bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designing Impactful Construction Safety Training Interventions
Authors: Albert Lynal , Routh Camren
Published: May 2021

Construction workplaces still report an unacceptable number of safety incidents every year. To tackle these disproportionate incident rates, safety training interventions are adopted widely in construction workplaces. Despite their adoption, poor safety performance continues to be a universal and global problem in the industry. In fact, recent research has called into question the effectiveness of training programs that are commonly adopted in the industry. There is also evidence that suggests that training interventions, in many cases, do not yield tangible benefits and may sometimes simply reduce to wasted resources. Therefore, it is important for industry stakeholders to possess a good understanding of the characteristics of training interventions that translate to superior safety performance. Towards achieving this goal, the present article concisely summarizes specific safety training intervention elements, which when integrated into training programs, can translate into superior safety performance and outcomes. The objectives of the research were achieved by performing a review of the construction safety training literature from diverse sources. The findings demonstrate that training interventions that integrate visual cues to guide hazard recognition, immersive experiences in virtual environments, andragogical training principles, personalization of training experiences, testing and feedback, and other elements can improve training effectiveness and outcomes. The article will serve as a resource for industry professionals that seek to address the weaknesses of existing training interventions. Researchers may also use this as a resource to inform the development of the next generation of safety training interventions. Together, the presented research can be leveraged to reduce the number of undesirable safety incidents experienced in construction workplaces.
Eco-Friendly Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanofilter Preparation and Application for Iron Removal
Authors: Jha Pankaj Kumar , Khongnakorn Watsa , Chawenjkigwanich Chamorn , Chowdhury Md Shahariar , Techato Kuaanan
Published: May 2021

In this paper, the green synthesis of reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) nanomaterials using Callistemon viminalis leaf extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent is reported for the first time. The synthesized r-GO nanomaterials were characterized using UV–Vis, XRD, FE-SEM, TEM, and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses. The nanofilter membrane was prepared by varying the amounts of r-GO nanomaterials in a Polysulfone-N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF) solution. The nanofilter membrane was characterized by the contact angle, atomic force microscopy (AFM), UV–Vis, and FTIR. The results confirm the formation of r-GO nanomaterials. Higher amounts of r-GO nanomaterials in the membrane show a lower contact angle, thus confirming their hydrophilic nature. Iron water filtration was performed with different amounts of r-GO nanomaterials in the membrane filter, and the water flux was smooth over an increased time period. Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) analysis showed a higher percentage of iron rejection (95.77%) when higher amounts (0.10 g) of r-GO nanomaterials were used in a mixed membrane (i.e., sample C). In conclusion, the findings illustrate that Callistemon viminalis mediates the synthesis of r-GO nanomaterials, which is useful in water filtration, and can be incorporated into membrane filters, since it removes iron.
The Rare Phenomenon of Consecutive Ejaculations in Male Rats
Authors: Mainwaring Joanna M. , Garcia Angela C. B. , Hull Elaine M. , Wibowo Erik
Published: May 2021

Mounting, intromission and ejaculation are commonly reported sexual behaviours in male rats. In a mating session, they can have several copulatory series with post-ejaculatory intervals in between ejaculations before they reach sexual satiety. Here, we describe a phenomenon where male rats displayed consecutive ejaculations (CE) with a short inter-ejaculatory interval (IEI). Male rats were daily mated with a sexually receptive female rat. Two out of 15 rats displayed CE in one of their mating tests. The first rat had CE at 9.9 and 10.1 min (IEI = 16.3 s) after the start of the test. The second rat showed CE at 28.1 and 28.5 min (IEI = 18.7 s) after the test onset. During the IEI, the rats did not show any mounting or intromission.
Narcissism and Subjective Arousal in Response to Sexual Aggression: The Mediating Role of Perceived Power
Authors: Zeigler-Hill Virgil , Andrews David
Published: May 2021

The present research examined the associations that narcissistic personality features had with subjective arousal in response to sexually aggressive behaviors, as well as whether these associations were mediated by the power that was believed to accompany these behaviors. Participants were 221 community members (115 women, 106 men) who completed a self-report instrument that captured narcissistic admiration (an agentic form of narcissism) and narcissistic rivalry (an antagonistic form of narcissism). In addition, participants were asked to rate how powerful they would expect to feel if they actually engaged in an array of sexually aggressive behaviors (e.g., “Tying up a person during sexual intercourse against her/his will”) as well as how sexually aroused they would be by each behavior. A multilevel mediation analysis revealed that both narcissistic admiration and narcissistic rivalry were positively associated with subjective arousal in response to sexual aggression and that these associations were mediated by the perceived power that was believed to accompany these sexually aggressive behaviors. These results suggest that perceptions of power may play an important role in the connections that narcissistic personality features have with subjective arousal in response to sexually aggressive behavior for both men and women. This discussion will focus on the implications of these results for understanding the connections between narcissism and sexual aggression in both men and women.
Unfinished Decriminalization: The Impact of Section 19 of the Prostitution Reform Act 2003 on Migrant Sex Workers’ Rights and Lives in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Bennachie Calum , Pickering Annah , Lee Jenny , Macioti P. , Mai Nicola , Fehrenbacher Anne , Giametta Calogero , Hoefinger Heidi , Musto Jennifer
Published: May 2021

