bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the care of doctors, nurses, and nursing technicians for people in situations of sexual violence in Brazil
Authors: Leal Liene Martha , Vertamatti Maria Auxiliadora Figueredo , Zaia Victor , Barbosa Caio Parente
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to assess the quality of care for people in situations of sexual violence in health services, identifying positive and negative indicators, and suggest solutions. This is a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach and convenience sampling. The sample consisted of 134 professionals (doctors, nurses, and nursing technicians) working in public health services. Three instruments were used, namely, a structure evaluation form, a questionnaire, and a process evaluation form. The results revealed eight positive indicators (adequate infrastructure; rooms for patient assistance; gynecological bed; visual and auditory privacy; waiting rooms; a professional team comprising physicians, nurses, nursing technicians, and receptionists; adequate training of staff to provide health services to people in situations of sexual violence; and most healthcare professionals asking their patients about possible sexual violence situations) and nine negative indicators (reduced number of rooms for patient assistance with toilets; absence of protocols to identify and assist people in situations of sexual violence; absence of leaflets, posters, and other materials on sexual violence; absence of a referral flow chart (specific for people in situations of sexual violence) to specialized services; reduced number of consultations with suspected and/or confirmed cases of sexual violence; non-use of specific protocols; not referral of these patients to the specialized care network; most professionals consider the health unit where they work as unable to help people in situations of sexual violence; a decrease in attendance at health facilities that do not have a protocol for assisting people in situations of sexual violence), making clear the interventions necessary to promote the provision of quality health services that meet the specific needs of people in situations of sexual violence. These indicators are expected to provide subsidies for the improvement of public policies aimed at listening, welcoming, identifying, and treating people in situations of sexual violence.
Evaluation of a bioaerosol sampler for indoor environmental surveillance of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2
Authors: Horve Patrick Finn , Dietz Leslie , Northcutt Dale , Stenson Jason , Van Den Wymelenberg Kevin
Published: November 2021

The worldwide spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has ubiquitously impacted many aspects of life. As vaccines continue to be manufactured and administered, limiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2 will rely more heavily on the early identification of contagious individuals occupying reopened and increasingly populated indoor environments. In this study, we investigated the utility of an impaction-based bioaerosol sampling system with multiple nucleic acid collection media. Heat-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 was utilized to perform bench-scale, short-range aerosol, and room-scale aerosol experiments. Through bench-scale experiments, AerosolSense Capture Media (ACM) and nylon flocked swabs were identified as the highest utility media. In room-scale aerosol experiments, consistent detection of aerosol SARS-CoV-2 was achieved at an estimated aerosol concentration equal to or greater than 0.089 genome copies per liter of room air (gc/L) when air was sampled for eight hours or more at less than one air change per hour (ACH). Shorter sampling periods (75 minutes) yielded consistent detection at ~31.8 gc/L of room air and intermittent detection down to ~0.318 gc/L at (at both 1 and 6 ACH). These results support further exploration in real-world testing scenarios and suggest the utility of indoor aerosol surveillance as an effective risk mitigation strategy in occupied buildings.
Regular rhythmic and audio-visual stimulations enhance procedural learning of a perceptual-motor sequence in healthy adults: A pilot study
Authors: Lagarrigue Yannick , Cappe Céline , Tallet Jessica
Published: November 2021

Procedural learning is essential for the effortless execution of many everyday life activities. However, little is known about the conditions influencing the acquisition of procedural skills. The literature suggests that sensory environment may influence the acquisition of perceptual-motor sequences, as tested by a Serial Reaction Time Task. In the current study, we investigated the effects of auditory stimulations on procedural learning of a visuo-motor sequence. Given that the literature shows that regular rhythmic auditory rhythm and multisensory stimulations improve motor speed, we expected to improve procedural learning (reaction times and errors) with repeated practice with auditory stimulations presented either simultaneously with visual stimulations or with a regular tempo, compared to control conditions (e.g., with irregular tempo). Our results suggest that both congruent audio-visual stimulations and regular rhythmic auditory stimulations promote procedural perceptual-motor learning. On the contrary, auditory stimulations with irregular or very quick tempo alter learning. We discuss how regular rhythmic multisensory stimulations may improve procedural learning with respect of a multisensory rhythmic integration process.
Effects of functional variants of vitamin C transporter genes on apolipoprotein E E4-associated risk of cognitive decline: The Nakajima study
Authors: Hayashi Koji , Noguchi-Shinohara Moeko , Sato Takehiro , Hosomichi Kazuyoshi , Kannon Takayuki , Abe Chiemi , Domoto Chiaki , Yuki-Nozaki Sohshi , Mori Ayaka , Horimoto Mai , Yokogawa Masami , Sakai Kenji , Iwasa Kazuo , Komai Kiyonobu , Ishimiya Mai , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Ishida Natsuko , Suga Yukio , Ishizaki Junko , Ishigami Akihito , Tajima Atsushi , Yamada Masahito
Published: November 2021

