bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do foreign aid triggers economic growth in Chad? A time series analysis
Authors: Kirikkaleli Dervis , Adeshola Ibrahim , Adebayo Tomiwa Sunday , Awosusi Abraham Ayobamiji
Published: May 2021

This study explores the nexus between foreign aid and Chad's economic growth. Empirical evidence is based on annual data from 1982 to 2018. The study used ARDL, FMOLS, and DOLS techniques to establish interconnection among the economic indicators. Subsequently, the study utilized the wavelet coherence technique to capture causality and correlation between economic growth and the independent variables. One of the wavelet approach's uniqueness is that it shows the pattern and behavior of the variables used, including the different time horizons. Thus, we explore the dynamic influence of gross capital formation, foreign aid, import, and export on Chad's economic growth. The result of the ARDL long-run estimates reveals that gross capital formation and foreign aid exert insignificant impact on GDP growth. However, exports and imports exert a positive and significant impact on GDP growth. Furthermore, the global financial crisis has a negative and significant impact on the economy of Chad. The outcomes of the wavelet coherence test provide supportive evidence for the ARDL long-run outcomes. Hence, we suggested that substantial macroeconomic reforms and economic liberalization initiatives will help in the dissemination of information and promote domestic investment and importation of high-tech goods.
Effect of intradialytic exercise on bone profile in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Elshinnawy Howaida Abdelhameed , Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed Bakr Bakr , Farrag Dina Abou Bakr , AbdElgawad Moustafa Abd Elnassier
Published: May 2021

Background

Chronic kidney disease increases the risk of fractures and altered bone and mineral metabolism. Exercise training could be a non-pharmacological therapeutic intervention. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effect of intradialytic exercise training on bone markers in hemodialysis (HD) patients.

Results

Forty adult patients on regular HD participated in the study. Twenty of which completed 3 months supervised intradialytic cycling exercise program and 20 served as controls. At baseline, there was no difference between both groups regarding age, sex, physical performance, and laboratory studies performed. After 3 months, the exercise group showed significant improvement in short performance battery test (SPBT) total score (P<0.001) associated with significant decrease in serum parathormone (PTH) (P=0.01) and increase in serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) (P<0.05 and P<0.001 respectively). Controls did not show similar change in SPBT or laboratory studies. There was no significant change in serum calcium or phosphorus in both groups. A significant positive correlation was observed between SPBT scores post-exercise and both BALP and ALP levels (r=0.432, P=0.01 and r=0.645, P<0.01 respectively). Also, an inverse relation was observed between SPBT and PTH (r=−0.503, P=0.01).

Conclusion

Intradialytic cycling exercise program resulted in significant increase in physical performance associated with decrease in serum PTH and increase in BALP and ALP in HD patients. This indicates the positive influence of exercise not only on physical performance in dialysis patients but also on bone metabolism.
FGF21 Normalizes Plasma Glucose in Mouse Models of Type 1 Diabetes and Insulin Receptor Dysfunction
Authors: Diener John L , Mowbray Sarah , Huang Waan-Jeng , Yowe David , Xu Jian , Caplan Shari , Misra Abhay , Kapur Ankur , Shapiro Jeffrey , Ke Xiaoling , Wu Xiaoping , Bose Avirup , Panza Darrell , Chen Min , Beaulieu Valerie , Gao Jiaping
Published: May 2021

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21 is a member of the FGF family of proteins. The biological activity of FGF21 was first shown to induce insulin-independent glucose uptake in adipocytes through the GLUT1 transporter. Subsequently, it was shown to have effects on the liver to increase fatty acid oxidation. FGF21 treatment provides beneficial metabolic effects in both animal models and patients with obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and/or fatty liver disease. In this paper, we revisited the original finding and found that insulin-independent glucose uptake in adipocytes is preserved in the presence of an insulin receptor antagonist. Using a 40-kDa PEGylated (PEG) and half-life extended form of FGF21 (FGF21-PEG), we extended these in vitro results to 2 different mouse models of diabetes. FGF21-PEG normalized plasma glucose in streptozotocin-treated mice, a model of type 1 diabetes (T1D), without restoring pancreatic β-cell function. FGF21-PEG also normalized plasma glucose levels and improved glucose tolerance in mice chronically treated with an insulin competitive insulin receptor antagonist, a model of autoimmune/type-B insulin resistance. These data extend the pharmacological potential of FGF21 beyond the settings of T2D, fatty liver, and obesity.
Introduction to the Open Issue, 2021
Authors: Godwin Lindsey N. , Verheijen Luc , Tjepkema Saskia , Aitken Shelagh
Published: May 2021

The AI Practitioner journal relies on the support of the practitioners to keep it generative and relevant, both to the wider world and the field of Appreciative Inquiry. The range of interests of the practitioners, researchers, academics, students and consultants is reflected in the breadth and depth of the articles they write, as this second open issue of the journal shows.
Deepen: A New ‘D’ for a More Generative Appreciative Inquiry
Authors: Arora Uma
Published: May 2021

