bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A licença parental no Brasil e a promoção da igualdade de gênero no ambiente de trabalho
Authors: Barroso Ana Beatriz de Mendonça , Gomes Ana Virgínia Moreira , Dias Eduardo Rocha
Published: April 2022

Este artigo analisa se a licença parental constitui medida capaz de reduzir a discriminação de gênero no ambiente de trabalho. Para isso, o estudo considera a divisão entre trabalho produtivo e reprodutivo no exame de questões referentes à inserção da mulher no mercado de trabalho e analisa exemplos de regulação da licença parental em outros países. A pesquisa considera ainda a Convenção nº 156 da OIT sobre trabalhadores com responsabilidades familiares, a possibilidade de sua ratificação pelo Brasil e como poderia a licença parental ser regulada no Brasil. A metodologia da pesquisa é de tipo bibliográfico e documental, com abordagem qualitativa mediante análise de dados secundários dos anos de 2013 a 2015 advindos de estudos da OIT e da base de dados IBGE PAÍSES, considerando como critério objetivo os países que ratificaram a Convenção nº 156 da OIT. O estudo propõe, ao final que a licença parental é uma medida capaz de reduzir discriminação de gênero no trabalho, mas seus efeitos dependerão de estudos complementares e identificação de fatores que devem ser considerados na criação de políticas públicas, inclusive de ações afirmativas.  Drop here!
Are Dermal Fillers Dentistry?
Authors: Salih Kouthar , McColl Ewen
Published: April 2022

Recent social media influence has set up a world of aesthetic idealism, whereby rises in demand for non-surgical cosmetic treatment to cater for the unrealistic desire of ‘perfection’ has meant that the aesthetics industry has been expanding and has gained interest among dental practitioners and members of the dental team. This guest editorial discusses the medico-legal and regulatory status of facial aesthetics and the various complications involved in using such techniques in the dental environment

Clinical Relevance: To allow dental team members to make informed decisions when considering introducing facial aesthetics as a component of their practice.
Temporomandibular Disorders. Part 1: Anatomy, Aetiology, Diagnosis and Classification
Authors: Oluwajana Funmi , Clarke Pete , Foster-Thomas Emma , James Martin , Crawford Charles
Published: April 2022

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are the most common causes of chronic pain in the orofacial region. The aetiology of TMD is complex owing to its multifactorial biopsychosocial nature. TMD shares many commonalities, and can be associated with, other chronic pain conditions. The physical and psychological impact of chronic pain on the individual can be far-reaching and should not be underestimated. This article, the first of a six-part series, aims to provide the reader with a background to TMDs as well as an overview of the clinical examination and diagnostic process for patients presenting with TMD-related pain.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Clinicians should be aware of the signs and symptoms of TMD with which their patients might present and understand the complex nature of chronic pain conditions.
Latest clinical news
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: April 2022

Mark Greener rounds up the latest clinical research of interest to nurses
PM Personality: Peter K Johnson
Authors: Capus Joseph
Published: April 2022

MPR consulting editor Joseph Capus speaks to Peter K Johnson, a long time promotor of powder metallurgy in the US.
Kajian Literatur Karakteristik Lapisan Keramik Oksida yang Ditumbuhkan Diatas Paduan Zirkonium dengan Metode Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation
Authors: Ajiriyanto Maman Kartaman , Anawati Anawati
Published: April 2022

Bahan Zircaloy-4 telah digunakan sebagai bahan kelongsong elemen bakar reaktor nuklir tipe pressurized water reactor, PWR. Kelongsong Zr-4 tersebut menghadapi kondisi temperatur dan tekanan tinggi, iradiasi neutron, dan penyerapan gas (hidrogen, oksigen).  Pada suhu dan tekanan tinggi, paduan Zr-4 mudah mengalami oksidasi dan kecepatan oksidasi meningkat pada suhu 800-1200°C. Upaya untuk meningkatkan ketahanan oksidasi kelongsong Zr-4 adalah pelapisan permukaan dengan metode seperti thermal spray, physical vapor deposition, cladding, heat treatment, dan chemical vapor deposition. Pada artikel review ini menggambarkan dan menjelaskan metode pelapisan alternatif yaitu plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) yang secara khusus diaplikasikan pada substrat zirkonium. Aspek lain yang dibahas adalah parameter proses yang mempengaruhi kualitas lapisan, dan karakteristik yang khas dari lapisan yang dihasilkan dengan metode PEO. Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) merupakan metode pelapisan yang menjanjikan untuk menghasilkan lapisan oksida keramik dengan kekuatan mekanik dan termal yang tinggi. Proses PEO menggunakan peralatan yang sederhana dan bahan yang ramah lingkungan. Lapisan oksida zirkonium (ZrO2) yang terbentuk pada permukaan substrat Zr-4 mempunyai titik lebur sangat tinggi yaitu 2715°C dan tampang lintang neutron termal sangat rendah yaitu 0,18 barn. Karakteristik lapisan oksida keramik yang dihasilkan dipengaruhi oleh parameter proses PEO yaitu rapat arus, jenis dan konsentrasi elektrolit, bahan aditif pada elektrolit dll. Hingga saat ini, proses pelapisan metode PEO pada paduan Zirkonium (Zr) relatif belum banyak dibahas secara mendalam jika dibandingkan dengan logam lainnya seperti Al, Mg, dan Ti. Salah satu permasalahan yang masih dihadapi dalam pelapisan PEO terhadap substrat Zr-4 adalah porositas relatif tinggi dan jumlah fasa t-ZrO2 pada inner dan outer layer yang relatif rendah yang dapat mengurangi kekuatan mekanik dan ketahanan korosinya. Penyelesaian masalah untuk meningkatkan kualitas lapisan PEO adalah dengan optimasi parameter proses PEO yaitu rapat arus ,dan jenis dan konsentrasi elektrolit. Dalam kajian literatur ini didiskusikan strategi optimasi rapat arus, penggunaan variasi elektrolit, dan penambahan aditif pada proses PEO  untuk meningkatkan sifat mekanik dan korosi lapisan Modifikasi permukaan dengan proses PEO dapat diaplikasikan pada paduan zirkonium termasuk paduan Zr-4 sebagai komponen atau kelongsong bahan bakar reaktor nuklir tipe PWR. Metode PEO ini sangat potensial digunakan pada kelongsong Zr-4 untuk meningkatkan ketahanan oksidasi suhu tinggi dan meningkatkan efisiensi bahan bakar didalam reaktor nuklir.
Characterization of Magnetic Minerals of Iron Sand Pasia Nan Tigo Padang Beach Using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)
Authors: Yuwanda Ardilla Nofri , Rahmayuni Riza , Visgun Dwi Anisa , Rahmi Anisa , Rifai Hamdi , Dwiridal Letmi
Published: April 2022

