bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Field evaluation of the performance of seven Antigen Rapid diagnostic tests for the diagnosis of SARs-CoV-2 virus infection in Uganda
Authors: Bwogi Josephine , Lutalo Tom , Tushabe Phionah , Bukenya Henry , Eliku James Peter , Ssewanyana Isaac , Nabadda Susan , Nsereko Christopher , Cotten Matthew , Downing Robert , Lutwama Julius , Kaleebu Pontiano ,   EPI Laboratory team,   UVRI -COVID 19 Technical team
Published: May 2022

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of seven antigen rapid diagnostic tests (Ag RDTs) in a clinical setting to identify those that could be recommended for use in the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Uganda.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional prospective study. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected consecutively from COVID-19 PCR positive and COVID-19 PCR negative participants at isolation centers and points of entry, and tested with the SARS-CoV-2 Ag RDTs. Test sensitivity and specificity were generated by comparing results against qRT-PCR results (Berlin Protocol) at a cycle threshold (Ct) cut-off of ≤39. Sensitivity was also calculated at Ct cut-offs ≤29 and ≤33.

Results

None of the Ag RDTs had a sensitivity of ≥80% at Ct cut-off values ≤33 and ≤39. Two kits, Panbio™ COVID-19 Ag and VivaDiag™ SARS-CoV-2 Ag had a sensitivity of ≥80% at a Ct cut-off value of ≤29. Four kits: BIOCREDIT COVID -19 Ag, COVID-19 Ag Respi-Strip, MEDsan® SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test and Panbio™ COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test had a specificity of ≥97%.

Conclusions

This evaluation identified one Ag RDT, Panbio™ COVID-19 Ag with a performance at high viral load (Ct value ≤29) reaching that recommended by WHO. This kit was recommended for screening of patients with COVID -19-like symptoms presenting at health facilities.
Utilization of social health security scheme among the households of Illam district, Nepal
Authors: Shah Sanjeeb , Jha Nilambar , Khanal Vijay Kumar , Nepal Gurung Gyanu , Sharma Babita , Shrestha Mausam
Published: May 2022

Background

Nepal has implemented the social health security program in certain health facilities to improve access to quality health services. The aim of the study is to understand the utilization pattern of social health security schemes and community’s perception of the social health security program.

Method

A descriptive cross-sectional mixed-method study was conducted among 300 households of Illam district who had enrolled in the social health security scheme. A multi-stage random sampling method was used. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data whereas focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted for qualitative data. Descriptive analysis, bivariate and multivariate analysis was done. FGDs were transcribed and thematic analysis was done.

Findings

The utilization rate of social health security scheme was 88.7%. Factors associated with the utilization of program included: presence of under-five children and chronic illness in households, sex and age group. Focus group discussion revealed that people were aware of social health insurance and pleased with program implemented by government. However, the hospitals under the social health insurance were not able to meet their expectations.

Conclusion

Although the utilization of social health security scheme was high, people were dissatisfied with the service provided by the hospital under the social health security scheme. Therefore, the social health insurance board should closely monitor the hospitals and develop a feedback mechanism from the users.
DeepGANnel: Synthesis of fully annotated single molecule patch-clamp data using generative adversarial networks
Authors: Ball Sam T. M. , Celik Numan , Sayari Elaheh , Abdul Kadir Lina , O’Brien Fiona , Barrett-Jolley Richard
Published: May 2022

Development of automated analysis tools for “single ion channel” recording is hampered by the lack of available training data. For machine learning based tools, very large training sets are necessary with sample-by-sample point labelled data (e.g., 1 sample point every 100microsecond). In an experimental context, such data are labelled with human supervision, and whilst this is feasible for simple experimental analysis, it is infeasible to generate the enormous datasets that would be necessary for a big data approach using hand crafting. In this work we aimed to develop methods to generate simulated ion channel data that is free from assumptions and prior knowledge of noise and underlying hidden Markov models. We successfully leverage generative adversarial networks (GANs) to build an end-to-end pipeline for generating an unlimited amount of labelled training data from a small, annotated ion channel “seed” record, and this needs no prior knowledge of theoretical dynamical ion channel properties. Our method utilises 2D CNNs to maintain the synchronised temporal relationship between the raw and idealised record. We demonstrate the applicability of the method with 5 different data sources and show authenticity with t-SNE and UMAP projection comparisons between real and synthetic data. The model would be easily extendable to other time series data requiring parallel labelling, such as labelled ECG signals or raw nanopore sequencing data.
Factors influencing low-income households’ food insecurity in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Shuvo Suvasish Das , Hossain Md. Sakhawot , Riazuddin Md. , Mazumdar Sanaullah , Roy Deepa
Published: May 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic and countrywide lockdown could negatively impact household food insecurity among low-income households. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of household food insecurity and its influencing factors among low-income people in Bangladesh during the lockdown of COVID-19.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted through face-to-face interviews from 500 low-income households during the countrywide COVID-19 lockdown. A pretested, structured and validated questionnaire was used to collect socioeconomic characteristics, household income conditions, and food accessibility. Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) were used to measure food insecurity. Multinomial logistic regression models were estimated to evaluate and predict risk factors that influence food insecurity.

