bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and factors associated with falls among older persons in Malaysia
Authors: Sahril Norhafizah , Shahein Nik Adilah , Yoep Norzawati , Mahmud Nor Azna , Sooryanarayana Rajini , Maw Pin Tan , Muhamad Nor Asiah , Ismail Hasimah
Published: December 2020

Aim

Falls are a common problem among older people, leading to major morbidity and increased mortality. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of falls among older persons in Malaysia and its associated factors.

Methods

Data were obtained from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2018 (NHMS 2018), a cross‐sectional study using stratified cluster sampling design. Older persons were defined as aged ≥60 years in this study. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted using SPSS version 25.0.

Results

Overall, 14.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.46, 15.84) of older persons reported having experienced at least one fall during the past 12 months. Univariate analyses revealed an association between the history of falls with not being employed (odds ratio [OR]: 1.35 [95% CI: 1.03, 1.77]), diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.65 [95% CI: 1.33, 2.04]), limitation in activities of daily living (ADL) (OR: 1.90 [95% CI: 1.43, 2.54]) or instrumental ADL (OR: 1.47 [95% CI: 1.16, 1.84]). Multiple logistic regression revealed that falls were positively associated with those who had diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.55 [95% CI: 1.23, 1.94]) and limitation in ADL (OR: 1.56 [95% CI: 1.14, 2.15]); 43.9% of falls occurred outdoors.

Conclusion

One in six older Malaysian people experience at least one fall over a 12‐month period. Diabetes mellitus and limitation in ADL were the factors associated with falls among older persons. A comprehensive and targeted program designed to reduce risk of falls is urgently needed. Future research should identify suitable programs for our setting to reduce the potential society burden of falls in older Malaysians. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 33–37.
Factors contributing to food insecurity among older persons in Malaysia: Findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2018
Authors: Salleh Ruhaya , Man Cheong Siew , Ahmad Mohamad Hasnan , Palaniveloo Lalitha , Zulkafly Norlida , Ab.Halim Siti Adibah , Baharudin@Shaharuddin Azli , Sulaiman Norhasmah , Che Abdul Rahim Norsyamlina , Abdul Aziz Nur Shahida , Mohd Sallehuddin Syafinaz , Pardi Munawara , Zainuddin Ahmad Ali , Abdul Ghaffar Suhaila , Shahar Suzana , Selamat Rusidah , Ibrahim Wong Norazizah
Published: December 2020

Aim

Older persons are vulnerable to food insecurity. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of food insecurity and associated factors among older persons in Malaysia.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study with two‐stage stratified random sampling. In total, 3977 older persons participated in this study. Face‐to‐face interviews were conducted using a mobile device to obtain information about socio‐demographic background, food insecurity, non‐communicable diseases, social support and living arrangements. Descriptive and multiple complex sample logistic regression analyses were performed for data analysis.

Results

The overall prevalence of food insecurity among older persons was 10.4%. Older persons from rural areas with no or only primary and secondary education, income less than RM 2000 (USD 477.57), at risk of malnutrition and not receiving very high social support were more likely to be food‐insecure.

Conclusion

Approximately, one‐tenth of Malaysian older adults were classified as food‐insecure; particularly those living in rural areas from lower socio‐economic status, not receiving very high social support and malnourished were more likely to be at risk. A specific nutrition program, such as meals on wheels and food vouchers, should be targeted toward older persons who are at risk to improve their malnutrition status. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 73–78.
Association between functional limitations and depression among community‐dwelling older adults in Malaysia
Authors: Ahmad Noor Ani , Abd Razak Mohamad Aznuddin , Kassim Mohd ShaifulAzlan , Sahril Norhafizah , Ahmad Fazila Haryati , Harith Abdul Aziz , Mahmud Nur Azna , Abdul Aziz Fazly Azry , Hasim Mohd Hazrin , Ismail Hasimah , Mohd Sidik Sherina
Published: December 2020

Aim

This study aimed to assess the relationship between functional limitations and depression among community‐dwelling older adults in Malaysia.

Methods

Data from a nation‐wide community‐based cross‐sectional study were analyzed. This study was conducted using a two‐stage stratified random sampling design. In total, 3772 older adults aged ≥60 years responded to the survey. Depression was identified using a validated Malay version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (M‐GDS‐14), with those scored ≥6 categorized as having depression. Functional limitations were assessed using both Barthel's Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Lawton's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). The relationship was determined by multivariate logistic regression, adjusted for other variables.

Results

The prevalence of depression was 11.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.4, 13.4). Multiple logistic regression analysis found that older adults with limitations in ADL were 2.6 times more likely of having depression (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.58, 95% CI 2.01, 3.32), while those with limitations in IADL the risk of having depression was almost doubled (aOR 1.68, 95% CI: 1.32, 2.14). Other significant factors were incontinence (aOR 3.33, 95% CI: 2.33, 4.74), chronic medical illness (aOR 1.44, 95% CI: 1.15, 1.81), current smoker (aOR 4.19, 95% CI: 1.69, 10.39), poor social support (aOR 4.30, 95% CI: 2.98, 6.20), do not have partner, ethnic minorities and low individual monthly income.

