bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chromatin structure influences rate and spectrum of spontaneous mutations inNeurospora crassa
Authors: Villalba de la Peña Mariana , Summanen Pauliina A. M. , Liukkonen Martta , Kronholm Ilkka
Published: March 2022

While mutation rates have been extensively studied, variation in mutation rates throughout the genome is poorly understood. To understand patterns of genetic variation, it is important to understand how mutation rates vary. Chromatin modifications may be an important factor in determining variation in mutation rates in eukaryotic genomes. To study variation in mutation rates, we performed a mutation accumulation experiment in the filamentous fungusNeurospora crassa, and sequenced the genomes of the 40 MA lines that had been propagated asexually for approximately 1015 [1003, 1026] mitoses. We detected 1322 mutations in total, and observed that the mutation rate was higher in regions of low GC, in domains of H3K9 trimethylation, in centromeric regions, and in domains of H3K27 trimethylation. The rate of single nucleotide mutations in euchromatin was 2.46 [2.19, 2.77] × 10−10. In contrast, the mutation rate in H3K9me3 domains was tenfold higher: 2.43 [2.25, 2.62] × 10−9. We also observed that the spectrum of single nucleotide mutations was different between H3K9me3 and euchromatic domains. Our statistical model of mutation rate variation predicted a moderate amount of extant genetic variation, suggesting that the mutation rate is an important factor in determining levels of natural genetic variation. Furthermore, we characterized mutation rates of structural variants, complex mutations, and the effect of local sequence context on the mutation rate. Our study highlights that chromatin modifications are associated with mutation rates, and accurate evolutionary inferences should take variation in mutation rates across the genome into account.
Genome-wide analysis of PTR/POT transporters in Candida species and their functional characterization in the newly emerged pathogen Candida auris
Authors: Khatoon Rosy , Sharma Suman , Prasad Rajendra , Lynn Andrew M. , Prakash Amresh , Banerjee Atanu
Published: March 2022

The PTR or proton-dependent oligopeptide transporter (POT) family exploits the inwardly directed proton motive force to facilitate the cellular uptake of di- and tripeptides. Interestingly, representatives from the family have shown efficacy in delivering peptide-based antifungal derivatives in certain Candida species. Given the increased incidences of fungal infections by Candida species and the associated escalating orders of resistance against frontline antifungals, peptide derivatives are attractive therapeutic options. In that direction, the identification and characterization of PTR transporters serve as an essential first step in the translation of peptide-based antifungals as next-gen therapeutics. Herein, we present a genome-wide inventory of the PTR transporters in five prominent Candida species. Our study identifies 2 PTR transporters each in C. albicans and C. dubliniensis, 1 in C. glabrata, 4 in C. parapsilosis, and 3 in C. auris. Notably, despite all representatives retaining the conserved features seen in the PTR family, there exist two distinct classes of PTR transporters that differ in terms of their sequence identities and membrane topology. Further, we also evaluated the contribution of each PTR protein of the newly emerged multidrug-resistant C. auris in di-/tripeptide uptake. Notably, deletion of the PTR transporters encoded by BNJ08_003830 and BNJ08_005124 led to a marked reduction in the transport capabilities of several tested di-/tripeptides. Besides, BNJ08_005124 deletion also resulted in increased resistance towards the peptide-nucleoside drug Nikkomycin Z, pointing towards its predominant role in the uptake mechanism. Altogether, the study provides an important template for future structure-function investigations of PTR transporters in Candida species.
Sulfur-mediated chalcogen versus hydrogen bonds in proteins: a seesaw effect in the conformational space
Authors: Adhav Vishal Annasaheb , Shelke Sanket Satish , Balanarayan P. , Saikrishnan Kayarat
Published: March 2022

Divalent sulfur (S) form chalcogen bond (Ch-bond) via its σ–holes and hydrogen bond (H-bond) via its lone-pairs. Relevance of these interactions and their interplay for protein structure and function is unclear. Based on the analyses of the crystal structures of small organic/organometallic molecules and proteins, and their Molecular Electrostatic Surface Potential, we show that the reciprocity of the substituent-dependent strength of the σ–holes and lone-pairs correlate with the formation of either Ch-bond or H-bond. In proteins, disulfide-bonded cystine preferentially forms Ch-bond, metal-chelated cysteine forms H-bond, while methionine forms either of them with comparable frequencies. This has implications to the positioning of these residues and their role in protein structure and function. Computational analyses reveal that the S-mediated interactions stabilize protein secondary structures by mechanisms such as helix capping, protecting free β-sheet edges by negative-design, and augmenting the stability of β-turns. We find that Ch-bond can be as strong as H-bond. The study highlights the importance of S-mediated Ch-bond and H-bond for understanding protein folding and function, development of improved strategies for protein/peptide structure prediction and design, and structure-based drug discovery.
A new insight into RecA filament regulation by RecX from the analysis of conformation-specific interactions
Authors: Alekseev Aleksandr , Pobegalov Georgii , Morozova Natalia , Vedyaykin Alexey , Cherevatenko Galina , Yakimov Alexander , Baitin Dmitry , Khodorkovskii Mikhail
Published: March 2022

