bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Απομυθοποιώντας το Φυσικό – Ανακτώντας την Αλλοτρίωση: Φεμινισμοί και Τεχνοεπιστήμη στο Πλαίσιο της Ψηφιακότητας
Authors: Χορδάκη Ευαγγελία
Published: November 2021

Το εμβληματικό έργο της Ντόνα Χάραγουει, Το Μανιφέστο των Σάιμποργκ, εκκίνησε μια νέα συζήτηση στον επαναπροσδιορισμό των κλασικών αντινομιών του Διαφωτισμού, στις οποίες στηρίχτηκαν οι κανονιστικές κατηγορίες και οι ταυτότητες της νεωτερικότητας. Ο διάλογος αυτός, αποτυπώθηκε στη δεκαετία του 1990 στην έννοια του κυβερνοφεμινισμού, ενός όρου που περισσότερο λειτούργησε ως πεδίο αναζήτησης παρά ως μια ενοποιημένη θεωρία. Εκκινώντας από το πεδίο των Σπουδών Επιστήμης και Τεχνολογίας, ο στόχος του άρθρου είναι η διερεύνηση της σχέσης μεταξύ ψηφιακότητας και φεμινιστικής σκέψης. Εστιάζοντας στη συμπαραγωγή των έμφυλων ταυτοτήτων και της τεχνοεπιστήμης σε ιστορική προοπτική, παρουσιάζονται οι προβληματισμοί ή/και δυνατότητες από τη διασταύρωση του ψηφιακού μετασχηματισμού με το πολύμορφο πεδίο του κυβερνοφεμινισμού. Παίρνοντας απόσταση από προσεγγίσεις που εξετάζουν την τεχνοεπιστήμη είτε ως αναπόφευκτα απελευθερωτική και ενδυναμωτική είτε ως κατ’ ανάγκη χώρο αναπαραγωγής έμφυλων στερεοτύπων, επιχειρείται ο εντοπισμός των μετασχηματισμών και των αλληλεπιδράσεων φύλου και τεχνοεπιστήμης. Μια τέτοια προσέγγιση μας βοηθάει να αναστοχαστούμε την πολιτική δράση στην εποχή της ψηφιακότητας. Πρόκειται για το ξετύλιγμα ενός νήματος που ενώνει το σάιμποργκ με τον ξενοφεμινισμό και αναδιαμορφώνει ένα σημαντικό σύνολο ερωτημάτων τόσο στις Πολιτισμικές Σπουδές και στις Σπουδές Φύλου, όσο και στις Σπουδές Επιστήμης και Τεχνολογίας, καθιστώντας τελικά τον μεταξύ τους διάλογο αναγκαίο.
Κινηματογραφική εκπαίδευση: Οι απόψεις εκπαιδευτικών και τελειόφοιτων φοιτητριών και φοιτητών του Παιδαγωγικού Τμήματος Δημοτικής Εκπαίδευσης και του Τμήματος Κινηματογράφου.
Authors: Αγοραστούδη-Βλάχου Φωτεινή , Μπίμπου-Νάκου Ιωάννα
Published: November 2021

ΠερίληψηΕισαγωγή: Η σχέση του κινηματογράφου με την εκπαίδευση είτε στο πλαίσιο της τυπικής εκπαίδευσης είτε όχι, αφορά την ίδια την ιστορία του κινηματογράφου. Η πλούσια βιβλιογραφία για τον κινηματογράφο και τα παιδιά εξωθεσμικά, δεν συνοδεύεται από μελέτες για την εφαρμογή της κινηματογραφικής εκπαίδευσης στα σχολεία (Bernstein, 2019·Παπαδόπουλος, 2014·Reid, 2019). Στόχοι της μελέτης: Η μελέτη έχει ως στόχο την κατανόηση της κινηματογραφικής εκπαίδευσης και τις διεργασίες ένταξής της στην τυπική σχολική εκπαίδευση, με βάση τις απόψεις εκπαιδευτικών, και φοιτητών/τριών από δυο Πανεπιστημιακά Τμήματα (Παιδαγωγικό Τμήμα Δημοτικής & Κινηματογράφου). Μέθοδος: Η συλλογή των δεδομένων βασίστηκε στη συγκρότηση 3 ομάδων εστίασης και αξιοποιήθηκε η θεματική ανάλυση περιεχομένου. Αποτελέσματα: Η κινηματογραφική εκπαίδευση σύμφωνα με τις απόψεις των συμμετεχόντων έχει πολλαπλούς στόχους όπως είναι: η κινητοποίηση των μαθητών, η αξιοποίηση των ταινιών ως διδακτικό εργαλείο σε συγκεκριμένα μαθήματα, η σύνδεση των ταινιών με ενήλικες αξίες και ανησυχίες, οι ταινίες ως συμβολικός χώρος για την συναισθηματική και κοινωνική ανάπτυξη των παιδιών και των νέων, καθώς και η ανάπτυξη κριτικής σκέψης και κοινωνικής συνείδησης.  Συμπεράσματα: Με βάση τις καταγραφές των συμμετεχόντων η κινηματογραφική εκπαίδευση συζητείται και ως μέσο και ως στόχος μιας ενεργητικής, κριτικής και δημιουργική διεργασίας που αφορά κατεξοχήν το σχολείο.
Βιβλιοπαρουσίαση: Παπανδρέου, Μ. (2020). Συμμετοχική μάθηση στην προσχολική και πρώτη σχολική ηλικία: Κατανοώντας τις γλώσσες των παιδιών και ενισχύοντας τη συμμετοχή τους σε διαδικασίες μάθησης και έρευνας. Σοφία
Authors: Καμπεζά Μαρία
Published: November 2021

