bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved cardiovascular health by supplementation with selenium and coenzyme Q10: applying structural equation modelling (SEM) to clinical outcomes and biomarkers to explore underlying mechanisms in a prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled intervention project in Sweden
Authors: Alehagen Urban , Johansson Peter , Svensson Erland , Aaseth Jan , Alexander Jan
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Selenium and coenzyme Q10 have synergistic antioxidant functions. In a four-year supplemental trial in elderly Swedes with a low selenium status, we found improved cardiac function, less cardiac wall tension and reduced cardiovascular mortality up to 12 years of follow-up. Here we briefly review the main results, including those from studies on biomarkers related to cardiovascular risk that were subsequently conducted. In an effort, to explain underlying mechanisms, we conducted a structured analysis of the inter-relationship between biomarkers.

Methods

Selenium yeast (200 µg/day) and coenzyme Q10 (200 mg/ day), or placebo was given to 443 elderly community-living persons, for 48 months. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to investigate the statistical inter-relationships between biomarkers related to inflammation, oxidative stress, insulin-like growth factor 1, expression of microRNA, fibrosis, and endothelial dysfunction and their impact on the clinical effects. The main study was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov at 30th of September 2011, and has the identifier NCT01443780.

Results

In addition to positive clinical effects, the intervention with selenium and coenzyme Q10 was also associated with favourable effects on biomarkers of cardiovascular risk. Using these results in the SEM model, we showed that the weights of the first-order factors inflammation and oxidative stress were high, together forming a second-order factor inflammation/oxidative stress influencing the factors, fibrosis (β = 0.74; p < 0.001) and myocardium (β = 0.65; p < 0.001). According to the model, the intervention impacted fibrosis and myocardium through these factors, resulting in improved cardiac function and reduced CV mortality.

Conclusion

Selenium reduced inflammation and oxidative stress. According to the SEM analysis, these effects reduced fibrosis and improved myocardial function pointing to the importance of supplementation in those low on selenium and coenzyme Q10.
The McNorm library: creating and validating a new library of emotionally expressive whole body dance movements
Authors: Smith Rebecca A. , Cross Emily S.
Published: April 2022

The ability to exchange affective cues with others plays a key role in our ability to create and maintain meaningful social relationships. We express our emotions through a variety of socially salient cues, including facial expressions, the voice, and body movement. While significant advances have been made in our understanding of verbal and facial communication, to date, understanding of the role played by human body movement in our social interactions remains incomplete. To this end, here we describe the creation and validation of a new set of emotionally expressive whole-body dance movement stimuli, named the Motion Capture Norming (McNorm) Library, which was designed to reconcile a number of limitations associated with previous movement stimuli. This library comprises a series of point-light representations of a dancer’s movements, which were performed to communicate to observers neutrality, happiness, sadness, anger, and fear. Based on results from two validation experiments, participants could reliably discriminate the intended emotion expressed in the clips in this stimulus set, with accuracy rates up to 60% (chance = 20%). We further explored the impact of dance experience and trait empathy on emotion recognition and found that neither significantly impacted emotion discrimination. As all materials for presenting and analysing this movement library are openly available, we hope this resource will aid other researchers in further exploration of affective communication expressed by human bodily movement.
Blimp-1 is a prognostic indicator for progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2
Authors: Saito Mayumi , Rajesh Aarthi , Innes Carrie , van der Griend Rachael , Fitzgerald Peter , Simcock Bryony , Sykes Peter , Hibma Merilyn
Published: April 2022

Background

Progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) to higher grade disease is associated with persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and an absence of immune-mediated regression. However, the immune microenvironment that distinguishes progression from persistent or regressing lesions has not been well defined.

Methods

A total of 69 patients under the age of 25 with high-risk HPV-positive cytology and biopsy-confirmed p16-positive CIN2 were included in the study. Biopsies were stained using 20 antibodies to a range of immune markers. Based on a 2-year follow-up, samples were analysed in “progressor” (CIN3 +) or “persister/regressor” (CIN1, 2 or normal) groups.

Results

Progression was most strongly associated with Blimp-1 positive cell staining in the lesion (P = 0.0019) and with low numbers of infiltrating CD4 cells in the dermal region beneath the lesion (P = 0.0022). The presence of CD4, CD8 and T bet-positive cells in the dermal region most strongly correlated with CD11c cells in the persister/regressor but not the progressor group.

Conclusion

High numbers of Blimp-1 + cells in CIN2 lesions may predict progression to more severe disease. Measurement of Blimp-1 may have diagnostic utility for the determination of the need to treat women with cervical pre-cancer.

Highlights

CIN2 progression is associated with high numbers of Blimp-1 positive cells in the lesion. Detection of Blimp-1 in the lesion may have utility as a prognostic test to inform the need to treat CIN2.
Cannabinoide reduzieren den Opioidverbrauch bei älteren Schmerzpatienten
Authors: Gastmeier K. , Gastmeier A. , Rottmann F. , Herdegen T. , Böhm R.
Published: April 2022

Hintergrund

Das Datenmaterial zur Verschreibung und therapeutischen Wirkung von medizinischen Cannabinoiden (CAM) im klinischen Alltag für ältere und geriatrische Patienten ist sehr beschränkt. Für diese Patienten rückt die Verordnung von CAM immer mehr in den therapeutischen Fokus.

