustainable lotic ecosystems and thermal habitats requires estimates of stream temperature that are high in scope and resolution across space and time. We combined and enhanced elements of existing stream temperature models to produce a new statistical model to address this need. Contrasting with previous models that estimated coarser metrics such as monthly or seasonal stream temperature or focused on individual watersheds, we modeled daily stream temperature across the entire calendar year for a broad geographic region. This model reflects mechanistic processes using publicly available climate and landscape covariates in a Generalized Additive Model framework. We allowed covariates to interact while accounting for nonlinear relationships between temporal and spatial covariates to better capture seasonal patterns. To represent variation in sensitivity to climate, we used a moving average of antecedent air temperatures over a variable duration linked to area-standardized streamflow. The moving average window size was longer for reaches having snow-dominated hydrology, especially at higher flows, whereas window size was relatively constant and low for reaches having rain-dominated hydrology. Our model’s ability to capture the temporally-variable impact of snowmelt improved its capacity to predict stream temperature across diverse geography for multiple years. We fit the model to stream temperatures from 1993–2013 and predicted daily stream temperatures for ~261,200 free-flowing stream reaches across the Pacific Northwest USA from 1990–2021. Our daily model fit well (RMSE = 1.76; MAE = 1.32°C). Cross-validation suggested that the model produced useful predictions at unsampled locations across diverse landscapes and climate conditions. These stream temperature predictions will be useful to natural resource practitioners for effective conservation planning in lotic ecosystems and for managing species such as Pacific salmon. Our approach is straightforward and can be adapted to new spatial regions, time periods, or scenarios such as the anticipated decline in snowmelt with climate change.
O uso da Teoria da Mudança para avaliar a integração curricular da extensão universitária
Authors: Gimenez Ana Maria Nunes , Gavira Muriel de Oliveira , Machado Michel Mott , Cunha Dyane Guedes
Published: August 2023

Organismos internacionais, tais como, Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU) e Banco Mundial, têm alertado sobre os impactos, presentes e futuros da pandemia de COVID-19, especialmente no que se refere aos desafios a serem enfrentados com o aumento da pobreza, das desigualdades sociais, da violência e sobre a necessidade de educação de qualidade. Alie-se a isso as pressões crescentes da sociedade por transparência e relevância das instituições de ensino superior, especialmente das instituições públicas, acendendo as discussões sobre um maior engajamento com a sociedade a partir das missões de ensino, pesquisa e extensão. Em vista desse contexto, neste trabalho propomos o uso da Teoria da Mudança para a avaliação dos impactos da integração da extensão universitária aos currículos do ensino superior, que aqui nomeamos de IEE – integração ensino-extensão. O referencial teórico que embasa a presente pesquisa é o da Universidade Cívica, a partir do qual refletimos sobre resultados esperados, no curto, médio e longo prazos. Essa reflexão permitiu a proposição de indicadores de monitoramento e de avaliação da IEE para três atores diferentes: estudantes, instituições de ensino superior (IES) e para os demais membros da sociedade. Os resultados são úteis para que gestores de IES e elaboradores de políticas possam prever formas de aperfeiçoamento da IEE.
Socioscientific modelling as an approach towards justice-centred science pedagogy
Authors: Lesnefsky Rebecca R. , Kirk Eric A. , Yeldell Jasmyne , Sadler Troy D. , Ke Li
Published: August 2023

Justice-centred science pedagogy has been suggested as an effective framework for supporting teachers in bringing in culturally relevant pedagogy to their science classrooms; however, limited instructional tools exist that introduce social dimensions of science in ways teachers feel confident navigating. In this article, we add to the justice-centred science pedagogy framework by offering tools to make sense of science and social factors and introduce socioscientific modelling as an instructional strategy for attending to social dimensions of science in ways that align with justice-centred science pedagogy. Socioscientific modelling offers an inclusive, culturally responsive approach to education in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics through welcoming students’ diverse repertoires of personal and community knowledge and linking disciplinary knowledge with social dimensions. In this way, students can come to view content knowledge as a tool for making sense of inequitable systems and societal injustices. Using data from an exploratory study conducted in summer 2022, we present emerging evidence of how this type of modelling has shown students to demonstrate profound insight into social justice science issues, construct understandings that are personally meaningful and engage in sophisticated reasoning. We conclude with future considerations for the field.
Unversöhnlichkeit aus Solidarität
Authors: Gisbertz Anna-Katharina
Published: August 2023

Gisbertz geht der Solidarität mit den Verfolgten in den Werken Ilse Aichingers und Lisa Fittkos nach. Beide erinnern an ihre Familienangehörigen und Freunde und verstehen sich als Teil einer größeren Gemeinschaft, der sie nachträglich Gehör verschaffen. Sie sehen sich den Toten verpflichtet und schöpfen ihre Kraft aus der Verbindung mit ihnen. Ilse Aichinger gibt dem Schmerz eine Sprache, und Lisa Fittko macht den Widerstand zum Gegenstand ihrer fragilen Erinnerung, die mit Dokumenten angereichtert wird. Beide zeigen auf sehr unterschiedliche Weise eine Verbundenheit im 'Wir', die Grausamkeiten und Demütigungen nicht verschweigt. Sie tragen zum deutsch-jüdischen Versöhnungsdiskurs bei, indem sie zeigen, dass Solidarität möglich ist, aber der Terror unversöhnlich bleibt.
Schuld und Versöhnung
Authors: Fischer Saskia
Published: August 2023

