bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L’école de la banlieue
Authors: Duvignacq-Croisé Cécile
Published: October 2019

Les deux dernières décennies du XIXe siècle amorcent l’essor rapide de la banlieue parisienne et le déploiement de l’école d’État. Les lois Paul Bert, Ferry et Goblet fondent l’École républicaine laïque et organisent un enseignement féminin public. Dans le sud-est parisien, urbanisation et scolarisation se développent conjointement. L’étude de l’enseignement féminin, tant à travers ses élèves que ses enseignantes, jusqu’à la mise en place de la mixité à la fin des années 1950, révèle alors l’élaboration des modèles éducatifs et des représentations du genre en banlieue. Elle souligne le rôle de l’école dans la codification du rôle social des femmes et de la place qui leur est attribuée dans l’espace de la cité. Elle offre aussi une grille de lecture renouvelée des rapports entre la capitale et ses banlieues. À travers les représentations qu’il véhicule, l’enseignement féminin souligne la pluralité sociologique du sud-est parisien et ses mutations sociodémographiques. L’évolution des structures et de l’offre scolaire, les attentes des notables et des familles en font le révélateur des différents pouvoirs et acteurs qui structurent cet espace.L’école concentre les inégalités qui se développent entre Paris et sa banlieue, entre les banlieues. Cette histoire des femmes, de l’école et des banlieues s’articule autour de trois périodes clefs : le tournant du XXe siècle et la politique de laïcisation, l’entre-deux-guerres et une concurrence scolaire accrue entre les sexes, entre Paris et ses banlieues, les années 1950 lorsque la politique scolaire s’affirme comme un facteur de hiérarchisation urbaine. Entre pouvoirs et société civile, l’enseignement féminin apparaît comme un vecteur fondamental de l’organisation des banlieues sud-est, et de l’affirmation d’une identité banlieusarde.
Relevance of supply chain dominance: A global perspective
Authors: Durocher-Yvon Jean-Michel , Tappin Byron , Goolam Nabee Sumayah , Swanepoel Elana
Published: October 2019

Background: The increasing pressure on businesses to remain competitive has made dominant practices more prevalent, particularly in the automotive and retail industries. Financial, exclusionary and exploitative practices seem to be the main occurrences in the global supply chain when analysing dominant behaviours.Objectives: The study explores the global existence of dominant supply chain behaviour and the type of dominant supply chain practices to which smaller supply chain affiliates are subjected.Method: Because of the sensitive nature of the topic, it was not possible to collect primary data. Therefore, secondary qualitative data sourced from surveys, journal articles, news reports, websites, governmental publications and academic reports were analysed and quantitised.Results: A total of 60 cases of dominance were reported in regions across the globe, with Europe and the United States experiencing the most. Although companies in African and Asian markets experienced dominance, the reporting of these incidents seems to be limited.Conclusion: It emerged that dominance is more prevalent in certain industries such as the automotive and retail sectors, mainly through resented practices. Furthermore, small firms that experience bullying have either had to close down or conform to the requirements of the bullying firm to maintain its operations.
Selling Austerity: Preferences for Fiscal Adjustment during the Eurozone Crisis
Authors: Fernandez-Albertos Jose , Kuo Alexander
Published: October 2019

What explains individual preferences for austerity during the eurozone crisis? To what extent are such preferences affected by the specific content of austerity policies or EU-related factors? To address these questions, we present new data and embedded experiments that test theories
of austerity preferences, from a survey of a crisis-hit country, Spain. We find little support for austerity as conventionally measured, but such support can increase if specific reasons or benefits are made salient. The endorsement by the EU has no effect on austerity support, but support
for spending wanes when tax increases and concerns about fiscal commitments to the EU are made salient. The results help understand how unpopular policies such as austerity might be sometimes palatable to large segments of the general public.
Ethnicity and Power in Sub-Saharan Africa: Do Colonial Institutions Still Matter?
Authors: Rabinowitz Beth
Published: October 2019

It has been sixty years since the first sub-Saharan nation declared independence. Over the past three decades, the region has undergone significant changes. Though few, if any, would question that colonial histories shaped African societies, it is unclear to what extent these legacies continue to be relevant to contemporary inter-group relations. Does it still make sense to speak about colonial legacies? And if so, which ones? This article explores these questions by examining whether ethnic groups who were privileged during the colonial period are more likely to hold political power decades later. To do so, I conduct a multiple case study analysis of twenty-five sub-Saharan countries from which I create an original dataset of how ethnic groups were positioned during the latter stages of colonialism. With these data, I run auto-regressive logistical models correlating former colonial position to executive power since independence. I find that many of the assumptions made in the scholarship about the importance of colonial privilege are not supported by these models. However, colonial institutional legacies may still help us understand inter-group dynamics and be the source of contemporary political grievances.
Impact of Financial Risk Indicators on Banks’ Financial Performance in Ghana
Authors: Tan Zhongming , Samuel Frimpong , Ding Guoping
Published: October 2019

This research is to study the impact of some financial risk indicators on fifteen selected commercial banks’ in Ghana. The indication from the augmented Dickey-Fuller unit root test results show that the data series after first difference at the first order achieved stationarity. The analysis of the data revealed the existence of significant long run relationship between bank financial performance and the variables of financial risk in the banking sector. The granger causality test results reveal that there is unidirectional causality flowing from the variables of financial risk This suggest that the indicators of financial risk strongly and actively stimulate and improve the financial performance of banks in Ghana. The study recommends that bank managers should improve on the management of all the indicators of financial risk variables in order to improve on the achievement of the objective of the firm.
Measuring Multi-Agency South Wales Police Corruption: Implications of Evidence from Within
Authors: James Paul
Published: October 2019