Conclusions

Older adults with functional limitation in both basic ADL and complex IADL are independently at higher risk of having depression. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 21–25.
Prevalence of dementia and quality of life of caregivers of people living with dementia in Malaysia
Authors: Ganapathy Shubash S , Sooryanarayana Rajini , Ahmad Noor Ani , Jamaluddin Rasidah , Abd Razak Mohamad A , Tan Maw Pin , Mohd Sidik Sherina , Mohamad Zahir Suhaila , Sandanasamy Karen Sharmini , Ibrahim Nurashikin
Published: December 2020

Aim

Dementia is the major cause of disability among older persons and leading physical and psychological sequelae for both the person living with dementia (PLwD) and their caregivers. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of dementia in Malaysia and identify the factors influencing quality of life (QoL) of caregivers of PLwD.

Methods

A nationwide survey was conducted among individuals aged ≥60 years. Cognition was assessed with the Identification and Intervention for Dementia in Elderly Africans (IDEA) tool. QoL of older caregivers was assessed using the Control, Autonomy, Self‐Realization and Pleasure (CASP‐19) questionnaire.

Results

The prevalence of dementia among older adults aged ≥60 years in Malaysia was found to be 8.5%. The prevalence was found to be higher among females, those with no formal education and those in rural areas in Malaysia. The mean QoL of family caregivers of PLwD was significantly lower than the caregivers of older adults without dementia were (P < 0.001). Multivariable linear regression analysis on the subpopulation of PLwD showed that inability to carry out activities of daily living among PLwD (P = 0.014) and low to fair social support for the caregivers (P < 0.001) were negatively associated with QoL of caregivers of PLwD.

Conclusions

The high prevalence of dementia among older adults in Malaysia emphasizes the need for affirmative action in Malaysia. The functional capacity of the PLwD and social support determines the QoL of caregivers of PLwD in Malaysia. Thus, the community as a whole needs to provide support to PLwD and their caregivers. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 16–20.
Partnership working in Africa: Shane Godbolt providing the links to the tapestry
Authors: Msengezi Chipo , Mawire Blessing
Published: December 2020

This paper explores the work that Shane Godbolt did in Africa in strengthening health information networks. It focuses on th role she played in supporting the Association for Health Information and Libraries in Africa (AHILA) and working with the Information Training Outreach Centre for Africa (ITOCA) to provide capacity building linkages. Some examples of such linkages extending beyond Africa to the United Kingdom are explored. It then concludes with reflections from authors on their own experiences of working with Shane Godbolt.
Welfare costs of bilateral currency crises: The role of international trade
Authors: Yilmazkuday Hakan
Published: December 2020

This paper shows that bilateral currency crises reduce bilateral trade up to 50% after controlling for the depreciation rate. Using a trade model, these reductions are connected to the welfare costs of currency crises. The results show that a single currency crisis can result in welfare reductions through changes in international trade corresponding to more than 10% (and up to 41%) of the costs of autarky for 23 different currency crisis episodes between 1960 and 2014. These welfare costs are also shown to be greater than the welfare gains from having free trade agreements and using common currencies for 25 different currency crisis episodes.
Measurement of the melting temperature of ZrB2 as determined by laser heating and spectrometric analysis
Authors: Stanfield Austin D. , Manara Dario , Robba Davide , Hilmas Gregory E. , Fahrenholtz William G.
Published: December 2020

The melting temperatures of two different ZrB2 ceramics were studied using laser induced melting. ZrB2 having a low Hf content, produced by reaction hot pressing, had a melting temperature of 3546 K and a commercial grade ZrB2 had a melting temperature of 3553 K. Uncertainty of the temperature measurements was 1% of the absolute temperature, or ~35 K for both materials based upon 2‐sigma and a 95% confidence interval. While these values were consistent with the previously reported ZrB2 melting temperature of 3518 K, this study was able to measure Tm with less uncertainty than previous studies (±45 K). Furthermore, this study assessed the effect of Hf content on melting temperature, finding that melting temperature did not change significantly for hafnium contents of 1.75 to 0.01 at%. This study also measured a normal spectral emissivity of 0.34 for ZrB2 at 3000 K. The emissivity decreased to 0.28 at the melting temperature, then, stabilized at 0.30 in a liquid phase.
Effect of halide mineralizers on monodisperse spherical zircon powders
Authors: Peng Shan , Yang Hui , Chen Zhongqiu , Huang Qing , Xia Xiaohong , Wang Zhuo , Huang Zhongbing , Homewood Kevin P. , Gao Yun , Lei Binglong
Published: December 2020

