bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vincenzo Scamozzi : ¿pionero del ‘diseño ambiental’? = Vincenzo Scamozzi : Pioneer of Environmental Design
Authors: Prieto Eduardo
Published: December 2020

ResumenPublicada por Vincenzo Scamozzi en 1615, la Idea dell’architettura universale es una suerte de enciclopedia avant la lettre que compendia el conocimiento que habían ido atesorando los arqui­tectos italianos desde mediados del siglo XV. Se trata, además, de una obra sin parangón en el Renacimiento en lo que toca a su aproximación holística y compleja a las dimensiones medioam­bientales de la arquitectura, desde escalas muy diversas y abarcando temas que van desde la descripción del territorio hasta el diseño de las ventanas, los pórticos o los jardines, pasando por el análisis de la orientación solar, la atención a los vientos dominantes o el estudio de la disponib­ilidad de agua o la iluminación natural en cada contexto. En su empeño, Scamozzi no solo reinter­preta la tradición del higienismo hipocrático —recogida por Vitruvio y desarrollada por Aberti y Pal­ladio—, sino que la actualiza y enriquece aplicando a la arquitectura las importantes innovaciones que los científicos de la época habían hecho en campos como la geografía, la óptica y la hidráulica.AbstractPublished by Vincenzo Scamozzi in 1615, Idea dell’architettura universale is something of an avant la lettre encyclopedia of knowledge compiled by Italian architects since the mid-15th century. It is, moreover, unmatched in the Renaissance in what concerns its complex, holistic approach to the environmental dimensions of architecture, taken from very different scales and embracing themes ranging from the description of territories to the design of windows, porticos, or gardens, and along the way including an analysis of solar orientation, attention to dominant winds, and a study of the availability of water, natural light, and other resources in each context. In this work Scamozzi does not only reinterpret the tradition of Hippocratic hygienism as recorded by Vitruvius and developed by Alberti and Palladio; he also updates and enriches it by applying to architecture the major inno­vations scientists of the period had made in fields like geography, optics, and hydraulics.
Von Ledoux bis Johnson, and beyond : la trascendencia americana de Emil Kaufmann = Von Ledoux bis Johnson, and beyond : The American transcendence of Emil Kaufmann
Authors: Minguet Medina Jorge
Published: December 2020

ResumenUno más en la masiva e ideológicamente filtrada migración intelectual provocada por el triunfo de los fascismos en Europa y la consiguiente Guerra Mundial, la trascendencia de Kaufmann en su destino americano seguirá un sorprendente camino doble. Las forzadas conexiones entre autores, actitudes y posiciones intelectuales de puntos muy distintos de la historia de Von Ledoux bis Le Corbusier, provenientes de un contexto de oposición al nazismo encontrarán, en ausencia de una traducción que con la que corregir malinterpretaciones, una deformada pero muy influy­ente continuidad. Será a través de un Philip Johnson, precisamente exnazi, y de sus casas. En la primera de ellas, Kaufmann dará su primera conferencia en los Estados Unidos. La segunda, muy famosa, la concebirá Johnson basándose en una interpretación libre y adaptada a un muy distinto contexto de los conceptos de Kaufmann. Su alargada influencia sentará las bases de un primer postmodernismo e incluso de su posterior deriva hacia la star-architecture. Mientras tanto, y opuestamente, las investigaciones de Kaufmann en territorio americano se replegarán hacia el periodo de la Ilustración.AbstractAs yet another mind caught up in the mass ideologically filtered intellectual migration caused by the triumph of fascisms in Europe and the consequent World War, Kaufmann’s transcendence in his American destination would follow a surprising double path. The forced connections between authors, attitudes and intellectual positions from very different points in the history of Von Ledoux bis Le Corbusier, coming from a context of opposition to Nazism, would encounter, in the absence of a translation with which to correct misinterpretations, a deformed but highly influential continuity. This would be done through a Philip Johnson, precisely a former Nazi, and his houses. Inside the first of these, Kaufmann would give his first lecture in the United States. The second, very famous, would be conceived by Johnson based on a free interpretation of Kaufmann’s concepts, adapt­ed to a very different context. His long-lasting influence would lay the foundations for an early postmodernism and even for his later drift towards star-architecture. Meanwhile, and conversely, Kaufmann’s research on American territory would withdraw towards the Age of Enlightenment.
RELIGIONE E SECOLARIZZAZIONE. DUE REALTÀ ANTITETICHE?
Authors: Cucci Giovanni
Published: December 2020

