bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Community engagement for the Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) program: an analysis of key stakeholder roles to promote a sustainable program in Zambia
Authors: Zulu Joseph M. , Mwamba Trevor , Rosen Alyssa , Matenga Tulani Francis L. , Mulawa Joseph Mulanda , Kaimba Mutale , Chilembo Masitano , Silondwa Madaliso , Kamboyi Royd L. , Simwanza Sylvia Chila , Sichone George , Chavula Malizgani Paul
Published: April 2022

Background: Within the Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) programme, community engagement has been central in facilitating the acceptance of VMMC, especially in non-circumcising communities. We used the case of the development of community engagement plans for sustainability of VMMC in Zambia to illustrate diversity of stakeholders, their power, roles, and strategies in community engagement.

Methods: Data were collected using document review, in-depth interviews (n=35) and focus group discussions (n=35) with community stakeholders, health workers, health centre committees, counsellors, teachers, community volunteers and parents/caregivers. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The analysis was guided by the power and interest model.

Results: Differences were noted between the rural and urban sites in terms of power/influence and interest rating of community stakeholders who could be involved in the sustainability phase of the VMMC response in Zambia. For example, in the urban setting, neighbourhood health committees (NHCs), health workers, leaders of clubs, community health workers (CHWs), radio, television and social media platforms were ranked highest. From this list, social media and television platforms were not highly ranked in rural areas. Some stakeholders had more sources of power than others. Forms or sources of power included technical expertise, local authority, financial resources, collective action (action through schools, churches, media platforms, other community spaces), and relational power.   Key roles and strategies included strengthening and broadening local coordination systems, enhancing community involvement, promoting community-led monitoring and evaluation, through the use of locally recognised communication spaces and channels, facilitating ownership of VMMC, and improving local accountability processes in VMMC activities.

Conclusions: By consulting with the most relevant stakeholders, and considering community needs in programme development, the VMMC programme may be able to leverage the community structures and systems to reduce long term demand generation costs for VMMC and increase the acceptability and frequency of male circumcision.
A pilot study of the data demands of different stakeholders for the future Ethiopian dairy sector
Authors: Perry Brian D. , Aklilu Yacob , Hailemariam Solomon , Legese Getachew , Smyth Karen , Peters Andrew R. , Allan Fiona K. , Tegegne Azage
Published: April 2022

Background:  This paper describes a pilot study undertaken in 2018, to determine the key data needs of each of the different Ethiopian dairy sector stakeholder groups.  The study aimed to characterise the emerging trends of dairy product production, processing, retailing and consumption in Ethiopia, and to identify and characterise current and future data needs of different stakeholders.

Methods:  The study undertook a mapping of the interactions between different stakeholders in the dairy sector, and an interactive evaluation of the institutional data repository and access options.  Focus group discussions and interviews were held in three regions of the country prior to a two-day workshop in the capital Addis Ababa.  Data needs were characterised by type, availability, format, level of detail, methods of dissemination, uptake and use, and the institutional arrangement, including the different roles of public and private sectors in decision making processes.

Results:  The study highlighted the main data needs and identified several broader institutional issues constraining the further development of the Ethiopian dairy sector.  The stakeholder groups endorsed the reactivation of a national dairy board, independent of government but closely incorporating government, and with the buy-in and membership of private sector enterprises, including producers, processers, service providers and consumers, to provide clearer facilitative leadership on the dairy industry.

Conclusions:  The study workshop provided a timely discussion between diverse stakeholders, including government, and several potential organisations were suggested to host and manage a national dairy database. Importantly, the reactivation of a national dairy board was strongly endorsed.  It was recommended that stakeholder links be established, sector-specific data needs be elevated to higher detail, and a national roll out of herd-specific data recording schemes was called for, to allow for effective evidence-based policies and decision making.
First steps towards the detection of contact layers in Bangime: a multi-disciplinary, computer-assisted approach
Authors: Hantgan Abbie , Babiker Hiba , List Johann-Mattis
Published: April 2022

Bangime is a language isolate, which has not been proven to be genealogically related to any other language family, spoken in Central-Eastern Mali. Its speakers, the Bangande, claim affiliation with the Dogon languages and speakers that surround them throughout a cliff range known as the Bandiagara Escarpment.  However, recent genetic research has shown that the Bangande are genetically distant from the Dogon and other groups. Furthermore, the Bangande people represent a genetic isolate.  Despite the geographic isolation of the Bangande people, evidence of language contact is apparent in the Bangime language. We find a plethora of shared vocabulary with neighboring Atlantic, Dogon, Mande, and Songhai language groups. To address the problem of when and whence this vocabulary emerged in the language, we use a computer-assisted, multidisciplinary approach to investigate layers of contact and inheritance in Bangime. We start from an automated comparison of lexical data from languages belonging to different language families in order to obtain a first account on potential loanword candidates in our sample. In a second step, we use specific interfaces to refine and correct the computational findings. The revised sample is then investigated quantitatively and qualitatively by focusing on vocabularies shared exclusively between specific languages. We couch our results within archeological and historical research from Central-Eastern Mali more generally and propose a scenario in which the Bangande formed part of the expansive Mali Empire that encompassed most of West Africa from the 13th to the 16th centuries. We consider our methods to represent a novel approach to the investigation of a language and population isolate from multiple perspectives using innovative computer-assisted technologies.
Routledge Open Research: Removing Barriers to Publication
Authors: Grahe Jon
Published: April 2022

