bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical composition, antimicrobial activity, and brine shrimp cytotoxicity of different solvent extracts of Acanthus polystachyus, Keetia gueinzii, and Rhynchosia elegans
Authors: Mailu James Kiamba , Nguta Joseph Mwanzia , Mbaria James Mucunu , Okumu Mitchel Otieno
Published: September 2021

Background

The root, root bark, and root tubers of Acanthus polystachyus, Keetia gueinzii, and Rhynchosia elegans are used for managing bacterial and fungal infections among the Luo community of Kisumu East Sub County in Kenya. However, data on the efficacy of these plants against common bacterial and fungal pathogens is not available. The safety of these plants is also not known. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition, antimicrobial properties, and safety of different solvent extracts of the roots, root barks, and root tubers of Acanthus polystachyus, Keetia gueinzii, and Rhynchosia elegans. The broth microdilution method evaluated the antimicrobial activities of the root, root bark, and root tuber extracts (water, acetone, and methanol) of Acanthus polystachyus, Keetia gueinzii, and Rhynchosia elegans. Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus), gram-negative (Escherichia coli), and fungal (Candida albicans) microorganisms were used in the evaluation. The safety of the extracts was evaluated in Artemia salina. The phytochemical composition of the extracts was determined using qualitative and quantitative assays.

Results

In general, the extracts of Acanthus polystachyus, Keetia gueinzii, and Rhynchosia elegans displayed poor antimicrobial properties relative to conventional antimicrobial agents including Amoxicillin, Gentamicin, and Nystatin. The aqueous extract of Acanthus polystachyus and the aqueous, acetone, and methanol extracts of Keetia gueinzii were safe in Artemia salina but all other extracts were cytotoxic to Artemia salina.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the use of the roots, root barks, and root tubers of Acanthus polystachyus, Keetia gueinzii, and Rhynchosia elegans is limited by poor antimicrobial efficacy and cytotoxicity.
The use of a score-based protocol in pediatric appendicitis decreases CT scan utilization when evaluating children in a community hospital
Authors: Hulka Frieda , Morris Bryn , Elliott Paige , Targonska Bogna
Published: September 2021

Background

The Pediatric Appendicitis Score (PAS) is a validated scoring system assessing children with abdominal pain. Prior to 2016, children with abdominal pain in our community hospital were evaluated primarily using CT scans. A protocol using PAS and ultrasound (US) as the primary radiologic modality was adopted in 2016 for evaluating children with abdominal pain. The protocol consisted of three tiers with low PAS requiring no radiologic evaluation; moderate PAS requiring US and high PAS requiring initial surgical consultation. Retrospective chart review of children presenting with clinically suspected appendicitis was performed from January 2015 through December 2017, representing 1 year before and 2 years after implementation of PAS protocol. PAS scoring was assigned retrospectively to patients not scored in the emergency physician’s note, and statistical analysis of the patient cohorts was performed using SPSS, version 17. This study was approved by the University of Nevada Institutional Review Board.

Results

Application of PAS scoring system increased use of US as the primary radiologic test from 59% pre-protocol to 91% post protocol and decreased use of CT scans from 41 to 8% (p < .05). Physician adherence to protocol improved from 59 to 71%, increasing further to 81% in the 2nd year post-protocol (p < .05). The highest rate of non-compliance was noted when providers ordered an US in patients with a low PAS, followed by ordering any radiologic tests in patients with a high PAS.

Conclusion

Implementation of PAS-based protocol altered clinician behavior in a community hospital when evaluating children with clinically suspected appendicitis. Improved adherence to the protocol over time with significant decrease of CT scans ordered thereby reducing radiation exposure in the pediatric population. Future improvements will be aimed at decreasing radiologic testing in patients with a low PAS and involving surgeons earlier with patients who have a high PAS as clinical acceptance to the protocol matures.
Effect of using adaptive seating equipment on grasping and visual motor integration in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Elsayed Ahmed Mahrous , Salem Elham Elsayed , Eldin Sahar Mohamed Nour , Abbass Mai Elsayed
Published: September 2021

Background

Adaptive seating is commonly used as an intervention method to enhance postural control. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of using therapy ball as a seat alternative to using typical chair on grasping and visual motor integration in the children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy. For this aim, thirty children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy from both sexes were included in this study. The children ages ranged from 3 to 6 years old. The degree of spasticity was 1 to 1+ according to modified Ashworth scale. The children were able to sit independently and follow instructions. Children were randomly assigned into two groups (experimental group and control group). Each child was evaluated before and after 3 successive months of selected occupational therapy exercises program. All the children of both groups received the same selected occupational therapy exercises program, but the children in the experimental group performed the exercises while sitting on therapy ball, and the children in the control group performed the exercises while sitting on typical chair.

