bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic analysis of 32 InDels in four ethnic minorities from Chinese Xinjiang
Authors: Huang Yujie , Chen Xiaoying , Liu Cong , Han Xueli , Xiao Chao , Yi Shaohua , Huang Daixin
Published: April 2021

The present study used the previously constructed 32-plex InDels panel to investigated the genetic diversity of four ethnic minorities (Hui, Mongol, Uygur and Kazakh) from Xinjiang, and analyzed the genetic relationships between the four populations and 27 reference populations. No significant deviations were observed from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) at the 32 InDels for each population. The average observed heterozygosity (Hexp), average polymorphic information content (PIC), combined power of discrimination (CPD) and cumulative probability of exclusion (CPE) for the 32 InDels were all higher than the Qiagen Investigator DIPplex kit in the four populations from Xinjiang. The CPD ranged from 0.999999999999903 (Kazakh) to 0.999999999999952 (Hui) and CPE ranged from 0.9971 (Uygur) to 0.9985 (Hui), which indicated that the 32 InDels were capable for individual identification and could be a supplementary tool in paternity test for these populations. Population genetic analysis by the method of analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA),FST, phylogenetic tree, TreeMix-based topology, multi-dimensional scale analysis (MDS), principal components analysis (PCA) and STRUCTURE analysis showed that Xinjiang Hui population has a close relationship with East Asians (EAS), especially Chinese Han, and the populations of Xinjiang Mongol, Uygur and Kazakh showed mixed ancestral components related to EAS and Europeans (EUR).
Retinal vessel shift and its association with axial length elongation in a prospective observation in Japanese junior high school students
Authors: Asano Shotaro , Yamashita Takehiro , Asaoka Ryo , Fujino Yuri , Murata Hiroshi , Terasaki Hiroto , Yoshihara Naoya , Kakiuchi Naoko , Sakamoto Taiji
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To investigate retinal vessel shift (RVS) and its association with axial length (AL) elongation in junior high school students.

Methods

Total 161 eyes of 161 healthy junior high school students were prospectively studied. Optical AL and anterior chamber depth (ACD) measurements, and fundus photography were performed in the first and third grades. Eyes of subjects in the first and third grade that had perfect matching among all the retinal vessels were allocated to the RVS(−) group, otherwise allocated to the RVS(+) group. In the RVS(+) group, the peripapillary retinal arteries angle (PRAA) was measured for quantitative analysis of RVS; the angle between the major retinal arteries. The variables related to PRAA were identified using model selection with the corrected Akaike information criterion.

Results

Forty-two eyes (26.1%) were allocated to the RVS(+) group. There were seven patterns in the RVS of those in the RVS(+) group, including clockwise shift in the supra temporal area (5 eyes), infra temporal area (7 eyes), and nasal area (9 eyes); anticlockwise shift in the supra temporal area (7 eyes), infra temporal area (5 eyes), and nasal area (2 eyes); and distal shift in the temporal area (7 eyes). The optimal model for the PRAA narrowing included larger AL and body weight in the first grade, and greater AL elongation.

Conclusion

Various (seven) RVS patterns were observed in about 25% of the junior high school students within two years. RVS was associated with AL elongation, and useful to reveal the mechanism of myopic retinal stretch.
Insights from homeless men about PRISM, an innovative shelter-based mental health service
Authors: Voisard Brigitte , Whitley Rob , Latimer Eric , Looper Karl , Laliberté Vincent
Published: April 2021

PRISM (Projet Réaffiliation Itinérance Santé Mentale–mental health and homelessness reaffiliation project), is a new shelter-based mental health service in Montreal, Canada. It offers short-term residential services in a shelter with the aim of housing and connecting the person to the appropriate services in the community. This qualitative research project was designed to gain a rich understanding of service-user experience within this program, and to apply these impressions to a broader reflection concerning how to best serve the needs of homeless people living with severe mental illness. We conducted in-depth interviews with 20 clients from the all-male PRISM-Welcome Hall Mission at program intake and departure between May 2018 and March 2019. We used methods stemming from grounded theory to analyze themes emerging from the interviews. Analysis revealed three core aspects endorsed by PRISM clients as helpful to their recovery: first, the community-based and flexible PRISM structure allows for continuity in daily routine through the preservation and expansion of the client’s existing informal resource network; second, the secure environment is conducive to improving one’s physical and mental health; and third, the multimodal mental health and social service approach used at PRISM is appreciated and stands in contrast to what most have experienced during other inpatient experiences. This led us to reflect more broadly on the benefits of a shelter-based intervention, as a catalyst to the achievement of longer-term goals such as housing, as well as flexible care adapted to the specific needs of these individuals. Even though this study took place in a specific program in Quebec, it sheds light more broadly on how to best meet the needs of individuals with mental illness living in homeless situations and contributes to the growing literature on men’s mental health.
Versican contributes to ligament formation of knee joints
Authors: Higuchi Tomoko , Suzuki Daisuke , Watanabe Takafumi , Fanhchaksai Kanda , Ota Keiko , Yokoo Kazuhisa , Furukawa Hiroshi , Watanabe Hideto
Published: April 2021

