bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-time gastrointestinal infection surveillance through a cloud-based network of clinical laboratories
Authors: Ruzante Juliana M. , Olin Katherine , Munoz Breda , Nawrocki Jeff , Selvarangan Rangaraj , Meyers Lindsay
Published: April 2021

Acute gastrointestinal infection (AGI) represents a significant public health concern. To control and treat AGI, it is critical to quickly and accurately identify its causes. The use of novel multiplex molecular assays for pathogen detection and identification provides a unique opportunity to improve pathogen detection, and better understand risk factors and burden associated with AGI in the community. In this study, de-identified results from BioFire® FilmArray® Gastrointestinal (GI) Panel were obtained from January 01, 2016 to October 31, 2018 through BioFire® Syndromic Trends (Trend), a cloud database. Data was analyzed to describe the occurrence of pathogens causing AGI across United States sites and the relative rankings of pathogens monitored by FoodNet, a CDC surveillance system were compared. During the period of the study, the number of tests performed increased 10-fold and overall, 42.6% were positive for one or more pathogens. Seventy percent of the detections were bacteria, 25% viruses, and 4% parasites. Clostridium difficile, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and norovirus were the most frequently detected pathogens. Seasonality was observed for several pathogens including astrovirus, rotavirus, and norovirus, EPEC, and Campylobacter. The co-detection rate was 10.2%. Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), Plesiomonas shigelloides, enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC), and Entamoeba histolytica were detected with another pathogen over 60% of the time, while less than 30% of C. difficile and Cyclospora cayetanensis were detected with another pathogen. Positive correlations among co-detections were found between Shigella/Enteroinvasive E. coli with E. histolytica, and ETEC with EAEC. Overall, the relative ranking of detections for the eight GI pathogens monitored by FoodNet and BioFire Trend were similar for five of them. AGI data from BioFire Trend is available in near real-time and represents a rich data source for the study of disease burden and GI pathogen circulation in the community, especially for those pathogens not often targeted by surveillance.
Retroactivity induced operating regime transition in an enzymatic futile cycle
Authors: Parundekar Akshay , Viswanathan Ganesh A.
Published: April 2021

Activated phosphorylation-dephosphorylation biochemical reaction cycles are a class of enzymatic futile cycles. A futile cycle such as a single MAPK cascade governed by two underlying enzymatic reactions permits Hyperbolic (H), Signal transducing (ST), Threshold-hyperbolic (TH) and Ultrasensitive (U) operating regimes that characterize input-output behaviour. Retroactive signalling caused by load due to sequestration of phosphorylated or unphosphorylated form of the substrate in a single enzymatic cascade without explicit feedback can introduce two-way communication, a feature not possible otherwise. We systematically characterize the operating regimes of a futile cycle subject to retroactivity in either of the substrate forms. We demonstrate that increasing retroactivity strength, which quantifies the downstream load, can trigger five possible regime transitions. Retroactivity strength is a reflection of the fraction of the substrate sequestered by its downstream target. Remarkably, the minimum required retroactivity strength to evidence any sequestration triggered regime transition demands 23% of the substrate bound to its downstream target. This minimum retroactivity strength corresponds to the transition of the dose-response curve from ST to H regime. We show that modulation of the saturation and unsaturation levels of the enzymatic reactions by retroactivity is the fundamental mechanism governing operating regime transition.
Systematic review and meta-analysis on juvenile primary spontaneous pneumothorax: Conservative or surgical approach first?
Authors: Hung Chun-Shan , Chen Yang-Ching , Yang Ten-Fang , Huang Fu-Huan
Published: April 2021

Background

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) prevalence is typically higher in juvenile patients than in adults. We aimed to evaluate the optimal treatment for primary spontaneous pneumothorax and its efficacy and safety in juveniles.

Materials and methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for eligible studies published from database inception to October 10, 2020, and conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The primary and secondary outcomes were recurrence rate and hospital stay length, respectively. Odds ratios (OR) and mean differences were used for quantitatively analyzing binary and continuous outcomes, respectively. In total, nine retrospective studies with 1,452 juvenile patients (aged <21) were included for the quantitative analysis. The surgical approach led to a lower recurrence rate than did conservative approaches (OR: 1.95, 95% confidence interval: 1.15–3.32). Moreover, the recurrence rate was low in patients who underwent conservative treatment first and received surgery later.

Conclusions

Surgical approach for first-line management might have a greater effect on recurrence prevention than do conservative approaches. An upfront surgery might be an optimal choice for juvenile primary spontaneous pneumothorax.
Biomechanical analysis of expert anesthesiologists and novice residents performing a simulated central venous access procedure
Authors: Villagrán Ignacio , Moënne-Loccoz Cristóbal , Aguilera Victoria , García Vicente , Reyes José Tomás , Rodríguez Sebastián , Miranda Constanza , Altermatt Fernando , Fuentes-López Eduardo , Delgado Mauricio , Neyem Andrés
Published: April 2021

Background

Central venous access (CVA) is a frequent procedure taught in medical residencies. However, since CVA is a high-risk procedure requiring a detailed teaching and learning process to ensure trainee proficiency, it is necessary to determine objective differences between the expert’s and the novice’s performance to guide novice practitioners during their training process. This study compares experts’ and novices’ biomechanical variables during a simulated CVA performance.

