bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 self-testing: Countries accelerating policies ahead of WHO guidelines during pandemics, a global consultation
Authors: Sakala Melody , Johnson Cheryl , Chirombo James , Sacks Jilian A. , Baggaley Rachel , Divala Titus
Published: March 2024

The widespread use of antigen-detection rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) has revolutionized SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) testing, particularly through the option of self-testing. The full extent of Ag-RDT utilization for self-testing, however, remains largely unexplored. To inform the development of WHO guidance on COVID-19 self-testing, we conducted a global consultation to gather the views and experiences of policy makers, researchers, and implementers worldwide. The consultation was conducted by disseminating a WHO questionnaire through professional networks via email and social media, encouraging onward sharing. We used a cross-sectional design with both closed and open-ended questions related to policy and program information concerning the regulation, availability, target population, indications, implementation, benefits, and challenges of COVID-19 self-testing (C19ST). We defined self-testing as tests performed and interpreted by an untrained individual, often at home. Descriptive summaries, cross-tabulations, and proportions were used to calculate outcomes at the global level and by WHO region and World Bank income classifications. All information was collated and reported according to WHO guideline development standards and practice for global consultations. Between 01 and 11 February 2022, 844 individuals from 139 countries responded to the survey, with 45% reporting affiliation with governments and 47% operating at the national level. 504 respondents from 101 countries reported policies supporting C19ST for a range of use cases, including symptomatic and asymptomatic populations. More respondents from low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) than high-income countries (HICs) reported a lack of an C19ST policy (61 vs 11 countries) and low population-level reach of C19ST. Respondents with C19ST experience perceived that the tests were mostly acceptable to target populations, provided significant benefits, and highlighted several key challenges to be addressed for increased success. Reported costs varied widely, ranging from specific programmes enabling free access to certain users and others with high costs via the private sector. Based on this consultation, systems for the regulatory review, policy development and implementation of C19ST appeared to be much more common in HIC when compared to LIC in early 2022, though most respondents indicated self-testing was available to some extent (101 out of 139 countries) in their country. Addressing such global inequities is critical for ensuring access to innovative and impactful interventions in the context of a public health emergency of international concern. The challenges and opportunities highlighted by key stakeholders could be valuable to consider as future testing strategies are being set for outbreak-prone diseases.
Cross-sectional study on intention to be vaccinated against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Benin and Senegal: A structural equation modeling (SEM)
Authors: Gaye Ibrahima , Ridde Valery , Avahoundjea Elías Martinien , Ba Mouhamadou Faly , Dossou Jean-Paul , Diallo Amadou Ibra , Faye Adama
Published: March 2024

Vaccination is considered one of the solutions to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, a small proportion of the population were fully vaccinated in Benin (20.9%) and Senegal (7.6%) by December 2022. This study explores the determinants of intent to vaccinate. This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study of 865 Beninese and 813 Senegalese aged 18 years and older. Marginal quota sampling by age, gender and region was adopted. Data collection, using a survey instrument based on the Random Digit Dialing method, was conducted from December 24, 2020, to January 16, 2021, in Senegal and from March 29 to May 14, 2021, in Benin. The questionnaire used the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Health Belief Model. The influence of factors was assessed using a structural equation model based on a diagonally weighted least squares estimator to account for ordered categorical data (Likert scales). In Benin and Senegal, the intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 is influenced by distinct factors. In Benin, social influence (β = 0.42, p = 0.003) and perception of vaccine safety (β = -0.53, p<0.001) play pivotal roles, suggesting those socially influenced have a higher vaccination intention. In Senegal, vaccination intentions are primarily driven by positive attitudes towards the vaccine (β = 0.65, p = 0.013) and social influence (β = 0.25, p = 0.048). This underscores the importance of individual beliefs, personal perceptions, and supportive social contexts in decision-making. Notably, positive vaccination attitudes and perceptions in both countries are strongly tied to increased social influence. While nuances exist between Benin and Senegal regarding factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination intentions, both nations underscore the pivotal roles of social influence and individual vaccination perceptions. Emphasizing trust in vaccine safety and promoting positive attitudes through effective communication are crucial for enhancing vaccination uptake in these West African countries.
Experiences of teachers and students on school closures and its consequences during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nyarugusu refugee camp, Tanzania
Authors: Shayo Elizabeth H. , Mubyazi Godfrey , Barongo Vivien , Bakari Mtumwa , Kiwale Zenais , Fabbri Camilla , Turner Ellen , Rodrigues Katherine , Devries Karen
Published: March 2024

