bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing the association between the early parent–child relationship and teacher reported socio-emotional difficulties at 11 years: a quantile mediation analysis
Authors: Rush Robert , Westrupp Elizabeth , Law James
Published: August 2021

The importance of the relationship between socio-emotional difficulties in childhood and adult mental health are well recognised but how such difficulties emerge is less well recognised. Specifically this paper explores the extent of the relationship between parenting beliefs in the first year of the child’s life, parenting skills reported when the child was three years and different quantiles of socio-emotional development recorded by teachers at 11 years. In addition, it explores the extent to which language development at school entry has the potential to mediate these relationships.

This paper draws on data from the UK’s Millennium Cohort Study (MCS) to investigate the relation between parenting attitudes when the child was ten months old and parent–child relationship when the child was three years of age to child socio-emotional development measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire at 11 years, and the mediating role of naming vocabulary measured on the British Abilities Scales (BAS) at school entry (five years).

Unadjusted associations were found for both parental factors on child mental health problems, but this did not hold for parent beliefs once the models were adjusted. The relationships varied in the quantile analysis suggesting that this approach adds to our understanding of these relationships. Vocabulary at school entry mediated the relation to socio-emotional difficulties especially for children with higher levels of mental health problems. Results are discussed in relation to the mechanisms in any intervention to improve mental health outcomes at the end of primary school.
Damage morphologies of Al2O3 and Fe particles attached on the input surface of fused silica after irradiation by a 355  nm laser
Authors: Li Yuhan , Yao Caizhen , Miao Xinxiang , Wang Hairong , Jiang Xiaodong
Published: August 2021

Particulate contamination on the optical surface can seriously degrade the performance of optics working in the high peak power laser system. In this study, we show that the nature of optical damages on the input surface induced by particles depends on the optical property of the particles. Ceramic

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particles tend to cause micro-fractures to the optical surface, but metallic Fe particles mainly undergo ablation on the substrate. Different microscopes are used to characterize their damage morphologies, and the light distribution and thermal evolution of two different particles are simulated, focusing on better understanding their special damage morphologies.
End-to-end computational optics with a singlet lens for large depth-of-field imaging
Authors: Liu Yuankun , Zhang Chongyang , Kou Tingdong , Li Yueyang , Shen Junfei
Published: August 2021

Large depth-of-field (DOF) imaging with a high resolution is useful for applications ranging from robot vision to bio-imaging. However, it is challenging to construct an optical system with both a high resolution and large DOF. The common solution is to design relatively complex optical systems, but the setup of such systems is often bulky and expensive. In this paper, we propose a novel, compact, and low-cost method for large-DOF imaging. The core concept is to (1) design an aspherical lens with a depth-invariant point spread function to enable uniform image blurring over the whole depth range and (2) construct a deep learning network to reconstruct images with high fidelity computationally. The raw images captured by the aspherical lens are deblurred by the trained network, which enables large-DOF imaging at a smaller F number. Experimental results demonstrate that our end-to-end computational imager can achieve enhanced imaging performance. It can reduce loss by up to 46.5% compared to inherited raw images. With the capabilities of high-resolution and large-DOF imaging, the proposed method is promising for applications such as microscopic pathological diagnosis, virtual/augmented reality displays, and smartphone photography.
Smart Cooperative Distance Learning: Ein multiagentenbasierter Ansatz zur Unterstützung des kooperativen Lernens im Distanzunterricht
Authors: Gösling Henning , Dreesbach Tobias , Schulte to Brinke Jan , Thomas Oliver
Published: August 2021

Lehrkräfte können auf eine Vielzahl von etablierten Unterrichtsmethoden zurückgreifen, um kooperatives Lernen in den Präsenzunterricht zu integrieren. Im Distanzunterricht während der Corona-Pandemie werden diese Methoden jedoch häufig nicht eingesetzt. Dadurch gehen das gemeinschaftliche, strukturierte Lernen und die damit einhergehenden positiven Effekte auf die Schülerinnen und Schüler verloren. Eine State-of-the-Art-Analyse zeigt, dass kaum technische Lösungen existieren, die methodenbasiertes, kooperatives Lernen in einem Distanzunterricht unterstützen – und falls doch, handelt es sich um sehr spezielle Lösungen für die Umsetzung einer konkreten Unterrichtsmethode. Wir schlagen daher das Konzept eines Smart Cooperative Distance Learning Systems vor. Dabei handelt es sich um ein Multiagentensystem in einer Cloud, welches insbesondere die methodenbasierte, kooperative Ausführung von Lerneinheiten unterstützt. Ein Szenario dient zur Veranschaulichung des Smart Cooperative Distance Learning Systems.
Computational identification and experimental characterization of preferred downstream positions in human core promoters
Authors: Dreos René , Sloutskin Anna , Malachi Nati , Ideses Diana , Bucher Philipp , Juven-Gershon Tamar
Published: August 2021

