bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Participation in SkillsUSA Among Postsecondary Students
Authors: Maldonado Laura G. , Jaeger Audrey J.
Published: March 2021

Industries across the United States are facing a shortage of skilled technical workers. This qualitative case study investigated how participation in SkillsUSA, a career and technical student organization, influenced community college students' preparedness for the workforce
and their connection to campus. Data were gathered from interest questionnaires, interviews, resumes, and observations. Using the psychology of working theory to frame the study, findings revealed participation in SkillsUSA influenced students' work choices, initiative, and confidence
in overcoming obstacles. Participants also reported benefitting from a supportive campus community. The study provided an extension of the psychology of working theory to community college populations and has implications for practitioners and policymakers.
Textbook Digitization: A Case Study of English Textbooks in China
Authors: Li Xiangning
Published: March 2021

The continuous promotion of e-teaching materials in the international education community prompted the Chinese government to incorporate the use of e-teaching materials in its educational system in 2010. This article introduces the different definitions of e-teaching materials in Chinese and international academia, analyzes the benefits and shortcomings of e-teaching materials by using the 2019 version of the English textbook for high school from The People’s Education Press. The study employs content analysis to provide an in-depth interpretation of how task setting in three textbooks reflects an inclination towards e-teaching materials from four aspects: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Randomly selected units in three textbooks are used to discuss how digital elements contribute to the textbooks and to the emergence of the e-learning trend. Although China’s textbooks are not fully digitalized, a variety of teaching contexts, resources, and content connotations that appear in existing textbooks indicate that e-learning is now an essential element in Chinese English-learning textbooks.
Chancen guten Ganztags für Kinder im Grundschulalter: menschenrechtliche Perspektiven
Authors: Wapler Friederike
Published: March 2021

Ab dem Jahr 2025 soll in Deutschland ein Rechtsanspruch auf Ganztagsbetreuung für Kinder im Grundschulalter eingeführt werden. Während derzeit politisch überwiegend über Fragen der Zuständigkeit und Finanzierung gestritten wird, wird die Frage, wie in Ganztagsangeboten pädagogische Qualität gesichert werden kann, weitgehend außer Acht gelassen. In dem Beitrag wird eine menschenrechtliche Perspektive auf die Ganztagsbetreuung von Grundschulkindern eingenommen. Ausgehend von den Rechten der Kinder aus der UN-Kinderrechtskonvention und der UN-Behindertenrechtskonvention wird geprüft, welchen Ansprüchen Angebote der Ganztagsbetreuung in Schulen und Horten genügen müssen.
Emerging from the Marrano Complex: Levinas and the Therapy of the Colloque des Intellectuels Juifs de Langue Française
Authors: Hammerschlag Sarah ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: March 2021

By examining the ambivalence around the application of the concept of religion to Judaism at the first meeting of the Colloque des Intellectuels Juifs de langue Francaise, this essay shows how Levinas’s employment of the term in Totality and Infinity and after emerged in and through the cloaking of Judaism in the terminology of Christianity, a procedure which began with Levinas’s reception of Catholic thinkers such as Paul Claudel and Jacques Maritain in the 1930s and developed through his interpretation of Franz Rosenzweig’s Star of Redemption at the second meeting of the Colloque in 1959. Rather than a straightforward appropriation of the Christian conception, religion is a term for Levinas designated to register what it is to be stunned by the Christian gaze. The reclamation of the term, the essay argues is itself a kind of therapy that embraces the designation of scapegoat as Judaism’s historical mission.
Internet, redes sociales y juicios paralelos: un viejo conocido en un nuevo escenario
Authors: Simón Castellano Pere
Published: March 2021

En el presente artículo se estudia la patología informativa que suponen los llamados juicios paralelos, así como sus efectos para los derechos y garantías jurídico-constitucionales. El problema, en los últimos años, lejos de disiparse, parece que se enquista y magnifica, al alcanzar nuevas cotas de audiencia y seguimiento gracias a las características del proceso comunicativo de las redes sociales de Internet.El trabajo parte así del estudio de las transformaciones que las nuevas tecnologías han supuesto para el proceso de comunicación pública y los derechos fundamentales, entre las que destaca el derrumbe del modelo de crítica pública y la liquidación de la institución de la opinión pública libre en la sociedad digital, en la que predomina la desinformación e infoxicación en sus múltiples facetas —posverdad, fake news, conocimiento superficial, bots, etc.—.A continuación, se analizan los efectos de los juicios paralelos sobre losderechos fundamentales y el proceso penal, tanto en su versión analógicacomo en la digital. Con ello se pretende observar si el mayor seguimientoy retroalimentación que se produce en el contexto digital se traduce también en una mayor afectación de los derechos en juego, lo que se ejemplifica en un caso reciente de relevancia mediática («La Manada»).Finalmente, se formulan propuestas para paliar la situación y salir de laencrucijada.
La determinación de la edad. Obligaciones, praxis y estrategias de litigio para la efectiva protección de los derechos convencionales de los Menores Extranjeros No Acompañados
Authors: Montesinos Padilla Carmen
Published: March 2021

