bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global economic impacts of COVID-19 lockdown measures stand out in high-frequency shipping data
Authors: Verschuur Jasper , Koks Elco E. , Hall Jim W.
Published: April 2021

The implementation of large-scale containment measures by governments to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus has resulted in large impacts to the global economy. Here, we derive a new high-frequency indicator of economic activity using empirical vessel tracking data, and use it to estimate the global maritime trade losses during the first eight months of the pandemic. We go on to use this high-frequency dataset to infer the effect of individual non-pharmaceutical interventions on maritime exports, which we use as a proxy of economic activity. Our results show widespread port-level trade losses, with the largest absolute losses found for ports in China, the Middle-East and Western Europe, associated with the collapse of specific supply-chains (e.g. oil, vehicle manufacturing). In total, we estimate that global maritime trade reduced by -7.0% to -9.6% during the first eight months of 2020, which is equal to around 206–286 million tonnes in volume losses and up to 225–412 billion USD in value losses. We find large sectoral and geographical disparities in impacts. Manufacturing sectors are hit hardest, with losses up to 11.8%, whilst some small islands developing states and low-income economies suffered the largest relative trade losses. Moreover, we find a clear negative impact of COVID-19 related school and public transport closures on country-wide exports. Overall, we show how real-time indicators of economic activity can inform policy-makers about the impacts of individual policies on the economy, and can support economic recovery efforts by allocating funds to the hardest hit economies and sectors.
Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption from 1998–2017: Findings from the health behaviour in school-aged children/school health research network in Wales
Authors: Morgan Kelly , Lowthian Emily , Hawkins Jemma , Hallingberg Britt , Alhumud Manal , Roberts Chris , Murphy Simon , Moore Graham
Published: April 2021

To date no study has examined time trends in adolescent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and energy drinks, or modelled change in inequalities over time. The present study aimed to fill this gap by identifying historical trends among secondary school students in Wales, United Kingdom. The present study includes 11–16 year olds who completed the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey and the Welsh School Health Research Network (SHRN) survey between 1998 to 2017. Multinomial regression models were employed alongside tests for interaction effects. A total of 176,094 student responses were assessed. From 1998 to 2017, the prevalence of daily sugar-sweetened beverage consumption decreased (57% to 18%) while weekly consumption has remained constant since 2006 (49% to 52%). From 2013 to 2017, daily consumption of energy drinks remained stable (6%) while weekly consumption reports steadily decreased (23% to 15%). Boys, older children and those from a low socioeconomic group reported higher consumption rates of sugar-sweetened beverages and energy drinks. Consumption according to socioeconomic group was the only characteristic to show a statistically significant change over time, revealing a widening disparity between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption rates of those from low and high socioeconomic groups. Findings indicate a positive shift in overall consumption rates of both sugar-sweetened beverages and energy drinks. Adolescents from a low socioeconomic group however were consistently shown to report unfavourable sugar-sweetened beverages consumption when compared to peers from high socioeconomic group. Given the established longer term impacts of sugar-sweetened beverage and energy drink consumption on adolescent health outcomes, urgent policy action is required to reduce overall consumption rates, with close attention to equity of impact throughout policy design and evaluation plans.
Women’s techniques for making vaginal penetration more pleasurable: Results from a nationally representative study of adult women in the United States
Authors: Hensel Devon J. , von Hippel Christiana D. , Lapage Charles C. , Perkins Robert H.
Published: April 2021

The study purpose was to assess, in a U.S. probability sample of women, the specific ways women have discovered to make vaginal penetration more pleasurable. Through qualitative pilot research with women that informed the development of the survey instrument used in this study, we identified four previously unnamed, but distinct, techniques women use to make vaginal penetration more pleasurable: Angling, Rocking, Shallowing and Pairing. This study defines each technique and describes its prevalence among U.S. adult women. Weighted frequencies were drawn from the Second OMGYES Pleasure Report—a cross-sectional, online, national probability survey of 3017 American women’s (age 18–93) sexual experiences and discoveries. Participants were recruited via the Ipsos KnowledgePanel®. Data suggest that 87.5% of women make vaginal penetration more pleasurable using ‘Angling’: rotating, raising, or lowering the pelvis/hips during penetration to adjust where inside the vagina the toy or penis rubs and what it feels like. Approximately 76% of women make vaginal penetration more pleasurable using ‘Rocking’: the base of a penis or sex toy rubbing against the clitoris constantly during penetration, by staying all the way inside the vagina rather than thrusting in and out. About 84% of women make vaginal penetration more pleasurable using ‘Shallowing’: penetrative touch just inside of the entrance of the vagina—not on the outside, but also not deep inside—with a fingertip, sex toy, penis tip, tongue, or lips. Finally, 69.7% of women orgasm more often or make vaginal penetration more pleasurable using ‘Pairing’: when a woman herself (Solo Pairing) or her partner (Partner Pairing) reaches down to stimulate her clitoris with a finger or sex toy at the same time as her vagina is being penetrated. These data provide techniques that are at women’s disposal to make penetration more pleasurable—which can enable women to better identify their own preferences, communicate about them and advocate for their sexual pleasure.
Blow fly stable isotopes reveal larval diet: A case study in community level anthropogenic effects
Authors: Owings Charity G. , Gilhooly William P. , Picard Christine J.
Published: April 2021