RecA protein mediates homologous recombination repair in bacteria through assembly of long helical filaments on single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) in an ATP dependent manner. RecX, an important negative regulator of RecA, is known to inhibit RecA activity by stimulating the disassembly of RecA nucleoprotein filaments. Here we use a single-molecule approach to address the regulation of (E. coli) RecA-ssDNA filaments by RecX (E. coli) within the framework of distinct conformational states of RecA-ssDNA filament. Our findings revealed that RecX effectively binds the inactive conformation of RecA-ssDNA filaments and slows down the transition to the active state. Results of this work provide new mechanistic insights into the RecX-RecA interactions and highlight the importance of conformational transitions of RecA filaments as an additional level of regulation of its biological activity.
A consensus protocol for the recovery of mercury methylation genes from metagenomes
Authors: Capo Eric , Peterson Benjamin D. , Kim Minjae , Jones Daniel S. , Acinas Silvia G. , Amyot Marc , Bertilsson Stefan , Björn Erik , Buck Moritz , Cosio Claudia , Elias Dwayne , Gilmour Cynthia , Goñi Urriza Maria Soledad , Gu Baohua , Lin Heyu , Liu Yu-Rong , McMahon Katherine , Moreau John W. , Pinhassi Jarone , Podar Mircea , Puente-Sánchez Fernando , Sánchez Pablo , Storck Veronika , Tada Yuya , Vigneron Adrien , Walsh David , Vandewalle-Capo Marine , Bravo Andrea G. , Gionfriddo Caitlin
Published: March 2022

Mercury methylation genes (hgcAB) mediate the formation of the toxic methylmercury and have been identified from diverse environments, including freshwater and marine ecosystems, Arctic permafrost, forest and paddy soils, coal-ash amended sediments, chlor-alkali plants discharges and geothermal springs. Here we present the first attempt at a standardized protocol for the detection, identification and quantification of hgc genes from metagenomes. Our Hg-MATE (Hg-cycling Microorganisms in Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems) database, a catalogue of hgc genes, provides the most accurate information to date on the taxonomic identity and functional/metabolic attributes of microorganisms responsible for Hg methylation in the environment. Furthermore, we introduce “marky-coco”, a ready-to-use bioinformatic pipeline based on de novo single-metagenome assembly, for easy and accurate characterization of hgc genes from environmental samples. We compared the recovery of hgc genes from environmental metagenomes using the marky-coco pipeline with an approach based on co-assembly of multiple metagenomes. Our data show similar efficiency in both approaches for most environments except those with high diversity (i.e., paddy soils) for which a co-assembly approach was preferred. Finally, we discuss the definition of true hgc genes and methods to normalize hgc gene counts from metagenomes.
Impact of foreign and domestic ETFs on the volatility and pricing-efficiency of constituents during turbulent and tranquil times: Indian evidence
Authors: Tripathi Vanita , Sethi Aakanksha
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to ascertain how foreign and domestic Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) investing in Indian equities affect their return volatility and pricing efficiency. Further, we investigate how the difference in market timings affect the impact of ETFs on their constituents. Lastly, we examine how these effects vary during tranquil and turmoil periods in the ETF markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on quarterly data for stocks comprising the CNX Nifty 50 Index from 2009Q1 to 2019Q3. The data on holdings of 45 domestic and 196 foreign ETFs in the sample stocks were obtained from Thomson Reuters' Eikon. The paper employs a panel-regression methodology with stock and time fixed effects and robust standard errors.

Findings

Foreign ETFs from North America and the Asia Pacific largely have an adverse impact on stocks' return volatility. In times of turmoil, stocks with higher coverage of European, North American and Domestic funds are susceptible to volatility shocks emanating from these regions. European and Asia Pacific ETFs are associated with improved price discovery while North American funds impound a mean-reverting component in stock prices. However, in turbulent markets, both positive and negative impacts of ETFs on pricing efficiency coexist.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that examines the impact of domestic as well as foreign ETFs on the equities of an emerging market. Furthermore, the study is unique as we investigate how the effects of ETFs vary in turbulent and tranquil markets. Moreover, the paper examines the role of asynchronous market timings in determining the ETF impact. The paper adds to the growing literature on the unintended consequences of index-linked products.
Quality 4.0 – understanding the criticality of the dimensions using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique
Authors: Sureshchandar G.S.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

In this era of Industry 4.0, characterized by disruptive technologies, there is a need to identify and understand the role of the quality function in the excellence journey. Quality 4.0 refers to the digitalization of quality work in the context of Industry 4.0. As Quality 4.0 is a new concept, empirical research on the subject is extremely scant. Therefore, this study aims to identify and understand the criticality of the dimensions of Quality 4.0.

Design/methodology/approach

The present research identifies 12 axes (dimensions) of Quality 4.0 based on literature review and inputs from experts. The identified axes have been prioritized using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique.

