bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The origin and development of private international law (XII-XX centuries)
Authors: Kriven'kiy Aleksandr
Published: September 2021

The monograph examines the issues of the origin, formation and development of private international law (MCHP) as a science and an independent branch of law. The development of conflict (conflict of laws) law is shown starting from the XII century and ending with the beginning of the XX century, more precisely, 1917. In particular, the main historical stages of the development of the science of private international law in Europe by lawyers from Italy, France, Holland, Germany, England and Russia up to the beginning of the XX century are highlighted. The main ideas and doctrines in the science of MCHP are outlined, a number of author's provisions and conclusions regarding the covered topic are expressed, as well as proposals for the further development of the science of MCHP.
It is recommended to students, masters, postgraduates and teachers of this discipline in educational organizations of professional education, to anyone who is interested in private international law.
Theoretical course of the English language. Grammar
Authors: Dzhioeva Alesya
Published: September 2021

The purpose of the textbook is to give students an idea of the theoretical grammar of the English language and the issues that it solves. The basics of the general grammatical theory and theoretical grammar of the modern English language are described. The sections of grammar — morphology and syntax, their correlation in different languages are considered. The most important grammatical concepts are analyzed: a word, a phrase, a sentence. The idea of the theory of parts of speech, as well as parts of speech in the English language is given.
The textbook includes eight chapters, a bibliographic list and appendices containing additional material. Each chapter is devoted to a specific question of theoretical grammar. At the end of each chapter, conclusions are given — a summary of its essence, a list of references, questions and tasks that help to assimilate the material are given.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is recommended for students of philological faculties of universities studying the theory of grammar and theoretical grammar of the English language.
LEYENDA DE SANTA CATALINA DE ALEJANDRIA EN DULCE DUEÑO: CONSTRUCCION DE LA NUEVA MUJER.
Authors: García Saldívar Argelia
Published: September 2021

Mediante una relectura de la leyenda de Santa Catalina de Alejandría, Emilia Pardo Bazán se apropia de la filosofía de Nietzsche; en Dulce dueño crea una nueva mujer capaz de superar los controles patriarcales. Con la incorporación de la mujer intelectual a la sociedad, la autora participa en el movimiento regeneracionista que busca resolver los problemas de la España de fin de siglo.
CUATRO ACTITUDES MASCULINAS ANTE LA ESCRITURA DE LAS MEXICANAS EN EL SIGLO XIX: USURPADORES, PRECEPTORES, SEDUCTORES Y AMIGOS-FAMILIARES.
Authors: Granillo Vásquez Lilia
Published: September 2021

En el siglo XIX se libera la voz poética femenina en Iberoamérica. Las mujeres transitan desde la escritura privada a la pública. Las poetisas del segundo romanticismo mexicano aparecen en las tertulias y en los debates sociales y políticos. La reacción masculina, patriarcal, al proceso de liberación de la escritura de mujeres, encuentra suplantadores, preceptores, seductores y amigos-parientes de las escritoras, que son predecesoras de las literatas del XX, tiempo del Boom latinoamericano.
MUJER Y PODER: REINAS, CONDESAS, ARISTÓCRATAS E INDÓMITAS GUERRERAS.
Authors: Reyes Ferrer María
Published: September 2021

Son muchas las mujeres que a lo largo de la historia han tenido una participación muy activa en la vida pública, bien sea por ejercer un cierto poder, bien por llevar a cabo acciones heroicas con destacable destreza e inteligencia. Mujeres que desempeñaron papeles importantes y ejercieron su influencia en varios ámbitos sociales e incluso en asuntos nacionales, desde la política y desde el campo de batalla, donde muestran su capacidad de acción y organización. Sin embargo, muchas de ellas pagaron un alto precio por su determinación en la vida pública, pues se consideraba que poseían una serie de atributos impropios de su sexo –pero aceptados en hombres- y, por consiguiente, sentenciados en ellas: mujeres guerreras, justicieras, estrategas, hábiles políticas y mediadoras, inteligentes, sabias y poderosas, sin una figura masculina que sustentara su poder. Mujeres que, de ser protagonistas indiscutibles de su tiempo, han pasado a vivir en los márgenes de la historia, debatiéndose entre el olvido y la leyenda por el hecho de haber abandonado los confines del silencio, desestabilizando de esta forma la barrera que divide el mundo doméstico y el mundo exterior
DALLA TELA ALLA SCENA. ANALISI DRAMMATURGICA DI SHERAZADE VA IN OCCIDENTE DI PATRIZIA MONACO.
Authors: Trovato Roberto
Published: September 2021

Messi in scena nel 2002, questi cinque atti unici indagano con fine umorismo i clichés culturali che si celano, nel sogno dell’uomo, dietro la rappresentazione delle odalische rinchiuse nei serragli dei sultani. Dalle pièces emerge la capacità dell’autrice di interpretare le opere di grandi maestri della pittura europea (Delacroix, Ingres, Bompard e DebatPonsan), che hanno descritto nei loro quadri la donna araba. Questi test offrono anche ritratti di donne di oggi, consapevoli della loro sensualità e del loro diritto all’amore.
A New Binary Programming Formulation and Social Choice Property for Kemeny Rank Aggregation
Authors: Yoo Yeawon , Escobedo Adolfo R.
Published: September 2021