Purpose: This is a research paper that is focused on the evaluation of ex-senior policing managers perceptions and experiences of corruption practices, raised issues and developments related to the South Wales Police service, UK.Methodology: An interpretive methodology was utilised in order to help understand ex-senior police perceptions underpinning multi-agency corruption over a number of decades. The scope for this research were former senior police officers who experienced the results of corruption processes and outcomes during their working activities in South Wales Police service. The population of interest was made up of 15 former senior police officers, who worked in multi-site police stations across the designated police area. Interviews were conducted with ten (10) former senior police officers.Findings: The research outcomes consisted of four (4) Key Themes - Police Administration, Police Command Conduct, Judicial Involvement and Oversight, ten (10) sub-Themes with 221 conversation targets.Implications: The paper addresses a number of raised areas resulting out of the analysis of the narrative to establish outcomes as - Police Administration, Police Command Conduct, Judicial Involvement and Oversight - and the deliberated implications of corruption for the management of the South Wales Police service.Originality: Very little research has been conducted in this area and the paper addresses some major concerns/responses and important difficulties related to reducing opportunities for corruption conducted by police officers in the South Wales policing area.
Analyzing Stock-Bond Correlation in Emerging Markets
Authors: Ehtesham Qurat Ul Ain , Siddiqui Danish Ahmed
Published: October 2019

This study investigates stock-bond correlation in 17 countries of emerging markets during 2011 to 2018 using monthly price data. Data was analyzed using ARCH-LM test, GJR GARCH and Multivariate GARCH type Asymmetric DCC model. Findings of this paper revealed that sequence of return series are stationary containing white noise error, past return volatilities do not have the ability to predict future volatilities and conditional volatility is higher and negative momentum of the market increase the correlation of stock and bond in a country or vice versa and hence increase the diversification benefit for asset allocation in a portfolio construction and provide hedging assets characteristics among countries and it is found that there is a co-movement between stock and bond in a country of emerging markets.
Heat Transfer Model of Multilayer Thermal Protective Clothing for High-Temperature Operation
Authors: Li Man-Jing , Zhu Mao , Han Jia-Xu , Zhang Yuan-Biao
Published: October 2019

The thermal protective clothing for high-temperature operation usually consists of three-layer fabrics and a gap called the air layer or Layer IV between Layer III and skin. In order to design more effective thermal protective clothing at less cost, based on the heat transfer principles, we establish heat transfer models of fabrics and air layer, which are one-dimensional nonlinear partial differential equations with constant coefficients. In the three-layer fabrics, we consider the effects of heat conduction and heat radiation in Layer I but only consider heat conduction in Layer II and Layer III. Furthermore, the heat transfer model of Layer IV is decoupled and simplified to steady-state heat conduction in Layer IV and radiation heat transfer on surface of Layer IV. According to the explicit difference schemes for the models, we use the parameters in an experiment which puts a thermal manikin in high-temperature environment for some time and measures the temperature of lateral skin at regular time, to solve the models and calculate the temperature of each layer. With MATLAB, the visual interface of three-dimensional temperature distribution is provided, which is reference for functional design of thermal protective clothing. We also compare the simulation result of skin surface with the experimental data. The results show that at the same position, the temperature rises over time but with decreasing rate and finally reaches the steady state. Moreover, at one moment after reaching the steady state, the temperature has a gradual decrease with the increase of distance from the external environment.
Intersection Theory as Progressive
Authors: Zack Naomi ,   The Harvard Review of Philosophy
Published: October 2019

Many are already familiar with the idea of intersectionality. Intersection Theory can be conceived as encompassing other progressive theories, such as Philosophy of Race and Feminism. In Philosophy of Race, the ultimate explanatory concept is race; in Feminism, the ultimate explanatory term is gender. This discrepancy has given rise to Black Feminism. Intersection Theory can also be contextualized and expanded to include more detailed intersections when there is inequality within intersected groups. But, intersectionality does yet address unpredictable violence, either against blacks or normally advantaged groups, such as United States Jews. For such cases, it is useful to posit a new intersectional factor of regressive violence, to account for counter-revolutionary response to decades of progress for minorities. Overall, the flexibility of Intersection Theory allows for creative analysis. However, not all intersections yield politically viable identities and those that would might require governmental recognition of group rights.
Pola aktivitas harian Leptocorisa oratorius Fabricius (Hemiptera: Alydidae) pada berbagai ketinggian tempat di Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta
Authors: Triaswanto Fanuel , Riswanta Ultha Rifqy , Ulhaq Naufal Urfi Dhiya , Fathoni Muhammad Luqman , Soesilohadi RCH
Published: October 2019

