bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-throughput lensless whole slide imaging via continuous height-varying modulation of a tilted sensor
Authors: Jiang Shaowei , Guo Chengfei , Hu Patrick , Hu Derek , Song Pengming , Wang Tianbo , Bian Zichao , Zhang Zibang , Zheng Guoan
Published: September 2021

We report a new, to the best of our knowledge, lensless microscopy configuration by integrating the concepts of transverse translational ptychography and defocus multi-height phase retrieval. In this approach, we place a tilted image sensor under the specimen for introducing linearly increasing phase modulation along one lateral direction. Similar to the operation of ptychography, we laterally translate the specimen and acquire the diffraction images for reconstruction. Since the axial distance between the specimen and the sensor varies at different lateral positions, laterally translating the specimen effectively introduces defocus multi-height measurements while eliminating axial scanning. Lateral translation further introduces sub-pixel shift for pixel super-resolution imaging and naturally expands the field of view for rapid whole slide imaging. We show that the equivalent height variation can be precisely estimated from the lateral shift of the specimen, thereby addressing the challenge of precise axial positioning in conventional multi-height phase retrieval. Using a sensor with 1.67 µm pixel size, our low-cost and field-portable prototype can resolve the 690 nm linewidth on the resolution target. We show that a whole slide image of a blood smear with a

120

m
m

2

field of view can be acquired in 18 s. We also demonstrate accurate automatic white blood cell counting from the recovered image. The reported approach may provide a turnkey solution for addressing point-of-care and telemedicine-related challenges.
Floquet defect solitons
Authors: Ivanov Sergey K. , Kartashov Yaroslav V. , Konotop Vladimir V.
Published: September 2021

We consider an array of straight nonlinear waveguides constituting a two-dimensional square lattice, with a few central layers tilted with respect to the rest of the structure. It is shown that such a configuration represents a line defect in the lattice plane, which is periodically modulated along the propagation direction. In the linear limit, such a system sustains line defect modes, whose number coincides with the number of tilted layers. In the presence of nonlinearity, the branches of defect solitons propagating along the defect line bifurcate from each of the linear defect modes. Depending on the effective dispersion induced by the Floquet spectrum of the system, the bifurcating solitons can be either bright or dark. Dynamics and stability of such solitons are studied numerically.
Self-frequency shift of AlN-on-sapphire Kerr solitons
Authors: Yao Shunyu , Wei Ziqi , Guo Yanan , Zhang Liang , Wang Junxi , Yan Jianchang , Bao Chengying , Yang Changxi
Published: September 2021

We study the self-frequency shift of continuously pumped Kerr solitons in AlN-on-sapphire microcavities with Raman gain bandwidths narrower than the cavity free-spectral range. Solitons are generated in

∼

230

G
H
z

microcavities via high-order mode dispersion engineering. The dependence of the self-frequency shift on soliton pulse width is measured and differs from amorphous material microcavities. Our measurement and simulation reveal the impact of frequency detuning between the cavity resonances and Raman gain peaks, as well as the importance of all three Raman gain peaks. The interplay between the Raman effect and dispersive wave recoil and a potential quiet point are also observed.
Active, controlled circular, and spin-rotational movement of optically trapped airborne micro-particles
Authors: Arnold Jessica A. , Kalume Aimable , Wang Chuji , Videen Gorden , Pan Yong-Le
Published: September 2021

We present a novel method for actively controlling circular and/or spin-rotational motion of an optically trapped airborne micro-particle. A 532-nm Gaussian laser beam is shaped into an elliptical ring by a pair of axicons and a cylindrical lens. The shaped beam is then focused into an elliptic cone that produces an optical trap. As the cylindrical lens is rotated, a torque is exerted on the trapped particle, resulting in circular or spin-rotational motion. We show examples of the circular-rotational movement as a function of laser power and the rotation rate of the cylindrical lens.
Quantifying bacterial evolution in the wild: A birthday problem for Campylobacter lineages
Authors: Calland Jessica K. , Pascoe Ben , Bayliss Sion C. , Mourkas Evangelos , Berthenet Elvire , Thorpe Harry A. , Hitchings Matthew D. , Feil Edward J. , Corander Jukka , Blaser Martin J. , Falush Daniel , Sheppard Samuel K.
Published: September 2021

