bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of the Quality of the Institutional Environment on the Development of Real and Financial Sectors of the Chinese Economy
Authors: Shash N. , Fam T.
Published: July 2021

The article examines the impact of the quality of the institutional environment on the development of the real and financial sectors of the economy. To assess the formation of the institutional environment, a set of qualitative and quantitative indicators was used. As indicators for assessing the development of the financial sector, it is proposed to use indicators of financial depth. Based on the use of correlation analysis tools, correlations between indicators of financial depth and indicators for assessing the formation of the institutional environment were identified. Based on the identified most significant correlations, taking into account institutional factors, diagnostic models were constructed, the use of which allowed us to build three forecast scenarios for changes in the financial depth of the Chinese financial system for the period up to 2030: optimistic, optimistic and basic. Arguments are presented that prove the weakness of the institutional environment of the Chinese economy, not only in comparison with the most developed economies, but also in emerging markets due to the preservation of certain characteristics of the transition economy, which hinders the development of the financial sector and market mechanisms. It is revealed that in the short term, further expansion of state participation in the Chinese financial market in a weak institutional environment may have a positive effect, but in the long term, an increase in state presence may become an obstacle to institutional development. Testing of the proposed tools of correlation analysis on the materials of the United States showed that indicators of the financial depth of the financial systems of developed countries with a high level of development of institutions have much weaker correlations with indicators of the formation of the institutional environment than in countries with emerging markets characterized by low quality of institutions.
Sweatshop Regulations and Ex Ante Contractualism
Authors: Kates Michael
Published: July 2021

Kuyumcuoglu argues that defenders of sweatshop regulations should reject consequentialism and accept an ex ante interpretation of contractualism instead. In this Commentary I show that Kuyumcuoglu’s argument doesn’t succeed. Defenders of sweatshops shouldn’t become ex ante contractualists because its advantages on this issue are more apparent than real.
Narrative summaries in Acts of the Apostles. Analytical Instruments
Authors: Celarc Matjaz
Published: July 2021

This article presents an explanation of interpretational tools used for reading the summary narrative accounts in the Acts of the Apostles. This reading combines a Point of View Analysis with Intertextual Reading, hearing the echoes of and allusions to the Isaianic prophecies in the summary descriptions.
II Brygada Legionów Polskich w Karpatach (listopad-grudzień 1914 r.). Cz. II
Authors: Dudek Tomasz
Published: July 2021

The Brigade II of the Polish Legions in the Carpathian Mountains (November‑December 1914): Part II

In this article, the author presents the activity of the Polish Legions, at that time commanded by the general Karol Durski, in the Carpathian Mountains. Polish soldiers had to fight there under very difficult conditions as a result of the numerous deficiencies in equipment and arms. Nonetheless, they tried to perform the tasks to which they were entrusted as best as they could. As opposed to the weakness of the Austro‑Hungarian army, the Polish units in this region played a decisive rule in halting the Russian offensive. This was a significant factor because if the Russians had crossed the Carpathians, this would have led to an invasion of Hungary, which could have had unpredictable consequences. In the first phase, the Polish units participated in the fight to liberate Máramaros County. The second phase comprised the armed conflict in the Nadvirna and Bohorodchany regions. This part of the skirmishes was finished with the bloody Battle of Mołotków on October 29, 1914. Although it ended with a tactical defeat of the Polish units, which were forced to retreat, it was, however, a tactical victory, as the Russians, exhausted by the daylong battle, were forced to cease their offensive manoeuvres.
Wojsko jako internowanie
Authors: Brodecka Elwira
Published: July 2021

The Army as Internment: Forms of the Repression During the Martial Law in the Years 1982-1983 Against Activists of the Anticommunist Opposition Placed in Military Special Camps (Part I)

The work focuses its issues on one of the repression forms used in the martial law introduced on 13th December 1981 to pacify the society which tried to change the fossilised communist system through activity in the Independent Self-Governing Trade Union “Solidarity”. It was not a new solution in the Polish People’s Republic – just after the Second World War the communist authority drafted into “alternative military service” opponents of sovietisation of the country, directing them to forced labour in mines. Fearing a social rebellion before the second anniversary of the independent trade union registration, communist authorities interned in military special camps, functioning in Poland from 5 November 1982 to 3 February 1983, 1450 trade union activists and members of the political parties unaccepted by communists. 264 younger colleagues of these people were drafted into the basic military service lasting two years in three units intended for this purpose.
Atención prenatal y contexto social de usuarias de la estrategia salud de la familia en municipios del Estado de Paraíba
Authors: Figueroa Pedraza Dixis
Published: July 2021