Metazoan core promoters, which direct the initiation of transcription by RNA polymerase II (Pol II), may contain short sequence motifs termed core promoter elements/motifs (e.g. the TATA box, initiator (Inr) and downstream core promoter element (DPE)), which recruit Pol II via the general transcription machinery. The DPE was discovered and extensively characterized in Drosophila, where it is strictly dependent on both the presence of an Inr and the precise spacing from it. Since the Drosophila DPE is recognized by the human transcription machinery, it is most likely that some human promoters contain a downstream element that is similar, though not necessarily identical, to the Drosophila DPE. However, only a couple of human promoters were shown to contain a functional DPE, and attempts to computationally detect human DPE-containing promoters have mostly been unsuccessful. Using a newly-designed motif discovery strategy based on Expectation-Maximization probabilistic partitioning algorithms, we discovered preferred downstream positions (PDP) in human promoters that resemble the Drosophila DPE. Available chromatin accessibility footprints revealed that Drosophila and human Inr+DPE promoter classes are not only highly structured, but also similar to each other, particularly in the proximal downstream region. Clustering of the corresponding sequence motifs using a neighbor-joining algorithm strongly suggests that canonical Inr+DPE promoters could be common to metazoan species. Using reporter assays we demonstrate the contribution of the identified downstream positions to the function of multiple human promoters. Furthermore, we show that alteration of the spacing between the Inr and PDP by two nucleotides results in reduced promoter activity, suggesting a spacing dependency of the newly discovered human PDP on the Inr. Taken together, our strategy identified novel functional downstream positions within human core promoters, supporting the existence of DPE-like motifs in human promoters.
Spatiotemporal distribution and sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors associated with primary and secondary syphilis in Guangdong, China, 2005–2017
Authors: Tang Shangqing , Shi Lishuo , Chen Wen , Zhao Peizhen , Zheng Heping , Yang Bin , Wang Cheng , Ling Li
Published: August 2021

Background

Previous studies exploring the factors associated with the incidence of syphilis have mostly focused on individual-level factors. However, recent evidence has indicated that social-level factors, such as sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors, also affect the incidence of syphilis. Studies on the sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors associated with syphilis incidence are scarce, and they have rarely controlled for spatial effects, even though syphilis shows spatial autocorrelation.

Methodology/Principal findings

Syphilis data from 21 cities in Guangdong province between 2005 and 2017 were provided by the National Notifiable Infectious Disease Reporting Information System. The incidence time series, incidence map, and space-time scanning data were used to visualize the spatiotemporal distribution. The spatial panel data model was then applied to explore the relationship between sociodemographic factors (population density, net migration rate, male:female ratio, and the number of health institutions per 1,000 residents), socioeconomic factors (gross domestic product per capita, the proportion of secondary/tertiary industry), and the incidence of primary and secondary syphilis after controlling for spatial effects. The incidence of syphilis increased slowly from 2005 (11.91 per 100,000) to 2011 (13.42 per 100,000) and then began to decrease, reaching 6.55 per 100,000 in 2017. High-risk clusters of syphilis tended to shift from developed areas to underdeveloped areas. An inverted U-shaped relationship was found between syphilis incidence and gross domestic product per capita. Moreover, syphilis incidence was significantly associated with population density (β = 2.844, P = 0.006), the number of health institutions per 1,000 residents (β = -0.095, P = 0.007), and the net migration rate (β = -0.219, P = 0.002).

Conclusions/Significance

Our findings suggest that the incidence of primary and secondary syphilis first increase before decreasing as economic development increases further. These results emphasize the necessity to prevent syphilis in regions at the early stages of economic growth.
Community burden of hypertension and treatment patterns: An in-depth age predictor analysis: (The Rural Community Risk of Non-Communicable Disease Study - Nyive Phase I)
Authors: Osei-Yeboah James , Owusu-Dabo Ellis , Owiredu William K. B. A. , Lokpo Sylvester Yao , Agode Francis Delali , Johnson Beatrice Bella
Published: August 2021

Background

This study aimed to describe the burden, treatment patterns and, age threshold for predicting hypertension among rural adults in Nyive in the Ho Municipality of the Volta Region, Ghana.

Methods

A population-based cross-sectional study design was employed. A total of 417 adults aged 20 years and above were randomly selected from households within the Nyive community. The WHO STEPwise approach for non-communicable diseases risk factor surveillance (STEPS) instrument was used to obtain socio-demographic and clinical information including age, gender, educational background, marital status, and occupation as well as hypertension treatment information. Blood pressure was measured using standard methods. The risk of hypertension and the critical age at risk of hypertension was determined using binary logistic regression model and the receiver-operator characteristics (ROC) analysis.

Results

The direct and indirect age-standardized hypertension prevalence was higher in males (562.58/487.34 per 1000 residents) compared to the females (489.42/402.36 per 1000 residents). The risk of hypertension among the study population increased by 4.4% (2.9%-5.9% at 95% CI) for one year increase in age while the critical age at risk of hypertension was >39 years among females and >35 years among males. About 64(46.72%) of the hypertensive participants were not on treatment whereas only 42(30.66%) had their blood pressure controlled.

Conclusion

Rural hypertension is high among adults in Nyive. The critical age at risk of hypertension was lower among males. The estimated annual increase of risk of hypertension was 4.7% for females and 3.1% for males. High levels of undiagnosed and non-treatment of hypertension and low levels of blood pressure control exist among the rural folks.
Eosinophilic meningitis in New Caledonia: The role of Angiostrongylus cantonensis?
Authors: Melot Bénédicte , Delvallez Gauthier , Gourinat Ann-Claire , Molko Nicolas , Goarant Cyrille , Ducrot Yves-Marie , Huguon Emilie , Cazorla Cécile , Chauvet Martine , Biron Antoine , Colot Julien
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Eosinophilic meningitis is a rare form of meningitis with sequelae or death occurring in approximately 2–3% of cases. The most frequent etiological agent is the parasiteAngiostrongylus cantonensis. The aim of this study was to characterize New Caledonian cases and to assess the extent to which ofA.cantonensiswas involved.

