bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychological features of the pre-test conversation as a separate stage of psychophysiological research
Authors: Vahnina Viktoriya , Naumova Svetlana
Published: December 2020

The article deals with questions of ensuring the legality and moral aspects of the pre-test conversation, the tactical basis of these actions. A polygraph examiner, taking into account the subjects and the correlation of ethics and psychological impact at all stages. The main task of the interviewing polygraph examiner is to obtain testimony from the subject, which contains reliable, comprehensive evidence-based information (factual data) regarding circumstances known to the latter that are relevant to the study.

The relevance of solving these problems is also caused by the fact that the polygraph examiner should inspire confidence, as well as be an example of respect for the law and moral standards, and the correct application of the rule of law and the establishment of mutual contact during the preparatory phase affects the veracity of the answers to further research. The article studies the features of the pre-test conversation as a separate stage of psychophysiological research using a polygraph.

The object of the study is the features of the pre-test conversation as a separate stage of psychophysiological research using a polygraph. The subject of the study is a pre-test conversation of a psychophysiological study using a polygraph.

In the process of the study, a general characteristic of the psychological capabilities of revealing hidden information was revealed, the meaning, objectives, goals and techniques used in the pre-test conversation as a preliminary stage of a psychophysiological study using a polygraph are examined.
Personal and professional reliability in the structure of professional qualities of a specialist of the EMERCOM of Russia
Authors: Savinkov Stanislav
Published: December 2020

The article considers the structure of personal and professional reliability of specialists of EMERCOM of Russia, working in the conditions interfaced to risk for life. The analysis of factors influencing the professional and personal reliability of a specialist of the EMERCOM of Russia is given. The relevance of this research is due to the need to study various parameters of reliability of the EMERCOM of Russia specialist. The author shows that the personal and professional reliability of a specialist of the EMERCOM of Russia is a characteristic of personal characteristics and qualities that determine the stability of standard normative behavior in terms of personal reliability in professional activities. At the same time, another important parameter of personal and professional reliability is the moral qualities of the specialist, his spiritual and moral maturity. In modern conditions of performing professional duties, the problem of studying the personal and professional qualities of EMERCOM specialists in Russia is of particular importance. The author conducted a theoretical and methodological analysis of psychological and pedagogical literature on the topic. The results of research conducted with the EMERCOM of Russia specialists on the study of personal and professional qualities are presented. Theoretical and methodological analysis of the reliability problem shows that it is not considered as an independent task and is not established in the traditionally existing systems of selection( selection), training, and support of specialists.
Show or Tell? Improving Inventory Support for Agent-Based Businesses at the Base of the Pyramid
Authors: Acimovic Jason , Parker Chris , F. Drake David , Balasubramanian Karthik
Published: December 2020

Problem definition: Firms providing products and services to low-income base of the pyramid (BOP) customers are increasingly utilizing independent contractor agents rather than employees in their distribution models. We empirically investigate the best way to help agents perform better. Academic/practical relevance: BOP customers represent one-third of the world’s economy but make five United States dollars or less daily. Providing goods and services to these customers is difficult for traditional firms because most retail activity occurs at small-scale independent outlets. Improving agent performance can help firms reach customers in this environment. We enhance the literature on agent-based models in BOP settings, decision making, technology in developing economies, and field experiments. Methodology: In partnership with a Tanzanian mobile money operator, we perform a randomized, controlled trial with 4,771 agents to examine how differing types of guidance, and whether in-person training is offered, impact agents’ inventory management. Mobile money is a platform whereby firms in developing economies provide financial services to customers via cell phones. Mobile money agents service customer withdrawals and deposits as branchless banking outlets. Every day, they decide how much money to stock to service customers’ transactions, from which they earn commissions. Results: We find that those agents given only explicit recommendations (as opposed to summary statistics or both) who were invited to in-person training (as opposed to simply received an automated notification) improve their performance. Agents in other treatments showed no statistically significant change. The effect is concentrated in agents who never replenished their money at a bank and whose money inventory levels were low in the pretreatment period. Managerial implications: We show empirically how firms can better manage agents, thereby improving the value proposition of serving BOP customers. We show the utility of segmentation based on agent heterogeneity. This can improve firm performance, agent profits, and customer service.
Hepatocellular carcinoma: update on treatment guidelines
Authors: Dhanaraj Sofi , Shah Tahir , O'Rourke Joanne , Shetty Shishir
Published: December 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer, with increasing prevalence and mortality worldwide. The greatest risk factor for HCC is liver cirrhosis; however, these patients are often asymptomatic, making them difficult to identify for surveillance. Diagnosis is made with contrast-enhanced imaging and/or liver biopsy. HCC is assessed with the validated Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system, which encompasses tumour size, liver function and patient performance status. HCC without extrahepatic manifestations or vascular invasion may be cured with surgical intervention, involving either partial resection or full resection and liver transplantation. Locoregional therapies include tumour ablation, used for minimally invasive cure of early disease, and transarterial chemo-embolisation (TACE), used for control of intermediate disease. Both ablation and TACE are also used for downstaging as a bridge to transplantation. More advanced HCC can be controlled with drug-based systemic therapies involving either an oral kinase inhibitor (e.g. sorafenib, lenvatinib or regorafenib) or intravenous immunotherapy with one or more monoclonal antibodies (e.g. atezolizumab and bevacizumab). Best outcomes in HCC management require a multidisciplinary approach, including nutritional support and palliative care. The clinical nurse specialist plays an integral role by co-ordinating the treatment care pathway and responding to patient needs.
Accurately motion-corrected Lissajous OCT with multi-type image registration
Authors: Makita Shuichi , Miura Masahiro , Azuma Shinnosuke , Mino Toshihiro , Yamaguchi Tatsuo , Yasuno Yoshiaki
Published: December 2020

