bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An experimental and numerical investigation on impact spot welding of metallic plates using gas mixture detonation technique
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Sedigheh , Babaei Hashem , Mirzababaie Mostofi Tohid
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the impact spot welding of metallic plates was investigated both experimentally and numerically using a single-stage gas mixture detonation apparatus. The impact spot welding process was carried out on aluminum alloy and steel materials using rigid steel projectiles. In this process, the mixture of oxygen and acetylene was detonated in a combustion chamber to launch the projectile. The masses of flat- and spherical-nosed projectiles were 270 and 230 g, respectively. The impact velocity was measured in all experiments. The cross-sections of the weld spots were inspired by a scanning electron microscope to assess the quality of welding. For several experiments, wavy interfaces were observed showing there is a good bonding. For numerical simulation of the process, Abaqus/Explicit software was used and the deformation and failure mechanisms of impact spot-welded specimens were further investigated. The Johnson–Cook thermoplasticity model along with its failure model was utilized to predict the behavior of metallic materials. The numerical simulation results were in good agreement with those obtained from experiments in terms of the deformation mode and failure pattern. The propagation of the wave on the surface of the flyer plate was further studied. The results showed that the stress waves start from the center and propagate to the corners of the plate. To numerically evaluate the welding quality, two parameters of the shear stress at the collision point as well as the equivalent plastic strain for the flyer and target plates were obtained in the numerical simulation. The numerical results showed opposite directions of shear stress for flyer and base plates at the contact point, which can be used as proof for good bonding. Besides, the magnitudes of the equivalent plastic strain for both flyer and base plates were higher than those reported values in the open literature that confirms successful welding.
The rest is noise: on describing cognitive multiplicity
Authors: Hradcová Dana , Synek Michal
Published: December 2020

When we describe a thing, a person or a meeting, the simple question of what belongs in the picture becomes a methodological puzzle with serious practical and ethical consequences. A descriptive account touches the contours of what is being described, fluctuating between mere description and explanation and between paranoid and reparative writing. In our textual laboratory, we describe noise as a style of music and an example of cognitive multiplicity. Two accounts – of a concert and a noisy meeting – are put besides each other to explore methods which allow us to understand noise not as an annoying otherness, but as an accessible source of multiple meanings. We suggest that reparative strategies of description, adding texture to the surface rather than uncovering the social forces beneath, broaden the field of describable experience while also enabling us to see the exclusion of people considered too noisy as a process with real effects.
A human reliability assessment through enclosed space entry operation onboard ships
Authors: Soner Omer , Celik Metin
Published: December 2020

An enclosed space poses a serious risk to workers since its atmosphere can be oxygen-deficient, polluted or contain flammable and/or toxic gases or vapours. Hence, it is important to keep in mind that an enclosed space should not be entered unless it is absolutely necessary. However, many processes often need the worker to be present in an enclosed space. At this point, great attention should be paid to create and maintain safe working conditions, when entering enclosed space is required. Even though studies have investigated several aspects of enclosed space entry, further research is required to explore the human element role. This is urgently needed, considering that human errors are one of the main reasons for enclosed space entry accidents. Hence, this study has investigated the human element role during an enclosed space entry operation via the enhanced SOHRA method. Three scenarios have been developed to assess HEP values. Beyond that, systematic control measure assignment is provided to reduce HEP values. Hierarchy of control measures are considered to improve entering enclosed space operational safety. Elimination (drone-assisted survey), substitution (IoT), engineering (permit control system-PCS), and administrative control measures (electronic permit) have been proposed. Further, this study results can also provide useful insight for other industries (petrochemical, oil, refinery, gas, agriculture, construction etc.), where the accidents in enclosed spaces taking place. Therefore, the study provides not only a theoretical insight but also practical application to improve the safety of seafarers.
Challenges and practices of interviewing business elites
Authors: Ma Shenghui , Seidl David , McNulty Terry
Published: December 2020

Interviews are an important method for studying a wide range of phenomena, especially those that directly involve members of the so-called business elite, which typically includes CEOs, top managers, and boards of directors. While it is necessary to get close to these actors and their settings for gaining valuable research insights, interviews are challenging interactions to accomplish. Even when one has negotiated access, members of the business elite are typically time-constrained, knowledgeable, used to being in a dominant position, and visible in the public domain and involved in impression management. These particularities pose distinctive challenges for collecting rich and authentic empirical material about important organizational, managerial, and societal matters. Drawing on our own experience, as well as the literature on qualitative interviewing and elites research, we discuss how different research designs and interview practices can help deal with these challenges.
Cumulative Stressors and Adolescent Substance Use: A Review of 21st-Century Literature
Authors: Hoffmann John P. , Jones Melissa S.
Published: December 2020

