bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La forma de lo informal : lectura sin escala de los barrios informales de Quito desde la teoría de la forma colectiva de Maki = The form of the informal: Non-stop reading of informal neighborhoods in Quito from the theory of Maki
Authors: Cuenca Gonzaga Marlown
Published: May 2020

ResumenLa informalidad es parte del paisaje urbano en la ciudad de Quito, ha crecido deprisa y heterogéneamente, desbordada por condicionantes físicas y condicionantes económico-sociales propias de la evolución de las ciudades modernas latinoamericanas, cuya economía depende directamente de la extracción de recursos naturales, esto ha creado dos ciudades con características diferenciadas: la ciudad formal y la ciudad informal. Este estudio trata de entender estos dos modelos a través de una herramienta que analice las relaciones de los componentes urbanos insertados en la globalidad de la complejidad urbana. Desde la hipótesis se comprueba que los barrios de invasión y autoconstrucción generan mecanismos y procesos urbanos evolutivos, que guardan mejores relaciones escalares y relaciones internas de conectividad más dinámicas e intensas que los sistemas planificados convencionales para la vivienda social.AbstractInformality is part of the urban landscape in the city of Quito, it has grown rapidly and heterogeneously, overwhelmed by physical conditions and socio-economic conditions of the evolution of modern Latin American cities, whose economy depends directly on the extraction of natural resources. has created two cities with different characteristics: the formal city and the informal city. This study tries to understand these two models through a tool that analyzes the relationships of the urban components inserted in the globality of urban complexity. From the hypothesis it is verified that the neighborhoods of invasion and self-construction generate evolutionary urban mechanisms and processes, which have better scalar relationships and internal connectivity relationships that are more dynamic and intense than the conventional planned systems for social housing.
Análisis de la movilidad de Vitoria-Gazteiz (España): hombres y mujeres con hijos menores de seis años = An analysis of mobility in Vitoria-Gasteiz’s (Spain): men and women with children under six
Authors: Gutierrez Gamecho Lucía
Published: May 2020

ResumenEste trabajo analiza cuantitativamente la movilidad de Vitoria-Gasteiz desde una perspectiva de género, apoyándose en la encuesta sobre la movilidad del municipio del 2014. En particular, dentro de las muchas dimensiones que serían relevantes desde la perspectiva de género, hemos considerado de interés estudiar la movilidad de hombres y mujeres con niños menores de seis años. Esto parece particularmente relevante porque este es el periodo de la vida de las mujeres en que es más difícil compatibilizar el empleo con la crianza de los hijos. Queremos explorar si, ante esta circunstancia, las diferencias de género en la movilidad son más acusadas para así conocer qué impacto puede tener el transporte en la compatibilización de empleo y crianza en las mujeres. Nos centraremos en analizar las diferencias en el número de viajes, los motivos de los mismos y los modos de transporte utilizados. Concluyendo que la presencia de hijos menores de seis años en el hogar produce diferencias entre la movilidad de hombres y mujeres.AbstractThis study quantitatively analyses mobility in Vitoria-Gasteiz from a gender approach, based on data obtained from a survey on urban mobility of the municipality carried out in 2014. Among the many dimensions that would be relevant from a gender perspective, we have considered particularly interesting the study of the mobility of men and women with children under six. This seems especially relevant as this is the period of women's lives in which it is more difficult to reconcile work with parenting. We intend to explore if gender differences are more remarkable under these circumstances in order to identify how transport may impact on the compatibility of work and parenting among women. We will mainly focus on analysing the differences in the number of trips, the reasons behind them, and the means of transport they use. We conclude that, in fact, having children under six in the household makes a difference in mobility between women and men.
El entorno caminable como co-modalidad para el transporte público: el caso de Quito = The walkability as a function of co-modality to public transportation
Authors: Trujillo Hidalgo Alejandra
Published: May 2020

ResumenEl transporte público y el desplazamiento a pie en las ciudades son elementos clave para el desarrollo sostenible. Distintas ciudades han optado por la implementación de sistemas de transporte público masivo para mejorar la movilidad y promover un desarrollo sostenible. Diversos autores han hablado de la importancia de la marcha a pie como parte de los viajes en transporte público. Los radios de cobertura de las estaciones de metro en distintas ocasiones podrían considerar un aumento del desplazamiento a pie. La investigación se centra en aumentar la caminabilidad alrededor de las estaciones de metro en Quito, de manera que, el caminar puede cumplir una función de co-modalidad para el transporte público. A partir del análisis de la accesibilidad, la densidad y la diversidad de usos se propone una metodología que permite demostrar la validez de las variables seleccionadas para fomentar la caminabilidad en un punto de conexión con transporte público en un entorno urbano en su mayor parte consolidado.AbstractPublic transportation and pedestrian movement in cities are key elements for sustainable development. Different cities have opted for the implementation of massive public transport systems to improve mobility and promote sustainable development. Several authors have talked about the importance of pedestrian movement as part of public transport trips. The investigation focuses on increasing the walkability around the stations of metro in Quito in order to promote walking as a function of co-modality for public transport. A methodology is proposed to demonstrate the validity of the selected variables to promote walkability at a point of connection with public transport in an urban environment for the most part consolidated.
La representación de las actividades económicas urbanas en las plataformas digitales = The Representation of Urban Economic Activities through Digital Platforms
Authors: Lorente Riverola Iñigo
Published: May 2020