Rank aggregation is widely used in group decision making and many other applications, where it is of interest to consolidate heterogeneous ordered lists. Oftentimes, these rankings may involve a large number of alternatives, contain ties, and/or be incomplete, all of which complicate the use of robust aggregation methods. In particular, these characteristics have limited the applicability of the aggregation framework based on the Kemeny-Snell distance, which satisfies key social choice properties that have been shown to engender improved decisions. This work introduces a binary programming formulation for the generalized Kemeny rank aggregation problem—whose ranking inputs may be complete and incomplete, with and without ties. Moreover, it leverages the equivalence of two ranking aggregation problems, namely, that of minimizing the Kemeny-Snell distance and of maximizing the Kendall-τ correlation, to compare the newly introduced binary programming formulation to a modified version of an existing integer programming formulation associated with the Kendall-τ distance. The new formulation has fewer variables and constraints, which leads to faster solution times. Moreover, we develop a new social choice property, the nonstrict extended Condorcet criterion, which can be regarded as a natural extension of the well-known Condorcet criterion and the Extended Condorcet criterion. Unlike its parent properties, the new property is adequate for handling complete rankings with ties. The property is leveraged to develop a structural decomposition algorithm, through which certain large instances of the NP-hard Kemeny rank aggregation problem can be solved exactly in a practical amount of time. To test the practical implications of the new formulation and social choice property, we work with instances constructed from a probabilistic distribution and with benchmark instances from PrefLib, a library of preference data.
A Relational Theory of Reputational Stability and Change
Authors: Zavyalova Anastasiya , Bundy Jonathan , Humphrey Stephen E.
Published: September 2021

An ongoing discussion in organizational studies has focused on the path-dependent nature of organizational reputation. To date, however, there has been little explanation about when and why some constituents’ reputation judgments remain stable, whereas others are more prone to change. We contribute to this research by developing a relational theory of reputational stability and change. Our fundamental argument is that differences in constituent-organization relationships, as well as in the reputational communities that surround these relationships, affect the stability and change of reputation judgments. First, we highlight three relationship characteristics—favorability, history, and directness—and theorize that the reputation judgments of constituents with more unfavorable, longer, and more direct relationships with an organization are more stable, whereas the reputation judgments of constituents with more favorable, shorter, and more indirect relationships with the organization are less stable. We then develop the concept of reputational communities as a key source of indirect information about organizations. We highlight that the immediacy, size, and level of agreement within reputational communities affect how influential they are in changing individual constituents’ reputation judgments. Specifically, we propose that more immediate and larger reputational communities with a higher level of agreement are most likely to change individual constituents’ reputation judgments, whereas more distant and smaller reputational communities with a lower level of agreement are least likely to do so. Overall, we position constituents’ relationships with an organization and the communities that surround these relationships as central elements for understanding reputational stability and change.
Treating chronic oedema of the lower limb using circular knit garments: how garment characteristics affect outcomes
Authors: Phillips Natalie , Lawrance Sue , Everett Jeanne
Published: September 2021

The use of compression therapy to treat chronic oedema of the lower limbs can be a challenge, especially when this is undertaken by clinicians who have limited experience and knowledge of the theoretical principles which underpin its use in clinical practice. This articles aims to discuss the reasoning which underpins the use of compression hosiery in the management of lymphoedema and how this understanding can improve treatment outcomes and reduce the burden of disease on patients and clinical resources.
Disability and inclusion in 2021
Authors: Harrison Penny
Published: September 2021

In light of COVID-19 and the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Penny Harrison examines efforts to improve the lives of people living with a disability in the UK and around the world
Seizing the opportunity to improve patient care: pelvic floor services in 2021 and beyond
Authors: Pakzad Mahreen , Telford Karen , Ward Karen , Keighley Michael
Published: September 2021

Patients requiring pelvic floor and functional urological, gynaecological and coloproctological surgery were viewed as a low priority even before COVID-19. A consensus report outlines recommendations to improve care and encourage clinicians to help bring about positive changes for patients with pelvic floor problems
Diabetes and mental health: management in primary care
Authors: Morris David
Published: September 2021

David Morris explains how diabetes may cause distress and damage to a patient's mental health
Questions and Answers
Authors: Peniston-Bird Fiona
Published: September 2021

Fiona is an independent advisor in the development of NMP and will be happy to assist organizations or individuals with their queries.
Bayesian optimal control of the ultrashort circularly polarized attosecond pulse generation by two-color polarization gating
Authors: Belmiro Chu Chon-Teng , Sheu Yae-Lin , Chu Shih-I
Published: September 2021

