bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use-case scenarios for an anti-Cryptosporidium therapeutic
Authors: Ashigbie Paul G. , Shepherd Susan , Steiner Kevin L. , Amadi Beatrice , Aziz Natasha , Manjunatha Ujjini H. , Spector Jonathan M. , Diagana Thierry T. , Kelly Paul
Published: March 2021

Cryptosporidium is a widely distributed enteric parasite that has an increasingly appreciated pathogenic role, particularly in pediatric diarrhea. While cryptosporidiosis has likely affected humanity for millennia, its recent “emergence” is largely the result of discoveries made through major epidemiologic studies in the past decade. There is no vaccine, and the only approved medicine, nitazoxanide, has been shown to have efficacy limitations in several patient groups known to be at elevated risk of disease. In order to help frontline health workers, policymakers, and other stakeholders translate our current understanding of cryptosporidiosis into actionable guidance to address the disease, we sought to assess salient issues relating to clinical management of cryptosporidiosis drawing from a review of the literature and our own field-based practice. This exercise is meant to help inform health system strategies for improving access to current treatments, to highlight recent achievements and outstanding knowledge and clinical practice gaps, and to help guide research activities for new anti-Cryptosporidium therapies.
Predictors of literacy in adulthood: Evidence from 33 countries
Authors: Kyröläinen Aki-Juhani , Kuperman Victor
Published: March 2021

What makes a literate person? What leads to literacy gains and losses within and between individuals and countries? This paper provides new evidence that helps answer these questions. The present comparative analysis of literacy is based on large representative samples from the Survey of Adult Skills conducted in 33 countries, with 25–65 year old participants. We provide, for the first time, estimates of relative importance for a comprehensive set of experiential factors, motivations, incentives, parental influence, demands of workplace, and other predictors of influence. We sketch a configuration of factors that predicts an “ideal” reader, i.e., the optimal literacy performance. Moreover, we discover a pivotal role of the age effect in predicting variability between countries. Countries with the highest literacy scores are the ones where literacy decreases with age the most strongly. We discuss this finding against current accounts of aging effects, cohort effects and others. Finally, we provide methodological recommendations for experimental studies of aging in cognitive tasks like reading.
Patterns and risk factors of opioid-suspected EMS overdose in Houston metropolitan area, 2015-2019: A Bayesian spatiotemporal analysis
Authors: Bauer Cici , Champagne-Langabeer Tiffany , Bakos-Block Christine , Zhang Kehe , Persse David , Langabeer James R.
Published: March 2021

Background

Opioid-related overdose deaths are the top accidental cause of death in the United States, and development of regional strategies to address this epidemic should begin with a better understanding of where and when overdoses are occurring.

Methods and findings

In this study, we relied on emergency medical services data to investigate the geographical and temporal patterns in opioid-suspected overdose incidents in one of the largest and most ethnically diverse metropolitan areas (Houston Texas). Using a cross sectional design and Bayesian spatiotemporal models, we identified zip code areas with excessive opioid-suspected incidents, and assessed how the incidence risks were associated with zip code level socioeconomic characteristics. Our analysis suggested that opioid-suspected overdose incidents were particularly high in multiple zip codes, primarily south and central within the city. Zip codes with high percentage of renters had higher overdose relative risk (RR = 1.03; 95% CI: [1.01, 1.04]), while crowded housing and larger proportion of white citizens had lower relative risks (RR = 0.9; 95% CI: [0.84, 0.96], RR = 0.97, 95% CI: [0.95, 0.99], respectively).

Conclusions

Our analysis illustrated the utility of Bayesian spatiotemporal models in assisting the development of targeted community strategies for local prevention and harm reduction efforts.
Analyzing the farmers’ pro-environmental behavior intention and their rural tourism livelihood in tourist village where its ecological environment is polluted
Authors: Tang Hongjiu , Liu Zhaoyin , Long Xiaojie
Published: March 2021

This study examines farmers’ intentions towards pro-environmental behavior in a famous tourist village in China called Guanshan, whose ecological environment is polluted. By adopting the empirically validated norm activation model (NAM) of Schwartz and merging it with Vroom’s expectancy theory, the current research aims to develop a refined framework for understanding the formation of and predicting changes in pro-environmental intention. Field surveys were conducted in Guanshan, which resulted in sample data consisting of 275 valid responses collected by the research team. We develop a refined model, including six latent variables and 24 observational items. The structural equation modeling results show that the final model enjoys a better predictive accuracy of pro-environmental intention than does the original NAM. The study also discovers that the motivational force of expectancy theory significantly influences pro-environmental intention, whose motivational force comes from the impact of valence and expectancy. The pro-environmental intentions of farmers are mainly affected by the environmental personal norm and by a certain degree of personal expectancy. The improvement of farmers’ pro-environmental intention needs be promoted in two approaches: the cultivation of personal environmental protection norms and the guidance of producing a desired expectation for pro-environmental intention.
Frequency of co-seropositivities for certain pathogens and their relationship with clinical and histopathological changes and parasite load in dogs infected with Leishmania infantum
Authors: Oliveira Valéria da Costa , Junior Artur Augusto Velho Mendes , Ferreira Luiz Claudio , Calvet Tatiana Machado Quinates , dos Santos Shanna Araujo , Figueiredo Fabiano Borges , Campos Monique Paiva , Rodrigues Francisco das Chagas de Carvalho , de Oliveira Raquel de Vasconcellos Carvalhaes , de Lemos Elba Regina Sampaio , Rozental Tatiana , da Silva Raphael Gomes , Amendoeira Maria Regina Reis , Teles-de-Freitas Rayane , Bruno Rafaela Vieira , Morgado Fernanda Nazaré , Miranda Luciana de Freitas Campos , Menezes Rodrigo Caldas
Published: March 2021