Zircon has been widely applied in various traditional and emerging fields due to its distinct physiochemical advantages while monodisperse spherical zircon (MSZ) powders hitherto have not been explored for the tremendous challenges in the control of zircon crystallization and growth. Herein, systematic investigations are presented to reveal the paramount role of halide mineralizers upon the crystallization and growth of MSZ powders synthesized under highly acidic hydrothermal environments (pH <0). A formation mechanism is revealed revolving around the complexation of central Zr4+ with the Lewis basic ligand, fluorine, which forms the F‐containing species of [(OH)1–y·Ry] (R = F, Cl) to replace Zr and generates Zr‐deficient zircons as (ZrO4)1‐xSi[(OH)1‐y·Ry]4x. This finding differs much from conventional views on common fluoro‐hydroxylated hydrothermal zircons, which were generally regarded as Si‐deficient silicates from the substitution of fluoro‐hydroxyls for the [SiO4] tetrahedra. A parameter, Kr=4xy, is first proposed as an index to evaluate the stability of hydrothermal zircons. The MSZ powders demonstrate superb thermal stability at high temperature, superior photo‐reflectance, and thermal insulation over normal zircons, promising attractive prospects to extend zircon applications.
Avoiding preselection bias in subsequent single‐step genomic BLUP evaluations of genomically preselected animals
Authors: Jibrila Ibrahim , Vandenplas Jeremie , ten Napel Jan , Veerkamp Roel F. , Calus Mario P. L.
Published: December 2020

In animal breeding, parents of the next generation are usually selected in multiple stages, and the initial stages of this selection are called preselection. Preselection reduces the information available for subsequent evaluation of preselected animals and this sometimes leads to bias. The objective of this study was to establish the minimum information required to subsequently evaluate genomically preselected animals without bias arising from preselection, with single‐step genomic best linear unbiased prediction (ssGBLUP). We simulated a nucleus of a breeding program in which a recent population of 15 generations was produced. In each generation, parents of the next generation were selected in a single‐stage selection based on pedigree BLUP. However, in generation 15, 10% of male and 15% of female offspring were preselected on their genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV). These GEBV were estimated using ssGBLUP, including the pedigree of all animals in generations 0–15, genotypes of all animals in generations 13–15 and phenotypes of all animals in generations 11–14. In subsequent ssGBLUP evaluation of these preselected animals, genotypes and phenotypes from various groups of animals were excluded one after another. We found that GEBV of the preselected animals were only estimated without preselection bias when genotypes and phenotypes of all animals in generations 13 and 14 and of the preselected animals were included in the subsequent evaluation. We also found that genotypes of the animals discarded at preselection only helped in reducing preselection bias in GEBV of their preselected sibs when genotypes of their parents were absent or excluded from the subsequent evaluation. We concluded that to prevent preselection bias in subsequent ssGBLUP evaluation of genomically preselected animals, information representative of the reference data used in the evaluation at preselection and genotypes and phenotypes of the preselected animals are needed in the subsequent evaluation.
Phylogeny and foraging behaviour shape modular morphological variation in bat humeri
Authors: López‐Aguirre Camilo , Hand Suzanne J. , Koyabu Daisuke , Tu Vuong Tan , Wilson Laura A. B.
Published: December 2020

Bats show a remarkable ecological diversity that is reflected both in dietary and foraging guilds (FGs). Cranial ecomorphological adaptations linked to diet have been widely studied in bats, using a variety of anatomical, computational and mathematical approaches. However, foraging‐related ecomorphological adaptations and the concordance between cranial and postcranial morphological adaptations remain unexamined in bats and limited to the interpretation of traditional aerodynamic properties of the wing (e.g. wing loading [WL] and aspect ratio [AR]). For this reason, the postcranial ecomorphological diversity in bats and its drivers remain understudied. Using 3D virtual modelling and geometric morphometrics (GMM), we explored the phylogenetic, ecological and biological drivers of humeral morphology in bats, evaluating the presence and magnitude of modularity and integration. To explore decoupled patterns of variation across the bone, we analysed whole‐bone shape, diaphyseal and epiphyseal shape. We also tested whether traditional aerodynamic wing traits correlate with humeral shape. By studying 37 species from 20 families (covering all FGs and 85% of dietary guilds), we found similar patterns of variation in whole‐bone and diaphyseal shape and unique variation patterns in epiphyseal shape. Phylogeny, diet and FG significantly correlated with shape variation at all levels, whereas size only had a significant effect on epiphyseal morphology. We found a significant phylogenetic signal in all levels of humeral shape. Epiphyseal shape significantly correlated with wing AR. Statistical support for a diaphyseal‐epiphyseal modular partition of the humerus suggests a functional partition of shape variability. Our study is the first to show within‐structure modular morphological variation in the appendicular skeleton of any living tetrapod. Our results suggest that diaphyseal shape correlates more with phylogeny, whereas epiphyseal shape correlates with diet and FG.
Comparative Study between Nd‐YAG laser, fractional CO2 Laser, and combined Nd‐YAG with fractional CO2 Laser in the Management of keloid: clinical and molecular Study
Authors: Soliman Mona , Etman Yasmeen , AbdElhameed Amal , Elsharaby Radwa , Tawfik Abeer
Published: December 2020

Background

Fractional CO2 laser and Nd‐YAG laser have been reported to have promising results in the management of keloids. So far, there have been no comparative studies between these laser modalities.

Aims

The study aimed to compare the efficacy of fractional CO2, Nd‐YAG, and a combination of both in the management of keloids.