ResumenLa popularización del ‘smartphone’ como dispositivo capaz de producir y tener acceso a información geolocalizada en el entorno físico del usuario, ha popularizado las plataformas de recomendación de lugares de interés. Nutriéndose de información proporcionada por sus usuarios, las actividades económicas en el espacio físico pueden o no contar con una representación digital accesible desde las plataformas —constituyendo la base de sus modelos de negocio. Dado que esta información es generada por los usuarios de la plataforma, puede suceder que algunas ubicaciones no queden representadas, o algunas actividades prevalezcan sobre otras. Considerando fiables las fuentes oficiales de datos abiertos, y por tanto aprovechables para verificar los datos colaborativos de las plataformas digitales, se ha elaborado una comparativa de éstas en el ámbito geográfico de Madrid, con el fin de evaluar los posibles decalajes entre la ciudad construida, y su representación digital —identificando los ámbitos urbanos sobrerrepresentados digitalmente, y aquellos en contraste segregados.AbstractThe popularization of the ‘smartphone’ as a user and producer of geolocated information has leveraged the consolidation of place-recommendation digital platforms. Based on user-generated data, the economic activities in the physical realm may have a digital representation through the platforms or not —constituting the backbone of their business models. Given that platforms rely on volunteered geographic information, some locations could be unrepresented, and some categories of activities might prevail. Considering institutional Open Data a reliable source to verify the collaborative data in the platforms, this work provides a comparison of both sources in the City of Madrid (Spain) to evaluate the potential disparities between the physical city and its digital representation —identifying those ‘digitally overrepresented’ or digitally segregated areas.
Évolutions, dispersions et déterminants du revenu en élevage bovin allaitant charolais. Etude sur 15 ans (1989-2003) à partir d’un échantillon constant de 69 exploitations
Authors: VEYSSET P. , LHERM M. , BEBIN D.
Published: May 2020

Malgré une forte restructuration et les réformes successives de la politique agricole commune, le revenu des exploitations professionnelles spécialisées en bovins viande est, en moyenne, toujours l’un des plus faibles de l’ensemble des exploitations françaises. Le suivi d’un groupe constant de 69 exploitations d’élevage bovin allaitant charolais du nord Massif Central sur 15 ans (de 1989 à 2003) montre une forte progression de la taille de ces exploitations et du cheptel à main-d’œuvre constante. Cette augmentation de la productivité du travail, réponse à la baisse constante du prix de la viande seulement en partie compensée par des aides, s’est accompagnée d’une évolution des systèmes de production (régression de l’engraissement des mâles et raccourcissement des cycles de production). La variabilité de notre échantillon s’exprime avant tout au travers de la taille (surface et cheptel), mais également du taux de spécialisation (élevage ou polyculture élevage) et du choix de système de production (engraissement ou non des animaux). Globalement, le revenu moyen par travailleur est resté stable, avec une dépendance accrue de celui-ci vis-à-vis des aides. La moyenne des revenus est quasi-identique quelque soit le système de production, mais la dispersion des revenus intra-système est relativement importante. Le revenu par travailleur reste toujours corrélé à des critères de taille (cheptel et/ou surface) mais avec la distinction suivante : avant la première réforme de la PAC, la taille du cheptel intervenait par les outputs qu’elle générait, après 1992 la taille intervient par les aides qu’elle permet de percevoir.
COVID-19 and Crosstalk With the Hallmarks of Aging
Authors: Salimi Shabnam , Hamlyn John M.
Published: May 2020

Within the past several decades, the emergence of new viral diseases with severe health complications and mortality is evidence of an age-dependent, compromised bodily response to abrupt stress with concomitantly reduced immunity. The new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2, causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It has increased morbidity and mortality in persons with underlying chronic diseases and those with a compromised immune system regardless of age and in older adults who are more likely to have these conditions. While SARS-CoV-2 is highly virulent, there is variability in the severity of the disease and its complications in humans. Severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, lung fibrosis, cardiovascular events, acute kidney injury, stroke, hospitalization, and mortality have been reported that result from pathogen–host interactions. Hallmarks of aging, interacting with one another, have been proposed to influence health span in older adults, possibly via mechanisms regulating the immune system. Here, we review the potential roles of the hallmarks of aging coupled with host–coronavirus interactions. Of these hallmarks, we focused on those that directly or indirectly interact with viral infections, including immunosenescence, inflammation and inflammasomes, adaptive immunosenescence, genomic instability, mitochondrial dysfunction, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, and impaired autophagy. These hallmarks likely contribute to the increased pathophysiological responses to SARS-CoV-2 among older adults and may play roles as an additive risk of accelerated biological aging even after recovery. We also briefly discuss the role of anti-aging drug candidates that require paramount attention in COVID-19 research.
Partial Unlock for COVID-19-Like Epidemics Can Save 1-3 Million Lives Worldwide
Authors: Shuler Robert L. , Koukouvitis Theodore , Suematsu Dyske
Published: May 2020