Objetivo: Describir indicadores de calidad de la atención prenatal recibida por usuarias de la Estrategia Salud de la Familia en municipios del Estado de Paraíba e investigar diferencias según características socioeconómicas, de apoyo social y tipo de equipo de salud. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal con 463 mujeres con hijos menores de dos años de edad. Los datos fueron recolectados mediante la aplicación de cuestionarios, incluyendo tiempo de inicio del prenatal y número de consultas, procedimientos, exámenes y orientaciones preconizadas por el Ministerio de Salud. Resultados: la inmunización antitetánica fue referida por 87,7% de las entrevistadas. La suplementación con sulfato ferroso, la realización de exámenes físicos y de laboratorio, y la ultrasonografía tuvieron prevalencias superiores a 95%, excepto el examen de las mamas que fue el menos frecuente (44,9%). Las orientaciones oscilaron entre 76,2% (aumento de peso gestacional) y 85,3% (alimentación durante la gestación). Las características socioeconómicas se asociaron al tiempo de inicio del prenatal, al número de consultas, a la inmunización antitetánica, a la realización de exámenes y al recibimiento de orientaciones (alimentación durante la gestación, aumento de peso gestacional); el apoyo social mostró resultados similares. No hubo diferencias en los indicadores de acuerdo con el tipo de equipo de salud. Conclusión: La mayoría de los indicadores de la atención prenatal mostró altas proporciones de adecuación. El examen clínico de las mamas tuvo el peor desempeño. La adecuación de la atención prenatal estuvo influenciada tanto por las características socioeconómicas como por el apoyo social de las mujeres.
Validade Preliminar da Escala Perfil do Estilo de Vida Individual para uso online em tempos de distanciamento social
Authors: Santos Sueyla Ferreira da Silva dos , Sousa Thiago Ferreira de , Fonseca Silvio Aparecido , Barros Mauro Virgílio Gomes de , Farias Gildeene Silva , Nahas Markus Vinicius
Published: July 2021

Este estudo teve como objetivo estimar a validade de conteúdo e o nível de reprodutibilidade da escala “Perfil do Estilo de Vida Individual” em tempos de distanciamento social. Os itens da escala original proposta por Nahas, Barros e Francalacci, foram modificados para avaliar o estilo de vida de adultos, de forma online, durante o período distanciamento social, a exemplo, a pandemia da COVID-19. As 15 questões contemplaram comportamentos recomendados por especialistas em saúde durante a pandemia, mantendo-se os cinco domínios originais propostos na versão inicial: alimentação saudável, atividade física, controle do estresse, relacionamentos e comportamentos preventivos. Foram avaliadas a adequação e pertinência por meio do julgamento de especialistas (n = 38) e, posteriormente, os profissionais e estudantes (n = 71) de Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES) avaliaram a clareza dos itens. A reprodutibilidade foi estimada via coeficiente Kappa. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. A validade de conteúdo mostrou valores médios de adequação, pertinência e clareza de 92,4%, 87,1% e 78,7%, respectivamente. Participaram na etapa de reprodutibilidade 83 estudantes e profissionais de IES e o nível de concordância variou de 0,358 referente ao item “G” (Procuro ocupar a maior parte do meu dia com atividades interessantes) a 0,626 relativo ao item “N” (Mantenho o distanciamento físico e uso máscara sempre que preciso sair). Conclui-se que a escala “Perfil do Estilo de Vida Individual” em tempos de distanciamento social apresentou satisfatória validade de conteúdo e os níveis de reprodutibilidade podem ser considerados aceitáveis para escalas desta natureza.
Purulent Pericarditis: Is It Really a Disease of the Past?
Authors: Costa Laura , Carvalho Diana , Coelho Elisabete , Leal Dina , Lencastre Luís
Published: July 2021

