bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography Versus Invasive Coronary Angiography in Stable Chest Pain: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Machado Marina F. , Felix Nicole , Melo Pedro H.C. , Gauza Mateus M. , Calomeni Pedro , Generoso Giuliano , Khatri Sourabh , Altmayer Stephan , Blankstein Ron , Bittencourt Marcio Sommer , Cardoso Rhanderson
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

The efficacy of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) versus invasive coronary angiography (ICA) among patients with stable chest pain has been studied in several trials with conflicting results.

METHODS:

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing CCTA first versus direct ICA among patients with stable chest pain, who were initially referred to ICA. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central were searched for randomized controlled trials comparing the 2 strategies. Risk ratios (RRs) and mean differences with 95% CIs were computed for binary and continuous outcomes, respectively.

RESULTS:

Five randomized controlled trials with a total of 5727 patients were included, of whom 51.1% were referred to CCTA and 22.5% of patients had evidence of ischemia on a prior functional test. In the follow-up ranging from 1 to 3.5 years, 660 of the 2928 patients randomized to CCTA first underwent ICA (23%). Patients who underwent CCTA had lower rates of coronary revascularization (RR, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.66–0.84];
P
<0.001) and stroke (RR, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.26–0.98];
P
=0.043). Cardiovascular mortality (RR, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.24–1.23];
P
=0.146), major adverse cardiovascular events (RR, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.64–1.10];
P
=0.198), nonfatal myocardial infarction (RR, 1.09 [95% CI, 0.63–1.88];
P
=0.768), and cardiovascular hospitalizations (RR, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.59–1.39];
P
=0.669) did not differ significantly between groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

In patients with stable chest pain referred for ICA, CCTA avoided the need for ICA in 77% of patients otherwise referred for ICA. CCTA was associated with a reduction in the rates of coronary revascularization and stroke compared with direct ICA.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/
; Unique identifier: CRD42023383143.
Ten recommendations for reducing the carbon footprint of research computing in human neuroimaging
Authors: Souter Nicholas E. , Lannelongue Loïc , Samuel Gabrielle , Racey Chris , Colling Lincoln J. , Bhagwat Nikhil , Selvan Raghavendra , Rae Charlotte L.
Published: November 2023

Given that scientific practices contribute to the climate crisis, scientists should reflect on the planetary impact of their work. Research computing can have a substantial carbon footprint in cases where researchers employ computationally expensive processes with large amounts of data. Analysis of human neuroimaging data, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging brain scans, is one such case. Here, we consider ten ways in which those who conduct human neuroimaging research can reduce the carbon footprint of their research computing, by making adjustments to the ways in which studies are planned, executed, and analysed; as well as where and how data are stored.
An Atlantic Slave Trade Stretching from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean and Beyond
Authors: Wheat David , Lamikiz Xabier , Zaugg Roberto , Hatfield April Lee , Ribeiro da Silva Filipa , Roper L.H. , García-Montón Alejandro
Published: November 2023

The study of the trans-Atlantic slave trade is becoming increasingly sophisticated, diverse, and international. Challenging prevailing stereotypes about the dominance of northern European business interests, García Montón’s study shows the persistent vigor of Genoa’s merchant community in this examination of the asiento system that emerged in the mid-seventeenth century and continued into the mid-eighteenth century. Along the way, he also illuminates the slave trade’s connections to many other forms of trade, legitimate and illegitimate, on both sides of the Atlantic. Impressed with his research and approach, these six reviewers discuss its implications for a variety of international contexts, from Central Europe to Italy, Iberia, England, and the Caribbean, including the profitability of the asiento trade and the many different people who participated in and benefitted from it on both sides of the Atlantic. It emerges that the asiento was about much more than just the slave trade. Its profits and trading networks helped integrate the different imperial economies with footholds in the Caribbean. Drawing on the wealth of new scholarship from these different historiographies, they raise some questions about elements that García Montón did not pursue fully in the book. He responds with additional research to address some of those issues, while also calling for more research on the interconnected “asiento worlds” that are one of the most fascinating and unanticipated results of his research.
From Scarlet to Gold
Authors: Blum Lior
Published: November 2023

The history of the English Guinea Company (1618–1657) – the circumstances of its establishment in particular – has not drawn much attention from scholars during the last seventy years. Thus, this article focuses on the process leading to the foundation and chartering of the Guinea Company in November 1618, as well as on the company’s role in the history of English activity in West Africa. Using a re-discovered Chancery court case, it argues that the establishment of the company was the outcome of the convergence of two separate commercial trajectories: the development of the camwood trade in the 1610s and the gold-hunting trend that characterized the early stages of England’s overseas expansion process. This outcome, it is further argued, was a turning point in the history of English activity in West Africa, creating the platform that enabled the English to emerge as prominent players in the region in the 1670s.
Rural Youth Involvement in Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq) Processing in Okitipupa Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Chete Oluwatoyin Bukola
Published: November 2023

