bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effective Demand Failures and the Limits of Monetary Stabilization Policy
Authors: Woodford Michael
Published: April 2022

The challenge for stabilization policy presented by the COVID-19 pandemic stems above all from disruption of the circular flow of payments, resulting in a failure of what Keynes (1936) calls “effective demand.” As a consequence, economic activity in many sectors can be inefficiently low, and interest-rate policy cannot eliminate the distortions—not because of a limit on the extent to which interest rates can be reduced, but because interest-rate reductions fail to stimulate demand of the right sorts. Fiscal transfers are instead well suited to addressing the fundamental problem, and can under certain circumstances achieve a first-best allocation of resources. (JEL E23, E32, E43, E52, E62, E63, H63)
A Study on the Particle Size of Sand to Prevent Penetration of Subterranean Termite (Reticulitermes speratus kyushuensis) in Wooden Buildings
Authors: Kim Si Hyun , Kim Tae Heon , Chung Yong Jae
Published: April 2022

Termites cause massive damage to wooden architectural heritage structures. Chemical treatments have been commonly used to control them. In foreign countries, physical barriers made of sheet and particles impenetrable to termite are being used as an alternative to the chemical method. To study the efficacy of physical barriers, we investigated the appropriate sand particle size that can prevent the penetration of R. speratus kyushuensis. Upon evaluating the barrier properties of sand with particle sizes ranging from 0.85 to 4.00 mm, the penetration of termites was found to be effectively blocked at a particle size range of 1.00 to 2.80 mm. At smaller particle sizes, termites managed to move the sand particles and build an almost linear mud tube to penetrate the sand layer. At larger particle sizes, the termites could penetrate the sand layer by passing through the sand gaps.
A Scientific Analysis of Decorative Metal Foil Used in Pouch for the Sutra Embroidered with a Sun and Moon Design Designated as National Folklore Cultural Heritage
Authors: Pak Seonghee , Park Serin , Seo Jeong Hun , Park Jongseo , Lee Ryangmi
Published: April 2022

Through scientific analysis, this study identified the material characteristics of metal foil decorating the border line and knotting of the National Folklore Cultural Heritage ‘Pouch for the Sutra Embroidered with a Sun and Moon Design’. Through Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy results, it was estimated that silver (Ag) and sulfur (S) were present in the metal foil, and silver leaf was also attached to the medium. S may discolor Ag from yellow to black depending on its concsentration and contact time. Yellow color could not be identified in metal foil at present. But there existed an example of the preparation of a gold-colored flat silver thread; therefore, further research is needed to estimate the original color. The lamella was reddish brown on the back. Aluminum, silicon, and iron were also detected and were the main components found in red soil. This is believed to be the red adhesive in traditional flat gold thread and is considered to be an adhesive-related component of the metal foil. From the gas chromatography mass spectrometry results, the adhesive component was confirmed to be animal glue.
Reversibilidade de bens nas concessões de telecomunicações: o caminho em direção à segurança jurídica
Authors: Adami Mateus Piva , Pereira Neto Caio Mario da Silva
Published: April 2022

O artigo discute a evolução do tratamento dado ao instituto da reversão de bens nos contratos de concessão do serviço telefônico fixo comutado (STFC), considerando a existência de bens que servem de suporte para a exploração de outros serviços de telecomunicações. Considerando as particularidades setoriais e as previsões legais, regulamentares e contratuais aplicáveis, o artigo aponta que a reversão dos bens de uso compartilhado entre serviços não deve ser realizada a partir da transferência de propriedade em favor da União ou de novo concessionário. O artigo sustenta, ainda, que o conceito de reversão da posse utilizado pela legislação abre espaço para a adoção de mecanismos contratuais voltados a assegurar a continuidade dos serviços.
Aportes para uma história da regulação jurídica da água no Brasil a partir do Código de Águas de 1934
Authors: Nunes Diego
Published: April 2022

O trabalho contribui para a construção de bases para o estudo histórico-jurídico sobre a regulação do uso da água no Brasil, com especial atenção para o Código de Águas de 1934. O problema reside em verificar quais as estratégias para a regulação de um regime jurídico para o uso das águas no Brasil ao longo do século XX, porque até então há pouquíssimos trabalhos neste sentido, que não possuem análise aprofundada das fontes. Para tanto, recolhe a historiografia dispersa sobre o tema, dividida entre estudiosos de áreas afins como geografia e hidrologia, bem como a produção da história política e social sobre o tema e histórico-jurídica sobre temas correlatos, além de sistematizar as fontes legislativas ao entorno do Código de Águas, como decretos e trabalhos legislativos preliminares. Como resultado, obtém-se uma sistematização dos estudos e uma canalização para os elementos jurídicos, levando em consideração a permanência em vigor da codificação diante de um cenário de regulação muito diverso.
Entry-to-practice competency expectations for health justice in Canadian physiotherapy curricula: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Aranas Kimberly , Al-Habyan Lina , Akhtar Narmeen , Ng Isabel , Noor Haleema , Poirier Mae , Dhir Jasdeep , Wojkowski Sarah
Published: April 2022

Background: In Canada, physiotherapists are expected to possess and demonstrate several essential competencies upon entry-to-practice. Over the past decade, knowledge and skills relating to health justice have become increasingly important for healthcare professionals. However, health justice is still an emerging topic among Canadian physiotherapy programs and current curricula may be lacking explicit content to develop knowledge, skills and behaviours related to health justice which can be used to prepare students for entry-to-practice. This paper outlines a protocol for a planned scoping review. The purpose of this scoping review will be to examine existing Canadian entry-level competencies for physiotherapy related to health justice.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search will be completed on four databases: OVID MEDLINE, OVID Emcare, OVID Embase, and EBSCOhost CINAHL. This scoping review will include both quantitative and qualitative methodological study designs. A grey literature search will involve advanced Google searches for sources from Canada, the United States of America, Australia, and New Zealand. Two authors will independently screen titles and abstracts to select articles for full text review. Data extraction for each selected paper will be completed independently by two authors using the proposed data extraction form. The extracted data will be presented through tables and a narrative summary that aligns with the objectives and scope of this review.