The authors present a case of purulent pericarditis probably secondary to respiratory infection, a rare entity in the antibiotic era. Pericardial fluid analysis identified streptococci and oral anaerobes as the causative agents. A prolonged and complicated diagnostic and therapeutic course, which included a long stay in the intensive care unit, is described, and a review of purulent pericarditis provided. Pericardial effusion, particularly in the setting of concomitant respiratory infection and immunocompromise or other risk factors, should raise the suspicion of bacterial pericarditis and prompt its timely diagnosis and treatment. Purulent pericarditis can be lethal and has potentially severe complications, so adequate antimicrobial therapy and source control are key.
Fetal bovine acellular dermal matrix for the closure of diabetic foot ulcers: a prospective randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lantis John C , Snyder Robert , Reyzelman Alexander M , Van Gils Carl C , Sigal Felix , Vayser Dean , Caporusso Joseph M , Cazzell Shawn , Lavery Lawrence A ,   PriMatrix Study Group
Published: July 2021

Aim:

The purpose of this clinical trial was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a fetal bovine acellular dermal matrix (FBADM) plus standard of care (SOC) for treating hard-to-heal diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).

Method:

A prospective, multi-centre, randomised controlled trial was carried out. The study included a 2-week run-in period, a 12-week treatment phase and a 4-week follow-up phase. The primary endpoint was complete wound closure at 12 weeks.

Results:

Twenty-one US sites enrolled and randomised 226 patients with hard-to-heal DFUs. The study was terminated early due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a modified intent-to-treat (mITT) population of 207 patients, with 103 in the FBADM group and 104 in the SOC group. Of these participants, 161 completed the study per protocol (mPP population), with 79 receiving FBADM, and 82 without. At the first analysis point, patients treated with FBADM were found to be significantly more likely to achieve complete wound closure compared with SOC alone (mITT: 45.6% versus 27.9% p=0.008; mPP: 59.5% versus 35.6% p=0.002). The difference in outcome yielded an odds ratio of 2.2 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2, 3.9; p=0.008). Median time to closure within 12 weeks was 43 days for the FBADM group compared to 57 days for the SOC group (p=0.36). The median number of applications of FBADM to achieve closure was one. Adverse events were similar between groups and no product-related serious adverse events occurred.

Conclusions:

These results indicate that in many cases a single application of FBADM in conjunction with SOC offers a safe, faster and more effective treatment of DFUs than SOC alone.
Healing hard-to-heal diabetic foot ulcers: the role of dehydrated amniotic allograft with cross-linked bovine-tendon collagen and glycosaminoglycan matrix
Authors: Tsai Grace L , Zilberbrand Daniel , Liao Wei Jei , Horl Lawrence P
Published: July 2021

The treatment of diabetic foot ulcers is complex and costly with an increased risk for infection, which may even lead to amputation. This prospective case series aims to assess the effectiveness of a dehydrated amniotic membrane allograft combined with a bilayer dermal matrix for healing complicated foot ulcers in patients with comorbidities. A total of six patients with complicated full-thickness ulcers and comorbidities, such as diabetes and peripheral vascular disease were treated with this technique. Each wound was measured intraoperatively just before graft application, at 14 days after application, and then at weeks 4, 8, and 12. Changes in wound volume and area were compared over time. One patient had complete wound closure by week eight, a second patient by week 12. The other four patients had wounds that decreased in size during the course of 12 weeks. The mean decrease in wound volume was 73.5% post-removal of the bilayer dermal matrix after two weeks of application. At week 12, the mean decrease in wound area and volume were 93.2% and 97.1%, respectively. This case series provides initial evidence that the combination of dehydrated amniotic membrane allograft with bilayer dermal matrix promotes complete wound closure in patients with comorbidities that may impede wound healing. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results.
The most southwestern locality and confirmed presence of Carabus (Carabus) vinctus (Weber, 1801) in Louisiana
Authors: SOKOLOV IGOR
Published: July 2021

