bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural arbovirus infection rate and detectability of indoor female Aedes aegypti from Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
Authors: Kirstein Oscar David , Ayora-Talavera Guadalupe , Koyoc-Cardeña Edgar , Chan Espinoza Daniel , Che-Mendoza Azael , Cohuo-Rodriguez Azael , Granja-Pérez Pilar , Puerta-Guardo Henry , Pavia-Ruz Norma , Dunbar Mike W. , Manrique-Saide Pablo , Vazquez-Prokopec Gonzalo M.
Published: January 2021

Arbovirus infection inAedes aegyptihas historically been quantified from a sample of the adult population by pooling collected mosquitoes to increase detectability. However, there is a significant knowledge gap about the magnitude of natural arbovirus infection within areas of active transmission, as well as the sensitivity of detection of such an approach. We used indoorAe. aegyptisequential sampling with Prokopack aspirators to collect all mosquitoes inside 200 houses with suspected active ABV transmission from the city of Mérida, Mexico, and tested all collected specimens by RT-PCR to quantify: a) the absolute arbovirus infection rate in individually testedAe. aegyptifemales; b) the sensitivity of using Prokopack aspirators in detecting ABV-infected mosquitoes; and c) the sensitivity of entomological inoculation rate (EIR) and vectorial capacity (VC), two measures ABV transmission potential, to different estimates of indoorAe.aegyptiabundance. The total number ofAe.aegypti(total catch, the sum of allAe.aegyptiacross all collection intervals) as well as the number on the first 10-min of collection (sample, equivalent to a routine adult aspiration session) were calculated. We individually tested by RT-PCR 2,161Aedes aegyptifemales and found that 7.7% of them were positive to any ABV. Most infections were CHIKV (77.7%), followed by DENV (11.4%) and ZIKV (9.0%). The distribution of infectedAedes aegyptiwas overdispersed; 33% houses contributed 81% of the infected mosquitoes. A significant association between ABV infection andAe.aegyptitotal catch indoors was found (binomial GLMM, Odds Ratio > 1). A 10-min indoor Prokopack collection led to a low sensitivity of detecting ABV infection (16.3% for detecting infected mosquitoes and 23.4% for detecting infected houses). When averaged across all infested houses, mean EIR ranged between 0.04 and 0.06 infective bites per person per day, and mean VC was 0.6 infectious vectors generated from a population feeding on a single infected host per house/day. Both measures were significantly and positively associated withAe.aegyptitotal catch indoors. Our findings provide evidence that the accurate estimation and quantification of arbovirus infection rate and transmission risk is a function of the sampling effort, the local abundance ofAedes aegyptiand the intensity of arbovirus circulation.
Environmental factors and occurrence of horseshoe crabs in the northcentral Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Estes Maurice G. , Carmichael Ruth H. , Chen Xiongwen , Carter Sean C.
Published: January 2021

This study provides regional-scale data on drivers of horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) presence along the northcentral Gulf of Mexico coast and has implications for understanding habitat suitability for sparse horseshoe crab populations of conservation concern worldwide. To collect baseline data on the relationship between environmental factors and presence of horseshoe crabs, we surveyed four sites from the Fort Morgan peninsula of Mobile Bay, Alabama (AL) to Horn Island, Mississippi (MS). We documented number, size and sex of live animals, molts, and carcasses as metrics of horseshoe crab presence and demographics for two years. Data were compared to in situ and remotely sensed environmental attributes to assess environmental drivers of occurrence during the time of study. Overall, greater evidence of horseshoe crab presence was found at western sites (Petit Bois and Horn Islands) compared to eastern sites (Dauphin Island, Fort Morgan peninsula), mediated by a combination of distance from areas of high freshwater discharge and interannual variation in weather. Higher sex ratios also were found associated with higher occurrence, west of Mobile Bay. Land cover, particularly Bare Land and Estuarine Emergent Wetland classes that are common to western sites, was most predictive of live animal and to some extent carcass occurrence. Our findings suggest that small-scale variation in habitat quality can affect occurrence of horseshoe crabs in sparse populations where density is not a limiting factor. Data from molts and carcasses were informative to supplement live animal data and may be useful to enhance ecological assessment and support conservation and management in regions with sparse populations.
Ictal and interictal brain activation in episodic migraine: Neural basis for extent of allodynia
Authors: Maleki Nasim , Szabo Edina , Becerra Lino , Moulton Eric , Scrivani Steven J. , Burstein Rami , Borsook David
Published: January 2021

In some patients, migraine attacks are associated with symptoms of allodynia which can be localized (cephalic) or generalized (extracephalic). Using functional neuroimaging and cutaneous thermal stimulation, we aimed to investigate the differences in brain activation of patients with episodic migraine (n = 19) based on their allodynic status defined by changes between ictal and interictal pain tolerance threshold for each subject at the time of imaging. In this prospective imaging study, differences were found in brain activity between the ictal and interictal visits in the brainstem/pons, thalamus, insula, cerebellum and cingulate cortex. Significant differences were also observed in the pattern of activation along the trigeminal pathway to noxious heat stimuli in no allodynia vs. generalized allodynia in the thalamus and the trigeminal nucleus but there were no activation differences in the trigeminal ganglion. The functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) findings provide direct evidence for the view that in migraine patients who are allodynic during the ictal phase of their attacks, the spinal trigeminal nucleus and posterior thalamus become hyper-responsive (sensitized)–to the extent that they mediate cephalic and extracephalic allodynia, respectively. In addition, descending analgesic systems seem as “switched off” in generalized allodynia.
Modeling adaptive reversible lanes: A cellular automata approach
Authors: Pérez-Méndez Dante , Gershenson Carlos , Lárraga María Elena , Mateos José L.
Published: January 2021