Apolipoprotein E E4 (APOE4) is a risk factor for cognitive decline. A high blood vitamin C (VC) level reduces APOE4-associated risk of developing cognitive decline in women. In the present study, we aimed to examine the effects of functional variants of VC transporter genes expressed in the brain (SLC2A1, SLC2A3, and SLC23A2) on APOE4-associated risk of developing cognitive decline. This case–control study involved 393 Japanese subjects: 252 cognitively normal and 141 cognitively impaired individuals (87 mild cognitive impairment and 54 dementia). Database searches revealed that rs1279683 of SLC23A2, and rs710218 and rs841851 of SLC2A1 are functional variants that are significantly associated with the altered expression of the respective genes and genotyped as three single nucleotide variants (SNVs). When stratified by SNV genotype, we found a significant association between APOE4 and cognitive decline in minor allele carriers of rs1279683 (odds ratio [OR] 2.02, 95% CI, 1.05–3.87, p = 0.035) but not in the homozygote carriers of the major allele. Significant associations between APOE4 and cognitive decline were also observed in participants with major allele homozygotes of rs710218 (OR 2.35, 95% CI, 1.05–5.23, p = 0.037) and rs841851 (OR 3.2, 95% CI, 1.58–6.46, p = 0.0012), but not in minor allele carriers of the respective SNVs. In contrast, the three functional SNVs showed no significant effect on cognitive decline. Our results imply that functional SNVs of VC transporter genes can affect APOE4-associated risk of developing cognitive decline via altered VC levels in the brain.
What can be learned from fishers’ perceptions for fishery management planning? Case study insights from Sainte-Marie, Madagascar
Authors: Bernos Thaïs A. , Travouck Clodio , Ramasinoro Naly , Fraser Dylan J. , Mathevon Barbara
Published: November 2021

Local support is critical to the success and longevity of fishery management initiatives. Previous research suggests that how resource users perceive ecological changes, explain them, and cope with them, influences local support. The objectives of this study were two-fold. First, we collated local fishers’ knowledge to characterize the long-term socio-ecological dynamics of the small-scale fishery of Sainte-Marie Island, in Madagascar. Second, we empirically assessed the individual- and site-level factors influencing support for fishery restrictions. Our results indicate that fishers observed a decline in fish abundance and catch sizes, especially in nearshore areas; many also perceived a reduction in fish sizes and the local disappearance of species. To maintain their catches, most fishers adapted by fishing harder and further offshore. Accordingly, fishers identified increased fishing effort (number of fishers and gear evolution) as the main cause of fishery changes. Collectively, our results highlight that the transition from a subsistence to commercial fishery, and resulting changes in the relationship between people and the fisheries, was an underlying driver of fishery changes. Additionally, we found that gender, membership to local associations, coping mechanisms, and perceptions of ecological health, were all interlinked and significantly associated with conservation-oriented attitudes. Conservation-oriented attitudes, however, were not associated with fishers’ willingness to decrease fishing. In the short-term, area-based restrictions could contribute to building support for conservation. In the long-term, addressing the underlying causes of the decline will necessitate collaborations among the various groups involved to progressively build livelihood flexibility. Collectively, our study provides additional insights on the individual- and site-level factors influencing support for fishery restrictions. It also highlights the importance of dialoguing with fishers to ensure that fishery management plans are adapted to the local context.
Effects of cigarette smoking on the growth of Streptococcus mutans biofilms: An in vitro study
Authors: Han Ye
Published: November 2021

The increased incidence of dental caries by cigarette smoking (CS) has been widely reported in epidemiological studies, but the relationship between CS and cariogenic biofilm growth has been rarely studied. This study aims to investigate the effects of CS exposure on the growth and virulence of Streptococcus mutans biofilms (S. mutans). Briefly, S. mutans biofilms were formed on saliva-coated hydroxyapatite disks, which were exposed to CS 1, 3, and 6 times per day, respectively. In addition, S. mutans biofilms without CS exposure were considered as the control group. Acidogenicity, dry weight, colony-forming units (CFUs), water-soluble/insoluble extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs), and intracellular polysaccharides (IPSs) were analyzed and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images of 74-h-old S. mutans biofilms were obtained. The lowest accumulation of biofilms and EPSs were detected in the 6 times/day CS exposure group compared with those of the control group and other CS exposure groups in 74-h-old S. mutans biofilms. CLSM also revealed the lowest bacterial count (live and dead cells) and EPSs biovolume in the six times/day CS exposure group in 74-h-old S. mutans biofilms. CS exposure inhibited the growth of S. mutans biofilm in vitro study, the anti-cariogenic biofilm formation was enhanced with a dose (frequency)-dependent at which frequency has more influence in the present findings.
Escherichia coli O127 group 4 capsule proteins assemble at the outer membrane
Authors: Larson Matthew R. , Biddle Kassia , Gorman Adam , Boutom Sarah , Rosenshine Ilan , Saper Mark A.
Published: November 2021