We present ab initio simulations of optimal control of high-order-harmonic generation spectra that enable the synthesis of a circularly polarized 53-attosecond pulse in a single Helium atom response. The Bayesian optimization is used to achieve control of a two-color polarization gating laser waveform such that a series of harmonics in the plateau region are phase-matched, which can be used for attosecond pulse synthesis. To find the underlying mechanisms for generating these harmonics, we perform a wavelet analysis for the induced dipole moment in acceleration form, and compare the time-energy representation with the quantum paths extracted from the semiclassical calculation. We found that these coherent harmonics are excited along the short trajectories. The proposed method has the potential to migrate to laboratories for generation of isolated circularly polarized ultrashort attosecond pulses.
Biomimetic multispectral curved compound eye camera for real-time multispectral imaging in an ultra-large field of view
Authors: Zhang Yuanjie , Xu Huangrong , Guo Quan , Wu Dengshan , Yu Weixing
Published: September 2021

In this work, we demonstrate a prototype of a biomimetic multispectral curved compound eye camera (BMCCEC). In comparison with traditional multispectral imaging systems, the BMCCEC developed in this work has the distinct features of multi-spectral imaging on multiple targets in real time in an ultra-large field of view (FOV), which can be attributed to its biomimetic curved compound eye structure as well as the multispectral cluster network. Specifically, the BMCCEC has a total of 104 multispectral ommatidia and a FOV of 98°×98°, which is able to realize 7-band multispectral imaging with center wavelengths of 500 nm, 560 nm, 600 nm, 650 nm, 700 nm, 750 nm and 800 nm and a spectral resolution of 10 nm. A prototype of BMCCEC was then manufactured and multispectral imaging experiments were performed based on it. As a result, the red edge feature of the spectrum of green plants has been successfully obtained and retrieved with a good accuracy.
A genomic snapshot of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi in Colombia
Authors: Guevara Paula Diaz , Maes Mailis , Thanh Duy Pham , Duarte Carolina , Rodriguez Edna Catering , Montaño Lucy Angeline , Dan Thanh Ho Ngoc , Nguyen To Nguyen Thi , Carey Megan E. , Campos Josefina , Chinen Isabel , Perez Enrique , Baker Stephen
Published: September 2021

Little is known about the genetic diversity of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) circulating in Latin America. It has been observed that typhoid fever is still endemic in this part of the world; however, a lack of standardized blood culture surveillance across Latin American makes estimating the true disease burden problematic. The Colombian National Health Service established a surveillance system for tracking bacterial pathogens, including S. Typhi, in 2006. Here, we characterized 77 representative Colombian S. Typhi isolates collected between 1997 and 2018 using pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE; the accepted genotyping method in Latin America) and whole genome sequencing (WGS). We found that the main S. Typhi clades circulating in Colombia were clades 2.5 and 3.5. Notably, the sequenced S. Typhi isolates from Colombia were closely related in a global phylogeny. Consequently, these data suggest that these are endemic clades circulating in Colombia. We found that AMR in S. Typhi in Colombia was uncommon, with a small subset of organisms exhibiting mutations associated with reduced susceptibility to fluoroquinolones. This is the first time that S. Typhi isolated from Colombia have been characterized by WGS, and after comparing these data with those generated using PFGE, we conclude that PFGE is unsuitable for tracking S. Typhi clones and mapping transmission. The genetic diversity of pathogens such as S. Typhi is limited in Latin America and should be targeted for future surveillance studies incorporating WGS.
Epidemiology and molecular characterization of Theileria annulata in cattle from central Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Ullah Raqeeb , Shams Sumaira , Khan Munsif Ali , Ayaz Sultan , Akbar Noor ul , Din Qeyam ud , Khan Adil , Leon Renato , Zeb Jehan
Published: September 2021

Theileria annulata is a tick-borne hemoprotozoan parasite responsible for tropical theileriosis in the bovine population, which causes substantial economic losses to the livestock sector. The present study has investigated, characterized, and shaped epidemiologic and phylogenetic profiles of T. annulata infection in the cattle population of central Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 600 blood samples were collected from cattle. Microscopy and PCR (18S rRNA taxonomic marker) assays were performed to detect T. annulata infection in cattle from the study area. The overall relative prevalence rates of T. annulata in the examined cattle population were 12.8% (microscopy) and 23.7% (PCR). District-wise analysis (microscopy/PCR) showed that cattle from district Mardan were found more infected (16.0%/28.0%), as compared to cattle from district Charsadda (13.5%/25.5%) and district Peshawar (9.0%/17.5%). Based on host demographic and ecological parameters analysis, theileriosis was found to be higher in young, female, crossbred, freely grazing, tick-infested, and irregular/no acaricides treated cattle. The univariate logistic analysis showed that host age, tick infestation, acaricides use, and feeding method were significant risk factors (P<0.05) whereas multivariate analysis indicated that host age, gender, tick infestation, acaricidal application, and feeding method were potential risk factors (P<0.05) for tropical theileriosis in the cattle population. Phylogenetic and sequence analysis showed that T. annulata 18S rRNA isolates shared homology and phylogeny with other isolates from Asia and Europe. This study has addressed the epidemiology and phylogeny of T. annulata circulating in bovid in the study area where gaps were still present. These findings will serve as a baseline and will facilitate future large-scale epidemiological investigations on tropical theileriosis in the cattle population at a national level.
Effects of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam on the development and reproduction of the soybean aphid Aphis glycines
Authors: Zhang Aonan , Zhu Lin , Shi Zhenghao , Liu Tianying , Han Lanlan , Zhao Kuijun
Published: September 2021

