bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil microbial communities in the face of changing farming practices: A case study in an agricultural landscape in France
Authors: Dunn Laurie , Lang Christophe , Marilleau Nicolas , Terrat Sébastien , Biju-Duval Luc , Lelièvre Mélanie , Perrin Solène , Chemidlin Prévost-Bouré Nicolas
Published: June 2021

According to biogeography studies, the abundance and richness of soil microorganisms vary across multiple spatial scales according to soil properties and farming practices. However, soil microorganisms also exhibit poorly understood temporal variations. This study aimed at better understanding how soil microbial communities respond to changes in farming practices at a landscape scale over time. A regular grid of 269 sites was set up across a 1,200 ha farming landscape, and soil samples were characterized for their molecular microbial biomass and bacterial richness at two dates (2011 and 2016). A mapping approach highlighted that spatial microbial patterns were stable over time, while abundance and richness levels were modified. The drivers of these changes were investigated though a PLS-PM (partial least square path-modeling) approach. Soil properties were stable over time, but farming practices changed. Molecular microbial biomass was mainly driven by soil resources, whereas bacterial richness depended on both farming practices and ecological parameters. Previous-crop and management effects and a temporal dependence of the microbial community on the historical farming management were also highlighted.
Crop yield prediction integrating genotype and weather variables using deep learning
Authors: Shook Johnathon , Gangopadhyay Tryambak , Wu Linjiang , Ganapathysubramanian Baskar , Sarkar Soumik , Singh Asheesh K.
Published: June 2021

Accurate prediction of crop yield supported by scientific and domain-relevant insights, is useful to improve agricultural breeding, provide monitoring across diverse climatic conditions and thereby protect against climatic challenges to crop production. We used performance records from Uniform Soybean Tests (UST) in North America to build a Long Short Term Memory (LSTM)—Recurrent Neural Network based model that leveraged pedigree relatedness measures along with weekly weather parameters to dissect and predict genotype response in multiple-environments. Our proposed models outperformed other competing machine learning models such as Support Vector Regression with Radial Basis Function kernel (SVR-RBF), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and the data-driven USDA model for yield prediction. Additionally, for providing interpretability of the important time-windows in the growing season, we developed a temporal attention mechanism for LSTM models. The outputs of such interpretable models could provide valuable insights to plant breeders.
The development of laparoscopic skills using virtual reality simulations: A systematic review
Authors: Taba João Victor , Cortez Vitor Santos , Moraes Walter Augusto , Iuamoto Leandro Ryuchi , Hsing Wu Tu , Suzuki Milena Oliveira , do Nascimento Fernanda Sayuri , Pipek Leonardo Zumerkorn , de Mattos Vitoria Carneiro , D’Albuquerque Eugênia Carneiro , Carneiro-D’Albuquerque Luiz Augusto , Meyer Alberto , Andraus Wellington
Published: June 2021

Background

Teaching based on virtual reality simulators in medicine has expanded in recent years due to the limitations of more traditional methods, especially for surgical procedures such as laparoscopy.

Purpose of review

To analyze the effects of using virtual reality simulations on the development of laparoscopic skills in medical students and physicians.

Data sources

The literature screening was done in April 2020 through Medline (PubMed), EMBASE and Database of the National Institute of Health.

Eligibility criteria

Randomized clinical trials that subjected medical students and physicians to training in laparoscopic skills in virtual reality simulators.

Study appraisal

Paired reviewers independently identified 1529 articles and included 7 trials that met the eligibility criteria.

Findings

In all studies, participants that trained in virtual simulators showed improvements in laparoscopic skills, although the articles that also had a physical model training group did not show better performance of one model compared to the other.

Limitations

No article beyond 2015 met the eligibility criteria, and the analyzed simulators have different versions and models, which might impact the results.

Conclusion

Virtual reality simulators are useful educational tools, but do not show proven significant advantages over traditional models. The lack of standardization and a scarcity of articles makes comparative analysis between simulators difficult, requiring more research in the area, according to the model suggested in this review.

Systematic review registration number

Registered by the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), identification code CRD42020176479.
Is a flick-through enough? A content analysis of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) user manuals
Authors: Oviedo-Trespalacios Oscar , Tichon Jennifer , Briant Oliver
Published: June 2021

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are being developed and installed in increasing numbers. Some of the most popular ADAS include blind spot monitoring and cruise control which are fitted in the majority of new vehicles sold in high-income countries. With more drivers having access to these technologies, it is imperative to develop policy and strategies to guarantee the safe uptake of ADAS. One key issue is that ADAS education has been primarily centred on the user manual which are not widely utilised. Moreover, it is unclear if user manuals are an adequate source of education in terms of content and readability. To address this research gap, a content analysis was used to assess the differences in ADAS-related content and readability among the manuals of the highest selling vehicles in Australia. The qualitative findings showed that there are seven themes in the user manuals: differences between driving with and without ADAS, familiarisation requirements, operational limits of the ADAS, potential ADAS errors, behaviour adaptation warnings, confusion warnings, and malfunction warnings. The quantitative analysis found that some of the manuals require several years of education above the recommended for a universal audience (>8 years) to be understood. Additionally, there is a notable number of text diversions and infographics which could make comprehension of the user manual difficult. This investigation shows that there is a lack of standardisation of ADAS user manuals (in both content and delivery of information) which requires regulatory oversight. Driver ADAS education needs to be prioritised by policymakers and practitioners as smart technology continues to increase across the transport system. It seems that current strategies based on user manuals are insufficient to achieve successful adoption and safe use of these technologies.
Identification and characterization of soluble binding proteins associated with host foraging in the parasitoid wasp Diachasmimorpha longicaudata
Authors: Wulff Juan P. , Segura Diego F. , Devescovi Francisco , Muntaabski Irina , Milla Fabian H. , Scannapieco Alejandra C. , Cladera Jorge L. , Lanzavecchia Silvia B.
Published: June 2021