Versican is a large proteoglycan in the extracellular matrix. During embryonic stages, it plays a crucial role in the development of cartilage, heart, and dermis. Previously, we reported thatPrx1-Vcanconditional knockout mice, lacking Vcan expression in mesenchymal condensation areas of the limb bud, show the impaired joint formation and delayed cartilage development. Here, we investigated their phenotype in adults and found that they develop swelling of the knee joint. Histologically, their newborn joint exhibited impaired formation of both anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments. Immunostaining revealed a decrease in scleraxis-positive cells in both articular cartilage and ligament ofPrx1-Vcanknee joint, spotty patterns of type I collagen, and the presence of type II collagen concomitant with the absence of versican expression. These results suggest that versican expression during the perinatal period is required for cruciate ligaments’ formation and that its depletion affects joint function in later ages.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) at Mercy Health Hospitals, Toledo, Ohio
Authors: Khan Muhammad Shayan , Dogra Ratika , Miriyala Leela K. V. , Salman F. N. U. , Ishtiaq Rizwan , Patti Dilnoor K. , Kumar Aakash , Sandho Gaurav , Jacob Karim , Luthra Kritika , Sharma Ravina , Ravikumar Rekha , Edara Dharmakaruna , Pittampalli Shanti , Sood Divya , Khatri Vinod , Mahajan Vijay , Avasthi Salil , Auoad Arlette , Katragadda Srinivas
Published: April 2021

Importance

The ongoing pandemic of the novel Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an unprecedented challenge to global health, never experienced before.

Objective

This study aims to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with COVID-19 admitted to Mercy Hospitals.

Design and methods

Retrospective, observational cohort study designed to include every COVID-19 subject aged 18 years or older admitted to Mercy Saint (St) Vincent, Mercy St Charles, and Mercy St Anne’s hospital in Toledo, Ohio from January 1, 2020 through June 15th, 2020. Primary Outcome Measure was mortality in the emergency department or as an in-patient.

Results

470 subjects including 224 males and 246 females met the inclusion criteria for the study. Subjects with the following characteristics had higher odds (OR) of death: Older age [OR 8.3 (95% CI 1.1–63.1, p = 0.04)] for subjects age 70 or more compared to subjects age 18–29); Hypertension [OR 3.6 (95% CI 1.6–7.8, p = 0.001)]; Diabetes [OR 3.1 (95% CI 1.7–5.6, p<0.001)]; COPD [OR 3.4 (95% CI 1.8–6.3, p<0.001)] and CKD stage 2 or greater [OR 2.5 (95% CI 1.3–4.9, p = 0.006)]. Combining all age groups, subjects with hypertension had significantly greater odds of the following adverse outcomes: requiring hospital admission (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.4–3.4, p<0.001); needing respiratory support in 24 hours (OR 2.5, 95% CI: 1.7–3.7, p<0.001); ICU admission (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.7–4.4, p<0.001); and death (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.6–7.8, p = 0.001). Hypertension was not associated with needing vent in 24 hours (p = 0.07).

Conclusion

Age and hypertension were associated with significant comorbidity and mortality in Covid-19 Positive patients. Furthermore, people who were older than 70, and had hypertension, diabetes, COPD, or CKD had higher odds of dying from the disease as compared to patients who hadn’t. Subjects with hypertension also had significantly greater odds of other adverse outcomes.
Predicting regional influenza epidemics with uncertainty estimation using commuting data in Japan
Authors: Murayama Taichi , Shimizu Nobuyuki , Fujita Sumio , Wakamiya Shoko , Aramaki Eiji
Published: April 2021

Obtaining an accurate prediction of the number of influenza patients in specific areas is a crucial task undertaken by medical institutions. Infections (such as influenza) spread from person to person, and people are rarely confined to a single area. Therefore, creating a regional influenza prediction model should consider the flow of people between different areas. Although various regional flu prediction models have previously been proposed, they do not consider the flow of people among areas. In this study, we propose a method that can predict the geographical distribution of influenza patients using commuting data to represent the flow of people. To elucidate the complex spatial dependence relations, our model uses an extension of the graph convolutional network (GCN). Additionally, a prediction interval for medical institutions is proposed, which is suitable for cyclic time series. Subsequently, we used the weekly data of flu patients from health authorities as the ground-truth to evaluate the prediction interval and performance of influenza patient prediction in each prefecture in Japan. The results indicate that our GCN-based model, which used commuting data, considerably improved the predictive accuracy over baseline values both temporally and spatially to provide an appropriate prediction interval. The proposed model is vital in practical settings, such as in the decision making of public health authorities and addressing growth in vaccine demand and workload. This paper primarily presents a GCN as a useful means for predicting the spread of an epidemic.
Effects of distancing and pattern of breathing on the filtering capability of commercial and custom-made facial masks: An in-vitro study
Authors: Ball Lorenzo , Alberti Stefano , Belfortini Claudio , Almondo Chiara , Robba Chiara , Battaglini Denise , Cravero Carlo , Pelosi Paolo , Caratto Valentina , Ferretti Maurizio
Published: April 2021

Background

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemics, masking policies have been advocated. While masks are known to prevent transmission towards other individuals, it is unclear if different types of facial masks can protect the user from inhalation. The present study compares in-vitro different commercial and custom-made facial masks at different distances and breathing patterns.

Methods

Masks were placed on a head mannequin connected to a lung simulator, using a collecting filter placed after the mannequin airway. Certified, commercial and custom-made masks were tested at three different distances between the emitter and the mannequin: 40 cm, 80 cm and 120 cm. Two patterns of breathing were used, simulating normal and polypneic respiration. A solution of methylene blue was nebulized with a jet nebulizer and different mask-distance-breathing pattern combinations were tested. The primary endpoint was the inhaled fraction, defined as the amount of methylene blue detected with spectrophotometry expressed as percent of the amount detected in a reference condition of zero distance and no mask.

