bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Proton Pump Inhibitors on Insulin-Glucose Homeostasis in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Verma Vipin , Cromer Mark , Riddick Blocker , O’Steen Jordan M , Antony Mc Anto , Chandra Lakshya , Kant Ravi
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Gastrin release from G cells stimulates cholecystokinin (CCK2) receptors throughout the body, most of which promote gastric acid secretion. However, gastrin also stimulates CCK2 receptors located elsewhere, including the islet of the pancreas. In turn, gastrin increases insulin secretion1. Gastrin also promotes pancreatic β cell neogenesis and replication. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) decrease the pH of the stomach and stimulate gastrin secretion, which may indirectly promote insulin secretion and improve hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c).

Objective: To understand the effect of PPIs on insulin-glucose homeostasis (c-peptide, HbA1c, and glucose) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methodology: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients with T2DM at least 18 years of age who received care at AnMed Health facilities from Jan. 1, 2018 through Dec. 31, 2018 to compare HbA1c, C-peptide, and glucose levels in patients with and without active PPI therapy. Slicer-dicer software was used to identify study population with diagnosis of T2DM and labs including both HbA1c and C-peptide. Out of total 215 patients satisfying inclusion criteria, 71 patients were on PPI. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20.0 (SPSS, Armonk, NY: IBM Corp). All values are presented as means ± SD. A p value of < 0.05 was considered to be significant. Independent T-test and chi-square test were performed to compare parameters in between groups.

Results: The PPI and non-PPI groups had no statistical difference regarding age, sex, race and BMI. There was no significant difference in HbA1c levels between PPI and non-PPI groups (8.6% ± 2.1 vs 8.3% ± 2.0, respectively; p value = 0.37). However, we found a significant increase in C-peptide levels (3.1 ng/mL ± 2.4 vs 2.4 ng/mL ± 2.3; p value = 0.037) and decrease in LDL levels (79.6 mg/dL ± 34.0 vs 89.73 mg/dL ± 32.9; p value = 0.046) in the PPI group compared to non-PPI group. In addition, there was a significantly greater prevalence of coronary artery disease in the PPI group (p = 0.01).

Conclusion: PPI therapy in patients with T2DM was not associated with improved glycemic control. However, C-peptide levels were significantly higher in patients with T2DM who were on PPI therapy suggesting higher insulin secretion. The lack of difference in HbA1c levels may be a result of aggressive diabetic management by treating clinicians to achieve similar goal HbA1c in both groups. Further research is needed to understand the gastrin pathway as a potential option for improving glycemic control.

References: 1. Rehfeld JF. Incretin physiology beyond glucagon-like peptide 1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide: cholecystokinin and gastrin peptides. Acta Physiol (Oxf). 2011 Apr;201(4):405–11.
Effects of Gestational Bisphenol A Exposure on Hypothalamic Vasopressinergic Neurons
Authors: Zheng Jing , Baimoukhametova Dinara , Bains Jaideep , Lebel Catherine , Kurrasch Deborah Marie
Published: May 2021

Background: Bisphenol A (BPA), a well-recognized endocrine disruptor that has been linked to numerous adverse outcomes, is ubiquitously detected in humans, including pregnant women. Emerging epidemiological and animal studies showed associations between prenatal BPA exposure and social-behavioral issues in childhood, including aggression and anxiety.

Methods: Since vasopressinergic circuits play important roles in regulating social behaviors, and our previous studies showed that prenatal exposure to BPA altered vasopressin development in offspring, here we evaluated effects of BPA on the number of arginine vasopressin (AVP) neurons in hypothalamic subregions, including the supraoptic nucleus (SON), suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN), using immunohistochemistry, and assessed the intrinsic electrophysiological properties as well as synaptic transmission of AVPPVN neurons using whole-cell patch-clamp.

Results: We observed increased number of AVP neurons in SON, SCN, and PVN in BPA treated group compared with the control group. Lower spontaneous action potentials the frequency was found in the BPA group compared to the control group, demonstrating disruption in AVP biophysical properties. Current clamp experiments also showed that BPA treated AVPPVN neurons were less responsive to current injections than control AVPPVN neurons, including fewer neuronal spikes, delayed latency to the first spike, and less responsive overall were observed in the BPA group. Spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents frequency but not amplitude was also altered by BPA gestational exposure, while no significant changes were found for spontaneous inhibitory post-synaptic currents.

Conclusion: Collectively, our results suggest that gestational BPA expose might disturb hypothalamic AVP circuits, as indicated by increased AVP neurons in hypothalamic nuclei and disrupted excitability and synaptic transmission of/onto AVP neurons.
Estrogen Activity of OTC Topical Medications Containing Parabens Depends on Paraben Type and Concentration
Authors: Allen Brianna , Ma Peng , Zhang Changde , Wiese Thomas E
Published: May 2021

Methylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylparaben are widely used as preservatives in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. Parabens are also known to bind the estrogen receptor and induce weak estrogen activity in laboratory bioassays. Many OTC topical medications contain one or more parabens as preservative ingredients. In this study, we surveyed the estrogen activity of extracts from OTC topical medications and tested the hypothesis that a combined threshold concentration of particular parabens is required to induce estrogen activity in human breast cancer cell bioassays. Ethanol extracts (1 gm:1 ml) were prepared from OTC topical medications containing parabens (including: Olay Quench Lotion, CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion and Cortizon-10 Lotion). The estrogen agonist and antagonist activity of each extract was determined using the T47dkbluc estrogen reporter gene and the MCF-7 E3 estrogen responsive proliferation assays. The extracts from Olay Quench Lotion and CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion induced estrogen agonist activity in the MCF-7 proliferation assay. The extract from the Cortizon-10 Lotion did not induce significant estrogen activity. The product ingredients of each OTC topical medications tested listed ethyl and propyl parabens while the Olay Quench Lotion also contained the least estrogenic paraben methylparaben. We propose that the estrogenic potential of OTC topical medications can be estimated with LC-MS analysis determination of paraben content and concentration. This study illustrates that measurable estrogen activity from OTC topical medications requires the presence of estrogenic parabens (ethyl and propyl) at total concentrations that exceed a threshold. Thus, estrogen activity depends on the type and concentration of paraben present in the OTC topical products. While the capacity for these OTC topical medications to induce estrogen activity in individuals using the products is unclear, consumers may benefit from more information about the paraben type and concentration present.
Changing Stride Frequency Alters Average Joint Power and Power Distributions during Ground Contact and Leg Swing in Running
Authors: SWINNEN WANNES , MYLLE INE , HOOGKAMER WOUTER , DE GROOTE FRIEDL , VANWANSEELE BENEDICTE
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Runners naturally adopt a stride frequency closely corresponding with the stride frequency that minimizes energy consumption. Although the concept of self-optimization is well recognized, we lack mechanistic insight into the association between stride frequency and energy consumption. Altering stride frequency affects lower extremity joint power; however, these alterations are different between joints, possibly with counteracting effects on the energy consumption during ground contact and swing. Here, we investigated the effects of changing stride frequency from a joint-level perspective.

Methods

Seventeen experienced runners performed six running trials at five different stride frequencies (preferred stride frequency (PSF) twice, PSF ± 8%, PSF ± 15%) at 12 km·h−1. During each trial, we measured metabolic energy consumption and muscle activation, and collected kinematic and kinetic data, which allowed us to calculate average positive joint power using inverse dynamics.

Results

With decreasing stride frequency, average positive ankle and knee power during ground contact increased (P < 0.01), whereas average positive hip power during leg swing decreased (P < 0.01). Average soleus muscle activation during ground contact also decreased with increasing stride frequency (P < 0.01). In addition, the relative contribution of positive ankle power to the total positive joint power during ground contact decreased (P = 0.01) with decreasing stride frequency, whereas the relative contribution of the hip during the full stride increased (P < 0.01) with increasing stride frequency.

Conclusions

Our results provide evidence for the hypothesis that the optimal stride frequency represents a trade-off between minimizing the energy consumption during ground contact, associated with higher stride frequencies, without excessively increasing the cost of leg swing or reducing the time available to produce the necessary forces.
What Drives the Nominal Yield Curve in Brazil?
Authors: Fernandes Marcelo , Nunes Clemens , Reis Yuri
Published: May 2021

This paper describes the dynamics of the level, slope and curvature of the Brazilian nominal yield curve using only observable macroeconomic indicators. The model is able to explain 94.5% of the variation in the yield curve. We find that the main drivers of the level factor is the Brazil risk premium (5-year CDS spread) and the unemployment rate. In turn, the slope steepens with increases either in the SELIC rate or in the spot exchange rate, and flattens with increases in unemployment rate and commodity returns. Lastly, the curvature increases with the unemployment, inflation and SELIC rates, but decreases with changes in the exchange rate.
Improvement in outpatient services using the WeChat calling system in the Shanghai Children’s Hospital
Authors: Wu Dan , Cui Wenbin , Wang Xiulian , Huo Yanyan , Yu Guangjun , Chen Jinjin
Published: May 2021

Objectives: We explored the utility of WeChat applet as part of the Outpatient Department (OPD) to provide patients with timely queuing information and compared it with the traditional calling system.

Methods: Data for the WeChat calling system was extracted for the period of May 2018 to September 2018. Data for the traditional system was extracted for the same period from the year 2017. We compared the effective patient waiting time and nurse idle time i.e. nonproductive time spent on factors outside of employees’ control with the two systems. We also analyzed the relationship between the length of waiting time and conflicts between doctors and patients.

Results: The mean wait time for the traditional calling system was 126 minutes, while the average idle time for nurses was 96 minutes/day. On the other hand, the mean wait time for the WeChat calling system was 33 minutes, and the average idle time for nurses was 72 minutes/day. The incremental profit (cost of traditional calling system – cost of WeChat calling system) achieved from switching systems was 13,879 yuan/month. Behavioral observations showed that wait time (OR=2.745, 95%CI 1.936~3.892 P<0.0001) was a risk factor for staff-patient conflict.

