bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA profiling in bovine serum according to the stage of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis infection
Authors: Choi Sung-Woon , Kim Suji , Park Hong-Tae , Park Hyun-Eui , Choi Jeong-Soo , Yoo Han Sang
Published: November 2021

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is the causative agent of Johne’s disease (JD), and it causes diarrhea and weakness in cattle. During a long subclinical stage, infected animals without clinical signs shed pathogens through feces. For this reason, the diagnosis of JD during the subclinical stage is very important. Circulating miRNAs are attracting attention as useful biomarkers in various veterinary diseases because of their expression changes depending on the state of the disease. Based on current knowledge, circulating miRNAs extracted from bovine serum were used to develop a diagnostic tool for JD. In this study, the animals were divided into 4 groups according to fecal shedding, the presence of antibodies, and clinical signs. Gene expression was analyzed by performing miRNA sequencing for each group, and it was identified that the miRNA expression changed more as the MAP infection progressed. The eight miRNAs that were differentially expressed in all infected groups were selected as biomarker candidates based on their significant differences compared to the control group. These biomarker candidates were validated by qRT-PCR. Considering the sequencing data, two upregulated miRNAs and two downregulated miRNAs showed the same trend in the validation results. Network analysis was also conducted and the results showed that mRNAs (IL-10, TGF-β1) associated with regulatory T cells were predicted to be activated in the subclinical stage. Taken together, our data suggest that two miRNAs (bta-miR-374b, bta-miR-2887) may play major roles in the immune response to MAP infection during the subclinical stage.
Effect of Inonotus obliquus polysaccharide on composition of the intestinal flora in mice with acute endometritis
Authors: Hu Binhong , Dong Yuqing , Zhou Wenjing , Ma Yichuan , Li Luyao , Fu Xianhua , Zhang Wenxuan , Luo Yuanyue , Pu Jingyu , Deng Xin , Zhang Rong , Liu Songqing
Published: November 2021

Inonotus obliquus Polysaccharide (IOP) is a large molecule extracted from Inonotus obliqus, a medicinal fungus, which has a wide range of biological activities and has been shown to be associated with inflammation. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether IOP can help to reduce acute endometritis by regulating intestinal flora. We observed pathological changes in mice with endometritis following treatment with IOP and evaluated changes in the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and further studied the effects of IOP on the intestinal flora of endometritis mice using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that IOP improved the condition of uterine tissues and reduced the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Meanwhile, the 16S rRNA sequencing results showed that IOP could regulate the changes in intestinal microflora at the level of genera, possibly by changing the relative abundance of some genera.
Metataxonomic investigation of the microbial community in the trachea and oropharynx of healthy controls and diabetic patients using endotracheal tubes
Authors: Cho Sun Young , Choi Jeong-Hyun , Lee Seung Hyeun , Choi Yong-Sung , Hwang Sung Wook , Kim Young Jin
Published: November 2021

Background

Although the study of respiratory microbiota has been an active field of research, obtaining the appropriate respiratory samples for healthy controls remains to be a challenge. As such, this study aims to evaluate the use of endotracheal tube washing as a viable control for sputum samples.

Methods

A total of 14 subjects, including 8 healthy respiratory controls and 6 diabetic patients without any respiratory disease, were enrolled in this study, during which the endotracheal tubes used in their scheduled routine surgery were collected. Pre-operative oral gargles were also collected from non-diabetic subjects.

Results

16S amplicon sequencing revealed similar taxa composition in endotracheal tube washings and oral gargles in the healthy control subjects, although the relative abundance of 11 genus level operational taxonomic units was significantly different between the two sample sources. The diabetic subjects showed relatively lower diversity than those of non-diabetic subjects. The proportion range of the most abundant taxa detected in each endotracheal tube washings were 10.1–33.2%.

Conclusion

Endotracheal tube washing fluid may provide healthy control samples for upper respiratory investigations without incurring any additional risk to the subject.
Possible linkage between asymmetry of atmospheric meridional circulation and tropical cyclones in the Central Pacific during El Niño years
Authors: Li Tao , Chen Fajin , Zhang Shuwen , Feng Xiaoli , Zeng Weiqiang
Published: November 2021

The El Niño–Southern Oscillation is one of the most important drivers of climate change on Earth, and is characterised by warmer (El Niño) or colder (La Niña) ocean surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific. Tropical cyclones (TCs) and meridional circulation are the most influential weather events and climate phenomena, respectively. However, the link between TCs and meridional circulation anomalies (MCA) during El Niño years is unclear. Therefore, we calculated the accumulated cyclone energy index of TCs and the mass stream function of MCA from 1980 to 2018. Our results showed that TCs were closely related to the asymmetry of the MCA in the Central Pacific during El Niño years. An updraft anomaly in the North Pacific was found, which affected the response of MCA to El Niño from May to October during El Niño years. Therefore, the MCA intensity difference between the North and South Pacific increased, and the asymmetry was strengthened. This phenomenon may be strengthened by the combined effects of the equatorial westerly wind, relative vorticity, and warm ocean surfaces, which are controlled by El Niño. The equatorial westerly wind produces positive shear north of the equator, which increases the relative vorticity. The increase in relative vorticity is accompanied by a monsoon trough, leading to increased precipitation and updrafts. The background of the relative vorticity, updraft, and monsoon trough may be conducive to the generation and development of TCs. Our results prove that the possible link between TCs and the asymmetry of the MCA during El Niño years is derived from the combined effect of the equatorial westerly wind, relative vorticity, and warm ocean surfaces, thus providing a partial explanation for the link between TCs and the MCA.
Alleviating the burden of diabetes with Health Equity Funds: Economic evaluation of the health and financial risk protection benefits in Cambodia
Authors: Feldhaus Isabelle , Nagpal Somil , Verguet Stéphane
Published: November 2021