Passive motion correction methods for optical coherence tomography (OCT) use image registration to estimate eye movements. To improve motion correction, a multi-image cross-correlation that employs spatial features in different image types is introduced. Lateral motion correction using en face OCT and OCT-A projections on Lissajous-scanned OCT data is applied. Motion correction using OCT-A projection of whole depth and OCT amplitude, OCT logarithmic intensity, and OCT maximum intensity projections were evaluated in retinal imaging with 76 patients. The proposed method was compared with motion correction using OCT-A projection of whole depth. The comparison shows improvements in the image quality of motion-corrected superficial OCT-A images and image registration.
Three-dimensional single molecule localization close to the coverslip: a comparison of methods exploiting supercritical angle fluorescence
Authors: Zelger Philipp , Bodner Lisa , Offterdinger Martin , Velas Lukas , Schütz Gerhard J. , Jesacher Alexander
Published: December 2020

The precise spatial localization of single molecules in three dimensions is an important basis for single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) and tracking. At distances up to a few hundred nanometers from the coverslip, evanescent wave coupling into the glass, also known as supercritical angle fluorescence (SAF), can strongly improve the axial precision, thus facilitating almost isotropic localization performance. Specific detection systems, introduced as Supercritical angle localization microscopy (SALM) or Direct optical nanoscopy with axially localized detection (DONALD), have been developed to exploit SAF in modified two-channel imaging schemes. Recently, our group has shown that off-focus microscopy, i.e., imaging at an intentional slight defocus, can perform equally well, but uses only a single detection arm. Here we compare SALM, off-focus imaging and the most commonly used 3D SMLM techniques, namely cylindrical lens and biplane imaging, regarding 3D localization in close proximity to the coverslip. We show that all methods gain from SAF, which leaves a high detection NA as the only major key requirement to unlock the SAF benefit. We find parameter settings for cylindrical lens and biplane imaging for highest z-precision. Further, we compare the methods in view of robustness to aberrations, fixed dipole emission and double-emitter events. We show that biplane imaging provides the best overall performance and support our findings by DNA-PAINT experiments on DNA-nanoruler samples. Our study sheds light on the effects of SAF for SMLM and is helpful for researchers who plan to employ localization-based 3D nanoscopy close to the coverslip.
Lateral carrier injection for the uniform pumping of several quantum wells in InGaN/GaN light-emitting diodes
Authors: Schiavon Dario , Chlipala Mikolaj , Perlin Piotr
Published: December 2020

Most optoelectronic devices share the same basic epitaxial structure – a stack of quantum wells (QWs) sandwiched between p- and n-doped layers. In nitride semiconductors, where holes have 20-times lower mobility than electrons, the holes are able to populate only the topmost 1–2 QWs. The inability to distribute the holes in a large-enough number of QWs is a cause of high Auger recombination in nitride LEDs. Lateral carrier injection is an alternative design, in which the doped regions are situated at the sides of the QW stack and the carriers diffuse horizontally into the QWs. Given that the carriers are injected into all available QWs, it finally makes sense to grow structures with a large number of QWs. We report the results of our computer simulations, which explore the advantages of LCI-based LEDs in terms of energy efficiency.
Dispersion-managed, high-power, Tm-doped ultrashort pulse fiber laser using single-wall-carbon-nanotube polyimide film
Authors: Watanabe Kenta , Zhou Ying , Sakakibara Youichi , Saito Takeshi , Nishizawa Norihiko
Published: December 2020

We demonstrated a dispersion-managed, high-power, Tm-doped ultrashort pulse fiber laser using a single-wall-carbon-nanotube (SWNT) polyimide film. SWNTs with a diameter of 1.6 nm were synthesized with the enhanced direct injection pyrolytic synthesis (e-DIPs) method, and thin polyimide films in which SWNTs were dispersed were developed as saturable absorbers in the wavelength range λ  = 1.8–2.0 µm. An all-fiber type, passively mode-locked, ultrashort-pulse Tm-doped fiber laser was demonstrated using the developed SWNT films. Wavelength tuning operation with gain fiber control and dispersion management of the developed fiber laser were investigated. Stable soliton and dissipative soliton mode locking operations were observed. High-power (102.6 mW) single-pulse mode-locking operation was achieved in a large positive dispersion regime. The repetition rate was 21.6 MHz, and the corresponding pulse energy was 4.75 nJ. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest power operation of a Tm-doped fiber laser using carbon nanotubes and film-type devices with nano-carbon materials. The developed laser showed self-staring, stable performance and is useful for practical applications.
Hi-C implementation of genome structure for in silico models of radiation-induced DNA damage
Authors: Ingram Samuel P. , Henthorn Nicholas T. , Warmenhoven John W. , Kirkby Norman F. , Mackay Ranald I. , Kirkby Karen J. , Merchant Michael J.
Published: December 2020