Walang sangit (Leptocorisa oratorius Fabricus) merupakan merupakan salah satu hama penting tanaman padi. Informasi mengenai pola aktivitas harian L. oratorius masih belum banyak diketahui. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui periodisititas harian dan pola aktivitas harian dari L. oratorius pada berbagai ketinggian di wilayah Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta. Penelitian dilakukan dengan melakukan penghitungan individu L. oratorius di sawah yang memasuki fase generatif setiap jam dari pukul 06.00 sampai pukul 18.00 WIB di ketinggian 40 m dpl (Trirenggo, Bantul), 130 m dpl (Seyegan dan Mlati, Sleman), dan 340 m dpl (Ngemplak dan Pakem, Sleman). Pengukuran parameter lingkungan (suhu udara, intensitas cahaya, dan kelembaban udara) juga dilakukan di setiap sawah yang diobservasi  setiap 15 menit untuk rentang waktu yang sama. Analisis data dilakukan untuk memperoleh hubungan antara parameter lingkungan dan keberadaan L. oratorius. Analisis data menggunakan korelasi. Secara umum, periodisitas harian L. oratorius memiliki dua puncak (pukul 06.00–07.00 WIB dan 16.00–17.00 WIB) dan lembah (pukul 11.00–12.00 WIB). Aktivitas yang umum ditemukan sepanjang waktu adalah makan dan berkunjung. Aktivitas kawin terjadi pada pagi hari dan aktivitas berteduh pada siang hari. Faktor suhu udara dan intensitas cahaya menunjukkan korelasi negatif, sedangkan faktor kelembaban menunjukkan korelasi positif. Pada ketinggian yang berbeda, tidak ditemukan perbedaan signifikan, baik periodisitas, pola aktivitas, dan parameter lingkungan, kecuali pada ekosistem sawah pada ketinggian 130 m dpl.
Keanekaragaman lalat buah (Diptera: Tephritidae) dan parasitoidnya di Taman Buah Mekarsari, Cileungsi, Bogor
Authors: Ardiyanti Rizky Marcheria , Maryana Nina , Pudjianto Pudjianto
Published: October 2019

Lalat buah (Diptera: Tephritidae) merupakan kelompok serangga yang berperan sebagai hama penting ekonomi yang dapat menurunkan kualitas dan kuantitas produksi buah-buahan. Populasi lalat buah di alam dapat dipengaruhi oleh musuh alaminya, salah satunya parasitoid. Penelitian ini bertujuan menginventarisasi jenis-jenis lalat buah dengan menggunakan perangkap dan mengetahui inang setiap spesies lalat buah dan parasitoidnya berdasarkan pemeliharaan buah yang terserang di Taman Buah Mekarsari, Cilengsi, Bogor. Penelitian dilakukan dari bulan Maret hingga Agustus 2017. Identifikasi lalat buah dan parasitoid dilakukan di Laboratorium Biosistematika Serangga, Institut Pertanian Bogor. Lalat buah dikoleksi dari pemasangan perangkap Steiner dan koleksi buah yang terinfestasi lalat buah. Perangkap Steiner pada setiap titik pengamatan, dipasang dua perangkap dan menggunakan dua atraktan yang berbeda, yaitu metil eugenol (ME) dan cue lure (CL). Perangkap Steiner dipasang selama enam minggu dan pengambilan imago lalat buah yang terperangkap setiap satu minggu. Buah dikoleksi sebanyak 1 kg untuk setiap jenis buah, dengan pengambilan 1–6 kali tergantung ketersediaan buah di lapangan. Atraktan ME dapat menarik 4 spesies lalat buah, yaitu Bactrocera (B.) carambolae, B. (B.) umbrosa, B. (B.) dorsalis, dan B. (B.) occipitalis, sedangkan 6 spesies lainnya tertarik atraktan CL, yaitu B. (B.) albistrigata, B. (Z.) calumniata, B. (Z.) caudata, B. (Z.) cucurbitae, B. (Z.) tau, dan D. (C.) longicornis. Ketiga parasitoid (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) ditemukan dari pemeliharaan inang, yaitu Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead), Fopius arisanus (Sonan), dan F. vandenboschi (Fullaway).
Deskripsi ulang rayap tanah (Subulitermes-branch): Oriensubulitermes inanis (Haviland) (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae) di Indonesia
Authors: Syaukani Syaukani , Husni Husni , Alfizar Alfizar , Kesumawati Elly , Novita Novita , Rusdiana Siti , Muarrif Samsul , Pribadi Teguh
Published: October 2019

Oriensubulitermes inanis (Haviland) merupakan salah satu jenis rayap endemik dari Wilayah Oriental dan berperan sangat penting dalam proses dekomposisi di hutan tropis. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsi ulang rayap O. inanis yang dikoleksi dari Indonesia sehingga dapat membantu berbagai pihak dalam identifikasi rayap di Indonesia. Pengoleksian rayap di lapangan dilakukan dengan Standardized Sampling Protocol (Jones & Eggketon 2000) dan konfirmasi keakuratan taksonomi dilakukan di the Natural History Museum UK) dan Florida University (USA). Koloni rayap O. inanis yang ditemukan sebanyak 21 koloni dari berbagai habitat dan ketinggian di Indonesia. Karakter mandible kasta pekerja merupakan karakter penting yang sangat efektif dalam identifikasi O. inanis. Rayap ini tersebar hampir di semua pulau-pulau utama di Kawasan Asia Tenggara, diantaranya Malay Peninsula, Borneo, dan Sumatra, akan tetapi tidak ditemukan di Jawa. Batang kayu lapuk, pangkal pohon, serta sarang rayap lainnya (epigeal mounds) merupakan media yang dipergunakan untuk mendirikan sarangnya. Jumlah individu dalam koloni yang relatif sedikit, kemampuan beradaptasi yang lemah terhadap perubahan lingkungan, kemampuan terbang laron yang terbatas, dan preferensi habitat sarang yang spesifik merupakan faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi penyebaran rayap O. inanis di Indonesia.
Keanekaragaman dan perilaku menggigit nyamuk sebagai vektor potensial filariasis di Kabupaten Banyuasin, Sumatera Selatan
Authors: Pratiwi Rini , Anwar Chairil , Salni Salni , Hermansyah Hermansyah , Novrikasari Novrikasari
Published: October 2019