The soybean aphid Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a primary pest of soybeans and poses a serious threat to soybean production. Our studies were conducted to understand the effects of different concentrations of insecticides (imidacloprid and thiamethoxam) on A. glycines and provided critical information for its effective management. Here, we found that the mean generation time and adult and total pre-nymphiposition periods of the LC50 imidacloprid- and thiamethoxam-treatment groups were significantly longer than those of the control group, although the adult pre-nymphiposition period in LC30 imidacloprid and thiamethoxam treatment groups was significantly shorter than that of the control group. Additionally, the mean fecundity per female adult, net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of increase, and finite rate of increase of the LC30 imidacloprid-treatment group were significantly lower than those of the control group and higher than those of the LC50 imidacloprid-treatment group (P < 0.05). Moreover, both insecticides exerted stress effects on A. glycines, and specimens treated with the two insecticides at the LC50 showed a significant decrease in their growth rates relative to those treated with the insecticides at LC30. These results provide a reference for exploring the effects of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam on A. glycines population dynamics in the field and offer insight to agricultural producers on the potential of low-lethal concentrations of insecticides to stimulate insect reproduction during insecticide application.
Evidence for a dual-process account of over-imitation: Children imitate anti- and prosocial models equally, but prefer prosocial models once they become aware of multiple solutions to a task
Authors: Schleihauf Hanna , Hoehl Stefanie
Published: September 2021

Children imitate actions that are perceivably unnecessary to achieve the instrumental goal of an action sequence, a behavior termed over-imitation. It is debated whether this behavior is based on the motivation to follow behavioral norms and affiliate with the model or whether it can be interpreted in terms of a behavioral heuristic to copy observed intentional actions without questioning the purpose of each action step. To resolve this question, we tested whether preschool-aged children (N = 89) over-imitate a prosocial model, a helper in a prior third-party moral transgression, but refuse to over-imitate an antisocial model, the perpetrator of the moral transgression. After first observing an inefficient way to extract a reward from a puzzle box from either a perpetrator or a helper, children over-imitated the perpetrator to the same degree as they over-imitated the helper. In a second phase, children were then presented the efficient solution by the respective other model, i.e. the helper or the perpetrator. Over-imitation rates then dropped in both conditions, but remained significantly higher than in a baseline condition only when children had observed the prosocial model demonstrate the inefficient action sequence and the perpetrator performed the efficient solution. In contrast, over-imitation dropped to baseline level when the perpetrator had modelled the inefficient actions and the prosocial model subsequently showed children the efficient solution. In line with a dual-process account of over-imitation, results speak to a strong initial tendency to imitate perceivably irrelevant actions regardless of the model. Imitation behavior is then adjusted according to social motivations after deliberate consideration of different options to attain the goal.
Genetic diversity and population structure of Phlebotomus argentipes: Vector of Leishmania donovani in Sri Lanka
Authors: Pathirage Dulani Ruwanika K. , Weeraratne Thilini C. , Senanayake Sanath C. , Karunaratne S. H. P. Parakrama , Karunaweera Nadira D.
Published: September 2021

Phlebotomus argentipes is the vector of Leishmania donovani which causes the disease leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease and a growing health problem in Sri Lanka. A proper understanding of the population genetic structure of sand fly vectors is considered important prior to planning and implementation of a successful vector control program. Thus, the present study was conducted to determine the population genetic structure of sand fly vectors in Sri Lanka. Two mitochondrial genes namely Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (Cox 1) and Cytochrome b (Cytb), and the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region from the nuclear ribosomal DNA were used for molecular characterization. Analyses included maximum likelihood method, network analysis and DNA polymorphisms. The outcome revealed unique sequences of all genomic regions studied except the cox 1 gene had a relationship with sand flies isolated previously from Sri Lanka, India and Israel and cytb gene of 4 sand flies that aligned with those isolated earlier from Sri Lanka and 3 from Madagascar. Furthermore, cox 1 gene and ITS 2 region analyses based on FST values indicated a possible gene flow between the study sites whereas cytb gene analysis favoured the existence of genetically distinct populations of P. argentipes in each of the study sites. Poor population differentiation of P. argentipes, a possible consequence of a gene flow, is indeed of concern due to the risk imposed by promoting the spread of functionally important phenotypes such as insecticide resistance across the country, making future vector control efforts challenging.
The Renaissance of Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty appears rational – A radiograph-based comparative Study on adverse Events and patient-reported Outcomes in 353 TKAs and 98 UKAs
Authors: Tveit Magnus
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) are both considered suitable for antero-medial osteoarthritis and spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee. National registry data are consistent in showing higher revision rates for UKA. Adequately adjusted, these findings may be challenged by differences in adverse events and patient-reported outcomes, as both can have serious long-term implications. Based on preoperative radiographs, the aim was to retrospectively compare the two principle surgeries in these respects.

Methods

All TKA procedures in 2016 in one Swedish county council were, according to certain radiograph-based consensus criteria, visually evaluated for medial UKA suitability. Then, using different regression models, they were compared with the corresponding medial UKAs performed in 2015–2017 regarding complications and patient-reported outcomes one year after surgery.

