bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Visual Detection of speB Gene in Streptococcus pyogenes Isolates by Real-time Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Turbidimetry Method
Authors: Simon Simon Azi , Kumar Subbiah Suresh , Thian Lung Than Leslie , Osman Malina , Awang Hamat Rukman
Published: May 2021

Background: Group A Streptococcus (GAS) causes a wide array of clinical manifestations ranging from mild pharyngitis to suppurative and non-suppurative severe debilitating diseases. Hence, a simple, rapid detection method with high sensitivity and specificity is needed. Objectives: This study embarked on the visual detection of the streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B (speB) gene by real-time turbidimetry and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) methods. The real-time monitoring of the sigmoidal graph generated from a turbidimetry method was incorporated in the assay. Methods: The amplification of the speB gene was virtually observed in real-time monitoring of the graph (sigmoidal curve) generated via a turbidimeter, thus providing a “guide” to accurately estimate the time to positivity for the gene detection. Results: The targeted gene was detected at 15 min but was optimally amplified within 45 min at an isothermal temperature of 63°C with 100% specificity using an established set of primers. The formation of sigmoidal curves was correlated with other visual observations by the naked eye (from orange to green), ultra-violet light (green fluorescence), and agarose gel electrophoresis. The improved detection limit of the real-time RT-LAMP assay was also observed compared to conventional PCR assay (0.001 pg/µL versus 1 ng/µL). Conclusions: The improved visual detection of RT-LAMP assay could provide additional insight for rapid, cost-effective, and reliable identification of GAS via speB gene detection in low or middle-income countries. It could also be a very important tool to improve the healthcare management of patients infected with GAS in the future.
Transitional justice discourse in post-conflict societies in Africa: introduction
Authors: Opongo Elias O.
Published: May 2021

Post-conflict reconstruction has emerged as one the major issues of concern in Africa in the last three decades. Since the end of the Cold War following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, many African countries embraced multiparty systems that expanded democratic spaces. With this came the claim to justice and consciousness on the need to reconstruct a new vision of the nation, a vision that is based on social cohesion. This led to calls for democratisation in a number of African countries as well as in Latin America, Eastern Europe, and, in particular, former Soviet Union countries. In Africa, the approach taken by different countries varied from elaborate transitional justice processes that involved truth commissions to national dialogue processes that called for political compromise without putting into place any formal transitional justice process.
The articles in this supplementary issue on transitional justice discourse in post-conflict societies in Africa draw attention to diverse contextual issues on post-conflict reconstruction in the continent. These articles bring together divergent discourses, experiences, theorisations, and interpretations of transitional processes while calling for a new way of assessing truth-telling processes within the purview of legal frameworks, gender and cultural sensitivities, peace sustainability, and conflict resolution strategies in Africa. The articles open up debate on the extent to which transitional justice processes contribute to peace and sustainability in Africa, and what could be done to improve this important post-conflict reconstruction initiative.
Silent peacemakers: grass-roots transitional justice and peacebuilding by women in Kenya�s North Rift conflicts
Authors: Kilonzo Susan Mbula
Published: May 2021

African Union�s Transitional Justice Policy (AUTJP) acknowledges that conflicts affect women and girls disproportionately. Implied in this is the need for transitional processes that take into account the gendered nature of conflicts as well as the role of women in contributing to peacebuilding processes and transitional mechanisms. The article contextualises transitional justice within the framework of gender and grass-roots peacebuilding. From both theoretical and empirical perspectives, the article discusses snippets that depict women as contributors to peacebuilding and transitional justice mechanisms in Kenya�s North Rift conflicts. The study shows that women have used responsibility in burdens; advocacy; membership in village peace committees; negotiation with patriarchy; sensitisation and memorialisation; and socio-economic empowerment, as approaches to build peace and transition communities at the grass-roots level. These efforts feed into transitional justice�s tenets of peace processes, reconciliation, social cohesion, memorialisation, and local ownership. The paper illustrates the need for peacebuilders to focus more on integrating women�s voices in local and mainstream peacebuilding mechanisms.
Liberal international criminal law and legal memory: deconstructing the production of witness memories at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda
Authors: Thorne Benjamin
Published: May 2021

International criminal tribunals and courts, such as the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), are commonly understood within legal transitional justice scholarship as the primary response to mass human rights violations, not only in addressing impunity, but also in uncovering the truth of what happened and why. This conceptually orientated article aims to deconstruct legal witnessing and memory production at the ICTR in order to critique claims in legal scholarship that international criminal institutions are able to produce a collective memory of mass rights violations. Specifically, the article proposes an original conceptual framework using insights from critical theory, Giorgio Agamben (witness) and Paul Ricoeur (memory), which it is argued extends our understanding of the scope, and limitations, of liberal Western criminal institutions� (in)ability to make sense of past atrocities.
INTERPRETAÇÕES SOBRE ALGUMAS FRAGILIDADES DO BLOG ESTADÃO DADOS
Authors: Del Vecchio-Lima Myrian Regina , Spetch Patrícia Pivoto
Published: May 2021

