bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Nitrogen and Vitamins on the Decay Rate of Pine Sapwood Exposed above Ground
Authors: Nicholas Darrel D.
Published: August 2021

A need exists to develop improved test methods for evaluating potential wood preservatives in aboveground outdoor exposure. Our studies have shown that the three-component lap joint specified in AWPA Standard E27-15 represents an improved design for aboveground testing. One option for evaluating the extent of decay with this method relies on visual assessment. However, based on my observations in field tests, this assessment method does not provide an accurate measurement of the extent of wood biodeterioration in the early stages of decay. A second method of evaluation provided in this standard (in figure 4 of the standard) uses bending stiffness and dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOE) as alternate methods for determining the extent of decay, and this option was chosen to follow the progress of biodeterioration in this study. It was found that both of these methods provided an accurate assessment of decay in the early stages of biodeterioration that was superior to visual assessment.

In an attempt to accelerate the rate of wood decay, some of the test units were treated with nitrogen-rich casein, and this resulted in a greater than twofold increase in the decay rate compared with the untreated controls. Another group of samples were treated with thiamin, but this resulted in only a slight increase in decay rate, whereas a combined treatment with both casein and vitamins resulted in a further increase in the decay rate beyond that of casein treated samples. Based on the results from this study, it is concluded that pretreatment of wood samples with thiamin has the potential for accelerating wood decay in aboveground test samples. Furthermore, the use of bending stiffness and dynamic MOE to measure the extent of wood decay was found to be superior to mass loss. Additional studies are needed to determine whether this concept could be useful in accelerating development of new wood preservatives.
Manufacture and Properties of Metasequoia-Based Three-Layer Parquet Flooring
Authors: Zhang Huimin , Wang Zhanguang , Li Quan , Lu Cuixiang
Published: August 2021

Metasequoia-based three-layer parquet flooring (MPF) was prepared under the following conditions: hot-pressing temperature of 95°C, hot-pressing time of 7 minutes, hot-pressing pressure of 9 kg·cm−2, and addition of 200 g·m−2 urea-formaldehyde resin adhesive. The results showed that the moisture content, density, formaldehyde emission, static bending strength, and elastic modulus of the three kinds of parquet flooring were not much different than poplar-based multilayer parquet flooring (PPF) or fir-based three-layer parquet flooring (FPF) on the market. The thermal conductivity of the MPF was 0.195 W·m−1·K−1, which was the lowest among the three kinds of parquet flooring. The sound absorption coefficient of MPF under 11 frequency conditions in the range of 0.2 to 2 kHz was higher than that of PPF and FPF under the same frequency condition. The research results provide a reference value for the efficient use of low-quality M. glyptostroboides wood.
Abject Talks Gibberish: “Translating” Abjection in Rabih Alameddine's An Unnecessary Woman
Authors: Madiou Mohamed Salah Eddine
Published: August 2021

The Lebanese Civil War, stretching over two decades of Lebanon's history, features prominently in any discussion of Rabih Alameddine's An Unnecessary Woman (2014), a novel fashioned according to the pent-up frustrations of a post-trauma period. Alameddine's novel manifests traumatic signposts of the civil war, which make it indelibly situational, and accordingly latches onto complex psychological issues. It is branded with the mark of “abject,” which besots its pages, a phenomenon that threatens identity beyond measure, triggering even an existentialist entropy. In making an effort to (persistently) “describe” this complex phenomenon beyond ken, the novel enmeshes in a baroque and a quite wordy style that tells of an arduous quest on the author's (and characters‘) part to find the “right” word for “abject.” Drawing mainly on Sigmund Freud's essay “The Uncanny” and Julia Kristeva's Powers of Horror, this article proposes to skirt the psychological archaeology of “abject” in An Unnecessary Woman. It argues that the Lebanese Civil War is not the originator of the characters’ feeling of abjection in the novel. Rather, it contends that this feeling, already inherent in the human being and thus universal, is activated by abject threats, such as, in this premise, the civil war, its suspect entourage, and aging.
Digitalisation, labour and the pandemic: Working life in the post-COVID-19 city
Authors: Huws Ursula , Frapporti Mattia
Published: August 2021

Introducing this issue, this paper reflects on the role of peer-reviewed research in documenting and analysing the restructuring of labour under rapidly changing global conditions. It summarises the contents of the issue, placing it in the context not only of the 2020-2021 global COVID-19 pandemic, but also in relation to past theoretical debates in the pages of this journal about the dynamics of platform capitalism.
The platform economy and the precarisation of food delivery work in the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from India
Authors: Parwez Sazzad , Ranjan Rajiv
Published: August 2021