The aim of this review is to assess empirical studies from the last 2 decades that have examined the association between cumulative stressors and adolescent substance use. Cumulative stressors were measured in these studies with adverse childhood experiences or adolescent stressful life events inventories. The 109 articles meeting the eligibility criteria that emerged from the review demonstrated a consistent, yet modest, association between cumulative stressors and adolescent substance use. Of note, several studies found that the associations were moderated or mediated by genetic factors related to cortisol regulation, intrapersonal factors such as low self-control, or interpersonal factors such as peer substance use. The review’s findings thus suggest that efforts to reduce the effects of cumulative stressors on substance use could gainfully identify and target these risk moderators and mediators.
From Teen Parent to Student Parent: Latina Mothers’ Persistence in Higher Education
Authors: Navarro-Cruz Giselle Emilia , Dávila Brianne A. , Kouyoumdjian Claudia
Published: December 2020

Less than half of adolescent mothers graduate from high school and fewer obtain a post-secondary degree. The purpose of this study is to understand how Latina mothers who experienced childbirth during adolescence transition to parenthood and higher education. We conducted 13 in-depth interviews with Latina mothers enrolled in higher education. We found that Latina mothers’ persistence in higher education is influenced by psychosocial factors, initial commitments, academic and social experiences in college, and final commitments.
Maximizing performance of apparel manufacturing industry through CAD adoption
Authors: Chaudhary Sarita , Kumar Pardeep , Johri Prashant
Published: December 2020

Textile and apparel manufacturing industry of India is second highest employment generator sector and largest contributor to India’s GDP. Unfortunately, it lacks behind in innovations and adoption of technology to meet the challenges. The basic problem remains as how to bring varied designs to market quickly with less efforts and cost. The adoption of CAD technology offering enormous benefits to apparel manufacturers in India. It makes quick and efficient revisions in apparel design changes including colour adjustments on fabric pattern and resizing garments. CAD system enable designers to produce more accurate designs with less chance of mistakes by saving cost and time. Its integration with CAM offers many advantages during manufacturing process and makes the apparel production faster with consistent and accurate results every time. As all information related to design and production are stored in file format, it makes very easy to produce the same design again without repetition of previous activities. The introduction of CAD technology in the industry resulted to improved efficiency of the design process due to automation of routine design tasks, increased employee productivity and shortened lead time in the product development process. This study highlights on adoption of CAD technology, limitations and its impact on business.
Is There Any Impact of R&D on Financial Performance? Evidence from Indian Pharmaceutical Companies
Authors: Nandy Mithun
Published: December 2020

This intention of this research article is to analyze the impact of research and development (R&D) activities on the financial performance of Indian pharmaceutical companies listed with the national stock exchange (NSE) of India. Strongly balanced panel dataset of 40 sample pharmaceutical companies for the period of 1998-2019 (21 years) has been used. In the empirical analysis section: Descriptive Statistics, Bivariate Correlation Matrix, Variation Inflation Factor, Skewness/Kurtosis Tests, Breusch-Godfrey LM Test, Heteroskedasticity Test, Levin-Lin-Chu Unit-Root Test, Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) and panel regression models (Fixed Effect Model and Random Effect Model) followed by Hausman Test have been discussed. For data analysis purpose, STATA (version 12.0) software has been used. To analyze the impact of R&D on financial performance, four different financial performance related variables: Sales Turnover, Return on Assets, Return on Equity, and Market Capitalization have been used as dependent variables and these variables have been placed one after another in four different empirical models which have been estimated in this study. The study has revealed that there is a significant positive impact of R&D activities on the financial performance of Indian pharmaceutical companies listed with NSE during the study period.
Adjustment of Occlusal Splint with Synchronized T-Scan III Digital Occlusal Analysis System and Bio-EMG III in a Patient with Sleep Bruxism
Authors: Karakis Duygu , Demirdag Elif Didem
Published: December 2020

The occlusal splint has been frequently used as an effective treatment in sleep bruxism patients. In the adjustment procedure of occlusal splint with an optimal occlusion, clinicians usually use conventional methods; however, they cannot measure the surface area of contacts, amount of force, and contacting time sequence. Recently, two separate technologies have been synchronized together: T-Scan III and BioEMG III. In the present case report, an occlusal splint in a patient with sleep bruxism was adjusted with synchronized T-Scan computerized digital occlusal analysis system and BioEMG III. Optimal occlusal parameters were generated, and quantitative analyses of occlusal scheme and muscle activity level were performed before and after the adjustment of the occlusal splint.

In the present case report, occlusion of the occlusal splint in a bruxism patient was adjusted with T-Scan III to fulfill the requirement of the optimal occlusion criteria. Before adjustment of occlusal splint, digital evaluation revealed unbalanced force distribution, lengthy occlusion (1.51 s), and disocclusion time (0.09 s) in centric relation. EMG activity of muscles was lower than expected values in centric relation. After adjustment of occlusal splint, canine protected occlusion with appropriate occlusion (0.2 s) and disocclusion (0.4 s) time were performed. Increased electromyography activity of the right anterior temporalis muscle showed a decrease in all excursive movements. Modern occlusal adjustment procedures provide a new standard of verification for the validation of occlusal splint fabrication with optimal occlusion.
Endoscopic Versus Open Cranial Reconstruction Surgery for Anterior Craniosynostosis: Experience from South-East Asia
Authors: Mendonca Derek A. , Gopal Swaroop , Gujjalanavar Rajendra , Deraje Vybhav , H.R. Sunil , Ramamurthy Venkat
Published: December 2020