Conclusion: The cost of the WeChat calling system was significantly lower than the traditional system. Also, the traditional calling system was time-consuming. Longer waiting time was the main factor affecting OPD quality and caused conflicts between doctors and patients.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.4.4301

How to cite this:Wu D, Cui W, Wang X, Huo Y, Yu G, Chen J. Improvement in outpatient services using the WeChat calling system in the Shanghai Children’s Hospital. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(4):993-1000. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.4.4301

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Impact of a wound management system on budget optimisation, formulary compliance and variations in care
Authors: Carmichael Kerry , Hughes Jacqui , Styche Tim
Published: May 2021

Optimising budgets in wound care is crucial if local health economy efficiencies are to be realised. How spending is managed and monitored can be difficult for community nursing services due to the variety of supply routes. Online wound management systems not on help tailor supply routes to reduce waste, thereby reducing cost, but also provide an audit platform for transparency across clinical practice. The non-prescription ordering system Formeo was implemented across City Health Care Partnership (CHCP), Hull, through a value-based industry collaboration. With its use, monthly spend on wound care reduced by approximately £5354 (11.9%), with a reduction in the total spend of £64 254. Further, Formeo enabled an audit of clinical practice to minimise products on the formulary. This provided CHCP, Hull, the opportunity to reduce variations in care, and therefore potentially improve clinical outcomes.
Working towards better births for all
Authors: Higson Nadia
Published: May 2021

The Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services supports all maternity service users to navigate the system as it exists and campaigns for a system which truly meets the needs of all
Das Anna und ihr Hund.
Authors: Baumgartner Gerda , Busley Simone , Fritzinger Julia , Martin Sara
Published: May 2021

In numerous German dialects and in Luxembourgish women or girls are referred to in the neuter. This raises the question whether this is also the case for female animals. Based on data from the research project “Das Anna und ihr Hund – Weibliche Rufnamen im Neutrum”, the present article examines the gender of names and pronouns referring to dogs. Dogs today are no longer kept primarily to perform functions (guard dog, herding dog) but rather as pets and companions. This is also reflected in the fact that dogs are given names. In general, these clearly mark the sex of the dog.

In the dialects we investigated pronouns, which refer to female dogs, are predominantly masculine, not feminine or neuter. Sex-specific appellatives are not used either. In addition, the assignment of the neuter gender to dogs’ names (e. g. s Frida) occurs much less frequently than to first names of women (e. g. s Anna). The functions of the socio-pragmatic neuter when referring to women, such as marking age, status, or gender roles, rarely appear to play a role when referring to dogs. Only in Luxembourgish, where the neuter primarily marks female sex, are female animals referred to more often with neuter forms.
Der onymische Artikel im Schweizerdeutschen in seiner Funktion als Genusmarker
Authors: Bösiger Melanie
Published: May 2021

In Swiss German dialects first names are commonly used with a preceding article. Historically, the function of these so-called onymic articles was to show the name’s case. They first arose when inflection of first names had been omitted and case was thus no longer expressed in suffixes. The data gathered in 2016 in an online survey for the research project “Das Anna und ihr Hund” indicate that today the function of reflecting the case is hardly relevant. However, it is important to the speakers to emphasize the nameʼs grammatical gender. The three grammatical genders in (Swiss) German are feminine, masculine, and neuter. Typically, the ono­nymic articles’ grammatical gender corresponds to their referents’ biological gender, i. e. feminine articles for women’s names, masculine articles for men’s names. But sometimes neuter articles are used with female or, less often, with male names. Therefore, the same first name can have different grammatical genders that are indicated with an onymic article, e. g. d Anna (f.) or s Anna (n.). The choice of the article depends on the speaker, the situation, the referent, and other factors. Based on these observations, it is argued that marking grammatical gender is the onymic article’s main function and marking case is secondary.
Genus-Zuweisung bei der Pronominalisierung von Personen in den Südwalser Dialekten
Authors: Zürrer Peter
Published: May 2021

The Alemannic dialects in linguistic islands in Northern Italy have been undergoing strong changes since the second half of the 20th century. One of these changes concerns the assignment of gender with persons. Generalized neuter abolishes the coupling of gender with male/female and transfers both female and male persons into neuter. This in turn has its effect on verbal inflection. The post-verbal subject clitics mutate in the 3rd person singular to verb endings void of male/female connotations. This change, as it is now spreading, is not in itself a recent phenomenon. In early written dialectal records it already occurs in single documents even at the beginning of the 19th century.
Degree of polarization of photoluminescence from facets of InP as a function of strain: some experimental evidence
Authors: Cassidy Daniel T. , Lam Samuel K. K.
Published: May 2021

Previous work demonstrated a good fit to the degree of polarization (DOP) of luminescence measurements on {110} facets of InP using a simple dependence of DOP of luminescence on strain:

−

K
e

(

e
1

−

e
3

)

, where

K
e

is a positive calibration constant, and

e
1

and

e
3

are normal components of strain in the plane of the facet and along

⟨
1

1
¯

0
⟩

and

⟨
001
⟩

directions [Appl. Opt. 43, 1811 (2004)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.43.001811]. Recent analytic modeling, which by necessity to be analytic must make simplifying assumptions, has suggested that unless the measurements are along crystallographic axes, the dependence of the DOP of luminescence on strain is more complicated:

−

K
e

(
1.315

e
1

−
0.7987

e
3

)

for measurements from an InP facet, with a similar “excess”

e
1

for GaAs [Appl. Opt. 59, 5506 (2020)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.394624]. In this work, we fit finite element simulations (FEM) to DOP measurements of the photoluminescence from facets of InP bars with

{
111

}
B

v-grooves that have been placed in a cylindrical bending moment. We find that the more complicated dependence of DOP on strain, as derived by the analytic model, fits the data better than the previously assumed simple dependence. This finding thus corroborates the analytical model and should have an impact on understanding the strain-dependent operation of optoelectronic devices.
Enhanced nonlinear optical properties of RGO via Au modification: application for Q-switched waveguide laser
Authors: Ma Linan , Li Shiling , Wang Hailong
Published: May 2021

Both reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and gold (Au) nanoparticles have shown distinct nonlinear optical characteristics, such as saturable absorption, that are appropriate for generating ultrashort pulse lasers. Unfortunately, there are no studies of Q-switched waveguide lasers using RGO and RGO modified with Au nanoparticles (Au-RGO) as saturable absorbers. Here we perform the pump-probe experiments to investigate the nonlinear optical absorption properties of RGO and Au-RGO. Our results show that, compared with RGO, Au-RGO has advantages of a higher modulation depth, faster optical response and wavelength-independent nonlinear absorption, which demonstrates that nonlinear optical properties of Au-RGO have been enhanced owing to the Au nanoparticles. Moreover, the laser emission of Q-switched Nd:YAG channel waveguidewith Au-RGO as a saturable absorber has been obtained. In comparison with the waveguide laser system utilizing RGO, the Q-switched laser observed with Au-RGO exhibits a shorter pulse duration and a higher repetition frequency, indicating the potential application of Au-RGO as a cost-effective saturable absorber in the pulsed waveguide laser systems.
Antireflection temporal coatings: reply
Authors: Pacheco-Peña Victor , Engheta Nader
Published: May 2021

We reply to the comment [Optica 8, 824
(2021)OPTIC82334-253610.1364/OPTICA.410990] on our recent
article [Optica 7, 323
(2020)OPTIC82334-253610.1364/OPTICA.381175], where we exploited
time-dependent metamaterials to achieve antireflection temporal
coatings in the time domain. Clearly our approach has equivalences,
but also differences, with its spatial analogue due to some
fundamental differences in the physics behind temporal and spatial
boundaries. In this context, we fully stand by our original claims and
remark that a comparison and analogy between both worlds can be made
with the understanding that each approach provides opportunities for
different applications. Here, we provide a comprehensive and detailed
reply in order to address the claims made in the comment.
One step forward, two steps back: Transcriptional advancements and fermentation phenomena in Actinobacillus succinogenes 130Z
Authors: Long Dianna S. , Immethun Cheryl M. , Vallecilla-Yepez Lisbeth , Wilkins Mark R. , Saha Rajib
Published: May 2021

Within the field of bioproduction, non-model organisms offer promise as bio-platform candidates. Non-model organisms can possess natural abilities to consume complex feedstocks, produce industrially useful chemicals, and withstand extreme environments that can be ideal for product extraction. However, non-model organisms also come with unique challenges due to lack of characterization. As a consequence, developing synthetic biology tools, predicting growth behavior, and building computational models can be difficult. There have been many advancements that have improved work with non-model organisms to address broad limitations, however each organism can come with unique surprises. Here we share our work in the non-model bacteriumActinobacillus succinognes130Z, which includes both advancements in synthetic biology toolkit development and pitfalls in unpredictable fermentation behaviors. To develop a synthetic biology “tool kit” forA.succinogenes, information gleaned from a growth study and antibiotic screening was used to characterize 22 promoters which demonstrated a 260-fold range of fluorescence protein expression. The strongest of the promoters was incorporated into an inducible system for tunable gene control inA.succinogenesusing the promoter for thelacoperon as a template. This system flaunted a 481-fold range of expression and no significant basal expression. These findings were accompanied by unexpected changes in fermentation products characterized by a loss of succinic acid and increase in lactic acid after approximately 10 months in the lab. During evaluation of the fermentation shifts, new tests of the synthetic biology tools in a succinic acid producing strain revealed a significant loss in their functionality. Contamination and mutation were ruled out as causes and further testing is needed to elucidate the driving factors. The significance of this work is to share a successful tool development strategy that could be employed in other non-model species, report on an unfortunate phenomenon that needs addressed for further development ofA.succinogenes, and provide a cautionary tale for those undertaking non-model research. In sharing our findings, we seek to provide tools and necessary information for further development ofA.succinogenesas a platform for bioproduction of succinic acid and to illustrate the importance of diligent and long-term observation when working with non-model bacteria.
Natural malaria infection in anophelines vectors and their incrimination in local malaria transmission in Darién, Panama
Authors: Torres-Cosme Rolando , Rigg Chystrie , Santamaría Ana María , Vásquez Vanessa , Victoria Carlos , Ramirez José Luis , Calzada José E. , Cáceres Carrera Lorenzo
Published: May 2021

Background

More than 85% of the malaria cases in Panama occur in poor, rural and indigenous regions like Darien Province. Vector diversity, infection rate and spatial distribution are important entomological parameters of malaria transmission dynamics. Their understanding is crucial for the development of effective disease control strategies. The objective of this study was to determine the composition ofAnophelesspecies, their natural infection rate and their geographic distribution to better understand the malaria transmission dynamics in Darién, Panama.

