bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing knowledge and attitudes toward epilepsy among schoolteachers and students: Implications for inclusion and safety in the educational system
Authors: Iannone Luigi Francesco , Roberti Roberta , Arena Gabriele , Mammone Simone , Pulitano Patrizia , De Sarro Giovambattista , Mecarelli Oriano , Russo Emilio
Published: April 2021

Several studies have evidenced inadequate knowledge about epilepsy and inappropriate seizure management, influencing quality of life and social inclusion of patients with epilepsy. Aim of the study was to estimate the knowledge and the attitudes toward epilepsy in schoolteachers and students in Italy. Custom-designed and validated questionnaires in Italian on general and specific knowledge, and social impact of epilepsy have been administered in a random sample of schoolteachers and students. Overall, 667 schoolteachers and 672 students have been included. Among teachers and students, consider epilepsy a psychiatric disorder (16.8% and 26.5%) or an incurable disease (43.9% and 33%). The 47.5% of teachers declared to be unable to manage a seizing student, 55.8% thought it requires specific support and 21.6% reported issues in administer antiseizure medications in school. Healthcare professionals should have an active role in the educational system, dispelling myths, preparing educators and students with appropriate attitudes in the event of a seizure and prevent over limitations in patients with epilepsy. These findings highlight still poor knowledge and attitudes about epilepsy among teachers and students although the 99.4% claimed to have heard/read something about epilepsy. Therefore, improving existing dedicated educational/training interventions could be necessary.
Mutations that confer resistance to broadly-neutralizing antibodies define HIV-1 variants of transmitting mothers from that of non-transmitting mothers
Authors: Kumar Amit , Giorgi Elena E. , Tu Joshua J. , Martinez David R. , Eudailey Joshua , Mengual Michael , Honnayakanahalli Marichannegowda Manukumar , Van Dyke Russell , Gao Feng , Permar Sallie R.
Published: April 2021

Despite considerable reduction of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV through use of maternal and infant antiretroviral therapy (ART), over 150,000 infants continue to become infected with HIV annually, falling far short of the World Health Organization goal of reaching <20,000 annual pediatric HIV cases worldwide by 2020. Prior to the widespread use of ART in the setting of pregnancy, over half of infants born to HIV-infected mothers were protected against HIV acquisition. Yet, the role of maternal immune factors in this protection against vertical transmission is still unclear, hampering the development of synergistic strategies to further reduce MTCT. It has been established that infant transmitted/founder (T/F) viruses are often resistant to maternal plasma, yet it is unknown if the neutralization resistance profile of circulating viruses predicts the maternal risk of transmission to her infant. In this study, we amplified HIV-1 envelope genes (env) by single genome amplification and produced representative Env variants from plasma of 19 non-transmitting mothers from the U.S. Women Infant Transmission Study (WITS), enrolled in the pre-ART era. Maternal HIV Env variants from non-transmitting mothers had similar sensitivity to autologous plasma as observed for non-transmitting variants from transmitting mothers. In contrast, infant variants were on average 30% less sensitive to paired plasma neutralization compared to non-transmitted maternal variants from both transmitting and non-transmitting mothers (p = 0.015). Importantly, a signature sequence analysis revealed that motifs enriched in env sequences from transmitting mothers were associated with broadly neutralizing antibody (bnAb) resistance. Altogether, our findings suggest that circulating maternal virus resistance to bnAb-mediated neutralization, but not autologous plasma neutralization, near the time of delivery, predicts increased MTCT risk. These results caution that enhancement of maternal plasma neutralization through passive or active vaccination during pregnancy may potentially drive the evolution of variants fit for vertical transmission.
Uma Definição de Loucura
Authors: Silva Caldeira Rui Gabriel
Published: April 2021