Results

The study found that above 67% of households was mild-to-moderate food insecure while 23% experienced severe food insecurity. Significantly, 88%, 97.4%, and 93.4% of the households had anxiety and uncertainty, inadequate quality, and inadequate quantity of food, respectively. The regression analysis revealed the age 36–50 years (RRR: 4.86; 95% CI: 2.31–7.44, RRR: 4.16; 95% CI: 2.25–6.10) and monthly income <58.3 USD (RRR: 3.04; 95% CI: 1.12–5.14, RRR: 3.26; 95% CI: 1.79–4.71) were significantly associated with food insecurity (p <0.001). Likewise, less-income (RRR: 3.87; 95% CI: 1.37–6.46, RRR: 2.99; 95% CI: 1.16–4.83), increase in food prices (RRR: 1.29; 95% CI: 0.32–2.33, RRR: 1.08; 95% CI: 0.05–1.12), and those who did not have same type of earning as before during the COVID-19 lockdown (RRR: 3.41; 95% CI: 1.33–5.62, RRR: 2.60; 95% CI: 0.99–4.24) were potential risk factor for MMFI and FI.

Conclusion

This study found that households become more susceptible to food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown period. Based on the findings, we suggest some essential food policies and adequate food assistance to mitigate these negative consequences.
Factors associated with prevention practices against COVID-19 in the Peruvian population: Disparities between rural and urban areas
Authors: Fernandez-Guzman Daniel , Soriano-Moreno David R. , Ccami-Bernal Fabricio , Velasquez-Fernandez Randy , Morocho-Alburqueque Noelia , De-Los-Rios-Pinto Abraham , Coba-Villan Naomi , Diaz-Corrales Angelica , Pinedo-Soria Antony , Grados-Espinoza Pamela , Nieto-Gutierrez Wendy
Published: May 2022

Objective

To determine the factors associated with prevention practices against COVID-19 in the Peruvian population according to rural vs. urban locations.

Methods

Analytical cross-sectional study, secondary analysis based on a previously collected database. A sample of individuals over 18 years of age, residing in Peru and with no history of COVID-19was evaluated. Factors associated with prevention practices were evaluated using Poisson regressions with variance adjustment by region cluster and stratified by rurality.

Results

Of 3231 participants included, 2741 (84.8%) were from urban areas and 490 (15.2%) from rural areas. The frequency of good prevention practices against COVID-19 was 27.8% in our total sample. In urban areas the frequency of good prevention practices was 28.8% and in rural areas it was 22.5%. Factors associated with prevention practices against COVID-19 in both urban and rural areas were male sex (urban: aPR 0.64, 95%CI 0.55–0.75; rural: aPR 0.66, 95%CI 0.54–0.80) and self-considering adequately carrying out prevention practices (urban: aPR 2.48, 95%CI 2.13–2.89; rural: aPR 2.70, 95%CI 2.27–3.19).

Conclusion

The frequency of good prevention practices against COVID-19 was less than 30% in both urban and rural areas. There are differences in the factors associated with good preventive practice against COVID-19. Only sex and considering that preventive measures were adequately carried out were associated with good prevention practices in both areas. In view of this, prevention measures should be promoted taking into account cultural principles and considering geographical location in the face of present and future outbreaks or pandemics.
The expression and prognostic value of toll-like receptors (TLRs) in pancreatic cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy
Authors: Nurmi Anna Maria , Hagström Jaana , Mustonen Harri , Seppänen Hanna , Haglund Caj
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a pivotal role in the immune system and carcinogenesis. There is no research on TLR expression and association with survival among preoperatively treated pancreatic cancer patients. We studied the expression intensity and prognostic value of TLRs in pancreatic cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) and compared the results to patients undergoing upfront surgery (US).

Method

Between 2000 and 2015, 71 borderline resectable patients were treated with NAT and surgery and 145 resectable patients underwent upfront surgery at Helsinki University Hospital, Finland. We immunostained TLRs 1–5, 7, and 9 on sections of tissue-microarray. We classified TLR expression as 0 (negative), 1 (mild), 2 (moderate), or 3 (strong) and divided into high (2–3) and low (0–1) expression for statistical purposes.

Results

Among TLRs 1, 3, and 9 (TLR1 81% vs 70%, p = 0.008; TLR3 92% vs 68%, p = 0.001; TLR9 cytoplasmic 83% vs 42%, p<0.001; TLR9 membranous 53% vs 25%, p = 0.002) NAT patients exhibited a higher immunopositivity score more frequently than patients undergoing upfront surgery. Among NAT patients, a high expression of TLR1 [Hazards ratio (HR) 0.48, p<0.05] associated with a longer postoperative survival, whereas among US patients, high expression of TLR5 (HR 0.64, p<0.05), TLR7 (HR 0.59, p<0.01, and both TLR7 and TLR9 (HR 0.5, p<0.01) predicted a favorable postoperative outcome in separate analysis adjusted for background variables.