Results

There was a significant improvement in the measured variables for both groups after treatment. The post-treatment results of the two groups of grasping and visual motor integration for age equivalent scores revealed significant difference (p=0.008 and p=0.011 respectively) in favor of the experimental group.

Conclusions

Therapy ball could be used as a seat alternative to using typical chair to facilitate visual motor integration and grasping in the children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy.
The epidemiology of swine influenza
Authors: Li Yin , Robertson Ian
Published: September 2021

Globally swine influenza is one of the most important diseases of the pig industry, with various subtypes of swine influenza virus co-circulating in the field. Swine influenza can not only cause large economic losses for the pig industry but can also lead to epidemics or pandemics in the human population. We provide an overview of the pathogenic characteristics of the disease, diagnosis, risk factors for the occurrence on pig farms, impact on pigs and humans and methods to control it. This review is designed to promote understanding of the epidemiology of swine influenza which will benefit the control of the disease in both pigs and humans.
Cyp17a1 is Required for Female Sex Determination and Male Fertility by Regulating Sex Steroid Biosynthesis in Fish
Authors: Yang Lanying , Zhang Xuefeng , Liu Shujun , Zhao Chenhua , Miao Yiyang , Jin Li , Wang Deshou , Zhou Linyan
Published: September 2021

In teleost fish, sex steroids are involved in sex determination, sex differentiation, and fertility. Cyp17a1 (Cytochrome P450 family 17 subfamily A member 1) is thought to play essential roles in fish steroidogenesis. Therefore, to further understand its roles in steroidogenesis, sex determination, and fertility in fish, we constructed a cyp17a1 gene mutant in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). In XX fish, mutation of the cyp17a1 gene led to a female-to-male sex reversal with a significant decline in 17β-estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) production, and ectopic expression of male-biased markers (Dmrt1 and Gsdf) in gonads from the critical window of sex determination. Sex reversal was successfully rescued via T or E2 administration, and ovarian characteristics were maintained after termination of E2 supplementation in the absence of endogenous estrogen production in cyp17a1–/– XX fish. Likewise, deficiencies in T and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) production in both cyp17a1–/– XX sex-reversed males and cyp17a1–/– XY mutants resulted in meiotic initiation delays, vas deferens obstruction and sterility due to excessive apoptosis and abnormal mitochondrial morphology. However, 11-KT treatment successfully rescued the dysspermia to produce normal sperm in cyp17a1–/– male fish. Significant increases in gonadotropic hormone (gth) and gth receptors in cyp17a1–/– mutants may excessively upregulate steroidogenic gene expression in Leydig cells through a feedback loop. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that Cyp17a1 is indispensable for E2 production, which is fundamental for female sex determination and differentiation in XX tilapia. Additionally, Cyp17a1 is essential for T and 11-KT production, which further promotes spermatogenesis and fertility in XY males.
Philosophy for Spiders
Authors: Wark McKenzie
Published: September 2021

It's time to recognize Kathy Acker as one of the great postwar American writers. Over the decades readers have found a punk Acker, a feminist Acker, a queer Acker, a kink Acker, and an avant-garde Acker. In Philosophy for Spiders, McKenzie Wark adds a trans Acker. Wark recounts her memories of Acker (with whom she had a passionate affair) and gives a comprehensive reading of her published and archived works. Wark finds not just an inventive writer of fiction who pressed against the boundaries of gender but a theorist whose comprehensive philosophy of life brings a conceptual intelligence to the everyday life of those usually excluded from philosophy's purview. As Wark shows, Acker's engagement with topics such as masturbation, sadism, body-building, and penetrative sex are central to her distinct phenomenology of the body that theorizes the body's relation to others, the city, and technology.
Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy After Neoadjuvant Systemic Treatment for Reliable Exclusion of Residual Cancer in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Koelbel Vivian , Pfob André , Schaefgen Benedikt , Sinn Peter , Feisst Manuel , Golatta Michael , Gomez Christina , Stieber Anne , Bach Paul , Rauch Geraldine , Heil Joerg
Published: September 2021

Background

About 40 % of women with breast cancer achieve a pathologic complete response in the breast after neoadjuvant systemic treatment (NST). To identify these women, vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) was evaluated to facilitate risk-adaptive surgery. In confirmatory trials, the rates of missed residual cancer [false-negative rates (FNRs)] were unacceptably high (> 10%). This analysis aimed to improve the ability of VAB to exclude residual cancer in the breast reliably by identifying key characteristics of false-negative cases.

Methods

Uni- and multivariable logistic regressions were performed using data of a prospective multicenter trial (n= 398) to identify patient and VAB characteristics associated with false-negative cases (no residual cancer in the VAB but in the surgical specimen). Based on these findings FNR was exploratively re-calculated.

