bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unseen: Exploring the Lived Experience of Visually Impaired South Africans
Authors: Bloch Joanne
Published: January 2021

The liminal space occupied by partially sighted people is little understood and much misrepresented in South African societies. Inter-personally and more broadly, visually impaired South Africans face stigma, discrimination and numerous structural barriers to educational, social and economic opportunities. These challenges remain largely invisible to those who never  experience them.  
In this paper, I discuss my conversations with four South Africans who, like me, are visually impaired. These conversations form part of my research for Unseen, a project that brings together my interests in life writing and in exploring different aspects of the experience of visual impairment. I weave substantial extracts from our dialogues together with my own insights so as to give a sense of the texture of participants’ reported understanding, ideas, feelings, and sensorial adaptations, and also to investigate the multiple and overlapping influences of class, race, gender, age, community, sexual orientation and family on each individual’s subjective experience.
La peca o mancha negra del aguacate: síntomas y estrategias de manejo
Authors: Rodríguez Polanco Eleonora , Tamayo Pablo Julián , Reina Noreña Julián , Varón Devia Édgar Herney
Published: January 2021

Las recomendaciones técnicas de esta oferta tecnológica se basan en los resultados validados de diferentes estrategias de manejo de la peca que fueron realizadas por AGROSAVIA. Específicamente, se refieren a la aplicación individual o conjunta de prácticas culturales y químicas que mostraron un trato sostenible y rentable de la enfermedad, en comparación con las prácticas tradicionales del productor. De igual modo, esta oferta tecnológica presenta una serie de foto¬grafías en las que se explican detalladamente los síntomas de la peca en hojas y frutos para que el agricultor los identifique de manera correcta y cuente con las estrategias adecuadas para manejarlos. Además, se incluyen los resultados de investigación sobre la poda y la aplicación de fungicidas químicos para que los productores, los asistentes técnicos y los nuevos extensionistas los conozcan e incorporen a sus prácticas.
Recruitment and Retention Strategies for Community-Based Longitudinal Studies in Diverse Urban Neighborhoods
Authors: Ferris Emily B , Wyka Katarzyna , Evenson Kelly R , Dorn Joan M , Thorpe Lorna , Catellier Diane , Huang Terry T-K
Published: January 2021

Longitudinal, natural experiments provide an ideal evaluation approach to better understand the impact of built environment interventions on community health outcomes, particularly health disparities. As there are many participant engagement challenges inherent in the design of large-scale community-based studies, adaptive and iterative participant engagement strategies are critical. This paper shares practical lessons learned from the Physical Activity and Redesigned Community Spaces (PARCS) study, which is an evaluation of the impact of a citywide park renovation initiative on physical activity, psychosocial health, and community well-being. The PARCS study, although ongoing, has developed several approaches to improve participant engagement: building trust with communities, adapting the study protocol to meet participants’ needs and to reflect their capacity for participation, operational flexibility, and developing tracking systems. These strategies may help researchers anticipate and respond to participant engagement challenges in community-based studies, particularly in low-income communities of color.
Profiling Cognitive Performance and Sleep Quality Measures in Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Preprint)
Authors: Afarid Mehrdad , Rezaie Hooman , Khademi1 Behzad , Nami Mohammad
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

This study aimed at profiling cognitive functions in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to evaluate cognitive functions in patients diagnosed with AMD

METHODS

This cross-sectional investigation enrolled 45 patients with AMD and 45 age- and sex-matched controls. The overall cognitive performance in AMD sufferer versus control subjects was asses using the Persian version of the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination battery (ACE-R). Subjects’ sleep quality was also evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The mean global assessment and subscale scores were statistically compared between groups.

RESULTS

The mean global scores for ACE-R in AMD and control groups (80.4±12.3 and 86 ± 9.6, respectively) were found to be statistically different (p=0.018). On the other hand there was no significant difference (p=0.793) between the AMD and control groups in terms of PSQI scores (9.7±2.8 and 9.8±2.8, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

AMD patients seem to have cognitively underperformed in memory and verbal fluency domains compared to the control group. Evidence on cognitive impairments in patients with AMD may possibly herald neurocognitive insufficiencies and have common pathological mechanisms with dementias.
Paguyuban sebagai Media Transformasi Sosial-ekonomi Keluarga Perempuan TKI Purna Penempatan? Sebuah Perspektif Antropologi Migrasi
Authors: Setiadi Setiadi
Published: January 2021

The Phenomenon of Feminization of Indonesian Workers has placed women in strategic positions in the family. One reason is the number of economic and social remittances they have. The great number of remittances requires the optimization of the utilization of remittances through economic and social entrepreneurship. The success of strengthening this Retiring Female Indonesian Workers is a strategic matter. In the long run, there will be an increase in the quality of life of the Indonesian workers’ households. However, this study proves that Remitan and the social (network) of retiring women do not necessarily increase or strengthen their economic roles. The articulation of the roles and position of retiring female Indonesian workers (migrants) in the family and community in developing businesses (social and economic entrepreneurship) lacks significant influence. Why has the entrepreneurship of retiring female workers failed to be achieved? This study with the anthropological approach to migration proves that there are three important factors that influence it, i.e.the low capacity of female migrants to using the accumulation of income while working abroad and the internal conditions of family gender relations, and the low facilitation capacity of institutions/agencies for social change towards migrant families.
Manusia yang Dijadikan Komoditas: Fenomena Human Trafficking di Provinsi Nusa Tengggara Timur
Authors: Edwardus Iwantri Goma
Published: January 2021