Material and methods

We performed a retrospective study of all cases of eosinophilic meningitis (EM) admitted to the Territorial Hospital of New Caledonia, from 2004 to 2019. We performed a descriptive and a multivariate analysis to identify association of variables with severe and fatal cases (or cases with sequelae).

Conclusion

Angiostrongyliasis was confirmed as being responsible for 17 of the 92 reported EM cases in New Caledonia from 2004 to 2019 with most being young adults and non-walking infants, and with two peaks of incidence one during the dry season and one during the rainy season. Considering the high incidence and regularity of cases, the potential reservoirs should be identified to target prevention campaigns.
Assessment of crop damage by rodent pests from experimental barley crop fields in Farta District, South Gondar, Ethiopia
Authors: Wondifraw Bewketu Takele , Tamene Mesele Yihune , Simegn Afework Bekele
Published: August 2021

This study was conducted in Farta district, south Gondar from 2019 to 2020 cropping years to identify rodent pest species and estimate damage caused on barley crops. Four independent barley crop fields (40 x 40 m each) were sampled randomly to estimate the loss. Two were located near Alemsaga Priority State Forest and the other two were away from the forest. Four (2 x 2 m) rodent exclusion plots were established at 10 m interval as control units in each selected experimental barley fields using fine wire mesh. Rodent pest species were collected using both Sherman and snap traps throughout the different crop growing stages. The damaged and undamaged barley tillers by pest rodents were counted on five 1 x 1 m randomly sampled quadrats for each selected experimental fields. Variations on pest rodent population between cropping years and sites were analyzed using Chi square test. The mean crop damages between cropping years and experimental field sites were analyzed using two way ANOVA. Arvicanthis abyssinicus, Mastomys natalensis, Arvicanthis dembeensis, Mus musculus, Lophuromys simensis, Tachyoryctes splendens and Hystrix cristata were identified as pest rodents in the study area. A total of 968 individual rodents (427 in 2019 and 541 in 2020) were trapped during the study period. There was a statistical variation (χ2 = 13.42, df = 1 and P<0.05) between trapped individuals of the two successive years. The crop fields near the forest were more vulnerable than away from the forest during both cropping years. Statistical variations was observed on mean crop losses between cropping years and experimental barley crop sites. The highest crop damage was seen at maturity stage and the lowest during sowing in all experimental plots and cropping years. The percentage of barley yield loss due to rodent pests was 21.7 kg ha-1. The monetary value of this yield loss was equivalent to 4875 Birr (121.9 US$ h-1). Alemsaga Forest as shelter and conservation strategies like free of farmland from livestock and terracing for soil conservation have great role for the high rodent pest populations in the study area. Field sanitation, trapping and using restricted rodenticides like zinc phosphide are the possible recommendation to local farmers against rodent pests.
MicroRNA-29a promotes the proliferation of human nasal epithelial cells and inhibits their apoptosis and promotes the development of allergic rhinitis by down-regulating FOS expression
Authors: Fan Yuqin , Tang Zhiyuan , Sun Jie , Zhao Xiaorui , Li Zhen , Zheng Yiqing , Zeng Xianhai , Feng Juan
Published: August 2021

Objective

To explore the regulation of microRNA-29a (miR-29a) on FOS in human nasal epithelial cells and its molecular mechanism, as well as the effects of miR-29a on the cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Methods

By cell transfection, gene silencing, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), flow cytometry and TUNEL assay (for cell apoptosis), CCK-8 assay (for cell proliferation), dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and Western Blot, it was validated that miR-29a promoted the proliferation of human nasal epithelial cells and inhibited their apoptosis by down-regulating FOS expression in RPMI2650 and HNEpC cell lines.

Results

①Compared with healthy controls, miR-29a expression was up-regulated and FOS mRNA expression was down-regulated in the nasal tissues from the patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). ②MiR-29a over-expression promoted the proliferation of RPMI2650 cells and HNEpC cells but inhibited their apoptosis. ③MiR-29a targeted at FOS. ④MiR-29a over-expression and FOS silencing both significantly promoted cell proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis. After transfection with both miR-29a and FOS, there was a decrease in the proliferation but an increase in the apoptosis of cells.⑤MiR-29a promoted the proliferation of human nasal epithelial cells and inhibited their apoptosis by down-regulating FOS expression.

Conclusion

MiR-29a-/FOS axis can be regarded as a potential marker and a new therapy for AR.
HIV program outcomes for Jamaica before and after “Treat All”: A population-based study using the national treatment services database
Authors: Cushnie Anya , Reintjes Ralf , Lehtinen-Jacks Susanna , Figueroa J. Peter
Published: August 2021

Objective

The study aims to assess changes in HIV treatment outcomes for Jamaica after the implementation of the WHO Treat All strategy in January 2017, as well as identify variables associated with clinical stage at diagnosis and viral load status, in order to understand implications for enhancing the HIV clinical cascade and boosting progress towards the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets.