Results

In the multivariable analysis, a false-negative VAB result was significantly associated with accompanying ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in the initial diagnostic biopsy [odds ratio (OR), 3.94;p < 0.001], multicentric disease on imaging before NST (OR, 2.74;p = 0.066), and age (OR, 1.03;p = 0.034). Exclusion of women with DCIS or multicentric disease (n = 114) and classication of VABs that did not remove the clip marker as uncertain representative VABs decreased the FNR to 2.9% (3/104).

Conclusion

For patients without accompanying DCIS or multicentric disease, performing a distinct representative VAB (i.e., removing a well-placed clip marker) after NST suggests that VAB might reliably exclude residual cancer in the breast without surgery. This evidence will inform the design of future trials evaluating risk-adaptive surgery for exceptional responders to NST.
Money Mining and Price Dynamics
Authors: Choi Michael , Rocheteau Guillaume
Published: September 2021

We develop a random-matching model to study the price dynamics of monies produced privately according to a time-consuming mining technology. For our leading example, there exists a unique equilibrium where the value of money increases over time and reaches a steady state. There is also a continuum of perfect-foresight equilibria where the price of money inflates and bursts gradually over time. Initially, money is held for a speculative motive, but it acquires a transactional role as it becomes sufficiently abundant. We study fiat, commodity, and crypto monies, endogenous acceptability, and adopt implementation and equilibrium approaches. (JEL E31, E42, E51, N13, N14, N23, N24)
Unmet healthcare needs in adults with childhood-onset neurodisabilities: a protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Meehan Elaine , Gallagher Aoife L. , Ryan Jennifer , Kerr Claire , O' Sullivan Rory , Galvin Rose , Manikandan Manjula , Wormald Andrew , Robinson Katie
Published: September 2021

Background

Many adults with childhood-onset neurodisabilities, such as those with intellectual disability or cerebral palsy, report difficulties accessing the healthcare that they require when they are no longer eligible for paediatric services. Compared to the general population, this population is at greater risk of developing many ageing-related diseases and has higher rates of preventable deaths and premature mortality. Addressing unmet healthcare needs is essential to ensuring equitable access in a quality healthcare system. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesise the current available evidence related to unmet healthcare needs in adults with a range of childhood-onset neurodisabilities.

Methods

A systematic review of quantitative research studies of adults with a range of diagnoses that fall under the neurodisability umbrella and outcomes related to unmet healthcare needs will be undertaken. The Conducting Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Observational Studies (COSMOS-E) guidelines will be adhered to. Searches of key databases will be undertaken, and a two-phase screening process carried out by pairs of independent reviewers to select studies that meet the inclusion criteria. Data will be extracted using a purposefully designed form. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools. If it is possible to pool prevalence data, a meta-analysis will be undertaken. Where pooling of data is not possible, a structured synthesis approach will be used, and results will be presented in tables and summarised narratively.

Conclusions

In recent years, there has been increased emphasis placed on promoting positive ageing and improving the healthcare experiences throughout the lifespan for people with neurodisabilities. Findings of this systematic review can inform decision-making related to healthcare for this vulnerable population and has the potential to contribute to reducing preventable deaths and premature mortality and promoting positive and healthy ageing for this group.
Using self-supervised feature learning to improve the use of pulse oximeter signals to predict paediatric hospitalization
Authors: Mwaniki Paul , Kamanu Timothy , Akech Samuel , Dunsmuir Dustin , Ansermino J. Mark , Eijkemans M.J.C
Published: September 2021

Background: The success of many machine learning applications depends on knowledge about the relationship between the input data and the task of interest (output), hindering the application of machine learning to novel tasks. End-to-end deep learning, which does not require intermediate feature engineering, has been recommended to overcome this challenge but end-to-end deep learning models require large labelled training data sets often unavailable in many medical applications. In this study, we trained machine learning models to predict paediatric hospitalization given raw photoplethysmography (PPG) signals obtained from a pulse oximeter. We trained self-supervised learning (SSL) for automatic feature extraction from PPG signals and assessed the utility of SSL in initializing end-to-end deep learning models trained on a small labelled data set with the aim of predicting paediatric hospitalization.Methods: We compared logistic regression models fitted using features extracted using SSL with end-to-end deep learning models initialized either randomly or using weights from the SSL model. We also compared the performance of SSL models trained on labelled data alone (n=1,031) with SSL trained using both labelled and unlabelled signals (n=7,578).

Results: The SSL model trained on both labelled and unlabelled PPG signals produced features that were more predictive of hospitalization compared to the SSL model trained on labelled PPG only (AUC of logistic regression model: 0.78 vs 0.74). The end-to-end deep learning model had an AUC of 0.80 when initialized using the SSL model trained on all PPG signals, 0.77 when initialized using SSL trained on labelled data only, and 0.73 when initialized randomly.