This editorial introduces the Routledge Open Research platform and discusses the process, advantages, and some examples of potential articles. Routledge Open Research is an Open Access, open-science, post-publication peer review journal. The major advantages are rapid publication and no editor to act as gatekeeper while still inviting transparent and useful peer review. While there are many manuscript types that will find this model inviting, some may find it particularly so. Crowdsourced projects, meta-science projects, and those that challenge the status quo are considered specifically, and all are invited to try a new publication process.
Cómo afrontar la materialización de la idea. Aplicación de un Ciclo de Mejora en el Aula en la asignatura Taller de Arquitectura 3
Authors: Romero Gómez Mª Isabel
Published: April 2022

Este trabajo resume los resultados de la experiencia de innovación docente aplicada en la asignatura de Taller de Arquitectura 3 del Grado en Fundamentos de Arquitectura de la Universidad de Sevilla. El modelo didáctico planteado se enmarca en un entorno práctico-experimental bajo un enfoque multidisciplinar. La reformulación de la metodología ha consistido en la reivindicación del papel del alumno como protagonista activo de las sesiones, mientras que el docente se convierte en guía. El diseño de secuencias de actividades de contraste será la clave para modular las correcciones grupales y permitir a los alumnos, organiza- dos en grupos de máximo tres personas, desarrollar de forma autónoma el pro- yecto de curso. Se plantea el uso de Casos de Estudio, como herramienta para el autoaprendizaje del alumno, ayudándolo a abordar la materialización de su pro- pio proyecto. Teniendo en cuenta los aspectos descritos, el CIMA aplicado ha per- mitido aumentar el interés y la participación del alumno, así como, fomentar su capacidad de reflexión crítica. Palabras clave: Taller de arquitectura 3, grado en fundamentos de arqui- tectura, docencia universitaria, desarrollo profesional docente, proyecto interdis- ciplinar.
Semana del Vídeo del Pensamiento Económico
Authors: Molina-Toucedo José Antonio
Published: April 2022

Esta comunicación tiene como objetivo implantar un plan de mejora e inno- vación docente en la asignatura Introducción a la Economía (1º del Grado de Ad- ministración en Empresas de la Facultad de CEYE de la Universidad de Sevilla). El objetivo es profundizar en la metodología docente cognitivista y constructivista, aplicando una variación de la metodología docente de la enseñanza inversa po- tenciando el trabajo de búsqueda de información y documentación por equipos, para la elaboración de un vídeo educativo y su posterior exposición con herra- mientas de dinámica docente ante el profesor y el resto de la clase (in-class flip). Seguidamente se realizó una actividad de refuerzo del conocimiento, consistente en una tarea de gamificación competitiva por equipos. Para la evaluación de la mejora se elaboró un test inicial de tanteo de los conocimientos previos, para averiguar los modelos mentales, el nivel de conocimiento de los estudiantes y ca- librar el gradiente de dificultad del objeto de estudio. Se finalizó la actividad rea- lizando de nuevo la encuesta inicial. Los resultados comparativos obtenidos, han resultado francamente positivos. Palabras clave: Innovación docente, vídeo educativo, historia del pensa - miento económico, educación inversa, in-class flip.
Modelo de aplicación de un Ciclo de Mejora en el Aula (CIMA) en la asignatura Comunicación Comercial (Grado en Marketing)
Authors: Ledesma Chaves Pablo
Published: April 2022

El presente documento recoge la implantación de un CIMA en la asignatura Comunicación Comercial del Grado en Marketing e Investigación Comercial de la Universidad de Sevilla. Para su implantación se ha seguido un modelo metodo- lógico hipotético-deductivo, aplicando principios docentes diferentes a los desa- rrollados hasta el momento en esta asignatura. Palabras clave: Comunicación comercial, Grado en marketing, docencia uni- versitaria, desarrollo profesional docente, estudio de caso.
Experimentar, reflexionar e innovar la enseñanza en Educación Infantil
Authors: Duarte Piña Olga
Published: April 2022

Se presenta la aplicación de un Ciclo de Mejora en el Aula (CIMA) que ha te- nido en cuenta como punto de partida para la construcción del conocimiento profesional las experiencias vitales de los estudiantes en su infancia. Una se - gunda fase de trabajo ha consistido en un acercamiento al conocimiento esco- lar a través del análisis de la normativa educativa, los materiales y la práctica de aula. Hay una tercera fase dedicada al diseño de una propuesta didáctica, como síntesis del conocimiento profesional y escolar de todos los aprendizajes desa- rrollados en la asignatura, en relación con la competencia social y ciudadana en Educación Infantil, pero esta fase queda sin analizar porque al tiempo de escribir este capítulo aún no se ha empezado. Durante el proceso de aprendizaje consta- tamos obstáculos en torno a la innovación docente como objeto de la Educación Infantil, para ello se adaptan las actividades a los niveles de alumnado. El pro- greso de los aprendizajes se muestra en la evaluación de los mismos a través de escaleras y, a pesar de no haber tenido tiempo para concluir el CIMA, se han po- dido conocer datos parciales por unidad de contenidos. Palabras clave: Ciudad y ciudadanía en la educación infantil, grado en edu - cación infantil, docencia universitaria, desarrollo profesional docente, innovación docente.
La valoración de enfermería en un contexto residencial: Uso de la metodología de aprendizaje en entornos simulados
Authors: Fernández García Elena
Published: April 2022