Measuring molecular evolution in bacteria typically requires estimation of the rate at which nucleotide changes accumulate in strains sampled at different times that share a common ancestor. This approach has been useful for dating ecological and evolutionary events that coincide with the emergence of important lineages, such as outbreak strains and obligate human pathogens. However, in multi-host (niche) transmission scenarios, where the pathogen is essentially an opportunistic environmental organism, sampling is often sporadic and rarely reflects the overall population, particularly when concentrated on clinical isolates. This means that approaches that assume recent common ancestry are not applicable. Here we present a new approach to estimate the molecular clock rate in Campylobacter that draws on the popular probability conundrum known as the ‘birthday problem’. Using large genomic datasets and comparative genomic approaches, we use isolate pairs that share recent common ancestry to estimate the rate of nucleotide change for the population. Identifying synonymous and non-synonymous nucleotide changes, both within and outside of recombined regions of the genome, we quantify clock-like diversification to estimate synonymous rates of nucleotide change for the common pathogenic bacteria Campylobacter coli (2.4 x 10−6 s/s/y) and Campylobacter jejuni (3.4 x 10−6 s/s/y). Finally, using estimated total rates of nucleotide change, we infer the number of effective lineages within the sample time frame–analogous to a shared birthday–and assess the rate of turnover of lineages in our sample set over short evolutionary timescales. This provides a generalizable approach to calibrating rates in populations of environmental bacteria and shows that multiple lineages are maintained, implying that large-scale clonal sweeps may take hundreds of years or more in these species.
Regional differences in short stature in England between 2006 and 2019: A cross-sectional analysis from the National Child Measurement Programme
Authors: Orr Joanna , Freer Joseph , Morris Joan K. , Hancock Caroline , Walton Robert , Dunkel Leo , Storr Helen L. , Prendergast Andrew J.
Published: September 2021

Background

Short stature, defined as height for age more than 2 standard deviations (SDs) below the population median, is an important indicator of child health. Short stature (often termed stunting) has been widely researched in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), but less is known about the extent and burden in high-income settings. We aimed to map the prevalence of short stature in children aged 4–5 years in England between 2006 and 2019.

Methods and findings

We used data from the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) for the school years 2006–2007 to 2018–2019. All children attending state-maintained primary schools in England are invited to participate in the NCMP, and heights from a total of 7,062,071 children aged 4–5 years were analysed. We assessed short stature, defined as a height-for-age standard deviation score (SDS) below −2 using the United Kingdom WHO references, by sex, index of multiple deprivation (IMD), ethnicity, and region. Geographic clustering of short stature was analysed using spatial analysis in SaTScan. The prevalence of short stature in England was 1.93% (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.92–1.94). Ethnicity adjusted spatial analyses showed geographic heterogeneity of short stature, with high prevalence clusters more likely in the North and Midlands, leading to 4-fold variation between local authorities (LAs) with highest and lowest prevalence of short stature. Short stature was linearly associated with IMD, with almost 2-fold higher prevalence in the most compared with least deprived decile (2.56% (2.53–2.59) vs. 1.38% (1.35–1.41)). There was ethnic heterogeneity: Short stature prevalence was lowest in Black children (0.64% (0.61–0.67)) and highest in Indian children (2.52% (2.45–2.60)) and children in other ethnic categories (2.57% (2.51–2.64)). Girls were more likely to have short stature than boys (2.09% (2.07–2.10) vs. 1.77% (1.76–1.78), respectively). Short stature prevalence declined over time, from 2.03% (2.01–2.05) in 2006–2010 to 1.82% (1.80–1.84) in 2016–2019. Short stature declined at all levels of area deprivation, with faster declines in more deprived areas, but disparities by IMD quintile were persistent. This study was conducted cross-sectionally at an area level, and, therefore, we cannot make any inferences about the individual causes of short stature.

Conclusions

In this study, we observed a clear social gradient and striking regional variation in short stature across England, including a North–South divide. These findings provide impetus for further investigation into potential socioeconomic influences on height and the factors underlying regional variation.
Predictive symptoms for COVID-19 in the community: REACT-1 study of over 1 million people
Authors: Elliott Joshua , Whitaker Matthew , Bodinier Barbara , Eales Oliver , Riley Steven , Ward Helen , Cooke Graham , Darzi Ara , Chadeau-Hyam Marc , Elliott Paul
Published: September 2021

Background

Rapid detection, isolation, and contact tracing of community COVID-19 cases are essential measures to limit the community spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We aimed to identify a parsimonious set of symptoms that jointly predict COVID-19 and investigated whether predictive symptoms differ between the B.1.1.7 (Alpha) lineage (predominating as of April 2021 in the US, UK, and elsewhere) and wild type.

Methods and findings

We obtained throat and nose swabs with valid SARS-CoV-2 PCR test results from 1,147,370 volunteers aged 5 years and above (6,450 positive cases) in the REal-time Assessment of Community Transmission-1 (REACT-1) study. This study involved repeated community-based random surveys of prevalence in England (study rounds 2 to 8, June 2020 to January 2021, response rates 22%–27%). Participants were asked about symptoms occurring in the week prior to testing. Viral genome sequencing was carried out for PCR-positive samples with N-gene cycle threshold value < 34 (N= 1,079) in round 8 (January 2021). In univariate analysis, all 26 surveyed symptoms were associated with PCR positivity compared with non-symptomatic people. Stability selection (1,000 penalized logistic regression models with 50% subsampling) among people reporting at least 1 symptom identified 7 symptoms as jointly and positively predictive of PCR positivity in rounds 2–7 (June to December 2020): loss or change of sense of smell, loss or change of sense of taste, fever, new persistent cough, chills, appetite loss, and muscle aches. The resulting model (rounds 2–7) predicted PCR positivity in round 8 with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.77. The same 7 symptoms were selected as jointly predictive of B.1.1.7 infection in round 8, although when comparing B.1.1.7 with wild type, new persistent cough and sore throat were more predictive of B.1.1.7 infection while loss or change of sense of smell was more predictive of the wild type. The main limitations of our study are (i) potential participation bias despite random sampling of named individuals from the National Health Service register and weighting designed to achieve a representative sample of the population of England and (ii) the necessary reliance on self-reported symptoms, which may be prone to recall bias and may therefore lead to biased estimates of symptom prevalence in England.