Ziel der Arbeit

Erfassung der Patientencharakteristika und Verordnung (Verordnungsdauer, Dosierung) von CAM (Dronabinol, Nabiximols, Cannabisextrakte) und komedizierten Opioiden einer schmerztherapeutischen Praxis.

Methoden

Mit dem Stichtag 1. Juli 2020 wurde der Verbrauch von Opioiden (Morphinäquivalenz) und CAM-Tetrahydrocannabinol-Äquivalenz (THC-Äq.) für Männer bzw. Frauen und nach Alter analysiert.

Ergebnisse

178 Schmerzpatienten wurden durchschnittlich (Median) 366 Tage (31 bis 2590 Tage) therapiert. Das Durchschnittsalter (Median) betrug 72 Jahre (26–96 Jahre); von den 115 Frauen (64,8 %) waren 34 jünger als 65 Jahre, 42 zwischen 65 und 80 Jahre und 40 über 80 Jahre alt; von den 63 Männern (35,2 %) waren 29 jünger als 65 Jahre, 24 zwischen 65 und 80 Jahre und 10 über 80 Jahre alt. Indikationen waren chronische Schmerzen und Einschränkungen der Lebensqualität. Von 1001 Verschreibungen waren 557 (55,6 %) Dronabinol als ölige Tropfen, 328 (32,7 %) Vollspektrumextrakte und 66 (6,6 %) Nabiximolsspray. 50 Rezepte (5 %) enthielten mehr als ein CAM simultan. Der Tagesverbrauch betrug im Median bei Dronabinolöl und Extrakten 9,6 mg THC, für Sprays 13,6 mg THC; er war bei Patienten > 64 Jahre konstant bzw. stieg bei jüngeren Patienten nichtsignifikant an. Frauen benötigten weniger THC als Männer (8,1 mg vs. 14,8 mg). 10 Patienten (5,6 %) brachen wegen fehlender Wirkung ab, 7 (3,9 %) wegen fehlender Kostenübernahme und nur 5 (2,8 %) wegen unerwünschter Arzneimittelwirkungen. 115 (65 %) Patienten erhielten gleichzeitig Opioide mit 65 Morphinäquivalenten/d im Median. Der Opioidverbrauch reduzierte sich signifikant um 24 Morphin-Äq./d (Median) bzw. 50 %, unabhängig von CAM-Dosis (< 7,5 oder > 7,5 mg THC-Äq./d), Geschlecht oder Alter.

Diskussion

Schmerzpatienten profitieren von einer lang dauernden Therapie mit CAM, die sicher und signifikant auch in niedriger Dosis den Opioidverbrauch senken. Frauen benötigen evtl. weniger THC als Männer. Nebenwirkungen von THC limitieren nicht einen Therapieversuch mit CAM im höheren und hohen Alter.
A reply to: “Response to Comment on “Density Functional Theory and 3D-RISM-KH molecular theory of solvation studies of CO2 reduction on Cu-, Cu2O-, Fe-, and Fe3O4-based nanocatalysts””
Authors: Gusarov Sergey
Published: April 2022

In response (Kovalenko and Neburchilov, J. Mol. Model. 28:33, 1) to the comment (Gusarov, J. Mol. Model. 27:344–354, 2), the authors avoided answering the main question about the incorrect intermediate state of CO2 + H2 reduction reaction studied by Kovalenko and Neburchilov (J. Mol. Model. 26:267–276, 3). The intermediate products of this reaction are well known and presented in the literature including the studies of Li and Kanan (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 134:7231–7234, 4); Feaster et al. (ACS Catal. 7:4822–4827, 5); Choi et al. (Sci. Rep. 7:41,207–41,210, 6); Kuhl et al. (Am. Chem. Soc. 136:14,107–14,113, 7); Kuhl et al. (Energy Environ. Sci. 5:7050–7059, 8); and Hatsukade et al. (Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 16:13,814–13,819, 9) referenced by Kovalenko and Neburchilov (J. Mol. Model. 26:267–276, 3). In particular, in Figs. 2(d), 3(d), 4(d), and 5(d) (Kovalenko and Neburchilov, J. Mol. Model. 26:267–276, 3), the orientation of carbon monoxide is opposite to Fig. 4 (Feaster et al., ACS Catal. 7:4822–4827, 5), Fig. 6(a) (Choi et al., Sci. Rep. 7:41,207–41,210, 6), Fig. 7 (Kuhl et al., Energy Environ. Sci. 5:7050–7059, 8), Fig. 7 (Hatsukade et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 16:13,814–13,819, 9), and Fig. 2 (Gusarov, J. Mol. Model. 27:344–354, 2). This obvious fact which also comes from chemical properties of components should not be ignored.
The combined effect of fractures and mineral content on coal hydromechanical response
Authors: Lv Adelina , Bahaaddini Mojtaba , Masoumi Hossein , Roshan Hamid
Published: April 2022