The phenomenon of human trafficking that makes humans as a commodity of trade is something that very alarming. In recent years since 2014 to 2018 the number of human trafficking cases in East Nusa Tenggara province has increased more than in other regions in Indonesia. In 2017, East Nusa Tenggara Province was ranked first of all Provinces in Indonesia related to human trafficking cases, where from January to August there were 137 cases of human trafficking in East Nusa Tenggara Province. This fact is certainly very alarming for all the people and the East Nusa Tenggara government. This article aimed at finding out 1) reality of the human trafficking case in East Nusa Tenggara Province, 2) human trafficking factors in East Nusa Tenggara Province, and 3) a solution to overcome human trafficking in East Nusa Tenggara Province. This article used literature study method by utilizing secondary data from various relevant sources. Human trafficking in East Nusa Tenggara Province have increased from year to year, it was reported that during the period of 2015 to mid-2016 there were 1,667 female migrant workers of human trafficking victims in East Nusa Tenggara Province. Low human resources as a result of low level of education and economic problems such us poverty and high unemployment are that main causes of human trafficking in East Nusa Tenggara Province. To overcame this, it is necessary to have concrete solutions like preventive action, empowerment, and improvement of the labor system.
Factors Determining Female Labor Participation in Job Market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Countries
Authors: Anas Abdulrahman Almiman , Aris Chandra Pradikta , Raeef Altamimi
Published: January 2021

Women’s engagement in the broader social life is part of policy objectives in today’s world that most governments aim to achieve. Likewise, the issue is crucial in most Muslim majority countries, especially in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). As the regions have characteristics of a smaller number of women’s participation in the formal labor market than many other countries, this study investigated the factors that determine women’s participation by measuring data of governance, industrial transformations, and education from 1980 to 2014. This study used robust panel data methods to calculate the interdependencies of those variables. Based on the estimation, prominent factors that have positive correlations with the participation are good governance and the transitions from agriculture to industrial and service economy. Meanwhile, financial literacy and education have limited impacts on participation.
Antifungal Activity of Bacterial Isolates from Straw Mushroom Cultivation Medium against Phytopathogenic Fungi
Authors: Masrukhin Masrukhin , Putri Ade Lia , Sulistiyani Tri Ratna , Ilyas Muhammad , Purwaningsih Ismu , Saskiawan Iwan , Niam Muhammad Yusrun
Published: January 2021

Several bacteria were isolated from straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) cultivation medium. There are three potential isolates previously characterized and has growth inhibition effect against V. volvacea. This screening result lead to the further study about the inhibition activity against phytopathogenic fungi. The aim of this research is to investigate the antifungal activity of three bacterial isolates against three phytopathogenic fungi and identification of the bacteria. The method used in this study are antifungal assay using co-culture method and disk difussion assay using the filtrate of each bacteria. The profile of antifungal compound was identified using ethyl acetate extract followed by evaporation and gas chromatography (GC-MS) analysis. Identification of each isolates was performed using 16S rDNA amplification and sequencing. Three phytopathogenic fungi i.e Cercospora lactucae (InaCC F168), Colletotrichum gloeosporides (InaCC F304) and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense (F817) were co-cultured with bacterial isolates C2.2, C3.8, and D3.3. The C3.8 isolate has highest average inhibition activity either using isolate and filtrate. The result relatively consistent against three phytopathogenic fungi. The metabolite profile of C3.8 isolate showed the Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate as the main compound with 97% similarity. Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate has potential effect as antibacterial and antifungal compound. According to EzBioCloud and GeneBank databases, the C2.2 isolate identified as Bacillus tequilensis, C3.8 as Bacillus siamensis and D3.3 as Bacillus subtilis subsp. Subtilis. This study also shows the potential of Bacillus siamensis C3.8 as biocontrol against phytopathogenic fungi.
Using a computer scoring system to correlate stress response and indicators in the Draw-a-Person-in-the-Rain Test
Authors: Li Ziyang , Liu Guorui , Liu Yige , Ma Zhiqiang
Published: January 2021

We designed a computer scoring system to examine the correlation between the Draw-a-Person-in-the-Rain (DAPR) Test stress indicators and the Stress Reaction Questionnaire. Participants were 155 undergraduate college students in China. We extracted and calculated the following stress
indicators as depicted in the DAPR artworks: number of raindrops, average distance between raindrops, average raindrop length, and area covered by raindrops. Results demonstrate that the level of stress response had significant positive correlations with the number of raindrops, the average
distance between raindrops, and the area covered by raindrops. There was no significant correlation between stress response and the average raindrop length. Satisfactory positive correlations between the DAPR stress indicators and stress response indicate that the software scoring system of
DAPR is objective and accurate. The use of software in assessing DAPR artworks may solve the problem of interrater reliability and may improve the scientificity of this technique.
ADDRESSING THE PRINCIPLE OF LINGUISTIC ECONOMY AGAIN
Authors:   Lydia A. Stanovaïa Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, Stanovaïa Lydia A.
Published: January 2021

After a long and very heated discussions in 60s-70s of the last century, the term «linguistic economy» is firmly established in Russian linguistics. However, the analysis of modern publications of Russian linguists indicates «embarrassing» polysemy of the term, which is used in different meanings: 1) ordinary, determined by the meaning of the word «economy» in the Russian language as frugality, thrift; 2) special, determined by A. Martinet theory, where economy is considered as the principle of organization and evolution of the language system; 3) mixed due to the mixture of different terms, ideas and concepts. The article discusses the main issues related to defining the essence of linguistic economy, its place and role in language evolution. Many postulates concerning these issues contradict well-known facts of language change on different levels of language system. However, if we strictly separate economy in speech from economy in language many contradictions disappear.
Função do 1º Grau em Narrativas de Produtores de leite bovino
Authors: Pires Lucas Silva
Published: January 2021