Patients and methods

Forty‐five keloid patients were divided into 3 equal groups: the first received fractional CO2 only, the second received Nd‐YAG only, and the third received a combination of both lasers. Each group received its designated treatment every 4 weeks for 4 sessions. The improvement was evaluated by the “Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale” (POSAS). Detection of procollagen I mRNA by RT‐PCR analysis was done.

Results

The assessment by POSAS showed the most significant clinical improvement in the combination group and a less significant improvement in the fractional CO2 group, while the least improvement was seen in the Nd‐YAG group. Molecular assessment via procollagen I yielded matching results.

Conclusion

The study showed that the combination of fractional CO2 and Nd‐YAG lasers has a synergistic effect being the most effective in the management of keloids, fractional CO2 being more effective than ND‐YAG and Nd‐YAG being the least effective.
Adherence to pregnancy hepatitis B care guidelines in women and infants in the United States and evaluation of two interventions to improve care: A multicentre hospital‐based study
Authors: Kushner Tatyana , Kaplowitz Elianna , Mei Rena , Xu Chelsea , Acker Alex , Rosenbluth Emma , Oredein Igbagbosanmi , Sarkar Monika , Terrault Norah , Bansal Meena , Forde Kimberly A.
Published: December 2020

There has been an increase in hepatitis B (HBV) detection during pregnancy in the United States and an emphasis on measures to decrease mother‐to‐child transmission of HBV. We performed a multicentre retrospective study (2015–2018) evaluating care among all women with HBV during pregnancy. We determined rates and predictors of adherence to key maternal care measures including: (1) referral to HBV specialty care, (2) assessment of HBV DNA, and (3) initiation of antiviral therapy, and (4) rates of HBIG and HBV vaccine completion in infants. We evaluated two interventions to improve HBV care: (1) clinical decision support with best practice alert and (2) co‐location of HBV care in obstetrics department. We identified 372 women with HBV during pregnancy. Patients had a median age of 33 (IQR 29, 36), were mostly of Asian (49%) or Black (36%) race, HBeAg‐negative (83%) with HBV DNA ≤2000 IU/mL (65%) and maximum ALT ≤25 (66%). Regarding care measures, 62% were referred to an HBV specialist, 85% had HBV DNA checked during pregnancy and 68% with HBV DNA ≥200,000 were initiated on antiviral therapy. Co‐located obstetric‐liver diseases clinics appeared to improve adherence to maternal care measures. All infants received HBIG and the first HBV vaccine dose, 106 (81%) received the second, 94 (74%) received the 3rd dose, but fewer at the recommended time intervals. We identified clear gaps in adherence to HBV care measures for both mothers and infants. Co‐location of HBV care in the obstetrics department shows promise in improving adherence to maternal care measures.
Footprints of global change in marine life: Inferring past environment based on DNA methylation and gene expression marks
Authors: Anastasiadi Dafni , Shao Changwei , Chen Songlin , Piferrer Francesc
Published: December 2020

Ocean global warming affects the distribution, life history and physiology of marine life. Extreme events, like marine heatwaves, are increasing in frequency and intensity. During sensitive stages of early fish development, the consequences may be long‐lasting and mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. Here, we used European sea bass as a model to study the possible long‐lasting effects of a marine heatwave during early development. We measured DNA methylation and gene expression in four tissues (brain, muscle, liver and testis) and detected differentially methylated regions (DMRs). Six genes were differentially expressed and contained DMRs three years after exposure to increased temperature, indicating direct phenotypic consequences and representing persistent changes. Interestingly, nine genes contained DMRs around the same genomic regions across tissues, therefore consisting of common footprints of developmental temperature in environmentally responsive loci. These loci are, to our knowledge, the first metastable epialleles (MEs) described in fish. MEs may serve as biomarkers to infer past life history events linked with persistent consequences. These results highlight the importance of subtle phenotypic changes mediated by epigenetics to extreme weather events during sensitive life stages. Also, to our knowledge, it is the first time the molecular effects of a marine heatwave during the lifetime of individuals are assessed. MEs could be used in surveillance programs aimed at determining the footprints of climate change on marine life. Our study paves the way for the identification of conserved MEs that respond equally to environmental perturbations across species. Conserved MEs would constitute a tool of assessment of global change effects in marine life at a large scale.
‘Excuse the cat…’ Reflections on online mentoring during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Browne Julie
Published: December 2020

Browne contrasts the comfortable domestic setting of online mentoring sessions with the impressive but unwelcoming atmosphere in many medical schools to offer lessons for post‐COVID‐19.
Weight cycling practices in sport: A risk factor for later obesity?
Authors: Miles‐Chan Jennifer L. , Isacco Laurie
Published: December 2020