Conclusions

We found higher immunopositive intensities among TLRs 1, 3, and 9 in NAT patients. A high TLR1 expression associated with a longer survival among NAT patients, however, among US patients, high expression intensity of TLR5 and TLR7 predicted a favorable postoperative outcome in the adjusted analysis.
Experimental, molecular docking and molecular dynamic studies of natural products targeting overexpressed receptors in breast cancer
Authors: Taghizadeh Mohammad Sadegh , Niazi Ali , Moghadam Ali , Afsharifar Alireza
Published: May 2022

Natural compounds are proper tools for inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. Hence, the search for these ligands of overexpressed receptors in breast cancer has been a competitive challenge recently and opens new avenues for drug discovery. In this research, we have investigated molecular interactions between natural products and overexpressed receptors in breast cancer using molecular docking and dynamic simulation approaches followed by extraction of the best ligand fromCitrus limettaand developing for nanoscale encapsulation composed of soy lecithin using a sonicator machine. The encapsulation process was confirmed by DLS and TEM analyses. Anticancer activity was also examined using MTT method. Among the investigated natural compounds, hesperidin was found to bind to specific targets with stronger binding energy. The molecular dynamics results indicated that the hesperidin-MCL-1 complex is very stable at 310.15 K for 200 ns. The RP-HPLC analysis revealed that the purity of extracted hesperidin was 98.8% with a yield of 1.72%. The results of DLS and TEM showed a strong interaction between hesperidin and lecithin with an entrapped efficiency of 92.02 ± 1.08%. Finally, the cytotoxicity effect of hesperidin was increased against the MDA-MB-231 cell line with an IC50value of 62.93 μg/mL after encapsulation, whereas no significant effect against the MCF10A cell line. We showed for the first time that hesperidin is a flexible and strong ligand for the MCL-1 receptor. Also, it has the in vitro ability to kill the MDA-MB-231 cell lines without having a significant effect on the MCF10A cell lines. Therefore, hesperidin could be used as a food ingredient to generate functional foods.
A prospective study of patients with low back pain attending a Canadian emergency department: Why they came and what happened?
Authors: Kawchuk Gregory N. , Aaskov Jacob , Mohler Matthew , Lowes Justin , Kruhlak Maureen , Couperthwaite Stephanie , Yang Esther H. , Villa-Roel Cristina , Rowe Brian H.
Published: May 2022

Low back pain is a common presentation to emergency departments, but the reasons why people choose to attend the emergency department have not been explored. We aimed to fill this gap with this study to understand why persons with low back pain choose to attend the emergency department. Between July 4, 2017 and October 1, 2018, consecutive patients with a complaint of low back pain presenting to the University of Alberta Hospital emergency department were screened. Those enrolled completed a 13-item questionnaire to assess reasons and expectations related to their presentation. Demographics, acuity and disposition were obtained electronically. Factors associated with admission were examined in a logistic regression model. After screening 812 patients, 209 participants met the study criteria. The most common Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale score was 3 (73.2%). Overall, 37 (17.7%) received at least one consultation, 89.0% of participants were discharged home, 9.6% were admitted and 1.4% were transferred. Participants had a median pain intensity of 8/10 and a median daily functioning of 3/10. When asked, 64.6% attended for pain control while 44.5% stated ease of access. Most participants expected to obtain pain medication (67%) and advice (56%). Few attended because of cost savings (3.8%). After adjustment, only advanced age and ambulance arrival were significantly associated with admission. In conclusion, most low back pain patients came to the emergency department for pain control yet few were admitted and the majority did not receive a consultation. Timely alternatives for management of low back pain in the emergency department appear needed, yet are lacking.
Multiple metabolic comorbidities and their consequences among patients with peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Park Young Shin , Ryu Gi Wook , Choi Mona
Published: May 2022

Older adults with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) have increased risks of major cardiovascular events and hospitalization. Metabolic comorbidities, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia, are common risk factors for these unfavorable health events. This study aimed to determine how multiple metabolic comorbidities affect the risk of adverse health outcomes in older adults with PAD. A retrospective cohort study was adopted using administrative claim data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service Agency. The study sample included 3,122 older adults (≥ 65 years old) with at least one PAD diagnosis in an inpatient setting from 2011 to 2013 and who had at least one follow-up visit after hospitalization by 2018. The three metabolic comorbidities were defined as having at least two diagnostic claims or one prescription per year of anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, or anti-dyslipidemic medications for the corresponding diagnosis. The outcome variables included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and major adverse limb events (MALE). Kaplan-Meier survival curves demonstrated that PAD patients with more metabolic comorbidities had shorter MACE-free and MALE-free periods. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards analyses suggested significant additive effects of multiple metabolic comorbidities on increased risks of MACE and MALE among older adults with PAD. Lower socioeconomic status and non-metabolic comorbidities also increased the risk of MACE. Male sex, being young-old (65–74 years), and a higher proportion of inpatient claims increased the risk of MALE. The findings of this study suggest the need for a comprehensive care program for older adults with PAD and metabolic comorbidities. In addition, the healthcare utilization pattern should be considered when designing preventive care for older patients with comorbidities to manage PAD at an earlier stage.
Imaging articular cartilage in osteoarthritis using targeted peptide radiocontrast agents
Authors: Fowkes Milan M. , Das Neves Borges Patricia , Cacho-Nerin Fernando , Brennan Paul E. , Vincent Tonia L. , Lim Ngee H.
Published: May 2022

Background

Established MRI and emerging X-ray contrast agents for non-invasive imaging of articular cartilage rely on non-selective electrostatic interactions with negatively charged proteoglycans. These contrast agents have limited prognostic utility in diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA) due to the characteristic high turnover of proteoglycans. To overcome this limitation, we developed a radiocontrast agent that targets the type II collagen macromolecule in cartilage and used it to monitor disease progression in a murine model of OA.