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli O127 is encapsulated by a protective layer of polysaccharide made of the same strain specific O-antigen as the serotype lipopolysaccharide. Seven genes encoding capsule export functions comprise the group 4 capsule (gfc) operon. Genes gfcE, etk and etp encode homologs of the group 1 capsule secretion system but the upstream gfcABCD genes encode unknown functions specific to group 4 capsule export. We have developed an expression system for the large-scale production of the outer membrane protein GfcD. Contrary to annotations, we find that GfcD is a non-acylated integral membrane protein. Circular dichroism spectroscopy, light-scattering data, and the HHomp server suggested that GfcD is a monomeric β-barrel with 26 β-strands and an internal globular domain. We identified a set of novel protein-protein interactions between GfcB, GfcC, and GfcD, both in vivo and in vitro, and quantified the binding properties with isothermal calorimetry and biolayer interferometry. GfcC and GfcB form a high-affinity heterodimer with a KD near 100 nM. This heterodimer binds to GfcD (KD = 28 μM) significantly better than either GfcB or GfcC alone. These gfc proteins may form a complex at the outer membrane for group 4 capsule secretion or for a yet unknown function.
COVID-19 outcomes in hospitalized puerperal, pregnant, and neither pregnant nor puerperal women
Authors: Serra Fabiano Elisei , Francisco Rossana Pulcineli Vieira , de Rossi Patricia , de Lourdes Brizot Maria , Rodrigues Agatha Sacramento
Published: November 2021

Objective

To compare hospitalized reproductive age women with COVID-19 who were pregnant, puerperal, or neither one nor the other in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics and disease progression using Brazilian epidemiological data.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the records of the Information System of the Epidemiological Surveillance of Influenza of the Health Ministry of Brazil was performed. It included the data of female patients aged 10 to 49 years hospitalized because of severe COVID-19 disease (RT-PCR+ for SARS-CoV-2), from February 17, 2020 to January 02, 2021. They were separated into 3 groups: pregnant, puerperal, and neither pregnant nor puerperal. General comparisons and then adjustments for confounding variables (propensity score matching [PSM]) were made, using demographic and clinical characteristics, disease progression (admission to the intensive care unit [ICU] and invasive or noninvasive ventilatory support), and outcome (cure or death). Deaths were analyzed in each group according to comorbidities, invasive or noninvasive ventilatory support, and admission to the ICU.

Results

As many as 40,640 reproductive age women hospitalized for COVID-19 were identified: 3,372 were pregnant, 794 were puerperal, and 36,474 were neither pregnant nor puerperal. Groups were significantly different in terms of demographic data and comorbidities (p<0.0001). Pregnant and puerperal women were less likely to be symptomatic than the women who were neither one nor the other (72.1%, 69.7% and 88.8%, respectively). Pregnant women, however, had a higher frequency of anosmia, and ageusia than the others. After PSM, puerperal women had a worse prognosis than pregnant women with respect to admission to the ICU, invasive ventilatory support, and death, with OR (95% CI) 1.97 (1.55 – 2.50), 2.71 (1.78 – 4.13), and 2.51 (1.79 – 3.52), respectively.

Conclusion

Puerperal women were at a higher risk for serious outcomes (need for the ICU, need for invasive and noninvasive ventilatory support, and death) than pregnant women.
Integrative analyses of metabolome and transcriptome reveals metabolomic variations and candidate genes involved in sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) fruit quality during development and ripening
Authors: Yang Haiying , Tian Changping , Ji Shujun , Ni Fengzhu , Fan Xinguang , Yang Yanqing , Sun Chanchan , Gong Hansheng , Zhang Aidi
Published: November 2021

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.), one of the most appreciated and most important commercial temperate fruits, has high sensory quality and nutritional value. Investigating its metabolic variations provides valuable information on the formation of fruit quality. In this study, widely targeted LC-MS/MS based metabolomics was used to identify and quantify metabolic changes during ‘Black Pearl’ sweet cherry development and ripening. A total of 263 significant differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were detected during the four fruit-development stages. Significant differences were observed in the composition and content of compounds in the four stages of cherry development, especially sugars, organic acids, and flavonoids. Moreover, transcriptome analysis provided a molecular basis for metabolic variations during fruit development. A total of 6724 significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Further correlation analysis of major DEMs and DEGs showed that 19 key DEGs were involved in sugar metabolism, 23 key DEGs in organic acid metabolism, and 13 key DEGs in flavonoid metabolism. The upregulated genes involved in the flavonoid pathway probably play an important role in regulating the rapid increase of anthocyanin content during fruit development. These comprehensive analysis data provide a better understanding to improve fruit quality traits based on molecular and metabolic levels.
Physical activity promotion in an urban district: Analyzing the mechanisms of interorganizational cooperation
Authors: Wäsche Hagen , Wolbring Laura , Woll Alexander
Published: November 2021

Past research has identified the importance of cooperation among community-based organizations from different sectors to address public health problems such as insufficient physical activity. However, little is known about how and why interorganizational cooperation occurs. The present study sought to analyze the structure and emergent patterns of interorganizational cooperation within a network promoting physical activity based in an urban district neighborhood of a city in Southwestern Germany. Survey data on cooperative relations among 61 network organizations and organizational attributes (e.g., possession of sport facilities) were collected. Social network analysis was applied to examine network properties and exponential random graph models were estimated to test hypotheses concerning mechanisms and conditions of cooperative tie formation. The results show that the network of cooperation is sparse but characterized by a tendency for cooperation to occur in triangular structures. Other significant mechanisms of cooperative tie formation are preferential attachment, with the community department for education and sports being the most central network actor, and heterophily regarding the cooperation of organizations from different sectors. This study provides valid and reliable findings on conditions of network formation and significant mechanisms of interorganizational cooperation in the field of physical activity promotion. Knowledge about these mechanisms can help to manage networks effectively and efficiently and reveal potentials for improvement and intensification of interorganizational cooperation in both the present and other research areas of health promotion.
Understanding digital health ecosystem from Australian citizens’ perspective: A scoping review
Authors: Oshni Alvandi Abraham , Bain Chris , Burstein Frada
Published: November 2021

Background

Digital health (DH) and the benefits of related services are fairly well understood. However, it still is critical to map the digital health care landscape including the key elements that define it as an ecosystem. Particularly, knowing the perspectives of citizens on this digital transformation is an important angle to capture. In this review we aim to analyze the relevant studies to identify how DH is understood and experienced by Australian citizens and what they may require from DH platforms.