The communication and reproduction of insects are driven by chemical sensing. During this process, chemical compounds are transported across the sensillum lymph to the sensory neurons assisted by different types of soluble binding proteins: odorant-binding proteins (OBPs); chemosensory proteins (CSPs); some members of ML-family proteins (MD-2 (myeloid differentiation factor-2)-related Lipid-recognition), also known as NPC2-like proteins. Potential transcripts involved in chemosensing were identified by an in silico analysis of whole-body female and male transcriptomes of the parasitic wasp Diachasmimorpha longicaudata. This analysis facilitated the characterization of fourteen OBPs (all belonging to the Classic type), seven CSPs (and two possible isoforms), and four NPC2-like proteins. A differential expression analysis by qPCR showed that eleven of these proteins (CSPs 2 and 8, OBPs 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, and 11, and NPC2b) were over-expressed in female antenna and two (CSP 1 and OBP 12) in the body without antennae. Foraging behavior trials (linked to RNA interference) suggest that OBPs 9, 10, and 11 are potentially involved in the female orientation to chemical cues associated with the host. OBP 12 seems to be related to physiological processes of female longevity regulation. In addition, transcriptional silencing of CSP 3 showed that this protein is potentially associated with the regulation of foraging behavior. This study supports the hypothesis that soluble binding proteins are potentially linked to fundamental physiological processes and behaviors in D. longicaudata. The results obtained here contribute useful information to increase the parasitoid performance as a biological control agent of fruit fly pest species.
Mouse lung automated segmentation tool for quantifying lung tumors after micro-computed tomography
Authors: Montgomery Mary Katherine , David John , Zhang Haikuo , Ram Sripad , Deng Shibing , Premkumar Vidya , Manzuk Lisa , Jiang Ziyue Karen , Giddabasappa Anand
Published: June 2021

Unlike the majority of cancers, survival for lung cancer has not shown much improvement since the early 1970s and survival rates remain low. Genetically engineered mice tumor models are of high translational relevance as we can generate tissue specific mutations which are observed in lung cancer patients. Since these tumors cannot be detected and quantified by traditional methods, we use micro-computed tomography imaging for longitudinal evaluation and to measure response to therapy. Conventionally, we analyze microCT images of lung cancer via a manual segmentation. Manual segmentation is time-consuming and sensitive to intra- and inter-analyst variation. To overcome the limitations of manual segmentation, we set out to develop a fully-automated alternative, the Mouse Lung Automated Segmentation Tool (MLAST). MLAST locates the thoracic region of interest, thresholds and categorizes the lung field into three tissue categories: soft tissue, intermediate, and lung. An increase in the tumor burden was measured by a decrease in lung volume with a simultaneous increase in soft and intermediate tissue quantities. MLAST segmentation was validated against three methods: manual scoring, manual segmentation, and histology. MLAST was applied in an efficacy trial using a Kras/Lkb1 non-small cell lung cancer model and demonstrated adequate precision and sensitivity in quantifying tumor growth inhibition after drug treatment. Implementation of MLAST has considerably accelerated the microCT data analysis, allowing for larger study sizes and mid-study readouts. This study illustrates how automated image analysis tools for large datasets can be used in preclinical imaging to deliver high throughput and quantitative results.
Dietary adherence and program attrition during a severely energy-restricted diet among people with complex class III obesity: A qualitative exploration
Authors: Maston Gabrielle , Franklin Janet , Hocking Samantha , Swinbourne Jessica , Gibson Alice , Manson Elisa , Sainsbury Amanda , Markovic Tania
Published: June 2021