Author Uma Arora uses scholarly personal narrative and critical incident methods to share insights that led her to add a new phase in appreciative inquiry interventions with her clients: Deepen. She explains when and how to use this ‘new D’ within AI, situating her thinking in the context of emerging OD theory and practice.
The Four ‘I’s of Online Appreciative Teaching: Invite, Imagine, Integrate, Inspire
Authors: Kiley Mary
Published: May 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic has upended classrooms. Transitioning hurriedly from traditional teaching to educating online was, and continues to be, enormously complex. How can a digital classroom learning community be energized into a dynamic virtual reality? Mary Kiley conducted interviews via Zoom with experienced educators who radically enjoy enriching and elevating online teaching using Appreciative Inquiry (AI). They are each contributing to this needed shift in education by the dynamic qualities described in this paper to invite, imagine, integrate, inspire.
Appreciative Coaching Contributing to a Science of Positive Human Change
Authors: Clancy Ann L. , Aiello Heike
Published: May 2021

There are well over 250 recorded areas of application of the Appreciative Inquiry principles and stages today, since its beginnings in the 1980s. One is Appreciative Coaching. In this article we celebrate the contribution of this method to the field of positive human change, take a deeper look at the evolution of Appreciative Coaching since the initial publication of the book of the same name, share the learning and insights of the one co-founder who is still practicing Appreciative Coaching, and discuss how Appreciative Coaching can support and contribute in these times of intense challenge and change.
The Promise of Dialogue: Transforming the Culture in a Department of Corrections
Authors: Dixon Nancy M.
Published: May 2021

Dialogue holds the promise of changing the culture of an organization so that employees can speak honestly and openly about their concerns, talk respectfully to each other and meet together to solve the organization’s toughest challenges. A case illustration from the Virginia Department of Corrections illustrates the generative possibility of dialogue on an organizational culture.
Using Appreciative Inquiry for Team Collaboration, Creativity and Innovation
Authors: Raman Lalita
Published: May 2021

This article gives an Appreciative Inquiry insight into ‘team collaboration and high performance’ that provides perspective on how we should leverage our strengths to enable systemwide continuous improvement for the organization, take full ownership for our work, and develop a deep collaboration when aligning the growth of the Company with our own personal and professional development.
Shifting Wor(l)ds: Poetic Encounters with Untranslatable Words
Authors: Okma Akkie
Published: May 2021

All stories are unique and telling. What would happen if AI practitioners started to incorporate questions about language and untranslatable words – those words borrowed from another language, impossible to translate precisely – into their daily practice. Would they also experience a new awareness and does it lead them to a better understanding of people of different cultures?
CONSTRUCCIÓN DEL IMAGINARIO SOCIAL DESDE UNA PERSPECTIVA PUBLICITARIA EN MEDIOS SENSACIONALISTAS. CASO DIARIO EXTRA.
Authors: Córdova Durán Edmundo Guillermo , Rivera Medina José Gabriel , Medina Andrade Laura Sofia , Carpio Miranda Rosa Raquel
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this research is to analyze the relationship between the construction of the imaginary and the social representation of the red chronicle: in the idea that sensationalism is one of the characteristics of the written press present in explicit content, generating the greatest visual impact. Depending on the language to be used and the context to be defined, the message must be developed clearly; be it, news, commercial or public opinion; The issuer or advertiser creates content to inform, persuade or remember, they are key actions for the advertising perspective of the advertiser and the composition of the message to be issued. The analysis using descriptive and explanatory research methods will be used for the use of information relevant to sensational media, advertising and message composition in perspective of the advertiser and the consumer reader.
The Relationship between Lifestyle and Hypertension Cases at UPT Cibiru Public Health Center Bandung City
Authors: Sutriyawan Agung , Apriyani Reni , Miranda Tenike Gita
Published: May 2021

Background: Hypertension is one of the non-communicable diseases which is the main cause of death in Indonesia (25.8%). Hypertension is also often called a silent killer because most of the hypertension cases do not cause symptoms. Hypertension is closely related to behavior and lifestyle. Hypertension control is done with behavioral changes, such as conducting adequate physical activity, healthy diet with dietary and quitting smoking. This research aims to determine the relationship between lifestyle, which includes physical activity, diet, and smoking behavior, and hypertension cases. Method: This study used quantitative analytic method with cross sectional research design. The population in this study was all patients who visited and were treated at the public clinic as recorded in the registration report at Cibiru Community Health Center (Puskesmas) in June 2019. The samples were 74 respondents, taken by using purposive sampling technique. The data were analyzed by using the chi square test. Results: The results showed that the lifestyles associated with the hypertension cases were physical activity (p value = 0.022) and smoking behavior (p value = 0.003). Meanwhile, the diet was not related to the incidence of hypertension (p value = 0.326). Conclusion: Based on the research result, it can be concluded that physical activity and smoking behavior were proven to be associated with hypertension, while the diet was not proven related to hypertension. It is suggested that the community health center should maximize the NCD Integrated Guidance Post (Posbindu-PTM) and conduct counseling on the importance of physical activities and the danger of smoking in order to improve the health efforts in the work area of Puskesmas Cibiru.
An Analysis on the Implementation of Posbindu PTM Program at Beringin Raya Community Health Center Bengkulu
Authors: Oktarianita Oktarianita , Wati Nopia , Febriawati Henni , Afriyanto Afriyanto
Published: May 2021