This study aims to explore work precarity in the platform economy from the perspective of food delivery workers. It also tries to contextualise work precarity in COVID-19 times. With the digital boom, food-based platform aggregators have emerged as a new workspace for food delivery workers in India. Food delivery workers working for platform aggregators are termed ‘independent contractors’ and ‘delivery partners’ to avoid legal issues of employer-employee relations; this enables a substantial reduction in transaction costs. Despite the huge number of food delivery workers, they are unable to organise into collectives. The platform economy is emerging as a sector offering new work opportunities, but at the same time it is plagued by low wages (and benefit), absence (or lack) of welfare measures, and digital controls contributing to the process of precarisation. The COVID-19 pandemic and resultant lockdown have aggravated the precarity of work for food delivery workers. It has led to the loss of jobs and incomes, and increased health risks, stigmas and occupation distress. Further, autonomy and flexibility should not come at the cost of the most basic social security and protection. This precarious situation calls for affirmative action from policymakers and platform aggregators.
IL-25–induced shifts in macrophage polarization promote development of beige fat and improve metabolic homeostasis in mice
Authors: Li Lingyi , Ma Lei , Zhao Zewei , Luo Shiya , Gong Baoyong , Li Jin , Feng Juan , Zhang Hui , Qi Weiwei , Zhou Ti , Yang Xia , Gao Guoquan , Yang Zhonghan
Published: August 2021

Beige fat dissipates energy and functions as a defense against cold and obesity, but the mechanism for its development is unclear. We found that interleukin (IL)-25 signaling through its cognate receptor, IL-17 receptor B (IL-17RB), increased in adipose tissue after cold exposure and β3-adrenoceptor agonist stimulation. IL-25 induced beige fat formation in white adipose tissue (WAT) by releasing IL-4 and IL-13 and promoting alternative activation of macrophages that regulate innervation and up-regulate tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) up-regulation to produce more catecholamine including norepinephrine (NE). Blockade of IL-4Rα or depletion of macrophages with clodronate-loaded liposomes in vivo significantly impaired the beige fat formation in WAT. Mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) were protected from obesity and related metabolic disorders when given IL-25 through a process that involved the uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)-mediated thermogenesis. In conclusion, the activation of IL-25 signaling in WAT may have therapeutic potential for controlling obesity and its associated metabolic disorders.
Quality of service and continuous quality improvement in voluntary medical male circumcision programme across four provinces in South Africa: Longitudinal and cross-sectional programme data
Authors: Nyengerai Tawanda , Phohole Motshana , Iqaba Nelson , Kinge Constance Wose , Gori Elizabeth , Moyo Khumbulani , Chasela Charles
Published: August 2021

Background

Recent studies in the Sub-Saharan countries in Africa have indicated gaps and challenges for voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) quality of service. Less has focused on the changes in quality of service after implementation of continuous quality improvement (CQI) action plans. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of coaching, provision of standard operating procedures (SOPS) and guidelines, mentoring and on-site in-service training in improving quality of VMMC services across four Right to Care (RTC) supported provinces in South Africa.

Method

This was a pre- and post-interventional study on RTC supported VMMC sites from July 2018 to October 2019. All RTC-supported sites that were assessed at baseline and post-intervention were included in the study. Data for baseline CQI assessment and re-assessments was collected using a standardized National Department of Health (NDoH) CQI assessment tool for VMMC services from routine RTC facility level VMMC programme data. Quality improvement support was provided through a combination of coaching, provision of standard operating procedures and guidelines, mentoring and on-site in-service training on quality improvement planning and implementation. The main outcome measure was quality of service. A paired sample t-test was used to compare the difference in mean quality of service scores before and after CQI implementation by quality standard.

Results

A total of 40 health facilities were assessed at both baseline and after CQI support visits. Results showed significant increases for the overall changes in quality of service after CQI support intervention of 12% for infection prevention (95%CI: 7–17; p<0.001) and 8% for male circumcision surgical procedure, (95%CI: 3–13; p<0.01). Similarly, individual counselling, and HIV testing increased by 14%, (95%CI: 7–20; p<0.001), group counselling, registration and communication by 8%, (95%CI: 3–14; p<0.001), and 35% for monitoring and evaluation, (95%CI: 28–42; p<0.001). In addition, there were significant increases for management systems of 29%, (95%CI: 22–35; p<0.001), leadership and planning 23%, (95%CI: 13–34; p<0.001%) and supplies, equipment, environment and emergency 5%, (95%CI: 1–9; p<0.01). The overall quality of service performance across provinces increased by 18% (95%CI: 14–21; p<0.001).

Conclusion

The overall quality of service performance across provinces was significantly improved after implementation of CQI support intervention program. Regular visits and intensive CQI support are required for sites that will be performing below quality standards.
Strength surpasses relatedness–queen larva selection in honeybees
Authors: AL-Kahtani Saad Naser , Bienefeld Kaspar
Published: August 2021

Nepotism was initially theoretically predicted and sometimes found to trigger the selection of specific larvae to be reared as queens in the honeybee Apis mellifera. Although the importance of selecting the next queen for a colony indicates that it should not occur at random, nepotism is increasingly considered unlikely in eusocial insect societies. Different prenatal maternal supplies of embryos have been found to impact fitness in many other species and therefore could be a possible trigger underlying the likelihood of being raised as a queen. We offered related or unrelated larvae from six colonies originating from eggs of different weights for emergency queen rearing in queenless units with worker bees from these six colonies. We showed that nurses did not significantly prefer related larvae during queen rearing, which confirms the theory that different relatedness-driven kin preferences within a colony cannot be converted into a colony-level decision. However, we found that larvae originating from heavier eggs were significantly preferred for queen breeding. Studies on other species have shown that superior maternal supply is important for later reproductive success. However, we did observe tendencies in the expected direction (e.g., queens that hatched from heavier eggs had both more ovarioles and a shorter preoviposition period). Nevertheless, our data do not allow for a significant conclusion that the selection of larvae from heavy eggs truly offers fitness advantages.
ODT FLOW: Extracting, analyzing, and sharing multi-source multi-scale human mobility
Authors: Li Zhenlong , Huang Xiao , Hu Tao , Ning Huan , Ye Xinyue , Huang Binghu , Li Xiaoming
Published: August 2021