The hydromechanical behaviour of fractured coal is a complex function of interaction between coal bulk and fracture deformation driven by fluid pressure and external stress. Despite the research studies conducted to date, the combined effect of mineral content and fracture structure on hydromechanical behaviour of sorptive fractured coal remains unexplored. To study this combined effect, we performed a series of X-ray computed tomography (XRCT) imaging on a range of coal specimens with non-sorbing (helium) and sorbing (CO2) gases at different effective stress paths using a newly developed X-ray transparent triaxial system. The compressibility of system components was obtained from processed 3D XRCT images which were used to interpret the results. The results of this study show that coal matrix/solid compressibility has a positive nonlinear relation with mineral content irrespective of mineral type. Effective stress coefficient is also a strong function of both mineral content and fracture porosity. Furthermore, the increase in mineral content leads to less fracture opening by an increase in helium pressure. Interestingly, the effect of mineral content on the bulk strength of coal is more significant than the effect of fracture porosity. Finally, coal with more open fractures shows less bulk swelling by gas adsorption under external stress due to damping effect of fracture volume on developed internal volumetric swelling strain.
A wavelet-in-time, finite element-in-space adaptive method for parabolic evolution equations
Authors: Stevenson Rob , van Venetië Raymond , Westerdiep Jan
Published: April 2022

In this work, anr-linearly converging adaptive solver is constructed for parabolic evolution equations in a simultaneous space-time variational formulation. Exploiting the product structure of the space-time cylinder, the family of trial spaces that we consider are given as the spans of wavelets-in-time and (locally refined) finite element spaces-in-space. Numerical results illustrate our theoretical findings.
The Measurement and Analysis of Shapes
Authors: Benn James , Marsland Stephen
Published: April 2022

A de Rham p-current can be viewed as a map (the current map) between the set of embeddings of a closed p-dimensional manifold into an ambient n-manifold and the set of linear functionals on differential p-forms. We demonstrate that, for suitably chosen Sobolev topologies on both the space of embeddings and the space of p-forms, the current map is continuously differentiable, with an image that consists of bounded linear functionals on p-forms. Using the Riesz representation theorem, we prove that each p-current can be represented by a unique co-exact differential form that has a particular interpretation depending on p. Embeddings of a manifold can be thought of as shapes with a prescribed topology. Our analysis of the current map provides us with representations of shapes that can be used for the measurement and statistical analysis of collections of shapes. We consider two special cases of our general analysis and prove that: (1) if $$p=n-1$$

p
=
n
-
1

then closed, embedded, co-dimension one surfaces are naturally represented by probability distributions on the ambient manifold and (2) if $$p=1$$

p
=
1

then closed, embedded, one-dimensional curves are naturally represented by fluid flows on the ambient manifold. In each case, we outline some statistical applications using an $${\dot{H}}^{1}$$

H
˙

1

and $$L^{2}$$

L
2

metric, respectively.
More Than a Glance: Investigating the Differential Efficacy of Radicalizing Graphical Cues with Right-Wing Messages
Authors: Tomczyk Samuel , Pielmann Diana , Schmidt Silke
Published: April 2022

In recent years, online radicalization has received increasing attention from researchers and policymakers, for instance, by analyzing online communication of radical groups and linking it to individual and collective pathways of radicalization into violent extremism. But these efforts often focus on radical individuals or groups as senders of radicalizing messages, while empirical research on the recipient is scarce. To study the impact of radicalized online content on vulnerable individuals, this study compared cognitive and affective appraisal and visual processing (via eye tracking) of three political Internet memes (empowering a right-wing group, inciting violence against out-groups, and emphasizing unity among human beings) between a right-wing group and a control group. We examined associations between socio-political attitudes, appraisal ratings, and visual attention metrics (total dwell time, number of fixations). The results show that right-wing participants perceived in-group memes (empowerment, violence) more positively and messages of overarching similarities much more negatively than controls. In addition, right-wing participants and participants in the control group with a high support for violence directed their attention towards graphical cues of violence (e.g., weapons), differentness, and right-wing groups (e.g., runes), regardless of the overall message of the meme. These findings point to selective exposure effects and have implications for the design and distribution of de-radicalizing messages and counter narratives to optimize the efficacy of prevention of online radicalization.
Imagining is Not Observing: The Role of Simulation Processes Within the Mimicry-Liking Expressway
Authors: Kulesza Wojciech , Chrobot Nina , Dolinski Dariusz , Muniak Paweł , Bińkowska Dominika , Grzyb Tomasz , Genschow Oliver
Published: April 2022

Individuals automatically mimic a wide range of different behaviors, and such mimicking behavior has several social benefits. One of the landmark findings in the literature is that being mimicked increases liking for the mimicker. Research in cognitive neuroscience demonstrated that mentally simulating motor actions is neurophysiologically similar to engaging in these actions. Such research would predict that merely imagining being mimicked produces the same results as actually experiencing mimicry. To test this prediction, we conducted two experiments. In Experiment 1, being mimicked increased liking for the mimicker only when mimicry was directly experienced, but not when it was merely imagined. Experiment 2 replicated this finding within a high-powered online sample: merely imagining being mimicked does not produce the same effects as being actually mimicked. Theoretical and practical implications of these experiments are discussed.
Participatory Ergonomics Intervention to Prevent Work Disability Among Workers with Low Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial in Workplace Setting
Authors: Sormunen Erja , Mäenpää-Moilanen Eija , Ylisassi Hilkka , Turunen Jarno , Remes Jouko , Karppinen Jaro , Martimo Kari-Pekka
Published: April 2022

