bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Care-seeking patterns amongst suspected paediatric pneumonia deaths in rural Malawi
Authors: King Carina , Banda Masford , Bar-Zeev Naor , Beard James , French Neil , Makwenda Charles , McCollum Eric D , Mdala Malizani , Bin Nisar Yasir , Phiri Tambosi , Ahmad Qazi Shamim , Colbourn Tim
Published: May 2021

Background: Pneumonia remains a leading cause of paediatric deaths. To understand contextual challenges in care pathways, we explored patterns in care-seeking amongst children who died of pneumonia in Malawi.

Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods analysis of verbal autopsies (VA) amongst deaths in children aged 1-59 months from 10/2011 to 06/2016 in Mchinji district, Malawi. Suspected pneumonia deaths were defined as: 1. caregiver reported cough and fast breathing in the 2-weeks prior to death; or, 2. the caregiver specifically stated the child died of pneumonia; or 3. cause of death assigned as ‘acute respiratory infection’ using InterVA-4. Data were extracted from free-text narratives based on domains in the ‘Pathways to Survival’ framework, and described using proportions. Qualitative analysis used a framework approach, with pre-specified themes.

Results: We analysed 171 suspected pneumonia deaths. In total, 86% of children were taken to a healthcare facility during their final illness episode, and 44% sought care more than once.  Of children who went to hospital (n=119), 70% were admitted, and 25% received oxygen. Half of the children died within a healthcare setting (43% hospital, 5% health centre and 2% private clinics), 64 (37%) at home, and 22 (13%) in transit. Challenges in delayed care, transport and quality of care (including oxygen), were reported.

Conclusions: Healthcare was frequently sought for children who died of suspected pneumonia, however several missed opportunities for care were seen. Sustained investment in timely appropriate care seeking, quick transportation to hospital and improved case management at all levels of the system is needed.
Subjective wellbeing in people living with dementia: exploring processes of multiple object handling sessions in a museum setting
Authors: Camic Paul M. , Dickens Laura , Zeilig Hannah , Strohmaier Sarah
Published: May 2021

Background: Dementia care guidance highlights the importance of supporting people living with dementia to access engaging and meaningful activities to promote their quality of life. There is a growing evidence base for the efficacy of heritage settings and arts-based interventions to provide social prescribing opportunities to help support wellbeing in this population. This study extended previous research and explored the potential processes underlying this effect in multiple small group object handling sessions in a museum setting.   

Methods: A mixed-methods design was used comprising a measure of subjective wellbeing and thematic analysis to explore in-the-moment session content across multiple sessions. Four people with dementia participated in three, one-hour group object handling sessions led by two facilitators.

Results: Pre-post wellbeing scores showed increases after each session though this was largely not significant. Qualitative findings provided more compelling results, however, and identified four key themes: facilitating, interest in exploring objects, active participation, and group collaboration; interpretations were made around the dynamic interaction of themes and subthemes over the course of three sessions.

Conclusions: This is the first study we are aware of that has taken an in-depth look at multiple museum-based group object handling sessions for people living with dementia. Findings offer ways to optimise object handling sessions for people with dementia by providing in-depth information about the processes involved across multiple object handling sessions facilitated by museum/heritage professionals in a museum setting. This has useful implications for community-based activities as part of dementia care planning and public health programming. The study contributes to a deeper understanding and elucidates the processes that enhance wellbeing for this population who participate in such sessions. It also helps to develop further theoretical understanding about why these types of activities are helpful in community-based dementia care. Limitations and implications for future research are discussed.
Analysis of social representations in the red chronicle editorial produced in Ecuador
Authors: Carpio Miranda Rosa Raquel , Medina Andrade Laura Sofía , Córdova Durán Edmundo Guillermo
Published: May 2021

Abstract The purpose of this research is to analyze the construction of the imaginary and the social representation of the red chronicle: in the idea that sensationalism is one of the characteristics of the written press present in explicit contents, such as, acts of violence, suffering and catastrophes. ; therefore, communication is direct with the reader, it is provided with images and texts that are intended to generate the greatest visual impact. It should be noted that the publication of daily events, political and even judicial, contribute to the construction of the social imaginary and its representations: symbols, beliefs, values, ideas and appreciations; which are integrated into the cultural formation according to their location. The greater the impact, the greater the influx of readers of sensationalist newspapers or of the red chronicle will be of interest. The analysis using descriptive and explanatory research methods will be used to determine the elements that influence social representation, and how sensationalist communication is constructed. The newspaper Extra seeks to obtain reading acceptance through the volume of its editions in circulation, which, has a high level of audience, thus managing to enter the minds of consumers and influence public opinion.
THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL INFLUENCERS ON ADOLESCENT IDENTITY BUILDING.
Authors: Lacerda Nobre Thalita , Pereira Abrantes Luciana , Carolina Silva Carla
Published: May 2021