This paper accounts in lives-saved partial unlock strategies that may be used to facilitate reopening economies that have been shut down due to an epidemic or pandemic. For this purpose it introduces a new approach to simulation using an internal SIR engine with seasonality, and external behavior forcing calibrated with case data to account for initial human behavior under social distancing. The overall method relies on public goal setting and both professional and public feedback behavior. In this way it avoids much of the chaotic sensitivity to parameters and divergence of predictions and behavior which undermine the public image of epidemiology models and create rebounds. We study reducing the total cases by controlling threshold overshoot as economies reopen, controlling medical resource utilization, and reducing economic shutdown duration, all of these across significant scenario variation. We provide a quantitative analysis of overshoot and demonstrate a two-step manual method as well as the feedback method of avoiding it. We show goal-managed partial unlock to manage critical resources has the consequential effects of reducing economic downtime and bringing the cumulative cases down about 9%-27%, thereby saving lives with some degree of certainty. The optimization of overshoot does leave some risk of creating a residual small infection existing on birth rate and migration, and we provide some guidelines for minimizing the risk. Effectiveness is demonstrated using COVID-19 actual data and parameters for other diseases with replication factors up to 15.
A Complementary Micro Coronavirus Model Under Uncertrainty and Utility
Authors: Gander James
Published: May 2020

A micro decision-making utility model under uncertainty is presented as a complementary foundation for macro coronavirus models. The micro model consists of two functions, a risk averse utility function depending on wellness and a wellness random output which is a function of the input variable called “treatment” consisting of such elements as social distance, washing hands, wearing a face mask, and others. The decision maker selects a level of treatment that maximizes her/his expected utility, given the probabilities of the respective outputs. The focus is on how changes in a person’s psychological attitude towards the macro determined (announced) probabilities affects the optimum results of the model. Such changes create a micro-macro dynamic interaction which is briefly outlined. A short discussion of the model’s behavioral implications for health policy is also given.
Membership Enforcement as a Driver of the Evolution of Language
Authors: Ryabko Daniil , Mbeju Moreno Alvaro
Published: May 2020

A novel hypothesis concerning language evolution is advanced. It posits that languages have evolved as a means of binding individuals to a group, as well as for defining those groups. This means that language evolution has to be considered on the level of groups and not only on the level of individuals. This hypothesis helps to explain the huge diversity of human languages, as well as their complexity. Perhaps more importantly, it explains why adults lose the ability to learn languages with the ease that children possess.
W-Band Millimeter Waves Targeted Mortality of H1299 Human Lung Cancer Cells without Affecting Non-tumorigenic MCF-10A Human Epithelial Cells In Vitro
Authors: Komoshvili Konstantin , Israel Katya , Levitan Jacob , Yahalom Asher , Barbora Ayan , Liberman Aronov Stella
Published: May 2020

Therapeutically effective treatments of cancer are limited. To calibrate the efficiency of the novel technique we recently discovered to modulate cancer cell viability using tuned electromagnetic fields; H1299 human lung cancer cells were irradiated in a sweeping regime of W-band (75-105 GHz) millimeter waves (MMW) at 0.2 mW/cm2 (2 W/m2). Effects on cell morphology, cell death and senescence were examined and compared to that of non-tumorigenic MCF-10A human epithelial cells. MMW irradiation led to alterations of cell and nucleus morphology of H1299 cells, significantly increasing mortality and senescence over 14 days of observation. Extended irradiation of 10 minutes duration resulted in complete death of exposed H1299 cell population within two days, while healthy MCF-10A cells remained unaffected even after 16 minutes of irradiation under the same conditions. Irradiation effects were observed to be specific to MMW treated H1299 cells and absent in the control group of non-irradiated cells. MMW irradiation did not affect cell morphology of immortalized MCF-10A cells. Irradiation with low intensity MMW shows an antitumor effect on H1299 lung cancer cells. This method provides a novel treatment modality enabling targeted specificity for various types of cancers.
Development of Human Milk Fat Analogues: A Review on Techniques and Accomplishments
Authors: Rajarshi Keshav
Published: May 2020