Dealing with traffic congestion is one of the most pressing challenges for cities. Transport authorities have implemented several strategies to reduce traffic jams with varying degrees of success. The use of reversible lanes is a common approach to improve traffic congestion during rush hours. A reversible lane can change its direction during a time interval to the more congested direction. This strategy can improve traffic congestion in specific scenarios. Most reversible lanes in urban roads are fixed in time and number; however, traffic patterns in cities are highly variable and unpredictable due to this phenomenon’s complex nature. Therefore, reversible lanes may not improve traffic flow under certain circumstances; moreover, they could worsen it because of traffic fluctuations. In this paper, we use cellular automata to model adaptive reversible lanes(aka dynamic reversible lanes). Adaptive reversible lanes can change their direction using real-time information to respond to traffic demand fluctuations. Using real traffic data, our model shows that adaptive reversible lanes can improve traffic flow up to 40% compared to conventional reversible lanes. Our results show that there are significant fluctuations in traffic flow even during rush hours, and thus cities would benefit from implementing adaptive reversible lanes.
Frequency of depressive symptoms in Syrian refugees and Turkish maintenance hemodialysis patients during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Sevinc Mustafa , Hasbal Nuri Baris , Sakaci Tamer , Basturk Taner , Ahbap Elbis , Ortaboz Mustafa , Mazi Emrah Erkan , Pirdogan Efruz , Ling Jonathan , Unsal Abdulkadir
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Pneumonia of unknown cause was detected on 30 December 2019 in China. It was categorized as an outbreak and named as COVID-19 by the World Health Organization. The pandemic affects all people, but patient groups such as hemodialysis (HD) patients have been particularly affected. We do not know if refugees suffered more during the outbreak. In this study, we compared depressive symptom frequency between Syrian refugee HD patients and Turkish ones.

Methods

The study had a single-center, cross-sectional design. Demographic and clinical data were collected retrospectively from patients’ files containing details about past medical history, demographic variables and laboratory values. Validated Turkish and Arabic forms of Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used to assess depressive symptoms. BDI scores were compared according to nationality, demographic features and clinical data. A BDI score more than 14 was accepted as suspicion of depression.

Results

119 patients were enrolled in the study. After the exclusion of 22 patients, 75 Turkish and 22 Syrian patients were included for further analysis. The median BDI (interquartile range) score for Turkish and Syrian patients were 12 (7–23) and 19.5 (12.7–25.2), respectively (p = 0.03). Suspicion of depression was present at 42.7% of Turkish, and 72.7% of Syrian HD patients (p = 0.013). Regarding all patients, phosphorus level, Kt/V, and nationality were significantly different between patients with and without suspicion of depression (p = 0.023, 0.039, 0.013, respectively).

Conclusion

Syrian patients had higher BDI scores and more depressive symptoms than Turkish patients. Additional national measures for better integration and more mental support to Syrian HD patients are needed.
Consolidated Framework for Collaboration Research derived from a systematic review of theories, models, frameworks and principles for cross-sector collaboration
Authors: Calancie Larissa , Frerichs Leah , Davis Melinda M. , Sullivan Eliana , White Ann Marie , Cilenti Dorothy , Corbie-Smith Giselle , Hassmiller Lich Kristen
Published: January 2021

Cross-sector collaboration is needed to address root causes of persistent public health challenges. We conducted a systematic literature review to identify studies describing theories, models, frameworks and principles for cross-sector collaboration and synthesized collaboration constructs into the Consolidated Framework for Collaboration Research (CFCR). Ninety-five articles were included in the review. Constructs were abstracted from articles and grouped into seven domains within the framework: community context; group composition; structure and internal processes; group dynamics; social capital; activities that influence or take place within the collaboration; activities that influence or take place within the broader community; and activities that influence or take place both in the collaboration and in the community. Community engagement strategies employed by collaborations are discussed, as well as recommendations for using systems science methods for testing specific mechanisms of how constructs identified in the review influence one another. Researchers, funders, and collaboration members can use the consolidated framework to articulate components of collaboration and test mechanisms explaining how collaborations function. By working from a consolidated framework of collaboration terms and using systems science methods, researchers can advance evidence for the efficacy of cross-sector collaborations.
Development and validation of an instrument in job evaluation factors of physicians in public hospitals in Beijing, China
Authors: Zhang Dan , Liao Meixia , Wang Pusheng , Chiu Herng-Chia
Published: January 2021

Background

Job evaluation has been widely used to establish a foundation for internal equity and other human resource functions. The United Kingdom adopts the National Health Service (NHS) Job Evaluation scheme to determine the pay bands for most NHS staff and ensure equal pay for work of equal value. The challenges of recruiting and retaining physicians in Chinese public hospitals have heightened the need for a reliable job evaluation system to ensure the equality of physician compensation. The aim of this study was to construct job evaluation factors of physicians in Chinese public hospitals based on the NHS Job Evaluation scheme and to examine the reliability and validity of the established system.