In response to the soaring needs of human mobility data, especially during disaster events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and the associated big data challenges, we develop a scalable online platform for extracting, analyzing, and sharing multi-source multi-scale human mobility flows. Within the platform, an origin-destination-time (ODT) data model is proposed to work with scalable query engines to handle heterogenous mobility data in large volumes with extensive spatial coverage, which allows for efficient extraction, query, and aggregation of billion-level origin-destination (OD) flows in parallel at the server-side. An interactive spatial web portal, ODT Flow Explorer, is developed to allow users to explore multi-source mobility datasets with user-defined spatiotemporal scales. To promote reproducibility and replicability, we further develop ODT Flow REST APIs that provide researchers with the flexibility to access the data programmatically via workflows, codes, and programs. Demonstrations are provided to illustrate the potential of the APIs integrating with scientific workflows and with the Jupyter Notebook environment. We believe the platform coupled with the derived multi-scale mobility data can assist human mobility monitoring and analysis during disaster events such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and benefit both scientific communities and the general public in understanding human mobility dynamics.
Predictors for one-year outcomes of cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiovascular risk factor control after cardiac rehabilitation in elderly patients: The EU-CaRE study
Authors: Eser Prisca , Marcin Thimo , Prescott Eva , Prins Leonie F. , Kolkman Evelien , Bruins Wendy , van der Velde Astrid E. , Gil Carlos Peña , Iliou Marie-Christine , Ardissino Diego , Zeymer Uwe , Meindersma Esther P. , Van’tHof Arnoud W. J. , de Kluiver Ed P. , Wilhelm Matthias
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Studies on effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in elderly cardiovascular disease patients are rare, and it is unknown, which patients benefit most. We aimed to identify predictors for 1-year outcomes of cardiorespiratory fitness and CV risk factor (CVRF) control in patients after completing CR programs offered across seven European countries.

Methods

Cardiovascular disease patients with minimal age 65 years who participated in comprehensive CR were included in this observational study. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2), body mass index (BMI), resting systolic blood pressure (BPsys), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) were assessed before CR (T0), at termination of CR (T1), and 12 months after start of CR (T2). Predictors for changes were identified by multivariate regression models.

Results

Data was available from 1241 out of 1633 EU-CaRE patients. The strongest predictor for improvement in peak VO2 was open chest surgery, with a nearly four-fold increase in surgery compared to non-surgery patients. In patients after surgery, age, female sex, physical inactivity and time from index event to T0 were negative predictors for improvement in peak VO2. In patients without surgery, previous acute coronary syndrome and higher exercise capacity at T0 were the only negative predictors. Neither number of attended training sessions nor duration of CR were significantly associated with change in peak VO2. Non-surgery patients were more likely to achieve risk factor targets (BPsys, LDL-C, BMI) than surgery patients.

Conclusions

In a previously understudied population of elderly CR patients, time between index event and start of CR in surgery and disease severity in non-surgery patients were the most important predictors for long-term improvement of peak VO2. Non-surgery patients had better CVRF control.
Prevalence and risk factors associated with birth asphyxia among neonates delivered in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ahmed Ritbano , Mosa Hassen , Sultan Mohammed , Helill Shamill Eanga , Assefa Biruk , Abdu Muhammed , Ahmed Usman , Abose Selamu , Nuramo Amanuel , Alemu Abebe , Demelash Minychil , Delil Romedan
Published: August 2021

Background

A number of primary studies in Ethiopia address the prevalence of birth asphyxia and the factors associated with it. However, variations were seen among those studies. The main aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out to estimate the pooled prevalence and explore the factors that contribute to birth asphyxia in Ethiopia.

Methods

Different search engines were used to search online databases. The databases include PubMed, HINARI, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. Relevant grey literature was obtained through online searches. The funnel plot and Egger’s regression test were used to see publication bias, and the I-squared was applied to check the heterogeneity of the studies. Cross-sectional, case-control and cohort studies that were conducted in Ethiopia were also be included. The Joanna Briggs Institute checklist was used to assess the quality of the studies and was included in this systematic review. Data entry and statistical analysis were carried out using RevMan 5.4 software and Stata 14.