Pretendo formular uma definição positiva de loucura: o sentimento de comoção e vertigem psíquica resultante da perceção de conhecimento extra do indivíduo sobre si próprio. Farei um percurso histórico‑filosófico e literário sobre o tópico com alguns dos principais pensadores contemporâneos, de Kant e Pinel, Hegel, Hölderlin e Nietzsche, até Wittgenstein e Derrida. Apresento uma perspetiva diferente da atual convenção cultural humanística que estabelece uma relação de causalidade eficiente entre a entidade nosológica «esquizofrenia», funcionando como Deus ex‑machina, e a produção artística, onde defendo que quem cria e faz arte é o indivíduo, o artista, e não uma suposta deficiência psíquica.
Comparison of Intravenous Lignocaine and Dexmedetomidine for Prevention of Propofol Injection Pain
Authors: Singh Akoijam Nikhil , Singam Amol P.
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND This study was conducted to compare and evaluate the efficacy and safety of prior intravenous dexmedetomidine with intravenous lignocaine as pre-treatment for prevention of propofol injection pain. METHODS In this prospective, randomised and double blinded clinical study, a total of 200 patients aged between 18 and 70 years of American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade I or II posted for elective surgery under general anaesthesia utilising propofol as the inducing agent, were randomly allocated into two groups of 100 patients each, using computer generated random number tables. Group I received intravenous lignocaine 0.2 mg / Kg and group II received intravenous dexmedetomidine 0.5 mcg / Kg respectively prior to administration of propofol (2 mg / Kg) for induction during general anaesthesia. Pain during propofol administration was assessed for each patient using the McCririck and Hunter scale. Peri-operative haemodynamic changes and side effects were noted. Data was analysed using chi-square test and a P-value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS A total of 200 patients (100 patients in lignocaine group and 100 patients in dexmedetomidine group) were studied. Statistically significant (P < 0.05) diminution in pain score was discovered to be higher in group II (dexmedetomidine) as compared to group I (lignocaine). 80 % in the dexmedetomidine group had no pain compared to 62 % of the patients in the lignocaine group which is statistically significant. Dexmedetomidine also had a more remarkable effect on the heart rate (10 minutes after intubation) compared to lignocaine, with P = 0.054 which is statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Intravenous dexmedetomidine is a superior pre-medication compared to intravenous lignocaine in the prevention of pain following propofol administration. It also has additional properties of sedation, analgesia, anxiolysis and sympatholytic action making it a better alternative for the anaesthesiologist and the patient. KEY WORDS Analgesia, Anxiolysis, Pre-Treatment, General Anaesthesia, Sedation, Sympatholytic Action
Entre chegadas e partidas:
Authors: Miranda Humberto Silva
Published: April 2021

A partir da década de 1970, o Brasil e outros países da América Latina vivenciaram o intenso crescimento urbano e das desigualdades sociais. A partir do cenário de violação de direitos, a Igreja Católica, organizaram-se politicamente para produzir ações assistenciais de atendimento em relação as crianças em situação de rua. Nesse processo, foi criada a Pastoral do Menor e outras organizações que questionavam a cultura filantrópica e caritativa, na qual fundamentavam as legislações e políticas vigentes. Diante das pressões sociais, órgãos governamentais e o Fundo das Nações Unidas pela Infância (Unicef), também desenvolveram diferentes ações, entre elas o Projeto Alternativas de Atendimento aos Meninos e Meninas de Rua. Objetiva-se analisar a atuação do Projeto Alternativas e sua relação com do Movimento Nacional de Meninos e Meninas de Rua, colocando em tela um problema social historicamente produzido e as novas subjetividades em relação às crianças e adolescentes.
ESTUDO PRELIMINAR SOBRE O CÂNCER DE PELE NO BRASIL A PARTIR DE UMA PERSPECTIVA GEOGRÁFICA
Authors: Lima Nayara Almeida , Romão Thamires , Murara Pedro
Published: April 2021

Com o intuito de contribuir com os estudos das relações entre clima e saúde, o presente artigo tem como objetivo espacializar o número de internações em decorrência do câncer de pele no Brasil durante o período compreendido entre 2008 e 2018, evidenciando quais são os fatores ambientais e sociais preponderantes para a ocorrência dos registros médicos. Por meio de levantamento e análise bibliográficos, pesquisa em bancos de dados e produção de mapas, os resultados indicam que os estados da Região Sul do Brasil estão entre os cinco que apresentaram os maiores números de internações. Os fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento do câncer de pele podem estar associados ao ambiente físico, herdados e/ou podem representar hábitos ou costumes próprios de um determinado ambiente social e cultural. No entanto, o maior fator de risco ambiental consiste nas reações fotobiológicas que os diferentes comprimentos de ondas ultravioletas, emitidos no processo de radiação solar, produzem em contato com a pele humana, dentro de um histórico de exposição – sendo a radiação UVB a mais agressiva entre as existentes.
Repairing the Soil Carbon Rift
Authors: Magdoff Fred
Published: April 2021

To create and preserve a permanent thriving agriculture for untold generations to come, it is essential to manage and care for soils using practices that build and maintain healthy soils.
Building Communities of Solidarity
Authors: Gapasin Fernando E. , Fletcher, Jr. Bill , Gallegos Bill
Published: April 2021

Bill Fletcher Jr. and Bill Gallegos interview Fernando Gapasin on race, class, and building communities of solidarity.
Reflections on the Dangers and Delusions of Education Tourism for Educational Development in Nigeria.
Authors: Nyewusira Benjamin. N. , Nyewusira Chituru
Published: April 2021

In contemporary times, education tourism has become such a complex phenomenon vis-à-vis the overall development of education in Nigeria. This paper, after explaining the concept of education tourism, takes into consideration the initial historical imperatives that occasioned the need for Nigerians to travel overseas for Higher Education. It identifies the challenges that prompted a rise in education tourism, noting that the Nigerian education sector in particular, and the Nigerian nation in general, suffers huge capital flights as a result of this phenomenon. A further critical analysis from the paper shows that the recent incidents and experiences with education tourism live some Nigerian students with many dangers and delusions-the delusions arising from the incongruence between the knowledge acquired abroad and the dysfunctional social systems in Nigeria. Consequently, the paper submits that Nigerians will be speared much of the complex problems identified with education tourism if the country can adopt some immediate and remote measures that will revitalize its education and make it attractive to the rest of the globe.
Exploring Sport As Effective Engagement Mechanism For Youth Empowerment And Youth Development In Nigeria’s Niger Delta Region
Authors: Nwaokugha Douglas O.
Published: April 2021