Conclusions

Where testing capacity is limited, it is important to use tests in the most efficient way possible. We identified a set of 7 symptoms that, when considered together, maximize detection of COVID-19 in the community, including infection with the B.1.1.7 lineage.
Platelet mitochondrial respiration and coenzyme Q10 could be used as new diagnostic strategy for mitochondrial dysfunction in rheumatoid diseases
Authors: Gvozdjáková Anna , Sumbalová Zuzana , Kucharská Jarmila , Szamosová Monika , Čápová Lubica , Rausová Zuzana , Vančová Oľga , Mojto Viliam , Langsjoen Peter , Palacka Patrik
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimunne disorder affecting both small and large synovial joints, leading to their destruction. Platelet biomarkers are involved in inflammation in RA patients. Increased circulating platelet counts in RA patients may contribute to platelet hyperactivity and thrombosis. In this pilot study we evaluated platelet mitochondrial bioenergy function, CoQ10 levels and oxidative stress in RA patients.

Methods

Twenty-one RA patients and 19 healthy volunteers participated in the study. High resolution respirometry (HRR) was used for analysis of platelet mitochondrial bioenergetics. CoQ10 was determined by HPLC method; TBARS were detected spectrophotometrically.

Results

Slight dysfunction in platelet mitochondrial respiration and reduced platelet CoQ10 levels were observed in RA patients compared with normal controls.

Conclusions

The observed decrease in platelet CoQ10 levels may lead to platelet mitochondrial dysfunction in RA diseases. Determination of platelet mitochondrial function and platelet CoQ10 levels could be used as new diagnostic strategies for mitochondrial bioenergetics in rheumatoid diseases.
Hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of severe respiratory infection by COVID-19: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hernandez-Cardenas Carmen , Thirion-Romero Ireri , Rodríguez-Llamazares Sebastián , Rivera-Martinez Norma E. , Meza-Meneses Patricia , Remigio-Luna Arantxa , Perez-Padilla Rogelio ,   on behalf of the Research Group on hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19
Published: September 2021

Introduction

The novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID–19) represents a major public health problem and it is key to find a treatment that reduces mortality. Our objective was to estimate whether treatment with 400 mg/day of Hydroxychloroquine for 10 days reduces in-hospital mortality in subjects with severe respiratory disease due to COVID-19 compared with placebo.

Material and methods

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of severe disease by COVID-19 through an intention-to-treat analysis. Eligible for the study were adults aged more than 18 years with COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR and lung injury requiring hospitalization with or without mechanical ventilation. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes: days of mechanical ventilation, days of hospitalization and cumulative incidence of serious adverse events.

Results

A total of 214 patients with COVID-19 were recruited, randomized and analyzed. They were hypoxemic with a mean SpO2of 65% ± 20, tachycardic (pulse rate 108±17 min-1) and tachypneic (32 ±10 min-1); 162 were under mechanical ventilation at randomization. Thirty-day mortality was similar in both groups (38% in Hydroxychloroquine vs. 41% in placebo, hazard ratio [HR] 0.88, 95% Confidence Interval [95%CI] 0.51–1.53). In the surviving participants, no significant difference was found in secondary outcomes.

Conclusion

No beneficial effect or significant harm could be demonstrated in our randomized controlled trial including 214 patients, using relatively low doses of Hydroxychloroquine compared with placebo in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19.
Prevalence and severity of secondary traumatic stress and optimism in Indian health care professionals during COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: K. N. Manohar , Parashar Neha , Kumar C. R. Satish , Verma Vivek , Rao Sanjiv , Y. Sekhar , K. Vijay Kumar , A. Amalselvam , T. R. Hemkumar , B. N. Prem Kumar , K. Sridhar , S. Pradeep Kumar , K. Sangeeta , Shivam  , Kumar Chetan , Judith
Published: September 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the lacunae in the preparedness of healthcare systems across the globe. This preparedness also includes the safety of healthcare providers (HCPs) at various levels. Sudden spread of COVID-19 infection has created threatening and vulnerable conditions for the HCPs. The current pandemic situation has not only affected physical health of HCPs but also their mental health.

Objective

This study aims to understand the prevalence and severity of secondary traumatic stress, optimism parameters, along with states of mood experienced by the HCPs, viz., doctors, nurses and allied healthcare professionals (including Physiotherapist, Lab technicians, Phlebotomist, dieticians, administrative staff and clinical pharmacist), during the COVID-19 lockdown in India.

Methodology

The assessment of level of secondary traumatic stress (STS), optimism/pessimism (via Life Orientation Test-Revised) and current mood states experienced by Indian HCPs in the present COVID-19 pandemic situation was done using a primary data of 2,008 HCPs from India during the first lockdown during April-May 2020. Data was collected through snow-ball sampling technique, reaching out to various medical health care professionals through social media platforms.