El progresivo incremento del número de Menores Extranjeros No Acompañados (MENA) que llegan a España desde finales de la década de los ochenta, ha puesto en un brete a nuestras autoridades, que desde entonces debaten entre sus obligaciones tuitivas frente al menor y el necesario, aunque no siempre bien gestionado, control de fronteras. En una primera lectura, la normativa española en materia migratoria y de tutela del menor podría efectivamente calificarse de protectora. Sin embargo, la praxis nos viene demostrando desde hace años que su aplicación no siempre es conforme a los mandatos de la Convención sobre Derechos del Niño, ni al desarrollo que de la misma hace el Comité encargado de controlar su cumplimiento. Las críticas, muchas de ellas centradas en el procedimiento de determinación de la edad, son bien conocidas. Los informes y recomendaciones de instituciones y organizaciones, nacionales e internacionales, se han multiplicado desde que el colectivo de los MENA pasó a catalogarse como nuevo fenómeno migratorio. En todo caso, fue durante 2019 cuando el Comité de Derechos del Niño terminó de perfilar nuestros incumplimientos convencionales en materia de identificación del menor. El problema, una vez más, es delinear las estrategias de cumplimiento de unas resoluciones a las que, tradicionalmente, se les ha despojado de toda fuerza vinculante.El objetivo de este trabajo es doble. Por un lado, se pretende demostrar que a pesar de la apariencia protectora de nuestras normas jurídicas, su aplicación práctica está todavía muy lejos de cumplir con los estándares internacionales en materia de infancia. Con tal finalidad se analizan tanto los instrumentos regulatorios sobre el estatuto y el tratamiento de los MENA en España, como algunas de las últimas resoluciones del Comité de Derechos del Niño dictadas contra nuestro país en materia de determinación de la edad. Por otro lado, con el afán de contribuir a evitar futuros incumplimientos convencionales, y aunque sin olvidar las necesarias propuestas de reforma del sistema normativo, como posibles estrategias de litigio se apuntan el recurso a la doctrina de la res interpretata y una coherente implementación del controvertido control de convencionalidad. El mandato hermenéutico del artículo 10.2 de la Constitución española ha orientado la actuación del Tribunal Supremo en una reciente sentencia sobre un caso directamente vinculado con la insuficiente consideración de la documentación acreditativa de la identidad que presentan los menores migrantes que llegan solos a España. Por su parte, el propio Tribunal Constitucional ha avalado la práctica del control de convencionalidad por nuestros tribunales ordinarios. Sin obviar todas las matizaciones necesarias, la operatividad de ambas estrategias parece estar así fuera de toda duda.
O Fortalecimento da Cidadania como Estratégia de Design para Prevenção de Crimes
Authors: Almeida Mariana Rosa de , Costa Suéllen Mota Marques , Engler Rita de Castro
Published: March 2021

Além da ação policial, outros fatores contribuem para a prevenção do crime, dentre eles, o design. A abordagem Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) utiliza o design para modificar a percepção do transgressor quanto à oportunidade e o benefício do crime. O objetivo da pesquisa consistiu em identificar no Parque do Confisco (município de Belo Horizonte, estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil), sob a ótica do CPTED, fatores que favoreceriam a prática criminosa, bem como verificar a possibilidade de supressão desses fatores. Para tanto, elaborou-se pesquisa bibliográfica e observação espacial em campo. A análise dos dados teve como base as três estratégias do CPTED: controle natural de acesso, vigilância natural e reforço territorial, bem como considerou alguns aspectos da abordagem 3D (Designação, Definição e Design), típica do CPTED. Os resultados revelaram que a baixa visibilidade, a depredação e a manutenção precária são os principais aspectos que favorecem a prática criminosa no local. É possível implantar melhorias, porém, faz-se necessária a construção de projetos integrados que considerem tanto as dimensões físicas quanto as comportamentais.
Entre l’historiographie de combat et le combat de l’historiographie : formes et fonctions du discours sur le passé de la discipline historique au Québec
Authors: Noël Patrick
Published: March 2021

Se référant à la catégorisation idéal-typique canonique de Georges Stocking, la réflexion théorique distingue généralement deux types d’histoire des disciplines. D’un côté, le « présentisme » appréhende le passé de la discipline pour qu’il soit utile au présent. De l’autre côté, « l’historicisme » appréhende le passé en vue d’en produire une connaissance scientifique. Cette catégorisation rend-elle compte de la nature de l’appréhension du passé disciplinaire de la discipline historique même, dont les praticiens sont précisément formés à historiciser ? Nous soutenons que l’histoire de l’histoire au Québec est en tension entre une historiographie de combat présentiste et un combat pour une historiographie historiciste. Au final, le passé de l’histoire est à la fois et inséparablement un enjeu disciplinaire et un chantier de recherche.
Un nouveau « moment historiographique » pour le Québec ? Essai d’interprétation
Authors: Poitras Daniel , Dorais François-Olivier
Published: March 2021

On constate depuis quelques années une multiplication des études interrogeant à nouveaux frais la généalogie du savoir historique au Québec et ses conditions d’élaboration. Ce constat est à faire au vu, notamment, de la production d’un nombre assez significatif de maîtrises, de doctorats et de projets de recherche qui ont contribué à faire de l’historiographie un champ d’investigation renouvelé, mais aussi plus autonome et diversifié. Ces travaux ouvrent sur de nouveaux chantiers allant de l’épistémologie et de l’histoire intellectuelle aux rapports histoire-mémoire et à l’histoire des femmes en passant par l’analyse des manuels scolaires ou encore le traitement historiographique d’objets spécifiques. C’est dire que vingt ans après les nombreux débats sur le « révisionnisme » déclenchés par Ronald Rudin, le Québec vivrait quelque chose comme un nouveau « moment historiographique » dont les contours, encore difficiles à définir, gagnent à être précisés et explicités. L’objectif de cet article est de proposer un premier état des lieux de ce nouveau moment à partir de l’analyse d’un corpus de nouvelles études historiographiques parues au cours des treize dernières années. Il pose aussi, en filigrane, la question de l’autonomie relative d’un « champ » historiographique québécois en construction.
L’histoire seigneuriale laurentienne : à propos de tendances récentes de la recherche1
Authors: Guimond Olivier
Published: March 2021

