bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the impact of the Global Point Prevalence Survey of Antimicrobial Consumption and Resistance (Global-PPS) on hospital antimicrobial stewardship programmes: results of a worldwide survey
Authors: Pauwels Ines , Versporten Ann , Vermeulen Helene , Vlieghe Erika , Goossens Herman
Published: September 2021

Background

The Global Point Prevalence Survey of Antimicrobial Consumption and Resistance (Global-PPS) provides a methodology to support hospitals worldwide in collecting antimicrobial use data. We aim to evaluate the impact of the Global-PPS on local antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes and assess health care professionals’ educational needs and barriers for implementing AMS.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was disseminated within the Global-PPS network. The target audience consisted of hospital healthcare workers, involved in local surveillance of antimicrobial consumption and resistance. This included contacts from hospitals that already participated in the Global-PPS or were planning to do so. The survey contained 24 questions that addressed the hospital’s AMS activities, experiences conducting the PPS, as well as the learning needs and barriers for implementing AMS.

Results

A total of 248 hospitals from 74 countries participated in the survey, of which 192 had already conducted the PPS at least once. The survey response rate was estimated at 25%. In 96.9% of these 192 hospitals, Global-PPS participation had led to the identification of problems related to antimicrobial prescribing. In 69.3% at least one of the hospital’s AMS components was initiated as a result of Global-PPS findings. The level of AMS implementation varied across regions. Up to 43.1% of all hospitals had a formal antimicrobial stewardship strategy, ranging from 10.8% in Africa to 60.9% in Northern America. Learning needs of hospitals in high-income countries and in low-and middle-income countries were largely similar and included general topics (e.g. ‘optimising antibiotic treatment’), but also PPS-related topics (e.g. ‘translating PPS results into meaningful interventions’). The main barriers to implementing AMS programmes were a lack of time (52.7%), knowledge on good prescribing practices (42.0%), and dedicated funding (39.9%). Hospitals in LMIC more often reported unavailability of prescribing guidelines, insufficient laboratory capacity and suboptimal use of the available laboratory services.

Conclusions

Although we observed substantial variation in the level of AMS implementation across regions, the Global-PPS has been very useful in informing stewardship activities in many participating hospitals. More is still to be gained in guiding hospitals to integrate the PPS throughout AMS activities, building on existing structures and processes.
A case of spinal nerve neurotoxicity with ropivacaine after combined spinal and epidural anesthesia
Authors: Shimauchi Tsukasa , Yoshino Jun , Fujimura Naoyuki
Published: September 2021

Background

Neurotoxicity caused by a local anesthetic after regional anesthesia is a rare but serious problem for anesthesiologists. It is difficult to diagnose neurotoxicity from anesthetics because of the large number of possible diagnoses. In this case report, careful monitoring by neurological examinations helped to diagnose local neurotoxicity caused after epidural anesthesia.

Case description

A 41-year-old pregnant woman who underwent emergency cesarean delivery under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia suffered left leg paralysis after surgery. Multiple neurological examinations (e.g., electromyography, nerve conduction study) revealed that the paralysis was induced by the neurotoxicity of ropivacaine. The neurological examinations were also useful to monitor the recovery process.

Conclusions

This is the first clinical case report that describes the diagnosis of and recovery from local anesthesia-induced neurotoxicity monitored by electromyography and nerve conduction study. Neurological disorders caused by regional anesthetics should be carefully examined and diagnosed using these neurological examinations.
Risk-Reducing Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy for Ovarian Cancer: A Review and Clinical Guide for Hereditary Predisposition Genes
Authors: Liu Ying L. , Breen Kelsey , Catchings Amanda , Ranganathan Megha , Latham Alicia , Goldfrank Deborah J. , Grisham Rachel N. , Long Roche Kara , Frey Melissa K. , Chi Dennis S. , Abu-Rustum Nadeem , Aghajanian Carol , Offit Kenneth , Stadler Zsofia K.
Published: September 2021

Pathogenic germline variants underlie up to 20% of ovarian cancer (OC) and are associated with varying degrees of risk for OC. For mutations in high-penetrance genes such as BRCA1/ 2, the role of risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) in cancer prevention is well-established and improves mortality. However, in moderate-penetrance genes where the degree of risk for OC is less precisely defined, the role of RRSO is more controversial. Although national guidelines have evolved to incorporate gene-specific recommendations, studies demonstrate significant variations in practice. Given this, our multidisciplinary group has reviewed the available literature on risk estimates for genes associated with OC, incorporated levels of evidence, and set thresholds for consideration of RRSO. We found that the benefit of RRSO is well-established for pathogenic variants in BRCA1/2 as well as BRIP1 and RAD51C/ D where the risk of OC is elevated beyond our threshold for RRSO. In PALB2, RRSO is particularly controversial as newer studies consistently demonstrate an increased risk of OC that is dependent on family history, making uniform recommendations challenging. Additionally, new guidelines for Lynch syndrome provide gene-specific risks, questioning the role of RRSO, and even hysterectomy, for MSH6 and PMS2 mutation carriers. Given these uncertainties, shared decision making should be used around RRSO with discussion of individual risk factors, family history, and adverse effects of surgery and premature menopause. Herein, we provide a clinical guide and counseling points.
Synthesis of Syndiotactic-polystyrene Based Porous Polymers by Polymerization-Crystallization Induced Phase Separation in Poor Solvent
Authors: Naga Naofumi , Noguchi Keiichi , Kouya Tomoaki , Nishii Kei
Published: September 2021