Methods

Anophelines mosquitoes were captured during the rainy and dry season of 2016. We selected five communities where adult anophelines were collected using CDC light-traps, and through protective human-baited traps. Detection of natural infection andPlasmodiumgenotype were detected via nested PCR through the amplification of ssrRNA and the circumsporozoite protein gene (csp), respectively.

Results

A total of 1,063 mosquitoes were collected mosquitoes were collected for the detection of natural infection withPlasmodium spp. Nine Anophelines species were identified, with the predominant species being:An.(Nys.) darlingi(45.0%) andAn.(Nys.) albimanus(42.6%). Natural infection inAn.(Nys.) albimanuswithP.vivaxwas detected in one mosquito pool from the community Pueblo Tortuga (0.6%), three from Marraganti (1.7%), two from Bajo Chiquito (1.1%) and three pools from Alto Playona 3 (1.7%). ForAn.(Nys.) darlingimosquitoes, we detected seven positive pools from the community Bajo Chiquito (4.0%), two pools from Marraganti (1.1%) and two pools from Alto Playona (1.1%). TheP.vivaxallelic variant VK210 was detected in infected mosquitoes.

Conclusion

The results from this study provide new information on the transmission dynamics associated with anophelines vectors in the Darién region. This is the first report of naturalP.vivaxinfection inAn.(Nys.) darlingiand its incrimination as a potential malaria vector in this region of Panama. Additional studies are necessary to expand our knowledge and determine crucial parameters in malaria transmission in Darién, which in turn will aid the National Malaria Program in attaining an adequate malaria control strategy towards malaria elimination.
Does ischemic preconditioning really improve performance or it is just a placebo effect?
Authors: de Souza Hiago L. R. , Arriel Rhaí A. , Mota Gustavo R. , Hohl Rodrigo , Marocolo Moacir
Published: May 2021

This study examined the effects of a simultaneous ischemic preconditioning (IPC) and SHAM intervention to reduce the placebo effect due to a priori expectation on the performance of knee extension resistance exercise. Nine moderately trained men were tested in three different occasions. Following the baseline tests, subjects performed a first set of leg extension tests after the IPC (3 X 5 min 50 mmHg above systolic blood pressure) on right thigh and the SHAM (same as IPC, but 20 mmHg) on left thigh. After 48 hours, the subjects performed another set of tests with the opposite applications. Number of repetitions, maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and perceptual indicators were analyzed. After IPC and SHAM intervention performed at the same time, similar results were observed for the number of repetitions, with no significant differences between conditions (baseline x IPC x SHAM) for either left (p = 0.274) or right thigh (p = 0.242). The fatigue index and volume load did not show significant effect size after IPC and SHAM maneuvers. In contrast, significant reduction on left tight MVIC was observed (p = 0.001) in SHAM and IPC compared to baseline, but not for right thigh (p = 0.106). Results from the current study may indicate that applying IPC prior to a set of leg extension does not result in ergogenic effects. The placebo effect seems to be related to this technique and its dissociation seems unlikely, therefore including a SHAM or placebo group in IPC studies is strongly recommended.
Investigating variability in microbial community composition in replicate environmental DNA samples down lake sediment cores
Authors: Pearman John K. , Thomson-Laing Georgia , Howarth Jamie D. , Vandergoes Marcus J. , Thompson Lucy , Rees Andrew , Wood Susanna A.
Published: May 2021

Lake sediments are natural archives that accumulate information on biological communities and their surrounding catchments. Paleolimnology has traditionally focussed on identifying fossilized organisms to reconstruct past environments. In the last decade, the application of molecular methodologies has increased in paleolimnological studies, but further research investigating factors such as sample heterogeneity and DNA degradation are required. In the present study we investigated bacterial community heterogeneity (16S rRNA metabarcoding) within depth slices (1-cm width). Sediment cores were collected from three lakes with differing sediment compositions. Samples were collected from a variety of depths which represent a period of time of approximately 1,200 years. Triplicate samples were collected from each depth slice and bacterial 16S rRNA metabarcoding was undertaken on each sample. Accumulation curves demonstrated that except for the deepest (oldest) slices, the combination of three replicate samples were insufficient to characterise the entire bacterial diversity. However, shared Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) accounted for the majority of the reads in each depth slice (max. shared proportional read abundance 96%, 86%, 65% in the three lakes). Replicates within a depth slice generally clustered together in the Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis. There was high community dissimilarity in older sediment in one of the cores, which was likely due to the laminae in the sediment core not being horizontal. Given that most paleolimnology studies explore broad scale shifts in community structure rather than seeking to identify rare species, this study demonstrates that a single sample is adequate to characterise shifts in dominant bacterial ASVs.
The implementation of random survival forests in conflict management data: An examination of power sharing and third party mediation in post-conflict countries
Authors: Whetten Andrew B. , Stevens John R. , Cann Damon
Published: May 2021

