bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ggroups: an R package for pedigree and genetic groups data
Authors: Nilforooshan Mohammad Ali , Saavedra-Jiménez Luis Antonio
Published: May 2020

Background

R is a multi-platform statistical software and an object oriented programming language. The package archive network for R provides CRAN repository that features over 15,000 free open source packages, at the time of writing this article (https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages, accessed in October 2019). The package is introduced in this article. The purpose of this package is providing functions for checking and processing the pedigree, calculation of the additive genetic relationship matrix and its inverse, which are used to study the population structure and predicting the genetic merit of animals. Calculation of the dominance relationship matrix and its inverse are also covered. A concept in animal breeding is genetic groups, which is about the inequality of the average genetic merits for groups of unknown parents. The package provides functions for the calculation of the matrix of genetic group contributions (Q). CalculatingQis computationally demanding, and depending on the size of the pedigree and the number of genetic groups, it might not be feasible using personal computers. Therefore, a computationally optimised function and its parallel processing alternative are provided in the package.

Results

Using sample data, outputs from different functions of the package were presented to illustrate a real experience of working with the package.

Conclusions

The presented R package is a free and open source tool mainly for quantitative geneticists and ecologists, who deal with pedigree data. It provides numerous functions for handling pedigree data, and calculating various pedigree-based matrices. Some of the functions are computationally optimised for large-scale data.
Improving online video lectures: learning challenges created by media
Authors: Lange Christopher , Costley Jamie
Published: May 2020

The use of media within online university courses has been shown to aid the learning process with the delivery of information through various formats. However, issues that inhibit learning have been found when media are used inappropriately. Based on an examination of extant media research, this study arranges common media delivery problems into five main categories: pace, intelligibility, quality, media diversity, and congruence. Students taking online courses were asked to comment on the media used in their classes. Each of their comments was paired with one of the five categories with justification provided for the categorizations. Through analysis of these learner comments, this study examines the extent to which media delivery problems occur among a specific sample of online university learners in South Korea. The underlying pedagogy that explains the issues caused by inadequate delivery of media is also discussed, followed by recommended solutions that can address such pedagogical concerns. The results not only highlight existing solutions to these types of media problems but also build on them by suggesting other techniques in which media can be delivered so that the overall online learning experience may be enhanced.
Correction to: Genetics, cross-resistance and realized heritability of resistance to acetamiprid in generalist predator, Chrysoperla carnea (Steph.) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)
Authors: Mansoor Muhammad M. , Shad Sarfraz A.
Published: May 2020

Following publication of the original article (Mansoor and Shad 2020), the author’s flagged that the article had published with two errors.
Enhancement effects of ethanolic extract of Fagonia cretica on Bisphenol A (BPA)-induced genotoxicity and biochemical changes in rats
Authors: Abd-El-Moneim Omaima Mohamed , Abd El-Rahim Abeer Hamdy , Mohamed Amira Abd El Raouf , Farag Ibrahim Mohamed , Mohamed Abdalla Aboelfetoh
Published: May 2020

Background

Fagonia cretica L. was considered to be a medical plant that was used for the treatment of different diseases, so the current study was designed to clarify whetherFagonia creticaextract (FCE) can avoid Bisphenol A (BPA)-induced genotoxicity and biochemical alterations in rats. Sixty-three male rats were used in this experiment. These animals were distributed into nine groups (seven rats each): negative control, control of corn oil, positive control that were administrated BPA in corn oil (10 mg/kg. b.w.) for 3 weeks, three protection groups received the same dose of BPA in corn oil at the same period together with FCE (3.3, 4.2 and 5.0 g/kg) daily for 3 weeks, and three therapeutic groups received FCE alone at the same doses for 10 days after cessation of BPA treatment. Genetic and biochemical studies were conducted. Genetic studies involved DNA comet assay, micronucleus test, chromosome examination, and mitotic index analysis. Biochemical studies involved liver function (AST, ALT, ALph, and Bilirubin), kidney function (urea and creatinine contents), protein profile, MDA, and endogenous antioxidative system (SOD, CAT, and ACHE) as well as nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) contents in the liver, kidney, and brain tissues.

Results

The results demonstrated that the treatment with BPA induced a significant elevation in genetic abnormalities and deleterious effects in biochemical parameters in relation to untreated control. FCE treatment was found to be significantly diminished the massive damage in the genetic constituents and dangerous alterations in biochemical parameters with respect to BPA treatment alone. These enhancements were increased by increasing the dose level of FCE. Moreover, better results were clarified by utilizing FCE as a protective agent than its utilization as a therapeutic agent especially by using the high dose (5.0 g/kg), in which mostly genetic and biochemical alterations were observed to be restored towards natural levels.

Conclusions

These findings clarified a new insight into the protective effect of FCE in minimizing BPA-induced genotoxicity and biochemical changes in rats detecting the capability of such medicinal plant for alleviating the adverse effect of BPA.
Differences in loading patterns between fast walking and jogging at the same speed in male adults
Authors: Li Ruoyi , Liu Hao , Guo Mengyuan , Badurova Jitka , Yang Luming , Fan Haojun
Published: May 2020

Fast walking and jogging are two common exercises for people to maintain health in daily life. But the differences in loading patterns of fast walking and jogging are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare loading patterns in fast walking and jogging at the same speed, and to identify how differences in foot mechanics influence plantar pressure distribution between the two modes of gait. Totally, 49 healthy males participated in this study. Data of pressure parameters, including maximum force (MF), peak pressure (PP), contact area (CA), force-time integral (FTI), were recorded by Pedar-X insole plantar pressure measurement system in participants’ fast walking and jogging process at 7 km/h. A Load transfer analysis method was used to quantify the plantar load transference from fast walking to jogging. The results showed that MF, PP and CA increased in metatarsal regions and midfoot regions while decreased in toes regions and heel during jogging when compared with fast walking. FTI decreased in all foot regions during jogging compared to fast walking. Under the effects of spring mechanics and the varus of rearfoot during jogging, fast walking and jogging reveal different loading patterns. Compared jogging to fast walking, load transferred as follow: 1) in transverse direction, load transferred from lateral foot to medial foot in metatarsal regions and midfoot regions, 2) in longitudinal direction, load transferred from toes to the metatarsal, and from heel to the metatarsal and midfoot. These results also provide suggestions for footwear designs.