L’histoire seigneuriale québécoise connaît un certain engouement depuis le début du XXIe siècle. Cet article vise à présenter les développements récents de la recherche – notamment sur l’administration seigneuriale au féminin, les Autochtones dans le régime seigneurial, les persistances et les mémoires du régime seigneurial – et à faire ressortir quelques-unes de ses nouveautés. Le propos sera également axé sur un double enjeu lié à la complexification de notre compréhension de l’univers seigneurial et à la question de sa singularité, en revenant notamment sur un débat récent concernant la nature du « système » seigneurial laurentien. Une réflexion conclusive portera sur deux avenues de recherches possibles pour l’avenir en histoire seigneuriale : celles de la modernité non radicale et de la féodalité tardive.
Nodokļu plānošana Latvijā un starptautiskā vidē. Mācību grāmata
Authors: Jurušs Māris
Published: March 2021

Grāmatas mērķis ir palīdzēt izprast nodokļu piemērošanu gan vietējā, gan starptautiskā vidē. Tā sniedz ieskatu nodokļu plānošanā, ietverot nodokļu teoriju un praktiskos jautājumus. Grāmata studentiem mācībām studiju programmā «Muitas un nodokļu administrēšana». Grāmatā apskatīta arī Latvijā esošā nodokļu sistēma, kas balstīta uz spēkā esošo normatīvo aktu regulējumu 2020. gada 1. janvārī. Ņemot vērā, ka normatīvie akti tiek regulāri mainīti, grāmatā nodokļu izpratnes vajadzībām doti vispārīgi piemēri, lai izprastu, kā nodokļus piemēro pēc būtības. Konkrētas likmes vai citi nosacījumi var būt atšķirīgi.
Calidad de las imágenes, la lectura y el servicio de mamografía en cuatro centros de imagenología de Manizales, Colombia
Authors: García Karol Julieth , Ocampo Julián David , Pardo María del Pilar , Aguilar Tatiana , Ruiz Carlos Alberto , Castaño Andrés
Published: March 2021

Introducción. La calidad de la mamografía está directamente relacionada con la capacidad para detectar anormalidades y, por ello, es necesario el control de calidad en los centros de imágenes diagnósticas.Objetivo. Evaluar la calidad de la imagen, la lectura y el servicio de mamografía de algunos centros de imágenes diagnósticas en Manizales, Colombia.Materiales y métodos. Cuatro centros participaron de forma voluntaria y bajo acuerdos de confidencialidad en el estudio. De las 520 mujeres atendidas en ellos, a 318 se les hicieron mamografías. A partir de una inspección visual del servicio, se evaluaron la infraestructura, la tecnología y el personal de la unidad. Un radiólogo experto en lectura e interpretación clínica de imágenes mamarias evaluó la calidad de la imagen y la de su lectura. El análisis estadístico se hizo utilizando un anova y determinando el índice kappa y el porcentaje de desacuerdo.Resultados. Se encontró falta de calidad de las imágenes obtenidas, principalmente, por presencia de artificios en el 75 % de ellas, e identificación y rotulación deficientes; además, en la toma de la proyección oblicua medio-lateral, se encontró falta de visualización del ángulo inframamario. El grado de concordancia en el reporte BI-RADS fue bajo en los cuatro centros, con diferencias importantes en el informe y la descripción de los hallazgos.Conclusión. Los centros de imágenes diagnósticas evaluados están habilitados para el funcionamiento, pero se encontraron deficiencias importantes en la calidad de las imágenes y en su lectura, lo que pone de manifiesto la necesidad de establecer estándares de calidad y mejorar los aspectos que se puedan mejorar.
Costos directos de la infección adquirida en la comunidad en neonatos a término con bajo riesgo al nacer, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Authors: Agudelo Sergio Iván , Molina Carlos Federico , Gamboa Óscar Andrés , Suárez Juan David
Published: March 2021

Introducción. El 50 % de los episodios de sepsis neonatal se originan en la comunidad, con un gran porcentaje de mortalidad y complicaciones.Objetivo. Estimar los costos directos de la hospitalización por infección neonatal adquirida en la comunidad en neonatos a término con bajo riesgo al nacer.Materiales y métodos. Se utilizó la perspectiva del tercer pagador y la técnica de microcosteo; el horizonte de tiempo fue la duración de la hospitalización. La determinación de las situaciones generadoras de costos se obtuvo por medio de un consenso de expertos y se cuantificaron con base en la factura detallada de la atención de 337 neonatos hospitalizados. Los costos de los medicamentos se calcularon con base en el Sistema de Información de Precios de Medicamentos (SISMED) y, el de los procedimientos, según los manuales tarifarios ISS 2001 con porcentaje de ajuste y el seguro obligatorio de accidentes de tráfico (SOAT). Para incorporar la variabilidad de la información en la estimación, se obtuvo una distribución de los costos usando el método de bootstrapping.Resultados. Se incluyeron las facturas por la atención de 337 recién nacidos. El promedio de costos directos de la atención por paciente fue de COL$ 2’773.965 (desviación estándar, DE=$ 198.813,5; IC95%: $ 2’384.298 - $ 3’163.632). Las principales categorías generadoras de costos fueron la internación en la unidad de cuidados intensivos y las tecnologías en salud. Los costos siguieron una una distribución logarítmica normal (log-normal).Conclusiones. Las categorías con mayor impacto en los costos fueron la internación en la unidad neonatal y las tecnologías en salud. Los costos se ajustaron a una distribución logarítmica normal.
Legionelosis en España, 2010-2015
Authors: Gea-Izquierdo Enrique
Published: March 2021