New collection efforts led to re-discovery of Carabus (Carabus) vinctus (Weber) in Louisiana after the first record in 1874. The presumed range of the species in Louisiana is confined to the bottomland forests of the Lake Pontchartrain hydrological system including the lower flows of incoming streams. New locality extends the range of the species in the Gulf States almost 100 miles to the west and represents the most southwestern point of the whole range. Morphologically specimens from Louisiana are close to the Alabama specimens and belong to the var. georgiae Csiki.
Teenagers and ICT usage: analysis of its emotional, academic, and social effects
Authors: González López Ignacio , Quintero Ordóñez Belén , Reche Urbano Eloísa , Fuentes Esparrell Juan Antonio
Published: July 2021

This study aims to determine the perceptions families have about their children’s use of Information and Communication Technologies, identifying usage habits and their effects on the management of emotions, within the academic and social settings. The study was conducted with a total of 253 families from throughout Spain, whose children are between the ages of 14 and 16 and are attending compulsory secondary education. To this end, a crosssectional non-experimental study was carried out by means of a survey. The families surveyed indicate that their children use technology for five hours a day, the mobile phone being the most widely used device, and that this directly affects their levels of irritability and frustration when usage is limited, but does not cause adverse effects in academic and social settings.
Online readiness in universities from disabled students’ perspective
Authors: Hernández Encuentra Eulàlia , Barberà Gregori Elena
Published: July 2021

The aim of online universities is to increase learning accessibility for all students. After some years of existence, online higher education should be analysed in terms of its preparedness to meet the learning needs of people with disabilities. This paper presents a study that sheds light on the level of readiness of online higher education institutions by examining students’ views of a well-established online university, using a research-based questionnaire. The research involves all students with disabilities studying at the Open University of Catalonia (UOC), with an effective participation of 421 students. The conclusion of the paper is generally highly positive concerning the extent to which the university has overcome barriers and provided satisfactory academic accommodations. However, the results do indicate a need for a more comprehensive and specific solutions for dealing with unmet needs, especially for those students with mental disabilities.
ICT and gamification experiences with CLIL methodology as innovative resources for the development of competencies in compulsory secondary education
Authors: Carrión Candel Elena , Pérez Agustín Mercedes , Giménez De Ory Elena
Published: July 2021

Due to the lack of research in the field of music through CLIL and ICT in Secondary Education in Spain, we propose to merge this subject with an innovative methodology. The general objective is to present a different approach to students in order to increase their motivation for the subject. The specific objectives are to teach music in English by integrating content, cognition and vocabulary through communication and the use of new technologies. This approach makes the design and implementation didactic, audiovisual and multimedia. Cuadernia: digital notebook composed of flash files, videos and audios, and gamification strategies. Quizziz: multiplayer questionnaire of class contents, based on teaching music through a cooperative methodology and gamification, are applied as options with a great educational projection, with information and innovative pedagogical experiences and potential to work together in the classroom with different levels of the subject. The results that follow the Likert scale reflect high student satisfaction with regard to teaching methodology, content acquisition, teacher training, ICT and resources. As a conclusion, of the coincident results between the professor and the students, we would like to implement it in the coming years.
Who cares about the digital culture at school?
Authors: Cruz Elisabete , Costa Fernando Albuquerque , Pereira Carolina
Published: July 2021

The article assumes that the expansion of cultural content in basic education implies a qualitative change in the entire curriculum system. It rescues the idea of social micro spaces of common curriculum selection and reconfiguration and underlines the role of decision-makers in different groups. Namely, experts and specialists who, within the scope of the Learning Outcomes Project launched by the Portuguese Ministry of Education, supported the legitimation of ICT as a transdisciplinary learning area, consenting to shared responsibility in promoting digital culture. Based on the study carried out, involving 11 interviews, the article reveals the reasons that justify the detachment from a social practice that, paradoxically, was desired to be more articulated, integrated, and open to digital culture.
Terahertz MIMO communication performance analysis in exponentiated Weibull turbulence with pointing errors
Authors: Cang Lei , Zhao Heng-Kai , Liu Hong , Ji Wen-Li , Wan Yong-Bing , Zhang Kai , Zheng Guo-Xin
Published: July 2021