Method

This is a population-based study using the National Treatment Service Information System. The sample consists of persons 15 years and older, placed on treatment before and after Treat All was implemented, across all 4 regional health authorities in Jamaica. Patients were assessed for two binary outcomes: 1. stage at HIV diagnosis (early/baseline CD4 cell count ≧350 cells/mm3, or late/ baseline CD4 <350 cells/mm3), 2. viral load status achieved after ART initiation (suppressed/<1000 copies/ml or non-suppressed/ ≥1000 copies/ml). Categorical variables: age/years, gender and health regions, were investigated using multivariable logistic regression. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals are reported.

Results

After Treat All, there was an increase in median baseline CD4 results as the proportion of late diagnoses decreased from 60% to 39%. There was a small increase in viral suppression from 76% to 80%, a decrease in baseline viral load testing from 61% to 46% and an increase in the uptake of first viral load testing after starting treatment from 13% to 19%. Males and persons 40+ years had higher odds of late diagnosis before and after Treat All.

Conclusion

Jamaica’s HIV program outcomes have improved after Treat All was implemented. ART initiation time significantly decreased. Early diagnosis, viral load testing uptake and viral suppression increased. However, there is a need to implement targeted testing for men and persons over 40 years to decrease the frequency of late diagnosis.
Phylogenetic and expression dynamics of tomato ClpB/Hsp100 gene under heat stress
Authors: Gul Sanober , Shah Kausar Nawaz , Rana Rashid Mehmood , Khan Muhammad Azam , El-Shehawi Ahmed M. , Elseehy Mona M.
Published: August 2021

Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are stress-responsive molecular chaperones, which uphold proper protein folding in response to external and internal stresses. The Hsp100 gene family plays a substantial role in thermos-tolerance of plants. This study investigated evolutionary relationship and expression of ClpB/Hsp100 gene family in tomato under heat stress. Six SlHsp100 genes were identified using bioinformatics tools. In silico sub-cellular localization indicated that of these 6 ClpB/Hsp100 members, 4 are found in chloroplast, 1 in mitochondria and 1 in the cytoplasm. For evolutionary study, 36 SlHsp100 genes were included in the phylogenetic tree showing a hierarchical clustering shared by the members of the kingdoms Plantae, Archaea, Chromista, Fungi and Bacteria. A total 4 pairs of orthologous and 5 pairs of paralogous genes were identified. Functional divergence between different Hsp100 clusters showed considerable functional homology. Thermo-tolerance measured in terms of cell viability, cell membrane stability and pollen viability indicated that it was paralleled by thermal resistance of Hsps. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze gene expression in leaves of five-week-old tomato seedlings following exposure to heat stress (45°C) and control (25°C). Chloroplastic LeHSP110/ClpB gene was upregulated in all tomato genotypes after exposure to heat stress highlighting the crucial role of this gene family in acquired thermo-tolerance.
Do vulnerable groups access prevention services? Cervical cancer screening and HIV testing among homeless migrant women in the Paris metropolitan area
Authors: Poncet Lorraine , Panjo Henri , Ringa Virginie , Andro Armelle
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Homeless migrant women, facing adverse living conditions and barriers to legal status, are at risk of cervical cancer, HIV infection and may encounter barriers to screening services. We investigate factors associated with each screening in a population of migrant women in France and aim to determine the mean time since last HIV testing according to duration of residence in France.

Methods

We use data from the DSAFHIR study (Rights and Health of Migrant Women in Emergency Housing) investigating health and migration experience of homeless migrant women housed in emergency housing hotels in the Paris Metropolitan area in 2017. We computed multivariate logistic regression models to investigate no lifetime cervical cancer screening (CCS) and no lifetime HIV test. We used linear regression models to analyze time since last HIV test.

Results

We included 469 women. 46% of respondents had no lifetime CCS, 31% had no lifetime HIV test. Both screenings were associated with educational attainment and French proficiency. Compared with duration of residence < 1 year, duration ≥ 7 years was associated with a lower likelihood of no lifetime CCS (adjusted Odd Ratio = 0.17; 95% CI = 0.07–0.39). Compared to women born in North Africa, women born in West (aOR = 0.15; 95% CI = 0.07–0.33) and East Africa (aOR = 0.06; 95% CI = 0.02–0.20) were less likely to have no lifetime HIV test. Time since last HIV test increased for each additional year spent in France (coef = 0.21; 95% CI = 0.09, 0.33).

Conclusion

While access to CCS remains poor for recent migrants, HIV testing is more likely to occur shortly after migration.
Serological prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated factors in healthcare workers in a “non-COVID” hospital in Mexico City
Authors: Cruz-Arenas Esteban , Cabrera-Ruiz Elizabeth , Laguna-Barcenas Sara , Colin-Castro Claudia A. , Chavez Tatiana , Franco-Cendejas Rafael , Ibarra Clemente , Perez-Orive Javier
Published: August 2021

Background

Mexico is one of the countries with the highest number of deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic. In spite of this high mortality, in Mexico the number of confirmed cases and diagnostic tests per million population are lower than for other comparable countries, which leads to uncertainty about the actual extent of the pandemic. In Mexico City, healthcare workers represent an important fraction of individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection. We performed a cross-sectional study whose objective was to estimate the frequency of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and identify associated factors in healthcare workers at a large hospital in Mexico City.