Introducción. La legionelosis es una enfermedad respiratoria bacteriana de origen ambiental que puede ser adquirida en el ámbito comunitario u hospitalario, y suele estar asociada con equipos, instalaciones y edificios. La forma clínica más conocida es la neumónica, conocida como enfermedad del legionario.Objetivo. Determinar la evolución de los casos de legionelosis en España en el periodo de 2010 a 2015.Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio descriptivo de series temporales y se analizaron los casos de legionelosis notificados al Centro Nacional de Epidemiología del Gobierno de España. Se determinó la distribución de los casos según el sexo, la comunidad autónoma, el mes y los grupos de edad. Para el último se diferenció entre hombres y mujeres.Resultados. El recuento de casos en hombres fue superior al doble con respecto a las mujeres. La distribución en las comunidades autónomas presentó un aumento de los casos notificados al final del periodo en nueve de ellas, siendo notable en Castilla y León, Navarra y el País Vasco, y muy relevante en Castilla-La Mancha. Se estableció un patrón estacional con un pico epidémico en julio-septiembre y un mayor número de casos en torno a los 50 años de edad en ambos sexos.Conclusiones. A pesar de mostrar una prevalencia baja con respecto a otras enfermedades respiratorias, la legionelosis tiene gran impacto en la salud pública. Presenta una distribución global y heterogénea en el territorio español, con un aumento de casos en los dos últimos años.
Metaciclogénesis de Trypanosoma cruzi en Belminus ferroae (Reduviidae: Triatominae) y capacidad infectiva de las heces en condiciones de laboratorio
Authors: Alarcón Maritza , Colasante Cesare , Araujo Sonia , Gutiérrez -Marín Reinaldo , Cazorla-Perfetti Dalmiro , Sandoval-Ramírez Claudia Magaly
Published: March 2021

Introducción. Belminus ferroae es un triatomino de comportamiento entomófago, sin embargo, puede alimentarse de vertebrados ocasionalmente. No se ha demostrado infección natural por Trypanosoma cruzi en esta especie, como tampoco la metaciclogénesis del parásito.Objetivo. Examinar la metaciclogénesis de T. cruzi en B. ferroae y la capacidad infectiva de las heces o sus contenidos intestinales en roedores.Materiales y métodos. Se analizaron las heces y la orina expulsadas espontáneamente por los insectos o mediante compresión abdominal o extracción del contenido intestinal a los 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 y 60 días. Se cuantificó la carga parasitaria de T. cruzi y sus formas evolutivas se identificaron con tinción de Giemsa. Asimismo, se evaluó en ratones albinos la apacidad infectiva de los tripomastigotes metacíclicos de T. cruzi obtenidos de las heces o contenidos intestinales de los especímenes infectados.Resultados. El análisis parasitológico reveló tres (15 %) insectos infectados con T. cruzi a los 30 (n=1), 40 (n=1) y 50 (n=1) días después de la infección con cargas parasitarias de hasta 1,62 x 105 tripanosomas/mm3 y porcentajes de metaciclogénesis entre el 3,5 y el 6,78 %. Conclusiones. Se demuestra por primera vez, en una especie del género Belminus, la metaciclogenésis de T. cruzi en condiciones de laboratorio y la capacidad infectiva de las heces para un huésped vertebrado.
Impact of heterozygous hemoglobin E on six commercial methods for hemoglobin A1c measurement
Authors: Yong Sharon , Liu Hong , Lum Cindy Lye Teng , Liu Qian , Sim Sin Ye , Chay Felicia Fu Mun , Cheng Wan Ling , Neo Siew Fong , Chew Suru , Ong Lizhen , Loh Tze Ping , Liu Qinde , Teo Tang Lin , Sethi Sunil Kumar
Published: March 2021

Background

This study examined the impact of heterozygous HbE on HbA1c measurements by six commonly used commercial methods. The results were compared with those from a modified isotope-dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) reference laboratory method on a liquid chromatograph coupled with tandem mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS).

Methods

Twenty-three leftover samples of patients with heterozygous HbE (HbA1c range: 5.4–11.6%), and nineteen samples with normal hemoglobin (HbA1c range: 5.0–13.7%) were included. The selected commercial methods included the Tina-quant HbA1c Gen. 3 (Roche Diagnostics, Basel, Switzerland), Cobas B 101 (Roche Diagnostics, Basel, Switzerland), D100 (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, CA, USA), Variant II Turbo HbA1c 2.0 (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, CA, USA), DCA Vantage (Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany) and HbA1c Advanced (Beckman Coulter Inc., Brea, CA, USA).