Findings

The study concludes that the 12 dimensions contribute to outcome indicators such as organizational performance, agility and sustainability. It further adds that though technology is vital for Quality 4.0, elements of traditional quality such as leadership, quality culture, customer focus, quality systems, compliance, competence, analytical thinking, data-driven decision making, etc. are mandatory for the transformation journey. In today's context except for a few matured organizations, others are even struggling to implement the traditional aspects of quality.

Research limitations/implications

Cues to further research are provided which would help in the better understanding of Quality 4.0 and its role in the Industry 4.0 scenario.

Practical implications

This research would help the practitioners understand the determinants of Quality 4.0 system and their effects on organizational performance, agility and sustainability.

Originality/value

The present research work strives to throw light on the criticality of the dimensions of Quality 4.0, thereby contributing to theory building, especially given the paucity of literature in Quality 4.0.
Trust in peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms in Malaysia: understanding the determinants from retail investors' perspectives
Authors: Khan Mohammad Tariqul Islam
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Despite a large stake of investment by retail investors and a growing number of peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms coupled with the initiation of secondary market and strong regulatory framework, less is known what leads investors to trust in P2P (TP2P) lending platforms in a multi-ethnic country, Malaysia. This study aims to investigate the effects of individual characteristics (gender, age, ethnicity, education and income), social influence of P2P (SIP2P) lending and privacy of P2P (PP2P) lending on the trust in emerging P2P platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect the data from retail investors in Malaysia. A variance-based partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) model was applied to examine the significant predictors of TP2P lending platforms.

Findings

The results show that while investors' income is positively related to TP2P lending platforms, younger investors are less likely to have trust on P2P lending platforms. PP2P lending platforms increases retail investors' trust toward P2P platforms in Malaysia.

Practical implications

P2P service providers are suggested to give especial attention to investors' specific characteristics to develop trust and attract investors to the platforms. Service providers need to ensure the privacy of potential investors' personal and confidential data to build investors' trust.

Originality/value

This is the first study to assess retail investors' trust toward online P2P lending platforms in Malaysia, where this alternative financing platform gradually gaining popularity.
The impact of National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) on rural communities in Nigeria
Authors: Okolo-Obasi Nduka Elda , Uduji Joseph Ikechukwu
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) in Nigeria. Its special focus is to investigate the impact of NHGSFP on rural communities in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a survey research technique, aimed at gathering information from a representative sample of the population, as it is essentially cross-sectional, describing and interpreting the current situation. A total of 2,400 households were sampled across the six geopolitical regions of Nigeria.

Findings

The results from the use of a combined propensity score matching and logit model indicate that NHGSFP makes significant contributions to improving the health and educational status of rural school children, stimulates job creation and boosts rural economy.

Practical implications

This implies that a well-designed and integrated Home Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP) can make significant contributions to improving food security at the household level, spurring job creation and boosting agricultural markets.

Social implications

This suggests the need for a purposeful engagement and support from all stakeholders to ensure the success of HGSFP.

Originality/value

This research adds to the literature on school feeding in low-income countries. It concludes that school feeding programmes have been shown to directly increase the educational and nutritional status of recipient children and indirectly impact the economic and social lives of themselves and their family.
Female workers' career success in the handicraft industry: a study of Uttarakhand, India
Authors: Joshi Gunjan , Dhar Rajib Lochan
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This work is an extension of research on worker participation in achieving career success by including a prominent contextual construct, that is social capital. The present research aims to study how competency development influences the intrinsic career success of females in the handicraft industry, by considering the role of perceived employability as a mediator and social capital as a moderator. By doing so, this paper aims to fill the vacuum in the career literature that suggests that career success is not gender neutral.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from handicraft workers by adopting the survey method. CFA and SPSS macro named PROCESS were used to analyse data.

Findings

Competency development influences the subjective career success of female workers, and perceived employability mediated the relationship between them. Moreover, social capital independently moderates the relationship between the participation of workers in competency development and perceived employability.

Research limitations/implications

The study is conducted in the Indian context alone, and therefore future studies must be conducted globally to deepen the scholarly dialogue on female workers' career success. Also, the current study measures career success, from a subjective perspective, thus future studies can measure female workers' objective career success.

Practical implications

The current paper identifies the need to study the factors contributing to female workers' career success in small industries.

Social implications

Conventional industries and their workers' career success must be given equal importance by researchers, practitioners and policymakers.

Originality/value

The paper fills the gap in career research by exploring female workers' career success through empirical evidence.
The contribution effect of learning experience on financial well-being of government retirees in North-Central Nigeria
Authors: Soepding Benard Alkali
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to determine the contribution effect of learning experience on the financial well-being of government retirees in North-Central Nigeria. Special emphasis was placed on the contribution effect of the elements of the learning experience.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used correlational and cross-sectional research designs based on a questionnaire survey of 376 retirees drawn from North-Central Nigeria. A confirmatory factor analysis was used to identify the factors of learning experience using the Analysis of Moments of Structures (AMOS) software, version 23. The contributory effect of the confirmed sub-domains of learning experience on the financial well-being of retirees was established using hierarchical regression.

