bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Listen to your fear’: how fear discourse (re)produces gendered sexual subjectivities
Authors: Beyer Manuela
Published: September 2022

This article explores the interrelations between gender and fear, based on the hypothesis of sexual fear being produced as a feminised emotion in discourse. Empirical analyses of historically contingent constructions of sexual fears from 1961–2021 in the advice pages of the popular German youth magazine Bravo show how fear has been produced as a central technique governing feminine sexuality, by far surmounting the importance of either feminine love or desire. The results point to historically specific constructions of feminised sexual dangers, developing from premarital pregnancy in the 1960s, emotional suffering because of premature coitus in the 1980s and 1990s, to digitalised sexual practices in the 21st century. Feminised constructions of sexual risks and fears render feminine subjects as passive, vulnerable and in need of protection while simultaneously producing masculine subjects as actively sex seeking and potentially dangerous. The results also indicate that discursive delegitimisation of feminine sexual fear may equally contribute to re-establishing sexual inequality by pressuring girls to be sexually available. I argue, therefore, that it is not sufficient to analyse constructions of gendered subjects as being either fearful or fearless. Instead, the reconstruction of discursive model practices governing subjects to manage sexual fears is key to disentangling the complex nexus of gender and fear. The investigation of historical transformations of sexual fear discourses contributes to tracing both dynamics and continuities in gendered power relations, thereby illustrating the central role of fear in classic sociological research themes of inequality and power relations.
Care and consumption: further steps towards a more expansive and conjuctural understanding
Authors: Chatzidakis Andreas
Published: September 2022

Laurence Godin’s (2022) piece is a very welcome and commendable attempt to provide a broader synthetisation of the current literature on care and consumption, and to generate some critical insights for future work in this area. I am drawing on Godin’s article to make some further observations. These are three-fold, pertaining to our current understandings of care, markets and consumption respectively.
Three-dimensional mechanical characterization of murine skeletal muscle using quantitative micro-elastography
Authors: Lloyd Erin M. , Hepburn Matt S. , Li Jiayue , Mowla Alireza , Hwang Yongsung , Choi Yu Suk , Grounds Miranda D. , Kennedy Brendan F.
Published: September 2022

Skeletal muscle function is governed by both the mechanical and structural properties of its constituent tissues, which are both modified by disease. Characterizing the mechanical properties of skeletal muscle tissue at an intermediate scale, i.e., between that of cells and organs, can provide insight into diseases such as muscular dystrophies. In this study, we use quantitative micro-elastography (QME) to characterize the micro-scale elasticity of ex vivo murine skeletal muscle in three-dimensions in whole muscles. To address the challenge of achieving high QME image quality with samples featuring uneven surfaces and geometry, we encapsulate the muscles in transparent hydrogels with flat surfaces. Using this method, we study aging and disease in quadriceps tissue by comparing normal wild-type (C57BL/6J) mice with dysferlin-deficient BLAJ mice, a model for the muscular dystrophy dysferlinopathy, at 3, 10, and 24 months of age (sample size of three per group). We observe a 77% decrease in elasticity at 24 months in dysferlin-deficient quadriceps compared to wild-type quadriceps.
Warp and blur imaging model consistent with the three constraints of imaging through refractive turbulence
Authors: Charnotskii Mikhail
Published: September 2022

Point spread function (PSF) for imaging through inhomogeneous refractive medium, such as atmospheric turbulence, is bounded by three constraints [Opt. Eng. 52, 046001 (2013)OPEGAR0091-328610.1117/1.OE.52.4.046001]. PSF is non-negative, band-limited, and the third constraint, related to the energy conservation principle, warrants the absence of fluctuations in the image of a uniformly bright object. We develop a version of the common warp and blur model for the anisoplanatic image distortions by turbulence that satisfies these three constraints. In order to comply with the third constraint, our model supplements warp and blur by a random PSF power, which was found to be related to the Jacobian of the warp field. We illustrate statistics of the warp and blur using a simple example of anisoplanatic phase screen.
Ultra-broadband coherent perfect absorption via elements with linear phase response
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhang Haifeng
Published: September 2022