In canine leishmaniosis caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum, little is known about how co-infections with or co-seropositivities for other pathogens can influence aggravation of this disease. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the frequency of co-infections with or co-seropositivities for certain pathogens in dogs seropositive for L. infantum and their relationship with clinical signs, histological changes and L. infantum load. Sixty-six L. infantum-seropositive dogs were submitted to clinical examination, collection of blood and bone marrow, culling, and necropsy. Antibodies against Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Ehrlichia spp. and Toxoplasma gondii and Dirofilaria immitis antigens were investigated in serum. Samples from different tissues were submitted to histopathology and immunohistochemistry for the detection of Leishmania spp. and T. gondii. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to assess the L. infantum load in spleen samples. For detection of Coxiella burnetii, conventional PCR and nested PCR were performed using bone marrow samples. All 66 dogs tested positive for L. infantum by qPCR and/or culture. Fifty dogs (76%) were co-seropositive for at least one pathogen: T. gondii (59%), Ehrlichia spp., (41%), and Anaplasma spp. (18%). Clinical signs were observed in 15 (94%) dogs monoinfected with L. infantum and in 45 (90%) dogs co-seropositive for certain pathogens. The L. infantum load in spleen and skin did not differ significantly between monoinfected and co-seropositive dogs. The number of inflammatory cells was higher in the spleen, lung and mammary gland of co-seropositive dogs and in the mitral valve of monoinfected dogs. These results suggest that dogs infected with L. infantum and co-seropositive for certain pathogens are common in the region studied. However, co-seropositivities for certain pathogens did not aggravate clinical signs or L. infantum load, although they were associated with a more intense inflammatory reaction in some organs.
‘A double-edged sword’: Perceived benefits and harms of active case-finding for people with presumptive tuberculosis and communities—A qualitative study based on expert interviews
Authors: Biermann Olivia , Klüppelberg Raina , Lönnroth Knut , Viney Kerri , Caws Maxine , Atkins Salla
Published: March 2021

Background

Active case-finding (ACF), also referred to as community-based tuberculosis screening, is a component of the World Health Organization’s End TB Strategy. ACF has potential benefits but also harms, which need to be carefully assessed when developing and implementing ACF policies. While empirical evidence on the benefits of ACF is still weak, evidence on the harms is even weaker. This study aimed to explore experts’ views on the benefits and harms of ACF for people with presumptive TB and communities.

Methods

This was an exploratory study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 39 experts from international, non-governmental/non-profit organizations, funders, government institutions, international societies, think tanks, universities and research institutions worldwide. Framework analysis was applied.

Results

Findings elaborated perceived benefits of ACF, including reaching vulnerable populations, reducing patient costs, helping raise awareness for tuberculosis among individuals and engaging communities, and reducing tuberculosis transmission. Perceived harms included increasing stigma and discrimination, causing false-positive diagnoses, as well as triggering other unintended consequences related to screening for tuberculosis patients, such as deportation of migrants once confirmed to have tuberculosis. Most of the perceived benefits of ACF could be linked to its objective of finding and treating persons with tuberculosis early (theme 1), while ACF was also perceived as a “double-edged sword” and could cause harms, if inappropriately designed and implemented (theme 2). The analysis underlined the importance of considering the benefits and harms of ACF throughout the screening pathway. The study provides new insights into the perceived benefits and harms of ACF from the perspectives of experts in the field.

Conclusion

This study highlights gaps in the evidence base surrounding ACF and can stimulate further research, debate and analysis regarding the benefits and harms of ACF to inform contextual optimization of design and implementation of ACF strategies.
Factor structure of the SDQ and longitudinal associations from pre-school to pre-teen in New Zealand
Authors: Thompson John M. D. , Slykerman Rebecca F. , Wall Clare R. , Murphy Rinki , Mitchell Edwin A. , Waldie Karen E.
Published: March 2021

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the validity of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire in a cohort of New Zealand children followed from birth to the age of eleven. The study also aimed to assess the stability of the child data in relation to behavioural outcomes during this period.

Methods

Children in the Auckland Birthweight Collaborative Study were assessed at approximately 3½, 7 and 11 years of age. At all time-points parents completed the parent version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and the children themselves completed the self-report version at 11 years of age. The validity and internal consistency were assessed using exploratory factor analysis, Cronbach’s alpha, and McDonald’s Omega. Cross tabulations and Chi-square statistics were used to determine whether Total Difficulty scores, as per accepted cut-offs, remained stable over time (between normal and abnormal/borderline categories).

Results

The factor structure remained relatively consistent across all three time-points, though several questions did not load as per the originally published factor analysis at the earliest age. The internal consistency of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was good at all time-points and for parent- and child-completed versions. There was low agreement in the total scores between time points.