Tanzania has experienced several waves of COVID-19 since it was first detected in the country. During the first wave, Tanzania took several measures to prevent wider virus transmission with school closures being one of them. All areas and institutions were targeted, including the refugee camps in Kigoma region. Despite the abundant evidence generated in relation to the effects of the pandemic and associated school closures globally, there has been a paucity of literature exploring the experiences of teachers and students in humanitarian settings. We conducted a qualitative study to explore COVID-19 related school closures in Nyarugusu refugee camp. We aimed to describe teachers’ and students’ experiences and perceived consequences of school closures. In-depth interviews with teachers and students were conducted in September 2020 in Burundian and Congolese schools in the context of a cluster randomised trial of EmpaTeach, a school-based violence prevention intervention. A total of 44 individuals (29 teachers and 15 students) were interviewed. A phenomenological theoretical framework was used to guide the content analysis. Findings indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic was generally seen as frightening by refugees. Study participants understood the importance of school closures to prevent transmission of the virus, but various negative consequences were reported by both teachers and students. These included perceived mental health difficulties such as stress, depression and anxiety associated with the worry of infection, idleness, and disruption of education. Participants also perceived an increase in occurrences of early marriages and unplanned pregnancies, which they thought contributed to increased school dropout. Participants identified the main causes of such outcomes as a lack of parental supervision, children’s lack of restraint and poor character, and a lack of alternative teaching practices (such as online or remote learning) to keep the students busy while at home. Children were held accountable for their faults with little support from the adults. Our findings suggest that there is an urgent need to strengthen child protection programming to support children and their communities during emergencies and provides protective environments such as school and education. There is a critical need to develop preparedness plans for future pandemics to support child safety, academic development and wellbeing.
Sero-prevalence and risk factors associated with occurrence of anti-Brucella antibodies among slaughterhouse workers in Uganda
Authors: Bugeza James Katamba , Roesel Kristina , Mugizi Denis Rwabiita , Alinaitwe Lordrick , Kivali Velma , Kankya Clovice , Moriyon Ignacio , Cook Elizabeth Anne Jessie
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Brucellosis is a febrile zoonosis occurring among high-risk groups such as livestock keepers and abattoir workers and is a public health priority in Uganda. The technical complexities of bacteriological and molecular methods make serological approaches the cornerstone of diagnosis of human brucellosis in resource limited settings. Therefore, proper application and interpretation of serological tests is central to achieve a correct diagnosis.

Materials and methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study to estimate the seroprevalence and factors associated with anti-Brucella antibodies among slaughterhouse workers processing ruminants and pigs in three regions of the country with serial testing using a combination of the Rose Bengal Test (RBT) and the BrucellaCapt test. An authorized clinician collected 543 blood samples from consenting abattoir workers as well as attribute medical and social demographic data. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to determine factors associated with anti-Brucella sero-positivity.

Results and discussion

The sero-prevalence among ruminant slaughterhouse workers ranged from 7.3% (95% CI: 4.8–10.7) using BrucellaCapt to 9.0% (95% CI: 6.3–12.7) using RBT. Slaughterhouse workers from the Eastern regions (AOR = 9.84, 95%CI 2.27–69.2, p = 0.006) and those who graze animals for alternative income (AOR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.91–6.63, p = 0.040) were at a higher risk of exposure to Brucella. Similarly, those who wore Personal Protective Equipment (AOR = 4.83, 95%CI:1.63–18.0, p = 0.009) and those who slaughter cattle (AOR = 2.12, 95%CI: 1.25–6.0, p = 0.006) were at a higher risk of exposure to Brucella. Those who slaughter small ruminants (AOR = 1.54, 95%CI: 1.32–4.01, p = 0.048) were also at a higher risk of exposure to Brucella.

Conclusions and recommendations

Our study demonstrates the combined practical application of the RBT and BrucellaCapt in the diagnosis of human brucellosis in endemic settings. Both pharmaceutical (e.g., routine testing and timely therapeutic intervention), and non-pharmaceutical (e.g., higher index of suspicion of brucellosis when investigating fevers of unknown origin and observation of strict abattoir hygiene) countermeasures should be considered for control of the disease in high-risk groups.
Spanish version of Multidimensional Mentalizing Questionnaire (MMQ): Translation, adaptation and psychometric properties in a Chilean population
Authors: Aldunate Nerea , López-Silva Pablo , Brotfeld Cristian , Guerra Ernesto , Kronmüller Edmundo
Published: March 2024