Materials and methods

A scoping literature review was conducted across several electronic databases (ACM Digital Library, OVID, PubMed, Scopus, IEEE, Science Direct, SAGE), as well as grey literature. Additionally, citation mining was conducted to identify further relevant studies. Identified studies were subjected to eligibility criteria and the final set of articles was independently reviewed, analyzed, discussed and interpreted by three reviewers.

Results

Of 3811 articles, 98 articles met the inclusion criteria with research-based articles–as opposed to review articles or white papers– comprising the largest proportion (72%) of the selected literature. The qualitative analysis of the literature revealed five key elements that capture the essence of the digital health ecosystem interventions from the viewpoint of the Australian citizens. The identified elements were “consumer/user”, “health care”, “technology”, “use and usability”, “data and information”. These elements were further found to be associated with 127 subcategories.

Conclusions

This study is the first of its kind to analyze and synthesize the relevant literature on DH ecosystems from the citizens’ perspective. Through the lens of two research questions, this study defines the key components that were found crucial to understanding citizens’ experiences with DH. This understanding lays a strong foundation for designing and fostering DH ecosystem. The results provide a solid ground for empirical testing.
Propuestas de cambio y debilidad institucional en Chile: De la revuelta social (2019) al inicio del funcionamiento de la Convención Constitucional (2021)
Authors: Avendaño Octavio , Osorio Rauld Nelson Alejandro
Published: November 2021

El artículo analiza la precariedad institucional y la escasa capacidad del sistema político chileno para procesar de manera orgánica el malestar que dio origen a la revuelta social que se inicia el 18 de octubre de 2019. Se examinan los factores estructurales, arraigados tanto en el plano económico-social como en el ámbito político-institucional que condujeron al estallido social, además de hechos de tipo coyuntural, derivados de decisiones adoptadas por el actual gobierno de Sebastián Piñera (2018-2022) que tendieron a exacerbar el malestar manifestado en diversos sectores de la población. Se sostiene que ni la revuelta ni las soluciones políticas alcanzadas con posterioridad han logrado revertir la crisis de legitimidad que se había arraigado previamente. Se concluye que este problema podría afectar la estabilidad de un nuevo gobierno, a ser constituido en las próximas elecciones de noviembre, así como al funcionamiento de la Convención Constitucional, comprometiendo la legitimidad de la nueva Constitución.
Aporías del proceso refundacional chileno
Authors: Mayol Miranda Alberto , Vidal Muñoz Felipe
Published: November 2021

El propósito de este artículo es caracterizar el escenario de transformación social en el Chile contemporáneo, comprendiendo al estallido social como un proceso que ha condensado energías sociales capaces de abrir espacio para una reestructuración del país. El texto consta de tres secciones. Primero, se argumenta que el estallido social que comenzó en Chile en el año 2019 puede ser visto como un acontecimiento refundacional, inaugurando un orden social que lucha por distanciarse y diferenciarse del orden anterior. En la segunda parte se describe la configuración y crisis de dicho orden anterior, engendrado durante la dictadura (1973-1990) y continuado durante la transición a la democracia (1991-2019). Finalmente, se discuten los desafíos y expectativas que existen en torno al proceso constituyente y la Convención Constitucional. Se concluye que, a pesar de haber puntos obvios (aumentar los derechos sociales, acabar con la discriminación institucionalizada, y asegurar una mayor participación ciudadana), no existe claridad con respecto a cómo una nueva Constitución podrá efectivamente procesar las demandas de cambio en Chile.
Expectativas ciudadanas frente a una asamblea constituyente: La experiencia chilena
Authors: Escudero María Cristina
Published: November 2021

Las expectativas que tiene Chile respecto al desempeño y ejercicio del poder constituyente de la Convención Constitucional que se inició el 4 de julio de 2021, no se diferencia de lo que parte de la experiencia comparada en Latinoamérica a esperado de sus respectivos procesos constituyentes de finales del siglo XX y comienzos del siglo XXI. En los hechos, desde que se empieza a consolidar la demanda por una nueva constitución, la Asamblea Constituyente es la opción que refleja una instancia que se aleja de la política de los partidos, participativa y reflejo de la voluntad del pueblo o ciudadana. La elección de convencionales constituyentes de mayo de 2021, es el resultado de esta convicción que ya se había sincerado en el proceso participativo para la elaboración de las bases ciudadanas para una nueva constitución, impulsada por el gobierno de Bachelet en 2016.
Ésvagyítás: Vendégszerkesztői gondolatvegyítés a kvalitatív különszámhoz
Authors: Horváth Dóra , Mitev Ariel Zoltán
Published: November 2021