The mineral extraction of iron sand from Pasia Nan Tigo Beach has been carried out. Iron sands in this area are widely spread and have decent potential but have not been used optimally. The iron sand of Pasia Nan Tigo Beach contains minerals that are indicated by the variation in susceptibility values of type 265.8×10-8m3/kg to 12,445.53×10-8m3/kg. Therefore, it is necessary to separate minerals from iron sand so that the minerals contained in them are known so that they are suitable for usability. The iron sand obtained is extracted using two magnets, namely a strong magnet and a weak magnet. The extraction results from iron sand still contain impurities to remove them, the sand is purified and then the sand extraction results are characterized using the XRD method. Content The type and structure of the mineral species found in the samples extracted from iron sand using strong magnets are Magnetite (Fe3O4) with Cubic structure, Hematite (α-Fe2O3) with Hexagonal structure, and Ilmenite (FeTiO3) with Hexagonal structure. While the use of weak magnets is Magnetite (Fe3O4) with Cubic structure, Hematite (α-Fe2O3) with Rhombohedral structure, and Ilmenite (FeTiO3) with Rhombohedral structure. Meanwhile, the non-magnetic mineral namely Quartz (SiO2), works as an impurity. The average crystal size using a strong magnet for PNT-B01 0-5 cm is 100.85 nm and a weak magnet is 49.36 nm, sample A06 30-35 cm uses a strong magnet of 88.25 nm and a weak magnet of 46, 80 nm, meanwhile sample B10 0-5 cm with a strong magnet of 109.22 nm and a weak magnet of 45.60 nm.
Identifikasi Dugaan Situs Purbakala Menggunakan Metode Geolistrik Resistivitas Konfigurasi Wenner di Situs Alassumur, Kabupaten Bondowoso
Authors: Rochman Juan Pandu Gya Nur , Widodo Amien , Adausy Thufeil Amr , F Hanif Dhiyaz Ulhaq
Published: April 2022

Penemuan struktur batubata kuno di Desa Alas Sumur, Kecamatan Pujer Kabupaten Bondowoso menjadi menarik untuk diteliti, karena selama ini Kabupaten Bondowoso umumnya berupa peninggalan zaman batu besar yaitu Situs Megalithikum. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk identifikasi struktur batu bata di situs tersebut. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode geolistrik konfigurasi wenner yang dapat menggambarkan kondisi bawah permukaan dan dugaan stuktur batu bata berdasarkan perbedaan nilai resistivitas batuan. Jumlah Lintasan pengukuran sebanyak 4 lintasan, dengan panjang untuk lintasan 1,3, dan 4 sepanjang 48 meter dengan  spasi 1 meter sedangkan lintasan 2 sepanjang 96 meter dengan spasi 2 meter. Data hasil pengolahan berupa data penampang nilai resistivitas. Berdasarkan hasil pengolahan, didapatkan litologi batuan breksi, batuan andesit, dan lempung pasiran. Persebaran nilai resistivitas batuan breksi memiliki range nilai (34 – 101 Ωmeter), batuan andesit memiliki range (102 – 141 Ωmeter), batuan lempung pasiran memiliki range ( 26 – 33 Ωmeter), anomali terdeteksi dengan range nilai (19 - 25Ωmeter) sebagai batubata. Anomali tersebut terdapat pada lintasan 1, 3, dan 4. Penemuan anomali tersebut diharapkan dapat membantu pihak terkait untuk melakukan proses pengembangan selanjutnya.
Capacitance Value Analysis of Composites of Activated Cashew Shells Charcoal and Iron Sand
Authors: Anas Muhammad , Mongkito Vivi Hastuti Rufa , Napirah Mardiana , Fayanto Suritno , Takda Amiruddin , Ariefka Reza
Published: April 2022