Result

After reviewing 1,125 studies, 26 studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of birth asphyxia in Ethiopia was 19.3%. In the Ethiopian context, the following risk factors were identified: Antepartum hemorrhage(OR: 4.7; 95% CI: 3.5, 6.1), premature rupture of membrane(OR: 4.0; 95% CI: 12.4, 6.6), primiparas(OR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.9, 4.1), prolonged labor(OR: 4.2; 95% CI: 2.8, 6.6), maternal anaemia(OR: 5.1; 95% CI: 2.59, 9.94), low birth weight(OR = 5.6; 95%CI: 4.7,6.7), meconium stained amniotic fluid(OR: 5.6; 95% CI: 4.1, 7.5), abnormal presentation(OR = 5.7; 95% CI: 3.8, 8.3), preterm birth(OR = 4.1; 95% CI: 2.9, 5.8), residing in a rural area (OR: 2.7; 95% CI: 2.0, 3.5), caesarean delivery(OR = 4.4; 95% CI:3.1, 6.2), operative vaginal delivery(OR: 4.9; 95% CI: 3.5, 6.7), preeclampsia(OR = 3.9; 95% CI: 2.1, 7.4), tight nuchal cord OR: 3.43; 95% CI: 2.1, 5.6), chronic hypertension(OR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.7, 3.8), and unable to write and read (OR = 4.2;95%CI: 1.7, 10.6).

Conclusion

According to the findings of this study, birth asphyxia is an unresolved public health problem in the Ethiopia. Therefore, the concerned body needs to pay attention to the above risk factors in order to decrease the country’s birth asphyxia.

Review registration

PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews (CRD42020165283).
Psychological distress among frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-methods study
Authors: van der Goot Wieke E. , Duvivier Robbert J. , Van Yperen Nico W. , de Carvalho-Filho Marco A. , Noot Kirsten E. , Ikink Renee , Gans Rijk O. B. , Kloeze Eveline , Tulleken Jaap E. , Lammers A. J. Jolanda , Jaarsma A. Debbie C. , Bierman Wouter F. W.
Published: August 2021

Background

Novel virus outbreaks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may increase psychological distress among frontline workers. Psychological distress may lead to reduced performance, reduced employability or even burnout. In the present study, we assessed experienced psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic from a self-determination theory perspective.

Methods

This mixed-methods study, with repeated measures, used surveys (quantitative data) combined with audio diaries (qualitative data) to assess work-related COVID-19 experiences, psychological need satisfaction and frustration, and psychological distress over time. Forty-six participants (nurses, junior doctors, and consultants) completed 259 surveys and shared 60 audio diaries. Surveys and audio diaries were analysed separately.

Results

Quantitative results indicated that perceived psychological distress during COVID-19 was higher than pre-COVID-19 and fluctuated over time. Need frustration, specifically autonomy and competence, was positively associated with psychological distress, while need satisfaction, especially relatedness, was negatively associated with psychological distress. In the qualitative, thematic analysis, we observed that especially organisational logistics (rostering, work-life balance, and internal communication) frustrated autonomy, and unfamiliarity with COVID-19 frustrated competence. Despite many need frustrating experiences, a strong connection with colleagues and patients were important sources of relatedness support (i.e. need satisfaction) that seemed to mitigate psychological distress.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increase of psychological distress among frontline workers. Both need frustration and need satisfaction explained unique variance of psychological distress, but seemed to originate from different sources. Challenging times require healthcare organisations to better support their professionals by tailored formal and informal support. We propose to address both indirect (e.g. organisation) and direct (e.g. colleagues) elements of the clinical and social environment in order to reduce need frustration and enhance need satisfaction.
Association between hospital liver transplantation volume and mortality after liver re-transplantation
Authors: Oh Seung-Young , Jang Eun Jin , Kim Ga Hee , Lee Hannah , Yi Nam-Joon , Yoo Seokha , Kim Bo Rim , Ryu Ho Geol
Published: August 2021

Background

The relationship between institutional liver transplantation (LT) case volume and clinical outcomes after liver re-transplantation is yet to be determined.

Methods

Patients who underwent liver re-transplantation between 2007 and 2016 were selected from the Korean National Healthcare Insurance Service database. Liver transplant centers were categorized to either high-volume centers (≥ 64 LTs/year) or low-volume centers (< 64 LTs/year) according to the annual LT case volume. In-hospital and long-term mortality after liver re-transplantation were compared.

Results

A total of 258 liver re-transplantations were performed during the study period: 175 liver re-transplantations were performed in 3 high-volume centers and 83 were performed in 21 low-volume centers. In-hospital mortality after liver re-transplantation in high and low-volume centers were 25% and 36% (P= 0.069), respectively. Adjusted in-hospital mortality was not different between low and high-volume centers. Adjusted 1-year mortality was significantly higher in low-volume centers (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.05–4.37,P= 0.037) compared to high-volume centers. Long-term survival for up to 9 years was also superior in high-volume centers (P= 0.005). Other risk factors of in-hospital mortality and 1-year mortality included female sex and higher Elixhauser comorbidity index.