Developments in the genome organisation field has resulted in the recent methodology to infer spatial conformations of the genome directly from experimentally measured genome contacts (Hi-C data). This provides a detailed description of both intra- and inter-chromosomal arrangements. Chromosomal intermingling is an important driver for radiation-induced DNA mis-repair. Which is a key biological endpoint of relevance to the fields of cancer therapy (radiotherapy), public health (biodosimetry) and space travel. For the first time, we leverage these methods of inferring genome organisation and couple them to nano-dosimetric radiation track structure modelling to predict quantities and distribution of DNA damage within cell-type specific geometries. These nano-dosimetric simulations are highly dependent on geometry and are benefited from the inclusion of experimentally driven chromosome conformations. We show how the changes in Hi-C contract maps impact the inferred geometries resulting in significant differences in chromosomal intermingling. We demonstrate how these differences propagate through to significant changes in the distribution of DNA damage throughout the cell nucleus, suggesting implications for DNA repair fidelity and subsequent cell fate. We suggest that differences in the geometric clustering for the chromosomes between the cell-types are a plausible factor leading to changes in cellular radiosensitivity. Furthermore, we investigate changes in cell shape, such as flattening, and show that this greatly impacts the distribution of DNA damage. This should be considered when comparing in vitro results to in vivo systems. The effect may be especially important when attempting to translate radiosensitivity measurements at the experimental in vitro level to the patient or human level.
Prevalence, risk factors and health consequences of soil-transmitted helminth infection on the Bijagos Islands, Guinea Bissau: A community-wide cross-sectional study
Authors: Farrant Olivia , Marlais Tegwen , Houghton Joanna , Goncalves Adriana , Teixeira da Silva Cassama Eunice , Cabral Marito Gomes , Nakutum Jose , Manjuba Cristovao , Rodrigues Amabelia , Mabey David , Bailey Robin , Last Anna
Published: December 2020

Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are endemic and widespread across Sub-Saharan Africa. A community wide soil-transmitted helminth (STH) prevalence survey was performed on the island of Bubaque in Guinea-Bissau using both Kato-katz microscopy and qPCR methodology. Predictors of infection and morbidity indicators were identified using multivariable logistic regression, and diagnostic methods were compared using k statistics. Among 396 participants, prevalence of STH by microscopy was 23.2%, hookworm was the only species identified by this method and the mean infection intensity was 312 eggs per gram. qPCR analysis revealed an overall prevalence of any STH infection of 47.3%, with the majority A. duodenale (32.3%), followed by N. americanus (15.01%) and S. stercoralis (13.2%). A. lumbricoides, and T. trichiura infections were negligible, with a prevalence of 0.25% each. Agreement between diagnostic tests was k = 0.22, interpreted as fair agreement, and infection intensity measured by both methods was only minimally correlated (Rs = -0.03). STH infection overall was more common in females and adults aged 31–40. STH infection was associated with open defaecation, low socio-economic status and further distance to a water-source. The prevalence of anaemia (defined as a binary outcome by the WHO standards for age and sex) was 69.1%, and 44.2% of children were malnourished according to WHO child growth standards. Hookworm infection intensity by faecal egg count showed no statistically significant association with age (Rs 0.06) but S. Stercoralis infection intensity by qPCR cycle threshold was higher in pre-school aged children (Rs = 0.30, p-value 0.03) There was no statistically significant association between STH infection and anaemia (OR 1.0 p = 0.8), stunting (OR 1.9, p-value 0.5) and wasting (OR 2.0, p-value 0.2) in children. This study reveals a persistent reservoir of STH infection across the community, with high rates of anaemia and malnutrition, despite high-coverage of mebendazole mass-drug administration in pre-school children. This reflects the need for a new strategy to soil-transmitted helminth control, to reduce infections and ultimately eliminate transmission.
The characteristics and extent of food industry involvement in peer-reviewed research articles from 10 leading nutrition-related journals in 2018
Authors: Sacks Gary , Riesenberg Devorah , Mialon Melissa , Dean Sarah , Cameron Adrian J.
Published: December 2020

Introduction

There is emerging evidence that food industry involvement in nutrition research may bias research findings and/or research agendas. However, the extent of food industry involvement in nutrition research has not been systematically explored. This study aimed to identify the extent of food industry involvement in peer-reviewed articles from a sample of leading nutrition-related journals, and to examine the extent to which findings from research involving the food industry support industry interests.

Methods

All original research articles published in 2018 in the top 10 most-cited nutrition- and dietetics-related journals were analysed. We evaluated the proportion of articles that disclosed involvement from the food industry, including through author affiliations, funding sources, declarations of interest or other acknowledgments. Principal research findings from articles with food industry involvement, and a random sample of articles without food industry involvement, were categorised according to the extent to which they supported relevant food industry interests.