This study aims to determine the use of iron sand extract and cashew nut shell activated charcoal in the capacitor manufacturing process and determine the effect of grain size on the capacitor capacitance with electrodes from a composite of iron sand extraction and activated charcoal from cashew nutshells. The sample preparation of cashew nutshell activated charcoal was carried out by carbonation and activation methods at a temperature of 700 0C and continued by extracting iron sand. The results of the iron sand extract were then crushed using a mortar, followed by varying the mass fraction of iron sand starting at 40%, 60%, and 80% for each particle size (60 mesh, 100 mesh, and 200 mesh). Then composite the iron sand extract and activated charcoal mixed for 4 hours, and added 0.7 mL of LiNO3 1M solution. The analysis showed that the highest specific capacitance was found in the 200 mesh grain size, namely 0.0695 F/g.
Locating the center of rotation of a planar object using an optical vortex
Authors: Ding You , Liu Tong , Qiu Song , Liu Zhengliang , Sha Qimeng , Ren Yuan
Published: April 2022

The rotational Doppler effect (RDE) of optical vortex beams provides an efficient way to measure the rotational frequency of objects based on rotational Doppler frequency shifts, while the frequency shift signals display a distinct broadening effect when the vortex beam is laterally misaligned with the center of rotation of a planar object. We use a modal decomposition method to reveal the broadening effect and obtain a linear fitting equation between the quantity of signals and lateral misalignments. In an experiment of RDE, the lateral misalignment is extracted from the quantity of signal peaks. The fitting equation is proved to be precise within the uncertainty of

±

0.17

m
m

(

±

2.8
%

of the vortex beam radius), and the center of rotation is located with an error less than 3.33% of the beam radius. Our work provides a new approach to locate the center of rotation of noncooperative objects, which may be valuable in mechanical manufacturing and optical noncontact metrology.
Characterization of optically thin cells and experimental liquid crystals
Authors: Bankova Denitsa , Brouckaert Nicolas , Podoliak Nina , Beddoes Benjamin , White Eleanor , Buchnev Oleksandr , Kaczmarek Malgosia , D’Alessandro Giampaolo
Published: April 2022

The current development of new liquid crystal devices often requires the use of thin cells and new experimental materials. Characterizing these devices and materials with optical methods can be challenging if (1) the total phase lag is small (“thin cells”) or (2) the liquid crystal optical and dielectric properties are only partially known. We explore the limitations of these two challenges for efficient characterization and assessment of new, to the best of our knowledge, liquid crystal devices. We show that it is possible to extract a wealth of liquid crystal parameters even for cells with a phase lag of

Δ
Φ
≈
π

, such as E7 liquid crystal in a 1.5 µm cell, using cross-polarized intensity measurements. The reliability of the optical method is also demonstrated for liquid crystals without precise values of dielectric or refractive index coefficients.
Non-classical high harmonic generation in graphene driven by linearly-polarized laser pulses
Authors: Boyero-García Roberto , García-Cabrera Ana , Zurrón-Cifuentes Oscar , Hernández-García Carlos , Plaja Luis
Published: April 2022

Recent studies in high-order harmonic generation (HHG) in solid targets reveal new scenarios of extraordinary rich electronic dynamics, in comparison to the atomic and molecular cases. For the later, the main aspects of the process can be described semiclassically in terms of electrons that recombine when the trajectories revisit the parent ion. HHG in solids has been described by an analogous mechanism, in this case involving electron-hole pair recombinations. However, it has been recently reported that a substantial part of the HHG emission corresponds to situations where the electron and hole trajectories do not overlap in space. According to the present knowledge, HHG from this imperfect recollisions reflects the quantum nature of the process, arising in systems with large Berry curvatures or for elliptically polarized driving fields. In this work, we demonstrate that imperfect recollisions are also relevant in the more general case. We show the signature of such recollisions in the HHG spectrum from monolayer graphene —a system with null Berry curvature— irradiated by linearly polarized driving fields. Our calculations also reveal that imperfect multiple-order recollisions contribute to the harmonic emission when electron-hole excursion times exceed one cycle of the driving field. We believe that our work adds a substantial contribution to the full understanding of the sub-femtosecond dynamics of HHG in solid systems.
Stable entanglement and one-way steering via engineering of a single-atom reservoir
Authors: Wang Fei , Wang Chaowen , Shen Kang , Hu Xiangming
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we reexamine the quantum correlations in a four-state single-atom system in the weak coupling regime, aiming at the realization of stable entanglement and one-way steering via dissipation rather than coherent evolution process. Under the near-resonant conditions, we find out that a single atom can act as a reservoir and behave like a two-level system with a single dissipation channel, through which the composite Bogoliubov mode will evolve into a vacuum state, resulting in the appearance of stationary entanglement between two original modes. In addition, the one-way steering is generated when the symmetry is broken by choosing asymmetrical coupling constants. The present scheme may provide convenience for experimental implement and find applications in quantum information processing.
All-silica optical fiber bonding
Authors: Maniewski Pawel , Fokine Michael , Laurell Fredrik
Published: April 2022

In this work, we demonstrate a spot-welding method for fabrication of all-silica fiber components. A CO2 laser was used to locally sinter sub-micron silica powders, enabling rigid bonding of optical fiber to glass substrates. The bonding was achieved without inducing any fiber transmission losses. The components showed no sign of deterioration or structural change when heated up to 1100 °C. These single material assemblies are therefore well suited for use in harsh environments where high stability and robustness is required.
Operation of a fiber-coupled laser-cooler down to cryogenic temperatures: publisher’s note
Authors: Vicente Rémi , Cittadino Giovanni , Di Lieto Alberto , Tonelli Mauro , Gardelein Arnaud , Nogues Gilles
Published: April 2022