Findings

We observed a significant effect of distance (p < 0.001), pattern of breathing (p = 0.040) and type of mask (p < 0.001) on inhaled fraction. All masks resulted in lower inhaled fraction compared to breathing without mask (p < 0.001 in all comparisons), ranging from 41.1% ± 0.3% obtained with a cotton mask at 40 cm distance with polypneic pattern to <1% for certified FFP3 and the combination of FFP2 + surgical mask at all distances and both breathing pattern conditions.

Discussion

Distance, type of device and breathing pattern resulted in highly variable inhaled fraction. While the use of all types of masks resulted relevantly less inhalation compared to distancing alone, only high-grade certified devices (FFP3 and the combination of FFP2 + surgical mask) ensured negligible inhaled fraction in all conditions.
Synthesis of a precursor of D-fagomine by immobilized fructose-6-phosphate aldolase
Authors: Masdeu Gerard , Vázquez Luis Miguel , López-Santín Josep , Caminal Gloria , Kralj Slavko , Makovec Darko , Álvaro Gregorio , Guillén Marina
Published: April 2021

Fructose-6-phosphate aldolase (FSA) is an important enzyme for the C-C bond-forming reactions in organic synthesis. The present work is focused on the synthesis of a precursor of D-fagomine catalyzed by a mutant FSA. The biocatalyst has been immobilized onto several supports: magnetic nanoparticle clusters (mNC), cobalt-chelated agarose (Co-IDA), amino-functionalized agarose (MANA-agarose) and glyoxal-agarose, obtaining a 29.0%, 93.8%, 89.7% and 53.9% of retained activity, respectively. Glyoxal-agarose FSA derivative stood up as the best option for the synthesis of the precursor of D-fagomine due to the high reaction rate, conversion, yield and operational stability achieved. FSA immobilized in glyoxal-agarose could be reused up to 6 reaction cycles reaching a 4-fold improvement in biocatalyst yield compared to the non-immobilized enzyme.
Policy learning from influenza and the preparedness of the public health sector: A Latvian case study
Authors: Beinarovica Ieva_Daniela
Published: April 2021

Due to globalization and continuous development and mutation and development of various pathogens, infectious diseases have transcended the public health sector and become issues of Global Public Health Security. Influenza – an infectious disease that is both a cyclical, yearly occurrence and the cause of several deadly global pandemics – regularly challenges the public health sector thus providing opportunities for policy learning and evidence bases policy change. By applying the Algorithm for continuous analysis of policy learning and change, this publication investigates whether and how policy learning and change took place in Latvia after the 2006/2007 influenza season, when a record number of infection cases was registered. Although the conclusions of this publication cannot be generalized, it provides valuable insights for future research, especially for the analysis of the management of the Covid-19 pandemic in Latvia.
DESENVOLVIMENTO DE UM CONTROLADOR AUTOMÁTICO PARA SISTEMAS DE IRRIGAÇÃO POR GOTEJAMENTO
Authors: Filgueira Eduardo Teles Dias , Medeiros Antônio Marcos de Melo , de Oliveira Bruno Quirino , Borges Fabricia Neres
Published: April 2021

Este trabalho teve como objetivo elaborar o protótipo de um sistema de irrigação por gotejamento, bem como projetar o controlador para automatizá-lo. O sistema de controle proposto utilizou a plataforma embarcada ESP32, a qual possui suporte à rede WiFi, para realizar a leitura dos sensores de umidade do solo, umidade do ar e temperatura. Para monitorar o sistema de irrigação construiu-se uma interface gráfica na plataforma Node-RED, ferramenta visual para conectar dispositivos de IoT (Internet das Coisas). A calibragem do sensor de umidade do solo indicou uma faixa de valores que, convertidos em porcentagem de umidade, variam de 30% com o sensor inserido em solo seco até 98%, em solo saturado. No software de controle, definiu-se que valores inferiores ou iguais a 48% denotariam solo seco e, de 49% até 93%, solo úmido. Após os testes, concluiu-se que, tanto o protótipo quanto o controlador funcionaram conforme o projetado.
PROGRAMAÇÃO LINEAR INTEIRA E ALGORITMO DE DIJKSTRA APLICADOS NA ALOCAÇÃO DE PMUS E PDCS EM SISTEMAS ELÉTRICOS DE POTÊNCIA
Authors: Lunarti Lucas Luiz , Valadão Victor Lunarti , Lucas Douglas Ribeiro Lucas Douglas Ribeiro , Gouvea Junior Maury Meirelles
Published: April 2021

O Sistema Elétrico de Potência (SEP) está se tornando cada vez mais complexo e interligado, isso está relacionado a diversos fatores, como inserção de fontes renováveis de energia, aumento da demanda e desenvolvimento de novas tecnologia por exemplo. Dessa forma, um monitoramento, do SEP, mais eficaz e mais preciso é necessário. A PMU é um dos principais equipamentos da atualidade capaz de tornar o monitoramento do SEP mais preciso e eficiênte. Isso se dá pela sua taxa de amostragem superior das grandezas elétricas do SEP em relação aos medidores atuais e também na realização das medidas em formas fasoriais. O problema das PMUs está relacionado ao seu alto custo e a consideração da rede de comunicação entre a PMU e o PDC, desta forma, esse trabalho apresenta uma forma de alocação de PMUs e PDCs, com o objetivo de minimizar o custo de um sistema com PMUs e garantir um sistema totalmente monitorado. Para alcançar esse objetivo foi aplicada uma Programação Linear Inteira para os sistemas do IEEE de 14 e 30 barras.
DESENVOLVIMENTO DE MAQUETES FUNCIONAIS PARA A DISSEMINAÇÃO DE CONHECIMENTO DA PLATAFORMA ARDUINO
Authors: CASTRO ANA PAULA SILVA , Duque Silva Júlia Helene , Zacaroni Rodrigo Menezes Sobral , Campos Gustavo Lobato
Published: April 2021