Introduction and objective: Craniosynostosis is a pathological condition resulting from premature closure of cranial sutures. Open cranial vault reconstruction has been the standard of care for isolated non-syndromic craniosynostosis. The current centre introduced the endoscopic craniosynostosis surgery in 2015. The aim of the study is to compare safety outcomes of endoscopic versus open surgery in craniosynostosis within the context of a developing healthcare system, with a focus on anterior synostosis. Methods: This was a retrospective study of all patients undergoing surgery for anterior craniosynostosis from 2012 to 2018 at a single institution. Data on age at surgery, demographics, sutures, surgery duration and complications, including follow up information was obtained. We excluded syndromic patients and patients with pan-synostosis. Statistical analysis was undertaken with P value set at <.05. Results: There were totally 40 patients who underwent craniosynostosis surgery. Seventeen patients underwent endoscopic correction, and 23 open procedures. Metopic and coronal suture patients were equally distributed, with an equal sex distribution. The mean age at surgery in the endoscopic group was 3.7 months (3-5) and higher at 11.5 months (8-18) in the open group ( P < .05). The duration of surgery, blood loss and overall length of hospital stay were significantly reduced in the endoscopic group ( P < .05). In the endoscopic cohort, patients with metopic synostosis obtained complete correction, while patients with unicoronal synostosis had minor residual frontal asymmetry. There were no immediate post-operative complications in the endoscopic group, but the open surgery cohort had minor dural tears in 6 patients. Conclusion: The endoscopic technique has a better safety profile than open surgery for craniosynostosis and results in a complete correction in patients with metopic and bicoronal craniosynostosis.
Correlation analysis between disease severity and inflammation-related parameters in patients with COVID-19: a retrospective study
Authors: Gong Jing , Dong Hui , Xia Qing-Song , Huang Zhao-yi , Wang Ding-kun , Zhao Yan , Liu Wen-hua , Tu Sheng-hao , Zhang Ming-min , Wang Qi , Lu Fu-er
Published: December 2020

Background

COVID-19 is highly contagious, and the crude mortality rate could reach 49% in critical patients. Inflammation concerns on disease progression. This study analyzed blood inflammation indicators among mild, severe and critical patients, helping to identify severe or critical patients early.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 100 patients were included and divided into mild, severe or critical groups according to disease condition. Correlation of peripheral blood inflammation-related indicators with disease criticality was analyzed. Cut-off values for critically ill patients were speculated through the ROC curve.

Results

Significantly, disease severity was associated with age (R = -0.564, P < 0.001), interleukin-2 receptor (IL2R) (R = -0.534, P < 0.001), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (R = -0.535, P < 0.001), interleukin-8 (IL-8) (R = -0.308, P < 0.001), interleukin-10 (IL-10) (R = -0.422, P < 0.001), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) (R = -0.322, P < 0.001), C-reactive protein (CRP) (R = -0.604, P < 0.001), ferroprotein (R = -0.508, P < 0.001), procalcitonin (R = -0.650, P < 0.001), white cell counts (WBC) (R = -0.54, P < 0.001), lymphocyte counts (LC) (R = 0.56, P < 0.001), neutrophil count (NC) (R = -0.585, P < 0.001) and eosinophil counts (EC) (R = 0.299, P < 0.001). With IL2R > 793.5 U/mL or CRP > 30.7 ng/mL, the progress of COVID-19 to critical stage should be closely observed and possibly prevented.

Conclusions

Inflammation is closely related to severity of COVID-19, and IL-6 and TNFα might be promising therapeutic targets.
Homologous production, one-step purification, and proof of Na+ transport by the Rnf complex from Acetobacterium woodii, a model for acetogenic conversion of C1 substrates to biofuels
Authors: Wiechmann Anja , Trifunović Dragan , Klein Sophie , Müller Volker
Published: December 2020

Background

Capture and storage of the energy carrier hydrogen as well as of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide are two major problems that mankind faces currently. Chemical catalysts have been developed, but only recently a group of anaerobic bacteria that convert hydrogen and carbon dioxide to acetate, formate, or biofuels such as ethanol has come into focus, the acetogenic bacteria. These biocatalysts produce the liquid organic hydrogen carrier formic acid from H2 + CO2or even carbon monoxide with highest rates ever reported. The autotrophic, hydrogen-oxidizing, and CO2-reducing acetogens have in common a specialized metabolism to catalyze CO2reduction, the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway (WLP). The WLP does not yield net ATP, but is hooked up to a membrane-bound respiratory chain that enables ATP synthesis coupled to CO2fixation. The nature of the respiratory enzyme has been an enigma since the discovery of these bacteria and has been unraveled in this study.

Results

We have produced a His-tagged variant of the ferredoxin:NAD oxidoreductase (Rnf complex) from the model acetogenAcetobacterium woodii, solubilized the enzyme from the cytoplasmic membrane, and purified it by Ni2+–NTA affinity chromatography. The enzyme was incorporated into artificial liposomes and catalyzed Na+transport coupled to ferredoxin-dependent NAD reduction. Our results using the purified enzyme do not only verify that the Rnf complex fromA. woodiiis Na+-dependent, they also demonstrate for the first time that this membrane-embedded molecular engine creates a Na+ gradient across the membrane ofA. woodiiwhich can be used for ATP synthesis.