Conclusion

Centers with higher case volume (≥ 64 LTs/year) showed lower in-hospital and overall mortality after liver re-transplantation compared to low-volume centers.
Combined use of stress echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing to assess exercise intolerance in patients treated for acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Smarz Krzysztof , Jaxa-Chamiec Tomasz , Zaborska Beata , Tysarowski Maciej , Budaj Andrzej
Published: August 2021

Exercise intolerance after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a predictor of worse prognosis, but its causes are complex and poorly studied. This study assessed the determinants of exercise intolerance using combined stress echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET-SE) in patients treated for AMI. We prospectively enrolled patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LV EF) ≥40% for more than 4 weeks after the first AMI. Stroke volume, heart rate, and arteriovenous oxygen difference (A-VO2Diff) were assessed during symptom-limited CPET-SE. Patients were divided into four groups according to the percentage of predicted oxygen uptake (VO2) (Group 1, <50%; Group 2, 50–74%; Group 3, 75–99%; and Group 4, ≥100%). Among 81 patients (70% male, mean age 58 ± 11 years, 47% ST-segment elevation AMI) mean peak VO2 was 19.5 ± 5.4 mL/kg/min. A better exercise capacity was related to a higher percent predicted heart rate (Group 2 vs. Group 4, p <0.01), higher peak A-VO2Diff (Group 1 vs. Group 3, p <0.01) but without differences in stroke volume. Peak VO2 and percent predicted VO2 had a significant positive correlation with percent predicted heart rate at peak exercise (r = 0.28, p = 0.01 and r = 0.46, p < 0.001) and peak A-VO2Diff (r = 0.68, p <0.001 and r = 0.36, p = 0.001) but not with peak stroke volume. Exercise capacity in patients treated for AMI with LV EF ≥40% is related to heart rate response during exercise and peak peripheral oxygen extraction. CPET-SE enables non-invasive assessment of the mechanisms of exercise intolerance.
Questioning the sex-specific differences in the association of smoking on the survival rate of hospitalized COVID-19 patients
Authors: Khalil Athar , Dhingra Radhika , Al-Mulki Jida , Hassoun Mahmoud , Alexis Neil
Published: August 2021

Introduction

In the absence of a universally accepted association between smoking and COVID-19 health outcomes, we investigated this relationship in a representative cohort from one of the world’s highest tobacco consuming regions. This is the first report from the Middle East and North Africa that tackles specifically the association of smoking and COVID-19 mortality while demonstrating a novel sex-discrepancy in the survival rates among patients.

Methods

Clinical data for 743 hospitalized COVID-19 patients was retrospectively collected from the leading centre for COVID-19 testing and treatment in Lebanon. Logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for age and stratified by sex were used to assess the association between the current cigarette smoking status of patients and COVID-19 outcomes.

Results

In addition to the high smoking prevalence among our hospitalized COVID-19 patients (42.3%), enrolled smokers tended to have higher reported ICU admissions (28.3% vs 16.6%, p<0.001), longer length of stay in the hospital (12.0 ± 7.8 vs 10.8 days, p<0.001) and higher death incidences as compared to non-smokers (60.5% vs 39.5%, p<0.001). Smokers had an elevated odds ratio for death (OR = 2.3, p<0.001) and for ICU admission (OR = 2.0, p<0.001) which remained significant in a multivariate regression model. Once adjusted for age and stratified by sex, our data revealed that current smoking status reduces survival rate in male patients ([HR] = 1.9 [95% (CI), 1.029–3.616]; p = 0.041) but it does not affect survival outcomes among hospitalized female patients([HR] = 0.79 [95% CI = 0.374–1.689]; p = 0.551).

Conclusion

A high smoking prevalence was detected in our hospitalized COVID-19 cohort combined with worse prognosis and higher mortality rate in smoking patients. Our study was the first to highlight potential sex-specific consequences for smoking on COVID-19 outcomes that might further explain the higher vulnerability to death from this disease among men.
Project Inclusive Genetics: Exploring the impact of patient-centered counseling training on physical disability bias in the prenatal setting
Authors: Vaimberg Emma , Demers Lindsay , Ford Eric , Sabatello Maya , Stevens Blair , Dasgupta Shoumita
Published: August 2021

Purpose

There is robust research examining the negative impact of racial and socioeconomic implicit bias on healthcare provider clinical decision-making. However, other under-studied important biases are likely to impact clinical care as well. The goal of this study was to explore the presence of bias against people with physical disability among a heterogeneous group of healthcare workers and trainees and to evaluate the effect of implicit association testing and an educational module on this bias.

Method

The study was composed of a one-hour web-based survey and educational module. The survey included an explicit disability bias assessment, disability Implicit Association Tests (IATs), demographic collection, and pre- and post- module clinical vignettes of prenatal patient scenarios. In addition to providing counseling to hypothetical patients, participants also indicated their personal preferences on genetic testing and termination. The educational module focused on the principles of patient-centered counseling.

Results

The collected data reflects responses from 335 participants. Within this sample, there were both explicit and implicit biases towards individuals with physical disabilities. Prior to the IAT and educational module, when respondents were tasked with providing genetic testing recommendations, implicit biases and personal preferences for genetic testing and termination influenced respondents’ clinical recommendations. Importantly, having previous professional experience with individuals with disabilities diminished biased clinical recommendations prior to the intervention. In response to the IAT and educational intervention, the effect of implicit bias and personal preferences on clinical recommendations decreased.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates how bias against a marginalized group exists within the medical community and that personal opinions can impact clinical counseling. Importantly, our findings suggest that there are strategies that can be easily implemented into curricula to address disability bias, including formal educational interventions and the addition of professional experiences into healthcare professional training programs.
Multi-analytical test based on serum miRNAs and proteins quantification for ovarian cancer early detection
Authors: Cirillo Priscila D. R. , Margiotti Katia , Fabiani Marco , Barros-Filho Mateus C. , Sparacino David , Cima Antonella , Longo Salvatore A. , Cupellaro Marina , Mesoraca Alvaro , Giorlandino Claudio
Published: August 2021