Este artigo é parte resultante de uma pesquisa realizada juntamente com alunos da escola Boa Esperança da vila Tauarí no PA Paulo Fontelles, localizada no município de São Domingos do Araguaia. Nosso objetivo é investigar práticas socioculturais para o ensino de função do 1º grau a partir de narrativas de produtores de leite bovino. Está embasada em princípios políticos e pedagógicos da Educação do Campo e em aspectos socioculturais da Etnomatemática. Busca-se responder a principal inquietação “em que medida as narrativas de produtores de leite bovino podem contribuir para o ensino de função do 1º grau? ” Para a obtenção de respostas, este estudo foi desenvolvido em quatro momentos descritos a seguir: (i) elaboração de um formulário de perguntas; (ii) entrevistas semiestruturadas; (iii) transcrições de narrativas; e (iv) problematização de questões. Os resultados indicaram a importância dessa atividade enquanto estratégia para o ensino de Matemática. Portanto, constatamos que é possível ensinar Função do 1º Grau a partir de práticas socioculturais de produtores de leite bovino, o qual traz fortalecimentos de princípios políticos, pedagógicos e didáticos para escolas do campo.
Os desafios da formação inicial de estudantes indígenas brasileiros em tempos de pandemia
Authors: Melo Elisangela , Bacury Gerson Ribeiro , Mapiama Mario Peres , Fontes Plínio Ortiz , Karajá Railton Ixynoa
Published: January 2021

Em tempos atuais, a calamidade pela qual passa a humanidade em meio à pandemia causada pelo vírus Covid-19 acarretou o isolamento social, impactando principalmente a área da Educação, por meio da suspensão das atividades disciplinares presenciais nas escolas e universidades brasileiras. Surgiram então alguns obstáculos, como as dificuldades enfrentadas pelos estudantes quanto ao acesso à estrutura mínima para a participação nas aulas por meio das Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação. É nesse contexto que o presente estudo se pauta para refletir sobre como os indígenas do curso de Licenciatura em Matemática da Universidade Federal do Tocantins (UFT) e do curso de Licenciatura em Formação de Professores Indígenas da Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM) vêm desenvolvendo suas atividades acadêmicas e de pesquisa em tempos obscuros. Nesse sentido, tomamos como ponto de partida a seguinte indagação: Qual o impacto da pandemia causada pelo Covid-19 no processo de formação inicial dos estudantes indígenas em cursos de Licenciatura Intercultural e em Matemática nos estados do Amazonas e do Tocantins? Para tanto, objetivamos conhecer os modos de estudo e de pesquisa dos estudantes indígenas em cursos de Licenciatura intercultural e em Matemática em meio à suspensão das aulas presenciais. O estudo possui abordagem qualitativa pautada na pesquisa etnográfica, para o qual foram recolhidas e analisadas narrativas de formação dos partícipes da pesquisa – estudantes indígenas do povo Xambioá/TO/Brasil, Kokama/AM/Brasil e Baniwa/AM/Brasil, via Diagnóstico Sociocultural de Futuros Professores Indígenas de Matemática. Nossas considerações reflexivas destacam que, mesmo vivendo em distintos lugares com distintas culturas e visão holística de mundo próprias, esses povos indígenas apresentam uma unidade quanto à força e à vontade de conquistar seu espaço e buscar uma formação pautada na postura crítica, investigativa e reflexiva, mesmo diante das situações adversas nas quais vivem em tempos não só de obscurantismo das políticas públicas, mas, sobretudo provenientes da pandemia.

Palavras-chave: Covid-19. Formação de Professores Indígenas. Educação Matemática.
Editorial
Authors: Fossá Juliano Luiz , De Souza Marcia , Cavagnolli Murilo , Matte Alessandra , De Dios Hernández Dagoberto , De los Rios Cardona Juan Camilo
Published: January 2021

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Em que se sustenta a educação dos terraplanistas e criacionistas?
Authors: Miranda Marilia Gouvea de
Published: January 2021

O artigo discute as implicações do negacionismo científico para a educação escolar. Parte do pressuposto de que o neoconservadorismo, de que o negacionismo científico é uma expressão, decorre das contradições geradas pelo processo de neoliberalização. Quando o aparato produtivo acionado pela ciência e tecnologia produz, contraditoriamente, a negação da própria ciência, atualizando a depreciação da racionalidade e da autonomia intelectual, quais as consequências para a educação?
Docência na educação infantil durante a pandemia: percepções de professoras e professores
Authors: Vieira Lívia Maria Fraga , Falciano Bruno Tovar
Published: January 2021

Este artigo apresenta e comenta a resposta dos/as docentes da educação infantil na pesquisa Trabalho Docente na Educação Básica em tempos de pandemia, realizada pelo Grupo de Estudos sobre Política Educacional e Trabalho Docente da UFMG, em parceria com a Confederação Nacional dos Trabalhadores da Educação (CNTE). Buscou-se conhecer os efeitos sobre as condições de vida e trabalho gerados pelo isolamento social e o uso intensivo de tecnologias digitais. Também se apresenta breve perfil da oferta institucional e profissional da educação infantil no Brasil, seguido de uma análise do comportamento do poder público municipal quanto às medidas em relação à pandemia. Verifica-se que na educação infantil os/as docentes apresentaram mais fragilidade que outras etapas da educação básica em relação a diferentes aspectos do trabalho remoto.
A study of DCT specimen in the verification of the influence of the geometric variation in the stress intensity factor
Authors: Freitas de Almeida Iago , De Sousa Alves Gelson , Afanador- García Nelson
Published: January 2021