Maternal milk, from well-nourished and healthy mothers, is a source of several bioactive compounds and balanced nutrients required for proper growth and development of the infant. Hence it is regarded as the optimal form of nourishment. Human milk fat from human milk is the most crucial component and is a necessity for the growing infant. However, in certain cases, the breast milk may fulfill the nutritional needs or the breast-feeding of the infant is not feasible; infant formulae are then considered as the best alternative as nutritional support. It becomes essential for the infant formula to behave and provide nutritive support in the same way as human milk. In order to achieve so, the most crucial components of all should also be prepared precisely, i.e., the analogue of human milk fat. This analogue, which mimics the actual human milk fat, can be then used as a prime ingredient while designing the infant formula. Significant research and several advances have been made in preparing the infant formula enriched with adequate fat content, and more studies are still being conducted in order to achieve a more sound product in the most economical and simplest way possible.
Retrieval of Sea Surface Wind Speed from Spaceborne SAR over the Arctic Marginal Ice Zone with a Neural Network
Authors: Li Xiao-ming , Qin Tingting , Wu Ke
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we presented a method of retrieving sea surface wind speed from Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) horizontal-horizontal (HH) polarization data in extra-wide mode, which have been extensively acquired over the Arctic for sea ice monitoring. In contrast to the conventional algorithm, i.e., using a geophysical model function (GMF) to retrieve sea surface wind by spaceborne SAR, we introduced an alternative method based on physical model guided neural network. Parameters of SAR normalized radar cross section, incidence angle, and wind direction are used as the inputs of the backward propagation (BP) neural network, and the output is the sea surface wind speed. The network is developed based on more than 11,000 HH-polarized EW images acquired in the marginal ice zone (MIZ) of the Arctic and their collocations with scatterometer measurements. Verification of the neural network based on the testing dataset yields a bias of 0.23 m/s and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.25 m/s compared to the scatterometer wind speed. Further comparison of the SAR retrieved sea surface wind speed with independent buoy measurements shows a bias and RMSE of 0.12 m/s and 1.42 m/s, respectively. We also analyzed the uncertainty of retrieval when the wind direction data of a reanalysis model are used as inputs to the neural network. By combining the detected sea ice cover information based on the EW data, one can expect to derive simultaneously sea ice and marine-meteorological parameters by spaceborne SAR in a high spatial resolution in the Arctic.
YIELD OF MECHANICALLY SEPARATED MEAT IN NATURA AND POST-SMOKING OF Clarias gariepinus AT DIFFERENT WEIGHT CATEGORIES
Authors: DAGA Joaquim Antônio , ANSCHAU Sandra Paula , RODRIGUES Mariana Lins , OLIVEIRA Suzana Raquel , BITTENCOURT Fábio , FEIDEN Aldi
Published: May 2020

This study aimed at evaluating the yield of mechanically separated meat (MSM) in natura and post-smoking obtained from the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) slaughtered in different weight ranges (A: 0.214 to 0.402 kg; B: 0.538 to 0.634 kg; C: 0.780 to 1.000 kg; D: 1.132 to 1.314 kg; E: 1.396 to 1.706 kg). In a completely randomize design composed by five treatments and 16 replicates, 80 fish were used. The yields of clean trunk and its residues, MSM in natura, MSM wastes and smoked MSM were evaluated, as well as the physic-chemical composition of in natura and smoked MSM. Additionally, a test of acceptance of the byproduct of smoked MSM was performed. Data were submitted to a variance analysis followed a Tukeyââ‚¬â„¢s test at a 5% significance level. Weight ranges did not differ (P < 0.05) in relation to the yields of clean trunk, MSM production and after the smoking process. From the physic-chemical analysis of the MSM in natura, the product was classified as semi-fat fish meat. The smoked MSM displayed an increase in protein, lipids and ash contents in comparison to the MSM in natura. The acceptance test did not show significant differences among weight ranges, displaying mean values that correspond to "like it slightlyââ‚¬Â. Thus, it was concluded that C. gariepinus can be processed from a weight of 0.600 kg, the MSM in natura presented satisfactory organoleptic characteristics, and higher consumption frequency of smoked MSM is achieved when the fish weight 0.900 kg.
Emotive and Positive Political Communication on Facebook: The Case of Argentinean Leaders
Authors: Tarullo Raquel
Published: May 2020

The communication that political leaders have performed on social media in recent years demands constant and novel approaches for understanding how politicians interact with their supporters in the digital space. In this sense, the aim of this research is to examine the communication that Argentine political leaders display on Facebook, the most popular social media amongst Argentineans, during a highly polarized and politicized period in the country, taking special attention to the role that emotions play in this digital scenario. Using content analysis of the texts included in the posts, the results of this empirical work demonstrate that, on Facebook, political leaders prefer to communicate emotive messages rather than non-emotive contents and positive emotions rather than negative ones. Besides, hope is not only the most expressed one but also the emotion that generated more interaction among digital political supporters.
The Development of a Questionnaire for Measuring the Quality of the Work of the PR Department in Organizations
Authors: Nikolic Milan , Bozic Sanja , Terek Edit , Vlahovic Marko , Kavalic Mila , Ivanis Marko
Published: May 2020

This paper presents the development of a questionnaire for measuring the quality of the work of the PR department (office, sector) in organizations. For this purpose, the necessary research was carried out with experts in the field of public relations, and the statistical methods of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used. The research was conducted in Serbia. As a result of these procedures and analysis, a questionnaire was prepared for measuring the quality of the work of the PR department in organizations. The questionnaire consists of 5 dimensions and 16 items. The dimensions are as follows: ethical and responsible action, proactive and quality action, strategic and effective action, media relations and internal public relations. The questionnaire can be widely applied, both in practical terms and in a theoretical (scientific) sense. The basic practical application of the questionnaire involves evaluating PR department according to the set items and dimensions. In a scientific sense, the questionnaire can be used to examine the impact of various aspects of organizational behaviour on the quality of the work of the PR department, as well as the impact of the quality of the work of the PR department on different aspects of financial and organizational performance.
Responses to the reviews
Authors: Vaidhyanathan Siva
Published: May 2020