Methods

Seven experts and seven novices were part of this study. The participants’ motion data during a CVA simulation procedure was collected using the Vicon Motion System. The procedure was divided into four stages for analysis, and each hand’s speed, acceleration, and jerk were obtained. Also, the procedural time was analyzed. Descriptive analysis and multilevel linear models with random intercept and interaction were used to analyze group, hand, and stage differences.

Results

There were statistically significant differences between experts and novices regarding time, speed, acceleration, and jerk during a simulated CVA performance. These differences vary significantly by the procedure stage for right-hand acceleration and left-hand jerk.

Conclusions

Experts take less time to perform the CVA procedure, which is reflected in higher speed, acceleration, and jerk values. This difference varies according to the procedure’s stage, depending on the hand and variable studied, demonstrating that these variables could play an essential role in differentiating between experts and novices, and could be used when designing training strategies.
Changing epidemiology of catheter-related bloodstream infections in neutropenic oncohematological patients
Authors: Lendak Dajana , Puerta-Alcalde Pedro , Moreno-García Estela , Chumbita Mariana , García-Pouton Nicole , Cardozo Celia , Morata Laura , Suárez-Lledó Maria , Hernández-Meneses Marta , Ghiglione Lucio , Marco Francesc , Martinez Jose Antonio , Mensa Josep , Urošević Ivana , Soriano Alex , Garcia-Vidal Carolina
Published: April 2021

Background

We aimed to describe the epidemiology of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) in onco-hematological neutropenic patients during a 25-year study period, to evaluate the risk factors for Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) CRBSI, as well as rates of inappropriate empirical antibiotic treatments (IEAT) and mortality.

Materials/Methods

All consecutive episodes of CRBSIs were prospectively collected (1994–2018). Changing epidemiology was evaluated comparing five-year time spans. A multivariate regression model was built to evaluate risk factors for GNB CRBSIs.

Results

482 monomicrobial CRBSIs were documented. The proportion of CRBSIs among all BSIs decreased over time from 41.2% to 15.8% (p<0.001). CRBSIs epidemiology has been changing: the rate of GNB increased over time (from 11.9% to 29.4%; p<0.001), as well as the absolute number and rate of multidrug-resistant (MDR) GNB (from 9.5% to 40.0%; p = 0.039). P. aeruginosa increased and comprised up to 40% of all GNB. Independent factors related with GNB-CRBSIs were: longer duration of in-situ catheter (OR 1.007; 95%CI 1.004–1.011), older age (OR 1.016; 95%CI 1.001–1.033), prior antibiotic treatment with penicillins (OR 2.716; 95%CI 1.306–5.403), and current antibiotic treatment with glycopeptides (OR 1.931; 95%CI 1.001–3.306). IEATs were administered to 30.7% of patients, with the highest percentage among MDR P. aeruginosa (76.9%) and S. maltophillia (92.9%). Mortality rate was greater among GNB than GPC-CRBSI (14.4% vs 5.4%; p = 0.002), with mortality increasing over time (from 4.5% to 11.2%; p = 0.003).

Conclusion

A significant shift towards GNB-CRBSIs was observed. Secondarily, and coinciding with an increasing number of GNB-MDR infections, mortality increased over time.
Clinical-CT mismatch defined NIHSS ≥ 8 and CT-ASPECTS ≥ 9 as a reliable marker of candidacy for intravenous thrombolytic therapy in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Wu Hung-Ming , Lee I-Hui , Luo Chao-Bao , Chung Chih-Ping , Lin Yung-Yang
Published: April 2021

Background

Clinical-diffusion mismatch between stroke severity and diffusion-weighted imaging lesion volume seems to identify stroke patients with penumbra. However, urgent magnetic resonance imaging is sometimes inaccessible or contraindicated. Thus, we hypothesized that using brain computed tomography (CT) to determine a baseline “clinical-CT mismatch” may also predict the responses to thrombolytic therapy.

Methods

Brain CT lesions were measured using the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS). A total of 104 patients were included: 79 patients with a baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≥ 8 and a CT-ASPECTS ≥ 9 who were defined as clinical-CT mismatch-positive (P group) and 25 patients with an NIHSS score ≥ 8 and a CT-ASPECTS < 9 who were defined as clinical-CT mismatch-negative (the N group). We compared their clinical outcomes, including early neurological improvement (ENI), early neurological deterioration (END), delta NIHSS score (admission NIHSS—baseline NIHSS score), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), mortality, and favorable outcome at 3 months.

Results

Patients in the P group had a greater proportion of favorable outcome at 3 months (p = 0.032) and more frequent ENI (p = 0.038) and a greater delta NIHSS score (p = 0.001), as well as a lower proportion of END (p = 0.004) than those in the N group patients. There were no significant differences in the incidence rates of sICH and mortality between the two groups.

