bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hidden geometry and dynamics of complex networks: Spin reversal in nanoassemblies with pairwise and triangle-based interactions
(a)
Authors: Tadić Bosiljka , Gupte Neelima
Published: March 2021

Recent studies of networks representing complex systems from the brain to social graphs have revealed their higher-order architecture, which can be described by aggregates of simplexes (triangles, tetrahedrons, and higher cliques). Current research aims at quantifying these hidden geometries by the algebraic topology methods and deep graph theory and understanding the dynamic processes on simplicial complexes. Here, we use the recently introduced model for geometrical self-assembly of cliques to grow nano-networks of triangles and study the field-driven spin reversal processes on them. With the antiferromagnetic interactions between the Ising spins attached to the nodes, this assembly ideally supports the geometric frustration, which is recognized as the origin of some new phenomena in condensed matter physics. In the dynamical model, a gradual switching from the pairwise to triangle-based interactions is controlled by a parameter. Thus, the spin frustration effects on each triangle give way to the mesoscopic ordering conditioned by a complex arrangement of triangles. We show how the balance between these interactions changes the shape of the hysteresis loop. Meanwhile, the fluctuations in the accompanying Barkhausen noise exhibit robust indicators of self-organized criticality, which is induced by the network geometry alone without any magnetic disorder.
Open challenges in environmental data analysis and ecological complex systems(a)
Authors: Hristopulos D. T. , Spagnolo B. , Valenti D.
Published: March 2021

This letter focuses on open challenges in the fields of environmental data analysis and ecological complex systems. It highlights relations between research problems in stochastic population dynamics, machine learning and big data research, and statistical physics. Recent and current developments in statistical modeling of spatiotemporal data and in population dynamics are briefly reviewed. The presentation emphasizes stochastic fluctuations, including their statistical representation, data-based estimation, prediction, and impact on the physics of the underlying systems. Guided by the common thread of stochasticity, a deeper and improved understanding of environmental processes and ecosystems can be achieved by forging stronger interdisciplinary connections between statistical physics, spatiotemporal data modeling, and ecology.
Negotiating Change: Ideas, Institutions, and Political Actors in Tobacco Control Policy Making in Mauritius
Authors: Kusi-Ampofo Owuraku
Published: March 2021

Context: This article explains the policy process that occasioned the development of comprehensive tobacco control policies in Mauritius from 1980 to 2019. It does so by drawing theoretical insights from John Kingdon's streams framework, historical institutionalism, and ideational perspectives to explicate how tobacco control rose to the status of government policy agenda.

Methods: The main sources of data are government documents, media reports, archival studies, grey literature, and published books and articles. These sources were supplemented by key informant interviews with government officials, civil society groups, and other vested interest groups.

Findings: This article finds that the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases in the late 1980s, the political commitment of Mauritius's Labour government to comprehensive tobacco control, the institutional legacies of Mauritius's Public Health Act of 1925, and the administrative capacity of Mauritius's Ministry of Health and Quality of Life are the primary factors that drove tobacco control policies in Mauritius.

Conclusion: The findings from this study will enrich our understanding of policy change and the politics of tobacco control in the global south. Future research should investigate why some countries in Africa have failed to adopt comprehensive tobacco control policies despite ratifying the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Size, shape and orientation of macro-sized substrate protrusions affect the toe and foot adhesion of geckos
Authors: Song Yi , Yuan Jiwei , Zhang Linghao , Dai Zhendong , Full Robert J.
Published: March 2021

Geckos are excellent climbers using compliant, hierarchically arranged adhesive toes to negotiate diverse terrains varying in roughness at multiple size scales. Here, we complement advancements at smaller size scales with measurements at the macro scale. We studied the attachment of a single toe and whole foot of geckos on macroscale rough substrates by pulling them along, across and off smooth rods and spheres mimicking different geometric protrusions of substrates. When we pulled a single toe along rods, the force increased with the rod diameter, whereas the attachment force of dragging toes across rods increased from about 60% on small diameter rods relative to a flat surface to ∼100% on larger diameter rods, but showed no further increase as rod diameter doubled. Toe force also increased as the pulling changed from along-rod loading to across-rod loading. When toes were pulled off spheres, the force increased with increasing sphere diameter as observed for along-rod pulling. For feet with separated toes, attachment on spheres was stronger than that on rods with the same diameter. Attachment force of a foot decreased as rod and sphere size increased but remained sufficient to support the body weight of geckos. These results provide a bridge to the macroscale roughness seen in nature by revealing the importance of the dimension, shape and orientation of macroscale substrate features for compliant toe and foot function of geckos. Our data not only enhance our understanding of geckos’ environmental adaptive adhesion but can also provide inspiration for novel robot feet in development.
Hydrogen isotope assimilation and discrimination in green turtles
Authors: Pagès Barceló Laura , Seminoff Jeffrey A. , Vander Zanden Hannah B. , Jones T. Todd , Bjorndal Karen A. , Bolten Alan B. , Mustin Walter , Busquets-Vass Geraldine , Newsome Seth D.
Published: March 2021