Weight cycling, repeated cycles of weight loss and weight regain over time, is commonplace amongst many population groups. Although the effect of weight cycling on future obesity and cardiometabolic risk is still hotly debated, evidence does indicate that individuals who were normal weight prior to weight cycling are more susceptible to its adverse consequences than those who were overweight or with obesity. Athletes, and particularly those who compete in the so‐called weight‐sensitive sports, are prone to dieting and weight cycling practice owing to the competitive advantage to be gained from manipulating their body weight. However, in comparison with the general population, athletes tend to be leaner and weight loss phases more rapid and superimposed on a background of a high level of physical activity. In this context, it can be questioned whether weight cycling in this subpopulation will indeed increase risk for future obesity. It is perhaps surprising that despite recognition that athletes commonly partake in weight cycling during their career, studies are scarce and firm conclusions regarding the effect of this practice on future cardiometabolic risk remain to be drawn. In this review, we examine weight cycling prevalence and strategies in athletes and the current evidence relating to its short‐ and long‐term consequences. In addition, a conceptual framework relating the dynamics of weight loss and recovery to athlete characteristics will be discussed, highlighting the need for well‐controlled, prospective studies in this specific subpopulation.
The benefits of defibrillator in heart failure patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Long Yu‐Xiang , Hu Yue , Cui Di‐Yu , Hu Shuang , Liu Zeng‐Zhang
Published: December 2020

Background

Current guidelines did not provide recommendations on indications of an additional implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) to patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), and it still remains controversial due to lack of evidence from randomized controlled trials.

Method

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL from the inception to May 2020 were systematically screened for studies reporting on the comparison of cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator (CRT‐D) and cardiac resynchronization therapy with pacemaker (CRT‐P), focusing on the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of all‐cause mortality. We pooled the effects using a random‐effect model.

Results

Twenty‐one studies encompassing 69,919 patients were included in this meta‐analysis. With no restriction to characteristics of including population, CRT‐D was associated with a lower all‐cause mortality compared with CRT‐P significantly (aHR: 0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.74‐0.87, I2 = 36.8%, p < .001). This mortality benefit was also observed in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (aHR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.64‐0.86, I2 = 0%, p < .001). However, there is no significant difference in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) (aHR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.82‐1.01, I2 = 0%, p = .087), older age (age ≥75 years, aHR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.83‐1.12, I2 = 0%, p = .610). Subgroup analysis was performed and indicated the survival benefit of CRT‐D for primary prevention compared with CRT‐P (aHR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.79‐0.95, I2 = 0%, p = .003).

Conclusion

After adjusted the differences in clinical characteristics, additional ICD therapy was associated with a reduced all‐cause mortality in patients receiving CRT. However, our work suggested that additional ICD may not be applied to elderly (≥75 years) or patients with NICM.
Turgor‐time controls grass leaf elongation rate and duration under drought stress
Authors: Coussement Jonas R. , Villers Selwyn L. Y. , Nelissen Hilde , Inzé Dirk , Steppe Kathy
Published: December 2020

The process of leaf elongation in grasses is characterized by the creation and transformation of distinct cell zones. The prevailing turgor pressure within these cells is one of the key drivers for the rate at which these cells divide, expand and differentiate, processes that are heavily impacted by drought stress. In this article, a turgor‐driven growth model for grass leaf elongation is presented, which combines mechanistic growth from the basis of turgor pressure with the ontogeny of the leaf. Drought‐induced reductions in leaf turgor pressure result in a simultaneous inhibition of both cell expansion and differentiation, lowering elongation rate but increasing elongation duration due to the slower transitioning of cells from the dividing and elongating zone to mature cells. Leaf elongation is, therefore, governed by the magnitude of, and time spent under, growth‐enabling turgor pressure, a metric which we introduce as turgor‐time. Turgor‐time is able to normalize growth patterns in terms of varying water availability, similar to how thermal time is used to do so under varying temperatures. Moreover, additional inclusion of temperature dependencies within our model pioneers a novel concept enabling the general expression of growth regardless of water availability or temperature.
The impact of economic regulation on growth: Survey and synthesis
Authors: Broughel James , Hahn Robert W.
Published: December 2020

This study provides a survey of research that uses cross‐country comparisons to examine the relationship between economic regulation and growth. Studies in the peer‐reviewed literature tend to rely on either World Bank or Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development measures of regulation. Those studies seem to reflect a consensus that entry regulation and anticompetitive product and labor market regulations are generally harmful to growth. The results from this cross‐country research, taken in conjunction with economic theory and other country‐specific studies of economic regulation, support the hypothesis that economic regulation tends to reduce welfare in competitive markets. Given the continued use of certain types of economic regulation, the findings may offer important lessons for policymakers.
The multiplier effect of public employment on formal employment in the private sector: Evidence from Turkey*
Authors: Aldan Altan
Published: December 2020

In this study, we analyze the causal impact of public employment generation on formal employment in the private sector in the provinces of Turkey. Our results suggest that public sector employment has a positive impact on formal employment in the private sector. This result contradicts earlier findings in developed countries suggesting that public employment crowds out private employment. We argue that labor market institutions and local labor supply elasticity may have an important role in the direction and magnitude of the impact. We find that the positive impact comes from provinces with lower labor force participation or higher unemployment rates, which may be considered as proxies for elastic local labor supply.
Technical match actions and plasma stress markers in elite female football players during an official FIFA Tournament
Authors: Póvoas Susana , Ascensão António , Magalhães Josė , Silva Pedro , Wiig Håvard , Raastad Truls , Castagna Carlo , Andersson Helena
Published: December 2020