Conclusion: The data collected from this proposed review will identify existing competencies and gaps related to health justice in current entry-level physiotherapy curricula. This information will assist academic programs in understanding how to integrate and identify competencies and frameworks related to health justice into Canadian physiotherapy programs to ensure students are better prepared to provide culturally competent and inclusive care and promote health justice in practice.
30 Years of East-West Migration in Germany: A Synthesis of the Literature and Potential Directions for Future Research
Authors: Rosenbaum-Feldbrügge Matthias , Stawarz Nico , Sander Nikola
Published: April 2022

The reunification of the socialist German Democratic Republic and the capitalist Federal Republic of Germany presents a unique setting for studying the impact of socio-economic and political change on migration. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the interdisciplinary literature on migration between East and West Germany since reunification, conducted in disciplines such as economics, demography, sociology, and human geography. We synthesise the literature with regard to data-related challenges as well as individual and contextual determinants of migration. We clarify some misinterpretations and discrepancies in previous studies, identify research gaps, and suggest directions for future research. Our review demonstrates that East-West migration mainly occurred in line with what could have been expected based on migration theory with regard to migrants’ sex, age, education, labour market position, and social networks. West-East migration, in contrast, was strongly affected by return migrants who often stated non-occupational motives for moving. On the contextual level, differences in wages are better able to explain East-West migration over time than differences in unemployment rates. West-East migration, however, cannot be explained well with such macroeconomic models. This paper contributes a point of reference for future research on this topic, as well as on internal migration and socio-economic disparities in general.
HEAT TRANSFER OF CANDU FUEL BUNDLES AFTER A LOSS OF COOLANT ACCIDENT IN AN IRRADIATED FUEL BAY
Authors: Logtenberg Derek , Chan Paul , Corcoran Emily
Published: April 2022

Discharged CANDU fuel is stored under water in irradiated fuel bays (IFBs) to remove their decay heat. If the fuel is exposed to air, a self-sustaining reaction could result when the Zircaloy-4 sheathing reaches temperatures sufficient for a breakaway oxidation. To predict when the transition occurs, a 2-D fuel bundle cross-section model in air was developed using the COMSOL Multiphysics®platform. Breakaway was predicted to occur at its earliest within 2.6 hours for a range of recently discharged bundle powers. It was concluded due to the time required for heat up and cracking of the oxide layer, sufficient margin exists for operators to intervene before a passively cooled, isolated bundle undergoes breakaway. To examine the effect of multiple bundles, a 3-D model based on a quarter of a stand-alone spent fuel rack was developed to calculate the steady-state temperature and mass fluxes of air. The model provided a lower bound for the ambient temperatures because the flow resistance of the bundle was not considered. The correct incorporation of flow resistance is a necessary step before conclusions could be made about the safety of IFBs. However, the analysis using a Computational Fluid Dynamics model for a 0.5 MW fuel rack, indicated that the maximum temperature of the air within the rack was 642 K and located at the centre of the outlet. This result is encouraging to support the safety of IFBs, as the temperature is well below the 873 K, which is approximately the minimum required for a breakaway reaction.
Diagnóstico sociobioeconómico del chapulín de Oaxaca, Sphenarium purpurascens Charpentier, 1842 (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae), en México
Authors: Ramos-Elorduy Julieta
Published: April 2022

Con el objeto de obtener un diagnóstico sobre la situación actual por un recurso natural renovable representado en el chapulín Sphenarium purpurascens Ch. (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae) en el estado de Oaxaca, se investigaron varias facetas de éste insecto. Ellas fueron: cual era su proveniencia; formas de captura y/o obtención en diferentes mercados; la manera de prepararlos para su consumo y/o venta en diferentes poblaciones aledañas; su comercialización a nivel de puesto o ambulantaje en los mercados de Zaachila, Etla, Zimatlán, Ocotlán, San Antonino, 4 Centenario y en la Central de Abastos de la ciudad de Oaxaca; el costo benefico que brinda a los vendedores. También se analizó a través del muestreo de los especímenes comprados el porcentaje de hembras que habían ovipositado, para investigar el impacto de la captura de estos acrididos en sus poblaciones, descartando el hecho de que su captura indiscriminada, provocara que sus poblaciones pudieren reducirse, pero este osciló de 14 % a 51 % y se considera es suficiente para restablecer las mismas. Se señala igualmente el papel que cada género en la familia de los colectores y vendedores efectúa en las diferentes edades en esta actividad. Se sugieren como algunas causas de la disminución de las poblaciones de chapulines, entre las que destacan, la aspersión de insecticidas y la elevada migración masculina que ha habido, y se discuten posibles medidas para salvaguardar los chapulines como un recurso alimenticio sostenible.
Reconfigurable photon localization by coherent drive and dissipation in photonic lattices
Authors: Jamadi O. , Real B. , Sawicki K. , Hainaut C. , González-Tudela A. , Pernet N. , Sagnes I. , Morassi M. , Lemaître A. , Le Gratiet L. , Harouri A. , Ravets S. , Bloch J. , Amo A.
Published: April 2022