Graphical abstract
Role of static and dynamic MRI in evaluation of pelvic posterior compartment pathologies: prospective case series
Authors: Abdelzaher Dina G. , Abdelatif Mahmoud , Thabet Waleed M. , Elshafei Amr M. , Shady Magda M.
Published: May 2020

Background

Pelvic floor dysfunction affects the lifestyle of women worldwide; the aim of this study is to evaluate the role of static MRI and dynamic MR defecography in the diagnosis of the posterior compartment of pelvic floor dysfunction.

This prospective study included 50 female patients. All of them presented with pelvic floor dysfunction. Static and dynamic MRI were performed for all patients after injection of 120–150 ml of intrarectal gel and voiding 2 h before examination. Dynamic MRI was performed at rest, squeezing, straining phases, and during defecation.

Results

MR defecography can detect posterior compartment pathology with high sensitivity and specificity. We found anterior rectocele in 26 patients (52%). Rectocele incidence was analyzed and compared to postoperative reports, and the receiver operator curve (ROC) was calculated that showed area under the curve (AUC) of 0.998. The cut-off value of 1.95 cm gives a sensitivity of 96.4% and specificity of 100% during straining. The percentage of anismus was 26%, rectorectal intussusception 52%, anal prolapse types (rectoanal intussusception 14% and external prolapse 8%), and peritoneocele 34%.

Conclusion

MRI is a valuable imaging modality that can be used to diagnose pelvic floor disorders and does not involve the risk of exposure to ionizing radiation. It can direct the surgical procedure and thus improve the post-operative results and decrease the rate of recurrence due to missed pathology.
“Bridging, brokering, and buffering”: a theoretical exploration of school leaders’ engagement with local school wellness policy implementation
Authors: Asada Y. , Turner L. , Schwartz M. , Chriqui J. F.
Published: May 2020

Background

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-296) prompted the expansion of federal requirements for local school wellness policies, which aim to improve health promoting practices across school districts in the USA. This qualitative study examined how school district superintendents—as key school leaders who are often listed as the district accountability figure for wellness policies applicable to kindergarten through 12th grade—engaged with wellness policy implementation. The inquiry was guided by evidence-informed implementation and leadership frameworks, including the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and “bridging, buffering, and brokering” strategies from education leadership theory.

Methods

We conducted focus groups and interviews with superintendents (n= 39) from 23 states. Interviews were recorded and professionally transcribed; transcripts were team-coded in Atlas.ti v8 using an iteratively revised coding guide that was informed by CFIR, pilot testing, and during weekly analyst meetings. Principles of constant comparative analysis were employed to develop themes.

Results

Most superintendents’ reported positive perspectives and personal motivations to engage with wellness policy implementation. Within the CFIR process domain, superintendents demonstrated adaptive leadership traits and employed a combination of “bridging, buffering, and brokering” strategies to lead implementation activities. Rather than focus on personal traits, an emphasis on specific strategies highlights actions that may be applied.

Conclusions

The findings offer practical strategies to support superintendents with implementation, as well as a formative contribution to the dearth of theoretical frameworks in school wellness literature, particularly by advancing the specific understanding of leadership roles within a broader implementation framework. The application of education theory allowed for a deeper inquiry into the potential ways that leaders’ strategies and engagement influences implementation more broadly.
Composite GRFS and CRFS Outcomes After Adult Alternative Donor HCT
Authors: Mehta Rohtesh S. , Holtan Shernan G. , Wang Tao , Hemmer Michael T. , Spellman Stephen R. , Arora Mukta , Couriel Daniel R. , Alousi Amin M. , Pidala Joseph , Abdel-Azim Hisham , Agrawal Vaibhav , Ahmed Ibrahim , Al-Homsi A. Samer , Aljurf Mahmoud , Antin Joseph H. , Askar Medhat , Auletta Jeffery J. , Bhatt Vijaya Raj , Chee Lynette , Chhabra Saurabh , Daly Andrew , DeFilipp Zachariah , Gajewski James , Gale Robert Peter , Gergis Usama , Hematti Peiman , Hildebrandt Gerhard C. , Hogan William J. , Inamoto Yoshihiro , Martino Rodrigo , Majhail Navneet S. , Marks David I. , Nishihori Taiga , Olsson Richard F. , Pawarode Attaphol , Diaz Miguel Angel , Prestidge Tim , Rangarajan Hemalatha G. , Ringden Olle , Saad Ayman , Savani Bipin N. , Schoemans Hélène , Seo Sachiko , Schultz Kirk R. , Solh Melhem , Spitzer Thomas , Storek Jan , Teshima Takanori , Verdonck Leo F. , Wirk Baldeep , Yared Jean A. , Cahn Jean-Yves , Weisdorf Daniel J.
Published: May 2020

PURPOSE

There is no consensus on the best choice of an alternative donor (umbilical cord blood [UCB], haploidentical, one-antigen mismatched [7/8]–bone marrow [BM], or 7/8-peripheral blood [PB]) for hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for patients lacking an HLA-matched related or unrelated donor.