Result

Amongst the study sample 88.2% of doctors, 79.2 of nurses and 58.6% of allied HCPs were found to have STS in varying severity. There was a female preponderance in the category of Severe STS. Higher optimism on the LOTR scale was observed among doctors at 39.3% followed by nurses at 26.7% and allied health care professionals 22.8%. The mood visual analogue scale which measures the “mood” during the survey indicated moderate mood states without any gender bias in the study sample.

Conclusion

The current investigation sheds light on the magnitude of the STSS experienced by the HCPs in the Indian Subcontinent during the pandemic. This hitherto undiagnosed and unaddressed issue, calls for a dire need of creating better and accessible mental health programmes and facilities for the health care providers in India.
Cross-national study of communal attitudes toward individuals with intellectual disabilities in sub-Saharan Africa: Cameroon vs. Ghana
Authors: Opoku Maxwell Peprah , Elhoweris Hala , Jiya Alex Nester , Ngoh Nlem Anne-Paule , Nketsia William , Kumi Emmanuel Opoku , Torgbenu Eric Lawer
Published: September 2021

Background

An intellectual disability (ID) is characterized by a deficit in the functional, cognitive, and adaptive skills required for independent living. Due to the low cognitive capabilities of individuals with IDs, they have become victims of marginalization, exclusion, and denial of their fundamental rights to basic necessities in societies around the world. While efforts are being made to improve service provision to and acceptance of individuals with disabilities, the extent of communal acceptance and recognition of these individuals as equal members of society remains underexplored in sub-Saharan African countries such as Cameroon and Ghana.

Objective

As attitudes toward individuals with IDs are pivotal in shaping national policies, this cross-national study examined communal attitudes toward persons with IDs in Cameroon and Ghana.

Method

The Community Living Attitude Scale for Intellectual Disabilities (CLAS-ID) was used to collect data from a total of 741 university students in the two countries. The validity of the scale was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis and principal component analysis. The association between the background variables and attitudes was examined using t-tests, analysis of variance, linear regression, and two-way factor analysis.

Results

The results showed the validity of the CLAS-ID as a valid tool for measuring communal attitudes toward individuals with IDs in sub-Saharan Africa. The participants appeared ambivalent about attitude towards individuals with ID and other findings showed no association between attitudes and variables such as gender, relation, and contact with individuals with IDs.

Conclusion

We discuss the need for innovative approaches aimed at changing attitudes toward individuals with IDs in sub-Saharan Africa as well as other study implications.
Synchronising institutions and value systems: A model of opinion dynamics mediated by proportional representation
Authors: Segovia-Martin Jose , Tamariz Monica
Published: September 2021

Individuals increasingly participate in online platforms where they copy, share and form they opinions. Social interactions in these platforms are mediated by digital institutions, which dictate algorithms that in turn affect how users form and evolve their opinions. In this work, we examine the conditions under which convergence on shared opinions can be obtained in a social network where connected agents repeatedly update their normalised cardinal preferences (i.e. value systems) under the influence of a non-constant reflexive signal (i.e. institution) that aggregates populations’ information using a proportional representation rule. We analyse the impact of institutions that aggregate (i) expressed opinions (i.e. opinion-aggregation institutions), and (ii) cardinal preferences (i.e. value-aggregation institutions). We find that, in certain regions of the parameter space, moderate institutional influence can lead to moderate consensus and strong institutional influence can lead to polarisation. In our randomised network, local coordination alone in the total absence of institutions does not lead to convergence on shared opinions, but very low levels of institutional influence are sufficient to generate a feedback loop that favours global conventions. We also show that opinion-aggregation may act as a catalyst for value change and convergence. When applied to digital institutions, we show that the best mechanism to avoid extremism is to increase the initial diversity of the value systems in the population.
Determinants of utilization of antenatal and delivery care at the community level in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Pervin Jesmin , Venkateswaran Mahima , Nu U. Tin , Rahman Monjur , O’Donnell Brian F. , Friberg Ingrid K. , Rahman Anisur , Frøen J. Frederik
Published: September 2021

Background

Timely utilization of antenatal care and delivery services supports the health of mothers and babies. Few studies exist on the utilization and determinants of timely ANC and use of different types of health facilities at the community level in Bangladesh. This study aims to assess the utilization, timeliness of, and socio-demographic determinants of antenatal and delivery care services in two sub-districts in Bangladesh.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used data collected through a structured questionnaire in the eRegMat cluster-randomized controlled trial, which enrolled pregnant women between October 2018-June 2020. We undertook univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine the associations of socio-demographic variables with timely first ANC, four timely ANC visits, and facility delivery. We considered the associations in the multivariate logistic regression as statistically significant if the p-value was found to be <0.05. Results are presented as adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Data were available on 3293 pregnant women. Attendance at a timely first antenatal care visit was 59%. Uptake of four timely antenatal care visits was 4.2%. About three-fourths of the women delivered in a health facility. Women from all socio-economic groups gradually shifted from using public health facilities to private hospitals as the pregnancy advanced. Timely first antenatal care visit was associated with: women over 30 years of age (AOR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.05–2.19); nulliparity (AOR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.04–1.62); husbands with >10 years of education (AOR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.09–1.81) and being in the highest wealth quintile (AOR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.18–1.89). Facility deliveries were associated with woman’s age; parity; education; the husband’s education, and wealth index. None of the available socio-demographic factors were associated with four timely antenatal care visits.