Βιβλιοπαρουσίαση: Παπανδρέου, Μ. (2020). Συμμετοχική μάθηση στην προσχολική και πρώτη σχολική ηλικία: Κατανοώντας τις γλώσσες των παιδιών και ενισχύοντας τη συμμετοχή τους σε διαδικασίες μάθησης και έρευνας. Σοφία
Differences in total and regional body fat and their association with BMI in UK-born White and South Asian children: findings from the Born in Bradford birth cohort
Authors: Santorelli Gillian , West Jane , Yang Tiffany , Wright John , Bryant Maria , Lawlor D.A.
Published: November 2021

Background: Body mass index (BMI) is commonly used as a proxy to determine excess adiposity, though this may underestimate fat mass (FM) in individuals of South Asian (SA) heritage. SA tend to have greater central adiposity than white people, which is associated with a higher risk of cardiometabolic disease. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to determine the differences in total and regional FM using Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and to see if any differences in FM varied by BMI category in UK-born white and SA children aged ~9 years.

Methods: Anthropometric measurements and DXA scans were undertaken from 225 white and 269 SA children from the Born in Bradford cohort study. Linear regression was used to assess ethnic differences in total body fat percent and total and regional FM.

Results: Although mean BMI was similar, compared to white children, the proportion of SA children who were overweight or obese was ~20% higher, and the proportion with > 35% total body fat (TBF) was 22% and 16% higher in boys and girls respectively. Mean TBF% was greater in SA children compared to white children in the same BMI category. Fat mass index (FMI) was higher in all body regions in SA children in all BMI categories; as was total and truncal FMI in healthy and overweight, but not obese, SA children..

Conclusions: Greater TBF% and total and regional FM in SA children suggests they may be at greater risk of future cardiometabolic disease at a BMI level below the obesity threshold. However, our sample size was small, and results may be influenced by selection bias and confounding; our findings need to be replicated in a larger study.
The ALSPAC fetal and neonatal resource: detailed data abstracted from the clinical records of the new-born
Authors: Birmingham Karen , Iles-Caven Yasmin , Northstone Kate , Golding Jean
Published: November 2021

In a previous Data Note, we outlined the data obtained from clinical obstetric records concerning many details of the pregnancies resulting in the births of the children in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Here we describe the data that have been abstracted from medical records concerning the fetus and neonate. Full details concerning the selection biases regarding the data abstracted are outlined in the previous Data Note.

The records that have been abstracted, and described in this Data Note, concern the health of the fetus (measured in relation to the results of fetal monitoring, presentation at various stages of pregnancy, and the method of delivery) as well as the status of the newborn immediately post-delivery. Details of signs, symptoms and treatments of this population of new-born babies, as recorded in the clinical records, are described for the time during which they were in hospital or under the care of a designated midwife.

These data add depth to the information collected from elsewhere concerning this period of the child’s life: from the questionnaires completed at the time by the mother; and clinical details from neonatal intensive or special care units which will be detailed in a further Data Note.
The genome sequence of the long-spined sea scorpion, Taurulus bubalis (Euphrasén, 1786)
Authors: Potter Sophie ,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: November 2021

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Taurulus bubalis (the long-spined sea scorpion; Chordata; Actinopteri; Perciformes; Cottidae). The genome sequence is 615 megabases in span. The complete assembly is scaffolded into 21 chromosomal pseudomolecules.
Ropivacaine: An Unusual Cause of Neuroleptic Malignant-Like Syndrome
Authors: Santos Miguel , Arroja Sheila , Antunes Ana Luisa , Mariz Jose , Teixeira Jorge
Published: November 2021

Ropivacaine is commonly used for post-operative pain management. We describe a case of neuroleptic malignant-like syndrome in a woman administered ropivacaine delivered using a drug infusion balloon. The presenting symptoms were confusion, agitation and fever. Blood analysis showed elevated C-reactive protein, leucocytosis and increased creatine phosphokinase. As intoxication was suspected, ropivacaine was suspended and the patient gradually improved. Possible leakage of ropivacaine into the intrathecal space may have resulted in central nervous system toxicity.
Supplemental data for “A Geographical Survey of Center Pivot Irrigation Systems in the Central and Southern High Plains Aquifer Region of the United States”
Authors: Hassani Kianoosh , Taghvaeian Saleh , Gholizadeh Hamed
Published: November 2021