Methods

Questionnaire surveys and statistical analyses were used to determine the job evaluation factors for physicians. The preliminary screening of the evaluation factors was based on a literature review, focused interviews with physicians and the Delphi method. Based on the results of preliminary screening, a questionnaire with 25 factors was designed to survey physicians regarding the importance of each factor in physician job evaluation. After the pretest, final questionnaire data were collected from 900 physicians by adopting a stratified sampling from 6 tertiary public hospitals in Beijing. A principal component analysis was used for factor extraction and structural validity analysis. The reliability was determined using Cronbach’s alpha.

Results

The results of the principal component analysis showed that the 25 physician job evaluation factors were grouped into the 5 dimensions of Task Characteristics, Knowledge, Responsibility, Effort/Environment, and Skills. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of the five dimensions ranged from 0.841 to 0.909, which indicated a high level of reliability. The result of the factor analysis indicated fair structural validity. The content validity was established by building onto the NHS Job Evaluation scheme and other well-established job evaluation systems.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that the Chinese version of physician job evaluation is an instrument with fair reliability and validity, which fully reflects the characteristics of physicians in Chinese public hospitals. This system can provide an important basis for developing a physician compensation plan and ensuring internal equity in healthcare organizations.
Synergistic interaction between trazodone and gabapentin in rodent models of neuropathic pain
Authors: Garrone Beatrice , di Matteo Anna , Amato Alessandro , Pistillo Luana , Durando Lucia , Milanese Claudio , Di Giorgio Francesco Paolo , Tongiani Serena
Published: January 2021

Neuropathic pain is a chronic debilitating condition caused by injury or disease of the nerves of the somatosensory system. Although several therapeutic approaches are recommended, none has emerged as an optimal treatment leaving a need for developing more effective therapies. Given the small number of approved drugs and their limited clinical efficacy, combining drugs with different mechanisms of action is frequently used to yield greater efficacy. We demonstrate that the combination of trazodone, a multifunctional drug for the treatment of major depressive disorders, and gabapentin, a GABA analogue approved for neuropathic pain relief, results in a synergistic antinociceptive effect in the mice writhing test. To explore the potential relevance of this finding in chronic neuropathic pain, pharmacodynamic interactions between low doses of trazodone (0.3 mg/kg) and gabapentin (3 mg/kg) were evaluated in the chronic constriction injury (CCI) rat model, measuring the effects of the two drugs both on evoked and spontaneous nociception and on general well being components. Two innate behaviors, burrowing and nest building, were used to assess these aspects. Besides exerting a significant antinociceptive effect on hyperalgesia and on spontaneous pain, combined inactive doses of trazodone and gabapentin restored in CCI rats innate behaviors that are strongly reduced or even abolished during persistent nociception, suggesting that the combination may have an impact also on pain components different from somatosensory perception. Our results support the development of a trazodone and gabapentin low doses combination product for optimal multimodal analgesia treatment.
Development of a novel Artemia eggshell-zirconium nanocomposite for efficient fluoride removal
Authors: Zhang Wen , Mao Yuqin , Lu Yin
Published: January 2021

Fluoride pollution in water has attracted widespread concern worldwide. In this study, an Artemia eggshell-zirconium (Aes-Z) nanocomposite has been used for fluoride removal. Material characterization results showed that nano-ZrO2 was immobilized on the inner surface of the Artemia eggshell, and there was no pore blockage on the composite material. Various parameters influencing on the fluoride removal, including treatment time, composite dosage, pH, initial fluoride concentration, and other anions, were analyzed. The removal efficiency of the composite material was better than that of the single zirconia material. The removal percentage of fluoride reached 93% in 30 min with an initial fluoride concentration of 10 mg/L and a nanocomposite dosage of 8.0 g/L. The composite material had a high removal efficiency for fluoride in the pH region 4.0–10.0. The adsorption of fluoride was not influenced by the common anions (e.g., Cl-, SO42-, and NO3-) in water. The regeneration revealed that the Aes-Z composite material could be reused and remove fluoride effectively in four cycles. The pseudo-second-order rate model adequately represented the adsorption kinetics of the Aes-Z composite material. A possible, defluoridation mechanism of the Aes-Z composite material was also proposed. This study demonstrates that Aes-Z is a promising adsorbent material for fluoride removal.
Metagenomics survey unravels diversity of biogas microbiomes with potential to enhance productivity in Kenya
Authors: Muturi Samuel Mwangangi , Muthui Lucy Wangui , Njogu Paul Mwangi , Onguso Justus Mong’are , Wachira Francis Nyamu , Opiyo Stephen Obol , Pelle Roger
Published: January 2021

