bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
American Forces in Germany: Security Symbol, Loyalty Warrant or Excessive Luxury?
Authors: Istomin I. , Sokolov A.
Published: March 2021

The article discusses the dynamics of the US military presence in Germany through the evolution of American foreign policy. The article presents data on the quantitative presence of the American army in Germany and assesses the impact of various incentives to change the size of the American contingent and their comparison. The presence of the US armed forces in Germany is one of the most striking examples of the long-term deployment of foreign troops on the territory of a major power. In terms of the duration and size of the contingent, it is comparable only to the deployment of American troops in Japan. In both countries, foreign troops played an occupying role after the end of World War II. In the future, the American contingent remained in them already as an ally. At the same time, in the case of Germany, the presence of foreign military personnel was combined with the creation of an efficient and relatively large army. For a long time, Tokyo was limited only by compact self-defense forces. The presence of independent capabilities to ensure security is often a prerequisite for pursuing an independent policy and encourages the refusal to deploy a contingent of another state on its territory. It is all the more surprising that in the FRG the question of the withdrawal of US forces was never seriously raised. On the contrary, the German leadership has repeatedly expressed concern about the possibility of reducing the American presence. In this it was very different from the Japanese establishment, in which the expediency of maintaining allied relations with the United States was sometimes critically assessed. The authors conclude that ensuring the loyalty of the German leadership was not associated with the size of Washington’s military presence on the territory of Germany. The buildup of the American contingent in the Federal Republic of Germany was influenced by fears around external threats, the correlation of conventional and nuclear deterrence in the US strategy and the desire to reduce military costs. Acknowledgements. The research was carried out at the expense of a grant from the Russian Science Foundation (project No. 17-78-20170 “Typology of Modern Military-Political Alliances and Model of Russia’s Relations with Allies”).
Central Europe in the Pandemic Era: First Economic Results
Authors: Chetverikova A.
Published: March 2021

The article analyzes the response of the Visegrad Group countries to the 2020 pandemic. Measures are outlined that were taken by Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic to support their economies, including efforts to stabilize labour markets and measures for several most affected sectors. The author assesses the main economic indicators of the Visegrad countries during the first half of 2020 in the light of the consequences of imposed restrictive measures. The reaction of the Visegrad economies to the pandemic correlates with the pan-European reaction. Special attention is paid to the condition of the foreign trade sector of the “four” members, which plays an important role in their economies. The dynamic of foreign trade relations of Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic with the European Union and Russia during the pandemic is analyzed. Mutual trade flows within the Visegrad Group are evaluated in the light of opportunities to compensate downturns in other markets. Possible prospects for the development of the Visegrad Group after the pandemic are considered. The existing forecasts of the Group’s countries development are analyzed. The factors influencing the recovery process in the Visegrad countries are given. The consequences of COVID 19 will affect many sectors of Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, which will not be able to cope with them without the EU support. Realization of opportunities including the emergence of more innovative elements in their economies that meet the challenges of the 21st century, will also depend on the members of the Visegrad Group themselves. Acknowledgements. The article was prepared within the project “Post-crisis world order: challenges and technologies, competition and cooperation” supported by the grant from Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation program for research projects in priority areas of scientific and technological development (Agreement № 075-15-2020-783).
Long-term adaptation of European viticulture to climate change: an overview from the H2020 Clim4Vitis action
Authors: Santos João A. , Yang Chenyao , Fraga Helder , Malheiro Aureliano C. , Moutinho-Pereira José , Dinis Lia-Tânia , Correia Carlos , Moriondo Marco , Bindi Marco , Leolini Luisa , Dibari Camilla , Costafreda-Aumedes Sergi , Bartoloni Niccolò , Kartschall Thomas , Menz Christoph , Molitor Daniel , Junk Jürgen , Beyer Marco , Schultz Hans R.
Published: March 2021

Climate change is a major challenge to viticulture worldwide. The adaptation potential of the different strategies to cope with climate change still embraces many uncertainties (e.g., unpredictable social-economic developments and land-use changes), particularly in the long-term. However, adaptation strategies adjusted to local terroirs and regional climate change projections will contribute to the sustainable development of the winemaking sector. The Clim4Vitis action (https://clim4vitis.eu/) recommends some guidelines for long-term adaptation (Figure 1).
LEVANTAMENTO FLORÍSTICO E FITOSSOCIOLÓGICO EM REMANESCENTE FLORESTAL EM PATOS-PB
Authors: Medeiros Natielly Cristine Gomes de , Sousa Sávio Maciel da Silva , Monteiro Mikaella Meira , Azevedo Lucas Kelvy Sales , Sales Francisco das Chagas Vieira
Published: March 2021