In Cambodia, diabetes caused nearly 3% of the country’s mortality in 2016 and became the fourth highest cause of disability in 2017. Providing sufficient financial risk protection from health care expenditures may be part of the solution towards effectively tackling the diabetes burden and motivating individuals to appropriately seek care to effectively manage their condition. In this study, we aim to estimate the distributional health and financial impacts of strategies providing financial coverage for diabetes services through the Health Equity Funds (HEF) in Cambodia. The trajectory of diabetes was represented using a Markov model to estimate the societal costs, health impacts, and individual out-of-pocket expenditures associated with six strategies of HEF coverage over a time horizon of 45 years. Input parameters for the model were compiled from published literature and publicly available household survey data. Strategies covered different combinations of types of diabetes care costs (i.e., diagnostic services, medications, and management of diabetes-related complications). Health impacts were computed as the number of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) averted and financial risk protection was analyzed in terms of cases of catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) averted. Model simulations demonstrated that coverage for medications would be cost-effective, accruing health benefits ($27 per DALY averted) and increases in financial risk protection ($2 per case of CHE averted) for the poorest in Cambodia. Women experienced particular gains in health and financial risk protection. Increasing the number of individuals eligible for financial coverage also improved the value of such investments. For HEF coverage, the government would pay between an estimated $28 and $58 per diabetic patient depending on the extent of coverage and services covered. Efforts to increase the availability of services and capacity of primary care facilities to support diabetes care could have far-reaching impacts on the burden of diabetes and contribute to long-term health system strengthening.
From IRL (in-real-life) to URL: Capturing the art biennial amid COVID-19
Authors: Kuo (Gwen) Kuan-ying
Published: November 2021

In early 2020, the unforeseen COVID-19 has brought the art world to its knees, particularly the contemporary art scene needs viewers and feedback to survive. Artists require new channels connecting them with their audiences, while artists’ work needs to be seen and appreciated by the public to sustain its value. In the face of social distancing restrictions and limited visitors, however, many international exhibitions are forced to cancel or postponed. With less to no patronage, will the global pandemic bring the end of the art world? As the global pandemic has forced most social and cultural events moving online, the art biennials are no exception. This article examines the art biennial, the Olympics of the art world, to rediscover the meaning of ‘art’ before and after COVID-19. Integrating virtual presentation and digital campaign between the Taipei Biennial and the Shanghai Biennale, the first running art biennials across the Taiwan Strait, this article analyses and presents the art world’s potential shifts in the post-pandemic future.
Netflix, nostalgia and transnational television
Authors: Jenner Mareike
Published: November 2021

This article offers an overview of the various kinds of nostalgia Netflix engages with. The focus here is self-produced originals and the way nostalgic elements are used to create different kinds of political outlooks within a transnational television environment. An underlying question is: in what ways can nostalgia be political within the transnational context of Netflix? The article explores this question while giving an overview of nostalgia’s use in different series, such as the culturally regressive politics of The Crown (), the progressive social justice project of Sex Education () and the semiotic (if not political) project in series like Bridgerton ().
The ‘troubled rebel girl’ and the ‘boy-next-door’: The apparent inversion of gender and love archetypes in 13 Reasons Why, Élite and Sex Education
Authors: Fedele Maddalena , Masanet Maria-Jose
Published: November 2021

Teen series play a central role in the socialization process of young people, since they offer portrayals and models that young people can relate to, identify with or modify and break. Previous studies have shown that teen series continue to perpetuate a stereotyped gender representation and usually reproduce a heteronormative relationship model based on the myth of romantic love following the storyline of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. The present study consists of a close reading of three popular current Netflix teen series: 13 Reasons Why (), Élite () and Sex Education (). The results show an inversion of the gender archetypes of Beauty and the Beast. The three female protagonists are ‘badasses with a good heart’, embodying the typical archetype of the ‘Beast’, while the three male protagonists are patient, caring, innocent and even virginal, embodying the archetype of the ‘Beauty’. However, unlike in the classic model, the boys fail in their attempts to save their beloved from themselves, and the girls end up suffering irreparable consequences. The tragic end of the female characters condemns them to the impossibility of a redemption that has traditionally been granted to males.
Compostos substantiu + adjectiu (tipus ullnegre) en català i altres llengües ibero-romàniques
Authors: Szijj Ildikó
Published: November 2021

L’objectiu de l’article és comparar la productivitat i altres característiques dels compostos adjectivals del tipus ullnegre en català, espanyol, portuguès i gallec. Els elements procedeixen de diccionaris monolingües. El resultat de la comparació és que aquest tipus de composició és més freqüent en català i en espanyol, mentre és esporàdic en portuguès i en gallec. L’estructura dels mots divergeix en català de les altres llengües, per no contenir la vocal d’enllaç i.
Bristol Stool Scale as a Determinant of Hepatic Encephalopathy Management in Patients With Cirrhosis
Authors: Duong Nikki K. , Shrestha Shreesh , Park Dan , Shahab Omer , Fagan Andrew , Malpaya Zenaida , Gallagher Mary L. , Morris April , Davis Brian C. , Bajaj Jasmohan S.
Published: November 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Bowel movement (BM) frequency is used to titrate lactulose for hepatic encephalopathy (HE). However, stool consistency using the Bristol stool scale (BSS, 0–7) is often ignored.