METHODS

We report composite end points of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)–free relapse-free survival (GRFS) and chronic GVHD (cGVHD)–free relapse-free survival (CRFS) in 2,198 patients who underwent UCB (n = 838), haploidentical (n = 159), 7/8-BM (n = 241), or 7/8-PB (n = 960) HCT. All groups were divided by myeloablative conditioning (MAC) intensity or reduced intensity conditioning (RIC), except haploidentical group in which most received RIC. To account for multiple testing, P < .0071 in multivariable analysis and P < .00025 in direct pairwise comparisons were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

In multivariable analysis, haploidentical group had the best GRFS, CRFS, and overall survival (OS). In the direct pairwise comparison of other groups, among those who received MAC, there was no difference in GRFS or CRFS among UCB, 7/8-BM, and 7/8-PB with serotherapy (alemtuzumab or antithymocyte globulin) groups. In contrast, the 7/8-PB without serotherapy group had significantly inferior GRFS, higher cGVHD, and a trend toward worse CRFS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.38; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.69; P = .002) than the 7/8-BM group and higher cGVHD and trend toward inferior CRFS (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.63; P = .0006) than the UCB group. Among patients with RIC, all groups had significantly inferior GRFS and CRFS compared with the haploidentical group.

CONCLUSION

Recognizing the limitations of a registry retrospective analysis and the possibility of center selection bias in choosing donors, our data support the use of UCB, 7/8-BM, or 7/8-PB (with serotherapy) grafts for patients undergoing MAC HCT and haploidentical grafts for patients undergoing RIC HCT. The haploidentical group had the best GRFS, CRFS, and OS of all groups.
Sleep Restriction With Circadian Disruption Negatively Alter Bone Turnover Markers in Women
Authors: Swanson Christine M , Shea Steven A , Kohrt Wendy M , Wright Kenneth P , Cain Sean W , Munch Mirjam , Vujović Nina , Czeisler Charles A , Orwoll Eric S , Buxton Orfeu M
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to determine whether an uncoupling of bone turnover markers (BTMs) occurs in women exposed to the combination of sleep restriction with circadian disruption (SRCD), as previously reported in men.

Methods

Four bone biomarkers (N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen [P1NP] and osteocalcin = bone formation; C-telopeptide [CTX] = bone resorption; sclerostin = bone formation inhibitor) were measured in bihourly samples over 24 hours at baseline and after approximately 3 weeks of sleep restriction (~5.6 hours of sleep/24 hours) with concurrent circadian disruption (SRCD, recurring 28-hour “day” in dim light). Maximum likelihood estimation in a repeated-measures model was used to assess the effects of SRCD and age on bone biomarkers.

Results

Five women were young (22 ± 2.8 years) and four were older (58 ± 1.8 years). Baseline bone biomarker levels did not differ by age (all P ≥ .07). Bone formation markers were lower after SRCD (estimate ± SEE, ΔP1NP = –9.5 ± 2.8 μg/L, P = .01; Δosteocalcin = –2.3 ± 0.9 ng/mL, P = .04). The P1NP decline was greater in young women (ΔP1NP = –12.9 ± 3.7 μg/L, P = .01). After SRCD, CTX was significantly higher in young women (0.182 ± 0.069 ng/mL, P = .04) but did not change in older women.

Conclusions

These pilot data are similar to previous findings in men and suggest that SRCD negatively altered bone metabolism in women by decreasing markers of bone formation and, in young women, increasing a marker of bone resorption. If sustained, this pattern of BTM uncoupling may lead to bone loss and lower bone mineral density.
DJ-1 promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition via enhancing FGF9 expression in colorectal cancer
Authors: Li Longhao , Zhang Chundong , Li Yi , Zhang Ying , Lei Yunlong
Published: May 2020

Tumor metastasis is the main contributor to high recurrence and mortality in colorectal cancer (CRC). In a previous study, we found that DJ-1 plays an important role in CRC metastasis, and is the main target in Ciclopirox olamine (CPX)-treated CRC. However, the mechanism underlying DJ-1-induced CRC metastasis remains elusive. In the present study, our results showed that DJ-1 could activate Wnt signaling resulting in enhanced invasive potential and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in CRC cells. RNA-seq and bioinformatics analysis reveals that the DJ-1/Wnt signaling pathway may promote CRC cells’ EMT by regulating fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) expression. Molecular validation showed that expression of FGF9 was upregulated by the DJ-1/Wnt signaling pathway and decreasing FGF9-expression impeded DJ-1-induced CRC invasive ability and EMT, suggesting that FGF9 is involved in DJ-1-enhanced CRC metastasis. In addition, we show that FGF9 was overexpressed in CRC human specimens and was significantly associated with tumor differentiation. High FGF9 expression was correlated with worse overall survival, and a correlation exhibited between FGF9 and EMT markers (E-cadherin and Vimentin) in CRC samples. Together, our results determined that FGF9 was involved in DJ-1-induced invasion and EMT in CRC cells, and may represent a promising therapeutic candidate for CRC anti-metastatic strategies.
The effect of ambient oxygen on the thermal performance of a cockroach, Nauphoeta cinerea
Authors: Lombardi Emily J. , Bywater Candice L. , White Craig R.
Published: May 2020