The Niger Delta region of Nigeria is synonymous with crisis occasioned by militancy, agitations and insurgency from the youth, who in recent times have become aware of the neglect, marginalization, human rights abuses, environmental degradation etc, people of the region suffer in the hands of the Nigerian government and Multinational Corporations that explore and exploit the Niger Delta environment for its rich natural resources. Investing time in militancy, agitations and insurgency as presently spearheaded by youth in the region has created more problems than solve the Niger Delta crises. Using the philosophical method, this paper makes a case on how sport can be an effective engagement mechanism for youth engagement and youth empowerment. The paper sees sport as a human engagement whose effective exploration and utilization can lead to the empowerment of youth in Nigeria’s Niger Delta and consequently recommends that states intervention agencies, politicians and philanthropists should make the provision of sport infrastructure a topmost priority for youth development and empowerment. The paper strongly maintains that policies that target youth empowerment in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria will surely be a foundation for sustainable peace and stability not only in Nigeria but across the globe.
It is essentially acknowledged that discounted cash flows should always be calculated by management when making long-term investment decisions. Why is this so?
Authors: Kwadade-Cudjoe Francis
Published: April 2021

Investment is sacrifices made now / future in anticipation of upcoming benefits. Long-term investment is the act of using money to acquire items, normally fixed assets, and is a pre-requisite for any modern organization to have them. Organizations are looking for capital to expand their frontiers to capture cheap labour for manufacturing their products, i.e. globalization. The struggle for survival of organizations, therefore hinge precariously on the ability of the enterprise to successfully invest in long-term debts, and managing the resource judiciously to thrive. However, banks and venture capitalists are not ready to contract loans to organizations not competitive. Moreover, the surge of covid-19 pandemic has made the situation dire, as there is no particular haven to fall on. In view of this, discounting the cash flows generated from business activities is perfectly right to accurately account for success of organizations. Non-discounting cash flows generated from business activities is not rigorous to properly account for success of organizations. In addition, the competitive strategy adopted by the organization is vital to enable management achieve its goals and objectives, and subsequently attain competitive advantage. Furthermore, it is paramount for the organization’s competitive advantage so achieved to be sustainable.
Community Participation in Project Planning: A panacea to improved Performance of Community Water Supply Projects in Kericho County, Kenya
Authors: Korir Justus K. , Kyalo Dorothy N. , Mbugua John
Published: April 2021

This article sought to investigate the influence of community participation in project planning on the performance of community water supply projects in Kericho County, Kenya. The indicators used to assess this included community participation in; Scope planning, Activity planning and Resource planning. The study adopted descriptive survey design and correlation research design. The descriptive survey design was used to describe characteristics of the population being studied whilst a correlational research was used to describe the degree to which variables under the study were related. The target population comprised 8369 people from which a sample of 382 was considered and out of which 310 responded. The sample comprised of household heads, management committee members and sub-County water officers. The research instruments for this study were: questionnaires, focus group discussion and interview schedules. Stratified proportional sampling, random sampling and census techniques were used to collect primary qualitative and quantitative data. The data was compiled, given codes and input into SPSS version 25 computer program for statistical analysis and presentation. The study findings showed that community participation in scope planning (R=0.580, p=0.00<0.05, R2=0.334), activity planning (R=0.538, p=0.00<0.05, R2=0.288) and resource planning (R=0.511, p=0.00<0.05, R2=0.259) are significant explanatory variables with respect to project performance at 95% confidence level. Therefore, the study concluded that the community should be encouraged to actively participate more during the planning process in order to enhance the performance of their community water supply projects. In this regard, the study recommends that policies to facilitate the structured participation of the community could be enacted to guarantee participation and hence improve the performance of community water supply project.
Microfinance Institution (MFIs) and Survival of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs):	Empirical Evidence of TraderMoni Scheme Beneficiaries in South-Western Nigeria.
Authors: Adamolekun Wole , Obadeyi J. A , Ogbeide Sunday Oseiweh , Akande A. A.
Published: April 2021