In 2003, Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) passed the Prostitution Reform Act 2003 (PRA), which decriminalized sex work for NZ citizens and holders of permanent residency (PR) while excluding migrant sex workers (MSWs) from its protection. This is due to Section 19 (s19) of the PRA, added at the last minute against advice by the Aotearoa New Zealand Sex Workers’ Collective (NZPC) as an anti-trafficking clause. Because of s19, migrants on temporary visas found to be working as sex workers are liable to deportation by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). Drawing on original ethnographic and interview data gathered over 24 months of fieldwork, our study finds that migrant sex workers in New Zealand are vulnerable to violence and exploitation, and are too afraid to report these to the police for fear of deportation, corroborating earlier studies and studies completed while we were collecting data.
Writing Educational Success. The Strategies of Immigrant-Origin Students in Italian Secondary Schools
Authors: Santagati Mariagrazia
Published: May 2021

This article provides an insight into ethnic inequalities in education, from the point of view of successful students with an immigrant background. Since the 1990s, educational and migration studies have examined the unexpected pathways of disadvantaged students: researchers tested different hypotheses concerning drivers of success, highlighting social, family, and institutional mechanisms that have reproduced inequalities but also generated new opportunities. The educational success of students with a migrant background, however, is under-investigated in Italy, which represents a relevant context in which to explore the coexistence of persisting educational drawbacks and successful schooling for the children of migrants, born in Italy or abroad. Using data from a qualitative study carried out in northern Italy, the analysis is based on autobiographies written by an heterogenous group of 65 students of immigrant origin attending different types of upper secondary schools. The analysis reveals the presence of different meanings, attitudes, and narratives of success among these students, which vary according to the different cohorts of immigrant-origin students. Each group implements different successful strategies—standing out, working hard, waiting—inspired by individualistic and collective logics, which can imply specific risks for students and different types of impact on equal opportunities and social cohesion. These findings could open new avenues of research and intervention, helping policymakers and practitioners to think and act, given that success is indeed possible for immigrant-origin students.
Mother’s Partnership Status and Allomothering Networks in the United Kingdom and United States
Authors: Spake Laure , Schaffnit Susan B. , Sear Rebecca , Shenk Mary K. , Sosis Richard , Shaver John H.
Published: May 2021

In high-income, low-fertility (HILF) settings, the mother’s partner is a key provider of childcare. However, it is not clear how mothers without partners draw on other sources of support to raise children. This paper reports the findings from a survey of 1532 women in the United Kingdom and the United States, in which women described who provided childcare for a focal child and how frequently they did so. We use multivariate Bayesian regression models to explore the drivers of support from partners, maternal kin, and other allomothers, as well as the potential impact of allomothering on women’s fertility. Relative to mothers who are in a stable first marriage or cohabitation, mothers who are unpartnered rely more heavily on fewer maternal kin, use more paid help, and have networks which include more non-kin helpers. Repartnered mothers received less help from their partners in the UK and less help from maternal kin in both countries, which US mothers compensated for by relying on other helpers. While repartnered mothers had higher age-adjusted fertility than women in a first partnership, allomaternal support was not clearly related to the mother’s fertility. These findings demonstrate the importance of partners but also of allomothering more broadly in HILF settings.
Becoming White in a White Supremacist State: The Public and Psychological Wages of Whiteness for Undocumented 1.5-Generation Brazilians
Authors: Cebulko Kara
Published: May 2021

This study draws on in-depth and longitudinal interviews with twenty-nine 1.5-generation Brazilian immigrants, all of whom can pass as white and experienced illegality in young adulthood. I argue that they benefit from what W.E.B. Du Bois calls “the public and psychological wages of whiteness”. That is, white and white-passing, undocumented 1.5-generation Brazilian men and women can largely navigate public space without being stopped, questioned, arrested, detained and/or deported. Additionally, they benefit psychologically—as they gain confidence due to perceived whiteness, even as their immigration status would render them vulnerable to exploitation in the labor market and deportation. These public and psychological wages of whiteness can facilitate social and material gains. I argue that there are three mechanisms by which they experience the wages of whiteness. First, whiteness brings assumed innocence. Second, white racial solidarity with other whites facilitates opportunities and protection. Third, some 1.5-generation Brazilians actively construct whiteness to accrue the public and psychological wages. These findings challenge the master status perspective of illegality and underscore the importance of an intersectional framework for understanding immigrants’ varied experiences with illegality, bringing to light the quotidian, gendered practices and identities that sustain the structures of white supremacy.
An Analysis of Sport-Specific Pain Symptoms through Inter-Individual Training Differences in CrossFit
Authors: Bernstorff Maria , Schumann Norman , Maai Nader , Schildhauer Thomas , Königshausen Matthias
Published: May 2021