Although hydrogen isotopes (δ2H) are commonly used as tracers of animal movement, minimal research has investigated the use of δ2H as a proxy to quantify resource and habitat use. While carbon and nitrogen are ultimately derived from a single source (food), the proportion of hydrogen in consumer tissues originates from two distinct sources: body water and food. Before hydrogen isotopes can be effectively used as a resource and habitat tracer, we need estimates of (net) discrimination factors (Δ2HNet) that account for the physiologically mediated differences in the δ2H values of animal tissues relative to that of the food and water sources they use to synthesize tissues. Here, we estimated Δ2HNet in captive green turtles (Chelonia mydas) by measuring the δ2H values of tissues (epidermis and blood components) and dietary macromolecules collected in two controlled feeding experiments. Tissue δ2H and Δ2HNet values varied systematically among tissues, with epidermis having higher δ2H and Δ2HNet values than blood components, which mirrors patterns between keratinaceous tissues (feathers, hair) and blood in birds and mammals. Serum/plasma of adult female green turtles had significantly lower δ2H values compared with juveniles, likely due to increased lipid mobilization associated with reproduction. This is the first study to quantify Δ2HNet values in a marine ectotherm, and we anticipate that our results will further refine the use of δ2H analysis to better understand animal resource and habitat use in marine ecosystems, especially coastal areas fueled by a combination of marine (e.g. micro/macroalgae and seagrass) and terrestrial (e.g. mangroves) primary production.
Combined vitrectomy, near-confluent panretinal endolaser, bevacizumab and cyclophotocoagulation for neovascular glaucoma — a retrospective interventional case series
Authors: Strzalkowski Piotr , Strzalkowska Alicja , Göbel Winfried , Loewen Nils A. , Hillenkamp Jost
Published: March 2021

Background: Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is a severe, potentially blinding disease and a therapeutic challenge. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of an integrative surgical approach to neovascular glaucoma.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of a one-year follow-up of a consecutive interventional case series of NVG. Eyes underwent transscleral cyclophotocoagulation, pars plana vitrectomy, near-confluent panretinal photocoagulation, and intravitreal bevacizumab. Phakic eyes underwent concomitant cataract surgery. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA, logMAR), intraocular pressure (IOP, mmHg), number of glaucoma medication, visual analog pain scale (VAPS, 0-10) were recorded at baseline, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Blind eyes were excluded.

Results: Seventy-seven eyes of 77 patients (45 male, 32 female, mean age 73.6±12.2 years) were included. NVG underlying conditions included retinal vein occlusion (41.6%), proliferative diabetic retinopathy (35.1%), central retinal artery occlusion (19.5%), and ocular ischemic syndrome (3.9%). Mean IOP decreased postoperatively from 46.3±10.1 mmHg to 14.5±7.9 mmHg (p<0.001), glaucoma medication from 4.7±1.3 to 1.8±1.8 (p<0.001), and VAPS from 6.0±1.8 to 0. BCVA remained unchanged. Postoperative intraocular inflammation had resolved in all eyes at the one-month follow-up. 71.4% (55/77) eyes did not require additional major interventions during follow-up.

Conclusions: A single, comprehensive surgery session lowered IOP significantly, reduced GMS, and controlled pain.
Public perceptions of the COVID-19 pandemic management in Bangladesh: a qualitative exploration
Authors: Joarder Taufique , Khaled Muhammad N.B. , Joarder Mohammad A.I.
Published: March 2021

Background: Since the emergence of the COVID-19 outbreak, Government of Bangladesh (GoB) has taken various measures to restrict virus transmission and inform the people of the situation. However, the success of such measures largely depends on a positive public perception of the government’s ability to act decisively and the transparency of its communication. We explored public perceptions of pandemic management efforts by the Bangladeshi health sector decision-makers in this study.

Methods: As this qualitative research was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, data was gathered through seven online mixed-gender focus group discussions involving 50 purposively selected clinicians and non-clinicians.

Results: The study participants concurred that, from the outset, decision-makers failed to engage the right kind of experts, which resulted in poor pandemic management that included imposing lockdown in periphery areas without arranging patient transport to the center, declaring certain hospitals as COVID-19 dedicated without preparing the facilities or the staff, and engaging private hospitals in care without allowing them to test the patients for COVID-19 infection. Several participants also commented on ineffective actions on behalf of the GoB, such as imposing home quarantine instead of institutional, corruption, miscommunication, and inadequate private sector regulation. The perception of the people regarding service providers is that they lacked responsiveness in providing treatment, with some doctors misleading the public by sharing misinformation. Service providers, on the other hand, observed that decision-makers failed to provide them with proper training, personal protective equipment, and workplace security, which has resulted in a high number of deaths among medical staff.

Conclusions: The Bangladeshi health sector decision-makers should learn from their mistakes to prevent further unnecessary loss of life and long-term economic downturn. They should adopt a science-based response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the short term while striving to develop a more resilient health system in the long run.
Technology for studying the destruction of structural materials under different loading conditions
Authors: Pachurin German
Published: March 2021

The textbook is devoted to solving topical issues related to the prediction of the effect of plastic deformation on the behavior in various operating conditions of a wide class of metals and alloys. The technology developed by the author for studying the mechanical properties and the process of destruction of plastically treated metal materials under various loading conditions (static at different temperatures, cyclic in air at low, room and elevated temperatures, as well as at room temperature in the presence of a corrosive environment) is described.

Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.

Addressed to bachelors and undergraduates of higher educational institutions of full-time and part-time education in the areas of training 20.03.01 Technosphere safety" (training profile "Safety of technological processes and production"), 22.03.01 and 22.04.01 "Materials Science and Materials Technology", 22.03.02 and 22.04.02 "Metallurgy", 15.03.01 and 15.04.01 "Mechanical Engineering", 15.05.01 "Design of technological machines and complexes", 15.03.02 "Technological machines and equipment", 15.03.04 and 15.04.04 "Automation of technological processes and production", 17.05.02 "Strelkovo-pushechnoe, artillery and rocket weapons", 15.03.05 "Design and technological support of machine-building industries". It can be useful for scientific and engineering workers of enterprises of automotive, aviation, shipbuilding and other metalworking branches of mechanical engineering, laboratory workers, as well as for training specialists in materials science, metal science and metal forming."
Shapley–Snow Kernels, Multiparameter Eigenvalue Problems, and Stochastic Games
Authors: Attia Luc , Oliu-Barton Miquel
Published: March 2021

We propose a connection between finite zero-sum stochastic games (henceforth stochastic games) and multiparameter eigenvalue problems. This connection, which relies on the theory developed by Shapley and Snow for matrix games, opens new possibilities in the study of stochastic games. In particular, we derive from this connection a handful of new results for stochastic games.
Vibrational Frequencies of Dichlorine Monoxide: A Mathematical Model
Authors: Srinivas N. , Vijayasekhar J.
Published: March 2021

Determinedstretching vibrational frequencies of a triatomic molecule, i.e..Dichlorine Monoxide (Cl2O) upto third overtone by Lie algebraic method.Fundamental vibrational wavenumbers calculated by Lie algebraic model are compared with available experimental values.
A Meta-Analysis of Single-Case Research on Applied Behavior Analytic Interventions for People With Down Syndrome
Authors: Neil Nicole , Amicarelli Ashley , Anderson Brianna M. , Liesemer Kailee
Published: March 2021

This systematic review evaluates single-case research design studies investigating applied behavior analytic (ABA) interventions for people with Down syndrome (DS). One hundred twenty-five studies examining the efficacy of ABA interventions on increasing skills and/or decreasing challenging behaviors met inclusion criteria. The What Works Clearinghouse standards and Risk of Bias in N-of-1 Trials scale were used to analyze methodological characteristics, and Tau-U effect sizes were calculated. Results suggest the use of ABA-based interventions are promising for behavior change in people with DS. Thirty-six high-quality studies were identified and demonstrated a medium overall effect. A range of outcomes was targeted, primarily involving communication and challenging behavior. These outcomes will guide future research on ABA interventions and DS.
Attention Bias and Prodromal Anxiety Symptoms in Toddlers With Fragile X Syndrome and Down Syndrome
Authors: Smith Kayla , Hogan Abigail L. , Will Elizabeth , Roberts Jane E.
Published: March 2021

Early identification of behavioral risk markers for anxiety is essential to optimize long-term outcomes in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. This study analyzed attentional avoidance and its relation to anxiety and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptomatology during social and nonsocial fear conditions in toddlers with fragile X syndrome (FXS) and Down syndrome (DS). Toddlers with FXS and DS exhibited increased nonsocial attentional avoidance relative to typically developing (TD) toddlers. Attentional avoidance was not related to anxiety symptom severity in any group; however, higher ASD symptom severity was related to more social attentional avoidance in the FXS and TD groups. Findings suggest that there may be different underlying mechanisms driving attentional avoidance across neurodevelopmental disorders.
Entanglement synthesis based on the interference of a single-mode squeezed vacuum and a delocalized photon
Authors: Podoshvedov Sergey A. , Podoshvedov Mikhail S.
Published: March 2021

We propose a new approach to generate entangled states, both hybrid and consisting exclusively of continuous variable (CV) states. A single-mode squeezed vacuum is mixed with a delocalized single photon on an arbitrary beam splitter with subsequent registration of measurement outcomes in auxiliary mode. The entangled hybrid states consisting of CV and discrete variable (DV) states are generated whenever any event is measured in auxiliary mode. Negativity is used as a measure of entanglement. Under certain initial conditions, the conditional state becomes as entangled as possible. New types of CV states, either even or odd depending on the parity of the Fock states forming the superpositions, are introduced. If the conditional entangled hybrid state is mixed with a single-mode squeezed vacuum with the subsequent registration of measurement results in DV mode, then the new state becomes CV entangled, i.e., its orthogonal components are already CV states. The entanglement synthesis can be expanded to implement a high-complexity quantum network.
Feasible measurement-based entanglement purification in linear optics
Authors: Yan Pei-Shun , Zhou Lan , Zhong Wei , Sheng Yu-Bo
Published: March 2021