Deregulation in Microfinance Institution (MFIs) in accordance with regulatory policy architecture since 2005 has not fully stimulated sustainability towards the informal system due to the inability of MFIs to access funds and government to judiciously administer credits to beneficiaries of various schemes; this has led to the partial collapse of some schemes in Nigeria; despite Government good intentions of creating employment and alleviating poverty. In view of this, this study assessed Microfinance Institution (MFIs) and Survival of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs): Empirical evidence of tradermoni scheme beneficiaries in South-Western Nigeria. The study adopted Tedeschi model (2006) that examined incentives available for borrowers to repay loans. Furthermore, reference was made to Markov Chain model to investigate the response of individual borrower as an applicant and beneficiary of tradermoni scheme in the context of this study. Eighteen MFIs were sampled from 2009 – 2020. Panel data was adopted for the study. The result showed mixed influences of MFIs on survival of MSEs. We are hopeful that findings of this paper would help to fill the existing gap on the influence of MFIs on the survival of MSEs.
Opinions to Adapt Workplace Learning in The Time of Coronavirus and After
Authors: Hamburg Ileana
Published: April 2021

Workplace learning supports the acquisition of knowledge or skills by formal or informal methods and means that occurs in the workplace. It contributes to the learning of employees, employers and the organization as a whole. As a response to COVID-19 disease, workplace learning had to be changed and many usual activities in this context have been postponed or canceled. Digital learning solutions and alternative activities have to be found in order to continue the learning process. Workplace learning is often incorporated into workplace social interactions and everyday practices, but it can include also formal elements and be supported by mentors and tutors. In this presentation, first some forms, benefits and requirements of workplace learning are described as well as steps and approaches like learning scenarios which have to be developed to ensure social distancing and promote digital learning at the workplace as a solution.

Second, some learning methods are proposed which can be applied within workplace learning and have been tested by the Study Group Lifelong Learning of the IAT within a European project.
Teaching Routines in German Geography Classrooms: A Case Study in North Rhein-Westphalian Gymnasiums
Authors: Krohmer Maxim , Budke Alexandra
Published: April 2021

Teachers develop their professional competence throughout their careers through education, experience, and reflection. To achieve this, routines are a vital factor, which can be described by short sequences of teacher actions with specific functions within a lesson. These short sequences of teacher behavior within a lesson can be observed particularly well in German geography classes, because already during the academic education and the subsequent traineeship a specific lesson sequence, consisting of three phases, is taught to the prospective teachers. This article focuses on the question of what routine in everyday teaching by geography teachers looks like with the aim of contributing to the understanding of professional teaching in geography education. To achieve this, 112 geography lessons of 45 minutes and 38 teachers were observed in German Gymnasiums in North Rhine-Westphalia via observation sheets. Subsequently, the collected data was analyzed by frequency analysis. The results show that the observed teachers have patterns of routine within specific phases in class, such as in the use of teaching methods, material and media, and classroom management.
Geometric Transformations in the Plane: Shapes in Motion.
Authors: Muccillo de Medeiros Antonio Paulo , De Medeiros Lícia Giesta Ferreira
Published: April 2021

This work intends to analyze the validity of inserting the study of Geometric Transformations in Basic Education. It is based on the analysis, from the historical perspective, of the use of these transformations by man and the development of these concept by mathematicians. It intends to show that this subject can be used as an integrating content between the branches of mathematics in basic education to contextualize teaching of subjects in which students do not easily see a practical application.
An intelligent management system for aquaponics
Authors: Karimanzira Divas , Rauschenbach Thomas
Published: April 2021

Population rise, climate change, soil degradation, water scarcity, and food security require efficient and sustainable food production. Aquaponics is a highly efficient way of farming and is becoming increasingly popular. However, large scale aquaponics still lack stability, standardization and proof of economical profitability. The EU-INAPRO project helps to overcome these limitations by introducing digitization, enhanced technology, and developing standardized modular scalable solutions and demonstrating the viability of large aquaponics. INAPRO is based on an innovation a double water recirculation system (DRAPS), one for fish, and the other one for crops. In DRAPS, optimum conditions can be set up individually for fish and crops to increase productivity of both. Moreover, the integration of digital technologies and data management in the aquaculture production and processing systems will enable full traceability and transparency in the processes, increasing consumers’ trust in aquaculture products. In this paper, the innovations and the digitization approach will be introduced and explained and the key benefits of the system will be emphasized.
Soil monitoring for precision farming using hyperspectral remote sensing and soil sensors
Authors: Schreiner Simon , Culibrk Dubravko , Bandecchi Michele , Gross Wolfgang , Middelmann Wolfgang
Published: April 2021

This work describes an approach to calculate pedological parameter maps using hyperspectral remote sensing and soil sensors. These maps serve as information basis for automated and precise agricultural treatments by tractors and field robots. Soil samples are recorded by a handheld hyperspectral sensor and analyzed in the laboratory for pedological parameters. The transfer of the correlation between these two data sets to aerial hyperspectral images leads to 2D-parameter maps of the soil surface. Additionally, rod-like soil sensors provide local 3D-information of pedological parameters under the soil surface. The goal is to combine the area-covering 2D-parameter maps with the local 3D-information to extrapolate large-scale 3D-parameter maps using AI approaches.
The potentials of indoor farming for plant production
Authors: Mempel Heike , Jüttner Ivonne , Wittmann Sabine
Published: April 2021