Background: The implementation of Integrated Health Post or Pos Binaan Terpadu (Posbindu) Program for Non-Communicable Diseases is an effective and efficient strategy to control risk factor. The low interest in visiting Posbindu was shown from the number of visits that decreased in 2017 (75.4%) and 2018 (64.4%). This study aims to analyze the Integrated Health Post for Non-Communicable Diseases or Pos Binaan Terpadu Penyakit Tidak Menular (Posbindu PTM) program at Beringin Raya Community Health Center in Bengkulu. Method: This study used qualitative and descriptive approach, and was conducted in March-August 2020 using in-depth interview techniques. Results: The implementation of the Posbindu program was in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Funding for this program came from the Health Operational Assistance. However, it was not sufficient. Posbindu activities were held once a month and used 5 steps system (registration, health interviews, health checks, referrals, and health education). The examination results was only recorded on the visiting book, and they did not have specific monitoring tools. The supervision of the implementation and the evaluation were discussed in the monthly mini workshop. In addition, the facilities and infrastructure were still inadequate. There was a shortage medicine supplies, and the community participation in Posbindu PTM was still low. Conclusion: Posbindu PTM has been implemented according to the SOP, but the overall implementation such as funding, drug procurement, infrastructure, and the number of Posbindu visits is still insufficient.
Occupational Safety Practice of Hazardous Health-care Waste Management in Bengkulu City
Authors: Suyanto Jipri , Rahmadhani Wulan , Hilinti Yatri , Nobnorb Nipaporn , Phu MD Phan Trieu
Published: May 2021

Background: Facing many patients while the workers were limited prompted health workers to make a quick decision regarding health-care waste. High workload pressured health workers and put them at risk of getting diseases than others, especially diseases from medical waste that they took care. Besides, as health workers, they should be clean from bacteria or viruses that can transmit  diseases to their patients. This research aimed to investigate the factors associated with occupational safety practice of hazardous health-care waste management in Bengkulu City. Method: This cross-sectional study used a stratified random sampling technique to select 230 respondents who work as health workers to respond to a questionnaire interview. The data were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression to find the association between the outcomes and the independent variables. Results: The prevalence of   poor  occupational safety practice of hazardous health-carewaste management was 35.21 % (95% CI = 29.27-41.66).  The factors significantly associated with occupational safety practice of hazardous health-care waste management were; gender (p-value < 0.001), department/unit (p-value < 0.001), knowledge (p-value < 0.001), and spirituality (p-value  < 0.001). Conclusion:  gGnder, department/unit, knowledge, and spirituality were associated with occupational safety practice of hazardous health-carewaste management in Bengkulu City.
Sofrimento laboral e estratégias de defesa referidas por técnicas de enfermagem de maternidades públicas
Authors: Rodrigues Fernanda Alves Bittencourt , Progianti Jane Márcia , Prata Juliana Amaral , Oliveira Elias Barbosa de , Souza Marina Nunes de , Belém Luísa Dos Santos
Published: May 2021

Objetivo: analisar as vivências de sofrimento e as estratégias de defesa referidas por técnicas de enfermagem em maternidades públicas. Método: pesquisa qualitativa, exploratória e descritiva, com 11 técnicas de enfermagem de maternidades públicas do Rio de Janeiro. Os dados foram coletados em maio de 2019, por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, submetidos à análise de conteúdo temática e discutidos à luz da Psicodinâmica do Trabalho. Resultados: os relatos apontam para condições laborais geradoras de desgaste e sofrimento, que repercutem na saúde das participantes. Diante disso, elas elaboram estratégias defensivas individuais, como isolamento emocional, soluções criativas, espiritualidade, religiosidade e momentos de lazer. Na perspectiva coletiva, recorrem a períodos de conversa e ao apoio mútuo no turno laboral. Conclusão: as estratégias defensivas referidas são relevantes para lidar com o sofrimento e atender às demandas do trabalho, mas parecem não evitar o adoecimento nem promover mudanças no contexto laboral das maternidades.
Leste da República Democrática do Congo: (re)estruturação do Estado a partir de relações entre atores estatais e não-estatais
Authors: Bessa Marcelle Christine
Published: May 2021