»Geschichten, wie sie sich stringent erzählen, scheinen mir unschuldig. Ich möchte sagen: verdächtig unschuldig.« Diese Formulierung Katharina Hackers fasst die Poetik ihres Schreibens prägnant zusammen. Kohärente, eindimensionale Erzählungen ohne Störungen und Brüche erscheinen ihr gerade deshalb »verdächtig unschuldig«, weil sie die Herausforderungen, die Darstellungs- und Verstehensprobleme, wie sie eine komplexe Wirklichkeitserfahrung mit sich bringt, zu negieren drohen. Geschichten, dies legt das obige Zitat nahe, handeln nicht nur von der Schuld, sie können sich auch selbst ›verschulden‹, indem sie etwa mit ihren Narrativen aktiv Schuldverdrängung oder -leugnung befördern helfen. Der Beitrag von Saskia Fischer ist dem Versuch gewidmet, die Poetik der Schuld in Hackers Roman ›Eine Art Liebe‹ (2003) zu rekonstruieren, in dem das Thema der Schuld äußerst komplex behandelt wird. Schuld umfasst dabei mehr als strafrechtliche Schuldfähigkeit. Sie berührt hingegen den ganzen Bereich zwischenmenschlicher Verfehlungen, bleibt dadurch aber immer auch mehrdeutig und widersprüchlich. Der Roman verneint die Möglichkeit einer gelingenden Schuldbewältigung, denn die Undurchsichtigkeit und Komplexität der Schuldverstrickung lässt sich eben nicht rein begrifflich und moralisch verstehen, geschweige denn produktiv ›aufarbeiten‹ oder gar in einen ritualisierten Erinnerungs- und Versöhnungsprozess überführen. Und doch ist es eben die durch die Schuld provozierte fortwährende Suche nach ihrer angemessenen Deutung, die das Gespräch zwischen den Protagonist:innen in ›Eine Art Liebe‹ und damit den Fortlauf des Erzählens insgesamt in Bewegung hält.
Entkoppelte Arbeitswelten
Authors: Krause Ina
Published: August 2023

Die Strukturen der industriell geprägten Arbeitsgesellschaft werden durch den zunehmenden Einsatz automatisierter und digitaler Technologien sowie den Ausbau der Infrastruktur des Internets maßgeblich verändert. Gleichzeitig lässt sich eine intensive Flexibilisierung vertrauter Strukturen betriebszentrierter Organisationsformen von Beschäftigung beobachten. Ina Krause beschreibt einzelne Dynamiken auf der gesellschaftlichen Mesoebene und trägt damit zur Debatte über die nachhaltige Gestaltung der digitalen und virtuellen Arbeitsgesellschaft in Deutschland bei.
Gentrifizierung und Touristifizierung in der Hamburger Sternschanze
Authors: Kirschner Ursula , Saretzki Anja
Published: August 2023

Ursula Kirschner und Anja Saretzki geben in ihrer Einleitung zum Sammelband einen ersten Überblick über den Stadtteil Sternschanze und seine spezifischen Problemlagen. Der Fokus liegt dabei auf den für viele Städte geltenden Zusammenhängen zwischen Urbanität, Gentrifizierung, Touristifizierung und der Attraktivität von Mischquartieren der Gründerzeit für die sog. kreative Klasse. Diese Zusammenhänge bilden die Grundlage für den Kreislauf zwischen Protest gegen Gentrifizierung und Touristifizierung und die kommerzielle Verwertung dieser Protestkultur. Sie spiegeln sich auch in den einzelnen Beiträgen des Sammelbandes wider, die in dieser Einleitung kurz skizziert werden.
Streifzüge durch die Sternschanze
Authors: Kirschner Ursula , Stolze Cornelia
Published: August 2023

Ursula Kirschner und Cornelia Stolze untersuchen in ihrem Beitrag das einzigartige Flair des Hamburger Stadtteils Sternschanze. Dieser wird als ein attraktiver Szenestadtteil wahrgenommen und beworben. Es werden stadträumliche und historische Erkundungen unternommen und mit raumtheoretischen Ansätzen diskutiert. Die Mischung in der Baustruktur und dem sozialen Gefüge bildet den Keim innovativer Veränderung und es lässt sich konstatieren, dass auch junge Familien wieder in die Innenstädte ziehen und eben diese Räume aufgrund der gestiegenen Nachfrage eine Aufwertung erfahren. Das Besondere an der Sternschanze ist die homogene politische Ausrichtung des Stadtteils und das stetige Bemühen der Bewohnerinnen, die lebendige Baukultur zu erhalten.
Die Sternschanze - ein gentrifiziertes Stadtviertel?
Authors: Pries Martin
Published: August 2023