Se ha realizado una experiencia docente de simulación en la asignatura de Historia, Teoría y Métodos de Enfermería II en el Grado de Enfermería. Esta ex- periencia ha tenido lugar en seis sesiones de dos horas cada uno en uno de los subgrupos de la asignatura con 16 estudiantes/as. En cuanto a los resultados los estudiantes han mostrado una evolución positiva en cuanto al cuestionario ini - cial y final, produciéndose una mejora en el 100 % de los sujetos. Con respecto al aprendizaje individual se han obtenido los siguientes resultados, en cuanto al ni- vel de adquisición de la competencia y el aprendizaje ha obtenido una puntua- ción global de 2,63 de media en una escala tipo Likert 1-3, siendo los resultados desglosados los siguientes; 9,4 % de los estudiantes han presentado un apren- dizaje bajo, el 41 % medio y el 52,3 % alto. Se seguirá trabajando en entornos simulados dados los resultados obtenidos y se fomentará el uso de herramien- tas validadas para la evaluación de esta competencia en entornos simulados en enfermería. Palabras clave: Historia, teoría y métodos de enfermería II, grado de enferme- ría, docencia universitaria, desarrollo profesional docente, simulación.
Aplicación del aprendizaje basado en problemas en la asignatura Fotometría y Color
Authors: Nogales Bueno Julio
Published: April 2022

En el presente capitulo se describe el ciclo de mejora en el aula (CIMA) de- sarrollado en la asignatura Fotometría y Color del Grado en Óptica y Optometría de la Universidad de Sevilla. En este CIMA se ha aplicado el Aprendizaje Basado en Problemas (ABP) para fomentar el trabajo centrado en el alumno en los semi- narios de la asignatura. El CIMA ha tenido una buena acogida entre los alumnos y los resultados obtenidos son satisfactorios. Además, durante el desarrollo de esta mejora docente se han identificado varias características a mejorar en la ac- tividad docente desarrollada y que serán tenidas en cuenta en el futuro. Palabras clave: Fotometría y color, Grado en óptica y optometría, docencia universitaria, desarrollo profesional docente, aprendizaje basado en problemas.
Mejora en el aprendizaje en Seminarios de Nutrición a través de ejercicios de autoevaluación
Authors: Rodríguez Pulido Francisco José
Published: April 2022

El objetivo de esta innovación fue mejorar el aprendizaje en conceptos de metabolismo energético a través de ejercicios de autoevaluación por parte de los alumnos. El ciclo de mejora en el aula (CIMA) se llevó a cabo en los seminarios de la asignatura Nutrición y Bromatología, impartida en el 3er curso del Grado en Farmacia de la Universidad de Sevilla. Para aplicar el CIMA, se les propuso a los alumnos una serie de actividades durante el transcurso de las clases donde te- nían que realizar un estudio personal del gasto energético total (GET), así como del aporte de nutrientes ingeridos en su dieta. Por otro lado, y durante la parte teórica de las asignaturas, se pusieron en práctica las estrategias docentes ad- quiridas en el curso de innovación docente, como el uso de mapas de contenidos y la evaluación del éxito del CIMA a través de cuestionarios. Palabras clave: Nutrición y bromatología, farmacia, desarrollo profesional do- cente, metabolismo energético.
Aplicación de un Ciclo de Mejora en el Aula (CIMA) en la asignatura Didáctica del FLE del Grado en Estudios Franceses
Authors: Caballero Muñoz Marina Isabel
Published: April 2022

En el presente trabajo se expone el desarrollo de la aplicación de un Ciclo de Mejora en el Aula (CIMA) de ocho horas en el marco de la asignatura de Di- dáctica del FLE, que se imparte en el tercer curso del Grado en Estudios France- ses. Se trata de una asignatura optativa del segundo semestre que ha contado con treinta y dos estudiantes matriculados en el curso 2020-2021. El fin de este CIMA era, en un primer momento, que los estudiantes reflexionaran sobre la en- señanza de la gramática y que, posteriormente, propusieran una breve secuen- cia de actividades para enseñar un contenido gramatical en francés. Para diseñar esta experiencia, nos hemos basado en los principios didácticos aprendidos en el Programa de formación e innovación docente del profesorado (FIDOP) de la Uni- versidad de Sevilla, cuyo objetivo es la mejora de la docencia universitaria y del desarrollo profesional docente. Palabras clave: Didáctica del FLE, Grado en Estudios Franceses, docencia uni- versitaria, desarrollo profesional docente.
Una propuesta de innovación docente universitaria: El realismo mágico de Gabriel García Márquez
Authors: de las Casas Sabina Reyes
Published: April 2022