Methods

To confer radiopacity to cartilage contrast agents, the naturally occurring tyrosine derivative 3,5-diiodo-L-tyrosine (DIT) was introduced into a selective peptide for type II collagen. Synthetic DIT peptide derivatives were synthesised by Fmoc-based solid-phase peptide synthesis and binding to ex vivo mouse tibial cartilage evaluated by high-resolution micro-CT. Di-Iodotyrosinated Peptide Imaging of Cartilage (DIPIC) was performed ex vivo and in vivo 4, 8 and 12 weeks in mice after induction of OA by destabilisation of the medial meniscus (DMM). Finally, human osteochondral plugs were imaged ex vivo using DIPIC.

Results

Fifteen DIT peptides were synthesised and tested, yielding seven leads with varying cartilage binding strengths. DIPIC visualised ex vivo murine articular cartilage comparably to the ex vivo contrast agent phosphotungstic acid. Intra-articular injection of contrast agent followed by in vivo DIPIC enabled delineation of damaged murine articular cartilage. Finally, the translational potential of the contrast agent was confirmed by visualisation of ex vivo human cartilage explants.

Conclusion

DIPIC has reduction and refinement implications in OA animal research and potential clinical translation to imaging human disease.
ThermoBase: A database of the phylogeny and physiology of thermophilic and hyperthermophilic organisms
Authors: DiGiacomo Juliana , McKay Christopher , Davila Alfonso
Published: May 2022

Thermophiles and hyperthermophiles are those organisms which grow at high temperature (> 40°C). The unusual properties of these organisms have received interest in multiple fields of biological research, and have found applications in biotechnology, especially in industrial processes. However, there are few listings of thermophilic and hyperthermophilic organisms and their relevant environmental and physiological data. Such repositories can be used to standardize definitions of thermophile and hyperthermophile limits and tolerances and would mitigate the need for extracting organism data from diverse literature sources across multiple, sometimes loosely related, research fields. Therefore, we have developed ThermoBase, a web-based and freely available database which currently houses comprehensive descriptions for 1238 thermophilic or hyperthermophilic organisms. ThermoBase reports taxonomic, metabolic, environmental, experimental, and physiological information in addition to literature resources. This includes parameters such as coupling ions for chemiosmosis, optimal pH and range, optimal temperature and range, optimal pressure, and optimal salinity. The database interface allows for search features and sorting of parameters. As such, it is the goal of ThermoBase to facilitate and expedite hypothesis generation, literature research, and understanding relating to thermophiles and hyperthermophiles within the scientific community in an accessible and centralized repository. ThermoBase is freely available online at the Astrobiology Habitable Environments Database (AHED; https://ahed.nasa.gov), at the Database Center for Life Science (TogoDB; http://togodb.org/db/thermobase), and in the S1 File.
Efficacy of sanitization protocols in removing parasites in vegetables: A protocol for a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Maia Cláudio Márcio de Medeiros , Damasceno Karla Suzanne Florentino da Silva Chaves , Seabra Larissa Mont’Alverne Jucá , Chaves Gabriela , Dantas Lívia Maria da Costa , de Sousa Júnior Francisco Canindé , de Assis Cristiane Fernandes
Published: May 2022

Background

Parasitic contamination of vegetables is a public health problem in several countries and a challenge for food safety. With a short path from the field to the table, these foods can suffer several flaws in the good practices of production, transport and packaging which culminate in an offer of contaminated food to consumers. Therefore, this study describes a systematic review protocol with meta-analysis on evaluating the effectiveness of existing sanitation methods in removing parasites from vegetables.

Methods

The study will be conducted from published studies that report analyzes of parasites in vegetables before and after sanitization processes. The MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, FSTA, LILACS, Scopus and AGRIS electronic databases will be used. In addition, manual searches will be carried out through related articles, references to included articles and directories of theses and dissertations. The primary outcome will be the reduction or absence of parasitic forms in vegetables after the intervention or combined interventions, and the secondary outcomes will include: identification of the main parasites, assessment of the time required for processing and cost-effectiveness analysis. Two authors will independently screen the studies and extract data. Disagreements will be resolved by discussion, and a third reviewer will decide if there is no consensus. The criteria established by the Cochrane Manual (with some adaptations) will be used to assess the risk of bias in the studies and if the results are considered acceptable and sufficiently homogeneous, and a meta-analysis will be performed to synthesize the findings.

Discussion

The systematic review produced from this protocol will provide evidence on the effectiveness of sanitation protocols for removing parasitic forms in vegetables and will contribute to strengthening food safety, with the adoption of best sanitation practices and prevention of health risks. In addition, the study may highlight possible knowledge gaps that need to be filled with new research.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020206929.
Australia as a global sink for the genetic diversity of avian influenza A virus
Authors: Wille Michelle , Grillo Victoria , Ban de Gouvea Pedroso Silvia , Burgess Graham W. , Crawley Allison , Dickason Celia , Hansbro Philip M. , Hoque Md. Ahasanul , Horwood Paul F. , Kirkland Peter D. , Kung Nina Yu-Hsin , Lynch Stacey E. , Martin Sue , McArthur Michaela , O’Riley Kim , Read Andrew J. , Warner Simone , Hoye Bethany J. , Lisovski Simeon , Leen Trent , Hurt Aeron C. , Butler Jeff , Broz Ivano , Davies Kelly R. , Mileto Patrick , Neave Matthew J. , Stevens Vicky , Breed Andrew C. , Lam Tommy T. Y. , Holmes Edward C. , Klaassen Marcel , Wong Frank Y. K.
Published: May 2022