Response to human impacts on the environment are typically initiated too late to remediate negative consequences. We present the novel use of stable isotope analysis (SIA) of blow flies to determine human influences on vertebrate communities in a range of human-inhabited environments, from a pristine national park to a dense metropolitan area. The refrain “you are what you eat” applies to the dietary isotope record of all living organisms, and for carrion-breeding blow flies, this translates to the type of carcasses present in an environment. Specifically, we show that carnivore carcasses make up a large proportion of the adult fly’s prior larval diet, which contrasts to what has been reportedly previously for the wild adult fly diet (which consists of mostly herbivore resources). Additionally, we reveal the potential impact of human food on carcasses that were fed on by blow flies, underscoring the human influences on wild animal populations. Our results demonstrate that using SIA in conjunction with other methods (e.g., DNA analysis of flies) can reveal a comprehensive snapshot of the vertebrate community in a terrestrial ecosystem.
Atrial fibrillation and comorbidities: Clinical characteristics and antithrombotic treatment in GLORIA-AF
Authors: Kozieł Monika , Teutsch Christine , Halperin Jonathan L. , Rothman Kenneth J. , Diener Hans-Christoph , Ma Chang-Sheng , Marler Sabrina , Lu Shihai , Gurusamy Venkatesh K. , Huisman Menno V. , Lip Gregory Y. H. ,   on behalf of the GLORIA-AF Investigators
Published: April 2021

Background

Patients with AF often have multimorbidity (the presence of ≥2 concomitant chronic conditions).

Objective

To describe baseline characteristics, patterns of antithrombotic therapy, and factors associated with oral anticoagulant (OAC) prescription in patients with AF and ≥2 concomitant, chronic, comorbid conditions.

Methods

Phase III of the GLORIA-AF Registry enrolled consecutive patients from January 2014 through December 2016 with recently diagnosed AF and CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥1 to assess the safety and effectiveness of antithrombotic treatment.

Results

Of 21,241 eligible patients, 15,119 (71.2%) had ≥2 concomitant, chronic, comorbid conditions. The proportions of patients with multimorbidity receiving non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and vitamin K antagonists (VKA) were 60.2% and 23.6%, respectively. The proportion with paroxysmal AF was 57.0% in the NOAC group and 45.4% in the VKA group. Multivariable log-binomial regression analysis found the following factors were associated with no OAC prescription: pattern of AF (paroxysmal, persistent, or permanent), coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, prior bleeding, smoking status, and region (Asia, North America, or Europe). Factors associated with OAC prescriptions were age, body mass index, renal function, hypertension, history of cerebral ischemic symptoms, and AF ablation.

Conclusion

Multimorbid AF patients prescribed NOACs have fewer comorbidities than those prescribed VKAs. Age, AF pattern, comorbidities, and renal function are associated with OAC prescription.
A low-altitude public air route network for UAV management constructed by global subdivision grids
Authors: Zhai Weixin , Han Bing , Li Dong , Duan Jiexiong , Cheng Chengqi
Published: April 2021

With an increasing number of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the difficulty of UAV management becomes more challenging, especially for low-altitude airspace due to complicated issues of security, privacy and flexibility. Existing management approaches to UAV flights include implementing registration of flight activity for supervision purposes, limiting the maximum flight height, setting different zones for different flight activities and prohibiting flights. In this research, we proposed a new air traffic management method for UAVs based on global subdivision theory. We designed four types of low-altitude air routes from grids, which correspond to grid sizes of 1.85 km, 128 m, 64 m and 32 m. Utilization of the subdivision grids transforms the complex spatial computation problem into a query process in the spatial database, which provides a new approach to UAV management in the fifth-generation (5G) era. We compared the number and data size of stored track records using longitude and latitude and different grid levels, computed time consumption for air route trafficability and simulated UAV flight to verify the feasibility of constructing this type of air traffic highway system. The amount of data storage and time consumption for air route trafficability can be substantially reduced by subdivision. For example, the data size using traditional expressions of latitude and longitude is approximately 1.5 times that of using a 21-level grid, and the time consumption by coordinates is approximately 1.5 times that of subdivision grids at level 21. The results of the simulated experiments indicate that in the 5G environment, gridded airspace can effectively improve the efficiency of UAV trajectory planning and reduce the size of information storage in the airspace environment. Therefore, given the increasing number of UAVs in the future, gridded highways have the potential to provide a foundation for various UAV applications.
Socio-economic and health determinants of preference for separate living among older adults: A cross-sectional study in India
Authors: Muhammad T. , Balachandran Arun , Srivastava Shobhit
Published: April 2021

Introduction

The living arrangements among the older population form a basic pointer to the care and support of older adults in India, and living with extended kin is clearly differentiated from living separately. This paper attempts to understand the associations between socio-economic and health-related variables with preference for the separate living among older adults in India.

Materials and methods

Using data from Building Knowledge Base on Population Ageing in India (BKPAI), we employed bivariate and probit regressions on a sample of 9540 older adults to fulfil the study objective.