This publisher’s note contains a correction to [Opt. Express 30, 12929 (2022)10.1364/OE.448930].
Adaptive projection moiré method for arbitrarily arranged light path system
Authors: Cai Tianyu , Sun Chen , Chen Jubing
Published: April 2022

In the projection moiré method, the projected fringe with a constant period usually generates a moiré pattern with nonuniform fringe spacing, which increases the low modulation regions and local measurement error. In this work, an adaptive moiré pattern generation method for the projection moiré system is developed. By formulating the relationship between the surface contour and moiré fringe spacing, the period of the projected fringe is modulated to acquire a uniform moiré pattern and highly improve the full-field measurement precision. The corresponding calculation algorithm is developed to obtain the 3D morphology. The proposed method is applicable to an arbitrarily arranged projection moiré system on any continuous surface without the phase jump error. A series of experiments are carried out, and the results are discussed in detail.
Anti-Stokes fluorescence cooling of nanoparticle-doped silica fibers
Authors: Vigneron Pierre-Baptiste , Meehan Bailey , Cahoon Mary Ann , Hawkins Thomas W. , Ballato John , Dragic Peter D. , Engholm Magnus , Boilard Tommy , Bernier Martin , Digonnet Michel J. F.
Published: April 2022

The first observation of cooling by anti-Stokes pumping in nanoparticle-doped silica fibers is reported. Four Yb-doped fibers fabricated using conventional modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD) techniques were evaluated, namely, an aluminosilicate fiber and three fibers in which the Yb ions were encapsulated in CaF2, SrF2, or BaF2 nanoparticles. The nanoparticles, which oxidize during preform processing, provide a modified chemical environment for the Yb3+ ions that is beneficial to cooling. When pumped at the near-optimum cooling wavelength of 1040 nm at atmospheric pressure, the fibers experienced a maximum measured temperature drop of 20.5 mK (aluminosilicate fiber), 26.2 mK (CaF2 fiber), and 16.7 mK (SrF2 fiber). The BaF2 fiber did not cool but warmed slightly. The three fibers that cooled had a cooling efficiency comparable to that of the best previously reported Yb-doped silica fiber that cooled. Data analysis shows that this efficiency is explained by the fibers’ high critical quenching concentration and low residual absorptive loss (linked to sub-ppm OH contamination). This study demonstrates the large untapped potential of nanoparticle doping in the current search for silicate compositions that produce optimum anti-Stokes cooling.
Spectral broadening mechanism of Yb3+-doped cubic LuxSc2-xO3 sesquioxide crystals for ultrafast lasers
Authors: Guo Ruiqi , Huang Dapeng , Lu Dazhi , Liang Fei , Zhang Qingli , Yu Haohai , Zhang Huaijin
Published: April 2022

Over the past decades, Yb3+-doped cubic sesquioxide crystals have been considered as ideal gain materials for ultrafast laser generation, owing to their high thermal conductivity and adequate optical characteristics. The broadening of spectra by mixing host crystals to obtain short pulses has been extensively explored; however, few studies have examined the mechanism of the crystal field effect on spectral broadening. This paper describes the spectral broadening process caused by the combination of the discrete transition peaks induced by the crystal field effect and electron-phonon coupling widening based on Yb:LuxSc2-xO3 crystals. The energy level splitting induced by the crystal field effect not only determines the emission peak positions, but also broadens the emission spectra in the mixed host materials through the increasing spin-orbit coupling effect. Moreover, with the involvement of the electron-phonon coupling and the crystal field effect, the spectral broadening is much more obvious at room temperature. These results not only explain the spectral broadening mechanism of Yb3+-doped sesquioxides but also provide important insights for the improvement of new ultrafast laser materials.
Determination of the far-infrared dielectric function of a thin InGaAs layer using a detuned Salisbury screen
Authors: Le Tuan Nghia , Pelouard Jean-Luc , Charra Fabrice , Vassant Simon
Published: April 2022

We present a method to determine the far-infrared dielectric function parameters of a thin In0.53Ga0.47As layer. We use a detuned Salisbury screen configuration to enhance the interaction of far infrared light with optical phonons in the InGaAs layer. From polarized angle-resolved reflectance spectrum and Raman spectroscopy, we obtain experimental data that we adjust using a dielectric function model fulfilling causality. We provide a complete set of parameters for an analytic expression of In0.53Ga0.47As dielectric function in the optical phonon frequency range and deduce a value for the static dielectric constant.
The beneficial effect of chronic muscular exercise on muscle fragility is increased by Prox1 gene transfer in dystrophic mdx muscle
Authors: Monceau Alexandra , Delacroix Clément , Lemaitre Mégane , Revet Gaelle , Furling Denis , Agbulut Onnik , Klein Arnaud , Ferry Arnaud
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Greater muscle fragility is thought to cause the exhaustion of the muscle stem cells during successive degeneration/repair cycles, leading to muscle wasting and weakness in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Chronic voluntary exercise can partially reduce the susceptibility to contraction induced-muscle damage, i.e., muscle fragility, as shown by a reduced immediate maximal force drop following lengthening contractions, in the dystrophic mdx mice. Here, we studied the effect of Prospero-related homeobox factor 1 gene (Prox1) transfer (overexpression) using an AAV on fragility in chronically exercised mdx mice, because Prox1 promotes slower type fibres in healthy mice and slower fibres are less fragile in mdx muscle.