Meal replacement Severely Energy-Restricted Diets (SERDs) produce ≥ 10% loss of body mass when followed for 6 weeks or longer in people with class III obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2). The efficacy of SERDs continues to be questioned by healthcare professionals, with concerns about poor dietary adherence. This study explored facilitators and barriers to dietary adherence and program attrition among people with class III obesity who had attempted or completed a SERD in a specialised weight loss clinic. Participants who commenced a SERD between January 2016 to May 2018 were invited to participate. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted from September to October 2018 with 20 participants (12 women and 8 men). Weight change and recounted events were validated using the participants’ medical records. Data were analysed by thematic analysis using line-by-line inductive coding. The mean age ± SD of participants was 51.2 ± 11.3 years, with mean ± SD BMI at baseline 63.7 ± 12.6 kg/m2. Five themes emerged from participants’ recounts that were perceived to facilitate dietary adherence: (1.1) SERD program group counselling and psychoeducation sessions, (1.2) emotionally supportive clinical staff and social networks that accommodated and championed change in dietary behaviours, (1.3) awareness of eating behaviours and the relationship between these and progression of disease, (1.4) a resilient mindset, and (1.5) dietary simplicity, planning and self-monitoring. There were five themes on factors perceived to be barriers to adherence, namely: (2.1) product unpalatability, (2.2) unrealistic weight loss expectations, (2.3) poor program accessibility, (2.4) unforeseeable circumstances and (2.5) externalised weight-related stigma. This study highlights opportunities where SERD programs can be optimised to facilitate dietary adherence and reduce barriers, thus potentially improving weight loss outcomes with such programs. Prior to the commencement of a SERD program, healthcare professionals facilitating such programs could benefit from reviewing participants to identify common barriers. This includes identifying the presence of product palatability issues, unrealistic weight loss expectations, socio-economic disadvantage, and behaviour impacting experiences of externalised weight-related stigma.
MoVi: A large multi-purpose human motion and video dataset
Authors: Ghorbani Saeed , Mahdaviani Kimia , Thaler Anne , Kording Konrad , Cook Douglas James , Blohm Gunnar , Troje Nikolaus F.
Published: June 2021

Large high-quality datasets of human body shape and kinematics lay the foundation for modelling and simulation approaches in computer vision, computer graphics, and biomechanics. Creating datasets that combine naturalistic recordings with high-accuracy data about ground truth body shape and pose is challenging because different motion recording systems are either optimized for one or the other. We address this issue in our dataset by using different hardware systems to record partially overlapping information and synchronized data that lend themselves to transfer learning. This multimodal dataset contains 9 hours of optical motion capture data, 17 hours of video data from 4 different points of view recorded by stationary and hand-held cameras, and 6.6 hours of inertial measurement units data recorded from 60 female and 30 male actors performing a collection of 21 everyday actions and sports movements. The processed motion capture data is also available as realistic 3D human meshes. We anticipate use of this dataset for research on human pose estimation, action recognition, motion modelling, gait analysis, and body shape reconstruction.
The bioactivity of soluble Fas ligand is modulated by key amino acids of its stalk region
Authors: Kajikawa Osamu , Herrero Raquel , Chow Yu-Hua , Hung Chi F. , Matute-Bello Gustavo
Published: June 2021

We have previously reported that the 26-amino acid N-terminus stalk region of soluble Fas ligand (sFasL), which is separate from its binding site, is required for its biological function. Here we investigate the mechanisms that link the structure of the sFasL stalk region with its function. Using site-directed mutagenesis we cloned a mutant form of sFasL in which all the charged amino acids of the stalk region were changed to neutral alanines (mut-sFasL). We used the Fas-sensitive Jurkat T-cell line and mouse and human alveolar epithelial cells to test the bioactivity of sFasL complexes, using caspase-3 activity and Annexin-V externalization as readouts. Finally, we tested the effects of mut-sFasL on lipopolysaccharide-induced lung injury in mice. We found that mutation of all the 8 charged amino acids of the stalk region into the non-charged amino acid alanine (mut-sFasL) resulted in reduced apoptotic activity compared to wild type sFasL (WT-sFasL). The mut-sFasL attenuated WT-sFasL function on the Fas-sensitive human T-cell line Jurkat and on primary human small airway epithelial cells. The inhibitory mechanism was associated with the formation of complexes of mut-sFasL with the WT protein. Intratracheal administration of the mut-sFasL to mice 24 hours after intratrachealEscherichia colilipopolysaccharide resulted in attenuation of the inflammatory response 24 hours later. Therefore, the stalk region of sFasL has a critical role on bioactivity, and changes in the structure of the stalk region can result in mutant variants that interfere with the wild type protein functionin vitroandin vivo.
Impact of COVID-19 on medical students’ mental wellbeing in Jordan
Authors: Seetan Khaled , Al-Zubi Mohammad , Rubbai Yousef , Athamneh Mohammad , Khamees Almu’atasim , Radaideh Tala
Published: June 2021

COVID-19 has spread throughout the world and has resulted in significant morbidity, mortality, and negative psychological impact. This prospective cross-sectional study is exploring the effect of the pandemic on mental health of medical students. The study was conducted at six Jordanian medical schools using an online survey to collect students’ socio-demographic and academic data. Assessment of mental wellbeing status was done using Kessler’s psychological stress scale (K10); the impact of COVID-19 on life activities and strategies followed to manage the situation were also examined. A total of 553 medical students were recruited for the study. Men constituted 40.1%, and women were 59.9%. Students reported that COVID-19 has affected the aspects of physical fitness (73.1%), study (68.4%), and social relationships (65.6%) the most. Sixty-six percent of the students were concerned about family members’ affection, and more than half (58.4%) explained their concerns about the inability to get clinical sessions and labs. Cooking, baking, and hobby practicing were the most popular methods to improve their mental wellbeing. About half of the participants had a severe mental disorder, and only 13.2% were likely to be well. The study indicates that half of our medical students suffer severe mental disorders, with physical fitness, exercise, and studying being among the most affected aspects during the COVID 19 pandemic. It is recommended that measures need be taken to alleviate students’ stress, which might have deleterious effects in many aspects.
Feasibility of establishing an infant hearing screening program and measuring hearing loss among infants at a regional referral hospital in south western Uganda
Authors: Seguya Amina , Bajunirwe Francis , Kakande Elijah , Nakku Doreen
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Despite the high burden of hearing loss (HL) globaly, most countries in resource limited settings lack infant hearing screening programs(IHS) for early HL detection. We examined the feasibility of establishing an IHS program in this setting, and in this pilot program measured the prevalence of infant hearing loss (IHL) and described the characteristics of the infants with HL.