Youths have been found to lack interest in agricultural activities. This study investigated rural youth involvement in oil palm processing in Okitipupa local government area, Nigeria. Quantitative data were obtained from 120 rural youths through a multi-stage sampling procedure. Chi-square and correlation analysis were used to test the relationships between socio-economic characteristics, constraints on operations and the involvement of rural youth in oil palm processing. The mean age of respondents was 31 years; they were mostly single (65.0%) and literate (95.0%). Bad roads (x̅ = 2.98) and high cost of transportation (x̅ = 2.91) were the most severe constraints confronted by the respondents. Gender (χ2 = −32.85, p = 0.001) and years of education (χ2 = 96.51, p = 0.002) had a significant positive relationship with involvement in oil palm processing activities. Poor processing equipment (r = −0.38, p = 0.00) and bad roads (r = −0.40, p = 0.04) had a negative correlation with involvement in oil palm processing activities. Rehabilitation of road networks and access to innovative methods would improve involvement in oil palm processing activities.
Upbringing in a Context of Prolonged Collective Violence: Lived Experiences of Caregivers in Northern Uganda
Authors: De Nutte Leen
Published: November 2023

Given the far-reaching and long-term impact of collective violence and the post-conflict setting on the entire social ecology of children, this doctoral research explores how caregivers experience and negotiate the changes in children’s upbringing during and after collective violence, and how they receive support therein. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with 59 caregivers and eight social workers living in post-conflict Kitgum District, northern Uganda, between 2014 and 2016. We gained important insights about the ways individuals, families and communities had coped with and adjusted their individual and communal worlds as a result of living under protracted war and armed conflict, spanning different generations and settings (i.e., forced displacement and encampment, captivity and post-war villages). We further illustrate how post-conflict return and reintegration following forced displacement, encampment and/or captivity can be regarded as complex and ongoing processes, which play out on different relational and structural levels and take place in a changed and changing social landscape.
‘Those Ridiculous Monks’
Authors: Song Nianshen
Published: November 2023

During the Qing Dynasty (1636–1911), Chosŏn Korean tributary envoys regularly sent to Beijing normally stopped for a few days en route in Mukden (Shenyang), the Qing’s secondary capital and the largest city in Manchuria. There they visited one of the local attractions, royal Tibetan Buddhist temples, particularly the Shishengsi, the largest monastery in the city. What drew the envoys to the royal temples? How did they interact with the Mongol lamas? What was their first impression of Tibetan Buddhism – a religion at once familiar and foreign to them? Using extensive records left by the Korean envoys (Yŏnhaengnok), this paper examines the under-studied historical encounter between Korean literati and Tibetan Buddhism. Although not always consistent, the understanding and misunderstanding that the Koreans had with the religion, I argue, reflects their rather complex political and cultural attitudes towards the Qing – a regime that, in the eyes of the Koreans, simultaneously represented China and non-China. The Manchu capital, Mukden, which was closely linked with both Beijing and the Inner Asian frontiers, provided a meeting ground for different ethnic groups, cultures and values in the late Imperial period. The episode demonstrates an initial interaction between East Asia and Inner Asia. Furthermore, by examining how information about Qing Inner Asian politics was filtered and (mis)understood by Koreans, the paper challenges the popular myth that more information naturally leads to comprehensive knowledge.
Advancing Economic and Social Rights, Including Education, in the Context of European Minorities – International Developments in 2021
Authors: Cârstocea Andreea
Published: November 2023

In 2021, national minorities continued to face challenges in realising their right to socioeconomic participation, as demonstrated by various UN reports and by monitoring carried out under the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. The Covid-19 pandemic brought additional challenges in this respect, demonstrating the extreme socioeconomic vulnerability of the Roma minority and having a disproportionate impact on their access to education. On a more positive note, reflections started to emerge concerning post-pandemic recovery plans and how these can best address the needs of national minorities.
Preferential Roma Representation in the Hungarian Parliament is Obstructed by the Fidesz Government?
Authors: Kállai Péter
Published: November 2023

In the approach to the 2022 elections in Hungary, ORÖ, the National Roma Self-Government, was supposed to draw up their national minority list but failed to do so before the deadline. This paper argues that this is not just the result of serious political disagreements within the Roma community, but the outcome of different external effects as well. The paper unfolds the two major modes of influence which effect the parliamentary representation of Roma. First, there are institutional constraints hindering the autonomous decision-making processes of the relevant bodies. As the competitive element of elections is pushed down to the level of national self-government, the whole process is more vulnerable to external influences. Second, these institutional weaknesses are complemented by personal bonds and pressures coming from the Fidesz government. Thus, the paper concludes that the system is intended to serve electoral clientelism and as such limits the ‘effectiveness’ of minority representation in Hungary, especially in the case of Roma.
Reframing Special Protection and Immigration as an Emergency: Italy’s Not-So-Novel Approach
Authors: Talavera Lodos Silvia
Published: November 2023