La secolarizzazione in Europa nasce da lontano. Nell’articolo se ne mostrano le radici filosofiche e teologiche, legate alla rigorizzazione della problematica di Dio e alla pensabilità della sua presenza nel mondo. La crisi della scolastica, accentuata dal sorgere della scienza moderna, porta all’esclusione della problematica teologica dalle università, dal vivere civile (a motivo della guerre di religione e dell’inquisizione, cattolica e protestante) e dalla riflessione filosofica (Kant). La problematica religiosa ritrova interesse in sede culturale a partire dagli anni ’70 del ‘900, in sociologia (Berger, Casanova), in filosofia (Wittgenstein, Plantinga), in psicologia (Bruner, Gardner). Ciò che accomuna queste prospettive è la pluralità di approcci possibili al mondo e alla vita, nessuna delle quali ha la pretesa di ritenersi di dominio esclusivo. Il ripensamento del rapporto tra religione e secolarizzazione è sempre più ricorrente anche in sede socio/politica, con l’esplodere dei problemi legati al pluralismo religioso, alle migrazioni e alla crisi di senso, che pongono problemi enormi in ordine alla sopravvivenza stessa delle società occidentali.
Remote Sensing Application in Surveying Statewide Asphalt Pavement Aggregate Stockpile Inventory
Authors: Zokaei Ashtiani Milad , Muench Steve , Shean David
Published: December 2020

This study introduces a remote sensing application using satellite imagery to survey a network-scale aggregate stockpile inventory. First, a real scale aggregate quarry site was surveyed using a small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (sUAV) to produce digital terrain models that enabled analysis of aggregate pile geometry. Second, a lab experiment was designed and performed to validate the applicability of close-range Structure from Motion (SfM) photogrammetry for measuring aggregate piles' physical properties such as volume and density. The other part of the lab experiment delved into direct measurement of aggregate density under varying compaction efforts. These experimental results, in conjunction with some simplifying assumptions, enabled the calculation of aggregate stockpile volumes and estimated weights from satellite imagery. We estimated that an inventory of 4.4 and 1.1 million metric tons of crushed aggregates and Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP), respectively, stockpiled in Washington State for asphalt production in 2017. The merit of producing such database was further showcased in an example on the economic and environmental impacts of material transportation. We approximated that hauling aggregates from quarry plants to construction sites within Washington State incurs a cost of about $50 thousand to over $4 million, consumes about 0.25 to 20 TJ of energy, and emits 20 to over 1,500 tons of CO2-eq per asphalt plant annually.
Quality of Life: Changes in Self Perception in People with DS who Participate in Laliga Genuine Santander. Self Reports and External Reports
Authors: Camacho Rocío , Castejón-Riber Cristina , Requena Francisco , Camacho Julio , Gallego Arturo , Espejo Roberto , De Miguel-Rubio Amaranta , Escribano Begoña M. , Agüera Estrella I.
Published: December 2020

The hypothesis posed was whether participation in LaLiga Genuine Santander (competitive football) influenced the quality of life (QL) of the people who participated in it, since their perception of themselves is enhanced by all the aformentioned factors (self-determination, social inclusion, emotional well-being, physical well-being, material well-being, rights, personal development, interpersonal relationships). The objective was to evaluate the QL of people with Down's Syndrome (DS) using their self-perception (n=39) and the perception of the informants (family members, teachers) (n=39). The KidsLife-Down Scale, with a few modifications was used. In general, differences of opinion between the subgroups of participants with DS and informants showed that results were higher in terms of perception for participants in the DS subgroup. Scores for all variables were higher for those participants with DS who said they did engage in practicing competitive football. Despite the perception of informants provides a great deal of information regarding the QL of participants with DS, the latter should be involved in the evaluation process and their self perceptions taken into account. Our research shows that participation in the league modifies the perceptions of the participants with Down's Syndrome regarding their quality of life. However, these perceptions are not shared by the informants.
Future Considerations for the mRNA–Lipid Nanoparticle Vaccine Platform
Authors: Igyártó Botond , Jacobsen Sonya , Ndeupen Sonia
Published: December 2020

Vaccines based on mRNA-containing lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are a promising new vaccine platform used by two of the leading vaccine candidates against coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19). However, there are many questions regarding their mechanism of action in humans that remain unanswered. Here we consider the immunological features of LNP components and off-target effects of the mRNA, both of which could increase the risk of side effects. We suggest ways to mitigate these potential risks by harnessing dendritic cell (DC) biology.
Effect of Thermal Processing on Flow Properties and Stability of Thickened Fluid Matrices Formulated by Tapioca Starch, Hydroxyl Distarch Phosphate (E-1442), and Xanthan Gum Associating Dysphagia-Friendly Potential
Authors: Yang Huaiwen , Lin Yuhsien
Published: December 2020

The flow behavior of the administrated fluid matrices demands careful assessments for stability as consumed by individuals with dysphagia. In the present study, we incorporate tapioca starch (TS), hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate (HDP), and xanthan gum (XG) as thickeners into different nectars (300±20 mPa.s) undergoing thermal processing and evaluated their stability. The thickened nectars presented better water holding and oil binding capacities at 25 ℃ than 4 ℃, and the nectars with TS provided the best results for both capacities as well as the highest solubility index and swelling power (p<0.05). All prepared nectars appeared to be shear-thinning fluids with yield stress closely fitting the power law and Casson models. XG-contained nectars presented a higher yield stress and consistency index. Matrices thickened by HDP exhibited a higher viscoelastic property compared to those thickened by TS during thermal processing. TS nectars presented viscous behavior, whereas HDP and XG nectars presented elastic behavior at 80 ℃ processing. The 3-min thermal processing HDP-nectars remained stable and met dysphagia-friendly requirements under 4 ℃ storage for 28 days regardless of the types of fluid bases (distilled water, sport drink, or orange juice). The employed thickeners present adequate physicochemical properties to be potentially utilized for producing dysphagia-friendly formulations.
A Rapid Assessment of Disaster Preparedness Needs and Resources during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Palinkas Lawrence , Springgate Benjamin , Sugarman Olivia , Hancock Jill , Wennerstrom Ashley , Haywood Catherine , Meyers Diana , Johnson Arthur , Polk Mara , Pesson Carter , Seay Jessica , Stallard Caroline , Wells Kenneth
Published: December 2020