METHODS:

The study included pre-BSS and post-BSS cohorts. BSS was incorporated into decision-making after training in outpatients with cirrhosis. Two to 3 BMs/d and BSS 3–4 were considered normal, whereas the rest were considered high or low; concordance between the metrics was evaluated. Medication changes and 6-month admissions were compared between this group (post-BSS) and a comparable previous group (pre-BSS). Concordance and regression analyses for all-cause admissions and HE-related admissions were performed, and comparisons were made for HE-related medication stability. In the longitudinal analysis, an outpatient group seen twice was analyzed for BSS and BMs.

RESULTS:

In the post-BSS cohort, 112 patients were included with only 46% BSS and BMs concordance and modest BSS/BMs correlation (r = 0.27, P = 0.005). Compared with a pre-BSS cohort (N = 114), there was a lower 6-month total (4% vs 0.36%, P < 0.001) or HE-related admission (1% vs 0.12%, P = 0.002). Regression showed model for end-stage liver disease (odds ratio [OR]: 1.10, P = 0.003) and pre-BSS/post-BSS (OR: 0.04, P < 0.001) for all-cause admissions and HE (OR: 3.59, P = 0.04) and preera/postera (OR: 0.16, P = 0.02) for HE-related admissions as significant. HE medication regimens were more stable post-BSS vs pre-BSS (32% vs 20%, P = 0.04), which was due to patients with BSS > BMs (P = 0.02). In the longitudinal analysis, 33 patients without medication changes or underlying clinical status changes were tested 36 ± 24 days apart. No changes in BSS (P = 0.73) or BMs (P = 0.19) were found.

DISCUSSION:

BSS is complementary and additive to BM frequency, can modulate the risk of readmissions and stabilize HE-related therapy changes in outpatients with cirrhosis, and could help personalize HE management.
Pemanfaatan dan Arah Kebijakan Perencanaan Energi Panas Bumi di Indonesia Sebagai Keberlanjutan Maksimalisasi Energi Baru Terbarukan
Authors: Nurwahyudin Dindin Syarief , Harmoko Udi
Published: November 2021

Penulisan ini dilakukan karena potensi panas bumi di Indonesia sangatlah tinggi. Perencanaan energi yang efektif dapat membuat realisasi pemanfaatan energi panas bumi dapat dimaksimalkan. Tujuan dari penulisan ini yaitu untuk mengetahui lebih dalam mengenai perencanaan dan arah kebijakan pemanfaatan energi panas bumi di Indonesia. Data yang digunakan adalah dengan menggunakan data sekunder sedangkan penelitian ini menggunakan metode normatif quantitatif yaitu memanfaatkan sumber data sekunder yang berdasarkan pada numerasi valid dari sumber yang valid. Hasil penulisan ini menunjukan bahwa Pemanfaatan panas bumi pada saat ini setara dengan pemakaian BBM domestik sebesar 32.000 BOE per hari (= 92.000 BOE per hari minyak mentah) atau sekitar 81.200 BOE per hari BBM domestik pada tahun 2025. Sementara itu, arah kebijakan energi diarahkan untuk ketenagalistrikan sesuai (PP No 79, 2014). Teknologi yang digunakan dalam pemanfaatan energi panas bumi pada Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Panas Bumi yaitu dry steam, flash steam, dan binary cycle. Ketiga macam teknologi ini pada dasarnya digunakan pada kondisi yang berbeda-beda. Kebutuhan investasi untuk 1 MW mencapai kisaran US$ 5 juta atau sedikit di bawah angka tersebut. keuntungan investasi yang harus didapat pengembang setidaknya mampu mencapai 13 persen hingga 14 persen. Hal ini tentunya sangatlah menarik untuk diketahui mengingat Indonesia sangat membutuhkan energi yang dapat memberikan keuntungan yang sangat tinggi untuk negara.
An Analysis of Playoff Performance Declines in Major League Baseball
Authors: Conforti Christian M. , Crotin Ryan L. , Oseguera Jordan
Published: November 2021