Most of our understanding of the ecology and evolution of avian influenza A virus (AIV) in wild birds is derived from studies conducted in the northern hemisphere on waterfowl, with a substantial bias towards dabbling ducks. However, relevant environmental conditions and patterns of avian migration and reproduction are substantially different in the southern hemisphere. Through the sequencing and analysis of 333 unique AIV genomes collected from wild birds collected over 15 years we show that Australia is a global sink for AIV diversity and not integrally linked with the Eurasian gene pool. Rather, AIV are infrequently introduced to Australia, followed by decades of isolated circulation and eventual extinction. The number of co-circulating viral lineages varies per subtype. AIV haemagglutinin (HA) subtypes that are rarely identified at duck-centric study sites (H8-12) had more detected introductions and contemporary co-circulating lineages in Australia. Combined with a lack of duck migration beyond the Australian-Papuan region, these findings suggest introductions by long-distance migratory shorebirds. In addition, on the available data we found no evidence of directional or consistent patterns in virus movement across the Australian continent. This feature corresponds to patterns of bird movement, whereby waterfowl have nomadic and erratic rainfall-dependant distributions rather than consistent intra-continental migratory routes. Finally, we detected high levels of virus gene segment reassortment, with a high diversity of AIV genome constellations across years and locations. These data, in addition to those from other studies in Africa and South America, clearly show that patterns of AIV dynamics in the Southern Hemisphere are distinct from those in the temperate north.
The cultural shareability of Korean popular media in India: A reflexive thematic analysis of BTS music videos
Authors: Chandi Jasdeep Kaur , Trehan Kulveen
Published: May 2022

In this article, the BTS phenomenon in India was examined by looking closely at the music of this South Korean band. A reflexive thematic analysis was performed on five BTS music videos followed by interviews with self-identified Indian BTS fans. Three salient themes were identified in the music videos and fans’ interview responses: the fusion of multiple music video genres, cultural hybridity and love as an evolutionary process. It is suggested that these identified themes are culturally shareable with Indian fans. The cultural shareability of the music of BTS has gradually created a mere-exposure effect amongst Indians, which is responsible for their growing affinity for Korean popular media.
Discourses on the Spanish Civil War in Basque novels
Authors: Serrano-Mariezkurrena Amaia
Published: May 2022

The aim of this article is to examine the literary discourses of Basque novels that deal with the memory of the Spanish Civil War, and to compare them with the sociopolitical context in which they were published. Firstly, we offer a summary of the period from the Spanish transition to the dissolution of Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA, Euskadi and Freedom), focusing on the factors that worked either in favour of or against remembrance of the war. Then we interpret accounts of the war in Basque novels. Finally, our conclusion is that, in general terms, there is a parallelism between political and literary dynamics, although by the 1990s Basque novels were ahead of the times in seeing the need to provide a new, critical image of the Civil War; in the political field, however, that process was to take place at the beginning of the new millennium.
Female political leaders in Spanish popular culture: Institutionalized feminism in Isabel (TVE1, 2012–14)
Authors: Maseda García Rebeca , Castillo Mateu Laura
Published: May 2022

A successful Spanish TV show, Isabel (three seasons, 2012–14; broadcasted through the national TV channel La 1) recovers an important female political figure in Spanish history, Isabella I of Castile – the Catholic monarch – as a powerful leader who achieved the unification of Spain and the expansion of a true empire during the fifteenth century. This recovery is not naïve, but fully charged with ideological positions that are played out in Spain’s current context. By virtue of being a woman – in fact, one of the most formidable female figures in Spanish history – the show brings to the fore questions regarding the relationship between gender and power both in the past and present history of Spain. Reference to her government allows drawing connections with the current state of affairs, most notoriously the mainstreaming of a Spanish gender agenda. It is our contention that the show’s chronological progression from a life devoted to attaining and consolidating power to the aspiration of having love and family, as well as the casting choices and characterization of the main protagonist, reveal ongoing political debates regarding the Spanish institutionalization of feminism and the prevalence of an understanding of feminism in line with a neo-liberal logic.
Interview with Professor Paul Preston
Authors: Madden Deborah
Published: May 2022

Paul Preston (Liverpool, 1946) has been professor in international history at the London School of Economics since 1991 and is the honorary president of the Association for Contemporary Iberian Studies. Renowned for his work on the Spanish Civil War and Francoist dictatorship, Preston’s internationally acclaimed books include A People Betrayed (2020), The Last Days of the Spanish Republic (2016), The Spanish Holocaust (2012), The Spanish Civil War (2006), Doves of War: Four Women of Spain (2002), Comrades! Portraits from the Spanish Civil War (1999) and Franco: A Biography (1993). An English-language edition of his latest work Arquitectos del terror: Franco y los artífices del odio, published in Spanish in 2021, is due for publication in Autumn 2022. Preston was interviewed in January 2021 by Deborah Madden, a Leverhulme Trust research fellow at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Preston offers intriguing insight into his research, discussing the politics of sexual violence, memory politics, research as a form of activism and his main regret as a historian. The following transcript has been edited for length and clarity.
Love letters to Patagonia: Fostering sustainable consumption via consumer–brand relationships
Authors: Singh Chitra , Park Hyejune , Joyner Martinez Cosette M.
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate how consumers’ meaningful experiences with an apparel brand’s quality products can result in a strong consumer–brand relationship, fostering product longevity and sustainable consumption behaviours. Consumer–brand relationship theory was used as a theoretical lens to examine consumer–brand relationships developed via the use of a brand’s quality products. In this analysis, an outdoor apparel brand, Patagonia, was selected as a representative brand because of its effort to deliver quality products and initiatives to foster meaningful consumer–brand relationships and sustainable consumption. Netnography, an interpretive analysis of online textual discourse, was used to collect the consumers’ essays from Patagonia’s website. These essays were about the consumers’ experiences with Patagonia products. The essays were analysed using a theory-driven content analysis based on the consumer–brand relationship theory. Results revealed six types of consumer–brand relationships with three dominant relationships, including ‘partner quality’, ‘love and passion’ and ‘interdependence’. It was also found that a strong relationship with the brand positively affects consumers’ emotional attachment with the brand’s products, reducing the disposal of garments and resulting in product longevity. Theoretically, this study furthers our understanding of the relationship that consumers develop with a sustainable apparel brand by providing empirical evidence about the formation of product attachment in the context of the consumer–brand relationship. The findings also offer managerial suggestions to apparel brands by providing insights into how to develop a meaningful, persistent consumer–brand relationship in a sustainability context.
Editorial
Authors: Vidal Ortega Antonino
Published: May 2022