ÉS és VAGY, vagy És vagy VAGY? Két egymással ellentétes kötőszó, melyek általában egymást kizárva jelennek meg, együttállás illetve kizárólagosság viszonyát fejezik ki. Kvalitatív kutatás módszertani kérdéseit kutatva azt a következtetést vonhatjuk le, hogy e két kötőszó nem zárja ki egymást, beszéljünk kvalitatív kutatás kapcsolódási pontjairól, megközelítéseiről, a kutatói szerepekről, az interpretációról.
Restless Leg Syndrome and Sleep Disorders in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Relation with Anemia Parameters
Authors: Demir Salih , Kucuk Adem , Altas Mustafa , Cure Erkan
Published: November 2021

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) and sleep disorders in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and the association of iron deficiency with them. Materials and methods: The study included 72 patients with RA (59 females, 13 males), and 50 healthy control subjects (57 females, 15 males). Assessments were made using the International RLS Rating Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Beck anxiety and depression index and the SF-36 quality of life scores. Results: We found that the frequency of RLS in RA patients was 29.1% and 13.8% in healthy control (p = 0.021). RA patients had 44.4% iron deficiency and 5.5% anemia of chronic disease. We found that 52.3% of patients with iron deficiency had RLS. There was an independent relationship between present of RLS and FSS (Beta [β] = 0.317, p = 0.005) and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) (β = 0.244, p = 0.031). There was an independent relationship between RLS severity score and PSQI (β = 0.264, p = 0.025) and social functionality (β = 0.302, p = 0.009). Conclusion: The prevalence of iron deficiency is high in RA in the developing countries. Analysis obtained in patients with RA is suggestive of an association between iron deficiency and increased frequency of RLS. The presence of RLS in patients with RA negatively affects sleep quality, psychiatric status, and quality of life of patients with RA. TIBC value may be a predictive marker for early detection of RLS in patients with RA.
Oral Ibandronate Therapy in Three Patients with Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Kutílek Štěpán , Plášilová Ivana , Skálová Sylva , Bayer Milan , Ondrušová Erika
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Treatment with orally administered ibandronate is an effective way to increase bone mineral density (BMD) and reduce fracture rate in post-menopausal women and in men with osteoporosis. There are only very few reports concerning ibandronate therapy in children and adolescents, and in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), as bisphosphonates are not registered for therapeutic use in pediatrics. Case Report: We present three patients with OI, where once-monthly oral ibandronate increased spinal BMD after two and four years, respectively, of therapy without any occurrence of new fractures and no adverse reactions. Somatic growth was not affected by the ibandronate treatment. Conclusion: Once-monthly oral ibandronate increased BMD and most probably improved bone quality in young patients with OI.
Analytical modeling of the binary dynamic circuit motion
Authors: Alpatov Anatolii , Kravets Victor , Kravets Volodymyr , Lapkhanov Erik
Published: November 2021

The binary dynamic circuit, which can be a design scheme for a number of technical systems is considered in the paper. The dynamic circuit is characterized by the kinetic energy of the translational motion of two masses, the potential energy of these masses’ elastic interaction and the dissipative function of energy dissipation during their motion. The free motion of a binary dynamic circuit is found according to a given initial phase state. A mathematical model of the binary dynamic circuit motion in the canonical form and the corresponding characteristic equation of the fourth degree are compiled. Analytical modeling of the binary dynamic circuit is carried out on the basis of the proposed particular solution of the complete algebraic equation of the fourth degree. A homogeneous dynamic circuit is considered and the reduced coefficients of elasticity and damping are introduced. The dependence of the reduced coefficients of elasticity and damping is established, which provides the required class of solutions to the characteristic equation. An ordered form of the analytical representation of a dynamic process is proposed in symmetric determinants, which is distinguished by the conservatism of notation with respect to the roots of the characteristic equation and phase coordinates.
L’impact du statut vaccinal sur l’importation de la COVID-19 chez les voyageurs internationaux
Authors: Ronksley Paul , Scory Tayler , Weaver Robert , Lunney Meaghan , Rodin Rachel , Tonelli Marcello
Published: November 2021

Les gouvernements du monde entier cherchent des moyens de permettre les voyages internationaux en toute sécurité tout en atténuant la propagation du coronavirus du syndrome respiratoire aigu sévère 2 (SRAS-CoV-2) et de la maladie à coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) qui lui est associée. Cependant, peu de données décrivent l’impact de la vaccination sur l’importation de la COVID-19. Nous avons profité de l’introduction séquentielle de deux politiques gouvernementales au Canada pour évaluer les preuves réelles de l’efficacité du vaccin chez 30 361 voyageurs internationaux arrivant par avion en Alberta, au Canada. La proportion de résultats positifs au test de dépistage de COVID-19 chez les voyageurs entièrement vaccinés ou partiellement vaccinés était de 0,02 % (95 % IC : 0,00–0,10) (soit un cas positif sur 5 817 voyageurs). En revanche, 1,42 % (95 % IC : 1,27–1,58) des voyageurs non vaccinés ont reçu un résultat de test positif pour le SRAS-CoV-2 (341 cas parmi 24 034 voyageurs). Ces résultats suggèrent que les vaccins contre la COVID-19 approuvés au Canada, ont considérablement réduit le risque d’importation de la COVID-19 lié aux voyages lorsqu’ils sont associés à d’autres mesures de santé publique. Le faible taux absolu d’infection chez les voyageurs internationaux entièrement vaccinés ou partiellement vaccinés peut éclairer les exigences de quarantaine dans cette population.
Re-verifying the elimination of measles, rubella and congenital rubella syndrome in Canada, 2016–2020
Authors: Saboui Myriam , Hiebert Joanne , Squires Susan G , Guay Mireille , Barcellos Patricia , Thom Alan , Li Y Anita
Published: November 2021