Filariasis adalah penyakit menular menahun disebabkan oleh cacing filaria dan ditularkan oleh berbagai spesies nyamuk seperti Mansonia, Anopheles, Culex, Aedes, dan Armigeres. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui keanekaragaman dan perilaku menggigit nyamuk sebagai vektor potensial penularan filariasis di Kabupaten Banyuasin, Sumatera Selatan. Penangkapan nyamuk dilakukan selama 12 jam dari pukul 18.00–06.00 dengan metode human landing collection dan animal biting trap. Pada Desember 2016 hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa sampel nyamuk yang ditangkap di daerah studi berjumlah 16 spesies dengan spesies paling dominan yang ditemukan adalah Mansonia uniformis (47,28%), Culex tritaeniorhynchus (23,89%), dan Culex vishnui (14,48%). Ma. uniformis memiliki perilaku menggigit lebih banyak di luar rumah dengan rata-rata angka perilaku menggigit (man biting rate/MBR) sebesar 100,50 nyamuk/malam dan angka kepadatan gigitan nyamuk (man hour density/MHD) sebesar 11,90 dan merupakan yang tertinggi dari semua spesies nyamuk yang ditemukan. Analisis parity rate melalui pembedahan terhadap nyamuk dewasa mengkonfirmasi bahwa perkiraan umur populasi Ma. uniformis adalah 31,8 hari dan Ma. uniformis terdeteksi positif sebagai vektor penularan filariasis.
A importância da contabilidade no processo de desenvolvimento do microempreendedor individual (MEI)
Authors: Costa Marcelo Lima da , Feitosa Filho Raimundo Ivan
Published: October 2019

A economia brasileira cresceu menos do que esperado em 2018, sendo de apenas 1,3%. Fatores socioeconômicos e também políticos trouxeram um clima de instabilidade a uma economia que tenta se recuperar após período de crise, iniciado quando os reflexos da crise de 2008 chegaram ao país. Para o microempreendedor individual, MEI, onde os impactos socioeconômicos e políticos têm uma incidência bem maior do que em grandes corporações, é preciso que se entenda a conjuntura e se desenvolva estratégias para que este cresça, mesmo diante de um cenário conturbado. O objetivo deste artigo é, portanto, investigar a importância da Contabilidade para o desenvolvimento do MEI. Como objetivos específicos, há a especificação do conceito de MEI dentro da legislação brasileira atual, bem como a análise do conceito e das atribuições da Contabilidade como campo do conhecimento. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo descritivo, com base em levantamento bibliográfico. O auxílio de um profissional de contabilidade na gestão de uma empresa, principalmente do microempreendedor individual, é poupar-lhe tempo de ação, permitindo que o empresário se foque na sua atividade, tendo a certeza de um bom trabalho na organização de documentos fiscais no cálculo de salários e benefícios caso haja um contratado, bem como no auxílio da gestão de tributos para que não haja uma cobrança excessiva sobre excesso de tributos, e para que este seja reenquadrado, caso ultrapasse a categoria de faturamento prevista para o MEI.
Encalhes de tartarugas marinhas no litoral sul de Pernambuco, Brasil
Authors: Silva Karla Oliveira , Santos Ednilza Maranhão dos , Simões Thyara Noely , Silva Arley Cândido da
Published: October 2019

No nordeste do Brasil, os encalhes de tartarugas marinhas têm sido um instrumento importante de pesquisa para avaliação de impactos negativos que vem ocorrendo nas regiões costeiras. O despejo de poluentes e resíduos sólidos no mar, a exploração dos recursos pesqueiros e a degradação de áreas costeiras tem sido as principais causas para o declínio de população de animais ameaçados como as tartarugas marinhas na costa do Brasil. A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo, analisar os encalhes de tartarugas marinhas no litoral do Ipojuca, Pernambuco, Brasil. Foi realizado um levantamento dos encalhes nas praias do Ipojuca, desde setembro de 2008 a junho de 2016, através de informações no banco de dados da Organização não Governamental Ecoassociados, bem como o monitoramento de 12 km dessas praias, entre os meses de setembro de 2015 a junho de 2016. Os animais encontrados mortos ou debilitados foram identificados e avaliados quanto a localização em relação a praia, sexo, faixa etária, estado de conservação da carcaça, evidência de interação antropogênica, presença de tumores, presença de anilhas e evidência de interação com outra fauna. Um total de 418 encalhe foram documentados, esses distribuídos em 16,98% de tartarugas não identificadas, 4,41% de tartaruga cabeçuda, 7,05% de tartaruga de pente, 24,11% de tartaruga oliva, destacando a tartaruga verde (Chelonia mydas) como a espécie com maior número de registro (64,4%) de encalhes na costa do Ipojuca. Quanto à faixa etária, os juvenis (n=197) foram mais representativos que os adultos (n=143) e  fêmeas (n=113) foram mais expressivas que os machos (n=30). A praia de Merepe obteve maior número de encalhes (n=131). Cerca de 20% das carcaças estavam com a presença de cracas e 11,11% apresentando tumores com indicativo de fibropapiloma, sendo exclusivo para C. mydas. Sendo assim, é necessário repensar em ações direcionadas para conservação das espécies, evidenciando a educação ambiental e a fiscalização como uma das principais medidas.
O uso de aplicativos para o desenvolvimento das crianças na educação infantil: utilização de aplicativos virtuais na prática docente
Authors: Wolinger Rossana Platchek
Published: October 2019