Syndiotactic-polystyrene based porous polymers were obtained by polymerizations of styrene (St), 4-methyl styrene (MSt), or 4-tert-butyl styrene (BSt) and copolymerization of St/MeSt, St/BuSt, or St/divinylbenzene (DVB) using a half metallocene catalyst, pentamethyl cyclopentadienyl titanium trichloride (Cp*TiCl3), combined with methylaluminoxane (MAO) as a co-catalyst in a mixture of toluene and hexane (50/50 vol./vol.). The reaction systems turned opaque with progress of the polymerizations accompanied by phase separation. Bulk densities of the resultant polymers were much less than that of the bulk polystyrene. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the polymers showed a porous structure formed by networked fibers.
Enhancement of pyocyanin production by subinhibitory concentration of royal jelly in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Amly Dina Auliya , Hajardhini Puspita , Jonarta Alma Linggar , Yulianto Heribertus Dedy Kusuma , Susilowati Heni
Published: September 2021

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterium, produces pyocyanin, a virulence factor associated with antibiotic tolerance. High concentrations of royal jelly have an antibacterial effect, which may potentially overcome antibacterial resistance. However, in some cases, antibiotic tolerance can occur due to prolonged stress of low-dose antibacterial agents. This study aimed to investigate the effect of subinhibitory concentrations of royal jelly on bacterial growth, pyocyanin production, and biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa.

Methods: Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145 and clinical isolates were cultured in a royal jelly-containing medium to test the antibacterial activity. Pyocyanin production was observed by measuring the absorbance at 690 nm after 36 h culture and determined using extinction coefficient 4310 M-1 cm-1. Static microtiter plate biofilm assay performed to detect the biofilm formation, followed by scanning electron microscopy.

Results: Royal jelly effectively inhibited the viability of both strains from a concentration of 25%. The highest production of pyocyanin was observed in the subinhibitory concentration group 6.25%, which gradually decreased along with the decrease of royal jelly concentration. Results of one-way ANOVA tests differed significantly in pyocyanin production of the two strains between the royal jelly groups. Tukey HSD test showed concentrations of 12.5%, 6.25%, and 3.125% significantly increased pyocyanin production of ATCC 10145, and the concentrations of 12.5% and 6.25% significantly increased production of the clinical isolates. Concentrations of 12.5% and 6.125% significantly induced biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa ATCC 10145, in line with the results of the SEM analysis.

Conclusions: The royal jelly concentration of 25% or higher inhibits bacterial growth; however, the subinhibitory concentration increases pyocyanin production and biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa. It is advisable to determine the appropriate concentration of royal jelly to obtain beneficial virulence inhibiting activity.
Professional culture of a teacher as a condition for organizing of effective pedagogical interaction
Authors: Kopovaya Oksana , Erofeeva Mariya , Shanin Sergey
Published: September 2021

The article is devoted to the consideration of various aspects of the formation and development of the professional culture of teachers.

The first part of the publication reveals the concepts of "pedagogical culture", "professional culture of a teacher", "professional pedagogical culture", highlights the axiological, technological and personal and creative components of culture, which are structural components of professional and pedagogical culture. The authors give a step-by-step description of the process of forming a professional pedagogical culture. It is noted that pedagogical culture is an integral component of a pedagogical worker; describes a model of a modern teacher who has the necessary level of professional culture for the implementation of pedagogical activity, consisting of value, activity and personal components.

The characteristics of the main components of pedagogical culture made it possible to present the process of formation of pedagogical culture as a gradual change of the following levels: adaptation, reproduction and creative search.

On the basis of the essential, functional and structural analysis of the teacher's professional culture, the second part of the publication presents the results of an empirical study of the group of authors on the research topic, identifies the levels of the formed teacher's pedagogical culture. The study was conducted from 2017 to 2019 on the basis of three regional institutes for the development of additional professional education in the Volga Federal District; the sample consisted of 370 people.