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a composição florística e a estrutura da vegetação através da amostragem por ponto quadrante. O trabalho foi realizado no Horto Florestal da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos – PB, com área aproximada de 1,6 hectares. Em cada ponto, foi amostrado um indivíduo por quadrante que apresentaram circunferência a altura do peito ≥ 6 cm, registrando-se os nomes comuns, CAP’s e altura total. Foram analisadas a composição florística, os parâmetros fitossociológicos, a estrutura diamétrica e a estimativa de produção. A fitossociologia foi representada por 12 espécies, 12 gêneros, distribuídas em 6 famílias. A família com maior riqueza foi Fabaceae, com seis espécies e 73 indivíduos. O índice de Shannon (H’) foi de 2,12 nats.ind-1, e equabilidade de Pielou (J) foi 0,85. A espécie Prosopis juliflora apresentou o maior valor de importância e maior número de indivíduos, seguida da Leucaena leucocephala. O maior número de indivíduos foi registrado nas primeiras classes de diâmetro. A predominância de P. juliflora e L. leucocephala afetam o desenvolvimento e regeneração das espécies nativas na área.
Compliance with NPIs and Possible Deleterious Effects on Mitigation of an Epidemic Outbreak
Authors: Barbarossa Maria Vittoria , Fuhrmann Jan
Published: March 2021

The first attempt to control and mitigate an epidemic outbreak caused by a previously unknown virus occurs primarily via non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). In case of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which since the early days of 2020 caused the COVID-19 pandemic, NPIs aimed at reducing transmission enabling contacts between individuals. The effectiveness of contact reduction measures directly correlates with the number of individuals adhering to such measures. Here, we illustrate by means of a very simple compartmental model how partial noncompliance with NPIs can prevent these from stopping the spread of an epidemic.
The Ecological Niche of SARS-CoV-2-like Viruses in Bats, as Inferred from Phylogeographic Analyses of Rhinolophus Species
Authors: Hassanin Alexandre , Tu Vuong Tan , Curaudeau Manon , Csorba and Gabor
Published: March 2021

To date, viruses closely related to SARS-CoV-2 have been reported in four bat species: Rhinolophus acuminatus, Rhinolophus affinis, Rhinolophus malayanus, and Rhinolophus shameli. Here, we analysed 343 sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (CO1) from georeferenced bats of the four Rhinolophus species identified as reservoirs of SARS-CoV-2-like viruses. Haplotype networks were constructed in order to investigate patterns of genetic diversity among bat populations of Southeast Asia. No strong geographic structure was found for the four Rhinolophus species, suggesting high dispersal capacity. The ecological niche of SARS-CoV-2 like viruses was predicted using the four localities of bat SARS-CoV-2-like viruses and the localities where bats showed identical or very similar CO1 haplotypes than virus-positive bats. The ecological niche of SARS-CoV-like viruses was deduced from the localities where bat SARS-CoV-like viruses were previously detected. The results show that the ecological niche of SARS-CoV2-like viruses includes several regions of mainland Southeast Asia whereas that of SARS-CoV-like viruses is mainly restricted to China. In agreement with these results, human populations in Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand appear to be much less affected by the Covid-19 pandemic than other countries of Southeast Asia. In the climatic transitional zone between the two ecological niches (southern Yunnan, northern Laos, northern Vietnam, and possibly Hainan and Taiwan), genomic recombination between highly divergent viruses is more likely to occur. Since recombinant viruses can threaten the benefit of vaccination campaigns, these regions should be under surveillance.
Analysis and Computation of Solutions for a Class of Nonlinear SBVPs Arising in Epitaxial Growth
Authors: Verma Amit K , Panditt Biswajit , Agarwal Ravi P
Published: March 2021

In this work the existence and nonexistence of stationary radial solutions to the elliptic partial differential equation arising in the molecular beam epitaxy are studied. Since we are interested in radial solutions we arrive at the following fourth-order differential equation
Is a Mediterranean Diet Associated with Subjective Well-Being among Adults with Overweight and Obesity? The Key Role of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Body Satisfaction
Authors: Godoy-Izquierdo Débora , Ogallar Adelaida , Lara Raquel , Rodriguez-Tadeo Alejandra , Arbinaga Félix
Published: March 2021

Recent evidence suggests that among behavioral-lifestyle factors, adherence to a healthy dietary pattern such as the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) is linked not only to better psychological health and mental positive status but also to increased subjective well-being (SWB). Nevertheless, this association has been unexplored among individuals with excessive weight. This study explored whether adherence to the MedDiet and the intake of healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables (FV) are associated with increased happiness and life satisfaction among Spanish adults with overweight or obesity when weight, body image, and body satisfaction are also considered. A convenience sample of adult individuals with excessive weight completed self-reports on the study variables, and weight and BMI were measured by bioimpedance. No evidence of a relationship with SWB indicators was obtained for MedDiet global indicators, probably due to the low adherence to a healthy diet by these individuals. In contrast, FV intake, as a powerful indicator of healthy eating, was associated with life satisfaction when BMI and body image dimensions were considered, among which body satisfaction also had a key role. Moreover, life satisfaction fully mediated the relationship between FV consumption and happiness. Our findings are expected to make a relevant contribution to knowledge on the positive correlates or protective factors for overall well-being in obesity, including dietary habits and body appreciation. Our results may inform obesity management actions focused on inclusive, positive aesthetic models and promoting a healthy lifestyle for happiness in obesity.
Assessment of Ponderosa Pine Vigor Using 4-Band Aerial Imagery in South Central Oregon: Crown Objects to Landscapes
Authors: Schrader-Patton Charlie , Grulke Nancy , Bienz Craig
Published: March 2021