Time-to-event analysis is a common occurrence in political science. In recent years, there has been an increased usage of machine learning methods in quantitative political science research. This article advocates for the implementation of machine learning duration models to assist in a sound model selection process. We provide a brief tutorial introduction to the random survival forest (RSF) algorithm and contrast it to a popular predecessor, the Cox proportional hazards model, with emphasis on methodological utility for political science researchers. We implement both methods for simulated time-to-event data and the Power-Sharing Event Dataset (PSED) to assist researchers in evaluating the merits of machine learning duration models. We provide evidence of significantly higher survival probabilities for peace agreements with 3rd party mediated design and implementation. We also detect increased survival probabilities for peace agreements that incorporate territorial power-sharing and avoid multiple rebel party signatories. Further, the RSF, a previously under-used method for analyzing political science time-to event data, provides a novel approach for ranking of peace agreement criteria importance in predicting peace agreement duration. Our findings demonstrate a scenario exhibiting the interpretability and performance of RSF for political science time-to-event data. These findings justify the robust interpretability and competitive performance of the random survival forest algorithm in numerous circumstances, in addition to promoting a diverse, holistic model-selection process for time-to-event political science data.
Remembering the romantic past: Autobiographical memory functions and romantic relationship quality
Authors: Aydin Cagla , Buyukcan-Tetik Asuman
Published: May 2021

Do the reasons why we think about our memories and share them with others have implications for our romantic relationship quality? In the present series of studies (total N = 1,102), we aimed to answer this question by examining whether the self (e.g., creating a stable self-image), social (e.g., connecting with others) and directive (e.g., guiding future behavior) functions of regular memories (Study 1, Study 2) and relationship memories (Study 2, Study 3) were related to intimacy and satisfaction in the current relationship. We further investigated these links when relationship memories were shared with the romantic partner (Study 3). Results showed no association between the self-reported uses of memory for regular events and relationship quality. In contrast, the social function served by the relationship events was positively associated, and the directive function was negatively associated with intimacy and relationship satisfaction. When the memories were to be shared with the partner, only social function was related, positively, to the relationship satisfaction. Findings were discussed in terms of the importance of considering the self-reported reasons for recalling an event and understanding of the contextual factors in remembering.
Application of micro-nanostructured magnetite in separating tetrabromobisphenol A and hexabromocyclododecane from environmental water by magnetic solid phase extraction
Authors: Wang Xiaoping , He Fengzhi , Zhang Limin , Yu Ang
Published: May 2021

Two typical brominated flame retardants (BFRs), namely, tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), were persistent organic pollutants widely detected in various environmental media. This study aimed to successfully synthesize micro-nano-structured magnetite particles (MNMPs) with surface modification by citric acid molecules. The synthesized composites served as an adsorbent for extracting TBBPA and HBCD from environmental water samples followed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. The obtained MNMPs were characterized in terms of crystal structure, morphology, size distribution, hydrophobic and hydrophilic performance and magnetism. The results indicated that the MNMPs exhibited high surface area, good dispersibility, and strong magnetic responsiveness for separation. The parameters affecting the extraction efficiency were optimized, including sample pH, amount of sorbents, extraction time and desorption conditions. Under the optimum conditions, the recovery was 83.5 and 107.1%, limit of detection was 0.13 and 0.35μg/mL (S/N = 3), and limit of quantification was 0.37 and 0.59 μg/mL (S/N = 10) for TBBPA and HBCD respectively. The relative standard deviations obtained using the proposed method were less than 8.7%, indicating that the MNMP magnetic solid-phase extraction method had advantages of simplicity, good sensitivity and high efficiency for the extraction of the two BFRs from environmental water.
Older people, dementia and neuro-dramatic-play: A personal and theoretical drama therapy perspective
Authors: Holmwood Clive
Published: May 2021

This conceptual article will consider Sue Jennings’ neuro-dramatic-play (NDP) as an overall theoretical framework for working with older people with dementia. NDP was developed over a number of years by pioneering UK drama therapist Sue Jennings. It is a culmination of attachment-based play, drama, movement and storytelling, and arts-based approaches that are used within drama therapy and other play and creative-based work with children. The author will consider from a personal and reflective perspective how NDP approaches can be adapted by drama therapists to work with older people with memory loss based on almost 30-years history of being involved in the field of drama therapy as a student and practioner, and his work with older people, at both the beginning of his career and his current reflections many years later.
Therapeutic teaching artistry: Towards a wellness model for enhancing vitality in older adults
Authors: Gaines Andrew M.
Published: May 2021

This qualitative case study examined how the therapeutic aspects of drama teaching artistry was conceptualized at an urban lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) senior centre by observing and/or participating in 31 creative arts education sessions and conducting two focus groups with the centre’s older adult members. Additionally, 34 semi-structured interviews were held with the centre’s teaching artists (TAs), older adults and administrators. Using constructivist grounded theory, emergent themes led to two primary findings: (1) the conceptual category therapeutic teaching artistry articulated how TAs’ practices promoted health and wellness; and (2) a provisional major concept Being Alive captured how members’ quality of life were perceived to be enhanced by the creative arts education programming. Beyond facilitating reminiscence, preventing decline or merely stimulating older adults, TAs helped older adults internalize a greater sense of agency, affirm their own humanity and improve vitality without unethically conducting creative arts therapy.
Drama therapy in midlife and beyond: A reformative proposal
Authors: Dintino Cecilia
Published: May 2021