Entanglement purification is used to distill high quality entangled states from several noisy low quality entangled states, and it plays a key role in quantum repeater. The measurement-based entanglement purification protocol (MB-EPP) does not require local two-qubit gates or single-particle measurements on the noisy pairs and may offer significant advantages compared with the gate-based EPPs. We present an alternative MB-EPP in linear optics. Subsequently, we provide a detailed analysis on the realization of this MB-EPP using spontaneous parametric down conversion (SPDC) sources. By delicately designing the optical circuits, the double-pair emission noise caused by SPDC sources can be eliminated automatically. Combined with suitable quantum memory and entanglement swapping, this MB-EPP may have application potential in the implementation of a practical measurement-based quantum repeater.
Common-mode noise self-suppressed 3-component fiber optic accelerometer based on low-reflectivity Bragg gratings
Authors: Liu Fei , Yi Duo , Chen Yi , Xu Ping , Zhang Min , Zhu Xuewen , He Xiangge , Zhou Xian , Long Keping
Published: March 2021

Common-mode noises (CMNs) are frequent in the fiber optic accelerometer, and their suppression is extremely important, particularly in the ultra-weak signal detection application, e.g., micro-seismic monitoring. This Letter proposes a 3-component (3C) low-reflectivity fiber Bragg gratings accelerometer for CMN self-suppression. When compared with the traditional CMN suppression method, the proposed 3C accelerometer is able to improve the CMN suppression effect by an average value larger than 4.5 dB in three axes, as well as double the effective signal amplitude due to the push–pull structure, which brings an enhanced signal-to-noise ratio. Besides, the proposed 3C accelerometer does not need an additional reference interferometer to achieve such a CMN suppression effect; hence, it largely reduces the volume and cost of the sensing system, which shows huge advantages, particularly in the large-scale quasi-distributed array. The proposed 3C accelerometer provides a promising candidate for the weak vector vibration detection.
Photonic approach for generating bandwidth-doubled and switchable multi-format chirp waveforms
Authors: Yi Chongyin , Yang Shuna , Yang Bo , Jin Tao , Chi Hao
Published: March 2021

A novel photonic approach for generating switchable multi-format chirp RF waveforms is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The key component in the scheme is a dual-parallel Mach–Zehnder modulator (DPMZM). By properly setting the bias voltage on the DPMZM, different chirp RF waveforms with a doubled bandwidth, including the dual-, up-, and down-chirp waveforms, can be generated, when an unmodulated RF signal and a chirp RF signal are injected. The experiments are implemented to demonstrate the generation of switchable chirp waveforms with bandwidths of 2 and 0.8 GHz. The proposed scheme features its compact structure, easiness in switching control, as well as bandwidth doubling, which has potential applications in multifunctional radars.
DeepMIB: User-friendly and open-source software for training of deep learning network for biological image segmentation
Authors: Belevich Ilya , Jokitalo Eija
Published: March 2021

We present DeepMIB, a new software package that is capable of training convolutional neural networks for segmentation of multidimensional microscopy datasets on any workstation. We demonstrate its successful application for segmentation of 2D and 3D electron and multicolor light microscopy datasets with isotropic and anisotropic voxels. We distribute DeepMIB as both an open-source multi-platform Matlab code and as compiled standalone application for Windows, MacOS and Linux. It comes in a single package that is simple to install and use as it does not require knowledge of programming. DeepMIB is suitable for everyone interested of bringing a power of deep learning into own image segmentation workflows.
Intestinal helminths as predictors of some malaria clinical outcomes and IL-1β levels in outpatients attending two public hospitals in Bamenda, North West Cameroon
Authors: Ntonifor Helen Ngum , Chewa Julius Suh , Oumar Mahamat , Mbouobda Hermann Desire
Published: March 2021

This study aimed at determining the impact of intestinal helminths on malaria parasitaemia, anaemia and pyrexia considering the levels of IL-1β among outpatients in Bamenda. A cohort of 358 consented participants aged three (3) years and above, both males and females on malaria consultation were recruited in the study. At enrolment, patients’ axillary body temperatures were measured and recorded. Venous blood was collected for haemoglobin concentration and malaria parasitaemia determination. Blood plasma was used to measure human IL-1β levels using Human ELISA Kit. The Kato-Katz technique was used to process stool samples. Five species of intestinal helminthsAscaris lumbricoides(6.4%),Enterobius vermicularis(5.0%),Taeniaspecies (4.2%),Trichuris trichiura(1.1%) and hookworms (0.8%) were identified. The overall prevalence ofPlasmodium falciparumand intestinal helminths was 30.4% (109/358) and 17.6% (63/358) respectively. The prevalence of intestinal helminths in malaria patients was 17.4% (19/109). Higher Geometric mean parasite density (GMPD ±SD) (malaria parasitaemia) was significantly observed in patients co-infected withEnterobius vermicularis(5548 ± 2829/μL,p= 0.041) and withTaeniaspecies (6799 ± 4584/μL,p= 0.020) than inPlasmodium falciparuminfected patients alone (651 ± 6076/ μL). Higher parasitaemia of (1393 ± 3031/μL) and (3464 ± 2828/μL) were recorded in patients co-infected withAscaris lumbricoidesand with hookworms respectively but the differences were not significant (p > 0.05). Anaemia and pyrexia prevalence was 27.1% (97/358) and 33.5% (120/358) respectively. Malaria patients co-infected withEnterobius vermicularisandAscaris lumbricoideshad increased risk of anaemia (OR = 13.712,p =0.002 and OR = 16.969,p= 0.014) respectively and pyrexia (OR = 18.07,p= 0.001 and OR = 22.560,p= 0.007) respectively than their counterparts. Increased levels of IL-1β were significantly observed in anaemic (148.884 ± 36.073 pg/mL, t = 7.411,p= 0.000) and pyretic (127.737 ± 50.322 pg/mL, t = 5.028,p= 0.000) patients than in non-anaemic (64.335 ± 38.995pg/mL) and apyretic patients (58.479 ± 36.194pg/mL). Malaria patients co-infected with each species of intestinal helminths recorded higher IL-1β levels (IL-1β > 121.68±58.86 pg/mL) and the overall mean (139.63±38.33pg/mL) was higher compared with levels in malaria (121.68±58.86 pg/mL) and helminth (61.78±31.69pg/mL) infected patients alone. Intestinal helminths exacerbated the clinical outcomes of malaria in the patients and increased levels of IL-1β were observed in co-infected patients with anaemia, pyrexia and higher parasitaemia.
Impact of sampling depth on pathogen detection in pit latrines
Authors: Capone Drew , Chigwechokha Petros , de los Reyes Francis L. , Holm Rochelle H. , Risk Benjamin B. , Tilley Elizabeth , Brown Joe
Published: March 2021