The Italian government has decided to resort to a national state of emergency to manage recent migration flows. This approach, which has been used previously, aims at expanding the existing reception system. This is also accompanied by a set of measures, as outlined in Decreto Legge No. 20/2023, which adopt a more restrictive stance. This decree further restricts the possibility to grant special protection to asylum seekers and prosecutes more severely the participation in human trafficking operations. This paper analyses the latest developments in Italian law and outlines the legal issues they have raised.
Estimating the Impact of Hospice Care on Key Patient-Family Care Outcomes Using a Nationwide U.S. Probability Sample
Authors: Cagle John G. , Zhang Peiyuan , Clem Sarah
Published: November 2023

Hospice is touted as an exemplary model for end-of-life care. However, there is little generalizable evidence estimating benefits of hospice at the national level. Using a national population-based probability sample of U.S. adults with weights applied (data collected Spring/Summer 2015), we conducted six logistic regression models to evaluate linkages between hospice involvement and end-of-life outcomes (pain, home death, presence of family, access to life-prolonging care, respect for spiritual/religious beliefs, financial burden) from N = 235 informal caregivers of decedents prior to death. Respondents were M = 55 years old (SD = 17), 55% female, 77% White, 91% non-Hispanic, and 71% had cared for a hospice recipient. In fully adjusted analyses, hospice users had better reported outcomes observed in two models: (a.) presence of family/friends at death (OR = 2.82, SE = .48, P < .05), and (b.) respect for spiritual/religious beliefs (OR = 9.52, SE = .73, P < .01). Hospice utilization was not statistically significant ( P > .05) in all other adjusted models. Although more research is needed, findings support claims that hospice remains a high quality option for end-of-life care in the U.S.
Structural and metamorphic evolution of a subducted passive margin: insights from the Briançonnais nappes of the Western Alps (Ubaye–Maira valleys, France–Italy)
Authors: Dana Davide , Iaccarino Salvatore , Schmid Stefan M. , Petroccia Alessandro , Michard André
Published: November 2023

This contribution analyses the structural architecture and tectono-metamorphic evolution of Briançonnais units in the southern French-Italian Western Alps. The studied area extends from a virtually non-metamorphic area adjacent to the Helvetic-Dauphinois External Domain in the west to the Monviso-Queyras ocean-derived units in the east, where metamorphism increases up to eclogite-facies. Mapping at the scale 1:10.000 of a mountainous part of the Ubaye-Maira transect was performed, which portrays in detail the Briançonnais units over ~ 100 km2. The lithologies include meta-andesite, meta-siliciclastics, marbles, turbiditic calcschists and flysch whose age spans from Late Carboniferous to Eocene. Metamorphism is low-grade greenschist-facies in the west but reaches the blueschist-facies to the east. Structures related to four phases of deformation are identified. The first two generations of structures (D1–D2), related to the original top-to-the-west nappe stacking, are associated with conditions close to the peak of Alpine metamorphism. Previous tectonic surfaces are transposed by the dominant deformation structures (D3), developed under retrograde/decompression conditions. This D3 corresponds to a backfolding and back-thrusting event with a top-to-the-E transport. A fourth phase (D4) developed during late low-grade metamorphic conditions and deforms the previous surfaces by locally developing a crenulation cleavage, followed by brittle tectonics. An updated metamorphic map is presented, backed on published estimates and new thermometric data obtained by Raman Spectroscopy of Carbonaceous Material (RSCM). The TRSCM values range from ~ 295 °C to > 350 °C, moving from the most external Briançonnais unit to the internal Queyras “Schistes Lustrés” units. Suspected Upper Cretaceous palaeofaults have been documented, allowing us to group the classic Aiguille de Mary and Ceillac (sub-) units into a single tectonic unit, here referred to as Maurin unit. The palaeogeographical reconstruction of the evolution of the studied transect highlights the importance of the Marinet and Maurin axial units in the feeding of the Late Cretaceous-Eocene breccias deposited on the more internal Acceglio-type units.
Effect of educational intervention on risk factors of cardiovascular diseases among school teachers: a quasi-experimental study in a suburb of Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Authors: Karmakar Anubrata , Bhattacharyya Aritra , Biswas Bijit , Dasgupta Aparajita , Bandyopadhyay Lina , Paul Bobby
Published: November 2023

Objective

This prospective study aimed to evaluate the effects of a health education intervention on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among school teachers.

Methods

The study, conducted from August 2016 to May 2017, involved teachers from four schools in Baruipur, West Bengal, India. It was a multicentric, quasi-experimental study with an intervention group receiving tailored health education promoting lifestyle modifications, while the control group received no intervention. Baseline and endline assessments included behavioural and biological characteristics related to cardiovascular health and risk assessment. Data were analysed using JAMOVI.