Conclusions

The factor analysis shows that the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire has a similar factor structure, particularly in older ages, to that previously published and shows good internal consistency. At the pre-school follow up, a larger than expected proportion of children were identified with high scores, particularly in the conduct sub-scale. Children’s behaviour changes over time, with only poor to moderate agreement between those identified as abnormal or borderline over the longitudinal follow up.
High pyrethroid/DDT resistance in major malaria vector Anopheles coluzzii from Niger-Delta of Nigeria is probably driven by metabolic resistance mechanisms
Authors: Muhammad Abdullahi , Ibrahim Sulaiman S. , Mukhtar Muhammad M. , Irving Helen , Abajue Maduamaka C. , Edith Noutcha M. A. , Da’u Sabitu S. , Paine Mark J. I. , Wondji Charles S.
Published: March 2021

Entomological surveillance of local malaria vector populations is an important component of vector control and resistance management. In this study, the resistance profile and its possible mechanisms was characterised in a field population of the major malaria vector Anopheles coluzzii from Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers state, in the Niger-Delta Region of Nigeria. Larvae collected in Port-Harcourt, were reared to adulthood and used for WHO bioassays. The population exhibited high resistance to permethrin, deltamethrin and DDT with mortalities of 6.7% ± 2.4, 37.5% ± 3.2 and 6.3% ± 4.1, respectively, but were fully susceptible to bendiocarb and malathion. Synergist bioassays with piperonylbutoxide (PBO) partially recovered susceptibility, with mortalities increasing to 53% ± 4, indicating probable role of CYP450s in permethrin resistance (χ2 = 29.48, P < 0.0001). Transcriptional profiling revealed five major resistance-associated genes overexpressed in the field samples compared to the fully susceptible laboratory colony, Ngoussou. Highest fold change (FC) was observed with GSTe2 (FC = 3.3 in permethrin exposed and 6.2 in unexposed) and CYP6Z3 (FC = 1.4 in exposed and 4.6 in unexposed). TaqMan genotyping of 32 F0 females detected the 1014F and 1575Y knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations with frequencies of 0.84 and 0.1, respectively, while 1014S mutation was not detected. Sequencing of a fragment of the voltage-gated sodium channel, spanning exon 20 from 13 deltamethrin-resistant and 9 susceptible females revealed only 2 distinct haplotypes with a low haplotype diversity of 0.33. The findings of high pyrethroid resistance but with a significant degree of recovery after PBO synergist assay suggests the need to move to PBO-based nets. This could be complemented with carbamate- or organophosphate-based indoor residual spraying in this area.
Costs of cancer attributable to excess body weight in the Brazilian public health system in 2018
Authors: Corrêa Ferreira da Silva Ronaldo , Bahia Luciana Ribeiro , Machado da Rosa Michelle Quarti , Malhão Thainá Alves , Mendonça Eliane De Paula , Rosa Roger dos Santos , Araújo Denizar Vianna , Maya Moreira Luciana Grucci , Schilithz Arthur Orlando Correa , Diogenes Melo Maria Eduarda Leão
Published: March 2021

Objectives

The prevalence of excess body weight (EBW) has increased over the last decades in Brazil, where 55.4% of the adult population was overweight in 2019. EBW is a well-known risk factor for several types of cancer. We estimated the federal cost of EBW-related cancers in adults, considering the medical expenditures in the Brazilian Public Health System.

Methods

We calculated the costs related to 11 types of cancer considering the procedures performed in 2018 by all organizations that provide cancer care in the public health system. We obtained data from the Hospital and Ambulatory Information Systems of the Brazilian Public Health System. We calculated the fractions of cancer attributable to EBW using the relative risks from the literature and prevalence from a nationally representative survey. We converted the monetary values in Reais (R$) to international dollars (Int$), considering the purchasing power parity (PPP) of 2018.

Results

In Brazil, the 2018 federal cost for all types of cancers combined was Int$ 1.73 billion, of which nearly Int$ 710 million was spent on EBW-related cancer care and Int$ 30 million was attributable to EBW. Outpatient and inpatient expenditures reached Int$ 20.41 million (of which 80% was for chemotherapy) and Int$ 10.06 million (of which 82% was for surgery), respectively. Approximately 80% of EBW-attributable costs were due to breast, endometrial and colorectal cancers.

Conclusion

A total of 1.76% of all federal cancer-related costs could be associated with EBW, representing a substantial economic burden for the public health system. We highlight the need for integrated policies for excess body weight control and cancer prevention.
Assessing the impact of demand response programs on the reliability of the Ghanian distribution network
Authors: Amewornu Ernestina M. , Nwulu Nnamdi I.
Published: March 2021