Nowadays, the use of information and communication technologies has generated significant social, economic and cultural changes. This paper aims to address the impacts of digital influencers on the identity construction of adolescents. The method used for this research was qualitative and exploratory, with data collection through bibliographic survey. In order to reach the goal, the paper discusses three fundamentals: the technology scenario and its development; the process and characteristics of adolescence and the relationship of the virtual world with young people in today’s urban societies. It also points out how adolescent may be psychically vulnerable when interacting excessively with digital influencers, demonstrating a relationship permeated by consumerism, individualism and superficial relationships. To discuss these issues we consulted authors of psychoanalytic theory and also sociologists who portray modern society as Guy Debord and Zygmunt Bauman.
Prescriptive Analytics for Flexible Capacity Management
Authors: Notz Pascal M. , Pibernik Richard
Published: May 2021

Motivated by the real-world problem of a logistics company, this paper proposes a novel distribution-free prescriptive analytics approach—termed kernelized empirical risk minimization (kernelized ERM)—to solve a complex two-stage capacity planning problem with multivariate demand and vector-valued capacity decisions and compares this approach both theoretically and numerically with an extension of the well-known sample average approximation (SAA) approach termed weighted SAA. Both approaches use integrated machine learning algorithms to prescribe capacities directly from historical demand and numerous features (covariates) without having to make assumptions about the underlying multivariate demand distribution. We provide extensive analytical insights into both approaches. Most important, we prove the universal approximation property for the kernelized ERM approach when using a universal (data-independent) kernel and show how out-of-sample guarantees can be derived for various kernels. We demonstrate the applicability of both approaches to a real-world planning problem and evaluate their performance relative to traditional parametric approaches that first estimate a multivariate demand distribution and then solve a stochastic optimization problem and a nonparametric approach (SAA). Our results suggest that the two prescriptive analytics approaches can result in substantial performance improvements of up to 58% compared with traditional approaches. Additional numerical analyses shed light on the behavior and performance drivers of the various approaches and demonstrate that in our case, the prescriptive approaches are much more robust to variations of exogenous cost parameters than traditional approaches.

This paper was accepted by J. George Shanthikumar, Management Science Special Section on Data-Driven Prescriptive Analytics.
Intervention in the Effort of Decreasing Anemia Incidence to Students of SMA N 4 Cikupa Kabupaten Tangerang
Authors: Firmansyah Yohanes , Badruddin Gabriella Hafidha , Christiani Lidya
Published: May 2021

Background: A survey conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the span of time between 1993 and 2005 found that 1.62 billion people in the world had anemia, or around 24.8% of the world's population, with 30.2% (468 million) reproductive aged women. The research is a descriptive study as a means to perform early detection of anemia in adolescent girls with interventions in the form of counseling, improve adolescent knowledge, and improve adolescent attitudes and behavior at High School or Sekolah Menengah Atas Negeri (SMA N) 4 Cikupa. Method: This research is a descriptive quantitative analytic study where the sample was selected by simple random sampling. The population in this study were students of 4 Cikupa, Tangerang Regency of SMA N 4, Cikupa, Tangerang Regency. Results: The results of the study were (97.72%) respondents had increased their knowledge after counseling and (72.72%) respondents had improved their behavior and attitudes toward anemia. Participants (25%) were diagnosed with anemia and (75%) did not have anemia. Conclusion: improved knowledge is an important factor in reducing the prevalence of anemia in adolescent girls.
Correlation Between Determinant Factors and Early Initiation of Breastfeeding Practice in UPT Nglipar 1 Public Health Center
Authors: Ayu Suci Musvita , Hergianingrum Winda Juliani
Published: May 2021

Background: The coverage of Early Initiation of Breastfeeding (EIB) in Public Health Centers in Gunung Kidul Regency was 84.79%. Unit Pelaksana Teknis (UPT) Nglipar 1 Public Health Center has an EIB coverage of 75.86%. The amount is below the average of EIB coverage of all Public Health Centers in Gunung Kidul. This study aims to determine the factors that influence EIB at the UPT Nglipar 1 Public Health Centers. Method: The research employed observational analytic with a cross-sectional study design. The sample of this study was 45 mothers who were used as primary data. The sampling technique used to select participants was purposive sampling. Additionally, a questionnaire was also employed as research instrument. The population in this study were all mothers who gave birth in the UPT Nglipar 1 Public Health Center's working area. The study's independent variables were the mother's knowledge, husband's support, and health personnel support. The dependent variable is the Early Initiation of Breastfeeding. The data were analyzed using the chi-square method. Results: The results suggested that the relationship between maternal knowledge and EIB was indicated with p-value < 0.05. It showed that there was no relationship between partner support and EIB (p-value > 0.05). However, the data indicated that there was a relationship between health personnel support and EIB with p-value < 0.05. Conclusion: The result of the study suggested that the variables under investigation showed different impacts. Maternal knowledge and health workers' support were the two variables which were correlated to EIB whereas partner support showed no correlation at all.
Tickner, Arlene B.; Smith, Karen (editors) International Relations from the Global South: Worlds of Difference. Abingdon, Oxon; New York, NY: Routledge, Series: Wording beyond the West, 2020, 1st edition, 368p. ISBN: 97811387990997 (hardback); 9781138799103 (paperback); 9781315756233 (ebook).
Authors: Araújo de Jesus Raquel
Published: May 2021