The obstacle to optimal utilization of biogas technology is poor understanding of biogas microbiomes diversities over a wide geographical coverage. We performed random shotgun sequencing on twelve environmental samples. Randomized complete block design was utilized to assign the twelve treatments to four blocks, within eastern and central regions of Kenya. We obtained 42 million paired-end reads that were annotated against sixteen reference databases using two ENVO ontologies, prior to β-diversity studies. We identified 37 phyla, 65 classes and 132 orders.Bacteriadominated and comprised 28 phyla, 42 classes and 92 orders, conveying substrate’s versatility in the treatments. Though,FungiandArchaeacomprised 5 phyla, theFungiwere richer; suggesting the importance of hydrolysis and fermentation in biogas production. High β-diversity within the taxa was largely linked to communities’ metabolic capabilities.ClostridialesandBacteroidales, the most prevalent guilds, metabolize organic macromolecules. The identifiedCytophagales,Alteromonadales,Flavobacteriales,Fusobacteriales,Deferribacterales,Elusimicrobiales,Chlamydiales,Synergistalesto mention but few, also catabolize macromolecules into smaller substrates to conserve energy. Furthermore,δ-Proteobacteria,GloeobacteriaandClostridiaaffiliates syntrophically regulatePH2and reduce metal to provide reducing equivalents.Methanomicrobialesand otherMethanomicrobiaspecies were the most prevalenceArchaea, converting formate, CO2(g), acetate and methylated substrates into CH4(g).Thermococci,ThermoplasmataandThermoproteiwere among the sulfur and other metal reducingArchaeathat contributed to redox balancing and other metabolism within treatments. Eukaryotes, mainly fungi were the least abundant guild, comprising largelyAscomycotaandBasidiomycotaspecies.Chytridiomycetes,BlastocladiomycetesandMortierellomyceteswere among the rare species, suggesting their metabolic and substrates limitations. Generally, we observed that environmental and treatment perturbations influenced communities’ abundance, β-diversity and reactor performance largely through stochastic effect. Understanding diversity of biogas microbiomes over wide environmental variables and its’ productivity provided insights into better management strategies that ameliorate biochemical limitations to effective biogas production.
Equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction: Identifying research priorities for diagnosis, treatment and prognosis through a priority setting partnership
Authors: Tatum Rebecca C. , McGowan Cathy M. , Dean Rachel S. , Ireland Joanne L.
Published: January 2021

Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is the most prevalent endocrine disorder of older equids. To date, key research areas likely to have the greatest impact on equine health have not been identified. In human medicine, public and patient involvement is widely used to inform research agendas. This study aimed to engage with veterinary surgeons and horse owners to identify evidence gaps (‘uncertainties’) and prioritise these into a list of the 10 most important PPID research questions. The James Lind Alliance (JLA) Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) Framework was adapted. Questions about the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of PPID were gathered via an online survey targeting veterinary surgeons and horse owners with experience of PPID. Thematic analysis was used to form a longlist of collated indicative research questions (CIRQs), defined by the JLA as true ‘evidence uncertainties’ when not answered by a published, clinically relevant, up-to-date systematic review. In an interim prioritisation survey, questions were ranked by weighted scores creating a shortlist of 25 that were taken forward to the PSP workshop, where participants reached a consensus on the top 10. Useable responses containing ≥1 question were received from 524 respondents (92.6% owners, n = 485; 7.4% veterinary surgeons, n = 39). After screening for relevance, 1,260 individual questions were included in thematic analysis, resulting in 47 CIRQs. Interim prioritisation votes for the CIRQs were received from 360 respondents. The top 10 questions prioritised at the PSP workshop focused on long-term prognosis, diagnostic accuracy, efficacy of pergolide treatment, alternative treatment/management strategies and potential treatment options for poor responders to pergolide. The quantity of questions generated indicates an extensive number of uncertainties regarding the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of PPID. The top 10 research questions will help to inform key areas for evidence synthesis and knowledge translation, and to direct future research into areas most important to end users involved in caring for and treating animals with PPID.
Influence of graphene on the multiple metabolic pathways of Zea mays roots based on transcriptome analysis
Authors: Chen Zhiwen , Zhao Jianguo , Song Jie , Han Shenghua , Du Yaqin , Qiao Yuying , Liu Zehui , Qiao Jun , Li Weijia , Li Jingwei , Wang Haiyan , Xing Baoyan , Pan Qiliang
Published: January 2021

Graphene reportedly exerts positive effects on plant root growth and development, although the corresponding molecular response mechanism remains to be elucidated. Maize seeds were randomly divided into a control and experimental group, and the roots of Zea mays L. seedlings were watered with different concentrations (0–100 mg/L) of graphene to explore the effects and molecular mechanism of graphene on the growth and development of Z. mays L. Upon evaluating root growth indices, 50 mg/L graphene remarkably increased total root length, root volume, and the number of root tips and forks of maize seedlings compared to those of the control group. We observed that the contents of nitrogen and potassium in rhizosphere soil increased following the 50 mg/L graphene treatment. Thereafter, we compared the transcriptome changes in Z. mays roots in response to the 50 mg/L graphene treatment. Transcriptional factor regulation, plant hormone signal transduction, nitrogen and potassium metabolism, as well as secondary metabolism in maize roots subjected to graphene treatment, exhibited significantly upregulated expression, all of which could be related to mechanisms underlying the response to graphene. Based on qPCR validations, we proposed several candidate genes that might have been affected with the graphene treatment of maize roots. The transcriptional profiles presented here provide a foundation for deciphering the mechanism underlying graphene and maize root interaction.
The winding road to health: A systematic scoping review on the effect of geographical accessibility to health care on infectious diseases in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Hierink Fleur , Okiro Emelda A. , Flahault Antoine , Ray Nicolas
Published: January 2021

Background

Geographical accessibility to healthcare is an important component of infectious disease dynamics. Timely access to health facilities can prevent disease progression and enables disease notification through surveillance systems. The importance of accounting for physical accessibility in response to infectious diseases is increasingly recognized. Yet, there is no comprehensive review of the literature available on infectious diseases in relation to geographical accessibility to care. Therefore, we aimed at evaluating the current state of knowledge on the effect of geographical accessibility to health care on infectious diseases in low- and middle-income countries.