This data set was compiled in support of the manuscript entitled “A Geographical Survey of Center Pivot Irrigation Systems in the Central and Southern High Plains Aquifer Region of the United States” submitted to the Applied Engineering in Agriculture journal. This polygon data set represents all center pivots in the Central and Southern High Plains (Ogallala) Aquifer of the United States, where rapid groundwater depletion is threatening the future of irrigated agriculture. Specifically, this data set provides detailed information on the number, area, and spatial distribution of center pivot systems. The World Imagery base map available through the ArcGIS (version 10.8.0, Esri, CA, USA) was used as the reference for manual digitization of center pivots across the study area. The World Imagery base map includes imagery obtained by GeoEye-1 and WorldView-2, -3 and -4 satellite sensors at 0.3‒0.5 m spatial resolution, which made the center pivots and their components (i.e. pivot point, main pipe, wheal tracks, and swing arms) discernible. Our data set will potentially provide valuable and highly accurate information for many field-level applications, including but not limited to studying irrigation uniformity and its dynamics during the season, developing variable rate irrigation prescriptions, improved watershed hydrologic and environmental simulations, and irrigation energy requirement and greenhouse gas emission estimations across the study area.
Perceptions of Debarking Small-Diameter Stems in the Wood Products Community
Authors: Chahal Azadwinder Singh , Tripathi Jaya , Ciolkosz Daniel , Wurzbacher Sarah , Jacobson Michael
Published: November 2021

Sufficiently valuing small-diameter-stem (diameter < 9 in.) woody material in Pennsylvania forest product markets may incentivize increased utilization of that material, a resource opportunity that would provide economic and ecological benefits to the state's forests and forest products community. Debarking is one primary process that could enhance the value of these small-diameter-stem materials for secondary markets. The wood products community in Pennsylvania was surveyed as to their perceptions of the status and value of economical small-diameter-stem debarking. The largest perceived current market for debarked, small-diameter-stem material identified by respondents is for chips for pulp and paper, and anticipated future demand is expected to be highest for chips for pulp and paper, chips for energy, and small-dimension lumber. Respondents who currently supply a given market tend to be more optimistic about that market than respondents who do not serve that particular market. Shredded wood/hog fuel and mulch are the two markets with the lowest overall scores for anticipated benefit of additional processing by debarking. Seventy-six percent of all respondents indicated that economical small-diameter-stem debarking would benefit their operation.
Rabih Alameddine, Kim Addonizio, and Kellie Wells: Fairy-Tales in the 21st Century
Authors: Ortells Montón Elena
Published: November 2021

The main aim of this study is to explore if, and if so, how Rabih Alameddine, Kim Addonizio, and Kellie Wells have managed to sustain, replicate, disregard, or redefine the patriarchal ideology customarily associated to gender issues within the fairy-tale tradition. What is really striking is that, several decades after the revisionist project undertaken by the "Angela Carter generation", these new voices experimenting with the field of fairy tales still feel the need to revisit the same mythemes and fight against the same ideology and values that pervaded twentieth century retellings of fairy tales. The subversive potential of the fairy tale retellings seems to have been surpassed by the powerful agenda of a patriarchal social system, which, despite the social, psychological and political changes, still retains its status quo.
La tachadura de un yo: Memorias de la rosa (2000), Consuelo de Saint-Exupéry
Authors: Rodríguez-Corrales Carla
Published: November 2021

En 1946 la escritora y artista salvadoreña Consuelo Suncín Sandoval (1901-1979) escribe Memorias de la rosa, texto autobiográfico-memorial publicado póstumamente, en el 2000, año del centenario del nacimiento de su marido, el aviador y escritor francés Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (1900-1944). Parte de la crítica, donde destaca el prefacio de la primera edición en castellano de esta obra, entroniza la imagen «mítica» del renombrado autor, operación que obtura la propuesta textual y eclipsa la autora salvadoreña. Este menoscabo evidencia la correlación existente entre el posicionamiento de las obras y las marcas corporales de los sujetos que ocupan la función autorial, motivo que lo convierte en una invitación a revisitar el texto desde la configuración corpo-autorial del «yo» para contribuir a saldar una deuda historiográfica con la figura-obra de esta escritora centroamericana. En estas coordenadas gravita esta aproximación.
Mutation rate dynamics reflect ecological change in an emerging zoonotic pathogen
Authors: Murray Gemma G. R. , Balmer Andrew J. , Herbert Josephine , Hadjirin Nazreen F. , Kemp Caroline L. , Matuszewska Marta , Bruchmann Sebastian , Hossain A. S. Md. Mukarram , Gottschalk Marcelo , Tucker Alexander W. , Miller Eric , Weinert Lucy A.
Published: November 2021

Mutation rates vary both within and between bacterial species, and understanding what drives this variation is essential for understanding the evolutionary dynamics of bacterial populations. In this study, we investigate two factors that are predicted to influence the mutation rate: ecology and genome size. We conducted mutation accumulation experiments on eight strains of the emerging zoonotic pathogen Streptococcus suis. Natural variation within this species allows us to compare tonsil carriage and invasive disease isolates, from both more and less pathogenic populations, with a wide range of genome sizes. We find that invasive disease isolates have repeatedly evolved mutation rates that are higher than those of closely related carriage isolates, regardless of variation in genome size. Independent of this variation in overall rate, we also observe a stronger bias towards G/C to A/T mutations in isolates from more pathogenic populations, whose genomes tend to be smaller and more AT-rich. Our results suggest that ecology is a stronger correlate of mutation rate than genome size over these timescales, and that transitions to invasive disease are consistently accompanied by rapid increases in mutation rate. These results shed light on the impact that ecology can have on the adaptive potential of bacterial pathogens.
Multivalent polymers can control phase boundary, dynamics, and organization of liquid-liquid phase separation
Authors: Zumbro Emiko , Alexander-Katz Alfredo
Published: November 2021