Results

196/1,461 (13.4%) articles reported food industry involvement. The extent of food industry involvement varied by journal, withThe Journal of Nutrition(28.3%) having the highest andPaediatric Obesity(3.8%) having the lowest proportion of industry involvement. Processed food manufacturers were involved in the most articles (77/196, 39.3%). Of articles with food industry involvement, 55.6% reported findings favourable to relevant food industry interests, compared to 9.7% of articles without food industry involvement.

Conclusion

Food industry involvement in peer-reviewed research in leading nutrition-related journals is commonplace. In line with previous literature, this study has shown that a greater proportion of peer-reviewed studies involving the food industry have results that favour relevant food industry interests than peer-reviewed studies without food industry involvement. Given the potential competing interests of the food industry, it is important to explore mechanisms that can safeguard the integrity and public relevance of nutrition research.
Genetic and morphometric variability between populations of Betula ×oycoviensis from Poland and Czechia: A revised view of the taxonomic treatment of the Ojców birch
Authors: Linda Rostislav , Kuneš Ivan , Baláš Martin
Published: December 2020

Birches are generally known for their high genetic and morphological variability, which has resulted in the description of many species. Ojców birch was described in 1809 by Willibald Suibert Joseph Gottlieb Besser in Poland. Since then, several studies assessing its taxonomy were conducted. Today, various authors present Ojców birch at different taxonomic ranks. In Czechia, the Ojców birch is classified a critically endangered taxon and confirmed at one locality consisting of several tens of individuals. However, before a strategy for its conservation can be applied, we consider it necessary to assess the taxonomic position of the endangered Czech population and to evaluate its relationship to the original Polish population. This study aimed to evaluate the morphometric and genetic variability between populations ofB. ×oycoviensisin Poland and the Czechia and their relationship to regional populations ofB.pendula, one of the putative parental species of the Ojców birch. Altogether, 106 individuals were sampled, including the holotype ofB.szaferi, the second putative parental species ofB. ×oycoviensis, received from the herbarium of W. Szafer, which is deposited at the Institute of Botany in Kraków. Morphological analyses identified differences in leaves betweenB. ×oycoviensisandB.pendula. However, no significant differences were found in genome size between selected taxa/working units except forB.pendulasampled in Czechia. The identified difference of the Czech population ofB.pendulais probably caused by population variability. Genetic variability between all the taxa under comparison, regardless of their origin, was also very low; only the benchmark taxa (B.nanaandB.humilis) clearly differed from all samples analyzed. The results indicate minute morphological and negligible genetic variability between the Czech and Polish populations ofB. ×oycoviensis. In light of our results, the classification ofB.×oycoviensis as B.pendulavar.oycoviensisseems more accurate than all hitherto presented alternatives (e.g.B.×oycoviensisas a separate species).
Conductors’ tempo choices shed light over Beethoven’s metronome
Authors: Martin-Castro Almudena , Ucar Iñaki
Published: December 2020

During most part of Western classical music history, tempo, the speed of music, was not specified, for it was considered obvious from musical context. Only in 1815, Maelzel patented the metronome. Beethoven immediately embraced it, so much as to add tempo marks to his already published eight symphonies. However, these marks are still under dispute, as many musicians consider them too quick to be played and even unmusical, whereas others claim them as Bethoven’s supposedly written will. In this work, we develop a methodology to extract and analyze the performed tempi from 36 complete symphonic recordings by different conductors. Our results show that conductor tempo choices reveal a systematic deviation from Beethoven’s marks, which highlights the salience of “correct tempo” as a perceptive phenomenon shaped by cultural context. The hasty nature of these marks could be explained by the metronome’s ambiguous scale reading point, which Beethoven probably misinterpreted.
Interaction of Ras Binding Domain (RBD) by chemotherapeutic zinc oxide nanoparticles: Progress towards RAS pathway protein interference
Authors: Mathew Elza Neelima , Hurst Miranda N. , Wang Baolin , Murthy Vaibhav , Zhang Yuntao , DeLong Robert K.
Published: December 2020

Zinc oxide (ZnO) NP is considered as a nanoscale chemotherapeutic. Thus, the drug delivery of this inorganic NP is of considerable importance. Ras mutations are common in cancer and the activation of this signaling pathway is a hallmark in carcinoma, melanoma and many other aggressive malignancies. Thus, here we examined the binding and delivery of Ras binding domain (RBD), a model cancer-relevant protein and effector of Ras by ZnO NP. Shifts in zeta potential in water, PBS, DMEM and DMEM supplemented with FBS supported NP interaction to RBD. Fluorescence quenching of the NP was concentration-dependent for RBD, Stern–Volmer analysis of this data was used to estimate binding strength which was significant for ZnO-RBD (Kd < 10−5). ZnO NP interaction to RBD was further confirmed by pull-down assay demonstrated by SDS-PAGE analysis. The ability of ZnO NP to inhibit 3-D tumor spheroid was demonstrated in HeLa cell spheroids—the ZnO NP breaking apart these structures revealing a significant (>50%) zone of killing as shown by light and fluorescence microscopy after intra-vital staining. ZnO 100 nm was superior to ZnO 14 nm in terms of anticancer activity. When bound to ZnO NP, the anticancer activity of RBD was enhanced. These data indicate the potential diagnostic application or therapeutic activity of RBD-NP complexes in vivo which demands further investigation.
Efficacy and safety of 18 anti-osteoporotic drugs in the treatment of patients with osteoporosis caused by glucocorticoid: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Liu Zhiming , Zhang Min , Shen Zhubin , Ke Junran , Zhang Ding , Yin Fei
Published: December 2020

Background

Glucocorticoids are widely used in a variety of diseases, especially autoimmune diseases and inflammatory diseases, so the incidence of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis is high all over the world.