Methods

We assessed feasibility of establishing an IHS program at a regional referral hospital in south-western Uganda. We recruited infants aged 1 day to 3 months and performed a three-staged screening. At stage 1, we used Transient Evoked Oto-acoustic Emissions (TEOAEs), at stage 2 we repeated TEOAEs for infants who failed TEOAEs at stage 1 and at stage 3, we conducted Automated brainstem responses(ABRs) for those who failed stage 2. IHL was present if they failed an ABR at 35dBHL.

Results

We screened 401 infants, mean age was 7.2 days (SD = 7.1). 74.6% (299 of 401) passed stage 1, the rest (25.4% or 102 of 401) were referred for stage 2. Of those referred (n = 102), only 34.3% (35 of 102) returned for stage 2 screening. About 14.3% (5/35) failed the repeat TEOAEs in at least one ear. At stage 3, 80% (4 of 5) failed the ABR screening in at least one ear, while 25% (n = 1) failed the test bilaterally. Among the 334 infants that completed the staged screening, the prevalence of IHL was 4/334 or 12 per 1000. Risk factors to IHL were Newborn Special Care Unit (NSCU) admission, gentamycin or oxygen therapy and prematurity.

Conclusions

IHS program establishment in a resource limited setting is feasible. Preliminary data indicate a high prevalence of IHL. Targeted screening of infants at high risk may be a more realistic and sustainable initial step towards establishing IHS program s in a developing country like Uganda.
Effect of maternal oxytocin on umbilical venous and arterial blood flows during physiological-based cord clamping in preterm lambs
Authors: Stenning Fiona J. , Polglase Graeme R. , te Pas Arjan B. , Crossley Kelly J. , Kluckow Martin , Gill Andrew W. , Wallace Euan M. , McGillick Erin V. , Binder Corinna , Blank Douglas A. , Roberts Calum , Hooper Stuart B.
Published: June 2021

Background

Delayed umbilical cord clamping (UCC) after birth is thought to cause placental to infant blood transfusion, but the mechanisms are unknown. It has been suggested that uterine contractions force blood out of the placenta and into the infant during delayed cord clamping. We have investigated the effect of uterine contractions, induced by maternal oxytocin administration, on umbilical artery (UA) and venous (UV) blood flows before and after ventilation onset to determine whether uterine contractions cause placental transfusion in preterm lambs.

Methods and findings

At ~128 days of gestation, UA and UV blood flows, pulmonary arterial blood flow (PBF) and carotid arterial (CA) pressures and blood flows were measured in three groups of fetal sheep during delayed UCC; maternal oxytocin following mifepristone, mifepristone alone, and saline controls. Each successive uterine contraction significantly (p<0.05) decreased UV (26.2±6.0 to 14.1±4.5 mL.min-1.kg-1) and UA (41.2±6.3 to 20.7 ± 4.0 mL.min-1.kg-1) flows and increased CA pressure and flow (47.1±3.4 to 52.8±3.5 mmHg and 29.4±2.6 to 37.3±3.4 mL.min-1.kg-1). These flows and pressures were partially restored between contractions, but did not return to pre-oxytocin administration levels. Ventilation onset during DCC increased the effects of uterine contractions on UA and UV flows, with retrograde UA flow (away from the placenta) commonly occurring during diastole.

Conclusions

We found no evidence that amplification of uterine contractions with oxytocin increase placental transfusion during DCC. Instead they decreased both UA and UV flow and caused a net loss of blood from the lamb. Uterine contractions did, however, have significant cardiovascular effects and reduced systemic and cerebral oxygenation.
Risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients on oral anticoagulant and proton pump inhibitor co-therapy
Authors: Lee Hyun-Jung , Kim Hyung-Kwan , Kim Bong-Sung , Han Kyung-Do , Park Jun-Bean , Lee Heesun , Lee Seung-Pyo , Kim Yong-Jin
Published: June 2021

Background

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are known to reduce the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients on oral anticoagulants, and patients are increasingly on oral anticoagulants and PPI co-therapy. However, evidence is lacking on the safety and effectiveness of oral anticoagulants when co-administered with PPIs.

Methods

Among patients initiating oral anticoagulants (warfarin and non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants [NOACs], i.e. rivaroxaban, dabigatran, apixaban, and edoxaban) during 2013–2017, those concomitantly prescribed PPIs were identified (n = 19,851). The primary endpoint was hospitalization for major upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and secondary endpoints were death and ischemic stroke.