Este texto tem como objetivo interpretar, a partir de categorias analíticas, exemplos de postagens publicadas no Blog do Estadão Dados (ED), núcleo profissional do jornal O Estado de S. Paulo. Apresentam-se, primeiramente, aportes teóricos sobre o jornalismo de dados para ser possível refletir sobre os limites desta forma de garimpar informações e produzir notícias baseadas em estatísticas e no desenvolvimento de projetos de visualização de dados. Dentre os pontos analisados, podemos depreender que o blog ED não é planejado para matérias analíticas aprofundadas e que não foi verificada a presença de textos ilustrados por personagens, o que nos leva à reflexão sobre as possibilidades de um jornalismo de dados que vá além do instrumental, apontando para a produção de reportagens que abranjam aspectos sociais e humanos mais amplos.
FATOS ATUAIS E FONTES NOTICIOSAS PRESENTES NOS VESTIBULARES DA FUVEST
Authors: Paganotti Ivan
Published: May 2021

O vestibular Fuvest apresenta tradicional influência nos temas discutidos em salas de aula da educação básica ao selecionar futuros estudantes da Universidade de São Paulo. Este artigo adota a análise de discurso crítica para avaliar questões que se baseiam em fatos recentes e em textos veiculados pela imprensa, o que sinaliza elementos pressupostos nas expectativas de acompanhamento midiático por parte de avaliadores, alunos e outros envolvidos no processo educacional. Esta pesquisa avalia as estratégias adotadas pela Fuvest para selecionar estudantes que consumam habitualmente fontes noticiosas e que sejam capazes de produzir reflexões acadêmicas e críticas sobre seu cotidiano. Vestibulares de 2010 a 2019 mostram presença de temas atuais e fontes noticiosas em frequências semelhantes a outros meios de comunicação tradicionalmente atrelados a processos seletivos, como obras literárias.
O GRITO DA QUEBRADA – A POTÊNCIA INTERSECCIONAL COMO ARMA NO MAINSTREAM
Authors: Neves Thiago Tavares das
Published: May 2021

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo trazer para o debate comunicacional reflexões teóricas do campo da música, do entretenimento e da interseccionalidade tendo como protagonista a artivista musical de gênero Linn da Quebrada. Linn funcionará como uma chave epistemológica, um operador que por meio dela será possível problematizar questões da música, da comunicação e da interseccionalidade na esfera do entretenimento midiático de maneira transversalizada. Como recurso metodológico foi utilizado trechos de entrevistas de Linn em diversos suportes midiáticos, assumindo-os como materialidade comunicacional. Conclui-se que Linn é criadora de sua própria epistême e através de sua potência intereseccional é possível uma voz subalternizada com sua força política ganhar visibilidade no mainstream.
O IMPACTO DA (IN)COMUNICAÇÃO PARA AS RELAÇÕES PERVERSAS NAS ORGANIZAÇÕES
Authors: Luz Moraes Fernanda , Andreoni Renata , Carara Lemos Fernando
Published: May 2021

Ao compreendermos as relações enquanto práticas comunicacionais, entendemos a necessidade de revisitar as práticas de (in)comunicação nas organizações e seus impactos nas relações de trabalho. Este artigo parte do cenário de esgotamento do ser (HAN, 2017a e 2017b), que ganha relevância na sociedade de desempenho, flexível (SENNETT, 2006) e líquida (BAUMAN, 2006), tornando-se terreno fértil para relações perversas nos ambientes organizacionais, podendo resultar na prática do assédio moral organizacional (SILVA, 2016; SOBOLL, 2017). Recorremos ao Pensamento Complexo (MORIN, 2011; 2015) para sustentar a necessidade de refletirmos sobre uma dimensão cooperativa (LEMOS, 2019) e o desenvolvimento da potência vital da comunicação (ANDREONI, 2018), como possibilidade de (re)construir as relações no mundo do trabalho.
COMBATENDO FAKE NEWS: MAPEANDO PRÁTICAS DE VERIFICAÇÃO NO CORREIO BRAZILIENSE
Authors: Marques Alberto
Published: May 2021

Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar o funcionamento do Núcleo de verificação Correio Braziliense, na Agência Holofote. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório que busca trazer à tona práticas adotadas no processo de verificação adotadas no jornalismo. Inicialmente, classificamos seis meses de chegarem do Núcleo usando as categorias propostas por Wardle e Derakhshan (2018). A partir dessa observação, fazemos entrevistas semiestruturadas com três profissionais do núcleo de checagem. Os dados coletados indicam que existem rotinas no processo de verificação e cada informação demandará um trabalho diferente.
EDITORAS PALLAS, CORRUPIO E MAZZA: PIONEIRISMO E PUBLICAÇÃO NEGRA NO BRASIL
Authors: Ribeiro Ana Elisa , Alves Pereira Maria do Rosário
Published: May 2021