Objectives

The purpose of this paper is to use the method of network meta-analysis (NMA) to compare the efficacy of anti-osteoporosis drugs directly and indirectly, and to explore the advantages of various anti-osteoporosis drugs based on the current evidence.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) and compared the efficacy and safety of these drugs by NMA. The risk ratio (RR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) are used as the influence index of discontinuous data, and the standardized mean difference (SMD) and its 95% CI are used as the influence index of continuous data. The statistical heterogeneity was evaluated by the calculated estimated variance (τ2), and the efficacy and safety of drugs were ranked by the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). The main outcome of this study was the incidence of vertebral fracture after taking several different types of drugs, and the secondary results were the incidence of non-vertebral fracture and adverse events, mean percentage change of lumbar spine (LS) and total hip (TH)bone mineral density (BMD) from baseline to at least 12 months.

Results

Among the different types of anti-GIOP, teriparatide (SUCRA 95.9%) has the lowest incidence of vertebral fracture; ibandronate (SUCRA 75.2%) has the lowest incidence of non-vertebral fracture; raloxifene (SUCRA 98.5%) has the best effect in increasing LS BMD; denosumab (SUCRA 99.7%) is the best in increasing TH BMD; calcitonin (SUCRA 92.4%) has the lowest incidence of serious adverse events.

Conclusions

Teriparatide and ibandronate are effective drugs to reduce the risk of vertebral and non-vertebral fractures in patients with GIOP. In addition, long-term use of raloxifene and denosumab can increase the BMD of LS and TH.
Clinical outcomes and inflammatory marker levels in patients with Covid-19 and obesity at an inner-city safety net hospital
Authors: Mostaghim Anahita , Sinha Pranay , Bielick Catherine , Knudsen Selby , Beeram Indeevar , White Laura F. , Apovian Caroline , Sagar Manish , Hochberg Natasha S.
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Patients with Covid-19 and obesity have worse clinical outcomes which may be driven by increased inflammation. This study aimed to characterize the association between clinical outcomes in patients with obesity and inflammatory markers.

Methods

We analyzed data for patients aged ≥18 years admitted with a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test. We used multivariate logistic regression to determine the association between BMI and intensive care unit (ICU) transfer and all-cause mortality. Inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein [CRP], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], ferritin, and D-dimer) were compared between patients with and without obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m2).

Results

Of 791 patients with Covid-19, 361 (45.6%) had obesity. In multivariate analyses, BMI ≥35 was associated with a higher odds of ICU transfer (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.388 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.074–5.310) and hospital mortality (aOR = 4.3, 95% CI: 1.69–10.82). Compared to those with BMI<30, patients with obesity had lower ferritin (444 vs 637 ng/mL; p<0.001) and lower D-dimer (293 vs 350 mcg/mL; p = 0.009), non-significant differences in CRP (72.8 vs 84.1 mg/L, p = 0.099), and higher LDH (375 vs 340, p = 0.009) on the first hospital day.

Conclusions

Patients with obesity were more likely to have poor outcomes even without increased inflammation.
Decontamination of N95 masks for re-use employing 7 widely available sterilization methods
Authors: Kumar Anand , Kasloff Samantha B. , Leung Anders , Cutts Todd , Strong James E. , Hills Kevin , Gu Frank X. , Chen Paul , Vazquez-Grande Gloria , Rush Barret , Lother Sylvain , Malo Kimberly , Zarychanski Ryan , Krishnan Jay
Published: December 2020

The response to the COVID-19 epidemic is generating severe shortages of personal protective equipment around the world. In particular, the supply of N95 respirator masks has become severely depleted, with supplies having to be rationed and health care workers having to use masks for prolonged periods in many countries. We sought to test the ability of 7 different decontamination methods: autoclave treatment, ethylene oxide gassing (ETO), low temperature hydrogen peroxide gas plasma (LT-HPGP) treatment, vaporous hydrogen peroxide (VHP) exposure, peracetic acid dry fogging (PAF), ultraviolet C irradiation (UVCI) and moist heat (MH) treatment to decontaminate a variety of different N95 masks following experimental contamination with SARS-CoV-2 or vesicular stomatitis virus as a surrogate. In addition, we sought to determine whether masks would tolerate repeated cycles of decontamination while maintaining structural and functional integrity. All methods except for UVCI were effective in total elimination of viable virus from treated masks. We found that all respirator masks tolerated at least one cycle of all treatment modalities without structural or functional deterioration as assessed by fit testing; filtration efficiency testing results were mostly similar except that a single cycle of LT-HPGP was associated with failures in 3 of 6 masks assessed. VHP, PAF, UVCI, and MH were associated with preserved mask integrity to a minimum of 10 cycles by both fit and filtration testing. A similar result was shown with ethylene oxide gassing to the maximum 3 cycles tested. Pleated, layered non-woven fabric N95 masks retained integrity in fit testing for at least 10 cycles of autoclaving but the molded N95 masks failed after 1 cycle; filtration testing however was intact to 5 cycles for all masks. The successful application of autoclaving for layered, pleated masks may be of particular use to institutions globally due to the virtually universal accessibility of autoclaves in health care settings. Given the ability to modify widely available heating cabinets on hospital wards in well-resourced settings, the application of moist heat may allow local processing of N95 masks.
Genetic consistency between gait analysis by accelerometry and evaluation scores at breeding shows for the selection of jumping competition horses
Authors: Ricard Anne , Dumont Saint Priest Bernard , Chassier Marjorie , Sabbagh Margot , Danvy Sophie
Published: December 2020