Methods

We conducted a serological survey in a non-COVID national referral teaching hospital. The study population included all the personnel that works, in any capacity, in the hospital. From this population we selected a representative sample of 300 individuals. Blood samples were collected and questionnaires were applied between August 10th and September 9th, 2020.

Results

ELISA results indicate a serological prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection of 13.0%. Working in the janitorial and security groups, having an educational level below a university degree, and living with a larger number of people, were all identified as sociodemographic factors that increase the probability of having SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Conclusions

Less favored socioeconomic groups face significantly higher prospects of experiencing SARS-CoV-2 infection and in institutions such as ours, providing janitorial and security workgroups with additional testing and counseling could help to limit the spread of contagion. The rate from the official number of confirmed cases in Mexico City is substantially smaller than the seropositive rate identified in this work.
Stockpiled personal protective equipment and knowledge of pandemic plans as predictors of perceived pandemic preparedness among German general practitioners
Authors: Stöcker Arno , Demirer Ibrahim , Gunkel Sophie , Hoffmann Jan , Mause Laura , Ohnhäuser Tim , Scholten Nadine
Published: August 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly changed the work of general practitioners (GPs). At the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, German outpatient practices had to adapt quickly. Pandemic preparedness (PP) of GPs may play a vital role in their management of a pandemic.

Objectives

The study aimed to examine the association in the stock of seven personal protective equipment (PPE) items and knowledge of pandemic plans on perceived PP among GPs.

Methods

Three multivariable linear regression models were developed based on an online cross-sectional survey for the period March–April 2020 (the onset of the pandemic in Germany). Data were collected using self-developed items on self-assessed PP and knowledge of a pandemic plan and its utility. The stock of seven PPE items was queried. For PPE items, three different PPE scores were compared. Control variables for all models were gender and age.

Results

In total, 508 GPs were included in the study; 65.16% believed that they were very poorly or poorly prepared. Furthermore, 13.83% of GPs were aware of a pandemic plan; 40% rated those plans as beneficial. The stock of FFP-2/3 masks, protective suits, face shields, safety glasses, and medical face masks were mostly considered completely insufficient or insufficient, whereas disposable gloves and disinfectants were considered sufficient or completely sufficient. The stock of PPE was significantly positively associated with PP and had the largest effect on PP; the association of the knowledge of a pandemic plan was significant but small. PPE scores did not vary considerably in their explanatory power. The assessment of a pandemic plan as beneficial did not significantly affect PP.

Conclusion

The stock of PPE seems to be the determining factor for PP among German GPs; for COVID-19, sufficient masks are the determining factor. Knowledge of a pandemic plans play a secondary role in PP.
Usability, occupational performance and satisfaction evaluation of a smart environment controlled by infrared oculography by people with severe motor disabilities
Authors: Sime Mariana Midori , Bissoli Alexandre Luís Cardoso , Lavino-Júnior Daniel , Bastos-Filho Teodiano Freire
Published: August 2021

A smart environment is an assistive technology space that can enable people with motor disabilities to control their equipment (TV, radio, fan, etc.) through a human-machine interface activated by different inputs. However, assistive technology resources are not always considered useful, reaching quite high abandonment rate. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a smart environment controlled through infrared oculography by people with severe motor disabilities. The study sample was composed of six individuals with motor disabilities. Initially, sociodemographic data forms, the Functional Independence Measure (FIMTM), and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) were applied. The participants used the system in their domestic environment for a week. Afterwards, they were reevaluated with regards to occupational performance (COPM), satisfaction with the use of the assistive technology resource (QUEST 2.0), psychosocial impact (PIADS) and usability of the system (SUS), as well as through semi-structured interviews for suggestions or complaints. The most common demand from the participants of this research was ‘control of the TV’. Two participants did not use the system. All participants who used the system (four) presented positive results in all assessment protocols, evidencing greater independence in the control of the smart environment equipment. In addition, they evaluated the system as useful and with good usability. Non-acceptance of disability and lack of social support may have influenced the results.
Experience and lessons learned from multi-modal internet-based recruitment of U.S. Vietnamese into research
Authors: Vu Milkie , Huynh Victoria N. , Bednarczyk Robert A. , Escoffery Cam , Ta Danny , Nguyen Tien T. , Berg Carla J.
Published: August 2021

Background

Asian-Americans are one of the most understudied racial/ethnic minority populations. To increase representation of Asian subgroups, researchers have traditionally relied on data collection at community venues and events. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has created serious challenges for in-person data collection. In this case study, we describe multi-modal strategies for online recruitment of U.S. Vietnamese parents, compare response rates and participant characteristics among strategies, and discuss lessons learned.

Methods

We recruited 408 participants from community-based organizations (CBOs) (n = 68), Facebook groups (n = 97), listservs (n = 4), personal network (n = 42), and snowball sampling (n = 197). Using chi-square tests and one-way analyses of variance, we compared participants recruited through different strategies regarding sociodemographic characteristics, acculturation-related characteristics, and mobile health usage.