Multivalent polymers are a key structural component of many biocondensates. When interacting with their cognate binding proteins, multivalent polymers such as RNA and modular proteins have been shown to influence the liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) boundary to both control condensate formation and to influence condensate dynamics after phase separation. Much is still unknown about the function and formation of these condensed droplets, but changes in their dynamics or phase separation are associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Alzheimer’s Disease. Therefore, investigation into how the structure of multivalent polymers relates to changes in biocondensate formation and maturation is essential to understanding and treating these diseases. Here, we use a coarse-grain, Brownian Dynamics simulation with reactive binding that mimics specific interactions in order to investigate the difference between non-specific and specific multivalent binding polymers. We show that non-specific binding interactions can lead to much larger changes in droplet formation at lower protein-polymer interaction energies than their specific, valence-limited counterparts. We also demonstrate the effects of solvent conditions and polymer length on phase separation, and we present how modulating binding energy to the polymer can change the organization of a droplet in a three component system of polymer, binding protein, and solvent. Finally, we compare the effects of surface tension and polymer binding on the condensed phase dynamics, and show that both lower protein solubilities and higher attraction/affinity of the protein to the polymer result in slower droplet dynamics. This research will help to better understand experimental systems and provides additional insight into how multivalent polymers can control LLPS.
Investigation of an acute neurological outbreak in Eluru, India, 2020
Authors: Mummadi Mahesh Kumar , Pandurangi Raghavendra , Geddam J. J. Babu , Sinha Sukesh Narayan , Rajendran Ananthan , P. Sivaperumal , Ramachandrappa Naveen K. , K. Sree Ramakrishna , Sreenu Pagidoju
Published: November 2021

On 4th December 2020, a sudden outbreak, with neurological symptoms like seizures, loss of consciousness etc., was reported in a town from south India. By 3rdday about 400 people were involved. A multi disciplinary team from our institute visited the site to investigate the outbreak. Based on the case history and clinical examination of the patients, the team suspected a probable diagnosis of an acute pesticide, heavy metal and/or mycotoxin exposure for which, biological samples (blood, urine) were collected from those who reported the symptoms as well as from a few who did not report symptoms (controls). To identify the source, water and food samples were collected. The samples were subjected to ICP-MS for heavy metal analysis, LC-MS/MS for pesticide analysis, microbiological analysis and ELISA-Kit method for aflatoxins if any. Clinical and dietary details were collected from a total of 112 participants, of which, 103 cases (77 active cases at Hospital and 26 recovered cases from community) and 9 were controls. A total of 109 biological samples, 36 water samples and food samples were collected. The mean age of the study participants was 29.2 years. Among cases, Seizures were seen in 84%, loss of consciousness in 66%, mental confusion in 35%, pinpoint pupil in 11%. Triazophos (organophosphate) pesticide was present in 74% of Blood samples and its metabolites were present in 98% of the urine samples collected from the cases. All the ten heavy metals investigated including lead, mercury and nickel were found to be within permissible limits except for a few samples. No presence of mycotoxins was observed in Food samples. Water samples which included Head pump and reservoir were free from pesticides; however, all water samples from households of cases had triazophos pesticide with a mean concentration of 1.00 ug/L. Thus, it was concluded that, the probable cause of outbreak was Triazophos (Organophosphate) pesticide contamination in water at the Household level. Regular surveillance for the presence of residual pesticides in soil, water and food with heightened vigour is recommended to prevent future outbreaks.
Home, sweet home? The impact of working from home on the division of unpaid work during the COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Derndorfer Judith , Disslbacher Franziska , Lechinger Vanessa , Mader Katharina , Six Eva
Published: November 2021

A lockdown implies a shift from the public to the private sphere, and from market to non-market production, thereby increasing the volume of unpaid work. Already before the pandemic, unpaid work was disproportionately borne by women. This paper studies the effect of working from home for pay (WFH), due to a lockdown, on the change in the division of housework and childcare within couple households. While previous studies on the effect of WFH on the reconciliation of work and family life and the division of labour within the household suffered from selection bias, we are able to identify this effect by drawing upon the shock of the first COVID-19 lockdown in Austria. The corresponding legal measures left little choice over WFH. In any case, WFH is exogenous, conditional on a small set of individual and household characteristics we control for. We employ data from a survey on the gendered aspects of the lockdown. The dataset includes detailed information on time use during the lockdown and on the quality and experience of WFH. Uniquely, this survey data also includes information on the division, and not only magnitude, of unpaid work within households. Austria is an interesting case in this respect as it is characterized by very conservative gender norms. The results reveal that the probability of men taking on a larger share of housework increases if men are WFH alone or together with their female partner. By contrast, the involvement of men in childcare increased only in the event that the female partner was not able to WFH. Overall, the burden of childcare, and particularly homeschooling, was disproportionately borne by women.
Association between age at first alcohol use and heavy episodic drinking: An analysis of Thailand’s smoking and alcohol drinking behavior survey 2017
Authors: Sonthon Paithoon , Janma Narumon , Saengow Udomsak
Published: November 2021