Methods

Both tibialis anterior muscles of the same mdx mouse received the transfer of Prox1 and PBS and the mice performed voluntary running into a wheel during 1 month. We also performed Prox1 transfer in sedentary mdx mice. In situ maximal force production of the muscle in response to nerve stimulation was assessed before, during and after 10 lengthening contractions. Molecular muscle parameters were also evaluated.

Results

Interestingly, Prox1 transfer reduced the isometric force drop following lengthening contractions in exercised mdx mice (p < 0.05 to 0.01), but not in sedentary mdx mice. It also increased the muscle expression of Myh7 (p < 0.001), MHC-2x (p < 0.01) and Trpc1 (p < 0.01), whereas it reduced that one of Myh4 (p < 0.001) and MHC-2b (p < 0.01) in exercised mdx mice. Moreover, Prox1 transfer decreased the absolute maximal isometric force (p < 0.01), but not the specific maximal isometric force, before lengthening contraction in exercised (p < 0.01) and sedentary mdx mice.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that Prox1 transfer increased the beneficial effect of chronic exercise on muscle fragility in mdx mice, but reduced absolute maximal force. Thus, the potential clinical benefit of the transfer of Prox1 into exercised dystrophic muscle can merit further investigation.
Impact of tourism on sustainable development in BRI countries: The moderating role of institutional quality
Authors: Iftikhar Huma , Pinglu Chen , Ullah Saif , Ullah Atta
Published: April 2022

This study investigated the influence of tourism on sustainable development while considering institutional quality as a moderating variable. Moreover, exchange rate, urbanization, household consumption, per capita income and renewable energy per capita were also essential factors in determining sustainable development. The sample consists of 64 Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries from 2003–2018. The outcomes of the two-step system GMM confirmed the statistically significant and positive dynamic nature of sustainable development and its relationship with tourism and other determinants at a significance level of 1% for BRI countries. Institutional quality enhanced the 4.693% sustainability path to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) agenda with regionally interconnected countries at significance level of 1%. Renewable energy per-capita and income per-capita played a significant and positive role, while the exchange rate, household consumption, and urbanization negatively influenced by hurting thd path of sustainable development. The current research findings have valuable contributions to academics as it offers novel insights about the 0. 351% influence of tourism on sustainable development at significance level of 1%, and it proposes valued suggestions to policymakers concerning tourism development strategies.
Occurrence of a novel cleavage site for cathepsin G adjacent to the polybasic sequence within the proteolytically sensitive activation loop of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant: The amino acid substitution N679K and P681H of the spike protein
Authors: Mustafa Zhadyra , Kalbacher Hubert , Burster Timo
Published: April 2022

The serine proteases neutrophil elastase (NE), proteinase 3 (PR3), cathepsin G (CatG), and neutrophil serine protease 4 (NSP4) are secreted by activated neutrophils as a part of the innate immune response against invading pathogens. However, these serine proteases might be adopted by viruses to mediate viral surface protein priming resulting in host cell entrance and productive infection. Indeed, NE and PR3 hydrolyze the scissile peptide bond within the proteolytically sensitive polybasic sequence of the activation loop of SARS-CoV-2 located at the S1/S2 interface of the Spike (S) protein; an amino acid motif which differs from SARS-CoV-1. The occurrence of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants and substitution of distinct amino acids at the polybasic sequence prompts serious concerns regarding increased transmissibility. We propose that a novel cleavage site by CatG of the Omicron variant and the increased substrate turnover of the Delta variant by furin within the polybasic sequence should be considered for increased transmission of SARS-CoV-2 variants.
6 month serologic response to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare workers
Authors: Cham Jason , Pandey Amitabh C. , New Jacob , Huynh Tridu , Hong Lee , Orendain Natalia , Topol Eric J. , Nicholson Laura J.
Published: April 2022

Aim

Healthcare workers (HCWs) were among the first group of people vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine (BNT162b2). Characterization of the kinetics of antibody response to vaccination is important to devise future vaccination strategies. To better characterize the antibody response to BNT162b2, we analyzed the kinetics of IgG and IgM antibody response to 5 different SARS-CoV-2 epitopes over a period of 6 months.

Methods and results

An observational single-centered study was conducted to evaluate the temporal dynamics of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies following immunization with two doses of BNT162b2. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were assessed using the Maverick SARS-CoV-2 multi-antigen panel (Genalyte Inc.). Healthcare workers aged ≥18 receiving BNT162b2 vaccination who self-reported no prior symptoms of COVID-19 nor prior COVID-19 PCR test positivity, were included in this study. HCWs developed an IgG antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 Spike S1, Spike S1 receptor binding domain (RBD), Spike S1S2 and Spike S2 after vaccination. IgG response was observed at two weeks following immunization in most participant samples and continued to increase at week 4, but subsequently decreased significantly starting at 3 months and up to 6 months. In contrast, IgM response to respective epitopes was minimal.