Ponderosa pine is an integral part of the forested landscape in the western US; it is the dominant tree species on landscapes that provide critical ecosystem services. Moderate drought tolerance allows it to occupy the transition zone between forests and open woodlands and grasslands. Increases in stand density resulting from wildfire suppression, combined with lengthening, intensifying and more frequent droughts have resulted in reduced tree vigor and stand health in dry ponderosa pine throughout its range. To address a management need for efficient landscape-level surveys of forest health, we used Random Forests to develop an object-oriented classification of individual tree crowns (ITCs) into vigor classes using existing, agency acquired 4-band aerial imagery. Classes of tree vigor were based on quantitative physiological and morphological attributes established in a previous study. We applied our model across a landscape dominated by ponderosa pine with a variety of forest treatments to assess their impacts on tree vigor and stand health. We found that stands that were both thinned and burned had the lowest proportion of low vigor ITCs, and that stands treated before the 2014-2016 drought had lower proportions of low vigor ITCs than stands treated more recently (2016). Upland stands had significantly higher proportions of low vigor trees than lowland stands. Maps identifying the low vigor ITCs would assist managers in identifying priority stands for treatment and marking trees for harvest or retention. These maps can be created using already available imagery and GIS software.
A Bibliometric Analysis and Network Visualisation of Human Mobility Studies from 1990 to 2020: Emerging Trends and Future Research Directions
Authors: Wang Siqin , Zhang Mengxi , Hu Tao , Fu Xiaokang , Gao Zhe , Halloran Briana
Published: March 2021

Studies on human mobility have a long history with increasingly strong connections to multi-disciplines across social science, environmental science, information and technology, computer science, engineering, and health science. However, what is lacking in the current research is a summary of studies on human mobility to identify the evolutional pathway and future research directions. To address this gap, we conduct a systematic review of human mobility-related studies published from 1990 to 2020. Drawing on the selected publications retrieved from the Web of Science, we conduct a bibliometric analysis and network visualisation by CiteSpace and VOSviewer on publication years and numbers, authors and their countries and afflictions, citations, topics, abstracts, keyword, and journals. Our findings show that human mobility-related studies have become increasingly interdisciplinary and multi-dimensional, enhanced by the involvement of multi-source big data, the development of technologies, the innovation of modelling approaches, and the novel applications in various areas. We also summarise four future research directions proposed by top cited authors and mobility studies, in terms of data sources, modelling methods, applications, and technologies. We advocate in-depth research on human mobility to address real-world problems and contribute to social good as promising future orientations through integrating multi-source big data and advanced modelling methods facilitated by artificial intelligence, and machine and deep learning.
Migrasi Orang Jawa di Kecamatan Lilirilau Kabupaten Soppeng (1998-2018)
Authors: Bahri Bahri
Published: March 2021

This study aims to find out about the migration life of Javanese people in Lilirilau Subdistrict, Soppeng Regency, by describing the background of their arrival, socio-economic life and the impact of their existence. This study uses historical research methods which include heuristics, namely the collection of data or sources, source criticism to assess and determine the original and false sources, interpretation or interpretation and historiographic stages or historical writing. The results showed that, the background of the arrival of Javanese in Lilirilau District was influenced by economic factors because of the opportunity to get a better job. Javanese interaction with the Lilirilau community, Javanese solidarity in the Lilirilau District is woven through the community that conducts social gathering and recitation activities. Javanese in Lilirilau Subdistrict work in the culinary field. The existence of the Javanese has an impact on the social, economic and cultural. Their existence received good response by the local community, so it did not cause social problems in Lilirilau District.

 

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kehidupan migrasi orang Jawa di Kecamatan Lilirilau Kabupaten Soppeng, dengan menguraikan latar belakang kedatangan, kehidupan sosial-ekonomi dan dampak keberadaannya. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian sejarah yang meliputi heuristik yaitu pengumpulan data atau sumber, kritik sumber untuk menilai dan menentukan sumber asli dan palsu, interpretasi atau penafsiran dan tahap historiografi atau penulisan sejarah. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa, latar belakang kedatangan orang Jawa di Kecamatan Lilirilau dipengaruhi faktor ekonomi karena kesempatan untuk mendapatkan pekerjaan yang lebih baik. Interaksi orang Jawa dengan masyarakat Lilirilau, solidaritas orang Jawa di Kecamatan Lilirilau dijalin melalui paguyuban yang melakukan kegiatan arisan dan pengajian. Orang Jawa di Kecamatan Lilirilau banyak berprofesi dibidang kuliner. Keberadaan orang Jawa memberikan dampak di bidang sosial,ekonomi dan budaya. Keberadaan mereka mendapat respon yang baik oleh masyarakat lokal, sehingga tidak menimbulkan masalah sosial di Kecamatan Lilirilau.
ЭТИОЛОГИЯ ВНЕБОЛЬНИЧНЫХ ПНЕВМОНИЙ В ПЕРИОД ЭПИДЕМИЧЕСКОГО РАСПРОСТРАНЕНИЯ COVID-19 В РОСТОВСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ
Authors: Попова Анна , Ежлова Елена , Демина Юлия , Носков Алексей , Ковалев Евгений , Карпущенко Гарри , Чемисова Ольга , Пичурина Наталья , Павлович Наталья , Водопьянов Сергей , Гудуева Елена , Слись Сергей , Пшеничная Наталья , Литовко Анна , Асмолова Наталья
Published: March 2021