El presente trabajo es el resultado de la propuesta de realización de un Ciclo de Mejora en el Aula (CIMA) de ocho horas en la asignatura Literatura Hispanoame- ricana II (siglos XX-XXI) de la Facultad de Filología de la Universidad de Sevilla. En concreto, resumiremos aquí el desarrollo de este ciclo de innovación docente desde el proceso de planificación hasta su aplicación en el aula y la posterior evaluación. Esta propuesta parte de la idea de que el alumnado desempeña un papel central en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje, por lo que en la evalua- ción compararemos también sus conocimientos iniciales y finales mediante la realización de un cuestionario de exploración. Palabras clave: Literatura Hispanoamericana, Grado en Filología Hispánica, docencia universitaria, experimentación docente universitaria.
Aprender innovando: una propuesta didáctica para la enseñanza de la Lingüística Pragmática en Filología
Authors: Padilla Herrada María Soledad
Published: April 2022

En este trabajo presentamos una propuesta didáctica innovadora para la en- señanza de Lingüística Pragmática aplicable a cualquier grado en Filología. En nuestro caso, hemos centrado la propuesta en la enseñanza de los cuatro pla- nos de la macroestructura textual (el enunciativo, el modal, el informativo y el ar- gumentativo) a estudiantes de la asignatura de Lingüística General del Grado en Estudios Ingleses de la Universidad de Sevilla. Con esta propuesta, pretendemos facilitar y dinamizar el proceso de enseñanza de este tema tan complejo a través de la utilización de herramientas atractivas para los alumnos y de un plantea- miento útil para un aprendizaje a largo plazo. Palabras clave: Lingüística Pragmática, Grado en Estudios Ingleses, docencia universitaria.
La metodología ECO como propuesta de innovación para el estudio de la fonética y fonología del español
Authors: León-Castro Gómez Marta
Published: April 2022

En este trabajo nos proponemos describir una experiencia innovadora en la enseñanza de la fonética y la fonología del español en la asignatura de Len- gua Española que se imparte en el primer curso del grado en Estudios Ingle- ses. En particular, hemos diseñado una secuencia de actividades encaminadas a la resolución de tres problemas fundamentales: 1. Cómo superar las caren- cias de la escritura para representar fielmente los sonidos; 2. Cómo analizar y valorar las distintas pronunciaciones que realizan los hablantes; 3. Cómo solven- tar los conflictos que habitualmente se encuentran los estudiantes no nativos cuando aprenden el sistema fonológico del español. Para este último reto, nues- tros alumnos basaron sus proyectos en el método ECO. La evaluación muy posi- tiva de estos trabajos pone de relieve que se trata de una metodología muy eficaz para impartir estos contenidos lingüísticos a partir de la exploración de necesi- dades reales y la creación de soluciones en el aula de ELE. Palabras clave: Lengua española, estudios ingleses, fonética y fonología, me- todología ECO, desarrollo profesional docente.
Del aula a la profesionalización. Nuevos planteamientos de innovación docente orientados a la incorporación laboral
Authors: del Valle Ramos Carolina
Published: April 2022

La asignatura Determinaciones del Planeamiento Urbanístico se imparte en el Máster de Gestión del Territorio de la Universidad de Sevilla durante el primer cuatrimestre. Esta asignatura pertenece al módulo denominado Evaluación Am- biental del Planeamiento Urbanístico, y su objetivo es que el alumnado conozca la normativa de aplicación a los estudios de impacto ambiental de planes y pro- gramas en general, y al planeamiento urbanístico de forma específica, así como la elaboración del Documento Ambiental Estratégico. Durante los últimos dos años, se viene observando la dificultad que tiene el estudiantado para aplicar y desarrollar lo aprendido en la asignatura a la realidad cuando se incorpora al mercado laboral. Así pues, el propósito del presente estudio ha sido analizar los resultados obtenidos tras la implementación un Ciclo de Mejora en el Aula (CIMA) completo, cuya metodología aplicada se ha basado en la simulación de casos reales. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto la efectividad de la nueva metodolo- gía, y demuestran que trabajar en el aula con casos de simulación real mejora las competencias del alumnado en relación con la profesionalización de estos. Palabras clave: Determinaciones del planeamiento urbanístico, máster en gestión del territorio, docencia universitaria, desarrollo profesional docente, in- novación docente.
La profesionalización del aprendizaje como innovación docente en Ginecología
Authors: Corrales Gutiérrez Isabel
Published: April 2022

La docencia universitaria debe enfrentarse al desafío de la innovación a tra- vés de la profesionalización de los contenidos proporcionando una formación orientada al desempeño laboral. Cuando un alumno toma conciencia de que ad- quiere las competencias adecuadas para el desarrollo de su ámbito profesional, el proceso de aprendizaje es mucho más dinámico y enriquecedor. Si bien esta circunstancia es común a todas las disciplinas, las titulaciones en el ámbito sa- nitario requieren una simbiosis entre el aprendizaje puramente conceptual y el práctico. El ciclo de innovación docente desarrollado en la asignatura de Gineco- logía, trata de aunar ambos conceptos permitiendo trasladar la práctica asisten- cial de una consulta médica a un aula de la Facultad de Medicina. Palabras clave: Ginecología, Grado en Medicina, docencia universitaria, desa- rrollo profesional docente.
Innovación en la docencia del Marketing Financiero mediante Ciclos de Mejora: Optimizando la combinación Aula Física + Virtual
Authors: Rosa Díaz Isabel María
Published: April 2022