According to evidence from developed countries, age at first alcohol use has been identified as a determinant of heavy episodic drinking (HED). This study aimed to investigate the association between age at first alcohol use and HED using data from the Smoking and Drinking Behavior Survey 2017, a Thai nationally representative survey. Binary logistic regression was used to examine the association. This study used data from 23,073 current drinkers in the survey. The survey participants were chosen to represent the Thai population aged 15 years and older. The prevalence of HED and frequent HED among Thai drinkers was 18.6% and 10.1%, respectively. Age at first drinking <20 years was associated with higher odds of HED (adjusted OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.26–1.62) and frequent HED (adjusted OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.12–1.53) relative to age at first drinking ≥25 years. Regular drinking, drinking at home, and exposure to alcohol advertising increased the odds of HED. Drinking at home was associated with frequent HED. There was a significant interaction between the effect of age at first alcohol use and sex on HED and frequent HED with a stronger effect of age at first alcohol use observed in females. This study provides evidence from a developing country that early onset of alcohol use is associated with HED. Effective measures such as tax and pricing policy should be enforced to delay the onset of drinking.
The impact of errors in medical certification on the accuracy of the underlying cause of death
Authors: Gamage U. S. H. , Adair Tim , Mikkelsen Lene , Mahesh Pasyodun Koralage Buddhika , Hart John , Chowdhury Hafiz , Li Hang , Joshi Rohina , Senevirathna W. M. C. K. , Fernando H. D. N. L. , McLaughlin Deirdre , Lopez Alan D.
Published: November 2021

Background

Correct certification of cause of death by physicians (i.e. completing the medical certificate of cause of death or MCCOD) and correct coding according to International Classification of Diseases (ICD) rules are essential to produce quality mortality statistics to inform health policy. Despite clear guidelines, errors in medical certification are common. This study objectively measures the impact of different medical certification errors upon the selection of the underlying cause of death.

Methods

A sample of 1592 error-free MCCODs were selected from the 2017 United States multiple cause of death data. The ten most common types of errors in completing the MCCOD (according to published studies) were individually simulated on the error-free MCCODs. After each simulation, the MCCODs were coded using Iris automated mortality coding software. Chance-corrected concordance (CCC) was used to measure the impact of certification errors on the underlying cause of death. Weights for each error type and Socio-demographic Index (SDI) group (representing different mortality conditions) were calculated from the CCC and categorised (very high, high, medium and low) to describe their effect on cause of death accuracy.

Findings

The only very high impact error type was reporting an ill-defined condition as the underlying cause of death. High impact errors were found to be reporting competing causes in Part 1 [of the death certificate] and illegibility, with medium impact errors being reporting underlying cause in Part 2 [of the death certificate], incorrect or absent time intervals and reporting contributory causes in Part 1, and low impact errors comprising multiple causes per line and incorrect sequence. There was only small difference in error importance between SDI groups.

Conclusions

Reporting an ill-defined condition as the underlying cause of death can seriously affect the coding outcome, while other certification errors were mitigated through the correct application of mortality coding rules. Training of physicians in not reporting ill-defined conditions on the MCCOD and mortality coders in correct coding practices and using Iris should be important components of national strategies to improve cause of death data quality.
Humoral responses to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines: Role of past infection
Authors: Gray Ashley N. , Martin-Blais Rachel , Tobin Nicole H. , Wang Yan , Brooker Sarah L. , Li Fan , Gadoth Adva , Elliott Julie , Faure-Kumar Emmanuelle , Halbrook Megan , Hofmann Christian , Kashani Saman , Kazan Clayton , Yang Otto O. , Fulcher Jennifer A. , Grovit-Ferbas Kathie , Rimoin Anne W. , Aldrovandi Grace M.
Published: November 2021

Two mRNA vaccines (BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273) against severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are globally authorized as a two-dose regimen. Understanding the magnitude and duration of protective immune responses is vital to curbing the pandemic. We enrolled 461 high-risk health services workers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and first responders in the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) to assess the humoral responses in previously infected (PI) and infection naïve (NPI) individuals to mRNA-based vaccines (BNT162b2/Pfizer- BioNTech or mRNA-1273/Moderna). A chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay was used to detect antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 Spike in vaccinees prior to (n = 21) and following each vaccine dose (n = 246 following dose 1 and n = 315 following dose 2), and at days 31–60 (n = 110) and 61–90 (n = 190) following completion of the 2-dose series. Both vaccines induced robust antibody responses in all immunocompetent individuals. Previously infected individuals achieved higher median peak titers (p = 0.002) and had a slower rate of decay (p = 0.047) than infection-naïve individuals. mRNA-1273 vaccinated infection-naïve individuals demonstrated modestly higher titers following each dose (p = 0.005 and p = 0.029, respectively) and slower rates of antibody decay (p = 0.003) than those who received BNT162b2. A subset of previously infected individuals (25%) required both doses in order to reach peak antibody titers. The biologic significance of the differences between previously infected individuals and between the mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2 vaccines remains uncertain, but may have important implications for booster strategies.
Functional analysis of N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-I knockdown in 2D and 3D neuroblastoma cell cultures
Authors: Hall M. Kristen , Burch Adam P. , Schwalbe Ruth A.
Published: November 2021