Введение. Пандемия COVID-19 в 2020 году внесла свой вклад в эпидемиологию респираторных инфекций. Важным является своевременное проведение дифференциальной диагностики COVID-19 и сезонных острых респираторных заболеваний. У пациентов с новой коронавирусной инфекцией возрастает риск развития госпитальной пневмонии. Актуальным является анализ особенностей циркуляции резистентных к антибактериальным химиопрепаратам штаммов возбудителей внутрибольничных инфекций. Цель – изучение этиологической структуры внебольничных пневмоний в период эпидемического распространения COVID-19, оценка рисков присоединения возбудителей пневмоний, связанных с оказанием медицинской помощи. Материалы и методы: Исследовали биологический материал от 446 пациентов с диагнозом «внебольничная пневмония», находившихся на амбулаторном лечении или в стационарах г. Ростова-на-Дону. Верификация респираторных вирусов, включая РНК SARS-CoV-2, а также M. pneumoniae, C. pneumoniae, L. pneumophila выполнена методом полимеразной цепной реакции в мазках носоглотки. Бактериологический анализ мокроты проводили с использованием дифференциально-диагностических сред, идентификацию выделенных патогенов осуществляли с помощью времяпролетной масс-спектрометрии на приборе Autoflex (Bruker Daltonics) c программным обеспечением BioTyper 3,0. Результаты и обсуждение. В период распространения новой коронавирусной инфекции в Ростовской области доля положительных результатов на SARS-CoV-2 среди пациентов с диагнозом внебольничная пневмония составляет 35,6 %. Частота микстинфекций вирусной природы достоверно не отличалась среди пациентов с лабораторно подтвержденным диагнозом COVID-19 и пациентов с отрицательным результатом на SARS-CoV-2 (25,9 % и 26,2 %, соответственно). В структуре микробиоты превалировали грибы рода Candida и плазмокоагулирущие стафилококки. Достоверно чаще от пациентов с лабораторно подтвержденным COVID-19 изолировали культуры неферментирующих грамотрицательных бактерий. У 51,6% пациентов, проходивших лечение в стационаре, отмечено вторичное коинфицирование, вероятно связанное с объектами внешней среды или с передачей инфекции от персонала. Передача ИСМП между пациентами не установлена.
A Virtual Curriculum to Prepare Medical Students to Achieve Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Level-1 Milestones in Orthopaedic Surgery
Authors: Morley Meghan , Kellish Alec S. , Fleischer Lindsay , Clements David , Freeland Erik , Ramirez Rey , Fedorka Catherine , Gutowski Christina , Pollard Mark , Kim Tae Won , Kleiner Matthew T.
Published: March 2021

As a part of the American healthcare system's response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic, the Association of American Medical Colleges recommended that medical schools temporarily remove students from clinical settings and transition to an entirely online learning environment. This posed an unprecedented challenge to students in the clinical years of their medical education. To address this unexpected shift, we modified an in-person workshop to teach orthopaedic trauma basics to 5-week virtual course for third year medical students from several schools in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. We focused on moving students toward the Level-1 milestones for basic fracture care with a combination of weekly lectures and virtual interactive small group sessions, all conducted via WebEx and proctored by an orthopaedic attending or resident. The course was well received by students. Participation in the course was completely voluntary and did not count for credit at any institution. The course was valuable to students because the students who registered chose to fully complete the 5-week course and no student missed more than one small group session. On a postcourse survey, 100% of students said they would be highly likely to recommend the course to a future student, and the average rating for educational value of the course was 4.98 of 5. Given the current limitations in clinical education because of the COVID-19 pandemic, our course provides a reasonable alternative to clinical experience and prepares students with the knowledge and many of the skills that are required to succeed as orthopaedic interns. Furthermore, the success of our course this year suggests that similar programing may be a useful adjunct to clinical experiences even when it is safe to return to more traditional medical school scheduling.
An Accurate Model for Prediction of Turbulent Frictional Pressure Loss of Power-Law Fluids in Eccentric Geometries
Authors: Dokhani Vahid , Ma Yue , Li Zili , Yu Mengjiao
Published: March 2021