The aim was to assess the efficiency of gaits characteristics in improving jumping performance of sport horses and confront accelerometers and judge scores for this purpose. A sample of 1,477 young jumping horses were measured using accelerometers for walk, trot, and canter. Of these, 702 were genotyped with 541,175 SNPs after quality control. Dataset of 26,914 horses scored by judges in breeding shows for gaits and dataset of 142,682 horses that performed in jumping competitions were used. Analysis of accelerometric data defined three principal components from 64% to 89% of variability explained for each gait. Animal mixed models were used to estimate genetic parameters with the inclusion to up 308,105 ancestors for the relationship matrix. Fixed effects for the accelerometric variables included velocity, gender, age, and event. A GWAS was performed on residuals with the fixed effect of each SNP. The GWAS did not reveal other QTLs for gait traits than the one related to the height at withers. The accelerometric principal components were highly heritable for the one linked to stride frequency and dorsoventral displacement at trot (0.53) and canter (0.41) and moderately for the one linked to longitudinal activities (0.33 for trot, 0.19 for canter). Low heritabilities were found for the walk traits. The genetic correlations of the accelerometric principal components with the jumping competition were essentially nil, except for a negative correlation with longitudinal activity at canter (-0.19). The genetic correlation between the judges’ scores and the jumping competition reached 0.45 for canter (0.31 for trot and 0.17 for walk). But these correlations turned negative when the scores were corrected for the known parental breeding value for competition at the time of the judging. In conclusion, gait traits were not helpful to select for jumping performances. Different gaits may be suitable for a good jumping horse.
Blackrock Sequence: A creative dialogue between an artist and a poet
Authors: Butler Jim
Published: December 2020

In 2016, my brother David was awarded a grant from Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown Council in Ireland, to write a sequence of poems. He invited me to collaborate with him to make a book of poems and images. I had never collaborated with my brother before, so it was important for me to establish my role and how the project would work in practical and financial terms. There was no formal agreement but just discussions over drinks in the Harbour Bar, near where my brother lives outside Dublin. David had received a grant of €11,000 to write the poems and he would keep all of this – he would see if he could get some additional funding to cover art materials and the cost of an exhibition. The book, however, would be my project – I would design and print the book and all money from sales would be mine. My practice as a printmaker and book artist meant that I have a particular ambition for the material aspects of a book, for example the way ink interacts with different papers, and this would not be compromised. I had previously printed and bound a number of my artist’s books in small editions, and these had been acquired by many public collections including the Tate. I had also written about the financial challenges involved, so I was going into this project with my eyes open. In terms of the book itself, David had initially suggested a chapbook but was happy to respect my judgement, creative independence and expertise. We also agreed that if we ended up in a situation in which either of us felt there was a significant mismatch between his intentions for the suite of poems, my images and the book I had designed, then I would not publish the book. In deciding what I wanted to achieve with the book, two texts were fundamental to my thinking: Ulises Carrión’s essay The New Art of Making Books and Yves Peyré’s study of artists’ books Peinture et Poésie (‘Painting and poetry’). This article explores the relationship that we established between poems and images and how the book’s structure developed to allow this relationship to be realized.
Bruder und Schwester wie Wort und Bild?1
Authors: Crossley-Holland Kevin
Published: December 2020

Throughout my writing life, I have collaborated with many visual artists − painters, etchers, wood-engravers, lino-cutters, watercolourists, photographers, even a stone carver; 37, I believe, not including occasional exchanges with illustrators of foreign editions of my books. For this article, I’ve chosen six artists to represent very different ways of working together. It hasn’t been easy to set aside such superb and eminent artists as Brian Wildsmith, who illustrated my first novel, Havelok the Dane (1964) and whose spirited, meticulous line drawings, with their replacement characters and glue and whiteout still hang on my walls at home. It was difficult, too, to omit Margaret Gordon: she and I made three picture books together, one of which, The Green Children, won the Arts Council Award for the Best Book for Young Children 1966–68. And John Hedgecoe – cussed, determined, imaginative, immensely talented, generous and a great photographer, with whom I worked on my Norfolk Poems (1970) – who persuaded me to wade fully clothed up and down muddy back-creeks, with strings of seaweed around my neck. But after some deliberation, the six visual artists I’ve chosen to write about are: Charles Keeping, John Lawrence, Andrew Rafferty, Norman Ackroyd, Jane Ray and Jeffrey Alan Love.
Fourteen Poems by C. P. Cavafy, chosen and illustrated by David Hockney, translated by Nikos Stangos and Stephen Spender (1966–67)
Authors: Butler Jim
Published: December 2020