Wastewater based epidemiology (WBE) is increasingly used to provide decision makers with actionable data about community health. WBE efforts to date have primarily focused on sewer-transported wastewater in high-income countries, but at least 1.8 billion people in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) use onsite sanitation systems such as pit latrines and septic tanks. Like wastewater, fecal sludges from such systems offer similar advantages in community pathogen monitoring and other epidemiological applications. To evaluate the distribution of enteric pathogens inside pit latrines–which could inform sampling methods for WBE in LMIC settings unserved by sewers–we collected fecal sludges from the surface, mid-point, and maximum-depth of 33 pit latrines in urban and peri-urban Malawi and analyzed the 99 samples for 20 common enteric pathogens via multiplex quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Using logistic regression adjusted for household population, latrine sharing, the presence of a concrete floor or slab, water source, and anal cleansing materials, we found no significant difference in the odds of detecting the 20 pathogens from the mid-point (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 1.1; 95% confidence interval = 0.73, 1.6) and surface samples (aOR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.54, 1.2) compared with those samples taken from the maximum depth. Our results suggest that, for the purposes of routine pathogen monitoring, pit latrine sampling depth does not strongly influence the odds of detecting enteric pathogens by molecular methods. A single sample from the pit latrines’ surface, or a composite of surface samples, may be preferred as the most recent material contributed to the pit and may be easiest to collect.
When women eat last: Discrimination at home and women’s mental health
Authors: Hathi Payal , Coffey Diane , Thorat Amit , Khalid Nazar
Published: March 2021

The 2011 India Human Development Survey found that in about a quarter of Indian households, women are expected to have their meals after men have finished eating. This study investigates whether this form of gender discrimination is associated with worse mental health outcomes for women. Our primary data source is a new, state-representative mobile phone survey of women ages 18–65 in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra in 2018. We measure mental health using questions from the World Health Organization’s Self-Reporting Questionnaire. We find that, for women in these states, eating last is correlated with worse mental health, even after accounting for differences in socioeconomic status. We discuss two possible mechanisms for this relationship: eating last may be associated with worse mental health because it is associated with worse physical health, or eating last may be associated with poor mental health because it is associated with less autonomy, or both.
Natural infection of parvovirus in wild fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrinus) reveals extant viral localization in kidneys
Authors: Piewbang Chutchai , Wardhani Sabrina Wahyu , Chanseanroj Jira , Yostawonkul Jakarwan , Boonrungsiman Suwimon , Saengkrit Nattika , Kongmakee Piyaporn , Banlunara Wijit , Poovorawan Yong , Kasantikul Tanit , Techangamsuwan Somporn
Published: March 2021

Carnivore protoparvovirus-1 (CPPV-1), a viral species containing feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) and canine parvovirus (CPV) variants, are widely spread among domestic and wild carnivores causing systemic fatal diseases. Wild fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrinus), a globally vulnerable species, have been found dead. Postmortem examination of the carcasses revealed lesions in intestine, spleen and kidney. CPPV-1 antigen identification in these tissues, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC), supported the infection by the virus. PCR- and IHC-positivity in kidney tissues revealed atypical localization of the virus whilein situhybridization (ISH) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with the pop-off technique confirmed the first description of viral localization in kidneys. Complete genome characterization and deduced amino acid analysis of the obtained CPPV-1 from the fishing cats revealed FPV as a causative agent. The detected FPV sequences showed amino acid mutations at I566M and M569R in the capsid protein. Phylogenetic and evolutionary analyses of complete coding genome sequences revealed that the fishing cat CPPV-1 genomes are genetically clustered to the FPV genomes isolated from domestic cats in Thailand. Since the 1970s, these genomes have also been shown to share a genetic evolution with Chinese FPV strains. This study is the first evidence of CPPV-1 infection in fishing cats and it is the first to show its localization in the kidneys. These findings support the multi-host range of this parvovirus and suggest fatal CPPV-1 infections may result in other vulnerable wild carnivores.
Demographic inference from multiple whole genomes using a particle filter for continuous Markov jump processes
Authors: Henderson Donna , Zhu Sha (Joe) , Cole Christopher B. , Lunter Gerton
Published: March 2021