Based on the results of the research work, a program for the development of pedagogical culture was developed. The content of the program is determined by the diagnostic block represented by diagnostic techniques; a developmental block aimed at the formation of the value and activity components of the teacher's pedagogical culture and consisting of activities that stimulate the professional activity of teachers and improve pedagogical skills and a correctional block aimed at designing and implementing a system of measures to analyze and correct real or potential problems of teachers in the personal sphere.
Biographical method for analyzing the results of the application of the technological model of accompanying adolescents registered in juvenile affairs departments
Authors: Chechikova Irina
Published: September 2021

In the introduction, the problem of the competence of the inspector for juvenile affairs when conducting preventive measures with registered adolescents is updated. One of the options for organizing effective preventive measures based on the Technological model of pedagogical support for registered adolescents is proposed. The article describes an unconventional method used by the PD inspector in working with a teenager, the method of prevention "express smartphone control". The purpose of this article is to describe examples of the implementation of a Technological model of pedagogical support for adolescents registered in juvenile affairs departments, which led to a successful change in value attitudes in their worldview. The consequence of the change was the moral choice when the teenager realized himself in society five, ten, fifteen years after the preventive work carried out according to the developed model. In the main part of the article, through the biographical method of research, specific examples are presented that were the result of the use of a Technological model of accompanying adolescents who are registered in juvenile affairs departments. The conclusion of the article contains a generalizing conclusion based on the results of the application of the Technological Model of pedagogical support for adolescents registered in juvenile affairs departments.
Psychological support as a pivotal component of the process of social and psychological ensuring the safety of persons subject to state protection
Authors: Vahnina Viktoriya , Skosyrskaya Yuliya
Published: September 2021

The problem of state protection of the individual, its protection and security has a very urgent status. Ensuring personal safety in the Russian Federation is implemented by the adopted federal laws, special state programs, and other regulatory documents, which are subsequently implemented in practice by special units to ensure the safety of persons subject to state protection. When implementing the duties assigned to the security divisions of persons subject to state protection, the question of the need for psychological support in relation to the protected persons arises quite sharply. In the course of the theoretical analysis, it was concluded that the scientific problem has not been sufficiently studied as a psychological support for persons subject to state protection. The article attempts to consider a topical scientific problem in the aspect of social and psychological support. In the article, psychological support is considered as one of the basic components of social and psychological support, taking into account the peculiarities of law enforcement practice.

The article analyzes the need for psychological support in relation to protected persons, highlights the main components of this area, and analyzes the psychological characteristics of the impact of psychological support on the entire process of applying state protection measures.
Morphology and diagnostic potential of the ionospheric Alfvén resonator
Authors: Potapov Alexander , Polyushkina Tatyana , Tsegmed Battuulai
Published: September 2021

The layering of the ionosphere leads to the formation of resonators and waveguides of various kinds. One of the most well-known is the ionospheric Alfvén resonator (IAR) whose radiation can be observed both on Earth’s surface and in space in the form of a fan-shaped set of discrete spectral bands (DSB), the frequency of which changes smoothly during the day. The bands are formed by Alfvén waves trapped between the lower part of the ionosphere and the altitude profile bending of Alfvén velocity in the transition region between the ionosphere and the magnetosphere. Thus, IAR is one of the important mechanisms of the ionosphere-magnetosphere interaction. The emission frequency lies in the range from tenths of hertz to about 8 Hz — the frequency of the first harmonic of the Schumann resonance. The review describes in detail the morphology of the phenomenon. It is emphasized that the IAR emission is a permanent phenomenon; the probability of observing it is primarily determined by the sensitivity of the equipment and the absence of interference of natural and artificial origin. The daily duration of the DSB observation almost completely depends on the illumination conditions of the lower ionosphere: the bands are clearly visible only when the D layer is shaded. Numerous theoretical IAR models have been systematized. All of them are based on the analysis of the excitation and propagation of Alfvén waves in inhomogeneous ionospheric plasma and differ mainly in sources of oscillation generation and methods of accounting for various factors such as interaction of wave modes, dipole geometry of the magnetic field, frequency dispersion of waves. Predicted by all models of the cavity and repeatedly confirmed experimentally, the close relationship between DSB frequency variations and critical frequency foF2 variations serves as the basis for searching ways of determining in real time the electron density of the ionosphere from IAR emission frequency measurements. It is also possible to estimate the profile of the ion composition over the ionosphere from the data on the IAR emission frequency structure. The review also focuses on other results from a wide range of IAR studies, specifically on the results that revealed the influence of the interplanetary magnetic field orien tation on oscillations of the resonator, and on the facts of the influence of seismic disturbances on IAR.
Using Response Times to Infer Others’ Private Information: An Application to Information Cascades
Authors: Frydman Cary , Krajbich Ian
Published: September 2021

The standard assumption in social learning environments is that agents learn from others through choice outcomes. We argue that in many settings, agents can also infer information from others’ response times (RT), which can increase efficiency. To investigate this, we conduct a standard information cascade experiment and find that RTs do contain information that is not revealed by choice outcomes alone. When RTs are observable, subjects extract this private information and are more likely to break from incorrect cascades. Our results suggest that in environments where RTs are publicly available, the information structure may be richer than previously thought.