Background: This year has seen the emergence of two major crises, a significant increase in frequency and severity of hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little is known as to how each of these two events have impacted the other. A rapid qualitative assessment was conducted to determine the impact of the pandemic on preparedness and response to natural disasters and the impact of past experiences with natural disasters in responding to the pandemic. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 representatives of 24 different community-based programs in southern Louisiana. Data were analyzed using procedures embedded in the Rapid Assessment Procedure – Informed Community Ethnography methodology, using techniques of immersion and crystallization and focused thematic analysis. Results: The pandemic has impacted the form and function of disaster preparedness, making it harder to plan for evacuations in event of a hurricane. Specific concerns included being able to see people in-person, providing food and other resources to residents who shelter in place, finding volunteers to assist in food distribution and other forms of disaster response, competing for funds to support disaster-related activities, developing new support infrastructures, and focusing on equity in disaster preparedness. However, several strengths based on disaster preparedness experience and capabilities were identified, including providing a framework for how to respond and adapt to COVID and integration of COVID response with their normal disaster preparedness activities. Conclusions: Although prior experience has enabled community-based organizations to respond to the pandemic, the pandemic is also creating new challenges to preparing for and responding to natural disasters.
Surviving Burn Injury: Drivers of Length of Hospital Stay
Authors: Onah Chimdimma Noelyn , Allmendinger Richard , Handl Julia , Dunn Ken W
Published: December 2020

With a reduction in the mortality rate of burn patients, patient length of stay (LOS) is increasingly adopted as an outcome measure. Some studies have attempted to identify factors that explain a burn patient's expected LOS. However, few have investigated the association between LOS and a patient's mental and socioeconomic status. There is anecdotal evidence for links between these factors and uncovering these will aid in better addressing the specific physical and emotional needs of burn patients, and facilitate the planning of scarce hospital resources. Here, we employ machine learning (clustering) and statistical models (regression) to investigate whether a segmentation by socioeconomic/mental status can improve the performance and interpretability of an upstream predictive model, relative to a unitary model derived for the full adult population of patients. Although we found no significant difference in the performance of the unitary model and segment-specific models, the interpretation of the segment-specific models reveals a reduced impact of burn severity in LOS prediction with increasing adverse socioeconomic and mental status. Furthermore, the models for the socioeconomic segments highlight an increased influence of living circumstances and source of injury on LOS. These findings suggest that, in addition to ensuring that the physical needs of patients are met, management of their mental status is crucial for delivering an effective care plan.
A Novel Piezoelectric Ultrasonic Biological Micro-Dissection Device Based on Flexure Mechanism for Suppressing Vibration
Authors: Huang Haibo , Pan Yifan , Pang Yan , Shen Hao , Gao Xiwei , Zhu Yichen , Chen Liguo , Sun Lining
Published: December 2020

Biological micro-dissection has a wide range of applications in the field of molecular pathology. The current laser-assisted dissection technology is expensive, and laser radiation can lead to sample contamination. As an economical and pollution-free micro-dissection method, piezoelectric ultrasonic micro-dissection has a wide application prospect. However, the performance of the current piezoelectric ultrasonic micro-dissection technology is unsatisfactory. In this paper, a novel piezoelectric ultrasonic micro-dissection device based on a flexure mechanism is proposed in order to solve the problems of low dissecting precision and excessive wear of the dissecting needle caused by the harmful lateral vibration of the current piezoelectric ultrasonic micro-dissection device. By analyzing the flexibility of flexure hinge, the type of flexure beam and the optimal design parameters are determined. Through comparing the harmonic response simulation analysis of the micro-dissection device based on a flexure mechanism and the traditional micro-dissection device without the flexure mechanism, the newly designed micro-dissection device achieves the best vibration effect when the driving frequency is 28kHz, compared with the traditional micro-dissection device, the lateral vibration suppression effect is improved by 68%. Then, based on the 3D printing technology, a prototype of a novel micro-dissection device was produced, and its performance was tested. It was found that the flexure mechanism did indeed suppress the lateral vibration of the needle tip. Finally, the experiments of 5μm thick paraffin-embedded rat liver sections were carried out, and the effects of different dissecting parameters on the dissecting effect were analyzed, and the optimal dissecting parameters were obtained. By comparing the dissecting effects of the tissue sample and the wear condition of the needle tip between the novel micro-dissection device and the traditional micro-dissection device under their optimal dissecting parameters, it is proved that the suppression of harmful lateral vibration not only significantly improves the dissecting effect, but also improves the service life and durability of the dissecting needle, which is beneficial to reduce the equipment costs.
Sickle Cell Disease: Role of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Therapy
Authors: Vona Rosa , Sposi Nadia Maria , Mattia Lorenza , Gambardella Lucrezia , Straface Elisabetta , Pietraforte Donatella
Published: December 2020