Advanced ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal gynecological tumor, mainly due to late diagnoses and acquired drug resistance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small-non coding RNA acting as tumor suppressor/oncogenes differentially expressed in normal and epithelial ovarian cancer and has been recognized as a new class of tumor early detection biomarkers as they are released in blood fluids since tumor initiation process. Here, we evaluated by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) circulating miRNAs in serum samples from healthy (N = 105) and untreated ovarian cancer patients (stages I to IV) (N = 72), grouped into a discovery/training and clinical validation set with the goal to identify the best classifier allowing the discrimination between earlier ovarian tumors from health controls women. The selection of 45 candidate miRNAs to be evaluated in the discovery set was based on miRNAs represented in ovarian cancer explorative commercial panels. We found six miRNAs showing increased levels in the blood of early or late-stage ovarian cancer groups compared to healthy controls. The serum levels of miR-320b and miR-141-3p were considered independent markers of malignancy in a multivariate logistic regression analysis. These markers were used to train diagnostic classifiers comprising miRNAs (miR-320b and miR-141-3p) and miRNAs combined with well-established ovarian cancer protein markers (miR-320b, miR-141-3p, CA-125 and HE4). The miRNA-based classifier was able to accurately discriminate early-stage ovarian cancer patients from health-controls in an independent sample set (Sensitivity = 80.0%, Specificity = 70.3%, AUC = 0.789). In addition, the integration of the serum proteins in the model markedly improved the performance (Sensitivity = 88.9%, Specificity = 100%, AUC = 1.000). A cross-study validation was carried out using four data series obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), corroborating the performance of the miRNA-based classifier (AUCs ranging from 0.637 to 0.979). The clinical utility of the miRNA model should be validated in a prospective cohort in order to investigate their feasibility as an ovarian cancer early detection tool.
‘Not a trend. It’s a tradition’: Remaking Pacific identity and culture at London Pacific Fashion Week 2019
Authors: Spark Ceridwen , Brimacombe Tait
Published: August 2021

In recent years, the recognition of creative industries such as art, design, media and fashion has thrust these sectors into the spotlight as valuable tools for economic development and integration into global markets. By establishing themselves as creative hotspots, developing countries grow small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and promote creative entrepreneurs who are involved in transforming culture. While an emphasis on incorporating ‘culture’ into design might also be seen as stultifying or essentializing culture, stakeholders working in the region consistently emphasize the significance of incorporating local cultures into their creations. In this article, we draw on interviews with Pacific designers and fashion festival organizers to demonstrate the range of ways in which ‘culture’ is woven into the story of Pacific fashion. In doing so, we highlight the ways in which participants are ‘remaking’ cultural identity and expression by ‘spinning it into something new’, keeping cultural connections alive and personal for those involved in these industries, while also allowing makers to situate their brand or product in the global market. Furthermore, we suggest that involvement in the world of fashion on a global scale represents an opportunity for participants to explore more inclusive and diverse versions of Pacific identity than those sanctioned or imagined outside the world of fashion.
A Comparative Study on the Privacy Risks of Face Recognition Libraries
Authors: Fábián István , Gulyás Gábor György
Published: August 2021

The rapid development of machine learning and the decreasing costs of computational resources has led to a widespread usage of face recognition. While this technology offers numerous benefits, it also poses new risks. We consider risks related to the processing of face embeddings, which are floating point vectors representing the human face in an identifying way. Previously, we showed that even simple machine learning models are capable of inferring demographic attributes from embeddings, leading to the possibility of re-identification attacks. This paper examines three popular Python libraries for face recognition, comparing their face detection performance and inspecting how much risk each library's embeddings pose regarding the aforementioned data leakage. Our experiments were conducted on a balanced face image dataset of different sexes and races, allowing us to discover biases in our results.
Lamred: Location-Aware and Privacy Preserving Multi-Layer Resource Discovery for IoT
Authors: Kamel Mohammed B. M. , Ligeti Peter , Reich Christoph
Published: August 2021

The resources in the Internet of Things (IoT) network are distributed among different parts of the network. Considering huge number of IoT resources, the task of discovering them is challenging. While registering them in a centralized server such as a cloud data center is one possible solution, but due to billions of IoT resources and their limited computation power, the centralized approach leads to some efficiency and security issues. In this paper we proposed a location aware and decentralized multi layer model of resource discovery (LaMRD) in IoT. It allows a resource to be registered publicly or privately, and to be discovered in a decentralized scheme in the IoT network. LaMRD is based on structured peer-to-peer (p2p) scheme and follows the general system trend of fog computing. Our proposed model utilizes Distributed Hash Table (DHT) technology to create a p2p scheme of communication among fog nodes. The resources are registered in LaMRD based on their locations which results in a low added overhead in the registration and discovery processes. LaMRD generates a single overlay and it can be generated without specific organizing entity or location based devices. LaMRD guarantees some important security properties and it showed a lower latency comparing to the cloud based and decentralized resource discovery.
Footvector Representation of Curves and Surfaces
Authors: Valasek Gábor , Bálint Csaba , Leitereg András
Published: August 2021