Methods and findings

A search strategy was developed and conducted on Web of Science and PubMed on 4 March 2019. New publications were checked until May 28, 2020. All publication dates were eligible. Data was charted into a tabular format and descriptive data analyses were carried out to identify geographical regions, infectious diseases, and measures of physical accessibility among other factors. Search queries in PubMed and Web of Science yielded 560 unique publications. After title and abstract screening 99 articles were read in full detail, from which 64 articles were selected, including 10 manually. Results of the included publications could be broadly categorized into three groups: (1) decreased spatial accessibility to health care was associated with a higher infectious disease burden, (2) decreased accessibility was associated to lower disease reporting, minimizing true understanding of disease distribution, and (3) the occurrence of an infectious disease outbreak negatively impacted health care accessibility in affected regions. In the majority of studies, poor geographical accessibility to health care was associated with higher disease incidence, more severe health outcomes, higher mortality, and lower disease reporting. No difference was seen between countries or infectious diseases.

Conclusions

Currently, policy-makers and scientists rely on data collected through passive surveillance systems, introducing uncertainty on disease estimates for remote communities. Our results highlight the need for increasing integration of geographical accessibility measures in disease risk modelling, allowing more realistic disease estimates and enhancing our understanding of true disease burden. Additionally, disease risk estimates could be used in turn to optimize the allocation of health services in the prevention and detection of infectious diseases.
Alignment-free method for functional annotation of amino acid substitutions: Application on epigenetic factors involved in hematologic malignancies
Authors: Gemović Branislava , Perović Vladimir , Davidović Radoslav , Drljača Tamara , Veljkovic Nevena
Published: January 2021

For the last couple of decades, there has been a significant growth in sequencing data, leading to an extraordinary increase in the number of gene variants. This places a challenge on the bioinformatics research community to develop and improve computational tools for functional annotation of new variants. Genes coding for epigenetic regulators have important roles in cancer pathogenesis and mutations in these genes show great potential as clinical biomarkers, especially in hematologic malignancies. Therefore, we developed a model that specifically focuses on these genes, with an assumption that it would outperform general models in predicting the functional effects of amino acid substitutions. EpiMut is a standalone software that implements a sequence based alignment-free method. We applied a two-step approach for generating sequence based features, relying on the biophysical and biochemical indices of amino acids and the Fourier Transform as a sequence transformation method. For each gene in the dataset, the machine learning algorithm–Naïve Bayes was used for building a model for prediction of the neutral or disease-related status of variants. EpiMut outperformed state-of-the-art tools used for comparison, PolyPhen-2, SIFT and SNAP2. Additionally, EpiMut showed the highest performance on the subset of variants positioned outside conserved functional domains of analysed proteins, which represents an important group of cancer-related variants. These results imply that EpiMut can be applied as a first choice tool in research of the impact of gene variants in epigenetic regulators, especially in the light of the biomarker role in hematologic malignancies. EpiMut is freely available at https://www.vin.bg.ac.rs/180/tools/epimut.php.
IoT Implications in Solar Energy: Innovation, Management & Operation
Authors: DUBEY SHANTANU
Published: January 2021

Solar energy is the fastest growing renewable source of energy (40% increase p.a. worldwide). The sunrays hit the solar panel surface and the photons present in sunlight create a photoelectric effect and hence generate electricity. The tilt angle for the solar panel is dependent on the latitude of the place. Solar energy is trough out the year and solar power plants need to be monitored for optimum power output, which can be, efficiently and effectively done with the use of IoT. The poster studies cases for small scale (household solar panels) and large scale (industrial solar plants). The general requirements, process, and implementation are also explored.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices towards Common Adult Eye Disorders Among Over 40-Years Patients Attending to Medical and Surgical Clinics of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka.
Authors: Jayawardana Diluksha
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background: Incidence of age related eye disorders in adult population is rising. Thus in order to carry out health promotion activities, assessing the knowledge, attitudes, practices and factors related to each among the vulnerable population is paramount.

Methods: A simple random sample of patients of age 40 or above attended to the general medical and surgical clinics of the NHSL were interviewed by interviewer administered questionnaire. Questions were asked to ascertain each participant's socio-demographic data, knowledge on common age related eye disorders namely refractory errors, cataract, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Questions were also asked to determine their attitudes to eye care practices and treatments. All respondents were asked their frequency of eye check-ups and most commonly attending place to receive eye check-ups.

Results: A total of 106 participants were assessed. From the results 96.2%, heard of cataract, 50.9% heard of glaucoma and 74.5% heard of diabetic retinopathy. In the knowledge assessment 43.6% were found to be having a good knowledge. Age (within 40 to 58 years), higher level of education up to G.C.E O/L or above, higher level of income and who are/were employed ( currently working, resigned or retired) appeared to be having a good knowledge and the associations were statistically significant. People who have accessed information from medical personnel and mass media also had statistically significant higher knowledge score. People with good knowledge of eye diseases had positive attitudes and positive practices in contrast to people with poor knowledge and these associations were statistically significant.