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common hereditary disorder of hemoglobin (Hb) that affects approximately a millions people worldwide. It is characterized by a single nucleotide substitution on the β-globin gene, leading to the production of abnormal sickle hemoglobin with multi-system consequences. Mutated Hb leads to profound changes in: i) red blood cell metabolism and physiology; ii) endothelial signaling; and iii) immune response. Oxidative stress is an important hallmark of SCD. It plays a key role in the pathophysiology of hemolysis, vessel occlusion and the following organ damage in sickle cell patients. For this reason, reactive oxidizing species and the (end)-products of their oxidative reactions have been proposed as markers of both tissue pro-oxidant status and disease severity. Although more studies are needed to clarify their role, antioxidant agents have been shown to be effective in reducing pathological consequences of the disease by preventing oxidative damage in SCD, i.e. by decreasing the oxidant formation or repairing the induced damage. An improved understanding of oxidative stress will lead to targeted antioxidant therapies that should prevent or delay the development of organ complications in this patient population.
The Economic Impact from the Decreasing Population Mobility of China’s Mainland during the Epidemic
Authors: Xiao Yi , Peng Jian , Chen Yuan , Yuan Zheming
Published: December 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 poses a devastating threat to human society in terms of health, economy and lifestyle. Establishing accurate and real-time models to predict and assess the impact of the epidemic on the economy is instructive. We have designed a new model to quantitatively assess the impact of the COVID-19 on the economy of China’s mainland. The nominal GDP in the Q1 of 2020 that we predicted for China’s mainland with the Baidu Mi-gration Data is RMB 20,785.7 billion, which is less by 3.59% than that in 2019. The estimated val-ue is confirmed roughly by the official report released in April 17, 2020 (RMB 20,650 billion, 6.8% year-on-year declined). Strict control measures during the epidemic have greatly reduced Chi-na's economic activity and had a serious impact on the country's economy. Orderly promotion of population mobility plays a decisive role in economic recovery.
Employer Preparedness: A Total Worker Health Conceptual Framework and Model
Authors: Roelofs Cora
Published: December 2020

Background: Recent disasters have demonstrated gaps in employers’ preparedness to protect employees and promote their well-being in the face of emergencies and disasters affecting the workplace and their communities. Total Worker Health (TWH), a comprehensive perspective developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, is a helpful framework for addressing employer preparedness. It includes attention to health and safety at work, and the promotion of the health and well-being of the employee in the context of social determinants of health, such as work-life balance. Methods: TWH concepts, including the domains of TWH and the TWH Hierarchy of Controls, were investigated for their relevance to protecting employees and promoting their well-being during and after crises such as weather disasters, pandemics, and acts of terrorism. Building upon TWH concepts, an employer preparedness framework and model is proposed. Findings: The Model emphasizes upstream prevention, workplace-community linkages, social and economic impacts, and employer leadership through a cyclical planning process. Conclusions/Application to Practice: The Model can assist employers in advancing their preparedness for all hazards through self-assessment and planning agendas based upon the proposed domains.
Transferability of Molecular Potentials for 2D Molybdenum Disulphide
Authors: Maździarz Marcin
Published: December 2020

An ability of different molecular potentials to reproduce the properties of 2D molybdenum disulphide polymorphs is examined. Structural and mechanical properties, as well as phonon dispersion of the 2H, 1T and 1T’ single-layer MoS2 (SL MoS2) phases, were obtained using density functional theory (DFT) and molecular statics calculations (MS) with Stillinger-Weber, REBO, SNAP, and ReaxFF interatomic potentials. Quantitative systematic comparison and discussion of the results obtained are reported.
Sustainable Development of an Individual as a Result of Mutual Enrichment of Professional and Personal Life
Authors: Mikołajczyk Katarzyna
Published: December 2020

Nowadays, the development of civilization requires a vision of balancing the interests of employees and employers in the sphere of work as never before. Work-life balance is directly linked to social sustainability. The aim of this article is to analyse various dimensions of mutual enrichment of the professional and private life of an individual and to describe how positive experiences in professional and non-professional life influence the improvement of satisfaction, health and achievements, thus enabling the sustainable development of the individual. The conducted research was of a qualitative nature. Thematic exploration was used to analyse the findings of 34 in-depth interviews with experienced HR managers and employees at various levels of enterprises in Poland. The research shows that the work and personal life of the respondents interact, complement, and enrich in different ways, depending on the stage of the employee’s life. Habits developed by practicing a specific sport discipline or other type of hobby are helpful in the effective implementation of professional tasks. Also, non-professional interests, including communing with culture and art have a positive impact on professional activities. On the other hand, the respondents emphasized that thanks to their professional activities, specific to the type of work they perform, they are sometimes more extroverted, meticulous, organized and consistent when performing activities outside of work and in other aspects of private life.
A contribuição da universidade corporativa na disseminação da responsabilidade social
Authors: Araujo Dantas da Silva Ruth , Meirino Marcelo Jasmim , Ludolf Nicholas , Aquino Fabio
Published: December 2020