This paper presents the first translation and adaptation of the Multidimensional Mentalizing Questionnaire (MMQ) into Spanish for a native Spanish-speaking sample in Chile. The study examines the psychometric properties and internal consistency of the translated MMQ. The instrument undergoes modifications based on a confirmatory factor analysis of the original structure, resulting in the elimination of items with cross-loadings and improvement in model fit. The modified scale is then analyzed, demonstrating strong psychometric properties. Convergent evidence is assessed by correlating MMQ subscales with the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) and Empathy Quotient (EQ), while divergent evidence is assessed by correlating aggressive traits using the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). The study also explores gender differences and age. Results reveal positive correlations between good mentalizing and empathy, particularly cognitive empathy, supporting the significance of positive mentalization in empathy. Negative mentalization is associated with difficulties in perspective-taking and social skills, as well as aggressive traits. Gender differences in mentalizing capacities are observed, and negative aspects of mentalization decrease with age. The availability of the Spanish translation of the MMQ, the first self-reporting scale measuring mentalization adapted to Chilean population, contributes to research aiming to understand its relationship with other psychological phenomena in different cultural context and facilitating clinical interventions with different population groups. We therefore encourage further investigation into cultural, gender and age differences in mentalization.
Older adults using social support to improve self-care (OASIS): Adaptation, implementation and feasibility of peer support for older adults with T2D in appalachia: A feasibility study protocol
Authors: Smalls Brittany L. , Kruse-Diehr Aaron , Ortz Courtney L. , Douthitt Key , McLouth Christopher , Shelton Rachel , Taylor Zoe , Williams Edith
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is 17% higher in rural dwellers compared to their urban counterparts, and it increases with age, with an estimated 25% of older adults (≥ 65 years) diagnosed. Appropriate self-care is necessary for optimal clinical outcomes. Overall, T2D self-care is consistently poor among the general population but is even worse in rural-dwellers and older adults. In rural Kentucky, up to 23% of adults in Appalachian communities have been diagnosed with T2D and, of those, 26.8% are older adults. To attain optimal clinical outcomes, social environmental factors, including social support, are vital when promoting T2D self-care. Specifically, peer support has shown to be efficacious in improving T2D self-care behaviors and clinical and psychosocial outcomes related to T2D; however, literature also suggests self-selected social support can be obstructive when engaging in healthful activities. Currently available evidence-based interventions (EBIs) using peer support have not been used to prioritize older adults, especially those living in rural communities.

Method

To address this gap, we conducted formative research with stakeholders, and collaboratively identified an acceptable and feasible peer support EBI—peer health coaching (PHC)—that has resulted in improved clinical and psychosocial T2D-related outcomes among participants who did not reside in rural communities nor were ≥65 years. The goal of the proposed study is to use a 2x2 factorial design to test the adapted PHC components and determine their preliminary effectiveness to promote self-care behaviors and improve glycemic control among older adults living in Appalachian Kentucky. Testing the PHC components of the peer support intervention will be instrumental in promoting care for older adults in Appalachia, as it will allow for a larger scale intervention, which if effective, could be disseminated to community partners in Appalachia.

Trial registration

This study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06003634) in August 2023.
Sustainability evaluation of sports tourism using a linguistic neutrosophic multi-criteria decision-making method
Authors: Chen Zhenyin , Luo Suizhi , Zheng Feng
Published: March 2024

Sports tourism represents a novel industrial manifestation of the profound integration between the tourism and sports sectors. The objective of this research is to examine an innovative multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method for the sustainability evaluation of sports tourism. The largest innovations are the expression and treatment of ambiguous data and interdependent evaluation criteria in the sports tourism sustainability evaluation process. On the one hand, intricate assessment data is represented using linguistic neutrosophic numbers (LNNs), which employ three linguistic variables to convey uncertainty and imprecision. On the other hand, to effectively capture the interrelationships among inputs, two novel aggregation operators are proposed. They are devised based on the Einstein operations and Heronian mean operators of LNNs. Subsequently, a linguistic neutrosophic evaluation method utilizing the aforementioned operators is presented. Comparative and sensitivity analyses conclude that great interdependence exists among five different dimensions of sustainability evaluation in sports tourism, and the proposed method can reflect the interrelations among inputs without redundant calculations.
Dynamic MicroRNA-Expression In Plasma of Melanoma Patients Correlates With Progression, PD-L1 Status and Overall Survival
Authors: Degenhardt Sarah , Bender Marc , Chen I-Peng , Henning Stefan , Ghodbani Mouna Mhamdi- , Starzonek Christin , Mohr Peter , Gebhardt Christoffer , Pantel Klaus , Volkmer Beate , Greinert Rüdiger
Published: March 2024

Melanoma treatment has improved significantly with the development of immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI), which has greatly enhanced the survival rates of patients with metastatic melanoma. However, a significant number of patients do not respond well to ICI treatment and experience progression. This highlights the critical need for practical means to track melanoma patients' response to ICI. To address this issue, the patterns of circulating miRNAs were studied in liquid biopsies of melanoma patients. These miRNAs have the potential to provide essential information regarding the cancer stage, progression, and the presence of PD-L1 in tumor tissue. A sophisticated flow cytometric test was used to measure up to 63 different miRNAs at once. The study identified a combination of nine miRNAs that are capable of distinguishing between different stages of melanoma, particularly stage IV. Additionally, five miRNAs were pinpointed which are downregulated in patients who do not respond to ICI treatment. Furthermore, two miRNAs were found that correlate to the level of PD-L1 in tumor tissue, and low levels of miR-150-5p were linked to poorer overall survival. These findings suggest that circulating miRNAs could serve as valuable markers to predict the effectiveness of ICI, provide insights into the cancer's stage and PD-L1 status, and ultimately help physicians make better treatment decisions in the future. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and establish their clinical usefulness.
Conhecimento de acadêmicos de Enfermagem sobre a morte e o processo de morrer
Authors: Lins da Silva Jéssica Maria , Rosa de Carvalho Dayara de Nazaré , Assunção Ribeiro da Costa Rafael Everton , Ferraz Ferreira de Aguiar Viviane , Souza Orlandi Fabiana de , Sousa da Silva Rocha Paula
Published: March 2024