Muitas discussões acerca da governança de recursos naturais nos Estados pós-coloniais têm ocorrido, recentemente, na literatura de Relações Internacionais. No entanto, a maior parte dessas discussões busca focar no papel do Estado. Esse paper buscará mudar esta abordagem, deslocando seu foco para a atuação dos atores não-estatais, sobretudo, warlords e grupos armados regionais. Assim, serão apontadas discussões sobre as relações existentes entre esses atores e os atores estatais, apresentando as (re)articulações existentes a partir do conceito de “global assemblage”. Analisando a atuação dos grupos armados e warlords na região leste da República Democrática do Congo (RDC), mostraremos as diferentes interações entre atores estatais e não-estatais, em relações de competição e cooperação, produzindo novas práticas, instituições e formas de governança.Palavras-chave: Assemblage; República Democrática do Congo (RDC); warlord. ABSTRACTMany discussions about the governance of natural resources in post-colonial states have recently occurred in the literature on International Relations. However, most of these discussions seek to focus on the role of the State. This paper will seek to change this approach, shifting its focus to the role of non-state actors, above all, warlords and regional armed groups. Thus, discussions on the existing relationships between these actors and state actors will be pointed out, presenting the existing (re)articulations based on the concept of “global assemblage”. Analyzing the role of armed groups and warlords in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), we will show the different interactions between state, and non-state actors, in competitive and cooperative relationships, producing new practices, institutions and forms of governance.Keywords: Assemblage; Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC); warlord. Recebido em 30 dez. 2020   | Aceito em 29 abr. 2021.
A ESPERANÇA ILUSÓRIA E A EXISTÊNCIA DIFICIL DAS MULHERES EM "CELLES QUI ATTENDENT" DE FATOU DIOME
Authors: Fatime Samb
Published: May 2021

A emigração, especialmente a chamada clandestina, é um tema recorrente na atualidade e na literatura francofona. Foi  neste âmbito que Fatou Diome, através de seu romance "Celles qui attendent" se interessou muito por este fenômeno e especialmente pela vida das mulheres, mães e esposas, daqueles que foram para o fascínio enganador, a Europa. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar e interpretar como Fatou Diome revela o cotidiano dessas mulheres que permanecem no país e que esperam o retorno do filho ou do cônjuge acompanhado do sucesso social e financeiro que a emigração pode lhe trazer. O romance destaca a miséria, o sofrimento, a poligamia, a solidão, a tristeza e o peso da cultura na vida dessas mulheres corajosas. Nosso trabalho será baseado em estudos literários, etnológicos e históricos realizados sobre os mesmos temas. PALAVRAS CHAVES: Emigração clandestina-mulheres-sofrimento-poligamia-solidão
Presenting the Meta-Performance Test, a Metacognitive Battery based on Performance
Authors: Castillo-Diaz Marcio Alexander , Gomes Cristiano Mauro Assis
Published: May 2021

The self-report and think-aloud approaches are the two dominant methodologies to measure metacognition. This is problematic, since they generate respondent and confirmation biases, respectively. The Meta-Performance Test is an innovative battery, which evaluates metacognition based on the respondent's performance, mitigating the aforementioned biases. The Meta-Performance Test consists of two tests, the Meta-text, which evaluates metacognition in the domain of reading comprehension, and Meta-number, in the domain of arithmetic expressions solving. The main focus of this article is to present the development of the battery, in terms of its conceptual basis, development strategies and structure. Evidence of its content validity is also presented, through the evaluation of three experts in metacognition, two experts in Spanish language, two experts in mathematics and five students who represent the target population. The results of the judges' evaluations attested to the Meta-Performance Test content validity, and the target population declared that both the battery understanding and taking are adequate. Contributions and future research perspectives of the Meta-Performance Test in the field of metacognition are discussed.
Giant bilateral angiomyolipoma of the kidney
Authors: Bains L , Bhatia R , Lal P , Bhagria G
Published: May 2021

Angiomyolipoma is a benign solid renal neoplasm. A giant angiomyolipoma is more than 10cm by size, but it can grow to huge proportions. Our case appears to be the third largest angiomyolipoma and the largest among bilateral giant renal angiomyolipoma in the indexed literature. A 26-year-old man presented with large right abdominal swelling for the past three years, which was occupying his right flank and iliac region, extending beyond the midline. Computed tomography of the abdomen revealed a large well-defined mass in the right side of the abdomen, crossing the midline and measuring 35 × 20 × 12cm. The left kidney showed a similar fatty lesion of 14 × 6cm. The findings were consistent with angiomyolipoma. Further evaluation for tuberous sclerosis by magnetic resonance imaging the brain demonstrated multiple subependymal nodules. Giant renal angiomyolipoma is an uncommon tumour with bilateral giant angiomyolipoma being a rare entity. Preoperative embolisation helps in reducing size of the tumour. In case of giant and bilateral angiomyolipoma, evaluation for tuberous sclerosis should always be done.
COVID-19 pandemic did not affect emergency theatre patient demographic and length of stay in the first phase of UK countrywide lockdown in a district general hospital
Authors: Luo W , Limb R , Aslam A , Kattimani R , Karthikappallil D , Paramasivan A , Waseem M
Published: May 2021

Introduction

We aim to identify any changes in outcome for patients undergoing nonelective surgery at the start of the UK pandemic in our district general hospital. This was a single-centre retrospective cohort review of a UK district general hospital serving a population of over 250,000 people.

Methods

Participants were all patients undergoing a surgical procedure in the acute theatre list between 23 March to 11 May in both 2019 and 2020. Primary outcome was 90-day postoperative mortality. Secondary outcomes include time to surgical intervention and length of inpatient stay.