This paper was accepted by Yan Chen, decision analysis.
Struggling with the strain?
Authors: Johnston Isabel
Published: September 2021

Isabel Johnston looks at the effects the pandemic has had on mental health
A universal health issue
Authors: Hudson Susan
Published: September 2021

Susan Hudson discusses the human papillomavirus (HPV) and how it relates to oral health
Reliability of the Clinical Outcome Variables Scale for children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Varghese Sharon Merin , Senthilvelkumar Thangavelu , Koshy Noble , Devaraj Gokilam , Rebekah Grace , Chandy Bobeena Rachel
Published: September 2021

Background/aims

It can be difficult for rehabilitation professionals to use lengthy scales and different outcome measures for diverse clinical conditions in busy outpatient settings. The Clinical Outcome Variables Scale is a functional mobility measure that is applied to various neurological conditions. Determining the inter- and intra-rater reliability of clinical outcome variable scale for children with cerebral palsy will further enhance its utility.

Methods

A total of 30 children aged between 3 and 16 years with cerebral palsy, who could obey single-step commands, were recruited for the study. Two independent assessors scored the children using the Clinical Outcome Variable Scale to determine inter-rater reliability. A repeat assessment was done by the principal assessor after 24 hours to establish intra-rater reliability. Reliability was estimated using intra-class correlation coefficient values.

Results

The Clinical Outcome Variables Scale had high Inter- and intra-rater reliability for the composite score (intraclass correlation coefficient=1), the general mobility subscale (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.99), and the ambulation subscale (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.99). The intraclass correlation coefficient for the individual test items were also showed a high correlation, with the variance between the tests and physiotherapists ranging from 0.95 to 1.

Conclusions

The Clinical Outcome Variables Scale demonstrated high inter- and intra-rater reliability when assessing functional mobility in children with cerebral palsy. Further studies should establish criterion validity and minimally clinically important difference values to maximise the use of the scale.
Effect of class IV laser therapy and Pilates exercises on bone density and pain in primary osteoporosis: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Abdelatief Emad Eldin Mohamed , Fathy Karim Ahmed
Published: September 2021

Background/aims

Osteoporosis is a systemic disorder characterised by a decrease in bone quality and density. This causes the bones to become weak and unable to withstand mild stresses, and the associated pain is made worse with activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of class IV laser therapy and Pilates exercises on bone mineral density and pain in patients with primary osteoporosis.

Methods

A total of 60 patients with osteoporosis (40 women and 20 men) participated in this study. Their age ranged between 40 and 60 years. They were allocated randomly to three groups: Group A (n=20) received multiwave locked system laser therapy, group B (n=20) patients received Pilates exercises and group C (n=20) received multiwave locked system laser therapy and Pilates exercises. The treatment programme took place three times a week for 8 weeks. Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine (L1–L4) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and pain intensity during activities was measured by using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Evaluation of lumbar bone mineral density and pain intensity were performed before and after 8 weeks.

Results

The statistical analysis of this study revealed there was a significant increase of T-scores post-treatment compared to pre-treatment within group A (P=0.0001; P<0.05), group B (P=0.0001; P<0.05), and group C (P=0.0001), with improvement percentages of 19.59, 34.69 and 50.66% respectively. There was a decrease of pain intensity during activities post-treatment compared to pre-treatment within group A (P=0.0001; P<0.05), group B (P=0.0001; P<0.05) and group C (P=0.0001), with improvement percentages of 41.28, 54.39 and 70.09% respectively.

Conclusions

Class IV laser therapy and Pilates exercises are useful therapeutic modalities to increase bone mineral density and decrease pain in patients with osteoporosis, but combining them is more effective than using them separately.
The use of an evidence-based approach for teaching student veterinary nurses during workplace anaesthesia training. Part 1
Authors: Taylor Susanna , Armitage-Chan Liz
Published: September 2021

Registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) are often required to take up the role of a teacher for student veterinary nurses (SVNs) during workplace learning. Formal education training is not a routine part of the veterinary nurse curriculum and so it is common that RVNs undertaking this role do so without background knowledge of education theory. In the same way that evidence-based medicine guides clinical decisions, evidence can guide educational practice and the ways that RVNs teach SVNs. Evidence-based education is particularly valuable for workplace learning, which can be an environment where it is particularly challenging to teach and learn. This may be particularly the case during anaesthesia, when the RVN is responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the anaesthetised patient. Part 1 of this article will discuss the importance of evidence-based education, give an insight into the characteristics of SVNs as adult learners, and discuss the importance of developing SVNs as self-directed learners. While many of the educational theories and initially conceived frameworks discussed may be dated, this article aims to contextualise them into the niche area of veterinary nurse workplace education, using supportive contemporary evidence, to show how they can be used to help us understand the challenges RVNs face. Part 2 will focus on using these ideas to develop strategies to strengthen our teaching approaches.
Zoonotic parasite protection in the practice setting
Authors: Wright Ian
Published: September 2021

Cats and dogs carry a wide range of parasites with zoonotic potential. While much focus is placed on protecting owners and the wider public from these infections, veterinary staff are also at risk of exposure. Veterinary nurses may be exposed to parasites through direct contact with pets, indirect surface transmission, aerosols or via vectors. The risk of zoonotic parasite transmission, however, can be minimised in the workplace with a few simple practice-wide precautions. This article considers some of the routes of parasite exposure in practice and steps to reduce them.
Canine immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia part 1: presentation, diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Palin Rachel
Published: September 2021

Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA) is one of the most prevalent immune-mediated diseases in canines, and it carries a guarded prognosis because of the substantial rates of morbidity and mortality. Comprehensive supportive nursing care is critical in patients with IMHA.