A morte é a perda gradual e sistêmica das funções vitais, responsáveis pela sobrevivência. Nesse sentido, este estudo objetivou desvelar a construção do conhecimento de discentes de enfermagem sobre a morte e o processo de morrer. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo e qualitativo, realizado com 37 acadêmicos do último ano da Graduação em Enfermagem de uma universidade pública no Brasil. Com os dados, criou-se o corpus textual para Análise de Reinert, no software IRaMuTeQ. Emergiram quatro categorias: 1) a importância do alívio da dor para a dignidade de pacientes e família; 2) o suporte da Enfermagem na assistência aos familiares no momento da morte; 3) o sentimento de impotência frente ao processo de morte e morrer de pacientes; e, 4) a necessidade de se trabalhar a morte e o processo de morrer na Graduação. Evidenciou-se o gap no sistema de ensino referente a temáticas como processo de finitude.
Eutanásia como armadilha de uma sociedade algofóbica. O vislumbre da percepção da eutanásia pelos profissionais de saúde em Cabo Verde - exemplo do Hospital Regional dr. Santa Rita Vieira
Authors: Vicente Janaína Vicente , Leite Gomes Enilce , Costa Vera , Lourdes Veiga Maria , Garcia Lucinda , Barros Clara , Alves Êndel
Published: March 2024

Uma análise à luz da ciência, da antropologia e da bioética, a eutanásia caracteriza- se como uma falácia de uma sociedade contemporânea que não se revê na morte, como condição do vivente e à qual soçobra o sentido do sofrimento. Neste quesito, o que esperar da sociedade cabo-verdiana que poderá em breve ser exposta à proposta para a legislação da eutanásia? Na primeira seção, versará sobre seus conceitos gerais, abarcando também a posição da Igreja Católica; e a segunda se acerca da percepção dos profissionais de saúde nacionais, com a aplicação de um questionário aos profissionais de saúde de um dos principais hospitais do país. Pretende-se então estimular a sociedade cabo-verdiana para a reflexão uma vez que a realidade do como viver e do como morrer está embasada no conceito fulcral de quem é a pessoa humana.
Aspectos bioéticos de la donación en asistolia controlada en pediatría (II): niños en cuidados paliativos
Authors: Montero Cebrián María Teresa , Martino Alba Ricardo Javier , Aragón Lacárcel Irene , Morcillo Soriano Raúl , Guardiola Olmos José Ángel , Rodríguez Montero Elena
Published: March 2024

La disponibilidad de órganos para donación pediátrica es limitada, este hecho provoca un gran desequilibrio entre oferta y demanda que obliga a los profesionales a considerar todas las opciones que puedan optimizarla. La donación en asistolia controlada pediátrica, además de integrarse en los cuidados al final de vida “centrados en la familia”, podría incrementar ampliamente el global de donación si se incluyen a niños asistidos en cuidados paliativos pediátricos, como son neonatos con graves malformaciones del tubo neural y pacientes en régimen de hospitalización domiciliaria. No obstante, las particulares situaciones clínicas y humanas de estos pacientes hacen necesario unas consideraciones éticas especiales.
THz graphene-integrated metasurface for electrically reconfigurable polarization conversion
Authors: Song Li-Zhao , Squires Andrew , van der Laan Timothy , Du Jia
Published: March 2024

Terahertz (THz) waves have been widely hailed as a key enabling technology for future sixth generation (6G) wireless networks. Dynamic modulation of their polarization states is of great attraction for high-capacity communications and anisotropic sensing. The development of such technology is, however, still in very early stage owing to the difficulties of realizing electrical reconfigurability for THz devices. Artificially constructed metasurfaces and new nanomaterials, such as graphene, have been shown to provide revolutionary platforms for manipulating and controlling the wave properties, especially at THz frequencies. This work leverages the light–matter interaction in a graphene-integrated metasurface functioning as an electrically reconfigurable THz polarization converter. A novel graphene-gold bilayer topology is applied to construct such a metasurface which enables wide-range electrical tunability of the polarization conversion. Under a y-polarized illumination, the reflected components of x- and y-polarizations are tuned dynamically through an external bias voltage across the metasurface, thereby producing an elliptically polarized wave with tuneable ellipticity and angle. By changing the voltage from 0 V to 12 V, the reflected polarization ellipticity has been tuned from −0.94 to −0.5 at around 240 GHz, featuring linear-to-circular and linear-to-elliptical polarization conversions. Meanwhile, the polarization angle has been modulated from 12° to −23° at around 236 GHz. This work provides an experimentally validated THz graphene-integrated metasurface with wide polarization modulation depths, low biasing voltages and simple configuration. It promises great potential for applications in future THz communications and sensing.
Traveling wave solutions, numerical solutions, and stability analysis of the (2+1) conformal time-fractional generalized q-deformed sinh-Gordon equation
Authors: Ali Khalid K.
Published: March 2024