Results

With the exception of Cobas B 101 and the Variant II Turbo 2.0, the 95% confidence intervals of the Passing–Bablok regression lines between the results from the six commercial methods and the IDMS method overlapped. The latter suggested no statistically significant difference in results and hence no impact on HbA1c result despite the presence of heterozygous HbE. The method of Cobas B 101 gave positive bias at the range of concentrations examined (5.4–11.6%), while that of Variant II Turbo 2.0 gave positive bias at concentrations up to approximately 9.5%. The finding of significant positive bias in the methods of Cobas B 101 and Variant II Turbo 2.0 agrees with the observations of some previous studies, but is contrary to manufacturer’s claim indicating the absence of interference by heterozygous HbE. Our results also clearly showed the impact of heterozygous HbE across a fairly broad measurement range using a laboratory method (the Variant II Turbo 2.0). Laboratory practitioners and clinicians should familiarize themselves with prevailing hemoglobin variants in the population they serve and select the appropriate methods for HbA1c measurement.
Design, Analysis and Simulation of a Single Stage Rocket (Launch Vehicle) Using RockSim
Authors: Ifenna Okoli Benneth , Samuel Sholiyi Olusegun , Olalekun Durojaye Rasheed
Published: March 2021

This project describes the design, analysis, assembly and simulation of a single stage model rocket systems, one designed with traditional subsystems for structural, avionics, combustion chamber and recovery integrated to give a desired altitude. The analysis was based on using Rocksim 9.6 to model the different parts that made up a rocket. Aluminium was used for designing the nose cone, the fuselage and the fin set. The combustion chamber, clamps, and nozzle were designed by making use of steel. Because of the high temperature and pressure being generated from the combustion of propellant, steel was suggested. The main and drogue parachutes were designed using tubular Kevlar. And the bulk-head was designed using Basswood. For the recovering of the rocket after launch, main and drogue parachutes were incorporated into the fuselages.
Cytogenotoxicity Assessment of Aqueous Extracts of Rauvolfia vomitoria (Apocynaceae) on the Male Germ Line Cells of the Pest Grasshopper Zonocerus variegatus (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae)
Authors: Ingrid Dongmo Tonleu , Akwanjoh Seino Richard , Abdoul Ngnaniyyi , Yacouba Manjeli
Published: March 2021

Cytogenotoxic effects of aqueous extracts of Rauvolfia vomitoria Afzel (Apocynaceae) stem bark were assessed on male germ line cells of the grasshopper Zonocerus variegatus. Concentrations of 0, 10, 15 and 20 µg/ml of infused and macerated aqueous extracts of R. vomitoria were prepared and administered through injection to the grasshoppers. Grasshoppers were dissected after 72 hours of incubation and the different parameters were then evaluated. Results revealed significant (p < 0.05) reduction of the length and the width of testis follicles with increasing concentrations of the two aqueous plant extracts. Meiosis analysis revealed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in meiotic abnormalities with increasing concentrations of the two aqueous plant extracts. Infused and macerated aqueous extracts of R. vomitoria at different concentrations did not modify the karyotype of Z. variegatus. Cyclophosphamide (CP) induced chromosomes aberrations and significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the mean chromosomes complement number which ranged from 2n= 19.00 ± 0.00 (controlled individuals) to 2n= 17.60 ± 1.82 (CP treated individuals). These observations indicate that infused and macerated aqueous extracts of R. vomitoria stem bark could induced cytogenotoxicity on the germ line cells of the grasshopper Z. variegatus. These results also confirm the utilization of CP as positive control in chromosomes aberration assays on grasshoppers.
Early Treatment with Hydroxychloroquine Improves Clinical Outcomes and Reduces Hospital Admissions in COVID-19 Associated Pneumonia
Authors: D’Alessio A. , Cottini M. , Lombardi C. , Uccelli M. , Bracchi F. , Cesana G. , Mauro D. Di , Fargnoli A. , Giussani C. , Martini F. , Motta M. , Olmi S. , Sertori N. , Taverna M. , Poggio P. Del
Published: March 2021

Background: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has been used against SARS-CoV-2, but large non randomized studies failed to show any clinical benefit. However, in these studies the drug was started in the hospital setting, a significant time after the onset of symptoms.
Aim of the Study: to verify if HCQ, given early after the onset of symptoms and in the outpatient setting, can reduce hospital admissions and improve clinical outcomes of COVID-19
Methods: We performed a retrospective study on 824 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia in the Bergamo province (Lombardy, Italy). Patients were divided in 2 cohorts: the first included 354 outpatients attended by Primary Care Physicians (PCP), the second included 470 patients admitted to an Emergency Department (ED) during the same period. We compared rate of hospital admission and clinical outcomes in patients treated with HCQ within 6 days from the onset of symptoms, with all other patients. Clinical outcomes were evaluated at a 1-month time-point.
Results: Patients who received early treatment with HCQ showed a lower rate of hospital admissions (p<0.0001), mechanical ventilation (p<0.0022) and need for oxygen supplementation at home (p=0.002) in the first cohort and improved survival in the second (p=0.03). Early treatment with HCQ was the only independent variable influencing all predefined outcomes on multivariate analysis.
Conclusions: Treatment with HCQ, initiated within 6 days from the onset of COVID-19 may improve both clinical outcome and rate of hospital admissions.
Complex Dynamics in a Mixed Duopoly Game Based on Relative Profit Maximization
Authors: Dou Yuqi , Liu Xingyu
Published: March 2021

In this paper, the complex dynamic behavior of a mixed duopoly game model is studied. Based on the principle of relative profit maximization and bounded rational expectation, the corresponding discrete dynamic systems are constructed in the case of nonlinear cost function. In theory, the conditions for the local stability of Nash equilibrium are given. In terms of numerical experiments, bifurcation diagrams are used to depict the effects of product differences, adjustment speed, and other parameters on the stability of Nash equilibrium.
Regulation of Autophagy and Inflammation Through Physical Exercise in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: Protective Factor in Individuals Affected by COVID-19
Authors: Bizuti Matheus Ribeiro , Simões Júlia Leão Batista , Francisco Gabriel Rossi , Drechsler Gabrielli , Haag Fabiana Brum , Pereira Rafael Luiz , Silva Débora Tavares de Resendee
Published: March 2021