Este estudo traz à luz a importância dos multimeios digitais para o desenvolvimento das crianças na educação infantil, tendo como intuito evidenciar as novas plataformas e modalidades de ensino, bem como expor as vantagens, contribuições e barreiras para sua inserção. Busca-se, também, discutir como as novas ferramentas digitais pedagógicas podem ser benéficas, no auxílio ao trabalho docente. O objetivo do trabalho é expor a relevância da interatividade, dos aparatos tecnológicos e aplicativos no ambiente de ensino, em especial, para a educação infantil, por meio da implementação de um aplicativo voltado para a facilitação da aprendizagem do discente em sala de aula. A metodologia deste trabalho é embasada em conceitos que atendem à pesquisa com seu tema principal; desse modo, o atual estudo terá abordagem qualitativa e exploratória. Conclui-se que este tipo de aplicação móvel, destinado a auxiliar a aprendizagem das crianças, revela-se útil, uma vez que se identifica facilidades de uso, sua interatividade e sua intenção, de modo amplo, em utilizar as atividades de suporte projetadas para o aprendizado.
O letramento e o processo de alfabetização nas séries iniciais do ensino fundamental
Authors: Soares Nicelene Maria
Published: October 2019

A educação escolar exige redimensionamentos, mudanças efetivas, para que a formação do ser humano seja mais completa, mais coerente, com as exigências sociais e humanas. Pensar no processo de inserção do ser humano na cultura escrita é, sem dúvida, falar de inclusão, de participação social, de cidadania plena. Dessa forma, apresentam-se algumas concepções e práticas pedagógicas recorrentes na área Letramento e Oralidade. Verificar-se-á a relevância das marcas da oralidade, ocasionadas pelos os aspectos fonológicos (a sonoridade do fonema), para a produção escrita, sendo o nosso propósito abrir uma reflexão à prática pedagógica e ensino da Língua Portuguesa nas escolas de ensino fundamental, principalmente nas aulas de produção textual. Nesse sentido, tomaremos por base as bases filosóficas das Escolas de Ensino Fundamental de Santa Catarina, de base Sociointeracionista.
Advances in Packaging of Litchi Fruit to Maintain the Quality
Authors: Purbey S. K. , Pongener Alemwati , Marboh Evening Stone , Lal Narayan
Published: October 2019

Litchi is distinctly a delicate, delicious summer delight, juicy, flavoured and attractive bright red colour fruit having good source of minerals and vitamins. India and China account for about 91 percent of the world’s litchi production but it is mainly marketed locally. Despite its wide popularity and demand in domestic and international market, transporting the fruit to distant markets has remained a challenge due to its highly perishable nature. Postharvest interventions therefore become indispensable to preserve litchi fruit quality for longer duration. One among such interventions is packaging that directly influences transpiration losses and respiratory metabolism in litchi fruit. Packaging plays the all important roles of containment, protection, convenience, and communication. Previously, gunny bags, bamboo basket, wooden boxes were used for packaging, but are now being rapidly replaced by corrugated fibre board (CFB) boxes for the versatility they bring. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) of litchi in combination with postharvest treatments offers promising solutions to preserve litchi fruit quality. Intelligent packaging through use of sensors, wireless sensor networks, radio-frequency identification device (RFID) etc show the way ahead for future packaging solutions. Nonetheless, innovation in litchi packaging will require careful considerations of all factors that lead to quick fruit deterioration and generation of waste.
Changes in Decision Making Process and Authority in Families in Rural Punjab: A Comparative Study
Authors: Wasal Neha
Published: October 2019

This study was planned to find the changes occurring in rural family institution in Punjab and its major consequences. This study was done in Sangrur and Ludhiana district of Punjab to analyse the changes occurring in family institution and it was found that structure of family system have been significantly changed. The present study was conducted to assess the causes and consequences of changing family institution in two districts of Punjab by taking a sample of 320 respondents, with the following objectives: (i) To highlight the changes occurring in the family structure of rural areas, (ii) to pinpoint the factors responsible for the changes in rural families, (iii) to examine the social, economic, cultural and psychological impact of changing role of families.  Respect of elders by children has declined significantly, as 84% of the respondent feel that their importance had been decreased in the family. Place of giving birth to child has also been changed from home (26%) to Hospital (74%) at two point of time.  Agriculture has loosened its position of prime occupation preference among farm families in recent past. Only 8 per cent of the respondents prefer agriculture for their children. Socialization process of children have changed as 82% of the respondents said that children use more technology in 2015 while, 29% and 41% replied that children do not attend family conversation and do not perform household work respectively. The use of technology of various types has increased significantly in family life from 1990 to 2015. A notable finding of study showed a shift from individual (male) to collective decision with regard to various issues of families, particularly the education of children. Similarly there is a decline in performance of various traditional rituals. Increased show off culture (85%), impact of urbanization (64%), lack of job opportunities (79%), self centred attitudes of family members (76%), increase use of technology (85%) came out as main factors responsible for generating changes in the institution of family. Lack of patience among members, increasing problem of aged and children, increasing conflicts among families and changing types of families were major consequences. Adequate interaction in family to keep the emotional bonding, judicious use of technology, inculcating moral values among children and shunning the materialistic tendency were some of the suggestions given for smooth functioning of families in the rural areas.
Loneliness and Social Isolation Among US Older Adults
Authors: Malani Preeti N. , Solway Erica , Kirch Matthias , Singer Dianne C. , Roberts J. Scott , Kullgren Jeffrey T.
Published: December 2024