Results

Nearly 21% of older adults were living alone/with a spouse. Additionally, those older adults who lived alone/with spouse had specific reasons, i.e. about 14.6% reported that they had no children, 47.3% of older adults had their children away and 15.9% of older adults reported a family conflict. Availability of children is consistently found to be negatively associated with the preference of separate living. Besides, better self-rated health, independence in daily activities, and facing any type of violence were the strongest predictors of preference for separate living. In addition, the background characteristics, including age, sex, education, religion, and ethnicity, were found as significant predictors of living arrangement preference. Preference for co-residential arrangements emerges among older persons who have a feeling of importance within their family.

Conclusion

Physical proximity to kin and health conditions, in addition to economic conditions, substantially determine the swing towards separate living among older adults in India. This suggests that attention has to be paid to the demand for specialized care and health services among older adults living separately.
Predicting eyes at risk for rapid glaucoma progression based on an initial visual field test using machine learning
Authors: Shuldiner Scott R. , Boland Michael V. , Ramulu Pradeep Y. , De Moraes C. Gustavo , Elze Tobias , Myers Jonathan , Pasquale Louis , Wellik Sarah , Yohannan Jithin
Published: April 2021

Objective

To assess whether machine learning algorithms (MLA) can predict eyes that will undergo rapid glaucoma progression based on an initial visual field (VF) test.

Design

Retrospective analysis of longitudinal data.

Subjects

175,786 VFs (22,925 initial VFs) from 14,217 patients who completed ≥5 reliable VFs at academic glaucoma centers were included.

Methods

Summary measures and reliability metrics from the initial VF and age were used to train MLA designed to predict the likelihood of rapid progression. Additionally, the neural network model was trained with point-wise threshold data in addition to summary measures, reliability metrics and age. 80% of eyes were used for a training set and 20% were used as a test set. MLA test set performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC). Performance of models trained on initial VF data alone was compared to performance of models trained on data from the first two VFs.

Main outcome measures

Accuracy in predicting future rapid progression defined as MD worsening more than 1 dB/year.

Results

1,968 eyes (8.6%) underwent rapid progression. The support vector machine model (AUC 0.72 [95% CI 0.70–0.75]) most accurately predicted rapid progression when trained on initial VF data. Artificial neural network, random forest, logistic regression and naïve Bayes classifiers produced AUC of 0.72, 0.70, 0.69, 0.68 respectively. Models trained on data from the first two VFs performed no better than top models trained on the initial VF alone. Based on the odds ratio (OR) from logistic regression and variable importance plots from the random forest model, older age (OR: 1.41 per 10 year increment [95% CI: 1.34 to 1.08]) and higher pattern standard deviation (OR: 1.31 per 5-dB increment [95% CI: 1.18 to 1.46]) were the variables in the initial VF most strongly associated with rapid progression.

Conclusions

MLA can be used to predict eyes at risk for rapid progression with modest accuracy based on an initial VF test. Incorporating additional clinical data to the current model may offer opportunities to predict patients most likely to rapidly progress with even greater accuracy.
Casein kinase TbCK1.2 regulates division of kinetoplast DNA, and movement of basal bodies in the African trypanosome
Authors: Sullenberger Catherine , Hoffman Benjamin , Wiedeman Justin , Kumar Gaurav , Mensa-Wilmot Kojo
Published: April 2021

The single mitochondrial nucleoid (kinetoplast) ofTrypanosoma bruceiis found proximal to a basal body (mature (mBB)/probasal body (pBB) pair). Kinetoplast inheritance requires synthesis of, and scission of kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) generating two kinetoplasts that segregate with basal bodies into daughter cells. Molecular details of kinetoplast scission and the extent to which basal body separation influences the process are unavailable. To address this topic, we followed basal body movements in bloodstream trypanosomes following depletion of protein kinase TbCK1.2 which promotes kinetoplast division. In control cells we found that pBBs are positioned 0.4 um from mBBs in G1, and they mature after separating from mBBs by at least 0.8 um: mBB separation reaches ~2.2 um. These data indicate that current models of basal body biogenesis in which pBBs mature in close proximity to mBBs may need to be revisited. Knockdown of TbCK1.2 produced trypanosomes containing one kinetoplast and two nuclei (1K2N), increased the percentage of cells with uncleaved kDNA 400%, decreased mBB spacing by 15%, and inhibited cytokinesis 300%. We conclude that (a) separation of mBBs beyond a threshold of 1.8 um correlates with division of kDNA, and (b) TbCK1.2 regulates kDNA scission. We propose a Kinetoplast Division Factor hypothesis that integrates these data into a pathway for biogenesis of two daughter mitochondrial nucleoids.
Evidence for a visual bias when recalling complex narratives
Authors: Scheurich Rebecca , Palmer Caroline , Kaya Batu , Agostino Caterina , Sheldon Signy
Published: April 2021