Increasing interest in perfect absorption of metasurface has initiated a discussion on the implementation of ultra-broadband coherent perfect absorption (CPA). Here, we present a mirror symmetric coherent absorption metasurface (CAMS) with polarization independence based on resistive thin films and annular metal patterns to force the fulfillment of ultra-broadband CPA in terahertz (THz) regime, controlling the interplay between electromagnetic waves and matter. By incorporating internal and external ring-shaped films with attached phase-delay lines, the desired phase response can be obtained, laying the foundation for implementing ultra-broadband coherent absorption. Simultaneously, by building a metal-medium composite structure superseding the dielectric substrate, additional promotion of the coherent absorptivity over the operation frequencies is realized. Manipulating the phase difference of two back-propagation coherent beams, the coherent absorptivity at 8.34-25.07 THz can be tailored successively from over 95.7% to as low as 38.1%. Moreover, with the incident angle up to 70° for the transverse electric wave, the coherent absorptivity is still over 74.8% from 8.34 THz to 25.07 THz. And for the transverse magnetic wave, at 6.67-24.2 THz, above 81.3% coherent absorptivity is visible with the incident angle increased from 0° to 60°. Our finding provides an interesting approach to designing ultra-broadband coherent absorption devices and may serve applications in THz modulators, all-optical switches, and signal processors.
Nonlinear primal–dual algorithm for the phase and absorption retrieval from a single phase contrast image
Authors: Mom Kannara , Langer Max , Sixou Bruno
Published: September 2022

We propose a nonlinear primal–dual algorithm for the retrieval of phase shift and absorption from a single x ray in-line phase contrast, or Fresnel diffraction, image. The algorithm permits us to regularize phase and absorption separately. We demonstrate that taking into account the nonlinearity in the reconstruction improves reconstruction compared with linear methods. We also demonstrate that choosing different regularizers for absorption and phase can improve the reconstructions. The use of the total variation and its generalization in a primal–dual approach allows us to exploit the sparsity of the investigated sample. On both simulated and real datasets, the proposed nonlinear primal–dual hybrid gradient (NL-PDHG) method yields reconstructions with considerably fewer artifacts and improved the normalized mean squared error compared with its linearized version.
Graph-based algorithms for Laplace transformed coalescence time distributions
Authors: Bisschop Gertjan
Published: September 2022

Extracting information on the selective and demographic past of populations that is contained in samples of genome sequences requires a description of the distribution of the underlying genealogies. Using the Laplace transform, this distribution can be generated with a simple recursive procedure, regardless of model complexity. Assuming an infinite-sites mutation model, the probability of observing specific configurations of linked variants within small haplotype blocks can be recovered from the Laplace transform of the joint distribution of branch lengths. However, the repeated differentiation required to compute these probabilities has proven to be a serious computational bottleneck in earlier implementations.

Here, I show that the state space diagram can be turned into a computational graph, allowing efficient evaluation of the Laplace transform by means of a graph traversal algorithm. This general algorithm can, for example, be applied to tabulate the likelihoods of mutational configurations in non-recombining blocks. This work provides a crucial speed up for existing composite likelihood approaches that rely on the joint distribution of branch lengths to fit isolation with migration models and estimate the parameters of selective sweeps. The associated software is available as an open-source Python library, agemo.
Concerned yet polluting: A survey on French research personnel and climate change
Authors: Blanchard Marianne , Bouchet-Valat Milan , Cartron Damien , Greffion Jérôme , Gros Julien
Published: September 2022

We present a survey of the French research community and climate change carried out in 2020. It is one of the largest surveys ever conducted on this issue: it is based on a sample of more than 6,000 respondents representative of the French public sector research community, regardless of their status and discipline. On the one hand, it measures practices that emit large amounts of greenhouse gases, such as air travel, and addresses the differences between disciplines and within them according to different individual characteristics (gender, status, location, etc.). On the other hand, it questions the representations of research actors concerning the climate emergency, and what they are willing to do to reduce their emissions. The survey highlights three results: first, an acute awareness of environmental and climate issues widely shared by members of the scientific community; second, a willingness to implement changes; and third, a clear gap between these attitudes and practices that still emit large amounts of greenhouse gases. This raises the question of the role of research institutions, whose support is required to implement profound reforms in the organization of research activities.
Using health information for community activism: A case study of the movement for change and social justice in South Africa
Authors: van Pinxteren Myrna , Colvin Christopher J. , Cooper Sara
Published: September 2022

The access to, use, and exchange of health information is crucial when strengthening public health services and improving access to care. However, many health system stakeholders, including community groups are perpetually excluded from accessing and using health information. This is problematic as community groups, themselves end-users of care, are well-positioned to keep the health system accountable, provide feedback on the quality of services, and identify emerging health concerns. Using qualitative, ethnographic methods, this paper investigates different strategies used by the Movement for Change and Social Justice (MCSJ)–a local health activism group–to collect, use and distribute health information to improve health care in Gugulethu, a low-income neighbourhood in Cape Town, South Africa. Through participant observation, shadowing, informal conversations and semi-structured interviews that were analysed using iterative thematic analysis, findings revealed that MCSJ effectively collected, used and exchanged health information to develop short-term health campaigns. To get access to the needed health information, they used innovative strategies, including cultivating allies in the health system, finding safe spaces, and using community brokers to effectively mobilise community members to keep the health system accountable. MCSJ’s strategies highlight that stakeholders’ engagement with health information is not only a technical exercise, but a complex social process that requires constant negotiation and relationship building. Therefore, to make meaningful improvements to health services and create adaptive and responsive health systems, we need to include community groups as active stakeholders in the health system, provide relevant, up-to-date and locally relevant health information, and facilitate opportunities to socially engage with health information and those who produce it.
The impact of mask-wearing in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 during the early phases of the pandemic
Authors: Aravindakshan Ashwin , Boehnke Jörn , Gholami Ehsan , Nayak Ashutosh
Published: September 2022