Background: CrossFit is one of the fastest growing “high-intensity functional training” methods in recent years. Due to the very demanding motion sequences and high loads, it was initially assumed that there was an extremely high risk of injury. However, studies have shown that injury rates are given between 0.74–3.3 per 1000 h of training, which is not higher than in other individual sports such as weightlifting. The purpose of the study was to estimate the type of pain symptoms that are directly related to CrossFit, to estimate the frequency of injuries that occur within a population of recreational CrossFit athletes, and, finally, to identify the factors influencing the frequency of pain during CrossFit training. Methods: A total of 414 active CrossFit athletes completed an online survey inclusive of 29 items focusing on individual physical characteristics and training behavior, as well as simultaneous or previously practiced sports. Results: There was a significantly higher proportion of knee pain in athletes who had previously or simultaneously played another sport (p = 0.014). The duration, intensity, or type of personal training plan developed, along with personal information such as age, gender, or BMI, had no significant influence on the pain data. We could not find any significant variance between the groups that we formed based on the differently stated one-repetition max (RMs). There were differences in athletes who stated that they did specific accessory exercises for small muscle groups. Above all, athletes performing exercises for the hamstrings and the gluteus medius indicated fewer pain symptoms for the sacro-iliac joint (SIJ)/iliac and lower back locations. Conclusions: It is important not to see CrossFit as a single type of sport. When treating a CrossFit athlete, care should be taken to address inter-individual differences. This underlines the significant differences of this study between the individual athletes with regard to the ability to master certain skills or their previous sporting experience. The mere fact of mastering certain exercises seems to lead to significantly more pain in certain regions. In addition, there seems to be a connection between the previous or simultaneous participation in other sports and the indication of pain in the knee region.
Identifying and Predicting the Credit Risk of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Sustainable Supply Chain Finance: Evidence from China
Authors: Yang Yubin , Chu Xuejian , Pang Ruiqi , Liu Feng , Yang Peifang
Published: May 2021

COVID-19 has created a strong demand for supply chain finance (SCF) for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, the rapid development of SCF leads to more complex credit risks. How to effectively discriminate and manage SMEs to reduce credit risk has become one of the most critical issues in SCF. In addition, sustainable SCF (SSCF) has received increasing attention, and credit risk management is important to achieve SSCF. Therefore, it is significant to identify the key factors influencing the credit risk of SMEs and construct a prediction model to promote SSCF. This study uses the lasso-logistic model to identify factors influencing the credit risk of SMEs and to predict the credit risk of SMEs. The empirical results show that (i) the key factors influencing SMEs’ credit risk include six variables—the matching degree of order data, ratio of contract enforcement, number of contract defaults, degree of business concentration, and number of administrative penalties; and (ii) the lasso-logistic model can identify the key factors influencing credit risk and have a better prediction performance. Moreover, transaction credit and reputation supervision significantly influence the credit risk of SMEs.
Research on Landscape Pattern Construction and Ecological Restoration of Jiuquan City Based on Ecological Security Evaluation
Authors: Wang Ziyang , Shi Peiji , Zhang Xuebin , Tong Huali , Zhang Weiping , Liu Yue
Published: May 2021

Jiuquan City is a typical ecologically fragile area in the arid areas of Northwest China, and unreasonable human activities directly affect the regional ecological security. Scientifically, it is necessary to construct an ecological landscape pattern on the basis of ecological security evaluation. This paper selected evaluation factors based on the perspective of “environmental base and human interference”, used spatial principal component analysis (SPCA) to comprehensively evaluate the regional landscape ecological security, and used the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model to construct the regional ecological security pattern. The results show that the overall ecological security level of the study area is low, and the area with a moderate safety level and below is 122,100 km2, accounting for 72.57% of the total area of the study area. The total area of the identified ecological source area is 6683 km2, the spatial distribution is extremely uneven, and it is extremely concentrated in the southern region; 32 ecological corridors with a total length of 3817.8 km are identified, of which corridor NO. 1–4 run through the Qilian Mountains, 11 oasis areas, and 14 nature reserves. The length of ecological corridors is 1376.1 km, accounting for 36.04% of the total. Forty-two ecological nodes are identified, and the central corridor area is more distributed; four ecological restoration zones are divided, including an ecological conservation zone, ecological improvement zone, ecological control zone, and ecological restoration zone, with areas of 34,380.3 km2, 61,884.4 km2, 21,134.4 km2, and 50,648.3 km2, respectively. Through the delineation of the urban ecological network pattern composed of source areas, corridors, and nodes, as well as the delineation of ecological restoration zones, the ecological security level of the study area will be effectively improved. Furthermore, a new method of ecological restoration zoning will be used, hoping to provide a useful reference for improving the quality of the ecological environment in arid areas and optimizing the spatial pattern of the land.
Introducing the Privacy Aspect to Systems Thinking Assessment Method
Authors: Hirschprung Ron S. , Kordova Sigal
Published: May 2021

Systems thinking is a valuable skill that may be required for an individual to be promoted in the business arena to managerial or leading positions. Thus, assessing systems thinking skills is an essential transaction for decision makers in the organization as a preceding step to the promotion decision. One of the well-known and validated tools for this task is a questionnaire. However, because some of the questions invade the employee or candidate’s privacy, the answer may be biased. In this paper, we consider this potential bias, a phenomenon that is becoming more and more significant as privacy concerns and awareness continuously increase in the modern digital world. We propose a formal methodology to optimize the questionnaire based on the privacy sensitivity of each question, thereby providing a more reliable assessment. We conducted an empirical study (n=142) and showed that a systems skills questionnaire can be enhanced. This research makes a significant contribution to improving the systems skills assessment process in particular, and lays the foundations for improving the evaluation of other skills or traits.
Salinity Alters Toxicity of Commonly Used Pesticides in a Model Euryhaline Fish Species (Menidia beryllina)
Authors: Hutton Sara , St. Romain Scott , Pedersen Emily , Siddiqui Samreen , Chappell Patrick , White J. , Armbrust Kevin , Brander Susanne
Published: May 2021