This study characterizes loneliness and social isolation among population-based samples of community-dwelling US adults aged 50 to 80 years.
Lessons Learned From E-Cigarettes Should Affect FDA Regulation of Nicotine Pouches
Authors: Delnevo Cristine D. , Hrywna Mary
Published: December 2024

This JAMA Viewpoint investigates the rising popularity of nicotine pouches, especially among youths, and how the US Food and Drug Administration must act quickly to regulate these products and curb market growth.
Health and Lifestyle Factors and Dementia Risk Among Former Professional Soccer Players
Authors: Russell Emma R. , Lyall Donald M. , Mackay Daniel F. , Cronin Kirstie , Stewart Katy , MacLean John A. , Pell Jill P. , Stewart William
Published: December 2024

Importance

Elite-level contact sport participation is associated with increased dementia risk, which may be attributable to sport-related traumatic brain injury and repetitive head impact exposure. However, the contribution of wider, potentially modifiable dementia risk factors remains uncertain.

Objective

To explore the association of potentially modifiable dementia risk factors with dementia risk among former professional soccer players.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used electronic health record linkage to national electronic datasets of general and mental health hospital inpatient and day-case admissions, prescribing information, and death certification in Scotland for male former professional soccer players born between January 1, 1900, and December 31, 1990, who were aged 30 years or older on December 31, 2020, and general population control individuals matched by sex, year of birth, and area socioeconomic status. Database interrogation was performed on November 30, 2021, and data were analyzed between January 16, 2023, and July 8, 2024.

Exposures

History of smoking, depression, alcohol-related disorders, diabetes, hypertension, hearing loss, and obesity coded within electronic health records.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Prevalence of dementia risk factors and their association with incident dementia diagnoses were evaluated and compared between former soccer players and matched controls.

Results

The final cohort consisted of 11 984 male former professional soccer players and 35 952 matched controls. Over a median 21 years (IQR, 7-34 years) of follow-up from study entry at age 30 years or older, providing a total of 1 039 848 years of follow-up, 434 former soccer players (3.62%) and 453 matched population controls (1.26%) were identified with a dementia diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR], 3.02; 95% CI, 2.54-3.58; P < .001). Overall, rates of general health and lifestyle dementia risk factors were similar or lower among former soccer players compared with matched controls (eg, diabetes: 4.26% vs 6.35%). Dementia risk associated with these factors among soccer players was similar to or lower than among controls (eg, hypertension: HR, 4.62 [95% CI, 3.69-5.78] vs 6.96 [95% CI, 5.64-8.59]).

Conclusions and Relevance

This cohort study found no evidence that high dementia risk among former professional soccer players was associated with potentially modifiable general health and lifestyle dementia risk factors. These data support continuation of measures directed toward reducing exposure to repetitive head impacts and traumatic brain injury in sport.
New-Onset Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Among Korean Youths During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lee Da Hye , Kim Hwa Young , Park Ji Young , Kim Jaehyun , Park Jae Hyeon
Published: December 2024

Importance

Whether COVID-19 contributes to youth-onset diabetes is controversial, and research in Asia is lacking.

Objective

To explore the incidence and severity of diabetes among youths during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study used claims data for January 1, 2017, through February 28, 2022, from the National Health Insurance Service database in South Korea. The incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in patients younger than 20 years during the pandemic was analyzed and compared with that during the prepandemic period. The study included incident cases of T1D identified by at least 2 diagnosis codes with at least 2 insulin prescriptions within 1 year and T2D identified by at least 2 diagnosis codes with at least 2 prescriptions of diabetes medication within 1 year. Analyses were performed between January 29 and September 2, 2024.

Exposures

COVID-19 pandemic and SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was incidence of T1D and T2D, and secondary outcomes included the rate of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and association of new-onset diabetes with SARS-CoV-2 positivity.

Results

The study included 2599 patients with T1D (mean [SD] age, 12.0 [4.8] years; 1235 [47.5%] male) and 11 040 patients with T2D (mean [SD] age, 16.0 [2.8] years; 6861 [62.1%] male). During the pandemic, the incidence rate ratios were 1.19 (95% CI, 1.10-1.29) for T1D and 1.41 (95% CI, 1.36-1.46) for T2D. The incidence rate of DKA at diagnosis increased during the first pandemic year compared with the prepandemic period (T1D, 42.8% [95% CI, 38.5%-47.0%] vs 31.3% [95% CI, 29.0%-33.7%], respectively; T2D, 6.0% [95% CI, 5.0%-7.1%] vs 2.9% [95% CI, 2.5%-3.3%], respectively) but returned to prepandemic levels in the second pandemic year (T1D, 34.5% [95% CI, 30.6%-38.5%]; T2D, 3.2% [95% CI, 2.6%-3.9%]). The hazard ratio for new-onset diabetes associated with SARS-CoV-2 positivity was 0.44 (95% CI, 0.17-1.13) for T1D and 1.08 (95% CI, 0.74-1.57) for T2D.