In March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) characterized the rapid and uncontrollable spread of the new Coronavirus as a pandemic, given that this disease has high severity and morbidity and mortality. The epicenter of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak was the city of Wuhan, China. Individuals with associated comorbidities, such as patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), are at increased risk of being affected by the severe form of the disease. In this sense, it is known that people with CKD have a more sedentary lifestyle, with reduced physical exercise. Thus, physical exercise is able to modulate the inflammatory process resulting from CKD, acting as a regulator of the immune system, as well as assisting in the control of renal autophagy. It appears that physical activity contributes to the improvement of the population's quality of life and acts as an effect of disease prevention. Hence, people who live with CKD in times of the pandemic of COVID-19, by adopting physical activity as a life practice, will have the consequence of strengthening the immune system by modulating inflammation and increasing the control of renal autophagy. Therefore, the practice of exercise is suggested when facing COVID-19.
Alternative Uses, in and off-Field Managements to Reduce Adverse Impact of Crop Residue Burning on Environment: A Review
Authors: Naresh R. K. , Dhaliwal S. S. , Chandra M. S. , Malhotra S. K. , Harish J. , Singh P. K. , Kumar V. , Baliyan A. , Gawdiya S.
Published: March 2021

Residues of various crops are considered nuisance but they can be helpful in increasing organic matter in soil and better cycling of nutrients in soil if managed properly. Better management and utilization of crop residues (CR) is necessary for better productivity and quality of crops. Sowing into loose residues is the major issue in adapting the drill sowing method. Apart from the higher quantity of rice (192.82 mt) and wheat residue (120.70 mt), the residue of sorghum, maize, barley, chickpea, groundnut, rapeseed, mustard, sugarcane trash, potato, soybean, sunflower and some other minor cereals also contribute substantially towards total amount of about 462.93 million tonnes in India in 1997-98. Three quarters of the total residue is produced by rice, wheat and oil seed crops with remaining quarter coming from sugarcane and sorghum. Crop residue is important component of low external input for sustainable agriculture without sacrificing productivity. The crop residues left behind is considered as burden forcing farmers to burn them as cheap and easiest method with mistaken belief that it enhances the soil fertility and helps in controlling weeds, insects and pests. Different studies revealed that burning of residues causes air pollution and nutrient loss in soil. Improvements in soil properties and the sustainability in crop productivity could be achieved if CR are proper managed. Long-term field studies at sites carefully selected with variations in temperature, moisture, soil mineralogy and management of agricultural residues representing various cropping systems across regions should be identified and sustained. The possible benefits of crop residues for the improvement of degrading soil fertility would be completely understood only then. Owing to the competing requirements for such biomass for feed, fuel or building material, smallholder farmers typically find it difficult to maintain a soil cover for crop residue or a cover crop.
Development and Evaluation of Mouth Dissolving Tablets of Montelukast Sodium Using Co-processed Excipients
Authors: Kumar K. Sampath , Reddy D. Maheswara , Reddy Y. Dastagiri , Goud J. Balanarasimha , Basith Abdul
Published: March 2021

Background: The concept of formulating ODT containing montelukast sodium offers an appropriate, practical approach to accomplish fast release of the drug. Absorption of these tablets takes place directly into the systemic circulation which bipass the hepatic first-pass metabolism of montelukast sodium which ultimately results in the improvement in the bioavailability.

Method: In the present study ODT tablets of montelukast sodium were prepared by using different Superdisintegrants like natural and synthetic (tulasi, hibiscus, orange peel powder, Ispaghula, banana peel powder, Crospovidone). Thirteen formulations were designed, using a two level of Superdisintegrants (minimum and maximum concentration) and employing two Superdisintegrants at a time by using the co-processed technique.

Results: No significant drug and excipients interaction was observed. The prepared tablets were evaluated by weight variation, thickness, hardness, friability, drug content uniformity, disintegration time, wetting time, in-vitro dissolution studies. A formulation containing 6mg of natural and synthetic Superdisintegrants was offered the relatively rapid release of montelukast sodium when compared with other concentrations employed in this investigation.

Conclusion: Montelukast sodium formulation were prepared by Crospovidone and ispaghula combination of Superdisintegrants were releases 98.91% drug in 30 min.
Upper Gi Endoscopy-indications and Findings at Tertiary Care Hospital Hyderabad/Jamshoro
Authors: Devi Jalpa , Bajwa Muhammad Akram , Aamer Nasrullah , Farooque Rabia , Laghari Hira , Bai Amerta , Kumari Komal , Seerani Nandlal , Awan Riaz Hussain
Published: March 2021

Objective: To document different indications and findings of upper GI Endoscopy in our endoscopy suite.

Methods: A descriptive study of 500 patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy was conducted in the Endoscopy Unit of PNS DRIGH LUMHS Jamshoro and Civil Hospital Hyderabad from April to September 2020. Included patients underwent UGI endoscopy. Demographic data including indications and endoscopic findings of the patients was collected via study proforma.

Results: Total five hundred patients were studied; their mean age was 42.4±16.8 years. Out of all 52.8% were males. Upper GI bleed was the commonest indication (33.2%) followed by dysphagia (21.6%), epigastrium pain (10%), surveillance and screening of varices (9% and 8.2% respectively).  The most common endoscopic findings were esophageal varices (32.2 %), gastritis (18.8%), and normal (11.4%). In patients with esophageal varices, 77.4% had chronic liver disease with positive serology for HCV and HBV in 63.4% and 23% respectively.