Although it is understood that episodic memories of everyday events involve encoding a wide array of perceptual and non-perceptual information, it is unclear how these distinct types of information are recalled. To address this knowledge gap, we examine how perceptual (visual versus auditory) and non-perceptual details described within a narrative, a proxy for everyday event memories, were retrieved. Based on previous work indicating a bias for visual content, we hypothesized that participants would be most accurate at recalling visually described details and would tend to falsely recall non-visual details with visual descriptors. In Study 1, participants watched videos of a protagonist telling narratives of everyday events under three conditions: with visual, auditory, or audiovisual details. All narratives contained the same non-perceptual content. Participants’ free recall of these narratives under each condition were scored for the type of details recalled (perceptual, non-perceptual) and whether the detail was recalled with gist or verbatim memory. We found that participants were more accurate at gist and verbatim recall for visual perceptual details. This visual bias was also evident when we examined the errors made during recall such that participants tended to incorrectly recall details with visual information, but not with auditory information. Study 2 tested for this pattern of results when the narratives were presented in auditory only format. Results conceptually replicated Study 1 in that there was still a persistent visual bias in what was recollected from the complex narratives. Together, these findings indicate a bias for recruiting visualizable content to construct complex multi-detail memories.
Heat shock response enhanced by cell culture treatment in mouse embryonic stem cell-derived proliferating neural stem cells
Authors: Omori Hiroyuki , Otsu Masahiro , Nogami Haruo , Shibata Masayoshi
Published: April 2021

Cells have a regulatory mechanism known as heat shock (HS) response, which induces the expression of HS genes and proteins in response to heat and other cellular stresses. Exposure to moderate HS results in beneficial effects, such as thermotolerance and promotes survival, whereas excessive HS causes cell death. The effect of HS on cells depends on both exogenous factors, including the temperature and duration of heat application, and endogenous factors, such as the degree of cell differentiation. Neural stem cells (NSCs) can self-renew and differentiate into neurons and glial cells, but the changes in the HS response of symmetrically proliferating NSCs in culture are unclear. We evaluated the HS response of homogeneous proliferating NSCs derived from mouse embryonic stem cells during the proliferative phase and its effect on survival and cell death in vitro. The number of adherent cells and the expression ratios of HS protein (Hsp)40 and Hsp70 genes after exposure to HS for 20 min at temperatures above 43°C significantly increased with the extension of the culture period before exposure to HS. In contrast, caspase activity was significantly decreased by extension of the culture period before exposure to HS and suppressed the decrease in cell viability. These results suggest that the culture period before HS remarkably affects the HS response, influencing the expression of HS genes and cell survival of proliferating NSCs in culture.
Can spatial filtering separate voluntary and involuntary components in children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy?
Authors: Borish Cassie N. , Bertucco Matteo , Berger Denise J. , d’Avella Andrea , Sanger Terence D.
Published: April 2021

The design of myocontrolled devices faces particular challenges in children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy because the electromyographic signal for control contains both voluntary and involuntary components. We hypothesized that voluntary and involuntary components of movements would be uncorrelated and thus detectable as different synergistic patterns of muscle activity, and that removal of the involuntary components would improve online EMG-based control. Therefore, we performed a synergy-based decomposition of EMG-guided movements, and evaluated which components were most controllable using a Fitts’ Law task. Similarly, we also tested which muscles were most controllable. We then tested whether removing the uncontrollable components or muscles improved overall function in terms of movement time, success rate, and throughput. We found that removal of less controllable components or muscles did not improve EMG control performance, and in many cases worsened performance. These results suggest that abnormal movement in dyskinetic CP is consistent with a pervasive distortion of voluntary movement rather than a superposition of separable voluntary and involuntary components of movement.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the social and educational aspects of Saudi university students’ lives
Authors: Alghamdi Abdulelah A.
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic led to surprising and unexpected experiences for Saudi university students. Precautionary and preventive measures taken to contain this pandemic impacted the social and educational aspects of these students’ lives. All Umm Al-Qura University (UQU) students were invited to participate in an online survey on 30 impacts, both positive and negative, of the COVID-19 pandemic on their lives. Social impact theory (SIT) was applied to illustrate these impacts. The survey yielded 1,360 responses. The results showed high to moderate levels of agreement regarding students’ perceptions of the positive and negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their lives, with social aspects impacted more than educational ones; and no statistically significant gender differences. Weak correlations were found between the social aspects and the educational aspects of students’ lives in relation to the impact of the pandemic, although all aspects were correlated positively. The SIT framework provided insights into how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted students’ lives.
Changes in gene expression of cervical collagens, metalloproteinases, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases after partial cervical excision-induced preterm labor in mice
Authors: Jeong Hyun Chul , Kim Ho Yeon , Kim Hee Youn , Wang Eun-Jin , Ahn Ki Hoon , Oh Min-Jeong , Choi Byung Min , Kim Hai-Joong
Published: April 2021