The Oxygen and Capacity-Limited Thermal Tolerance (OCLTT) hypothesis proposes that the thermal tolerance of an animal is shaped by its capacity to deliver oxygen in relation to oxygen demand. Studies testing this hypothesis have largely focused on measuring short-term performance responses in animals under acute exposure to critical thermal maximums. The OCLTT hypothesis, however, emphasises the importance of sustained animal performance over acute tolerance. The present study tested the effect of chronic hypoxia and hyperoxia during development on medium to long-term performance indicators at temperatures spanning the optimal temperature for growth in the speckled cockroach, Nauphoeta cinerea. In contrast to the predictions of the OCLTT hypothesis, development under hypoxia did not significantly reduce growth rate or running performance, and development under hyperoxia did not significantly increase growth rate or running performance. The effect of developmental temperature and oxygen on tracheal morphology and metabolic rate were also not consistent with OCLTT predictions, suggesting that oxygen delivery capacity is not the primary driver shaping thermal tolerance in this species. Collectively, these findings suggest that the OCLTT hypothesis does not explain moderate-to-long-term thermal performance in Nauphoeta cinerea, which raises further questions about the generality of the hypothesis.
Association between Mitochondrial DNA Sequence Variants and V˙O2 max Trainability
Authors: VELLERS HEATHER L. , VERHEIN KIRSTEN C. , BURKHOLDER ADAM B. , LEE JAEHOON , KIM YOUNGMIN , LIGHTFOOT J. TIMOTHY , SHI MIN , WEINBERG CLARICE R. , SARZYNSKI MARK A. , BOUCHARD CLAUDE , KLEEBERGER STEVEN R.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

We designed the study to determine whether mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroup, sequence, and heteroplasmy differed between individuals previously characterized as low (LR) or high responders (HR) as defined by their maximal oxygen uptake response to a standardized aerobic exercise training program.

Methods

DNA was isolated from whole blood in subjects from the HERITAGE Family Study that were determined to be either HR (n = 15) or LR (n = 15). mtDNA was amplified by long-range polymerase chain reaction, then tagged with Nextera libraries and sequenced on a MiSeq instrument.

Results

Different mtDNA haplogroup subtypes were found in HR and LR individuals. Compared with HR subjects, significantly more LR subjects had variants in 13 sites, including 7 in hypervariable (HV) regions: HV2 (G185A: 0 vs 6, P = 0.02; G228A: 0 vs 5, P = 0.04; C295T: 0 vs 6; P = 0.04), HV3 (C462T: 0 vs 5, P = 0.04; T489C: 0 vs 5; P = 0.04), and HV1 (C16068T: 0 vs 6, P = 0.02; T16125C: 0 vs 6, P = 0.02). Remaining variants were in protein coding genes, mtND1 (1 vs 8, P = 0.02), mtND3 (A10397G: 0 vs 5, P = 0.04), mtND4 (A11250G: 1 vs 8, P = 0.02), mtND5 (G13707A: 0 vs 5, P = 0.04), and mtCYTB (T14797C: 0 vs 5, P = 0.04; C15451A: 1 vs 8, P = 0.02). Average total numbers of heteroplasmies (P = 0.83) and frequency of heteroplasmies (P = 0.05) were similar between the groups.

Conclusions

Our findings provide specific sites across the mitochondrial genome that may be related to maximal oxygen uptake trainability.
Exercise Thermoregulation in Prepubertal Children: A Brief Methodological Review
Authors: NOTLEY SEAN R. , AKERMAN ASHLEY P. , MEADE ROBERT D. , MCGARR GREGORY W. , KENNY GLEN P.
Published: May 2020

Prepubertal children (6–12 yr) differ from adults in various morphological and physiological factors that may influence thermoregulatory function; however, experimental evidence of meaningful child–adult differences in heat strain during exercise-heat stress is sparse, despite numerous studies. Although we appreciate the challenges associated with performing such comparisons, part of that discrepancy may be due to the methods used. Nonetheless, a focused discussion of these methodological considerations and their implications for current understanding remains unavailable. This is an important knowledge gap given the threat to health posed by rising global temperatures and the ongoing focus on improving physical activity levels in children. The aims of this methodological review were, therefore, to (i) review the theoretical basis for child–adult differences in thermoregulatory function, (ii) describe previous comparisons of exercise thermoregulation between prepubertal children and adults, (iii) discuss two methodological issues associated with that research, which, in our view, make it difficult to present empirical evidence related to child–adult differences in thermoregulatory function and associated heat strain, (iv) provide potential solutions to these issues, and (v) propose pertinent areas for further research.
Classical administrative law in the era of presidential administration
Authors: Heinzerling Lisa
Published: May 2020

Direito administrativo clássico na era da administração presidencialABSTRACTFarber and O’Connell described ways in which contemporary practice departs from classical administrative law and they have done a great service by so carefully identifying the gaps between both. Administrative practice today is out of step with classical doctrine, but Farber and O’Connell’s argument exaggerates the divergence in one important aspect. Classical administrative law requires regulatory decisions to be taken by the agencies responsible for the status of making them, on the basis of statutory procedures and criteria however, it should be remembered that the administrative law itself is divided. In short, the recommendation is not to give up all the basic premises of classical administrative law, it’s about looking at the differences and understand how much of it should be maintained.RESUMOFarber e O’Connell descreveram maneiras pelas quais a prática contemporânea se afasta do direito administrativo clássico e fizeram um grande serviço ao identificar tão cuidadosamente as lacunas entre os dois. A prática administrativa nos dias atuais está fora de sintonia com a doutrina clássica, porém o argumento de Farber e O’Connell exagera na divergência em um aspecto importante. O direito administrativo clássico exige que as decisões regulatórias sejam tomadas pelas agências encarregadas por fazê-las, com base em procedimentos e critérios legais, porém se deve lembrar de que o direito administrativo em si é dividido. Em suma, a recomendação não é desistir de todas as premissas básicas do direito administrativo clássico, e sim analisar as divergências e entender o quanto dele deve ser mantido.
Atmospheric indices allow anticipating the incidence of jellyfish coastal swarms
Authors: BELLIDO JUAN J. , BÁEZ JOSÉ C. , SOUVIRON-PRIEGO LUCRECIA , FERRI-YAÑEZ FRANCISCO , SALAS CARMEN , LÓPEZ JUAN ANTONIO , REAL RAIMUNDO
Published: May 2020