Changing salinity in estuaries due to sea level rise and altered rainfall patterns, as a result of climate change, has the potential to influence the interactions of aquatic pollutants as well as to alter their toxicity. From a chemical property point of view, ionic concentration can increase the octanol–water partition coefficient and thus decrease the water solubility of a compound. Biologically, organism physiology and enzyme metabolism are also altered at different salinities with implications for drug metabolism and toxic effects. This highlights the need to understand the influence of salinity on pesticide toxicity when assessing risk to estuarine and marine fishes, particularly considering that climate change is predicted to alter salinity regimes globally and many risk assessments and regulatory decisions are made using freshwater studies. Therefore, we exposed the Inland Silverside (Menidia beryllina) at an early life stage to seven commonly used pesticides at two salinities relevant to estuarine waters (5 PSU and 15 PSU). Triadimefon was the only compound to show a statistically significant increase in toxicity at the 15 PSU LC50. However, all compounds showed a decrease in LC50 values at the higher salinity, and all but one showed a decrease in the LC10 value. Many organisms rely on estuaries as nurseries and increased toxicity at higher salinities may mean that organisms in critical life stages of development are at risk of experiencing adverse, toxic effects. The differences in toxicity demonstrated here have important implications for organisms living within estuarine and marine ecosystems in the Anthropocene as climate change alters estuarine salinity regimes globally.
Increasing Antimicrobial Resistance in Surgical Wards at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda, from 2014 to 2018—Cause for Concern?
Authors: Mboowa Gerald , Aruhomukama Dickson , Sserwadda Ivan , Kitutu Freddy Eric , Davtyan Hayk , Owiti Philip , Kamau Edward Mberu , Enbiale Wendemagegn , Reid Anthony , Bulafu Douglas , Kisukye Jeffrey , Lubwama Margaret , Kajumbula Henry
Published: May 2021

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs) are major global public health challenges in our time. This study provides a broader and updated overview of AMR trends in surgical wards of Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) between 2014 and 2018. Laboratory data on the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of bacterial isolates from 428 patient samples were available. The most common samples were as follows: tracheal aspirates (36.5%), pus swabs (28.0%), and blood (20.6%). Klebsiella (21.7%), Acinetobacter (17.5%), and Staphylococcus species (12.4%) were the most common isolates. The resistance patterns for different antimicrobials were: penicillins (40–100%), cephalosporins (30–100%), β-lactamase inhibitor combinations (70–100%), carbapenems (10–100%), polymyxin E (0–7%), aminoglycosides (50–100%), sulphonamides (80–100%), fluoroquinolones (40–70%), macrolides (40–100%), lincosamides (10–45%), phenicols (40–70%), nitrofurans (0–25%), and glycopeptide (0–20%). This study demonstrated a sustained increase in resistance among the most commonly used antibiotics in Uganda over the five-year study period. It implies ongoing hospital-based monitoring and surveillance of AMR patterns are needed to inform antibiotic prescribing, and to contribute to national and global AMR profiles. It also suggests continued emphasis on infection prevention and control practices (IPC), including antibiotic stewardship. Ultimately, laboratory capacity for timely bacteriological culture and sensitivity testing will provide a rational choice of antibiotics for HAI.
Moon Mapping Project Results on Solar Wind Ion Flux and Composition
Authors: Nozzoli Francesco , Richelli Pietro
Published: May 2021

The “Moon Mapping” project is a collaboration between the Italian and Chinese Governments allowing cooperation and exchange between students from both countries. The main aim of the project is to analyze remotely-sensed data collected by the Chinese space missions Chang’E-1/2 over the Moon surface. The Italian Space Agency is responsible for the Italian side and the Center of Space Exploration, while the China Ministry of Education is responsible for the Chinese side. In this article, we summarize the results of the “Moon Mappining” project topic #1: “map of the solar wind ion” using the data collected by Chang’E-1 satellite. Chang’E-1 is a lunar orbiter, its revolution period lasts 2 h, and its orbit is polar. The satellite is equipped with two Solar Wind Ion Detectors (SWIDs) that are two perpendicular electrostatic spectrometers mapping the sky with a field of view of 15° × 6.7° × 24 ch. The spectrometers can measure solar wind flux in the range 40 eV/q–17 keV/q with an energy resolution of 8% and time resolution of ∼3 s. The data collected by the two Solar Wind Ion Detectors are analyzed to characterize the solar wind flux and composition on the Moon surface and to study the time variations due to the solar activity. The data measured by Chang’E-1 compared with the one measured in the same period by the electrostatic spectrometers onboard the ACE satellite, or with another solar activity indicator as the sunspot number, enrich the multi-messenger/multi-particle view of the Sun, gathering valuable information about the space weather outside the Earth magnetosphere.
Motion-Induced Radiation Due to an Atom in the Presence of a Graphene Plane
Authors: Fosco César D. , Lombardo Fernando C. , Mazzitelli Francisco D.
Published: May 2021