The engineering of localized modes in photonic structures is one of the main targets of modern photonics. An efficient strategy to design these modes is to use the interplay of constructive and destructive interference in periodic photonic lattices. This mechanism is at the origin of the defect modes in photonic bandgaps, bound states in the continuum, and compact localized states in flat bands. Here, we show that in lattices of lossy resonators, the addition of external optical drives with a controlled phase enlarges the possibilities of manipulating interference effects and allows for the design of novel types of localized modes. Using a honeycomb lattice of coupled micropillars resonantly driven with several laser spots at energies within its photonic bands, we demonstrate the localization of light in at-will geometries down to a single site. These localized modes are fully reconfigurable and have the potentiality of enhancing nonlinear effects and of controlling light–matter interactions with single site resolution.
IT-Führungsrollen des Top-Management-Teams im öffentlichen Sektor
Authors: Paech Andreas , Vogel Dominik
Published: April 2022

Mittlerweile gibt es auch in Organisationen des öffentlichen Sektors häufig mehrere IT-Führungsrollen im Top-Management-Team (TMT). Wir wissen bisher aber sehr wenig darüber, wie diese IT-Führungsrollen ausgestaltet sind und wie sie sich voneinander abgrenzen lassen. Dieser Artikel nutzt Job Mining von Stellenausschreibungen im öffentlichen Sektor, um mittels einer qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse Kompetenzen, Verantwortungen und Aufgaben der IT-Führungsrollen zu identifizieren und Handlungsempfehlungen zu formulieren. Während zu den geforderten Kompetenzen von IT-Führungsrollen u. a. ein abgeschlossenes Hochschulstudium, Sprachkenntnisse sowie fach- und verwaltungsbezogene Kenntnisse zählen, zeigen die Verantwortungen verschiedene Ausprägungen. Die Aufgaben sind rollenspezifisch formuliert, zeigen jedoch eine Reihe von Überschneidungen zwischen den IT-Führungsrollen. Diese Überschneidungen legen eine CTO–CDO-Dyade mit übergeordneter CIO-Rolle nahe. Die praktisch ausgerichteten Handlungsempfehlungen umfassen u. a. eine höhere Gewichtung von Englisch- und Digital-Kenntnissen sowie lebenslangem Lernen.
Finding a chink in the armor: Update, limitations, and challenges toward successful antivirals against flaviviruses
Authors: Komarasamy Thamil Vaani , Adnan Nur Amelia Azreen , James William , Balasubramaniam Vinod RMT
Published: April 2022

Flaviviruses have caused large epidemics and ongoing outbreaks for centuries. They are now distributed in every continent infecting up to millions of people annually and may emerge to cause future epidemics. Some of the viruses from this group cause severe illnesses ranging from hemorrhagic to neurological manifestations. Despite decades of research, there are currently no approved antiviral drugs against flaviviruses, urging for new strategies and antiviral targets. In recent years, integrated omics data-based drug repurposing paired with novel drug validation methodologies and appropriate animal models has substantially aided in the discovery of new antiviral medicines. Here, we aim to review the latest progress in the development of both new and repurposed (i) direct-acting antivirals; (ii) host-targeting antivirals; and (iii) multitarget antivirals against flaviviruses, which have been evaluated both in vitro and in vivo, with an emphasis on their targets and mechanisms. The search yielded 37 compounds that have been evaluated for their efficacy against flaviviruses in animal models; 20 of them are repurposed drugs, and the majority of them exhibit broad-spectrum antiviral activity. The review also highlighted the major limitations and challenges faced in the current in vitro and in vivo evaluations that hamper the development of successful antiviral drugs for flaviviruses. We provided an analysis of what can be learned from some of the approved antiviral drugs as well as drugs that failed clinical trials. Potent in vitro and in vivo antiviral efficacy alone does not warrant successful antiviral drugs; current gaps in studies need to be addressed to improve efficacy and safety in clinical trials.
Bidirectional rotating flow of nanofluid over a variable thickened stretching sheet with non-Fourier’s heat flux and non-Fick’s mass flux theory
Authors: Mabood Fazle , Imtiaz Maria , Rafiq Maimona , El-Zahar Essam Roshdy , Sidi Maawiya Ould , Khan Muhammad Ijaz
Published: April 2022

The flow of nanofluid over a variable thickened stretching sheet is studied in this article. Non-Fourier’s heat flux and non-Fick’s mass flux are incorporated for heat and mass flow analysis. Silver (Ag) and Copper (Cu) are considered nanoparticles with water as base fluid. The resulting equations are transformed into the dimensionless form using similarity transformation and solved by RK-4 with the shooting method. The impact of the governing parameters on the dimensionless velocity, temperature, concentration, skin friction coefficient, streamlines, and finally isotherms are incorporated. It is observed that increment in power-law index parameter uplifts the fluid flow, heat, and mass transfer. The increase in the magnitude of skin friction coefficient in (x-direction) with wall thickness parameter is high for nanofluid containing silver nanoparticles as compared to copper nanoparticles.
Factors associated with psychological symptoms in hospital workers of a French hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic: Lessons from the first wave
Authors: d’Ussel M. , Fels A. , Durand X. , Lemogne C. , Chatellier G. , Castreau N. , Adam F.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has put hospital workers around the world in an unprecedented and difficult situation, possibly leading to emotional difficulties and mental health problems. We aimed to analyze psychological symptoms of the hospital employees of the Paris Saint-Joseph Hospital Group a few months after the 1st wave of the pandemic.