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo a construção de maquetes funcionais automatizadas que simulam algumas condições reais de dois sistemas específicos, sendo um deles vinculado ao transporte ferroviário, e outro a veículos automotivos. O desenvolvimento destes sistemas terá por base a plataforma microcontrolada Arduino. Destaca-se que tais estruturas podem ser usadas de forma didática, no auxílio do ensino de disciplinas escolares e para divulgação da área de atuação dos cursos promovidos no IFMG Campus Formiga. Na maquete funcional “Alerta Férreo”, será retratado o funcionamento de um sistema de alerta e sinalização automatizados. Com objetivo de tornar a ação mais prática e evitar incidentes, como colisões e acidentes graves. Já na maquete “Funções Veiculares”, visa proporcionar conforto e segurança dos motoristas e dos passageiros de um carro. Este protótipo irá simular suas principais funções, como, alerta de ré; acendimento automático dos faróis; nível de óleo e luz de cortesia.
PROTÓTIPO EDUCACIONAL DE UM INVERSOR MULTINÍVEL DE BAIXO CUSTO UTILIZANDO ARDUINO E L298N
Authors: Bessa Leão Pedro Arthur , Souza e Silva Willian Félix , dos Santos Carlos Renato Borges , Bispo Lucas Frazão , Meloni Lucas Frederico Jardim
Published: April 2021

- O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar o desenvolvimento de um protótipo de inversor de frequência multinível utilizando circuitos integrados L298N (ponte H) controlados por Arduino, a fim de apresentar uma alternativa de baixo custo de uma ferramenta que auxilie os estudos e a compreensão deste componente de eletrônica de potência. Para que isso fosse possível, foram desenvolvidos algoritmos para o Arduino Mega 2560 visando o controle do sinal de entrada dos CI’s L298N e validando o sistema para inversores de cinco, sete e nove níveis de tensão de saída. Verificou-se ainda o intervalo de validade do sistema em função da frequência de saída esperada, uma vez que transformadores foram utilizados nas saídas do L298N. Como resultados, foram obtidos os sinais de tensão de saída para cada um dos níveis, variando-se suas respectivas frequências e estes foram comparados com os valors apresentados na literatura para inversores ideais. O protótipo desenvolvido apresentou resultados satisfatórios para todos os níveis, evidenciando a validade do sistema para fins educacionais, considerando também seu baixo custo frente a um sistema real.
ESTUDOS DA MELHORIA DA EFICIÊNCIA ENERGÉTICA DE UM SISTEMA DE GERAÇÃO FOTOVOLTAICA POR MEIO DE ARREFECIMENTO DE PAINÉIS SOLARES COM ÁGUA DE REUSO
Authors: Mendes Breno Eduardo Silva , Domingos José Luis , Alves Aylton José
Published: April 2021

Este trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar uma proposta para a implantação de técnica de melhoria de eficiência elétrica de painéis fotovoltaicos, através de arrefecimento com água de reuso em uma planta piloto. A água utilizada é proveniente do tratamento do esgoto de uma instituição de ensino. Esta é aplicada na superfície frontal dos painéis fotovoltaicos para melhoramento da conversão de energia, através de sistema de automação. Um sistema de aquisição de dados e supervisão permite monitoramento em tempo real das variáveis avaliadas, como temperatura, potência e eficiência do sistema.
FRAMEWORK PARA CONVERTER IMAGENS RGB PADRÃO EM DADOS NEUROMÓRFICOS
Authors: Vasconcelos Lucas Martins , Gouveia Eduardo Borges , Gouveia Eber Lawrence Souza , Nakagawa-Silva Andrei , Costa Vinicius Teixeira , Soares Alcimar Barbosa
Published: April 2021

Dispositivos neuromórficos são instrumentos que podem ser utilizados em diversas aplicações robóticas e computacionais a fim de solucionar e otimizar cada uma. Estas, podem ser câmeras baseadas em eventos, que com uma alta capacidade de processamento, podem detectar variações de luminosidade em uma cena, porém estas câmeras, para muitos grupos de pesquisa ainda é muito cara, tornando-a inacessível. Dessa forma, propomos um software capaz de converter informações advindas de câmeras RGB padrão em dados neuromórficos. Com isso, os horizontes do campo da visão neuromórfica poderão ser ampliados, podendo os pesquisadores desenvolver novos algoritmos neuromórficos a partir de datasets da visão computacional, sendo esses convertidos através do software criado. Nós obtivemos resultados similares, comparando informações convertidas pelo framework com uma câmera neuromórfica usual.
ESTUDO DE ESTÍMULOS MEDITATIVOS COM BASE NA ELETROENCEFALOGRAFIA (EEG) E NO QUANTIFICADOR COEFICIENTE DE VARIAÇAO
Authors: Alves Camila Fernanda Machado , Colantoni Márcia Artiaga , Soares Eduarda de Paula Nogueira , Ramos Marina Abadia , Rodrigues Aurélia Aparecida de Araújo , Destro Filho Joao Batista
Published: April 2021