Masks have been widely recommended as a precaution against COVID-19 transmission. Several studies have shown the efficacy of masks at reducing droplet dispersion in lab settings. However, during the early phases of the pandemic, the usage of masks varied widely across countries. Using individual response data from the Imperial College London—YouGov personal measures survey, this study investigates the effect of mask use within a country on the spread of COVID-19. The survey shows that mask-wearing exhibits substantial variations across countries and over time during the pandemic’s early phase. We use a reduced form econometric model to relate population-wide variation in mask-wearing to the growth rate of confirmed COVID-19 cases. The results indicate that mask-wearing plays an important role in mitigating the spread of COVID-19. Widespread mask-wearing associates with an expected 7% (95% CI: 3.94%—9.99%) decline in the growth rate of daily active cases of COVID-19 in the country. This daily decline equates to an expected 88.5% drop in daily active cases over 30 days compared to zero percent mask-wearing, all else held equal. The decline in daily growth rate due to the combined effect of mask-wearing, reduced outdoor mobility, and non-pharmaceutical interventions averages 28.1% (95% CI: 24.2%-32%).
“She is the one who knows”: A qualitative exploration of oral and injectable PrEP as part of a community empowerment approach to HIV prevention among female sex workers in the Dominican Republic and Tanzania
Authors: Mantsios Andrea , Muraleetharan Ohvia , Donastorg Yeycy , Perez Martha , Gomez Hoisex , Shembilu Catherine , Beckham S. Wilson , Karver Tahilin Sanchez , Davis Wendy , Likindikoki Samuel , Mbwambo Jessie , Barrington Clare , Kerrigan Deanna
Published: September 2022

Despite documented interest among female sex workers (FSW), uptake of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention has been low. Recent trials and regulatory approval of long-acting injectable (LAI) PrEP offer new hope for the potential of this biomedical intervention. We examined FSW’s PrEP-related interest and preferences regarding both oral and LAI PrEP situating these dynamics within their specific social and occupational realities. We conducted this work using qualitative methods across two distinct contexts by conducting 40 in-depth interviews with FSW in Tanzania and the Dominican Republic. Textual data was coded using iterative thematic content analysis. Analytic summaries were developed and reviewed to identify recurring themes. We systematically organized themes within each country and then compared across settings. Women in both settings expressed strong interest in PrEP seeing it as an important option to protect themselves in their work. Most participants preferred LAI PrEP due to expectations of reduced stigma and concerns about daily pill adherence and side effects. Occupational factors such as alcohol use, overnight dates with clients, and fear of violence from clients were identified as barriers to daily oral PrEP. LAI PrEP was seen as having the potential to reduce stress related to oral PrEP. Women who preferred pills discussed fear of needles, skepticism about the injections, and others relayed that taking a daily pill would not be challenging for them. There was a predominant sentiment that women know best whether they are better suited for oral or LAI PrEP. Participants stressed the importance of FSW understanding both options to ensure informed decision-making around PrEP and described community-led peer education as key to delivering trusted information. Community empowerment approaches led by FSW which address structural and psychosocial constraints and promote safe work environments may facilitate equitable access and uptake of PrEP among FSW across settings.
A sliding window approach to optimize the time-varying parameters of a spatially-explicit and stochastic model of COVID-19
Authors: Ratnavale Saikanth , Hepp Crystal , Doerry Eck , Mihaljevic Joseph R.
Published: September 2022

The implementation of non-pharmaceutical public health interventions can have simultaneous impacts on pathogen transmission rates as well as host mobility rates. For instance, with SARS-CoV-2, masking can influence host-to-host transmission, while stay-at-home orders can influence mobility. Importantly, variations in transmission rates and mobility patterns can influence pathogen-induced hospitalization rates. This poses a significant challenge for the use of mathematical models of disease dynamics in forecasting the spread of a pathogen; to create accurate forecasts in spatial models of disease spread, we must simultaneously account for time-varying rates of transmission and host movement. In this study, we develop a statistical model-fitting algorithm to estimate dynamic rates of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and host movement from geo-referenced hospitalization data. Using simulated data sets, we then test whether our method can accurately estimate these time-varying rates simultaneously, and how this accuracy is influenced by the spatial population structure. Our model-fitting method relies on a highly parallelized process of grid search and a sliding window technique that allows us to estimate time-varying transmission rates with high accuracy and precision, as well as movement rates with somewhat lower precision. Estimated parameters also had lower precision in more rural data sets, due to lower hospitalization rates (i.e., these areas are less data-rich). This model-fitting routine could easily be generalized to any stochastic, spatially-explicit modeling framework, offering a flexible and efficient method to estimate time-varying parameters from geo-referenced data sets.
“Playing the beat”: Occurrence of Bio-duck calls in Santos Basin (Brazil) reveals a complex acoustic behaviour for the Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis)
Authors: Rossi-Santos Marcos R. , Filun Diego , Soares-Filho William , Paro Alexandre D. , Wedekin Leonardo L.
Published: September 2022

The Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) (AMW) is one of the smallest species among baleen whales, occurring in the southern hemisphere from Antarctica to near the equator, and performing seasonal migrations from polar to tropical waters. Information about (AMW) occurrence in the winter breeding grounds is scarce, mostly coming from old records from whaling stations before the 1960’s international moratorium, such as Costinha Station in Northeastern Brazil (6° S / 34° W) and some sightings from few dedicated visual surveys. Acoustic methods can provide important data on the occurrence and distribution of migratory species. This work describes the occurrence of the Antarctic minke whale through acoustic detections of their “Bioduck” vocalisations in the Santos Basin, South-Southeastern Brazil (22° and 28° S / 42° and 48° W). Data was recorded between November 12 and December 19, 2015. AMW calls were detected for 12 days. We detected and classified 9 different Bio-duck calls in Brazilian coastal waters, evidencing a highly diverse acoustic behavior for the minke whale breeding ground. This is the first attempt to describe the acoustic diversity of AMW vocalizations in lower latitudes, contributing important information for future conservation efforts and management of AMW populations and their habitat. Therefore, our study presents the foremost acoustic evidence of the Antarctic minke whale in Brazilian coastal waters.
Clinical utility and acceptability of a whole-hospital, pro-active electronic paediatric early warning system (the DETECT study): A prospective e-survey of parents and health professionals
Authors: Carter Bernie , Saron Holly , Blake Lucy , Eyton-Chong Chin-Kien , Dee Sarah , Evans Leah , Harris Jane , Hughes Hannah , Jones Dawn , Lambert Caroline , Lane Steven , Mehta Fulya , Peak Matthew , Preston Jennifer , Siner Sarah , Sefton Gerri , Carrol Enitan D.
Published: September 2022

Background

Paediatric early warning systems (PEWS) are a means of tracking physiological state and alerting healthcare professionals about signs of deterioration, triggering a clinical review and/or escalation of care of children. A proactive end-to-end deterioration solution (the DETECT surveillance system) with an embedded e-PEWS that included sepsis screening was introduced across a tertiary children’s hospital. One component of the implementation programme was a sub-study to determine an understanding of the DETECT e-PEWS in terms of its clinical utility and its acceptability.

Aim

This study aimed to examine how parents and health professionals view and engage with the DETECT e-PEWS apps, with a particular focus on its clinical utility and its acceptability.

Method

A prospective, closed (tick box or sliding scale) and open (text based) question, e-survey of parents (n = 137) and health professionals (n = 151) with experience of DETECT e-PEWS. Data were collected between February 2020 and February 2021.

Results

Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics and qualitative data with generic thematic analysis. Overall, both clinical utility and acceptability (across seven constructs) were high across both stakeholder groups although some challenges to utility (e.g., sensitivity of triggers within specific patient populations) and acceptability (e.g., burden related to having to carry extra technology) were identified.

Conclusion

Despite the multifaceted nature of the intervention and the complexity of implementation across a hospital, the system demonstrated clinical utility and acceptability across two key groups of stakeholders: parents and health professionals.
The Image Data Explorer: Interactive exploration of image-derived data
Authors: Muller Coralie , Serrano-Solano Beatriz , Sun Yi , Tischer Christian , Hériché Jean-Karim
Published: September 2022

Many bioimage analysis projects produce quantitative descriptors of regions of interest in images. Associating these descriptors with visual characteristics of the objects they describe is a key step in understanding the data at hand. However, as many bioimage data and their analysis workflows are moving to the cloud, addressing interactive data exploration in remote environments has become a pressing issue. To address it, we developed the Image Data Explorer (IDE) as a web application that integrates interactive linked visualization of images and derived data points with exploratory data analysis methods, annotation, classification and feature selection functionalities. The IDE is written in R using the shiny framework. It can be easily deployed on a remote server or on a local computer. The IDE is available at https://git.embl.de/heriche/image-data-explorer and a cloud deployment is accessible at https://shiny-portal.embl.de/shinyapps/app/01_image-data-explorer.
Determinants of care-seeking behaviour for fever, acute respiratory infection and diarrhoea among children under five in Nigeria
Authors: Adeoti Ifeoluwa Gbemisola , Cavallaro Francesca L.
Published: September 2022

Background

Despite available, inexpensive and effective treatments, malaria, diarrhoea, and pneumonia still contribute the majority of the global burden of childhood morbidity and mortality. Nigeria has the highest absolute numbers of child deaths worldwide. Appropriate care-seeking is important for prompt diagnosis, appropriate and timely treatment, and prevention of complications. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to examine the prevalence of and factors associated with appropriate care-seeking for childhood illnesses.