The two-dimensional conformal time-fractional generalized

q

q

-deformed sinh-Gordon equation has been used to model a variety of physical systems, including soliton propagation in asymmetric media, nonlinear waves in optical fibers, quantum field theory, and condensed matter physics. The equation is able to capture the complex dynamics of these systems and has been shown to be a powerful tool for studying them. This article discusses the two-dimensional conformal time-fractional generalized

q

q

-deformed sinh-Gordon equation both analytically and numerically using Kudryashov’s approach and the finite difference method. In addition, the stability analysis and local truncation error of the equation are discussed. A number of illustrations are also included to show the various solitons propagation patterns. The proposed equation has opened up new possibilities for modeling asymmetric physical systems.
Pengembangan Media Pembelajaran Scrapbook untuk Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar IPS
Authors: Nisa Ernawati Khoirun
Published: March 2024

Abstrak

Perlu dilakukan pengembangan media pembelajaran IPS untuk memudahkan siswa memahami materi dalam pembelajaran IPS. Tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu untuk mengembangkan desain media, menguji kelayakan, dan mengetahui keefektifan dari media pembelajaran scrapbook  IPS. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif. Jenis penelitian ini adalah Research and Development (R&D).Model pengembangan yang diterapkan yaitu model ADDIE (Sugiyono, 2015). Subjek penelitian ini dibagi menjadi subyek uji coba skala kecil yakni siswa kela IV A SD Negeri Kuniran 03 berjumlah 6 siswa dan uji coba skala besar yakni berjumlah 23 siswa. Penelitian ini dolakukan pada semester genap tahun ajaran 2021/2022.

It is necessary to develop social studies learning media to make it easier for students to understand the material in social studies learning. The aim of this research is to develop a media design, test the feasibility, and determine the effectiveness of social studies scrapbook learning media. This study uses a quantitative approach. This type of research is Research and Development (R&D). The development model applied is the ADDIE model (Sugiyono, 2015). The subjects of this research were divided into small-scale trial subjects, namely class IV A students at SD Negeri Kuniran 03, totaling 6 students and large-scale trials, namely 23 students. © 2021 Universitas Negeri Semarang.
Dynamics of the Emergence of Donor Trust in Online Fundraising Organizers
Authors: Aryndi Azalia Elfreda , Muhammad Amri Hana
Published: March 2024

Fundraising is a social activity based on the encouragement the desire to help each other to those in need. Increasingly advanced technology, fundraising is now carried out online so that potential donors can reach them easily. Online fundraising means that users can only interact virtually with fundraising organizers without having to meet in person, so the trust that arises from donors is important until a decision is made to donate. The dynamics of the emergence of trust is important to generate trust in online fundraising organizers. This research was conducted using a qualitative research method with a descriptive exploratory research design. The data sources in this study were five informants who were donors from online fundraising. This study uses semi-structured interviews. Data analysis techniques in this study used inductive thematic analysis techniques. The validity of the data uses a member check. The results of the study show that prospective donors start from the experience of giving previous donations and are encouraged by moral values and then aim to provide online donation assistance which will see transparency of the platform and description of fundraising information provided by the organizer through information regarding donation targets, documentary evidence, and track record of the organizer which then raises an assessment that will result in the emergence of trust in the organizer.
Giving a Comment or Not? The Influence of Psychopathy Trait on Commenting on Social Media
Authors: Artana Viona Muna , Nuzulia Siti
Published: March 2024

Personality usually also influences the preferences or interests that a person has. This interest thentriggers the desire in a person to behave well, both positive and negative behavior. Psychopathicpsychology itself is described as selfish, lacking feelings of empathy and remorse, impulsive,manipulative, more selfish, and tends to be antisocial. Research related to psychopathy andcommenting behavior on social media has not been carried out much. Therefore, this study aims tosee the effect of psychopathic personality on behavior to give comments on social media. Thisresearch is a quantitative research using quasi-experimental methods and one group post-testdesign. Quota sampling is used as a sampling technique. The research managed to collect 380respondents who were then divided into two different groups, namely the control group and theexperimental group. Both groups will be given the same treatment according to the existingprocedure. Data analysis was then performed using logistic regression analysis which was carriedout twice. While the results of the study show a significance value of 0.049 between so that it readsthat the hypothesis is accepted where secondary psychopathy has a negative effect on commentingbehavior in the experimental group with posting negative content.
Stability of fecal microbiota during degradation in ex situ cheetahs in the USA
Authors: Maly Morgan A , Crosier Adrienne E , Keady Mia M , Roberts Reade B , Breen Matthew , Muletz-Wolz Carly R
Published: March 2024

Objective

Gut health and its relationship to gut microbiota is an important consideration in the care and well-being of managed endangered species, such as the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). Non-invasive fecal sampling as a proxy for gut microbiota is preferred and collecting fresh fecal samples is the current gold standard. Unfortunately, even in managed facilities, collecting fresh samples from difficult to observe or dangerous animals is challenging. Therefore, we conducted a study to determine the terminal collection timepoint for fecal microbial studies in the cheetah.