This first article discusses the presentation, diagnosis and treatment options in canine IMHA patients. A subsequent article will follow focusing on how the condition, and its treatment options, impact the supportive nursing requirements that should therefore be considered, as well as possible complications that may arise. Through good nursing care, as well as a knowledge and understanding of the requirements of these patients, RVNs have a vital role in influencing these patients' outcomes.
Extended patient care report for a patient in anaphylactic shock
Authors: Clark-Whitter Leticia
Published: September 2021

Anaphylactic shock is potentially life threatening, it is rare and can be difficult to diagnose. There is little veterinary research in this area, despite a quick diagnosis and treatment being essential to the recovery of these patients. This report discusses recognising the signs seen in anaphylaxis and the role of the nurse in monitoring and treating these emergency patients.
Generalized Commutators and the Moore-Penrose Inverse
Authors: Pressman Irwin S.
Published: September 2021

This work studies the kernel of a linear operator associated with the generalized k-fold commutator. Given a set $\mathfrak{A}= \left\{ A_{1}, \ldots ,A_{k} \right\}$ of real $n \times n$ matrices, the commutator is denoted by$[A_{1}| \ldots |A_{k}]$. For a fixed set of matrices $\mathfrak{A}$ we introduce a multilinear skew-symmetric linear operator $T_{\mathfrak{A}}(X)=T(A_{1}, \ldots ,A_{k})[X]=[A_{1}| \ldots |A_{k} |X] $. For fixed $n$ and $k \ge 2n-1, \; T_{\mathfrak{A}} \equiv 0$ by the Amitsur--Levitski Theorem [2] , which motivated this work. The matrix representation $M$ of the linear transformation $T$ is called the k-commutator matrix. $M$ has interesting properties, e.g., it is a commutator; for $k$ odd, there is a permutation of the rows of $M$ that makes it skew-symmetric. For both $k$ and $n$ odd, a provocative matrix $\mathcal{S}$ appears in the kernel of $T$. By using the Moore--Penrose inverse and introducing a conjecture about the rank of $M$, the entries of $\mathcal{S}$ are shown to be quotients of polynomials in the entries of the matrices in $\mathfrak{A}$. One case of the conjecture has been recently proven by Brassil. The Moore--Penrose inverse provides a full rank decomposition of $M$.
Novel strategy to design a metasurface with integrated radiation and a broadband low radar cross section
Authors: Zhang Zhiyun , Cao Xiangyu , Yang Huanhuan , Li Tong , Tian Jianghao , Gao Jun
Published: September 2021

In this paper, a novel design strategy that integrates good radiation and broadband low radar cross section (RCS) characteristics based on the concept of metasurface is proposed. The metasurface element adopts an etched cross patch and it directly behaves as a radiating structure. After that, a metasurface-based thinned array antenna A1 and a checkerboard metasurface antenna A2 are designed. The -10 dB operating bandwidth of these two antennas is 13.08–14.92 GHz (13.1%). Compared with the conventional rectangular grid array, A1 and A2 have similar radiation performance along with in-band and out-of-band RCS reduction (RCSR) in any polarized normal incidence. Reasons and merits of different arrangements are analyzed. Simulated and measured results verify the effectiveness of the design strategy.
Real-time detection of microgrid islanding considering sources of uncertainty using type-2 fuzzy logic and PSO algorithm
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Khonakdari Taghi , Ahmadi Kamarposhti Mehrdad
Published: September 2021

In this paper, a new innovative type-2 fuzzy-based for microgrid (MG) islanding detection is proposed in the condition of uncertainties. Load and generation uncertainties are two main sources of uncertainties in microgrids (MGs). Regardless of the uncertainties, the results cannot be confirmed. The proposed controller detects islanding in the fastest time under different conditions, and the uncertainties in the system will not considerably affect the controller’s performance. The proposed method is simulated on the sample system and examined in different scenarios. Then, a comparison is made in different conditions and scenarios between the suggested method and some common methods that have been presented so far to demonstrate the ability of the proposed method for islanding detection.
Identifying key determinants and dynamics of SARS-CoV-2/ACE2 tight interaction
Authors: Ngo Van A. , Jha Ramesh K.
Published: September 2021