Este estudo tem como objetivo identificar de que maneiras a universidade corporativa pode contribuir para a promoção da responsabilidade social no ambiente de trabalho. Trata-se de uma pesquisa em uma empresa do segmento de óleo e gás com localização em vários estados brasileiros, elaborado com base em pesquisa qualitativa para captar a percepção dos empregados sobre responsabilidade social. Os resultados demonstraram a importância da universidade corporativa na promoção da responsabilidade social como valor agregado aos negócios da empresa. A partir dos resultados desse estudo, espera-se estimular a redução da lacuna entre o discurso e a prática.
AKTIVITAS ANTIINFLAMASI EKSTRAK ETANOL DAUN KOPI ARABIKA (Coffea arabica L.) PADA EDEMA TIKUS
Authors: Wenas Desy Muliana , Aliya Lisana Sidqi , Janah Nita Usikatul
Published: December 2020

The coffee leaf contains flavonoid compounds that are known as an antiinflammation agent. The study aimed to determine antiinflammatory activity of arabica coffee's leaf extract (Coffea arabica L.) against edema on white rat soles of carrageenan-induced rats. The research began with the maceration extraction of coffee leaf in 70% ethanol. The inflammation test was held by measuring the formation of edema using a plethysmometer. The dosages of arabica coffee leaf extract used were 60 mg.kg-1, 120 mg.kg-1, and 180 mg.kg-1 rat weight of white Sprague Dawley rat (Rattus norvegicus). The data were analyzed by Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney non-parametric tests. Phytochemical screening showed that arabica coffee leaf extract contained flavonoid, saponin, alkaloid, tannin and triterpenoids compound. The arabica coffee leaf extract showed the best antiinflammatory activity at the dose of 180 mg.kg-1 rat weight with 71.66% inhibition percentage at the 5th hour, which was better than the positive control (66.91% edema inhibition at the same hour). This result determined that the leaf extract of arabica coffee had antiinflammatory activity. However, it is necessary to study the acute and chronic toxicity and formulates the arabica coffee leaf extract as a pharmacy product.
Tecnologia no ensino fundamental: estatística no cotidiano
Authors: Jacobi Pedró Marcelo
Published: December 2020

O presente estudo iniciou em 2018, com um trabalho proposto na disciplina de Pesquisa e Processos Educativos III, coordenado pela professora Carla Margarete Ferreira dos Santos, do Curso de Licenciatura em Matemática. O trabalho consistiu na elaboração e apresentação de uma sequência didática envolvendo conteúdo nos anos finais do Ensino Fundamental, utilizando-se uma das tendências estudadas. O estudo, de cunho qualitativo e caráter exploratório, foi desenvolvido no laboratório de informática do Instituto Federal Catarinense – Campus Avançado Sombrio e aplicado em 2019, com uma turma de 15 alunos do 8º ano da Escola de Ensino Básico Municipal Professora Alda Santos de Vargas. Utilizou-se como sequência didática a tendência na tecnologia educacional para o ensino de estatística. Este trabalho teve por objetivos estimular a utilização da planilha eletrônica e conceitos estatísticos, por meio da coleta das alturas dos alunos; demonstrar as diversas possibilidades de se trabalhar a matemática do cotidiano; e desenvolver uma postura participativa no alunado. O resultado obtido usando esta metodologia se tornou visível com a participação de todos os alunos na atividade e a facilidade de compreensão do conteúdo.
Satellite Analysis of the Environmental Impacts of Armed-Conflict in Rakhine, Myanmar
Authors: Aung Thiri Shwesin
Published: December 2020

The impacts of armed conflict on the environment are extremely complex and difficult to investigate, given the impossibility of accessing the affected area and reliable data limitation. Very-high-resolution satellite imageries and highly reliable machine learning algorithms become very useful in studying direct and indirect impacts of war on the ecosystem, in addition to connected effects on human lives. The Rohingya conflict is described as one of the worst humanitarian crises and human-made disasters of the 21st Century. Quantification of damage due to the conflict and the suitability of human resettlement has been lacking despite the ongoing agreements to repatriate refugees and the importance of ecosystem services for the communities' survival. Here we report the investigation of environmental conditions pre-, during, and post-conflict in the conflict zone using satellite data. We implemented and experienced the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud-based computing platform with a widely applied algorithm, the Random Forest (RF) classifier. We found striking near-complete demolition of inhabited regions, dramatic and highly significant increase in burning areas, and substantial deforestation. We discuss the reasons behind such findings from the Rakhine case and debate some general conservation lessons applicable to other countries undergoing post-conflict transitions.
Efficacy and safety of the adjunctive Baicalin in schizophrenia patients with negative symptoms and cognitive impairment: a randomized pilot study
Authors: Miao Yu , Zhu Qiyue , Kang Yulin , Yuan Xiuxia , Li Xue , Wang Shuying , Lu Zuhong , LV Luxian , Huang Xu-Feng , Wang Yunpeng , Tian Xin , Song Xueqin
Published: December 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Performance of COVID-19 Surveillance System as Timely Containment Strategy in Western Oromia, Ethiopia.
Authors: Tamiru Afework , Regasa Bikila , Alemu Tamirat , Begna Zenebu
Published: December 2020