Jellyfish swarms affect littoral ecosystems, are unpleasant for bathers and jeopardize coastal socio-economic sectors. Anticipating the incidence of jellyfish swarms could be useful for implementing preventive management measures. Macroclimatic indices are good candidates for this type of anticipation since they are macro-ecologically related to oceanographic characteristics that affect marine species after a certain time lag. An increase of jellyfish swarms has been recently reported in the Mediterranean Sea. From 2005 to 2018, jellyfish swarms in the littoral of the province of Malaga (Spain, northwest coast of the Alboran Sea), mainly formed by the mauve stinger (Pelagia noctiluca), were frequent during summer. We recorded data on jellyfish swarm incidence in the province of Malaga from 2005 to 2018 using the reports in local newspapers, searches in Google Search Engine, and a citizen science application for mobile phones as information sources. With this information, we classified the period in years of low, medium and high incidence of jellyfish swarms. Then, we tested if the known effects of the Arctic Oscillation (AO) and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) in winter on the sea surface temperature (SST) during the year, which in turn affects the proliferation of jellyfish, could explain the inter-annual variation in this incidence. Our hypothesis significantly explained the variation in the medium versus low incidence of jellyfish swarms, with medium incidence in the summers of higher SST. This suggests that medium incidence of jellyfish swarms was caused by the proliferation of jellyfish. This also suggests that years of medium incidence of jellyfish in the beach during summer could be anticipated by computing the average AO and NAO values of the previous winter. Years of high incidence of swarms could not be explained by this process. We speculate that they may be caused by a change in the distribution of the swarms rather than by proliferation. Jellyfish may be pushed from the pelagic western anticyclonic gyre of the Alboran Sea to the northern coast by eddies that are formed when, as recent literature has shown, this gyre is weakened by westerly winds and the Atlantic jet. Citizen science has contributed useful data to build macroecological models that may result in better management plans based on scientific data.
MEDLEM database, a data collection on large Elasmobranchs in the Mediterranean and Black seas
Authors: MANCUSI CECILIA , BAINO ROMANO , FORTUNA CATERINA , DE SOLA LUIS GIL , MOREY GABRIEL , BRADAI MOHAMED NEJMEDDINE , KALLIANOTIS ARGYRIOS , SOLDO ALEN , HEMIDA FARID , SAAD ADIB ALI , DIMECH MARK , PERISTERAKI PANAGIOTA , BARICHE MICHEL , CLÒ SIMONA , DE SABATA ELEONORA , CASTELLANO LAURA , GARIBALDI FULVIO , LANTERI LUCA , TINTI FAUSTO , PAIS ANTONIO , SPERONE EMILIO , MICARELLI PRIMO , POISSON FRANCOIS , SION LETIZIA , CARLUCCI ROBERTO , CEBRIAN-MENCHERO DANIEL , SÉRET BERNARD , FERRETTI FRANCESCO , EL-FAR ALAA , SAYGU ISMET , SHAKMAN ESMAIL A. , BARTOLI ALEX , GUALLART JAVIER , DAMALAS DIMITRIOS , MEGALOFONOU PERSEFONI , VACCHI MARINO , BOTTARO MASSIMILIANO , NOTARBARTOLO DI SCIARA GIUSEPPE , FOLLESA MARIA CRISTINA , CANNAS RITA , KABASAKAL HAKAN , ZAVA BRUNO , CAVLAN GRAZIELLA , JUNG ARMELLE , ABUDAYA MOHAMMED , KOLITARI JERINA , BARASH ADI , JOKSIMOVIC ALEKSANDAR , MARČETA BOJAN , GONZALEZ VILAS LUIS , TIRALONGO FRANCESCO , GIOVOS IOANNIS , BARGNESI FILIPPO , LELLI STEFANO , BARONE MONICA , MORO STEFANO , MAZZOLDI CARLOTTA , CHARIS CHARILAOU , ABELLA ALVARO JUAN , SERENA FABRIZIO
Published: May 2020

The Mediterranean Large Elasmobranchs Monitoring (MEDLEM) database contains over 3000 records (more than 4000 individuals) of large elasmobranch species from 20 different countries around the Mediterranean and Black seas, observed from 1666 to 2017. The main species included in the archive are the devil fish (1 813 individuals), the basking shark (939 individuals), the blue shark (585 individuals) and the great white shark (337 individuals).In the last decades other species such as the shortfin mako (166 individuals), the spiny butterfly ray (138) and the thresher shark (174 individuals) were reported with an increasing frequency. This was possibly due to an increased public awareness on the conservation status of sharks, and a consequent development of new monitoring programmes. MEDLEM does not have a homogeneous reporting coverage throughout the Mediterranean and Black seas and it should be considered as a database of observed species presence. Scientific monitoring efforts in the south-eastern Mediterranean and Black seas are generally lower than in the northern sectors and the absence in our database of some species does not imply their actual absence in these regions. Some considerations are made on the frequency and spatial distribution of records, size structure of the observed individuals for selected species, general area coverage and species involved as by-catch by fishing gear.
COVID-19: Are Africa’s diagnostic challenges blunting response effectiveness?
Authors: Kobia Francis , Gitaka Jesse
Published: May 2020