O presente texto tem como objetivo celebrar o lançamento do livro “International Relations from the Global South: Worlds of Difference” organizado por Arlene Tickner em parceria com Karen Smith. A proposta central do livro é ser um textbook, destinado aos alunos e professores de Relações Internacionais, que não apenas denuncia o paroquialismo do campo, mas que também lança luz para alternativas e novas abordagens construídas desde o Sul Global plural.Palavras-chave: Relações Internacionais; Sul Global; Novas abordagens.ABSTRACTThis text aims to celebrate the launch of the book “International Relations from the Global South: Worlds of Difference” organized by Arlene Tickner in partnership with Karen Smith. The central purpose of the book is to be a textbook for students and teachers of International Relations, which not only denounces the parochialism of the field, but also sheds light on alternatives and new approaches built from the plural Global South.Keywords: International Relations; Global South; New approaches.Recebido em: 06 out. 2020 | Aceito em: 20 jan. 2021.
30-Day postoperative COVID-19 outcomes in 398 patients from regional hospitals utilising a designated COVID-19 minimal surgical site pathway
Authors: Chong SMY , Hung RKY , Gwozdz A , Irwin S , Eastbury J , Cross T , Ahmed K , Taylor C , Goldenberg SD , Sanderson J , Olsburgh J
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Postoperative pulmonary complications and mortality rates during the COVID-19 pandemic have been higher than expected, leading to mass cancellation of elective operating in the UK. To minimise this, the Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital NHS Foundation Trust elective surgery hub and the executive team at London Bridge Hospital (LBH) created an elective operating framework at LBH, a COVID-19 minimal site, in which patients self-isolated for two weeks and proceeded with surgery only following a negative preoperative SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction swab. The aim was to determine the rates of rates of postoperative COVID-19 infection.

Methods

The collaboration involved three large hospital trusts, covering the geographic area of south-east London. All patients were referred to LBH for elective surgery. Patients were followed up by telephone interview at four weeks postoperatively.

Results

Three hundred and ninety-eight patients from 13 surgical specialties were included in the analysis. The median age was 60 (IQR 29–71) years. Sixty-three per cent (252/398) were female. In total, 78.4% of patients had an American Society of Anesthesiologists grade of 1–2 and the average BMI was 27.2 (IQR 23.7–31.8) kg/m2. Some 83.6% (336/402) were ‘major’ operations. The rate of COVID-19-related death in our cohort was 0.25% (1/398). Overall, there was a 1.26% (5/398) 30-day postoperative all-cause mortality rate. Seven patients (1.76%) reported COVID-19 symptoms, but none attended the emergency department or were readmitted to hospital as a result.

Conclusion

The risk of contracting COVID-19 in our elective operating framework was very low. We demonstrate that high-volume major surgery is safe, even at the peak of the pandemic, if patients are screened appropriately preoperatively.
Designing stigmatic lenses with minimal Fresnel losses
Authors: Doskolovich Leonid L. , Bykov Dmitry A. , Greisukh Grigory I. , Strelkov Yuriy S. , Bezus Evgeni A.
Published: May 2021

We present a method for designing lenses with two aspherical surfaces having minimal Fresnel losses among the class of stigmatic lenses. Minimization of Fresnel losses is achieved by ensuring equal ray deviation angles on the lens surfaces. Calculation of lenses with minimal Fresnel losses is reduced to solving an explicit ordinary differential equation. Simple analytical approximations are also obtained for the lens profiles.
Solid-state FMCW LiDAR with two-dimensional spectral scanning using a virtually imaged phased array
Authors: Li Zhi , Zang Zihan , Han Yaqi , Wu Lican , Fu H. Y.
Published: May 2021

The beam-steering device is a critical component in LiDAR systems for 3D imaging. Solid-state beam-steering devices attract the most attention for their advantages of robustness, fast beam-steering speed, and stability. However, solid-state beam-steering devices, such as optical phased arrays (OPAs), are challenging to realize 2D scanning ability. Here we employed a virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) in the LiDAR system to realize all solid-state two-dimensional (2D) beam-steering based on dispersion only. A frequency swept laser source is used for performing optical frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) ranging and 2D beam steering simultaneously. The 2D disperser is compact and can be easily implemented owing to its simple structure. The mechanism of continuous scanning and ranging is beneficial for obtaining high lateral resolution, and a lateral resolution of 0.06° is achieved. 3D maps of the object at a distance of 2 m are obtained with cm-level ranging precision. The frame rate of the proposed LiDAR system only depends on the wavelength-tuning speed of the swept laser source, with the potential to realize ultrafast solid-state LiDAR systems.
Optical switch with ultra high extinction ratio using electrically controlled metal diffusion
Authors: Singh Lalit , Srivastava Sulabh , Rajput Swati , Kaushik Vishal , Mishra Rahul Dev , Kumar Mukesh
Published: May 2021