Discussion

We present a protocol for homologous production and purification for an Rnf complex. The enzyme catalyzed electron-transfer driven Na+export and, thus, our studies provided the long-awaited biochemical proof that the Rnf complex is a respiratory enzyme.
The Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation During Infancy on Growth During the First 2 Years of Life
Authors: Hauta-alus Helena H , Holmlund-Suila Elisa M , Kajantie Eero , Rosendahl Jenni , Valkama Saara M , Enlund-Cerullo Maria , Andersson Sture , Mäkitie Outi
Published: December 2020

Context

The relationship between maternal and infant vitamin D and early childhood growth remains inadequately understood.

Objective

This work aimed to investigate how maternal and child 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) and vitamin D supplementation affect growth during the first 2 years of life.

Methods

A randomized, double-blinded, single-center intervention study was conducted from pregnancy until offspring age 2 years. Altogether 812 term-born children with complete data were recruited at a maternity hospital. Children received daily vitamin D3 supplementation of 10 μg (group 10) or 30 μg (group 30) from age 2 weeks to 2 years. Anthropometry and growth rate were measured at age 1 and 2 years.

Results

Toddlers born to mothers with pregnancy 25(OH)D greater than 125 nmol/L were at 2 years lighter and thinner than the reference group with 25(OH)D of 50 to 74.9 nmol/L (P < .010). Mean 2-year 25(OH)D concentrations were 87 nmol/L in group 10 and 118 nmol/L in group 30 (P < .001). When group 30 was compared with group 10, difference in body size was not statistically significant (P > .053), but group 30 had slower growth in length and head circumference between 6 months and 1 year (P < .047), and more rapid growth in weight and length-adjusted weight between 1 and 2 years (P < .043). Toddlers in the highest quartile of 25(OH)D (> 121 nmol/L) were shorter (mean difference 0.2 SD score [SDS], P = .021), lighter (mean difference 0.4 SDS, P = .001), and thinner (in length-adjusted weight) (mean difference 0.4 SDS, P = .003) compared with the lowest quartile (< 81.2 nmol/L).

Conclusion

Vitamin D and early childhood growth may have an inverse U-shaped relationship.
Silver-Free Catalysis with Gold(I) Chloride Complexes
Authors: Franchino Allegra , Montesinos-Magraner Marc , Echavarren Antonio M
Published: December 2020

Gold(I) chloride complexes are stable, widespread precatalysts that generally require activation by halide abstraction to display useful catalytic activity. Chloride scavenging is typically performed in situ by using silver salts. This procedure, apart from mandating the use of an additional metal, often negatively impacts the reaction outcome, because Ag additives are not catalytically innocent (silver effect). Therefore, both the development of alternative chloride scavengers and the design of self-activating gold(I) chloride complexes endowed with special ligands have lately been the subject of intense research efforts. This review describes recent advances in the field of silver-free Au(I) catalysis employing gold(I) chloride complexes, with an emphasis on approaches emerged in the last decade.
THE DYNAMICS OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERROR REPRODUCTION: OPTIMISING FORMAL CORRECTNESS IN THREE SPECIALISED BILINGUAL DICTIONARIES
Authors: Rodríguez-Rubio Santiago , Fernández-Quesada Nuria
Published: December 2020

It is only through an extreme concern for accuracy and the understanding of typographical errors that authors can turn specialised dictionaries into high quality reference works. This paper describes patterns of typographical error reproduction in three specialised English-Spanish dictionaries. We approach intratextual error reproduction (within a particular dictionary), either through related subentries or through non-related subentries. In addition, we compare the frequency of errors between dictionaries written by institutional lexicographers and works written by freelance professionals. The purpose is to provide a model for typographical error detection and analysis that may contribute to formal correctness in reference works. The reason is twofold: a) dictionaries are expected to be high-standard primary tools for language professionals; b) data quality is essential for a wide variety of utilities, ranging from dictionary writing systems and writing assistants to corpus tools. Keywords: data quality, data reusability, specialised bilingual lexicography, typographical error reproduction.
Consumer Boycotts, Country of Origin, and Product Competition: Evidence from China’s Automobile Market
Authors: Sun Qi , Wu Fang , Li Shanjun , Grewal Rajdeep
Published: December 2020

Triggered by a territorial dispute as well as historical animosity, a nationwide civilian boycott of Japanese products took place in China in the summer of 2012. Using detailed data on vehicle sales in four major Chinese cities (Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, and Nanjing), this study investigates the impact of boycotts on sales and advertising effectiveness of products from different countries of origin. The boycott dramatically reduced the market share of Japanese brands and benefitted Chinese and non-Japanese foreign brands. Consumer switching to other brands accounted for the majority of the loss in sales. Advertising became less effective for Japanese brands during the boycott but more effective for non-Japanese brands, especially at the parent-brand level (e.g., Toyota) than sub-brand level (e.g., Camry). The sales impacts were strongest in Nanjing, the city that had the most atrocious war experience with Japan during the Battle of Nanjing in 1937, and weakest in Beijing, where local government agencies explicitly discouraged public demonstrations. Finally, although the decline in sales of Japanese brands did not vary by quality or production location, competing non-Japanese brands that were had better quality or were manufactured locally benefitted more.