Review of: Fourteen Poems by C. P. Cavafy, chosen and illustrated by David Hockney, translated by Nikos Stangos and Stephen Spender (1966–67)

London: Editions Alecto, Edition A, Folio, illustrated with 12 etchings bound and 1 loose etching, cotton silk boards and silk slipcase, limited edition item
Bacillus subtilis and lactic acid bacteria improve the growth performance and blood parameters and reduce Salmonella infection in broilers
Authors: Khochamit Nalisa , Siripornadulsil Surasak , Sukon Peerapol , Siripornadulsil Wilailak
Published: December 2020

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the potentials and effects of Bacillus subtilis and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as probiotics on broiler growth, health, and Salmonella infection.

Materials and Methods: To evaluate the inoculum size applicable for broilers, 1-day-old broilers were orally fed fresh cultures of single strains and a B. subtilis KKU213/Pediococcus pentosaceus NP6 mixture at 108 and 1012 colony-forming unit (CFUs)/mL/chick. The body weight gain (BWG), Salmonella contamination level and total Bacillus and LAB abundances in the crop and intestine were measured. Subsequently, 1-day-old broilers were orally fed of KKU213, CH403, and Pediococcus acidilactici SH8 at 1010 CFUs/mL, followed by inulin. After 35 days, the BWG, Bacillus and LAB abundances in the cecum, blood parameters, and KKU213 colonization were assessed.

Results: The broilers fed single strains or KKU213+NP6 exhibited a higher BWG and a higher crop LAB abundance than the controls (p<0.05). Probiotic feeding decreased the intestinal Salmonella abundance and correspondingly increased the LAB abundance. The broilers fed the mixed culture (KKU213+CH403+SH8) followed by prebiotics showed lower mortality, higher blood high-density lipoprotein levels, and lower blood uric acid levels than the controls (p<0.0004). Probiotic feeding significantly increased the Bacillus and LAB counts (p<0.05). A CE330 isolate obtained from the cecum after 35 days of KKU213 feeding was closely related to B. subtilis KKU213.

Conclusion: B. subtilis KKU213 is a potent probiotic strain that can survive, colonize and reduce Salmonella infection in broilers and improve their growth and health. This strain, combined with different LAB can act synergistically in the gut and promote broiler growth.
A jövő nyomában - Recenzió Markku Wilenius „A jövő nyomában” című könyvéről = Changing times
Authors: Cserni Zsuzsa , Szabó Bálint , Szép Titanilla
Published: December 2020

Markku Wilenius világhírű finn professzor több évtizede foglalkozik jövőkutatással. A jövő nyomában című könyve is ebben a témában íródott és Magyarországon 2019-ben jelent meg. Cikkünkben ezen könyvét foglaltuk össze fejezetről fejeztre. A jelen kor problémáira választ nyújtó, hosszú távon fenntartható megoldásokkal ismerkedhetünk meg. A jövőkutatás alapjaiba pedig a múlt ismeretén keresztül nyerünk betekintést.
Assessment of Weight Loss and Gastrointestinal Symptoms Suggestive of Exocrine Pancreatic Dysfunction After Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Phillips Anna Evans , Ooka Kohtaro , Pothoulakis Ioannis , Paragomi Pedram , Komara Nicole , Lahooti Ali , Harb Diala , Mays Melanie , Koutroumpakis Filippos , Stello Kimberly , Greer Phil J. , Whitcomb David C. , Papachristou Georgios I.
Published: December 2020

INTRODUCTION:

Studies evaluating the natural history of exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPD) after acute pancreatitis (AP) are sparse. This study aims to assess incidence and predictors of weight loss and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms suggestive of EPD 12 months after an AP episode.

METHODS:

Patients enrolled in the Pancreatitis-associated Risk of Organ Failure Study at the time of an AP episode were included. Weight and GI symptom data were prospectively collected by self-report at enrollment and at 3- and 12-month (windows 2–7 and 8–20) telephone follow-ups. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with ≥10% total body weight loss (EPD surrogate) at 12 months. A generalized estimating equation was used to measure each factor's population effect (in pounds) over 12 months after AP.

RESULTS:

Follow-up at 12 months in 186 patients (median age = 54 years, 46% men, 45% biliary, 65% first AP attack) revealed weight loss ≥10% from baseline, occurring in 44 patients (24%). Risk of weight loss increased with higher baseline body mass index, previous diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, and worsening AP severity (all P < 0.010). GI symptoms were reported in 13/31 (42%) patients at 12 months. AP severity was independently associated with ≥10% weight loss at 12 months. Over 12 months, men lost more weight than women (average 9.5 lbs); patients with severe AP lost, on average, 14 lbs.