An optical switch with ultra high extinction ratio is proposed. Optical switching is realized using the resistive switching effect through the lateral coupling between the input nanophotonic waveguide and output waveguide at a wavelength of 1550 nm. The coupled waveguide system is engineered to increase the number of mode beats in a unit length of the device. An increase in the number of mode beats and controlled diffusion of metal ions through a thin dielectric layer with an applied electric field is responsible for a high optical extinction ratio of 27 dB for a 20 µm long device. Compared to electrical control by plasma dispersion in silicon, the resistive switching effect enables a reduction in the coupling length and an increase in the waveguide absorption, leading to an almost 100 times higher extinction ratio. The proposed compact on-chip silicon-based nanophotonic resistive device is a potential candidate for a large-scale integrated photonic circuit for applications in optical switching, modulation, memory, and computation.
A phase 1 clinical trial of SP16, a first-in-class anti-inflammatory LRP1 agonist, in healthy volunteers
Authors: Wohlford George F. , Buckley Leo F. , Kadariya Dinesh , Park Taeshik , Chiabrando Juan Guido , Carbone Salvatore , Mihalick Virginia , Halquist Matthew S. , Pearcy Adam , Austin Dana , Gelber Cohava , Abbate Antonio , Van Tassell Benjamin
Published: May 2021

Background

Endogenous serine protease inhibitors are associated with anti-inflammatory and pro-survival signaling mediated via Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) signaling. SP16 is a short polypeptide that mimics the LRP1 binding portion of alpha-1 antitrypsin.

Methods

A pilot phase I, first-in-man, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled safety study was conducted to evaluate a subcutaneous injection at three dose levels of SP16 (0.0125, 0.05, and 0.2 mg/kg [up to 12 mg]) or matching placebo in 3:1 ratio in healthy individuals. Safety monitoring included vital signs, laboratory examinations (including hematology, coagulation, platelet function, chemistry, myocardial toxicity) and electrocardiography (to measure effect on PR, QRS, and QTc).

Results

Treatment with SP16 was not associated with treatment related serious adverse events. SP16 was associated with mild-moderate pain at the time of injection that was significantly higher than placebo on a 0–10 pain scale (6.0+/-1.4 [0.2 mg/kg] versus 1.5+/-2.1 [placebo], P = 0.0088). No differences in vital signs, laboratory examinations and electrocardiography were found in those treated with SP16 versus placebo.

Conclusion

A one-time treatment with SP16 for doses up to 0.2 mg/kg or 12 mg was safe in healthy volunteers.
A 115,000-year-old expedient bone technology at Lingjing, Henan, China
Authors: Doyon Luc , Li Zhanyang , Wang Hua , Geis Lila , d’Errico Francesco
Published: May 2021

Activities attested since at least 2.6 Myr, such as stone knapping, marrow extraction, and woodworking may have allowed early hominins to recognize the technological potential of discarded skeletal remains and equipped them with a transferable skillset fit for the marginal modification and utilization of bone flakes. Identifying precisely when and where expedient bone tools were used in prehistory nonetheless remains a challenging task owing to the multiple natural and anthropogenic processes that can mimic deliberately knapped bones. Here, we compare a large sample of the faunal remains from Lingjing, a 115 ka-old site from China which has yielded important hominin remains and rich faunal and lithic assemblages, with bone fragments produced by experimentally fracturing Equus caballus long bones. Our results provide a set of qualitative and quantitative criteria that can help zooarchaeologists and bone technologists distinguish faunal remains with intentional flake removal scars from those resulting from carcass processing activities. Experimental data shows marrow extraction seldom generates diaphyseal fragments bearing more than six flake scars arranged contiguously or in interspersed series. Long bone fragments presenting such characteristics can, therefore, be interpreted as being purposefully knapped to be used as expediency tools. The identification, based on the above experimental criteria, of 56 bone tools in the Lingjing faunal assemblage is consistent with the smaller size of the lithics found in the same layer. The continuity gradient observed in the size of lithics and knapped bones suggests the latter were used for tasks in which the former were less or not effective.
Challenges experienced by patients with hypertension in Ghana: A qualitative inquiry
Authors: Atibila Fidelis , Ten Hoor Gill , Donkoh Emmanuel Timmy , Kok Gerjo
Published: May 2021

Background

Hypertension (HPT) is an essential public health problem affecting both lower and middle-income countries disproportionately. Evidence suggests that HPT is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and chronic kidney disease. Yet, challenges faced by patients with HPT in Ghana are not sufficiently explored. This study, documents the challenges patients with HPT face in Ghana.

Methods

We used an explorative descriptive qualitative design. Face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 patients with HPT. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. A thematic content analysis procedure was followed to analyse the data.