Background: Since its occurrence in late December, 2019, in Wuhan, China; COVID-19 is rapidly spreading across the world nations. Case detection and contact identification remains the key surveillance objectives for effective containment of the pandemic. This study was aimed at evaluating the performance of COVID-19 surveillance in Western Oromia towns, Ethiopia.Methods: CDC-update guideline for surveillance system evaluation and surveillance documents prepared by Ethiopian Public Health Institute were used as a benchmark. Qualitative interview of health workers and quantitative review of surveillance data were conducted. Semi structured questionnaire was used to interview 436 systematically selected local community to assess their awareness, perceived risk, health system utilization experience and current practices. We analyzed the data using descriptive approach by aligning the data from community, health facility and health authority along with suspect identification, case detection and reporting process of the surveillance system.Results: One hundred seventy-nine (41%) of the participants believe they have high risk of contracting COVID-19 and 127 (29%) of them reported they have been visited by health extension worker. One hundred ninety-seven (45.2%) reported that they are not using health facilities for routine services during this pandemic. Except one hospital, all health facilities (92%) were using updated case definition. From March to July 30, 2020, there were 150 contacts, 116 suspects and 634 risk group tested for COVID-19 of which cases were found only from risk group testing, 10/521 (2%) in Nekemte and none from Shambu. Surveillance data was not being analyzed at all level. Conclusion: In this study it is reasonable to conclude that community/risk group testing was more effective than suspect or contact testing. Surveillance data was not being used to identify group and/or area most exposed for guiding response strategy. Therefore, targeting risk group for testing can improve the effectiveness of COVID-19 surveillance in settings where mass testing is not feasible. Surveillance data analysis should be done to identify areas and groups at higher risk and investigate to avoid further crisis.
Topological Insights into Mutant Huntingtin Exon 1 and PolyQ Aggregates by Cryo-Electron Tomography
Authors: Galaz-Montoya Jesus , Shahmoradian Sarah , Shen Koning , Frydman Judith , Chiu Wah
Published: December 2020

Huntington disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative trinucleotide repeat disorder caused by an expanded poly-glutamine (polyQ) tract in the mutant huntingtin (mHTT) protein. The formation and topology of filamentous mHTT inclusions in the brain (hallmarks of HD implicated in neurotoxicity) remain elusive. Using cryo-electron tomography and subtomogram averaging, here we show that mHTT exon 1 and polyQ-only aggregates in vitro are structurally heterogenous and filamentous, similar to prior observations with other methods. Yet, we find filaments in both types of aggregates under ~2 nm in width, thinner than previously reported, and regions forming large sheets. In addition, our data show a prevalent subpopulation of filaments exhibiting a lumpy slab morphology in both aggregates, supportive of the polyQ core model. This provides a basis for future cryoET studies of various aggregated mHTT and polyQ constructs to improve their structure-based modeling as well as their identification in cells without fusion tags.
Impact of noise exposure on development, physiological stress and behavioural patterns in larval zebrafish
Authors: LARA RAFAEL AYALA , VASCONCELOS RAQUEL ORNELAS
Published: December 2020

Noise pollution is increasingly present in aquatic ecosystems, causing detrimental effects on growth, physiology and behaviour of organisms. However, limited information exists on how this stressor affects animals in early ontogeny, a critical period for development and establishment of phenotypic traits.We tested the effects of chronic noise exposure to increasing levels (130 and 150 dB re 1 μPa, continuous white noise) and different temporal regimes on larval zebrafish (Danio rerio), an important vertebrate model in ecotoxicology.The acoustic treatments did not affect general development or hatching but higher noise levels led to increased mortality. The cardiac rate, yolk sac consumption and cortisol levels increased significantly with increasing noise level at both 3 and 5 dpf (days post fertilization). Variation in noise temporal patterns (different random noise periods to simulate shipping activity) suggested that time regime adopted is more important than the total duration of noise exposure is important to down-regulate physiological stress. Moreover, 5 dpf larvae exposed to 150 dB continuous noise displayed increased dark avoidance in anxiety-related dark/light preference test and impaired spontaneous alternation behaviour.We provide first evidence of noise-induced physiological stress and behavioural disturbance in larval zebrafish, showing that both noise amplitude and timing negatively impact key developmental endpoints in early ontogeny.
Prediction model for Prolonged fever in patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia : A retrospective study of 716 pediatric patients
Authors: Jang Min Sik , Kim Bit Kyeol , Kim Jihye
Published: December 2020