Conclusion

Multiplex results demonstrate that, contrary to natural infection, immunization with BNT162b2 produces minimal anti-Spike IgM response. Polyclonal IgG response to Spike declined at 3 months and continued to do so up to 6 months.
Prognostic Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) miRNA biomarkers for survival outcome in EBV-associated epithelial malignancies: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Abusalah Mai Abdel Haleem , Irekeola Ahmad Adebayo , Hanim Shueb Rafidah , Jarrar Mu’taman , Yean Yean Chan
Published: April 2022

Background

The EBV-associated epithelial tumours consist 80% of all EBV-associated cancer, where the nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) and EBV-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC) are considered as the most frequent EBV-associated epithelial tumours. It has been shown that the BART-encoded miRNAs are abundantly expressed in EBV-associated epithelial tumours, hence, these miRNAs may serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for EBV-associated epithelial tumours. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess these EBV miRNAs as prognostic biomarkers for NPC and GC.

Method

This systematic review was developed based on PRISMA guidelines and utilizing PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, and Google scholar databases. The retrieved articles were thoroughly screened in accordance with the selection criteria. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for patient survival outcomes were used to evaluate EBV miRNA expression levels. To assess the risk of bias, funnel plot symmetry and Egger’s bias test were employed.

Result

Eleven studies met the selection criteria for inclusion, and four were included in the meta-analysis. Most of the articles considered in this study were from China, with one study from South Korea. The overall pooled effect size estimation (HR) for upregulated EBV miRNAs was 3.168 (95% CI: 2.020–4.969), demonstrating that upregulated EBV miRNA expression enhanced the mortality risk in NPC and GC patients by three times.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis that investigates the significance of EBV miRNAs as prognostic biomarkers in NPC and GC patients. The pooled effect estimates of HR of the various studies revealed that higher EBV miRNA expression in NPC and GC may result in a worse survival outcome. To assess the clinical significance of EBV miRNAs as prognostic biomarkers, larger-scale prospective studies are needed.
idpr: A package for profiling and analyzing Intrinsically Disordered Proteins in R
Authors: McFadden William M. , Yanowitz Judith L.
Published: April 2022

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) are proteins or protein-domains that do not have a single native structure, rather, they are a class of flexible peptides that can rapidly adopt multiple conformations. IDPs are quite abundant, and their dynamic characteristics provide unique advantages for various biological processes. The field of “unstructured biology” has emerged, in part, because of numerous computational studies that had identified the unique characteristics of IDPs and IDRs. The package ‘idpr’, short forIntrinsicallyDisorderedProteins inR, implements several R functions that match the established characteristics of IDPs to protein sequences of interest. This includes calculations of residue composition, charge-hydropathy relationships, and predictions of intrinsic disorder. Additionally,idprintegrates several amino acid substitution matrices and calculators to supplement IDP-based workflows. Overall,idpraims to integrate tools for the computational analysis of IDPs within R, facilitating the analysis of these important, yet under-characterized, proteins. Theidprpackage can be downloaded from Bioconductor (https://bioconductor.org/packages/idpr/).
Species identification skills predict in-depth knowledge about species
Authors: Hooykaas Michiel Jan Dirk , Schilthuizen Menno , Albers Casper Johannes , Smeets Ionica
Published: April 2022

To raise biodiversity awareness effectively, communicators should be aware of knowledge levels in their audiences. Species identification skills have been used in the past as a measure of what people know about species, yet it is not known whether they serve as good indicators. To study the link between species identification and in-depth species knowledge, we presented an animal knowledge test to an online audience of over 7,000 Dutch adults, and used correlation and regression analyses to determine the extent to which species identification predicts in-depth knowledge about species’ origin, habitat, diet, and behavior. We found that in-depth knowledge was higher in those who correctly identified species as compared with those who did not correctly identify species, for all four types of in-depth knowledge. Moreover, as compared to alternative variables (work, age, gender, and educational level), species identification was by far the best predictor for in-depth knowledge about species. However, species identification levels were generally higher than levels of in-depth knowledge, and knowledge gaps and misconceptions were uncovered. The results confirm the value of species identification tests, but also highlight limitations and challenges that should be taken into account when establishing knowledge levels and communicating biodiversity.
COVID-19 precautionary practices and associated factors among clients visiting a tertiary hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Bizuneh Hailemichael , Mohammed Shikur , Yesuf Aman
Published: April 2022

Background

Despite efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, Addis Ababa, the country’s COVID-19 epicenter, is experiencing a sharp increase in the number of cases and death rate. While poor public adherence to COVID-19 precautionary practices is evident, factors associated with it are not well studied. We aimed to assess the level of practice of COVID-19 precaution and associated factors.

Methods

This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted from February 1st to 15th, 2021 at Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, a tertiary teaching hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We used a structured questionnaire to conduct a face-to-face exit interview with clients visiting the hospital. Systematic random sampling was employed to recruit study participants. Binary and multivariable logistic regressions were implemented to examine factors associated with precautionary practices. Statistical significance was declared at p-value <0.05. The Crude odds ratio (COR) and Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) were reported with a 95% confidence interval.

Results

We analyzed data obtained from 262 participants. The mean age of participants was 36 (SD+12) years. The majority (207, 79%) of the study participants had a favorable attitude towards prevention and control measures of COVID-19. A little over half (116, 55.7%) of the respondents had a satisfactory level of practice of COVID-19 precautions. Living in an area with strict enforcement of COVID-19 precautionary measures [AOR: 2.25, 95% CI (1.22–4.15)], and having a favorable attitude of COVID-19 prevention [AOR: 4.88, 95% CI (2.08–11.68)] were significantly associated with satisfactory COVID-19 precautionary practices.