Results

Four main themes emerged from interviews; three of which pertained to dimensions of challenges and a fourth which pertained to coping strategies. These include: [1] impairment in physical activities and mobility constraints [2]. Psychological challenges such as suicidal ideations, sadness, fear, anxiety, and reduced sexual affection [3]. Socio-economic challenges identified include loss of friends and social network, difficulty in job demands, and financial burden, and [4] coping strategies such as health system support, social support, and religiosity were identified.

Conclusion

Patients with HPT experience an array of challenges. We suggest that health care facilities incorporate post HPT diagnosis counseling sessions for HPT patients in the study area. Also, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) should re-examine their scope of services; thus, drugs, laboratory services, and electrocardiogram services to avoid the issue of co-payment. Collaboration between healthcare professionals and family relations of patients with HPT ought to also be strengthened to ensure optimal care.
Profiling malaria infection among under-five children in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Emina Jacques B. O. , Doctor Henry V. , Yé Yazoumé
Published: May 2021

Introduction

In 2018, Malaria accounted for 38% of the overall morbidity and 36% of the overall mortality in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This study aimed to identify malaria socioeconomic predictors among children aged 6–59 months in DRC and to describe a socioeconomic profile of the most-at-risk children aged 6–59 months for malaria infection.

Materials and methods

This study used data from the 2013 DRC Demographic and Health Survey. The sample included 8,547 children aged 6–59 months who were tested for malaria by microscopy. Malaria infection status, the dependent variable, is a dummy variable characterized as a positive or negative test. The independent variables were child’s sex, age, and living arrangement; mother’s education; household’s socioeconomic variables; province of residence; and type of place of residence. Statistical analyses used the chi-square automatic interaction detector (CHAID) model and logistic regression.

Results

Of the 8,547 children included in the sample, 25% had malaria infection. Four variables—child’s age, mother’s education, province, and wealth index—were statistically associated with the prevalence of malaria infection in bivariate analysis and multivariate analysis (CHAID and logistic regression). The prevalence of malaria infection increases with child’s age and decreases significantly with mother’s education and the household wealth index. These findings suggest that the prevalence of malaria infection is driven by interactions among environmental factors, socioeconomic characteristics, and probably differences in the implementation of malaria programs across the country. The effect of mother’s education on malaria infection was only significant among under-five children living in Ituri, Kasaï-Central, Haut-Uele, Lomami, Nord-Ubangi, and Maniema provinces, and the effect of wealth index was significant in Mai-Ndombe, Tshopo, and Haut-Katanga provinces.

Conclusion

Findings from this study could be used for targeting malaria interventions in DRC. Although malaria infection is common across the country, the prevalence of children at high risk for malaria infection varies by province and other background characteristics, including age, mother’s education, wealth index, and place of residence. In light of these findings, designing provincial and multisectoral interventions could be an effective strategy to achieve zero malaria infection in DRC.
Metabolite analysis of tubers and leaves of two potato cultivars and their grafts
Authors: Odgerel Khongorzul , Bánfalvi Zsófia
Published: May 2021

Grafting experiments have shown that photoperiod-dependent induction of tuberisation in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is controlled by multiple overlapping signals, including mobile proteins, mRNAs, miRNAs and phytohormones. The effect of vegetative organs and tubers at metabolite level and vice versa, however, has not been studied in detail in potato. To unravel the influence of vegetative organs on the primary polar metabolite content of potato tubers and the effect of tuberisation on the metabolite content of leaves grafting experiments were carried out. Two potato cultivars, Hópehely (HP) and White Lady (WL), were homo- and hetero-grafted, and the effects of grafting were investigated in comparison to non-grafted controls. Non-targeted metabolite analysis using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed that the major difference between HP and WL tubers is in sucrose concentration. The sucrose level was higher in HP than in WL tubers and was not changed by grafting, suggesting that the sucrose concentration of tubers is genetically determined. The galactinol level was 8-fold higher in the WL leaves than in the HP leaves and, unlike the sucrose concentration of tubers, was altered by grafting. A positive correlation between the growth rate of the leaves and the time of tuber initiation was detected. The time of tuber initiation was delayed in the WL rootstocks by HP scions and shortened in the HP rootstocks by WL scions, supporting the previous finding that tuberisation is triggered by source-derived mobile signals.
Scaling up the global reef restoration activity: Avoiding ecological imperialism and ongoing colonialism
Authors: Gibbs Mark T. , Gibbs Bridget L. , Newlands Maxine , Ivey Jordan
Published: May 2021