Conforti, CM, HBA, Crotin, RL, RSCC, C, and Oseguera, J. An analysis of playoff performance declines in Major League Baseball. J Strength Cond Res 35(12S): S36–S41, 2021—At present, it is unknown how athletes of varying talent in Major League Baseball (MLB) perform in the postseason as compared with the regular season. Anecdotal evidence from the authors' previous work experience in MLB established the hypothesis that players of higher caliber were expected to perform worse in the playoffs compared with lesser talented cohorts. Publicly available data on 1477 MLB players from 1994 to 2019 were used to separate athletes into excellent, above average, average, and below average pitching, hitting, and defensive groups with respect to Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP), Weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+), and Errors per Inning Out (EpIO), respectively. Mixed-model analyses of variance with Tukey's Honest Significant Difference post hoc testing was used to determine whether the change in performance was significant within groups at an a priori alpha level of p < 0.05. Within-subject effects' tests were statistically significant within regular season talent groups for FIP, wRC+, and EpIO in comparison with their playoff performance (p < 0.001). Excellent performers suffered most with more than half depreciating in playoff hitting (58%) and pitching performance (52%), yet nearly 80% of 908 fielders retained defensive ability, which was unexpected. Results indicate that teams should consider providing greater mental performance support, implement periodization strategies to taper or lower training workloads, offer team support networks, and anxiety desensitization for excellent MLB performers in approach of the playoffs, as certain aspects of pitching and hitting significantly suffer.
Carbohydrate Mouth Rinsing Does Not Alter Central or Peripheral Fatigue After High-Intensity and Low-Intensity Exercise in Men
Authors: Black Christopher D. , Haskins Kody R. , Bemben Michael G. , Larson Rebecca D.
Published: November 2021

Black, CD, Haskins, KR, Bemben, MG, and Larson, RD. Carbohydrate mouth rinsing does not alter central or peripheral fatigue after high-intensity and low-intensity exercise in men. J Strength Cond Res 36(1): 142–148, 2022—Carbohydrate (CHO) mouth rinsing improves performance during endurance exercise. However, its ability to attenuate fatigue during strength-based exercise is less certain. This study sought to determine the effects of a CHO mouth rinse on torque production and voluntary activation (VA%) after high-intensity and low-intensity isometric exercise. Twelve male subjects (22.5 ± 2.3 years; 183.5 ± 6.5 cm; 82.2 ± 13.9 kg) completed 4 testing sessions in a double-blind crossover fashion. Knee extension maximal voluntary isometric strength (MVC) was assessed before(Pre), immediately (iPost-Ex), and 5 minutes (5-min Post Ex) after isometric exercise performed at 80% or 20% of MVC. An 8% CHO solution or placebo (PLA) was rinsed for 20 seconds after exercise. VA% was determined by twitch interpolation. A 2 condition (CHO vs. PLA) × 2 contraction intensity (20 vs. 80%) × 3 time (Pre, iPost Ex, and 5-min Post Ex) completely within subject-repeated measured analysis of variance was performed; statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Greater reductions in MVC were found at iPost-Ex after exercise at 20% compared with 80% of MVC (−25 ± 14% vs. −11 ± 8%; p < 0.001) as well as for VA% (−17 ± 14% vs. −8 ± 14%; p < 0.004). No differences were observed in the CHO vs. PLA condition (p ≥ 0.34). We were successful in eliciting differing levels of central and peripheral fatigue by exercising at a low and high intensity. Despite significantly larger declines in VA% after exercise at 20% of MVC, CHO mouth rinsing had no effects compared with placebo on any measured variable.
Knee Extensor Strength in Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Deficient Individuals Following Normal and Modified Squats: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Jean Liane M.Y. , Gross Douglas P. , Chiu Loren Z.F.
Published: November 2021

Jean, LMY, Gross, DP, and Chiu, LZF. Knee extensor strength in anterior cruciate ligament-deficient individuals following normal and modified squats: a randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res 36(1): 47–54, 2022—Training with barbell squats, which load the quadriceps, increases knee extensor strength. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury results in a quadriceps avoidance substitution strategy, which may impair the efficacy of barbell squat training. Modified squats to promote quadriceps loading have been proposed to facilitate restoring knee extensor strength and function. This research compared resistance training using traditional squats (TRAD) versus traditional plus modified squats (EXP) in ACL-deficient individuals. Thirty-seven ACL-deficient individuals were randomly assigned to TRAD or EXP. Knee extensor function was assessed using maximum isometric strength testing and 3D motion analysis of sit-to-stand. Effect sizes for minimum meaningful improvement were established (d = 0.28–0.47). There were no significant differences between TRAD and EXP for knee extensor strength before, in response to, or after the training interventions (p > 0.05). Involved limb knee extensor strength increased at 15° (95% CI [0.09, 0.27] N·m·kgBM−1, d = 0.60), 30° (95% CI [0.25, 0.48] N·m·kgBM−1, d = 0.82), 45° (95% CI [0.32, 0.58] N·m·kgBM−1, d = 0.78), and 75° (95% CI [0.18, 0.46] N·m·kgBM−1, d = 0.54) knee flexion. Involved limb knee extensor net joint moment work in sit-to-stand (95% CI [0.034, 0.135] J·kgBM−1, d = 0.48) increased in both groups. Squat training was effective for increasing involved limb isometric knee extensor strength and knee extensor work performed in the sit-to-stand. Modified squats do not seem to provide additional benefit.
Effects of Postactivation Potentiation on Maximal Vertical Jump Performance After a Conditioning Contraction in Upper-Body and Lower-Body Muscle Groups
Authors: Downey Robert J. , Deprez Dalton A. , Chilibeck Philip D.
Published: November 2021