We study the motion-induced radiation due to the non-relativistic motion of an atom, coupled to the vacuum electromagnetic field by an electric dipole term, in the presence of a static graphene plate. After computing the probability of emission for an accelerated atom in empty space, we evaluate the corrections due to the presence of the plate. We show that the effect of the plate is to increase the probability of emission when the atom is near the plate and oscillates along a direction perpendicular to it. On the contrary, for parallel oscillations, there is a suppression. We also evaluate the quantum friction on an atom moving at constant velocity parallel to the plate. We show that there is a threshold for quantum friction: friction occurs only when the velocity of the atom is larger than the Fermi velocity of the electrons in graphene.
Delivery Routes for COVID-19 Vaccines
Authors: Park Jang Hyun , Lee Heung Kyu
Published: May 2021

The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, has resulted in a pandemic with millions of deaths. To eradicate SARS-CoV-2 and prevent further infections, many vaccine candidates have been developed. These vaccines include not only traditional subunit vaccines and attenuated or inactivated viral vaccines but also nucleic acid and viral vector vaccines. In contrast to the diversity in the platform technology, the delivery of vaccines is limited to intramuscular vaccination. Although intramuscular vaccination is safe and effective, mucosal vaccination could improve the local immune responses that block the spread of pathogens. However, a lack of understanding of mucosal immunity combined with the urgent need for a COVID-19 vaccine has resulted in only intramuscular vaccinations. In this review, we summarize the history of vaccines, current progress in COVID-19 vaccine technology, and the status of intranasal COVID-19 vaccines. Future research should determine the most effective route for vaccine delivery based on the platform and determine the mechanisms that underlie the efficacy of different delivery routes.
The Association between Influenza Vaccination and COVID-19 and Its Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Wang Ruitong , Liu Min , Liu Jue
Published: May 2021

Influenza could circulate in parallel with COVID-19. In the context of COVID-19, some studies observed inverse associations between influenza vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 infection and clinical outcomes, while others did not. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the association between influenza vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 infection and clinical outcomes, aiming to provide evidence for COVID-19 prevention and vaccination promotion. We searched four databases from inception to 10 March, 2021. Random effects and fixed effects models were used to pool odds ratios (ORs) and adjusted estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used funnel plots to evaluate the publication bias, I2 statistics to evaluate the heterogeneity, and conducted subgroup analyses. Sixteen observational studies involving 290,327 participants were included. Influenza vaccination was associated with a lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection (pooled adjusted OR: 0.86, 95%CI: 0.81–0.91), while not significantly associated with adverse outcomes (intensive care: adjusted OR 0.63, 95%CI: 0.22–1.81; hospitalization: adjusted OR 0.74, 95%CI: 0.51–1.06; mortality: adjusted OR 0.89, 95%CI: 0.73–1.09). Our findings suggest that influenza vaccination is associated with a lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. It is crucial for policy makers to implement strategies on influenza vaccination, for it may also have benefits for COVID-19 prevention.
The Evolving Role of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment
Authors: Leone Patrizia , Solimando Antonio Giovanni , Fasano Rossella , Argentiero Antonella , Malerba Eleonora , Buonavoglia Alessio , Lupo Luigi Giovanni , De Re Valli , Silvestris Nicola , Racanelli Vito
Published: May 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of most common cancers and the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. Commonly, HCC development occurs in a liver that is severely compromised by chronic injury or inflammation. Liver transplantation, hepatic resection, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), and targeted therapies based on tyrosine protein kinase inhibitors are the most common treatments. The latter group have been used as the primary choice for a decade. However, tumor microenvironment in HCC is strongly immunosuppressive; thus, new treatment approaches for HCC remain necessary. The great expression of immune checkpoint molecules, such as programmed death-1 (PD-1), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4), lymphocyte activating gene 3 protein (LAG-3), and mucin domain molecule 3 (TIM-3), on tumor and immune cells and the high levels of immunosuppressive cytokines induce T cell inhibition and represent one of the major mechanisms of HCC immune escape. Recently, immunotherapy based on the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), as single agents or in combination with kinase inhibitors, anti-angiogenic drugs, chemotherapeutic agents, and locoregional therapies, offers great promise in the treatment of HCC. This review summarizes the recent clinical studies, as well as ongoing and upcoming trials.
A Method for Estimating the Velocity at Which Anaerobic Metabolism Begins in Swimming Fish
Authors: He Feifei , Wang Xiaogang , Li Yun , Hou Yiqun , Zou Qiubao , Shen Dengle
Published: May 2021