Participants and methods

From July 15 to October 1, 2020, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among hospital workers in the two locations of our hospital group using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist (PCL) to measure anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms. Factors independently associated with these symptoms were identified.

Results

In total, 780 participants (47% caregivers, 18% health administrative workers, 16% physicians, and 19% other professionals) completed the survey. Significant symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD were reported by 41%, 21%, and 14% of the participants, respectively. Hierarchical regression analysis showed a higher risk of having psychological symptoms among those (1) who were infected by SARS-CoV-2 or had colleagues or relatives infected by the virus, (2) who retrospectively reported to have had an anxious experience during the first wave, and (3) with a previous history of burnout or depression. In contrast, job satisfaction appeared to be a protective factor. Overall, hospital workers showed the statistically same levels of anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms, regardless of their profession and whether they had worked in units with COVID-19 patients or not.

Conclusions

Our cross-sectional survey of 780 hospital workers shows that after the first wave, hospital employees had a significant burden of mental health symptoms. Specific preventive measures to promote mental well-being among hospital workers exposed to COVID-19 need to be implemented, first among particularly vulnerable staff, and then, for all hospital staff for whom anxiety is detected early, and not only those who were directly exposed to infected patients.
Impact of a surgical ward breakfast buffet on nutritional intake in postoperative patients: A prospective cohort pilot study
Authors: Musters Selma C. W. , van Noort Harm H. J. , Bakker Chris A. , Degenhart Isabel , van Dieren Susan , Geelen Sven J. , van der Lee Michèle , Smith Reggie , Maaskant Jolanda M. , Bemelman Willem A. , Nieveen van Dijkum Els J. M. , Besselink Marc G. , Eskes Anne M. ,   on behalf of the Amsterdam UMC Peri-operative Surgical Care Group
Published: April 2022

Background

An early return to normal intake and early mobilization enhances postoperative recovery. However, one out of six surgical patients is undernourished during hospitalization and approximately half of the patients eat 50% or less of the food provided to them. We assessed the use of newly introduced breakfast buffets in two wards for gastrointestinal and oncological surgery and determined the impact on postoperative protein and energy intake.

Methods

A prospective pilot cohort study was conducted to assess the impact of the introduction of breakfast buffets in two surgical wards. Adult patients had the opportunity to choose between an attractive breakfast buffet and regular bedside breakfast service. Primary outcomes were protein and energy intake during breakfast. We asked patients to report the type of breakfast service and breakfast intake in a diary over a seven-day period. Prognostic factors were used during multivariable regression analysis.

Results

A total of 77 patients were included. The median percentage of buffet use per patient during the seven-day study period was 50% (IQR 0–83). Mean protein intake was 14.7 g (SD 8.4) and mean energy intake 332.3 kcal (SD 156.9). Predictors for higher protein intake included the use of the breakfast buffet (β = 0.06, p = 0.01) and patient weight (β = 0.13, p = 0.01). Both use of the breakfast buffet (β = 1.00, p = 0.02) and Delirium Observation Scale scores (β = -246.29, p = 0.02) were related to higher energy intake.

Conclusion

Introduction of a breakfast buffet on a surgical ward was associated with higher protein and energy intake and it could be a promising approach to optimizing such intake in surgical patients. Large, prospective and preferably randomized studies should confirm these findings.
Thrombocytosis and abnormal liver enzymes: A trigger for investigation of underlying malignancy
Authors: Gold Lucy C. , Macpherson Iain , Nobes Jennifer H. , Dow Eleanor , Furrie Elizabeth , Jamieson Scott , Dillon John F.
Published: April 2022

Background

Thrombocytosis is often an incidental finding in primary care with a range of causes. Despite evidence of a strong association between thrombocytosis and malignancy, guidelines for investigating thrombocytosis in the absence of red flag symptoms remain unclear. A novel automated system of laboratory analysis, intelligent Liver Function Testing (iLFT), launched in Tayside in 2018 and has identified a patient group with thrombocytosis and abnormal liver test (LFT) results. This study analysed the outcome of these patients and investigated the use of thrombocytosis combined with LFTs in predicting risk of cancer.

Methods and findings

Between August 2018 and August 2020, 6792 patients underwent iLFT, with 246 found to have both thrombocytosis and at least one abnormal LFT. A random case-matched control group of 492 iLFT patients with normal platelet count and at least one abnormal LFT was created. 7.7% (95% CI 4.7–11.8%) of patients with thrombocytosis had cancer compared to 2.0% (1.0–3.7%) of controls. Patients <40 years or with pre-existing causes of thrombocytosis were then excluded. Subsequent analysis revealed a 10.8% (6.6–16.3%) incidence of cancer in thrombocytosis patients (n = 176) compared to 2.5% (1.2–4.6%, p = 0.00014) in patients with normal platelet count (PLT) (n = 398). When thrombocytosis is combined with elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP), there is a positive predictive value (PPV) of 20% for cancer. These rules were subsequently applied to a validation cohort of 71,652 patients, of whom 458 had thrombocytosis and elevated ALP. There was a 30.6% cancer incidence, confirming the strong predictive value of the combined test of PLT and ALP.