The objective of this work is to verify the influence of the stress intensity factor in the linear elastic fracture mechanics model. The model consists in a Disk-shaped Compact Tension specimen (DCT) of concrete material. The methodology considers a comparative study of an analytical approach from the literature and numerical simulations. These numerical simulations are performed in ANSYS Workbench program by the use of the Finite Element Method (FEM). The results show that the solutions obtained are satisfactory for the comparative study.
Diseño geométrico de una zapata doble para cimentación aplicada en torres de transmisión eléctrica
Authors: Pérez-Giraldo Mauricio , Yepes-Tumay Jose David
Published: January 2021

En el mundo actual las torres de transmisión eléctrica tienen un sistema de cimentación cuya geometría se asemeja a una zapata; este diseño ha presentado grandes ventajas y se le han dado diferentes enfoques de estudio, desde la forma en que se construye, el sitio de construcción y si se puede realizar de forma modular; el enfoque de investigación será el rediseño de esta geometría planteando un cambio a la cual denominaremos geometría de zapata doble. Este diseño será probado de forma computacional a través de software de asistencia ingenieril, CAE (computer aided engineering). El análisis muestra que la geometría planteada soporta las cargas a las que una cimentación normalmente está sometida validando que es un sistema posible para su implementación y sustitución de la geometría actual. Se destaca que para cumplir con las condiciones de operación el volumen de material de construcción es menor con respecto a la geometría actual, alivianando los costos de la cimentación de cada torre, teniendo un menor valor de construcción, presentando así una ventaja con respecto a la cimentación de zapata simple.
Editorial: New research perspectives in the field of governance and regulation
Authors: Sacco Ginevri Andrea
Published: January 2021

The editorial team is proud to present a new Issue of the Journal of Governance and Regulation. In particular, the latest 2020 Issue 4 of Volume 9 hosts contributions of various authors from different parts of the world who focus on several interesting topics in the field of governance and regulation, including corporate social responsibility, digitization opportunities, gender diversity, labour and tax-related issues, as well as on the characteristics and composition of banks’ board of directors.
Spontaneous disappearance of common bile duct stones after the use of a new dumbbell-shaped, covered self-expandable metallic stent in a patient with benign biliary stricture
Authors: Ishizaki Yuto , Sugimoto Mitsuru , Takagi Tadayuki , Suzuki Rei , Konno Naoki , Asama Hiroyuki , Sato Yuki , Irie Hiroki , Okubo Yoshinori , Nakamura Jun , Takasumi Mika , Hashimoto Minami , Kato Tsunetaka , Kobashi Ryoichiro , Hikichi Takuto , Ohira Hiromasa
Published: January 2021

Endoscopic stone removal becomes challenging owing to a distal common
bile duct stricture. A new dumbbell-shaped covered self-expanding
metallic stent is efficient in removing the common bile duct stones with
common bile duct strictures that occur due to chronic pancreatitis.
Inhaled bacteriophage therapy in a porcine model of ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Authors: Guillon Antoine , Pardessus Jeoffrey , L’Hostis Guillaume , Fevre Cindy , Barc Celine , Dalloneau Emilie , Jouan Youenn , Bodier Elsa , Perez Yonatan , Thorey Camille , Mereghetti Laurent , Cabrera Maria , Riou Mickael , Vecellio Laurent , Leguellec Sandrine , Heuzé-Vourc’h Nathalie
Published: January 2021

Background and Purpose. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a main cause of
ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) with drug-resistant bacteria.
Bacteriophage therapy has experienced resurgence to compensate for the
limited development of novel antibiotics. However, phage therapy is
limited to a compassionate use so far, resulting from lack of adequate
studies in relevant pharmacological models. We used a pig model of VAP
caused by P. aeruginosa that recapitulates essential features of human
disease to study the antimicrobial efficacy of nebulized-phage therapy.
Experimental Approach. (i) Lysis kinetic assays were performed to
evaluate in vitro phage antibacterial efficacy against P. aeruginosa and
select relevant combinations of lytic phages. (ii) The efficacy of the
phage combinations was investigated in vivo (murine model of P.
aeruginosa lung infection). (iii) We determined the optimal conditions
to ensure efficient phage delivery by aerosol during mechanical
ventilation. (iv) Lung antimicrobial efficacy of inhaled-phage therapy
was evaluated in pigs, which were anesthetized, mechanically ventilated
and infected with P. aeruginosa. Key Results. By selecting an active
phage cocktail and optimizing aerosol delivery conditions, we were able
to deliver high phage concentrations in the lungs, which resulted in a
rapid and marked reduction in P. aeruginosa density (1.5 Log reduction,
p<0.001). No phage was detected in the sera and urines
throughout the experiment. Conclusion and Implications. Our findings
demonstrated: (i) the feasibility of delivering large amounts of active
phages by nebulization during mechanical ventilation, (ii) rapid control
of in situ infection by inhaled bacteriophage in an experimental model
of VAP with high translational value.
Azithromycin alleviates the severity of rheumatoid arthritis via targeting UPR component GRP78
Authors: Zhang Yongli , Ge Luna , Song Guanhua , Zhang Ruojia , Li Shufeng , Shi Haojun , Zhang Hongchang , Li Yi , Pan Jihong , Wang Lin , Han Jinxiang
Published: January 2021