We investigated changes in gene expression of cervical collagens, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) during pre-gestational uterine cervical excision and/or inflammation-induced preterm labor in mice. Forty sexually mature female mice were uniformly divided into four groups: sham, cervical excision, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection, and cervical excision plus LPS injection. Partial cervical tissue excision was performed at five weeks of age before mating. LPS was injected into the lower right uterine horn near the cervix on gestational day 16. Mice were sacrificed immediately postpartum. Uterine cervices were collected and subjected to quantitative real-time PCR. Col4α1 and Col5α1 expression increased significantly in the cervical excision plus LPS injection group compared to the sham group (p < 0.01 and p = 0.024, respectively). MMP-14 expression levels increased in the cervical excision plus LPS injection group compared to the sham group (p < 0.01). TIMP-1 expression was not significantly decreased in this group. Increased expression levels of Col4α1, Col5α1, and MMP-14 were associated with cervical excision plus inflammation-induced preterm labor. Thus, pre-gestational cervical remodeling through specific collagen metabolism and MMP activation may involve the pathogenesis of spontaneous preterm labor.
Obfuscating encrypted threshold signature algorithm and its applications in cloud computing
Authors: Li Yahong , Wei Jianzhou , Wu Bin , Wang Chunli , Wang Caifen , Zhang Yulei , Yang Xiaodong
Published: April 2021

Current cloud computing causes serious restrictions to safeguarding users’ data privacy. Since users’ sensitive data is submitted in unencrypted forms to remote machines possessed and operated by untrusted service providers, users’ sensitive data may be leaked by service providers. Program obfuscation shows the unique advantages that it can provide for cloud computing. In this paper, we construct an encrypted threshold signature functionality, which can outsource the threshold signing rights of users to cloud server securely by applying obfuscation, while revealing no more sensitive information. The obfuscator is proven to satisfy the average case virtual black box property and existentially unforgeable under the decisional linear (DLIN) assumption and computational Diffie-Hellman (CDH) assumption in the standard model. Moreover, we implement our scheme using the Java pairing-based cryptography library on a laptop.
Comparison of biomechanical performance of single-level triangular and quadrilateral profile anterior cervical plates
Authors: Cao Fu , Fu Rongchang , Wang Wenyuan
Published: April 2021