Conclusions

Clinical-CT mismatch may be able to predict which patients would benefit from intravenous thrombolysis.
A plasmid locus associated with Klebsiella clinical infections encodes a microbiome-dependent gut fitness factor
Authors: Vornhagen Jay , Bassis Christine M. , Ramakrishnan Srividya , Hein Robert , Mason Sophia , Bergman Yehudit , Sunshine Nicole , Fan Yunfan , Holmes Caitlyn L. , Timp Winston , Schatz Michael C. , Young Vincent B. , Simner Patricia J. , Bachman Michael A.
Published: April 2021

Klebsiella pneumoniae(Kp) is an important cause of healthcare-associated infections, which increases patient morbidity, mortality, and hospitalization costs. Gut colonization by Kp is consistently associated with subsequent Kp disease, and patients are predominantly infected with their colonizing strain. Our previous comparative genomics study, between disease-causing and asymptomatically colonizing Kp isolates, identified a plasmid-encoded tellurite (TeO3-2)-resistance (ter) operon as strongly associated with infection. However, TeO3-2is extremely rare and toxic to humans. Thus, we used a multidisciplinary approach to determine the biological link betweenterand Kp infection. First, we used a genomic and bioinformatic approach to extensively characterize Kp plasmids encoding theterlocus. These plasmids displayed substantial variation in plasmid incompatibility type and gene content. Moreover, theteroperon was genetically independent of other plasmid-encoded virulence and antibiotic resistance loci, both in our original patient cohort and in a large set (n = 88) of publicly availableteroperon-encoding Kp plasmids, indicating that theteroperon is likely playing a direct, but yet undescribed role in Kp disease. Next, we employed multiple mouse models of infection and colonization to show that 1) theteroperon is dispensable during bacteremia, 2) theteroperon enhances fitness in the gut, 3) this phenotype is dependent on the colony of origin of mice, and 4) antibiotic disruption of the gut microbiota eliminates the requirement forter. Furthermore, using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we show that theteroperon enhances Kp fitness in the gut in the presence of specific indigenous microbiota, including those predicted to produce short chain fatty acids. Finally, administration of exogenous short-chain fatty acids in our mouse model of colonization was sufficient to reduce fitness of atermutant. These findings indicate that theteroperon, strongly associated with human infection, encodes factors that resist stress induced by the indigenous gut microbiota during colonization. This work represents a substantial advancement in our molecular understanding of Kp pathogenesis and gut colonization, directly relevant to Kp disease in healthcare settings.
Risk factors associated with acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease at shrimp farm level in Bac Lieu Province, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Hien The , Van Toan Nguyen , Ngoc Tien Tien , Boonyawiwat Visanu , Rukkwamsuk Theera , Yawongsa Adisorn
Published: April 2021

Background and Aim: Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) is a severe disease in shrimp farms and adversely affected the shrimp industry of Vietnam. So far, the study on risk factors associated with AHPND outbreaks is limited. The objective of this study was to determine the potential risk factors of AHPND at the shrimp farm level in Bac Lieu Province, Vietnam. Materials and Methods: Real-time-Polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze data collected from an active surveillance program of shrimp farms in 2017 in the Vinh Tien and Vinh Lac villages, Vinh Thinh commune, Hoa Binh district in Bac Lieu Province, Vietnam. The matched case-control study selected 20 cases and 20 control farms from 134 shrimp farms. In 2018, face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires were conducted with the farmers of these selected farms. Results: Of the 59 studied variables, seven had p≤0.2 based on bivariate analyses. The results of multivariable analysis showed that the presence of fish-eating birds on shrimp farms was a significant association with AHPND (odds ratio=8, p=0.049). Conclusion: To reduce the effect of AHPND, farmers should apply effective methods to manage wild animals such as using a grid or net to cover the pond, combined with improved biosecurity.
Between inhibitors and repurposed drugs: COVID19 pharmacological approaches based on virus pathological life cycle
Authors: Baioumy Heba
Published: April 2021

Commendable efforts are being invested to combat CoronaVIrus Disease-19 (COVID-19) through drug repurposing and developing an effective vaccine. Since the declaration of the outbreak of COVID19 by the WHO, scientists, researchers, and healthcare providers are collaborating worldwide to find a cure against the causative virus

SARS CoV-2 through drug repurposing (also known as drug repositioning). The therapeutic inhibition of a virus infection involves several targets from various steps of the virus life cycle; such as receptor-binding, cell fusion, virus replication, and release of virions. Researchers have established that SARS CoV-1, MERS and SARS CoV-2 fuse with the host cell through their S spike. Two pathways of viral cell entry are proposed: TMPRSS2 dependent pathway and TMPRSS2-independent pathway. Researches also showed through in-silico studies that drugs could work similarly on them. According to a fusion-assay study in 2005 on SARS CoV-1 cell entry, Cathepsin protease L (CatL) induced viral entry in a pH dependant manner; the optimum being acidic pH (Lysosomes). A recent in-vitro study published in 2020, added that CatL continues S1 subunit degradation in the acidic endosome and lysosome compartments. Several studies have published possible candidates blocking the two pathways for virus cell-entry before its replication in the host. Clinical documentations over the past year have shown that the severity of SARS CoV-2 lingers beyond reducing viral load due to the inflammatory response resulting in a cytokine storm. Hence, we hereby take the opportunity to highlight that the use of Ulinastatin could greatly benefit moderate and severe cases of COVID19 and reduce mortality as an addition to a comprehensive protocol.
Waste foundry sand characterization as paving aggregate
Authors: Dyer Paulo Paiva , Silva Silvelene Alessandra , Klinsky Luis Miguel Gutierrez , Coppio Gustavo Lauer , De Lima Maryangela Geimba
Published: April 2021