Background and Purpose: Azithromycin (AZM) is a macrolide antibiotic
with well-described anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to
substantiate its treatment potential in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Experimental Approach: Gene expression profiles were collected by
RNA-sequencing and the effects of AZM were assessed in functional
assays. In vitro and vivo assays for examining the blockade of
glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) actions by AZM: assays for defining
the anti-inﬂammatory activity of AZM using fibroblast-like synoviocytes
(FLSs) from RA patients as well as collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in
DBA/1 mice. Identification and characterization of the binding of AZM to
GRP78 using drug affability responsive target stability assay,
proteomics and cellular thermal shift assay. Detect AZM inhibition of
GRP78 and dependence of AZM’s anti-arthritis activity on GRP78. Key
Results: AZM reduced pro-inflammatory factor production, cell migration,
invasion and chemo-attractive potential, enhanced apoptosis, thereby
reducing the deleterious inflammatory response of RA FLSs in vitro. AZM
ameliorated the severity of CIA lesions. Transcriptional analyses
implied that AZM treatment causes impairments in signaling cascades
associated with cholesterol and lipid biosynthetic process. GRP78 was
isolated as a novel target of AZM. AZM-mediated activation of unfolded
protein response (UPR) via inhibiting GRP78 activity is required not
only for inducing the expression of C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP), but
also for activation of sterol-regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)
and its targeted genes involved in cholesterol and lipid biosynthetic
process. Further, deletion of GRP78 abolished AZM’s anti-arthritis
activity. Conclusion and Implications: These findings confirmed that AZM
is an anti-arthritis therapeutic drug for RA treatment.
Mutualism disruption by an invasive ant reduces carbon fixation for a foundational East African ant-plant
Authors: Milligan Patrick , Martin Timothy , John Grace , Riginos Corinna , Goheen Jacob , Carpenter Scott , Palmer Todd
Published: January 2021

Invasive ants shape assemblages and interactions of native species, but
their effect on fundamental ecological processes is poorly understood.
In East Africa, Pheidole megacephala ants have invaded monodominant
stands of the ant-tree Acacia drepanolobium, extirpating native ant
defenders and rendering trees vulnerable to canopy damage by vertebrate
herbivores. We used experiments and observations to quantify direct and
interactive effects of invasive ants and large herbivores on A.
drepanolobium photosynthesis over a 2-year period. Trees that had been
invaded for ≥ 5 years exhibited 69% lower whole-tree photosynthesis
during key growing seasons, resulting from interaction between invasive
ants and vertebrate herbivores that caused leaf- and canopy-level
photosynthesis declines. We also surveyed trees shortly before and after
invasion, finding that recent invasion induced only minor changes in
leaf physiology. Our results from individual trees likely scale up,
highlighting the potential of invasive species to alter ecosystem-level
carbon fixation and other biogeochemical cycles.
Effects of high-fat diet and CYP2B6 mutants on the pharmacokinetics of bupropion and hydroxybupropion among healthy chinese subjects
Authors: Ma Hui , Yang Xiao Ying , Zhang Wen Ping , Zhang Yu Xin , Wei Shi Jie , Ma Yan Ni , Zhang Hao , Dang Hong Wan
Published: January 2021

Aims To provide evidence for the clinically rational administration of
bupropion (BUP), the effects of high-fat diet and CYP2B6 mutants on BUP
and hydroxybupropion (HBUP) among 44 healthy Chinese subjects. Methods
The concentrations of BUP and HBUP in plasma were determined with a high
performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS)
analysis. Genotypes were ascertained after amplified by polymerase chain
reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).
Results The maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and time to Cmax (tmax)
of BUP as well as the concentration–time curve (AUC(0→96)) and Cmax of
HBUP all increased by 1.18-, 1.41-, 1.38-, and 1.33-fold in the feeding
group relative to the fasting group, respectively. Interestingly, the
Cmax and terminal half-life (t1/2) of BUP increased by 1.33- and
1.39-fold among those subjects carrying the CYP2B6*1/*1 genotype in the
feeding group relative to those in the fasting group. Similarly, the
apparent volume of distribution (Vd) and clearance (CL) of HBUP
increased by 1.38- and 1.59-fold, respectively, while the Cmax and
AUC(0→96) of HBUP decreased by 1.44- and 1.49-fold among those subjects
carrying the CYP2B6*1/*1 genotype in the feeding group relative to those
in the fasting group. Concliusion These data suggest that high-fat diet
and CYP2B6 mutants can influence the pharmacokinetic parameters of BUP
and HBUP, thereby offering clear evidence for the rational
administration of BUP among Chinese subjects in clinical settings.
Factors associated with suggestive of pulmonary hypertension measured by echocardiography in patients with a mediastinal tumor: A single-center study
Authors: Shin Dong Geum , Kang Min-Kyung , Kim Kun Il , Yang Hodong , Han Donghoon , Choi Seonghoon , Cho Jung-Rae , Lee Namho
Published: January 2021