Durante el curso académico 2020-2021 he vuelto a desarrollar un Ciclo de Me- jora Docente en el Aula (CIMA) en el marco de la asignatura Marketing Financiero, perteneciente al Grado en Finanzas y Contabilidad de la Universidad de Sevilla. El aprendizaje derivado del CIMA del curso 2019-2020 ha servido como base y punto de partida, de manera que se produzca un aprendizaje longitudinal y adaptado a las circunstancias del contexto docente y social. Cabe destacar la necesidad de si- multanear en la implementación de este CIMA dos modalidades de entornos: el fí- sico o presencial (CIMA) y el online o virtual (CIMAV), con la consiguiente necesidad del uso de herramientas tecnológicas. A lo largo de este trabajo se destacan las principales dificultades experimentadas, las necesidades de adaptación y redefini- ción de las actividades diseñadas para alcanzar los objetivos de aprendizaje pro- puestos, y los logros más destacados. De nuevo, hacer realidad este CIMA-CIMAV ha conllevado la valoración del trabajo individual de cada estudiante, así como su desempeño en el seno de equipos de trabajo, y todo ello a lo largo de las clases ge- nerales, estudios de casos, debates, consultorías interactivas y presentaciones de informes. La medida de los resultados alcanzados se ha plasmado no solo en cali- ficaciones parciales y finales, sino también en gráficos y escaleras de aprendizaje. Palabras clave: Marketing financiero, grado en finanzas y contabilidad, innova- ción docente universitaria, aprendizaje dinámico, contextos virtuales y presenciales.
Technical Note—Online Hypergraph Matching with Delays
Authors: Pavone Marco , Saberi Amin , Schiffer Maximilian , Tsao Matt Wu
Published: April 2022

Scheduling High-Capacity Shared Rides via Hypergraph Matchings

Sharing economies, such as Uber Pool and Lyft Shared Saver, are becoming ubiquitous in modern transportation services. “Online Hypergraph Matching with Delays” by M. Pavone, A. Saberi, M. Schiffer, and M. Tsao studies an online hypergraph matching problem inspired by on-demand scheduling of shared rides in ridehailing systems. They formulate a ridesharing problem through a weighted hypergraph in which riders are represented by vertices and hyperedges and the associated weights represent the utility of serving the associated vertices groups of riders with a single vehicle. A ridesharing algorithm is, thus, a matching algorithm for the hypergraph. To model the on-demand nature of ridesharing, riders arrive sequentially and must either be quickly and irrevocably matched or discarded. In this work, the authors present a polynomial-time algorithm based on randomized batching and prove that it has the optimal worst-case performance.
Considerações sobre a superfície foliar de Passiflora foetida L. (Passifloraceae)
Authors: Araújo Rita de Cássia Matos dos Santos , Carneiro Cláudia Elena
Published: April 2022

This paper presents a micromorphological study of the leaf surface of Passiflora foetida L. for the acquisition of useful data to its taxonomy. All the leaves are hypostomatic, they present epidermical cells between the veins distinguished of above the veins, thin cuticle with or without cuticular striae or not, and glandular and nonglandular trichomes in most of the samples. Micromorphological characters of the leaf of Passiflora foetida are constant and can be used as additional feature to delimitate infraspecific groups.
A família Anacardiaceae no semi-árido do Estado da Bahia, Brasil
Authors: Santos Cosme Correia dos , Borba Eduardo Leite , Queiroz Luciano Paganucci de
Published: April 2022

This paper presents the floristic survey of the species of Anacardiaceae occurring in the semi-arid region of Bahia State. Seventeen species in 11 genera were collected; four of them are not native to the region and were not treated here. The native species are distributed in 10 genera, and were grouped in six distribution patterns. Only four species are restricted to the semi-arid region; the others also occur in other environments in the state, and two of them occur mainly out of the semi-arid region. Lithraea molleoides is referred for the first time to the state. Apterokarpos gardneri, formerly considered an exclusive species to the state, had its distribution extended to the states of Pernambuco, Piauí and Ceará. Fruits and mature leaves of Cyrtocarpa caatingae are described and illustrated for the first time. Identification key, description, illustration and maps with the geographic distribution of the species in Bahia are presented.
Integração de códigos e criação de containers DOCKER para o sistema PhatoSpotter
Authors: Lima Marques Diogo
Published: April 2022

O projeto desenvolvido pelo bolsista representa os esforços conjuntos realizado pelo Laboratório de Computação de Alto Desempenho (LaCAD) da UEFS (Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana) em parceria com a Fiocruz (Fundação Oswaldo Cruz) no desenvolvimento e manutenção do sistema PathoSpotter.
Varroa destructor in Africanized honey bees in Brazil: genetic and reproductive profile
Authors: Pinto Fábio A. , Teixeira Erica W. , Cestaro Lubiane Guimarães , Martins Marta F. , Alves Maria Luisa T. M. F. , Message Dejair
Published: April 2022