The balancing of supplied energy to energy demand is often very challenging due to unstable power supply and demand load. This challenge causes the level of performance of distribution networks to be lower than expected. Research has however, shown the role of demand response (DR) on the performance of power networks. This work investigates the influence of DR, in the presence of incorporated renewable energy, on technical loss reduction, reliability, environment, energy saved and incentives paid to consumers with the help of PSAT and AIMMS software. Results from simulation have shown that the introduction of renewable energy into a Ghanaian distribution network coupled with implementing the proposed DR improves total energy supply by 9.8% at a corresponding operation cost reduction of 72.79%. The GHG and technical loss reduced by 27.26% and 10.09% respectively. The total energy saving is about 105kWh and 5,394.86kWh, for domestic and commercial loading profiles, respectively. Incentives received by consumers range between 45.14% and 58.55% more than that enjoyed, without renewable energy, by domestic and commercial consumers. The utility benefit also increased by 76.96% and 67.31% for domestic and commercial loads than that without renewable energy. Network reliability improves with implementation of DR. However, the reliability of a grid-connected network is better with a diesel generator only than with the integration of renewable energy. The power distribution companies, therefore, need to consider the implementation of incentive-based demand response program.
Serological markers and risk factors associated with Hepatitis B virus infection among Federal Capital Territory prison inmates, Nigeria: Should we be concerned?
Authors: Dan-Nwafor Chioma Cindy , Adeoye Ikeola , Aderemi Kehinde , Onuoha Martins , Adedire Elizabeth , Bashorun Adebobola , Osunkwo Damaris , Gidado Saheed , Balogun Muhammad , Idris Suleiman , Ade-Yusuf Ibrahim , Udom Ekpedeme , Nguku Patrick
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is hyper-endemic in Nigeria. Prisons are high-risk environments for the spread of infectious diseases. Worldwide, seroprevalence of HBV infection is substantially higher among individuals in correctional facilities when compared to general population. We determined the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with HBV infection among Kuje prison inmates, Nigeria.

Material and methods

We conducted a prison facility based cross-sectional study. Interviewer administered questionnaires were used to obtain information on participants socio-demographic characteristics, HBV risk factors, previous HBV test and vaccination history. Blood samples collected from participants were analysed for HBsAg, HBsAb, HBcAb, HBeAg and HBeAb markers using rapid lateral chromatographic immunoassay kit. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis were performed.

Results

A total of 271 inmates (63 convicts and 208 awaiting trial inmates) were recruited into the study as participants. The mean age of the participants was 32.7 SD±9 years. HBV seroprevalence (HBsAg) of 13.7% (95% CI: 9.8–18.3) was found. 55.4% (95% CI: 49.2–61.4) of inmates were susceptible to HBV infection, 20.7% (95%CI; 16.0–26.0) had past HBV infection while 10.3% (95% CI: 7.0–14.6) had acquired natural or artificial HBV immunity. Factors found to be associated with current HBV infection (HBsAg) include age-group ≤25years (aOR = 8.0,95% CI: 2.9–22.3), being ever married (aOR = 4.2, 95% CI: 1.7–10.4) and history of alcohol consumption (aOR = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.3–8.4).

Conclusion

This study reveals a high seroprevalence of HBV infection among Kuje Prison inmates, hence the need to introduce prison-focused health intervention initiatives such as HBV screening, vaccination and care to reduce the transmission of HBV infection among inmates and ultimately the general population.
Highly successful production of viable mice derived from vitrified germinal vesicle oocytes
Authors: Kamoshita Maki , Fujiwara Katsuyoshi , Ito Junya , Kashiwazaki Naomi
Published: March 2021

The vitrification of immature germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes is an important way to preserve genetic resources and female fertility. However, it is well known that cryopreserved GV oocytes have very poor developmental ability and that further improvement in this technique is needed. We previously reported the successful vitrification of matured mouse oocytes with enclosed cumulus cells using the calcium-free vitrification solution supplemented with ethylene glycol (EG) by the minimal volume cooling (MVC) method. In this study, we investigated whether our method is applicable to the vitrification of mouse oocytes at the GV stage (GV oocytes). Following maturation and fertilizationin vitro, vitrified GV oocytes showed high survival (94.3 ± 2.0%) and maturation (94.3 ± 2.1%) rates. Although the fertilization and blastocyst rates of vitrified oocytes (fertilization: 46.6 ± 4.9% and blastocyst: 46.6 ± 3.0%) were significantly lower than those of fresh oocytes (fertilization: 73.0 ± 7.1% and blastocyst: 71.6 ± 8.0%) (P< 0.01), there were no differences in the ability to develop to term between fresh oocytes (50.0 ± 8.4%) and vitrified oocytes (37.5 ± 4.6%) (P> 0.05). In conclusion, we here show, for the first time, the efficient production of live mice derived from vitrified GV oocytes.
The perceived impact of multiple sclerosis and self-management: The mediating role of coping strategies
Authors: Wilski Maciej , Brola Waldemar , Łuniewska Magdalena , Tomczak Maciej
Published: March 2021