Professors Jakubowski, Haliliuc, and Buturoiu encountered Antisocial Media at a moment when many of the issues the book explores are daily news. They were deft enough to focus on the deeper goals and themes of the book, avoiding getting distracted by the latest breaking news about Facebook and its effects on democracy. For that I am grateful.
Permafrost investigations in Iezer Mountains, Southern Carpathians
Authors: POPESCU Răzvan
Published: May 2020

This paper assesses the possibility of permafrost occurrence in Iezer Mountains using field observations, GIS analysis and thermal investigations in the field. Rock glaciers as the main mountain permafrost footprint in the landscape are mapped using cross validation from two independent inventories, analysed and classified in terms of size, altitude, morphology, air temperature and vegetation cover. Measurements of spring temperatures, bottom temperature of snow (BTS) and continuous (near) ground surface temperature (GST) were applied to check for permafrost presence. Autumn temperature of 20 alpine springs are analysed and grouped by their source, temperature and apparent discharges. BTS was applied on 3 sites from the upper part of Colților Valley in 2012 and 2018 along GST in Tambura scree in 2012–2018 period. 16 rock glaciers are considered to exist in Iezer Massif, a much smaller number than previously assumed. We argue that several other landforms are rock–ice features and should be inventoried and analysed in corresponding with minimal past permafrost creep. Rock glaciers are poorly developed and have a faded morphology because of low debris availability, short periods of time with favourable climates and less supportive mountain morphometry. Alpine springs indicate possible permafrost occurrence in one rock glacier and one talus slope and BTS reveal sporadic patches of permafrost down to 1900 m asl in Colților Valley. GST supports the multiannual stability of permafrost indicating BTS on a multiannual scale and suggests the great importance of autumn–early winter temperatures and snow interplay for ground cooling and permafrost maintenance. We argue that 11 rock glaciers from Iezer Mountains are probably inactive. MAGST of 1.1 – 3.2 °C suggest a strong thermal gradient in the blocky layer if permafrost is truly present. Alpine screes possibly underlain by permafrost seem not to be disturbed by any modern climate changes.
Modelling flood hazard at Paratrechos/Peritsi stream, Naxos Island (Cyclades, Greece)
Authors: EVELPIDOU Niki , POLYKRETI Niki , KARKANI Anna , KARDARA Eirini , SEFERLI Stamatina , VALSAMIDIS Theofilos
Published: May 2020

Flash floods are one of the most significant natural hazards in the Mediterranean, affecting most basins in the region. Flash floods usually occur in ephemeral streams after particularly heavy rainfall. Although the average annual rainfall in the Cycladic islands (Greece) does not exceed 400 mm, flash floods are frequent, since most of that rainfall is often concentrated in few but very intense events. The case study is the drainage basin of Paratrechos or Peritsi stream in Naxos Island. This particular basin was selected due to the recorded flood events, the stream's proximity to the city that intensifies the flood impact, the slopes' gradient abrupt changes and the diverse infiltration rate of the geological formations. Furthermore, some parts of the basin are intact by human activities, while others are severely affected. This study investigates the relationship between rain and runoff through Unitary Hydrographs, in order to estimate and evaluate the flood potential of the aforementioned hydrologic basin and to determine the causes of the hazard and vulnerability. The Clark method was implemented and its results were further evaluated by field measurements.
Miscellanea
Authors: Maria Rădoane
Published: May 2020

Omagiu unui prieten / Tribute to a friend
Risk factors for parastomal hernia of loop stoma and relationships with other stoma complications in laparoscopic surgery era
Authors: Shiraishi Takuya , Nishizawa Yuji , Ikeda Koji , Tsukada Yuichiro , Sasaki Takeshi , Ito Masaaki
Published: May 2020

Background: Laparoscopic approach is now a widespread technique used worldwide, but there are few recent studies on risk factors for parastomal hernia. Therefore, this study was performed to analyze the incidence of parastomal hernia in laparoscopic and open surgery in which a loop stoma was created and was intended to be temporary, and to determine risk factors for parastomal hernia formation. Associations between parastomal hernia and other stoma-related complications were also analyzed. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patient and surgical characteristics was performed in 153 consecutive patients who underwent a temporary diverting loop ileostomy or colostomy after surgery related to malignant diseases at our hospital from January to December 2016. Results: Parastomal hernia developed in 77 cases (50.3%), including 39 (25.5%) diagnosed by physical examination and 38 (24.8%) detected by CT alone. On multivariate analysis, a stoma not passing through the middle of the rectus abdominis muscle was the only independent risk factor for parastomal hernia formation (p=0.005) during the median follow-up of 245.0 days. When we analyzed the factors that were associated with a stoma not passing through the middle of the rectus abdominis muscle, the only independent factor associated with this misplacement of the stoma was a laparoscopic approach (p=0.012). An analysis of stoma-related complications showed that peristomal skin disorders were significantly associated with parastomal hernia (p=0.049). Conclusions: This study showed that a stoma that is not formed through the middle of the rectus abdominis muscle is a risk factor for parastomal hernia formation, and that a laparoscopic approach is associated with this risk factor. Moreover, a parastomal hernia is significantly associated with peristomal skin disorders.
Characterising urban green space density and footpath-accessibility in models of BMI
Authors: Carthy Philip , Lyons Sean , Nolan Anne
Published: May 2020