Waste Foundry Sands (WFS) are by-products of the steel industry due to the foundry process. The residual material can be used in civil construction as an aggregate because of its mineral origin. This paper aimed to characterize the WFS obtained at two sources, using laboratory tests that are regularly required in highway engineering specifications.  The laboratory program showed that the tests results satisfy the main specifications in Brazil. Laboratory tests results also show that WFS has characteristics that are similar to the manufactured sand that is usually used in asphalt pavement construction. It is concluded that the WFS could be used in asphalt pavement projects, as a subgrade reinforcement, sub-base or base layer and in asphalt wearing courses.
La administración de nicotina aguda retarda la extinción en automoldeamiento pavloviano: un estudio preliminar
Authors:   Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz, Bogotá, Colombia, Ramírez Daniela A. , Ortega Leonardo A. ,   Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz, Bogotá, Colombia
Published: April 2021

Introducción y objetivo: Los procesos de aprendizaje y motivación han sido centrales para la comprensión de los mecanismos que subyacen al tabaquismo. En particular, existe evidencia creciente sobre la importancia de valores motivacionales de incentivo para entender el inicio y mantenimiento del tabaquismo. El objetivo general de este experimento fue evaluar el papel de la nicotina aguda sobre el valor de incentivo de una recompensa natural, (comida,) asociada con un estímulo ambiental, (palanca experimental). Método: Se utilizaron ratas Wistar. Se administró nicotina (0.4 mg/kg) de manera aguda en momentos específicos del entrenamiento, utilizando un procedimiento de diez sesiones de adquisición y cuatro sesiones extinción en una tarea pavloviana de automoldeamiento El diseño experimental incluyó tres grupos, el grupo control de solución salina y grupos de nicotina durante la adquisición y la extinción. Resultados: Se encontró que la administración aguda de nicotina, de manera específica y en comparación con los otros dos grupos experimentales, resultó en un efecto de retardo durante la fase de extinción, y que una administración similar de nicotina no resultó en efectos observables durante el desempeño comportamental en adquisición. Conclusiones: Estos resultados apoyan el papel de la nicotina como fortalecedora del valor de incentivo de las claves ambientales durante la extinción para una tarea de automoldeamiento.
Pengaruh Booklet Terhadap Pengetahuan dan Sikap Kesehatan Reproduksi Calon Pengantin Terkait Pencegahan Risiko Kehamilan di Kabupaten Pemalang
Authors: Irawati Heni , Kartini Apoina , Nugraheni Sri Achadi
Published: April 2021

One of the causes of a high maternal mortality rate is the low knowledge of women's reproductive health, especially about the prevention of pregnancy risks. This can be overcome by increasing the knowledge of prospective brides, one of them is by providing health education with booklet media. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of booklets on the knowledge and attitudes of reproductive health of brides related to the prevention of the pregnancy risks.       This type of research is quasi-experimental with a non-equivalent control group design. The study population was the future brides who attended the course of Future Bride and Groom at the Religious Affairs Office in Pemalang Regency. The samples were 50 brides for the intervention group and 50 brides for the control group. The instruments were questionnaires and booklets. An intervention group and a control group were compared based on the result of pre and post intervention. Statistical analysis used t-test and mann whitney test.       The results showed that there is a differentiation in reproductive health knowledge after intervention between intervention group and control group (p = 0,000 <0,05) and there is a differentiation in reproductive health attitudes after intervention between intervention group and control group (p = 0,008 <0,05). The knowledge average of future brides increased by 4.28 points and the attitude average increased by 1.84 points after intervention.       It can be concluded that the booklet can be used to increase the reproductive health knowledge and attitudes of future brides in prevention of pregnancy risks, especially in the case of anemia causing bleeding, chronic energy deficiency, and puerperal danger signs. It is recommended that the booklet can be developed as a media for reproductive health education in the course of Bride and Groom at the Religious Affairs Office.Key Words: Reproductive health; Knowledge; Attitudes; Booklet; Brides
Evaluasi Kelayakan Implementasi Sistem Informasi Surveilans Kesehatan Ibu Anak dan Gizi dengan Model Task Technology Fit di Kabupaten Banyumas
Authors: Pamungkas Sri Bintang , Agushybana Farid , Adi Kusworo
Published: April 2021

Banyumas Regency already has a supportive system in terms of maternal health and child health surveillance but has not been utilized optimally because it has not gone through a competent feasibility study, so the system cannot be applied according due needs. The purpose of this study is noticing at the feasibility study of the child maternal health surveillance system and nutrition in its application at Banyumas regency by using Task Technology Fit (TTF). Research is a quantitative study with a cross sectional approach. Respondents of this study were all coordinate midwives in the puskesmas in Banyumas regency which amounts totaling 39 people, according to the predetermined total sampling criteria. Data collection using a questionnaire method. Data analysis was performed using logistic regression. The results of the feasibility study of the maternal and child health health surveillance system in Banyumas District showed variables related to utilization including data suitability, system reliability, ease of use. The recommendation for the improvement of the feasibility study of maternal and child health health surveillance systems in Banyumas district is the improvement of infrastructure, as well as training and socialization.
Analisis Aspek Dukungan Organisasi dan Manajemen terhadap Terjadinya Duplikasi Nomor Rekam Medis Puskesmas
Authors: Nurmawati Ida , Arofah Kurnia
Published: April 2021