Conclusion: The most common indication was upper GI bleed with esophageal varices for upper GI endoscopy. The underlying etiology of varices reflects the high burden of chronic liver disease due to viral hepatitis.
A Review of the Innate Immune Evasion Mechanisms and Status of Vaccine Development of Klebsiella pneumonia
Authors: Tiria Fredrick Ruo , Musila Lillian
Published: March 2021

Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) is a human pathogen causing a broad spectrum of diseases such as urinary tract infections (UTI), pneumonia, pyogenic liver abscess, bloodstream infections, and sepsis. Neonate, geriatric and immunocompromised individuals are the most vulnerable to KP infections. The success of KP as an infectious agent is due to the evolution of various mechanisms to evade the host's immune system. These diverse mechanisms have led to the dominance of KP infections in community settings where hypervirulent strains predominate and in hospital-acquired infections where multidrug-resistant strains predominate. KP infections in the past decades have been increasingly associated with high morbidity and mortality due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant and hypervirulent strains capable of evading both the internal immune defense mechanisms and external antimicrobial agents. The pharmaceutical industries have very few and often expensive new antibiotics in the pipeline, offering little hope for antibiotic therapy. The development of new therapeutic strategies such as polyvalent, biconjugate vaccines that can provide protective immunity, especially against vulnerable populations, can mitigate the effects of KP infections. In this review, we discuss the virulence mechanisms of KP and how it evades the innate host immunity, and the interplay between the virulence and immune evasion strategies. The progress in the search for a vaccine to protect against KP infections will also be highlighted.
Dicyemida
Authors: Furuya Hidetaka
Published: March 2021

The dicyemids are unique multicellular parasites found in the kidneys of benthic cephalopod molluscs. Their life cycle is complex like other parasites. The body organisation is the simplest among the multicellular parasites. The dicyemids were named ‘Mesozoa’ as an intermediate between Protozoa and Metazoa. However, they exhibit spiralian cleavage found in most lophotrochozoa. Dicyemids are a member of metazoans, secondarily simplified from higher protostome animals and that their body plan is enormously reduced as a result of their parasitic lifestyle.

Key Concepts

History of mesozoan study.

Unique way of life.

Simple development and body plan.

Specialization by the parasitic life.

Means of body form.
Homoserinimonas
Authors: Román‐Ponce Brenda , Riesco Raúl , Trujillo Martha E.
Published: March 2021

Homoserinimonas
(Ho.mo.se.ri.ni.mo'nas. N.L. neut. n.
homoserinum
, homoserine; L. fem. n
. monas
, a unit, monad; N.L. fem. n
. Homoserinimonas
, homoserine
monad
, referring to the presence of homoserine in the cell wall).

Actinobacteria / Actinobacteria / Micrococcales / Microbacteriaceae / Homoserinimonas

Aerobic
and non‐spore‐forming actinobacterium. Gram‐stain‐positive. Colonies are circular, smooth, and light yellow on R2A agar. Rod‐shaped and motile cells. Growth occurs from 4 to 35°C, with an optimum temperature of 30°C, pH 6–9 (optimum pH 7), and in the presence of 5% NaCl. Oxidase‐negative and catalase‐positive. Predominant cellular fatty acids include anteiso‐C
15:0
and iso‐C
16:0
. The cell wall contains

d
‐Ornithine

, and the peptidoglycan is of the type B2β. Mycolic acids are absent. The main menaquinones are
MK‐12
and
MK‐11
. The polar lipid profile consists of
diphosphatidylglycerol
,
phosphatidylglycerol,
and two unidentified glycolipids. Phylogenetically related to the genera
Salinibacterium
,
Leifsonia
,
Parafrigoribacterium
,
Conyzicola
, and
Agreia
. Belongs to the family

Microbacteriaceae

.
The genus is currently composed of a single species,
Homoserinimonas aerilata,
represented by a single strain recovered from an outdoor air sample in the island of Jeju, Republic of Korea. The type strain is 5317J‐19
T
.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 66.8 (genome).

Type species
:
Homoserinimonas aerilata
Kim et al. 2012, VL148.
When and how seductive details harm learning. A study using cued retrospective reporting
Authors: Bender Lisa , Renkl Alexander , Eitel Alexander
Published: March 2021

We investigated the processes that make seductive details (i.e., interesting but irrelevant pictures and text passages in learning materials) harmful for learning scientific concepts and principles. In our experiment, students (N = 113) learned without seductive details (control condition) or with seductive details, and afterwards worked on a knowledge test. They then retrospectively verbalized their thoughts during learning while watching a replay of their eye‐movements during the learning session (cued retrospective reporting). Our findings showed that seductive details hampered the transfer of knowledge in students with lower final school grades (d = −0.60). The verbal reports from the seductive details group, which were rated according to three detrimental cognitive processes, indicated that several students constructed mental models around the seductive details (i.e., diversion). This diversion led to worse recall of the relevant learning contents. The detrimental effects of seductive details therefore seem to be mainly caused by diversion.
South Carolina OTPs, fight to remove pharmacist requirement
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: March 2021

Opioid treatment programs (OTPs) are required under South Carolina law to use pharmacists in the dispensing of methadone. Only two states — South Carolina and Georgia — require that a pharmacist prepare the medication for both take‐home and on‐site administration. In most states, nurses dispense and administer methadone. HB 3365 would remove the requirement for pharmacists to administer medication, including take‐homes.
National Council distributes $500K in HR grants from CDC
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: March 2021