Conclusions: This study shows that SSL can improve the classification of PPG signals by either extracting features required by logistic regression models or initializing end-to-end deep learning models. Furthermore, SSL can leverage larger unlabelled data sets to improve performance of models fitted using small labelled data sets.
The role of situational, system-situational, model approaches to the psychological training of law enforcement officers for extreme situations of professional activity
Authors: Korchemniy P , Vahnina Viktoriya , Vasil'eva Valeriya
Published: September 2021

The problem of psychological training of employees of law enforcement agencies remains relevant at the present time. The problem of professional training for extreme situations is of particular importance, as the choice of a methodological approach to the implementation of professional and psychological training of law enforcement officers. The most effective is the system-situational approach in combination with the model approach, which are based on the system approach. The authors consider the role of situational, system-situational, model approaches to the psychological training of law enforcement officers in extreme situations of professional activity. In the course of the theoretical analysis and empirical research, the conclusion is formulated about the significance and effectiveness of the system-situational approach, the use of which contributes to the formation of effective psychodiagnostic procedures. In the course of the study, the features of the psychological and managerial potential of employees of law enforcement agencies were identified. In modern conditions, a systematic approach is developing most intensively, which carries out a gradual study of the subject: from the general to the particular, taking into account the significance of the goal, its achievability. The article considers the system-situational approach as one of the most promising, especially in the aspect of empirical research of crisis and anti-crisis situations of operational and service activities. Within the framework of system-situational analysis, professionally significant activity is studied as a dynamic system.
Readiness of higher school teachers to use digital technologies in the educational process
Authors: Manuzuna Elena , Chufeeva Anastasia , Artemyeva Svetlana
Published: September 2021

The digitalization of the education system imposes certain circumstances not only on the organization of the educational process and the training of specialists in demand in the modern world, but also on the skills of a teacher in the field of information and communication technologies. Within the framework of this article, an analysis of Russian and foreign approaches to defining a set of digital competencies necessary for a modern teacher of higher education is carried out. The purpose of this study is to determine an objective diagnostic toolkit for identifying the level of digital competencies among teachers of higher institutions. Based on the analysis of Russian and foreign experience in the development of digital competence among teachers, including a higher education teacher, an internal questionnaire was developed to assess the level of formation of the necessary digital skills. Data collection was carried out through an online survey of teachers using a structured questionnaire. A survey of university teachers was conducted in order to identify the readiness to use digital technologies in the educational process. The data obtained during the survey made it possible to obtain objective information about the level of formation of digital competencies among teachers and their readiness to use digital tools and technologies in the educational process. University teachers have demonstrated high results in such competencies as the use of digital solutions for effective communication of students on academic assignments; creating your own digital resources; creation and modification of digital educational materials, inclusion of students in group work using the Internet, including online services for joint project activities; taking into account the individual characteristics and needs of students in the educational process; exchange of ideas and materials with colleagues from other educational organizations, including through cloud systems, advanced training through online training.
The problem of suicidal behavior in adolescence
Authors: Ivanov Roman , Ivanova Larisa , Maltseva Tatyana
Published: September 2021

The article examines the problems of suicidal behavior in adolescents, as well as ways to prevent and counteract this destructive behavior. This is due today to the great urgency of this social problem, both for the Russian and for the world community. In the study, the tasks were set to study the characteristics of suicidal behavior in adolescents; the study of the social significance of adolescent suicide in the public consciousness in order to determine ways to solve the problem of suicidal behavior in adolescents to reduce suicidal moods among young people. Among the causes of suicidal behavior in adolescents, interpersonal and intrapersonal conflicts are considered, as well as economic and socio-political conditions. Particular attention is paid to measures to counteract suicidal behavior with the help of the adolescent's immediate environment: parents, teachers, other closest social agents by forming a social position on suicide in the latter (preventive work).

The purpose of this article is to study the problems of adolescent suicide, its social significance and to identify ways and mechanisms to reduce the risks of suicide among children and adolescents.