Conclusions

These findings suggest a substantial increased risk of cancer in patients with thrombocytosis and raised ALP. This could be developed as an adjunct to current investigation algorithms, highlighting high-risk patients and prompting further investigation (such as computed tomography scans) where indicated.
Efficacy of liquid biopsy for disease monitoring and early prediction of tumor progression in EGFR mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Ho Hsiang-Ling , Jiang Yuqiu , Chiang Chi-Lu , Karwowska Sylwia , Yerram Ranga , Sharma Keerti , Scudder Sidney , Chiu Chao-Hua , Tsai Chun-Ming , Palma John F. , Sharma Abha , Chou Teh-Ying
Published: April 2022

15–40% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harbor epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-sensitizing mutations. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) provide significant clinical benefit in this population, yet all patients will ultimately progress. Liquid biopsy can reliably identify somatic tumor-associated EGFR mutations in plasma. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and value of the quantitative assessment of EGFR driver mutations in plasma in EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients treated with EGFR-TKIs as a tool to evaluate therapeutic response to TKIs and monitor for disease progression. The study included 136 patients with tissue biopsy-confirmed EGFR-sensitizing, mutation-positive lung adenocarcinoma with plasma collected prior to TKI treatment and at least two post-initiation TKI treatment/follow-up blood samples. Plasma samples were tested with the cobas® EGFR Mutation Test v2 (cobas EGFR Test), and semi-quantitative index (SQI) values for each identified mutation were reported by the assay software. The most common baseline EGFR mutations detected in tissue were L858R (53.7%) and exon 19 deletion (39.7%). Plasma cell-free DNA analysis detected EGFR mutations in 74% of the baseline samples. Objective response rate by RECIST 1.1 was achieved in 72% of patients, while 93% had a molecular response (defined as disappearance of the EGFR mutation from plasma). 83% of patients had molecular progression (MP; 1.5X SQI increase or new T790M mutation), and 82% who had a clinical response had clinical progression. On average, MP occurred 42 days prior to clinical progression. Patients who progressed while on first-line TKI showed MP of the original EGFR-sensitizing mutations prior to the emergence of a T790M mutation, which was detected in 27% of the EGFR plasma-positive patients. Longitudinal monitoring of EGFR mutational load in plasma is feasible and can predict both response and clinical progression in EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients treated with EGFR-TKIs, as well as detect treatment-emergent EGFR mutations.
Nucleic acid testing identifies high prevalence of blood borne viruses among approved blood donors in Mozambique
Authors: Mabunda Nédio , Augusto Orvalho , Zicai Ana Flora , Duajá Ana , Oficiano Sandra , Ismael Nalia , Vubil Adolfo , Mussá Tufária , Moraes Milton , Jani Ilesh
Published: April 2022

Background

Although blood transfusion is an intervention that saves lives, it poses significant risks to the blood receivers, including the transmission of bloodborne pathogens. We aimed at determining the prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in candidates approved for blood donation, and in samples considered to be negative in reference blood banks in Mozambique.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed between November 2014 and October 2015 in Maputo and Beira cities. Demographic information was obtained from all consenting blood donors using a structured questionnaire. Plasma samples were screened for HIVAb/Ag combinations, HBsAg and Anti-HCV. Blood donors considered to be negative by serological testing were re-tested in pools of six plasma samples using nucleic acid testing (NAT).

Results

Most blood donors were male 2,320 (83.4%) with an age range of 18 to 34 years. The overall seroprevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV infections among blood donors approved for donation was 4.6% (127; 95% CI 3.8–5.4), 4.5% (124; 95% CI 3.7–5.3) and 0.4% (11; 95% CI 0.2–0.7), respectively. The overall frequency by NAT of HIV RNA, HBV DNA, and HCV RNA in serologically negative blood donor samples was 2.6 per 1000 blood donors (7; 95% CI 1.1–5.4); 12.5 per 1000 blood donors (33; 95% CI 8.6–17.5) and 2.6 per 1000 blood donors (6; 95% CI 1.0–5.7), respectively.

Conclusion

Our results show high seroprevalence of HIV and HBV infections in blood donors approved for donation, and high frequency of molecular biomarkers of HIV, HBV, and HCV in blood considered to be safe. These results suggest the need for a new blood screening policy in Mozambique, including the use of NAT to detect infectious blood donations during the immunologically negative window.
Effects of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy resumption in patients with malignant tumors after moderate-to-severe immune-related adverse events
Authors: Kawahira Machiko , Kanmura Shuji , Mizuno Keiko , Machida Kentaro , Ohtsuka Takao , Sato Masami , Enokida Hideki , Yamashita Masaru , Kanekura Takuro , Arima Shiho , Nakamura Norifumi , Sugiura Tsuyoshi , Yoshimoto Koji , Kobayashi Hiroaki , Ishitsuka Kenji , Suzuki Shinsuke , Ueno Shinichi , Ido Akio
Published: April 2022

Background and aims

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are used to treat several cancers, but they sometimes induce immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Patients with irAEs often have improved antitumor responses, but discontinuation of ICIs after irAEs is considered necessary. Resuming the use of ICIs after irAEs is preferable, but few studies have investigated the safety of ICI resumption after irAEs. Therefore, we evaluated the factors associated with the recurrence of irAEs after ICI resumption to investigate the safety of this approach.