Results

A total of 132 patients (2020) versus 141 (2019) patients were included. Although overall 90-day postoperative mortality was higher in 2020 (9.8%) compared with 2019 (5.7%), this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.196). In 2020, eight patients tested positive for COVID-19 either as an inpatient or within 2 weeks of discharge, of whom five patients died. Time to surgical intervention was significantly faster for NCEPOD (National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death) code 3 patients in 2020 than in 2019 (p=0.027). There were no significant differences in mean length of inpatient stay.

Conclusions

We found that patients were appropriately prioritised using NCEPOD classification, with no statistically significant differences in 90-day postoperative mortality and length of inpatient stay compared with the 2019 period. A study on a larger scale would further elucidate the profile and outcomes of patients requiring acute surgery to generate statistical significance.
Mollusk diversity in the intertidal zone of Menganti Beach, Kebumen, Central Java
Authors: Ratih Steviana Amalia , Pertiwi Meilisha Putri , Rostikawati Raden Teti
Published: May 2021

Limited information about Mollusks in Menganti Beach, Central Java has been a strong basis for researching its diversity. This study aimed to determine the mollusks' diversity in Menganti Beach, Kebumen. The research was conducted from April to May 2020, using a survey method and purposive sampling technique. Sampling was undertaken at three stations with the belt transect method. The results revealed 37 species with 1767 individuals from the Class Bivalvia, Gastropods, and Polyplacophora. Based on the diversity index value H '= 3.3, station 1 with the rocky sand substrate is the best for mollusks' habitat. The H' value at station 1 shows the highest diversity that the base substrate is dominated by sand and rocks, which are very supportive of mollusks. It is supported by the evenness value (E), which indicates evenly distributed species, and dominance value (D), which does not indicate a species' dominance. The a-biotic parameters at the three stations obtained an average morning temperature of 29 oC and 30 oC in the afternoon, pH of 7, and a salinity of 30 ‰ so that these values support the Mollusk habitat at Menganti Beach, Kebumen.Keywords:MolluskDiversityIntertidal ZonesCoastal
Histopathology status of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) in the conventional system in Bireuen, Aceh Province
Authors: Putra Dedi Fazriansyah , Khairumi Ulya , Arisa Iko Imelda , Fahal Elzein Mohammed
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to identify the tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) histopatology status in traditional cultured ponds at Bireuen Regency, Aceh Province. The sampling was carried out by purposively random method from seven ponds and two shrimps were sampled from each pond. Several water quality parameters were checked like temperature, pH, salinity and ammonia. Result showed that black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) which were cultivated in traditional ponds in the Bireuen Regency, Aceh Province were histopathologically changes. It was suspected the hepatopancreas changes were associated with viral infection like Hepatopancreatica Parvovirus (HPV) and White Feces Disease (WFD). Ammonia concentrations were found higher in some ponds like Alu Buya Village, Jangka Keutapang Village, Jangka Mesjid Village, Alu Kuta Village and Punjot Village. The management of regular feeding and water quality control is highly recommended to anticipate the viral potential attack in traditional shrimp pond farming at Jangka District, Bireuen Regency, Aceh Province.Keywords:Tiger shrimps Histopathology Water quality
Particle tracking simulation of marine debris using Lagrangian discrete and mesh spatial discretization in Banda Aceh waters
Authors: Ondara Koko , Rahmawan Guntur Adhi , Purnawan Syahrul
Published: May 2021

Ocean dynamics has a direct impact on the distribution of objects or dissolved particles such as marine debris. Hydrodynamic studies are currently an important tool to identify the potential pollution in the region. Data were collected from March to September 2019 in the northern waters of Banda Aceh. Wind data were obtained using AWS and bathymetry data were collected using the single beam echosounder. The results showed that the wind direction on the coast of Banda Aceh City was dominant towards the Northwest and Northeast with a maximum speed of 9 m/s. Wind direction will highly influence the sea surface currents dynamics that lead to longshore currents and radiation currents occur in coastal areas.Keywords:Marine debrisWasteFishery
A short review of discovery and development of fish sperm cryopreservation
Authors: Afriani Dian , Eriani Kartini , Muchlisin Zainal Abidin , Hasri Iwan
Published: May 2021

Global biodiversity, especially fish, has experienced a decline, this occurs as a result of over-exploitation, the presence of introduced fish species and climate change. This condition makes researchers look for solutions to overcome these problems by using cryopreservation techniques. The main purpose of cryopreservation is to store, maintain, and ensure the survival of genetic material, so that using cryopreservation techniques can maintain the viability and function of gamete cells both immunologically, biologically and physiologically. The success of the cryopreservation technique has made this technique widely developed in various species of living organism including fish. This article summarizes and reviews the history of the development of cryopreservation of animal species with specific focus on fish.Keywords:CryopreservationHistoryDepikEndemic species
Estimation of mangrove carbon using drone images
Authors: Muhsoni Firman Farid , Abida Indah Wahyuni , Rini Dyah Ayu Sulistyo , Putera Aditya Januar
Published: May 2021