The subject of research in this article is suicidal behavior, its causes and characteristics of its appearance.
The relationship between the level of professional burnout and stress resistance among security personnel with different terms of service
Authors: Potemkin Pavel , Sobolev Nikolay , Mikhaylov Aleksey
Published: September 2021

The current state of the features of the professional activity of correctional officers is considered one of the most difficult and dangerous, especially for services that perform non-military services with weapons. The fact that employees have firearms with them during their service radically distinguishes their official duties from the work of other departments and services. As practice shows, even employees with long seniority may not always correctly anticipate and prevent the occurrence of crisis situations that may arise in circumstances specific to criminal enforcement activities: continuous readiness to act in an extreme situation (hostage-taking, escapes, riots, group disobedience, etc.), an increased level of danger to human life and health (the likelihood of using weapons to kill). All of the above places special requirements on the training of this category of employees, including psychological. Of no small importance is the development of the mental stability of the employees of the security department of the penitentiary service to the stress factors of professional activity, such as strict legal regulations, service with weapons, high responsibility for decisions made, service in any weather conditions, violation of sleep and wakefulness, etc.
Study of the persuasive managerial influence of the head of the internal affairs bodies on subordinates
Authors: Baydaev Muhtar
Published: September 2021

The relevance of scientific research of the pedagogical model of persuasive managerial influence of the leader lies in the need to make qualitative changes in this process. At the same time, the main task of making changes is to systematize and improve the model, the form of direct managerial influence from the head directly on his subordinate.
The object of the research is the persuasive managerial influence of the head on the subordinate. The subject of the research is the features of the persuasive managerial influence of the head of a subdivision of an internal body on subordinates. The purpose of the article is to identify ways, means and methods of persuasive influence of the leader to improve the quality of personnel management.
The methods of studying persuasive influence were the analysis and systematization of scientific literature on the research topic; interview. The respondents were 100 people - heads of departments and services of the Russian Federation, studying at the Academy of Management of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.
Based on the results of the study, we can say that the head of the internal affairs body is able to achieve the set goal by persuading influence, only having such personal qualities as: justice, decisiveness, originality, hard work, attentiveness, restraint, sincerity, wit, accuracy, calmness, communication culture, etc.
Simulation study of the energetic neutral atom (ENA) imaging monitoring of the geomagnetosphere on a lunar base
Authors: Li Lu , Qing-Long Yu , Ping Zhou , Xin Zhang , Xian-Guo Zhang , Xin-Yue Wang , Yuan Chang
Published: September 2021

Since the moon’s revolution cycle is exactly the same as its rotation cycle, we can only see the moon always facing Earth in the same direction. Based on the clean particle radiation environment of the moon, a neutral atomic telemetry base station could be established on the lunar surface facing Earth to realize long-term continuous geomagnetic activity monitoring. Using the 20°×20° field of view, the 0.5°×0.5° angle resolution, and the ~0.17 cm²sr geometric factor, a two-dimensional ENA imager is being designed. The magnetospheric ring current simulation at a 4–20 keV energy channel for a medium geomagnetic storm (Kp=5) shows the following: 1) at ~60 Rᴇ (Rᴇ is the Earth radius), the imager can collect 10⁴ ENA events for 3 min to meet the statistical requirements for 2D coded imaging data inversion, so as to meet requirements for the analysis of the substorm ring current evolution process of magnetic storms above medium; 2) the ENA radiation loss puzzles in the magnetopause and magnetotail plasma sheet regions have been deduced and revealed using the 2-D ENA emission model. High spatial-temporal resolution ENA imaging monitoring of these two important regions will provide the measurement basis for the solar wind energy input process and generation mechanism; 3) the average sampling interval of ENA particle events is about 16 ms at the moon’s orbit; the spectral time difference for the set energy range is on the order of minutes, which can provide location information to track the trigger of geomagnetic storm particle events.
Space weather impact on ground-based technological systems
Authors: Pilipenko Vyacheslav
Published: September 2021

This review, offered for the first time in the Russian scientific literature, is devoted to various aspects of the problem of the space weather impact on ground-based technological systems. Particular attention is paid to hazards to operation of power transmission lines, railway automation, and pipelines caused by geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) during geomagnetic disturbances. The review provides information on the main characteristics of geomagnetic field variability, on rapid field variations during various space weather mani-festations. The fundamentals of modeling geoelectric field disturbances based on magnetotelluric sounding algorithms are presented. The approaches to the assessment of possible extreme values of GIC are considered. Information about economic effects of space weather and GIC is collected. The current state and prospects of space weather forecasting, risk assessment for technological systems from GIC impact are discussed. While in space geophysics various models for predicting the intensity of magnetic storms and their related geomagnetic disturbances from observations of the interplanetary medium are being actively developed, these models cannot be directly used to predict the intensity and position of GIC since the description of the geomagnetic field variability requires the development of additional models. Revealing the fine structure of fast geomagnetic variations during storms and substorms and their induced GIC bursts appeared to be important not only from a practical point of view, but also for the development of fundamentals of near-Earth space dynamics. Unlike highly specialized papers on geophysical aspects of geomagnetic variations and engineering aspects of the GIC impact on operation of industrial transformers, the review is designed for a wider scientific and technical audience without sacrificing the scientific level of presentation. In other words, the geophysical part of the review is written for engineers, and the engineering part is written for geophysicists. Despite the evident applied orientation of the studies under consideration, they are not limited to purely engineering application of space geophysics results to the calculation of possible risks for technological systems, but also pose a number of fundamental scientific problems.
Simulating the Cause: How Grassroots Organizations Advance Their Credibility Through the Dramaturgical Curation of Events
Authors: Khoury Theodore A. , Shymko Yuliya , Vermeire Jacob
Published: September 2021