Conclusions

The study observed socio-demographic inequalities associated with increased utilization of timely first antenatal care visit and facility delivery. The pregnant women, irrespective of wealth shifted from public to private facilities for their antenatal care visits and delivery. To increase the health service utilization and promote good health, maternal health care programs should pay particular attention to young, multiparous women, of low socio-economic status, or with poorly educated husbands.

Clinical trial registration

ISRCTN69491836; https://www.isrctn.com/. Registered on December 06, 2018. Retrospectively registered.
Drug repurposing for COVID-19 based on an integrative meta-analysis of SARS-CoV-2 induced gene signature in human airway epithelium
Authors: Gupta Rajaneesh K. , Nwachuku Enyinna L. , Zusman Benjamin E. , Jha Ruchira M. , Puccio Ava M.
Published: September 2021

Drug repurposing has the potential to bring existing de-risked drugs for effective intervention in an ongoing pandemic—COVID-19 that has infected over 131 million, with 2.8 million people succumbing to the illness globally (as of April 04, 2021). We have used a novel `gene signature’-based drug repositioning strategy by applying widely accepted gene ranking algorithms to prioritize the FDA approved or under trial drugs. We mined publically available RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data using CLC Genomics Workbench 20 (QIAGEN) and identified 283 differentially expressed genes (FDR<0.05, log2FC>1) after a meta-analysis of three independent studies which were based on severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in primary human airway epithelial cells. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) revealed that SARS-CoV-2 activated key canonical pathways and gene networks that intricately regulate general anti-viral as well as specific inflammatory pathways. Drug database, extracted from the Metacore and IPA, identified 15 drug targets (with information on COVID-19 pathogenesis) with 46 existing drugs as potential-novel candidates for repurposing for COVID-19 treatment. We found 35 novel drugs that inhibit targets (ALPL, CXCL8, and IL6) already in clinical trials for COVID-19. Also, we found 6 existing drugs against 4 potential anti-COVID-19 targets (CCL20, CSF3, CXCL1, CXCL10) that might have novel anti-COVID-19 indications. Finally, these drug targets were computationally prioritized based on gene ranking algorithms, which revealed CXCL10 as the common and strongest candidate with 2 existing drugs. Furthermore, the list of 283 SARS-CoV-2-associated proteins could be valuable not only as anti-COVID-19 targets but also useful for COVID-19 biomarker development.
Enhanced copper-resistance gene repertoire in Alteromonas macleodii strains isolated from copper-treated marine coatings
Authors: Cusick Kathleen , Iturbide Ane , Gautam Pratima , Price Amelia , Polson Shawn , MacDonald Madolyn , Erill Ivan
Published: September 2021

Copper is prevalent in coastal ecosystems due to its use as an algaecide and as an anti-fouling agent on ship hulls. Alteromonas spp. have previously been shown to be some of the early colonizers of copper-based anti-fouling paint but little is known about the mechanisms they use to overcome this initial copper challenge. The main models of copper resistance include the Escherichia coli chromosome-based Cue and Cus systems; the plasmid-based E. coli Pco system; and the plasmid-based Pseudomonas syringae Cop system. These were all elucidated from strains isolated from copper-rich environments of agricultural and/or enteric origin. In this work, copper resistance assays demonstrated the ability of Alteromonas macleodii strains CUKW and KCC02 to grow at levels lethal to other marine bacterial species. A custom database of Hidden Markov Models was designed based on proteins from the Cue, Cus, and Cop/Pco systems and used to identify potential copper resistance genes in CUKW and KCC02. Comparative genomic analyses with marine bacterial species and bacterial species isolated from copper-rich environments demonstrated that CUKW and KCC02 possess genetic elements of all systems, oftentimes with multiple copies, distributed throughout the chromosome and mega-plasmids. In particular, two copies of copA (the key player in cytoplasmic detoxification), each with its own apparent MerR-like transcriptional regulator, occur on a mega-plasmid, along with multiple copies of Pco homologs. Genes from both systems were induced upon exposure to elevated copper levels (100 μM– 3 mM). Genomic analysis identified one of the merR-copA clusters occurs on a genomic island (GI) within the plasmid, and comparative genomic analysis found that either of the merR-copA clusters, which also includes genes coding for a cupredoxin domain-containing protein and an isoprenylcysteine methyltransferase, occurs on a GI across diverse bacterial species. These genomic findings combined with the ability of CUKW and KCC02 to grow in copper-challenged conditions are couched within the context of the genome flexibility of the Alteromonas genus.
The pattern of brain-size change in the early evolution of cetaceans
Authors: Waugh David A. , Thewissen J. G. M.
Published: September 2021