The National Council for Behavioral Health announced March 17 that it will administer $500,000 in grants, with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to harm‐reduction organizations across the country.
Characterization of Ultralow‐Density Cellular Solids: Lessons from 30 years of Bone Biomechanics Research
Authors: Sacher Sara , Hernandez Christopher J , Donnelly Eve
Published: March 2021

Advances in additive manufacturing techniques have enabled the development of microarchitectured materials displaying a combination of low‐density and lightweight structures with high specific strength and toughness. The mechanical performance of microarchitectured materials can be assessed using standard techniques; however, when studying low‐ and ultralow‐density microarchitectured materials, standard characterization techniques can be subject to experimental artifacts. In addition, quantitative assessment and comparisons of microarchitectures with distinct lattice patterns are not always straightforward. Cancellous bone is a natural, ultralow‐density (porosity often exceeding 90%), irregular, cellular solid that has been thoroughly characterized in terms of microarchitecture and mechanical performance over the past 30 years. However, most of the literature on cancellous bone mechanical properties and microstructure–function relationships is in the medical literature and is not immediately accessible to materials designers. Herein, a brief review of state‐of‐the‐art approaches for characterizing the microarchitecture and mechanical performance of ultralow‐density cancellous bone is provided, including methods of addressing experimental artifacts during mechanical characterization of ultralow‐density cellular solids, methods of quantifying microarchitecture, and currently understood structure–function relationships.
Superconducting Quantum Metamaterials from High Pressure Melt Infiltration of Metals into Block Copolymer Double Gyroid Derived Ceramic Templates
Authors: Thedford R. Paxton , Beaucage Peter A. , Susca Ethan M. , Chao Corson A. , Nowack Katja C. , Van Dover Robert B. , Gruner Sol M. , Wiesner Ulrich
Published: March 2021

Mesoscale order can lead to emergent properties including phononic bandgaps or topologically protected states. Block copolymers offer a route to mesoscale periodic architectures, but their use as structure directing agents for metallic materials has not been fully realized. A versatile approach to mesostructured metals via bulk block copolymer self‐assembly derived ceramic templates, is demonstrated. Molten indium is infiltrated into mesoporous, double gyroidal silicon nitride templates under high pressure to yield bulk, 3D periodic nanocomposites as free‐standing monoliths which exhibit emergent quantum‐scale phenomena. Vortices are artificially introduced when double gyroidal indium metal behaves as a type II superconductor, with evidence of strong pinning centers arrayed on the order of the double gyroid lattice size. Sample behavior is reproducible over months, showing high stability. High pressure infiltration of bulk block copolymer self‐assembly based ceramic templates is an enabling tool for studying high‐quality metals with previously inaccessible architectures, and paves the way for the emerging field of block‐copolymer derived quantum metamaterials.
A High‐Resolution Ternary Model Demonstrates How PEGylated 2D Nanomaterial Stimulates Integrin αvβ8 on Cell Membrane
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Ding Zhaowen , Ma Guanghui , Wei Wei
Published: March 2021

Bio–nano interfaces are integral to all applications of nanomaterials in biomedicine. In addition to peptide‐ligand‐functionalized nanomaterials, passivation on 2D nanomaterials has emerged as a new regulatory factor for integrin activation. However, the mechanisms underlying such ligand‐independent processes are poorly understood. Here, using graphene oxide passivated with polyethylene glycol (GO‐PEG) as a test bed, a ternary simulation model is constructed that also includes a membrane and both subunits of integrin αvβ8 to characterize GO‐PEG‐mediated integrin activation on the cell membrane in a ligand‐independent manner. Combined with the experimental findings, production simulations of the ternary model show a three‐phase mechanotransduction process in the vertical interaction mode. Specifically, GO‐PEG first induces lipid aggregation‐mediated integrin proximity, followed by transmembrane domain rotation and separation, leading to the extension and activation of extracellular domains. Thus, this study presents a complete picture of the interaction between passivated 2D nanomaterials and cell membranes to mediate integrin activation, and provides insights into the potential de novo design and rational use of novel desirable nanomaterials at diverse bio–nano interfaces.
Ground versus aerial canopy reflectance of corn: Red‐edge and non‐red edge vegetation indices
Authors: Sumner Zachary , Varco Jac J. , Dhillon Jagmandeep S. , Fox Amelia A. A. , Czarnecki Joby , Henry W. Brien
Published: March 2021

Constant‐rate blanket applications of fertilizer N can result in both an over and under supply relative to crop utilization on a field‐by‐field basis. Variable‐rate (VR) applications tailored to better meet crop demand can improve N use efficiency on spatially variable soils. The objectives of this study were to compare the response in corn (Zea mays L.) canopy reflectance derived vegetation indices (VI) to varying fertilizer N rates and to determine relationships between resulting VIs acquired using two different sensing platforms. Four fertilizer N rates in 50/50 split at V1–2 and V6–7 leaf stages were applied, from deficient to excessive, to create varying corn nutritional N status. Sensing and biophysical sampling were performed throughout the season for analysis and comparison to calculated VIs. Grain yield plateaued around 135±10 kg N ha–1 across the study. Furthermore, strong relationships between VIs and fertilizer N rates were found, with the strongest using combined indices that incorporate the red‐edge wavelength (720 nm). Relationships strengthened at later growth stages. The response models were found to be sensor specific, VI specific, and mostly non‐transferable between sensors. Results from this study demonstrate the utility of using remote sensing technologies to predict corn N status more accurately for eventual use in VR prescription development.