Results

During a mean 1.4 years of follow-up, the primary endpoint occurred in 512 (2.58%) patients. Overall, NOACs were associated with lower upper gastrointestinal bleeding risk after adjustment for age, sex, comorbidities and concomitant medications (adjusted hazard ratio 0.78, 95% confidence interval 0.65–0.94), compared to warfarin. There was no significant difference in upper gastrointestinal bleeding risk among the individual NOACs. This trend of reduced risk for upper gastrointestinal bleeding in NOACs compared to warfarin was consistent for both regular and reduced doses, throughout bleeding risk groups, and other subgroup analyses. NOACs were also associated with lower risk of death compared to warfarin. The risk for ischemic stroke was not significantly different among the oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Conclusion

In patients on oral anticoagulant and PPI co-therapy, NOACs were associated with lower risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and mortality compared to warfarin, while there was no difference among the oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention. In patients on PPI therapy, NOACs may preferred over warfarin for decreasing risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and mortality.
Effects of far infrared light on Alzheimer’s disease-transgenic mice
Authors: Fukui Koji , Kimura Shunsuke , Kato Yugo , Kohno Masahiro
Published: June 2021

Far infrared light has been used in many medical procedures. However, the detailed biological mechanisms of infrared light’s effects have not yet been elucidated. Many researchers have pointed out the thermal effects of treatments such as infrared saunas, which are known to increase blood flow. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with gradual decreases in brain blood flow and resulting dementia. In this study, we attempted to clarify the beneficial effects of far infrared light using the 5xFAD mouse, a transgenic model of AD. We exposed 5xFAD mice to far infrared light for 5 months. Among the far infrared-exposed AD mice, body weights were significantly decreased, and the levels of nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein were significantly increased in selected brain areas (compared to those in non-irradiated AD mice). However, cognition and motor function (as assessed by Morris water maze and Rota Rod tests, respectively) did not differ significantly between the irradiated and non-irradiated AD mouse groups. These results indicated that exposure to far infrared light may have beneficial biological effects in AD mice. However, the experimental schedule and methods may need to be modified to obtain clearer results.
HSP70-mediated neuroprotection by combined treatment of valproic acid with hypothermia in a rat asphyxial cardiac arrest model
Authors: Oh Joo Suk , Park Jungtaek , Kim Kiwook , Jeong Hyun Ho , Oh Young Min , Choi Semin , Choi Kyoung Ho
Published: June 2021

It has been reported that valproic acid (VPA) combined with therapeutic hypothermia can improve survival and neurologic outcomes in a rat asphyxial cardiac arrest model. However, neuroprotective mechanisms of such combined treatment of valproic acid with hypothermia remains unclear. We hypothesized that epigenetic regulation of HSP70 by histone acetylation could increase HSP70-mediated neuroprotection suppressed under hypothermia. Male Sprague-Dawley rats that achieved return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) from asphyxial cardiac arrest were randomized to four groups: normothermia (37°C ± 1°C), hypothermia (33°C ± 1°C), normothermia + VPA (300 mg/kg IV initiated 5 minutes post-ROSC and infused over 20 min), and hypothermia + VPA. Three hours after ROSC, acetyl-histone H3 was highly expressed in VPA-administered groups (normothermia + VPA, hypothermia + VPA). Four hours after ROSC, HSP70 mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in normothermic groups (normothermia, normothermia + VPA) than in hypothermic groups (hypothermia, hypothermia + VPA). The hypothermia + VPA group showed significantly higher HSP70 mRNA expression than the hypothermia group. Similarly, at five hours after ROSC, HSP70 protein levels were significantly higher in normothermic groups than in hypothermic groups. HSP70 levels were significantly higher in the hypothermia + VPA group than in the hypothermia group. Only the hypothermia + VPA group showed significantly attenuated cleaved caspase-9 levels than the normothermia group. Hypothermia can attenuate the expression of HSP70 at transcriptional level. However, VPA administration can induce hyperacetylation of histone H3, leading to epigenetic transcriptional activation of HSP70 even in a hypothermic status. Combining VPA treatment with hypothermia may compensate for reduced activation of HSP70-mediated anti-apoptotic pathway.
Differential germination characteristics of glyphosate-resistant and glyphosate-susceptible Chloris virgata populations under different temperature and moisture stress regimes
Authors: Desai Het Samir , Chauhan Bhagirath Singh
Published: June 2021