This paper was accepted by Juanjuan Zhang, marketing.
Deep-UV hexagonal boron nitride (hBN)/BAlN distributed Bragg reflectors fabricated by RF-sputtering
Authors: Li Qiang , Zhang Qifan , Bai Yunhe , Zhang Haoran , Hu Peng , Li Yufeng , Yun Feng
Published: December 2020

The hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) and BAlN films were prepared by RF-sputtering, which were used as the low and high refractive index layers. A series of hBN/BAlN distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) were prepared on sapphire substrate. The reflectivity of 9-pair hBN/BAlN (39 nm/33 nm) DBR reached 90% at 300 nm with a bandwidth of 45 nm, and which of 6-pair hBN/BAlN (35 nm/29 nm) reached 52% at 280 nm. The hBN/BAlN DBRs can be used to achieve higher reflectivity in shorter UV bands with the improvement of BAlN material quality through the growth condition optimization.
Enhancing fine-grained intra-urban dengue forecasting by integrating spatial interactions of human movements between urban regions
Authors: Liu Kang , Zhang Meng , Xi Guikai , Deng Aiping , Song Tie , Li Qinglan , Kang Min , Yin Ling
Published: December 2020

Background

As a mosquito-borne infectious disease, dengue fever (DF) has spread through tropical and subtropical regions worldwide in recent decades. Dengue forecasting is essential for enhancing the effectiveness of preventive measures. Current studies have been primarily conducted at national, sub-national, and city levels, while an intra-urban dengue forecasting at a fine spatial resolution still remains a challenging feat. As viruses spread rapidly because of a highly dynamic population flow, integrating spatial interactions of human movements between regions would be potentially beneficial for intra-urban dengue forecasting.

Methodology

In this study, a new framework for enhancing intra-urban dengue forecasting was developed by integrating the spatial interactions between urban regions. First, a graph-embedding technique called Node2Vec was employed to learn the embeddings (in the form of an N-dimensional real-valued vector) of the regions from their population flow network. As strongly interacting regions would have more similar embeddings, the embeddings can serve as “interaction features.” Then, the interaction features were combined with those commonly used features (e.g., temperature, rainfall, and population) to enhance the supervised learning–based dengue forecasting models at a fine-grained intra-urban scale.

Results

The performance of forecasting models (i.e., SVM, LASSO, and ANN) integrated with and without interaction features was tested and compared on township-level dengue forecasting in Guangzhou, the most threatened sub-tropical city in China. Results showed that models using both common and interaction features can achieve better performance than that using common features alone.

Conclusions

The proposed approach for incorporating spatial interactions of human movements using graph-embedding technique is effective, which can help enhance fine-grained intra-urban dengue forecasting.
The combined effects of temperature and relative humidity parameters on the reproduction of Stomoxys species in a laboratory setting
Authors: Issimov Arman , Taylor David B. , Zhugunissov Kuandyk , Kutumbetov Lespek , Zhanabayev Assylbek , Kazhgaliyev Nurlybay , Akhmetaliyeva Aliya , Nurgaliyev Birzhan , Shalmenov Malik , Absatirov Gaisa , Dushayeva Laura , White Peter J.
Published: December 2020

In this study, Stomoxys species (S. calcitrans, S. sitiens and S. indica) were examined to improve on the current technique for mass rearing using a method of combined incubation parameters. Moreover, the reproductive potential of immature forms at various stages of development was defined. Immature forms of stable flies were incubated according to species. There was no significant difference in the number of immature forms obtained among species incubated under the same conditions. Six incubation parameters were used in combination, at temperatures (T) of 32°C, 27°C and 22°C and relative humidity (RH) of 90% and 70% RH. The combined method resulted in a higher number of eggs hatching at 32°C and 90% humidity as well as an increase in the number of larva pupated and emergence of imago at 27°C and 70% humidity.
Genomic surveillance of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B invasive strains: Diversity of vaccine antigen types, Brazil, 2016-2018
Authors: de Lemos Ana Paula Silva , Sacchi Claudio Tavares , Gonçalves Claudia Regina , Camargo Carlos Henrique , Andrade Ana Lúcia
Published: December 2020

Background

Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B remains a prominent cause of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in Brazil. Because two novel protein-based vaccines against serogroup B are available, the main purpose of this study was to provide data on the diversity and distribution of meningococcal vaccine antigen types circulating in Brazil.

Methodology

Genetic lineages, vaccine antigen types, and allele types of antimicrobial-associated resistance genes based on whole-genome sequencing of a collection of 145 Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B invasive strains recovered in Brazil from 2016 to 2018 were collected.