The quadrilateral anterior cervical plate (ACP) is used extensively in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) to reconstruct the stability of the cervical spine and prevent cage subsidence. However, there have been no comparison studies on the biomechanical performance of quadrilateral ACP and triangular ACP. The objective of this study is to investigate the functional outcomes of quadrilateral ACP and triangular ACP usage in ACDF surgery. In this study, a finite element model of intact C1-C7 segments was established and verified. Additionally, two implant systems were built; one using triangle anterior cervical plates (TACP) and another using quadrilateral orion anterior cervical plate (QACP). Both models were then compared in terms of their postoperative biomechanical performance, under normal and excessive motion. Compared to QACP, the peak stress of the TACP screws and plates occurred at 359.2 MPa and 97.2 MPa respectively and were the highest during over extension exercises. Alternately, compared to TACP, the endplate peak stress and the cage displacement of QACP were the largest at over extension, with values of 7.5 MPa and 1.2 mm, respectively. Finally, the average stress ratio of bone grafts in TACP was relatively high at 31.6%. In terms of biomechanical performance, TACP can share the load more flexibly and reduce the risks of cage subsidence and slippage but the screws have high peak stress value, thereby increasing the risk of screw slippage and fracture. This disadvantage must be considered when designing a TACP based implant for a potential patient.
Gross Features of Human Placentae in Normal and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: A. J Molly , K.B. Usha Devi
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND Placenta is a multifunctional fetomaternal organ that plays an important role during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is reflected on placenta both macroscopically and microscopically as enlargement of placenta, abnormalities in villi and degenerative changes. METHODS This is a cross sectional study conducted among two groups, normal group and GDM group, to compare the gross features of GDM placentae in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Department of Anatomy, Govt. Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. RESULTS The study was conducted on 65 normal and 65 GDM placentae. There was an increased incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus in the age group > 25 years with a mean age of 26.38 ± 3.84 years. Multiparous women have been found to be more prone to gestational diabetes mellitus. Past history of abortions and intrauterine death (IUD) was more in GDM group as compared to normal group. Incidence of lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) was also more in GDM group. Weight, diameter and number of maternal cotyledons of placentae were significantly increased in GDM. The predominant shape of placenta in both groups was round, next to that was oval. Only 3 placentae showed irregular shape and that was from GDM group. Most common type of attachment of umbilical cord was eccentric in both groups. Next to that was central and marginal respectively. Only one placenta was furcate and that belonged to GDM group. Fetal membrane was translucent in all normal and GDM placentae. Mean birth weight of the baby of GDM mothers was significantly increased. Mean fetoplacental weight ratio was significantly decreased in GDM group as compared to normal group. CONCLUSIONS In the present study, GDM placentae showed significant changes in gross features. Meticulous gross examination of a placenta prior to histologic sectioning enhances microscopic interpretation. By increasing our understanding of the placenta, it may be possible to prevent and treat placental abnormalities related to GDM, thus ensuring lifelong health of the child and the mother. Hence, the present work would provide vital information to both obstetricians and neonatologists. KEY WORDS Placenta, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Morphology of Placenta
To Compare the Incidence of Post-Dural Puncture Headache Using 25G Quincke and 25G Whitacre Spinal Needles in Patients Undergoing Lower Segment Caesarean Section
Authors: Devalla Aditya Rameshbabu , Ninave Sanjot S. , Singam Amol P.
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND Spinal anaesthesia is the first preference of anaesthesia in obstetric surgery. Post dural puncture headache (PDPH) is more common after C-section in young parturients. In the present world which is developing and fast-paced, brisk recovery along with minimal side effects & importantly early ambulation are now the need of the hour. This headache is more worrying to the mother who is required to tend to the newborn baby. This study compared the incidence of PDPH subsequent to subarachnoid blockade for lower segment Caesarean section (LSCS) 25G Whitacre & 25G Quincke needles. We wanted to compare the incidence of PDPH using 25G Quincke and 25G Whitacre spinal needles in patients undergoing LSCS. METHODS Two hundred (ASA II) American Society of Anaesthesiologists 11 females who were pregnant and in the age group of 20 - 50 years, planned to get sub-arachnoid blockade for C-section, were assigned randomly into two equal groups (N = 100 each). Both groups received spinal anaesthesia with 25-gauge Quincke and 25 gauge Whitacre needle. Postoperatively, incidence, site, onset, severity and duration of headache was studied. RESULTS The incidence of post spinal headache was 6 % in the Quincke group. No patients in Whitacre group had PDPH. The number of lumbar punctures required for successful sub arachnoid block was recorded in both the groups. 92 % patients from group Q and 88 % patients from group W required only one puncture. 8 % patients from group Q and 12 % patients from group W required two punctures. CONCLUSIONS It is prudent to conclude that 25G Whitacre spinal needle is a better alternative to 25G Quincke needle for reducing the incidence of post dural puncture headache in patients undergoing lower segment Caesarean section. KEY WORDS Spinal Anaesthesia, Post Dural Puncture Headache, Caesarean Section
Variations in the Circumflex Branches of the Profunda Femoris Artery - A Cadaveric Study
Authors: George Anne , Santhakumary Maheswary Thampi
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND The external iliac artery passes behind the inguinal ligament into the front of the thigh as the femoral artery (FA). The FA gives off many branches both superficial and deep. The profunda femoris artery (PFA) is one of the deep branches given off in the femoral triangle in front of the thigh. The PFA gives off the medial circumflex femoral artery (MCFA) and the lateral circumflex femoral arteries (LCFA) and continues downwards giving off the first, second and third perforating arteries. The PFA terminates as the fourth perforating artery. Many variations in the circumflex branches of the PFA have been found by various authors. These variations are of great significance during procedures done in front part of the thigh. METHODS This is a descriptive cadaveric study. We dissected the thighs of 57 embalmed bodies. We looked for the medial (MCFA) and lateral (LCFA) circumflex arteries which are branches of PFA. Each artery was followed till its termination. The distance of their origin from the point of the origin of PFA from the FA was measured and noted. The distance between pubic symphysis and anterior superior iliac spine was measured using black silk and measuring scale. The midpoint was marked using skin marking pen and an incision extending from anterior superior iliac spine to pubic symphysis was made. Another incision was made from the above midpoint to the midpoint of a horizontal incision at the level of knee joint. Femoral sheath was identified and incised. Femoral artery, profunda femoris artery and its circumflex branches were identified. The modes of origin of MCFA and LCFA were noted. The distance of origin of these from the origin of PFA were measured. Variations in the branching pattern of MCFA and LCFA were looked for and noted down. RESULTS We found that in 83 % of the total cases MCFA took origin from PFA and its origin was from the FA in 13 %. In 84 % of total cases LCFA arose from PFA on the right side and 70 % on the left side. A common stump of origin was noted in 3 cases. CONCLUSIONS Medial and lateral circumflex branches of PFA exhibit wide variations. KEY WORDS Medial Circumflex Femoral Artery, Lateral Circumflex Femoral Artery, Variations in Origin and Branching
Severe Vascular Complications Following Thrombolytic Therapy in a Case of Prosthetic Mitral Valve Thrombosis – A Case Report
Authors: Husain Ayan , Gaidhane Shilpa Abhay , Karadbhajane Priti Abhay , Acharya Sourya , Nirmal Apoorva
Published: April 2021

Prosthetic cardiac valve thrombosis is a rare but dangerous complication; 1,2 particularly in patients with low conformity on anticoagulant therapy. Thromboembolic problems happen after mechanical valve substitution in 0.5 - 8 percent. 3-5 Fibrinolytic therapy to treat the thrombosis is widely used nowadays with high efficacy and no severe side effects as compared to emergency surgical treatment, which is associated with high mortality.6 Surgical valve repair in patients with rheumatic heart disease remains the gold standard for the treatment. Thrombosis of the prosthetic heart valve in patients undergoing valve replacement, is the most severe and deadly complication. Currently, the treatments available for symptomatic prosthetic valve thrombosis are immediate surgery or thrombolytic therapy (TT). In rural hospital settings patients are poor and there is a lack of surgical expertise. These factors make TT the perfect treatment for prosthetic valve thrombosis. But one should be aware of embolic complications.
Genotypic Characterisation of Multi Drug Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria with Special Reference to Carbapenem Resistance in a Teaching Hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana State
Authors: Gurajala Swathi , Tipparthi Sandeep Kumar , H.R.V. Rajkumar
Published: April 2021