Este trabalho apresenta a comparação de dois quantificadores utilizando o desvio médio e o desvio padrão da mediana, para análise de alterações no padrão eletroencefalográfico normal entre comparação de silencio e um estimulo musical (Silêncio x Música), e silêncio e um estímulo meditativo, este último caracterizado pela recitação da oração “Pai Nosso” (Silêncio x Meditação). Constatou-se que os ritmos Delta, Teta e Gama apresentam maior variação na comparação Silêncio x Música, enquanto que os ritmos Beta e Alfa variam mais na comparação Silêncio x Meditação. A quantidade de variações da potência da atividade bioelétrica é mais significativa para a primeira comparação, se confrontada à segunda comparação.
Das quantifizierte Selbst
Authors: Mämecke Thorben
Published: April 2021

Im Jahr 2021 sind Self-Tracking-Technologien ein fester Bestandteil gesellschaftlicher Alltagspraxen. In der Gegenwart von Corona-Tracing-Apps und Social Scoring erinnert kaum noch etwas an die frühen Prototypen der technologieenthusiastischen Self-Tracker*innen. Thorben Mämecke wirft einen Blick auf die intensiven Beziehungen, die diese Pionierprojekte untereinander gepflegt haben, und zeichnet dabei die sie bestimmenden Phänomene nach: angefangen bei der Ellenbogenmentalität der prekären Kreativökonomie bis zum progressiven Selbstbestimmtheitsstreben von Self-Tracker*innen mit chronischen Erkrankungen.
Radikalislamische YouTube-Propaganda
Authors: Klevesath Lino , Munderloh Annemieke , Sprengeler Joris , Grahmann Florian , Reiter Julia
Published: April 2021

In der öffentlichen Debatte wird Online-Videos aus dem Spektrum des radikalen Islam zugeschrieben, einen großen Einfluss auf junge Menschen auszuüben. Doch wie nehmen junge Muslim*innen und Nicht-Muslim*innen diese Videos tatsächlich wahr? Wie stark wird ihre Sicht auf die Inhalte von ihrem Religionsverständnis, ihrer sozialen Zugehörigkeit und aktuellen politischen und gesellschaftlichen Debatten in Deutschland beeinflusst? Diese qualitative Studie untersucht die Rezeption ausgewählter radikalislamischer Videos von Marcel Krass, Ahmad Armih (bekannt unter dem Pseudonym »Ahmad Abul Baraa«) sowie von Yasin Bala (»Yasin al-Hanafi«).
Unlocking Luhmann
Authors: Baraldi Claudio , Corsi Giancarlo , Esposito Elena
Published: April 2021

Luhmann's theory is fascinating and complex. It offers incomparably enlightening insights, references and research opportunities, but reveals its utility only after a quite high competence threshold. Using the reticular form of the glossary, this book makes the theory accessible while maintaining its complexity. Without being obstructed by knowledge gaps or by references to concepts presented elsewhere, readers inside and outside sociology get the required support to explore sociological systems theory and to engage with it. Luhmann himself, in his introduction, praises the form of the glossary to cope with the challenges of the theoretical description of our highly complex society.
Freiheit wagen!
Authors: Jacob Frank
Published: April 2021

Das 21. Jahrhundert beginnt mit zahlreichen Krisen: politische Unterdrückung, nationale Spaltungen, Klimakrise und Corona-Pandemie. Damit wächst auch das revolutionäre Potenzial, die Welt zu verändern. Frank Jacob diskutiert, welche Rolle Revolutionen in diesem Jahrhundert spielen können, wie sie ablaufen und was es zu beachten gilt, um eine moralische Korrumpierung revolutionärer Prozesse zu verhindern. Neben einem analytischen Zehn-Stufen-Modell stellt er grundlegende Aspekte vor, die über Erfolg und Misserfolg von Revolutionen entscheiden, und reflektiert diese mit besonderem Blick auf die Gegenwart.
FİNANSAL YAKINSAMA OLGUSU: TÜRKİYE İLE G7 ÜLKELERİ ARASINDA FİNANSAL YAKINSAMANIN ANALİZİ
Authors: UĞUR Ahmet , BİNGÖL Nergis
Published: April 2021

Kişi başı gelir, işsizlik ve enflasyon üzerine yapılan yakınsama çalışmaları son zamanlarda finans sektörü içinde yapılmaya başlanmıştır. Bu çalışmada da Türkiye’nin G7 ülkelerine finansal yakınsaması incelenmiştir. Çalışmada finansal yakınsamayı incelemek amacıyla Finansal Gelişme Endeksi kullanılmıştır. 1980- 2017 yılları verilerine Christopeles ve Leon Ledesma(2011) Birim Kök Testi uygulanmıştır. Analiz sonuçlarına göre Türkiye Finansal Gelişme Endeksi ile Almanya, ABD, Kanada, İtalya, Japonya ve G7 Finansal Gelişme Endeksi arasında finansal yakınsama olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Fakat İngiltere ve Fransa ile yakınsama olmadığı varılan diğer bir sonuçtur.
Factors Associated with Genital Hygiene Behaviors in Cervical Cancer Patients in Surakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Umami Afriza , Sudalhar Sudalhar , Lufianti Anita , Paulik Edit , Molnár Regina
Published: April 2021