Results

A total of 11 clonal complexes (ccs) were identified among the 145 isolates, four of which were predominant, namely, cc461, cc35, cc32, and cc213, accounting for 72.0% of isolates. The most prevalent fHbp peptides were 24 (subfamily A/variant 2), 47 (subfamily A/variant 3), 1 (subfamily B/variant 1) and 45 (subfamily A/variant 3), which were predominantly associated with cc35, cc461, cc32, and cc213, respectively. The NadA peptide was detected in only 26.2% of the isolates. The most frequent NadA peptide 1 was found almost exclusively in cc32. We found seven NHBA peptides that accounted for 74.5% of isolates, and the newly described peptide 1390 was the most prevalent peptide exclusively associated with cc461. Mutated penA alleles were detected in 56.5% of the isolates, whereas no rpoB and gyrA mutant alleles were found.

Conclusion

During the study period, changes in the clonal structure of circulating strains were observed, without a predominance of a single hyperinvasive lineage, indicating that an epidemiologic shift has occurred that led to a diversity of vaccine antigen types in recent years in Brazil.
Changes in physiotherapists’ perceptions of evidence-based practice after a year in the workforce: A mixed-methods study
Authors: McEvoy Maureen , Luker Julie , Fryer Caroline , Lewis Lucy K
Published: December 2020

Background

Few studies have explored evidence-based practice (EBP) knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of health professional graduates transitioning into the workforce. This study evaluated changes in these EBP domains in physiotherapists after one year of working.

Method

A mixed methods design was used. Participants completed two psychometrically-tested EBP questionnaires at two timepoints. The Evidence-Based Practice Profile questionnaire collected self-report EBP data (Terminology, Relevance, Confidence, Practice, Sympathy) and the Knowledge of Research Evidence Competencies collected objective data (Actual Knowledge). Changes were calculated using descriptive statistics (paired t-tests, 95% CI, effect sizes). Qualitative interview data collected at one timepoint were analysed using a descriptive approach and thematic analysis, to examine the lived experience of participants in the context of their first employment. The aim of the mixed methods approach was a broader and deeper understanding of participants’ first year of employment and using EBP.

Results

Data were analysed from 50 participants who completed both questionnaires at the two timepoints. After one year in the workforce, there was a significant decrease in participants’ perceptions of Relevance (p<0.001) and Confidence with EBP (p<0.001) and non-significant decreases in the other domains. Effect sizes showed medium decreases for Relevance (0.69) and Confidence (0.57), small decreases in Terminology (0.28) and Practice (0.23), and very small decreases in Sympathy (0.08) and Actual Knowledge (0.11). Seven themes described participants experience of using EBP in their first working year.

Conclusions

After a year in the workplace, confidence and perceptions of relevance of EBP were significantly reduced. A subtle interplay of features related to workplace culture, competing demands to develop clinical skills, internal and external motivators to use EBP and patient expectations, together with availability of resources and time, may impact early graduates’ perceptions of EBP. Workplace role models who immersed themselves in evidence discussion and experience were inspiring to early graduates.
A cross sectional study on beliefs and roles of community pharmacy professionals in preventing and managing metabolic syndrome in an Ethiopian setting
Authors: Belachew Sewunet Admasu , Muluneh Niguse Yigzaw , Erku Daniel Asfaw , Netere Adeladlew Kassie
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of cardiovascular risk factors, and its prevalence is becoming alarmingly high in Ethiopia. Studies uncovered as community pharmacy professionals (CPPs) have not yet well integrated into public health programs and priorities. In low income setting like Ethiopia, evidence regarding the roles CPPs in preventing and management of MetS is dearth.

Objective

The study was aimed to assess community pharmacy professionals’(CPPs) opinions about metabolic syndrome, describe their perception level towards the effectiveness of the main interventions and explore their extent of involvement in counseling patients with the metabolic syndrome in Gondar town, Northwestern Ethiopia.

Method

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among pharmacists and druggists working in community medication retail outlets (CMROs) in Gondar town, northwestern Ethiopia from April 1 to May 31, 2019. Data were collected using a self-administered pre-tested questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize different variables, and presented in tables and figure. An independent t-test and one way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) were used to compare mean scores. A 5% level of significance was used.

Result

Out of the 75 CPPs approached, 65(40 pharmacists and 25 druggists) completed the survey giving a response rate of 86.7%. Smoking cessation practice was identified to be low. There were a statistically significant difference (t = 2.144,P= 0.036) in the involvement towards counseling patients between CPPs who claimed to work in pharmacy (mean = 3.96 out of 5 points Likert scale) and drug stores (mean = 3.80 out of 5 points Likert scale).

Conclusion

The study concluded that the overall involvement of professionals in counseling patients, opinion about metabolic syndrome, and perception towards the effectiveness of the intervention was found to be more or less positive. However, the provision of services, such as monitoring therapy, selling equipment for home blood pressure and glucose monitoring and documenting patient care services needs to be encouraged. Given proper education and training, the current study hope that community pharmacists could be an important front-line contributors to contain this emerging epidemic in Gondar town as well as in the entire nation.
Independent genomic polymorphisms in the PknH serine threonine kinase locus during evolution of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex affect virulence and host preference
Authors: Mata Elena , Farrell Damien , Ma Ruoyao , Uranga Santiago , Gomez Ana Belen , Monzon Marta , Badiola Juan , Anel Alberto , Gonzalo-Asensio Jesús , Martin Carlos , Gordon Stephen V. , Aguilo Nacho
Published: December 2020