The mite Varroa destructor is one of the most studied parasites in apiculture, and its genotype variation is a key factor for the severity of infestation in bee colonies. Here we report the genetic and reproductive profile of mites from 14 Brazilian states with different geographic and climatic conditions. We performed PCR to amplify a fragment of the COI gene and differentiate the haplotypes using restriction enzymes. The K haplotype was widely prevalent in the studied sites, while the J haplotype was found only in four municipalities. We also observed both haplotypes (J and K) coexisting in the same colony, a fact unprecedented in Brazil. Infestation levels were low (0.33 to 15.3%). The reproductive potential showed wide variation (0 to 1.5), indicating that even with the massive presence of K haplotype, environmental and biotic factors related to Africanized honeybees may be responsible for maintaining the mite under low levels in Brazil.
Versatile optical frequency combs based on multi-seeded femtosecond optical parametric generation
Authors: Roiz Mikhail , Vainio Markku
Published: April 2022

This study proposes and demonstrates a versatile method for near- and mid-infrared optical frequency comb generation using multi-seeded femtosecond optical parametric generation. The method allows one to divide the repetition rate by an arbitrarily large integer factor, freely tune the offset frequency, and adjust the common phase offset of the comb modes. Since all possible degrees of freedom are adjustable, the proposed method manifests itself as versatile optical frequency synthesis.
Synthesis of near-diffraction-free orbital-angular-momentum space-time wave packets having a controllable group velocity using a frequency comb
Authors: Pang Kai , Zou Kaiheng , Song Hao , Karpov Maxim , Yessenov Murat , Zhao Zhe , Minoofar Amir , Zhang Runzhou , Song Haoqian , Zhou Huibin , Su Xinzhou , Hu Nanzhe , Kippenberg Tobias J. , Abouraddy Ayman F. , Tur Moshe , Willner Alan E.
Published: April 2022

Novel forms of light beams carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) have recently gained interest, especially due to some of their intriguing propagation features. Here, we experimentally demonstrate the generation of near-diffraction-free two-dimensional (2D) space-time (ST) OAM wave packets (ℓ = +1, +2, or +3) with variable group velocities in free space by coherently combining multiple frequency comb lines, each carrying a unique Bessel mode. Introducing a controllable specific correlation between temporal frequencies and spatial frequencies of these Bessel modes, we experimentally generate and detect near-diffraction-free OAM wave packets with high mode purities (>86%). Moreover, the group velocity can be controlled from 0.9933c to 1.0069c (c is the speed of light in vacuum). These ST OAM wave packets might find applications in imaging, nonlinear optics, and optical communications. In addition, our approach might also provide some insights for generating other interesting ST beams.
Propagation of broadband coherent light through LIPSS-based metasurfaces in diamond
Authors: Echarri Daniel T. , San-Blas Alejandro , Martinez-Calderon Miguel , Olaizola Santiago M. , Granados Eduardo
Published: April 2022

We study the propagation of coherent broadband light through laser induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) fabricated on diamond surfaces. 3D finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations were carried out for a variety of experimentally produced LIPSS morphologies, which include the specific nanometer-scale mesoscopic irregularities arising from the fabrication technique. We compare their performance with sinusoidal grating-like structures, showing that the specific features present in LIPSS nanoripples produce a considerable scattering and diffraction when compared to the ideal nanostructures. With a view on determining the scope of the potential optical and photonic applications of LIPSS, we evaluate the effect of these irregularities on the transmitted spatial beam quality and the spatial phase characteristics of the optical wavefront in a broad spectral range.
Updating age-specific contact structures to match evolving demography in a dynamic mathematical model of tuberculosis vaccination
Authors: Weerasuriya Chathika Krishan , Harris Rebecca Claire , McQuaid Christopher Finn , Gomez Gabriela B. , White Richard G.
Published: April 2022

We investigated the effects of updating age-specific social contact matrices to match evolving demography on vaccine impact estimates. We used a dynamic transmission model of tuberculosis in India as a case study. We modelled four incremental methods to update contact matrices over time, where each method incorporated its predecessor: fixed contact matrix (M0), preserved contact reciprocity (M1), preserved contact assortativity (M2), and preserved average contacts per individual (M3). We updated the contact matrices of a deterministic compartmental model of tuberculosis transmission, calibrated to epidemiologic data between 2000 and 2019 derived from India. We additionally calibrated the M0, M2, and M3 models to the 2050 TB incidence rate projected by the calibrated M1 model. We stratified age into three groups, children (<15y), adults (≥15y, <65y), and the elderly (≥65y), using World Population Prospects demographic data, between which we applied POLYMOD-derived social contact matrices. We simulated an M72-AS01E-like tuberculosis vaccine delivered from 2027 and estimated the per cent TB incidence rate reduction (IRR) in 2050 under each update method. We found that vaccine impact estimates in all age groups remained relatively stable between the M0–M3 models, irrespective of vaccine-targeting by age group. The maximum difference in impact, observed following adult-targeted vaccination, was 7% in the elderly, in whom we observed IRRs of 19% (uncertainty range 13–32), 20% (UR 13–31), 22% (UR 14–37), and 26% (UR 18–38) following M0, M1, M2 and M3 updates, respectively. We found that model-based TB vaccine impact estimates were relatively insensitive to demography-matched contact matrix updates in an India-like demographic and epidemiologic scenario. Current model-based TB vaccine impact estimates may be reasonably robust to the lack of contact matrix updates, but further research is needed to confirm and generalise this finding.
Prevalence and risk factors of short birth interval in Bangladesh: Evidence from the linked data of population and health facility survey
Authors: Islam Mohammad Zahidul , Islam M. Mofizul , Rahman Md. Mostafizur , Khan Md. Nuruzzaman
Published: April 2022