Neste artigo, à luz dos estudos de edição e considerando questões raciais, reunimos três narrativas sobre três casas editoriais brasileiras voltadas à publicação de autores e autoras negros/as, todas fundadas entre os anos 1970 e início de 1980: Pallas Editora, Editora Corrupio e Mazza Edições. Consideramos tais editoras pioneiras em sua atuação claramente política e performativa a respeito dos temas afro, em especial pela publicação de autores/as africanos/as e afrodescendentes. Também é importante o fato de que tais editoras sejam conduzidas por mulheres, em sua maioria, negras. A fim de contribuir para uma narrativa mais justa e diversa da história editorial nacional, já que consideramos os três casos subnarrados, focalizamos tais casas e suas propostas, dentro de um cenário que observamos pela relevância e pela resistência que os caracteriza.
PRÁTICAS DE LEITURA E CENTRALIDADE DAS IMAGENS
Authors: Figueiredo Vera Lúcia Follain de , Fontoura Marina Burdman da
Published: May 2021

Ainda que a existência de uma centralidade da experiência visual na cultura contemporânea não deixe de gerar controvérsias, alguns estudiosos têm celebrado o que chamam de giro icônico, reivindicando, para as imagens, direitos iguais aos da linguagem, e não simplesmente serem transformadas em linguagem. O artigo discute esta questão a partir das mudanças ocorridas nas práticas de leitura com a expansão da tecnologia digital, tendo em vista o protagonismo do mercado como mediador cultural.
Fiber Reinforced Plastic Sailing Yachts - Some Aspects of Structural Design
Authors: Curry Robert
Published: May 2021

This paper discusses various aspects of the structural design of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) offshore racing and cruising yachts. Items discussed are materials, laminates, structural details, and rudders and keels. Emphasis is on those aspects that have been found to deserve attention in that they: are not covered in specific detail in the ABS Guide for Building and Classing Offshore Racing Yachts; are covered but are sometimes not complied with; or are outside the scope of the Guide.

The approach is to review the standard and advanced composite materials as they are currently used for ocean racing yachts and for ocean cruising/racing yachts. Various terms and aspects of laminate design are discussed. By their nature this is particularly applicable to advanced composites for which it is not only necessary to make fullest use of their advantageous properties but also to be aware of and consider in design their less obvious restraints.

Typical structural arrangements are mentioned, structural design and structural detail are discussed, again with emphasis on the advantages of the various materials and details, and the pitfalls to be avoided. Due to their importance rudders and keels are reviewed in detail, focusing on certain features that could be or have been known as a source of past problems.

The ABS Guide for Building and Classing Offshore Racing Yachts is briefly referred to in its role of providing the standards for the structural design of ocean racing yachts and in its applicability to cruising racing yachts.

For those interested, an appendix gives a brief history of the Guide and the role of the Offshore Racing Council and ABS in its development and current use.
Guides to the Approximation of Sailing Yacht Performance
Authors: Stephens Olin J.
Published: May 2021

Two computer programs are presented for use, either singly or in sequence. The first will derive, from minimal data, a consistent set of parameters which, entered into the second, a velocity prediction program (VPP), will predict a sailing yacht's speed and course over a full range of wind strength and direction. Due to the limited input data as well as to the simple form of the VPP, approximate results must be accepted. The design program combines guidance with flexibility so that reasonably accurate and consistent dimensions, largely empirically derived, including weight and stability estimates, are quickly produced and tested, by the VPP, for performance.
The Planning, Design and Construction of the 44-foot Offshore Training Craft for the U.S. Naval Academy
Authors: McCurdy Ian , Bonds John
Published: May 2021

This paper includes a brief history of the of used by the Naval Academy’s sailing program and their uses, the development of the criteria used to define the yawl replacement, and finally, a description of the replacement vessel. This class of vessel will eventually replace all of the Academy yawls and the other sail training craft now used by the Sailing Squadron.
Performance Prediction Method for Multihull Yachts
Authors: Oliver Clay
Published: May 2021

A new performance prediction method for multihull yachts is described. The methods described here, and performance predictions based on these methods were used in the design and modifications of the 1988 America's Cup Defender Stars & Stripes. The method incorporates the type of solution procedures used in state-of-the-art monohull velocity prediction programs. The various models used for hydrodynamic and aerodynamic forces are briefly discussed. The predictive method is validated using full-scale data from C-Class catamarans, a Formula 40 catamaran, a 75-foot “maxicat”, and Stars & Stripes with a soft-sail rig. Several examples of design studies are presented.
Gyradius Measurements of Olympic Class Dinghies and Keel Boats
Authors: Hinrichsen Peter F.
Published: May 2021

Modern construction techniques allow dinghy hulls to be built well under the minimum weight specified by the class rules. This has lead to a trend, notably in the Olympic dinghy classes, towards hulls with light ends, especially light bows. A number of classes, of which the Finn was the first, have therefore introduced means of measuring the fore and aft weight distribution. Measurements of the pitch and yaw gyradii of Flying Dutchman hulls made at the 1976, 1984 and 1988 Olympic regattas, as well as data for a number of other classes are presented. The various methods used for gyradius measurement are compared, with special emphasis on their precision, accuracy, worldwide reproducibility and the systematic corrections required. Calculations of the contribution of each of the components, including the crew, to the total moment of inertia are presented for Flying Dutchmen.
Structural Design and Construction of America's Cup Class Yachts
Authors: Reichard Ronnal P.
Published: May 2021