Background: Maintaining genital cleanliness is essential for women since intimate organ problems can cause female tract infections. Poor genital hygiene can affect sexually transmitted infections, and therefore, it is prominent to investigate factors related to genital hygiene behaviors in women to reduce this type of infection.Purpose: This study aimed to find out the factors associated with genital hygiene behaviors in cervical cancer patients.Methods: A case-control study was conducted on cervical cancer patients in Surakarta, Indonesia, from December 2017 to February 2018. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 178 subjects using a fixed disease sampling technique that consisted of 56 cases of poor genital hygiene behaviors and 122 controls of good genital hygiene behaviors with a comparison of 1:2. The dependent variable was genital hygiene behaviors, while the independent variables were stress, exposure to social media regarding genital hygiene, environmental sanitation, husband’s education, and support. Logistic regression was employed for data analysis.Results: Genital hygiene behaviors increased with exposure to social media related to genital hygiene (OR=9.20; 95% CI=3.87 to 21.87, p<0.001), good environmental sanitation (OR=5.16; 95% CI=2.19 to 12.14, p<0.001), high husband’s education (OR=6.49; 95% CI=2.23 to 18.91, p=0.001) and support (OR=2.88; 95% CI=1.24 to 6.67, p=0.013). Women who experienced psychological problems such as stress showed decreased genital hygiene behaviors (OR=0.25; 95% CI=0.94 to 0.71, p=0.009).Conclusions: Genital hygiene behaviors in women increased with exposure to social media related to genital hygiene, adequate environmental sanitation, high husbands’ education, and support. In contrast, stress decreased women’s behaviors in practicing genital hygiene. These findings emphasize the need for women to improve genital hygiene behaviors as well as for nurses to explain how to increase women's genital hygiene behaviors.
Natural substances in cancer—do they work?
Authors: Sobolewska Adrianna , Dunisławska Aleksandra , Stadnicka Katarzyna
Published: April 2021

Owing to anticancer properties of selected natural substances, it is assumed that they have potential to be used in oncological therapy. Here, the recently proven effects of the selected natural polyphenols, resveratrol and curcumin, are described. Secondly, the potential of probiotics and prebiotics in modulation of immunological response and/or enhancing the chemotherapeutic treatments is reported based on the recent clinical trials. Further, the chapter presents current knowledge regarding the targeted supplementation of the patient with probiotic bacteria and known efficacy of probiotics to support immunotherapy. The major clinical trials are listed, aiming to verify whether, and to which extent the manipulation of patient’s microbiome can improve the outcome of chemotherapies. In the end, a potential of natural substances and feed ingredients to pose epigenetic changes is highlighted. The chapter provides an insight into the scientific proofs about natural bioactive substances in relation to cancer treatment, leaded by the question – do they really work?
Natufian Settlement and Mobility: A Lithic Perspective from Saaïdé II, Lebanon
Authors: Horvath Ildiko
Published: April 2021

This study is concerned with settlement and mobility patterns from the perspective of the organization of the lithic technology. Radiating mobility patterns in the context of the Levantine Late Natufian are investigated by looking at the intensity of lithic reduction and the use of blanks for tool manufacture. By conjoining the results of the technological and morphological analysis of lithic tools with additional lines of evidence, such as site location, proximity to various resources, seasonal availability of resources, functional use of flint and non-flint artifacts, an integrated view has been reached on the intensity of human occupation at the Late Natufian site of Saaïdé II. With its large size, thick cultural deposits, varied tool kit and generalized subsistence, Saaïdé II was a residential camp for bands that subsisted on hunting and gathering. What enabled people to reside in this spot for more than one season was the overlap of seasonally available resources. The model of radiating mobility proposed for Saaïdé II illustrates that radiating mobility strategies were not abandoned with the onset of the climatic deterioration triggered by the Younger Dryas around 9,000 Be. Sites located in more marginal areas, beyond the boundaries of the Natufian "homeland", were able to sustain larger agglomerations of people and intensive human occupation.
Picture Perfect (?): Ethical Considerations in Visual Representation
Authors: De Laat Sonya
Published: April 2021

In this paper, I consider the many ethical dilemmas facing visual anthropologists and those using visual representation material in their research. The issues are many and are complex. With this paper I scratch only the surface of how to confront and deal with some of them. The main purpose of this paper is not to provide solutions, as ethical questions are always unique to the situations in which they develop. What the paper does do is look at ways in which visual anthropologists, and documentary filmmakers have approached and dealt with a variety of these concerns. An extensive review of historical and contemporary works of visual representations are explored and analysed as examples of the types of ethical issues encountered. In our increasingly post-colonial era, issues of voice, co-authorship and copyright highlight just a few of the current topics covered herein. Techniques such as balanced multivocality, reflexivity, collaboration, and reciprocity are discussed with the aid of short case studies to offer examples of the types of ethical issues those using visual material might be faced with and how to possibly deal with (though not necessarily solve) them.
Design Theory Analysis of Biface Technology at the Botanie Lake Dam Site (EcRj 15), South-Central British Columbia
Authors: Ewonus Paul
Published: April 2021

A design analysis is applied to six bifacial tools recovered from the Botanie Lake Dam site (EcRj 15) on the Plateau of southern British Columbia. While these artifacts, selected from the lithic assemblage of this late pre-contact period mat lodge campsite, show some internal variation, they share important characteristics indicative of their use by Plateau peoples. Acute edge angles and less durable raw material suggests that these bifacial tools were used to cut relatively soft contact materials such as herbaceous plants. Their lengthy use lives and multifunctionality make them effective solutions for the requirements of plant and animal processing during a mobile seasonal round. This application of design theory to a small sample of lithic artifacts from a seasonal camp site with an hypothesized focus on root resource harvesting and processing adds to the growing number of studies employing this approach to lithic analysis.
Race, Politics and History in a Survey of Contemporary Ethnographic Writing on Trinidad
Authors: Geer Sacha
Published: April 2021