Mangrove has numerous ecological functions, such as a habitat for various biota, a place of care and rearing, with a microclimate regulator and spawning. This ecosystem can store the highest carbon compared to tropical, subtropical, and boreal forests. This research aimed to model the estimation of mangrove carbon stocks using drone images. The method used consists of several steps as follows: (1) Taking and analyzing drone images, (2) Identification and estimation of biomass with carbon stocks, (3) Modeling of mangrove carbon stock using drone and field data. The results of mangrove carbon estimation using logarithmic regression of drone images were the best, by the equation y = 0.0455ln (x) + 0.244. Therefore, the results showed that the R2 value was 0.7454, with the RMSE accuracy-test being 689.9 kg, at 35.4%.Keywords:DronesMangroveCarbon stock
Nozick, the pandemic and fear: a contractualist justification of the COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Moser Elias
Published: May 2021

As a reaction to COVID-19, many democratic countries around the world imposed a curfew on their entire population. Schools, shops, public and private buildings were shut down while all forms of public assembly were temporarily banned. Strong restrictions were imposed on liberties in many domains of the quotidian life of citizens to preclude a collapse of the health system. From the perspective of political philosophy, the normative legitimacy of lockdown policies needs to be investigated. Under which conditions can large-scale interventions in the private and public spheres be justified? In this article, I discuss contractualist political theory as a potential framework for assessing the restrictions as a response to the menace of a global pandemic. I will apply the reflections of Robert Nozick in the first part of his famous Anarchy, State, and Utopia. His reflections on how a society should deal with risks are of great value in assessing policies to combat the spread of viruses. Nozick introduces a surprising element in his theory that is an important factor for a potential justification of lockdown policies – the incidence of fear. Because people are afraid of the worst outcome, they are willing to prohibit conduct that includes risks, and they are willing to restrict their own liberty to engage in that conduct.
Bandpass-filter-integrated multiwavelength achromatic metalens
Authors: Li Hanmeng , Xiao Xingjian , Fang Bin , Gao Shenglun , Wang Zhizhang , Chen Chen , Zhao Yunwei , Zhu Shining , Li Tao
Published: May 2021

The design of large-scale, high-numerical-aperture, and broadband achromatism is a big challenge in metalens research. In fact, many colorful imaging systems have RGB color filters, which means the achromatism only for RGB lights would be sufficient. Avoiding broadband achromatism is expected to greatly improve the working efficiency of metalenses. Nevertheless, a proper bandpass filter is necessary under a white light illumination in the metalens integrated imaging system. Here we propose a bandpass-filter-integrated multiwavelength achromatic metalens (

NA
=
0.2

), which is designed using a searching optimization algorithm to achieve the achromatism of RGB lights with high efficiencies. The bandpass filter is implemented by composite DBRs and defect layers, by which three desired wavelengths are selected out. The simulations and experiments on the filter-integrated metalens definitely show a good RGB achromatism. Further imaging experiments demonstrate a higher signal-to-noise ratio and resolution compared with the one without the filter. Our approach provides not only an RGB achromatic meta-imaging device but also a new route to access a highly efficient spectrum tailoring metasystem by incorporating bandpass filter designs.
Perceived psychosocial impacts of legalized same-sex marriage: A scoping review of sexual minority adults’ experiences
Authors: Drabble Laurie A. , Wootton Angie R. , Veldhuis Cindy B. , Riggle Ellen D. B. , Rostosky Sharon S. , Lannutti Pamela J. , Balsam Kimberly F. , Hughes Tonda L.
Published: May 2021

A growing body of literature provides important insights into the meaning and impact of the right to marry a same-sex partner among sexual minority people. We conducted a scoping review to 1) identify and describe the psychosocial impacts of equal marriage rights among sexual minority adults, and 2) explore sexual minority women (SMW) perceptions of equal marriage rights and whether psychosocial impacts differ by sex. Using Arksey and O’Malley’s framework we reviewed peer-reviewed English-language publications from 2000 through 2019. We searched six databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, JSTOR, and Sociological Abstracts) to identify English language, peer-reviewed journal articles reporting findings from empirical studies with an explicit focus on the experiences and perceived impact of equal marriage rights among sexual minority adults. We found 59 studies that met our inclusion criteria. Studies identified positive psychosocial impacts of same-sex marriage (e.g., increased social acceptance, reduced stigma) across individual, interpersonal (dyad, family), community (sexual minority), and broader societal levels. Studies also found that, despite equal marriage rights, sexual minority stigma persists across these levels. Only a few studies examined differences by sex, and findings were mixed. Research to date has several limitations; for example, it disproportionately represents samples from the U.S. and White populations, and rarely examines differences by sexual or gender identity or other demographic characteristics. There is a need for additional research on the impact of equal marriage rights and same-sex marriage on the health and well-being of diverse sexual minorities across the globe.
Outcasts and saboteurs: Intervention strategies to reduce the negative effects of social exclusion on team outcomes
Authors: Reece Andrew , Carr Evan W. , Baumeister Roy F. , Kellerman Gabriella Rosen
Published: May 2021