Most authors have identified two rapid increases in relative brain size (encephalization quotient, EQ) in cetacean evolution: first at the origin of the modern suborders (odontocetes and mysticetes) around the Eocene-Oligocene transition, and a second at the origin of the delphinoid odontocetes during the middle Miocene. We explore how methods used to estimate brain and body mass alter this perceived timing and rate of cetacean EQ evolution. We provide new data on modern mammals (mysticetes, odontocetes, and terrestrial artiodactyls) and show that brain mass and endocranial volume scale allometrically, and that endocranial volume is not a direct proxy for brain mass. We demonstrate that inconsistencies in the methods used to estimate body size across the Eocene-Oligocene boundary have caused a spurious pattern in earlier relative brain size studies. Instead, we employ a single method, using occipital condyle width as a skeletal proxy for body mass using a new dataset of extant cetaceans, to clarify this pattern. We suggest that cetacean relative brain size is most accurately portrayed using EQs based on the scaling coefficients as observed in the closely related terrestrial artiodactyls. Finally, we include additional data for an Eocene whale, raising the sample size of Eocene archaeocetes to seven. Our analysis of fossil cetacean EQ is different from previous works which had shown that a sudden increase in EQ coincided with the origin of odontocetes at the Eocene-Oligocene boundary. Instead, our data show that brain size increased at the origin of basilosaurids, 5 million years before the Eocene-Oligocene transition, and we do not observe a significant increase in relative brain size at the origin of odontocetes.
Fused ring effect on optical nonlinearity and structure property relationship of anthracenyl chalcone based push-pull chromophores
Authors: Zainuri Dian Alwani , Abdullah Mundzir , Zaini Muhamad Fikri , Bakhtiar Hazri , Arshad Suhana , Abdul Razak Ibrahim
Published: September 2021

The Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectra indicate that anthracenyl chalcones (ACs) have high maximum wavelengths and good transparency windows for optical applications and are suitable for optoelectronic applications owing to their HOMO–LUMO energy gaps (2.93 and 2.76 eV). Different donor substituents on the AC affect their dipole moments and nonlinear optical (NLO) responses. The positive, negative, and neutral electrostatic potential regions of the molecules were identified using molecular electrostatic potential (MEP). The stability of the molecule on account of hyperconjugative interactions and accompanying charge delocalization was analyzed using natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. Open and closed aperture Z-scans were performed using a continuous-wave frequency-doubled diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser to measure the nonlinear absorption and nonlinear refractive index coefficients, respectively. The valley-to-peak profile of AC indicated a negative nonlinear refractive index coefficient. The obtained single crystals possess reverse saturation absorption due to excited-state absorption. The structural and nonlinear optical properties of the molecules have been discussed, along with the role of anthracene substitution for enhancing the nonlinear optical properties. The calculated third-order susceptibility value was 1.10 x10-4 esu at an intensity of 4.1 kW/cm2, higher than the reported values for related chalcone derivatives. The NLO response for both ACs offers excellent potential in optical switching and limiting applications.
Risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers outside hospitals: A real-life immuno-virological study during the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic
Authors: Fröberg Maria , Hassan Sadaf Sakina , Pimenoff Ville N. , Akterin Susanne , Conneryd Lundgren Kalle , Elfström K. Miriam , Dillner Joakim
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Most COVID-19 related infections and deaths may occur in healthcare outside hospitals. Here we explored SARS-CoV-2 infections among healthcare workers (HCWs) in this setting.

Design

All healthcare providers in Stockholm, Sweden were asked to recruit HCWs at work for a study of past or present SARS-CoV-2 infections among HCWs. Study participants This study reports the results from 839 HCWs, mostly employees of primary care centers, sampled in June 2020.

Results

SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was found among 12% (100/839) of HCWs, ranging from 0% to 29% between care units. Seropositivity decreased by age and was highest among HCWs <40 years of age. Within this age group there was 19% (23/120) seropositivity among women and 11% (15/138) among men (p<0.02). Current infection, as measured using PCR, was found in only 1% and the typical testing pattern of pre-symptomatic potential “superspreaders” found in only 2/839 subjects.

Conclusions

Previous SARS-CoV-2 infections were common among younger HCWs in this setting. Pre-symptomatic infection was uncommon, in line with the strong variability in SARS-CoV-2 exposure between units. Prioritizing infection prevention and control including sufficient and adequate personal protective equipment, and vaccination for all HCWs are important to prevent nosocomial infections and infections as occupational injuries during an ongoing pandemic.
Gabber: Raising hell in technoculture1
Authors: Rietveld Hillegonda C. , Monroe Alexei
Published: September 2021

Gabber is a hardcore electronic dance music genre, typified by extreme speed and overdrive, which developed in the Netherlands, with Rotterdam as its epicentre, during the early 1990s, when house music-inspired dance events dominated. The use of distorted noise and references to popular body horror, such as Hellraiser, dominated its scene, and soon gabber was commented on as ‘the metal of house music’, a statement that this article aims to investigate. Applying a genealogical discographic approach, the research found that the electronic noise music aesthetic of industrial music was crucial for the formation of the sound of gabber. The hardcore electronic dance music that developed from this is at once ironically nihilistic, a contrary critique, and a populist safety valve. The digital machine noise of hardcore seems to offer an immersive means to process the experience of (emasculating) fluidity within post-human accelerated technoculture, itself propelled by rapid digital capital and information technologies.
Opening up the pit: Negotiating a punk ethos with PUP
Authors: Bimm Morgan , Schwartz Andi
Published: September 2021