To survive, nascent grassroots organizations—and their respective causes—must earn the trust of various audiences that can impact credibility advancement. However, it can be quite difficult for grassroots organizations to access suitable settings, times, and collocated audiences. One context that can yield this type of access is an event as it constitutes a rare opportunity for organizations to engage in practices that impact credibility advancement. We investigate how a volunteer-based grassroots organization orchestrates a high-profile event at the United Nations to promote African diaspora entrepreneurs as a valuable force in the mitigation of development challenges in their home countries. We employ qualitative data collected from ethnographic observations, interviews, and secondary sources and apply grounded theory approaches to demonstrate how organizational credibility can be advanced through performative strategizing within event settings. Drawing from heuristics used in theatrical performances, we found that the grassroots organization mobilized specific audience groups in participative role-playing across two acts, thereby producing and consecrating a temporary simulacrum of a cause-related community it claimed to represent. Our findings demonstrate how an unproven organization can strategically use audience mobilization to convert event settings into performative spaces for simulacrum creation and credibility advancement.
Surface cleaning in practice
Authors: Gladwin Kat
Published: September 2021

Kat Gladwin examines the importance and gives some practical advice
MFS fading regularization method for the identification of boundary conditions from partial elastic displacement field data
Authors: Caillé L. , Hanus J L. , Delvare F. , Michaux-Leblonda N.
Published: September 2021

A method is proposed to solve an inverse problem in twodimensional linear isotropic elasticity. The inverse problem consists of the determination of both the entire displacement field and the boundary conditions inaccessible to the measurement from the partial knowledge of the displacement field. The algorithm is based on a fading regularization method (FRM) and is numerically implemented using the method of fundamental solutions (MFS). The inverse technique is first validated with synthetic data and is then applied to the interpretation of experimental measurements obtained by digital image correlation (DIC).
Spatial variability of chlorophyll content in a Tifton 85 bermudagrass pasture in a tropical region
Authors: Jacintho João Luiz , Ferraz Gabriel Araújo e Silva , Barbosa Brenon Diennevan Souza , Ferraz Patrícia Ferreira Ponciano , Santos Sthéfany Airane dos
Published: September 2021

Precision Agriculture techniques, such as the management of spatial variability of crop attributes, have been studied for several crops. However, few studies have been performed on Tifton 85 bermudagrass. Thus, this work aimed to analyse the spatial variability of chlorophyll content in a Tifton 85 bermudagrass production area, located in Seropédica, Brazil. A georeferenced grid was created to measure the chlorophyll content in two periods using a portable chlorophyll metre. Different geostatistical methods and models were evaluated in order to identify which had the best fit to analyze the spatial dependence of the chlorophyll content.The atribute was mapped based on interpolation by the ordinary kriging method. Therefore, kriging interpolation was used to create isoline maps, which were used to observe the spatial variability of the chlorophyll content. The methodology and maps generated proved to be of great value to the Tifton 85 bermudagrass producers.
Non-Hermitian bath model for arrays of coupled nanoresonators
Authors: Vinel Vincent , Li Zejian , Borne Adrien , Bensemhoun Adrien , Favero Ivan , Ciuti Cristiano , Leo Giuseppe
Published: September 2021

Nanophotonics systems have recently been studied under the perspective of non-Hermitian physics. Given their potential for wavefront control, nonlinear optics and quantum optics, it is crucial to develop predictive tools to assist their design. We present here a simple model relying on the coupling to an effective bath consisting of a continuum of modes to describe systems of coupled resonators, and test it on dielectric nanocylinder chains accessible to experiments. The effective coupling constants, which depend non-trivially on the distance between resonators, are extracted from numerical simulations in the case of just two coupled elements. The model predicts successfully the dispersive and reactive nature of modes for configurations with multiple resonators, as validated by numerical solutions. It can be applied to larger systems, which are hardly solvable with finite-element approaches.
Cooperating elephants mitigate competition until the stakes get too high
Authors: Li Li-Li , Plotnik Joshua M. , Xia Shang-Wen , Meaux Estelle , Quan Rui-Chang
Published: September 2021