Downey, RJ, Deprez, DA, and Chilibeck, PD. Effects of postactivation potentiation on maximal vertical jump performance after a conditioning contraction in upper-body and lower-body muscle groups. J Strength Cond Res 36(1): 259–261, 2022—Postactivation potentiation (PAP) involves preperformance contractions that can condition a muscle to enhance subsequent force generation and power output. Our purpose was to examine the effects of conditioning contractions that are specific or nonspecific to the target performance on PAP. Resistance-trained subjects (14 males and 10 females) performed a 7-second isometric contraction involving back squat, bench press (as conditioning contractions), or a control condition (rest) on different days in random order, before maximal vertical jump performance. The back squat as a conditioning contraction increased maximal vertical jump by 1.1 ± 3.0 cm (p < 0.05); however, the bench press as a conditioning contraction unexpectedly reduced maximal vertical jump performance by 1.4 ± 2.7 cm (p < 0.05). Conditioning contractions used to elicit a PAP response should use muscles that are specific to the performance movement. Contractions that are not biomechanically similar to the performance movement may hinder subsequent performance.
Authority Structures and Single-Party Dominance in Indigenous Communities in Taiwan
Authors: Lu Wan-Zi
Published: November 2021

Researchers have demonstrated that local institutional contexts such as organizational networks and leadership cohesion explain the lasting support across developing countries for elite parties originating from former authoritarian regimes. But variation in the emergence of party competition in rural underprivileged populations that were once strong supporters of the regime party requires a thorough examination of local power structures. Analysis of aboriginal societies in Taiwan, based on interviews and ethnographic research, demonstrates that the type of authority structure guides how power relations organize communities and how local elites attain their status. In indigenous communities where inherited hierarchy determines social prestige, chiefs and headmen have retained control of contemporary politics. In contrast, in villages without preexisting hierarchies, big men need to build political influence on personal grounds, which creates room for contestation and the emergence of internal competition for political allegiance. Regression analyses provide further support for these findings and imply that authority structures mediate local communities’ linkage with the party and the state during democratization.
Serum ferritin is correlated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in middle-aged and older patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Yan Jun-Xin , Pan Bin-Jing , Zhao Ping-Ping , Wang Li-Ting , Liu Jing-Fang , Fu Song-Bo
Published: November 2021

Objective

Previous studies have shown the correlations between serum ferritin and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or diabetes. However, this relationship remains unclear in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) with NAFLD. Therefore, this study aimed to elaborate the relationship between serum ferritin levels and NAFLD in middle-aged and older patients with T2DM and further explored the biomarkers for NAFLD in T2DM.

Methods

A total of 805 middle-aged and older patients with T2DM were divided into NAFLD and non-NAFLD groups, and their serum ferritin levels were compared. Next, NAFLD group were divided into five subgroups according to the quintile levels of serum ferritin, and the differences in the constituent ratios of NAFLD were analyzed. A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the risk factors for NAFLD in patients with T2DM.

Results

The serum ferritin levels were significantly higher in T2DM patients with NAFLD (168.47 (103.78, 248.00) ng/mL) than in the non-NAFLD patients (121.19 (76.97, 208.39) ng/mL). The constituent ratios of NAFLD were significantly higher in the F5 and F4 groups than in the F2 or F1 groups (22.70 and 22.70% vs. 15.90 and 16.90%, respectively; P < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that serum ferritin (P = 0.001) was an independent risk factor for NAFLD in patients with T2DM.

Conclusions

Serum ferritin levels were significantly increased in T2DM with NAFLD, and the constituent ratios of NAFLD increased gradually along with the increased levels of serum ferritin. Thus, serum ferritin is an independent risk factor for NAFLD in patients with T2DM.
Iodine nutritional status, the prevalence of thyroid goiter and nodules in rural and urban residents: a cross-sectional study from Guangzhou, China
Authors: Yan Yuerong , You Lili , Wang Xiaoyi , Zhang Zhuo , Li Feng , Wu Hongshi , Wu Muchao , Zhang Jin , Wu Jiayun , Chen Caixia , Li Xiaohui , Xia Biwen , Xu Mingtong , Yan Li
Published: November 2021

Objectives

A variety of factors differed between rural and urban areas may further influence iodine status and thyroid structure. Hence, this study compared iodine nutrition, the prevalence of thyroid goiter, and nodules between rural and urban residents in Guangzhou, a southern coastal city of China.

Methods

A total of 1211 rural residents and 1305 urban residents were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. A questionnaire regarding personal characteristics was administered. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was examined. Ultrasonography of the thyroid was performed to evaluate thyroid goiter and nodules. Multiple logistic analysis was used to identify the potential associated factors.

Results

The median UIC was significantly lower in rural residents than in urban residents (120.80 μg/L vs 136.00 μg/L, P < 0.001). Although the coverage rate of iodized salt was much higher in rural residents than in urban residents (99.59% vs 97.29%, P < 0.001), the percentages of seafood intake (8.60% vs 29.29%, P < 0.001), iodine-containing drug consumption (0.33% vs 1.24%, P = 0.011), and iodine contrast medium injection (0.58% vs 1.87%, P = 0.004) were lower in rural residents than in urban residents. Both the prevalence of thyroid goiters and nodules was significantly higher in rural residents than in urban residents (goiter: 8.06% vs 1.20%, P < 0.001; nodules: 61.89% vs 55.04%, P = 0.023). Living in rural areas was associated with thyroid goiter (OR 5.114, 95% CI 2.893–9.040, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