The Sustainable Development Goals 3 targets significant reductions in maternal and under-five deaths by 2030. The prevalence of these deaths is significantly associated with short birth intervals (SBI). Identification of factors associated with SBI is pivotal for intervening with appropriate programmes to reduce occurrence of SBI and associated adverse consequences. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with SBI in Bangladesh. A total of 5,941 women included in the 2017/18 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2017/18 and 1,524 healthcare facilities included in the 2017 Bangladesh Health Facility were linked and analysed. The sample was selected based on the availability of the birth interval data between the two most recent subsequent live birth. SBI was defined as an interval between consecutive births of 33 months or less, as recommended by the World Health Organization and was the outcome variable. Several individual-, households-, and community-level factors were considered as exposure variables. We used descriptive statistics to summarise respondents’ characteristics and multilevel Poisson regression to assess the association between the outcome variable with exposure variables. Around 26% of live births occurred in short intervals, with a further higher prevalence among younger, uneducated, or rural women. The likelihoods of SBI were lower among women aged 20–34 years (PR, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.11–0.17) and ≥35 years (PR, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.02–0.05) as compared to the women aged 19 years or less. Women from households with the richest wealth quintile experienced lower odds of SBI (PR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.45–0.85) compared to those from the poorest wealth quintile. The prevalences of SBI were higher among women whose second most recent child died (PR, 5.23; 95% CI, 4.18–6.55), those who were living in Chattogram (PR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.12–2.07) or Sylhet (PR, 2.83, 95% CI, 2.08–3.86) divisions. Availability of modern contraceptives at the nearest healthcare facilities was 66% protective to the occurrence of SBI (PR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.22–0.78). Also, the prevalence of SBI increased around 85% (PR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.33–2.18) for every kilometer increase in the distance of nearby health facilities from women’s homes. Targeted and tailored regional policies and programmes are needed to increase the awareness of SBI and associated adverse health outcomes and availability of modern contraception in the healthcare facilities.
StaR-related lipid transfer-like domain-containing protein CLDP43 affects cardiolipin synthesis and mitochondrial function in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Loffreda Alessio , Schlame Michael , Bütikofer Peter
Published: April 2022

Cardiolipin is known to interact with bacterial and mitochondrial proteins and protein complexes. Unlike in Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the synthesis of cardiolipin is essential for growth of Trypanosoma brucei parasites in culture. Inhibition of cardiolipin production has been shown to result in major changes in the T. brucei proteome and energy metabolism, with CLDP43, a mitochondrial protein containing a StaR-related lipid transfer (START)-like domain, being depleted in a cardiolipin-dependent way. We now show that in T. brucei procyclic forms lacking CLDP43, cardiolipin metabolism and mitochondrial function are affected. Using quantitative and qualitative lipid analyses, we found that while steady-state levels of cardiolipin were elevated in CLDP43 knock-out parasites compared to parental cells, de novo formation of cardiolipin was down-regulated. In addition, depletion of CLDP43 resulted in partial loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and decreased ATP production via substrate level phosphorylation. Recombinant CLDP43 was found to bind cardiolipin and phosphatidic acid in lipid overlay experiments, suggesting that it may be involved in transport or synthesis of cardiolipin or its precursors in T. brucei.
What is the best fitness measure in wild populations? A case study on the power of short-term fitness proxies to predict reproductive value
Authors: Alif Živa , Dunning Jamie , Chik Heung Ying Janet , Burke Terry , Schroeder Julia
Published: April 2022

Fitness is at the core of evolutionary theory, but it is difficult to measure accurately. One way to measure long-term fitness is by calculating the individual’s reproductive value, which represents the expected number of allele copies an individual passes on to distant future generations. However, this metric of fitness is scarcely used because the estimation of individual’s reproductive value requires long-term pedigree data, which is rarely available in wild populations where following individuals from birth to death is often impossible. Wild study systems therefore use short-term fitness metrics as proxies, such as the number of offspring produced. This study compared two frequently used short-term metrics for fitness obtained at different offspring life stages (eggs, hatchlings, fledglings and recruits), and compared their ability to predict reproductive values derived from the genetic pedigree of a wild passerine bird population. We used twenty years of precise field observations and a near-complete genetic pedigree to calculate reproductive success, individual growth rate and de-lifed fitness as lifetime fitness measures, and as annual de-lifed fitness. We compared the power of these metrics to predict reproductive values and lineage survival to the end of the study period. The three short-term fitness proxies predict the reproductive values and lineage survival only when measured at the recruit stage. There were no significant differences between the different fitness proxies at the same offspring stages in predicting the reproductive values and lineage survival. Annual fitness at one year old predicted reproductive values equally well as lifetime de-lifed fitness. However, none of the short-term fitness proxies were strongly associated with the reproductive values. The commonly used short-term fitness proxies best predict long-term fitness when measured at recruitment stage. Thus, because lifetime fitness measured at recruit stage and annual fitness in the first year of life were the best proxies of long-term fitness in short-lived birds, we encourage their future use.
Modulation of subjective peripheral sensation, F-waves, and somatosensory evoked potentials in response to unilateral pinch task measured on the contractile and non-contractile sides
Authors: Takahara Terumasa , Yamaguchi Hidetaka , Seki Kazutoshi , Onodera Sho
Published: April 2022