Latar belakang: Duplikasi nomor rekam medis merupakan masalah yang sering terjadi di puskesmas, salah satunya adalah Puskesmas Labruk. Berdasarkan hasil pendahuluan, dari 2.501 sampel berkas rekam medis didapatkan 10,3% berkas yang terduplikasi. Dampak dari duplikasi ini adalah tidak lengkapnya kronologi penyakit pasien, penggunaan map dan formulir yang berlebihan. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis penyebab duplikasi nomor rekam medis berdasarkan dukungan organisasi dan dukungan manajemen di Puskesmas Labruk.Metode: Jenis penelitian adalah kualitatif dengan teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah wawancara dan observasi. Objek penelitian adalah berkas rekam medis dan subjek penelitian adalah petugas pendaftaran, kepala rekam medis dan kepala puskesmas.Hasil: Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa faktor yang menyebabkan terjadinya duplikasi dari dukungan organisasi adalah tidak adanya SOP, tidak adanya KIUP, dan nomor rekam medis tidak dibuat otomatis pada SIMPUS. Faktor yang menyebabkan duplikasi dari dukungan manajemen adalah tidak dilakukannya evaluasi dan diskusi untuk mengatasi masalah duplikasi.Simpulan: Dukungan organisasi dan dukungan manajemen adalah penyebab dari terjadinya duplikasi, apabila terdapat kekurangan pada dukungan organisasi ataupun manajemen maka duplikasi akan terus meningkat.
Contingency Plan: Comparison of Health Policies in Managing COVID-19 in Singapore and Indonesia
Authors: Al Khairy Siregar Khalish Arsy , Chairin Hanifa Deasy Nur
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Singapore is one of the countries with the lowest mortality rate and the best handling of COVID-19. Singapore can be an example for Indonesia on COVID 19 pandemic handling.Methods: The method used is a literature review from google platform with these keywords: “Singapore Health Policy in COVID-19, Indonesian Health Policy in COVID-19, Singapore's success in suppressing COVID-19”. The analysis was done by comparing the policies taken from the two countries in dealing with COVID-19.Results: Singapore and Indonesia did indeed have very big differences in terms of government and in broad areas, it cannot be denied that Indonesia can have the same opportunity as Singapore in providing a good health disaster mitigation system for the community. Three factors influence Singapore's success in dealing with COVID-19: 1) having a responsive and efficient health disaster mitigation system, 2) government legitimacy which is determined by the capacity of the state. Singapore has a semi-centralized government with high legitimacy the experience of dealing with pandemics in the past, 3) Singapore's experience with SARS in the past makes Singaporeans understand very well the impact of the pandemic on their economic activities and social life.Conclusion: Several things can be emulated from Singapore in handling COVID-19 was the transparency, strong communication between community and the government, prioritizing the benefit and safety of civil society and building obedience and awareness of Covid 19 prevention.
Zaskarbić spojrzenie – obrazy, które chcą nas zjednać
Authors: Kałuża Anna
Published: April 2021

The aim of the article is to rethink the way in which images convince us to adopt the perspective of another, which is the image itself. Starting from W.J.T. Mitchell’s theory on the desire and subjectivity of images, and Gottfried Boehm’s theory of the imagery, I look at a photographic and narrative album of Gerhard Richter and Alexander Kluge. This turns to itself for self-presentative and self-referential purposes. However, they do not aim to explore the essence of their medium, but “drag” the viewer into or out of the performance. I analyse situations in which we are forced to transfer our gaze to the materiality and objectivity of a picture, to its own existence. Such situations reinforce the effect of compassion, going far beyond literal meanings and content, which can be managed discursively.
Nogi. Męskość i niepełnosprawność w Szpitalu Czerwonego Krzyża Michała Choromańskiego
Authors: Galant Arleta
Published: April 2021

In the article, the author presents an interpretation of the novel Szpital Czerwonego Krzyża by Michał Choromański. One of the key interpretative hypothesis advanced by the author of the article based on a reading of the novel is the assumption that the work constitutes an important statement on masculinity and disability, exposing the artificiality and unoriginality of masculine gender roles and criticizing somatic culture. This criticism is, in turn, significant with regard to twentieth-century reflections on body issues in post-war modernity. The author of the article indicates that Choromański’s work, written before the Second World War but published not until 1956, is a piece of significancefor the reconstruction of issues of disability in terms of Polish literary history.
YY. Kryptonimy Jerzego Jankowskiego
Authors: Baron-Milian Marta
Published: April 2021

The article is an attempt to interpret the only book published by Jerzy Jankowski, a forerunner of Polish futurism who is often overlooked in literary history related to the beginnings of the avant-garde movement. Tram wpopszek ulicy (Tram crossways on the street), published in 1920, is presented in terms of innovative phenomena in Polish and European poetry. Such a point of view reveals its precursory character, despite its passeism repeatedly diagnosed by critics. The key word and the starting point of the analysis is the first word of the title – tram, whose ambiguity makes it not only a sign of a modern city but also a metaphor of the construction of the entire book and its historical location. Further analysis leads to conclusions that, on the one hand, reveal the complicated meaning of the vitalistic futurist concept of life and, on the other, indicate aporias and tensions between symbolism and avant-garde, originality and repetition, materiality and spirituality, as well as aesthetics and the social function of art. These seem to be a hidden dimension of Jankowski’s work.
Cóż po doświadczeniu wojny w czasie zarazy? Kilka uwag o definiowaniu kultury
Authors: Popiel Magdalena
Published: April 2021