Cooperation is ubiquitous in the animal kingdom as it aims to maximize benefits through joint action. Selection, however, may also favor competitive behaviors that could violate cooperation. How animals mitigate competition is hotly debated, with particular interest in primates and little attention paid thus far to nonprimates. Using a loose-string pulling apparatus, we explored cooperative and competitive behavior, as well as mitigation of the latter, in semi-wild Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). Our results showed that elephants first maintained a very high cooperation rate (average = 80.8% across 45 sessions). Elephants applied “block,” “fight back,” “leave,” “move side,” and “submission” as mitigation strategies and adjusted these strategies according to their affiliation and rank difference with competition initiators. They usually applied a “fight back” mitigation strategy as a sanction when competition initiators were low ranking or when they had a close affiliation, but were submissive if the initiators were high ranking or when they were not closely affiliated. However, when the food reward was limited, the costly competitive behaviors (“monopoly” and “fight”) increased significantly, leading to a rapid breakdown in cooperation. The instability of elephant cooperation as a result of benefit reduction mirrors that of human society, suggesting that similar fundamental principles may underlie the evolution of cooperation across species.
The molecular basis of extensively drug-resistant Salmonella Typhi isolates from pediatric septicemia patients
Authors: Kim Chanmi , Latif Iqra , Neupane Durga P. , Lee Gi Young , Kwon Ryan S. , Batool Alia , Ahmed Qasim , Qamar Muhammad Usman , Song Jeongmin
Published: September 2021

Sepsis is a syndromic response to infections and is becoming an emerging threat to the public health sector, particularly in developing countries. Salmonella Typhi (S. Typhi), the cause of typhoid fever, is one primary cause of pediatric sepsis in typhoid endemic areas. Extensively drug-resistant (XDR) S. Typhi is more common among pediatric patients, which is responsible for over 90% of the reported XDR typhoid cases, but the majority of antibiotic resistance studies available have been carried out using S. Typhi isolates from adult patients. Here, we characterized antibiotic-resistance profiles of XDR S. Typhi isolates from a medium size cohort of pediatric typhoid patients (n = 45, 68.89% male and 31.11% female) and determined antibiotic-resistance-related gene signatures associated with common treatment options to typhoid fever patients of 18 XDR S. Typhi representing all 45 isolates. Their ages were 1–13 years old: toddlers aging 1–2 years old (n = 9, 20%), pre-schoolers aging 3–5 years old (n = 17, 37.78%), school-age children aging 6–12 years old (n = 17, 37.78%), and adolescents aging 13–18 years old (n = 2, 4.44%). Through analyzing blaTEM1, dhfR7, sul1, and catA1genes for multidrug-resistance, qnrS, gyrA, gyrB, parC, and parE for fluoroquinolone-resistance, blaCTX-M-15 for XDR, and macAB and acrAB efflux pump system-associated genes, we showed the phenotype of the XDR S. Typhi isolates matches with their genotypes featured by the acquisitions of the genes blaTEM1, dhfR7, sul1, catA1, qnrS, and blaCTX-M-15 and a point mutation on gyrA. This study informs the molecular basis of antibiotic-resistance among recent S. Typhi isolates from pediatric septicemia patients, therefore providing insights into the development of molecular detection methods and treatment strategies for XDR S. Typhi.
Research on drinking water purification technologies for household use by reducing total dissolved solids (TDS)
Authors: Wang Bill B.
Published: September 2021

This study, based in San Bernardino County, Southern California, collected and examined tap water samples within the area to explore the feasibility of adopting non-industrial equipment and methods to reduce water hardness and total dissolved solids(TDS). We investigated how water quality could be improved by utilizing water boiling, activated carbon and sodium bicarbonate additives, as well as electrolysis methods. The results show that heating is effective at lower temperatures rather than long boils, as none of the boiling tests were lower than the original value. Activated carbon is unable to lower TDS, because it is unable to bind to any impurities present in the water. This resulted in an overall TDS increase of 3.5%. However, adding small amounts of sodium bicarbonate(NaHCO3) will further eliminate water hardness by reacting with magnesium ions and improve taste, while increasing the pH. When added to room temperature tap water, there is a continuous increase in TDS of 24.8% at the 30 mg/L mark. The new findings presented in this study showed that electrolysis was the most successful method in eliminating TDS, showing an inverse proportion where an increasing electrical current and duration of electrical lowers more amounts of solids. This method created a maximum decrease in TDS by a maximum of 22.7%, with 3 tests resulting in 15.3–16.6% decreases. Furthermore, when water is heated to a temperature around 50°C (122°F), a decrease in TDS of around 16% was also shown. The reduction of these solids will help lower water hardness and improve the taste of tap water. These results will help direct residents to drink more tap water rather than bottled water with similar taste and health benefits for a cheaper price as well as a reduction on plastic usage.
Structuring subjectivity: Pain of Salvation’s The Perfect Element: Part I (2000)
Authors: Burns Lori A. , Armstrong Patrick
Published: September 2021