Since its emergence in Wuhan, China in December 2019, novel Coronavirus disease - 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread worldwide, achieving pandemic status on 11th March, 2020. As of 1st April 2020, COVID-19, which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), had infected over 800,000 people and caused over 40,000 deaths in 205 countries and territories. COVID-19 has had its heaviest toll on Europe, United States and China. As of 1st of April 2020, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Africa was relatively low, with the highest number registered by South Africa, which had reported 1,380 confirmed cases. On the same date (also the date of this review), Africa had reported 5,999 confirmed cases, of which 3,838 (almost 65%) occurred in South Africa, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia, with the remaining 2,071 cases distributed unevenly across the other African countries. We speculate that while African nations are currently experiencing much lower rates of COVID-19 relative to other continents, their significantly lower testing rates may grossly underestimate incidence rates. Failure to grasp the true picture may mean crucial windows of opportunity shut unutilized, while limited resources are not deployed to maximum effect. In the absence of extensive testing data, an overestimation of spread may lead to disproportionate measures being taken, causing avoidable strain on livelihoods and economies. Here, based on the African situation, we discuss COVID-19 diagnostic challenges and how they may blunt responses.
Impact of mobile technologies on cervical cancer screening practices in Lagos, Nigeria (mHealth-Cervix): Protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Okunade Kehinde S. , Salako Omolola , Adejimi Adebola A. , Akinsola Oluwatosin J. , Fatiregun Omolara , Adenekan Muisi A. , Moses Olusanjo E. , Ebenso Bassey , Allsop Matthew J. , Anorlu Rose I. , Berek Jonathan S.
Published: May 2020

Background:Incidence and mortality from cervical cancer have remained high due to many obstacles facing the implementation of organized screening programs in resource-constrained countries such as Nigeria. The application of mobile technologies (mHealth) to health services delivery has the potential to reduce inequalities, empower patients to control their health, and improve the cost-effectiveness of health care delivery.

Aim:To assess the efficacy of mobile technology intervention on Pap test screening adherence compared to a control condition and also determine the factors affecting the uptake of Pap smear screening practices among women in Lagos.

Methods:This is a multi-center randomized controlled trial that will involve women aged 25 to 65 years attending the General Outpatient clinics of the two tertiary health institutions in Lagos, Nigeria between April and December 2020. At baseline, a total of 200 National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) enrollees will be randomized to either a text message arm or usual care (control) arm. The primary outcome is the completion of a Pap smear within 6 months of enrolment in the study. The associations between any two groups of continuous variables will be tested using the independent sample t-test (normal distribution) or the Mann-Whitney U test (skewed data) and that of two groups of categorical variables with Chi-squareX2or Fisher's exact test where appropriate. Using binary logistic regression model, we will adjust for age and other relevant sociodemographic and clinical variables and adherence to Pap test screening. Statistical significance will be defined asP-value less than 0.05.

Discussion:The mHealth-Cervix study will evaluate the impact of mobile technologies on cervical cancer screening practices in Lagos, Nigeria as a way of contributing to the reduction in the wide disparities in cervical cancer incidence through early detection facilitated using health promotion to improve Pap smear screening adherence.

Registration:PACTR20200275335451713/02/2020
Using pens as an incentive for questionnaire return in an orthopaedic trial: an embedded randomised controlled retention trial
Authors: Mitchell Alex S. , Cook Liz , Dean Alexandra , Fairhurst Caroline , Northgraves Matthew , Torgerson David J. , Reed Mike
Published: May 2020

Background: We did a ‘study within a trial’ (SWAT), evaluating the effectiveness of the inclusion of a pen with a postal questionnaire, compared to no pen being included, on the retention rate in a large orthopaedic trial.

Methods: The SWAT was embedded in the KReBS trial. The primary outcome was the proportion of 12-month questionnaires returned. Secondary outcomes were the proportion of questionnaires completed and time to questionnaire return. Binary data were analysed using logistic regression and time to return using Cox proportional hazards regression.  Odds ratios (OR) and hazard ratios (HR) are presented, with associated 95% confidence intervals and p-values.

Results: In total, 2306 participants were randomised into the SWAT. In the pen group, 1020/1146 (89.0%) of participants returned a questionnaire, compared to 982/1147 (85.6%) in the no pen group. The absolute difference in questionnaire return rate was 3.4% (95% CI: 0.7% to 6.1%; p=0.01). There were statistically significant differences in questionnaire return rate (OR 1.34; 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.72; p=0.02), questionnaire completion rate (OR 1.39; 95% CI: 1.10 to 1.76; p<0.01) and time to questionnaire return (HR 1.16; 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.27; p<0.01) favouring the pen group.

Conclusion: This SWAT adds to the growing evidence base for whether pens are effective as an incentive for retention, and indicates their potential effectiveness.

Registration: KReBS trial registered on 20 February 2019, ID ISRCTN87127065; SWAT registered on 1 April 2019, ID SWAT92.
Revisiting early-stage COVID-19 strategy options
Authors: Machanick Philip
Published: May 2020

Background: Early-stage interventions in a potential pandemic are important to understand as they can make the difference between runaway exponential growth that is hard to turn back and stopping the spread before it gets that far. COVID19 is an interesting case study because there have been very different outcomes in different localities. These variations are best studied after the fact if precision is the goal; while a pandemic is still unfolding less precise analysis is of value in attempting to guide localities in the early stages to learn lessons of those that preceded them.