Bacteria develop antimicrobial drug resistance through several mechanisms, the common one being the production of enzymes. As the number of antibiotics discovered is in notable numbers in the past few years, it is important to preserve high-end antibiotics for the treatment of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) infections, by appropriate use of antibiotics. A study was conducted to record prevalence, phenotypic and genotypic characters of MDROs in our hospital, with reference to carbapenem resistance. 200 multidrug-resistant clinical isolates were collected in 6 months. Carbapenem-resistant organisms were detected phenotypically confirmed for the production of carbapenemases by modified Hodge test (MHT) and genotypic detection was done by a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the five most predominant carbapenemases (bla NDM-1, bla OXA-48 , bla VIM, bla IMP, bla KPC). The isolates consisted of E. coli (53 %) followed by K. pneumoniae (30 %), P. aeruginosa (13 %), and acinetobacter spp (4 %). Among these, 40 (20 %) isolates were carbapenem-resistant. Of these 40, 27 (67.5 %) showed an increase in zone size by the MHT, suggestive of metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) mediated carbapenem resistance and about 32 (80 %) isolates were found to contain at least one carbapenemase gene. bla NDM-1 accounted for 37.5 % (12 / 32) of the isolates and was the most predominant one followed by bla OXA-48 [28 % (9 / 32)]. 22 % (7 / 32) of the isolates had one or more carbapenemase genes. Identifying the mechanisms of resistance of pathogens is important to implement strict infection prevention and control measures in the hospital to prevent the transmission of the resistant pathogens. KEY WORDS Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria, Bla NDM-1 Gene, Bla OXA-48 Gene, Carbapenem Resistance, Carbapenem Resistant Organisms.
Scene Classification of Remotely Sensed Images via Densely Connected Convolutional Neural Networks and an Ensemble Classifier
Authors: Cheng Qimin , Xu Yuan , Fu Peng , Li Jinling , Wang Wei , Ren Yingchao
Published: April 2021

Deep learning techniques, especially convolutional neural networks, have boosted performance in analyzing and understanding remotely sensed images to a great extent. However, existing scene-classification methods generally neglect local and spatial information that is vital to scene
classification of remotely sensed images. In this study, a method of scene classification for remotely sensed images based on pretrained densely connected convolutional neural networks combined with an ensemble classifier is proposed to tackle the under-utilization of local and spatial information
for image classification. Specifically, we first exploit the pretrained DenseNet and fine-tuned it to release its potential in remote-sensing image feature representation. Second, a spatial-pyramid structure and an improved Fisher-vector coding strategy are leveraged to further strengthen
representation capability and the robustness of the feature map captured from convolutional layers. Then we integrate an ensemble classifier in our network architecture considering that lower attention to feature descriptors. Extensive experiments are conducted, and the proposed method achieves
superior performance on UC Merced, AID, and NWPU-RESISC45 data sets.
Participação no processo legislativo como direito fundamental: um olhar sobre as ferramentas de e-democracy no Congresso Nacional Brasileiro
Authors: Lima López Valle Vivian Cristina , Martinelli Tanganelli Gazotto Gustavo , Barbosa Filho Claudio Roberto
Published: April 2021

O uso de tecnologias na gestão política é uma realidade latente. Nesse sentido, a Lei de Acesso à Informação (Lei nº 12.527/2011) contribuiu para o planejamento dos princípios e diretrizes da tecnologia de informação no desenvolvimento político-social. O emprego dessas ferramentas eletrônicas pode ser utilizado para difundir a transparência nos órgãos e entidades governamentais, facilitar o controle dos representantes políticos por seus representados, entre tantos outros usos. A presente pesquisa, no entanto, irá se debruçar justamente nos sistemas virtuais desenvolvidos pela Câmara dos Deputados e pelo Senado Federal que possibilitam a participação do cidadão no processo legislativo. A partir da análise dos dados disponíveis em ambas as Casas do Congresso Nacional, objetiva-se compreender quão influentes são tais ferramentas de e-democracy na persuasão de seus representantes. Em outras palavras, deseja-se averiguar se a presença do instrumental virtual é meramente formal, como requisito da Lei de Acesso à Informação, ou se garante adesão e influência das massas no controle social da administração pública (art. 3º, V, LAI). O estudo terá duas etapas, uma primeira descritiva, em que se analisa quais os mecanismos jurídicos disponíveis para atuação do cidadão na lege ferenda; num segundo momento, fruto da análise anterior, advoga-se pela interpretação de um efetivo direito fundamental à participação no processo legislativo, retirado da leitura constitucional e discriminado em textos de menor hierarquia.
O enfrentamento ao trabalho escravo contemporâneo no Brasil: a ampliação da possibilidade de terceirização trabalhista como obstáculo às políticas de promoção do trabalho decente
Authors: Reis da Silva Lucas
Published: April 2021