Low level of self-management in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) is considered to be a predominant factor that leads to poor rehabilitation efficacy. Studies focusing on the relationship between self-management and psychological variables that can be modified could contribute to expanding the knowledge needed to propose interventional programs aiming at patient activation. This study aimed to analyze whether coping strategies play a mediating role in the association between the perceived impact of MS and level of self-management in people with MS. The cross-sectional study included 382 people with MS. The participants completed the Multiple Sclerosis Self-Management Scale—Revised, Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29, and Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations. The study hypothesis was evaluated using mediation analysis. The STROBE checklist specifically prepared for cross-sectional research was applied in this study for reporting. Results indicate that the emotion- and problem-focused strategies of coping can be treated as mediating the association between the MS impact and level of self-management in people with MS. A negative relationship was found between the perceived MS impact and problem-oriented coping, while a positive relationship was found between problem-oriented coping and self-management. Furthermore, a positive relationship was found between the MS impact and emotion-oriented coping, while a negative relationship was found between emotion-oriented coping and self-management. The indirect role of avoidance-oriented coping was not significant. Our study confirms the role played by coping strategies in individuals’ self-management. In MS, self-management determined by perceived MS impact can be controlled by decreasing emotional-coping while increasing problem-coping strategies. Our study imparts new knowledge regarding the potential interventions for improving the level of self-management in people with MS. It indicates that recognition of individuals’ illness perceptions as well as maladaptive coping strategies can help health professionals identify those who might be having lower level of self-management.
Pencil graphite as electrode platform for free chlorine sensors and energy storage devices
Authors: Islam Jahidul , Shao Han , Badal Md. Mizanur Rahman , Razeeb Kafil M. , Jamal Mamun
Published: March 2021

Multifunctional and low-cost electrode materials are desirable for the next-generation sensors and energy storage applications. This paper reports the use of pencil graphite as an electrode for dual applications that include the detection of free residual chlorine using electro-oxidation process and as an electrochemical energy storage cathode. The pencil graphite is transferred to cellulose paper by drawing ten times and applied for the detection of free residual chlorine, which shows a sensitivity of 27 μA mM-1 cm-2 with a limit of detection of 88.9 μM and linearity up to 7 mM. The sample matrix effect study for the commonly interfering ions such as NO3-, SO42-, CO32-, Cl-, HCO3- shows minimal impact on free residual chlorine detection. Pencil graphite then used after cyclic voltammogram treatment as a cathode in the aqueous Zn/Al-ion battery, showing an average discharge potential plateau of ~1.1 V, with a specific cathode capacity of ~54.1 mAh g-1 at a current of 55 mA g-1. It maintains ~95.8% of its initial efficiency after 100 cycles. Results obtained from the density functional theory calculation is consistent with the electro-oxidation process involved in the detection of free residual chlorine, as well as intercalation and de-intercalation behavior of Al3+ into the graphite layers of Zn/Al-ion battery. Therefore, pencil graphite due to its excellent electro-oxidation and conducting properties, can be successfully implemented as low cost, disposable and green material for both sensor and energy-storage applications.
Artificial neural networks for short-term forecasting of cases, deaths, and hospital beds occupancy in the COVID-19 pandemic at the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Braga Marcus de Barros , Fernandes Rafael da Silva , Souza Gilberto Nerino de , Rocha Jonas Elias Castro da , Dolácio Cícero Jorge Fonseca , Tavares Ivaldo da Silva , Pinheiro Raphael Rodrigues , Noronha Fernando Napoleão , Rodrigues Luana Lorena Silva , Ramos Rommel Thiago Jucá , Carneiro Adriana Ribeiro , Brito Silvana Rossy de , Diniz Hugo Alex Carneiro , Botelho Marcel do Nascimento , Vallinoto Antonio Carlos Rosário
Published: March 2021

The first case of the novel coronavirus in Brazil was notified on February 26, 2020. After 21 days, the first case was reported in the second largest State of the Brazilian Amazon. The State of Pará presented difficulties in combating the pandemic, ranging from underreporting and a low number of tests to a large territorial distance between cities with installed hospital capacity. Due to these factors, mathematical data-driven short-term forecasting models can be a promising initiative to assist government officials in more agile and reliable actions. This study presents an approach based on artificial neural networks for the daily and cumulative forecasts of cases and deaths caused by COVID-19, and the forecast of demand for hospital beds. Six scenarios with different periods were used to identify the quality of the generated forecasting and the period in which they start to deteriorate. Results indicated that the computational model adapted capably to the training period and was able to make consistent short-term forecasts, especially for the cumulative variables and for demand hospital beds.
Identification of two novel hepatitis C virus subtype 2 from Tunisia (2v and 2w)
Authors: Rajhi Mouna , Haddad-Boubaker Sondes , Chouikha Anissa , Bourquain Daniel , Michel Janine , Hammami Walid , Sadraoui Amel , Touzi Hinda , Ghedira Kais , Triki Henda
Published: March 2021

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has a high genetic diversity. Eight genotypes and 90 subtypes are currently described. Genotypes are clinically significant for therapeutic management and their determination is necessary for epidemiological studies.

Methods

Tunisian patients plasma samples (n = 6) with unassigned HCV-2 subtype using partial sequencing in the NS5B and Core/E1 regions were analyzed by realizing whole-genome sequencing analysis. Phylogenetic analyses were performed to assign subtypes.

Results

Phylogenetic analysis of the full genome sequences of Tunisian strains shows two subtypes within HCV-2. These later were genetically distinct from all previously established HCV-2 subtypes with nucleotide divergence greater than 15% (20% -31%). These two subtypes are proposed as new subtypes 2v and 2w.