Methods: I examine three factors that could differentiate strategy: asymptomatic spread, differences in use of the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) tuberculosis vaccine and cloth face masks. Results: These differences point to the possibility of alternative strategies to prevent COVID-19 from entering the runaway phase. The most promising is testing all contacts of anyone who has tested positive, not only those who are symptomatic. In principle such a study should be able to demonstrate not only what fraction are asymptomatic but also measure asymptomatic transmission by another round of contact tracing. Should this demonstrate asymptomatic transmission, then all contacts of anyone who tests positive should be isolated and tested, and only released from quarantine when it is clear that they are past incubation and not positive.

Conclusions: Before a COVID-19 outbreak reaches the runaway phase where exponential growth makes accurate trace-and test impossible, a strategy that takes into account asymptomatic transmission is viable and should be attempted to avoid the necessity for a prolonged lock down.
Diffusion in Random Networks: Impact of Degree Distribution
Authors: Manshadi Vahideh , Misra Sidhant , Rodilitz Scott
Published: May 2020

Diffusion and Seeding in Random Networks
AS VIVÊNCIAS TRAVESTIS E TRANSEXUAIS NO ESPAÇO DOS TERREIROS DE CULTOS AFRO-BRASILEIROS E DE MATRIZ AFRICANA
Authors: Nascimento Taiane Flôres do , Costa Benhur Pinós da
Published: May 2020

Gênero, sexualidade e religião são temáticas pouco discutidas dentro da geografia, e que estão essencialmente ligadas aos estudos marginais da ciência. Entretanto, com a atual expansão e manifestações de diferentes expressões de gêneros, quanto manifestações de cunho religioso no espaço, a ciência geográfica, aliada as ciências sociais, acompanha a trajetória da sociedade nesta temporalidade, se tornando uma ciência interdisciplinar e plural. Neste sentido, este artigo tem como objetivo geral, relacionar o espaço do terreiro de cultos afro-brasileiros e de matriz africana, como lugar de possibilidade de vivência e expressões travestis e transexuais. Salienta-se que a religiosidade afro em todas as suas formas de manifestação, é periférica. A concepção de que o espaço sagrado do terreiro constitui relações de expressões de gênero diferenciadas, aparece para a sociedade como uma forma de romper a linha contínua de padrões heteronormativos.
A HISTÉRICA E AS BELAS, RECATADAS E DO LAR: MISOGINIA À DILMA ROUSSEFF NA CONCEPÇÃO DAS MULHERES COMO COSTELAS E DOS HOMENS COMO CABEÇA DA POLÍTICA BRASILEIRA
Authors: Zdebskyi Janaína De Fátima , Maranhão Filho Eduardo Meinberg de Albuquerque , Pedro Joana Maria
Published: May 2020

Apresentamos, neste artigo, algumas reflexões acerca dos ataques misóginos perpetrados à primeira presidenta do Brasil, Dilma Rousseff, que, atualmente sofrendo processo de impeachment, foi substituída por um governo interino que, assim como parte dos veículos midiáticos do país, representa uma concepção conservadora do papel da mulher na politica e sociedade brasileira. Este padrão ideal de mulher, de acordo com visão reacionária, pode ser sintetizado pela expressão “belas, recatadas e do lar”, enquanto Dilma, a quem se quer criticar a visão política ou o governo, recebe adjetivos como “feia, histérica e vadia”.
OS MAPAS JORNALÍSTICOS SOBRE AS UNIDADES DE POLÍCIA PACIFICADORA COMO REPRESENTAÇÃO VISUAL DO FAVELISMO
Authors: Rodrigues Liebert
Published: May 2020

No contexto dos conflitos decorrentes da implantação das Unidades de Polícia Pacificadora nas favelas cariocas, o jornal O Globo representou através de mapas a favela em seu noticiário sobre o tema. Partindo do princípio de que os mapas são imagens que se apresentam enquanto ‘verdades’ sobre o espaço e que o jornal é um veículo de comunicação que fabrica ‘verdades’, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo demonstrar que esses mapas jornalísticos apresentaram uma forma de representação que pode ser reconhecida como favelismo. Em referência ao orientalismo de Edward Said, o favelismo foi o termo cunhado por Márcia Pereira Leite para denominar as representações hegemônicas que inferiorizaram um determinado Outro  – os indivíduos associados à favela e o seu espaço. Analisaremos o favelismo enquanto uma matriz de discursos inferiorizantes que se manifestaram nesses mapas jornalísticos, que produziram e reproduziram uma determinada imaginação geográfica sobre as áreas favelizadas.
CONFLUÊNCIA POLÍTICA, RELIGIOSA E MIDIÁTICA: OS LAÇOS DAS REDES PAULISTAS DE TELEVISÃO CATÓLICA NO CONGRESSO NACIONAL
Authors: PLACERES GIULLIANO
Published: May 2020

O presente artigo analisa o apoio político mútuo decorrido entre parlamentares e representantes das quatro maiores redes de televisão católicas brasileiras: TV Aparecida, Canção Nova, Rede Vida e TV Século XXI. Aponta-se a atuação de atores sociais em prol de tais canais televisivos e, igualmente, o apoio político-eleitoral que eles recebem dessas redes. O fomento e patrocínio institucional para a criação de tais canais faz parte, sobretudo da estratégia católica de atuar em contrapartida ao relevante avanço das denominações evangélicas e conjuntamente dar suporte ao seu principal movimento, a Renovação Carismática Católica (RCC). A este contexto estão diretamente relacionadas à eleição de parlamentares no Congresso Nacional com ostensiva identidade católica, ligados sobremaneira à RCC. A partir de pesquisa de campo e sistemática consulta bibliográfica destacam-se, alianças entre políticos e clérigos católicos, concessão e outorga de emissoras de TV por parte do governo federal e processos eleitorais. Tal conjunto de fatores resulta em que tais veículos comunicativos exerçam papel significativo no mercado religioso brasileiro, contribuindo para que a contínua evasão católica não fosse ainda maior.
PEREGRINAÇÃO: O PÉ E O ESPAÇO PARA DAR O PASSO
Authors: SOUZA JOSÉ ARILSON XAVIER DE
Published: May 2020