There were differences in iodine nutrition and the prevalence of thyroid goiter and nodules in rural and urban residents in Guangzhou. Differentiated and specialized monitoring is recommended in our area.
Formación inicial de los maestros y las maestras de primaria en derechos humanos en España
Authors: Neubauer Adrian
Published: November 2021

Objetivo. La siguiente investigación tiene como objetivo conocer qué cursos de las universidades españolas desarrollan los derechos humanos en la formación de los futuros maestros y maestras de Educación Primaria en derechos humanos. Metodología. Para ello, se han analizado 54 guías docentes de 46 universidades españolas que ofertaron durante el año 2018-2019 el Grado de Magisterio de Educación Primaria en castellano u otra lengua cooficial del territorio español mediante el análisis documental, apoyándonos en el software IBM SPSS Statistics 26 mediante análisis descriptivos. Resultados. Los resultados indican que: (i) cerca del 65% de las universidades españolas tienen algún contenido sobre derechos humanos en los programas de estudios, (ii) la mayoría impartidos en asignaturas generales; (iii) y que la competencia más presente en los planes de estudio es que el profesorado sea capaz de diseñar y regular espacios para promover los derechos humanos. Conclusiones. A partir de estos resultados podemos inferir que estos contenidos tienen escasa presencia y relevancia. Además, la visión que se transmite de ellos es principalmente positivista y deja de lado temas como el interés superior del menor y la dignidad humana. En definitiva, es preciso repensar la formación inicial de los maestros y las maestras para que sean capaces de atender a los grandes desafíos humanitarios actuales y futuros.
Proceso profesionalizante: Una intervención en enseñanza superior
Authors: Camacho-Javier Minerva , López-del Castillo José César
Published: November 2021

Introducción. En México es palpable la falta de convergencia educativa en la enseñanza superior, con un avance desigual en la formación por competencias, sobre todo al sur del país. Se considera que el personal docente es el eje principal en el desarrollo de la calidad educativa. El propósito de esta investigación es conocer cómo se asume un proceso profesionalizante que busca el desarrollo de las competencias docentes aplicado a un grupo de maestros y maestras de una institución pública de nivel superior ubicada al sur del país. Metodología. Se realizó una investigación-acción colaborativa y participativa longitudinal de tipo exploratoria-descriptiva. Se diseñó un proceso profesionalizante y se aplicó en una de las divisiones académicas más pobladas de la institución educativa (IE) sujeto/objeto de estudio. Esta fue desarrollada en un período de año y medio con un grupo de docentes seleccionado por conveniencia y con roles intercambiables. Resultados. A través de indicadores cualitativos y cuantitativos, se muestra el involucramiento del personal docente en el proceso profesionalizante. Estos indicadores son: participación voluntaria; reconocimientos; difusión de la actuación académica; evidencias de la enseñanza aprendizaje por competencias; interacción didáctico-pedagógica y la teoría en la práctica. Discusión. Se destaca la importancia de una gestión educativa con liderazgo proactivo que practique un currículo más cohesionado hacia un trabajo interdisciplinar y transdisciplinar, en procura de una gestión socialmente responsable. Finalmente, la investigación acción colaborativa y participativa guía hacia un saber-puente para el desarrollo de las competencias docentes; sin embargo, se requiere la continuidad de este proceso para innovar en la educación superior.
Fundamental studies for designing insulation panels from wood shavings and filamentous fungi
Authors: Wimmers Guido , Klick Julia , Tackaberry Linda , Zwiesigk Cora , Egger Keith , Massicotte Hugues
Published: November 2021

The production of environmentally friendly thermal insulation boards is important for the building industry to reduce its environmental impact. The primary objective of this study was to test the feasibility of producing wood-based insulation panels as well as to use fungi as a binding agent and to explore whether a bio-based composite could be a viable alternative to the standard traditional foam insulation board and more expensive wood fibreboards (mainly available in European markets). Experiments were conducted to determine which combinations of wood fibers from selected northern tree species, wood decay fungi, and growth conditions were most suitable for panel making. The results showed that under the determined optimal growth conditions, Polyporus arcularius and Trametes suaveolens on birch wood shavings provided the best combination. Outcomes from initial physical screening tests, particularly thermal conductivity, suggested that these panels had a comparable performance to traditional insulation material.
Cellulose with bidentate chelating functionality: An adsorbent for metal ions from wastewater
Authors: Deghles Abdalhadi , Hamed Othman , Azar Mai , Abu Lail Bahia , Azzaoui Khalil , Abu Obied Ahmad , Jodeh Shehdeh
Published: November 2021

A cellulose derivative with multiple coordination sites for metals composed of cellulose powder and 1,2-pheneylnediamine was synthesized and evaluated as an adsorbent for metal ions from wastewater. The cellulose powder was generated from the solid waste of the olive industry. The adsorption efficiency of the cellulose amine polymer toward Fe(III) and Pb(II) was investigated as a function of adsorbent dose, temperature, pH, and time. The adsorption parameters that lead to excellent adsorption efficiency were determined. In addition, the polymer showed an excellent extraction efficiency toward approximately 20 metal ions present in a sewage sample. The cellulose amine derivative had several coordination sites that included amine, hydroxyl, and aromatic groups. The diversity and frequency of the coordination sites explained the high efficiency of the polymer for metal ions. The thermodynamic analysis results supported the spontaneous adsorption efficiency of the polymer at room temperature. The adsorption process fit well with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model.
Fiber content determination of linen/viscose blends using NIR spectroscopy
Authors: Huang Jing , Yu Chongwen
Published: November 2021