The new America's Cup Class Rule specifies a modern, light weight, fast monohull sloop somewhere between an IOR Maxi and an ULDB. The performance of the boat will be highly sensitive to weight, thus there is a premium on optimization of the structure. The structural section of the rule calls for a thin skin sandwich laminate with minimum skin and core thicknesses and densities, as well as maximum core thickness, fiber modulus, and laminate cure temperatures. This paper presents the initial phases of material selection, structural analysis and design, and manufacturing engineering in the development of a competitive America's Cup Class Yacht.
Sailboat Performance in a Current
Authors: Nolan James P.
Published: May 2021

Tidal and other surface currents may have a profound influence on the effective performance of a sailing vessel. This illustrated paper discusses in sailors' terms some situations of interest to racing sailors. Is it always advantageous to have a "fair current"? Under what circumstances is it a good thing to "lee bow" a tide? How can you improve your "velocity made good" in the presence of a current? What are your options in a current with no wind? What should Race committees know about currents and how might this knowledge influence judgement in setting a course? Might it be a good thing to tack downwind against a foul tide? How might a current affect the calculation of "target speeds" and "optimum VMG"? This paper covers these and other related circumstances in which calculation of current effects may affect decision making while under sail.
Sailboat Hydrodynamic Drag Source Prediction and Performance Assessment
Authors: Boppe Charles W.
Published: May 2021

Velocity Prediction Programs used for sailboat hull, sail, and keel sizing trades, have found an important place in the designer's toolbox. Sail designers now recognize the benefits of applying aerodynamic panel methods. In addition, the 1983 and 1987 America's Cup competitions have drawn attention to use of computerized flow simulation methods for improving hydrodynamic performance. This paper highlights characteristics of methods capable of predicting sailboat hydrodynamic drag forces. Taken together the resistance components predicted include appendage surface friction drag, configuration and lift-induced drag, and configuration trim drag. All of the computer programs discussed in this paper were originally developed for aircraft aerodynamic applications. Since each method is based on some approximate model of real world flow physics, the need to establish a simulation experience base is emphasized and illustrated. VPP polar diagrams are used to link drag source benefits and penalties to sailboat performance. Micro-computer execution times are provided because the methods described operate in machines commonly found in the naval architect’s office.
The Design of Yacht Sailplans for Maximal Upwind Speed
Authors: Day Sandy
Published: May 2021

A great deal of research, both computational and experiment based, has been carried out on the optimisation of hull geometry for minimal hydrodynamic resistance; however, rather less effort has been expended on the equivalent problem of optimising the sailplan geometry. The goals of the optimisation procedures which have been adopted for sail optimisation are somewhat diverse; some researchers have concentrated on the maximisation of aerodynamic drive force, with or without constraints on heeling moment, whilst other approaches have included simple representations of hydrodynamic sideforce and induced drag. Much of the work has concentrated on optimisation of the distribution of aerodynamic lift over the sailplan without specifying how the lift distribution may be achieved in practice if indeed the lift distribution can be obtained within the practical constraints of conventional rig technology.

It is argued here that, from the point of view of yacht design, an appropriate goal for the optimisation is the selection of the sailplan geometry which yields the best performance for a given hull form over a suitably weighted range of windspeeds. In this work, the aspect of performance considered as being of primary importance is upwind speed. A method is presented by which the principal dimensions of the rig - luff length, foot length etc. - may be chosen so as to maximise upwind or close reaching speed for a particular yacht in a given wind strength.

The aerodynamic performance of the rig is predicted using a non-linear vortex lattice model; viscous effects, including the effect of the mast, are included using an ad hoc approach based on two dimensional experiment data. The hydrodynamics and hydrostatics of the hull are obtained using a performance prediction approach based on the well known Delft yacht hull series. Optimisation of the rig geometry is carried out using a stochastic technique known as a structured genetic algorithm.

Results are presented for two variations on the sloop rig; the first employs a mainsail with an essentially triangular planform, whilst the second allows the inclusion of a substantial roach, leading to sails of the form normally associated with full length battens. The hull forms considered include typical examples of both modem and slightly older racing yachts. The sensitivity of the geometries obtained to constraints unrelated to upwind speed - such as structural integrity or offwind sail carrying capability - is also illustrated.
Looking Towards the Motherland:
Authors: Gueye Abdoulaye
Published: May 2021

In the past 20 or so years, the African diaspora’s engagement in universitiesin Africa has inspired numerous studies. This article contributes to thisliterature both empirically and theoretically. Questioning the nationalismparadigm, which chiefly attributes African diaspora academics’ interventionsin African higher education institutions to patriotism, it arguesthat any explanation of the privileged forms of this engagement oughtto consider two major factors. The first is that African diaspora scholarshave been socialised in a strong colonial-era ideological imperative, whichvalues engagement in Africa; their socio-professional relevance on theircontinent of origin should thus be assessed in this light. The second factoris that African diaspora academics are integrated into professional foreignacademic institutions with their own rules and high stakes. While theyare urged to serve in Africa, they are also required to excel in their localinstitution and at the global academic level. Given the time constraints thisimposes, diaspora academics’ engagement in Africa is confined to rolesthat are compatible with the expectations imposed by Western academia.