A peregrinação é uma prática humana que funda uma experiência espacial luminosa. Discorrer geograficamente sobre o belo de tal experiência prática é o que tenciona este ensaio científico. Assim, a peregrinação é percebida como um ato geográfico que pode ser interpretado por meio da tentativa de se aproximar da essência dos passos dados pelos corpos peregrinos, o que equivale refletir a respeito das qualidades simbólicas dos espaços tocados pelos pés de homens e mulheres peregrinas. Fundamentado nas práticas de peregrinos da Romaria de Nosso Senhor do Bonfim (Natividade-TO), chego à ideia de que o peregrino desenvolve uma espécie de poesia corporal pelo espaço, acreditando que as suas experiências podem ser, com algum esforço, apresentadas a partir de textos com tal tom de vida – poético –, como tento proceder.
O COMÉRCIO E OS SERVIÇOS ELETRÔNICOS: CONTRIBUIÇÃO PARA O ESTUDO DE CASO DE CAMPO GRANDE/MS
Authors: SILVA PAULO FERNANDO JURADO DA
Published: May 2020

O comércio tem ocupado papel de destaque na sociedade, mas, ao longo do tempo, as formas de negociar mercadorias foram sendo alteradas. Assim, no momento, é possível escrever sobre o comércio eletrônico, construído com o avanço das tecnologias da informação, estas que permitiram às pessoas comprarem produtos sem, necessariamente, passar pela instância de uma loja física. Com base nesse cenário, o objetivo principal deste artigo é discutir geograficamente o comércio e os serviços eletrônicos, no contexto de Campo Grande-MS. Assim, os procedimentos metodológicos para a realização da pesquisa foram, essencialmente, o trabalho de campo, leituras teóricas, questionários (âmbito amostral), produção, interpretação de dados e informações com vistas a compreender tal realidade. Por fim, os resultados apontam, fundamentalmente, que a utilização do comércio e dos serviços eletrônicos têm sido usados, frequentemente, pela população, trazendo grande complexidade para o debate da produção econômica da Geografia das Telecomunicações.
DEMOGRAFIA E EDUCAÇÃO E COMUNICAÇÃO COMO FENÔMENOS DE SECULARIZAÇÃO? CORRELAÇÃO ENTRE OS ÍNDICES DE SEGURANÇA EXISTENCIAL E DE RELIGIOSIDADE NA EUROPA
Authors: MONIZ JORGE BOTELHO
Published: May 2020

Esta investigação quer dar resposta a dois argumentos essenciais: a ideia de que se chegou a um ponto morto no debate sobre a secularização e de que são precisas novas estratégias teóricas e empíricas para se compreenderem os efeitos dos processos da modernidade na religião. Nesse sentido, inspirando-nos nas proposições de uma das teorias mais atuais, relevantes e sistemáticas da secularização – a segurança existencial –, propomos a criação de um índice de segurança existencial que seja correlacionável com uma medida de religiosidade individual. Chegamos à conclusão de que, para o grupo de países europeus selecionado e para o período temporal examinado (1999-2015), a teoria da secularização, que assevera que as sociedades mais seguras existencialmente são menos religiosas, continua tendo validade empírica.
OS SONS COMO LINGUAGENS ESPACIAIS
Authors: Dozena Alessandro
Published: May 2020

Nossa experiência espacial envolve a escuta de fontes sonoras musicais e não musicais (naturais ou artificiais), sendo essa experiência subjetivamente apropriada a partir do ordenamento dos sons e dos ruídos no âmbito de nossos padrões de racionalidade. Os ruídos, sons e músicas têm cada vez mais feito parte dos estudos geográficos, sendo que a escuta ativa torna-se valiosa nesse processo, da mesma forma que a visão. O objetivo do presente artigo é evidenciar o fato de que os sons se constituem linguagens espaciais, um meio de comunicar ideias ou sentimentos a partir de fontes sonoras. Essa proposição infere que ao ouvir músicas um indivíduo também "ouve o território", na medida em que características musicais como melodia, harmonia, escala e ritmo, relacionam-se a condicionamentos espaciais específicos.
O ensino de língua inglesa na contemporaneidade: análise de unidades de livros didáticos de alcance global de acordo com o paradigma do inglês como língua internacional (ILI)
Authors: Nóbrega Caio Antônio
Published: May 2020

Neste artigo, objetivamos analisar duas unidades de dois livros didáticos de ensino de inglês que possuem alcance global, a partir dos preceitos que fundamentam a área de Inglês como língua internacional (ILI). Para tanto, fazemos um percurso teórico em que discutimos algumas das principais questões que envolvem a área de ILI, sua intersecção potencialmente descolonizadora com a Linguística Aplicada, bem como tratamos da relação entre livros didáticos e ensino de ILI. A análise demonstra que os dois livros cotejados não se encontram plenamente articulados aos preceitos pedagógicos de ILI; de fato, algum grau de adaptação ou complementação é necessário.
Apresentação
Authors: Araújo Everaldo Lima de , Mendes Thales Sant'Ana Ferreira , Lopes Thiago Wallace Rodrigues dos Santos
Published: May 2020

Apresentação da edição 31.