With the rapid growth in demand for high-speed wireless communication, terahertz (THz) has become one of the most promising techniques. Both atmospheric turbulence and pointing errors are important factors in degrading the performance of THz propagation. We study the performance of a multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) system in the THz band under the combined influences noted above. Especially, we take the impact on amplitude and phase caused by turbulence into consideration. We adopt the Padé approximation to analyze the probability density function of the channel coefficient in equal gain combining and derive the bit error rate by the Meijer-G function. The curve-fitting results of theoretical analysis are in good agreement with the actual measurements in the THz band. Therefore, it can be deduced that the exponentiated Weibull model can also be applied in the THz band. Then, we verify the theoretical results by Monte Carlo simulation. We find that turbulence is a more significant cause, which deteriorates communication performance in a larger scale of the MIMO system.
Depolarization compensation with a spatially variable wave plate in a 116  W, 441  fs, 1  MHz Yb:YAG double-pass laser amplifier
Authors: Veselis Laurynas , Burokas Raimundas , Ulčinas Orestas , Gertus Titas , Michailovas Kirilas , Michailovas Andrejus
Published: July 2021

A subpicosecond laser system featuring a fiber chirped pulse amplification-based seed laser and a double-pass end-pumped Yb:YAG crystal power amplifier was investigated. The key novelty of the system was the application of depolarization compensation using a specially designed spatially variable wave plate. To the best of our knowledge, this method was applied for the first time. The presented laser system produced pulses of 441 fs duration, 116 µJ pulse energy at 116 W average power with a beam quality of

M

2

∼

2.1

, featured optical-to-optical efficiency of 32% at room temperature (

T

=

20
∘

C

), and had residual depolarization level of 2.7%.
Neural networks enabled forward and inverse design of reconfigurable metasurfaces
Authors: Tanriover Ibrahim , Hadibrata Wisnu , Scheuer Jacob , Aydin Koray
Published: July 2021

Nanophotonics has joined the application areas of deep neural networks (DNNs) in recent years. Various network architectures and learning approaches have been employed to design and simulate nanophotonic structures and devices. Design and simulation of reconfigurable metasurfaces is another promising application area for neural network enabled nanophotonic design. The tunable optical response of these metasurfaces rely on the phase transitions of phase-change materials, which correspond to significant changes in their dielectric permittivity. Consequently, simulation and design of these metasurfaces requires the ability to model a diverse span of optical properties. In this work, to realize forward and inverse design of reconfigurable metasurfaces, we construct forward and inverse networks to model a wide range of optical characteristics covering from lossless dielectric to lossy plasmonic materials. As proof-of-concept demonstrations, we design a Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) tunable resonator and a VO2 tunable absorber using our forward and inverse networks, respectively.
Active circular dichroism coding meta-mirror for flexible beam-forming and dynamic amplitude control
Authors: Wan Weipeng , Li Yongfeng , Wang He , Jiang Lixin , Zhu Zhibiao , Cheng Yang , Qin Zhe , Zheng Lin , Wang Jiafu , Qu Shaobo
Published: July 2021

Equipped with the capability of simultaneous phase and amplitude modulation, the chiral metasurfaces have broken through the weak chiroptical responses of natural media, giving birth to a number of unprecedented phenomena. However, the performance of passive metasurface is inadequate to realize dynamic manipulation to fit the diverse and changeable operation requirements, which would damage their engineering applications. Here, a circular dichroism meta-mirror consisting of Archimedean spiral-based meta-atoms is proposed to achieve dynamic scattering modulation. Combining the strategy of loading active element, the chiroptical responses of a metasurface is smoothly controlled. By controlling bias voltages, continuous scattered reflection amplitude steering can be achieved for the designated spin state while the orthogonal spin state can hardly be influenced. With the assistance of Pancharatnam-Berry phase principle, the metasurface possesses the capability of tailoring waves in coded manner. We experimentally verify the proposed strategy by a 1-bit checkerboard meta-mirror for four-beam scattering pattern. Importantly, the proposed paradigm may find applications in spin-sensitive systems and adaptive camouflage.
Heterodyne detection applied to a fiber Bragg grating-based sensor using a directly modulated distributed feedback laser
Authors: Kuroda Keiji
Published: July 2021

The heterodyne detection technique is applied to a fiber Bragg grating (FBG)-based sensor. Specifically, a directly modulated distributed feedback laser array is used as a frequency scanning light source. Weak reflections from the FBG are recorded as a beat signal with a high signal-to-noise ratio using heterodyne detection. A reflection signal is clearly observed from the FBG with a reflectivity of 1% located at 60 km from the detection port.
Entangled sideband control scheme via frequency-comb-type seed beam
Authors: Tian Long , Shi Shaoping , Li Yuhang , Wu Yimiao , Li Wei , Wang Yajun , Liu Qiang , Zheng Yaohui
Published: July 2021