SARS-CoV-2 virus, the causative agent of Covid-19, has fired up a global pandemic. The virus interacts with the human receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) for an invasion via receptor binding domain (RBD) on its spike protein. To provide a deeper understanding of this interaction, we performed microsecond simulations of the RBD-ACE2 complex for SARS-CoV-2 and compared it with the closely related SARS-CoV discovered in 2003. We show residues in the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 that were mutated from SARS-CoV, collectively help make the RBD anchor much stronger to the N-terminal part of ACE2 than the corresponding residues on RBD of SARS-CoV. This would result in a reduced dissociation rate of SARS-CoV-2 from human receptor protein compared to SARS-CoV. The phenomenon was consistently observed in simulations beyond 500 ns and was reproducible across different force fields. Altogether, our study adds more insight into the critical dynamics of the key residues at the virus spike and human receptor binding interface and potentially aids the development of diagnostics and therapeutics to combat the pandemic efficiently.
Modelling the supply and need for health professionals for primary health care in Ghana: Implications for health professions education and employment planning
Authors: Asamani James Avoka , Christmals Christmal Dela , Reitsma Gerda Marie
Published: September 2021

Background

The health workforce (HWF) is critical in developing responsive health systems to address population health needs and respond to health emergencies, but defective planning have arguably resulted in underinvestment in health professions education and decent employment. Primary Health Care (PHC) has been the anchor of Ghana’s health system. As Ghana’s population increases and the disease burden doubles, it is imperative to estimate the potential supply and need for health professionals; and the level of investment in health professions education and employment that will be necessary to avert any mismatches.

Methods

Using a need-based health workforce planning framework, we triangulated data from multiple sources and systematically applied a previously published Microsoft® Excel-based model to conduct a fifteen-year projection of the HWF supply, needs, gaps and training requirements in the context of primary health care in Ghana.

Results

The projections show that based on the population (size and demographics), disease burden, the package of health services and the professional standards for delivering those services, Ghana needed about 221,593 health professionals across eleven categories in primary health care in 2020. At a rate of change between 3.2% and 10.7% (average: 5.5%) per annum, the aggregate need for health professionals is likely to reach 495,273 by 2035. By comparison, the current (2020) stock is estimated to grow from 148,390 to about 333,770 by 2035 at an average growth rate of 5.6%. The health professional’s stock is projected to meet 67% of the need but with huge supply imbalances. Specifically, the supply of six out of the 11 health professionals (~54.5%) cannot meet even 50% of the needs by 2035, but Midwives could potentially be overproduced by 32% in 2030.

Conclusion

Future health workforce strategy should endeavour to increase the intake of Pharmacy Technicians by more than seven-fold; General Practitioners by 110%; Registered general Nurses by 55% whilst Midwives scaled down by 15%. About US$ 480.39 million investment is required in health professions education to correct the need versus supply mismatches. By 2035, US$ 2.374 billion must be planned for the employment of those that would have to be trained to fill the need-based shortages and for sustaining the employment of those currently available.
‘Another Version of the Truth’: The politics of affect and the externalization of threat in Trent Reznor’s Year Zero
Authors: Deacon David
Published: September 2021

This article explores Nine Inch Nails’ album Year Zero (2007) with reference to what Brian Massumi calls the ‘politics of affect’ in the post 9/11 era. The sociopolitical discourse of managed threat both contextualizes and shapes the album’s conceptual basis, but also its lyricism, live manifestation and marketing. I propose a trajectory in Trent Reznor’s lyricism from an early introspective and confessional style to defensive and anxious tropes, emotions within a structure of feeling synonymous with the post 9/11 years. I argue that the album is a document that both reflects and critiques the overlapping social, cultural and political arenas of this era, and was particularly responsive to neoconservative discourse in its delivery, accompanying media and live performance.
Culture-specific production and performance characteristics: An interview study with ‘Teutonic’ metal producers
Authors: Herbst Jan-Peter
Published: September 2021

Viking metal, Teutonic metal, Mesopotamian metal – labels of this kind are common in fan discourse, media and academia. Whereas some research has investigated such labels and related them to the artist’s stage presentation, music videos, artwork and lyrics, there is still a lack from the perspectives of music production and performance as to how such culturally and geographically associated labels differ musically. This article explores culture-specific production and performance characteristics of Teutonic metal, focusing on how metal from Germany differed from British and US-American productions in the 1980s and 1990s, during which time metal spread to Continental Europe and German speed metal achieved an international reputation for its original interpretation of metal. The study is based on a qualitative interview design with three record producers who were crucial for the rise of German metal labels and their bands: Harris Johns for Noise Records, Siggi Bemm for Century Media and Charlie Bauerfeind for Steamhammer. The findings suggest that performances differed between bands from Germany, America and Great Britain regarding timing, rhythmic precision, ensemble synchronization and expressiveness. Likewise, production approaches varied due to distinct preferences for certain guitar amplifiers, drum tunings, microphone techniques, mixing concepts and studio acoustics. Despite such culture-specific differences, it proved difficult for the interviewed producers to identify distinguishing features. Genre conventions seem to have a stronger impact than cultural origin overall.
Espíritu del Metal: LA Conformación de la escena Metalera Peruana (1981–1992) (‘The spirit of metal: Formation of the Peruvian metal scene [1981–1992]’), José Ignacio Lopez Ramirez Gastón and Giuseppe Risica Carella (2018)
Authors: Fuentes Andrés Celis
Published: September 2021