Continuando con los cambios iniciados a comienzos del 2015 la revista renueva su imagen y gracias a los estudiantes del programa de diseño gráfico de la Universidad del Norte, la presentación de la portada se hizo completamente nueva. Así continuamos el trabajo iniciado a principios de año con el cambio de las texturas de los artículos editados, ahora mucho más amables a la lectura desde la pantalla.
Magia de formas y colores. Las baldosas de Barranquilla. Los pisos hidráulicos del barrio El Prado
Authors: Jimenez Charris Beatriz Elena , Llanos Díaz Rossana Cecilia
Published: May 2022

Desde el Área de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño de la Universidad del Norte, se conforma un grupo interdisciplinar de profesionales especialistas en arquitectura y diseño gráfico, quienes desarrollan la primera fase del proyecto de investigación Estudios Gráficos de la Arquitectura, Pisos Hidráulicos del Barrio el Prado de Barranquilla. Gracias a la sinergia profesional establecida se realiza un juicioso estudio cuyo objeto es proporcionar una herramienta para la documentación y el reconocimiento de la narrativa, la conservación y puesta en valor de la producción artesanal, tradicional y decorativa de los pisos hidráulicos como parte del patrimonio arquitectónico, artístico, gráfico y cultural de Barranquilla.
Dividing Hispaniola the Dominican Republic’s Border Campaign against Haiti, 1930-1961
Authors: Álvarez-López Luis
Published: May 2022

El título anterior es el libro que reseño del profesor Edward Paulino, Profesor de la Universidad John Jay College, del sistema universitario de la ciudad de Nueva York, quien concluyó su tesis doctoral en la Universidad de Michigan y ha publicado varios artículos especializados sobre la problemática fronteriza dominico-haitiana, la exclusión racial de los dominico-haitianos y los inmigrantes haitianos , quienes han sido víctimas de una campaña racista de parte del gobierno dominicano actual y de la clase dominante dominicana.
Editorial
Authors: Vidal Ortega Antonino
Published: May 2022

Después de 50 años de guerra al fin se ve cerca el final del conflicto bélico de más largo aliento en la historia de Iberoamérica. En el año 2011 en La Habana la guerrilla de las Farc y el Estado colombiano arrancaron las negociaciones de paz y tras un arduo trabajo por ambas partes, y ya concluyó el proceso de negociación. Creemos que se dio el primer paso de una labor compleja que demandará al pueblo colombiano y a sus autoridades grandes esfuerzos para concluir en la paz que Colombia merece. Las dificultades son muchas, los retos grandes y los enemigos numerosos.
La paz no se trata de silenciar los fusiles. Se trata de un proceso de transformación social.
Authors: Menchú Tum Rigoberta
Published: May 2022

Los procesos de paz son muy complicados. Parece que todos quisiéramos llevar la firma del que yo hice la paz pero, a veces, los que de verdad hicieron la gestión discreta, atrás, yendo de un lado a otro, se quedan invisibles en la historia del final. Y a veces los visibles son los que finalmente tienen que tener una ética muy muy dura en su mente y en su actuar para que tengan la conciencia de que no fueron los únicos que hicieron la paz en un proceso tan complejo como las negociaciones y diálogos y bueno, silenciar los fusiles pero pues no se trataba de silenciar fusiles se trataba de hacer un proceso de transformación social.
Editorial
Authors: Vidal Ortega Antonino
Published: May 2022

Cerramos el año con una buena cosecha, las descargas de artículos cerraron el año 2016 con más de 200 mil, nunca habíamos tenido tan alto número de consultas por lo que estamos muy satisfechos del esfuerzo realizado y del impacto y visibilidad obtenida, sobre todo fuera de Colombia. En esta ocasión disueltas las brumas de la triste realidad política colombiana, que mereció un paréntesis en el anterior número, ahora nos volcamos nuevamente en nuestros objetivo principal construir y divulgar el conocimiento en Ciencias Sociales sobre la región a la que pertenecemos.
El carnaval nos une
Authors: Gasca L. Mabel
Published: May 2022

Por primera vez, Memorias publica un dosier dedicado al carnaval, una fiesta pluriétnica y multicultural que los americanos heredamos de Eu- ropa, un espacio en el que la libertad surge como el valor fundamental de la fiesta. Los artículos recogen una vision de cómo vivimos de uno y otro lado del Atlántico ese momento de alegría, permisividad y descontrol que here- damos y que permanece ahí, uniéndonos en el goce y en la historia.
Nauczanie języka sąsiada od przedszkola do zakończenia edukacji – kluczem do komunikacji w Euroregionie Pomerania. Założenia teoretyczne, cele i wstępne wyniki projektu
Authors: Bielicka Małgorzata , Olpińska-Szkiełko Magdalena
Published: May 2022