Purpose In order to support people with low back pain (LBP) to stay at work, work arrangements are regarded important. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a workplace intervention using a participatory approach on work disability of workers with ongoing or recurrent LBP. Methods A total of 107 workers with LBP, with duration of pain for at least two consecutive weeks or recurrent pain of any duration during the last year, were randomized either to the intervention (n = 51) or control group (n = 56). The intervention included arrangements at the workplace, along with individual guidance provided by an occupational physiotherapist (OPT). The randomized intervention study used standard counselling and guidance by an OPT without workplace intervention as a comparison. Surveys were completed at baseline, and 6 and 12 months after baseline. Results There were no statistically significant differences between the intervention and control groups on the primary outcome measure, i.e. self-assessed work ability. We found no between-group differences in perceived health, self-assessed work productivity, number of sickness absence days and severity of back pain. However, there were significant positive within-group changes in the intervention group in the intensity of LBP, perceived health and the number of sickness absence days due to LBP. Conclusion Workplace arrangements are feasible using participatory ergonomics, but more quantitative and qualitative research is needed on its utilization and effectiveness among workers with LBP.
HDM, interfacing thermal analysis and ambient ionisation mass spectrometry
Authors: Ashton Gage P. , Harding Lindsay P. , Parkes Gareth M. B.
Published: April 2022

Thermomicroscopy (aka hot-stage microscopy) has been shown to be an excellent complimentary tool when used in conjunction with other analytical techniques, such as DSC and TGA. The optical data obtained from thermomicroscopy aid in the elucidation of complex events, often seen in many thermoanalytical profiles. Here, a system linking hot-stage microscopy and direct analysis in real-time mass spectrometry is described. This combination allows the simultaneous detection of both physical and chemical properties of a material as it is heated. Results showcasing the benefits of this combination include the thermal separation of energetic materials, the analysis of 3D printer filaments, and the profiling of trace materials including paint chips and fibres.
The Effect of IPSAS Adoption on Governance Quality: Evidence from Developing and Developed Countries
Authors: Tawiah Vincent
Published: April 2022

We use large panel data of 107 developed and developing countries to examine the impact of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) adoption on governance quality. Our results show that IPSAS has a positive and significant influence on governance quality, suggesting that IPSAS ensure accountability and transparency between the government and its citizens. However, we find that the positive effect of IPSAS is limited to developing countries. The findings provide empirical evidence to policymakers and regulators in their pursuit of global harmonisation of governmental accounting through the adoption of IPSAS, especially in developing countries.
Assessing Organizational Readiness to Change through a Framework Applied to Hospitals
Authors: Gabutti Irene , Colizzi Christian , Sanna Tommaso
Published: April 2022

Understanding and managing hospital Organizational Readiness to Change is a key topic with strong practical implications on society worldwide. This study provides, through a scoping literature review, a framework aimed at creating a road map for hospital managers who are implementing strategic processes of change. Ideally, the framework should act as a check-list to proactively detect those items that are likely to impede successful change. 146 items were identified and clustered into 9 domains. Finally, although built for the hospital setting, similar research approaches could be highly effective also in other large, public organizations.
Deep learning-based image processing in optical microscopy
Authors: Melanthota Sindhoora Kaniyala , Gopal Dharshini , Chakrabarti Shweta , Kashyap Anirudh Ameya , Radhakrishnan Raghu , Mazumder Nirmal
Published: April 2022

Optical microscopy has emerged as a key driver of fundamental research since it provides the ability to probe into imperceptible structures in the biomedical world. For the detailed investigation of samples, a high-resolution image with enhanced contrast and minimal damage is preferred. To achieve this, an automated image analysis method is preferable over manual analysis in terms of both speed of acquisition and reduced error accumulation. In this regard, deep learning (DL)-based image processing can be highly beneficial. The review summarises and critiques the use of DL in image processing for the data collected using various optical microscopic techniques. In tandem with optical microscopy, DL has already found applications in various problems related to image classification and segmentation. It has also performed well in enhancing image resolution in smartphone-based microscopy, which in turn enablse crucial medical assistance in remote places.

Graphical abstract
Engineered Molecular Therapeutics Targeting Fibrin and the Coagulation System: a Biophysical Perspective
Authors: Risser Fanny , Urosev Ivan , López-Morales Joanan , Sun Yang , Nash Michael A.
Published: April 2022

The coagulation cascade represents a sophisticated and highly choreographed series of molecular events taking place in the blood with important clinical implications. One key player in coagulation is fibrinogen, a highly abundant soluble blood protein that is processed by thrombin proteases at wound sites, triggering self-assembly of an insoluble protein hydrogel known as a fibrin clot. By forming the key protein component of blood clots, fibrin acts as a structural biomaterial with biophysical properties well suited to its role inhibiting fluid flow and maintaining hemostasis. Based on its clinical importance, fibrin is being investigated as a potentially valuable molecular target in the development of coagulation therapies. In this topical review, we summarize our current understanding of the coagulation cascade from a molecular, structural and biophysical perspective. We highlight single-molecule studies on proteins involved in blood coagulation and report on the current state of the art in directed evolution and molecular engineering of fibrin-targeted proteins and polymers for modulating coagulation. This biophysical overview will help acclimatize newcomers to the field and catalyze interdisciplinary work in biomolecular engineering toward the development of new therapies targeting fibrin and the coagulation system.
Evaluating data-driven algorithms for predicting mechanical properties with small datasets: A case study on gear steel hardenability
Authors: Nenchev Bogdan , Tao Qing , Dong Zihui , Panwisawas Chinnapat , Li Haiyang , Tao Biao , Dong Hongbiao
Published: April 2022