This paper proposes a foot mapping-based representation of curves and surfaces which is a geometric generalization of signed distance functions. We present a first-order characterization of the footvector mapping in terms of the differential geometric invariants of the represented shape and quantify the dependence of the spatial partial derivatives of the footvector mapping with respect to the principal curvatures at the footpoint. The practical applicability of foot mapping representations is highlighted by several fast iterative methods to compute the exact footvector mapping of the offset surface of CSG trees. The set operations for footpoint mappings are higher-order functions that map a tuple of functions to a single function, which poses a challenge for GPU implementations. We propose a code generation framework to overcome this that transforms CSG trees to the GLSL shader code.
Taxonomy for Trade-off Problem in Distributed Telemedicine Systems
Authors: Jánki Zoltán Richárd , Bilicki Vilmos
Published: August 2021

Increasing amount of data and demands for features are challenging for Web systems. By serving these requirements, distributed systems gather ground, however they bring problems along. These issues are already present in telemedicine. Since telemedicine is a wide discipline, various phenomena have different effects on data. Availability and consistency have both important roles in telemedicine, but as CAP and PACELC theorems addressed trade-off problem, no one can guarantee both capabilities simultaneously. Our research aims to get a nearer view of the problem considering real world telemedicine use-cases and offer an easily tunable system with a taxonomy that gives a helping hand at designing telemedicine systems. Model checking verifies and data quality measurement proves the correctness of our model. In the course of measurements, we revealed an interesting occurence and consequence that is called hypothetical-zero-latency.
PLACEMAKING – AN APPROACH FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC SPACES IN MODERN CITIES (REVIEW OF FOREIGN AND RUSSIAN EXPERIENCE)
Authors: Lastochkina Oksana S.
Published: August 2021

The quality of life of the population, including depends on the level of development of urban infrastructure. The article discusses the possibilities of placemaking (from the English "place" — "place", "make" – "to do"; literally: "creating a place") as a resource for improving the quality of life of the population. Placemaking is an approach to the arrangement of public places, improvement and supply of attractions and brands, taking into account the opinion of the urban population. The purpose of this work is to analyze foreign and Russian experience in the approach of placemaking with the identification of opportunities and limitations, problems of implementation. The information base of the research was scientific domestic and foreign works on the topic under consideration, resources with a description of the practical experience of applying the approach. Methods of comparative analysis, synthesis, generalization, and tabular representation of information were used. The conclusion is made about the need for the development of public spaces, since they promote the inflow of private investment, create new jobs, organize leisure activities for local residents and tourists, i.e., stimulate the development of the territory. The results can be applied in the practice of regional and municipal authorities.
FEASIBILITY OF USING INFORMATION DERIVED FROM A CARE PARTNER TO DEVELOP A FRAILTY INDEX BASED ON COMPREHENSIVE GERIATRIC ASSESSMENT
Authors: GOLDSTEIN J. , HUBBARD R.E. , MOORHOUSE P. , ANDREW M.K.
Published: August 2021

Background:Frailty is a state of increasing vulnerability that places an individual at high risk foradverse health outcomes. The best approach for frailty measurement in clinical practice has not been resolved.Frailty can be measured by deficit accumulation and be derived from a comprehensive geriatric assessment(CGA). In busy clinical practice, it may not be feasible to gather this information entirely from patients,particularly from those with cognitive decline. Objective:We describe the feasibility of a frailty index basedupon a care partner derived CGA (CP-CGA). In addition, we sought to establish the acceptability of thequestionnaire and explore whether care partners felt that the provided information contribute to patientassessment. Design and Setting:A cross-sectional data analysis of 99 community dwelling older adults attendinggeriatric ambulatory care clinics at a single tertiary care center. Measurements:Care partners completed the CP-CGA and a Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS; Range 1 -Very fit- to 9 -Terminally ill). We evaluated the time tocomplete and item completeness. Results:The mean age of patients was 81.3±5.7 years. Most were women(n=54), widowed, lived in their own home, with a median CFS of 5 (Mildly Frail). The care partner respondentwas usually an offspring. Item completeness was 95% with a mean time to complete of 15.5±8.6 minutes.Conclusion:The CP-CGA seems feasible for gathering information that would be integral towards determiningfrailty by deficit accumulation. Future inquiries will evaluate its feasibility in other settings and validity as a formof frailty assessment.
WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED FROM EXERCISE AND LIFESTYLE TRIALS TO ALLEVIATE MOBILITY IMPAIRMENT IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: MANINI T.M. , CLARK B.C.
Published: August 2021

Enhancement of cardiovascular and muscular fitness through exercise and lifestyle interventions iscritical to in alleviating mobility impairment in older adults. In this review article, we discuss the currentknowledge-base surrounding mobility improvements in seniors following behavioral interventions that uselifestyle modifications involving physical activity and dietary interventions.
Anarchism as “Organization”
Authors: Napolitano Francesco
Published: August 2021