Results

The UKA group showed an 82% reduced risk (OR 0.2; 95% CI 0.0–0.6) of any complications, whereas the 55% reduced risk of severe complication did not reach statistical significance (OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.1–2.1). These findings corresponded in high-volume surgeries to an absolute complication rate of 0% in the UKA group and 10% in the TKA group (p = 0.005) and to a severe complication rate of 0% and 5% respectively (p = 0.05). Though no differences were seen in any general patient-reported outcomes, the pain and function based OMERACT-OARSI responder criteria indicated in both around a 60% better chance of any response (OR 1.6 CI % 0.6–4.5) and a high response (OR 1.6; 95% CI 0.7–3.4) in the UKA group.

Conclusion

No differences were shown in patient-reported outcomes but a clear difference in risk of complications, favoring the UKA procedure.
Effects of seed priming treatments on the germination and development of two rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) varieties under the co-influence of low temperature and drought
Authors: Zhu Zong He , Sami Abdul , Xu Qing Qing , Wu Ling Ling , Zheng Wen Yin , Chen Zhi Peng , Jin Xue Zhi , Zhang Hong , Li Yong , Yu Yan , Zhou Ke Jin
Published: September 2021

The present study was performed to evaluate the effects of seed priming. This was done by soaking the seeds of two rapeseed cultivars, namely, ZY15 (tolerant to low temperature and drought) and HY49 (sensitive to low temperature and drought), for 12 h in varying solutions: distilled water, 138 mg/L salicylic acid (SA), 300 mg/L gibberellic acid (GA), 89.4 mg/L sodium nitroprusside (SNP), 3000 mg/L calcium chloride (CaCl2), and 30 mg/L abscisic acid (ABA). Primed and non-primed seeds were left to germinate at 15°C and -0.15 MPa (T15W15) and at 25°C and 0 MPa (T25W0), respectively. The results showed that SA, GA, SNP, CaCl2, and ABA significantly improved the germination potential (GP), germination rate (GR), germination index (GI), stem fresh weight (SFW), stem dry weight (SDW), root length (RL), stem length (SL), and seed vigor index (SVI) under T15W15. For ZY15 seeds under T25W0, GA, SNP, CaCl2, and ABA priming reduced the average germination time (96% after 5 days) compared to that of the control (88% after 5 days). For ZY15 seeds under T15W15, SA, SNP, CaCl2, and ABA priming, with respect to the control and water-treated groups, shortened the average germination time (92% after 5 days) compared to that of the control (80% after 5 days). For HY49 seeds under T25W0, GA, SNP, CaCl2, and ABA priming reduced the average germination time (92% after 5 days) compared to that of the control (85% after 5 days). Similarly, for HY49 seeds under T15W15, GA priming shortened the average germination time (89% after 5 days) compared to that of the control (83% after 5 days). These priming agents increased the net photosynthesis, stomatal conductivity, and transpiration rate of rape seedlings under conditions of low temperature and drought stress, while also decreasing intercellular carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations. Additionally, SA, GA, SNP, CaCl2, and ABA increased superoxide dismutase concentrations (SOD) and ascorbic peroxidase (APX) activities of rape seedlings under stress conditions, while decreasing catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) activities in ZY15 seedlings. In HY49, which is sensitive to low temperature and drought, all priming solutions, except for SNP, led to an increase in SOD activity levels and a decrease in CAT activity levels. Overall, SA, GA, SNP, and CaCl2 increased the concentrations of indoleacetic acid (IAA), GA, ABA, and cytokinin (CTK) in seedlings under stress conditions. Moreover, compared to SA, CaCl2, and ABA, GA (300 mg/L) and SNP (300 mol/L) showed improved priming effects for ZY15 and HY49 under stress conditions.
An improved ant colony optimization algorithm based on context for tourism route planning
Authors: Liang Shengbin , Jiao Tongtong , Du Wencai , Qu Shenming
Published: September 2021

To solve the problem of one-sided pursuit of the shortest distance but ignoring the tourist experience in the process of tourism route planning, an improved ant colony optimization algorithm is proposed for tourism route planning. Contextual information of scenic spots significantly effect people’s choice of tourism destination, so the pheromone update strategy is combined with the contextual information such as weather and comfort degree of the scenic spot in the process of searching the global optimal route, so that the pheromone update tends to the path suitable for tourists. At the same time, in order to avoid falling into local optimization, the sub-path support degree is introduced. The experimental results show that the optimized tourism route has greatly improved the tourist experience, the route distance is shortened by 20.5% and the convergence speed is increased by 21.2% compared with the basic algorithm, which proves that the improved algorithm is notably effective.
Validity of caregivers’ reports on prior use of antibacterials in children under five years presenting to health facilities in Gulu, northern Uganda
Authors: Lanyero Hindum , Ocan Moses , Obua Celestino , Stålsby Lundborg Cecilia , Agaba Katureebe , Kalyango Joan N. , Eriksen Jaran , Nanzigu Sarah
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Given the frequent initiation of antibacterial treatment at home by caregivers of children under five years in low-income countries, there is a need to find out whether caregivers’ reports of prior antibacterial intake by their children before being brought to the healthcare facility are accurate. The aim of this study was to describe and validate caregivers’ reported use of antibacterials by their children prior to seeking care at the healthcare facility.