Background: Ultrasound techniques are generally not used as a primary
tool in the evaluation of mediastinal tumors and cysts. This study aimed
to identify factors associated with pulmonary hypertension (PH) measured
by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in patients with a mediastinal
tumor. Methods: This retrospective, observational study was performed
from January 2015 to December 2020. Fifty-five patients (mean age, 62 ±
13 years; 31 [56%] women) who had a mediastinal tumor and underwent
TTE were included. Patients were classified as with PH or without PH. We
analyzed clinical factors and echocardiographic parameters. Results: PH
was found in 21 (38%) patients. Twenty-two patients were asymptomatic,
and none had symptoms associated with PH. Forty-seven (86%) patients
underwent surgery, and 23 (42%) patients were diagnosed with malignant
tumors. The presence of PH was not related with malignancy. Patients
with PH were older than those without PH (67 ± 10 versus [vs.] 59 ±
14 years, p = 0.017). Small left ventricular (LV) systolic dimension
(29.4 ± 3.6 vs. 31.6 ± 3.6 mm, p = 0.040) and dimension (4.2 ± 0.3 vs.
4.5 ± 0.3 mm, p = 0.004) and hyperdynamic LV ejection fraction (EF, 69 ±
6 vs. 65 ± 5%, p = 0.019) were associated with PH. Among them, older
age, small LV dimension, and high EF were independently associated with
PH. Conclusion: The presence of PH had no significant effect on
patients’ clinical manifestation or malignancy.
Treatment of Recalcitrant Plantar Wart Unresponsive to Cryotherapy with Acupuncture and Moxibustion: A Case Report
Authors: Shim Soo Bo , Lee Hye Lim , Sung Hyun Kyung
Published: January 2021

This study presents the case of a 9-year-old girl for whom complete
resolution of recalcitrant warts was achieved with acupuncture and
moxibustion treatment. This result suggests that acupuncture and
moxibustion could be effective therapeutic strategies for plantar warts
in the paediatric patient population.
Managing sands of the Lower Mekong Basin to limit land degradation: a review of properties and limitations for crop and forage production
Authors: Bell Richard , Seng Vang , Vance Wendy , Philp Joshua , Hin Sarith , Touch Veasna , Denton Matt
Published: January 2021

Land development is rapidly occurring on sand–dominant soils that cover
substantial areas of the Lower Mekong Basin. Sands are at risk of
degradation on sloping uplands where agriculture is expanding and on
lowland landscapes where intensification of cropping is occurring.
Sandstone and granitic geology explain the prevalence of sand-dominant
texture in profiles. The sand terrains in uplands of Cambodia and
southern Laos mostly have not been comprehensively mapped and their
diversity and edaphic properties are poorly understood. On high
permeability sands, lowland rainfed rice crops are drought-prone, while
nutrient losses from leaching are also a risk. Furthermore,
waterlogging, inundation and subsoil hardpans are significant
water-related hazards that influence the choice of field crops and
forages for lowland soils. Land use change in the lowlands to
alternative field crops and forages on sands is contingent on their
profitability relative to rice, the amounts and reliability of early wet
season rainfall and amounts of stored water available after harvesting
rice. Soil acidity, low nutrient status, hard-setting and shallow
rooting depth are significant constraints for crops and forages on sands
in the lowlands. Low soil fertility and soil acidity are limitations to
the productivity of farming systems on the sand profiles in uplands,
while erosion, low soil organic matter levels and water balance are
concerns for their sustainable use. There is a need for widespread land
suitability assessment and the development of sustainable farming
systems before uncontrolled expansion of agriculture causes degradation
of sandy terrain of the Lower Mekong Basin.
Clinical Experience of Antifungal Combination Therapy for Invasive Fungal Infections in Pediatric Hematological Malignancy Patients
Authors: Yüksek Saliha Kanık , Parlakay Aslınur Özkaya , Gülhan Belgin , Yaralı Neşe , Özbek Namık Yaşar , Tezer Hasan
Published: January 2021

Background: The role of combination regimens in the treatment of
invasive fungal infections (IFI) in patients with hematologic
malignancies remains unclear. This study was aimed to demonstrate
experience data about combined antifungal therapy (CAT) in pediatric IFI
patients with haematological malignancies. Methods: Between January 2014
and December 2017, a total of 33 IFI episodes in 28 patients with
hematological malignancies were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Of
the patients (19 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and 9 with acute
myeloblastic leukemia), 21 (75%) had leukemia relapse and 7 (25%) had
remission. IFI was classified as possible in 26 (78.8%) episodes,
probable in 5 (15.1%) episodes, and proven in 2 (6.1%) episodes. LamB
(%50) was the most preferred agent in monotherapy. Mean duration of
monotherapy was 12.84 ± 4.28 (5-24) days. LamB plus voriconazole
(54.5%) were the most common combination preference in CAT. Mean
duration of CAT was 42.36 ± 36.4 days, and unchanged according to
combination regimen type (p = 0.571). Total mortality rate and IFI
attributable mortality rate were 60.7% vs 76.5%. Mortality rate was
significantly higher in patients with relapse (p = 0.006). Complete
response was obtained in 81.8% of surviving patients. Duration of
neutropenia and CAT, and recovery time were not found statistically
different in the episodes with/without death and according to relapse or
remission status. Side effects due to CAT use were observed quite low
level. Conclusion: CAT has been found to be safe in IFI episodes of
pediatric leukemia. The result will contribute to the data about
combined antifungal use in daily clinical practice in pediatric
haematological patients with IFI.
Generalized annular pustular psoriasis (Milian Katchoura type) induced by systemic steroid
Authors: Jazouly Madiha El , ALJ Maha , Chahboune Fatim zahra , BOUZIDI Abderrahmane AL , Chiheb Soumiya
Published: January 2021

Pustular psoriasis is a rare, acute form of psoriasis. It can be
triggered by pregnacy, infection, hypocalcemia, and medications. We
describe a case of annular pustular psoriasis Milian Katchoura type, a
rare variant of pustular psoriasis, that occurred secondary to reducing
the dose of oral corticosteroids.
Psychological Interventions during COVID Pandemic: Telehealth for Individuals with CF and Caregivers
Authors: Graziano Sonia , Boldrini Francesca , Righelli Dario , Milo Francesco , Lucidi Vincenzina , Quittner Alexandra , Tabarini Paola
Published: January 2021