Results

The overall response rate was 71.8% (range: 51.5% for Vietnamese CBOs to 86.6% for Facebook groups). Significant differences exist for all sociodemographic and almost all acculturation-related characteristics among recruitment strategies. Notably, CBO-recruited participants were the oldest, had lived in the U.S. for the longest duration, and had the lowest Vietnamese language ability. We found some similarities between Facebook-recruited participants and those referred by Facebook-recruited participants. Mobile health usage was high and did not vary based on recruitment strategies. Challenges included encountering fraudulent responses (e.g., non-Vietnamese). Perceived benefits and trust appeared to facilitate recruitment.

Conclusions

Facebook and snowball sampling may be feasible strategies to recruit U.S. Vietnamese. Findings suggest the potential for mobile-based research implementation. Perceived benefits and trust could encourage participation and may be related to cultural ties. Attention should be paid to recruitment with CBOs and handling fraudulent responses.
Social capital and dietary patterns in three ethnic minority groups native to Yunnan Province, Southwest China
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Liu Zhitao , Hu Wenmin , Chen Xinguang , Li Juanjuan , Wan Qingqing , Zhao Jiang , Ruan Yuan , Dao Baoqing , Li Yunfei , Min Xiangdong
Published: August 2021

Background

Few studies have focused on the influencing factors of dietary practices among ethnic minority groups in China, particularly from a social capital perspective.

Methods

Between May and September 2019, we conducted a cross-sectional survey among adults (n = 1,813) from three ethnic minority communities (A Chang, De Ang and Jing Po) in Yunnan Province, Southwest China. Dietary intakes during the past 12 months were measured with a 100-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and two forms of social capital (bonding and bridging) were measured using the validated Personal Social Capital Scale 16 (PSCS-16). Principal component factor analysis was used to derive dietary patterns from 20 food groups. Multivariate linear regressions were used to examine the associations between social capital and dietary patterns.

Results

Two distinct dietary patterns were identified: the traditional and the modern. The traditional pattern was characterized by high consumptions of tubers, poultry, rice, fruits, vegetables and low consumptions of oil and salt, whereas the modern pattern was highly correlated with egg, nut, beverage, snack and oil consumptions. After adjusted for potential confounders, the modern pattern was positively associated with bonding capital (β= 0.066; 95%CI: 0.058, 0.075) and negatively associated with bridging capital (β= -0.017; 95%CI: -0.024, -0.010).

Conclusion

In conclusion, an unhealthy dietary pattern was identified among the ethnic minority groups in Southwest China. The influences of people’s social connections on dietary behaviors should be considered in designing and implementing nutrition intervention programs for the population.
Internalizing problems are associated with oral health-related quality of life in early childhood: Outcomes from an Asian multi-ethnic prospective birth cohort
Authors: Choe Ruth , Sim Yu Fan , Hong Catherine H. L. , Mohideen Sameema , Nadarajan Ranjani , Yap Fabian , Shek Lynette P.-C. , Hsu Chin-Ying Stephen , Broekman Birit F. P. , Ferreira Joao N.
Published: August 2021

Oral health status ideally warrants for a holistic biopsychosocial approach to health and wellness. Little is known about the impact of behavioral problems on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children due to the paucity of studies in early childhood, particularly in Asian multi-ethnic populations. This study evaluated the relationship between early child’s socioemotional factors and OHRQoL, as well as its association with orofacial pain (OFP) and early childhood caries (ECC) in the Asian GUSTO birth cohort. Mother-child dyads were postnatally assessed at 3 time points. The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) was used to assess the child’s socioemotional and behavioral problems at age 4–4.5 years together with other validated questionnaires to evaluate maternal anxiety and depression. ECC detection was performed at age 5, and OHRQoL (primary) and OFP (secondary) outcomes were assessed at age 6 from a total of 555 mother-child dyads. After a univariate regression analysis was performed to identify potential predictors and confounders, a multivariate regression model was run with predisposing factors (CBCL internalization and externalization problems, OFP, ECC) and adjusted for confounders (maternal psychosocial states, maternal education) to determine associations with OHRQoL. Results showed an association between CBCL internalization scores and poorer OHRQoL (RR = 1.03, p = 0.033, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.05), although the limited risk ratio may not have a practical applicability in psychosocially healthy children, alike the majority of those evaluated in this cohort. The average OHRQoL overall score among children with OFP was 2.39 times more than those without OFP (OR = 2.39, p < 0.001, 95% CI 2.00 to 2.86). Thus, in early childhood, OFP, and to lesser extent internalizing behaviors, may negatively impact OHRQoL. This study therefore highlights the complex relationship between OHRQoL and its predisposing socioemotional and somatic pain factors, and demands further investigations in clinically relevant populations.
Symptomatic response to CPAP in obstructive sleep apnea versus COPD- obstructive sleep apnea overlap syndrome: Insights from a large national registry
Authors: Adler Dan , Bailly Sébastien , Soccal Paola Marina , Janssens Jean-Paul , Sapène Marc , Grillet Yves , Stach Bruno , Tamisier Renaud , Pépin Jean-Louis
Published: August 2021

Background

The symptomatic response to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy in COPD-obstructive sleep apnea overlap syndrome (OVS) compared to OSA syndrome (OSA) alone has not been well studied so far. The aim of this study is to explore main differences in the clinical response to CPAP treatment in OVS compared to OSA alone.