Contemporary anthropological work in Trinidad is largely focused on theorizing the racial antagonisms between Indo and Afro Trinidadians. Since the time of independence, political leaders have called for unity and harmony amongst . Trinidadians, but individuals of all racial groups who utilize primordial understandings of race in everyday discourse to negotiate tensions and define themselves contest the shape and content of what it means to be Trinidadian. While a study of Trinidadian history shows that many of the stereotypes which operate in contemporary Trinidad have their roots in colonial discourses surrounding Afro and Indo Trinidadians, ethnographic work shows that these stereotypes have changed in response to various political and economic pressures, and that individuals utilize or ignore these stereotypes depending on context and goals. Further, Indo-Trinidadians have historically been semantically excluded from the lexicon which describes what it means to be Trinidadian by their exclusion from the term 'Creole,' and as such have faced considerable difficulty accessing reins of political power due to their exclusion from a sense of Trinidadian identity.
Long bone bilateral asymmetry in the nineteenth-century Stirrup Court Cemetery collection from London, Ontario
Authors: Battles Heather T.
Published: April 2021

This study employs non-destructive methods to investigate patterns of long bone bilateral asymmetry in a skeletal sample from the nineteenth-century peri-urban Stirrup Court Cemetery collection from London, Ontario, Canada. The St. Thomas Cemetery skeletal sample from urban Belleville, Ontario provides additional data for comparison. While one objective of the study is to determine the etiologies of any asymmetries and to identify patterns in what measurements on which bones displayed the most asymmetry, another objective is to test the hypothesis that limbs indicating asymmetry due to pathology or trauma in one element would show bilateral asymmetries elsewhere in the same bone and limb, due to either atrophy alone or to additional compensatory hypertrophy. Overall, the Stirrup Court data shows a general pattern of crossed symmetry, and when compared with the Belleville data the pattern of high and low absolute asymmetries is consistent. The results reveal a lack of asymmetry in elements with obvious long-term damage, which may indicate that caution is required in making determinations about lived impairment/disability in such cases. The sexual dimorphism in asymmetry in both samples, with males displaying more asymmetry in humeral minimum shaft circumference in the Stirrup Court sample, likely reflects the division of labor and behavior patterns in these populations. Finally, this study suggests that the effects of osteoarthritis may mask non-age-related impairment/disability, and that the skeletal record of impairment/disability is likely affected by differential preservation, with consequences for the emerging field of the archeology of disability.
The Impact of Sex and Ancestry on Cranial Sutures in the Hamann Todd Collection
Authors: Sivakumaran Rajitha
Published: April 2021

Cranial suture closure has been regarded as an unreliable method for age estimation due to the large amount ofvariability in the commencement, progression and termination of fusion. The Hamann Todd Osteological Collectionwas used to examine the sagittal, coronal and lambdoid sutures in an attempt to determine the impact of sex and ancestry on synostosis. The sagittal does not appear to be impacted by sex, but in the coronal and lambdoid sutures,significant sex-based differences were noted. Generally, females exhibited greater progression than males, butsynostosis was more strongly related to age in males. Stronger age-score correlations were present in black individuals compared to white individuals. This questions the application of current cranial aging methods, which do not address sex- and population-based differences in the commencement, progression and termination ofsutural fusion.
The Harmful Consequences of Living with HIV in Contemporary Society
Authors: Medeiros Priscilla
Published: April 2021

Recent research conducted on the topic of risk has predominantly focused on the measurability of an event occurring in modern society. Although attempts are made to incorporate the theoretical examination of social dimensions in the study of risk, considerable diversity remains in defining the nature of risk. This paper employs Foucault (2008), Beck (1992), and Douglas (1992) to understand the class-based positioning that occurs to define the concept of risk and explores the effect of these understandings on the population. The inclusion of individual understandings of harm can assist in rendering invisible hazards, reduce contradictory understandings of risk in social systems, and direct social research beyond the measurability of ill events.Keywords: risk, risk society, political, harm
Towards an Apology For Cultural Relativity in Anthropology
Authors: Tannahill Marshall
Published: April 2021

The history of the concept of the relativity of cultures is briefly surveyed. Cultural relativity is distinguished from cultural relativism as well as from moral relativism. Franz Boas, through having done much which eventually transformed the spirit, role, technique, and aims of anthropology, is identified as having heralded the genesis of 20th century concepts of the relativity of cultures. His background is compared with that of Albert Einstein whose phenomenal popularity included renown for his brainchild relativity theories. Boas' professional dominance, the incidental impetus of a publicly popular romanticised notion of 'relativity' and the eagerness of some anthropologists to 'decenter' their epistemic vantage points and professional world views prepared the way for the eventual formulation of a radical cultural relativism. In conclusion, the modern re-emergence of the belief in the relativity of cultures is assessed as having been a cause for the generation of at least as much light and enlightenment as finger-burning fire within our efforts to properly study humankind.
An Examination of Ideology: Julius K. Nyerere and the Tanzanian Example
Authors: Luther Eudene
Published: April 2021