Background: To identify patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) with a risk of prolonged fever while on macrolides. Methods: A retrospective study was performed with 716 children admitted for MPP. Refractory MPP (RMPP) was defined as fever persisting for >72 hours after macrolide antibiotics (RMPP-3) or when fever persisted for >120 hours (RMPP-5). Radiological data, laboratory data, and fever profiles were compared between the RMPP and non-RMPP groups. Fever profiles included the highest temperature, lowest temperature, and frequency of fever. Prediction models for RMPP were created using the logistic regression method and deep neural network. Their predictive values were compared using receiver operating characteristic curves.Results: Overall, 716 patients were randomly divided into two groups: training and test cohorts for both RMPP-3 and RMPP-5. For the prediction of RMPP-3, a conventional logistic model with radiologic grouping showed increased sensitivity (63.3%) than the model using laboratory values. Adding laboratory values in the prediction model using radiologic grouping did not contribute to a meaningful increase in sensitivity (64.6%). For the prediction of RMPP-5, laboratory values or radiologic grouping showed lower sensitivities ranging from 12.9%–16.1%. However, prediction models using predefined fever profiles showed significantly increased sensitivity for predicting RMPP-5, and neural network models using 12 sequential fever data showed a greatly increased sensitivity (64.5%).Conclusions: RMPP-5 could not be effectively predicted using initial laboratory and radiologic data, which were previously reported to be predictive. Further studies using advanced mathematical models, based on large-sized easily accessible clinical data, are anticipated for predicting RMPP.
Severe Obesity in A Specialist Type 2 Diabetes Outpatient Clinic: An Australian Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Thakur Arunav , Sharma Dharmesh , Gupta Bhavya , Kramadhari Nikitha , Rajagopal Rohit , Simmons David , Piya Milan
Published: December 2020

Background Obesity is a major risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes and its complications. Significant weight loss has been shown to improve glycaemia in people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and obesity. National and International guidelines recommend considering bariatric surgery for body mass index (BMI) ≥35 kg/m2. We assessed the proportion of people with T2DM meeting criteria for surgery, how many had been offered a bariatric/obesity service referral, and compared the characteristics of people with BMI≥35kg/m2 and BMI < 35 kg/m2.Methods Retrospective data were collected for all people with T2DM aged ≥18 years, attending a hospital specialist diabetes outpatient service over three calendar years, 2017–2019.Results Of 700 people seen in the service, 291 (42%) had BMI≥35kg/m2 (the “BMI≥35 group”) and met criteria for bariatric surgery, but only 54 (19%) of them were offered referral to an obesity service. The BMI≥35 group was younger than those with a BMI < 35 kg/m2 (56.1 ± 14.8 vs 61.4 ± 14.6 years, p < 0.001) (mean ± SD), with similar diabetes duration (11.0 ± 9.0 vs 12.3 ± 8.9 years, p = 0.078), and there was no significant difference in initial HbA1c (75 ± 27 vs 72 ± 26 mmol/mol, p = 0.118) (9.0 ± 2.5 vs 8.7 ± 2.4%) or proportion treated with insulin (62% vs 58%). There was more GLP1 agonist use in the BMI≥35 group (13% vs 7%, p = 0.003) but similar rates of SGLT2 inhibitor use (25% vs 21%, p = 0.202). The BMI≥35 group received more new medication and/or dose adjustments (74% vs 66%, p = 0.016). Only 29% in the BMI≥35kg group achieved HbA1c < 53 mmol/mol (7.0%).Conclusions In spite of frequently meeting the criteria for bariatric surgery and not achieving glycaemic targets, people with T2DM in this specialist clinic received limited medical or surgical management of their obesity. Our data support the need to prioritise obesity management in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Subgroup Characteristics of the Association between Volunteering and the Risk of Functional Disability Among Older Japanese People: The Tsurugaya Project.
Authors: Yamazaki Teiichiro , Sugawara Yumi , Sone Toshimasa , Tsuji Ichiro
Published: December 2020

This prospective cohort study aimed to identify the subgroups of older people in which the association between volunteering and incident functional disability is most remarkable by conducting subgroup analyses of age, sex, chronic medical condition, and socio-demographic factors. Participants were 826 Japanese community-dwelling people aged ≥ 70 years who lived in Tsurugaya, Sendai. Volunteering status was assessed with a baseline survey conducted in 2003. Incident functional disability was defined as the first certification of Long-term Care Insurance until 2017. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate the multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for incident functional disability. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to sex, age, medical history, marital status, and educational level. The risk of incident functional disability was significantly lower in current volunteers (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.51–0.96) than non-volunteers. This significant association was remarkable in several subgroups such as women, those aged 75 years or over, those living with chronic illnesses, those living without a spouse, and participants with higher educational levels. The association between volunteering and a decreased risk of incident functional disability was remarkable among vulnerable groups such as women, old-old, those living with chronic illnesses, and those living without a spouse.
The Assessment of Visuospatial Skills and Verbal Fluency in the Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Horvath Andras , Berente Dalida , Kamondi Anita
Published: December 2020