Plant production in indoor farming systems offers significant advantages compared to open field or greenhouse production systems. Especially in terms of quality and the ability for automation the system is superior to the conventional production systems. Concerning resource consumption indoor farming has considerable advantages in regard to water consumption and the use of pesticides. The main disadvantage is the high consumption of electrical energy. Taking advantage of the specific benefits or eliminating the disadvantages, for example by using renewable energies, different potentials and fields of application for indoor farming arise. The paper outlines the potentials and future fields of application of indoor farming considering the specific differences to conventional production systems related to resource consumption, quality and automation.
Influence of pattern anisotropy on the structural behaviour of free-edge single-layer gridshells
Authors: Venuti Fiammetta
Published: April 2021

Free-edge gridshells represent the majority of built gridshells. Indeed, the gridshell reference geometry usually needs to be trimmed in order to provide building access or to insert the gridshell within an existing building, giving rise to one or more elastic boundaries. Despite the current design practice, so far a very limited number of scientific studies has been devoted to investigate the influence of elastic boundaries on the overall structural behaviour of gridshells. This paper focuses on the effects of the orientation of the boundary structure with respect to the grid direction. This is done by studying the buckling behaviour of an ideal single-layer steel gridshell, for different grid layout (quadrangular, hybrid, triangular) and orientation. The results of the parametric study demonstrate that the sensitivity of free-edge single-layer gridshells to the free-edge orientation strongly depends on the grid pattern. In particular, isotropic gridshells have shown an almost negligible influence of the free-edge orientation in terms of buckling load, in opposition to orthotropic gridshells. Moreover, the change in free-edge orientation induces significant variations of the global structural stiffness for all the layouts, resulting in possibly unacceptable displacements in service conditions.
The spatial distribution characteristics of Nb–Ta of mafic rocks in subduction zones
Authors: Li Weiwei , Ge Can , Wang Fangyue , Sun He , Gu Haiou
Published: April 2021

High field-strength elements have been regarded as one of the most important discriminations in subduction zone magma. However, the spatial distribution of Nb and Ta in subduction zone-related rocks has been rarely studied; it is still unclear whether there is a quantitative relationship between the Nb–Ta concentrations and their subduction distance. In this paper, the Nb–Ta concentrations of mafic rocks in arc tectonic systems were calculated from a statistical perspective based on the combined geophysical model and geochemical database. The results showed a typical spatial distribution pattern. The threshold value of Nb (12.20 ppm) and Ta (0.796 ppm) in arc settings was estimated by a cumulative distribution function, which can be used to determine whether the rock is generated in arc tectonic environment. A probability density function of Nb–Ta contents and related subduction distance has been obtained using kernel function estimation. The Nb–Ta concentrations are exponentially correlated with the subduction distance (<700 km), while the Nb/Ta ratios keep in the range of 12–19. We proposed that the subduction depth, along with the degree of partial melting, and possible crustal contamination might be responsible for the Nb–Ta variation correlation with subduction distances.
Degree of approximation in the space H
ω

p
by the even-type delayed arithmetic mean of Fourier series
Authors: Kim Jaeman
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this paper is to give a
degree of approximation of a function in the space

H
p
ω

{H^{\omega}_{p}}

with norm

∥
⋅
∥

p
ω

{\lVert\,\cdot\,\rVert^{\omega}_{p}}

by using even-type delayed
arithmetic mean of its Fourier series.
Natural durability and improved resistance of 20 Amazonian wood species after 30 years in ground contact
Authors: Gouveia Fernando Nunes , da Silveira Marcelo Fontana , Garlet Alencar
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to assess the natural durability of 20 Amazonian wood species preserved with chromated copper arsenate (CCA) after 30 years in ground contact in an experimental field test at National Forest of Tapajós, Pará state - Brazil. Heartwood samples with a cross-section of 5 × 5 cm and 50 cm of length were half-buried in soil and inspected every year for decay. The species were classified according to natural durability following the classification method proposed by Findlay (Findlay, W.P.K. (1985). The nature and durability of wood. In: Findlay, W.P.K. (Ed.), Preservation of timber in the tropics. Springer Science, Whitchurch, pp. 1–13). After 30 years in ground test, six species were classified as Perishable, seven as Non-durable, three as Durable and four as Very durable, namely: Trichilia lecointei, Lecythis pisonis, Pseudopiptadenia suaveolens, and Dipteryx odorata (Very durable), Protium tenuifolium, Dinizia excelsa, and Ormosia paraensis (Durable), Endopleura uchi, Goupia glabra, Pouteria egregia, Tachigali chrysophylla, Tachigali paraensis, Vatairea sericea, and Vochysia maxima (Non-durable) and Chrysophyllum lucentifolium, Couratari oblongifolia, Didymopanax morototoni, Lueheopsis duckeana, Sterculia excelsa, and Xylopia nitida (Perishable). CCA preservative treatment was effective to promote timber protection, even under harsh climatic conditions of the Amazon forest environment.
More than one way: exploring the capabilities of different estimation approaches to joint models for longitudinal and time-to-event outcomes
Authors: Rappl Anja , Mayr Andreas , Waldmann Elisabeth
Published: April 2021