This article examines how Pain of Salvation’s albumThe Perfect Element: Part I(2000) develops narrative subjectivity through a range of compositional and performative parameters. We reveal a myriad of ways in which the music contributes to the expression of human subjectivity and offers significant moments of interpretive clarity. Attending to the expressive aspects of music, we focus in particular on how the song structures are articulated through the following elements: formal, harmonic, temporal, thematic and textural/timbral content. Contextualizing the concept album narrative within the genres of progressive rock and heavy metal and offering a framework for analysis derived from narrative theory, we interpret how the musical parameters convey the song lyrics and overall album concept. Pain of Salvation’s narrative of human trauma emerges through musical structures that are channelled to shape storyworld and subjectivity. Presenting analytic snapshots of the twelve album tracks, our aim is to create a sense of analytic ‘immersion’, whereby the reader engages actively with the multifaceted expressive content of words and music.
Intra-annual diameter growth variation of six common European tree species in pure and mixed stands
Authors: Strieder Emanuel , Vospernik Sonja
Published: September 2021

Studies of intra-annual growth are particularly useful for understanding tree growth because of their high temporal resolution. This study was performed in Austria and included hourly band dendrometer data of 244 annual tree recordings from six tree species ( (L.) Karst.,  L.,  Mill.,  Mill.,  L.,  spp. ( (Matt.) Liebl.,  L.) sampled on five sites with contrasting site conditions in pure and mixed stands and on trees of different social position. Measurements encompassed 1â7 years. Cumulative diameter increment was modelled by logistic mixed-effects models with random effects at the tree and year level. The results showed large differences in seasonal growth patterns between sites, with a clearly shorter growing season at the drier sites. Species specific response on dry sites could be linked to drought characteristics, whereas response on more humid sites was related to light requirements or successional status. The deciduous trees showed earlier growth culmination and shorter growing periods than the evergreen species. Individual tree growth of  spp., , and was positively affected by mixture whereas , and showed no or adverse mixture effects. Mixture effects differed between years and social position. Furthermore, increment culmination was earlier in mixed stands, but shifts were minor. Tree growth differed by social position with dominant trees showing the largest increment and the longest growth duration, with shifts in tree growth patterns due to social position being as large as those between different sites.Picea abiesPinus sylvestrisLarix deciduaAbies albaFagus sylvaticaQuercusQuercus petraeaQuercus roburQuercusP. abiesF. sylvaticaL. deciduaP. sylvestrisA. alba
Por outra análise da geografia agrária
Authors: Da Conceição Silva Leniara
Published: September 2021

O presente artigo tem como objetivo apresentar uma breve análise teórico-crítico da produção do espaço agrário no Brasil por meio da discussão decolonial e racializadora que envolve a premissa da existência de uma negação histórica do direito à terra às populações negras. Busco construir um entendimento a partir da historicidade utilizando dos teóricos que se debruçaram para entender a colonialidade como um processo de legitimação de estruturas hegemônicas no qual impôs um modelo de civilização no mundo e nos espaços que negou direitos as populações não brancas. O estudo está dividido em três partes. A primeira introduz a proposta do estudo por meio do debate da construção da raça como um instrumento de dominação histórica. Na segunda parte apresento uma breve bibliografia pertinente à problemática da questão agrária mal resolvida no país e como a concentração de terras se inseriu como uma das origens das desigualdades raciais, enquanto a última apresento uma análise do perfil dos trabalhadores rurais no Brasil a partir da perspectiva racial e de gênero.
Territorialidade camponesa e o bem viver agroecológico
Authors: Dourado Nathan Pereira
Published: September 2021

Este artigo apresenta os resultados de uma pesquisa que buscou analisar o papel da Agroecologia na construção do Bem Viver, tomando como referência empírica a territorialidade camponesa. Propõe-se apresentar um construto do Bem Viver Camponês Agroecológico, elaborado a partir da interface e da correlação dos elementos identificados na bibliografia com aqueles observados em campo. A metodologia empregada na pesquisa articulou revisão teórica com trabalho de campo. Como recorte empírico, adotou-se a experiência do assentamento Contestado, localizado no município da Lapa, Paraná. Os resultados permitem considerar o assentamento Contestado um experimento real, em que os/as camponeses/as (re)existem e se organizam, para produzir, para pensar e para viver agroecologicamente, passando a manifestar novas formas de se relacionar entre si, com a natureza e com o território. Os elementos constitutivos do Bem Viver Camponês Agroecológico, apontados como tendência no assentamento, foram: racionalidade ambiental, emancipação humana, convivencialidade, soberania alimentar e promoção da saúde.