Introduction: In the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), examining memory is predominant. Our aim was to analyse the potential role of various cognitive domains in the cognitive evaluation of AD. Methods: 52 individuals with AD underwent neuropsychological evaluation including Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE). Patients were selected in three groups based on disease duration in years (y) (Group 1: ≤2y n=15; Group 2: 2-4y n=26, Group 3: ≥4y n=11). Covariance weighted intergroup comparison was performed on global cognitive score and subscores of cognitive domains. Spearman’s rho was applied to study the correlation between cognitive subscores and disease duration. Results: Significant difference was found between ACE total scores among groups (χ2=16,03 p<0,001) with a high negative correlation (r= -0,54 p<0,001). With longer disease duration the visuospatial and memory subscores of ACE significantly decreased (χ2=28,36 p<0,001; and f=12,05 p<0,001 respectively). In the early phase of cognitive decline verbal fluency and memory were equally impaired (p>0.05). Visuospatial score showed strong negative correlation with disease duration (r:-0.73).Conclusion: Impairment of verbal fluency seems to have similar diagnostic potential in the early identification of Alzheimer’s disease as memory decline. Visuospatial assessment might be a good marker to monitor the progression of cognitive decline.
Depicting Developing Trend and Core Knowledge of Hip Fracture Research: A Bibliometric and Visualized Analysis
Authors: Peng Guan Rong , Guan Zhen Hua , Zhang Qing Xi , Gao Jia Xiang , Rao Wen Qun , Yuan Xian Yun , Guo Jiu Sheng , Huang Xiao Hua , Zhong Zhangrong , Lin Jian Hao
Published: December 2020

Background: Among all osteoporotic fractures, hip fracture is common, carries high morbidity and mortality, thus has been becoming a vital concern We aim to analyze the present status and worldwide trends of hip fracture research in various clinical aspects. Methods: Publications from 2000 to 2019 were retrieved from Web of Science database and analyzed through bibliometric methodology. The software VOS viewer was utilized for visualized analysis. Results: Totally, 6139 publications were included, and publications increased annually, from 152 (2000) to 592 (2019). The USA has made huge contributions with the most publications, the highest H-index, and citations. Osteoporosis International has published the most papers. Leading researchers, contributing institutions, their cooperation relationships and scientific masterpieces have been identified. Research could be divided into five clusters: "mortality", "surgical management", “rehabilitation”, “osteoporosis” and "epidemiology". A clear developing trend was described, which initiated from fracture epidemiology and prevention, transitioned to perioperative management, orthogeriatric care and patient safety, and then to functional recovery, disease burden along with national audit and initiatives in recent time. Conclusions: Hip fractures resulted in conditions that extend far beyond orthopaedics, concerning epidemiology & preventive medicine, internal medicine & endocrinology , as well as critical care and gerontology. And a growing volume of publications in the future could be expected.
The Usefulness of Noninvasive Liver Stiffness Assessment Using Shear-Wave Elastography for Predicting Liver Fibrosis in Children
Authors: Lee Seunghyun , Choi Young Hun , Cho Yeon Jin , Lee Seul Bi , Cheon Jung-Eun , Kim Woo Sun , Ko Jae Sung , Koh Jaemoon , Kang Gyeong Hoon
Published: December 2020

Background: Pediatric patients with liver disease require noninvasive monitoring for the likelihood of fibrosis progression. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the significant factors affecting liver stiffness values from two-dimensional-shear wave elastography (2D-SWE), and whether liver stiffness can predict the fibrosis stage of various childhood liver diseases.Methods: This study comprised 30 children (22 boys and 8 girls; mean age, 5.1 ± 6.1 years; range, 7 days–17.9 years) who had undergone biochemical evaluation, 2D-SWE examination, and histopathologic analysis with fibrosis grade (F0 to F3), necroinflammatory activity, and steatosis grade between August 2016 and March 2020. The liver stiffness from 2D-SWE were compared between fibrosis stages using the Kruskal-Wallis analysis. The significant affecting factors to liver stiffness were evaluated using univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses. The diagnostic performance was determined from the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) values of the 2D-SWE liver stiffness.Results: Liver stiffness at the F0-1, F2, and F3 stages were 7.9, 13.2, and 21.7 kPa (P < 0.001). Both of fibrosis stage and necroinflammatory grade were factors significantly associated with liver stiffness (P < 0.001 and P = 0.021). Liver stiffness value could distinguish significant fibrosis (≥F2) with an AUC of 0.950 (cutoff value, 11.3 kPa) and the severe fibrosis (F3 stage) with an AUC of 0.924 (cutoff value, 18.1 kPa). Conclusion: The liver stiffness values from 2D-SWE can be effected through both fibrosis and necroinflammatory grade and can provide excellent diagnostic performance in evaluating the fibrosis stage, even in various liver disease.