Species belonging to theMycobacterium tuberculosisComplex (MTBC) show more than 99% genetic identity but exhibit distinct host preference and virulence. The molecular genetic changes that underly host specificity and infection phenotype within MTBC members have not been fully elucidated. Here, we analysed RD900 genomic region across MTBC members using whole genome sequences from 60 different MTBC strains so as to determine its role in the context of MTBC evolutionary history. The RD900 region comprises two homologous genes,pknH1andpknH2, encoding a serine/threonine protein kinase PknH flanking thetbd2gene. Our analysis revealed that RD900 has been independently lost in different MTBC lineages and different strains, resulting in the generation of a singlepknHgene. Importantly, all the analysedM.bovisandM.capraestrains carry a conserved deletion within a proline rich-region ofpknH, independent of the presence or absence of RD900. We hypothesized that deletion ofpknHproline rich-region inM.bovismay affect PknH function, having a potential role in its virulence and evolutionary adaptation. To explore this hypothesis, we constructed twoM.bovis‘knock-in’ strains containing theM.tuberculosis pknHgene. Evaluation of their virulence phenotype in mice revealed a reduced virulence of bothM.bovisknock-in strains compared to the wild type, suggesting that PknH plays an important role in the differential virulence phenotype ofM.bovisvsM.tuberculosis.
A novel ex vivo porcine model of acid-induced esophageal damage for preliminary functional evaluations of anti-gastroesophageal reflux disease medical devices
Authors: Ventrella Domenico , Salaroli Roberta , Elmi Alberto , Carnevali Giacomo , Forni Monica , Baldi Fabio , Bacci Maria Laura
Published: December 2020

Aim: The aim of the study was to set up a porcine ex vivo model of acid-induced damage and to evaluate its performance by means of multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH (MII-pH) live recording, histology, and Evans blue (EB) permeability assay.

Materials and Methods: Thirteen esophagi, collected at a slaughterhouse, were ablated of their sphincters, pinned upright on a support, and placed in a thermostatic hood at 37°C with two infusion tubes and an MII-pH probe inserted in the top end. Three esophagi (histology controls) were only left in the hood for 3.5 h before sampling, while the remaining organs underwent the experimental protocol including saline infusion and recovery recording, and acid solution infusion and recovery recording.

Results: MII-pH analysis highlighted a significantly stronger decrease during acid infusion when compared to saline, but a better post-infusion recovery for saline solution. At the end of the protocol, MII was still statistically lower than baseline. The acid-damaged esophagi significantly absorbed more EB dye, and histology revealed strong mucosal exfoliation.

Conclusion: The proposed model of esophageal acid damage seems to be repeatable, reliable, and achievable using organs collected at the slaughterhouse. MII recording proved to have good sensitivity in detecting mucosal alterations also in ex vivo trials.
Designing Open Informational Ecosystems on the Concept of Open Educational Resources
Authors: Heck Tamara , Kullmann Sylvia , Hiebl Johannes , Schröder Nadine , Otto Daniel , Sander Pia
Published: December 2020

Open informational ecosystems play a crucial role in fostering open educational resources (OER) and allow new opportunities to share and collaborate in the learning and teaching environment. Such ecosystems containing interoperable infrastructures and open interfaces aim at fulfilling user needs and fostering practices related to the concept of OER and the five user rights (5 R’s). To fully embrace this role, those ecosystems need to be designed carefully.

In this paper, we discuss implications for open informational ecosystems to fully comprise the concept of OER and related user needs. We carried out literature reviews to analyse recent aspects of the 5 R’s in relation to user behaviour and infrastructures. We will introduce the results from these reviews and illustrate upcoming questions and challenges for the design of an ecosystem respecting the 5 R’s conceptual ideas. With our recommendations, we aim at contributing to a better understanding of the concept of OER to improve ecosystem development and implement useful and user-friendly functions.
El martirio de san Lorenzo frente a la Reforma. Caso paradigmático de cristianización del espacio pagano y defensa ante las acusaciones de idolatría
Authors: Bozzano Juan Mauro
Published: December 2020

En su Liber Peristephanon, Prudencio promueve la cristianización del espacio a través del culto a los santos y la veneración de sus reliquias. El poeta y Padre de la Iglesia se inscribe de esta forma en el esfuerzo de los cristianos del siglo IV para apropiarse del territorio imperial a través la construcción de una red de lugares santos. Por otra parte, una lectura detallada de este texto nos permite deducir que sería la resistencia pasiva de los mártires, y sobre todo aquella de san Lorenzo, la que habría terminado con el reino de los dioses paganos en Roma y en su Imperio. La influencia del texto de Prudencio ha llevado a Tiziano –y, luego, a otros artistas– a introducir en sus representaciones del martirio de san Lorenzo un mensaje que destaca la oposición entre el paganismo y el nuevo mundo cristiano. Nuestro objetivo será analizar los procedimientos y estrategias empleados por los pintores para manifestar esta ruptura.
De máscaras y espejos: la iconotropía del diablo medieval en el códice Glasgow ms. Hunter 242
Authors: Fallena Montaño Rosa Denise
Published: December 2020