Methods

We used the most recent Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (2018) to assess the prevalence of appropriate care-seeking among mothers of children under five with symptoms of common childhood illnesses. For diarrhoea, we defined appropriate care-seeking as seeking care from a formal health provider. For fever and acute respiratory infection (ARI), appropriate care-seeking was defined as seeking care from a formal provider the day of or after symptom onset. Multivariate logistic regression was carried out to assess factors associated with optimal care-seeking for each illness.

Results

At least 25% of parents did not seek any care for children with fever or ARI; this figure was over one third for diarrhoea. Only 15% and 13% of caregivers showed appropriate care-seeking for their children with fever and ARI respectively, and 27% of mothers sought care from a formal provider for diarrhoea. Predictors of appropriate care-seeking varied according to childhood illness. Previous facility delivery was the only risk factor associated with increased odds of appropriate care-seeking for all three illnesses; other risk factors varied between illnesses.

Conclusion

Overall, care-seeking for childhood illnesses was suboptimal among caregivers in Nigeria. Interventions to increase caregivers’ awareness of the importance of appropriate care-seeking are needed alongside quality of care interventions that reinforce people’s trust in formal health facilities, to improve timely care-seeking and ultimately reduce the high burden of child deaths in Nigeria.
Should I vote-by-mail or in person? The impact of COVID-19 risk factors and partisanship on vote mode decisions in the 2020 presidential election
Authors: Atkeson Lonna Rae , Hansen Wendy L. , Oliver Maggie Toulouse , Maestas Cherie D. , Wiemer Eric C.
Published: September 2022

While the evidence is clear that 2020 voters shifted away from Election Day voting in favor of vote-by-mail and early voting, we know very little about how health risk versus party polarization around risk assessment influenced how and when to vote. We rely on individual-level observational data in the form of high-quality official voter administrative records from the State of New Mexico to ask how pandemic-related risk factors, especially voter age along with partisanship influenced voter decision-making. To identify causal factors, we use a difference-in-differences design and hazard model that compare 2020 general election and primary voter behavior to 2018 and 2016. We find that age and party were large factors in vote mode decisions in 2020, but not in 2016 or 2018. We consider the implications of our findings on how health risk and partisanship interact to influence decision-making.
Mortality rate, carbon emissions, renewable energy and per capita income nexus in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Adeleye Bosede Ngozi , Olohunlana Aminat Olayinka , Ibukun Cleopatra Oluseye , Soremi Titilayo , Suleiman Barnabas
Published: September 2022

This study exclusively contributes to the health-environment discourse by using mortality rates, carbon emissions (proxy for environmental degradation), renewable energy and real per capita income to investigate these intrinsic relationships. This study uses an unbalanced sample of 47 Sub-Saharan African countries from 2005–2019 to reveal that: (1) both carbon emissions and renewable energy are associated with higher mortality rates; (2) real per capita income is associated with reducing mortality rates; (3) per capita income attenuates the effect of renewable energy on mortality rates, (4) persistency in mortalities exist; and (5) the health-environment-energy-income dynamics differ across income groups. Additionally, this study submits that the interaction of renewable energy and real per capita income dampens the positive effect of renewable energy on mortality rates and supports the argument that income levels lessen the extent of mortalities. Besides, these results vividly show that real per capita income reduces the devastating effect of renewable energy on infant and under-5 mortality rates from 0.942% to 0.09%, 2.42% to 0.55%, 1.04% to 0.09% and 2.8% to 0.64% for high and middle-income countries, respectively. This is a novel and significant contribution to the health-environment literature. Hence, real per capita income is a crucial determinant of mortality rate. Policy recommendations are discussed.
Development of the awareness, skills, knowledge: General (ASK-G) scale for measuring cultural competence in the general population
Authors: Domenech Rodríguez Melanie M. , Reveles Alexandra K. , Litson Kaylee , Patterson Christina A. , Vázquez Alejandro L.
Published: September 2022