We report a control scheme of entangled sideband modes without coherent amplitude by employing a frequency-comb-type seed beam. In this scheme, each tooth of the frequency comb serves as a control field for the corresponding downconversion mode. Consequently, all the degrees of freedom can be actively controlled, and the entanglement degrees are higher than 6.7 dB for two pairs of sidebands. We believe that this scheme provides a simple solution for the control of sideband modes, which could be further applied to achieve compact channel multiplexing quantum communications.
Long-term optical information storage in glass with ultraviolet-light-preprocessing-induced enhancement of the signal-to-noise ratio
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Zhang Bo , Tan Dezhi , Qiu Jianrong
Published: July 2021

This Letter describes the realization of long-term optical information storage in glass using an enhanced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). We show that the photo-oxidation of

E
u

2
+

ions in the glass matrix induced by ultraviolet light suppresses background signals, thereby enhancing by tenfold the SNR of

E
u

2
+

ions photoluminescence (PL) of the dots written by a femtosecond (fs) laser. Thus, smaller dots exhibiting weak PL emission can be detected. In addition, the stored information shows excellent stability under the light irradiation with the power density up to

240

W

/

c
m

2

. Accelerated-aging experiments indicate that the stored data can retain stability for more than 115 years at room temperature. The optical storage capacity is approximately

270

G
b
i
t

c
m

−
3

. This technique enables long-term, high-capacity data storage in glass media.
Single-photon avalanche diode imaging sensor for subsurface fluorescence LiDAR
Authors: Bruza Petr , Petusseau Arthur , Ulku Arin , Gunn Jason , Streeter Samuel , Samkoe Kimberley , Bruschini Claudio , Charbon Edoardo , Pogue Brian
Published: July 2021

We realized subsurface fluorescence LiDAR with a large format single-photon avalanche diode array capable of localizing and quantifying concentration of fluorescent molecules in heavily scattering media, such as tissue, with submillimeter depth accuracy.
Comparison of sand fly trapping approaches for vector surveillance of Leishmania and Bartonella species in ecologically distinct, endemic regions of Peru
Authors: Zorrilla Victor O. , Lozano Marisa E. , Espada Liz J. , Kosoy Michael , McKee Clifton , Valdivia Hugo O. , Arevalo Heriberto , Troyes Mario , Stoops Craig A. , Fisher Michael L. , Vásquez Gissella M.
Published: July 2021

Background

In Peru, the information regarding sand fly vectors of leishmaniasis and bartonellosis in the Amazon region is limited. In this study, we carried out sand fly collections in Peruvian lowland and highland jungle areas using different trap type configurations and screened them forLeishmaniaandBartonellaDNA.

Methodology/Principal findings

Phlebotomine sand flies were collected in Peruvian Amazon jungle and inter Andean regions using CDC light trap, UV and color LED traps, Mosquito Magnet trap, BG Sentinel trap, and a Shannon trap placed outside the houses.Leishmaniaspp. screening was performed by kDNA PCR and confirmed by a nested cytochrome B gene (cytB) PCR.Bartonellaspp. screening was performed by ITS PCR and confirmed by citrate synthase gene (gltA). The PCR amplicons were sequenced to identifyLeishmaniaandBartonellaspecies.

UV and Blue LED traps collected the highest average number of sand flies per hour in low jungle; UV, Mosquito Magnet and Shannon traps in high jungle; and Mosquito Magnet in inter Andean region.Leishmania guyanensisinLutzomyia carrerai carreraiandL.naiffiinLu.hirsuta hirsutawere identified based oncytBsequencing.Bartonellaspp. related toBartonella bacilliformisinLu.whitmani,Lu.nevesi,Lu.hirsuta hirsutaandLu.sherlocki, and aBartonellasp. related toCandidatusB. rondoniensis inLu.nevesiandLu.maranonensiswere identified based ongltAgene sequencing.