The effect of axial flow of power-law drilling fluids on frictional pressure loss under turbulent conditions in eccentric annuli is investigated. A numerical model is developed to simulate the flow of Newtonian and power-law fluids for eccentric annular geometries. A turbulent eddy-viscosity model based on the mixing-length approach is proposed, where a damping constant as a function of flow parameters is presented to account for the near-wall effects. Numerical results including the velocity profile, eddy viscosity, and friction factors are compared with various sets of experimental data for Newtonian and power-law fluids in concentric and eccentric annular configurations with diameter ratios of 0.2 to 0.8. The simulation results are also compared with a numerical study and two approximate models in the literature. The results of extensive simulation scenarios are used to obtain a novel correlation for estimation of the frictional pressure loss in eccentric annuli under turbulent conditions. Two new correlations are also presented to estimate the maximum axial velocity in the wide and narrow sections of eccentric geometries.
Virulence factors and molecular characteristics of Shigella flexneri isolated from calves with diarrhea
Authors: Zhu Zhen , Wang Weiwei , Cao Mingze , Liu Guanhui , Zhou Xuzheng , Li Bing , Shi Yuxiang , Zhang Jiyu
Published: March 2021

Background
The natural hosts of Shigella are conventionally humans and other primates; however, the host range of Shigella has been shown to expand to many animals. Although Shigella is becoming a huge threat to animals, there is limited information on the genetic background of local strains. The purpose of this study was to assess the presence of virulence factors and the molecular characteristics of S. flexneri isolated from calves with diarrhea.
Results
Fifty-four S. flexneri isolates possessed four typical biochemical characteristics of Shigella. The prevalences of ipaH, virA, ipaBCD, ial, sen, set1A, set1B and stx were 100%, 100%, 77.78%, 79.63%, 48.15%, 48.15% and 0, respectively. MLVA based on 8 VNTR loci discriminated the isolates into 39 different MTs, PFGE based on NotI digestion divided the 54 isolates into 31 PTs, and MLST based on 15 housekeeping genes differentiated the isolates into 7 STs.
Conclusion
Our findings of this study have enriched our knowledge of the molecular characteristics of S. flexneri collected from diarrheal calves, which will be important for addressing clinical and epidemiological issues regarding Shigellosis.
Assessment of Mosquito Collection Methods for Dengue Surveillance
Authors: Garjito Triwibowo Ambar , Susanti Lulus , Mujiyono Mujiyono , Prihatin Mega Tyas , Susilo Dwi , Nugroho Sidiq Setyo , Mujiyanto Mujiyanto , Wigati Raden Ajeng , Satoto Tri Baskoro Tunggul , Manguin Sylvie , Gavotte Laurent , Frutos Roger
Published: March 2021

BackgroundSeveral methods exist to collect and assess the abundance of dengue vector mosquitoes, i.e. morning adult collection using an aspirator, pupal collection, various ovitraps, whole night collection using human landing methods, and larval collection. This diversity of methods might be a source of variability and lack of statistical significance when trying to correlate mosquito density and risk of dengue outbreak. There is also a lack of published data regarding the effectiveness of these methods MethodsA mosquito survey was conducted in 39 locations corresponding to 15 dengue endemic provinces in Indonesia. The larval surveys were performed by collecting at least a single Aedes larva from each container, and then reared up until hatching. Three adult mosquito sampling methods were also used, including morning resting collection, human landing collection, animal baited trap. All field samples were tested for dengue. Factor Analysis of Mixed Data (FAMD) was conducted to analyze the effectiveness of the collection methods against mosquito species and dengue incidence.ResultsA total of 44,675 mosquitoes were collected. The single larva method was the most efficient method. Out of a total of 89 dengue-positive pools, the most frequently encountered virus was DENV2, which made up half of the positive samples, followed by DENV3 and DENV1, respectively. FAMD showed that no correlation could be found between any methods and the presence of dengue virus in mosquitoes. Moreover, no correlation could be found between either any methods or the incidence.Conclusions﻿There was no concistency in the efficacy of a given method and the incidence of dengue in the human population. There was no correlation between any of the parameters considered, i.e. method, incidence of dengue, location and presence of dengue virus in mosquitoes. This indicates that entomological factors are not reliable indicators.
Basics of developing a COVID-19 reopening roadmap, a systematic scoping review of reopening roadmaps
Authors: Askarian Mehrdad , Groot Gary , Taherifard Ehsan , Taherifard Erfan , Akbarialiabad Hossein , Borazjani Roham , Askarian Ardalan , Taghrir Mohammad Hossein
Published: March 2021

Background: The necessity of easing pandemic restrictions is explicit. Due to the harsh consequences of lockdowns, governments are willing to find reasonable pathways to reopen their activities. Methods: To find out the basics of developing a reopening roadmap, on 6th-10th August 2020, we conducted a systematic search on Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science, but no roadmap was found. Then, we manually searched Google to review the grey literature. Two independent authors extracted the data, and the senior author solved the discrepancies.Results: According to the search strategy, finally, sixteen roadmaps were included. Data categorized into four sections: principals, general recommendations for individuals, health key metrics, and in-phases strategy. The number of phases or stages differed from three to six, with a minimum of two weeks considered for each one. Health key metrics were categorized into four subsets: sufficient preventive capacities, appropriate diagnosis capacity, appropriate epidemiological monitoring capacity, and sufficient health system capacity. These metrics were used as the criteria for progressing or returning over the roadmap, which guarantees a roadmap's dynamicity. Noticeably, few roadmaps didn’t mention these criteria that may alter the dynamicity of their roadmap. When some areas face new surges, the roadmap's dynamicity is essential, and it is vital to describe the criteria to stop the reopening process and implement the restrictions again. Conclusions: Providing evidence for policymaking about lifting the COVID-19 restrictions seems to be missed in the literature, should be addressed more, and further studies are recommended.
The Motor Neuron Disease Mouse Model hSOD1-G93A Presents a Non-canonical Profile of Senescence Biomarkers in the Spinal Cord
Authors: Torres Pascual , Anerillas Carlos , Encinas Mario , Povedano Monica , Andrés-Benito Pol , Ferrer Isidro , Ayala Victòria , Pamplona Reinald , Portero-Otin Manuel
Published: March 2021