Anthropologists no longer view ideology as well integrated systems of ideas that reflect social reality. Instead, anthropologists have become aware that ideological systems contain contradictions and, therefore, can be best understood as a system of principals with which only attempts are made to regulate social life. Because of this the search for social determinants of ideology has largely been abandoned. Consequently social scientists, such as Geertz (1973), suggest that we study ideologies as socializing agents and analyze their symbolic content. Making use of Geertz' concepts I studied data from Tanzania and found that ideology used by Nyerere, Ujamaa, has been ineffective as a socializing agent, resulting in the use of repressive techniques to effect economic changes. This finding challenges the notion that ideologies necessarily function as effective socializing agents during times of social change
Geese As Icons and the Implications for Formulating A Semiotics Between the Literal and the Figurative
Authors: Chun Christine M.
Published: April 2021

The author examines the problem of the literal/figurative dichotomy in various semiotic theories of systems of knowledge and the man-animal distinction. It is proposed that theories of iconicity and forms of iconicity may help us to understand this dichotomy. An analysis is made of Cree hunting of geese using theories of iconicity, the interpretant point of view and conventions of reading. Finally, a suggestion is made as to how understanding Cree conventions of hunting may help semioticians transform the spatial typology between the two poles of the literal and figurative into a 'quality space'.
Broken Promises: The Interpretation of a Focused Career History
Authors: Lange Phil
Published: April 2021

A commonplace in social services for the mentally handicapped holds that the 'best and the brightest always leave this field'. In order to study some of the dynamics of this stereotype, the life history genre was used to interpret one such case: a young woman pseudonymed Vivian who showed unusual commitment, yet who quit that field of service. In 1984 she tape recorded details of her 13 years as a residential counsellor with mentally handicapped people in southern Ontario.
Editor's Comments
Authors: St. Christian Douglass P.
Published: April 2021

Graduate Students in the Department of Anthropology at McMaster have been publishing a journal since the early 1970's -- first as the Journal of Anthropology at McMaster and, in 1980, as NEXUS -- The Canadian Student Journal of Anthropology/La Revue Des Etudiants Canadiens En Anthropologie. The journal has continued to develop as it moved through the changes and controversies of the last two decades and now, as we enter the fill de millellium, student anthropologists must prepare themselves to meet even more compelling challenges.
THE LANGUAGE BEYOND THE WORDS: A Suggestion for Fieldwork Training
Authors: Capper Donna M.
Published: April 2021

In many ways, fieldwork in anthropology is like watching a movie with the sound off. In fieldwork, the anthropologist is often in a situation where s/he understands neither the language nor the local customs. Nonverbal communication, and the anthropologist's interpretation of it, becomes the first route to understanding the culture. Viewing a motion picture with the sound off can give a glimpse of the value of non-verbal communication and how one's cultural background can affect one's interpretation.
Innovative Commercial and Private Genetic Testing Raises Privacy and Confidentiality Concerns
Authors: Zaidi Syeda Masooma
Published: April 2021

Obtaining information about your genes can be as easy as swabbing your cheek for DNA testing. Companies that offer direct-to-consumer genetic testing with saliva have the authority to collect and share personal data as well as test results from their clients. However, patients want their personal information to be protected and although these companies ask for consent before sharing information with third-party sources, companies have the right to use client data to initiate research or improve their business. Genetic testing companies need to respect their clients and understand that they are paying for a service which deals with sensitive information that individuals may not want collected and stored.
Characterizing a new species of Nematoda using genetic and morphological analyses
Authors: Mohammed Elsabagh Mostafa , Dej Kimberly
Published: April 2021

Nematodes (Nematoda) are slim tubular worms ranging between 0.5 mm – 2 mm in length and 10 to 100 µm thick. They have effectively adapted to inhabit all regions of the Earth, but are most commonly found in soils, decomposing vegetation, and freshwater sources. Ceanorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), an important member of this phylum, is a valuable model system. Owing to its small, fully sequenced genome, it is typically used to model the development of some diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases. Nematodes are highly diverse, with over 30,000 species having not yet been described. While C. elegans will continue to be the primary model species, the classification of previously unknown species is valuable as it allows for study of the evolutionary pathway leading to each species, behavior and instincts, and how such animals behave as parasites. This diversity is exciting, and Drs. Kimberly Dej and Bhagwati Gupta work with students to document new species. In the laboratory, we use morphological analysis of the mouth, the pharynx, and the tail, combined with data generated by sequencing the 18S small ribosomal subunit rRNA gene to explore and document these new species. Here, we discuss how it was determined that a unique specimen collected from the Hamilton, Ontario area was found to have features of multiple genera: Oscheius and Ceanoreabditis.
Archaeology of the Waiat mysteries on Woeydhul Island in Western Torres Strait
Authors: Wright Duncan , Samper Carro Sofia C. , Nejman Ladislav , van der Kolk Glenn , Litster Mirani , Langley Michelle C. , Wood Rachel , Claringbold Iona , Repu Cygnet
Published: April 2021

Secret societies, involving restricted and hierarchically organised initiation rituals, are conspicuous in the chronicles of many past and present societies. These rarely leave a substantial written record and yet archaeology can provide vivid insight into past performances, for example in relation to Roman ‘mystery cults’. Far less research, however, has focused on Australia and the Pacific Islands. This article presents archaeological evidence for ceremonies practised on Woeydhul Island in the Western Torres Strait, exploring initiation rituals at the cusp of contemporary memory. By doing so, it provides a detailed and long-term history for Torres Strait Islander secret societies and ritual activities involving dugong bone mounds, stone arrangements and worked stingray spines.