Background: While exposure to urban green spaces has been associated with various physical health benefits, the evidence linking these spaces to lower BMI, particularly among older people, is mixed. We ask whether footpath availability, generally unobserved in the existing literature, may mediate exposure to urban green space and help explain this volatility in results. The aim of this study is to add to the literature on the association between urban green space and BMI by considering alternative measures of urban green space that incorporate measures of footpath availability. Methods: We conduct a cross-sectional study combining data from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing and detailed land use information. We proxy respondents’ exposure to urban green spaces at their residential addresses using street-side and area buffers that take account of the presence of footpaths. Generalised linear models are used to test the association between exposure to several measures of urban green space and BMI. Results: Relative to the third quintile, exposure to the lowest quintile of urban green space, as measured within a 1600m footpath-accessible network buffer, is associated with slightly higher BMI (marginal effect: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.16-1.44). The results, however, are not robust to small changes in how green space is measured and no statistically significant association between urban green spaces and BMI is found under other variants of our regression model. Conclusion: The relationship between urban green spaces and BMI among older adults is highly sensitive to the characterisation of local green space. Our results suggest that there are some unobserved factors other than footpath availability that mediate the relationship between urban green spaces and weight status.
Role of Sex Hormones and Their Receptors on Gastric Nrf2 and Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase Function in an Experimental Hyperglycemia Model
Authors: Sprouse Jeremy , Sampath Chethan , GANGULA PANDU
Published: May 2020

Background: Gastroparesis, a condition of abnormal gastric emptying, is most commonly observed in diabetic women. To date, the role of ovarian hormones and/or gastric hormone receptors on regulating nitrergic-mediated gastric motility remains inconclusive. Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether sex hormones/their receptors can attenuate altered Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase (nNOS) expression and nitrergic relaxation in gastric neuromuscular tissues exposed to in-vitro hyperglycemia (HG). Methods: Gastric neuromuscular sections from adult female C57BL/6J mice were incubated in normoglycemic (NG, 5mM) or hyperglycemic (30 mM or 50 mM) conditions in the presence or absence of selective estrogen receptor (ER) agonists (ERα /PPT or ERβ: DPN); or non-selective sex hormone receptor antagonists (ER/ICI 182,780, or progesterone receptor (PR)/ RU486) for 48 hours. mRNA, protein expression and nitrergic relaxation of circular gastric neuromuscular strips were assessed. Results: Our findings in HG, compared to NG, demonstrate a significant reduction in ER, Nrf2, and nNOS expression in gastric specimens. In addition, in-vitro treatment with sex hormones and/or their agonists significantly (*p<0.05) restored Nrf2/nNOSα expression and total nitrite production. Conversely, ER, but not PR, antagonist significantly reduced Nrf2/nNOSα expression and nitrergic relaxation. Conclusions: Our data suggest that ER’s can regulate nitrergic function by improving Nrf2/nNOS expression in experimental hyperglycemia.
Macronutrients, immunoglobulin A and total antioxidant capacity of human milk during prolonged lactation
Authors: ongprasert krongporn , Ruangsuriya Jetsada , Malasao Rungnapa , Sapbamrer Ratana , Suppansan Pikul , Ayood Pisittawoot , Kittisakmontri Kulnipa , Siviroj Penprapa
Published: May 2020

Background: A longer duration of breastfeeding of up to two years is encouraged by many health authorities, but there is limited information regarding the composition of the milk after one year postpartum. The aim of the study was to determine the longitudinal changes in human milk macronutrients, immunoglobulin A (IgA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) during prolonged lactation.Methods: One hundred eighty-four breastfeeding mothers with full-term healthy children who had been lactating from 1 to 24 months were recruited from January 2019 to April 2019. Human milk was biochemically analyzed for protein and carbohydrate content by colorimetric assays. The fat content was determined by capillary centrifugation, and the energy content was calculated from the results of centrifugation. IgA levels and TAC were determined by ELISA and a Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay, respectively. Pearson Correlation Coefficient and Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient were used to determine the association of milk composition with month of lactation.Results: The concentrations of fat, energy and IgA were positively correlated with the duration of lactation (r = 0.229, p < 0.01; r = 0.229, p < 0.01 and r = 0.304, p < 0.01, respectively). No significant correlations of protein, carbohydrate concentrations and TAC with the duration of lactation was observed (r = 0.106, p = 0.15; r = -0.032, p = 0.67; r = -0.056, p = 0.45, respectively).Conclusions: We demonstrated that fat, energy and IgA contents increased during prolonged lactation lasting up to two years postpartum, while protein and carbohydrate concentration and TAC were not related to lactation duration. Based on the results, lactating mothers should be encouraged to continue breastfeeding for at least two years postpartum.
Low program access despite high burden of sexual, structural, and reproductive health vulnerabilities among young women who sell sex in Mombasa, Kenya
Authors: Roberts Elizabeth , Ma Huiting , Bhattacharjee Parinita , Musyoki Helgar K , Gichangi Peter , Avery Lisa , Musimbi Janet , Tsang Jenkin , Kaosa Shem , Kioko Japheth , Becker Marissa L , Mishra Sharmistha
Published: May 2020