Conclusions

The level of practice of COVID-19 precaution was unsatisfactory. Favorable attitude and stricter enforcement of COVID-19 preventive measures might have contributed more to adherence to precautionary practices. The findings highlight the need for a public health education strategy targeted at improving attitudes of the community on COVID-19 focusing on the effectiveness of preventive measures.
Comparison of risks of arterial thromboembolic events and glaucoma with ranibizumab and aflibercept intravitreous injection: A nationwide population‐based cohort study
Authors: Chang Yin-Hsi , Chien Li-Nien , Chen Wan-Ting , Lin I-Chan
Published: April 2022

Background

To compare intravitreal aflibercept injection with intravitreal ranibizumab injection for the risk of major arterial thromboembolic events (ATEs) and glaucoma.

Methods

This retrospective, nationwide cohort study investigated 15 611 and 3867 patients aged >50 years with at least one pharmacy claim for intravitreal ranibizumab injection and aflibercept injection between 2011 and 2016, respectively. The inverse probability of treatment weighting method was performed to adjust the baseline difference between the two groups and the hazard risk of adverse events was estimated using the Cox proportional regression model.

Results

No significant difference was noted between intravitreal ranibizumab and aflibercept injection for arterial thromboembolic risk, including ischemic stroke and acute myocardial infarction, during a 2-year follow-up (adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.53–1.42;P= .583). Subgroup analyses revealed that patients age >65 years (adjusted HR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.45–0.92) and those without coronary artery disease (adjusted HR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.37–0.95) had significantly lower arterial thromboembolic risk in the aflibercept group than in the ranibizumab group. Additionally, the risk of glaucoma development after intravitreal injection did not significantly differ between the two groups (adjusted HR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.37–1.06;P= .084).

Conclusions

No significant differences in the risk of major ATEs and glaucoma were found between ranibizumab and aflibercept, and aflibercept might be safe for use in elderly patients.
CO2 induced seawater acidification impacts survival and development of European eel embryos
Authors: Sganga Daniela E. , Dahlke Flemming T. , Sørensen Sune R. , Butts Ian A. E. , Tomkiewicz Jonna , Mazurais David , Servili Arianna , Bertolini Francesca , Politis Sebastian N.
Published: April 2022

Fish embryos may be vulnerable to seawater acidification resulting from anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions or from excessive biological CO2 production in aquaculture systems. This study investigated CO2 effects on embryos of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla), a catadromous fish that is considered at risk from climate change and that is targeted for hatchery production to sustain aquaculture of the species. Eel embryos were reared in three independent recirculation systems with different pH/CO2 levels representing “control” (pH 8.1, 300 μatm CO2), end-of-century climate change (“intermediate”, pH 7.6, 900 μatm CO2) and “extreme” aquaculture conditions (pH 7.1, 3000 μatm CO2). Sensitivity analyses were conducted at 4, 24, and 48 hours post-fertilization (hpf) by focusing on development, survival, and expression of genes related to acute stress response (crhr1, crfr2), stress/repair response (hsp70, hsp90), water and solute transport (aqp1, aqp3), acid-base regulation (nkcc1a, ncc, car15), and inhibitory neurotransmission (GABAAα6b, Gabra1). Results revealed that embryos developing at intermediate pH showed similar survival rates to the control, but egg swelling was impaired, resulting in a reduction in egg size with decreasing pH. Embryos exposed to extreme pH had 0.6-fold decrease in survival at 24 hpf and a 0.3-fold change at 48 compared to the control. These observed effects of acidification were not reflected by changes in expression of any of the here studied genes. On the contrary, differential expression was observed along embryonic development independent of treatment, indicating that the underlying regulating systems are under development and that embryos are limited in their ability to regulate molecular responses to acidification. In conclusion, exposure to predicted end-of-century ocean pCO2 conditions may affect normal development of this species in nature during sensitive early life history stages with limited physiological response capacities, while extreme acidification will negatively influence embryonic survival and development under hatchery conditions.
Social–ecological systems approaches are essential for understanding and responding to the complex impacts of COVID-19 on people and the environment
Authors: Kadykalo Andrew N. , Beaudoin Christine , Hackenburg Diana M. , Young Nathan , Cooke Steven J.
Published: April 2022

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is dramatically impacting planetary and human societal systems that are inseparably linked. Zoonotic diseases like COVID-19 expose how human well-being is inextricably interconnected with the environment and to other converging (human driven) social–ecological crises, such as the dramatic losses of biodiversity, land use change, and climate change. We argue that COVID-19 is itself a social–ecological crisis, but responses so far have not been inclusive of ecological resiliency, in part because the “Anthropause” metaphor has created an unrealistic sense of comfort that excuses inaction. Anthropause narratives belie the fact that resource extraction has continued during the pandemic and that business-as-usual continues to cause widespread ecosystem degradation that requires immediate policy attention. In some cases, COVID-19 policy measures further contributed to the problem such as reducing environmental taxes or regulatory enforcement. While some social–ecological systems (SES) are experiencing reduced impacts, others are experiencing what we term an “Anthrocrush,” with more visitors and intensified use. The varied causes and impacts of the pandemic can be better understood with a social–ecological lens. Social–ecological insights are necessary to plan and build the resilience needed to tackle the pandemic and future social–ecological crises. If we as a society are serious about building back better from the pandemic, we must embrace a set of research and policy responses informed by SES thinking.
‘The big shot had become the outsider’: Empathy and circumstance in Elia Kazan’s ‘southern trilogy’
Authors: Homer Jarrod
Published: April 2022