Review of: Espíritu del Metal: LA Conformación de la escena Metalera Peruana (1981–1992) (‘The spirit of metal: Formation of the Peruvian metal scene [1981–1992]’), José Ignacio Lopez Ramirez Gastón and Giuseppe Risica Carella (2018)

Lima: Sonidos Latentes Producciones y Discos Invisible, p/bk, 31 soles
The use of videogames as digital leisure among people with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Cuesta Gómez José Luis , Sánchez Fuentes Sergio , Santos Vázquez Santiago , Sancho Requena Patricia , Orozco Gómez Martha Lucía
Published: September 2021

Digital leisure and specifically videogames are increasingly entrenched in all segments of society. Making appropriate use of them implies a challenge for users, families, and professionals. In the present study, the use that people with Autism Spectrum Disorders make of this sort of entertainment is specifically approached, and a series of recommendations are presented that take the characteristics of this population into account. A questionnaire was prepared ad hoc for data-collection purposes and administered to 67 people with ASD of different ages. The results reflect that videogames are a very popular type of game among people with ASD, are perceived as highly attractive and motivating and can help to lower anxiety levels. Among the undesired aspects, the physical problems arising from the use of videogames may be highlighted, and the problems of addiction and isolation that their continual use can provoke. The widespread acceptance of this type of leisure among people with ASD calls for new studies of a qualitative nature for the analysis of the relevant variables.
Defining, diagnosing, classifying, and planning supports for people with intellectual disability: an emerging consensus
Authors: Schalock Robert L. , Luckasson Ruth , Tassé Marc J.
Published: September 2021

Significant international work in the field of intellectual disability (ID) over the last decade has resulted in an emerging consensus regarding the definition of ID, the criteria used to diagnose a person with ID, the classification of individuals who have been diagnosed with ID, and the planning of individualized supports for people with ID. This article describes that emerging consensus
Clinical, histopathological, and molecular characterization of Mycoplasma species in sheep and goats in Egypt
Authors: Mousa Walid S. , Zaghawa Ahmed A. , Elsify Ahmed M. , Nayel Mohamed A. , Ibrahim Zarroug H. , Al-Kheraije Khalid A. , Elhalafawy Hesham R. , El-Shafey Dina , Anis Anis , Salama Akram A.
Published: September 2021

Background and Aim: Mycoplasma infection in small ruminants is a serious problem in sheep and goat herds around the world. It is responsible for high economic losses and decreased animal productivity. This study aimed to highlight the clinical, histopathological, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and molecular characterization of Mycoplasma species in sheep and goats in Menoufiya Governorate, Egypt. Materials and Methods: A total of 234 samples were collected; 104 samples were collected from pneumonic lung tissues from the abattoir, in addition, 10 and 20 samples collected from apparently and diseased sheep, respectively, and 40 and 60 samples were collected from apparently and diseased goats, respectively, which were subjected to isolation onto pleuropneumonia-like organism medium. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), histopathological examination, and determination of the MIC were also performed. Results: Of 104 samples of lung tissues showing pneumonic lesions, 56 (53.84%) were positive for Mycoplasma isolation. The positive isolation of Mycoplasma from 10 and 20 samples from apparently and diseased sheep was 30% and 40%, respectively as well as the positive isolation of Mycoplasma was 17% and 56.66% out of 40 and 60 apparently healthy and diseased field goat's cases, respectively. All the diseased sheep and goats showed respiratory manifestations, including cough, bilateral nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, and systemic reaction. Evaluation of the MIC for Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae revealed that lincospectin and tylosin were the most effective antibiotics at 2.5 μg/mL. Histopathological examination of affected lung tissue showed extensive hemorrhagic pneumonia with extensive alveolar hemorrhage. The PCR technique proved to be a rapid, specific, and sensitive method for the detection of M. ovipneumoniae and Mycoplasma arginini at 390 and 326 bp, respectively. Conclusion: M. ovipneumoniae and M. arginini were the most prevalent species associated with respiratory infections in sheep and goats in the study area. Further studies are needed to investigate the role of these species in dissemination of the disease within herds of small ruminants.
Conflitos socioterritoriais em unidades de conservação
Authors: Arnaud Mário Júnior de Carvalho , Cleps Junior João
Published: September 2021