Data-driven algorithms for predicting mechanical properties with small datasets are evaluated in a case study on gear steel hardenability. The limitations of current data-driven algorithms and empirical models are identified. Challenges in analysing small datasets are discussed, and solution is proposed to handle small datasets with multiple variables. Gaussian methods in combination with novel predictive algorithms are utilized to overcome the challenges in analysing gear steel hardenability data and to gain insight into alloying elements interaction and structure homogeneity. The gained fundamental knowledge integrated with machine learning is shown to be superior to the empirical equations in predicting hardenability. Metallurgical-property relationships between chemistry, sample size, and hardness are predicted via two optimized machine learning algorithms: neural networks (NNs) and extreme gradient boosting (XGboost). A comparison is drawn between all algorithms, evaluating their performance based on small data sets. The results reveal that XGboost has the highest potential for predicting hardenability using small datasets with class imbalance and large inhomogeneity issues.
Histopathology of Cerebral Microinfarcts and Microbleeds in Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Jolink Wilmar M. T. , van Veluw Susanne J. , Zwanenburg Jaco J. M. , Rozemuller Annemieke J. M. , van Hecke Wim , Frosch Matthew P. , Bacskai Brian J. , Rinkel Gabriël J. E. , Greenberg Steven M. , Klijn Catharina J. M.
Published: April 2022

In patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage caused by different vasculopathies, cerebral microinfarcts have the same aspect on MRI and the same applies to cerebral microbleeds. It is unclear what pathological changes underlie these cerebral microinfarcts and cerebral microbleeds. In the current study, we explored the histopathological substrate of these lesions by investigating the brain tissue of 20 patients (median age at death 77 years) who died from ICH (9 lobar, 11 non-lobar) with a combination of post-mortem 7-T MRI and histopathological analysis. We identified 132 CMIs and 204 CMBs in 15 patients on MRI, with higher numbers of CMIs in lobar ICH patients and similar numbers of CMBs. On histopathology, CMIs and CMBs were in lobar ICH more often located in the superficial than in the deep layers of the cortex, and in non-lobar ICH more often in the deeper layers. We found a tendency towards more severe CAA scores in lobar ICH patients. Other histopathological characteristics were comparable between lobar and non-lobar ICH patients. Although CMIs and CMBs were found in different segments of the cortex in lobar ICH compared to non-lobar ICH patients, otherwise similar histopathological features of cortical CMIs and CMBs distant from the ICH suggest shared pathophysiological mechanisms in lobar and non-lobar ICH caused by different vasculopathies.
Socioeconomic disparities in the uptake of substances of abuse: results from a household cross-sectional survey in Murang’ a County, Kenya
Authors: Were Vincent Omondi , Okoyo Collins Omondi , Araka Sylvie Biyaki , Kanyi Henry Muriuki , Echoka Elizabeth Echoka , Mwandawiro Charles Simiti , Njomo Doris Wairimu
Published: April 2022

Background

Drug and substance abuse has adverse health effects and a substantial economic burden to the global economies and at the household level. There is, however, limited data on socio-economic disparities in the update of the substance of abuse in low-to-middle income countries such as Kenya. This study aimed to assess the socio-economic disparities among drugs and substances in Murang’a county of central Kenya.

Method

The study design was cross-sectional, and data collection was conducted between November and December 2017. A total of 449 households with at least one person who has experienced substance abuse were sampled from four purposively selected sub-locations of Murang’ a County. Household heads answered questions on house characteristics and as an abuser or on behalf of abusers in their households. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data on types of drugs used, economic burden, and gender roles at the household level. Household socio-economic status (SES) was established (low, middle, and high SES) using principal component analysis (PCA) from a set of household assets and characteristics. Bivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between SES, gender, and other factors on the uptake of drugs and substance abuse.

Results

Individuals in higher SES were more likely to use cigarettes (OR = 2.13; 95%CI = 1.25–3.61, p = 0.005) or piped tobacco (OR = 11.37; 95% CI, 2.55–50.8; p-value = 0.001) than those in low SES. The wealthier individuals were less likely to use legal alcohol (OR = 0.39; 95%CI = 0.21–0.71, p = 0.002) than the poorest individuals. The use of prescription drugs did not vary with SES. A comparison of the median amount of money spent on acquiring drugs showed that richer individuals spent a significantly lower amount than the poorest individuals (USD 9.71 vs. Ksh 14.56, p = 0.031). Deaths related to drugs and substance abuse were more likely to occur in middle SES than amongst the poorest households (OR = 2.96; 95%CI = 1.03–8.45, p = 0.042).