The experience of social exclusion in the workplace adversely impacts employees’ well-being, job satisfaction, and productivity, and no one quite knows what to do about it. In this report, we describe the development and testing of three ostracism interventions, designed to help people cope with the negative effects of being excluded by one’s team. Across five studies, participants were assigned to a virtual ball toss game where they were either included or excluded by their teammates. Afterwards, they were given a task where they could earn money for themselves, for their entire team, or for an unrelated group (charity). Excluded participants worked less hard for their teams (even when this meant sacrificing their own earnings). This sabotage effect was specific, meaning that excluded individuals worked less hard on behalf of their teams, but not when they worked for themselves or for charity. We devised three intervention strategies—perspective, mentorship, and empowerment—to combat the negative effects of ostracism on people’s willingness to work for their teams. These interventions were successful; each increased people’s persistence in a team-based reward task, and in some cases, even raised the outcomes of excluded teammates to levels observed in included teammates. The effectiveness of these interventions also replicated successfully, using preregistered hypotheses, methods, and analyses. These studies add novel insights to a variety of fields that have examined the consequences of social exclusion, including social psychology, organizational behavior, and management science.
Rhythm and groove as cognitive mechanisms of dance intervention in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Krotinger Anna , Loui Psyche
Published: May 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with a loss of internal cueing systems, affecting rhythmic motor tasks such as walking and speech production. Music and dance encourage spontaneous rhythmic coupling between sensory and motor systems; this has inspired the development of dance programs for PD. Here we assessed the therapeutic outcome and some underlying cognitive mechanisms of dance classes for PD, as measured by neuropsychological assessments of disease severity as well as quantitative assessments of rhythmic ability and sensorimotor experience. We assessed prior music and dance experience, beat perception (Beat Alignment Test), sensorimotor coupling (tapping to high- and low-groove songs), and disease severity (Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale in PD individuals) before and after four months of weekly dance classes. PD individuals performed better on UPDRS after four months of weekly dance classes, suggesting efficacy of dance intervention. Greater post-intervention improvements in UPDRS were associated with the presence of prior dance experience and with more accurate sensorimotor coupling. Prior dance experience was additionally associated with enhanced sensorimotor coupling during tapping to both high-groove and low-groove songs. These results show that dance classes for PD improve both qualitative and quantitative assessments of disease symptoms. The association between these improvements and dance experience suggests that rhythmic motor training, a mechanism underlying dance training, impacts improvements in parkinsonian symptoms following a dance intervention.
Sexually transmitted infections and factors associated with risky sexual practices among female sex workers: A cross sectional study in a large Andean city
Authors: Llangarí-Arizo Luz Marina , Sadiq S. Tariq , Márquez Cynthia , Cooper Philip , Furegato Martina , Zhou Liqing , Aranha Luisa , Mateo Miguel Martín , Romero-Sandoval Natalia
Published: May 2021

Background

There are limited published data on factors related to risky sexual practices (RSP) affecting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among female sex workers (FSWs) in Ecuador.

Methods

Cross-sectional study of FSWs presenting for a consultation in a primary health care centre during 2017. A questionnaire was administered to collect information on RSP and potential risk factors including age, membership of an FSW association, self-report of previous STI diagnosis, previous treatment for suspected STI and temporary migration for sex work. Associations between RSP and potential risk factors were estimated by logistic regression. The proportion of STI was estimated from vaginal swabs by real-time PCR for four sexually transmitted pathogens (Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Mycoplasma genitalium).

Results

Of 249 FSWs recruited, 22.5% had reported RSPs at least once during sex work. Among FSWs reporting unprotected vaginal sex in the previous three months, 25.5% had at least one other RSP type. 17.6% (95%CI 13.3–22.8) had at least one active STI. Prevalence of co-infections was 2.4% (95%CI 1.1–5.2). In multivariable analysis, RSP was associated with age (adjusted OR 1.06; 95%CI 1.02–1.10), membership of an FSWs association (aOR 3.51; 95%CI 1.60–7.72) and self-reported previous STI (aOR 3.43; 95%CI 1.28–9.17).

Conclusions

Among a population of female sex workers with high proportion of STIs, increasing age and belonging to an FSWs association was associated with a higher likelihood of engaging in RSP with clients. Engaging with FSWs organisations may reduce the burden of STI among sex workers.
Psychological distress and burden of care among family caregivers of patients with mental illness in a neuropsychiatric outpatient clinic in Nigeria
Authors: Udoh Ekerette Emmanuel , Omorere Deborah Eunice , Sunday Olarewaju , Osasu Olotu Sunday , Amoo Babatunde Abiodun
Published: May 2021

Background

The wellbeing of family caregivers of mentally ill persons has often been ignored, despite that family caregivers can be predisposed to psychiatric morbidities and burden in caring for their mentally ill family members. This study examined the levels of psychological distress and burden of care experienced by family caregivers who care for their mentally ill relatives in Edo State, Nigeria.

Methods

This study assessed psychological distress using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Burden of care was measured using the 22-item Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) questionnaire. Multiple linear regression was done to determine factors associated with burden of care and psychological distress, while factor analysis was used to determine the underlying forms of burden of care and psychological distress among participants.