Elimination, in the context of measles, rubella and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), refers to the absence of endemic measles/rubella virus transmission in a region or other defined geographic area for at least 12 months, in the presence of a high-quality surveillance system that meets targets of key performance indicators. In 1994, Canada and other countries of the World Health Organization (WHO) region of the Americas committed to the objectives of measles elimination by 2000 and rubella and CRS by 2010. Canada met these targets: eliminating measles transmission in 1998; rubella transmission in 2005; and endemically-acquired CRS in 2000. The WHO region of Americas was declared free of endemic rubella/CRS in 2015 and endemic measles in 2016. At the request of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Canada’s elimination status of measles, rubella and CRS was verified in 2012 and again in 2017. Prior to submission to PAHO, the verification reports were reviewed, approved and endorsed by Canada’s National Certification Committee (NCC). The NCC is a group of experts who are not directly involved with the management of vaccine preventable diseases or immunization program implementation at the national level, but who have the expertise to assist in ensuring that Canada is meeting PAHO’S goals of elimination and eradication. Members are responsible for reviewing Canada’s current mechanisms of surveillance and progress towards elimination of targeted vaccine preventable diseases in Canada. Members have expertise in the fields of public health, infectious diseases and/or laboratory sciences.
Une éclosion de COVID-19 associée à un centre d’entraînement physique en Saskatchewan : leçons pour la prévention
Authors: Anderson Maureen , Chhetri Ashok , Halyk Edith , Lang Amanda , McDonald Ryan , Kryzanowski Julie , Minion Jessica , Trecker Molly
Published: November 2021

Contexte : Une éclosion de la maladie à coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) est survenue en Saskatchewan du 12 septembre au 20 octobre 2020. L’événement index, la fréquentation d’un centre d’entraînement physique local, a donné naissance à six éclosions/agrégats de cas supplémentaires dans de multiples contextes. Il s’agissait d’une école secondaire, d’un hôpital, de trois lieux de travail (A, B et C) et de plusieurs ménages. L’aggrégat comprenait 63 cas au total, soit 27 membres du centre d’entraînement et 36 autres cas de deuxième, troisième et quatrième génération. Méthodes : Tous les cas de COVID-19 liés à l’éclosion et confirmés en laboratoire ont été inclus dans l’analyse. Les autorités locales de santé publique ont interrogé tous les cas et les contacts et ont mené des enquêtes environnementales dans le centre d’entraînement physique. Nous avons utilisé des méthodes épidémiologiques descriptives pour comprendre la dynamique de transmission de l’aggrégat associé au centre d’entraînement en utilisant l’enquête des cas, l’enquête sur les contacts et les données de laboratoire, y compris le séquençage du génome entier. Résultats : Les données de séquençage ont confirmé la lignée unique des cas liés à l’aggrégat (n = 32 séquencés; coronavirus du syndrome respiratoire aigu sévère 2 [SRAS-CoV-2] lignée B.1.1.72). En plus de la fréquentation du centre d’entraînement, des cas infectieux fréquentaient l’école secondaire et étaient impliqués dans d’autres activités. Malgré la transmission continue dans le centre d’entraînement, aucun cas secondaire n’a été identifié dans l’école secondaire où quatre élèves appartenant à l’aggrégat ont assisté à des cours pendant leur période infectieuse. Conclusion : Nous décrivons une éclosion de COVID-19 où le ou les cas index fréquentaient un centre d’entraînement, et où la propagation s’est poursuivie pendant 38 jours malgré le dépistage et l’isolement des cas positifs au cours de cette période. En raison de la fréquentation du centre d’entraînement au fil du temps, la fermeture à court terme et le nettoyage peuvent ne pas interrompre les chaînes de transmission. Une mesure de santé publique ciblée et préventive dans les installations d’entraînement physique peut être justifiée. Les mesures de contrôle ont permis de limiter la propagation dans les écoles.
Un commentaire sur les lacunes d’une enquête de santé publique
Authors: Hardie John
Published: November 2021

La possibilité que l’hépatite C soit transmise entre patients dentaires a été à l’origine d’une enquête rétrospective approfondie et coûteuse menée par un bureau de santé publique de l’Ontario. Cette enquête a été réalisée avec une connaissance minimale des infections nosocomiales d’origine dentaire, une confiance enthousiaste dans des indicateurs de listes de contrôle non testés et en l’absence de critères justifiant une telle enquête. Par conséquent, l’ensemble de l’exercice reposait sur la fausse prémisse qu’il y avait eu un manquement au contrôle des infections. Ce commentaire aborde ces lacunes, ainsi que d’autres aspects de la réponse du bureau de santé publique qui ont nui à sa crédibilité. Une évaluation réaliste de la transmission des maladies en dentisterie devrait être offerte afin de permettre aux bureaux de santé publique de mener des inspections éclairées et mutuellement bénéfiques des cabinets dentaires.
Learning together: A case study of a partnership to co-create assessment criteria
Authors: Smith Susan , Akhyani Kimiya , Axson Dan , Arnautu Andre , Stanimirova Ilina
Published: November 2021