This study analyzed the impact of performing four consecutive football matches separated by 48‐72 hours during a FIFA tournament on physical load, technical performance and plasma markers of redox state, muscle damage and inflammation in elite female players. Forty‐eight players from three national teams were evaluated at seven time points: before (baseline) and throughout the tournament (after each match and before two training sessions). Only data from players who played all matches were included in the analyses (N = 13). The players were divided into high‐rank (N = 6) and low‐rank (N = 7) team players according to FIFA standards. Plasma creatine kinase (CK), C‐reactive protein (CRP), total antioxidant status (TAS), and uric acid (UA) were analyzed at the selected time points. Technical performance and physical load were also quantified according to team rank. Players from low‐rank teams played significantly more time than high‐rank players (85 ± 10 vs 67 ± 15 minutes; P = .02; d = 1.51). Low‐rank team players presented higher values in technical performance actions than the high‐rank team players, but most of the differences were explained by the longer match time played. UA content differed across the matches, increasing from baseline (F(4,40) = 3.90; P = .01) and more in the high‐rank team players (F(1,10) = 20.46; P = .001), while CRP only differed across the matches (F(4,36) = 2.66; P = .05), also increasing from baseline. A large time effect was shown for UA only in the high‐rank players (η2p = 0.50; P = .02). Four consecutive matches did not result in considerable alterations in plasma stress markers, physical load, and technical performance in elite female football players from distinct rank levels.
Mutations in tomato 1‐aminocyclopropane carboxylic acid synthase2 uncover its role in development beside fruit ripening
Authors: Sharma Kapil , Gupta Soni , Sarma Supriya , Rai Meenakshi , Sreelakshmi Yellamaraju , Sharma Rameshwar
Published: December 2020

The role of ethylene in plant development is mostly inferred from its exogenous application. The usage of mutants affecting ethylene biosynthesis proffers a better alternative to decipher its role. In tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), 1‐aminocyclopropane carboxylic acid synthase2 (ACS2) is a key enzyme regulating ripening‐specific ethylene biosynthesis. We characterised two contrasting acs2 mutants; acs2‐1 overproduces ethylene, has higher ACS activity, and has increased protein levels, while acs2‐2 is an ethylene underproducer, displays lower ACS activity, and has lower protein levels than wild type. Consistent with high/low ethylene emission, the mutants show opposite phenotypes, physiological responses, and metabolomic profiles compared with the wild type. The acs2‐1 mutant shows early seed germination, faster leaf senescence, and accelerated fruit ripening. Conversely, acs2‐2 has delayed seed germination, slower leaf senescence, and prolonged fruit ripening. The phytohormone profiles of mutants were mostly opposite in the leaves and fruits. The faster/slower senescence of acs2‐1/acs2‐2 leaves correlated with the endogenous ethylene/zeatin ratio. The genetic analysis showed that the metabolite profiles of respective mutants co‐segregated with the homozygous mutant progeny. Our results uncover that besides ripening, ACS2 participates in the vegetative and reproductive development of tomato. The distinct influence of ethylene on phytohormone profiles indicates the intertwining of ethylene action with other phytohormones in regulating plant development.
Post‐transfusion hemoglobin response in patients with cirrhosis: Can we expect a 1 g/dL rise per unit transfused?
Authors: Noverati Nicholas , Federici Elizabeth , Riley Thomas R.
Published: December 2020

Background

A patientʼs hemoglobin is typically expected to rise by 1 g/dL/unit transfused PRBCs. However, it has been theorized that mechanisms such as hyperbilirubinemia and splenomegaly might lead to either a direct lysis or sequestration of red blood cells that could decrease this proportionate response.

Study Design and Methods

Patients with resolved GI bleeding but still requiring transfusion to correct anemia were compared in cirrhosis and control groups. A retrospective chart review between 2015 and 2020 was conducted at a single institution. Data collected included age, sex, BMI, GI bleed diagnosis, number of PRBCs transfused, presence of splenomegaly and spleen size, alcohol use history, type of cirrhosis, MELD‐Na at admission, GFR, and pre‐and post‐transfusion labs: total bilirubin, ALT, hemoglobin, hematocrit. A logic regression was performed for each group looking at which factors were associated with a successful response (defined as >0.9 g/dL hemoglobin per unit transfused).

Results

Mean change in hemoglobin was 0.77 g/dL in patients with cirrhosis compared to 1.46 g/dL in patients without (P < .001, N = 103). Odds ratios for presence of splenomegaly (0.22, N = 78) and female sex (4.39, N = 102) in predicting adequate response (>0.9 g/dL/unit) were both significant (P = .002) as well as portal hypertensive bleed diagnosis (0.28, N = 85, P = .0015). Factors that did not contribute included: age, race, BMI, alcohol use, GFR, change in ALT, and change in total bilirubin.