Conclusions/Significance

UV, Blue LED, Mosquito Magnet and Shannon traps were more efficient than the BG-Sentinel, Green, and Red LED traps. This is the first report ofL.naiffiand of two genotypes ofBartonellaspp. related toB.bacilliformisandCandidatusB. rondoniensis infecting sand fly species from the Amazon region in Peru.
Biophysical characterization and a roadmap towards the NMR solution structure of G0S2, a key enzyme in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Moran Michael W. , Ramirez Elizabeth P. , Zook James D. , Saarinen Alicia M. , Baravati Bobby , Goode Matthew R. , Laloudakis Vasiliki , Kaschner Emily K. , Olson Tien L. , Craciunescu Felicia M. , Hansen Debra T. , Liu Jun , Fromme Petra
Published: July 2021

In the United States non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common form of chronic liver disease, affecting an estimated 80 to 100 million people. It occurs in every age group, but predominantly in people with risk factors such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. NAFLD is marked by fat accumulation in the liver leading to liver inflammation, which may lead to scarring and irreversible damage progressing to cirrhosis and liver failure. In animal models, genetic ablation of the protein G0S2 leads to alleviation of liver damage and insulin resistance in high fat diets. The research presented in this paper aims to aid in rational based drug design for the treatment of NAFLD by providing a pathway for a solution state NMR structure of G0S2. Here we describe the expression of G0S2 in an E. coli system from two different constructs, both of which are confirmed to be functionally active based on the ability to inhibit the activity of Adipose Triglyceride Lipase. In one of the constructs, preliminary NMR spectroscopy measurements show dominant alpha-helical characteristics as well as resonance assignments on the N-terminus of G0S2, allowing for further NMR work with this protein. Additionally, the characterization of G0S2 oligomers are outlined for both constructs, suggesting that G0S2 may defensively exist in a multimeric state to protect and potentially stabilize the small 104 amino acid protein within the cell. This information presented on the structure of G0S2 will further guide future development in the therapy for NAFLD.
Analyzing the relationship between productivity and human communication in an organizational setting
Authors: Dutta Arindam , Steiner Elena , Proulx Jeffrey , Berisha Visar , Bliss Daniel W. , Poole Scott , Corman Steven
Published: July 2021

Though it is often taken as a truism that communication contributes to organizational productivity, there are surprisingly few empirical studies documenting a relationship between observable interaction and productivity. This is because comprehensive, direct observation of communication in organizational settings is notoriously difficult. In this paper, we report a method for extracting network and speech characteristics data from audio recordings of participants talking with each other in real time. We use this method to analyze communication and productivity data from seventy-nine employees working within a software engineering organization who had their speech recorded during working hours for a period of approximately 3 years. From the speech data, we infer when any two individuals are talking to each other and use this information to construct a communication graph for the organization for each week. We use the spectral and temporal characteristics of the produced speech and the structure of the resultant communication graphs to predict the productivity of the group, as measured by the number of lines of code produced. The results indicate that the most important speech and network features for predicting productivity include those that measure the number of unique people interacting within the organization, the frequency of interactions, and the topology of the communication network.
If you build it, will they come? Social, economic, and psychological determinants of COVID-19 testing decisions
Authors: Perry Brea L. , Aronson Brian , Railey Ashley F. , Ludema Christina
Published: July 2021

Background

The efficacy of testing and tracing programs to reduce COVID-19 transmission hinges not only on widespread access to testing, but also on the public’s willingness to participate in them. To the extent that testing intentions are patterned by social determinants of health, this constitutes an understudied mechanism of disparities in COVID-19 morbidity and mortality.

Design

Using data from a representative household probability sample, the Person to Person Health Interview Study (n = 935), sociodemographic, economic, and psychological determinants of testing considerations were evaluated across six domains: treatment affordability, ability to work if positive, hospital effectiveness, symptom severity, proximity to infected, and risk of transmitting to others.