Methods

A cross sectional study was conducted among children under five years seeking care at healthcare facilities in Gulu district, northern Uganda. Using a researcher administered questionnaire, data were obtained from caregivers regarding reported prior antibacterial intake in their children. These reports were validated by comparing them to common antibacterial agents detected in blood and urine samples from the children using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods.

Results

A total of 355 study participants had a complete set of data on prior antibacterial use collected using both self-report and LC-MS/MS. Of the caregivers, 14.4% (51/355, CI: 10.9–18.5%) reported giving children antibacterials prior to visiting the healthcare facility. However, LC-MS/MS detected antibacterials in blood and urine samples in 63.7% (226/355, CI: 58.4–68.7%) of the children. The most common antibacterials detected from the laboratory analysis were cotrimoxazole (29%, 103/355), ciprofloxacin (13%, 46/355), and metronidazole (9.9%, 35/355). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value and agreement of self-reported antibacterial intake prior to healthcare facility visit were 17.3% (12.6–22.8), 90.7% (84.3–95.1), 76.5% (62.5–87.2), 38.5% (33.0–44.2) and 43.9% (k 0.06) respectively.

Conclusion

There is low validity of caregivers’ reports on prior intake of antibacterials by these children. There is need for further research to understand the factors associated with under reporting of prior antibacterial use.
Word learning in the field: Adapting a laboratory-based task for testing in remote Papua New Guinea
Authors: Mulak Karen E. , Sarvasy Hannah S. , Tuninetti Alba , Escudero Paola
Published: September 2021

Adapting laboratory psycholinguistic methods to fieldwork contexts can be fraught with difficulties. However, successful implementation of such methods in the field enhances our ability to learn the true extent and limitations of human behavior. This paper reports two attempts to run word learning experiments with the small community of Nungon speakers in Towet village in the Saruwaged Mountains, Papua New Guinea. A first attempt involved running a cross-situational task in which word-object pairings were presented ambiguously in each trial, and an explicit word learning task in which pairings were presented explicitly, or unambiguously, in each trial. While this quickly garnered a respectable 34 participants over the course of a week, it yielded null results, with many participants appearing to show simple patterned responses at test. We interpreted the null result as possibly reflecting the unfamiliarity of both the task and the laptop-based presentation mode. In Experiment 2, we made several adjustments to the explicit word learning task in an attempt to provide clearer instructions, reduce cognitive load, and frame the study within a real-world context. During a second 11-day stay in the village, 34 participants completed this modified task and demonstrated clear evidence of word learning. With this success serving as a future guide for researchers, our experiences show that it may require multiple attempts, even by experienced fieldworkers familiar with the target community, to successfully adapt experiments to a field setting.
Revisiting the placental clock: Early corticotrophin-releasing hormone rise in recurrent preterm birth
Authors: Herrera Christina L. , Bowman Maria E. , McIntire Donald D. , Nelson David B. , Smith Roger
Published: September 2021

Objective

To determine if maternal plasma CRH and preterm birth history were associated with recurrent preterm birth risk in a high-risk cohort.

Study design

Secondary analysis of pregnant women with a prior preterm birth ≤35 weeks receiving 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate for the prevention of recurrent spontaneous preterm birth. All women with a 24-week blood sample were included. Maternal plasma CRH level at 24- and 32-weeks’ gestation was measured using both enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and extracted radioimmunoassay (RIA) technologies. The primary outcome was spontaneous preterm birth <37 weeks. The association of CRH, prior preterm birth history, and the two combined was assessed in relation to recurrent preterm birth risk.

Results

Recurrent preterm birth in this cohort of 169 women was 24.9%. Comparing women who subsequently delivered <37 versus ≥37 weeks, mean levels of CRH measured by RIA were significantly different at 24 weeks (111.1±87.5 vs. 66.1±45.4 pg/mL, P = .002) and 32 weeks (440.9±275.6 vs. 280.2±214.5 pg/mL, P = .003). The area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) at 24 and 32 weeks for (1) CRH level was 0.68 (95% CI 0.59–0.78) and 0.70 (95% CI 0.59–0.81), (2) prior preterm birth history was 0.75 (95% CI 0.67–0.83) and 0.78 (95% CI 0.69–0.87), and (3) combined was 0.81 (95% CI 0.73–0.88, P = .001) and 0.81 (95% CI 0.72–0.90, P = .01) respectively for delivery <37 weeks. CRH measured by ELISA failed to correlate with gestational age or other clinical parameters.