Conclusion

Socioeconomic disparities exist in the use of drugs and substance abuse. Low-income individuals are at a higher risk of abuse, expenditures and even death. Strategies to reduce drugs and substance abuse must address socio-economic disparities through targeted approaches to individuals in low-income groups.
Black Lives Matter at School: Using the 13 Guiding Principles as Critical Race Pedagogies for Black Citizenship Education
Authors: Mathews* Sarah A. , Jones Denisha
Published: April 2022

Traditional notions of civic education often introduce privilege and reproduce Eurocentric notions of citizenship. Proponents of cultural citizenship champion Black cultural knowledge, and critical race pedagogies to help marginalized individuals, including students of color, actualize their agentic selves. This manuscript presents three vignettes to demonstrate how teachers implemented the Black Lives Matter at School’s 13 Guiding Principles to develop Black cultural citizenship with students. Three salient aspects emerged: (1) the need for students to be active contributors in the current movement for Black liberation; (2) a call to support students unlearning and relearning Black history; and (3) instruction that provides opportunities for students to recognize and challenge systems of oppression.
A History of Stringed Keyboard Instruments
Authors: Pollens Stewart
Published: April 2022

This book explores the history of keyboard instruments from their fourteenth-century origins to the development of the modern piano. It reveals the principles of their design and describes structural and mechanical developments through the medieval and renaissance periods and eighteenth- and nineteenth-centuries, as well as the early music revival. Stewart Pollens identifies and describes the types of keyboard instruments played by major composers and virtuosi through the ages and provides the reader with detailed instructions on their regulating, stringing, tuning and voicing drawn from historical sources.
Dynamic responses due to the Dryden gust of an autonomous quadrotor UAV carrying a payload
Authors: Geronel R. S. , Botez R. M. , Bueno D. D.
Published: April 2022

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have been used extensively in many applications, such as surveillance, medical transportation and delivery tasks. These applications usually involve an attachment system to connect a payload. However, when connected to such a coupled system, the UAV exhibits lower flight performance mainly due to gust loads. Mathematical modeling is used in this paper to illustrate the comparison between an UAV with a coupled system and a conventional UAV. Proportional Derivative (PD) and Sliding Mode Control (SMC) approaches are used to evaluate the vibrations of the payload, and the UAV trajectory subjected to Dryden gust. This work therefore uses these methods to investigate the dynamic response of a quadrotor-type UAV equipped with a payload and a flexible attachment system.
Exploring the Notion of Necessity in Essentialist Legal Theory
Authors: Liu Ziyu
Published: April 2022

Essentialist legal theorists, represented by Raz, have depicted legal theory as a project of seeking necessary truths about law. They have, however, left the notion of necessity in their conception of legal theory largely unexplained. This paper explores four different notions of necessity in the philosophical literature and investigates two issues: first, what kind of necessity best fits the notion of necessity implicit in the essentialist conception of legal theory, and secondly, whether that notion of necessity is a coherent one that withstands philosophical challenges. I argue that the Putnamian notion of quasi-necessity best fits essentialist legal theorists’ self-understanding, but the notion of quasi-necessity does not withstand Ebbs’s two challenges. Meanwhile, although Plunkett’s theory of metalinguistic negotiation can be used to preserve a coherent notion of necessity that circumvents Ebbs’s two challenges, due to its broadly anti-essentialist underpinnings such a notion is unlikely to be congenial to essentialist legal theorists.
When can religious employers discriminate? The scope of the religious ethos exemption in EU law
Authors: van den Brink Martijn
Published: April 2022

When are religious employers exempt from the prohibition of discrimination (i.e., when can they discriminate against non-adherents)? The European Union (EU) Equality Framework Directive exempts religious employers from the prohibition of religious discrimination, but the scope of the religious ethos exemption is disputed and its interpretation by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in Egenberger and IR v JQ has been criticised for being ultra vires and for disrespecting the constitutional identities of the EU Member States. This article clarifies the religious ethos exemption, by examining the underlying legal and normative issues that determine its scope. It shows that the scope of the exemption depends not just on the Framework Directive but also on the relationship between EU law and national constitutional law and that between EU law and international law. Thus, this article not only provides clarity regarding the religious ethos exemption, but also uses these judgements as an opportunity to revisit these related constitutional issues, and in particular the role of the CJEU and EU legislature in defining the place of national constitutional identity in EU law.
Tuberculosis attributed to transmission within healthcare facilities, Botswana—The Kopanyo Study
Authors: Smith Jonathan P. , Modongo Chawangwa , Moonan Patrick K. , Dima Mbatshi , Matsiri Ogopotse , Fane Othusitse , Click Eleanor S. , Boyd Rosanna , Finlay Alyssa , Surie Diya , Tobias James L. , Zetola Nicola M. , Oeltmann John E.
Published: April 2022

Objective:

Healthcare facilities are a well-known high-risk environment for transmission of M. tuberculosis, the etiologic agent of tuberculosis (TB) disease. However, the link between M. tuberculosis transmission in healthcare facilities and its role in the general TB epidemic is unknown. We estimated the proportion of overall TB transmission in the general population attributable to healthcare facilities.

Methods:

We combined data from a prospective, population-based molecular epidemiologic study with a universal electronic medical record (EMR) covering all healthcare facilities in Botswana to identify biologically plausible transmission events occurring at the healthcare facility. Patients with M. tuberculosis isolates of the same genotype visiting the same facility concurrently were considered an overlapping event. We then used TB diagnosis and treatment data to categorize overlapping events into biologically plausible definitions. We calculated the proportion of overall TB cases in the cohort that could be attributable to healthcare facilities.