Conclusions

Patients with cirrhosis have an approximately 50% decreased response to transfusion with PRBCs after resolution of a gastrointestinal bleed in comparison to patients without cirrhosis. Risk factors included splenomegaly, portal hypertension, and male sex.
Effect of Hydrogen on Steady-State and Transient Combustion Instability Characteristics
Authors: Strollo John , Peluso Stephen , O'Connor Jacqueline
Published: December 2020

This paper examines the effects of steady-state and transient hydrogen enrichment on thermoacoustic instability in a model gas turbine combustor. Combustion instability, a feedback loop between flame heat release rate oscillations and combustor acoustics, is characterized in a swirl-stabilized flame operated at a range of hydrogen–natural gas fuel blends and heat rates. Measurements of combustor chamber pressure fluctuations and CH* chemiluminescence imaging are used to characterize instability at a range of operating conditions. Steady-state tests show that both mixture heat rate and hydrogen content affect system stability. At a given heat rate, higher levels of hydrogen result in unstable combustion. As heat rate increases, instability occurs at lower concentrations of hydrogen in the fuel. Transient operation was tested in two directions—instability onset and decay—and two hydrogen-addition times—a short time of 1 ms and a longer time of 4 s. Results show that instability onset processes, through the transient addition of hydrogen, are highly repeatable regardless of the timescale of hydrogen addition. Certain instability decay processes are less repeatable, resulting in cases that do not fully transition from unstable to stable combustion despite similar changes in hydrogen fuel flow rate. Flame behavior before, during, and after the transient is characterized using high-speed CH* chemiluminescence imaging. Analysis of the high-speed images shows changes in flame stabilization and dynamics during the onset and decay processes. The results of this study can have implications for systems that experience variations in fuel composition, particularly in light of growing interest in hydrogen as a renewable fuel.
Climate in Physics Departments
Authors: White Susan , Ivie Rachel
Published: December 2020

A recent TPT call for papers asks for “more research … about how to tear down and/or overcome the barriers to success that the world, and science, and academia, and the culture of physics put in the way of those who are not white and male.” Women make up only 20% of bachelor’s degree recipients in physics. Hispanic people comprise less than 8%, with Black people accounting for less than half that number. While the representation of Hispanic people appears to be increasing over the last 10 years, the same is not true for Black people, nor is it true for women.
Shifting Participation Grade Policies to Value More Kinds of Student Engagement
Authors: Chessey Mary K.
Published: December 2020

This is a story about discovering a bias that affected participation grades in my Introductory Physics for Life Sciences class. My expectation, that actively engaged students tended to talk frequently in my presence as their teaching assistant, would have erased two students’ outstanding performances if not for the participation grade policies described here. The two students, Diana and Alice (pseudonyms), both appeared to be Asian American women, which prompted a quick check for possible course-wide bias in participation grades by students’ gender and ethnicity. The quick check—a quantitative analysis—suggested that in-class participation by multiple different groups of Asian American women may have been undervalued on average by graduate physics teaching assistants, though this requires further analysis. My perspective of Diana’s and Alice’s top performances along with the informal check connects to published research on Asian American student experiences. I also present practical suggestions for physics educators, who could benefit from critically reflecting on what values and biases may be baked into their grading schemes.
Using a Radio Telescope for Developing Models in an Introductory Physics
Course
Authors: Makous John L. , Bandura Kevin
Published: December 2020

Models are at the heart of any physics discipline, and in recent decades physics education has shifted heavily toward teaching students how to think using models. Involving students in an investigation of a real phenomenon through measurements and the applications of models is an ideal learning experience for a physics student and is the aim of project-based learning. Astronomy provides a rich discipline in which to teach physics. This paper describes the scope and sequence of an investigation of the Milky Way Galaxy using a radio telescope in a high school physics course. Specifically, by analyzing HI spectra collected with a horn radio telescope at the school, the students were able to develop a simple model of the structure of the Milky Way Galaxy. Utilizing a radio telescope in physics and astronomy courses is not a new concept. However, the telescope described here is very affordable and can be built by any teacher or student interested in doing so.
Authentic Independent Investigations in High School Physics
Laboratories
Authors: Gosling Chris
Published: December 2020

While laboratories have long been associated with introductory physics courses, there is doubt as to whether they positively impact student learning. Holmes and Wieman found that students who elected to take optional laboratories fared no better across a range of metrics than their counterparts who did not participate. In addition, these researchers noted that traditional “cookbook”-style exercises, which leave little room for students to exert agency, are not conducive to authentic exploration. These scholars are joined by others, all calling for changes for how laboratory exercises are traditionally conducted in physics, and how they may promote greater understanding. For example, Arons called for giving students the chance to create their own procedures and to make their own mistakes without fear of receiving low grades for initial missteps. Szott echoed this call in his description of an open-ended laboratory program designed to give students opportunities to explore physics and to develop ownership of their experiments and results. This article builds on Szott’s previous work and extends the rationale for including open-ended lab experiences in secondary physics. The extended approach I describe permits greater student agency while demonstrating how teachers can incorporate authentic laboratory experiences into their teaching.
Reviving the Gilley Board: Measuring the Index of Refraction of
Water
Authors: Greenslade Thomas B.
Published: December 2020