Findings

Confirmatory factor analysis results confirmed that financial knowledge, financial planning and financial self-efficacy are factors of learning experience. Although the sub-domains of the learning experience are significant predictors of financial well-being, financial knowledge has a significant effect on financial well-being, followed by financial planning and financial self-efficacy. The sub-domains of learning experience collectively explain about 46.5% of the variance in the financial well-being of retirees in North-Central Nigeria.

Originality/value

Unlike most other documentation on financial well-being, which has focused on the general effect of the learning experience as a global variable, this study explores the role played by the three dimensions of learning experience and methodologically isolates the contribution of each dimension with respect to retirees in developing countries. As such, we uncover the reality that all the sub-domains of the learning experience are significant for the financial well-being of retirees in a developing country context, though in varying effects.
Flipped classrooms: implications for K‐12 students with learning and behavioural challenges from an international exploratory study of teacher educators
Authors: Morse Timothy E. , Habib Amany , Carr Monica , Evans William
Published: March 2022

Flipped classrooms represent a new instructional paradigm for presenting K‐12 instruction. Whereas in traditional classrooms new content is taught during the school day and application activities are assigned for homework, in flipped classrooms students are expected to acquire new content by working through assigned tasks at home prior to the next day’s class. Subsequently, class time is used for application activities. To date, limited, conflicting analyses of research about the efficacy of the flipped classroom paradigm have been reported. This lack of a clear consensus is of concern for students with serious learning and/or behavioural challenges who have not been the focus of these analyses and whose learning characteristics arguably run counter to what students must do to be successful in flipped classrooms. The investigation reported herein addresses one aspect of the aforementioned void in the literature. Data from an international survey of teacher educators from 33 countries that ascertained their thoughts about the appropriateness of the flipped classroom paradigm for students with serious learning and/or behavioural challenges are reported. Results indicate that teacher educators have reservations about the appropriateness of flipped classrooms, but that their opinions are not fully informed by knowledge about, and experience with, these classrooms.
Robotic‐assisted laparoscopic surgery for synchronous primary rectal and prostate cancer: Initial case series
Authors: Fukata Koji , Akiyoshi Takashi , Numao Noboru , Komai Yoshinobu , Mukai Toshiki , Hiyoshi Yukiharu , Yamaguchi Tomohiro , Nagasaki Toshiya , Konishi Tsuyoshi , Fukunaga Yosuke
Published: March 2022

Few studies have reported the simultaneous resection of synchronous rectal and prostate cancers. Here, we report five patients undergoing simultaneous robotic‐assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) for synchronous rectal and prostate cancer. Rectal cancer operative procedures were high anterior (n =1), intersphincteric (n =2), or abdominoperineal (n =2) resection, followed by radical prostatectomy with vesico‐urethral anastomosis. There were no conversions to open surgery, with R0 resection achieved for all rectal cancer cases. The median operative time was 629 (range, 431–764) minutes, and the median estimated blood loss was 100 (range, 20–345) mL. There was one case of colorectal anastomotic leakage requiring covering ileostomy, and two cases of vesico‐urethral anastomotic leakage requiring Foley catheter reinsertion. Ileostomies were finally closed in all patients. Pad‐free or safety‐pad usage for post‐surgical urinary incontinence at 6 and 12 months was 3/5 and 5/5, respectively. Simultaneous RALS for synchronous rectal and prostate cancer may offer a safe and feasible approach in selected patients.
Carbon dioxide embolism during transanal total mesorectal excision: A hint of prevention from a case report
Authors: Fujii Masakazu , Kato Kentaro , Ichimaru Chisato , Kushiya Hiroki , Umemoto Kazufumi , Furukawa Shotaro , Okada Naoya , Imamura Kiyotaka , Yamabuki Takumi , Kinoshita Yoshihiro , Takada Minoru , Ambo Yoshiyasu , Nakamura Fumitaka , Hirano Satoshi
Published: March 2022

Transanal total mesorectal excision is a relatively new approach for treating lower rectal cancer. Carbon dioxide embolism is a critical complication of this procedure. We report the case of a 69‐year‐old man with lower rectal cancer who underwent transanal total mesorectal excision followed by laparoscopic low anterior resection. He had a sudden intraoperative carbon dioxide embolism during the transanal mesorectal excision. During the ventral dissection of the rectum, end‐tidal carbon dioxide and blood oxygen saturation suddenly decreased. We stopped the insufflation of carbon dioxide and suspended the procedure. There was no circulatory collapse, and the vital signs gradually recovered; therefore, we resumed the surgery approximately 30 minutes later and completed it without additional complications. Upon reviewing the video, we found a small injured vein that would aspirate carbon dioxide. These findings suggested that careful hemostasis is essential to prevent carbon dioxide embolus during transanal total mesorectal excision.
A novel double hemizygous BTK mutation in a boy presenting withPseudomonasskin abscesses
Authors: Guler Tugba , Emiroglu Melike , Duymus Fahrettin , Marzioglu Ozdemir Ebru , Artac Hasibe
Published: March 2022