Results:

In total, 1,881 participants had TB genotypic and EMR data suitable for analysis, resulting in 46,853 clinical encounters at 338 healthcare facilities. We identified 326 unique overlapping events involving 370 individual patients; 91 (5%) had biologic plausibility for transmission occurring at a healthcare facility. A sensitivity analysis estimated that 3%–8% of transmission may be attributable to healthcare facilities.

Conclusions:

Although effective interventions are critical in reducing individual risk for healthcare workers and patients at healthcare facilities, our findings suggest that development of targeted interventions aimed at community transmission may have a larger impact in reducing TB.
Modelling silo clogging with non-local granular rheology
Authors: Dunatunga Sachith , Kamrin Ken
Published: April 2022

Granular flow in a silo demonstrates multiple non-local rheological phenomena due to the finite size of grains. We solve the non-local granular fluidity continuum model in quasi-two-dimensional silo geometries and evaluate its ability to predict these non-local effects, including flow spreading and, importantly, clogging (arrest) when the opening is small enough. The model is augmented to include a free-separation criterion and is implemented numerically with an extension of the trans-phase granular flow solver described in Dunatunga & Kamrin (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 779, 2015, pp. 483–513), to produce full-field solutions. The implementation is validated against analytical results of the model in the inclined chute geometry, such as the solution for the critical thickness for flow arrest, and the velocity profile as a function of layer height. We then implement the model in the silo geometry and vary the apparent grain size. The model predicts a clogging criterion when the opening competes with the scale of the mean grain size, which agrees with previous experimental studies. For larger openings, the flow within the silo obtains a diffusive characteristic whose spread depends on the model's non-local amplitude and the mean grain size. The numerical tests are controlled for grid effects and a comparison study of coarse vs refined numerical simulations shows agreement in the pressure field, the shape of the arch in a clogged silo configuration and the velocity field in a flowing configuration.
Interfacial electrohydrodynamic solitary waves under horizontal electric fields
Authors: Guan Xin , Wang Zhan
Published: April 2022

Interfacial waves between two superimposed dielectric fluid layers under a horizontal electric field are investigated from asymptotic and numerical aspects. The fluid is taken to be inviscid, incompressible and non-conducting in each layer. The competing forces resulting from gravity, surface tension and electric field are all considered. A systematic procedure is proposed to derive model equations of multiple scales in various possible limits from the electrified Euler equations in the framework of the Zakharov–Craig–Sulem formulation. Based on thorough analyses of the Dirichlet–Neumann operators in the long-wave approximation, classic weakly nonlinear models – including the Boussinesq-type system, the Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) equation and its variants, and the Benjamin-type equation – are obtained under different scaling assumptions. In addition, strongly nonlinear models (without the smallness assumption on the wave amplitude) in the Benjamin and Barannyk–Papageorgiou–Petropoulos regimes are derived. In these models, the electric effects are shown to produce dispersive regularisations of long and short waves. A modified boundary integral equation method is developed to compute solitary waves in the original electrified Euler equations. Through comparisons with solitary-wave solutions in the Euler equations, it is found that in various asymptotic regimes, weakly nonlinear models are in overall good agreement when wave amplitudes are small. In contrast, the range of validity of the strongly nonlinear model is much broader. It is shown that the horizontal electric field plays a significant role in the physical system: it expands the range of parameters for the existence of progressive waves, changes the qualitative characteristics of solitary waves and leads to a new type of solitary wave, namely the KdV–wavepacket mixed type.
Deconstructing Socioemotional Wealth: Social Wealth and Emotional Wealth as Core Properties of Family Firms
Authors: Chen Wenting , Zhou Abby Jingzi , Zhou Steven Shijin , Hofman Peter S. , Yang Xueru
Published: April 2022

The concept of socioemotional wealth (SEW) has become a dominant perspective in family business studies. In this article, we review the SEW literature, the explanatory power of SEW in family firm behavior, and the heterogeneity of family firms. Although we find that SEW distinguishes the behavior of family firms from that of nonfamily firms, the concept has been used and operationalized differently across studies. The few studies that measure SEW directly do not find clear and consistent explanatory power of the construct. Moreover, not many studies are conducted in Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, and China, raising the question as to whether the concept applies equally across institutional and cultural contexts. This article takes a pragmatic perspective on SEW by discussing and distinguishing between key dimensions of social wealth and emotional wealth, which we believe can enhance understanding of the behavior and heterogeneity of family businesses. Based on our deconstruction of the SEW concept, we propose various directions of future research.
Sacred Language in the Borderlands: Discussions on the Language of Belarusian Catholicism
Authors: Lastouski Aliaksei , Zakharov Nikolay
Published: April 2022