The paper presents a report on the implementation of the educational project Teaching the neighbours’ language from kindergarten to the end of education - the key to communication in the Euroregion Pomerania co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the Interreg VA Cooperation Program Mecklenburg-Vorpommern/Brandenburg/Poland. 24 educational institutions in Poland and 33 educational institutions in Germany took part in the project. 3,771 children and 821 teachers and kindergarten educators participated in project events. The number of lessons conducted during the project was over 30,000. In addition to school education, the project covered numerous meetings of Polish and German children and youth, workshops for teachers, educational forums for parents and others. The project developed curricula for German as a language of the neighbours at all educational stages and in all types of Polish schools, as well as numerous multimedia teaching materials, such as educational games, worksheets, educational films, etc. This paper describes the project, its theoretical and practical foundations and its results.
Handel ludźmi w Europie jako wyzwanie dla bezpieczeństwa państw i organizacji międzynarodowych w latach 2012–2020
Authors: Gębska Marta
Published: May 2022

Artykuł ukazuje zagadnienie handlu ludźmi w Europie jako wyzwanie dla bezpieczeństwa, na podstawie raportów opublikowanych przez Biuro Narodów Zjednoczonych ds. Narkotyków i Przestępczości oraz Unię Europejską. Przedstawiona została definicja handlu ludźmi, dokumenty międzynarodowe dotyczące handlu ludźmi, takie jak Protokół z Palermo i Konwencja Rady Europy. Ponadto ukazano cele handlu ludźmi w Europie i profil ofiar, jak również skalę zjawiska w Europie, z podziałem na Europę Zachodnią i Południową oraz Europę Środkową i Południowo-Wschodnią, a także oddzielnie – Unię Europejską. Następnie zarysowano podobieństwa i różnice w procederze handlu ludźmi w Europie w porównaniu z innymi regionami świata w latach 2012–2020, profil przestępczości w związku ze współczesnym niewolnictwem, a także politykę państw regionu wobec tego problemu.
Zmiany pokoleniowe a zachowania wyborcze. Na przykładzie wyborów parlamentarnych w Polsce w 2019 roku
Authors: Tyrała Marek
Published: May 2022

Główna hipoteza badawcza postawiona w artykule brzmi: Zmiany pokoleniowe w Polsce miały wpływ na zachowania wyborcze elektoratu w wyborach parlamentarnych w 2019 roku. Celem autora było ukazanie zależności pomiędzy zachowaniem wyborczym, płynnością elektoratu a wynikiem wyborczym ugrupowań politycznych, które przekroczyły próg wyborczy; PiS, Koalicja Obywatelska, SLD, PSL, Konfederacja Wolność i Niepodległość. W artykule podjęto próbę analizy szeregu czynników określających (warunkujących) zachowania wyborcze elektoratu. Tekst ma charakter interdyscyplinarny, problem badawczy został przeanalizowany z perspektywy politologicznej, socjologicznej i filozoficznej. Weryfikując hipotezę postawioną w pracy, zauważono, iż występuje duże prawdopodobieństwo, że zmiany pokoleniowe miały częściowy wpływ na zachowania wyborcze elektoratu oraz wynik wyborczy poszczególnych komitetów wyborczych. Próba odpowiedzi na postawione pytanie badawcze może wnieść istotny wkład w dalsze badanie procesu zachowań wyborczych w wyborach parlamentarnych.
A regularized gradient flow for the p-elastic energy
Authors: Blatt Simon , Hopper Christopher , Vorderobermeier Nicole
Published: May 2022

We prove long-time existence for the negative

L

2

{L}^{2}

-gradient flow of the p-elastic energy,

p
≥
2

p\ge 2

, with an additive positive multiple of the length of the curve. To achieve this result, we regularize the energy by cutting off the degeneracy at points with vanishing curvature and add a small multiple of a higher order energy, namely, the square of the

L

2

{L}^{2}

-norm of the normal gradient of the curvature

κ

\kappa

. Long-time existence is proved for the gradient flow of these new energies together with the smooth subconvergence of the evolution equation’s solutions to critical points of the regularized energy in

W

2
,
p

{W}^{2,p}

. We then show that the solutions to the regularized evolution equations converge to a weak solution of the negative gradient flow of the p-elastic energies. These latter weak solutions also subconverge to critical points of the p-elastic energy.
On the planar Kirchhoff-type problem involving supercritical exponential growth
Authors: Zhang Limin , Tang Xianhua , Chen Peng
Published: May 2022

This article is concerned with the following nonlinear supercritical elliptic problem:

−
M

(

‖

∇

u

‖

2

2

)

Δ
u
=
f

(

x
,
u

)

,

in

B

1

(

0

)

,

u
=
0
,

on

∂

B

1

(

0

)

,

\left\{\begin{array}{ll}-M(\Vert \nabla u{\Vert }_{2}^{2})\Delta u=f\left(x,u),& \hspace{0.1em}\text{in}\hspace{0.1em}\hspace{0.33em}{B}_{1}\left(0),\\ u=0,& \hspace{0.1em}\text{on}\hspace{0.1em}\hspace{0.33em}\partial {B}_{1}\left(0),\end{array}\right.