Conclusions: There was a considerable reduction in awareness regarding glaucoma compared to cataract and diabetic retinopathy. Younger age, higher education level, income and employment were found to be associated with good knowledge. Presence of good knowledge has led to have good attitudes and good eye care practices. Information gained from medical personnel and mass media were found to be effective in enhancing public awareness.

Recommendations: Knowledge on common adult eye disorders should be improved from the current level in order to have good eye care practices. Enhancing public awareness can be successfully achieved through mass media and medical personnel.

Key words: Eye disorders, Knowledge, Attitude, Ophthalmology
Decolonization in Practice
Authors: Hormel Leontina M.
Published: January 2021

Fundamental to Kari Marie Norgaard's Salmon and Acorns Feed Our People is the seizure of land most evident in the overtly violent era of state-sanctioned frontier genocide and forced relocation of the Karuk. Settler colonialism, Norgaard reminds us, is an ongoing state-led project up to this day—it is not just a moment relegated to the past and, thus, the inherent treatment of Native Americans as relics of U.S. history must be challenged.
Wie bauliche und organisatorische Strukturen die Zeitnutzung verändern
Authors: Brischke Lars-Arvid , Over Margarete
Published: January 2021

In Heidelberg entsteht ein selbstverwaltetes Wohnheim, das durch kurze Wege, flexible Grundrisse und günstige Mieten einen selbstbestimmten Umgang mit Zeit ermöglichen soll. Eine Analyse zeigt, welche qualitativen Auswirkungen im Zeiterleben und quantitativen Verschiebungen in Zeitbudgets sich daraus ergeben.
Der unsichtbare Beitrag von Peer Communities zum gesellschaftlichen Wandel
Authors: Peuckert Jan
Published: January 2021

Viele nachhaltige Innovationen nehmen bei unzufriedenen Privatpersonen ihren Ursprung. Eigenständig suchen sie nach Lösungen für Bedürfnisse, die der Markt nicht hinreichend abdeckt. Onlineplattformen helfen ihnen dabei, neue Erkenntnisse mit anderen zu teilen und ihre Ideen gemeinsam mit Gleichgesinnten weiterzuentwickeln.Gemeinsam leisten sie einen wichtigen Beitrag zum gesellschaftlichen Wandel, der bisher weitgehend unsichtbar bleibt.
Synthesis of Graphene Oxide Enriched Natural Kaolinite Clay and Its Application For Biodiesel Production
Authors: Syukri Syukri , Ferdian Fadhil , Rilda Yetria , Putri Yulia Eka , Efdi Mai , Septiani Upita
Published: January 2021

A heterogeneous catalyst is one type of catalyst which is very effective for biodiesel production; thus, in this study, a novel heterogeneous bifunctional catalyst was prepared by kaolinite clay obtained from Padang of West Sumatera and impregnated with graphene oxide and potassium hydroxide (KOH) for the simultaneous esterification and transesterification reactions of palm oil into biodiesel. For comparison, two other catalysts were also prepared. The first catalyst was the same clay which was heated at 450ºC for 4 hours, and the second catalyst was the same clay which was impregnated with potassium hydroxide (KOH) only. The three catalysts were characterized using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR). XRF analysis showed that the clay sample’s main composition consisted of 54% silica, 35% alumina, and 7% hematite. The XRD analysis results showed that the most dominant crystal composition was quartz, kaolinite, and hematite. The analysis results using FTIR showed a change in intensity and shift in wave numbers indicating a cation exchange. The catalytic activity test was carried out with a ratio of oil and methanol 1:6, catalyst amount 5%, 60ºC reaction temperature, and 4 hours of reaction time.The results showed that the catalytic activity of clays impregnated with graphene oxide and potassium hydroxide was better with a yield of 58% compared to clays without impregnation and other clays that were only impregnated with KOH under the yields of 0.8% and 0.4%, respectively
Optimal Convergence Rates for Goal-Oriented FEM with Quadratic Goal Functional
Authors: Becker Roland , Innerberger Michael , Praetorius Dirk
Published: January 2021

We consider a linear elliptic PDE and a quadratic goal functional.
The goal-oriented adaptive FEM algorithm (GOAFEM) solves the primal as well as a dual problem, where the goal functional is always linearized around the discrete primal solution at hand.
We show that the marking strategy proposed in [M. Feischl, D. Praetorius and K. G. van der Zee, An abstract analysis of optimal goal-oriented adaptivity, SIAM J. Numer. Anal.
54 (2016), 3, 1423–1448] for a linear goal functional is also optimal for quadratic goal functionals, i.e., GOAFEM leads to linear convergence with optimal convergence rates.
O PROTAGONISMO EXTENSIONISTA NA PANDEMIA EM 2020: INOVAR E RESISTIR!
Authors: Almeida Maria Eneida , Savi Geremia Daniela , Ribeiro Bizuti Matheus , Tamara Tomasi Yaná , Debastiani Fabiane , Souza de Oliveira Jiênnifer
Published: January 2021