Vieles spricht dafür, dass die Gentrifikation kein eigenständiger Prozess ist, sondern einen Wandel der Gesellschaft und dadurch ausgelöste urbane Restrukturierungsprozesse in innerstädtischen Quartieren wachsender Metropolen beschreibt. Die Veränderungen in der Bevölkerung lassen sich mit der langen Dauer des Prozesses (in Hamburg ca. 35 Jahre), mit dem demographischen Wandel, der Kulturalisierung mit veränderten Lebensstilen, der Deindustrialisierung mit der Tertiärisierung und veränderten Arbeitsplätzen erklären. Die Veränderungen sind in vielen Varianten denkbar und verlaufen nicht zwangsläufig und müssen vor dem kulturellen, gesellschaftlichen und wirtschaftlichen Hintergrund der untersuchten Stadt gesehen werden.
Die Rote Flora als Touristifizierungstreiberin?
Authors: Stöppler Maria Franziska
Published: August 2023

Maria Franziska Stöppler beleuchtet durch eine qualitative Auswertung von Berichterstattungen in Printreiseführern, den Stadt- und Tourismusportalen Hamburgs, sowie einer quantitativen Analyse der Berichterstattung in vier ausgewählten Zeitungen, in welchen Zusammenhang die Besetzung der Rote Flora und die um sie entstehenden Atmosphären mit der Gentrifizierung des gesamten Stadtteils stehen. Die Ergebnisse verdeutlichen, dass die Rote Flora und der bis heute anhaltende vielfältige Widerstand gegen Aufwertungsprozesse durch die Kommodifizierung des um sie erzeugten widerständigen Raums ungewollt Teil der kapitalistischen Inwertsetzungslogik wurden und zeitgenössische Konsumkultur und Erlebnisökonomie die Verwertbarkeit der Devianz als weichen Standortfaktor erkannt haben.
Diese Wand bleibt bunt
Authors: Möllgaard Anna
Published: August 2023

Anna Möllgaard widmet sich in diesem Beitrag der Frage, inwiefern über die Street-Art im Hamburger Schanzenviertel lokale Identifikation vermittelt werden kann. Inwiefern wird durch das Anschauen und Erleben, das Ausüben oder das sich zu Nutze machen von Street-Art ein Gefühl der Zugehörigkeit erzeugt, welches im Spannungsfeld zwischen touristischer Destination und Lebensraum eine Wiederannäherung an die eigene Umgebung ermöglicht? Der theoretische Rahmen orientiert sich dabei insbesondere an den Überlegungen des Sozial- und Wirtschaftswissenschaftlers Leo Baumfeld zur regionalen Identität. Zudem werden jedoch auch Beobachtungen und Berichte involvierter Personen einbezogen. Dabei kristallisiert sich heraus, dass die lokale Street-Art sowohl auf kultureller als auch auf sozialer und ökonomischer Ebene in die Zusammenhänge des Stadtteils eingebunden ist und hier in vielerlei Hinsicht Identifikationsprozesse prägt.
›Cornern‹ als urbane Praxis
Authors: Kirschner Ursula , Saretzki Anja
Published: August 2023

Ursula Kirschner und Anja Saretzki widmen sich in ihrem Beitrag der Praxis des Cornerns. Damit bezeichnet man eine Art der städtischen Raumaneignung, bei der man den öffentlichen Raum quasi als Kneipe nutzt: Man steht oder sitzt gemeinsam auf dem Bürgersteig, redet, trinkt und hat Spaß. Die Versorgung mit (alkoholischen) Getränken durch Kioske gehört dazu. Diese Praxis ist vor allem bei jungen Menschen im Trend, für die der öffentliche Raum der erste Raum außerhalb der Familien ist, in dem sie sich ausprobieren und ihre Identität entwickeln können. Der Beitrag beleuchtet die Grundlagen dieser Raumaneignung ebenso wie die für Anwohnerinnen belastenden Nebeneffekte von nächtlicher Lärmbelästigung und Vermüllung. Kontextualisiert werden diese Beziehungen durch eine Darstellung der gastronomischen Entwicklung der Sternschanze mit ihrer ausufernden Außengastronomie.
Critical Thinking
Authors: Barth Philip , Pfister Jonas
Published: August 2023

In this contribution we will first give a definition of the concept of critical thinking in terms of rationality and characterize the dispositions, skills and knowledge needed for critical thinking. We will then sketch the development of the critical thinking movement. We will take up some of the debates around the concept of critical thinking (in what ways it is generalizable, what its relations to other kinds of thinking are) and around the teaching of critical thinking. We will present the implementation of courses of critical thinking in higher education such as courses in critical thinking, research- based learning, and mentoring. We will discuss the claim that some general aspects of critical thinking are best taught in an extra course on critical thinking while other aspects should be taught integrated into subject-specific courses.
Engaged Learning
Authors: Chmelka Alexander , Griffith Mary , Weiner Hendrik
Published: August 2023

The article provides a concise overview of the concept of Engaged Learning, its current definition as well as its historical background, development and relation in science and higher education. The authors discuss the potentials and challenges of an Engaged Learning practice in the context of transdisciplinary learning in higher education institutions around the world. A brief discussion of current forms of Engaged Learning and their state of implementation in academia completes the article.