The health and condition of the world’s reefs are in steep decline. This has triggered the development of fledgling micro-scale coral reef restoration projects along many reef coastlines. However, it is increasingly recognised that the scale and productivity of micro-scale coral gardening projects will be insufficient to meet the growing global threats to reefs. More recently, efforts to develop and implement restoration techniques for application at regional scales have been pursued by research organisations. Coral reefs are mostly located in the unindustrialised world. Yet, most of the funding, and scientific and engineering method development for larger-scale methods will likely be sourced and created in the industrialised world. Therefore, the development of the emerging at-scale global reef restoration sector will inevitably involve the transfer of methods, approaches, finances, labour and skills from the industrialised world to the unindustrialised world. This opens the door to the industrialised world negatively impacting the unindustrialised world and, in some cases, First Nations peoples. In Western scientific parlance, ecological imperialism occurs when people from industrialised nations seek to recreate environments and ecosystems in unindustrialised nations that are familiar and comfortable to them. How a coral reef ’should’ look depends on one’s background and perspective. While predominately Western scientific approaches provide guidance on the ecological principles for reef restoration, these methods might not be applicable in every scenario in unindustrialised nations. Imposing such views on Indigenous coastal communities without the local technical and leadership resources to scale-up restoration of their reefs can lead to unwanted consequences. The objective of this paper is to introduce this real and emerging risk into the broader reef restoration discussion.
The ongoing indirect effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on a pediatric emergency department
Authors: Erlichman Matti , Zalut Todd , Schwartz Shepard , Weiser Giora
Published: May 2021

Introduction

The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic may cause significant morbidity and mortality in adults, yet severe cases are rare among children. The indirect impact of the pandemic on health care delivery in general and pediatric emergency department (PED) visits in particular has been widely reported.

Aims

To assess the impact of the pandemic and the social restrictions imposed in its wake on PED visits and hospitalization rates in our Israeli medical center. We also sought to track these data in relation to the variation in pandemic severity and social restrictions over time. A comparison of this data with that of the adult emergency department was also performed.

Methods

Data for this study were drawn from the Shaare Zedek Medical Center (SZMC), Jerusalem, Israel computerized databank. The daily number of PED and adult ER visits as well as hospitalizations resulting from these visits during the months January-July during the years 2018, 2019, 2020 were recorded. We compared the risk ratio for hospitalization in 2019 and 2020, as well as the incidence rate ratio.

Results

During March and April there was a decrease in PED visits from 4,588 visits in 2019 to 2,527 visits in 2020 (ratio = .551, 95%CI [.52,.58]. Despite the drop in PED visits, the rate of hospitalizations rose with respect to 2019 (Risk Ratio = 1.31, p < .001, 95%CI [1.17,1.47]). Similar but more moderate trends were seen in the adult ED. From May-July 2020, after the lockdown was lifted, PED visits remained 30% below the same time period from 2018 and 2019, while the hospitalization rate returned to its pre-pandemic level.

Conclusions

A significant drop in PED visits is seen to extend well beyond the peak of the pandemic and the lockdown period. This highlights the potential risk of children with serious emergencies becoming casualties of the pandemic by their not being brought to medical attention. Efforts should be made to raise public awareness among parents and other caretakers of children regarding this matter.
Ambient urban N deposition drives increased biomass and total plant N in two native prairie grass species in the U.S. Southern Great Plains
Authors: Ponette-González Alexandra G. , Green Michelle L. , McCullars Justin , Gough Laura
Published: May 2021

Remnants of native tallgrass prairie experience elevated atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition in urban areas, with potential effects on species traits that are important for N cycling and species composition. We quantified bulk (primarily wet) inorganic N (NH4+-N + NO3--N) deposition at six sites along an urban development gradient (6–64% urban) in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area from April 2014 to October 2015. In addition, we conducted a phytometer experiment with two common native prairie bunchgrass species––one well studied (Schizachyrium scoparium) and one little studied (Nasella leucotricha)––to investigate ambient N deposition effects on plant biomass and tissue quality. Bulk inorganic N deposition ranged from 6.1–9.9 kg ha-1 yr-1, peaked in spring, and did not vary consistently with proportion of urban land within 10 km of the sites. Total (wet + dry) inorganic N deposition estimated using bulk deposition measured in this study and modeled dry deposition was 12.9–18.2 kg ha-1 yr-1. Although the two plant species studied differ in photosynthetic pathway, biomass, and tissue N, they exhibited a maximum 2-3-fold and 2-4-fold increase in total biomass and total plant N, respectively, with 1.6-fold higher bulk N deposition. In addition, our findings indicate that while native prairie grasses may exhibit a positive biomass response to increased N deposition up to ~18 kg ha-1 yr-1, total inorganic N deposition is well above the estimated critical load for herbaceous plant species richness in the tallgrass prairie of the Great Plains ecoregion and thus may negatively affect these plant communities.
Aerial survey estimates of polar bears and their tracks in the Chukchi Sea
Authors: Conn Paul B. , Chernook Vladimir I. , Moreland Erin E. , Trukhanova Irina S. , Regehr Eric V. , Vasiliev Alexander N. , Wilson Ryan R. , Belikov Stanislav E. , Boveng Peter L.
Published: May 2021