It is time to imagine a fresh take on midlife in the lifespan. This conceptual article calls for therapists to participate in co-constructing a stage of adult life with new and varied stories, roles and purpose. It proposes a therapy that is future-focused, creative and generative. Finally, this article suggests that drama therapists are the practitioners best suited for the broadening and deepening of the human experience as we age.
Creative Care: A Revolutionary Approach to Dementia and Elder Care, Anne Basting (2020)
Authors: Smittle Ellen C.
Published: May 2021

Review of: Creative Care: A Revolutionary Approach to Dementia and Elder Care, Anne Basting (2020)

New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 280 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-06290-617-5, h/bk, $27.99
Designing food and meals for bone marrow transplant patients with compromised immunity
Authors: Patois Céline , Chen Yang , Meiselman Herbert L. , Barraco Fiorenza , Giboreau Agnès
Published: May 2021

Immunocompromised post-bone marrow transplant patients must follow a restrictive diet after discharge to avoid microbiological risks in food. Despite the apparent health considerations, these restrictions can sometimes create confusion and apprehension during home meal preparation which has a negative impact on patients’ social dining experiences with families and friends and ultimately leads to adverse health effects such as appetite and weight loss. A user-friendly meal guidebook, specifically designed to fit patient’s needs, was developed to ensure a smooth transition from controlled hospital food to home-cooked meals without compromises in food safety and pleasure. With this guidebook, the objective of this uncommon collaboration between chefs and health professionals was to provide clear instructions to the patients on their diet and adapted recipes (six starters, eight main dishes and eight desserts) easy to do and share with the whole family. This design project represents a unique approach to addressing the food and nutrition needs of these transplant patients. Thus, this article presents an example of a multi-actor collaboration between health and culinary professionals who combined their expertise to help the patients feel less marginalized after their hospitalization and to support their recovery by providing adapted recipes that they can share with their family.
Diners Dudes & Diets: How Gender and Power Collide in Food Media and Culture, Emily J. H. Contois (2020)
Authors: Elias Megan J.
Published: May 2021

Review of: Diners Dudes & Diets: How Gender and Power Collide in Food Media and Culture, Emily J. H. Contois (2020)

Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 208 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-46966-074-5, p/bk, $22.95
Municipal digital infrastructure and the COVID-19 pandemic: A case study of Calgary, Canada
Authors: Taylor Gregory , Anderson Katelyn , Cramer Dana
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented demands upon digital infrastructure as large portions of the population work, socialize and attend school online. National regulators worldwide have been struggling to maintain service for all citizens as the essential place of internet access in contemporary life becomes paramount. This article narrows the policy focus from the national to the municipal level. Using the case study of Calgary, Canada, the authors outline a unique and successful private–public partnership where local internet service providers have been able to adapt to the changing demands of the COVID era, supported by forward-thinking municipal policy. The authors draw upon local data sources, municipal reports and interviews with key public and private sector officials to explore how municipalities can best position themselves to provide resilient and sustainable digital service in the face of this global pandemic.
Integration of advances in sustainable technologies for the development of the Sustainable Building Assessment Tool
Authors: Arukala Suchith Reddy , Pancharathi Rathish Kumar
Published: May 2021

The construction sector is a resource-driven and resource-dependent industry. A rising global interest to incorporate sustainability principles in the policy-making means a careful balancing of economic growth with sustainability. To achieve this end in the Indian building sector, a triple-bottom-line-based building assessment tool like GRIHA and IGBC was introduced for assessing building sustainability. However, to revitalize the ideas of Reduce, Replace, Reuse, Recycle and Renovate (the ‘5Rs’) into implementable solutions, the technological dimension is introduced to form a quadruple bottom line (QBL) approach, i.e., social, environmental, economic and technological (SEET), for achieving sustainable construction. This study aims to address the necessity to add a new dimension, viz. technological advances in the sustainability arena of the construction industry. The objective of the study is to include technological advances in building materials, construction processes and techniques and design philosophies in the developed SBAT framework. In this extended and upgraded SBAT 2.0, advances in sustainability (AS) criterion accounts for 11.5 per cent showing its significance in achieving building sustainability. The use of discrete reinforcement, additive manufacturing, 3D printing, design based on packing density and rheological properties of concrete, use of alkali-activated materials in the mix-design and performance-based design concepts that affect future sustainability are successfully brought into the fold of SBAT framework.
Learning from scientific disagreement
Authors: Borge Bruno , Lo Guercio Nicolás
Published: May 2021

The article addresses the question of how should scientific peers revise their beliefs (if at all) upon recognized disagreement. After presenting the basics of peer disagreement in sections 1 and 2, we focus, in section 3, on a concrete case of scientific disagreement, to wit, the dispute over the evidential status of randomized control trials in medical practice. The examination of this case motivates the idea that some scientific disagreements permit a steadfast reaction. In section 4, we support this conclusion by providing a normative argument in the same direction; if we are correct, typical reasons for conciliation are absent in this kind of scientific disagreements.
Cohesión territorial y sostenibilidad en los Valles del Bierzo
Authors: Montes Pérez Carlos
Published: May 2021