Methods

We longitudinally sampled eight freshly deposited fecals every 24 h for 5 days and assessed bacterial relative abundance, diversity, and composition changes over time.

Results

Our data indicated that fecal samples up to 24 h post defecation provided accurate representations of the fresh fecal microbiome. After 24 h, major changes in community composition began to occur. By 72 h, individual cheetah fecal microbiota signatures were lost.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that cheetah fecal samples should be collected within 24 h of defecation in humid environments, especially if precipitation occurs, in order to provide a more biologically accurate representation of the gut microbiome, and we provide visual characteristics that can aid researchers in approximating time since defecation.

Significance statement

Data from this study provides guidelines for researchers investigating cheetah and other large felids and carnivores where the ability to collect fresh fecal deposits is limited.
Hydration of Reﬁned Chemical Pulps Studied by Microwave Spectrometry
Authors:   Centre Technique du Papier, B .P . 7110, 38020 Grenoble-Cédex, Noé P. , Henry F. ,   OMM, GR 35, CNRS, 2 rue Henri Dunant, 94320 Thiais, France
Published: March 2024

A bleached sulfate pulp has been refined in a disk refiner to different degrees : from 15 to 75° SR (720 to 70 CSF) . Different water contents ranging from 40 to 90 % by volume (70-90 % by weight) , have been obtained by centrifugation of small samples of ca.30 mg o.d. weight. The samples have been analyzed by microwave spectrometry performed in a cavity at 5 GHz. The theory of small perturbations of a resonant cavity allows the determination of the dielectric losses Es of the hydrated material. The slope of the lines : Es vs. moisture content is an index of the hydration of pulps. At the same water content (in the range 70 to 90 % by weight) , we have shown that refining increases the hydration, which can be defined as the transformation from free water to bound water.
Rapid Imaging of Mass Distribution in Paper by Electron Beams
Authors:   Empire State Paper Research Institute, State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Tomimasu Hiroshi , Luner Philip ,   Empire State Paper Research Institute, State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Hanna Robert B. ,   Empire State Paper Research Institute, State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Published: March 2024

A rapid method to measure the distribution of mass density of paper and paper board was developed. Paper is irradiated with electron beams with energies from 50 to 200 keV and the attenuation of the electron beams by the paper is detected by a photographic film and a real-time TV monitor system. The image of the attenuation of the electron beams (electrograph) is converted into the distribution of mass density through a basis weight calibration. By this method, the basis weight distribution of paper and paper board from 0 to 400 g/m2 was obtained in less than 1 second with both detectors. It was found that the electrograph gives very similar information as beta-radiograph. Experiments to optimize the imaging of the distribution of mass density of paper by electron beams are described along with the relevant physics.
Exchange of Cationic Polymers Adsorbed on Cellulose Fibers and on Monodisperse Polystyrene Latex
Authors:   Department of Forest Products, Kyushu University, Tanaka Hiroo , Ödberg Lars ,   Swedish Pulp and Paper Research Institute
Published: March 2024

Two series of cationic polyacrylamides (C-PAM) were prepared, with and without fluorescent labelling, one with constant charge density (CD:1.4 meq/g) and different molecular weights (MW:2×104, 4×105 and 8×106) and one with constant molecular weight (4×105) and different charge densities (CD:0.65 meq/g, 1.4 meq/g and 2.5 meq/g) . The exchange reactions of these C-PAMs on monodisperse polystyrene latex (PSL) and cellulose fibers have been studied using C-PAMs with the same MW and CD except that the pre adsorbed polymers were fluorescently labelled. The first series of experiments was carried out near the saturation level of the pre-adsorbed polymers. For C-PAMs with the highest MW(8×106) no significant exchange could be detected on PSL or on fibers. When C-PAM with the highest. CD (2.5 meq/g) was used a slight exchange occurred on both PSL and fibers . The exchange became more extensive with decreasing MW and CD. The exchange reactions initially proceeded quite rapidly and then slowed down. The initial exchange was more extensive on cellulose fibers than on PSL, probably because of the lower surface CD of the fibers, but it levelled off more rapidly than on PSL. This difference is most probably an effect of the porous structure of the fibers.
The Effect of Reﬁning on Wet Fiber Flexibility and its Relationship to Sheet Properties
Authors:   Empire State Paper Research Institute and Faculty of Paper Science and Engineering, Syracuse, New York, Abitz Peter , Luner Philip ,   Empire State Paper Research Institute and Faculty of Paper Science and Engineering, Syracuse, New York
Published: March 2024