Results

The intervention group showed significant improvements in physical activity levels [Cohen’s d (Cd): 0.43, p = 0.006] and the consumption of fruits and vegetables (Cd: 1.00, p = < 0.001). Notably, there was a considerable reduction in the consumption of salt (Cd: -0.93, p = 0.039), oil (Cd: -0.98, p = < 0.001), fast food (Cd: -0.99, p = < 0.001), junk food (Cd: -0.99, p = < 0.001), and red meat (Cd: -1.00, p = < 0.001) among participants. However, there were no significant improvements in biological characteristics within the intervention group. In contrast, the control group exhibited no significant changes in behavioural and biological characteristics compared to baseline. The intervention group showed a minor non-significant reduction (3.0%) in their 10-year cardiovascular risk compared to baseline (Cd: -1.00, p = 0.50), while the control group had a negligible non-significant increase (0.7%) in their cardiovascular risk (Cd: 1.00, p = 1.00).

Conclusion

Health education intervention positively influenced behavioural characteristics, such as physical activity and dietary habits, among school teachers. However, no significant improvements were observed in biological characteristics or cardiovascular risk factors.
1470 nm laser is better for prostate hyperplasia treatment with different volume size via transurethral enucleation
Authors: Fayou Zhou , Jiude Zheng , Shuxian Zhang , Yajun Shen , Wei Xu , Jia Yu , Fan Su , Yueling Xiong , Renrui Han , Xiaolei Tang
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The large amount of intraoperative bleeding and the high incidence of postoperative hematuria are still common factors affecting the prostate surgery treatment effect. Our research aimed to observe the effect of prostatic enucleation using 1,470 nm semiconductor laser on the amount of bleeding in patients with different sizes of prostate hyperplasia.

Methods

According to the size of the prostate, forty eligible patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were enrolled and divided into low and high volume group in this study. Hemoglobin decline, urinating condition, complications and erectile function were collected and compared before and after surgery.

Results

Our data showed that hemoglobin decline was (10.0 ± 6.2) g/L and (12.1 ± 7.8) g/L, respectively for two group after surgery (P = 0.363). Urination was significantly improved following surgery in both groups of patients (P < 0.05), and no permanent urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction and so no serious complications occurred.

Conclusion

The above results suggested that prostatic enucleation using 1,470 nm semiconductor laser can be safe and effective for prostatic hyperplasia, and this surgery produced no significant effect on the amount of bleeding in whatever size of the prostate.
Vector-borne parasites in dogs from Ukraine translocated to Poland following Russian invasion in 2022
Authors: Bajer Anna , Alsarraf Mustafa , Topolnytska Mariia , Tołkacz Katarzyna , Dwużnik-Szarek Dorota , Rodo Anna
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Since 24 February 2022, the day the Russian aggression against Ukraine began, millions of refugees and thousands of pets crossed the Polish-Ukrainian border. Additionally, an unknown number of shelter and stray dogs and cats were rescued and translocated to Poland by private persons and non-profit organizations. The aim of the present study was to examine rescued dogs and cats for presence of canine vector-borne parasites to determine the role of armed conflict in spreading these parasites.

Methods

In July 2022 blood samples were collected from two animal shelters in central Poland hosting dogs and cats rescued from Ukraine. Animals were imported from various regions of Ukraine, including eastern and southeastern Ukraine (military conflict area). Fifty-three dogs (51 from two shelters and two owned ones) and one shelter cat were examined by molecular methods (PCR and sequencing) for the presence of Babesia/Theileria spp., Dirofilaria spp. and Hepatozoon spp. DNA.

Results

We detected Dirofilaria immitis, a parasite species non-endemic in Poland, in two dogs translocated from Ukraine (2/53 = 3.8% [95% CI 0.5–13.0%]). One dog had a history of previous heartworm infection. High prevalence of Hepatozoon canis (51% [95% CI 36.8–64.9%]) was noted among translocated dogs. Prevalence of Dirofilaria repens in Ukrainian dogs (18.9% [95% CI 9.4–32.0%) was similar to prevalence in dogs from central Poland (12%). Co-infection of D. repens and D. immitis was found in two dogs and six dogs were co-infected by D. repens and H. canis. Hepatozoon canis infection was also identified in an imported cat.

Conclusion

We confirmed that this military conflict has facilitated the spread of canine vector-borne parasites, including zoonotic species.

Graphical Abstract
Study on the association between adverse drug reactions to opioids and gene polymorphisms: a case-case–control study
Authors: Yang Jing , Sun Ying-zi , Li Qun-fang , Fu Zheng , Guan Yu-yao , Song Chao , Zheng Lei
Published: November 2023

Objective

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) caused by opioid drugs show individual differences. Our objective was to explore the association between gene polymorphism and ADRs induced by opioid drugs.

Methods

Evidence-based medical data analysis was conducted for genes related to ADRs induced by opioid drugs to select target genes. Sixty patients with cancer pain who had ADRs after taking opioid drugs (morphine, codeine, oxycodone) and 60 patients without ADRs after taking opioid drugs were used as the experimental group and control group, respectively. Then, we used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or in situ hybridization to detect target genes. By combining with clinical data such as age, sex, dosage and duration of medication, the effect of gene polymorphism on the ADR of patients after taking opioid drugs was statistically analysed.