The paper reflects on the concept of culture from the perspective of those who’ve experienced the cataclysms of the 20th and 21st centuries. The author poses questions about the current experience of the pandemic to verify the “usefulness” of the dominant cultural patterns. The author analyses the particular war experiences of Czesław Miłosz in Warsaw (Legends of Modernity) and Józef Czapski in a prisoner-of-war camp (Proust in Griazowiec). At the center of their traumatic experience is the process of seeking salvation through cultural gestures. The experience of war reveals both the strength and weakness of the fundamental version of culture. The article ends with a question aboutthe topicality of this experience and the upholding power of modern culture.
CO2 valorization into synthetic natural gas (SNG) using a Co–Ni bimetallic Y2O3 based catalysts
Authors: El-Salamony Radwa A. , El-Sharaky Sara A. , Al-Temtamy Seham A. , Al-Sabagh Ahmed M. , Killa Hamada M.
Published: April 2021

Recently, because of the increasing demand for natural gas and the reduction of greenhouse gases, interests have focused on producing synthetic natural gas (SNG), which is suggested as an important future energy carrier. Hydrogenation of CO2, the so-called methanation reaction, is a suitable technique for the fixation of CO2. Nickel supported on yttrium oxide and promoted with cobalt were prepared by the wet-impregnation method respectively and characterized using SBET, XRD, FTIR, XPS, TPR, and HRTEM/EDX. CO2 hydrogenation over the Ni/Y2O3 catalyst was examined and compared with Co–Ni/Y2O3 catalysts, Co% = 10 and 15 wt/wt. The catalytic test was conducted with the use of a fixed-bed reactor under atmospheric pressure. The catalytic performance temperature was 350 °C with a supply of H2:CO2 molar ratio of 4 and a total flow rate of 200 mL/min. The CH4 yield was reached 67%, and CO2 conversion extended 48.5% with CO traces over 10Co–Ni/Y2O3 catalyst. This encourages the direct methanation reaction mechanism. However, the reaction mechanism over Ni/Y2O3 catalyst shows different behaviors rather than that over bi-metal catalysts, whereas the steam reforming of methane reaction was arisen associated with methane consumption besides increase in H2 and CO formation; at the same temperature reaction.
Information Needs of Women Subsistence Farmers in the Dlangubo Village, South Africa
Authors: Zimu-Biyela Nomusa
Published: April 2021

Subsistence farming is important for food security and thus breaking the poverty cycle. Notwithstanding that, in many developing countries including South Africa, the development of women in rural areas remains a major concern. The purpose of this study was to explore information needs of women subsistence farmers and thus contribute to the already existing body of knowledge. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interviews, participant observation and focus group discussions. Grounded theory helped in data analysis. The use of Wilson’s model and the farmer-to-farmer extension (FFE) model helped in understanding the information need monitoring chain of women subsistence farmers. Findings revealed that they had both expressed and unexpressed information needs. Expressed needs included information about the recycling of seeds, soil fertility management, controlling of pests and stray animals, drought management skills, how to transcend from subsistence to commercial farming, and how to build strong social structures. Women livestock keepers needed information regarding drought management, support for livestock feeds, primary healthcare services for their livestock and support services for their extension officer who was deployed to another area. Unexpressed needs included the need for adult education as most women subsistence farmers had low levels of information literacy skills. It transpired that the word of mouth was the main source of information. The other sources of information such as radios, television and cell phones were used at a very limited rate. Local libraries were not sufficiently reaching out to respond to the women information needs. It is recommended that local libraries become visible and engage in library-led projects that can help meet women’s information needs and thus improve their living standards.
Difference-frequency generation in optically poled silicon nitride waveguides
Authors: Sahin Ezgi , Zabelich Boris , Yakar Ozan , Nitiss Edgars , Liu Junqiu , Wang Rui N. , Kippenberg Tobias J. , Brès Camille-Sophie
Published: April 2021

Difference-frequency generation (DFG) is elemental for nonlinear parametric processes such as optical parametric oscillation and is instrumental for generating coherent light at long wavelengths, especially in the middle infrared. Second-order nonlinear frequency conversion processes like DFG require a second-order susceptibility χ
(2), which is absent in centrosymmetric materials, e.g. silicon-based platforms. All-optical poling is a versatile method for inducing an effective χ
(2) in centrosymmetric materials through periodic self-organization of charges. Such all-optically inscribed grating can compensate for the absence of the inherent second-order nonlinearity in integrated photonics platforms. Relying on this induced effective χ
(2) in stoichiometric silicon nitride (Si3N4) waveguides, second-order nonlinear frequency conversion processes, such as second-harmonic generation, were previously demonstrated. However up to now, DFG remained out of reach. Here, we report both near- and non-degenerate DFG in all-optically poled Si3N4 waveguides. Exploiting dispersion engineering, particularly rethinking how dispersion can be leveraged to satisfy multiple processes simultaneously, we unlock nonlinear frequency conversion near 2 μm relying on all-optical poling at telecommunication wavelengths. The experimental results are in excellent agreement with theoretically predicted behaviours, validating our approach and opening the way for the design of new types of integrated sources in silicon photonics.
Grammatical gender reversals: A morphosyntactic and sociopragmatic analysis
Authors: Steriopolo Olga
Published: April 2021