This article brings together three consecutive films within Elia Kazan’s filmography, Baby Doll (1956), A Face in the Crowd (1957) and Wild River (1960) and conceptualizes an informal ‘southern trilogy’ within the director’s body of work that attempts an empathetic understanding of the situation that America’s White southerners found themselves in during a time of social and economic upheaval, whilst simultaneously petitioning for the necessity of widespread change. The suggestion is that Kazan’s personal experience as a friendly witness to the House of Un-American Activities Committee, and the resulting ostracization from his artistic community, lent the director a unique voice that imbued these films with a sense of understanding regarding the tension between personal circumstance and evolving cultural environments. Collectively the three films document Kazan’s journey as he sought to justify his political decisions through an insightful and humane discussion of how the changes taking place in the American South throughout the 1950s impacted the everyday private dramas of the region’s inhabitants. Whilst Kazan had struggled to be right in a world that he thought had gone wrong, he portrays his White protagonists as struggling with being wrong in a world that Kazan sees as going right.
The gendering of Americanness and citizenship narratives in Spider-Man comic books: The case of Mary Jane Watson
Authors: Bukač Zlatko
Published: April 2022

This study is premised on the concept of citizenship theory, primarily what is often called cultural citizenship and how this kind of approach can provide insight on narrative development of superhero comic book characters Spider-Man (Peter Parker) and Mary Jane Watson. By positioning the analysis within discourse theory (enforced by representational theory) it relies on the idea of the private and public sphere, the starting point of Lauren Berlant’s notion of citizenship, and how gender roles framed Mary Jane Watson and superhero Spider-Man in the process of gendering national identity. This article draws on two main sets of analyses – the wedding ceremony of Peter and Mary Jane that happened outside comic book panels, at the Shea Stadium in New York in 1987, and Tom DeFalco’s story Maximum Carnage from 1992. These cases are tackled from the position of gender representation with the focus on elaborating how the discourses about gender and citizenship positioned the character of Mary Jane and Spider-Man into the realm of gendered Americanness. The embeddedness of these findings places Mary Jane as a vital part of Spider-Man stories while pointing out specific discursive forms of gendered nationality in American popular superhero narratives: domesticated female identity and active male identity.
The personal and the political in twenty-first-century America: Self- and cultural inquiry in contemporary rape memoirs
Authors: Fernández-Morales Marta
Published: April 2022

With a focus on the twenty-first-century United States, this article explores two narratives of sexual violence written by White women: Rape New York by Jana Leo (2009) and Joanna Connors’ I Will Find You (2016). In order to discuss them in relation to the topic proposed, the following research questions are posed: (1) What is the aim of the text? (2) Which methods of composition and narrative are used to achieve that aim? (3) Does the text manifest a political intention? (4) Does that intention align with the current wave of feminism? The thesis sustained here is that these two authors create stories of sexual violence where the personal is political in ways that are relevant to a feminist understanding of contemporary America. I propose that Leo and Connors, writing before #MeToo, can be considered early fourth-wavers. Their approach to the events that they portray is intersectional, and they practice self- and cultural inquiry as part of their process of constructing autobiographical rape narratives.
The American Photo-Text, 1930–1960, Caroline Blinder (2019)
Authors: Gürsel Bahar
Published: April 2022

Review of: The American Photo-Text, 1930–1960, Caroline Blinder (2019)

Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 249 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-47440-412-9 h/bk £75.00, p/bk £19.99
Development of a multiplex polymerase chain reaction technique for detection and discrimination of Eimeria spp. in cattle in Indonesia
Authors: Ekawasti Fitrine , Nurcahyo Raden Wisnu , Nashrulloh Mukh Fajar , Priyowidodo Dwi , Prastowo Joko
Published: April 2022

Background and Aim: Bovine eimeriosis is a disease caused by apicomplexan parasites of the genus Eimeria. It is one of the most important and widespread bovine illnesses in the world. Some of the identified species of bovine eimeriosis have morphologically similar oocysts that are difficult to differentiate. For the identification of particular Eimeria spp., diagnostic laboratories are increasingly turning to DNA-based technology. This study aims to develop a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) technique based on the internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS-1) gene for the simultaneous identification of pathogenic Eimeria spp. in cattle from Sulawesi Island, Indonesia.

Materials and Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted by the DNAzol reagent from the purified Eimeria oocysts. Species-specific primers targeting the ITS-1 region were used to amplify the distinct Eimeria spp.

Results: Using PCR ITS-1, this study showed that 36 of 120 fecal samples (30%) were infected by Eimeria spp. The multiplex PCR assay allowed for the simultaneous identification of six major Eimeria spp. in a single-tube reaction. The proportion of mixed Eimeria spp. infections was 100% (36/36). The maximum number of Eimeria spp. was five, and the minimum number was two.

Conclusion: Identification of six pathogenic Eimeria spp. in cattle was successfully carried out by nested multiplex PCR using ITS-1 gene. In the future, a procedure to detect pathogenic Eimeria spp. in one tube reaction will offer economical and save diagnostic time.