The wet fiber flexibilities of several softwood and hardwood species were measured by Steadman’s method (5). Softwoods showed a broader range of wet fiber flexibilities than hardwoods. Refining* decreased the spread as measured by the IQR and increased the median values. The wet fiber flexibility and its distribution was sensitive to the type of refiner, beating load and refiner consistency. Refining at high intensity by increasing the refiner load in a Valley Beater, resulted in the production of pulps with inferior strength properties. When the pulps were at constant WFF, those prepared under low intensity exhibited superior tensile strength. The main effect on the fibers beaten at high consistency was to sharply reduce their fiber length. Changing loads in the PFI mill had less of an impact on the WFF and paper properties . Refining with the low load resulted in maximizing fiber flexibility. However, the tensile strength was inferior. The tensile-density relationship did not change as a function of refining load in the PFI mill, indicating that the quality of refining did not change. The WRV was useful in understanding the relationship between fiber and sheet properties.
Recycle, Reuse and Disposal of Paper and Board
Authors:   Pira International, Guest D.A.
Published: March 2024

The current emphasis on the environment and its impact on recycling is placed into context with an introduction of how life cycle analysis and assessment techniques will play an increasing role in determining the direction of industrial development and legislation. The review is based around the subjects identified by European Paper industry experts on recycling and recycling research as being the most critical to the long term development of the industry. These are the characterisation of the changes which occur to fibres and their surfaces on recycling; the influence of chemicals on water quality and production efficiency; the fundamentals of flotation deinking and recycling models. In addition a section on alternative uses for waste paper is included. Recent reviews on the effects of recycling on paper properties are summarised and an explanation for the apparent anomalies and differences given. Results on post paper manufacturing treatment on recycle potential are also included. The information on the effect of chemicals on recycling is sparse and tends to be empirical. The greatest effects are on paper strength and brightness where bleaches or brightening agents are used. The chemicals which dissolve also have a detrimental effect on process additive efficiency and add to effluent treatment and discharge costs. The deinking section is subdivided into – a brief review of the chemistries and drying methods of inks and toners and their influence on particle size on repulping; the chemistry of the repulping process; the flotation process. The influences of chemicals on flotation and the fundamental phenomena which occur during the process are described. Models for assessing age distribution and product properties at various levels of recycling are explored. In addition the build up of materials within a recycling loop is examined along with the energy balance of recycling compared with manufacture from virgin materials. Alternative uses of wastepaper considered include energy generation, composting and as a raw material for a variety of applications. None of these are likely to become major uses, competitive with wastepaper used for paper and board production in the near future. It is concluded that there are various studies of a fundamental nature which need to be completed to advance the technology of recycling. Greater emphasis on the supply side of wastepaper would also yield industrial benefit.
The Permanence of Papers Containing Modern High Yield Pulps
Authors:   Department of Paper Science, UMIST, Priest D. J. , Stanley J. ,   Department of Paper Science, UMIST
Published: March 2024

Modern high yield pulps, typified by chemithermomechanical pulp (CTMP), are likely to be used increasingly for printing, writing and publication grades where longevity is a major consideration. This paper reports an investigation of the ageing of papers containing CTMP, and sized both with rosin/alum and alkyl ketene dimer(AKD) systems, using paper made specially for the study on a pilot papermaking machine. Emphasis was placed on mechanical properties, in view of the concern of librarians and archivists with the embrittlement of paper due to acid hydrolysis of the cellulose. The results show that use of CTMP has a negligible effect on rates of loss of strength; in a series of papers containing various proportions of CTMP with a bleached softwood sulphate pulp, sized with AKD, the rate of degradation was very similar, and acceptably low. Naturally, the papers containing CTMP are not initially as strong, and will become yellow on exposure to light; in judging whether or not such papers are acceptable for long term use, all these factors need to be considered with respect to particular applications.
A Liquid Absorption Model
Authors:   Research Institute, Printing Bureau, Ministry of Finance, Yamazaki Hidehiko , Munakata Yumiko ,   Research Institute, Printing Bureau, Ministry of Finance
Published: March 2024

The tortuosity factor is given as the ratio of the theoretical absorption coefficient calculated from the cylindrical model to the observed absorption coefficient by the Bristow method. A new formula to give mean pore radius of paper is derived by taking account of the liquid absorption into every pore size according to the Lucas-Washburn equation. The liquid absorption model is proposed to allow calculation of transferred liquid volume to paper in an arbitrary time from initial absorption through saturation. The results of the transfer tests of ethyl alcohol to four kinds of papers by the Bristow method show good agreement between the observed and calculated liquid volumes transferred to the papers.
A linear regression analysis of the effect of bioelements on acute respiratory infections incidence in preschool children
Authors:   Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine, Voloshin O.M. ,   Luhansk State Medical University, Rivne, Ukraine, Marushko Yu.V. ,   Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine, Savchenko I.I. ,   Luhansk State Medical University, Rivne, Ukraine
Published: March 2024