Results

Based on a database search and evidence-based medical data, we identified CYP2D6*10, CYP3A5*3, ABCB1, and OPRM1 as target genes for detection. The results of statistical analysis showed no significant difference in genotype distribution between the experimental group and the control group (p > 0.05). However, if 32 patients with ADRs after taking oxycodone and 32 controls were selected for comparison, the SPSS22.0 and SNPStats genetic models showed that the ABCB1 (062rs1045642) CT and TT genotypes correlated with the occurrence of ADRs (p < 0.05): the total number of CT + TT genotypes in the experimental group was 29 (90.62%), with 11 (34.37%) CT + TT genotypes types in the control group.

Conclusion

Polymorphism of ABCB1 (062rs1045642) is related to ADRs caused by oxycodone, and the incidence of ADRs is higher with the allele T. Polymorphism of ABCB1 is expected to become a clinical predictor of ADRs to oxycodone, and attention should be given to the occurrence of serious ADRs in patients with ABCB1 (062rs1045642) CT and TT genotypes.
The relationship between childhood emotional abuse and borderline personality disorder: the mediating role of difficulties in emotion regulation among Lebanese adults
Authors: Kanj Gaelle , Hallit Souheil , Obeid Sahar
Published: November 2023

Objective

The present study investigates the mediating effect of difficulties in emotion regulation in the association between childhood emotional abuse and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) among Lebanese adults.

Method

This cross-sectional study, involving 411 participants, was conducted between March and August 2022. Lebanese individuals from all governorates of the country were recruited using the Snowball Sampling technique. Three self-report scales were utilized to complete this research; the ‘Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale—Brief Version (DERS-16)’ which evaluates the difficulties in emotion regulation of individuals, the ‘Childhood Trauma Questionnaire—Short Form (CTQ-SF)’ which grants a subjective evaluation of the general childhood environment of the participants, as well as the ‘Borderline Personality Questionnaire (BPQ)’ which measures Borderline Personality Disorder traits, that demonstrate significant convergence with the disorder.

Results

The results indicate that DERS-16 played an indirect effect role between childhood emotional abuse scores and Borderline Personality Disorder. Higher emotional abuse scores were significantly associated with higher DERS-16 scores, which in turn was significantly associated with higher BPQ scores. Moreover, childhood emotional abuse was directly associated with higher BPQ scores.

Conclusion

This work suggests that, among the different forms of childhood abuse, emotional abuse may have a role in the development of Borderline Personality Disorder. Training on emotion regulation strategies would potentially benefit individuals in preventing BPD development and facilitating therapeutic processes.
CZECHMAN – ELEMENT POLSKIEGO STROJU NARODOWEGO
Authors: Nowak Sebastian
Published: November 2023

Zarys treści. Artykuł porusza kwestię czechmana jako jednego z elementów polskiego stroju narodowego z okresu Rzeczpospolitej Szlacheckiej. Zdefiniowano w nim cechy charakterystyczne dla czechmana, wskazując na różnice i podobieństwa z żupanem, przyczyniające się często do mylnej interpretacji obu szat. Zwrócono też uwagę na potrzebę dalszych badań nad polskim strojem narodowym i jego poszczególnymi elementami.
LÍNGUA FALADA E (OU) LÍNGUA ESCRITA? A BNCC E O ENSINO DE LÍNGUA PORTUGUESA SOB UMA ANÁLISE DISCURSIVA
Authors: Daróz Elaine Pereira , Azevedo Nadia Pereira Gonçalves de
Published: November 2023

Ao longo de nossas pesquisas e prática docente, observamos que o ensino-aprendizagem da língua nos bancos escolares se dá, de um modo geral, a partir de uma dicotomia entre língua e fala, com privilégio de um ensino da estrutura e(m) sua forma. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar os efeitos de sentidos sobre a língua portuguesa e o seu ensino, que se materializam na Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC). Ademais, suas implicações no que concernem à relação entre língua falada e língua escrita nos bancos escolares. Para tanto, os pressupostos teórico-analíticos da Análise do discurso de linha Pecheutiana nos darão maiores subsídios para pensarmos a relação do sujeito à língua em aprendizagem, bem como às questões identitárias que envolvem essa relação. Consideramos que a abordagem de ensino de língua portuguesa vigente contribui para práticas de exclusão reproduzidas historicamente. Sendo assim, ao tomarmos em atenção às contribuições da Análise do discurso de linha francesa (Pêcheux) para um ensino de língua, sobretudo materna, buscamos novas possibilidades de pensar as noções de língua e sujeito a fim de produzir práticas mais inclusivas em nosso país.
A BNCC, A LEITURA E A DESIGUALDADE CULTURAL NO BRASIL
Authors: Oliveira Marcos Vinícius Ferreira
Published: November 2023