Demographic events shape a population’s genetic diversity, a process described by the coalescent-with-recombination model that relates demography and genetics by an unobserved sequence of genealogies along the genome. As the space of genealogies over genomes is large and complex, inference under this model is challenging. Formulating the coalescent-with-recombination model as a continuous-time and -space Markov jump process, we develop a particle filter for such processes, and use waypoints that under appropriate conditions allow the problem to be reduced to the discrete-time case. To improve inference, we generalise the Auxiliary Particle Filter for discrete-time models, and use Variational Bayes to model the uncertainty in parameter estimates for rare events, avoiding biases seen with Expectation Maximization. Using real and simulated genomes, we show that past population sizes can be accurately inferred over a larger range of epochs than was previously possible, opening the possibility of jointly analyzing multiple genomes under complex demographic models. Code is available athttps://github.com/luntergroup/smcsmc.
V–, U–, L– or W–shaped economic recovery after Covid-19: Insights from an Agent Based Model
Authors: Sharma Dhruv , Bouchaud Jean-Philippe , Gualdi Stanislao , Tarzia Marco , Zamponi Francesco
Published: March 2021

We discuss the impact of a Covid-19–like shock on a simple model economy, described by the previously developed Mark-0 Agent-Based Model. We consider a mixed supply and demand shock, and show that depending on the shock parameters (amplitude and duration), our model economy can display V-shaped, U-shaped or W-shaped recoveries, and even an L-shaped output curve with permanent output loss. This is due to the economy getting trapped in a self-sustained “bad” state. We then discuss two policies that attempt to moderate the impact of the shock: giving easy credit to firms, and the so-called helicopter money, i.e. injecting new money into the households savings. We find that both policies are effective if strong enough. We highlight the potential danger of terminating these policies too early, although inflation is substantially increased by lax access to credit. Finally, we consider the impact of a second lockdown. While we only discuss a limited number of scenarios, our model is flexible and versatile enough to accommodate a wide variety of situations, thus serving as a useful exploratory tool for a qualitative, scenario-based understanding of post-Covid recovery. The corresponding code is available on-line.
Understanding the impact and causes of ‘failure to attend’ on continuity of care for patients with chronic conditions
Authors: Byrne Amy-Louise , Baldwin Adele , Harvey Clare , Brown Janie , Willis Eileen , Hegney Desley , Ferguson Bridget , Judd Jenni , Kynaston Doug , Forrest Rachel , Heritage Brody , Heard David , Mclellan Sandy , Thompson Shona , Palmer Janine
Published: March 2021

Aim

To understand the impact and causes of ‘Failure to Attend’ (FTA) labelling, of patients with chronic conditions.

Background

Nurse navigators are registered nurses employed by public hospitals in Queensland, Australia, to coordinate the care of patients with multiple chronic conditions, who frequently miss hospital appointments. The role of the nurse navigator is to improve care management of these patients. Evidence for this is measured through improvement in patient self-management of their conditions, a reduction in preventable hospital admissions and compliance with attendance at outpatient clinics. Failure to attend (FTA) is one measure of hospital utilisation, identifying outpatient appointments that are cancelled or not attended.

Method

The cohort for this study was patients with multiple chronic conditions, and nurse navigators coordinating their care. Data describing the concept of FTA were thematically analysed twelve months into this three year evaluation.

Results

Although the patient is blamed for failing to attend appointments, the reasons appear to be a mixture of systems error/miscommunication between the patient and the health services or social reasons impacting on patient’s capacity to attend. Themes emerging from the data were: access barriers; failure to recognise personal stigma of FTA; and bridging the gap.

Conclusion

The nurse navigators demonstrate their pivotal role in engaging with outpatient services to reduce FTAs whilst helping patients to become confident in dealing with multiple appointments. There are many reasons why a patient is unable to attend a scheduled appointment. The phrase ‘Failure to Attend’ has distinctly negative connotations and can lead to a sense of blame and shame for those with complex chronic needs. We propose the use of the neutral phrase “appointment did not proceed” to replace FTA.

Implications for Nursing management

This article advocates for further consideration of collaborative models that engage the patient in their care journey and for consideration of the language used within the outpatient acute hospital setting, proposing the term ‘appointment did not proceed.’
A Salmonella Typhi RNA thermosensor regulates virulence factors and innate immune evasion in response to host temperature
Authors: Brewer Susan M. , Twittenhoff Christian , Kortmann Jens , Brubaker Sky W. , Honeycutt Jared , Massis Liliana Moura , Pham Trung H. M. , Narberhaus Franz , Monack Denise M.
Published: March 2021