Study design and methods

Using prospective data from the French National Sleep Apnea Registry, we conducted an observational study among 6320 patients with moderate-to-severe OSA, available spirometry, and at least one follow-up visit under CPAP therapy.

Results

CPAP efficacy measured on the residual apnea-hypopnea index and median adherence were similar between OVS and OSA patients. In both groups, the overall burden of symptoms related to sleep apnea improved with CPAP treatment. In a multivariable model adjusted for age, gender, body mass index, adherence to treatment and residual apnea-hypopnea index, OVS was associated with higher odds for persistent morning headaches (OR: 1.37 [95% CI; 1.04; 1.79]; P = 0.02), morning tiredness (OR: 1.33 [95% CI: 1.12; 1.59]; P<0.01), daytime sleepiness (OR; 1.24 [95% CI: 1.4; 1.46]: P<0.01) and exertional dyspnea (OR: 1.26 [95% CI: 1.00;1.58]; P = 0.04) when compared with OSA alone.

Interpretation

CPAP therapy was effective in normalizing the apnea-hypopnea index and significantly improved OSA-related symptoms, regardless of COPD status. CPAP should be offered to patients with OVS on a trial basis as a significant improvement in OSA-related symptoms can be expected, although the range of response may be less dramatic than in OSA alone.
Barragens de enrocamento no Brasil: evolução, avanços e perspectivas
Authors: Sayão Alberto , Teixeira da Cruz Paulo , Almeida Ferreira Leonardo
Published: August 2021

O barramento de rios para uso nas cidades próximas tem sido usual desde a Antiguidade. No Brasil há registros de barragens no Nordeste desde o século XVI. O presente artigo apresenta uma breve revisão histórica de importantes barragens brasileiras de enrocamento construídas no século XX, para geração hidroelétrica, com ênfase nos avanços e desafios no projeto e construção. Ao final, são apresentadas as principais conclusões, e as vantagens e limitações do uso recente técnica de núcleo asfáltico no Brasil, além das perspectivas da engenharia de barragens de enrocamento no Brasil e no mundo para a próxima década.
Grandes escavações em meio urbano. Uma perspectiva sobre as soluções construtivas e os sistemas estruturais para o seu suporte
Authors: Matos Fernandes Manuel , Cardoso António , Guerra Nuno
Published: August 2021

Analisa-se as principais soluções construtivas usadas no suporte de grandes escavações em meio urbano e situa-se no tempo o seu desenvolvimento. Mostra-se como às técnicas construtivas estão associados sistemas estruturais que, ao longo do tempo, foram sendo sucessivamente mais complexos, permitindo a execução de escavações em situações geotécnicas difíceis e com segurança adequada. Analisa-se as soluções construtivas disponíveis em relação à sua adequabilidade face a cinco cenários geotécnicos simplificados e, para os casos considerados adequados, classifica-se essas soluções em relação ao seu grau de viabilidade, ao potencial para controlo de deslocamentos e ao custo esperado. Classifica-se ainda as soluções construtivas do ponto de vista estrutural, associando-se a cada tipo de estrutura os principais esforços estruturais envolvidos.
Bases teóricas de la resistencia de juntas en macizos rocosos con leyes de flujo no asociado
Authors: Galindo Rubén , Serrano Alcibiades , Olalla Claudio
Published: August 2021

En este artículo se presentan las bases teóricas para evaluar la resistencia al corte en juntas de roca y derivar una ecuación que gobierna la relación entre tensiones tangenciales y normales actuantes sobre la junta. La ecuación teórica se aplica a dos criterios de rotura no lineales: Hoek y Brown Modificado y Mohr-Coulomb Modificado, sobre los que se utilizan leyes de flujo no asociadas. El modelo teórico considera como variables dependientes la dilatancia geométrica, el ángulo de rozamiento instantáneo y un parámetro que incorpora la rugosidad de la superficie de la junta. Este modelo deduce matemáticamente una estructura de ecuación similar a la ley empírica propuesta por Barton en 1973. Sin embargo, se consigue únicamente una buena correlación con los valores empíricos y, por tanto, con la ecuación de Barton, mediante la incorporación de una ley de flujo no asociado que gobierne los procesos de rotura. Esta ley de dilatancia se hace más significativa en medios altamente fracturados, lo que puede ser inducido en una junta de roca.
Manutenção e recuperação de túneis no Brasil
Authors: Nunes Anna Laura , Rios Filho Marcelo Gomes
Published: August 2021

Os túneis são fundamentais na infraestrutura de transportes, serviços e outros setores e atividades da sociedade. Construídos com diferentes tecnologias em épocas e ambientes diversos, os túneis enfrentam muitos desafios associados ao longo período de serviço, tais como a deterioração da estrutura, intemperismo do maciço, variação das condições do entorno, evolução de requisitos de operação e segurança. A garantia do uso contínuo e eficiente desses ativos exige gestão e manutenção da estrutura, além de conhecimento técnico das suas características e comportamento no tempo. Este trabalho procura fornecer uma visão geral da importância da gestão e manutenção de túneis antigos e modernos, apresentando informações e orientações para inspeções, identificação de patologias, mecanismos de alteração da estrutura e entorno, técnicas de intervenções típicas para a solução/mitigação de problemas. O tema é finalizado com a apresentação de casos práticos de túneis históricos antigos e túneis modernos. As anomalias foram identificadas e submetidas a reparos, garantindo a maior vida útil e segurança de operação das estruturas.
Homogenización de barreras de arcilla para residuos nucleares
Authors: Gens Antonio , De Vasconcelos Ramon B. , Rodríguez Carlos E. , Vaunat Jean , Villar María Victoria
Published: August 2021