Tumor development can be promoted/suppressed by certain N-glycans attached to proteins at the cell surface. Here we examined aberrant neuronal properties in 2D and 3D rat neuroblastoma (NB) cell cultures with different N-glycan populations. Lectin binding studies revealed that the engineered N-glycosylation mutant cell line, NB_1(-Mgat1), expressed solely oligomannose N-glycans, and verified that the parental cell line, NB_1, and a previous engineered N-glycosylation mutant, NB_1(-Mgat2), expressed significant levels of higher order N-glycans, complex and hybrid N-glycans, respectively. NB_1 grew faster than mutant cell lines in monolayer and spheroid cell cultures. A 2-fold difference in growth between NB_1 and mutants occurred much sooner in 2D cultures relative to that observed in 3D cultures. Neurites and spheroid cell sizes were reduced in mutant NB cells of 2D and 3D cultures, respectively. Cell invasiveness was highest in 2D cultures of NB_1 cells compared to that of NB_1(-Mgat1). In contrast, NB_1 spheroid cells were much less invasive relative to NB_1(-Mgat1) spheroid cells while they were more invasive than NB_1(-Mgat2). Gelatinase activities supported the ranking of cell invasiveness in various cell lines. Both palladin and HK2 were more abundant in 3D than 2D cultures. Levels of palladin, vimentin and EGFR were modified in a different manner under 2D and 3D cultures. Thus, our results support variations in the N-glycosylation pathway and in cell culturing to more resemble in vivo tumor environments can impact the aberrant cellular properties, particularly cell invasiveness, of NB.
The mediating role of residents’ wellbeing between program leadership and quality of care: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Msheik-El Khoury Fatima , Naser Diana Dorothea , Htway Zin , Zein El Dine Salah
Published: November 2021

Background

Research has shown that organizational leadership and support affect organizational outcomes in several sectors, including healthcare. However, less is known about how organizational leadership might influence the wellbeing of clinical trainees as well as the quality of their patient care practices.

Objectives

This study examined the mediating effects of burnout and engagement between program director-resident relationship quality and residents’ reported quality of care, and the moderating effect of perceived departmental support.

Methods

The authors conducted a cross-sectional study in September 2020, using a 41-item questionnaire, among 20 residency programs in an academic medical center in Lebanon. Measures included program director-resident relationship quality, perceived departmental support, burnout subcomponents, engagement, and self-reported quality of care. Ordinary least squares regression was used to conduct parallel mediation and moderated mediation analyses using SPSS macro-PROCESS, to assess the strength and direction of each of the proposed associations.

Results

A total of 95/332 (28.6%) residents responded. Results revealed that program director-resident relationship quality had a significant indirect effect on residents’ suboptimal patient care practices and attitudes towards patients, through at least one of the wellbeing dimensions (p< .05). Perceived departmental support did not play a dominant role over program director-resident relationship quality, and thus did not influence any of the mediated relationships.

Conclusion

Our study adds a new dimension to the body of literature suggesting that program director-resident relationship quality plays an important role in promoting residents’ wellbeing and achieving important clinical health outcomes. Such findings imply that the quality of program director-resident relationship could be an important component of residents’ wellbeing and patient safety. If further research confirms these associations, it will become imperative to determine what interventions might improve the quality of relationships between program directors and residents.
A cross-sectional investigation of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and associated risk factors in children and adolescents in the United States
Authors: Levorson Rebecca E. , Christian Erica , Hunter Brett , Sayal Jasdeep , Sun Jiayang , Bruce Scott A. , Garofalo Stephanie , Southerland Matthew , Ho Svetlana , Levy Shira , Defillipi Christopher , Peake Lilian , Place Frederick C. , Hourigan Suchitra K.
Published: November 2021

Background

Pediatric SARS-CoV-2 data remain limited and seropositivity rates in children were reported as <1% early in the pandemic. Seroepidemiologic evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 in children in a major metropolitan region of the US was performed.

Methods

Children and adolescents ≤19 years were enrolled in a cross-sectional, observational study of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence from July-October 2020 in Northern Virginia, US. Demographic, health, and COVID-19 exposure information was collected, and blood analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 spike protein total antibody. Risk factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity were analyzed. Orthogonal antibody testing was performed, and samples were evaluated for responses to different antigens.