Conclusions

The discovery of two new HCV-2 subtypes circulating in the Tunisian population confirms the great diversity of HCV-2 viruses and increases the total number of HCV-2 subtypes from 21 to 23.
De novo genome assembly of Bacillus altitudinis 19RS3 and Bacillus altitudinis T5S-T4, two plant growth-promoting bacteria isolated from Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil. (yerba mate)
Authors: Cortese Iliana Julieta , Castrillo María Lorena , Onetto Andrea Liliana , Bich Gustavo Ángel , Zapata Pedro Darío , Laczeski Margarita Ester
Published: March 2021

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) are a heterogeneous group of bacteria that can exert beneficial effects on plant growth directly or indirectly by different mechanisms. PGPB-based inoculant formulation has been used to replace chemical fertilizers and pesticides. In our previous studies, two endophytic endospore-forming bacteria identified asBacillus altitudiniswere isolated from roots ofIlex paraguariensisSt. Hil. seedlings and selected for their plant growth-promoting (PGP) properties shownin vitroandin vivo. The purposes of this work were to assemble the genomes ofB.altitudinis19RS3 and T5S-T4, using different assemblers available for Windows and Linux and to select the best assembly for each strain. Both genomes were also automatically annotated to detect PGP genes and compare sequences with other genomes reported. Library construction and draft genome sequencing were performed by Macrogen services. Raw reads were filtered using the Trimmomatic tool. Genomes were assembled using SPAdes, ABySS, Velvet, and SOAPdenovo2 assemblers for Linux, and Geneious and CLC Genomics Workbench assemblers for Windows. Assembly evaluation was done by the QUAST tool. The parameters evaluated were the number of contigs≥500 bp and≥1000 bp, the length of the longest contig, and the N50 value. For genome annotation PROKKA, RAST, and KAAS tools were used. The best assembly for both genomes was obtained using Velvet. TheB.altitudinis19RS3 genome was assembled into 15 contigs with an N50 value of 1,943,801 bp. TheB.altitudinisT5S-T4 genome was assembled into 24 contigs with an N50 of 344,151 bp. Both genomes comprise several genes related to PGP mechanisms, such as those for nitrogen fixation, iron metabolism, phosphate metabolism, and auxin biosynthesis. The results obtained offer the basis for a better understanding ofB.altitudinis19RS3 and T5S-T4 and make them promissory for bioinoculant development.
Developing a sustainability strategy for Taiwan’s tourism industry after the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Tsai Ming-Chi
Published: March 2021

The outbreak of COVID-19 around the world has caused great damage to the global economy. The tourism industry is among the worst-hit industries. How to focus on visitors who are most helpful to the tourism industry and develop sustainable strategy of operation is a very important question for after the epidemic is over. This study applied two-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) and principal component analysis (PCA) to investigate past statistics from the Tourism Bureau and explore the shopping patterns of tourists who travel to Taiwan. The focus will be on tourists from major countries such as China, Japan, and Southeast Asian countries. According to the analysis of tourists from different countries, the money spent by tourists from different countries is concentrated on different items, and there are subitems that they particularly like to purchase. For the analysis of the purpose of coming to Taiwan, some tourism areas worth developing (such as medical treatment and leisure) are also presented in the research results. Based on these results, and according to the sustainable development goals, specific recommendations for the sustainability strategy of operation are made as a reference for the government and relevant industries. This research also broadens the scope of application of DEA and points out a different direction for future research.
Association of engagement in cultural activities with cause-specific mortality determined through an eight-year follow up: The HUNT Study, Norway
Authors: Løkken Bente I. , Merom Dafna , Sund Erik R. , Krokstad Steinar , Rangul Vegar
Published: March 2021

Participation in cultural activities may protect against cause-specific mortality; however, there is limited knowledge regarding this association. The present study examines the association between participation in a range of receptive and creative cultural activities and risk of cardiovascular disease- and cancer-related mortality. We also examined whether participation in such activities and influence by gender have on this association. We followed 35,902 participants of the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT3) of Cardiovascular-Disease and Cancer Mortality from 2006–08 to 2016. Cox proportional-hazards regression was used to estimate the risk of specific mortality based on baseline cultural participation. During the eight-year follow-up, there were 563 cardiovascular-disease- and 752 cancer-related deaths among the sample (292,416 person years). Risk of cardiovascular-disease mortality was higher among non-participants in associations/club meetings (22%) and outdoor activities (23%), respectively, as well as non-attendees of art exhibitions (28%). People who engaged in music, singing, and theatre had a 27% reduced risk of cancer-related mortality when compared to non-participants. Among women, participating in associations/club meetings reduced the risk of cardiovascular-disease mortality by 36%. Men who participated in music, singing, and theatre had a 33% reduced risk of cancer mortality. Overall, a reduced risk of cardiovascular-disease mortality was associated with engaging in creative activities on weekly basis to less than twice per week. For both genders, participating in creative activities less than once a week reduced cardiovascular-disease mortality risk by 40% and 33%, respectively. For the overall sample, participating > 2 times per week in combined receptive and creative activities reduced cancer-related mortality by 29%. Participating frequently in both receptive and creative activities cultural activities was associated with lower risks of CVD and cancer-related mortality. Our data suggest that, to counteract the public health burden of cardiovascular disease- and cancer mortality, policies and initiatives to increase citizens’ participation in cultural activities should be considered.
Quantity and quality: Normative open-access neuroimaging databases
Authors: Isherwood Scott Jie Shen , Bazin Pierre-Louis , Alkemade Anneke , Forstmann Birte Uta
Published: March 2021