Purpose - to identify the bioelements having the most significant impact on the susceptibility of preschool children to frequent episodes of acute respiratory infections (ARI). Materials and methods. A total of 30 children (14 boys and 16 girls) aged 1-6 years, undergoing inpatient treatment on ARI, were involved in the clinical study. Two integral indicators of acute respiratory infections recurrence, i.e. the infection index and the resistance index, were taken into account for each patient. The children were tested by X-ray fluorescence analysis of 17 bioelements in their hair - Zn, Fe, Cu, Se, Mn, Cr, Co, Br, Ni, Rb, Sr, Sn, Pb, Ca, K, S, and Cl. The statistical processing of the obtained digital material was performed with IBM SPSS Statistics 28 licensed software. A linear regression analysis with stepwise involvement of predictors was applied. Results. In preschool children, there is a moderate negative correlation between hair Rb content and the calculated resistance index (ρ=-0.405; p=0.026; 95% CI: (-0.674)-(-0.042)), according to which lower concentrations of this bioelement are associated with more frequent episodes of ARI. Additionally, Rb has a statistically significant pairwise relationship with several other bioelements studied and the ratios between them. Rb was demonstrated to be directly and most closely correlated with K (ρ=0.842; p<0.001; 95% CI: 0.678-0.926). A prognostic model of the resistance index was obtained, using the linear regression analysis of independent factors. The formula of the prognostic model included only one of the factors studied - the ratio of Mn/Cr content in hair. The informativeness of the mentioned model was 24.9%, which is a quite significant value, taking into consideration a broad range of known predictors for recurrent respiratory infections. Conclusions. The findings are complementary to the available scientific data on the participation of the bioelements in providing resistance to frequent ARI in preschool children. It is planned to continue examining the status of particular bioelements in combination with other potential predictors of recurrent respiratory infections. The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The study protocol was approved by the local ethics committees of the institutions mentioned in the paper. An informed parental consent was obtained for the study in children. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.
Changes in indicators of stress-regulating systems in adolescents of Ukraine during the period of military actions
Authors:   SI “Institute for Children and Adolescents Health Care of the NAMS of Ukraine”, Kharkiv, Kashkalda D.A. , Rak L.I. ,   SI “Institute for Children and Adolescents Health Care of the NAMS of Ukraine”, Kharkiv, Kamarchuk L.V. ,   SI “Institute for Children and Adolescents Health Care of the NAMS of Ukraine”, Kharkiv, Sukhova L.L. ,   SI “Institute for Children and Adolescents Health Care of the NAMS of Ukraine”, Kharkiv, Volkova Yu.V. ,   SI “Institute for Children and Adolescents Health Care of the NAMS of Ukraine”, Kharkiv
Published: March 2024

Purpose - to identify changes in indicators of stress-regulatory systems in adolescents during military operations in Ukraine. Materials and methods. 243 children and adolescents (130 boys and 113 girls) aged 10-17 years were examined. The level of cortisol (C), prolactin (PRL) and serotonin (S) was determined in blood. Two groups of patients were formed: the first group included 203 schoolchildren who were examined before russia’s invasion of Ukraine; the second group consisted of 40 adolescents examined after February 24, 2022. The indicators of the stress-regulatory systems of adolescents of two groups and the ratio of С/S and PRL/S were compared. When assessing differences, the Mann-Whitney test was used and the odds ratio (OR) was calculated. Results. The risk of developing a depressive state in a schoolchildren increased 24 times during the war in Ukraine. This is consistent with the detected changes in the stress-regulatory systems in the adolescents of the second group: the activation of the stress-realizing hormones - С and PRL and a simultaneous decrease in the level of C in the blood - an indicator of the stress-limiting system. Confirmation of the imbalance of stress-realizing and stress-limiting systems are high levels of adaptation coefficients: C/S and PRL/S. It was established that girls are most stress-sensitive to events related to changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system during hostilities in the country. In girls, the levels of C and PRL, C/S and PRL/S coefficients increase, and the concentration of serotonin decreases by 2 times. Conclusions. The obtained results indicate a violation of adaptation and compensatory mechanisms in adolescents during the war. This is the basis for the emergence and progression of various diseases, including post-traumatic stress disorder. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the participating institution. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.
Dopuszczalność apelacji powoda od wyroku zaocznego uwzględniającego powództwo – uwagi de lege lata, de lege ferenda
Authors: Basta Jan
Published: March 2024

Niniejszy artykuł porusza kwestię dopuszczalności apelacji powoda od wyroku zaocznego uwzględniającego powództwo w całości. Kwestia zaskarżenia przez powoda wyroku zaocznego, który w całości uwzględnia żądanie pozwu, nie jest jasna i oczywista. Przedmiotowe opracowanie wyjaśnia czy istnieje możliwość apelacji od takiego wyroku oraz wskazuje przesłanki skutecznego zaskarżenia orzeczenia.