Os serviços de saúde do mundo vêm registrando, desde a década de 1960, casos de infecções respiratórias e óbitos relacionados à infecção por coronavírus, mas nenhuma das situações registradas obteve a proporção da pandemia atual, que se iniciou em dezembro de 2019 com a descoberta do SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19). A partir desse cenário, propôs-se a realização do projeto extensionista “Informatiza UFFS: o que eu preciso saber sobre o SUS e a Covid-19”, com o intuito de realizar campanhas informativas, por meio de plataformas digitais, sobre a temática e assuntos de âmbito mais geral que permeiam o funcionamento do Sistema Único de Saúde. As atividades ocorreram de abril a julho de 2020. Foram realizados dez momentos de encontro online (sete lives e três grupos de estudos), um portfólio para os Conselheiros Municipais de Saúde e trabalhos científicos apresentados em eventos online e revistas científicas. Com as intervenções realizadas, abriu-se uma perspectiva de formação para empoderamento dos participantes sobre políticas públicas de saúde e conteúdos científicos para enfrentamento da Covid-19, que permitiu uma participação social mais ativa e coesa na prevenção da doença e promoção de saúde. Como principal resultado, foi possível contribuir na formação de profissionais sobre temáticas relevantes no que tange ao compromisso sanitário com as demandas sociais, engajando-os no protagonismo em defesa do Sistema Único de Saúde.
EDUCAÇÃO NA PANDEMIA: AÇÃO EXTENSIONISTA VOLTADA ÀS PESSOAS COM DEFICIÊNCIA NA UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DO OESTE DA BAHIA (UFOB)
Authors: De Souza Andréa Santana Leone , Barcelos Clayton Da Silva , Calixto Fabiana De Carvalho , De Oliveira Lorena Carvalho Leite Garcia , França Luiz Henrique De Oliveira , Rodrigues Mísia Fagundes
Published: January 2021

Este trabalho versa sobre o desafio da educação inclusiva diante da pandemia da Covid-19 a partir de uma ação extensionista voltada às pessoas com deficiência (PcD) realizada na Universidade Federal do Oeste da Bahia (UFOB), a “Webconferência Direitos das Pessoas com Deficiência e os Impactos da Pandemia da Covid-19”, cuja demanda surgiu a partir do diálogo com um integrante do “Coletivo das Pessoas com Necessidades Especiais da UFOB”.  O objetivo do artigo é descrever a organização desse evento online e fomentar o debate acerca da educação inclusiva na referida instituição de ensino superior. Como metodologia, enumerou-se a ordem de acontecimentos dessa ação de extensão, na qual foi dividida em três etapas: realidade educacional da Região Oeste com foco na UFOB; definição, descrevendo a organização e citando os palestrantes, bem como, os temas das palestras; análise dos resultados obtidos. Através disso foi possível concluir que a acessibilidade é desigual às Pessoas com Deficiência (PcD) na UFOB, tendo em vista que há limitações individuais e/ou infraestruturais que comprometem a acessibilidade e inclusão, e consequentemente, são excluídos dos espaços educacionais. Espera-se que os resultados dessa Webconferência colaborem para viabilizar diálogos entre às PcD e as diversas instâncias da UFOB, e assim, aumente o alcance mobilizador e propositivo na criação de políticas educacionais que sejam efetuadas de acordo com as necessidades que foram identificadas a partir da ação extensionista.
NO DJUNTA MON: EXTENSÃO UNIVERSITÁRIA PARA COMBATER O DESCRÉDITO NA DOCÊNCIA E NA CIÊNCIA
Authors: De toni Daniela Cristina , Costa Guesser João Victor , Aimi Luana De Azevedo , Milezzi Antony Nadal
Published: January 2021

A extensão e o conhecimento universitário nunca foram tão necessários como nos tempos de hoje, onde as fake news e o descrédito na ciência estão disseminados pelo mundo todo. O ensino de Biologia é um grande desafio a ser enfrentado no Brasil e em outros países em desenvolvimento, especialmente em épocas de pandemia, onde este se faz necessário na escolha consciente de atitudes. O projeto presente visa auxiliar e complementar a formação dos educadores de biologia, destacando as áreas relacionadas à prevenção da COVID-19, genética evolutiva e biologia molecular, no sul do Brasil e em Guiné Bissau (África), produzindo material didático na forma de vídeos curtos e videoaulas, para a educação remota, com diferentes tópicos e linguagem acessível além de animações que buscam facilitar a interpretação sobre os temas abordados, dentre estes, prevenção da COVID-19, que assola o mundo nos dias de hoje.
EDUCOMUNICAÇÃO EM TEMPOS DE CRISE: ADAPTAÇÃO DE PROJETOS NO APOIO AO ENSINO REMOTO
Authors: Herte de Moraes Cláudia , Gomes Janaina , Ribeiro Daniel , Da Silva Veronezi Kawê , Führ Daiara
Published: January 2021

O artigo reflete sobre duas experiências: um projeto de extensão, em atividade há mais de 10 anos; e a implantação de um programa de extensão em 2020. Ambos tiveram adaptações para realizar suas atividades de forma remota, em auxílio a duas escolas nas cidades gaúchas de Taquaruçu do Sul e Frederico Westphalen, que também sofreram alterações em suas ações educativas, visto o contexto de distanciamento social ditado pela crise sanitária do período. Os resultados preliminares apontam para a necessidade de compreensão das demandas da comunidade escolar para a utilização do ensino remoto emergencial e a importante colaboração na formação dos estudantes de comunicação na ambientação dos pressupostos da educomunicação como aliada ao enfrentamento da pandemia Covid-19.
PROJETO DE EXTENSÃO RESPIRAMOR: AÇÕES EDUCATIVAS E PREVENTIVAS NO ENFRENTAMENTO DA COVID-19 EM UM HOSPITAL UNIVERSITÁRIO
Authors: Araújo Nelma Camêlo de , De Sena Erika Maria Araújo Barbosa , Lenzi Lívia Aparecida , Soares Vanessa Ferry de Oliveira , Calheiros Maria Isabel Fernandes Calheiros Fernandes , Moreira Sarah Lins de Barros
Published: January 2021