Thorough knowledge of the germination behavior of weed species could aid in the development of effective weed control practices, especially when glyphosate resistance is involved. A study was conducted using two glyphosate-resistant (GR) (SGW2 and CP2) and two glyphosate-susceptible (GS) (Ch and SGM2) populations of Chloris virgata, an emerging and troublesome weed species of Australian farming systems, to evaluate their germination response to different alternating temperature (15/5, 25/15 and 35/25°C with 12 h/12 h light/dark photoperiod) and moisture stress regimes (0, -0.1, -0.2, -0.4, -0.8 and -1.6 MPa). These temperature regimes represent temperatures occurring throughout the year in the eastern grain region of Australia. Seeds germinated in all the temperature regimes with no clear indication of optimum thermal conditions for the GR and GS populations. All populations exhibited considerable germination at the lowest alternating temperature regime 15/5°C (61%, 87%, 49%, and 47% for Ch, SGM2, SGW2, and CP2, respectively), demonstrating the ability of C. virgata to germinate in winter months despite being a summer annual. Seed germination of all populations was inhibited at -0.8 and -1.6 MPa osmotic potential at two alternating temperature regimes (15/5 and 35/25°C); however, some seeds germinated at 25/15°C at -0.8 MPa osmotic potential, indicating the ability of C. virgata to germinate in arid regions and drought conditions. Three biological parameters (T10: incubation period required to reach 10% germination; T50: incubation period required to reach 50% germination; and T90: incubation period required to reach 90% germination) suggested late water imbibition with increasing moisture stress levels. The GR population SGW2 exhibited a distinctive pattern in T10, T50, and T90, possessing delayed germination behaviour and thus demonstrating an escape mechanism against pre-plating weed management practices. Knowledge gained from this study will help in developing site-specific and multi-tactic weed control protocols.
Macular vessel density differs in multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: An optical coherence tomography angiography study
Authors: Rogaczewska Małgorzata , Michalak Sławomir , Stopa Marcin
Published: June 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) are inflammatory and demyelinating diseases that commonly manifest with optic neuritis (ON) but differ in the pathogenic mechanism. Although it was shown that retinal vessels might alter in MS and NMOSD, a comparative study has not been reported. This study evaluated the macular vessel density in 40 MS patients, 13 NMOSD patients, and 20 controls using optical coherence tomography angiography. The vessel density of superficial capillary plexus (SCP) was significantly lower in ON eyes (MS+ON, NMOSD+ON) than in non-ON eyes (MS-ON, NMOSD-ON) and controls. The density of deep capillary plexus (DCP) was significantly increased in MS+ON and MS-ON eyes compared to healthy eyes. In NMOSD+ON and NMOSD-ON, the DCP did not remarkably differ from the control group. A significant positive correlation was noted between SCP and ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness in MS+ON, MS-ON, and NMOSD+ON. The DCP did not significantly correlate with GCC thickness, but it increased or decreased with ganglion cell loss in MS and NMOSD, respectively. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the capillary changes in MS patients are secondary to ganglion cells’ atrophy, while vasculopathy seems to be a primary process in NMOSD patients.
Knowledge and preventive practices towards COVID-19 among pregnant women seeking antenatal services in Northern Ghana
Authors: Kumbeni Maxwell Tii , Apanga Paschal Awingura , Yeboah Eugene Osei , Lettor Isaac Bador Kamal
Published: June 2021

Background

COVID-19 is a novel respiratory disease associated with severe morbidity and high mortality in the elderly population and people with comorbidities. Studies have suggested that pregnant women are more susceptible to COVID-19 compared to non-pregnant women. However, it’s unclear whether pregnant women in Ghana are knowledgeable about COVID-19 and practice preventive measures against it. This study sought to assess the knowledge and preventive practices towards COVID-19 among pregnant women seeking antenatal services in Northern Ghana.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire in the Nabdam district in Ghana. A total of 527 pregnant women were randomly sampled from health facilities offering antenatal care services in the district. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between the predictors and outcome variables.

Results

The prevalence of adequate knowledge and good COVID-19 preventive practices were 85.6%, (95% CI: 82.57, 88.59) and 46.6%, (95% CI: 42.41, 50.95) respectively. Having at least a primary education, residing in an urban area, and receiving COVID-19 education at a health facility were positively associated with adequate knowledge on COVID-19. Factors positively associated with good COVID-19 preventive practices were older age, having at least a primary education, pregnant women with a chronic disease, and living in an urban area. Multiparity was negatively associated with good COVID-19 preventive practices.

Conclusion

Although majority of women had adequate knowledge of COVID-19, less than half of them were engaged in good COVID-19 preventive practices. Education of pregnant women on COVID-19 preventive practices should be intensified at health facilities while improving upon the water, sanitation and hygiene need particularly in rural communities.
Overview of research on fire effects in RC elements and assessment of RC structures after fire
Authors: Lakusic Stjepan
Published: June 2021

Procedures for estimating damage and remaining bearing capacity of RC structures after fire are presented in the paper. The paper describes the effect of fire on structures, the danger it poses for the loss of human lives, and financial losses it may generate. The damage to structural RC elements of a column, beam, slab, wall, and connection details, is presented in the paper. Although RC elements are generally considered to be fire resistant, their physical and mechanical characteristics are greatly influenced by temperature, while the bearing capacity before and after fire can be determined through a number of different methods that are presented in the paper. An overview of condition assessment for RC structures after fire is proposed, and methodology for taking further action is presented.
Az ismeretlen ismerős. A neuromarketing iránti attitűdök szentimentelemzése
Authors: Varga Ákos , Csordás Tamás
Published: June 2021