Results

Caregivers studied were relatives of patients diagnosed for depression (25.1%), substance use disorder (22.2%), schizophrenia (20.2%) and bipolar affective disorder (11.1%). Approximately 15% experienced no-to-mild burden, 51.3% mild-to-moderate burden and 34.0% high-or-severe burden. Nearly halve (49.0%) of participants experienced psychological distress. Severe rate of psychological distress was observed among subjects caring for patients with schizophrenia (60.7%), epilepsy (60.0%), substance use disorder (52.2%) and depression (49.0%). High burden of care was more preponderant among caregivers of relatives with mental retardation and epilepsy (50% each) and schizophrenia (39.3%). Having a higher educational qualification and being self-employed was a predictor of psychological distress. Gender of caregiver and the diagnosis schizophrenia among relatives of caregivers predisposed to burden of care. Three factors including social and emotional dysfunction, psychological distress and cognitive dysfunction were identified as components of psychological health through factor analysis. On the burden scale, six factor components were identified as: personal strain, role strain, intolerance, patients’ dependence, guilt and interference in personal life.

Conclusion

There is a high prevalence of psychological morbidity and burden of care among family caregivers providing care for persons with mental illness.
Morphological and molecular characterization of an Elaeis oleifera (H.B.K) Cortes germplasm collection located in Ucayali, Peru
Authors: Camacho-Villalobos Alina , Serna Fernando , Flores Jhofre , Flores Hector , Manrique Paulo , Bendezu Jorge
Published: May 2021

The African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq) is a crop that is widely distributed in tropical regions around the world; however, this crop is subject to limitations such as rapid trunk growth and susceptibility to bud rot and red ring diseases particularly in South America. To overcome these limitations, national breeding and conservation programs have been established, and there is a need to identify parental palms from natural populations of the American oil palm (E. oleifera H.B.K. Cortes) with desirable yield and morphological traits (i.e., yield production and bunch number) and with high genetic diversity. However, in Peru the morphological and genetic data related to this important crop is limited. In this study, we characterized the morphological and yield and estimated the genetic diversity using 12 neutral microsatellite markers (simple sequence repeats, SSRs) across 72 oil palm individuals belonging to the E. oleifera germplasm collection located in the tropical region of Ucayali, Peru. Our results showed that morphological and yield traits explained approximately 40.39% of the variability within the Peruvian germplasm. Furthermore, Yield Production was highly correlated with two yield traits: Bunch Number (0.67) and Average weight per bunch (0.78). Based on the yield and morphological traits, a clustering analysis was performed and three phenotypic groups were identified (1, 2 and 3) in which groups 1 and 3 showed high scores associated primarily with yield traits. Microsatellite markers revealed 143 alleles, 11.92 ± 4.72 alleles per locus (A) and an expected heterozygosity (He) of 0.69 ± 0.045. A structural analysis identified three populations (k = 3), that were not related to the phenotypic groups. Interestingly, a multiple allele background was identified within the groups using multilocus and phylogenetic relationship analyses. This is the first Peruvian report regarding E. oleifera that shows preliminary data of the morphological and yield traits and genetic data, and highlight the importance of this information to set up future steps to national breeding strategies and improve the conservation of genetic material of E. oleifera. Overall, these novel findings could contribute to the development of the local oil palm industry in Peru.
Genetic diversity and the application of runs of homozygosity-based methods for inbreeding estimation in German White-headed Mutton sheep
Authors: Addo Sowah , Klingel Stefanie , Thaller Georg , Hinrichs Dirk
Published: May 2021

The German White-headed Mutton (GWM) sheep is a monitoring population believed to have been improved through crosses with other breeds, e.g., Texel (TXL) and French Berrichone du Cher (BDC). The primary aim of the study was to analyse genetic diversity and breed composition of GWM sheep. Furthermore, different measures of computing inbreeding from the runs of homozygosity (ROH) were investigated. Data for GWM consisted of pedigree information on 19,000 animals and 40,753 quality filtered SNPs on 46 individuals. Additionally, publicly available genotype data on 209 individuals belonging to nine sheep breeds were included in the analysis. Due to evenness of SNPs spacing and proportionality of the number of SNPs in each autosome to autosome length, a high correlation (rp = 0.99) was found between genomic inbreeding coefficients computed based on the length of ROH (FROH_L) and those computed relative to the number of SNPs in ROH (FROH_N). Total inbreeding was partitioned into values for individual chromosomes revealing the highest levels of inbreeding on chromosomes 1, 2 and 3. Correlations between the ROH-based inbreeding measures and pedigree inbreeding reached 0.82. The observed heterozygosity estimate in GWM was high (0.39), however, the breed suffered low level of effective population size (~50) from a genomic viewpoint. Moreover, effective number of founders (186), and effective number of ancestors (144) implied disequilibrium of founder contribution and a genetic bottleneck in the breed. Multidimensional scaling and network visualisation analyses revealed close connectedness of GWM to BDC and German Texel (GTX). A model-based admixture analysis consistently indicated the flow of genes from other breeds, particularly BDC to GWM. Our analyses highlight the mixed genetic background of GWM sheep and furthermore, suggest a close monitoring of the breed to consolidate its genetic diversity while averting further reduction in the effective population size.