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest that the incidence and severity of T1D and T2D among South Korean youths increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The cohort analysis does not support SARS-CoV-2 infection itself as being directly associated with incident diabetes.
Pediatric Advances in Gene Therapies for Hemoglobinopathies
Authors: Thompson Christineil , Ferdjallah Asmaa , Gupta Ashish O.
Published: December 2024

This Viewpoint summarizes recent progress in gene therapy for hemoglobinopathies.
Helicobacter
Authors: Couturier Marc R.
Published: December 2024

The genus
Helicobacter
is classified in the family
Helicobacteriaceae
of the class
Epsilonproteobacteria
, formerly known as the epsilon subclass of the
Proteobacteria
, with
Helicobacter pylori
as the type species. There are five other genera in the family:
Sulfuricurvum
,
Sulfurimonas
,
Sulfurovum
,
Thiovulum
, and
Wolinella
. Phylogenetic analyses reliant on 16S rRNA gene sequences alone are insufficient for distinguishing closely related helicobacters, which have a high degree of natural transformation and genetic plasticity.
Helicobacter
species are isolated from the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary tracts of a variety of mammalian and avian hosts. Laboratory tests requiring the collection of other types of specimen have been developed to assist in the diagnosis of
H. pylori
infection and may be undertaken under some circumstances.
H. pylori
is readily isolated by culture from gastric biopsy specimens.
Borrelia
Authors: Aguero‐Rosenfeld Maria E. , Sabljić Eva Ružić
Published: December 2024

Borrelia
species constitute a heterogeneous group of organisms that are maintained in nature in animal reservoirs and are transmitted via arthropod vectors.
Borrelia
species are agents of relapsing fever (RF), caused by the RF
Borrelia
group, and Lyme disease, caused by the Lyme borreliosis (LB)
Borrelia
group. A hallmark of
Borrelia
species is a segmented genome consisting of a linear chromosome and a mix of linear and circular plasmids. Although members of LB group of
Borrelia
have similar characteristics, they vary in their ability to cause disease in humans as well as in clinical manifestations. Acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans is a common late manifestation of LB in Europe. RF
Borrelia
can be detected in peripheral blood with blood films prepared from blood collected with EDTA. Variable major protein‐like sequences expressed is one of the most specific
Borrelia burgdorferi
antigens and has high significance in LB serology.
Mycoplasma
and
Ureaplasma
Authors: Waites Ken B. , Bébéar Cécile
Published: December 2024

Mollicutes
are eubacteria that have evolved from
Clostridium
‐like Gram‐positive cells through genome reduction. The term “mycoplasma” is often used in a trivial way to refer to any members of the class
Mollicutes
, irrespective of whether they actually belong to the genus
Mycoplasma
. Mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas of human origin can be classified according to whether they utilize glucose, arginine, or urea. Attachment of
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
to host cells in the respiratory tract of humans is a prerequisite for colonization and infection. Urogenital mycoplasmas of clinical importance include
Mycoplasma genitalium
, a sexually transmitted pathogen, and
Mycoplasma hominis
and
Ureaplasma
spp., commensals of the human urogenital tract.
Ureaplasma
species have been shown to cause systemic and sometimes fatal infections leading to hyperammonemia in immunosuppressed persons who have undergone lung transplantation. Serology has been the most common laboratory means for diagnosis of
M. pneumoniae
respiratory tract infections.
Susceptibility Test Methods: General Considerations
Authors: Turnidge John D. , Jorgensen James H. , Zimmer Barbara A.
Published: December 2024

Determination of the antimicrobial susceptibilities of significant bacterial isolates is one of the most important functions of the clinical microbiology laboratory. The main objective of susceptibility testing is to predict the likely outcome of treatment with the antimicrobial agents tested. Clinical microbiology laboratories can choose from among several conventional and novel methods for the performance of routine antibacterial susceptibility testing. A laboratory may choose to perform rapid detection of some resistance mechanisms by molecular testing or by rapid phenotypic testing. Breakpoints are the values that determine the categories of susceptibility. The approach to setting breakpoints varies by organization or regulatory body. Antimicrobial resistance is becoming widespread among a variety of clinically significant bacterial species. The advent of more readily available molecular techniques, especially whole‐genome sequencing, opens up the possibility of a major shift in the diagnostic laboratory, from phenotypic susceptibility testing to genotypic prediction of resistance.
Molecular Detection of Antibacterial Drug Resistance
Authors: Uprety Priyanka , Kirn Thomas J.
Published: December 2024

The detection of antibiotic resistance is one of the most important responsibilities of the clinical microbiology laboratory. The molecular detection of resistance determinants poses significant challenges, perhaps foremost of which is the genetic complexity of antibiotic resistance. This chapter provides an overview of FDA‐cleared molecular assays for the detection of antibiotic resistance. It discusses some commercial assays in development. In theory, whole‐genome sequencing should be most comprehensive molecular method to detect antimicrobial resistance, because it allows the simultaneous detection of resistance to numerous antibiotic classes. There appears to be limited interest in the commercial development of molecular assays for other resistance determinants. The chapter considers aminoglycoside resistance, resistant anaerobic bacteria, daptomycin resistance, fluoroquinolone resistance, and so on. With a continuing urgent clinical need for the rapid detection of antimicrobial resistance, and with many novel technologies in development, the molecular diagnosis of antibacterial drug resistance is likely to see expanded application in coming years.
Specimen Collection, Transport, and Processing: Virology
Authors: Dunn James J. , Pinsky Benjamin A.
Published: December 2024