O presente texto toma como motivos a confecção da BNCC e a pouca importância que ela confere às desigualdades culturais no país para refletir, com o auxílio da categoria “capital cultural”, formulada por Pierre Bourdieu, acerca da função decisiva do campo da leitura na educação brasileira. Buscaremos evidenciar quão decisiva é a incidência da desigualdade cultural para o fracasso, já na origem, de iniciativas e projetos educacionais no Brasil. Também defenderemos que qualquer incursão pelo campo da educação brasileira que não considere a formação lacunar dos estudantes, fruto da dramática desigualdade para o acesso e aquisição dos bens que formam o “capital cultural” e não chame ao seu agudo enfrentamento, não fará mais do que reiterar as operações fundantes do desnível, tornando-o legítima baliza para tudo o que dele derivar.
Effect of forest fire on soil properties and natural regeneration in Chirpine (Pinus roxburghii) forests of Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: SHARMA YAMINI , GUPTA TARA , GUPTA RK , SHARMA PREM PRAKASH
Published: November 2023

Abstract. Sharma Y, Gupta T, Gupta RK, Sharma PP. 2023. Effect of forest fire on soil properties and natural regeneration in Chirpine (Pinus roxburghii) forests of Himachal Pradesh, India. Asian J For 7: 125-132. Forest fires have a significant impact on the physical environment, such as land cover, land use, forest ecosystems, and biodiversity. The present study was carried out to quantify the effect of forest fire on soil properties and natural regeneration of Chirpine (Pinus roxburghii Sargent) forests in Himachal Pradesh, India. Data collection was conducted at six different sites in three forest divisions, namely Solan Forest Division, Hamirpur Forest Division and Dehra Forest Division during the year 2020. Burnt and unburnt forests were selected at each site and were compared with each other to study the effect of fire. The results reported that electrical conductivity, pH, available nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium were higher in burnt forests when compared to unburnt forests of the studied sites whereas organic carbon (%) was lower in burnt forests as compared to unburnt forests. Seedling density of trees was found higher in burnt forests whereas sapling density was found higher in unburnt forests. This indicates that fire is good for regeneration but frequent fires can be detrimental for the survival of seedlings. Frequent forest fires need to be prevented and that can be done mainly by social awareness and developing strategies for use of pine needles in farming practices and commercial use in paper, pulp and wood industries.
Disability and Belonging in an Inclusive Christian Faith Community
Authors: Huggins Deborah W. , Copeland Susan R.
Published: November 2023

The voices of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are underrepresented in research examining their participation in faith communities. This qualitative case study examined the participation of people with ASD (autism spectrum disorder, a type of IDD) in one intentionally inclusive Christian faith community with a primary focus on the perceptions of faith community members with disabilities. This community was unique in its theological stance toward inclusion and in the steps the community had already taken to be inclusive. We conducted two types of interviews (in-depth individual and PhotoVoice) with people with severe and moderate disabilities who were active in the community to explore their perceptions of participation and belonging in the community. We supported interview data with field observations and a document review. We prioritized the voices of people with disabilities by using in-vivo coding strategies based on their words and used thematic analysis across data sources. Three primary themes emerged from this analysis including: Leadership, relationships, and traditions and routines. The implications of this study include suggestions to support authentic participation of people with IDD in faith community settings, implications for research with people with IDD in these settings.
Modeling and experimental characterization of two-wave mixing in Yb-doped fiber amplifiers
Authors: Hauge Jakob , Pedersen Jens , Bondu Magalie , Laegsgaard Jesper
Published: November 2023

Two-wave mixing between forward- and backward-propagating signal light has recently been observed in frequency-modulated single-frequency fiber laser systems. The phenomenon is a potential limiting factor for power scaling of such frequency-tunable lasers. In this contribution, we derive a perturbative coupled-mode theory for two signals that counter-propagate in an Yb-doped fiber with a constant frequency detuning. We apply the theory to analyze experimental results dedicated to extracting the central material parameter that relates the Yb inversion to a (real) refractive-index change. The perturbative theory is derived to all orders, and argued to be convergent. The experimental results and their analysis support previous estimates of the ratio between changes in the gain coefficient and the refractive index.
Extending the R number by applying hyperparameters of Log Gaussian Cox process models in an epidemiological context to provide insights into COVID-19 positivity in the City of Edinburgh and in students residing at Edinburgh University
Authors: Laxton Megan Ruth , Nightingale Glenna , Lindgren Finn , Sivakumaran Arjuna , Othieno Richard
Published: November 2023