Recent evidence demonstrates a pathological role for senescent cells in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The present study aimed to show senescence mechanisms including senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in the familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) transgenic mouse model hSOD1-G93A. We evaluated, as senescence biomarkers, the expression of p16 and p21 with reverse-transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), immunofluorescence (IF), and immunohistochemistry (IHC), as well as the senescence-associated β galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity in the lumbar spinal cords (LSC) of this model. As SASP markers, we quantified the mRNA levels of Il1a, Il6, Ifna, and Ifnb. Furthermore, we explored if an alteration of alternative splicing is associated with senescence phenomena in this model. Thus, we quantified the Adipor2 cryptic exon inclusion levels, a specific splicing variant repressed by TAR-DNA binding of 43 kDa (TDP-43), using RT-qPCR. Our results show an atypical senescence-profile in LSC from transgenic mice, increasing p16 and p21 mRNA and protein levels in glial cells with a mostly cytoplasmic pattern, without the canonical increase in SA-beta-gal activity in these cells. Consistent with enhanced SASP, there is an increase in Il1a and Il6 expression. Also, TDP-43 splicing activity is compromised in this ALS model, in a direct relationship with the increase in p16 expression. However, senolytic drug Navitoclax -with reported benefits in Alzheimer and Parkinson disease mouse models - does not alter the present model’s disease progression. Navitoclax neither eliminates cells expressing senescence and nor represses the expression of SASP related genes. Globally, our findings support the existence of a non-canonical profile of senescence biomarkers in the LSC of the ALS model hSOD1-G93A.
Comparison of Microbiological Water Quality and Chlorine Level Between Adult Public Swimming Pool and Baby Public Swimming Pool in Klang Valley, Malaysia.
Authors: Zamzami Shahida Abd. , Rosli Muhammad Naim Bin
Published: March 2021

Background: Swimming becomes one of the favourite sports in Malaysian due to the health benefits, for essential skills. ). The public swimming pool not only from an adult but there are created as well for children, so most of the public swimming pool also provided a baby swimming pool. Objective: The purpose of this research to compare the microbiological water quality and chlorine level between the adult public swimming pool and baby public swimming pool in Klang Valley. Methodology: 21 water sample from public swimming pools include hotel, apartment and public swimming pool in Lembah Klang, Malaysia was collected. The water samples collected in sterile bottles (30 ml). Physicochemical parameters determine by using standard instruments and methods (rainbow model 78), and the presence of the colony was using a heterotrophic plate count (HPC). Result: From heterotrophic plate count result shown out of 21 swimming pool for adult and 21 swimming pool for baby, 19.1% did not follow the World Health Organization (WHO), HPC. The microbiological quality (mean colony count) between baby and adult pool, there were slight differences of at 0.24%. The baby pool shows the higher value at of colony count at 111±197.334 compared with adult pool at 87.095±149.543. The independent t-test showed there is no significant between these groups with a p-value for at 0.65 (>0.05). For chlorine level, baby pool showed 47.6% swimming pools follow standard chlorine level and for an adult pool, 42.9 %. Comparing between two groups, baby pools show higher value with of chlorine at 1.581 ± 1.369 while adult pool at 1.414±1.293. The p-value for both as analyzed by independent t-test shows 0.694 (>0.05), which is not significant. Conclusion: The study recommends improvement in personal hygiene of swimmers, adequate disinfection of the pools and enforcement of standards by the government.
Global effect of COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep among 3- to 5-year-old children: a longitudinal study of 14 countries
Authors: Okely Anthony , Kariippanon Katharina , Guan Hongyan , Taylor Ellie , Suesse Thomas , Cross Penny , Chong Kar Hau , Suherman Adang , Turab Ali , Staiano Amanda , Ha Amy , Hamdouchi Asmaa El , Baig Aqsa , Poh Bee Koon , Cruz Borja Del Pozo , Chan Cecilia , Nyström Christine , Koh Denise , Webster E. Kipling , Lubree Himangi , Baddou Issad , Pozo-Cruz Jesus del , Wong Jyh Eiin , Sultoni Kuston , Nacher Maria , Löf Marie , Cui Mingming , Hossain Mohammad Sorowar , Chathurangana P. W. Prasad , Kand Uddhavi , Wickramasinghe V. Pujitha , Calleia Rebecca , Ferdous Shameema , Kim Thanh Van , Wang Xiaojuan , Draper Catherine
Published: March 2021