Anaerobic metabolism begins before fish reach their critical swimming speed. Anaerobic metabolism affects the swimming ability of fish, which is not conducive to their upward tracking. The initiation of anaerobic metabolism therefore provides a better predictor of flow barriers than critical swimming speed. To estimate the anaerobic element of metabolism for swimming fish, the respiratory metabolism and swimming performance of adult crucian carp (Carassius auratus, mass = 260.10 ± 7.93, body length = 19.32 ± 0.24) were tested in a closed tank at 20 ± 1 °C. The swimming behavior and rate of oxygen consumption of these carp were recorded at various swimming speeds. Results indicate (1) The critical swimming speed of the crucian carp was 0.85 ± 0.032 m/s (4.40 ± 0.16 BL/s). (2) When a power function was fitted to the data, oxygen consumption, as a function of swimming speed, was determined to be AMR = 131.24 + 461.26Us1.27 (R2 = 0.948, p < 0.001) and the power value (1.27) of Us indicated high swimming efficiency. (3) Increased swimming speed led to increases in the tail beat frequency. (4) Swimming costs were calculated via rate of oxygen consumption and hydrodynamic modeling. Then, the drag coefficient of the crucian carp during swimming was calibrated (0.126–0.140), and the velocity at which anaerobic metabolism was initiated was estimated (0.52 m/s), via the new method described herein. This study adds to our understanding of the metabolic patterns of fish at different swimming speeds.
Clinical-genealogical and molecular-genetic features of spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 in the Khabarovsk Region
Authors: I Dmitriy Vitalyevich , Proskokova Tatyana Nikolaevna , Sikora Natalia Vladimirovna
Published: May 2021

The clinical picture of SCA1 in the Khabarovsk Region is characterized, along with cerebellar symptoms, by more frequent manifestations of pyramidal, extrapyramidal, cognitive, autonomic and psychiatric disorders. The age of patients was 34,1 ± 4,2 years, and the age of disease onset was 31,4 ± 2,3 years. The number of CAG-repeats in the ATXN1 gene varied from 43 to 63. The non-mutated ATXN1 gene in the Khabarovsk Region population contained 29,0 ± 0,4 CAG-repeats. The prevalence of SCA1 in the Khabarovsk Region was 1:100 000 of the population which corresponds to the world prevalence of 1–3:100 000 of the population.
Gender and age features of mental health of minor representatives of the indigenous peoples of the Amur region of the Khabarovsk Region in conditions of deprivation
Authors: Gevorkyan S. G. , Loginov I. P. , Savin Sergey Zinovievich
Published: May 2021

The article presents the results of a comprehensive study of assessing the quality of mental health of the younger generation of the Far North and Amur ethnic groups living in the Khabarovsk Region. A survey of 110 adolescents aged 10–14 years, including 67 representatives of indigenous people, was conducted; the results of the medical and social survey and the parameters of the psychological and physical components of health were studied. The obtained data indicate the presence of age and gender features of mental health of the younger generation of indigenous peoples, including the formation of social and psychophysiological functioning, under conditions of deprivation against the background of influence of intense age-related psychosomatic adjustment of the body and active socialization of the personality of adolescents.
Índice de cosecha con macro-nutrientes en grano de quinua (Chenopodium quinoa Willd)
Authors: Calvache Ulloa Marcelo , Valle Luciano
Published: May 2021

En los Valles Interandinos del Ecuador entre 2000 y 3000 m.s.n.m se tienen bajos rendimientos de quinua con alto riesgo por la variabilidad del clima y la siembra de variedades criollas con inadecuadas prácticas de manejo. La investigación determinó las cantidades de nutrientes extraídos por tres variedades de quinua (Chenopodium quinoa Willd), durante el  desarrollo del cultivo. El objetivo fue determinar las cantidades de nitrógeno, fósforo, potasio, calcio y magnesio que la planta de quinua extrae durante su ciclo de vida. Se evaluaron tres variedades de quinua,  se determinó la cantidad de materia seca, porcentaje de nutrientes en estudio y cantidad de nutriente en kg ha-1 de las muestras tomadas en hojas, tallos y panículas a los 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 y 120 días después de la siembra. Los resultados obtenidos indican que la variedad Imbaya con la dosis 150-80-40 de N, P, K mostro una mayor cantidad de materia seca acumulada en la planta total con 9870 kg ha-1 a los 120 días después de la siembra (dds). Los nutrientes más absorbidos por la  planta de quinua fueron K y N seguido de Ca, Mg y P en este orden. Los índices de cosecha (IC) obtenidos fueron: N=0,63; P=0,64; K= 0,55; Ca=0,52 y Mg=0,65. La aplicación del fertilizante en el cultivo de quinua se debe realizar en tres épocas: en la siembra, a la deshierba a los 30 días y al aporque a los 50 días de edad del cultivo.
A Multi-Population Genetic Algorithm for Adaptive Qos-Aware Service Composition in Fog-Iot Healthcare Environment
Authors: Aoudia Idir , Benharzallah Saber , Kahloul Laid , Kazar Okba
Published: May 2021

The growth of Internet of thing (IoT) implies the availability of a very large number of services which may be similar or the same, managing the Quality of Service (QoS) helps to differentiate one service from another.The service composition provides the ability to perform complex activities by combining the functionality of several services within a single process. Very few works have presented an adaptive service composition solution managing QoS attributes, moreover in the field of healthcare, which is one of the most difficult and delicate as it concerns the precious human life.In this paper, we will present an adaptive QoS-Aware Service Composition Approach (P-MPGA) based on multi-population genetic algorithm in Fog-IoT healthcare environment. To enhance Cloud-IoT architecture, we introduce a Fog-IoT 5-layared architecture. Secondly, we implement a QoS-Aware Multi-Population Genetic Algorithm (P-MPGA), we considered 12 QoS dimensions, i.e., Availability (A), Cost (C), Documentation (D), Location (L), Memory Resources (M), Precision (P), Reliability (R), Response time (Rt), Reputation (Rp), Security (S), Service Classification (Sc), Success rate (Sr), Throughput (T). Our P-MPGA algorithm implements a smart selection method which allows us to select the right service. Also, P-MPGA implements a monitoring system that monitors services to manage dynamic change of IoT environments. Experimental results show the excellent results of P-MPGA in terms of execution time, average fitness values and execution time / best fitness value ratio despite the increase in population. P-MPGA can quickly achieve a composite service satisfying user’s QoS needs, which makes it suitable for a large scale IoT environment.
Association of AKI-D with Urinary Findings and Baseline eGFR in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Patel Dipal M. , Phadke Manali , Dai Feng , Simonov Michael , Dahl Neera K. , Kodali Ravi
Published: May 2021

Key Points

We evaluated risk factors for AKI requiring dialysis (AKI-D) in a cohort of 3186 patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019.