DISCUSSION:

Weight loss after AP occurs in one-quarter of patients and is associated with AP severity. EPD incidence after AP is likely underappreciated. Further work is needed to assess EPD and potential for pancreatic enzyme supplementation.
Alfabetização Científica e Tecnológica na formação do cidadão
Authors: SANTOS TEIXEIRA CÁSSIA , Schuck Rogério José Schuck
Published: December 2020

Muito se fala sobre o ensino de língua portuguesa nos cursos de formação de professores e no cotidiano das escolas e como esta disciplina é central na aprendizagem dos discentes. Contudo, pouco se aborda sobre formas de efetivamente tornar o ensino de língua portuguesa significativo, a partir da inter-relação com a Ciência, a Tecnologia e a Sociedade. O presente estudo objetivou discutir as aproximações entre o campo de ensino de língua portuguesa com a alfabetização científica e tecnológica, no contexto do ensino médio. Para tanto, seguiu a abordagem qualitativa, pautada em revisão bibliográfica, tendo como aporte teórico a crítica especializada no tema e os documentos norteadores de ensino, a exemplo da Base Nacional Comum Curricular (2018). Percebeu-se que o processo de letramento tecnológico introduz os discentes na Alfabetização Científica e Tecnológica nas aulas de Língua Portuguesa, contribuindo para um ensino significativo e, ao mesmo tempo, para uma formação cidadã integral.
Terrorismo, novas tecnologias e atuação estatal
Authors: Cristóvão de Oliveira Batista Gustavo
Published: December 2020

Este trabalho analisa o fenômeno do terrorismo moderno e a maneira pela qual os entes estatais têm reagido a estes acontecimentos tão típicos do tempo presente. A ideia principal é escapar dos binarismos, tanto das análises quanto das tecnologias que procuram esquadrinhar toda a espécie de vida, e, assim, a partir de uma crítica filosófico-jurídica, apresentar o tema sob um prisma diverso. Procura-se estabelecer as bases cruciais do terrorismo moderno - a gênese do terror e da guerra bem como estabelecer uma primeira compreensão do que seja terrorismo transnacional a partir da ótica das democracias liberais. Também se aborda as mudanças pelas quais as sociedades ocidentais têm passado, especialmente sob os aspectos do risco, da incerteza e da insegurança, e de como a estratégica comunicativa do terrorismo transnacional tem ocupado tal espaço para concorrer, muito embora de modo assimétrico, com o poder bélico, econômico e político dos estados. Por fim, pretende-se estabelecer uma crítica aos aparatos tecnológicos biométricos que, se por um lado aumentam a sensação de segurança e controle, por outro têm sido utilizados como elementos de eliminação da ipseidade - a característica distintiva de cada indivíduo.
Perspectivas para um Transconstitucionalismo Interamericano dos Direitos Humanos
Authors: Oliveira Moreira Thiago , Camargo Alves Lopes Filho Francisco
Published: December 2020

A expansão qualitativa e quantitativa do direito internacional lhe proporcionou alcançar espaços e regular matérias que, até então, faziam parte do conjunto de atribuições dos Estados com atributo de exclusividade, como é o caso do requisito da filiação partidária como condição de elegibilidade, exigência da Constituição Federal brasileira que não possui dispositivo correspondente na Convenção Americana de Direitos Humanos. No escopo de estudar essas relações sem conferir primazia a uma ou outra ordem, surge o transconstitucionalismo, dentre outras, como teoria que pretende fornecer respostas para essa necessária harmonização entre os sistemas. Dessa forma, pretende-se investigar a possibilidade de compatibilização do requisito da filiação partidária do direito brasileiro com a Convenção Americana à luz do transconstitucionalismo. Assim, objetiva-se estudar a proposta do transconstitucionalismo para o acoplamento entre direito estatal e direito internacional, analisar a questão do direito de ser votado no sistema interamericano de direitos humanos, normativa e jurisprudencialmente, e, finalmente, a filiação partidária no sistema eleitoral brasileiro. Para tanto, fez-se uso das bases teóricas do seu autor, Marcelo Neves, da jurisprudência da Corte Interamericana e do Supremo Tribunal Federal acerca da candidatura avulsa, bem como da doutrina que comenta tais tópicos.
International humanitarian law and the Western imperial project
Authors: Ramina Larissa , Hdiefa Amr
Published: December 2020

This work deals with International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and with the Western imperialist project, by clarifying the ideological background of the creators of this law and their relationship with the project and the Western expansionist context. It also attempts to understand the paradox that International Humanitarian Law created so the colonial past could be eliminated, but after a hundred and twenty years, it still uses the same arguments to exclude a certain category from the scope of application of its provisions. The article explains as well which category is excluded historically from the provisions’ report of this law, which can be called “the other” non-European or non-Western. Likewise, it points out the mechanics of International Humanitarian Law for the process of exclusion and inclusion. It will be explained how IHL carried out a compulsive humanization process of war by imposing the Western model of fighting and making it a standard for the inclusion of “the other” in the provisions of this law and which states and groups that fall under the name “the other” will fail to implement it, due to the difference in the historical context of social and cultural development of their nation. Finally, it will be established general conclusions related to the consequences of this merger between the law and the imperialist project on the field within the so-called war against terrorism.