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on University students has been a topic of fiery debate and of public health research. This study demonstrates the use of a combination of spatiotemporal epidemiological models to describe the trends in COVID-19 positive cases on spatial, temporal and spatiotemporal scales. In addition, this study proposes new epidemiological metrics to describe the connectivity between observed positivity; an analogous metric to the R number in conventional epidemiology. The proposed indices, Rspatial, Rspatiotemporal and Rscaling will aim to improve the characterisation of the spread of infectious disease beyond that of the COVID-19 framework and as a result inform relevant public health policy. Apart from demonstrating the application of the novel epidemiological indices, the key findings in this study are: firstly, there were some Intermediate Zones in Edinburgh with noticeably high levels of COVID-19 positivity, and that the first outbreak during the study period was observed in Dalry and Fountainbridge. Secondly, the estimation of the distance over which the COVID-19 counts at the halls of residence are spatially correlated (or related to each other) was found to be 0.19km (0.13km to 0.27km) and is denoted by the index, Rspatial. This estimate is useful for public health policy in this setting, especially with contact tracing. Thirdly, the study indicates that the association between the surrounding community level of COVID-19 positivity (Intermediate Zones in Edinburgh) and that of the University of Edinburgh’s halls of residence was not statistically significant. Fourthly, this study reveals that relatively high levels of COVID-19 positivity were observed for halls for which higher COVID-19 fines were issued (Spearman’s correlation coefficient = 0.34), and separately, for halls which were non-ensuite relatively to those which were not (Spearman’s correlation coefficient = 0.16). Finally, Intermediate Zones with the highest positivity were associated with student residences that experienced relatively high COVID-19 positivity (Spearman’s correlation coefficient = 0.27).
Genome-wide association study of early liveweight traits in fat-tailed Akkaraman lambs
Authors: Cinar Mehmet Ulas , Arslan Korhan , Sohel Md Mahmodul Hasan , Bayram Davut , Piel Lindsay M. W. , White Stephen N. , Daldaban Fadime , Aksel Esma Gamze , Akyüz Bilal
Published: November 2023

Small ruminants, especially sheep, are essential for sustainable agricultural production systems, future food/nutrition security, and poverty reduction in developing countries. Within developed countries, the ability of sheep to survive on low-quality forage intake could act as buffer against climate change. Besides sheep’s importance in sustainable agricultural production, there has been less ongoing work in terms of sheep genetics in Near East, Middle East and in Africa. For lamb meat production, body weight and average daily gain (ADG) until weaning are critical economic traits that affects the profitability of the industry. The current study aims to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are significantly associated with pre-weaning growth traits in fat tail Akkaraman lambs using a genome-wide association study (GWAS). A total of 196 Akkaraman lambs were selected for analysis. After quality control, a total of 31,936 SNPs and 146 lambs were used for subsequent analyses. PLINK 1.9 beta software was used for the analyses. Based on Bonferroni-adjusted p-values, one SNP (rs427117280) on chromosome 2 (OAR2) had significant associations with weaning weight at day 90 and ADG from day 0 to day 90, which jointly explains a 0.8% and 0.9% of total genetic variation respectively. The Ovis aries natriuretic peptide C (NPPC) could be considered as a candidate gene for the defined significant associations. The results of the current study will help to increase understanding of the variation in weaning weight and ADG until weaning of Akkaraman lambs and help enhance selection for lambs with improved weaning weight and ADG. However, further investigations are required for the identification of causal variants within the identified genomic regions.
Quantifying online citizen science: Dynamics and demographics of public participation in science
Authors: Strasser Bruno J. , Tancoigne Elise , Baudry Jérôme , Piguet Steven , Spiers Helen , Luis-Fernandez Marquez José , Kasparian Jérôme , Grey François , Anderson David , Lintott Chris
Published: November 2023

Citizen scientists around the world are collecting data with their smartphones, performing scientific calculations on their home computers, and analyzing images on online platforms. These online citizen science projects are frequently lauded for their potential to revolutionize the scope and scale of data collection and analysis, improve scientific literacy, and democratize science. Yet, despite the attention online citizen science has attracted, it remains unclear how widespread public participation is, how it has changed over time, and how it is geographically distributed. Importantly, the demographic profile of citizen science participants remains uncertain, and thus to what extent their contributions are helping to democratize science. Here, we present the largest quantitative study of participation in citizen science based on online accounts of more than 14 million participants over two decades. We find that the trend of broad rapid growth in online citizen science participation observed in the early 2000s has since diverged by mode of participation, with consistent growth observed in nature sensing, but a decline seen in crowdsourcing and distributed computing. Most citizen science projects, except for nature sensing, are heavily dominated by men, and the vast majority of participants, male and female, have a background in science. The analysis we present here provides, for the first time, a robust ‘baseline’ to describe global trends in online citizen science participation. These results highlight current challenges and the future potential of citizen science. Beyond presenting our analysis of the collated data, our work identifies multiple metrics for robust examination of public participation in science and, more generally, online crowds. It also points to the limits of quantitative studies in capturing the personal, societal, and historical significance of citizen science.
Improving genome-wide mapping of nucleosomes in Trypanosome cruzi.
Authors: Beati Paula , Massimino Stepñicka Milena , Vilchez Larrea Salomé C. , Smircich Pablo , Alonso Guillermo D. , Ocampo Josefina
Published: November 2023