Conclusion

In women with a prior preterm birth, CRH levels were higher and had an earlier rise in women who experienced recurrent preterm birth. Second trimester CRH may be useful in identifying a sub-group of women with preterm birth due to early activation of the placenta-fetal adrenal axis. Assay methodology is a variable that contributes to difficulties in reproducibility of CRH levels in the obstetric literature.
Biofilm microbiome in extracorporeal membrane oxygenator catheters
Authors: Yu Yeuni , Kim Yun Hak , Cho Woo Hyun , Son Bong Soo , Yeo Hye Ju
Published: September 2021

Despite the formation of biofilms on catheters for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), some patients do not show bacteremia. To elucidate the specific linkage between biofilms and bacteremia in patients with ECMO, an improved understanding of the microbial community within catheter biofilms is necessary. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the biofilm microbiome of ECMO catheters from adults with (n = 6) and without (n = 15) bacteremia. The microbiomes of the catheter biofilms were evaluated by profiling the V3 and V4 regions of bacterial 16s rRNA genes using the Illumina MiSeq sequencing platform. In total, 2,548,172 reads, with an average of 121,341 reads per sample, were generated. Although alpha diversity was slightly higher in the non-bacteremic group, the difference was not statistically significant. In addition, there was no difference in beta diversity between the two groups. We found 367 different genera, of which 8 were present in all samples regardless of group; Limnohabitans, Flavobacterium, Delftia, Massilia, Bacillus, Candidatus, Xiphinematobacter, and CL0-1 showed an abundance of more than 1% in the sample. In particular, Arthrobacter, SMB53, Neisseria, Ortrobactrum, Candidatus Rhabdochlamydia, Deefgae, Dyella, Paracoccus, and Pedobacter were highly abundant in the bacteremic group. Network analysis indicated that the microbiome of the bacteremic group was more complex than that of the non-bacteremic group. Flavobacterium and CL0.1, which were abundant in the bacteremic group, were considered important genera because they connected different subnetworks. Biofilm characteristics in ECMO catheters varied according to the presence or absence of bacteremia. There were no significant differences in diversity between the two groups, but there were significant differences in the community composition of the biofilms. The biofilm-associated community was dynamic, with the bacteremic group showing very complex network connections within the microbiome.
Mild phenotype of knockouts of the major apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease APEX1 in a non-cancer human cell line
Authors: Kim Daria V. , Kulishova Liliya M. , Torgasheva Natalia A. , Melentyev Vasily S. , Dianov Grigory L. , Medvedev Sergey P. , Zakian Suren M. , Zharkov Dmitry O.
Published: September 2021

The major human apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) site endonuclease, APEX1, is a central player in the base excision DNA repair (BER) pathway and has a role in the regulation of DNA binding by transcription factors. In vertebrates, APEX1 knockouts are embryonic lethal, and only a handful of knockout cell lines are known. To facilitate studies of multiple functions of this protein in human cells, we have used the CRISPR/Cas9 system to knock out theAPEX1gene in a widely used non-cancer hypotriploid HEK 293FT cell line. Two stable knockout lines were obtained, one carrying two single-base deletion alleles and one single-base insertion allele in exon 3, another homozygous in the single-base insertion allele. Both mutations cause a frameshift that leads to premature translation termination before the start of the protein’s catalytic domain. Both cell lines totally lacked the APEX1 protein and AP site-cleaving activity, and showed significantly lower levels of theAPEX1transcript. The APEX1-null cells were unable to support BER on uracil- or AP site-containing substrates. Phenotypically, they showed a moderately increased sensitivity to methyl methanesulfonate (MMS; ~2-fold lower EC50compared with wild-type cells), and their background level of natural AP sites detected by the aldehyde-reactive probe was elevated ~1.5–2-fold. However, the knockout lines retained a nearly wild-type sensitivity to oxidizing agents hydrogen peroxide and potassium bromate. Interestingly, despite the increased MMS cytotoxicity, we observed no additional increase in AP sites in knockout cells upon MMS treatment, which could indicate their conversion into more toxic products in the absence of repair. Overall, the relatively mild cell phenotype in the absence of APEX1-dependent BER suggests that mammalian cells possess mechanisms of tolerance or alternative repair of AP sites. The knockout derivatives of the extensively characterized HEK 293FT cell line may provide a valuable tool for studies of APEX1 in DNA repair and beyond.
Association between the degree of obstructive sleep apnea and the severity of COVID-19: An explorative retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Ho J. P. T. F. , Donders H. C. M. , Zhou N. , Schipper K. , Su N. , de Lange J.
Published: September 2021

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on its own, as well as its risk factors, have been found to be associated with the outcome of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the association between the degree of OSA and COVID-19 severity is unclear. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate whether or not parameters to clinically evaluate OSA severity and the type of OSA treatment are associated with COVID-19 severity. Patient data from OSA patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were reviewed from outpatients from the Isala Hospital and patients admitted to the Isala Hospital, starting from March until December 2020. Baseline patient data, sleep study parameters, OSA treatment information and hospital admission data were collected. Apnea hypopnea index (AHI), low oxyhemoglobin desaturation (LSAT), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), respiratory disturbance index (RDI), and the type of OSA treatment were regarded as the independent variables. COVID-19 severity–based on hospital or intensive care unit (ICU) admission, the number of days of hospitalization, and number of intubation and mechanical ventilation days–were regarded as the outcome variables. Multinomial regression analysis, binary logistic regression analysis, and zero-inflated negative binomial regression analysis were used to assess the association between the parameters to clinically evaluate OSA severity and COVID-19 severity. A total of 137 patients were included. Only LSAT was found to be significantly associated with the COVID-19 severity (p<0.05) when COVID-19 severity was dichotomized as non-hospitalized or hospitalized and ICU admission or death. Therefore, our findings showed that LSAT seems to be a significant risk factor for COVID-19 severity. However, the degree of OSA–based on AHI, ODI, and RDI–and OSA treatment were not found to be risk factors for COVID-19 severity when looking at hospital or ICU admission, the number of days of hospitalization, and number of intubation and mechanical ventilation days.
Human parainfluenza virus type 1 regulates cholesterol biosynthesis and establishes quiescent infection in human airway cells
Authors: Kurebayashi Yuki , Bajimaya Shringkhala , Watanabe Masahiro , Lim Nicholas , Lutz Michael , Dunagan Megan , Takimoto Toru
Published: September 2021