Apparatus catalogues of the first half of the 20th century contain a number of clever and simple devices for measuring the index of refraction of a liquid. In some cases students can put together one of these pieces of apparatus and then make their own measurements. The Gilley board was one of the devices that caught my eye, and I would like to recall it for the use of modern teachers of introductory physics.
Detect Earth’s rotation using your smartphone
Authors: Vandermarlière Julien
Published: December 2020

If Galileo had had a smartphone… could he have proved that Earth rotates about its own axis? Perhaps! For that he could have used the accelerometers, which they all contain. Their reliability for carrying out scientific experiments has been tested numerous times. Thanks to them we can measure the value of the acceleration due to gravity. It turns out that this value changes according to our latitude, mainly due to the centrifugal effect linked to this rotation. In this article we propose an easy method that can be used to detect this effect. It will suffice to measure the value of the acceleration due to gravity, which will be measured at different latitudes with a smartphone during a trip.
Acute Effects of Resistance Exercise With Blood Flow Restriction in Elderly Women: A Pilot Study
Authors: Maciel Antonio W.S. , Pinto Leandro M. , Campos Roberta C.A. , Ferreira Andressa C. , Dias-Filho Carlos A.A. , Dias Carlos J.M. , Pires Flávio de Oliveira , Urtado Christiano B. , Rodrigues Bruno , Mostarda Cristiano Teixeira
Published: December 2020

Aim:To compare the acute effects of two resistance exercise sessions with different partial blood flow restrictions (BFR) on hemodynamic parameters and cardiac autonomic modulation in older women with metabolic syndrome.Methods:Thirty-nine older women (64.4 ± 4.5 years) were allocated into three groups: BFR0 = resistance exercise (20%, 1 maximum repetition [MR]) + 0% BFR; BFR60 = 20% 1 MR resistance exercise + 60% BFR; and BFR80 = 20% 1MR resistance exercise + 80% BFR.Results:A reduction of 14 mmHg (BFR60 group) and 13 mmHg (BRF80 group) was observed 48 hr after the first exercise session, while vagal modulation was increased in the BRF60 group after 24 and 48 hr.Conclusion:A low-intensity resistance exercise session with 60% and 80% of BFR resulted in blood pressure (systolic, diastolic, and mean) reduction and positive changes on heart rate variability after 24 h of a RE session.
Fundamental Motor Skill Performance of Indigenous and Nonindigenous Children
Authors: Duarte Marcelo Gonçalves , Nobre Glauber Carvalho , Gomes Thábata Viviane Brandão , Benda Rodolfo Novelino
Published: December 2020

Background:Studies related to the motor performance of children have suggested an interaction between organisms and the environment. Although motor development seems to be similar among people, the behavior is specific to the context that people are part of. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the fundamental motor skill performance between indigenous (IN) and nonindigenous children.Methods:One hundred and thirteen children (43 IN and 70 nonindigenous children) between 8 and 10 years of age underwent the Test of Gross Motor Development—2.Results:A multivariate analysis showed a significant group main effect on both locomotor (p < .01) and object control (p < .01) performance with large and medium effect sizes (values = .57–.40, respectively). The IN showed the highest scores for galloping, hopping, leaping, jumping, sliding, striking a stationary ball, stationary dribbling, catching a ball, kicking, and overhand throwing (p < .01) with small to large effect sizes (values = .05–.50).Conclusion:The IN presented the highest levels of performance in fundamental motor skills compared with those of nonindigenous children. Most likely, IN have more opportunities for motor development in the environmental context (i.e., villages) where they live.
Electroacupuncture reduces fibromyalgia pain by downregulating the TRPV1–pERK signalling pathway in the mouse brain
Authors: Hsu Hsin-Cheng , Hsieh Ching-Liang , Lee Kun-Ta , Lin Yi-Wen
Published: December 2020

Background:

Acupuncture has been clinically recommended as a method of pain relief by the World Health Organization and is widely used by medical doctors. Fibromyalgia (FM) pain has a complex physiological and psychological origin and can be pharmacologically treated with duloxetine, milnacipran and pregabalin. However, these drugs produce undesirable side effects, such as headaches, nausea and diarrhoea. Acupuncture may serve as an effective alternative treatment for pain relief with few side effects.

Aims:

We hypothesised that acupuncture would reduce FM pain by influencing transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) and the downstream phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases (pERK), which are located in the central thalamus, amygdala and cortex.

Methods:

A FM mouse model was established by injecting two doses of acid saline into 32 female C57/B6 mice. The mice were then assigned to different subgroups (n=8 each) and treated with electroacupuncture (EA) or EA sham control. TRPV1 and pERK expression levels were measured using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.

Results:

Our results demonstrated that the expression of TRPV1 and pERK in the thalamus, amygdala and somatosensory cortex was normal in the control mice, but significantly increased in FM mice; these FM-induced changes in expression were attenuated by EA.

Conclusion:

Our data suggest that EA can reverse the central sensitisation of the TRPV1-ERK signalling pathway in the mouse brain. Thus, our findings provide mechanistic evidence supporting the potential therapeutic efficacy of EA for treating FM pain.