A pandemia por COVID-19 consiste em um problema de saúde pública, requerendo ações para seu enfrentamento. Este artigo pauta-se sobre o Projeto de Extensão “RespirAmor: Ações educativas e preventivas no enfrentamento do COVID-19 em um Hospital Universitário”. O Projeto objetiva realizar ações educativas e preventivas no enfrentamento da COVID-19 no HUPAA, como confecção de materiais de proteção e orientações à comunidade sobre medidas preventivas. Na abordagem sobre os aspectos epidemiológicos e medidas de prevenção da COVID-19, utilizam-se tecnologias leves, cujo público-alvo é a população assistida institucionalmente, em sua maioria com baixa escolaridade e em vulnerabilidade social. Estas condições dificultam seu acesso às informações oficiais e científicas que tratam da COVID-19, o que inclui a importância do uso de máscaras de proteção, higienização das mãos e objetos manuseados, e adesão à quarentena, isolamento ou distanciamento social, conforme indicações. Dessa forma, o projeto propõe um conjunto de estratégias, a citar: confecção de materiais educativos e sua divulgação em redes sociais; educação em saúde sobre prevenção; oficinas de confecção de protetores faciais para crianças menores de dois anos hospitalizadas e máscaras; mobilização da comunidade para doação de material e/ou máscaras de TNT; cadastramento de costureiras voluntárias, para confecção de máscaras de TNT; logística da confecção e distribuição destas máscaras. Assim, o enfrentamento de uma pandemia requer o desenvolvimento de atividades voltadas à humanização do cuidado, proteção, prevenção, comunicação eficaz, diálogo, ética e relações de confiança entre profissionais e usuários.
COSTURANDO AMOR: AÇÕES DE PREVENÇÃO À SAÚDE DIANTE DA COVID-19 EM COMUNIDADES DE VULNERABILIDADE SOCIAL
Authors: Lúcio Ingrid Martins Leite , Generino Amanda Karol Da Silva , Moreira Sarah Lins de Barros , Da Silva Will Ericsson Marinho , Lopes Alyssia Daynara Silva , Da Paixão Thamires Vitória Arcanjo
Published: January 2021

De acordo com o Ministério da Saúde, até o mês de novembro de 2020, a pandemia por COVID-19 causou mais de 164 mil mortes no Brasil, além de acumular mais de cinco milhões de casos confirmados.  Diante deste contexto, destacaram-se como medidas de proteção o distanciamento social e uso de máscaras. Objetivou-se descrever a experiência de extensão com foco na educação em saúde e prevenção à COVID-19 com populações vulneráveis do VII Distrito de Saúde em Maceió-Alagoas. Relato de experiência do projeto Costurando Amor, parceria entre extensão universitária, Núcleo Ampliado de Saúde da Família e Atenção Básica, entre março e setembro de 2020. Participaram docentes, estudantes, profissionais da saúde, bolsistas e voluntários. As ações envolveram a confecção de máscaras de tecido, atividades de educação em saúde e produção de informações por mídias sociais. Foram distribuídas em média 5.266 máscaras. Os profissionais realizaram vinte e cinco ações de educação em saúde e produzidos materiais informativos (folders, lives, banners) para as unidades. Observou-se a sensibilização e mobilização da comunidade para colaboração com as ações de educação e prevenção.
AMPLIANDO HORIZONTES: A EXPERIÊNCIA DA LEITURA DRAMÁTICA COMPARTILHADA EM OFICINA VIRTUAL
Authors: Vieira Fernandes Fernanda , Seneme Gobbi Brenda
Published: January 2021

O presente relatório tem por objetivo apresentar a experiência da oficina “Práticas de leituras compartilhadas de textos dramáticos”, ofertada ao público pelo projeto de extensão “Leituras compartilhadas: práticas de leitura e escuta de dramaturgias”, do Centro de Artes da Universidade Federal de Pelotas. A atividade foi ministrada por três estudantes do curso de Teatro-Licenciatura, colaboradoras do projeto, e foi planejada para o ambiente virtual, devido à crise sanitária provocada pela pandemia de COVID-19. Os encontros ocorreram entre os meses de junho e julho de 2020, com nove participantes de diversas áreas de conhecimento, estudantes ou não da UFPel, e neles foram realizados jogos, exercícios e práticas de leitura em voz alta. A base teórica para a elaboração da oficina e deste relatório partiu de Vidor (2016). Apresentar-se-ão brevemente aqui o projeto, a proposta da oficina, sua metodologia e execução. Além disso, também serão evidenciados alguns aspectos positivos e negativos da experiência no que se refere ao campo on-line para a leitura compartilhada, verificados através de pesquisa realizada junto aos participantes, com destaque para questões relativas à busca do prazer de ler, aprimoramento desse hábito e criação de espaços de aproximação e afeto intermediados pela leitura. Por fim, o relatório demonstra ainda a importância de iniciativas como esta para a formação docente das ministrantes, licenciandas em Teatro.