Anarchy itself (from Greek an-arkh = “without government”) is the first and basic form of organization between equals. Since the beginning, people tended to organize themselves by associating voluntarily and helping themselves without needing a government. Then, why do people believe they need to be governed at a larger level? Why do they tend to accept governments that produce social differences, create élites and oppress the elected?
CONHECIMENTO DAS UNIVERSTÁRIAS DO CURSO DE CIÊNCIAS BIOLÓGICAS DA UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DO TRIÂNGULO MINEIRO SOBRE ALGUNS ASPECTOS DA SUA FISIOLOGIA E SAÚDE REPRODUTIVA
Authors: Monteverdi Camila Carreira , Acrani Simone , De Araujo Carlos Henrique Medeiros
Published: August 2021

Conhecer a fisiologia e a saúde reprodutiva permite autonomia para agir de forma crítica e segura em relação a escolhas sexuais, possibilitando opções corretas que permitem prevenção adequada em relação às infecções sexualmente transmissíveis e gestação indesejada. O trabalho teve como objetivo identificar o nível de conhecimentos sobre a fisiologia e anatomia feminina, além de quantificar o uso de aplicativos para a regulação hormonal entre outros usos por meio da aplicação de três diferentes questionários. Assim, a falta de conhecimentos básicos das universitárias gera certa preocupação sobre o uso de contracepção sem indicação médica e falta de conhecimento dos mecanismos de cada método, podendo ocasionar a gravidez indesejada e ISTs/AIDS. O uso de aplicativos demonstrou-se pertinente neste meio, sendo de fácil acesso, visualização e entendimento. O trabalho efetivo desses conceitos deve ser reforçado tanto na educação básica como na superior, pois falta de entendimento foram percebidas.
EDUCAÇÃO SEXUAL NO ENSINO FORMAL: MÚSICA E POESIA NA PRÁTICA PEDAGÓGICA
Authors: Andrieta Damasceno Marcelle
Published: August 2021

Este trabalho de revisão integrativa busca abordar as dificuldades e limitações da educação sexual no ensino formal e defende a importância social de uma educação livre de preconceitos e padrões, em que as diferenças são valorizadas e questionamentos são promovidos, visando indicar aos professores uma alternativa para integrar a educação sexual no ensino formal de maneira interdisciplinar, utilizando-se como recursos a música “Respeita as mina” (Kell Smith) e o “Poema sobre gêneros” (Bráulio Bessa), a fim de facilitar aos professores a discussão de temas que envolvem a sexualidade e de trazer duas opções de abordagem temática. Muito mais que prevenção à gravidez e infecções sexualmente transmissíveis, este trabalho propõe uma educação sexual que aborde temas como machismo, diversidade sexual, homofobia e assédio sexual e garanta espaço a esses objetos de estudo, contribuindo para reflexões e para a formação cidadã do aluno.
OS MARCADORES DE GÊNERO NO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL: RELATOS DE OBSERVAÇÃO DE DUAS ESCOLAS PÚBLICAS EM PORTO ALEGRE (RS)
Authors: Aymone Betina , Marcon Medina Isadora
Published: August 2021

RESUMO

O estudo intencionou investigar os marcadores de gênero presentes nos processos de socialização de crianças entre seis e sete anos de idade, estudantes do primeiro ano do Ensino Fundamental, e seu reflexo no ambiente escolar. Para tal, foram realizadas quatro observações não participantes em duas escolas de ensino público do Município de Porto Alegre (RS). Observou-se a interação entre os estudantes entre si e com seus professores, além de seus comportamentos e atividades no cotidiano escolar. A análise dos dados sugere a presença de marcadores de gênero, estruturados em uma lógica binária, que se materializam na forma como meninos e meninas brincam, se apresentam e se expressam, além do papel mediador da instituição escolar nesse contexto.

PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Educação. Gênero. Relações Infantis

 

RESUMEN

El estudio tuvo por objetivo investigar los marcadores de género presentes en los procesos de socialización de infantes de seis y siete años, estudiantes de primer año de la enseñanza básica, y su reflejo en el ámbito escolar. Se realizaron cuatro observaciones no participantes en dos escuelas públicas de la ciudad de Porto Alegre (RS). Se observó la interacción de estudiantes entre si y con sus profesores, además de sus comportamientos y actividades en la rutina escolar. El análisis de los datos sugiere la presencia de marcadores de género, estructurados en una lógica binaria, que se manifiesta en la forma como niños y niñas juegan, se presentan y expresan, además del rol mediador de la institución escolar en este contexto.

PALABRAS-CLAVE: Educación. Género. Relaciones entre niños

 

ABSTRACT

The study aimed to investigate the gender markers present in the socialization processes of children between six and seven years old, students of the first year of elementary school, and their reflection in the school environment. To this end, four non-participating observations were made in two public schools in the city of Porto Alegre (RS). The interaction between the students among themselves and with their teachers, as well as their behaviors and activities in the school routine were observed. The analysis of the data suggests the presence of gender markers, structured in a binary logic, that is manifested in the way boys and girls play, present and express themselves, in addition to the mediating role of the school institution in this context.

KEYWORDS: Education. Gender. Child Relations