This case study outlines a staff-student partnership to co-create generic assessment criteria to use in a UK business school. It highlights the potential for staff-student partnerships to create a temporary subfield, in which the established power differentials of academia are dissolved and partnership values can be established. We draw on a series of 10 semi-structured interviews with partnership participants. The values that underpin partnerships are linked to three major phases of the partnership process: establishing the partnership, partnership operation and atmosphere, and the partnership outcomes. The findings indicate that the values of authenticity, reciprocity, and inclusion are critical antecedents to establishing a successful partnership and that careful attention should be paid to establishing the partnership. The case extends our understanding of the partnership process by emphasising these antecedents. The study is multi-authored, which reflects an extension to the partnership process described in the case study.
Guest Editorial: 3rd International Conference in Applied Theory, Macro and Empirical Finance
Authors: Panagiotidis Theodore
Published: November 2021

A short presentation and description of the papers that have been selected from the 3rd International Conference in Applied Theory, Macroeconomics and Empirical Finance (AMEF) that took place in in the Department of Economics, University of Macedonia, Thessaloniki, Greece on the 21st and the 22nd of April 2017.
Threshold Regression Model for Taylor Rule: The Case of Turkey
Authors: Deniz Pinar , Stengos Thanasis , Yazgan Ege
Published: November 2021

This paper employs the structural threshold approach of Kourtellos et al. (2016) to examine various specifications of the Taylor rule model. Contrary to the previous work on the Taylor rule, this methodology allows for endogeneity of the threshold variable in addition to the right-hand-side variables suggesting a fully comprehensive flexible framework that does not rely on restrictive linearity and/or exogeneity assumptions. In order to examine the model, Turkey is selected as an inflation targeting developing economy, since its central bank (the Central Bank of Turkey) as argued by Dincer and Eichengreen (2014) has been one of the fastest improving central banks in terms of its transparency score. We use monthly data for the period of 2004-2018 that includes a number of historical episodes such as the global financial crisis as well as various internal political developments that may have had an impact on the fluctuations of the relevant macroeconomic variables as well as on the functional form of the inflation targeting Taylor rule specification. Empirical findings highlight the different reactions of the central bank in determining policy rate under different regimes.
Value at Risk, Legislative Framework, Crises, and Procyclicality: what goes wrong?
Authors: Vasileiou Evangelos , Samitas Aristeidis
Published: November 2021

This study highlights some deficiencies of the stock markets’ risk legislation framework, and particularly the CESR (2010) guidelines. We show that the current legislative framework fails to offer incentives to financial management companies to invest in advanced models for more representative Value at Risk (VaR) estimations, and for this reason, in many cases conventional VaR models are applied. We use data from the DAX, CAC 40, FTSE, FTSEMIB and IBEX indices, and then we apply them to the widely accepted Delta Normal VaR model. The empirical findings show that the conventional VaR models not only fail to provide information for the upcoming financial crises, but also contribute to such phenomena as procyclicality and overreaction in the stock market. We suggest additional tests and we empirically show how these tests could reduce the procyclicality issue and promote a more sustainable investment environment. Even though this study is mainly focused on CESR (2010) guidelines, it could be useful for any similar legislative framework, such as the Basel Accords.
Corruption, Public Expenditure and Human Capital Accumulation
Authors: Boikos Spyridon
Published: November 2021

This paper investigates the possible non-linear effect of corruption on human capital accumulation through two channels. The first channel is through the effect of corruption on the public expenditure on education and the second channel is through the effect of corruption on the physical capital investment. Initially, we construct an endogenous two-sector growth model with human capital accumulation and we try to explore the impact of corruption on the allocation of public expenditure and therefore on the distribution of human capital across sectors. Then by using a semi-parametric method, we confirm the presence of non-linearities between human capital and corruption.
Political and Cultural Islam: A Historical Phenomenon in Indonesia
Authors: Arifin Azis , Saepudin Didin
Published: November 2021

This article aimed to reveal the periodization of political  and cultural Islam in Indonesia from time to time. In its development, political and cultural Islam had become an entity that hadattracted the attention of academics in Indonesia. Both types of Islam have always been part of the history of this nation. Therefore, the periodization of the rounds needs to be disclosed in a neat and measurable manner. This research was qualitative using a historical approach, and the existing data were presented in a descriptive analytical manner. The primary data of the research covered the statutes and bylaw of Islamic parties, such as Partai Syarikat Islam Indonesia (PSII), Masyumi Party, Partai Persatuan Pembangunan (PPP), Partai Keadilan Sejahtera (PKS) and Partai Bulan Bintang (PBB), while the secondary data were documents of works of Indonesian authors, journals, and online news or articles. The results revealed that the periodization of Indonesian political and cultural Islam started from pre-independence to post-reformation. PSII, Masyumi Party, PPP, PKS and PBB respectively were examples of political Islam that were established in their era. Meanwhile, cultural Islam was patronized by Jam'iyyat al-Khair, Al-Irsyad, Muhammadiyah, Persis and Nahdlatul Ulama (NU). Both types and groups of the Islam basically had the same goal, namely to carry out Sharia. Therefore, for the political and cultural Islam, the power and sympathy of the people seemed to support the realization of this goal.
Absolute, with degree $p$, matrix summability of the sequences $\{ n B_n(t) \}$
Authors: Novikova N.S.
Published: November 2021