This chapter describes preanalytical steps for viral diagnostics involving specimen selection, collection, transport, and processing, as well as details for collection of specific sample types. Depending on the specimen source and type of testing requested, it may be appropriate to place the sample in viral transport medium (VTM). Liquid specimens, such as amniotic fluid, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, do not generally require VTM. Eye specimens include swabs or scrapings of the conjunctiva, corneal scrapings, and vitreous and aqueous fluids. An oral specimen provides a noninvasive means of detecting infection, and for some viruses, the onset of salivary shedding can indicate recent acquisition. Nonsterile specimens (e.g., upper respiratory tract, skin, lower genital tract, and stool) are obtained from sites that contain normal microbiota, or they are obtained from sterile sites but contact with nonsterile sites is unavoidable during specimen collection.
Reagents, Stains, Media, and Cell Cultures: Virology
Authors: Binnicker Matthew J.
Published: December 2024

This chapter describes the cell lines, reagents, stains, and media used in association with traditional tube and rapid viral culture techniques. In the era of molecular detection and quantification of viral pathogens, the applicability of viral isolation has been questioned. Quality control (QC) in the diagnostic virology laboratory is one component of quality assurance program and refers to the measures included in each assay to verify that the test is working properly and to ensure that a laboratory consistently produces accurate results. Essential to the QC process are the use of internal and external control material and the verification that these controls are performed in accordance with manufacturer criteria for acceptability, adherence to appropriate incubation time and temperatures for the assay, and ensuring that test kits are used prior to expiration. Several commercial sources provide reliable QC material for purchase, including specific strains, purified nucleic acid, antigens, antibodies, and other biological reagents.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Human Metapneumovirus
Authors: Berry Gregory J. , Babady N. Esther
Published: December 2024

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a member of the genus
Orthopneumovirus
, family
Pneumoviridae
, order
Mononegavirales
. Most general viral specimen collection principles also apply to specimen collection for RSV detection and culture. Although RSV can be visualized by electron microscopy, its application has been limited to research laboratories. However, characteristic syncytial cytopathic effects in lung biopsies can facilitate the diagnosis. Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) virus belongs to the order
Mononegavirales
, the family
Pneumoviridae
, and the genus
Metapneumovirus
, which also includes avian metapneumovirus, also known as turkey rhinotracheitis virus, a cause of respiratory tract infections in turkeys, ducks, and chickens. HMPV is the only human pathogen within the genus
Metapneumovirus
.
Orthopneumovirus
, the other genus in the family
Pneumoviridae
, includes the closely related human RSV.
Epstein‐Barr Virus
Authors: Gärtner Barbara C.
Published: December 2024

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) is associated with a wide variety of disease states, ranging from infectious mononucleosis (IM) to autoimmune diseases and malignant disorders. Antibody assays are employed primarily for patients with suspected IM. EBV is associated with a variety of disease states in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed individuals. Latex agglutination tests or immunochromatographic assays using erythrocyte antigens are used for heterophile antibody detection. Nucleic acid amplification tests and especially quantitative methods are the most important routine techniques for the detection of EBV in clinical specimens. Serologic testing using EBV‐specific assays remains the routine method of choice for the diagnosis or exclusion of EBV infection. Routine posttransplantation monitoring of EBV viral load has been recommended for posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders prevention only in high‐risk settings but not as a routine in all transplant recipients. EBV DNA load can be found in cerebrospinal fluid both in noninfectious and, even more, in infectious underlying disorders including mononucleosis.
Human Herpesviruses 6A, 6B, and 7
Authors: Greninger Alexander L. , Sedlak Ruth Hall , Jerome Keith R.
Published: December 2024

Human herpesvirus (HHV) 6A, HHV‐6B, and HHV‐7 are three distinct virus species that make up the
Roseolovirus
genus. Like HHV‐6, HHV‐7 infection is highly prevalent and infects most individuals during childhood. HHV‐7 DNA has been detected more frequently and at higher loads in affected tissues from non‐immunocompromised patients with interstitial pneumonia. Interpreting HHV‐6 detection by PCR in clinical specimens is complicated by both the ubiquity of subclinical reactivation and inherited chromosomally integrated forms. HHV‐6A and HHV‐6B can be typed through the use of species‐specific monoclonal antibodies and species‐specific PCR assays. The most usual setting for HHV‐6 testing is in the context of immunosuppression, especially hematopoietic cell or solid organ transplantation. Like all herpesviruses, HHV‐7 establishes latency after primary infection, and thus reactivation can later occur, particularly in the setting of immunodeficiency. Cytomegalovirus viremia is also more frequent among recipients with inherited chromosomally integrated HHV‐6.
Taxonomy, Classification, and Nomenclature of Fungi
Authors: Cañete‐Gibas Connie F. , Wiederhold Nathan P.
Published: December 2024

Fungi form a clade of eukaryotic organisms that differ from other groups in several aspects. Fungi can be either multicellular or unicellular. The basic structural unit of multicellular fungi is a chain of multinucleate, tubular, filament‐like cells. Fungi that exist in the form of microscopic multicellular mycelium are commonly called molds. Identification of fungi solely by phenotypic characteristics requires familiarity with a range of different structures and terminology. However, the advent of rapid molecular and proteomic assays have transformed this process, facilitating the accurate identification of clinical isolates. In addition, these new methods of analysis are having a substantial impact on the taxonomy and nomenclature of fungi, including many medically important species. The advent of molecular phylogenetics has led to a revolution in microbial taxonomy. Yeasts are neither a natural nor a formal taxonomic group but are a growth form found in a wide range of unrelated ascomycetous and basidiomycetous fungi.