A reserva extrativista criou um mecanismo de permanência na terra de modo que as comunidades tradicionais buscassem o território, a partir de uma posição política dos sujeitos, entretanto esbarram na condição de existência e funcionamento das próprias RESEXs. É o caso da “Verde para sempre” em Porto de Moz, no Pará. Nesse intuito, nosso objetivo centrou-se em compreender os conflitos e conflitualidades nesta RESEX, partindo de duas comunidades rurais-ribeirinhas: Comunidade Vila Bom Jesus e Comunidade Vila Nova Bom Jesus, procurando entender também como os sujeitos se constituíram historicamente nas conflitualidades enquanto classe social, o camponês florestal e depois como comunidade tradicional em movimentos socioterritoriais, vivendo em uma RESEX. Neste estudo, utilizamos procedimentos metodológicos, técnicas de pesquisa como a pesquisa de campo, entrevistas semi-estruturadas e questionários buscando compreender os conflitos e conflitualidade entre Estado e as comunidades tradicionais. Percebe-se avanços e retrocessos, haja vista a continuidade da retirada da madeira e da atividade da pesca mesmo em menor grau, dando continuidade a novos/velhos conflitos, principalmente pela ausência de uma gestão eficiente dos órgãos.
Revisiting Islamic Studies: Cementing Bases for Integrating Science and Religion in Islamic Higher Educational Institutions
Authors: Muqowim Muqowim , Lessy Zulkipli
Published: September 2021

Transformation within Islamic State Higher Institutions (PTKI) from State College for Islamic Studies (IAIN) to State Islamic Universities (UIN) is a dynamically shifting paradigm in Islamic Studies. The transformation not only occurs formally administratively in infrastructures, curricula, or teaching approaches, but also in conceptual framework and knowledge paradigms. This research objective is to investigate whether Muslim academics need to review Islamic studies in higher Islamic education institutions to include science and to integrate it with Islamic studies both in curricula and methods of teaching. The method of this research is a rigorous literature based study focusing on reviewing previous studies related transformation that was held within the Islamic higher education institutions. The results show that in the transformation process within PTKIN, there is a meaningful shift of Islamic studies from traditional approaches to modern ones. Formerly, Islamic studies only associated with developing religious scripts (al-‘ulûm al-naqliyyah), while now it should focus also on developing logic and interpretation (al-‘ulûm al-‘aqliyyah). The change from the IAIN to the UIN is a concrete response toward an integrative relation between science and religion. Even though each UIN offers different concepts about the integrative paradigm designs, all UINs agreed on the importance of building a new tradition in the PTKIN with the integrative paradigms from theoretic-philosophic-concepts to practical-implemented-contexts.
Learning Innovation of Islamic Education in Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Nursyahidin Rahmad , Rohman Arif , Febriyanti Novi
Published: September 2021

Nowadays, during the covid-19 pandemic, the development of educational technology has brought a significant influence and contribution to education in the world which urges learning innovations. This research used a qualitative method with a literature study approach. The results show that several innovations emerge as new breakthroughs so that education would no longer be monotonous and conventional. Those innovations are (1) Project Based Learning, (2) Daring Methods, (3) Luring Methods, (4) Integrated Curriculum, (5) Blended Learning. Behind the learning innovation there are also supporting opportunities through educational technology, including (1) Educational technology makes information in conveying material is easier to obtain, (2) Educational technology creates a very broad scope during the pandemic period, (3) Educational technology has a beneficial impact on education actors, (4) Technology can replace the position of educators with independent learning. However, there are also obstacles that pose challenges, including (1) Islamic sources (Al-Qur'an and Hadith) as a source of Islamic teachings, (2) Technology as a scientific product and (3) Human Resources as technology users for the success of e-learning.
Analysis of Items with Item Response Theory (IRT) Approach on Final Assessment for Al-Quran Hadith Subjects
Authors: Syafii Ahmad , Haryanto Haryanto , Ahmad Iqbal Faza , Fauziah Arifah
Published: September 2021

Measurement in the field of education, especially the teaching and learning process can be done with measuring tools in the form of tests and non-tests. Islamic Religious Education is considered the same as other subjects. to realize student success is also measured through evaluation, which is a systematic process to obtain information about the effectiveness of teaching and learning activities. In addition, it can also assist teachers in achieving learning objectives and describe student achievement in accordance with predetermined criteria. This study aims to analyze the Year-End Assessment of MAN 2 Bantul for the 2020/2021 academic year consisting of 25 multiple-choice questions. The items analyzed in the report have a total number of responses of 265 students. Item analysis using analysis with modern test theory ( Item Response Theory ). The results showed that the results of the model fit test showed that the instrument fit on the 2 PL model (Logistics parameter) with the lowest AIC value, namely 4874.85. The results of the parameter analysis of the level of difficulty indicate that there are 4 questions that are categorized as very easy, 4 easy questions, 15 moderate questions, 1 difficult question, and 1 very difficult question. This shows that the distribution of the difficulty level parameters is quite balanced. The results of the analysis of the different power parameters show that there are 23 good questions, 1 fairly good question, and 1 bad question. This shows that the different power level parameters are quite good. The results of the estimation of students' abilities with the MLE estimator showed that there were no students who had abilities below -4. There are 15 students with abilities above 2.00. There are 165 students who fall into the good category (ability -2 to 2 and 9 students who have abilities below -2. Based on the plot of the information function, it can be concluded that the optimal test if given to individuals with low abilities is around -1.2. Accurate questions to measure students' abilities with a range of -2.5 to 1.2.