El propósito de este artículo es analizar las construcciones iconográficas y los procesos iconotrópicos de la figura del diablo en los dibujos del manuscrito Glasgow Hunter 242, elaborado alrededor de 1583 por artistas de la provincia indígena de Tlaxcala en la Nueva España. En virtud de la amplia polisemia y de su paradójica naturaleza, el diablo ha tenido una iconografía mutante y discontinua. Esto permitió que, según los discursos de la idolatría durante la evangelización de la Nueva España, Lucifer se ocultara bajo la forma de los “falsos dioses” con la intención de engañar a los indígenas. Sin embargo, a la vez, en estos dibujos se revela una lectura más profunda sobre la adaptación de las imágenes de las deidades nahuas en una nueva realidad en la segunda mitad del siglo XVI.
El oficio de modelo para el dibujo del natural en la Real Academia de San Fernando entre 1752 y 1782
Authors: Ferreira Fernández Myriam
Published: December 2020

En este trabajo analizaremos el oficio de modelo en la Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando de Madrid desde su fundación en 1752 hasta 1782 basándonos en la documentación conservada sobre los modelos en el archivo de dicha Academia. Esta documentación permite reconstruir las características del oficio de modelo en la Academia: un oficio imprescindible para el dibujo del natural y el perfeccionamiento del dominio de la anatomía, pero poco valorado entre los profesores. Se comprueba cómo los modelos solían recibir un sueldo bajo, eran obligados a realizar labores domésticas, sufrían desprecios e insultos tanto dentro como fuera de la Academia y protagonizaban frecuentes faltas de disciplina. Además, se reconstruye el proceso de selección de los modelos, que permite apreciar cómo en los primeros años se preferían modelos jóvenes, altos y robustos, acordes al modelo clasicista propio de esa época, mientras que en el siglo XIX se preferirán modelos de diferentes edades y complexiones, mostrando una tendencia a un mayor realismo.
Pintoras y escultoras en el Museo de Arte Moderno de Madrid. Sus exposiciones entre 1898 y 1936
Authors: Rodrigo Villena Isabel
Published: December 2020

El presente artículo estudia las exposiciones de pintoras y escultoras realizadas en el Museo de Arte Moderno de Madrid desde su inauguración el 1 de agosto de 1898 hasta la Guerra Civil. Revelará los nombres de las doce artistas que tuvieron la oportunidad de exponer en sus salas, analizando las circunstancias que posibilitaron sus muestras y la recepción crítica de sus obras. Incidiremos con ello en la modernidad y la profesionalización que llegaron a alcanzar las artistas mujeres en el primer tercio del siglo XX, a pesar de los fuertes prejuicios sobre el talento femenino y las resistencias generales a la emancipación de la mujer propias de la época.
Cierre de Escuelas en Contextos Vulnerables desde la Perspectiva de los Orientadores: Impacto en Zonas Rurales
Authors: Monge Carlos , Gómez Hernández Patricia , Jiménez Arenas Teresa
Published: December 2020

El sistema educativo, al igual que otros ámbitos, se está viendo alterado como consecuencia del Covid-19. Una de las medidas más destacadas es el cese de la actividad presencial en las aulas y su sustitución por la educación a distancia, derivando en un gran impacto en sectores vulnerables, entre los que se encuentran los centros rurales y la atención a la diversidad en la España vaciada. El principal objetivo de esta investigación fue describir y comprender cómo los orientadores escolares de zonas rurales percibían el impacto que tiene la situación sanitaria del Covid-19 en los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Para ello, se desarrollaron entrevistas como técnica de recogida de información para comprender y dar voz a los orientadores de los Centros Rurales Agrupados de la Provincia de Guadalajara, con el fin de profundizar en los cambios producidos en estas escuelas rurales. Los principales resultados apuntaron que, aunque la adaptación a la virtualidad se ha realizado, fueron muchas las barreras que separaban al sector rural de las grandes áreas urbanas, siendo una vez más una zona castigada y limitada en cuanto a recursos disponibles. En este sentido, se han de dar propuestas concretas para este sector que garanticen una educación de calidad para todos.
Integrative reviews in Brazilian nursing postgraduation programs: a bibliometric study
Authors: Nobre Tábata Cerqueira Nascimento , Rosa Darci de Oliveira Santa , Heliodoro Ednalva Alves
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze the Brazilian scientific integrative review production in postgraduation nursing programs. Methods: bibliometric design, carried out in the database of dissertations and theses of the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel, in October 2018. Results: 35 dissertations and 1 thesis were found. Most studies were carried out at the University of São Paulo; the main methodological reference was Mendes, Silveira and Galvão (2008); for data collection, it was Ursi (2005). The most used database was CINAHL, followed by LILACS and PubMed. The period of publication varied from 5 to 30 years; and the sample, from 6 to 299 texts. Some studies did not mention keywords, data collection period, exclusion criteria or publishing period. Conclusions: despite the growing popularity of integrative review studies, they are undervalued in the stricto sensu postgraduation program in nursing and there are shortcomings in the implementation of the method, related to the absence of important elements.