What does it mean to be punk within the Canadian music industry? This article offers a close reading of the band PUP’s politics, grassroots partnerships and personal interviews to argue that they not only skew punk in genre terms, but also embody a punk ethos. Furthermore, this article will confront the ambivalent politics of punk as it becomes entangled with cultural nationalism and national identity-building through institutional arts funding and awards. If punk is about resisting the establishment, how might we reconcile PUP’s reputation as a definitively ‘Canadian’ band with their outspokenness around issues ranging from anti-Black racism to police violence to ongoing colonialism? In what ways might PUP’s leftist politics be absorbed into Canada’s national identity through their receipt of institutional recognition, funding and awards? To make sense of these entanglements, we draw on Tavia Nyong’o’s punk or punk’d theory, which responds to the apparent reification of queer theory and calls on scholars to cultivate a punk spirit. Following Nyong’o and other punk scholars, we ask: is PUP punk’ing the Canadian music machine?
Desarrollo y validación de la escala de planificación centrada en la persona (E-PCP)
Authors: Cuervo Rodríguez Tania , Iglesias García M.ª Teresa
Published: September 2021

En los últimos años se ha investigado mucho sobre la aplicación y los efectos de la Planificación Centrada en la Persona (PCP), pero no se han encontrado instrumentos estandarizados adaptados al contexto español para hacerlo de forma rigurosa. Este estudio busca diseñar y validar la Escala de Planificación Centrada en la Persona (E-PCP) con el fin de ofrecer un instrumento válido y fiable que permita hacerlo. Para su diseño y validación de contenido se ha utilizado la revisión bibliográfica y se ha aplicado la técnica Delphi. La escala resultante se ha aplicado a una muestra de 102 profesionales que trabajan en centros de atención a personas con discapacidad intelectual en Asturias, lo que ha permitido el análisis de sus propiedades psicométricas. Para analizar la validez de constructo se ha realizado una validación cruzada mediante análisis factorial exploratorio (AFE) y análisis factorial confirmatorio (AFC). Los resultados ofrecen una escala con una buena fiabilidad (α = ,96), que explica el 58 % de la varianza, y con una estructura unifactorial integrada por 16 ítems. Su brevedad, fiabilidad y validez indican que este instrumento puede ser de utilidad para la investigación y la práctica profesional.
Ciencia inclusiva, cine y creatividad: herramientas para mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas con discapacidad intelectual
Authors: Ortega-Alonso Diego , De Castro-López M.ª Elvira
Published: September 2021

Este artículo tiene como objeto revisar la importancia del desarrollo de acciones de innovación social y creatividad en el ámbito del ocio para las personas con discapacidad intelectual en particular, y para la sociedad en general, a través de un estudio de caso: el proyecto PDICIENCIA. Este aborda de forma proactiva la plena inclusión de las personas con discapacidad intelectual a través de acciones innovadoras que fomentan la cultura científica, tecnológica y de la innovación entre públicos habitualmente alejados de estas áreas. Además, empodera a las personas con discapacidad intelectual para dotarlas de unas habilidades profesionales y sociales. Veremos cómo su participación activa en actividades de creatividad, divulgación científica o producción cinematográfica, implantadas a través de los planes de atención individualizados de la Asociación de Familiares y Amigos de Personas con Discapacidad Intelectual (AFAMP) en la Residencia Pedro Gámez de Bailén (Jaén), puede incidir en la mejora de su calidad de vida.
Propuesta didáctica con enfoque ecológico e interdisciplinar: una apuesta por la educación superior inclusiva
Authors: Ramírez Salazar Doris Adriana , Soto Ossa Paola Andrea , Rugeles López María Teresa , Lugo Agudel Luz Helena , Ocampo Agudelo María Catalina , Ruiz Yepes Marcela , Pereira Velásquez Diego Andrés , Vanegas Castro Alejandra , Lopera Cataño Carolina , Seijas Bermúdez Vanessa Andreina
Published: September 2021

Las personas en situación de discapacidad intelectual han tenido pocas oportunidades para acceder a la educación superior; durante mucho tiempo se ha considerado que ellas no son un colectivo potencial para formarse en el ámbito universitario. Este artículo es derivado de una investigación que se desarrolló en el contexto colombiano, cuyo propósito consistió en contribuir a disminuir las barreras de los jóvenes para su inclusión en el contexto familiar, social, académico y ocupacional, mediante el diseño y validación de un modelo de atención integral con enfoque ecológico e interdisciplinar. El estudio tuvo una perspectiva metodológica mixta, se utilizó la escala ABAS II para evaluar el índice de conducta adaptativa en 20 jóvenes a modo de pretest y postest. Se concluyó que esta experiencia contribuyó a la formación y calidad de vida de los jóvenes; y mostró que a todas las personas se les puede enseñar, pero que cada una aprende en su singularidad.
Fases y pasos en la implementación de prácticas recomendadas en atención temprana
Authors: Escorcia Mora Claudia Tatiana , Cañadas Pérez Margarita , Martínez-Rico Gabriel , García Grau Pau
Published: September 2021