Sensing and responding to environmental signals is critical for bacterial pathogens to successfully infect and persist within hosts. Many bacterial pathogens sense temperature as an indication they have entered a new host and must alter their virulence factor expression to evade immune detection. Using secondary structure prediction, we identified an RNA thermosensor (RNAT) in the 5’ untranslated region (UTR) of tviA encoded by the typhoid fever-causing bacterium Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi). Importantly, tviA is a transcriptional regulator of the critical virulence factors Vi capsule, flagellin, and type III secretion system-1 expression. By introducing point mutations to alter the mRNA secondary structure, we demonstrate that the 5’ UTR of tviA contains a functional RNAT using in vitro expression, structure probing, and ribosome binding methods. Mutational inhibition of the RNAT in S. Typhi causes aberrant virulence factor expression, leading to enhanced innate immune responses during infection. In conclusion, we show that S. Typhi regulates virulence factor expression through an RNAT in the 5’ UTR of tviA. Our findings demonstrate that limiting inflammation through RNAT-dependent regulation in response to host body temperature is important for S. Typhi’s “stealthy” pathogenesis.
Extended reality interactive wall: User experience design research-creation
Authors: See Zi Siang , Matthews Benjamin , Goodman Lizbeth , Jones Donovan , Hight Craig , Egglestone Paul , Amin Manisha , Ooi Wooi Har
Published: March 2021

This article presents the development of an extended reality (XR) interactive wall design that employs augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (AR) to display digital content in educational and exhibition settings. A wall design printed with a number of conventional graphical elements was enhanced with AR and VR, including AR-based video, a 360 virtual environment and 3D-scanned materials. The early design of the XR interactive wall was tested several times in a university setting during academic events designed to demonstrate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-based content. This provided AR and VR experiences to participating visitors in an exhibition setting, where multimedia mobile devices were provided to aid these experiences. Inclusive design principles were employed, and elements integrated that allowed users (standing adults, children, wheelchair users) to view and interact with AR and VR content conveniently. After the initial introduction of the interactive wall design, the prototype was redesigned to fit both handheld and head-mount-device (HMD)-based mobile configurations. In this article we describe the prototype, a user experience study based on laboratory testing and directions for future work.
A percepção do usuário na disponibilização de maquetes táteis para pessoas com deficiência visual em atrativos turísticos – um estudo no museu Oscar Niemeyer – Curitiba – PR
Authors: Oliveira Tayene Coelho Gonçalves de , Silveira Carlos Eduardo
Published: March 2021

De acordo com dados da Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU), o número de pessoas com alguma deficiência no mundo é estimado em 1 bilhão. Dessas pessoas, 285 milhões apresentam alguma disformidade visual. Para elas, é necessário um modo de comunicação diferenciado, por meio da percepção sensorial e tátil, como maquetes táteis, para a compreensão do espaço. Este estudo objetivou refletir a respeito da percepção e da experiência do usuário com deficiência visual no Museu Oscar Niemeyer (MON). A análise dessas percepções compartilhadas pelos visitantes ocorreu por meio de métodos de avaliação de pós-ocupação (APO), utilizando como métodos o Walkthrough, o Poema dos Desejos e o Mapa Comportamental, as entrevistas estruturadas e a observação não participante. A partir da análise de resultados, foi compreendida a relevância do toque e da audiodescrição na compreensão de um espaço e na criação de uma imagem mental, que favorecem a inclusão desses indivíduos na atividade turística. Evidenciou-se também a diferença dessa percepção por usuários cegos congênitos e cegos adquiridos. Por fim, evidencia-se com este trabalho a grande valia do fomento da acessibilidade e do turismo acessível, assim como a instrumentalização de atrativos turísticos com dispositivos acessíveis no atendimento dessa crescente demanda.
Análise de implantação do turismo de base comunitária em Terra Caída, Sergipe, Brasil
Authors: Faxina Fabiana , Freitas Lara Brunelle Almeida
Published: March 2021

Este estudo objetiva analisar a possibilidade da implantação do Turismo de Base Comunitária (TBC) em Terra Caída, comunidade localizada em Indiaroba, Sergipe - Brasil, e que possui atratividade natural e cultural. A metodologia utilizou aplicação de questionário semiestruturado aos atores locais e às lideranças comunitárias diretamente envolvidas com a atividade turística. A definição dos sujeitos de pesquisa se deu por meio da técnica bola de neve, utilizada para amostragem não probabilística, que consiste em um indivíduo identificar outro de acordo com o perfil buscado, até chegar nas mesmas pessoas e recolher informações semelhantes. Os dados permitiram caracterizar sociodemograficamente a comunidade, descrever a organização comunitária, analisar as percepções sobre o turismo e sobre o potencial turístico local e identificar as fragilidades para a implantação do TBC. Concluiu-se que a comunidade dispõe de potencial para o desenvolvimento do TBC, contudo há entraves, principalmente quanto à limitação da infraestrutura básica e à organização comunitária.
Práticas de hospitalidade no enoturismo em Andradas (MG)
Authors: Silva Michele Cristina Da Costa , Minasse Maria Henriqueta Garcia Sperandio Gimenes
Published: March 2021