Background: The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented restrictions on children’s ability to participate in adequate movement behaviours. This international longitudinal study compared young children’s physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep behaviours before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: Parents of children aged 3-5 years, from 14 countries (8 low- and middle-income countries, LMICs) completed surveys to assess changes in physical activity, sedentary behaviour (screen-time) and sleep and how these changes were associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Surveys were completed in the 12 months up to March 2020 and again between May and June 2020 (at the height of restrictions). PA, sedentary screen time (SST) and sleep were assessed via parent questionnaire. At Time 2, COVID-19 factors including level of restriction, environmental conditions, and parental stress were measured. Results: 948 parents completed the survey at both time points. Children from LMICs were more likely to meet the PA (AdjOR=2.0, 95%CI 1.0 to 3.8) and SST (2.2, CI 1.2 to 3.9) guidelines than their high-income country (HIC) counterparts. Children who could go outside during COVID-19 were more likely to meet all WHO recommendations (AdjOR 3.3, CI 1.1 to 9.8) than those who were not. Children of caregivers with higher compared to lower stress were less likely to meet all three guidelines (0.5, CI 0.3 to 0.9). Conclusion: PA and SST levels of children from LMICs have been less impacted by COVID-19 than in HICs. Ensuring children can access an outdoor space, and supporting caregivers’ mental health are important prevention strategies.
Community Perception of COVID-19: A Qualitative Approach through Applying the  Health Belief Model
Authors: Gishe Gamachu , Hailu Tamirat , Aman Rameto , Dango Sisay
Published: March 2021

Background: The outbreak and rapid spread of the virus has not only affected the lives of hundreds of millions of families, but also has disrupted the pace of economic and social development.Methods: The current study aimed to explore community perception about COVID -19 pandemic. An in depth exploratory design was utilized. Semi structured interviews were conducted with 45 participants aged between 26 and 70 years old. Besides, observation checklist was utilized.Results: In the very beginning when few Corona Virus cases were reported, in general, people were scared to death. But as the number of infected cases reported more and more people have also became immune to the fear of corona virus. Even some section of people associated with a particular political ideology; assume that there is no corona virus at all. Hotels, cafeterias and shopping centres are not as cautious as they were in the beginning. As a result, streets are crowded and the public started living regular life. Therefore, the covid protocol like wearing face masks, using sanitizers, physical distance and all have become just a ritual.Conclusions: It is evident that most of the government workers like bank employees, traffic police and all are well aware of Covid-19 preventive methods and consequences and try their best to make the people to be part of the fight against the pandemic. But the common people from different walks of life, some with ignorance, some with innocence and some with a particular political ideology defy and violate the WHO covid-19 protocol.
Deep neural network for automatic volumetric segmentation of whole-body CT images for body composition assessment
Authors: Lee Yoon Seong , Hong Namki , Witanto Joseph Nathanael , Choi Ye Ra , Park Junghoan , Decazes Pierre , Eude Florian , Kim Chang Oh , Kim Hyeon Chang , Goo Jin Mo , Rhee Yumie , Yoon Soon Ho
Published: March 2021

Body composition analysis on CT images is a valuable tool for sarcopenia assessment. We aimed to develop and validate a deep neural network applicable to whole-body CT images of PET-CT scan for the automatic volumetric segmentation of body composition.Methods For model development, CT images of 100 patients who underwent a whole-body or torso 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET–CT scan were retrospectively included. Two radiologists semi-automatically labeled the following seven body components in every CT image slice, providing 39,268 images for training the 3D U-Net: skin, bone, muscle, abdominal visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, internal organs with vessels, and central nervous system. The segmentation accuracy was assessed using reference masks from one internal and three external datasets: two domestic centers (n=20, each) and a French public dataset (n=24). The 3D U-Net-driven values were clinically validated using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and by assessing the model’s diagnostic performance for sarcopenia in a community-based elderly cohort (n=522).Results The 3D U-Net achieved accurate body composition segmentation with an average dice similarity coefficient of 96.5% to 98.9% for all masks and 92.3% to 99.3% for muscle, abdominal visceral fat, and subcutaneous fat in the validation datasets. The 3D U-Net-derived torso volume of skeletal muscle and fat tissue and the average area of those tissues in the waist were correlated with BIA-derived appendicular lean mass (correlation coefficients: 0.71 and 0.72, each) and fat mass (correlation coefficients: 0.95 and 0.93, each). The 3D U-Net-derived average areas of skeletal muscle and fat tissue in the waist were independently associated with sarcopenia (P<.001, each) with adjustment for age and sex, providing an area under the curve of 0.858 (95% CI, 0.815 to 0.901).Conclusions This deep neural network model enabled the automatic volumetric segmentation of body composition on whole-body CT images, potentially expanding adjunctive sarcopenia assessment on PET-CT scan and volumetric assessment of metabolism in whole-body muscle and fat tissues.
Essentials in saline pharmacology for nasal or respiratory hygiene in times of COVID-19
Authors: Huijghebaert Suzy , Hoste Levi , Vanham Guido
Published: March 2021