Skin manifestations can serve as critical clues for early diagnosis of inborn errors of immunity. We report a patient with a double novel mutation in the BTK gene, who presented with skin abscesses caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This case illustrates the importance of immune evaluation in patients with therapy-resistant skin lesions.
Bi‐allelic SPATA22 variants cause premature ovarian insufficiency and nonobstructive azoospermia due to meiotic arrest
Authors: Yao Chencheng , Hou Dong , Ji Zhiyong , Pang Dongmei , Li Peng , Tian Ruhui , Zhang Yuxiang , Ou Ningjing , Bai Haowei , Zhi Erlei , Huang Yuhua , Qin Yingying , Zhao Jingpeng , Wang Chenchen , Zhou Zhi , Guo Ting , Li Zheng
Published: March 2022

The genetic causes of idiopathic premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) remain unclear. We performed whole‐exome sequencing (WES) in members of a consanguineous family with two POI and two NOA patients to screen for potential pathogenic variants for familial POI and NOA. And a homozygous variant in SPATA22 (c.400C>T:p.R134X) was identified. Histological analysis and spermatocyte spreading assay demonstrated that the spermatogenesis was arrested at a zygotene‐like stage in the proband with NOA. The candidate gene was further screened in the in‐house WES database of idiopathic POI‐affected patients. One additional compound heterozygous variant in SPATA22 (c.900+1G>A and c.31C>T:p.R11X) was found in one patient with sporadic POI and validated by minigene assay. Thus, this is the first report identifying SPATA22 as the causative gene for human POI. Combined with the observations in the familial patient with NOA, our findings highlighted the essential role of meiotic HR genes in gametogenesis and gonadal function maintenance.
Seizure latency and epilepsy localization as predictors of recurrence following epilepsy surgery
Authors: Klodowski David A. , George Brandon J. , Sperling Michael R.
Published: March 2022

Objective

The primary purpose is to determine whether the time between epilepsy surgery and first seizure recurrence can estimate the timing of the next seizure event for temporal and extratemporal epilepsy. A secondary endpoint aimed to compare temporal and extratemporal epilepsy surgery and examine which subgroup has a higher hazard of subsequent seizure recurrence.

Methods

Data used were from a retrospective database at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Records were stratified into temporal (n = 943) and extratemporal (n = 125) surgeries. Analyses were done using SAS and utilized Cox proportional hazards models while controlling for demographics and clinical factors. The primary predictor of time between surgery and first recurrence was treated as a nominal variable binned into six segments, whereas secondary endpoints used a categorical predictor of epilepsy location while controlling for seizure latency.

Results

Generally, as seizure latency following surgery increased, the time between first seizure and second seizure increased. These results were statistically meaningful in the temporal set (Wald chi‐squared = 40.4715, df = 5, p < .0001). Outcomes could also be interpreted based on predictor group; for instance, if Seizure 1 occurred 1–2 months following surgery in the temporal set, the median number of days until the next seizure was 35.5 days (95% confidence interval [CI] = 21–89 days). Secondary analysis showed that temporal lobe epilepsy had a lower hazard of a second seizure than extratemporal lobe epilepsy (89.2% reduction in hazard; 95% CI = .015–.795).

Significance

This analysis provides a framework to use initial seizure latency to predict the median number of days until the next seizure event, while stratifying based on epilepsy location and controlling for multiple variables. It also suggests that the hazard of seizure recurrence in temporal lobe epilepsy is lower than in extratemporal lobe epilepsy.
A user study with aspect‐based sentiment analysis for similarity of items in content‐based recommendations
Authors: Zanon André Levi , Souza Luan , Pressato Diany , Manzato Marcelo Garcia
Published: March 2022

Most studies on recommender systems focus on collaborative algorithm approaches over content‐based recommendation due to their better accuracy results. However, the advantage of the latter is that it is more effective and more transparent with user applications. This article proposes WordRecommender, an explainable content‐based algorithm that calculates similarity by semantic proximity. Its preprocessing step involves analyses of movie reviews to obtain aspects, defined as relevant words of high sentimental value. Recommendations are generated by a neighbourhood algorithm that calculates the similarity of films based on the semantic proximity of the aspects ordered by their emotional score. It can also consider a semantic comparison of metadata using the most related aspects from the recommended movie and one enjoyed by the user for the production of textual explanations. The accuracy of the algorithm was competitive with those of other baseline neighbourhood methods, and the semantic data of items can be the source of both representative information and reasoning in recommender systems.
Pain self‐management intervention supports successful attainment of self‐selected rehabilitation goals—secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gustavsson Catharina , von Koch Lena
Published: March 2022

Objectives

(i) Describe patients' self‐selected activity‐related rehabilitation goals, and (ii) compare attainment of these rehabilitation goals among people with persistent tension‐type neck pain receiving a group‐based pain and stress self‐management intervention (PASS) or individual physiotherapy (IPT).

Methods

Before intervention and random allocation to PASS or IPT, 156 people (PASS n = 77, IPT n = 79), listed three self‐selected activity‐related rehabilitation goals by use of the Patient Goal Priority Questionnaire (PGPQ). For each activity goal, participants rated limitations in activity performance, self‐efficacy and fear of activity performance, readiness to change to improve performance, and expectations of future activity performance. At follow‐ups (10 weeks, 20 weeks, 1 year and 2 years after inclusion), participants also responded to a question on changes made to improve activity performance. Mann–Whitney U test was used to evaluate between‐group differences.