Depression of the sensory input during voluntary muscle contractions has been demonstrated using electrophysiological methods in both animals and humans. However, the association between electrophysiological responses of the sensory system and subjective peripheral sensation (SPS) during a voluntary muscle contraction remains unclear. This study aimed to describe the changes in SPS, spinal α-motoneuron excitability (F-wave to M-wave amplitude), and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) during a unilateral pinch-grip task. Outcome variables were measured on the side ipsilateral and contralateral to the muscle contraction and at rest (control). Participants were 8 healthy men aged 20.9±0.8 years. The isometric pinch-grip task was performed at 30% of the maximum voluntary isometric force measured for the right and left hands separately. The appearance rate of the F-wave during the task was significantly higher for the ipsilateral (right) hand than for the contralateral (left) hand and control condition. Although there was no difference in the F-wave latency between hands and the control condition, the amplitude of the F-wave was significantly higher for the ipsilateral (right) hand than for the contralateral (left) hand and the control condition. There was no difference in the amplitude of the SEP at N20. However, the amplitude at P25 was significantly lower for the ipsilateral (right) hand than for the contralateral (left) hand and the control condition. The accuracy rate of detecting tactile stimulation, evaluated for 20 repetitions using a Semmes–Weinstein monofilament at the sensory threshold for each participant, was significantly lower during the pinch-grip task for both the ipsilateral (right) and contralateral (left) hands than in the control condition. Overall, our findings show that SPS and neurophysiological parameters were not modulated in parallel during the task, with changes in the subjective sensation preceding changes in electrophysiological indices during the motor task. Our findings provide basic information on sensory-motor coordination.
Transition to motherhood following the use of assisted reproductive technologies: Experiences of women in Ghana
Authors: Asante-Afari Kwadwo , Doku David Teye , Darteh Eugene K. M.
Published: April 2022

As a result of the significance of childbearing in the Ghanaian culture, couples would go to all lengths to have biological children. One of the means that has made it possible for childless couples to have children is through the use of various assisted reproductive technologies. Using a qualitative research design, the paper explores the experiences of 40 women who have delivered following the use of assisted reproductive technology in Ghana. A semi-structured interview guide was utilised to explore women’s experiences and results were analysed thematically. The study revealed that childless women faced hostile treatment but the birth of a child ceased the hostility, giving couples social recognition. The study also revealed that the transition to motherhood is characterised by excitement, high self-esteem, recognition and acceptance into spouses’ families. It was a source of anxiety for other women due to society’s perception of children born following the use of assisted reproductive technologies. However, women perceived that having a second or third child could change society’s perception about the use of assisted reproductive technologies to have children. Based on these assumptions, there is a need for public education to change the societal perception about women who utilise assisted reproductive technologies to meet their parenthood desires as well as children who are born following the use of assisted reproductive technologies.
Tuberculosis and isoniazid prophylaxis among adult HIV positive patients on ART in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Geremew Demeke , Geremew Habtamu , Tamir Mebratu , Adem Mohammed , Tegene Birhanemeskel , Bayleyegn Biruk
Published: April 2022

Background

Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) can avert tuberculosis (TB) incidence among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients, the concomitant use of ART with isoniazid (INH) has a paramount effect. Despite this evidence, there is a paucity of data regarding TB incidence among HIV patients on ART with and without isoniazid prophylaxis and its predictors. Thus, this study sought to assess the incidence and predictors of TB among adult HIV positive patients on ART.

Methods

This was a hospital based retrospective study including 368 adult HIV positive patients on ART in Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital between January 1, 2016, and April 30, 2019. Data was extracted from clinical laboratory and HIV care ART follow up clinic. The bi-variable and multivariable regression models were used to ascertain predictors of incident TB. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 software.

Results

A total of 335 adult HIV positive patients were included in the analysis, of whom, 56 (16.7%) were developed incident TB. Being ambulatory and bedridden (AOR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1, 4.6), advanced WHO clinical HIV disease stage (III and IV) (AOR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.6, 6.1), not taking INH (AOR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.3, 5.9), and baseline CD4+ T cell count ≤ 200 cell/mm3 (AOR: 3.6, 95% CI: 1.8, 7.2) were found to be the predictors of tuberculosis incidence.

Conclusion

The study indicated a high TB incidence among HIV positive patients in Gondar. Therefore, scaling up the isoniazid preventive therapy program and its strict compliance is necessary to avert HIV fueled tuberculosis in HIV endemic areas.