Patients who were Latino, men, and those with lower eGFR or obesity experienced more AKI-D. Patients with AKI-D had increased odds of mortality.

After adjustment for covariates including baseline kidney function, proteinuria and hematuria were associated with increased odds of AKI-D.

Background

AKI is common in patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Risk factors for AKI requiring dialysis (AKI-D) are not fully understood. We aimed to identify risk factors associated with AKI-D and AKI not requiring dialysis (AKI-ND).

Methods

We reviewed electronic health records of 3186 patients aged ≥18 years old who were hospitalized with COVID-19 across six hospitals. Patient characteristics, urinalysis findings, and inflammatory markers were analyzed for association with in-hospital AKI status (AKI-D, AKI-ND, or no AKI), and we subsequently evaluated mortality.

Results

After adjustment for multiple covariates, higher baseline eGFR was associated with 30% lower odds of AKI-D and 11% lower odds of AKI-ND (for AKI-D, OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.64 to 0.77; for AKI-ND, OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.85 to 0.92). Patients with obesity and those who were Latino had increased odds of AKI-D, whereas patients with congestive heart failure or diabetes with complications had increased odds of AKI-ND. Females had lower odds of in-hospital AKI (for AKI-D, OR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.46; for AKI-ND, OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.70 to 0.99). After adjustment for covariates and baseline eGFR, 1–4+ protein on initial urinalysis was associated with a nine-fold increase in odds of AKI-D (OR, 9.00; 95% CI, 2.16 to 37.38) and more than two-fold higher odds of AKI-ND (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.66 to 3.13). Findings of 1–3+ blood and trace glucose on initial urinalysis were also associated with increased odds of both AKI-D and AKI-ND. AKI-D and AKI-ND were associated with in-hospital death (for AKI-D, OR, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.13 to 6.17; for AKI-ND, OR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.77 to 3.35).

Conclusions

Active urine sediments, even after adjustment for baseline kidney function, and reduced baseline eGFR are significantly associated with increased odds of AKI-D and AKI-ND. In-hospital AKI was associated with in-hospital death. These findings may help prognosticate patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
Treatment of chronic Hepatitis C with daclatasvir, sofosbuvir and simeprevir in patients from the reference hospital of infectology in central Brazil/ Tratamento da Hepatite C crônica com daclatasvir, sofosbuvir e simeprevir em pacientes do hospital de referência de infectologia do centro do Brasil
Authors: Gonçalves Bruna Menêzes , Sirqueira Symone Coelho Galvão , Aires Rodrigo Sebba , Sampaio Mara Cristina Nolasco , Barbosa Jakeline Ribeiro , Lopes Angela Ferreira , Godoi Danillo Rodrigues de Sá
Published: May 2021

The drug treatment of hepatitis C represents a great therapeutic advance in favor of the elimination of the virus. The present study assessed the efficacy of treatment regimens involving direct action antivirals (DAAs), given to patients with chronic hepatitis C, attended at a referral hospital of infectology, central Brazil. This is a descriptive and cross - sectional study, based on the electronic database of the outpatient pharmacy, that evaluated the characteristics of patients and drug regimens involving DAA, from November 2015 to June 2017. Among 717 patients enrolled in this study, most of them had advanced liver fibrosis, were treatment naïve and HCV genotype 1 infected almost 80% of participants. A high efficacy of HCV treatment was achieved with 97% (95% CI: 94.9-98.2%) of SVR among the 431 patients who presented the results of viral load tests (HCV-RNA) at 12 weeks post-treatment. Patients infected with genotype 3 and who were cirrhotic had a lower SVR rate (87%). Treatment efficacy was not associated with age or sex among participants. The results of this study corroborate the findings in literature that showed a high efficacy of DAAs in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, implemented through the clinical protocol and therapeutic guidelines for hepatitis C of the Ministry of Health in 2015. Many challenges must be overcome in order to combating viral hepatitis. In this context, the efficacy of HCV treatment it is an important issue to achieve the HCV elimination as a public health threat
POTENCIAL DO ÓXIDO DE FERRO COMO MARCADOR FECAL EM OVINOS
Authors: Ramos Priscila de Souza , Cabral Soares Bruno , Vieira Maria de Fátima Araújo , Franco Tavares Alaire , De Oliveira Ana Joyce Torres , Cardoso Andreza Araujo , Santos Arlison , Dias Henrique da Silva , Ferreira Isabela Brasil , Silva João Paulo Sousa , Nascimento Pedro Henrique , Silva Juliana Abreu , De Oliveira Rafael Aquino , Faria Leticia de Abreu
Published: May 2021