Este artigo objetiva analisar o enoturismo de Andradas (MG) sob a perspectiva de atuação das vinícolas locais, examinadas a partir de suas práticas de visitação associadas à hospitalidade, ao acolhimento e à comensalidade. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, realizada a partir de pesquisa bibliográfica, observação direta não participante nas vinícolas e no município de Andradas (MG) e de entrevistas semiestruturadas com os gestores das vinícolas abertas para visitação e com um representante do poder público. Como principais resultados, tem-se: o protagonismo das vinícolas no desenvolvimento do enoturismo; a identificação de diferentes tipos de estrutura e de programas de visitação oferecidos pelas vinícolas; a presença da hospitalidade e do acolhimento nas visitações oferecidas de forma mais orgânica do que planejada; a presença da comensalidade principalmente a partir das degustações que ocorrem durante as visitações; a necessidade de investimento público e privado para que o potencial enoturístico se desenvolva.
Oral versus Intravenous Paracetamol for Perioperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Total Abdominal Hysterectomy - A Randomised Double-Blind Controlled Trial
Authors: Khokar Archana , Mohta Medha , Bhasin Himanshu , Sonowal Swaraj Jyoti
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND Paracetamol has been commonly used for perioperative pain management. The perceived benefits of IV paracetamol (PCM) over oral are few if oral PCM is given sometime before surgery. We wanted to compare the effects of oral and intravenous paracetamol on perioperative pain management in patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy under general anaesthesia. METHODS Sixty-four female patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I / II, in the age group of 18 - 70 years, weighing 40 - 80 Kg, undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) were randomised using computer-generated random number table, into two groups. They received oral dispersible 1 g PCM tablets (group PO) at least 45 minutes prior to surgery or intravenous (IV) PCM 1 g (group PI) after induction of anaesthesia. VAS pain scores were recorded and rescue analgesia with tramadol was provided postoperatively. RESULTS The primary outcome measure, time to first rescue analgesic, was statistically similar in both groups. The secondary outcome measures i.e., pain scores, postoperative 24 hours tramadol requirements, patient satisfaction scores and complications were also comparable. CONCLUSIONS Considering the similar efficacy and side effect profile but a much lower cost of oral PCM, routine administration of oral PCM 45 minutes before induction of anaesthesia may be an acceptable alternative to routine intraoperative IV PCM infusion. KEY WORDS Paracetamol, Intravenous, Oral, VAS Pain Score, Analgesia
A tudatos fogyasztói magatartás dimenziói
Authors: Dudás Katalin
Published: March 2021

Napjainkban a fogyasztói magatartás kutatásának egyik fontos területe a fogyasztók tudatosságának vizsgálata. A tudatos fogyasztó előzetes információgyűjtést követően előre megfontolt vásárlási döntéseket hoz, érvényre juttatva bizonyos, általa fontosnak tartott szempontokat. E szempontok igen változatosak lehetnek, kötődhetnek a fogyasztó önérdekeihez (ártudatosság, minőségtudatosság, márkatudatosság, egészségtudatosság stb.) vagy a köz, a társadalom érdekeinek figyelembevételéhez (környezettudatosság, társadalomtudatosság stb.). E két esetben a fogyasztókat eltérő mozgatórugók hajtják, eltérő kínálatra vágynak, és eltérően lehet őket megszólítani. Napjaink kutatási eredményei szerint a fogyasztók világszerte egyre inkább tudatosak, éppen ezért a vállalatok sem mehetnek el szó nélkül a témakör mellett. Hosszú távú sikerességük érdekében növekvő súlyt kell helyezniük a tudatos fogyasztókra, az ő igényeik kielégítésére. Ez többféle követelményt is támaszt velük szemben: egyrészt érdemes a jelenlegi tevékenységet és teljesítményt mindinkább a tudatos, illetve az egyre tudatosabbá váló fogyasztók igényeihez igazítani, másrészt pedig érdemes új tevékenységekbe, piaci teljesítményekbe fogni, melyek speciálisan az új, tudatos réteget célozzák meg.
Cell Therapy as an Alternative approach for COVID-19 Infection Consequences: A Non-Systematic Review
Authors: Elkhenany Hoda , Gupta Shilpi , Abdelhai Mostafa F.
Published: March 2021

The current uncontrollable outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has unleashed severe global consequences in all aspects of life and society, bringing the whole world to a complete halt and has modeled significant threats to the global economy. The COVID-19 infection manifests with flu-like symptoms such as cough, cold, and fever resulting in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), lung dysfunction, and other systemic complications in critical patients are creating panic across the globe. However, the licensed vaccine has started to show up; some resulted in side effects that would limit its possibility in some circumstances as allergic personnel, for example. Moreover, the production and approval of new drugs is a very complicated process and takes a long time. On the other hand, stem cells have gone the extra mile and intensively investigated at preclinical and clinical studies in various degenerative diseases, including infectious ones. Stem cells are proposed as a broad-spectrum therapeutic agent, which may suppress the exaggerated immune response and promote endogenous repair by enhancing COVID-19 infected lung microenvironment. Also, stem cells have different application manners, either direct transplantation, exosome transplantation, or drug delivery of specific cytokines or nanoparticles with antiviral property by engineering stem cells. This review discusses and summarizes the possible emerging role of cell-based therapy, especially stem cell therapy, as an alternative promising therapeutic option for the treatment and control of novel COVID-19 and its potential role in tissue rejuvenation after COVID-19 infection.