Linen/viscose blended yarns provide unique properties, but the quality and cost of the fabric composed of the blended yarns are affected by the amount of linen fibers. The existing methods of detecting blending ratio are microscopy or specific component dissolution, which is time-consuming and inconvenient. This study considers the possibility of rapid and simple determination of linen content by the near infrared (NIR) method. A set of linen/viscose powdered blends with 11 different ratios was fabricated. For each sample, 10 sets of spectra were collected by Fourier transform (FT)-NIR spectrometer. A total of 110 spectra sets were generated, in which 60 were used for calibration and 50 for validation. There were verified differences in NIR peaks assigning to representative chemical bonds in cellulose. With the chemometric analysis, a partial least squares (PLS) model was established to predict the linen content in a blended sample. With a combination of smoothing, baseline offset, and multiplicative scatter correction processing of the spectral data, the established PLS model was further improved to achieve a standard validation error of only 1.182% and SD value of the predicted linen content less than 0.2, which indicated the accuracy of the developed method.
The effects of poplar bark and wood content on the mechanical properties of wood-polypropylene composites
Authors: Safdari Vahidreza , Khodadadi Hamed , Hosseinihashemi Seyyed Khalil , Ganjian Esmaiel
Published: November 2021

Bark, as a residue from trees, is mostly used for thermal energy production, but a better utilization of this resource was considered as an alternative raw material for wood-plastic composites (WPCs). The influence of bark, wood, and blending of bark and wood flour content of the poplar tree on the mechanical characteristics of WPCs were investigated. Wood and bark flours with 2% maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (MAPP) and polypropylene were compounded into pellets using a counter-rotating twin-screw extruder, and test specimens were prepared by injection molding. The results showed that both bark fiber and wood flour increased mechanical strength (flexural strength (MOR), flexural modulus (MOE), tensile modulus, and tensile strength) significantly (P<0.05). Composites made with bark flour exhibited lower mechanical strength compared to those made with wood flour and wood flour/bark flour. Differences in chemical composition between bark and wood, fines, low aspect ratio (length/width) of bark flour, delamination between fines and matrix, and the lower intrinsic fiber strength of bark fibers compared to wood fibers are good explanations for this demarcation. The notched impact strength of all reinforced composites was significantly lower than neat polypropylene (P < 0.05).
Detection of feature-poor, small sized objects on noisy images
Authors: Storcz Tamas , Ercsey Zsolt
Published: November 2021

Visual identification of objects is an important challenge today. Main target of frequently applied methods is to identify or classify complex objects. These methods are far less effective when objects are small and less complex, and thus less descriptor features are on hand. The main reason for this is that these features can significantly change on object occlusion or appearance of noise.

The presented solution performs identification of simple, small (size is 17 × 13 pixels) objects with elliptical shape. High pass filtered normalized cross correlation is used for region of interest detection and a simple deep neural network is used for classification of selected regions. The proposed method detected objects on a noisy image with accuracy of 96.2%.
Compressive, flexural and splitting strength of fly ash and silica fume concrete
Authors: Shmlls Maysam , Bozsaky Dávid , Horváth Tamás
Published: November 2021

Cement replacement materials are commonly used in concrete technology. Several researchers have examined high-performance concrete after adding mineral admixtures to it, but further studies are still needed to provide the optimum dosage of these materials for instance fly ash and silica fume. This study compares three types of concrete and the mechanical properties (compressive strength, flexural strength, and splitting tensile) of these types at the age of 28 and 90 days. The test results designate that adding the mineral admixtures commonly affects the mechanical properties of all the tested types. However, silica fume is more operative than fly ash. Furthermore, adding the fly ash and silica fume in the same concrete type slightly improves the mechanical properties.
Rola humanistyki w edukacji dla bezpieczeństwa
Authors:   Dr hab., Wojskowej Akademii Technicznej im. Jarosława Dąbrowskiego w Zakładzie Nauk Humanistycznych Instytutu Organizacji i Zarządzania, Adamkiewicz Marek ,   członek Rady Dyscypliny Bezpieczeństwo na Wydziale Bezpieczeństwa, Logistyki i Zarządzania, Warszawa, Polska
Published: November 2021

The subject matter of a discussion undertaken by the author focuses on the importance of the humanities in shaping the research problems instituted in security studies. The identity of the interests of the humanities with social sciences, which concern the general reflection on contemporary civilizational changes and transformations in the standard of human life, progress in sciences, and the development of technologies improving existence, is confirmed. Given the phenomena relating to the development of the humanities and social knowledge, there is dissonance at the junction of changes in technological awareness and moral reflection on scientific and technological progress in general. Although the configurations of combining specialist (applied) knowledge with general knowledge (basic sciences) have an impact on the contemporary profiling of academic education, the same is not confirmed by the potential of humanistic (and social) education. In shaping specific specialists who are to be both, decent people as human beings, and professionals transforming their sensitivity into a successful career, the participation of the humanities is limited. Although at the level of the declaration, convergence of the humanities, security, and technology is accepted, the extent of their respect for those, differs in terms of financial support. The advantage of technocracy over humanization of the human environment - at least at the level of the importance of research – remains steady, and security, remains, in theory, a nice hypothesis, and in practice still a necessity.
Water Modernity and Society in Linz, ca. 1700–1900
Authors:   Associate Prof. Dr., Department of History, University of Salzburg, Austria, Stöger Georg , Pichler-Baumgartner Luisa ,   Dr., independent researcher
Published: November 2021