Key Words: diaspora, African academics, higher education, engagement,Africa
Transnational Diaspora Engagements in HIgher Education:
Authors: Woldegiyorgis Ayenachew Aseffa
Published: May 2021

The literature on diaspora engagement in higher education focuses on broadenvironmental, policy, and institutional issues as critical determinants ofthe scope and efficiency of engagement. Using data from interviews with 16Ethiopian diaspora academics in the United States, this article undertakesa micro-examination of factors in their personal spaces and immediateenvironment that influence such engagement. Using a phenomenologicalapproach, it examines how professional, personal, familial and otherindividual attributes shape the trajectories of diaspora engagement. Itdemonstrates how nuances in personal and micro-environmental factorsshape motivation for, and sustenance of, engagement, while they maintaina complex and interdependent relationship. The article concludes byhighlighting the importance of a holistic approach to the study of diasporaengagement in higher education that pays attention to personal and microenvironmentalfactors as well as institutional, legal, and political issues.

Key words: Ethiopia, Ethiopian diaspora, diaspora engagement, highereducation, transnational engagement
Behavioral and electrophysiological response of Rhynchophorus palmarum (L., 1764) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) to volatile compounds of natives entomopatogenic fungi
Authors: Araujo-Dalbon Viviane , Lisboa-Ribeiro Thyago Fernando , Molina-Acevedo Juan Pablo , Silva Joao Manoel , Anacleto-Andrade Anderson Bruno , Anacleto-Andrade Anderson Bruno , Granja Bruna da Silva , Ribeiro-Júnior Karlos Antônio Lisboa , Fonseca-Goulart Henrique , Goulart-Santana Antônio Euzébio
Published: May 2021

Rhynchophorus palmarum es plaga relevante en palmeras (Arecaceae) en Brasil. Su respuesta comportamental (olfatometría) y electrofisiológica (electroantenografía, sola y acoplada a cromatografía) se estudió frente a compuestos orgánicos volátiles emitidos por hongos entomopatógenos nativos aislados en Coruripe (Alagoas, Brasil) mediante aireación durante 24 horas. El aislado CVAD01 no originó respuesta comportamental significativa, pero el CVAD02 originó atracción significativa en machos. Los bioensayos electrofisiológicos mostraron actividad antenal en los dos sexos de R. palmarum frente a los componentes volátiles de los extractos de los dos hongos identificados. Los análisis cromatográficos de los extractos indicaron perfiles de compuestos orgánicos volátiles con la presencia de dos alcoholes, tres hidrocarburos aromáticos, dos monoterpenos, tres cetonas y tres hidrocarburos lineales.

Rhynchophorus palmarum is a major pest of palms (Arecaceae) in Brasil. Both the behavioral (olfactometry) and electrophysiological (electroantennography, both alone and coupled to chromatography) was studied against volatile organic compounds emitted by native entomopathogenic fungi isolated from Coruripe (Alagoas, Brazil). Fungal isolates were identified by aeration system for 24 hours. CVAD01 did not cause a significant behavioral response; however, males were significantly attracted to CVAD02 extracts. Electrophysiological bioassays showed antennal activity, in both sexes, to volatile components of the two identified native fungi. The chromatographic analysis of the extracts indicated profiles of volatile organic compounds with the presence of three alcohol, three aromatics, three ketones, and four hydrocarbons.
Prospective economic impacts of allowing government-operated federal laboratories to assert copyright protection for their custom software products
Authors: Leech David P , Scott John T
Published: May 2021

U.S. copyright laws do not allow government-owned government-operated (GOGO) laboratories of Federal agencies to obtain copyright protection for the software products they develop. This report provides an assessment of the likely economic effects of allowing copyright protection for software products created in the GOGO laboratories. The report uses a formal survey of Federal agencies GOGO laboratories and government-owned contractor-operated (GOCO) laboratories to describe their software development and licensing activities over the past five years and to make forecasts about the effects of eliminating the copyright prohibition. The survey responses indicate that if copyrights for government-created software are allowed, the availability of the software for use by others will increase dramatically. Forecasts of the economic impacts of the expected increase in the available software are made using estimated models of licensing revenues and licensing costs for the survey respondents. The forecasts for the respondents are extrapolated to their parent Federal agencies and then to all Federal agencies. Information about the economy-wide impact for the software industry is combined with the information about the software activities of the Federal agencies to project economy-wide benefits of lifting the restrictions on copyrighting software developed by GOGO laboratories. Changing the copyright law to allow copyright protection for GOGO software is expected to have a positive economic impact on the U.S. economy because the software made available will increase the productivity of its users. This report provides a first look at software activity that has not previously been systematically tracked and reported.
Workshop report :
Authors: Stephens Michelle , Cala Greg , Greene Kristen , Keenan Kathryn E , Robinson Angela , Shi Lu , Ufford Don , Valdez Zachary
Published: May 2021