Polar bears are of international conservation concern due to climate change but are difficult to study because of low densities and an expansive, circumpolar distribution. In a collaborative U.S.-Russian effort in spring of 2016, we used aerial surveys to detect and estimate the abundance of polar bears on sea ice in the Chukchi Sea. Our surveys used a combination of thermal imagery, digital photography, and human observations. Using spatio-temporal statistical models that related bear and track densities to physiographic and biological covariates (e.g., sea ice extent, resource selection functions derived from satellite tags), we predicted abundance and spatial distribution throughout our study area. Estimates of 2016 abundance (N^*) ranged from 3,435 (95% CI: 2,300-5,131) to 5,444 (95% CI: 3,636-8,152) depending on the proportion of bears assumed to be missed on the transect line during Russian surveys (g(0)). Our point estimates are larger than, but of similar magnitude to, a recent estimate for the period 2008-2016 (N^*=2,937; 95% CI 1,522-5,944) derived from an integrated population model applied to a slightly smaller area. Although a number of factors (e.g., equipment issues, differing platforms, low sample sizes, size of the study area relative to sampling effort) required us to make a number of assumptions to generate estimates, it establishes a useful lower bound for abundance, and suggests high spring polar bear densities on sea ice in Russian waters south of Wrangell Island. With future improvements, we suggest that springtime aerial surveys may represent a plausible avenue for studying abundance and distribution of polar bears and their prey over large, remote areas.
Distribution of Merlin in eukaryotes and first report of DNA transposons in kinetoplastid protists
Authors: Lopes Ana Luisa Kalb , Kriegová Eva , Lukeš Julius , Krieger Marco Aurélio , Ludwig Adriana
Published: May 2021

DNA transposons are defined as repeated DNA sequences that can move within the host genome through the action of transposases. The transposon superfamily Merlin was originally found mainly in animal genomes. Here, we describe a global distribution of the Merlin in animals, fungi, plants and protists, reporting for the first time their presence in Rhodophyceae, Metamonada, Discoba and Alveolata. We identified a great variety of potentially active Merlin families, some containing highly imperfect terminal inverted repeats and internal tandem repeats. Merlin-related sequences with no evidence of mobilization capacity were also observed and may be products of domestication. The evolutionary trees support that Merlin is likely an ancient superfamily, with early events of diversification and secondary losses, although repeated re-invasions probably occurred in some groups, which would explain its diversity and discontinuous distribution. We cannot rule out the possibility that the Merlin superfamily is the product of multiple horizontal transfers of related prokaryotic insertion sequences. Moreover, this is the first account of a DNA transposon in kinetoplastid flagellates, with conserved Merlin transposase identified in Bodo saltans and Perkinsela sp., whereas it is absent in trypanosomatids. Based on the level of conservation of the transposase and overlaps of putative open reading frames with Merlin, we propose that in protists it may serve as a raw material for gene emergence.
High prevalence of unawareness of HCV infection status among both HCV-seronegative and seropositive people living with human immunodeficiency virus in Taiwan
Authors: Lee Chun-Yuan , Wu Pei-Hua , Lu Meng-Wei , Chen Tun-Chieh , Lu Po-Liang
Published: May 2021

Objectives

HCV infection status awareness is crucial in the HCV care continuum for both HCV-seropositive (HCV-positive status awareness) and seronegative (HCV-negative status awareness) populations. However, trends in the unawareness of HCV infection status (UoHCV) remain unknown in HIV-positive patients. This study investigated UoHCV prevalence, the associated factors of UoHCV, and its association with HCV-related knowledge in HIV-positive patients.

Methods

For this cross-sectional, multicenter, questionnaire-based study, 844 HIV-infected participants were recruited from three hospitals in Taiwan from June 2018 to March 2020. Participants were grouped by HCV serostatus (HCV-seronegative [n = 734] and HCV-seropositive [n = 110]) and categorized by their HIV diagnosis date (before 2008, 2008–2013, and 2014–2020). Exploratory factor analysis was used to categorize the 15 items of HCV-related knowledge into three domains: route of HCV transmission, HCV course and complications, and HCV treatment.

Results

The prevalence of UoHCV was 58.7%–62.6% and 15.1%–31.3% in the HCV-seronegative and HCV-seropositive groups, respectively, across 3 periods. More participants with UoHCV believed that HCV infection was only contracted by intravenous injection. In the HCV-seropositive group, participants with UoHCV were more likely to have HIV diagnosis before 2008 (vs. 2014–2020), be men who have sex with men (vs. people who inject drugs), and have hepatitis A virus seronegativity. In the HCV-seronegative group, participants with UoHCV were more likely to have a recent history of sexually transmitted diseases, but had a lower education level, had received less information on HCV infection from clinicians, and were less likely to have heard of HCV infection prior to the research. UoHCV was associated with lower scores for three domains of HCV-related knowledge in both groups.