Las funciones de seguridad de las barreras de bentonita para residuos nucleares dependen principalmente del valor de su densidad seca (o porosidad). La evolución de esta variable durante la fase transitoria de la barrera es compleja. El artículo presenta una formulación teórica para calcular, mediante análisis numéricos acoplados, los cambios de densidad seca debidos a la hidratación de la barrera, prestando una especial atención a los procesos de homogenización. Se ha adoptado un modelo constitutivo de doble estructura para representar de forma más realista el comportamiento mecánico (tensión-deformación) de la bentonita. Utilizando la formulación presentada, se han simulado satisfactoriamente dos ensayos de hidratación, con distintas condiciones de contorno, sobre muestras que exhibían un elevado grado de heterogeneidad inicial. Los análisis predicen correctamente la saturación final de la muestra, el valor de la presión final de hinchamiento y, sobre todo, el proceso de homogenización que se produce durante los ensayos. El modelo de doble estructura utilizado ha permitido examinar los fenómenos de hidratación y homogenización desde una perspectiva más amplia.
30 anos de progresso em 3 laboratórios de geotecnia de universidades portuguesas: caracterização de solos não plásticos
Authors: Viana da Fonseca António , Santos Jaime , Coelho Paulo
Published: August 2021

Os 3 Laboratórios de Geotecnia dos Departamentos de Engenharia Civil das Universidades do Porto, de Lisboa e de Coimbra, tiveram um desenvolvimento notável ao longo dos últimos 30 anos relativamente às valências em equipamento e metodologia de ensaios na vertente da Mecânica dos Solos. Este artigo retrata essa evolução, na perspetiva da caracterização do comportamento mecânico de solos não plásticos, destacando a matriz preferencial das competências laboratoriais focadas no ensino e investigação avançados e que potenciaram intensas colaborações que se traduziram em várias dissertações de doutoramento e mestrado comuns e em diversos projetos de investigação conjuntos. Inicialmente, cada Instituição descreve alguns dos equipamentos e das técnicas experimentais que adquiriu e/ou desenvolveu localmente para a caraterização experimental avançada do comportamento de solos não plásticos sob diferentes tipos de solicitação e níveis de deformação. Alguns resultados experimentais obtidos considerados relevantes ilustram o contributo dos Laboratórios para o progresso do conhecimento neste campo. Posteriormente, o artigo descreve alguns resultados de investigação colaborativa entre as 3 Instituições onde a combinação de técnicas e equipamentos de ensaio complementares permitiu a caracterização de aspetos relevantes da Areia de Coimbra.
Corrigendum: Comparing the characteristics of boom-corridor and selectively thinned stands of Scots pine and birch
Authors: Nuutinen Yrjö
Published: August 2021

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FOOD SECURITY DOCTRINE: FROM SETTING A PURPOSE TO A METHOD TO EVALUATE ITS ACHIEVEMENT
Authors: Vodyasov P. V.
Published: August 2021

The new Food Security Doctrine of the Russian Federation, adopted in 2020, is a strategic planning document. The article contains a review of the strategic goal of ensuring food security, as well as a comparison of its formulations from the new Doctrine and from the one originally adopted in 2010. The doctrine needs further improvement to adjust the methodology for assessing food security. The doctrine contains two imperatives, without which the achievement of the strategic goal of ensuring food security is not possible. The first imperative is that every citizen of Russia must have access to food. The second imperative clarifies the first in the sense that every citizen of Russia has the right to access to food in volumes not lower than the rational norms of food consumption. The methodology for assessing food security should be based on assessing the achievement of the goal of ensuring it, taking into account all the imperatives contained in the text of the Doctrine. An adjusted system of indicators for assessing food security and self-sufficiency, ensuring the physical and economic accessibility of food was proposed.
ORGANIZATION OF THE SYSTEM OF EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT OF AIC OF ALTAI KRAI
Authors: Gerauf Yu. V. , Glotova N. I.
Published: August 2021

In modern conditions, the development of agriculture is possible only with the availability of personnel who have a high professional level. The problem of attracting highly qualified specialists to the industry who are able to use the achieved scientific, technical and innovative potential of agricultural producers remains very urgent at the moment. Financial support from the state, stimulating payments, diversification of production, the emergence of digital technologies increase the prestige of work in agriculture, thereby making the agricultural sector attractive.

The article assesses the formation of a complex of measures to organize a system of educational support for the agro-industrial complex on the materials of the Altai Territory. The authors disclosed the reasons for the «staff shortage» in the region’s agriculture, analyzed the financing of measures aimed at increasing the personnel potential of the agro-industrial complex of the region. The role of the Agrarian University and the Altai Institute for Advanced Studies in the training of highly qualified personnel for agriculture through state funding of educational programs is noted.

Recommendations on the formation of staffing for innovation in the agro-industrial complex with the use of tools of comprehensive state support, which will improve the competitiveness and attractiveness of the agrarian sector in the region, are proposed.