Introduction: COVID-19 emerged in China leading to worldwide morbidity
and mortality, including depression and anxiety. As the pandemic spread
throughout Italy and Europe, mental health concerns emerged for people
with cystic fibrosis (pwCF), who are at increased risk. This led to
development of a Telehealth Psychological Support Intervention to help
adolescents/young adults with CF and caregivers cope with the stress and
emotional challenges of the lockdown which began in Italy in March 2020.
Methods: This intervention utilized cognitive behavioral skills (e.g.,
relaxation training, cognitive reframing). Participants included 16
adolescents/adults and 14 parents, who completed 4 individual video
sessions with a psychologist. Stress ratings, PHQ-8 and GAD-7 were
completed electronically. Feasibility and Satisfaction were rated.
Results: Ratings of stress significantly decreased from pre to
post-testing for both pwCF (paired t=-4.06 (14), p<.01) and
parents (paired t=-5.2, p< 001). Most participants reported
clinically elevated depression and anxiety at the pre-test, with
statistically significant reductions in depression for pwCF (pre: M=8.0
to post M=4.7; paired t (14)=2.8, p <.05) but not anxiety
(pre: M=6.9 to post: M=5.6, t (14)=1.2, p=NS). Reductions in depression
were found for parents (pre: M=6.4 to post: M 5.1, (14) t=-2.5,
p<.05) but not anxiety (pre: M=8.1 to post: M=7.9, t
(14)=-0.2, p=ns). Positive ratings of Feasibility and Satisfaction were
documented. Conclusion: This brief telehealth intervention yielded
significant reductions in stress and depression for participants.
Anxiety was not reduced, possibly because COVID was ongoing. This
intervention was effective for improving mental health and was highly
feasible and satisfactory.
Effects of plasma surface Ta alloying on the tribology behavior of γ-TiAl
Authors: Wei D.-B. , Zhou X. , Li F.-K. , Li M.-F. , Li S.-Q. , Zhang P.-Z.
Published: January 2021

To improve the wear resistance of ?-TiAl alloy, Ta alloy layer was prepared on surface by double glow plasma surface alloying technique. The tribology behavior of Ta alloy layer against Si3N4 at 25?, 350? and 500? were comparatively studied. The results showed that Ta alloy layer comprised a deposition layer and a diffusion layer. The deposition layer played a role in protection as a soft film. With the increase of temperature, the wear mechanism of ?-TiAl changed from abrasive wear to coexistence of abrasive wear and oxidation wear. Ta alloy layer?s wear mechanism changed from adhesive wear to coexistence of adhesive wear and oxidation wear. Surface Ta alloying process significantly reduced the wear volume, the specific wear rate and the friction coefficient of ?-TiAl and improved the wear resistance properties of ?-TiAl.
The Impact of the PCAOB Triennial Inspection Process on Inspection Year and Non-Inspection Year Audits
Authors: Abbott Lawrence J. , Buslepp William L.
Published: January 2021

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) inspects auditors with fewer than 100 publicly held clients, once every three years (i.e., triennial inspection). In doing so, the PCAOB may inspect any audit engagement within the three-year window, including audits completed only months earlier (“inspection year” audits) and audits with at least a one-year, if not two-year lag (“non-inspection year” audits). We theorize the triennial inspection process affects audit quality levels, whereby auditors impose higher (lower) audit quality during inspection years (non-inspection years). We find clients of triennially inspected auditors have significantly lower levels of accruals during inspection years. Further, this change can be attributed to additional audit effort expended during inspection years. Finally, we find some evidence this is a learned behavior developed after the initial round of inspections. Our evidence suggests auditors opportunistically increase (decrease) audit quality during inspection (non-inspection) years in response to the triennial inspection process.

Data Availability: All data are from publicly available sources.

JEL Classifications: M42.
Specific Dimensions of Depression Have Different Associations With Cognitive Decline in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Soleimani Laili , Ravona-Springer Ramit , Lin Hung-Mo , Liu Xiaoyu , Sano Mary , Heymann Anthony , Beeri Michal Schnaider
Published: January 2021

Objective:
Depression is highly frequent in older adults with Type 2 Diabetes and is associated with cognitive impairment. Yet, little is known about how various depression dimensions
differentially affect cognition. We investigated longitudinal associations of specific depression dimensions
with cognitive decline.

Research Design and Methods: Participants (N=1002)
were from the
Israel Diabetes and Cognitive Decline study, 65+ years of age with Type 2
Diabetes, not demented at baseline. Participants underwent comprehensive
neuropsychological battery at baseline and every 18 months thereafter including
domains of Episodic Memory, Attention/Working Memory, Semantic
Categorization/Language, Executive Function and Z scores of each domain were
averaged and further normalized to calculate Global Cognition. Depression items from Geriatric Depression
Scale- 15 items (GDS-15) was measured at each visit and subcategorized to five
dimensions: Dysphoric Mood, Withdrawal Apathy-Vigor (entitled apathy), Anxiety,
Hopelessness and Memory complaint. Random coefficients models examined association
of depression dimensions with baseline and longitudinal cognitive functioning adjusting
for socio-demographics and baseline characteristics, including cardiovascular
risk factors, physical activity and use of diabetic medications.