Measuring cultural competence has been difficult for conceptual and practical reasons. Yet, professional guidelines and stated values call for training to improve cultural competence. To develop a strong evidence-base for training and improving cultural competence, professionals need reliable and valid measures to capture meaningful changes in cultural competence training. We developed a measure for cultural competence that could be used in a general population to measure changes in awareness, knowledge, and skills in interacting with culturally diverse others. We built an 81-item scale with items conceptually categorized into awareness, knowledge, and skills and was presented to an expert panel for feedback. For evaluation, a national panel of 204 adults responded to the new scale and other measures associated with cultural competence. Factor analysis revealed four factors with strong reliabilities: Awareness of Self, Awareness of Others, Proactive Skills Development, and Knowledge (as = .87 - .92). The final overall scale, Awareness, Knowledge, Skills—General (ASK-G) had 37 items and strong reliability (a = .94). The ASK-G was then compared to validated scales to provide evidence of concurrent, convergent, and divergent validity. Strong evidence emerged for these. The ASK-G is a promising tool to measure cultural competence in a general population.
Impact of sociodemographic factors and screening, diagnosis, and treatment strategies on colorectal cancer mortality in Brazil: A 20-year ecological study
Authors: Nascimento Ananda Quaresma , Dantas Diego Bessa , Melo Giovana Salomão , Gomes Fabiana de Campos , de Melo Neto João Simão
Published: September 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) caused 261,060 deaths in Brazil over a 20-year period, with a tendency to increase over time. This study aimed to verify the sociodemographic factors predicting higher mortality caused by CRC and survival rates. Moreover, we aimed to verify whether the performance of screening, diagnostic and treatment procedures had an impact on mortality. Ecological observational study of mortality due to CRC was conducted in Brazil from 2000–2019. The adjustment variable was age, which was used to calculate the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR). The exposure variables were number of deaths and ASMR. Outcome variables were age-period-cohort, race classification, marital status, geographic region, and screening, diagnostic, and treatment procedures. Age-period-cohort analysis was performed. ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test with post hoc tests were used to assess differences in race classification, marital status, and geographic region. Multinomial logistic regression was used to test for interaction among sociodemographic factors. Survival analysis included Kaplan-Meier plot and Cox regression analysis were performed. Multivariate linear regression was used to test prediction using screening, diagnosis, and treatment procedures. In Brazil, mortality from CRC increased after age 45 years. The highest adjusted mortality rates were found among white individuals and in the South of the country (p < 0.05). Single, married, and widowed northern and northeastern persons had a higher risk of death than legally separated southern persons (p < 0.05). Lower survival rates were observed in brown and legally separated individuals and residents from the North (p < 0.05). An increase in first-line chemotherapy and a decrease in second-line chemotherapy were associated with high mortality in the north (p<0.05). In the south, second-line chemotherapy and abdominoperineal rectal resection were associated with high mortality (p < 0.05). Regional differences in sociodemographic factors and clinical procedures can serve as guidelines for adjusting public health policies.
IL-23 signaling is not an important driver of liver inflammation and fibrosis in murine non-alcoholic steatohepatitis models
Authors: Heredia Jose E. , Sorenson Clara , Flanagan Sean , Nunez Victor , Jones Charles , Martzall Angela , Leong Laurie , Martinez Andres Paler , Scherl Alexis , Brightbill Hans D. , Ghilardi Nico , Ding Ning
Published: September 2022

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), represents an unmet medical need that can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which, without intervention, can result in the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Inflammation is a pathological hallmark of NASH, and targeting key inflammatory mediators of NASH may lead to potential therapeutics for the disease. Herein, we aimed to investigate the role of IL-23 signaling in NASH progression in murine models. We showed that recombinant IL-23 can promote IL-17 producing cell expansion in the liver and that these cells are predominately γδ T cells and Mucosal Associated Invariant T cells (MAITs). Reciprocally, we found that IL-23 signaling is necessary for the expansion of γδ T cells and MAIT cells in the western diet (WD) diet induced NASH model. However, we did not observe any significant differences in liver inflammation and fibrosis between wild type and Il23r-/- mice in the same NASH model. Furthermore, we found that Il23r deletion does not impact liver inflammation and fibrosis in the choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined and high-fat diet (CDA-HFD) induced NASH model. Based on these findings, we therefore propose that IL-23 signaling is not necessary for NASH pathogenesis in preclinical models and targeting this pathway alone may not be an effective therapeutic approach to ameliorate the disease progression in NASH patients.
A multiplex analysis of phonological and orthographic networks
Authors: Lara-Martínez Pablo , Obregón-Quintana Bibiana , Reyes-Manzano C. F. , López-Rodríguez Irene , Guzmán-Vargas Lev
Published: September 2022