Conclusions

The negative association of UoHCV with HCV-related knowledge suggests that strategies targeting patients according to their HCV serostatus should be implemented to reduce UoHCV and eradicate HCV infection among HIV-positive patients.
Seroepidemiological study of SARS-CoV-2 infection in East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Megasari Ni Luh Ayu , Utsumi Takako , Yamani Laura Navika , Juniastuti  , Gunawan Emily , Furukawa Koichi , Nishimura Mitsuhiro , Lusida Maria Inge , Mori Yasuko
Published: May 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to a global pandemic, including Indonesia. However, there are only limited data regarding the precise prevalence of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. Here, to estimate the magnitude of SARS-CoV-2 infection in East Java, Indonesia, we investigated the prevalence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. We enrolled 1,819 individuals from June to December 2020 and observed that the subjects’ overall prevalence of IgG antibody to SARS-CoV-2 was 11.4% (207/1,819). The prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies differed significantly between the job/occupation groups (P = 0.0001). A greater prevalence of IgG was detected in laboratory technicians (who take samples from suspected cases and deal with polymerase chain reaction [PCR] procedures, 22.2%) compared to medical personnel who see and take direct care of patients with COVID-19 (e.g., physicians and nurses, 6.0%), other staff in medical facilities (2.9%), general population (12.1%) and non-COVID-19 patients (14.6%). The highest prevalence among age groups was in the 40–49-year-olds (14.8%), and the lowest prevalence was in the 20–29-year-olds (7.4%). However, the younger population still showed a higher prevalence than generally reported, suggesting greater exposure to the virus but less susceptibility to the disease. A geographical difference was also observed: a higher prevalence in Surabaya (13.1%) than in Jombang (9.9%). In conclusion, the COVID-19 outbreak among asymptomatic populations was characterized by a high prevalence of infection in East Java, Indonesia.
Advancing health equity in cancer care: The lived experiences of poverty and access to lung cancer screening
Authors: Sayani Ambreen , Vahabi Mandana , O’Brien Mary Ann , Liu Geoffrey , Hwang Stephen , Selby Peter , Nicholson Erika , Giuliani Meredith , Eng Lawson , Lofters Aisha
Published: May 2021

Background

Individuals living with low income are more likely to smoke, have a higher risk of lung cancer, and are less likely to participate in preventative healthcare (i.e., low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for lung cancer screening), leading to equity concerns. To inform the delivery of an organized pilot lung cancer screening program in Ontario, we sought to contextualize the lived experiences of poverty and the choice to participate in lung cancer screening.

Methods

At three Toronto academic primary-care clinics, high-risk screen-eligible patients who chose or declined LDCT screening were consented; sociodemographic data was collected. Qualitative interviews were conducted. Theoretical thematic analysis was used to organize, describe and interpret the data using the morphogenetic approach as a guiding theoretical lens.

Results

Eight participants chose to undergo screening; ten did not. From interviews, we identified three themes: Pathways of disadvantage (social trajectories of events that influence lung-cancer risk and health-seeking behaviour), lung-cancer risk and early detection (upstream factors that shape smoking behaviour and lung-cancer screening choices), and safe spaces of care (care that is free of bias, conflict, criticism, or potentially threatening actions, ideas or conversations). We illuminate how ‘choice’ is contextual to the availability of material resources such as income and housing, and how ‘choice’ is influenced by having access to spaces of care that are free of judgement and personal bias.

Conclusion

Underserved populations will require multiprong interventions that work at the individual, system and structural level to reduce inequities in lung-cancer risk and access to healthcare services such as cancer screening.
Performance of high-level Spanish athletes in the Olympic Games according to gender
Authors: Leiva-Arcas Alejandro , Vaquero-Cristóbal Raquel , Abenza-Cano Lucía , Sánchez-Pato Antonio
Published: May 2021

No studies have been found that analyzed the probabilities of high-level athletes according to gender for accessing programs that promote the professionalization of sports, and participation and success in the OG in Spain. This could explain the gender differences in these parameters and the trend towards more egalitarian data in recent years. The objective of this study was to analyze the probabilities of Spanish high-level athletes for participating and achieving sporting success in the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games (OG). Data relating to a sample of 3757 high-level Spanish athletes (2398 men and 1359 women) between 2005 and 2016 were examined. The variables of gender, having obtained a scholarship from the Association of Olympic Athletes (ADO) program, training in a High Performance Center (CAR), participation and performance in the OG were analyzed. It was found that high-level female athletes were more likely than male athletes to belong to the ADO program (χ2= 26,151; r* = 0.083; p = 0,000) and CAR (χ2= 13,847; r* = 0.061; p = 0,000), and to qualify for an OG (χ2= 22,838; r* = 0,078; p = 0,000), the same trend was found in the three Olympic cycles analyzed. With respect to the results in the OG, in general, no differences were found according to gender, although women were more likely to be finalists (χ2= 4,406; r* = 0.071; p = 0,036), and more prominently in the 2016 OG (16.118; r* = 0.228; p = 0.000). The same applies to winning a medal (χ2= 5.939; r* = 0.145; p = 0.015), more specifically bronze at the 2012 OG (χ2= 6.215; r* = 0.149; p = 0.013). In conclusion, high-level female athletes in Spain have a higher percentage of access to high-level athlete support programs such as ADO and CAR, as well as participation in OG.