This work analyzes grammatical gender reversals (feminine to masculine and masculine to feminine) in various languages by examining them both morphosyntactically and sociopragmatically, and is, to the best of my knowledge, the first such twofold analysis of grammatical gender reversals. The morphosyntactic analysis is based on my previous works on expressive morphology. The sociopragmatic analysis is based on the sociopragmatic framework developed in Acton (Acton, Eric K. 2014.Pragmatics and the social meaning of determiners. Doctoral Dissertation. Stanford, CA: Stanford University) and presents a continuation and development of my earlier work on sociopragmatics of gender reversals (Steriopolo, Olga. 2019a. “A sociopragmatic analysis of grammatical gender reversals.” In:Con temporary means and methods in ELT and applied linguistics, eds. C. Can, P. Patsala, and Z. Tatsioka, ch. 26: 535–55. Tallinn: LIF – Language in Focus). Grammatical gender reversals result in an evaluative meaning of the noun. I argue that they crosslinguistically use the same syntactic structure, in which an evaluative head[eval]is projected above a categorized noun,n. The evaluative head[eval]changes the grammatical gender of the base to which it attaches, resulting in a gender reversal with an evaluative meaning. This meaning varies across languages and directly depends on the sociocultural context, such as how masculinity and femininity are perceived and valued within a given society. The data presented in this research are, in order of appearance, from the following languages: Russian, Israeli Hebrew, Lak, Polish, Lokono, Teop, Palestinian Arabic, Manambu, Tigre, Maasai, Oromo, Benchnon, Halkomelen, and Alamblak.
TVA in the wild: Applying the theory of visual attention to game-like and less controlled experiments
Authors: Krüger Alexander , Tünnermann Jan , Stratmann Lukas , Briese Lucas , Dressler Falko , Scharlau Ingrid
Published: April 2021

As a formal theory, Bundesen’s theory of visual attention (TVA) enables the estimation of several theoretically meaningful parameters involved in attentional selection and visual encoding. As of yet, TVA has almost exclusively been used in restricted empirical scenarios such as whole and partial report and with strictly controlled stimulus material. We present a series of experiments in which we test whether the advantages of TVA can be exploited in more realistic scenarios with varying degree of stimulus control. This includes brief experimental sessions conducted on different mobile devices, computer games, and a driving simulator. Overall, six experiments demonstrate that the TVA parameters for processing capacity and attentional weight can be measured with sufficient precision in less controlled scenarios and that the results do not deviate strongly from typical laboratory results, although some systematic differences were found.
Tree Species Diversity and Spatial Distribution of Aleppo Pine Stands in Northeastern Algeria
Authors: Hani Insaf , Rached-Kanouni Malika , Menasri Ammar
Published: April 2021

The spatial pattern of species is one of the key studied parameters in ecology so as to better understand the ecological processes and the functioning of forest ecosystems. This paper describes the classification of structural indices measuring the alpha diversity and examines typical representatives of the classification groups such as the Shannon’s index, aggregation index by Clark and Evans, the mingling index, the diameter differentiation index and the coefficient of segregation by Pielou. The tree inventory made it possible to count 7 species that are divided into six (06) families. Only Pinus halepensis Mill. trees were taken into account via calculation in spatial distribution. Western exposure shows the most regular tree patterns (1.6±0.1) according to the aggregation index by Clark and Evans, while the species mingling index for south- and east-facing stands indicates segregation of Pinus halepensis Mill. groups. The diameter differentiation index for the majority of the studied stands is assumed through estimated values within the range that starts from 0.4 to 0.9 for the four exposures. The distribution shows that western and eastern exposures belong to the fourth class of differentiation (very large differentiation), which means that the trees with the smallest DBH have less than 30% of the size of the neighbouring trees since the diameter differentiation index for the two exposures is 0.9±0.05 and 0.7±0.2.
Ecological networks and archaeology
Authors: Crabtree Stefani A. , Dunne Jennifer A. , Wood Spencer A.
Published: April 2021

While environmental reconstruction has been a staple in the study of past societies, underused tools from ecology, such as food webs, can enable a more thorough understanding of the human place within ecosystems. Drawing on two recent studies, this article describes the types of questions that can be addressed using this approach. The authors demonstrate how food webs that include archaeological data can provide insights into the effects of extinctions, invasion and ecosystem change on communities, and can address key questions of the structure and dynamics of past societies. This article highlights examples of best practice for the compilation of archaeo-ecological networks, and suggest ways of developing a synthetic understanding of past environments.
Effect of Footwear on the Biomechanics of Loaded Back Squats to Volitional Exhaustion in Skilled Lifters
Authors: Brice Sara M. , Doma Kenji , Spratford Wayne
Published: April 2021