The development of physical functioning after a caesura in an aged population is still widely unexplored. Analysis of this topic would need to model the longitudinal trajectories of physical functioning and simultaneously take terminal events (deaths) into account. Separate analysis of both results in biased estimates, since it neglects the inherent connection between the two outcomes. Thus, this type of data generating process is best modelled jointly. To facilitate this several software applications were made available. They differ in model formulation, estimation technique (likelihood-based, Bayesian inference, statistical boosting) and a comparison of the different approaches is necessary to identify their capabilities and limitations. Therefore, we compared the performance of the packages JM, joineRML, JMbayes and JMboost of the R software environment with respect to estimation accuracy, variable selection properties and prediction precision. With these findings we then illustrate the topic of physical functioning after a caesura with data from the German ageing survey (DEAS). The results suggest that in smaller data sets and theory driven modelling likelihood-based methods (expectation maximation, JM, joineRML) or Bayesian inference (JMbayes) are preferable, whereas statistical boosting (JMboost) is a better choice with high-dimensional data and data exploration settings.
Identification of causal intervention effects under contagion
Authors: Cai Xiaoxuan , Loh Wen Wei , Crawford Forrest W.
Published: April 2021

Defining and identifying causal intervention effects for transmissible infectious disease outcomes is challenging because a treatment – such as a vaccine – given to one individual may affect the infection outcomes of others. Epidemiologists have proposed causal estimands to quantify effects of interventions under contagion using a two-person partnership model. These simple conceptual models have helped researchers develop causal estimands relevant to clinical evaluation of vaccine effects. However, many of these partnership models are formulated under structural assumptions that preclude realistic infectious disease transmission dynamics, limiting their conceptual usefulness in defining and identifying causal treatment effects in empirical intervention trials. In this paper, we propose causal intervention effects in two-person partnerships under arbitrary infectious disease transmission dynamics, and give nonparametric identification results showing how effects can be estimated in empirical trials using time-to-infection or binary outcome data. The key insight is that contagion is a causal phenomenon that induces conditional independencies on infection outcomes that can be exploited for the identification of clinically meaningful causal estimands. These new estimands are compared to existing quantities, and results are illustrated using a realistic simulation of an HIV vaccine trial.
World-switch and mind style inThe Barracks:a cognitive approach to ideology
Authors: Alarcón-Hermosilla Salvador
Published: April 2021

The aim of this paper is to take a close look at John McGahern’s mind style through the language of the heroine Elizabeth Reegan and other characters, in his 1963 novelThe Barracks. Specifically, attention will be drawn to how the linguistic choices shape the figurative language to cast the author’s controversial views on the religion-pervaded puritan Irish society that he knew so well. This will be done from two different perspectives. One perspective is through the breast cancer afflicted heroine, who asserts herself as a free thinker and a woman of science, in a society where priests have a strong influence at all social levels, and most women settle for housekeeping. The other is also through Elizabeth, together with other minor characters, who dare question some of the basic well-established ideological assumptions, in a series of examples where the author skilfully raises two parallel dichotomies, namely, FAITH versus REASON, and DARKNESS versus LIGHT. At a linguistic level, the present analysis relies on precepts from Frame Semantics, Conceptual Metaphor Theory, and Cognitive Grammar. These insights prove a most useful method of approach to a narrative text while unearthing the author’s ideological world view.
Pulmonary and cutaneous mucormycosis in two children with diabetes mellitus type 1
Authors: Ghaemi Nosrat , Bagheri Sepide , Shirdelzade Sara
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Mucormycosis is a life-threatening condition that can be present in diabetes mellitus. Although the rhino-orbito-cerebral form is the most common, other types may be developed as well.

Case presentation

The present study reports two children with diabetes who had the cutaneous and pulmonary forms of mucormycosis. The first case was a four-year-old boy without a history of diabetes admitted due to loss of consciousness and a necrotic lesion on his hand. The second was an 11-year-old boy with dyspnea, polyuria, and polydipsia who had developed diabetes two years before, and whose chest X-ray had shown a pulmonary lesion. Both cases were treated with surgical implementation and appropriate antifungal therapy.