We establish conditions of absolute, with degree $p$, matrix summability of the sequences $\{ n B_n(t) \}$ and prove the application of obtained results for Voronoi-Nörlund method.
On relative widths of classes of multivariable functions that are defined as a convolution
Authors: Azar L.
Published: November 2021

We find exact order of estimate of relative widths in $L_1$ space of classes of periodic multivariable functions that are defined as a convolution of the product of one-dimensional kernels with functions from unit ball of $L_1$ space. By this we generalize known results on relative widths of classes of functions that are defined by bounds for $L_1$-norms of mixed derivatives.
On the best non-symmetric $L_1$-approximations by splines under constraints for their derivatives
Authors: Babenko V.F. , Litviniuk I.N. , Parfinovych N.V.
Published: November 2021

We find exact values of non-symmetric $L_1$-approximations of classes $W_1^r$ of periodic functions by splines $s \in S_{2n,r-1}$ and $s \in S_{2n,r}$ ($S_{2n,r}$ is the set of $2\pi$-periodic polynomial splines of degree $r$, of defect 1, with knots in the points $k \pi / n$, $k \in \mathbb{Z}$) such that $\bigvee\limits_0^{2\pi} s^{(r-1)} \leqslant 1$ and $\| s^{(r)} \| \leqslant 1$ respectively when $r$ is even, and, as a corollary, we obtain exact values for the corresponding best one-side approximations.
Spectral solution to a problem on the axisymmetric nonlinear deformation of a cylindrical membrane shell due to pressure and edges convergence
Authors: Myntiuk Vitalii
Published: November 2021

A geometrically and physically nonlinear model of a membrane cylindrical shell, which has been built and tested, describes the behavior of a airbag made of fabric material. Based on the geometrically accurate relations of "strain-displacement", it has been shown that the equilibrium equations of the shell, written in terms of Biot stresses, together with boundary conditions acquire a natural physical meaning and are the consequences of the principle of virtual work. The physical properties of the shell were described by Fung’s hyper-elastic biological material because its behavior is similar to that of textiles. For comparison, simpler hyper-elastic non-compressible Varga and Neo-Hookean materials, the zero-, first-, and second-order materials were also considered. The shell was loaded with internal pressure and convergence of edges. The approximate solution was constructed by an spectral method; the exponential convergence and high accuracy of the equilibrium equations inherent in this method have been demonstrated. Since the error does not exceed 1 % when keeping ten terms in the approximations of displacement functions, the solution can be considered almost accurate. Similar calculations were performed using a finite element method implemented in ANSYS WB in order to verify the results. Differences in determining the displacements have been shown to not exceed 0.2 %, stresses – 4 %. The study result has established that the use of Fung, Varga, Neo-Hookean materials, as well as a zero-order material, lead to similar values of displacements and stresses, from which displacements of shells from the materials of the first and second orders significantly differ. This finding makes it possible, instead of the Fung material whose setting requires a significant amount of experimental data, to use simpler ones – a zero-order material and the Varga material
Effect of nutrient management on growth attributes, yield and quality of summer green gram (Vigna radiata L.)
Authors: Patil V. R. , Patil J. B. , Patil M.J. , Gedam V. B.
Published: November 2021

An present field experiment was carried out to assess the effect of nutrient management on summer green gram (Vigna radiata L.) during summer 2020 at Agronomy Research Farm, RCSM College of Agriculture, Kolhapur (MH), India. The soil of experimental field was sandy clay loam textural class, slightly alkaline in reaction (pH 7.43), having electrical conductivity 0.22 dS m-1, bulk density 1.34 mg m-3 and low organic carbon content (0.39%), low in available nitrogen (238.29 kg ha-1), high in available phosphorus (30.61 kg ha-1) and medium in available potassium (251.29 kg ha-1). The field experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) having eight treatments and three replications.A 30 cm x10cm spacing and Phule Vaibhav variety was used for seed sowing.The result showed that growth attributes at harvest viz., plant height (66.40 cm), numbers of branches plant-1 (8.20), number of functional leaves plant-1 (29.80), leaf area plant-1 (7.39 dm2) and dry matter accumulation plant-1 (31.70 g) were observed maximum with application of 100% RDF + Vermicompost 2.5 t ha-1 along with biofertilizers seed treatment as compared to other treatment. Also grain yield (15.70 q ha-1), stover yield (33.97 q ha-1), biological yield (49.67q ha-1) and quality attribute like proteincontent and protein yield were recorded more with the integrated application of 100% RDF + Vermicompost 2.5 t ha-1 along with biofertilizers seed treatment as compare to other treatments. However, lowest values of growth attributes, yield and protein content were recorded in un manured condition (Control plot).