A neuromarketing a 2010-es évek második felére elfoglalta az őt megillető helyet mint akadémiai kutatási terület és mint gyakorlati piackutatási tevékenység egyaránt. Világszerte alkalmazzák jobbára termékfejlesztési célokra, illetve a fogyasztói motivációk és döntéshozatali metódusok pontosabb definiálására. Mégis, a szakirodalomból hiányzik a neuromarketing mint jelenség iránti fogyasztói attitűdök feltárása: a kezdeti etikai problémák és szakmai balfogások nagyban hátráltatták reputációjának építését, így jellemzően negatív konnotáció övezi a közvélemény részéről. Vizsgálatuk során a szerzők ezt a hiányt igyekeznek pótolni: a SentiOne social listening szoftver segítségével összegyűjtötték a közösségi médiában 2017-ben és 2018-ban megjelent összes „neuromarketing” említést, majd tartalomelemzés segítségével csoportosították őket. Eredményeikben feltárják a neuromarketinggel kapcsolatos megnyilvánulások általános helyzetét, kategorizálják a nyilvános tartalmakat, ezáltal felvázolnak egy szofisztikáltabb képet a neuromarketing iránti attitűdökről. Megvizsgálva, hogy ezek hogyan viszonyulnak a tudományterület elméleti felvezetésükben részletezett valós helyzetéhez, eredményeik segítségével fényt próbálnak deríteni arra, hogy a tudományos diskurzuson és kutatásokon, valamint a piaci-gyakorlati alkalmazásokon túl milyen általános nevelő feladat hárul a terület művelői számára a terület elfogadásának növelésére.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN (PRE)FRAIL COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER PERSONS
Authors: LUGER E. , HAIDER S. , KAPAN A. , SCHINDLER K. , LACKINGER C. , DORNER T.E.
Published: June 2021

Background: For developed countries, healthy aging is one of the challenges and the number of healthy life years and especially the quality of life (QoL) are important. Objective: This study aimed to assess the association between nutritional status and different domains of QoL in (pre)frail community-dwelling elders. Design: Baseline data from persons, who participated in a 12-week nutritional and physical training intervention program, conducted from September 2013 - July 2015. Setting: (Pre)frail community-dwelling elders living in Vienna, Austria. Participants: A total of 83 older persons living at home, 12 men and 71 women (86%) aged 65 to 98 years. Measurements: Structured interviews were conducted at participants’ homes. Mini Nutritional Assessment® long-form (MNA®-LF) was used to investigate the nutritional status. The QoL domains were assessed with the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaires. Simple and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between nutritional status and QoL domains, adjusted for possible confounders. Results: 45% of the participants were at risk of malnutrition and 3% were malnourished. Compared to normal nourished people, persons who had an impaired nutritional status, significantly differed in the QoL domain ‘autonomy’ with mean (SD) scores of 50.0 (14.9) vs. 57.3 (13.7); p=0.022 and in the QoL domain ‘social participation’ with scores of 40.1 (13.6) vs. 47.0 (11.2); p=0.014, respectively. According to linear regression analyses, the MNA®-LF score was significantly associated with ‘overall QoL’ (β=0.26; p=0.016) and the QoL domains ‘physical health’ (β=0.23; p=0.036), ‘autonomy’ (β=0.27; p=0.015), and ‘social participation’ (β=0.28; p=0.013). Conclusions: There was a significant association between nutritional status and QoL in elderly (pre)frail community-dwelling people, in particular for the QoL domains ‘autonomy’ and ‘social participation’. However, it remains unclear whether malnutrition was the cause or the consequence, or it was mediated through a third possible factor e.g. the functional status.
Human resource practices and employee wellbeing from a gender perspective: The role of organizational justice
Authors:   Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Spain, Sora Beatriz , Caballer Amparo ,   University of Valencia, Spain, García-Buades M. Esther ,   University of the Balearic Islands, Spain
Published: June 2021

Introduction/objective: HR practices have been widely studied in the literature. However, critical research gaps remain unexplored. Little attention has been paid to the relationship between HR practices and well-being, or the mechanisms that explain the effect of HR on employees’ wellbeing, and the role of gender in this relationship. Hence, this study aims to examine the relationship between HR practices and well-being (eudemonic and hedonic) through organizational justice, taking into account gender. Method: A convenience sampling technique was used in a correlational design. The sample was composed of 1647 employees from 42 Spanish organizations. Our measures were HR practices, organizational justice, and hedonic and eudemonic wellbeing. Multi-group structural equation models were computed. Results: The results supported our hypothesis, which mainly stated that (1) organizational justice (distributive, procedural and interactional justice) mediated the relationship between HR practices and eudemonic and hedonic well-being; (2) there were differences between men and women in this mediation. Conclusions: Human resource practices and organizational justice offer tools to HR managers in order to maintain and improve employees’ well-being levels within their organizations.
La teoría bajtiniana como fundamento para leer el conflicto armado colombiano en el aula
Authors: López López Angela María
Published: June 2021

Este artículo de reflexión teórica se propone demostrar la capacidad del pensamiento bajtiniano para estudiar la novela del conflicto armado colombiano y las interacciones que tienen lugar en el aula cuando se lee esta clase de obras literarias. Metodológicamente, hace una revisión de los textos publicados a nombre del autor con el fin de reunir e interpretar algunas de sus nociones. Como resultado del proceso realiza una descripción detallada de las categorías teóricas seleccionadas a la vez que reflexiona sobre su pertinencia en relación con el problema en cuestión.
The peace tree in ELT: A problematizing exploration
Authors: Aldana Gutiérrez Yeraldine
Published: June 2021