Methods

In this observational study, we enrolled patients treated with ICIs from September 2014 to March 2020 at our institution. Patient characteristics, ICIs, grades of irAEs, ICI discontinuation or resumption rates, and recurrence rates of irAEs after ICI therapy were analysed.

Results

Two-hundred eighty-seven patients were included in the present study, and 76 patients experienced grade 2 or higher irAEs. Forty-two patients underwent ICI resumption after recovering from irAEs, and 13 of them had a recurrence of irAEs. Among those 13 patients, six had a recurrence of the same irAE, and seven experienced other irAEs. Ten of the 13 patients had grade ≥2 irAEs, and none had fatal irAEs. In the grade 2 or higher irAE group, more patients had irAEs associated with multiple organs and of initial grade ≥2 than those in the grade 1 and no recurrent irAEs group.

Conclusions

Patients with initial multisystemic irAEs and irAEs of grade ≥2 were more likely to experience relapse or develop new grade ≥2 irAEs after ICI resumption.
Factors associated with patient experiences of the burden of using medicines and health-related quality of life: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Won Sun , Islam Md. Rafiqul , Ambepitiya Sajini , Sim William , Yiu Wai , Carey Joseph , Ogden Edward
Published: April 2022

Objective

Polypharmacy, defined as the concurrent use of multiple medications, is a growing concern globally. This study aimed to identify the significant factors that predict the perceived burden of medication and health-related quality of life.

Methods

Adults, aged 18 years and above who have used at least two regular medicines, were invited to complete the study questionnaires between June and October 2019. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to identify significant predictors for perceived burden of medication and health-related quality of life.

Results

A total of 119 participants completed this study. The average age of the participants was 63 years (SD±16 years). Factors significantly predicting perceived burden of medication were participants’ current health condition (p = 0.001), overall burden of treatment (p<0.001) and being hypertensive (p = 0.037). Similarly, participants’ current health condition (p<0.001) and overall burden of treatment (p = 0.086) were significant predictors for perceived health-related quality of life.

Conclusions

This study revealed that hypertensive participants in poor health tended to experience higher perceived burden of medication, which in turn was found to be correlated with lower perceived health-related quality of life.
Maize leaf disease identification based on WG-MARNet
Authors: Li Zongchen , Zhou Guoxiong , Hu Yaowen , Chen Aibin , Lu Chao , He Mingfang , Hu Yahui , Wang Yanfeng
Published: April 2022

In deep learning-based maize leaf disease detection, a maize disease identification method called Network based on wavelet threshold-guided bilateral filtering, multi-channel ResNet, and attenuation factor (WG-MARNet) is proposed. This method can solve the problems of noise, background interference, and low detection accuracy of maize leaf disease images. To begin, a processing layer called Wavelet threshold guided bilateral filtering (WT-GBF) based on the WG-MARNet model is employed to reduce image noise and perform high and low-frequency decomposition of the input image using WT-GBF. This increases the input image’s resistance to environmental interference and feature extraction capability. Secondly, for the multiscale feature fusion technique, an average down-sampling and tiling method is employed to increase feature representation and limit the risk of overfitting. Then, on high and low-frequency multi-channel, an attenuation factor is introduced to optimize the performance instability during training of the deep network. Finally, when the convergence and accuracy are compared, PRelu and Adabound are used instead of the Relu activation function and the Adam optimizer. The experimental results revealed that our method’s average recognition accuracy was 97.96%, and the detection time for a single image was 0.278 seconds. The average detection accuracy has been increased. The method lays the groundwork for the precise control of maize diseases in the field.
The quest for accountability of Health Facility Governing Committees implementing Direct Health Facility Financing in Tanzania: A supply-side experience
Authors: Kesale Anosisye Mwandulusya , Mahonge Christopher , Muhanga Mikidadi
Published: April 2022

User committees, such as Health Facility Governing Committees, are popular platforms for representing communities and civil society in holding service providers accountable. Fiscal decentralization via various arrangements such as Direct Health Facility Financing is thought to strengthen Health Facility Governing Committees in improving accountability in carrying out the devolved tasks and mandates. The purpose of this study was to analyze the status of accountability of Health Facility Governing Committees in Tanzania under the Direct Health Facility Financing setting as perceived by the supply side. In 32 different health institutions, a cross-sectional design was used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data at one point in time. Data was collected through a closed-ended questionnaire, an in-depth interview, and a Focus Group Discussion. Descriptive statistics, multiple logistic regression, and theme analysis were used to analyze the data. According to the findings, Health Facility Governing Committees’ accountability is 78%. Committees have a high level of accountability in terms of encouraging the community to join community health funds (91.71%), receiving medicines and medical commodities (88.57%), and providing timely health services (84.29%). The health facility governance committee’s responsibility was shown to be substantially connected with the health planning component (p = 0.0048) and the financial management aspect (p = 0.0045). This study found that the fiscal decentralization setting permits Committees to be accountable for carrying out their obligations, resulting in improved health service delivery in developing nations.
Characteristics of aldosterone-producing adenomas in patients without plasma renin activity suppression
Authors: Kubo Haremaru , Tsurutani Yuya , Inoue Kosuke , Watanabe Kazuki , Yamazaki Yuto , Sunouchi Takashi , Hoshino Yoshitomo , Hirose Rei , Katsuragawa Sho , Tannai Hiromitsu , Shibahara Yukiko , Kakuta Yukio , Matsui Seishi , Saito Jun , Omura Masao , Sasano Hironobu , Nishikawa Tetsuo
Published: April 2022