Results

There were between‐group differences in favour of PASS in the attainment of self‐selected rehabilitation goals with regard to activity limitations and satisfaction with activity performance at all follow‐ups.

Conclusions

PASS was more successful than IPT for the attainment of self‐selected rehabilitation goals, improvements in activity limitations and satisfaction with activity performance as measured by PGPQ. The PASS programme emphasized the importance of applying active pain‐ and stress‐coping techniques in personal ‘risk situations’ for pain flare‐ups, which appear to support people with persistent tension‐type neck pain to make changes in their lives to improve activity performance.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patient engagement in rehabilitation by self‐selected goals was investigated, but patients were not involved in the design or conduct of the study.
The impact of sports coaching proficiency on student‐athlete skills
Authors: Fernandez Mark Anthony A.
Published: March 2022

The objective of this study is to determine the level of coaching proficiency of sports coaches and the level of skill of student‐athletes. It uses a descriptive‐correlational approach that ends up in developing a development plan. Respondents of this study came from the four selected state colleges and universities in Zamboanga Peninsula for the school year 2018–2019. The four selected schools were Jose Rizal Memorial State University, Western Mindanao State University, Josefina H. Cerilles State College, and Zamboanga State Polytechnic College. The variables of this study are educational attainment, length of coaching experience, sports specialisation, activities or seminars participated in, knowledge, skills, and attitudes of coaches. It also includes the basic skills, tactical skills, and behavioral skills of student‐athletes. Findings revealed that the skills of coaches were a great contributor to the development of student‐athletes’ tactical skills. On the other hand, the overall skills of student‐athletes were influenced by the skills of coaches.
Implementation of Stock Epinephrine in Chartered Versus Unchartered Public‐School Districts
Authors: Neupert Kathryn B. , Huntwork Margaret P. , Udemgba Chioma , Carlson John C.
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Access to unassigned epinephrine is critical for schools to treat anaphylaxis. Low socioeconomic status is associated with decreased access to epinephrine in the school setting. In and around New Orleans, physicians partner with schools to assist with stocking unassigned epinephrine autoinjectors (EAIs). New Orleans' decentralized public charter school district makes widespread adoption challenging.

METHODS

Physicians partnered with New Orleans decentralized public charter schools, as well as neighboring centralized public school districts, to perform training on recognizing and treating anaphylaxis, assist with the adoption of school policy for stock epinephrine, and aid with obtaining stock EIAs free‐of‐cost through the EpiPen4Schools® program. We used publicly available school enrollment data and our own calendar records to calculate how many children we covered with stock epinephrine per hour of physician or administrator time.

RESULTS

For centralized school districts, we cover approximately 4000 children with stock epinephrine per hour of time. For the decentralized district of New Orleans, we estimate covering only 400 children with stock epinephrine per hour of time.

CONCLUSION

Decentralized school districts reduce educational disparities, but require more time and energy to get EAIs in place than centralized school districts do.
Activity of biogenic silver nanoparticles against isolates of Prototheca species from bovine mastitis
Authors: Ely V.L. , Pereira D.I.B. , da Costa M.M. , Panagio L. , Nakasato G. , Reis G. , Cargnelutti J.F. , Sangioni L.A. , Botton S.A.
Published: March 2022

Prototheca spp. cause numerous infections in a wide variety of species, including treatment-unresponsive mastitis. Thus, the search for an effective therapy is essential. Silver nanoparticles are compounds with high therapeutic potential. This study aimed to evaluate the susceptibility profile and morphological changes in Prototheca spp. treated with biogenic silver nanoparticles (Bio-AgNP). The algaecide activity was evaluated in microplates by microdilution method, resulting in a MIC50 of 30 μg ml−1 and a MIC90 of 60 μg ml−1. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated changes in the surface of Prototheca bovis cells following treatment. The algaecide activity of Bio-AgNP suggests a therapeutic potential as a novel approach for the control of Prototheca spp. in bovine mastitis.
The Canadian–US dollar exchange rate over the four decades of the post‐Bretton Woods float: An econometric study allowing for structural breaks
Authors: Kurita Takamitsu , James Patrick
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study is to establish a theory‐consistent econometric model for the Canadian–US dollar exchange rate over the post‐Bretton Woods floating period, 1975–2021. In pursuing the objective, this paper reviews Canadian history in the context of major political events, bearing in mind the importance of oil for the Canadian economy, and it also assigns importance to allowing for structural breaks in the early 1980s and 2000s observed in the data. The overall empirical results support the fundamental‐based view of the long‐run exchange rate determination. This study also examines long‐run and short‐run influences of oil prices on the exchange rate dynamics because of the anticipated significant role for the US–Canada dyad.
Normality, safety and knowledge
Authors: Valaris Markos
Published: March 2022