La Atención Temprana (AT) hace referencia al conjunto de acciones realizadas para dar apoyos a los niños con discapacidad y/o riesgo de presentar dificultades en su desarrollo y a sus familias. Desde hace décadas, se reconoce la importancia de la influencia de los cuidadores principales del niño y de los entornos en su aprendizaje. Por esta razón, los servicios de AT han ido modificando sus prácticas hacia un enfoque más centrado en la familia y en los contextos naturales de los niños. Es mucha la evidencia que demuestra la importancia de elaborar un plan de implementación sistemático, basado en la colaboración de todas las partes implicadas en el proceso, de manera que permita que las acciones de los servicios sean efectivas y eficientes, lo que contribuye a mejorar la calidad de vida de los niños y sus familias. En este trabajo presentamos las características y las diferentes fases del proceso de implementación que, con base en la evidencia científica, nos aportan los elementos claves para asegurar servicios que cumplen con los criterios de prácticas recomendadas en AT.
Synergy of Parents and Teachers in Students Learning to Instill Religious and Moral Values in the Pandemic Period
Authors: Munastiwi Erni
Published: September 2021

The relationship of parents and teachers in the education unit has an important role in optimizing students' abilities. But the outbreak of the covid-19 pandemic has an impact on education services. Therefore, this study aims to determine tips on the optimization of teachers and parents in the religious and moral aspects of the children during home learning. This research employed a descriptive qualitative method at RA Ar-Rafif Kalasan Yogyakarta (n=15). The data sources of this study are teachers, principals, and parents. Research data were collected through field observations, interviews with teachers and parents, and documentation in form of photos/videos and captures of conversation between teachers and parents. The data validity is tested by using triangulation techniques. The data analysis is acquired by reducing the data that has been collected, presenting the data, and providing conclusions of the research results. The research result shows that synergy of parents and teachers can optimize children’s development aspects of religion and moral obtained through various programs and activities designed by the educators.
Model of Strengthening the Pedagogic Competence of Islamic Religious Education Teachers in Improving the Quality of Education in Junior High Schools in Jember Regency
Authors: Muhith Abd.
Published: September 2021

Teacher competence is one of the supporters of the successful implementation of education. The purpose of this study will be to explain the competency strengthening model for Islamic religious education teachers carried out by junior high schools in Jember Regency. This research is a qualitative research with a narrative approach. The main data sources in this study consisted of school principals and teachers in the district of Jember totaling 10 people consisting of Islamic religious education teachers and school principals. The selection of participants used purposive sampling technique. Data collection techniques were carried out by in-depth interviews and observations. The analytical technique used in processing the data is by reducing the data, presenting the results and interpreting the data. The results showed that there were three models of strengthening teachers' pedagogic competencies. First, training to equip and strengthen the knowledge, skills and attitudes of teachers in teaching. Second, mentoring is carried out to direct teachers in strengthening skills. Third, the supervision carried out by the principal to measure and provide an assessment of the competence of teachers who have been trained and assisted. The research that has been produced is expected to be the basis for making policies on strengthening competence for teachers in the future. Subsequent more in-depth research is very helpful in adding information about similar research.
Video games sale control
Authors: Montaña Gutiérrez Miguel Angel
Published: September 2021

In this document it can be seen the methodology and the project’s principal functioning; it will be taken as main support the ESRB classification, who is the Entertainment Software Rating Board, this as the theoretical part. In software it was used MATLAB as principal tool, together to a TOOLBOX of MathWorks geometry recognition; thanks to this it was possible control the sale to underage people and even adults (because something videogames have restrictions for people under 21 years old), this control only works with the creator of this project there was a time limitation, but it is expected to be able to expand the ages recognition. Despite of article’s title “Video Games sale control” this one can be do a control more exhaustive of the products sale with age limitation.
Development of a GFDM waveform with radio defined with software
Authors: Pérez-Riaño Daniel Ricardo , Ducuara-Hernández Elkin Andrés , Pedraza-Martínez Luis Fernando
Published: September 2021

In this paper the performance of a Generalized Frequency Division Multiplexing waveform is evaluated when compared to an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing signal. For the development of the previous waveforms, the GNU radio software and the Software Defined Radio (SDR) equipment USRP N210 are used. Through a spectrum analyzer the power of both waveforms are measured and the Out-of-Band Radiation is analyzed. Then, the results obtained are compared and the advantages and disadvantages of the implementation of GFDM as a waveform within the fifth generation systems are exposed.
Usaquén small hydropower plant - successful case
Authors: Rodríguez-Galán Diego Fernando , Escobar-Díaz Andrés
Published: September 2021

In this study a presentation is made of the Small Hydroelectric Power Plant (PCH) located in Usaquén (Bogota), the work is based on an engineering project carried out by the Aqueduct and Sewer Company of Bogotá (EAAB). It is addressed first of all the environmental problems considered in this project and the business context that propitiates it, taking into account the technical background of the operation of the aqueduct system of the city. In second instance, the technical generalities and the scopes that were estimated in the formulation of the project are exposed to finally contrast them with the results obtained after five years of operation of the project.