Primary aldosteronism (PA) usually accompanies suppressed plasma renin activity (PRA) through a negative feedback mechanism. While some cases of PA with unsuppressed PRA were reported, there have been no studies about the characteristics of PA with unsuppressed PRA; thus, these characteristics were examined herein. Nine patients with unsuppressed PRA and 86 patients with suppressed PRA were examined. All patients underwent segmental adrenal venous sampling (sAVS) and adrenalectomy, and were pathologically confirmed to have cytochrome P450 11B2 (CYP11B2)-positive aldosterone-producing adenoma according to international histopathology consensus criteria. Unsuppressed and suppressed PRA were defined as PRA levels of > 1.0 and ≤ 1.0 ng/mL/hr, respectively, in multiple blood samples obtained in the resting position. The unsuppressed PRA group had higher morning cortisol levels (12.6 [8.5, 13.5] vs. 8.5 [7.1, 11.0] μg/dL, P = 0.03) and higher cortisol levels after a 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST) (2.2 [1.6, 2.5] vs. 1.3 [1.0, 1.9] μ g/dL, P = 0.004) than the suppressed PRA group. The unsuppressed PRA group also showed higher aldosterone levels on the non-surgical side during sAVS (P = 0.02 before adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation, P = 0.002 after ACTH stimulation), a higher intensity of CYP17 expression in the resected adrenal gland (P = 0.02), and a lower clinical complete success rate 1 year after surgery (P = 0.04) compared with those in the suppressed PRA group. These findings suggest that PA should not be ruled out by unsuppressed PRA among patients with hypertension, particularly when their cortisol levels remain unsuppressed in the 1 mg DST. Meanwhile, it should be acknowledged that patients with unsuppressed PRA have higher aldosterone levels on the non-surgical side, and a lower likelihood of postoperative complete clinical success is to be expected.
The Absorpotion of HRST From Technology-Based Companies of Indonesia
Authors: Akbar Maulana , Hardiyati Ria
Published: April 2022

The technology-based changes the need for more efficient human resources in science and technology (HRST). This industry has two contradictory impacts where on the one hand it increases production efficiency with automation, but on the other hand, advanced technology causes dehumanization which contributes to not being fully absorbed of HRST. This paper aims to map the absorption of the technology-based industry in Indonesia through data on job vacancies from four technology-based companies in Indonesia over a period of one year. The result is that the data shows that HRST are not absorbed in areas outside the big cities in Indonesia. On the other hand, some of the needs for HRST are distributed to the global market, especially in Singapore and Bengaluru, India. a tendency to reach the demand of HRST in the global network, especially from regions that are the world's technological centers such as Bengaluru-India and Singapore
EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL E EDUCAÇÃO AMBIENTAL
Authors: Neuenfeldt Derli Juliano , Bauer Gislaine Borba
Published: April 2022

Esta pesquisa qualitativa investigou contribuições da exploração dos sentidos corporais proporcionados a crianças da Educação Infantil nas aulas de Educação Física, visando à Educação Ambiental. Ela foi realizada com uma turma de cinco crianças de uma escola privada de Educação Infantil. Foram ministradas três aulas com ênfase no contato com a natureza. As informações foram registradas em diário de campo e as mães responderam a um questionário sobre o cotidiano das crianças fora da escola. Em relação às vivências com a natureza das crianças fora da escola, evidenciou-se que há contato com o ambiente natural aos finais de semana, bem como os avós incentivam práticas no meio ambiente de maneira criativa e prazerosa. Concluiu-se que a exploração dos sentidos desenvolve o reconhecimento do ambiente em que a criança vive e ela se percebe como parte do ambiente em que está inserida.
Referências e sentidos da Educação Ambiental Crítica nos Encontros de Pesquisa em Educação Ambiental – EPEAs
Authors: Amaro Lopes Priscila , Bernardo Loureiro Carlos Frederico
Published: April 2022

O artigo apresenta resultados de uma pesquisa sobre os sentidos da crítica contidos em trabalhos de educação ambiental (EA), tendo como recorte o Encontro de Pesquisa em Educação Ambiental (EPEA). Para tanto, fez-se o levantamento dos trabalhos da EA Crítica nas suas dez edições e feita a sistematização dos autores e obras mais utilizados como referências nos anos mais significativos (2009-2019). De modo complementar, fez-se a análise qualitativa dos sentidos existentes em uma amostragem destes trabalhos. A análise apontou que a crítica se direciona ao modo como a sociedade contemporânea determina a questão ambiental e, por isso, tem por intencionalidade educativa a transformação desta, considerando suas múltiplas dimensões. Dentro dessa larga definição existem várias ênfases e modos de compreender a crise societária, criando nuances e distinções internas à perspectiva da EA crítica.
Ecoética y Educación Ambiental
Authors: Silva Edson Vicente , Burgui-Burgui Mario , Landim Neto Francisco Otávio
Published: April 2022