O presente artigo propõe uma reflexão acerca dos obstáculos representados pela lei 13429/2017, que amplia a possibilidade de contratação de mão de obra terceirizada, às políticas públicas de combate ao trabalho escravo contemporâneo pelo Estado Brasileiro. A referida lei é analisada no contexto de retrocesso das atividades de enfrentamento à referida violação ocorrido a partir de 2014. Parte-se da construção do conceito de trabalho escravo contemporâneo, dos debates que se construíram em torno do tema durante esse período que se inicia na década de 1980 e que se materializou no artigo 149 do Código Penal Brasileiro. Além do mais, as especificidades do conceito de trabalho escravo contemporâneo previstas na legislação brasileira são justapostas aos conceitos utilizados por organizações internacionais a fim de que se delineiem de forma mais precisa os elementos que constituem o trabalho escravo no Brasil. A partir daí, o presente artigo traça um histórico do enfrentamento à prática do trabalho escravo realizado pelo Estado Brasileiro a partir do momento em que ele reconheceu a existência de tal violação em seu território. O presente artigo identificou períodos de avanços e de retrocessos no histórico do combate ao trabalho escravo no Brasil. Entre os retrocessos que se identificaram, a terceirização se apresenta como elemento de especial importância. Primeiro porque antes mesmo da alteração legislativa que ampliou a possibilidade de terceirização, ela já representava mecanismo utilizado pelas empresas a fim de submeterem trabalhadores a condições de escravidão contemporânea. Segundo, porque a possibilidade de terceirização da atividade-fim, criada pela promulgação da referida lei, altera substancialmente a forma de responsabilização das empresas por violações ocorridas em suas cadeias de produção. Portanto, inserida nesse contexto de retrocessos quanto à atuação do Estado Brasileiro no sentido de promover o trabalho decente e a eliminação do trabalho escravo em seu território, esse artigo analisa os principais efeitos da ampliação da terceirização nas políticas públicas de combate ao trabalho escravo contemporâneo no Brasil.
El fortalecimiento de la calidad de la democracia en América Latina. Una propuesta a partir de la gobernanza democrática
Authors: Ledezma Rosas Jose Manuel , Morán Torres Enoc Francisco
Published: April 2021

En este trabajo se analizará la postura de la gobernanza democrática en los países de Latinoamérica con el fin de responder a una probable solución a los problemas de la gobernabilidad democrática de la región.
Study of Trabekular Anatomic Structures on Biawak Water Bone (Varanus Salvator)
Authors: Haniaturizqia  , Hasni Amalia , Anwar Miftahul
Published: April 2021

Asian water lizards (Varanus salvator) is one of the species that is widespread in the region of South Asia and Southeast Asia, one of which is in the territory of Indonesia. One of the characteristics of water lizards is having a tail that serves to maintain the balance of his body when moving. This study aims to determine the anatomical structure of the trabeculae in the tailbone of the Asian water lizard (Varanus salvator). Trabeculae are derived from the aquatic biawaks tailbone, which is neutralized with chloroform and then dissected. The coccyx is taken and prepared for observation of trabecular anatomy by sanding part of the coccyx. Then observed the structural parts of the trabeculae using a microscope. Bone trabeculae can be seen as small, porous and porous tissue elements, which consist of trabekulated tissue. Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that the trabeculae of the monitor lizard's tail bone consist of thin lattice elements and form spongy bones. The trabecular structure is thicker and denser to withstand external loading that is optimally regulated to withstand loads in functional activities such as jumping, running and for body balance. So that the dense trabecular structure of the monitor lizard's tailbone can function optimally for the balance of the body of Asian water lizards in moving and doing activities.
Anatomical Structure of Large Flying-Fox Bat’s (Pteropus vampyrus) Forelimb Skeleton
Authors: Sifa Itsnaini Fadhilah , Nisa Laila Ainun , Bahartin Widya
Published: April 2021

Large Flying-fox (Pteropus vampyrus) is a fruit-eating bat that belongs to the Chiroptera order. Anatomical variations in various animals affected by different feed and behavior. The Large Flying-fox Bat is a flying mammal that undergoes morphological adaptation regarding its environment and behavior. The forelimb of bat adapt to flying properties. The aim of this research is to determine the anatomical structure of Pteropus vampyrus forelimb. To find out the anatomical structure, Pteropus vampyrus skinned with a knife and sandpaper until it appears the parts of muscles and bones. This species has forearm length of 145-220 mm and has a very high flying habit.
Vertebrae Cervical of Egret (Egretta garzeta)
Authors: Haqiqi Nila ‘Uyun , Rini Pradita Icha Listya , Krismiati Ririn
Published: April 2021

Egret is a long-necked bird that is often found in several regions in Indonesia. Egret have different neck bone structure than the other birds. When flying position the neck can be folded to from the letter S and when taking food the neck can bend down unt il it reaches the ground surface. His neck is strong and cannot be broken. Egret’s neck is composed of 13 vertebrae, each of which has a different structure and functions. In sections C5 to C7 have special characteristics. The sixth neck bone lengthens and the arrangement of muscle connections is elastic. To observe the cervical vertebrae in Egret done by cleaning all attached tissue then observed using a binocular stereo microscope wurh a magnification of 0.8x. The observations show that at C5 it has a longer segment than the others and has posterior condyle. Then in C6 there is a pivot point that allows the Egret to pull their necks into an S shape and allows Egret to push the head forward and catch prey at high speed (Wheler, 1929)