The study of natural language using a network approach has made it possible to characterize novel properties ranging from the level of individual words to phrases or sentences. A natural way to quantitatively evaluate similarities and differences between spoken and written language is by means of a multiplex network defined in terms of a similarity distance between words. Here, we use a multiplex representation of words based on orthographic or phonological similarity to evaluate their structure. We report that from the analysis of topological properties of networks, there are different levels of local and global similarity when comparing written vs. spoken structure across 12 natural languages from 4 language families. In particular, it is found that differences between the phonetic and written layers is markedly higher for French and English, while for the other languages analyzed, this separation is relatively smaller. We conclude that the multiplex approach allows us to explore additional properties of the interaction between spoken and written language.
The metabolomic profile associated with clustering of cardiovascular risk factors—A multi-sample evaluation
Authors: Lind Lars , Sundström Johan , Elmståhl Sölve , Dekkers Koen F. , Smith J. Gustav , Engström Gunnar , Fall Tove , Ärnlöv Johan
Published: September 2022

Background

A clustering of cardiovascular risk factors is denoted the metabolic syndrome (MetS), but the mechanistic underpinnings of this clustering is not clear. Using large-scale metabolomics, we aimed to find a metabolic profile common for all five components of MetS.

Methods and findings

791 annotated non-xenobiotic metabolites were measured by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in five different population-based samples (Discovery samples: EpiHealth, n = 2342 and SCAPIS-Uppsala, n = 4985. Replication sample: SCAPIS-Malmö, n = 3978, Characterization samples: PIVUS, n = 604 and POEM, n = 501). MetS was defined by the NCEP/consensus criteria. Fifteen metabolites were related to all five components of MetS (blood pressure, waist circumference, glucose, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides) at a false discovery rate of <0.05 with adjustments for BMI and several life-style factors. They represented different metabolic classes, such as amino acids, simple carbohydrates, androgenic steroids, corticosteroids, co-factors and vitamins, ceramides, carnitines, fatty acids, phospholipids and metabolonic lactone sulfate. All 15 metabolites were related to insulin sensitivity (Matsuda index) in POEM, but only Palmitoyl-oleoyl-GPE (16:0/18:1), a glycerophospholipid, was related to incident cardiovascular disease over 8.6 years follow-up in the EpiHealth sample following adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors (HR 1.32 for a SD change, 95%CI 1.07–1.63).

Conclusion

A complex metabolic profile was related to all cardiovascular risk factors included in MetS independently of BMI. This profile was also related to insulin sensitivity, which provide further support for the importance of insulin sensitivity as an important underlying mechanism in the clustering of cardiovascular risk factors.
Entrepreneurial education in basic education: identifying challenges from a bibliometric analysis and systematic review
Authors: Carvalho Agair Juliete Cavalcante , Corrêa Rubia Oliveira , Carvalho Gustavo Dambiski Gomes de , Olave Maria Elena Leon
Published: September 2022

Objective: to analyze, in the Web of Science database, the scientific production on the theme "entrepreneurial education", in order to observe the literature panorama and the challenges inherent to the performance of entrepreneurship in Basic Education. Methodology: the study was divided into two parts: (1) analysis, through the bibliometrics technique, of the indicators related to the type of document, the authors and their nationality, and the number of citations; and (2) conducting a systematic, post-application review of the Proknow-C method. Main results: the number of studies with this educational approach is low and, in general, isolated cases are analyzed. The literature panorama reaffirms the thematic complexity and highlights two major and main challenges – school management and teacher preparation. Theoretical/methodological contributions: through the presented literary portfolio, it is possible to identify the complexity and heterogeneity of the challenges linked to the application of the entrepreneurial approach in Basic Education teaching institutions. Relevance/originality: this study exposes the development of research on entrepreneurship education in basic education, as well as the challenges associated with the implementation and development of this educational approach. Social/management contributions: the results of the study demonstrated the need for integration between the political, business, educational, family spheres and the support of society in general for the implementation and development of entrepreneurship in Basic Education.
The Impact of Problem-based Learning on Pre-service Teachers’ Mathematics Pedagogical Content Knowledge
Authors:   Edith Cowan University, Martin David
Published: September 2022

Predictors of teacher effectiveness in relation to student achievement are based on the ability to use a range of evidence-based teaching strategies. Australia’s Teacher Education Ministerial Advisory Group (TEMAG) report that some tertiary providers working with pre-service teachers (PSTs) are using pedagogical practices which are not informed by established research. This paper reports on the impact a student-centred, PBL teaching approach had on third-year Bachelor of Education PSTs’ PCK in a mathematics education subject, compared to a similar group taught using a conventional teacher-directed approach. A quasi-experimental group-by-time design was used to determine the impact of the intervention. Contrary to meta-analyses regarding the efficacy of PBL compared to teacher-directed instruction, findings from this study show the PSTs from the PBL group developed their mathematics PCK as well as those who were taught using a teacher-directed instructional approach, Wilks’ Lambda = .71, F (1, 35) = 14.33, p < .01.
Trainees’ perceptions on learning environment based on the level of training in a pediatric training program in Indonesia
Authors: Triasih Rina , Ang Felisia , Kusuma Weda , Rahayu Gandes Retni
Published: September 2022