Results

In 1038 children, the anti-SARS-CoV-2 total antibody positivity rate was 8.5%. After multivariate logistic regression, significant risk factors included Hispanic ethnicity, public or absent insurance, a history of COVID-19 symptoms, exposure to person with COVID-19, a household member positive for SARS-CoV-2 and multi-family or apartment dwelling without a private entrance. 66% of seropositive children had no symptoms of COVID-19. Secondary analysis included orthogonal antibody testing with assays for 1) a receptor binding domain specific antigen and 2) a nucleocapsid specific antigen had concordance rates of 80.5% and 79.3% respectively.

Conclusions

A much higher burden of SARS-CoV-2 infection, as determined by seropositivity, was found in children than previously reported; this was also higher compared to adults in the same region at a similar time. Contrary to prior reports, we determined children shoulder a significant burden of COVID-19 infection. The role of children’s disease transmission must be considered in COVID-19 mitigation strategies including vaccination.
Targeted transcriptomics reveals signatures of large-scale independent origins and concerted regulation of effector genes in Radopholus similis
Authors: Vieira Paulo , Myers Roxana Y. , Pellegrin Clement , Wram Catherine , Hesse Cedar , Maier Thomas R. , Shao Jonathan , Koutsovoulos Georgios D. , Zasada Inga , Matsumoto Tracie , Danchin Etienne G. J. , Baum Thomas J. , Eves-van den Akker Sebastian , Nemchinov Lev G.
Published: November 2021

The burrowing nematode,Radopholus similis, is an economically important plant-parasitic nematode that inflicts damage and yield loss to a wide range of crops. This migratory endoparasite is widely distributed in warmer regions and causes extensive destruction to the root systems of important food crops (e.g., citrus, banana). Despite the economic importance of this nematode, little is known about the repertoire of effectors owned by this species. Here we combined spatially and temporally resolved next-generation sequencing datasets ofR.similisto select a list of candidates for the identification of effector genes for this species. We confirmed spatial expression of transcripts of 30 new candidate effectors within the esophageal glands ofR.similisbyin situhybridization, revealing a large number of pioneer genes specific to this nematode. We identify a gland promoter motif specifically associated with the subventral glands (named Rs-SUG box), a putative hallmark of spatial and concerted regulation of these effectors. Nematode transcriptome analyses confirmed the expression of these effectors during the interaction with the host, with a large number of pioneer genes being especially abundant. Our data revealed thatR.similisholds a diverse and emergent repertoire of effectors, which has been shaped by various evolutionary events, including neofunctionalization, horizontal gene transfer, and possibly byde novogene birth. In addition, we also report the first GH62 gene so far discovered for any metazoan and putatively acquired by lateral gene transfer from a bacterial donor. Considering the economic damage caused byR.similis, this information provides valuable data to elucidate the mode of parasitism of this nematode.
Exploring the willingness to adopt rapid diagnostic tests to improve antimicrobial medicine use amongst Tanzanian livestock farmers
Authors: Mkenda Vera Florida , Buller Henry , Bruce Ann
Published: November 2021

This article deals with the challenge of addressing antimicrobial resistance in resource-poor countries. It explores the possibilities of using rapid diagnostic tests to improve animal health management and treatment, particularly in situations where laboratory veterinary infrastructure is limited. Using data from a survey undertaken in 2018, three composite variables, i.e. perceived usefulness, compatibility with existing practices and ease of use, derived from the Model of Technological Acceptance and Diffusion Innovation Theory are used to analyse the perceived characteristics and values of rapid diagnostic test devices for farmers. Results suggest smallholder farmers’ willingness to adopt and use the tests provided they are affordable, easy to use and suitable to their local conditions – a common referential being mobile phones. While such tests have the potential to improve how antibiotics are used in smallholder farms, they are more likely to instigate more general improvements in how treatment decisions are made without necessarily reducing unnecessary antimicrobial use. The adoption may also imply a diminishing need for traditional veterinary services, thus making farmers more self-sufficient in animal health care. Farmers also seem to be more concerned by false negatives leading to sick animals missing vital treatment than by false positives where drugs will be administered to healthy animals. Overall promoting rapid diagnostic test technologies inevitably calls for new controls and regulations.
Polyphenols as Therapeutic Approach to High Altitude Mediated Skeletal Muscle Impairments
Authors: Kushwaha Asha Devi , Bhardwaj Varun , Saraswat Deepika
Published: November 2021

Skeletal muscle impairments at high altitudes resulted into various consequences in un-acclimatised individuals thus hampering their physical activities by imposing severe oxidative stress, skeletal muscle atrophy, mitochondrial dysfunction/autophagy, and regeneration disability. Researchers have described many natural and synthetic supplements to alleviate oxidative stress-induced muscle impairments. In this review article we are focusing on the skeletal muscle impairments and their alleviation by using natural polyphenols. Polyphenols are plant-based compounds showing anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties like Curcumin, Catechins, Resveratrol, Quercetin and Salidrosides appear to mainly act by reversing oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction eventually ameliorate skeletal muscle impairments under various imposed pathological conditions. This review also drew attention on the molecular targets of polyphenols and their possible therapeutic effects in preventing HA induced muscle impairments. Unavailability of suitable intervention, there is a need to find a probable solution having highly protective anti-atrophic, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory properties with the tint of performance enhancer.
Distance education and national teacher training policies: Implementation evidence in a multi-level perspective
Authors: Breynner Ricardo Oliveira  , Jianne Ines Fialho Coelho  , Ellen Maira de Alcântara Laudares
Published: November 2021