Background: Across Sub-Saharan Africa, young women who sell sex (YSW) face institutional barriers in accessing sexual health and HIV prevention programs designed for female sex workers. In 2018, Kenya developed a national framework to guide service provision for YSW aged 14 – 24 years. To help inform the implementation of the framework, we estimated the burden of vulnerabilities related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs related to health and gender equality) and program contact among YSW. Methods: We used data from Transitions, a 2015 bio-behavioural cross-sectional survey of 408 YSW aged 14 – 24 years in Mombasa, Kenya. We estimated the prevalence of sexual (inconsistent condom use), structural (financial, violence), and reproductive health vulnerabilities; and characterized engagement with local HIV programs tailored to sex workers. We then compared the prevalence of vulnerabilities by age group (14 – 18 years, N=117; 19 – 24 years, N=291) and by program contact (ever contacted by local program for sex workers). Results: 47.3% reported inconsistent condom use with any partner in the previous week (no difference by age-group, p=1.00) . Structural vulnerabilities were common and did not vary by age: 83.6% did not have a regular source of income; 29.9% and 29.2% had experienced physical and sexual violence, respectively. 26.5% reported at least one pregnancy before age 18, and 18.5% used a non-reliable form of contraception with little variability by age. 25.7% were aware of at least one program, and only 13.7% of YSW had ever been contacted by a program (8.5% of those aged 14 – 18 years; and 15.8% of those aged 19 – 24 years, p=0.06). Sexual, structural, and reproductive health vulnerabilities did not vary by program contact. Conclusions: SDG-related vulnerabilities begin early in the lives of YSW who are not currently reached by programs designed for female sex workers.
Scaling up Malaria Elimination Management and Leadership: A pilot in three provinces in Zimbabwe, 2016 -2018
Authors: Chung Amanda Marr , Case Peter , Gosling Jonathan , Gosling Roland , Madinga Munashe , Chikodzore Rudo , Hove Macdonald , Viljoen Greyling , Chitapi Precious , Gumbi Matsiliso , Mnguni Peliwe , Murungu Joseph , Dube Busisani , Dhliwayo Patience , Mberikunashe Joseph
Published: May 2020

Background Focus for improved malaria programme performance is often placed on the technical challenges, while operational issues are neglected. Many of the operational challenges that inhibit malaria programme effectiveness can be addressed by improving communication and coordination, increasing accountability, maintaining motivation, providing adequate training and supervision, and removing bureaucratic silos. Methods A programme of work was piloted in Zimbabwe with one malaria eliminating province, Matabeleland South in 2016-2017, and scaled up to include two other provinces, Matabeleland North and Midlands, in 2017-2018. The intervention included participatory, organization development and quality improvement methods. Results Workshop participants in Matabeleland South reported an improvement in data management. In Matabeleland North, motivation among nurses improved as they gained confidence in case management from training, and overall staff morale improved. There was also an improvement in data quality and data sharing. In Midlands, the poorly performing district was motivated to improve, and both participating districts became more goal-oriented. They also became more focused on monitoring their data regularly. Participants from all provinces reported having gained skills in listening, communicating, facilitating discussions, and making presentations. Participation in the intervention changed the mindset of malaria programme staff, increasing ownership and accountability, and empowering them to identify and solve problems, make decisions, and act within their sphere of influence, elevating challenges when appropriate. Conclusions This pilot demonstrates that a participatory, organization development and quality improvement approach has broad ranging effects, including improving local delivery of interventions, tailoring strategies to target specific populations, finding efficiencies in the system that could not be found using the traditional top-down approach, and improving motivation and communication between different cadres of health workers. Scale-up of this simple model can be achieved and benefits sustained over time if the process is imbedded into the programme with the training of health staff who can serve as management improvement coaches. Methods to improve operational performance that are scalable at the district level are urgently needed: this approach is a possible tactic that can significantly contribute to the achievement of global malaria eradication goals.
Isolation of axenic cyanobacterium and the promoting effect of associated bacterium on axenic cyanobacterium
Authors: Gao Suqin , Kong Yun , Yu Jing , Miao Lihong , Ji Lipeng , Song Lirong , Zeng Chi
Published: May 2020