Purpose: Nasal irrigation or nebulizing aerosol of isotonic or hypertonic saline is a traditional method for respiratory or nasal care. A recent small study in outpatients with COVID-19 without acute respiratory distress syndrome suggests substantial symptom resolution. We therefore analysed pharmacological/pharmacodynamic effects of isotonic or hypertonic saline, relevant to SARS-CoV-2 infection and respiratory care.Methods: Progressive and systematic searches.Results: Due to its wetting properties, saline achieves an improved spreading of alveolar lining fluid and has been shown to reduce bio-aerosols and viral load. Saline provides moisture to respiratory epithelia and gels mucus, promotes ciliary beating and improves mucociliary clearance. Coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2 damage ciliated epithelium in the nose and airways. Saline inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication in Vero cells; possible interactions involve the viral ACE2-entry mechanism (chloride-dependent ACE2 configuration) and sodium channel ENaC. Saline shifts myeloperoxidase activity in epithelial or phagocytic cells to produce hypochlorous acid. Clinically, nasal or respiratory airway care with saline reduces symptoms of seasonal coronaviruses and other common cold viruses. Its use as aerosol reduces hospitalisation rates for respiratory syncytial virus infection in children. Preliminary data suggest symptom reduction in symptomatic COVID-19 patients if saline is initiated within 48 hours of symptom onset.Conclusions: Saline interacts at various levels relevant to nasal or respiratory hygiene (nasal irrigation or aerosol). If used from the onset of common cold symptoms, it may represent a useful add-on to first-line interventions for COVID-19. Formal evaluation in mild COVID-19 is desirable as to establish efficacy and optimal treatment regimens.
The Nature of Lattice Distortion and Strengthening in High Entropy Alloy
Authors: Zuo Jian-Min , Shao Yu-Tsun , Hsiao Haw-Wen , Yang Qun , Hu Yang , Liaw Peter
Published: March 2021

High entropy alloys (HEAs) belong to a new class of materials with multiple principal components that are chemically concentrated in less explored phase spaces. Since the initial discovery, HEAs have attracted tremendous interest for their remarkable structural diversity and associated properties, including high strength and high ductility. Underlining the structural diversity is the metastability of HEAs, to which a key contributor is the lattice distortion effect that emerges as a direct consequence of interplay between atomic size misfits and chemical disorder. Lattice distortion also directly contributes to alloy strengthening and ductility. Despite the recognized significance, however, the critical knowledge of lattice distortion is still missing in the study of HEAs. Here, we first report on the nature of lattice and chemical disorder in a single-phase HEA and determine its local atomic structure. Our results uncover the manifestation of disorder at three different length scales, namely, the lattice distortion at the atomic scale, the chemical disorder at the nm scale, and the emergence of nanoscopic shear at the mesoscopic scale. The multiscale disorder leads to hierarchical strengthening, unlike anything that we know before about metals. This finding provides the structural basis for theoretical understanding of structure-property relationships in HEAs, and demonstrates the randomness of disorder as a new dimension for designing future strong and ductile alloys.
Intralesional fenestration and corticosteroid injection for symptomatic Ledderhose disease of the foot: two case reports
Authors: Flanagan George , Burt Nicola , Reilly Ian
Published: March 2021

The description of corticosteroid injections as a treatment option for Ledderhose disease has received little attention in the literature and often only receives a passing comment in scientific papers. We present a short case series of two patients that underwent corticosteroid injection in combination with fenestration to treat painful Ledderhose disease nodules. Both patients had their lesions injected on two occasions. Significant reduction in pain and lesion volume was seen at 12 months post treatment. Our protocol combines fenestration with the use of triamcinolone acetonide (mixed with local anaesthetic) which we believe conveys further advantage over other steroid preparations or the corticosteroid infiltration alone.
Detection of serum KL-6 and SARS-CoV-2 antibody in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 and the diagnostic value in severe disease
Authors: Wang Huiyan , Chen Lichang , Zhang Yang , Liu Long , Xu Meimei , Gao Yong , Li Ming
Published: March 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a significant threat to human health, but its clinical manifestations vary greatly among individuals. Early detection and treatment are important for severely ill patients to improve their prognosis and reduce the risk of death.
Methods

In the present study, serum markers were detected and analyzed in moderately ill and severely ill patients.
Results

The results found that there were statistically significant differences in age, serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) and Immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels between severely ill patients and moderately ill patients (P < 0.05). The cut-off of using KL-6 alone for the diagnosis of severely ill patients was 298.91 U/mL, with an AUC of 0.737, a sensitivity of 100%, and a specificity of 43%. When the diagnosis was performed using KL-6 in combination with Interleukin-6 (IL-6), an indicator of infection, the AUC was 0.776, with a sensitivity and specificity of 82% and 69%, respectively. When the three above were used in combination for diagnosis, the AUC was 0.785, and the sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 59%, respectively. After rehabilitation, the serum levels of KL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), as well as antibodies, IgA, IgM and IgG, were significantly lower than those in the early stage of hospitalization.
Conclusion

In the present study, KL-6 and IgA were found to have some diagnostic efficacy for severely ill patients with COVID-19, but larger cohort studies are still needed for further confirmation, which in turn improves the diagnostic and therapeutic efficiency of severely ill patients.