Conclusions

Mucormycosis is a fatal condition that can even be present at the onset of diabetes mellitus. Therefore, any diabetic patient with any presentation of respiratory symptoms such as coughs, or any cutaneous lesion should be examined carefully for mucormycosis after which prompt treatment must begin.
Topological guided-mode resonances at non-Hermitian nanophotonic interfaces
Authors: Lee Ki Young , Yoo Kwang Wook , Choi Youngsun , Kim Gunpyo , Cheon Sangmo , Yoon Jae Woong , Song Seok Ho
Published: April 2021

The topological properties of photonic microstructures are of great interest because of their experimental feasibility for fundamental study and potential applications. Here, we show that robust guided-mode-resonance states exist in photonic domain-wall structures whenever the complex photonic band structures involve certain topological correlations in general. Using the non-Hermitian photonic analogy of the one-dimensional Dirac equation, we derive essential conditions for photonic Jackiw-Rebbi-state resonances taking advantage of unique spatial confinement and spot-like spectral features which are remarkably robust against random parametric errors. Therefore, the proposed resonance configuration potentially provides a powerful method to create compact and stable photonic resonators for various applications in practice.
Eating habits and food literacy: Study involving a sample of Portuguese adolescents
Authors: Ferreira Manuela , Guiné Raquel P. F. , Leitão Ana Lúcia , Duarte João , Andrade Joana , Amaral Odete
Published: April 2021

Adolescents tend to neglect food and their eating pattern is influenced by several factors. Adolescents’ health literacy substantiates their ability to respond to the growing demands of health, being linked to health promotion in several areas, including food. The goal of this work was to analyze the relationship between sociodemographic and contextual variables with secondary school students’ food literacy. A quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study was carried out with a sample of 181 nonprobabilistic secondary school students, aged between 16 and 21 years (mean = 18.09 years ± 1.45), mostly female (58.0%), from 11th grade (35.4%), who are part of a secondary school in central Portugal. As a tool for data collection, the questionnaire of the project “Your PEL – Promote and Empower for Health Literacy in the young population” was used, aggregating three areas: eating behaviors, harmful consumptions and sexuality. The results showed that 58.6% of young people eat 4–5 meals a day, consume fast food weekly (79%) and eat soup (82.3%). Additionally, they eat fruit and vegetables on a daily basis (94.5 and 83.4%, respectively). The results further showed that 10th grade students have higher levels of health and food literacy. It was observed that both girls and boys are interested in receiving information regarding food, transmitted through social networks and by a communication application (84.5 and 73.5%, respectively), with significant differences (χ
2 = 4.768; p = 0.028). Adolescents face unique health challenges and a critical level of health literacy compromises their understanding of information about diet and future health. The results indicate that educational plans to empower adolescents in these areas, which integrate gender and age differences and sources of information as important variables to be considered, are pivotal for increasing levels of health and food literacy.
The urinary biopterin in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Waligóra Aleksandra , Damasiewicz-Bodzek Aleksandra , Gorczyca Piotr , Waligóra Sławomir , Tyrpień-Golder Krystyna
Published: April 2021

Objective

The aim of the study was to determine whether biopterin is present in significantly lower quantities in urine samples of patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to healthy individuals.

Methods

The concentration of biopterin in urine samples was measured by ELISA using commercially available kit. The study involved 53 children aged 3–16 years with ASD and 60 healthy children aged 2–14 years.

Results

Significantly lower biopterin concentration was observed in autistic patients compared to the control group. However, no significant difference was observed between mild, moderate, and severe ASD.

Conclusion

One of the potential causes of decrease in urinary biopterin levels may be tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiency, which has extensive and serious health consequences for the nervous system. The results of measuring biopterin as a fully oxidized form of BH4 may suggest that biosynthesis or regeneration of BH4 may be decreased in children with ASD. On the other hand, decreased urinary biopterin levels in children with ASD may be due to BH4 overuse, a good regeneration process, and decreased urinary excretion; and abnormalities in BH4 metabolism appear to be related to the aetiology of ASD or may be due to ASD.
Analysis on stochastic predator-prey model with distributed delay
Authors: Gokila C. , Sambath M.
Published: April 2021

In the present work, we consider a stochastic predator-prey model with disease in prey and distributed delay. Firstly, we establish sufficient conditions for the extinction of the disease and also permanence of healthy prey and predator. Besides, we obtain the condition for the existence of an ergodic stationary distribution through the stochastic Lyapunov function. Finally, we provide some numerical simulations to validate our theoretical findings.
Novel Assessment of Isometric Hip Extensor Function: Reliability, Joint Angle Sensitivity, and Concurrent Validity
Authors: Goodwin Jon E. , Bull Anthony M. J.
Published: April 2021