Human parainfluenza virus type 1 (hPIV1) and 3 (hPIV3) cause seasonal epidemics, but little is known about their interaction with human airway cells. In this study, we determined cytopathology, replication, and progeny virion release from human airway cells during long-term infection in vitro. Both viruses readily established persistent infection without causing significant cytopathic effects. However, assembly and release of hPIV1 rapidly declined in sharp contrast to hPIV3 due to impaired viral ribonucleocapsid (vRNP) trafficking and virus assembly. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that both viruses induced similar levels of type I and III IFNs. However, hPIV1 induced specific ISGs stronger than hPIV3, such as MX2, which bound to hPIV1 vRNPs in infected cells. In addition, hPIV1 but not hPIV3 suppressed genes involved in lipid biogenesis and hPIV1 infection resulted in ubiquitination and degradation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, a rate limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis. Consequently, formation of cholesterol-rich lipid rafts was impaired in hPIV1 infected cells. These results indicate that hPIV1 is capable of regulating cholesterol biogenesis, which likely together with ISGs contributes to establishment of a quiescent infection.
The Cinema of Paolo Sorrentino: Commitment to Style, Russell J. A. Kilbourn (2020)
Authors: Cooper Allison
Published: September 2021

Review of: The Cinema of Paolo Sorrentino: Commitment to Style, Russell J. A. Kilbourn (2020)

New York: Columbia University Press, 231 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-23118-993-4, p/bk, $30.00
Clocking Out: The Machinery of Life in 1960s Italian Cinema, Karen Pinkus (2020)
Authors: Luijnenburg Linde
Published: September 2021

Review of: Clocking Out: The Machinery of Life in 1960s Italian Cinema, Karen Pinkus (2020)

Minnesota: University of Minnesota Press, 157 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-51790-854-6, p/bk, £18.99
Amara terra mia/Io vado via: Cinema Italiano e canti della grande emigrazione del Novecento, Stefania Carpiceci (2020)
Authors: Bonelli Diego
Published: September 2021

Review of: Amara terra mia/Io vado via: Cinema Italiano e canti della grande emigrazione del Novecento, Stefania Carpiceci (2020)

Pisa: Edizioni ETS, 288 pp.,

ISBN 978-8-84675-984-9, p/bk, €27.00
Social Work Education that Addresses Trafficking for Sexual Exploitation: An intersectional, anti-oppressive practice framework
Authors: Gerassi Lara , Nichols Andrea
Published: September 2021

Practice, policy, and research focused on trafficking for sexual exploitation and commercial sex involvement occur in the United States within a white, heteronormative social environment that must be addressed pedagogically in the classroom. Social work education increasingly includes the topic of trafficking for sexual exploitation as a stand-alone course or as sessions embedded within other courses. Yet, very little scholarship critically examines how instruction in social work on this topic can apply intersectional, anti-oppressive frameworks across micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Furthermore, current literature suggests that some social workers use exclusionary practices when addressing trafficking and commercial sex involvement, further exemplifying the need for anti-oppressive curricula. The purpose of this paper is to critically analyse how key anti-oppressive theoretical and practice frameworks should influence education on trafficking for sexual exploitation and commercial sex involvement in social work. Written by two scholars and social work instructors, we describe how we apply these frameworks to pedagogical exercises in social work courses. Finally, we argue that intersectional, anti-oppressive social work education is critical to training social work students and, ultimately, addressing the needs of people experiencing or at risk of trafficking.
Pedagogical Approaches to Human Trafficking Through Applied Research Laboratories
Authors: Dean Laura
Published: September 2021

Human trafficking is a phenomenon that lends itself to hands-on pedagogical practices and undergraduate research that, in turn, can create localised knowledge with anti-trafficking stakeholders. Research labs focused on human trafficking are one-on-one or small group applied research settings that build a bridge between the university and anti-trafficking stakeholders over multiple semesters. In this paper, I argue that one way of involving students in the anti-trafficking field is through research laboratories, like the Human Trafficking Research Lab (HTRL) at Millikin University. I explore how the HTRL develops pedagogical practices to enable students to work collaboratively with a faculty member and carry out the research process from idea to final draft. Multiple learning outcomes were found, including mentorship, a larger understanding of political science as a discipline, data compilation, presentation and critical thinking skills, and job or graduate school placement. I determined that the HTRL at Millikin offers students hands-on experience with community-engaged projects, including grappling with the ethical implications of knowledge production in social justice advocacy.