Brice, SM, Doma, K, and Spratford, W. Effect of footwear on the biomechanics of loaded back squats to volitional exhaustion in skilled lifters. J Strength Cond Res 36(10): 2676–2684, 2022—This study examined whether footwear influences the movement dynamics of barbell back squats to volitional exhaustion in experienced lifters. Eleven men (1 repetition maximum [1RM] = 138 ± 19 kg; 1RM % body mass = 168 ± 18%) performed 3 sets (5–12 ± 4 repetitions per set) of loaded barbell back squats to volitional exhaustion using raised-heel and flat-heel footwear. Barbell motion as well as moments, angles, angular velocity, and power in the sagittal plane at the ankle, knee, hip, and lumbopelvis were examined during the second repetition of the first set (Tsecond) and the final repetition of the third set (Tfinal). There were significant reductions (p < 0.05) in lower-limb concentric angular velocity and power output for both footwear conditions. For the raised-heel condition at Tfinal, hip and knee concentric angular velocities were significantly slower (p < 0.05), and knee concentric power output was significantly less (p < 0.05) compared with the flat-heel condition. A reduction in barbell velocity was not observed for the raised-heel condition despite there being reduction in hip and knee angular velocities. Furthermore, no differences were identified in lower-limb joint moments or any of the biomechanical characteristics of the lumbopelvis between the footwear conditions. The findings of this study suggest that neither type of footwear reduced joint loading or improved joint range-of-motion.
Carbohydrate-Restricted Exercise With Protein Increases Self-Selected Training Intensity in Female Cyclists but Not Male Runners and Cyclists
Authors: Oosthuyse Tanja , Florence Gabriella E. , Correia Arron , Smyth Camilla , Bosch Andrew N.
Published: April 2021

Oosthuyse, T, Florence, GE, Correia, A, Smyth, C, and Bosch, AN. Carbohydrate-restricted exercise with protein increases self-selected training intensity in female cyclists but not male runners and cyclists. J Strength Cond Res 35(6): 1547–1558, 2021—Carbohydrate-restricted training challenges preservation of euglycemia and exercise intensity that precludes ergogenic gains, necessitating countering strategies. We investigated the efficacy of ingesting casein protein hydrolysate in overnight-fasted male runners, male cyclists, and female cyclists. Twenty-four overnight-fasted athletes ingested 15.8 g·h−1 casein hydrolysate or placebo-water during exercise (60–80 minutes) comprising an incremental test to exhaustion, steady-state exercise (70% Vmax or 60% peak power output, 87 ± 4% HRmax), and 20-minute time trial (TT) in a double-blind randomized crossover design, with p < 0.05 accepted as significant. Ingesting protein vs. placebo increased metabolic demand {oxygen consumption, +4.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] ± 4%), p = 0.0297; +3.2% (95% CI ± 3.4%), p = 0.061}, heart rate (p = 0.0083; p = 0.007) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) (p = 0.0266; p = 0.0163) in male cyclists and runners, respectively, but not female cyclists. Protein vs. placebo increased carbohydrate oxidation (+0.26 [95% CI ± 0.13] g·min−1, p = 0.0007) in female cyclists alone. Cyclists reported +2 ± 1 higher RPE than runners (p = 0.0062). Glycemia was maintained only in runners and increased with protein vs. placebo after 20 minutes of steady-state exercise (+0.63 [95% CI ± 0.56] mmol·L−1, p = 0.0285). TT performance with protein vs. placebo ingestion was modestly compromised in runners (−2.8% [95% CI ± 2.2%], p = 0.0018), unchanged in male cyclists (+1.9% [95% CI ± 5.6%], p = 0.5794), and modestly improved in female cyclists (+2.5% [95% CI ± 1.8%], p = 0.0164). Casein hydrolysate ingestion during moderate to hard carbohydrate-restricted exercise increases glycemia in runners, but not cyclists. Casein hydrolysate increases metabolic demand in male athletes and carbohydrate oxidation in female cyclists and is suitable for improving carbohydrate-restricted training intensity in female but not male endurance athletes.
The Applicability of the Risk Score Approach to Competitive Sport: Development of a Physical Success Score for the Canadian Football League Combine
Authors: Matsuo Hirokazu , Funasaki Kohei , Yamada Shinzo
Published: April 2021

Matsuo, H, Funasaki, K, and Yamada, S. The applicability of the risk score approach to competitive sport: development of a physical success score for the Canadian football league combine. J Strength Cond Res 36(3): 695–701, 2022—In the scouting combine of the Canadian Football League (CFL), players are measured for 6 athletic abilities, including 2 measurements of body size. For coaches and their players who desire to play in the CFL, knowing the players metrics that are important for being drafted and their levels will help coaches plan and evaluate their training. Thus, the purpose of this study was to provide a simple scoring system using the predictors of CFL Combines identified by multivariate analysis and their regression coefficients, and reference values. In this study, authors created a scoring system to classify draft success and failure of CFL Combines based on the measurement results. This scoring system was named as the physical success score (PSS). To do so, a repeated grid-search cross-validation for variable selection algorithm was performed on the players (line: n = 211, big skill linebacker, running back and tight end: n = 177, skill [defensive back and wide receiver]: n = 231) who participated in the CFL Combines between 2011 and 2019. The final binary logistic regression models and the reference values were used to generate the PSS for each group. As a result, PSS of the line, big skill, and skill were developed. In each group, all possible total scores and the estimated draft success probability were shown. From the results of this study, it was concluded that the PSS approach can provide useful information for coaches in setting training goals.