Os marcadores são ferramentas que auxiliam a obtenção de informações que aprimoram a produção animal, principalmente em nutrição. Objetivou-se avaliar doses de óxido de ferro como marcador fecal e seus efeitos na coloração das fezes de ovinos. O delineamento experimental foi em quadrado latino 4 x 4, compreendendo quatro doses de adição de óxido de ferro (Fe2O3) de 0, 5, 10 e 20% do concentrado, equivalentes a 0, 7,5, 15, 30 g animal-1, respectivamente. Foram utilizados quatro ovinos machos não castrados mantidos em gaiolas metabólicas adaptadas, alimentados com dieta com relação volumoso: concentrado de 84: 16, sendo feno de Tifton 85 triturado e o suplemento energético a base de milho moído. O período experimental teve duração de 47 dias, contabilizando 15 dias para adaptação, sendo que cada subperíodo compreendeu 7 dias mais um de descanso. Os animais receberam os tratamentos com as doses de Fe2O3 misturadas ao concentrado no primeiro dia de cada subperíodo experimental e seguia-se as coletas de fezes total diariamente diretamente da gaiola. Não foram verificados efeitos dos tratamentos no consumo voluntário de matéria seca, comportamento ingestivo e total de fezes. A coloração das fezes dos animais foi observada em todos os tratamentos a partir das 22 h e permaneceu sob diferentes intensidades até 130 h, sendo que as doses de 10 e 20% persistiram até 154 h após o fornecimento. O Fe2O3 tem potencial para uso como marcador fecal, tornando-se uma ferramenta para auxílio na experimentação animal por meio de seus efeitos na coloração das fezes sem alterar o comportamento dos animais. A dose com 10% de óxido de ferro no suplemento, apresenta maior persistência visual na pigmentação das fezes sem afetar o comportamento de consumo.
Mondrian Based Real Time Anonymization Model
Authors: CİVELEK İrem , AYDIN Muhammed Ali
Published: May 2021

The presence of private information belonging to individuals in data heaps called "Big Data" causes the privacy of the person to be endangered against disclosure attacks. To protect personal privacy in big data, it is ensured that anonymous data is created, stored, and shared in systems with anonymization methods. However, de-identified data cannot be reinstatement. The aim of this study is to create a new method that provides instant disidentification and does not disrupt the data structure in the system. In the study, the Hadoop ecosystem was used to process large data heaps. With the proposed model, it has been ensured that the requests from the user are processed in the Hadoop ecosystem with the services in the middle layer, thus obtaining anonymous data. The algorithm used for disidentification is optimized and results are compared according to algorithms in the literature. With the proposed model, it has been observed that the user is user-friendly in terms of querying and obtaining an anonymous data set. According to the analysis results, an algorithm that works with 40% efficiency compared to other algorithms in terms of processing speed was created with the disidentification algorithm used in the model.
Reviving the Spirit of Gender Equality: Fatayat Nahdlatul Ulama between Idealism and Realization
Authors: Adisti Aprilian Ria
Published: May 2021

As the Muslim women's movement Nahdlatul Ulama, Fatayat NU has dedicated itself especially to reviving the spirit of gender equality in society. This study uses a descriptive qualitative research design that portrays basic cadre training as an effort to strengthen the spirit of gender equality in Fatayat NU cadres. This research is conducted at the Budossyan Village Hall, Tengaran District, Semarang Regency, which was attended by 50 Fatayat NU cadres. The data collection instruments are observation, interview and documentation. Realizing idealism in gender equality requires hard work from all elements. Fatayat NU is actively empowering women to reach gender equality in society even though in reality they still face many challenges and obstacles. The biggest challenge faced by Fatayat NU is how to fight the patriarchal culture that still dominates women roles in society. The results shows that the implementation of this training is successful in supporting Fatayat NU cadres to be more sensitive to issues of gender inequality by encouraging themselves to take an important role in society. Finally, it is concluded that the realization of idealism in reviving the spirit of gender equality in Fatayat NU still needs to be improved and evaluated periodically so that Fatayat NU cadres can become role models as agents of change in society in achieving gender equality.
Hubungan Antara Konsumsi Ikan Asin Dengan Karsinoma Nasofaring
Authors: Julianingrum Retno
Published: May 2021

Pengantar; karsinoma nasofaring (NPC) adalah keganasan paling umum pada telinga, hidung, dan tenggorokan (THT). Tujuannya adalah untuk mengetahui hubungan antara konsumsi ikan asin dengan karsinoma nasofaring. Metode; Pencarian artikel dilakukan di PubMed® dengan kata kunci terkait dan kemudian disaring sesuai dengan kriteria inklusi dan eksklusi. Sehingga kami mendapatkan enam artikel yang relevan untuk penilaian kritis. Hasil; bahwa hubungan antara konsumsi ikan asin dan karsinoma nasofaring tidak konsisten. Kesimpulan; perbedaan dalam kejadian karsinoma nasofaring dan ikan asin yang dimakan pada populasi berbeda mungkin telah berkontribusi pada hasil yang tidak konsisten ini. Untuk menemukan bukti yang lebih baik, kami merekomendasikan penggunaan tinjauan sistematis