Recent epistemology has seen a striking rise in interest in the notion of normality, including in the analysis of justified belief, defeasible reasoning, and knowledge. In the analysis of knowledge in particular, normality has been used to support modal analyses of knowledge, according to which knowledge is safely true belief. In this paper, I sound a note of caution regarding this proposal. As I will argue, the counterexamples that originally seemed to threaten the safety analysis of knowledge in its more traditional formulations have natural counterparts that continue to threaten the newer, normality‐based formulations. Moreover, these reformulated counterexamples seem to exploit structural features of the notion of normality itself, rather than one or another particular conception of normality.
Exploring the geographical distribution of human cryptosporidiosis in Southern Ontario from 2011 to 2014
Authors: Nwosu Andrea , Berke Olaf , Trotz‐Williams Lise A. , Pearl David L
Published: March 2022

Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite of increasing global public health concern because of its ability to cause disease in both humans and animals through contaminated food and water supplies. In Canada, most human cryptosporidiosis cases are due to Cryptosporidium hominis; however, the presence of zoonotic Cryptosporidium parvum has been observed. Since 2005, the incidence of cryptosporidiosis in Ontario has been consistently higher than the national average; however, it is not understood why, suggesting an incomplete understanding of the pathogen's ecology, epidemiology and transmission pathways. The goal of this study was to explore the spatial distribution of human cryptosporidiosis across the 29 Public Health Unit (PHU) areas of Southern Ontario from 2011 to 2014. Surveillance data on human cryptosporidiosis were obtained from Public Health Ontario. Choropleth and isopleth maps were used to display the distribution of incidence rates of human cryptosporidiosis. High‐rate clusters of human cryptosporidiosis were identified. Poisson and spatial Poisson regression models were used to determine the relationship between the incidence of human cryptosporidiosis, cattle density and the smoothed farm‐level prevalence of bovine cryptosporidiosis at the PHU level. The annual incidence of reported human cryptosporidiosis in Southern Ontario ranged from 1.62 (95% CI: 1.41–1.86) to 1.82 (95%CI: 1.60–2.06) cases per 100,000 population, with an overall cumulative incidence of 6.91 (95%CI: 6.47–7.39) cases per 100,000 for the 4‐year study period. High‐risk clusters of human cryptosporidiosis were identified in each year. The relative risk for the clusters ranged from 2.03 (95% CI: 1.63–2.55) to 6.87 (95% CI: 5.07–9.30). A relationship was found between the incidence of cryptosporidiosis and dairy cattle density. Based on this study, the Central West region would be an ideal ecological system to conduct further targeted surveillance to identify factors that may be contributing to the higher burden of cryptosporidiosis in the human and bovine populations in the region.
Revenge Porn e o Corpo Exposto nas Decisões do Superior Tribunal de Justiça
Authors: Espíndola Correa Adriana , De Perdigão Lana Alice
Published: March 2022

O presente artigo tem por objeto a análise de decisões judiciais do Superior Tribunal de Justiça (STJ) a respeito do revenge porn ou “pornografia de vingança”, no âmbito da responsabilidade civil, com vistas em compreender os diferentes enquadramentos do corpo e da sexualidade feminina nessas decisões. A partir da compreensão do direito como prática discursiva, mobilizamos construções teóricas feministas para pensar os discursos jurídicos sobre o corpo e o feminino, e perquirir sua potência nos processos de objetivação e subjetivação das mulheres. O exame dos acórdãos mostra que a violência sofrida pelas mulheres expostas é traduzida, em termos jurídicos, como violação a direitos de personalidade, notadamente privacidade, honra, imagem e proteção de dados pessoais. Disso decorre certo encobrimento do corpo nos discursos jurídicos, mesmo quando confrontados ao corpo generificado da mulher exposta. Compreender a "pornografia de vingança" como uma das formas de materialização das políticas de gênero e sexualidade, que definem comportamentos aceitáveis ou não, permite abordar questão de modo a implicar, mais diretamente, corpo e gênero.
No hay Humanidad sin Mujeres
Authors: Pozzolo Susanna
Published: March 2022

El derecho de igualdad es afirmado por cada constitución contemporánea, sin embargo siguen profundas la desigualdades en nuestras sociedades y entre estas la más radical se encuentra con la marginalización de las mujeres. El artículo propone unas reflexiones analizando unas raíces de esta subyugación y mirando a cómo transformar el derecho para que las mujeres sean realmente incluidas.
Género y Protección a la Maternidad en el Entorno Organizacional: la Percepción de Mujeres Especialistas en Derecho de la Capital de Brasil
Authors: Pena Dias Emilia Ferreira , Marrades-Puig Ana Isabel , Dias Cleidson Nogueira
Published: March 2022