This article considers in detail the choosing of a language for the liturgy and sermons in Roman Catholic parishes in Belarus. The choice of the Belarusian language is part of a deliberate nation-building policy by the Catholic Church. Moreover, a whole network of local peculiarities, historical stereotypes, and political attitudes is concealed beneath the unified cover of a preference for the use of the Belarusian language. Based on interviews with clergy and religious activists, the article shows that the Roman Catholic Church repeatedly works out compromise solutions that allow it to adapt to the pressures of the state and believers going through a process of contradictory and conflicting nation-building.
Migration and the Demand for Transnational Justice
Authors: JOHNS LESLIE , LANGER MÁXIMO , PETERS MARGARET E.
Published: April 2022

Domestic courts sometimes prosecute foreign nationals for severe crimes—like crimes against humanity, genocide, torture, and war crimes—committed on foreign territory against foreign nationals. We argue that migrants can serve as agents of transnational justice. When migrants move across borders, as both economic migrants and refugees, they often pressure local governments to conduct criminal investigations and trials for crimes that occurred in their sending state. We also examine the effect of explanatory variables that have been identified by prior scholars, including the magnitude of atrocities in the sending state, the responsiveness of the receiving state to political pressure, and the various economic and political costs of prosecutions. We test our argument using the first multivariate statistical analysis of universal jurisdiction cases, focusing on multiple stages of prosecutions. We conclude that transnational justice is a justice remittance in which migrants provide accountability and remedies for crimes in their sending states.
Successful lactation in Plgrkt-deficient female mice caused by a 1-bp deletion of exon4
Authors: Iwaki Takayuki , Tomonari Yuki , Umemura Kazuo
Published: April 2022

Plasminogen (Pg) activation on the cell surface is important for various (patho)physiologic conditions, and Plg-RKT is a cell membrane protein that binds to Pg and promotes its activation. To evaluate the role of Plg-RKT in atherosclerosis, Plgrkt gene in Ldlr−/−/Apobec1−/− was modified using in vivo CRISPR/Cas9. Synthetic RNA for Plgrkt and Cas9 complex was electroporated into the fertilized eggs in the oviducts. Plgrkt deficient mice were established through a 1-bp deletion, and in this research communication we report their lactational ability. In contrast to Plgrkt−/− mice developed by a conventional method, these newly developed mice did not suffer lactation failure and could maintain their pups until weaning. The major obvious difference between these lines is the area of gene modification. The conventionally developed mouse possesses about 10 kb deletion of Plgrkt, which might relate to the lactation failure. Lactation failure is a lethal phenotype in mammals, and analyses of causative genes are especially important for dairy industries. Further genome-wide analyses with both Plgrkt−/− mice may help to establish causative genes for lactation failure.
Human papillomavirus prevalence in male and female university students in Gaborone, Botswana
Authors: Ramogola-Masire Doreen , McClung Nancy , Mathoma Anikie , Gargano Julia W. , Nyepetsi Naledi Gape , Querec Troy D. , Onyekwuluje Juanita , Mine Madisa , Morroni Chelsea , Luckett Rebecca , Markowitz Lauri E.
Published: April 2022

In 2015, Botswana introduced the quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine as a two-dose schedule in girls aged 9–13 years. We sought to establish a baseline HPV prevalence in unvaccinated young adults in Botswana. HIV-uninfected men and women aged 18–22 years were recruited from the University of Botswana in Gaborone during October 2019–February 2021. Demographic and behavioural characteristics were self-reported during structured interviews. Self-collected vaginal and penile swabs were tested for 28 HPV types using Seegene Anyplex II HPV28. We compared any HPV type, quadrivalent vaccine (HPV 6, 11, 16, 18)-type and non-quadrivalent vaccine-type prevalence in men and women and evaluated the risk factors for prevalence of any HPV type. A total of 493 men and 500 women were included in the analysis. Compared to men, women had higher prevalence of any HPV type (63.0%versus31.4%,P< 0.001), vaccine-type HPV (21%versus9.7%,P< 0.001) and non-vaccine-type HPV (60.4%versus28.4%,P< 0.001). Higher prevalence of any HPV type in men and women was associated with having ≥2 sex partners in the past 12 months; always using condoms in the past 3 months was associated with a lower HPV prevalence. These data provide baseline information for future evaluation of the population impact of the HPV vaccination programme, including potential herd effects in men.
Filling the Void: Rock-art Continuity Over the Pleistocene–Holocene Boundary in Eastern Iberia
Authors: Ruiz Juan F. , Royo-Lasarte José , Royo-Guillén José Ignacio , Rivero Olivia
Published: April 2022

In this paper we study several panels with incised engravings, which have been discovered in recent years, from two shelters in the area of the River Martín (Teruel), Cañada de Marco and Los Borriquitos. They are of great scientific interest for several reasons. Firstly, because they represent an expansion of the Late Upper Palaeolithic engraving facies of Mediterranean Iberia, limited until now to ten sites. In these two new sites, these incised engravings are underlying Levantine and Schematic pictographs, and occasionally are interstratified with Levantine paintings, an exceptional fact which is published in its entirety for the first time. These stratigraphic relationships reflect continuity/change dynamics during the Pleistocene–Holocene transition and throughout the Holocene artistic cycle, topics which are crucial on a European scale. Finally, we have identified iconographic continuities between Epimagdalenian engravings and Levantine art, suggesting a possible link between these two graphic expressions. These findings may constitute solid support for the hypothesis about the pre-Neolithic origin of the exceptional Levantine art of the Iberian peninsula.

In memoriamRamiro Alloza