The Programa Nacional Escola de Gestores (PNEG) integrated the national teacher training policy and was financed by the Brazilian government. Ended in 2017, was part of a set of programs that elected distance education (DE) as its main strategy. The PNEG was designed to strengthen public school management. Based on graduates and PNEG instructors’ perceptions of this program at one federal university, this article provides evidence on multi-level administrative and educational decision-making processes in distance education. Mixed methods were adopted. Data was collected through a survey applied to 216 graduates and 29 interviews with the PNEG team entailed five dimensions: (i) the training and pedagogical design implemented; (ii) the polyteaching training team; (iii) distance education and the use of digital information and communicational technologies (DICTs); (iv) the resources and infrastructure provided by the local support center; and (v) the interaction between the graduates and the polyteaching team in the PNEG training process. The analyses reveal that, in DE, pedagogical planning, the use of technologies, and the combination of resources that stimulate interaction among the actors play a decisive role in this process. Team supervision is another mandatory aspect. Mediated by technologies, DE teacher training programs funded by the federal government have redesigned curricular trajectories, tried out different pedagogical strategies, and proposed new skills to students and trainers.
A spatial analysis of the physical properties of Sivas Cumhuriyet University Campus
Authors: Tuztaşı Uğur , Koç Pınar
Published: November 2021

Research problem/aim: This study aimed to reveal the physical characteristics of the Sivas Cumhuriyet University Campus. University campuses are equipped with highly diversified physical qualities in terms of the design and planning stages. The quality and property of the physical space are the values that enrich and develop the livable, accessible, and perceptible features of the campus space. In this study, the basic physical components that make up a university campus were identified in order to analyze their qualities. Method: The method was based on fieldwork documentation tools such as observation, on-site examination, photography, and drawing. Accordingly, the Sivas Cumhuriyet University campus was evaluated in terms of its basic physical characteristics such as borders, building usage patterns, morphology, occupancy-vacancy, common areas, and green areas. Findings: It was determined that the campus space has a scattered and disjointed group of relationships, and individual and independent spatial arrangements present a fragmented appearance throughout the built environment. Accordingly, it was determined that the common and green areas and the occupancy-vacancy relations were disturbed, and a morphologically unstable and scattered physical space presentation emerged. Conclusions: Ultimately, this study, which analyzed the current physical environment of the campus, proposed the preparation of an urgent design guide for the campus in order to transform the built environmental components that have been constructed in a disconnected, dispersed, fragmented and unrelated manner into holistic, coherent and continuous spatial organizations.
The Effects of Dopant Concentration on the Performances of the a-SiOx:H(p)/a-Si:H(i1)/a-Si:H(i2)/µc-Si:H(n) Heterojunction Solar Cell
Authors: Hamdani Dadan , Prayogi Soni , Cahyono Yoyok , Yudoyono Gatut , Darminto Darminto
Published: November 2021

In this work, the imbalances in band gap energy between p-window layer and intrinsic layer (p/i interface) in p-i-n type solar cells to suppress charge recombination adopting with the addition of buffer layer, at p/i interface, namely solar cell structures without buffer (Cell A) and with buffer (Cell B). Using well-practiced AFORS-HET software, performances of Cell A and Cell B structures are evaluated and compared to experimental data. A good agreement between AFORS-HET modelling and experimental data was obtained for Cell A (error = 1.02%) and Cell B (error = 0.07%), respectively. The effects of dopant concentrations of the p-type and n-type were examined with respect to cell B for better performance by analysing the energy band diagram, the electric field distribution, the trapped hole density, the light J-V characteristics, and the external quantum efficiency. The simulated results of an optimised Cell B showed that the highest efficiency of 8.81% (VOC = 1042 mV, JSC = 10.08 mA/cm2, FF = 83.85%) has been obtained for the optimum dopant values of NA = 1.0 x 1019 cm-3 and ND = 1.0 x 1019 cm-3, respectively. A comparison between experimental data and simulation results for Cell B showed that the conversion efficiency can be enhanced from 5.61% to 8.81%, using the optimized values
Equity: What Model Should We Use When We Talk About Autism?
Authors: Kintzinger Rebekah
Published: November 2021

In the Canadian disability rights movement, with regards to autism specifically, there has been a shift towards recognizing what is called a social model of disability. Through this movement, there has been a desire to incorporate that model into practice in governments, institutions, and healthcare. This desire also stems from advocate-centric and first-voice communities, where disabilities like autism are not viewed through a deficit-based lens. This article aims to discuss the often polarizing social and medical models of disability, comparing their uses in the disability world while weighing their respective benefits. Finally, an alternative model of disability that intersects these models is discussed as an alternative. This model is called the International Classification of Functioning, which recognizes three levels that impair a disabled person: the body, the person, and the environment. It is from this focus that policy can be developed to answer the calls of the pan-disability movement; to provide equitable changes across services and domains that are rightly deserved for Autistic and disabled people.