The English language teaching (ELT) field has undergone transformations regarding its views on knowledge and language. Although instrumental perspectives situate English teachers in a passive, receptive and technical position, their research and pedagogical work displays an interest in extracurricular phenomena about Peace Construction (PC) in ELT. This qualitative exploratory study aimed at unveiling possible connections between PC and ELT in Colombia. Documental revision and semi-structured interviews were applied with 4 English teachers. Findings discuss an organic metaphor as facilitating “teachers’ situated knowledge construction” (Serna, 2018, p. 585). Thus, a critical reflection is developed on how ELT and PC may articulate one another towards an alternative reading on their possible relationality or the reduction of the canonical distance imagined between these two fields, in order to acknowledge their interconnection. Conclusions around the multifaceted transdisciplinary ELT field are presented.
Entrevista a Humberto Arboleda: la Comuna 13, lugares invisibles como semilleros paz
Authors: CiudadPazando Revista
Published: June 2021

Con el afán de comprender las dinámicas intrínsecas de los lugares invisibles de Colombia, y reconociendo que sólo un habitante de uno de ellos puede hablar con propiedad de lo que ocurre dentro de sus fronteras, esta entrevista está dedicada a la labor de Humberto Arboleda Monsalve, reciente ganador del Premio al Periodismo Comunitario de la Ciudad de Medellín: un hombre que ha dedicado gran parte de su vida a la labor social y el trabajo por la memoria histórica dentro de uno de los territorios que, de acuerdo a los imaginarios nacionales, es uno de los más violentos y peligrosos de la ciudad y el país: la renombrada Comuna 13. Esta es una entrevista que sin duda deja al descubierto el potencial humano para la construcción de paz que se esconde en los espacios comúnmente dejados a un lado del análisis nacional, pero que también evidencia la valentía y el compromiso que acusan los procesos de formación y transformación pacificadora en las comunidades de Colombia.
Can Eating Food Offered by Schools Have a Positive Influence on Nutritional Status of Children? An Example from Brazil
Authors: Bandoni Daniel , Canella Daniela
Published: June 2021

Objective: Considering that the school environment can impact food consumption and children’s weight, our aim was to evaluate the relationship between the origin of foods consumed at school and children’s nutritional status. Methods: We used data from the nationally representative Brazilian Household Budget Survey of children under 10 years old. The relationship between consumption of foods at school and its origin (offered by the school; taken from home; bought at the canteens) and nutritional status were evaluated using linear (BMI-for-age) and logistic (excess weight and obesity) regression models stratified by type of school (private or public). Results: A total of 95.5% of children referred consumption of food at school, independent of its origin, and 28.0% had excess weight and 10.2% had obesity. In private schools, 70.7% of children ate food taken from home, whereas in public schools, 90.6% of children ate food offered by the school through a school food service program. According to adjusted analyses related to public schools, consuming food offered by the school decreased BMI-for-age and the odds of having obesity. No differences were verified among children from private schools. Conclusion: Eating food offered by public schools seems to be better for Brazilian children’s nutritional status.
Collaboration, Training and Resources to Support School Policy Development and Recovery from Concussion
Authors: Sadler Karen , Turcotte Kate , Babul Shelina
Published: June 2021

Objective: Concussion is a public health concern across all ages, yet there is little research on providing concussion education and training within the educational context. The Concussion Awareness Training Tool for School Professionals (CATT SP) was developed to provide the necessary concussion education and resources for school professionals to support a student with concussion while integrating back to school. Methods: The CATT SP module underwent a 2016 pre/post-intervention evaluation to determine if knowledge and attitudes significantly improved among educators and administrators following completion of the CATT SP, as well as a 2018-19 pilot study within a school district in British Columbia with an accompanying Quality Assurance/ Quality Improvement assessment. Results: A statistically significant positive change in knowledge (p = .027) was found among those who indicated that they had accessed CATT SP. Results of the pilot study and QA/QI assessment found support of the use of CATT within the school district. Conclusions: Evidence-based concussion training and resources are key components for school professionals who are collaboratively supporting a student’s individualized return to school and learning following a concussion, and when developing and implementing a concussion policy within districts and school.
Can Forest Management Units facilitate adaptive comanagement reform in Indonesia?
Authors: Wahyudi R. , Pellini K.E , Haryanto J.T. , Zamzani F.
Published: June 2021

A multi-jurisdictional governance system, polycentric power regimes, and overlapping rights complicate policy responses for addressing forest governance problems in Indonesia. Confronting issues that have existed for centuries as part of Indonesia's socio-cultural and political reality
cannot easily be solved at the macro-scale. However, we argue that they can be tackled at the micro-scale. Adaptive co-management could offer a means of finding collaborative solutions to these problems, and we believe this approach will be effective when the problems are defined locally in
a specific area with a limited number of stakeholders. This paper examines the capacity of Forest Management Units (FMUs), as the lowest level operational structure of forest management in Indonesia, to facilitate reform for adaptive co-management approaches. We examined this through an analytical
framework derived from the Problem-Driven Iterative Adaptation approach. This paper identifies the importance of stakeholders' acceptance to enable FMUs to coordinate adaptive co-management.