The focus of this article is to compare twenty normative and open-access neuroimaging databases based on quantitative measures of image quality, namely, signal-to-noise (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR). We further the analysis through discussing to what extent these databases can be used for the visualization of deeper regions of the brain, such as the subcortex, as well as provide an overview of the types of inferences that can be drawn. A quantitative comparison of contrasts including T1-weighted (T1w) and T2-weighted (T2w) images are summarized, providing evidence for the benefit of ultra-high field MRI. Our analysis suggests a decline in SNR in the caudate nuclei with increasing age, in T1w, T2w, qT1 and qT2* contrasts, potentially indicative of complex structural age-dependent changes. A similar decline was found in the corpus callosum of the T1w, qT1 and qT2* contrasts, though this relationship is not as extensive as within the caudate nuclei. These declines were accompanied by a declining CNR over age in all image contrasts. A positive correlation was found between scan time and the estimated SNR as well as a negative correlation between scan time and spatial resolution. Image quality as well as the number and types of contrasts acquired by these databases are important factors to take into account when selecting structural data for reuse. This article highlights the opportunities and pitfalls associated with sampling existing databases, and provides a quantitative backing for their usage.
Belief in sexism shift: Defining a new form of contemporary sexism and introducing the belief in sexism shift scale (BSS scale)
Authors: Zehnter Miriam K. , Manzi Francesca , Shrout Patrick E. , Heilman Madeline E.
Published: March 2021

The belief that the target of sexism has shifted from women to men is gaining popularity. Yet despite its potential theoretical and practical importance, the belief that men are now the primary target of sexism has not been systematically defined nor has it been reliably measured. In this paper, we define thebelief in sexism shift(BSS) and introduce a scale to measure it. We contend that BSS constitutes a new form of contemporary sexism characterized by the perception that anti-male discrimination is pervasive, that it now exceeds anti-female discrimination, and that it is caused by women’s societal advancement. In four studies (N = 666), we develop and test a concise, one-dimensional, 15-item measure of BSS: the BSS scale. Our findings demonstrate that BSS is related to, yet distinct from other forms of sexism (traditional, modern, and ambivalent sexism). Moreover, our results show that the BSS scale is a stable and reliable measure of BSS across different samples, time, and participant gender. The BSS scale is also less susceptible to social desirability concerns than other sexism measures. In sum, the BSS scale can be a valuable tool to help understand a new and potentially growing type of sexism that may hinder women in unprecedented ways.
Planning for work: Exploring the relationship between contraceptive use and women’s sector-specific employment in India
Authors: McDougal Lotus , Singh Abhishek , Kumar Kaushalendra , Dehingia Nabamallika , Barros Aluisio J. D. , Ewerling Fernanda , Atmavilas Yamini , Raj Anita
Published: March 2021

While the health-related benefits of contraceptive use for women are well documented, potential social benefits, including enabling women’s employment, have not been well researched. We examine the relationship between contraceptive use and women’s employment in India, a country where both factors have remained relatively static over the past ten years. We use data from India’s 2015–16 National Family Health Survey to test the association between current contraceptive use (none, sterilization, IUD, condom, pill, rhythm method or withdrawal) and current employment status (none, professional, clerical or sales, agricultural, services or production) with multivariable, multinomial regression; variable selection was guided by a directed acyclic graph. More than three-quarters of women in this sample were currently using contraception; sterilization was most common. Women who were sterilized or chose traditional contraception, relative to those not using contraception, were more likely to be employed in the agricultural and production sectors, versus not being employed (sterilization adjusted relative risk ratio [aRRR] = 1.5, p<0.001 for both agricultural and production sectors; rhythm aRRR = 1.5, p = 0.01 for agriculture; withdrawal aRRR = 1.5, p = 0.02 for production). In contrast, women with IUDs, compared to those who not using contraception, were more likely to be employed in the professional sector versus not being employed (aRRR = 1.9, p = 0.01). The associations between current contraceptive use and employment were heterogeneous across methods and sectors, though in no case was contraceptive use significantly associated with lower relative probabilities of employment. Policies designed to support women’s access to contraception should consider the sector-specific employment of the populations they target.
The ‘Zen’ in the western monochrome
Authors: Morley Simon
Published: March 2021

I look at the impact of Zen Buddhism on western painters during the 1950s and 1960s, focusing on the monochrome in particular, in order to create a historical context for the consideration of transcultural dialogue in relation to contemporary painting. I argue that a consideration of Zen can offer a ‘middle way’ between conceptions of the monochrome (and art in general) often hobbled by models of interpretation that function within a binary opposition between ‘literalist/sensory’ on the one hand, and ‘intellectual/non-sensory’ readings on the other.
Signature Art Prize 2018, APB Foundation
Authors: Yang Leonard
Published: March 2021

Review of: Signature Art Prize 2018, APB Foundation

Singapore, 25 May–2 September 2018
Hévízi nyugalom – életkori sztereotípiák a turizmusban = Tranquility in Hévíz – age-related stereotypes in tourism
Authors: Michalkó Gábor , Kenesei Zsófia , Kiss Kornélia , Kolos Krisztina , Kovács Edina , Pinke-Sziva Ivett
Published: March 2021