In Trypanosoma cruzi DNA is packaged into chromatin by octamers of histone proteins that form nucleosomes. Transcription of protein coding genes in trypanosomes is constitutive producing polycistronic units and gene expression is primarily regulated post-transcriptionally. However, chromatin organization influences DNA dependent processes. Hence, determining nucleosome position is of uppermost importance to understand the peculiarities found in trypanosomes. To map nucleosomes genome-wide in several organisms, digestion of chromatin with micrococcal nuclease followed by deep sequencing has been applied. Nonetheless, the special requirements for cell manipulation and the uniqueness of the chromatin organization in trypanosomes entails a customized analytical approach. In this work, we adjusted this broadly used method to the hybrid reference strain, CL Brener. Particularly, we implemented an exhaustive and thorough computational workflow to overcome the difficulties imposed by this complex genome. We tested the performance of two aligners, Bowtie2 and HISAT2, and discuss their advantages and caveats. Specifically, we highlight the relevance of using the whole genome as a reference instead of the commonly used Esmeraldo-like haplotype to avoid spurious alignments. Additionally, we show that using the whole genome refines the average nucleosome representation, but also the quality of mapping for every region represented. Moreover, we show that the average nucleosome organization around trans-splicing acceptor site described before, is not just an average since the same chromatin pattern is detected for most of the represented regions. In addition, we extended the study to a non-hybrid strain applying the experimental and analytical approach to Sylvio-X10 strain. Furthermore, we provide a source code for the construction of 2D plots and heatmaps which are easy to adapt to any T. cruzi strain.
A cohort study on the biochemical and haematological parameters of Italian blood donors as possible risk factors of COVID-19 infection and severe disease in the pre- and post-Omicron period
Authors: Marraccini Chiara , Merolle Lucia , Schiroli Davide , Razzoli Agnese , Gavioli Gaia , Iotti Barbara , Baricchi Roberto , Ottone Marta , Mancuso Pamela , Giorgi Rossi Paolo
Published: November 2023

To investigate the association between biochemical and blood parameters collected before the pandemic in a large cohort of Italian blood donors with the risk of infection and severe disease. We also focused on the differences between the pre- and post-Omicron spread in Italy (i.e., pre- and post-January 01, 2022) on the observed associations. We conducted an observational cohort study on 13750 blood donors was conducted using data archived up to 5 years before the pandemic. A t-test or chi-squared test was used to compare differences between groups. Hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals for SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe disease were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. Subgroup analyses stratified by sex, age and epidemic phase of first infection (pre- and post-Omicron spread) were examined. We confirmed a protective effect of groups B and O, while groups A and AB had a higher likelihood of infection and severe disease. However, these associations were only significant in the pre-Omicron period. We found an opposite behavior after Omicron spread, with the O phenotype having a higher probability of infection. When stratified by variant, A antigen appeared to protect against Omicron infection, whereas it was associated with an increased risk of infection by earlier variants. We were able to stratify for the SARS CoV-2 dominant variant, which revealed a causal association between blood group and probability of infection, as evidenced by the strong effect modification observed between the pre- and post-Omicron spread. The mechanism by which group A acts on the probability of infection should consider this strong effect modification.
Assessing the impact of a comprehensive mental health program on frontline health service workers
Authors: Ward Emily J. , Fragala Maren S. , Birse Charles E. , Hawrilenko Matt , Smolka Casey , Ambwani Geetu , Brown Millard , Krystal John H. , Corlett Philip R. , Chekroud Adam
Published: November 2023

Mental health issues are a growing concern in the workplace, linked to negative outcomes including reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and increased turnover. Employer-sponsored mental health benefits that are accessible and proactive may help address these concerns. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the impact of a digital mental health benefit (Spring Health) on frontline healthcare service workers’ clinical and workplace outcomes. The benefit was sponsored by a national health services company from 2021–2022 and included mental health screening, care navigation, psychotherapy and/or medication management. We hypothesized program use would be associated with improvements in depression and anxiety symptoms, and increased productivity and retention. Participants were employees enrolled in the benefit program, had at least moderate anxiety or depression, at least 1 treatment appointment, and at least 2 outcome assessments. Clinical improvement measures were PHQ-9 scale (range, 0–27) for depression and GAD-7 scale (range, 0–21) for anxiety; workplace measures were employee retention and the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) for functional impairment. A total of 686 participants were included. Participants using the mental health benefit had a 5.60 point (95% CI, 4.40–6.79, d = 1.28) reduction in depression and a 5.48 point (95% CI, 3.88–7.08, d = 1.64) reduction in anxiety across 6 months. 69.9% (95% CI, 61.8%–78.1%) of participants reliably improved (≥5 point change) and 84.1% (95% CI, 78.2%–90.1%) achieved reliable improvement or recovery (<10 points). Participants reported 0.70 (95% CI, 0.26–1.14) fewer workdays per week impacted by mental health issues, corresponding to $3,491 (95% CI, $1305–$5677) salary savings at approximately federal median wage ($50,000). Furthermore, employees using the benefit were retained at 1.58 (95% CI, 1.4–1.76) times the rate of those who did not. Overall, this evaluation suggests that accessible, proactive, and comprehensive mental health benefits for frontline health services workers can lead to positive clinical and workplace outcomes.