El artículo presenta las conclusiones de un trabajo etnográfico llevado a cabo durante los últimos cinco años en la localidad de Balboa, centro de uno de los valles leoneses cercanos a la frontera con Galicia. El estudio se centra en esta localidad por la peculiaridad que presenta en relación a otras localidades cercanas, también de zona de montaña, que se han ido quedando sin población en los últimos años. A diferencias de estas zonas despobladas, en Balboa, debido a la confluencia de varios factores, la población se ha mantenido en un ejercicio meritorio de resiliencia rural. Pero, a su vez, sus habitantes y sus dirigentes políticos han logrado colocar a Balboa en el mapa de los lugares que ofrecen un determinado tipo de ocio que ha hecho que sean numerosos los visitantes que a lo largo de los últimos años han pasado por la localidad. Este fenómeno da forma a lo que describimos como una ruralidad fluida donde lo importante ya no es tanto la residencia, sino la idea de flujo.
La tecnología como base de un centro de innovación y emprendimiento en el territorio
Authors: Vega Núñez Jorge , Vázquez González Noé , Santos Domínguez Martín , Vázquez González Marta
Published: May 2021

el centro tecnológico intecca ha generado una red de servicios de formación, información y comunicación que, sobre la base de un enfoque de innovación abierta, transferencia de conocimiento y retorno de la inversión, puede contribuir al desarrollo sostenible. de esta forma, ha servido de base para la puesta en marcha del observatorio territorial del noroeste, la cátedra de turismo sostenible y desarrollo local y, en respuesta a la crisis del covid ha experimentado un incremento de actividad que está suponiendo la necesaria adaptación tecnológica, optimización y redimensionamiento en base a un planteamiento abierto y colaborativo que está siendo el germen de un centro de innovación y emprendimiento en el territorio.
A szülői nevelési stílus összefüggése pszichológiai és egészségjellemzőkkel serdülő lányok körében
Authors: Obál Annabella , Hamvai Csaba , Merve Berk , Pikó Bettina Franciska
Published: May 2021

Serdülőkorban folyamatosan átalakul a szülők szerepe, és előtérbe helyeződnek a kortárskapcsolatok. Ugyanakkor a társas kapcsolati hálóban megmutatkozó változás nem jelenti azt, hogy a szülők nem játszanak továbbra is fontos szerepe a serdülők életében, bár a fokozott autonómia-szükségleteknek megfelelően e szerep jelentősége módosul. A szülői kapcsolat meghatározó eleme a szülők nevelési stílusa, pl. autoriter, autoritatív, permisszív, ami kihat a fiatalok egészségmagatartására, jóllétére, iskolai teljesítményére.

Vizsgálatunkban az ún. autoritatív (reflektáló, ill. követelő) szülői bánásmód kapcsolatát elemeztük pszichológiai és egészségjellemzőkkel serdülő lányok (N = 454; életkor: 14-20 évesek; átlag = 16,3 év, szórás = 1,1 év) körében. Az adatgyűjtésre 2018. március és június között került sor, papír-alapú, önkitöltős kérdőívvel. A pszichológiai jellemzők közül vizsgáltuk az optimizmust, a proaktív konfliktusmegoldást, az önértékelést és testbecsülést, az élettel való elégedettséget, a média üzeneteire való fogékonyságot. Az autoriter nevelési stílust az ún. Authoritative Parenting Index (Jackson és mtsai, 1998) segítségével mértük.

A korrelációelemzés szerint a szülők reflektáló nevelési stílusa pozitív kapcsolatot mutat az optimizmussal, a proaktív copinggal, az önértékeléssel, a testbecsüléssel és az élettel való elégedettséggel. A saját egészségi állapot megítélése esetében az anya reflektáló stílusa mutat pozitív kapcsolatot. Szintén ez a változó védelmet jelent a média negatív hatásai ellen, amelyek növelhetik az elégedetlenséget pl. a saját testképpel kapcsolatban. A szülők reflektáló stílusa negatív kapcsolatot mutat a pesszimizmussal.

Eredményeinkből látszik, hogy a nevelési stílus meghatározó a serdülők lelki egészsége, továbbá a testükkel való viszony szempontjából. Az adatok megerősítik, hogy serdülőkorban is fontos szerepe van a szülői nevelésnek, elsősorban a reflektív nevelési stílusnak, a fiatalok jóllétének alakulásában.
Innováció a kreativitás oktatásában
Authors: Petheő Attila , Szirmai Péter
Published: May 2021

A cikk a Budapesti Corvinus Egyetemen folyó vállalkozói képzés egy módszertani újítását írja le, foglalja össze. A vállalkozásindítási ötletek gyűjtésekor a tréning szakirodalomban ismert brainstorming módszerrel éltek a szerzők, a módszert azonban innovatívan alkalmazzák, a megszokott tábla, illetve flipchart technika helyett, a gyorsaságot és az áttekinthetőséget egyaránt szolgáló módon, Excel táblázatba gyűjtik az ötleteket, melyet közvetlenül kivetítővel tesznek láthatóvá a hallgatóság számára.