A turizmussal összefüggő sztereotípiák, különösen azok életkori sajátosságainak feltárására a nemzetközi és a hazai kutatóműhelyek mindeddig kevesebb hangsúlyt helyeztek. A probléma elsősorban a fejlett társadalmakat sújtó idősödés miatt érdemel komolyabb figyelmet, mivel a turizmus egyrészt gerjesztője, másrészt feloldója az egymástól – részben a digitalizáció miatt – távolodó fiatal és idős korosztály sztereotípiaalkotási mechanizmusának. Annak érdekében, hogy megismerjük, mit gondolnak a magyarországi fiatalok az idősek utazásának legfontosabb célterületeiről és motivációiról, online kérdőíves felmérést végeztünk (n=600), mellyel párhuzamosan az időseket is megkérdeztük, ők hogyan látják a vizsgált problémakört (n=317). Az eredmény meglepetéssel szolgált, egyrészt a fiatalok és az idősek válaszai nagyon közel álltak egymáshoz, másrészt több évtizedes berögződéseket tükröztek. Az, hogy az idősek magyarországi utazásai a velük kapcsolatos hetero- és autosztereotípia alapján egyaránt a nyugalmat biztosító, gyógyturisztikai kínálattal rendelkező településekhez (kitüntetetten Hévízhez) kötődnek – a turizmus nemzetközi trendjeinek fényében –, feltétlenül a tárgyaltak átgondolására készteti a tervezésben, a fejlesztésben és a menedzsmentben érintett turisztikai szakembereket.
A válság hatása a HR-re és a tudásmenedzsmentre – négy kelet-európai ország szervezeteinek empirikus vizsgálata alapján
Authors: Fodor Péter , Kiss Tibor , Poór József
Published: March 2021

A 2008 októberében kirobbant világválság eltérő helyzetben érte a gazdaságokat Bulgáriában, Magyarországon, Romániában és Szlovákiában. Az országok kormányai igen hasonló intézkedéseket hoztak a negatív hatások kiküszöbölésének érdekében. Nagyon fontos, hogy tudjuk, a vállalatok, a különböző szervezetek hogyan reagáltak a válságra. A tanulmány arra keresi a választ, hogy a vizsgált négy országban működő cégek milyen intézkedéseket kívánnak tenni a jelenlegi pénzügyi és gazdasági válságban az emberierőforrás-menedzsment területén. A szerzők a szakirodalom rövid áttekintésével bemutatják a humán tőke szerepét ebben a kritikus időszakban. Ezek után a 2008 novembere és 2009 februárja között elvégzett empirikus kutatásukhoz kapcsolódó eredményeket ismertetik.
Egy ellátási lánc szimulációjának tapasztalatai
Authors: Kovács Zoltán
Published: March 2021

A szimulációt és játékokat széles körben alkalmazzák rendszerelemzésre és az oktatásban. Összetett jellegüknél fogva az ellátási láncok megfelelő tárgyaik az ilyen jellegű vizsgálatoknak. Az elmúlt években a kutatók sokrétű tapasztalatot szereztek a jól ismert sörjátékkal. Jelen cikk kétféle alkalmazást mutat be: 1. újszerű tanulságokat a hagyományos játékból, 2. a sztochasztikus igényt tartalmazó továbbfejlesztett változattal kapcsolatos tapasztalatot. A játéknak sokféle tanulsága van: rendszerdinamika, rész és globális optimumok, illetve célkitűzések, irányítási vonatkozások, az információ és döntés viszonya, az előrejelzés fontossága, szervezeti tanulás és viselkedés.
Kölcsönös előnyökön alapuló kapcsolatok kialakítása a felsőoktatási intézmények és a munkaadók között
Authors: Farkasné Kurucz Zsuzsanna , Lóránd Balázs , Balogh Gábor
Published: March 2021

A cikk a felsőoktatási intézmények (egyetemek és főiskolák) és az üzleti szféra vállalatai közötti kapcsolatokkal foglalkozik. Az általános gazdasági és társadalmi aktualitások vizsgálatakor a szerzők tárgyalják a munkanélküliség, karrier, alumni, képzések, kutatás, innováció, szakmai gyakorlat és a hálózatok szerepét. Ismertetik továbbá egy sikeres intézmény (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) gyakorlatát a vállalati kapcsolatok vonatkozásában. Empirikus kutatásuk keretében 1389 db kérdőív kiértékelését végezték el, amely a hallgatói és vállalati oldal elvárásaival, tapasztalataival foglalkozik a Pécsi Tudományegyetem Közgazdaságtudományi Karán szervezett szakmai gyakorlatok kapcsán. A tapasztalatokból kiolvasható, hogy mindhárom fél egyedi és kölcsönös előnyeinek (egyetem, hallgató, cég) biztosítása érdekében szükség van az e területen folyó tudományos kutatások támogatására, a legjobb gyakorlatok számbavételére és a tudományos eredmények gyakorlati szakemberekkel való megismertetésére, a céges tapasztalati eredmények oktatásba való integrálására. A soron következő időszak fontos feladatának látszik a bolognai képzésben megjelenő egyedi hallgatói életutak intézményi menedzselése, a tudatos karrierváltások beépítése az együttes gondolkodásba.