Goodwin, JE and Bull, AMJ. Novel assessment of isometric hip extensor function: reliability, joint angle sensitivity, and concurrent validity. J Strength Cond Res 36(10): 2762–2770, 2022—Closed-chain hip extension function has not been well examined. The aim of this study was to examine the reliability, joint angle sensitivity, muscle recruitment, and concurrent validity of a force plate–based isometric hip extensor test (isometric hip thrust). All subjects were active men aged 19–29 years. In part 1, bilateral and unilateral hip extensor testing was completed on 4 occasions by 14 subjects to evaluate repeatability of force and torque measures. In part 2, joint angle sensitivity of force, torque, and surface electromyography was assessed by 10 subjects completing testing at 4 hip joint angles in a single test session. In part 3, concurrent validity of joint torque was assessed relative to standing and supine test positions on an isokinetic dynamometer, by 10 subjects in a single test session. The repeatability study found small changes in the mean from sessions 1–2 (mean standardized change d = 0.31) and close to no change in later sessions (mean d = 0.12). Typical error was predominantly low to moderate (mean 0.42), and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was typically high (mean ICC = 0.87). The joint angle sensitivity study showed that increasing the hip flexion resulted in increases in peak extension force (p = 0.001) and gluteus maximus activation (p = 0.003) and a reduction in biceps femoris activation (p < 0.001). There was no change in torque (p = 0.585) and vastus lateralis activation (p = 0.482). The concurrent validity study found that torque was correlated with supine dynamometry (R
2 = 0.555) but not with standing dynamometry (R
2 = 0.193). In summary, the isometric hip thrust is repeatable, but benefits from familiarization. Force output and muscle recruitment are sensitive to joint position, providing an opportunity to assess different functional output.
Barriers and Facilitators to PrEP Initiation and Adherence Among Transgender and Gender Non-Binary Individuals in Southern California
Authors: Watson C. Wei-Ming , Pasipanodya Elizabeth , Savin Micah J. , Ellorin Eric E. , Corado Katya C. , Flynn Risa P. , Opalo Chloé , Lampley Elizabeth , Henry Brook L. , Blumenthal Jill , Bolan Robert , Morris Sheldon , Moore David J.
Published: April 2021

While transgender and gender non-binary (trans/nb) individuals are disproportionately affected by HIV, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake remains low in this underserved population. We conducted four focus groups with 37 trans/nb individuals in San Diego and Los Angeles to assess barriers and facilitators of PrEP usage. Transcripts were coded for qualitative themes. Although overall PrEP awareness was high, participants reported limited knowledge and misinformation about PrEP. Barriers to PrEP use included: structural access (e.g., discrimination from health care providers, lack of trans-inclusive services, financial barriers), mental health struggles limiting ability to access PrEP, and concerns about potential side effects, drug-drug interactions with hormone therapy, and lack of other STI protection. Facilitators of PrEP usage included: increased PrEP availability, prior experience taking daily medications, and motivation to have active and healthy lives without fear of contracting HIV. Addressing both structural and psychosocial/behavioral factors in trans-affirming health care environments is crucial to designing inclusive, effective PrEP interventions.
Autonomous Motivation Moderates the Relation of Self-Criticism to Depressive Symptoms Over One Year: A Longitudinal Study of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Patients in a Naturalistic Setting
Authors: Taylor Geneviève , Dunkley David M. , Zuroff David C. , Lewkowski Maxim , Foley J. Elizabeth , Myhr Gail , Westreich Ruta
Published: April 2021

Introduction: This study examined whether motivation moderated the relation between self-criticism and depression over one year in a sample of adults receiving cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT).

Methods: Participants (N = 38) completed measures of pre-treatment self-criticism (Time 1), autonomous/controlled motivation for engaging in CBT at the beginning of treatment (Time 2), and interviewer-rated depression at Time 1, and one year after baseline (Time 3).

Results: Multiple regression analyses of moderator effects showed that patients higher in self-criticism with lower autonomous motivation for CBT had higher levels of depressive symptoms one year later. The effect of controlled motivation was nonsignificant.

Discussion: Our findings support the buffering hypothesis that engaging in CBT because it is personally meaningful may protect patients high in self-criticism from experiencing the poorer treatment outcomes associated with their specific vulnerability. However, given the small sample size, the results will need to be replicated within larger samples to ensure generalizability.
The Therapeutic Relationship Reexamined: Clinical and Neurobiological Aspects of Empathic Attunement
Authors: Glucksman Myron L.
Published: April 2021

This article explores salient aspects of the therapeutic relationship, including transference, nontransference (the “real” relationship), and empathic attunement. Evidence for a mirror neuron system mediating empathy in primates and humans is presented. A clinical illustration describes the interplay between impaired early attachment, developmental experience, psychopathology, mirror neuron dysfunction, and the role of empathic attunement toward facilitating clinical improvement.
Money Questions and the Structural Interview
Authors: Hersh Richard G.
Published: April 2021

Kernberg's structural interview integrates exploration of elements of personality organization into the standard initial psychiatric evaluation. The structural interview approach, while essential to transference-focused psychotherapy for patients with borderline personality disorder, is not limited to use in that context. Following the model of the structural interview, clinicians ask a series of questions, which elucidate elements of personality pathology, thereby facilitating comprehensive diagnosis, guiding treatment, and informing prognosis. Direct questioning about finances and the clinician's general curiosity about issues related to money, in the context of the structural interview, can be high-yield lines of inquiry. Patients’ history with their finances, attitudes about money, and ways questions about finance emerge in the transference around fees and related concerns, can add an important, often overlooked, dimension to the assessment of personality organization and personality disorder pathology. This article proposes the utility of prioritizing questions regarding money, as might be integrated into the structural interview, as a template for a broader recognition of the value of this line of inquiry in a diagnostic assessment process.