NIST held a three-day workshop, Challenges for Digital Proximity Detection in Pandemics: Privacy, Accuracy, and Impact Jan. 26th 28th, 2021. Members of industry, academia, nonprofits, state, and federal government were brought together to discuss successes and challenges associated with implementation of proximity detection technologies and to identify areas in which additional effort is required. The first day featured invited speakers on a variety of aspects of proximity detection and the existing challenges. The second day featured a panel discussion and facilitated break-out sessions to provide opportunity for community engagement on ways to overcome the challenges presented in the first day. The final day included reports from the break-out sessions, contributed technical talks, and a wrap-up discussion. This document provides an overview of the presentations and discussions and describes key themes that emerged during the workshop. The agenda, video of the invited talks on Jan. 26th and of the panel discussion on Jan. 27th, and slides from the contributed talks are available on the website, https://www.nist.gov/newsevents/events/2021/01/challenges-digital-proximity-detection-pandemics-privacy-accuracyand.
Validation Study of the Korean Version of Rothbart’s Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised
Authors: Lim Jiyoung , Bae Yun-Jin
Published: May 2021

This study presents the psychometric properties of the Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised (IBQ-R), including internal consistency, content validity, and construct validity. The IBQ-R is a caregiver (parent) reporting instrument designed to assess temperament in infants (aged 3-12 months). Two groups of participants were included. The first group comprised 92 infants and the second 83 infants, giving a total of 175 infants (M=8.3 months, 80 boys and 95 girls). Their caregivers completed IBQ-R. The IBQ-R subscales demonstrated adequate internal consistency. Also, confirmatory factor analyses of the IBQ-R scale found that three broad dimensions: surgency, negative affectivity, and orientation/regulation. This study confirmed that the IBQ-R is a reliable and valid temperament instrument that can be recommended for evaluating temperament in infants.
Longitudinal Effects of Media Usage by Early School-age Children and Maternal Parenting Stress on School Adjustment: Mediating Effect of Executive Function Difficulty
Authors: Park Eunyoung , Sim Bo Min , Kim Yoon Seo , Kang Min Ju
Published: May 2021

This study examined the longitudinal effects of media usage by early school-age children and of maternal parenting stress on children’s school adjustment. The study focused on the mediating effect of executive function difficulty. Longitudinal data to examine the hypothetical model were drawn from the eighth (2015) through tenth (2017) waves of the Panel Study of Korean Children (PSKC) collected by the Korea Institute of Child Care and Education (KICCE). A total of 581 children (293 boys and 288 girls) and their mothers were included. Confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation model, and bootstrapping analysis were applied using SPSS 25.0 and Amos 26.0. The results are as follows. First, no significant correlation was found between early school-age children’s media usage and maternal parenting stress. Second, neither media usage by early school-age children nor maternal parenting stress were found to directly affect children’s school adjustment. Third, media usage by early school-age children and maternal parenting stress were shown to indirectly affect children’s school adjustment via executive function difficulties. In other words, higher levels of media usage by early school-age children and maternal parenting stress during the first grade lead to greater executive function difficulties after a year, which, in turn, lead to a lower level of school adjustment in the third grade. This study indicates the need to develop practical support for the psychological wellbeing of mothers while they are performing their role as a parent and for children in maintaining suitable levels of media usage during early childhood.
Analysis of the Contents of Hanbok in the「 Home Life and Safety」 section of the High School Technical Family Textbook: Content Analysis and Text Mining Techniques are utilized
Authors: Shim Joon Young , Baek Min Kyung
Published: May 2021

This study is not just a meaning of costume but a function of culture and includes addresses the associated emotions. As the interest of youths has increased recently, the importance of traditional costume education has been growing. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the contents of Hanbok in the 2015 revised high school technology and home textbooks using content analysis techniques and text mining techniques. As a result of the study, first, the symbolic meaning and characteristics of Hanbok and the beauty of Hanbok were practiced in daily life, and the value was found through the excellence of Hanbok and the modernization of Hanbok was dealt with Second, most of the illustrations related to traditional costumes were presented in various ways, but there were some regrets due to lack of quantity and quality. Third, the words used to explain traditional costumes were used in the form of culture, excellence, tradition, modernity, harmony, succession, etc. except for the types of clothing. Therefore, the results and discussions derived from this study are expected to help the textbooks to be efficiently selected and used in the field of the front line school along with the correct understanding of traditional culture in the process of selecting traditional culture contents and illustrations.
A phosphorylation of RIPK3 kinase initiates an intracellular apoptotic pathway that promotes prostaglandin2α-induced corpus luteum regression
Authors: Li Dianrong , Chen Jie , Guo Jia , Li Lin , Cai Gaihong , Chen She , Huang Jia , Yang Hui , Zhuang Yinhua , Wang Fengchao , Wang Xiaodong
Published: May 2021

Receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) normally signals to necroptosis by phosphorylating MLKL. We report here that when the cellular RIPK3 chaperone Hsp90/CDC37 level is low, RIPK3 also signals to apoptosis. The apoptotic function of RIPK3 requires phosphorylation of the serine 165/threonine 166 sites on its kinase activation loop, resulting in inactivation of RIPK3 kinase activity while gaining the ability to recruit RIPK1, FADD, and caspase-8 to form a cytosolic caspase-activating complex, thereby triggering apoptosis. We found that PGF2α induces RIPK3 expression in luteal granulosa cells in the ovary to cause luteal regression through this RIPK3-mediated apoptosis pathway. Mice carrying homozygous phosphorylation-resistant RIPK3 S165A/T166A knockin mutations failed to respond to PGF2α but retained pro-necroptotic function, whereas mice with phospho-mimicking S165D/T166E homozygous knock-in mutation underwent spontaneous apoptosis in multiple RIPK3-expressing tissues and died shortly after birth. Thus, RIPK3 signals to either necroptosis or apoptosis depending on its serine 165/threonine 166 phosphorylation status.
Whole genome sequence analysis of multi drug resistant community associated methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus from food fish: detection of clonal lineage ST 28 and its antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes
Authors: Sivaraman Gopalan Krishnan , Sivam Visnuvinayagam , Ganesh Balasubramanian , Elangovan Ravikrishnan , Vijayan Ardhra , Mothadaka Mukteswar Prasad
Published: May 2021

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) sequence type 28 (ST 28) and spa type t021 is a CC30, prototype of ST-30, Community Associated-MRSA (CA-MRSA) (lukS-lukF +). It is a multi-drug resistant strain harbouring staphylococcal endotoxins, haemolysins, ureolysin, serine protease, and antimicrobial resistance genes. In this study, we report the draft genome sequence of this MRSA isolated from the most commonly used food fish, ribbon fish (Trichiurus lepturus). The total number of assembled paired-end high-quality reads was 7,731,542 with a total length of  2.8Mb of 2797 predicted genes. The unique ST28/ t021 CA- MRSA in fish is the first report from India, and in addition to antibiotic resistance is known to co-harbour virulence genes, haemolysins, aureolysins and endotoxins. Comprehensive comparative genomic analysis of CA-MRSA strain7 can help further understand their diversity, genetic structure, diversity and a high degree of virulence to aid in fisheries management.
Skin Lesions Classification Using Deep Learning Techniques: Review
Authors: Kareem Omar Sedqi , Abdulazee Adnan Mohsin , Zeebaree Diyar Qader
Published: May 2021

Skin cancer is a significant health problem. More than 123,000 new cases per year are recorded. Melanoma is the most popular type of skin cancer, leading to more than 9000 deaths annually in the USA. Skin disease diagnosis is getting difficult due to visual similarities. While Melanoma is the most common form of skin cancer, other pathology types are also fatal. Automatic melanoma screening systems will be useful in identifying those skin cancers more appropriately. Advances in technology and growth in computational capabilities have allowed machine learning and deep learning algorithms to analyze skin lesion images. Deep Convolutional Neural Networks (DCNNs) have achieved more encouraging results, yet faster systems for diagnosing fatal diseases are the need of the hour. This paper presents a survey of techniques for skin cancer detection from images. The paper aims to present a review of existing state-of-the-art and effective models for automatically detecting Melanoma from skin images. The result of classifications and segmentation from the skin lesion images will be processed better using the ensemble deep learning algorithm.
Evaluation of the Toxicological Profile of Yagari
Authors: Agatemor Uzuazokaro Mark-Maria , Nwodo Okwesili Fred Chiligue
Published: May 2021

Background and Objective: Data from researches have shown a rise in disease, ill health and death linked with the utilization of herbal products, thereby raising global awareness in the last few years. On that account, the safety and toxicity evaluations of herbal products and preparations was essential. This study evaluated the toxicological profile of Yagari – a herbal mixture.

Materials and Methods: Acute oral toxicity (LD50) was carried out in Swiss mice according to Lorke’s method while sub-chronic toxicity study was carried out with 20 adult albino rats which were divided into 4 groups of 5 animals each. Group one served as control and received normal saline while Groups 2 to 4 received 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg yagari respectively for 28 days. The body weights of the rats were monitored while on day 29, the rats were sacrificed and blood samples and organs were collected for biochemical/hematological analysis and histopathological examination respectively.

Results: Results showed that Yagari is not noxious up to 5000 mg/kg following acute oral toxicity study. The sub-chronic toxicity test divulged that Yagari had no serious end results on the biochemical, hematological and histopathological parameters, although the body weight of the animals significantly increased.

Conclusion: It was concluded that Yagari is not toxic, still further investigations on a large number of animals are essentially needed to denote safety and efficacy of the herbal formulation.
External Beam Radiotherapy as an Adjuvant in the Management of Recurrent Digital Heamangiomatous Tumour: A Case Report
Authors: Ajani Rotimi Sunday , Adenipekun Adeniyi Abidemi
Published: May 2021

Background: Heamangioma constitutes the largest subset of vascular lesions. It is predominantly congenital with predilection for the head and neck region of the body but can involve any part or region of the body. The capillary variant may be post-traumatic. After initial proliferation it may involute especially if infantile. Treatment modalities include drugs, laser and surgery. Capillary heamangioma may be refractory to drug therapy or recur after surgical excision. A case of capillary heamangioma in a middle aged male negriod (Nigerian) that developed from an ulcerated nodule over the middle phalanx of the left 4th finger with recurrence after several re-excisions is being reported. A permanent cure was achieved after a re-excision preceded by low dose external beam radiotherapy without functional compromise or altered aesthesis of the finger.