Result: In the fully adjusted model, at baseline, all dimensions of depression, except for
anxiety, were associated with some aspects of cognition (p-values from .01 to
<.001). Longitudinally, greater apathy scores were associated with faster decline
in executive functions (p=.004), a results that withstood adjustment for
multiple comparisons. Associations of other depression dimensions with
cognitive decline were not significant (p>0.01).

Conclusion: Apathy was associated with a faster
cognitive decline in executive functions. These findings highlight the
heterogeneity of depression as a clinical construct rather
than a single entity and point to apathy as a specific risk factor for cognitive
decline among older adults with Type 2 Diabetes.
Tutkimusjulkaisujen avoimen saatavuuden suositus tutkimusrahoittajille
Authors: Avoimen tieteen ja tutkimuksen koordinaatio  , Aaltonen Mari , Edgren-Henrichson Nina , Jaakkola Minttu , Kaakinen Leena , Kaiponen Pälvi , Korhonen Kalle , Kulkki Kaisa , Laakso Mikael , Lamberg Jaana , Lattu Annina , Nygren Pekka , Syrjämäki Sami , Varkemaa Jussi , Vilen Timo
Published: January 2021

Tämä suositus on osa kansallista Avoimen tieteen koordinaatio -hanketta ja tukee Tutkimusjulkaisujen avoimen saatavuuden linjausta (2019) sekä on linjassa Avoimen tieteen ja tutkimuksen julistuksen 2020–2025 kanssa. Suositus on tarkoitettu tueksi tutkimusrahoittajille, jotka ovat luomassa omia avoimen julkaisemisen linjauksiaan rahoittamalleen tutkimukselle. Tutkimusrahoittajat voivat soveltaa suositusta tarkoituksenmukaiseksi katsomallaan tavalla.
Velgeren som tilskuer: «Valgbarisme» i amerikanske presidentvalg
Authors: Alme Vårin
Published: January 2021

Hensyn til valgbarhet har i kraft av det amerikanske politiske systemets virkemåte bestandig vært et moment i presidentvalg. I nominasjonskampen i 2020 har dette hensynet imidlertid vært viktigere for et flertall av velgere enn noe annet. Dette fokuset gjør valgbarhet vel verdt å undersøke, både som fenomen og som potensielt problem. I denne artikkelen gjør jeg begge deler. I lys av en konseptuell diskusjon av begrepet og dets historiske utvikling, forsøker jeg å plassere valgbarhet i statsvitenskapelig teori om stemmegivning. Jeg skiller mellom oppriktig, sofistikert og distansert stemmegivning, hvor valgbarhet spiller henholdsvis ingen, begrenset og stor rolle. Med utgangspunkt i Hans Skjervheims begrepspar, argumenterer jeg for at en holdning som fikserer på valgbarhet – det jeg her kaller «valgbarisme» – gjør velgeren til tilskuer snarere enn deltaker. Med dette følger problemer knyttet til legitimitet, representasjon, deltakelse og medborgerskap. I siste instans utgjør valgbarismen altså et demokratisk problem.
Abstract in English:The Voter as Onlooker: “Electabilitism” in American Presidential ElectionsConsiderations of electability is, due to the makeup and functioning of the American electoral system, always an issue in presidential elections. For a majority of voters in the 2020 primary elections, however, considerations of electability has been more important than anything else. This makes electability worthy of discussion as a phenomenon and as a potential problem. In this article, I attempt both. In light of a conceptual discussion of the term electability and its historical evolution, I consider electability in relation to political-scientific theories of voting. I distinguish between sincere, sophisticated, and distanced voting, where electability plays, respectively, no part, a limited part, and a big part. Based on Hans Skjerveim’s typology, I argue that a voter attitude that fixates on electability – what I call electabilitism – turns the voter into a spectator rather than a participant. This creates problems of legitimacy, representation, participation, and citizenship. Thus, electabilitism, I argue, ultimately poses a democratic problem.
UPAYA MENINGKATKAN KETERAMPILAN MEMBACA PERMULAAN MELALUI MODEL PEMBELAJARAN QUANTUM LEARNING DENGAN MEDIA KARTU KATA SISWA KELAS I SDN
Authors: Wijaya Ridzal Permana
Published: January 2021

Tujuan yang hendak dicapai untuk mengetahui keefektifan model pembelajaran Quantum Learning dengan media kartu kata materi membaca permulaan kelas I SDN Pedurungan Tengah 02 Semarang dilihat pada aktivitas dan hasil belajar. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian tindakan kelas. Subyek penelitian siswa kelas I dengan jumlah siswa 29. Data dalam penelitian ini diperoleh melalui soal pretest, soal post test, pengamatan dan dokumentasi. Perolehan ketuntasan hasil belajar siswa dalam kelas sebelum diterapkan model pembelajaran quantum learning dengan media kartu kata rata-rata siswa memperoleh persentase ketuntasan belajar sebesar 41,37%. Setelah diberikan tindakan I mengalami peningkatan nilai rata-rata menjadi 74 dengan persentase ketuntasan belajar sebesar 72,41% pada Siklus I. begitu pula pada siklus II mengalami peningkatan nilai rata-rata menjadi 92 dengan persentase ketuntasan belajar sebesar 96,55%. Dari analisis di atas dapat disimpulkan bahwa penerapan model pembajaran quantum learning dengan media kartu kata dapat meningkatkan aktifitas dan hasil belajar keterampilan membaca kelas I SDN Pedurungan Tengah 02 Semarang. Diharapkan penelitian ini dapat digunakan sebagai salah satu alternatif guru dalam mengajar.Kata kunci: Quantum Learning, Kartu Kata, Ketuntasan Belajar