Background Learning environment in a pediatric specialist training program is complex and may influence trainees’ performance and achievement. We evaluated the trainees’ perception on learning environment and compared it between levels of the training. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study to pediatric trainees in Pediatric Specialist Training Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia in May 2019. The data was collected online using the Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure (PHEEM) questionnaire, which was translated into Indonesian language and was self-completed by the trainees. Results All (136) trainees, which consisted of 35 (25.7%) junior, 44 (32.3%) middle, and 57 (42%) senior levels, completed the survey. The mean total score of PHEEM for all trainees was 108.10 (+ 17.03), which was not different between levels of the trainees. The mean scores for the role of autonomy, teaching, and social support were not different between levels of training either. Nevertheless, the junior scored less than the middle and senior trainees for questions on performing inappropriate tasks. Conclusion The learning environment of the pediatric training program in our setting was perceived good but improvement was required. There was no difference in perception of learning environment based on the level of the training.
Cost-optimization based target reliability for fire design of insulated steel columns
Authors: Chaudhary Ranjit Kumar , Gernay Thomas , Van Coile Ruben
Published: September 2022

Adequacy of a structural fire design can in theory be demonstrated through a probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) where the compliance with tolerability limits and the ALARP requirement are explicitly ascertained. However, explicit assessment of ALARP requirement is challenging and impractical for day-to-day designs, due to the burden of estimating uncertain future costs and current safety investment costs. For normal design conditions, the use of target reliability indices has been recommended instead. These target reliability indices however have not been defined for structural design under fire events. To address this gap, the current study demonstrates a method to derive target reliability indices for a fire-exposed structure. As a case study, an insulated steel column (with varying levels of ISO fire rating) exposed to parametric natural fires is considered. The target reliability indices are derived for the steel column for varying fire exposure scenarios, considering different fire load densities and opening factor, relating to the building occupancies. This study thus investigates the important issue of adopting target reliability indices in fire design that are cost-optimized from quantitative analyses considering natural fire exposures, which has significant implications for fire safety and rational use of resources in the construction industry.
Probabilistic models for resistance variables in fib Model Code 2020 for design and assessment
Authors: Sýkora Miroslav , Botte Wouter , Caspeele Robby , Diamantidis Dimitris , Muttoni Aurelio , Steenbergen Raphaël D.J.M.
Published: September 2022

The fib Model Code offers pre-normative guidance based on the synthesis of international research, industry and engineering expertise. Its new edition (draft MC 2020) will bring together coherent knowledge and experience for both the design of new concrete structures and the assessment of existing concrete structures. This contribution presents an overview of the main developments related to the partial factors for materials. In the draft MC2020, the partial factors are presented in tables for clusters of cases depending on consequence classes and variability of basic variables. Furthermore, formulas and background information are provided to facilitate updating of the partial factors. This contribution discusses the different assumptions adopted in MC 2020 for design and assessment. Main changes with respect to the previous version are related to description of the difference between in-situ concrete strength and the material strength measured on control specimens, and to modelling of geometrical variables. The presented comparison of the requirements imposed by Eurocodes and MC 2020 for design reveals insignificant differences. The assessment requirements may be decreased by about 25% when the conditions specified in MC 2020 are satisfied. Hence, the revised MC 2020 will provide designers and code makers with wider possibilities to utilise actual data and long-term experience in assessments of existing structures.
A clinical Case and brief literature review of Icenko-Cushing’s Disease in a pediatric patient with atypical onset of the disease
Authors: Tiulpakov M. A. , Bezlepkina O. B. , Nagaeva E. V. , Azizian V. N. , Lapshina A. M.
Published: September 2022

Itsenko–Cushing’s disease is a rare, multisystem disease characterized by the presence of endogenous central hypercortisolism due to an ACTH-secreting brain tumor. The frequency of Itsenko-Cushing’s disease in adulthood is 0.7–2.4 per 1 million population, and only 10% of all cases occur in childhood. The age of onset of the disease in children is on average 12.0–14.8 years. A typical manifestation of the disease in children, along with obesity and arterial hypertension, is a decrease in growth rates. The gold standard for diagnosing central hypercortisolism is MRI of the brain, however, the effectiveness of this method in children is only 50%. The main method of treatment is neurosurgical transnasal transsphenoidal removal of endosellar pituitary adenoma, which makes it possible to achieve remission in more than 65% of cases. This article describes a clinical case of Itsenko–Cushing’s disease in a 6.5-year-old child with obesity, arterial hypertension, atypically «high» stature, average velocity and non-visualizable corticotropinoma. The article presents the stages of diagnostic search, the complexity of differential diagnosis and surgical treatment, the results of follow-up after the treatment and a brief review of the literature.