Los países que enfrentan alta competitividad sufren un elevado grado de vulnerabilidad, altas tasas de desempleo, elevadas tasas de rotación de la mano de obra y un aumento significativo de los trabajadores a tiempo parcial y no estructurado, sin muchos tipos de protección. Así, el objetivo de este artículo es comprender la protección de la maternidad en el ordenamiento jurídico como herramienta para equidad de género en organizaciones de la capital de Brasil. Sobre la metodología, esta investigación fue de abordaje cualitativa y para la investigación de campo se escogió el método científico de Análisis de Contenido. Los principales resultados son que el beneficio de «crear una cultura solidaria en el lugar del trabajo al extender las posibilidades de conciliación de la vida profesional y familiar, como los acuerdos de trabajo flexible, a todos los empleados» es el más importante; 81% indicaron que el permiso de maternidad, en el ámbito de los derechos humanos, es una herramienta jurídica fuerte; y hubo unanimidad de las expertas encuestadas en la afirmación de que cuando la mujer está embarazada hay discriminación en el trabajo.
Sociologia Jurídica das Fake News Eleitorais: Uma Observação Sistêmica das Respostas Judiciais e Legislativas em Torno das Eleições Brasileiras de 2018
Authors: Amato Lucas Fucci , Saba Diana Tognini , Loschiavo Leme de Barros Marco Antonio
Published: March 2022

Este texto apresenta uma perspectiva sociológica sobre o tema das fake news eleitorais a partir do recorte temporal das eleições brasileiras de 2018. A temática é fundamental diante do potencial disruptivo que a disseminação massiva de notícias falsas representa para o processo eleitoral. O estudo adota o referencial da teoria dos sistemas sociais de Niklas Luhmann para observar as respostas jurídicas implementadas no país. Essas iniciativas abrangem tanto o Legislativo (e.g. Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados Pessoais e projeto de Lei das Fake News) quanto o Judiciário (especialmente o Tribunal Superior Eleitoral, cuja jurisprudência acerca das eleições majoritárias de 2018 mapeamos). Envolve, ainda, experiências de autorregulação implantadas pelas próprias redes e plataformas digitais. A sociologia sistêmica nos permite correlacionar a evolução dos meios de disseminação da comunicação (tecnologias) com o processamento das comunicações pelos diversos sistemas funcionais e organizacionais (a política e o Estado; o direito e as cortes; a mídia e as empresas de comunicação). Por fim, o texto pondera sobre a importância de uma agenda de pesquisa da sociologia das fake news eleitorais.
A Mecânica da Desinformação em Redes Epistêmicas e as Contribuições da Filosofia da Ciência de Susan Haack
Authors: Borges Luiz Adriano Gonçalves , Vianna Lucas Oliveira , Mendonça Matheus Thiago Carvalho
Published: March 2022

Durante o último quarto de século, o veloz crescimento da internet e, em especial, das mídias sociais desequilibrou a balança de poder político. Hoje, uma enorme massa de atores privados e públicos, individuais e institucionais, é capaz de viralizar conteúdo. Dado que a veracidade desses conteúdos não é pré-condição para eficácia de sua propagação, o ecossistema informativo restou irreversivelmente alterado. Nesse contexto, o presente estudo pretende analisar o funcionamento da desinformação em redes epistêmicas e suas implicações sociais e políticas na era da hipercomunicação. O estudo adota o método hipotético-dedutivo e instrumentaliza a revisão bibliográfica especializada como ferramenta metodológica. Primeiramente, analisa-se a mecânica da desinformação em redes epistêmicas; depois, alguns desafios informativos, como pressão do establishment, efeitos da propaganda, câmaras de eco e polarização ideológica. Ao fim, realiza-se uma aproximação à epistemologia de Susan Haack e a sua defesa do senso comum crítico. O trabalho conclui que os mecanismos da desinformação não podem ser compreendidos unicamente com base na psicologia individual e nos vieses cognitivos, já que indivíduos perfeitamente racionais podem decidir comportar-se de forma irracional; por isso, o mero influxo de informações e evidências não soluciona o problema; a era da hipercomunicação magnificou distorções, já que mecanismos responsáveis por pequenos “desvios” nas redes de produção de conhecimento locais, quando colocados numa escala global de hiperconectividade, atingem proporções incontroláveis; o senso comum crítico de Haack constitui um parâmetro teórico adequado para compreender a falibilidade de algumas estratégias que buscam mitigar a desinformação.
Mediated Democracy – Linking Digital Technology to Political Agency
Authors: Hofmann Jeanette
Published: March 2022

Although the relationship between digitalisation and democracy is subject of growing public attention, the nature of this relationship is rarely addressed in a systematic manner. The common understanding is that digital media are the driver of the political change we are facing today. This paper argues against such a causal approach und proposes a co-evolutionary perspective instead. Inspired by Benedict Anderson's “Imagined Communities” and recent research on mediatisation, it introduces the concept of mediated democracy. This concept reflects the simple idea that representative democracy requires technical mediation, and that the rise of modern democracy and of communication media are therefore closely intertwined. Hence, mediated democracy denotes a research perspective, not a type of democracy. It explores the changing interplay of democratic organisation and communication media as a contingent constellation, which could have evolved differently. Specific forms of communication media emerge in tandem with larger societal formations and mutually enable each other. Following this argument, the current constellation reflects a transformation of representative democracy and the spread of digital media. The latter is interpreted as a “training ground” for experimenting with new forms of democratic agency.