En el contexto actual hay que comprender la importancia que asume la ética ambiental en la aplicabilidad de la planificación y gestión ambiental, subsidiando la base necesaria a una educación ambiental direccionada a la sostenibilidad socioambiental. En el fondo de la cuestión ambiental mundial, hoy se enfoca el porqué del abandono de la ética ambiental, de la percepción y respeto para con los paisajes naturales. La visión antropocéntrica se torna plenamente dominante en la actual sociedad. En este artículo se busca discutir aspectos relativos a la proposición de una gestión participativa, explicando la ética ambiental apoyada en comportamientos y prácticas de educación ambiental dirigidos al desarrollo sostenible, pueden contribuir a tal efecto. Se considera que sólo el conocimiento científico y las inversiones financieras no son suficientes para una eficaz organización territorial, que involucre la conservación y recuperación de los paisajes naturales y culturales.
Territorio, poder e identidad: Autonomías y estado plurinacional en Bolivia
Authors: Jabardo Pereda Virginia
Published: April 2022

Este trabajo consiste en un ejercicio de reflexión teórica acerca de determinados procesos políticos y sociales que vienen sucediendo en la actualidad latinoamericana, si bien, aplicados al caso particular de la Bolivia contemporánea. En los últimos tiempos abundante literatura se ha prestado a atender la realidad de un continente envuelto en una serie de cambios vertiginosos. El denominado socialismo del siglo XXI, allí ensayado y proclamado por los gobiernos progresistas de la nueva izquierda latinoamericana, ha atraído gran expectación en todo el mundo. América Latina está siendo objeto de profundas transformaciones en todos los ámbitos y, en consecuencia, resulta de enorme interés para las ciencias sociales. El libro se estructura en cinco bloques claramente delimitados. En esta introducción se han bosquejado las principales cuestiones que aparecerán a lo largo de la investigación, presentando en términos generales la problemática de estudio y los enfoques teóricos desde los cuales será pensada, así como algunas cuestiones referidas al quehacer científico de las ciencias sociales. El bloque que sigue a esta primera parte profundiza en la tríada territorio-poder-identidad, que constituye el armazón sobre el que se construye el trabajo, con una atenta lectura a los paradigmas de estudio que han dedicado sus esfuerzos a construir un campo analítico y metodológico desde los cuales trabajar dichos conceptos. A continuación, se emplaza la narración en el surgimiento de la modernidad y en el modo en que fue y ha sido la responsable de la producción de las subjetividades protagonistas de este trabajo. El tercer bloque se focaliza en la acción colectiva desempeñada por los movimientos etnopolíticos de América Latina y, de forma particular, en Bolivia, estudio de caso de este trabajo. Para concluir se finaliza con algunas consideraciones que devienen de toda la reflexión contraída en la investigación desarrollada.
La crisis del republicanismo en la Nueva Granada: el cristianismo componente necesario para un buen gobierno
Authors: Niño de Villeros Vanessa
Published: April 2022

En el presente artículo se analiza de qué modo Manuel María Madiedo, distinguido intelectual nacido en el Caribe Colombiano, propuso la renovación de los ideales republicanos, y como su propuesta pensada en el contexto específico de la Nueva Granada, produjo una redefinición de republicanismo a la luz de la doctrina cristiana. Se sugiere que la posición que el intelectual tomó, se inscribe en una tendencia que compartió con otros intelectuales de su misma generación, pero se anota, que esta relación entre república y cristianismo en la que se amparó, posee connotaciones particulares, que lo diferencian de las posiciones republicanas católicas de sus contemporáneos. A partir de esta premisa se examina como son concebidos por el intelectual algunos conceptos claves en el lenguaje del republicano cristiano, tales como: libertad, ciudadanía soberanía social y democracia.
La doctrina respice polum("Mirar hacia el norte") en la práctica de las relaciones internacionales de Colombia durante el siglo XX
Authors: Bermúdez Torres César Augusto
Published: April 2022

Finalizada la guerra de los Mil Días Colombia empezó el siglo XX con una pérdida geoestratégica notable, ya que perdió su condición natural de zona de posible tránsito interoceánico; la separación de la provincia panameña, afectó las relaciones entre Colombia y Estados Unidos, país que estaba interesado en la construcción del canal interoceánico por Panamá. En 1914 se firmó el tratado Urrutia-Thompson, mediante el cual Estados Unidos "compensaba" a Colombia por la pérdida de Panamá. Posterior a la ratificación del Tratado, el gobierno estadounidense buscó mejorar sus relaciones con Colombia, combinando misiones económicas y diplomáticas. El primer propósito de este trabajo es analizar históricamente la doctrina respice polum ("Mirar hacia el norte"), acuñada en el período presidencial 1918-1921, valorando su repercusión en las demás relaciones internacionales de Colombia durante el siglo XX; doctrina según la cual Colombia debía orientar su política exterior hacia Estados Unidos. El propósito final es mostrar cómo esta doctrina hizo que durante gran parte del siglo XX Colombia presentara un "perfil bajo" (calificativo del teórico austriaco Gerhard Drekonja Kornat) en cuanto a la relaciones con la comunidad internacional, tendencia que sólo empezó a modificarse parcialmente a finales de los años sesentas cuando se postuló la doctrina respice similia ("Mirar a tus semejantes").