where

B

1

(

0

)

{B}_{1}\left(0)

is the unit ball in

R

2

{{\mathbb{R}}}^{2}

,

M
:

R

+

→

R

+

M:{{\mathbb{R}}}^{+}\to {{\mathbb{R}}}^{+}

is a Kirchhoff function, and

f

(

x
,
t

)

f\left(x,t)

has supercritical exponential growth on

t

t

, which behaves as

exp

[

(

β

0

+
∣
x

∣

α

)

t

2

]

\exp {[}({\beta }_{0}+| x\hspace{-0.25em}{| }^{\alpha }){t}^{2}]

and

exp

(

β

0

t

2
+
∣
x

∣

α

)

\exp ({\beta }_{0}{t}^{2+| x{| }^{\alpha }})

with

β

0

{\beta }_{0}

,

α
>
0

\alpha \gt 0

. Based on a deep analysis and some detailed estimate, we obtain Nehari-type ground state solutions for the above problem by variational method. Moreover, we can determine a fine upper bound for the minimax level under weaker assumption on

liminf

t
→
∞

t
f

(

x
,
t

)

exp

[

(

β

0

+
∣

x

∣

α

)

t

2

]

{\mathrm{liminf}}_{t\to \infty }\frac{tf\left(x,t)}{\exp {[}({\beta }_{0}+| \hspace{-0.25em}x\hspace{-0.25em}{| }^{\alpha }){t}^{2}]}

and

liminf

t
→
∞

t
f

(

x
,
t

)

exp

(

β

0

t

2
+
∣
x

∣

α

)

{\mathrm{liminf}}_{t\to \infty }\frac{tf\left(x,t)}{\exp ({\beta }_{0}{t}^{2+| x{| }^{\alpha }})}

, respectively. Our results generalize and improve the ones in G. M. Figueiredo and U. B. Severo (Ground state solution for a Kirchhoff problem with exponential critical growth, Milan J. Math. 84 (2016), no. 1, 23–39.) and Q. A. Ngó and V. H. Nguyen (Supercritical Moser-Trudinger inequalities and related elliptic problems, Calc. Var. Partial Differ. Equ. 59 (2020), no. 2, Paper No. 69, 30.) for

M

(

t

)

=
1

M(t)=1

. In particular, if the weighted term

∣
x

∣

α

| x\hspace{-0.25em}{| }^{\alpha }

is vanishing, we can obtain the ones in S. T. Chen, X. H. Tang, and J. Y. Wei (2021) (Improved results on planar Kirchhoff-type elliptic problems with critical exponential growth, Z. Angew. Math. Phys. 72 (2021), no. 1, Paper No. 38, Theorem 1.3 and Theorem 1.4) immediately.
Chaos in court: mediatized expressions of upset in relation to Danish courtroom interpreting
Authors: Karrebæk Martha Sif , Kirilova Marta
Published: May 2022

This paper discusses a disturbance to the Danish legal system, a cornerstone in the state of law. We focus on ‘expressions of upset’ during a reorganization of Danish legal interpreting, which was followed closely by the Danish media. We analyze these expressions as ‘communicative uptakes’ and we discuss how they made different elements of the interpreting affair salient. The elements include assumptions about what legal interpreting is or should be, its societal role and relevance. We argue that the uptakes integrated the interpreting situation with the institutionalized aim of the social space in which they occurred, and we draw on Agha’s theory of ‘mediatization’ to account for the relations between the overall situation and the various expressions of upset, and between the institutional roles of participants and mediatized aspects of the spaces. Data come from a trial, a meeting in the Danish Parliament, and a blog thread. The study thereby illustrates a communicative (thus, social) process in a modern (thus, complex) society in which a social event at societal level (so-called large-scale) is received and made meaningful by many different social actors in a variety of ways, thereby creating links between otherwise unconnected spaces.
Characterization of Iron-Based Shape Memory Alloys Using the Small Punch Test
Authors: Abendroth Martin , Hasche Anna , Ben Zineb Tarak , Kiefer Bjöern
Published: May 2022

Iron-based shape memory alloys (Fe-SMAs) are currently of high interest for potential smart material applications in civil engineering construction but also other fields that do not require biocompatibility but demand low cost of the SMA. The envisioned civil engineering application examples, for some of which prototypes have already been realized, include connectors in concrete, metal, and timber structures, concrete reinforcement, and isolators/dampers for earthquake-resistant technologies. In this contribution, we first present results regarding the experimental characterization of Fe-SMAs using a versatile miniaturized testing method, specifically the small punch test (SPT). Its main advantages are that it is relatively simple, requires only small amounts of material, and allows testing under well-defined biaxial stress states (triaxiality of approximately 0.6). The difficulty of identifying material parameters with this test and its variants is that it always requires the numerical solution of an inverse problem because the experiment records a structural response rather than a pure constitutive response. To address this, an in-house parameter identification tool has been developed, which combines finite element analysis, user-defined material models, and nonlinear optimization algorithms. Building on this expertise, our current contribution investigates the employment of the SPT as an efficient methodology to characterize Fe-SMAs under biaxial loading. Such data is of great interest to constitutive model developers for both calibration and validation purposes. Generally, sufficiently rich experimental data on SMA behavior that goes beyond results obtained in one-dimensional tests (e.g., tension-compression-torsion or planar-biaxial loading) is scarce in the literature.