Background: Harmful algal blooms have attracted wide attention all over the world as they cause water quality deterioration and ecosystem health issues. Microcystis aeruginosa associated with a large number of bacteria is one of the most common and widespread bloom-forming cyanobacteria that secret toxins. These associated bacteria are considered to benefit from organic substrates released by the cyanobacterium. In order to avoid the influence of associated bacteria on the target cyanobacteria for physiological and molecular studies, it is urgent to obtain an axenic M. aeruginosa culture and further investigate the speciﬁc interaction between the cyanobacterium-associated bacterium and the cyanobacterium.Results: A traditional and reliable method based on solid-liquid alternate cultivation is carried out to purify the xenic cyanobacterium M. aeruginosa FACHB-905. On the basis of 16S rDNA gene sequences, two associated bacteria named strain B905-1 and strain B905-2, are identified as Pannonibacter sp. and Chryseobacterium sp. with a 99% and 97% similarity value, respectively. The axenic M. aeruginosa FACHB-905A is not able to form colonies on BG11 agar medium without the addition of strain B905-1, while it grows well in BG11 liquid medium. Although the presence of B905-1 is not indispensable for the growth of M. aeruginosa FACHB-905A, B905-1 has a positive effect on promoting the growth of M. aeruginosa FACHB-905A. Conclusions: The associated bacteria are eliminated by solid-liquid alternate cultivation method and the axenic M. aeruginosa FACHB-905A is successfully purified. The associated bacterium B905-1 has the potential to promote the growth of M. aeruginosa FACHB-905A. Moreover, the purification technique for cyanobacteria described in this study is potentially applicable to a wider range of unicellular cyanobacteria.
Implementing a Combined Infection Prevention and Control with Antimicrobial Stewardship Joint Program to Prevent Caesarean Section Surgical Site Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance: a Tanzanian Tertiary Hospital Experience
Authors: Gentilotti Elisa , De Nardo Pasquale , Nguhuni Boniface , Piscini Alessandro , Damian Caroline , Vairo Francesco , Chaula Zainab , Mencarini Paola , Torokaa Peter , Zumla Alimuddin , Nicastri Emanuele , Ippolito Giuseppe
Published: May 2020

Background. Surgical site infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality after caesarean section, especially in Low and Middle Income Countries. We hypothesized that a combined infection prevention and control with antimicrobial stewardship joint program would decrease the rate of post- caesarean section surgical site infections at the Obstetrics & Gynaecology Department of a Tanzanian tertiary hospital. Methods. The intervention included: 1. formal and on-job trainings on infection prevention and control; 2. evidence-based education on antimicrobial resistance and good antimicrobial prescribing practice. A second survey was performed to determine the impact of the intervention. The primary outcome of the study was post-caesarean section surgical site infections prevalence and secondary outcome the determinant factors of surgical site infections before/after the intervention and overall. The microbiological characteristics and patterns of antimicrobial resistance were ascertained.Results. Total 464 and 573 women were surveyed before and after the intervention, respectively. After the intervention, the antibiotic prophylaxis was administered to a significantly higher number of patients (98% vs 2%, p<0.001), caesarean sections were performed by more qualified operators (40% vs 28%, p=0.001), with higher rates of Pfannenstiel skin incisions (29% vs 18%, p<0.001) and of absorbable continuous intradermic sutures (30% vs 19%, p<0.001). The total number of post-caesarean section surgical site infections was 225 (48%) in the pre-intervention and 95 (17%) in the post intervention group (p<0.001). A low prevalence of gram-positive isolates and of methicillin-resistant Staphylococus aureus was detected in the post-intervention survey. Conclusions. Further researches are needed to better understand the potential of a hospital-based multidisciplinary approach to surgical site infections and antimicrobial resistance prevention in resource-constrained settings.
Gene network in pulmonary tuberculosis based on bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Li Lili , Lv Jian , He Yuan , Wang Zhihua
Published: May 2020

Background: Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is one of the serious infectious diseases worldwide; however, the gene network involved in the host response remain largely unclear. Methods: This study integrated two cohorts profile datasets GSE34608 and GSE83456 to elucidate the potential gene network and signaling pathways in PTB. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained for Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis using Metascape database. Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network of DEGs was constructed by the online database the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING). Modules were identified by the plug-in APP Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) in Cytoscape. GO and KEGG pathway of Module 1 were further analyzed by STRING. Hub genes were selected for further expression validation in dataset GSE19439. The gene expression level was also investigated in the dataset GSE31348 to display the change pattern during the PTB treatment. Results: Totally, 180 shared DEGs were identified from two datasets. Gene function and KEGG pathway enrichment revealed that DEGs mainly enriched in defense response to other organism, response to bacterium, myeloid leukocyte activation, cytokine production, etc. Seven modules were clustered based on PPI network. Module 1 contained 35 genes related to cytokine associated functions, among which 14 genes, including chemokine receptors, interferon-induced proteins and Toll-like receptors, were identified as hub genes. Expression levels of the hub genes were validated with a third dataset GSE19439. The signature of this core gene network showed significant response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection, and correlated with the gene network pattern during anti-PTB therapy. Conclusions: Our study unveils the coordination of causal genes during PTB infection, and provides a promising gene panel for PTB diagnosis. As major regulators of the host immune response to Mtb infection, the 14 hub genes are also potential molecular targets for developing PTB drugs.