Conclusion: Post traumatic heamangioma clinically presents as hyper granulated tissue and may pose a management challenge. Arising from the excellent outcome of the low dose external beam radiation followed by excision, we hereby propose that this should be adopted as one of the treatment options of heamangiomas especially in adults.
Wildcat population density in NE Portugal: A regional stronghold for a nationally threatened felid
Authors: Matias Gonçalo , Rosalino Luís Miguel , Rosa José Luís , Monterroso Pedro
Published: May 2021

Population density data on depleted and endangered wildlife species are essential to assure their effective management and, ultimately, conservation. The European wildcat is an elusive and threatened species inhabiting the Iberian Peninsula, with fragmented populations and living in low densities. We fitted spatial capture–recapture models on camera‐trap data, to provide the first estimate of wildcat density for Portugal and assess the most influential drivers determining it. The study was implemented in Montesinho Natural Park (NE Portugal), where we identified nine individuals, over a total effort of 3,477 trap‐nights. The mean density estimate was 0.032 ± 0.012 wildcat/km2, and density tended to increase with distance to humanized areas, often linked to lower human disturbance and domestic cat presence, with forest and herbaceous vegetation cover and with European rabbit abundance. Although, this density estimate is within the range of values estimated for protected areas elsewhere in the Iberian Peninsula, our estimates are low at the European level. When put in context, our results highlight that European wildcats may be living in low population densities across the Iberian Mediterranean biogeographic region. No phenotypic domestic or hybrid cats were detected, suggesting potentially low admixture rates between the two species, although genetic sampling would be required to corroborate this assertion. We provide evidence that Montesinho Natural Park may be a suitable area to host a healthy wildcat population, and thus be an important protected area in this species' conservation context.
Registered report: The effects of incentivized lies on memory
Authors: Riesthuis Paul , Otgaar Henry , Hope Lorraine , Mangiulli Ivan
Published: May 2021

The proposed experiment will examine the effect of deceptive behavior on memory. Participants will be assigned to a “strong‐incentive to cheat” or “weak‐incentive to cheat” condition and play the adapted Sequential Dyadic Die‐Rolling paradigm. Specifically, Player A (computer; participants think it is another participant) throws a die and reports it to Player B (participant). Then Player B throws his/her die, remembers the outcome, and reports it to Player A. Participants in the “strong‐incentive to cheat” condition are monetarily punished if their die roll outcome differs from Player A's die roll outcome. Participants in the “weak‐incentive to cheat” condition are not punished if the die roll outcomes differ. Two‐days later, memory for the die‐rolling event will be assessed. We predict that participants in the “strong‐incentive to cheat” condition will have lower belief and recollection for the die‐rolling event and will report more errors than participants in the “weak‐incentive to cheat” condition.
Collegiate recovery programs growing, but most don't include dedicated housing
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: May 2021

The establishment of comprehensive recovery programs on college campuses has seen explosive growth over the past decade, with well over 200 schools across the country now believed to have such programs. A scant minority of these collegiate recovery initiatives, however, include a component that some see as crucial to offering full support to the recovering young adult: safe and substance‐free recovery housing.
Addiction workforce bill endorsed by NAADAC, NAATP
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: May 2021

Earlier this month, Representative David Joyce (R‐Ohio), vice chair of the Addiction, Treatment and Recovery Caucus, and Representative Tim Ryan (D‐Ohio) introduced H. Res. 364. The bill recognizes the contributions of America's addiction professionals workforce, which represents more than 100,000 counselors, educators and other addiction‐focused health care professionals who specialize in prevention, intervention, treatment, recovery support and education.
NIDA endorses importance of patient voices in supporting buprenorphine injections
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: May 2021

A new study showing that extended‐release buprenorphine was preferred over the oral daily version of the medication by patients, published in JAMA Network Open May 10, is supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). One problem is that retention rates for oral buprenorphine are low, with 40% to 50% of patients treated with either buprenorphine or methadone relapsing within six months of starting treatment. In the new study, which was not funded by NIDA, Australian researchers conducted a randomized trial comparing patient‐reported outcomes for daily oral buprenorphine to weekly or monthly injections. The researchers found that the extended‐release injection of buprenorphine was well‐tolerated, acceptable to patients, and produced generally more positive patient‐reported outcomes (including overall patient satisfaction, effectiveness, and convenience) compared to daily oral buprenorphine. In an accompanying commentary, NIDA director Nora Volkow, M.D. and deputy director Wilson Compton, M.D. note that patient voices are often overlooked or ignored in medication development. Rather than using drug abstinence only, patient satisfaction measures should be used as reported outcomes, they suggest. NIDA adds that in some settings, such as criminal justice, where patients may not be able to access daily care, extended‐release formulations may be particularly beneficial. See Extended‐Release Buprenorphine and Its Evaluation With Patient‐Reported Outcomes.