This article investigates the transition to a modern water supply and sewage disposal system. By focussing on the of the Upper Austrian mid-size city of Linz in a long-term perspective from circa 1700 to 1900, we trace continuities and disruptions of existing solutions and question the narrative of modernisation. We research the actors involved in the decision-making and implementation processes, paying special attention to the so-far neglected group of city inhabitants and their motives. Finally, we raise questions of integration and exclusion with regard to water.
SEMA3A protects against hyperoxia-induced lung injury in a bronchopulmonary dysplasia model of newborn rat by inhibiting ERK pathway
Authors: Liang Zhenyu , Zhang Xiao , Liu Yingxian , Wu Qianmei , You Chuming
Published: November 2021

Background Hyperoxia induces lung injury through lung inflammation in premature infants, leading to bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Semaphorin 3A (SEMA3A) participates in diverse biological processes, including cell migration, angiogenesis, and inflammation. The effect of SEMA3A on hyperoxic lung injury of neonatal rats with BPD was investigated in this study.
Methods Neonatal rats with BPD were established through hyperoxia treatment. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to evaluate histopathological analysis in lung tissues. SEMA3A expression was assessed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot assay. Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated over-expression of SEMA3A (AAV-SEMA3A) was administrated into hyperoxia-induced rats, and apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL staining. Levels of inflammatory cytokines were investigated by enzyme-linked-immunosorbent serologic assay (ELISA).
Results Hyperoxia-induced histopathological changes in lung tissue reduced alveolar number and enhanced alveolar interval and alveolar volume. SEMA3A was downregulated in lung tissue of hyperoxia-induced rats. AAV-SEMA3A injection attenuated hyperoxia-induced cell apoptosis in lung tissues by increasing Bcl-2 and decreasing Bax and cleaved caspase-3. Moreover, the enhanced levels of Interleukin (IL)-1β, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in hyperoxia-induced rats were restored by AAV-SEMA3A injection by the downregulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) phosphorylation. AAV-SEMA3A injection also ameliorated histopathological changes in lung tissues of hyperoxia-induced rats by increasing the number of radial alveolar count and decreasing the volume of mean linear intercept. Besides, the protein expression levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation were reduced in hyperoxia-induced rats post-AAV-SEMA3A injection.
Conclusion Ectopical expression of SEMA3A suppressed hyperoxia-induced apoptosis and inflammation in neonatal rats, and ameliorated the histopathological changes through inactivation of ERK/JNK pathway.
Postawy wspierające podejmowanie zachowań proaktywnych przez pracowników przedsiębiorstw sektora BSS
Authors: Rogozińska-Pawełczyk Anna , Matuszewska-Kubicz Agata
Published: November 2021

Objective: The aim of the article is to identify the role of work motivation and job satisfaction in shaping the proactive behaviour of employees working in the Business Services Sector (BSS).Research Design & Methods: The results of qualitative research (20 individual in-depth interviews – IDI) conducted on a group of employees and superiors are presented.Findings: The aim of the research was to determine whether employee attitudes toward work motivation and job satisfaction can affect the proactive employee behaviour. The question was examined from the point of view of both employees and managers, making it possible to look at the problem from different perspectives and compare them. The narrative analysis carried out provides a subjective exemplification of the thematic threads representing the adoption of attitudes that support the occurrence of proactive behaviour.Implications / Recommendations: The article presents a theoretical approach to the issues of work motivation and job satisfaction as well as employee proactiveness with a particular focus on the BSS. Proactive actions taken by employees are influenced by various factors related to, among other things, the implementation of a psychological contract, which leads both groups to adapt specific attitudes and behaviours toward the contract in the form of work motivation and job satisfaction.Contribution: This research makes an important contribution to the literature on the formation of psychological contracts in organisations. This is because it points to the mechanisms shaping specific attitudes and proactive behaviours arising in the situation of psychological contract implementation. This study meets the challenges posed and is one of the few studies to look at psychological contracts in the BSS.
Samoprzywództwo i zaufanie a wyniki wirtualnej pracy zespołowej
Authors: Samul Joanna , Szpilko Danuta , Szydło Joanna
Published: November 2021

Objective: The aims of the study are to identify self-leadership skills, guage students’ level of trust and determine the relationship between these constructs and the results of virtual teamwork.Research Design & Methods: For a comparative analysis, questionnaire research was conducted among 1,121 students from Poland and 979 from Romania, with three measurement scales used: team performance, trust and self-leadership.Findings: Research results show that both self-leadership skills and trust have a positive effect on the performance of students’ virtual teams.Implications / Recommendations: The results can be used to improve curricula and thus better prepare students for effective teamwork in a virtual environment after graduation.Contribution: The research contributes to the subject literature by empirically confirming the influence of self-management skills and the level of trust on the results of a virtual team.