Results

Findings demonstrated significant differences in testing motivations across race/ethnicity, education level, socioeconomic status, and worry about self and loved ones. Notably, Black (p<0.01) and Latino (p<0.05) respondents and those experiencing financial strain (p<0.001) were disproportionately likely to indicate that resource factors would influence their decision to get tested. Desire to reduce transmission and concern about proximity to the infected were reported among those who expressed COVID-19 worries (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Public health efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic must address social, economic, and psychological factors that enable and constrain individual behavior. Increasing access to preventative interventions and technologies, including vaccines, is unlikely to markedly reduce morbidity and mortality without effective messaging and economic support to improve uptake in vulnerable populations.
Airbnb and neighborhood crime: The incursion of tourists or the erosion of local social dynamics?
Authors: Ke Laiyang , T. O’Brien Daniel , Heydari Babak
Published: July 2021

The proliferation of internet-based home-sharing platforms like Airbnb has raised heated debates, with many in the general public believing that the presence of Airbnb listings can lead to an increase in crime and disorder in residential neighborhoods. Despite the importance of this debate to residents, policymakers, and other stakeholders, few studies have examined the causal linkage between Airbnb listings and crime in neighborhoods. We conduct the first such empirical test in Boston neighborhoods, focusing on two potential mechanisms: (1) the inflow of tourists might generate or attract crime; and (2) the creation of transient properties undermines local social dynamics. Corresponding to these mechanisms, we examine whether the number of tourists (approximated with reviews) or the prevalence of listings predict more incidents of private conflict, social disorder, and violence both concurrently and in the following year. We find evidence that increases in Airbnb listings–but not reviews–led to more violence in neighborhoods in later years. This result supports the notion that the prevalence of Airbnb listings erodes the natural ability of a neighborhood to prevent crime, but does not support the interpretation that elevated numbers of tourists bring crime with them.
Fin whale acoustic populations present in New Zealand waters: Description of song types, occurrence and seasonality using passive acoustic monitoring
Authors: Constaratas Alexandra N. , McDonald Mark A. , Goetz Kimberly T. , Giorli Giacomo
Published: July 2021

Southern fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) are known to migrate from the Antarctic to mid-latitudes during winter for breeding, but the occurrence and distribution of this species is not well known in the waters around New Zealand. The ‘doublet’ calls are one of the main calls emitted specifically by fin whales and repeated in a regular pattern, which make the acoustic detection of these calls relevant to detect the presence of fin whales. Using a signal processing algorithm to detect ‘doublet’ calls emitted by fin whales, we studied the occurrence, characteristics and seasonality of these ‘doublet’ calls in two regions around New Zealand; Cook Strait in 2016/2017 and offshore Gisborne in 2014/2015. The call detection procedure consisted of binarization of the spectrogram and a cross-correlation between the binarized spectrogram and a template of binarized ‘doublet’ calls spectrogram. A binarization threshold for the data spectrograms and a cross correlation threshold were then determined through multiple trials on a training dataset and a Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve. Fin whale ‘doublet’ calls occurred on the east side of New Zealand’s Cook Strait during austral winter, specifically in June 2017 and offshore Gisborne in June-August 2014. No ‘doublet’ calls were detected on the west side of Cook Strait. The ‘doublet’ calls’ Inter-Note Interval (INI) was similar in both datasets. However, there was a difference in alternation of the mean frequency for both HF components of ‘doublet’ calls in Cook Strait and Gisborne. As the song types were compared with those previously described in the literature, our findings suggest that some fin whales wintering in New Zealand waters may be part of a broader ‘acoustic population’ whose range extends west to southern Australia and south to Antarctica.
Differences in personality related determinants of empathetic sensibility in female and male students of medicine
Authors: Bętkowska-Korpała Barbara , Epa Roksana , Sikora-Zych Karolina , Olszewska-Turek Katarzyna , Pastuszak-Draxler Anna , Rajtar-Zembaty Anna , Starowicz-Filip Anna
Published: July 2021

The issues of personality and its relations with the level of empathetic sensibility of medical doctors are broadly discussed in the literature. The aim of this study was an assessment of personality related predictors of empathy indicators in female and male students of medicine with consideration of gender differences. Methods applied were Empathic Sensitiveness Scale (ESS) and Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R). The study included 153 participants, who were students of the fifth year of medical studies. Students filled in questionnaires during workshops in clinical psychological skills. Participation in the study was voluntary and anonymous. The statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 13 PL and PS IMAGO PRO (SPSS). Linear regression analysis with the interaction component was performed to explore the relationship between personality factors and gender and their interaction with the variable dependent level of empathy. The analysis showed that Extraversion, Openness and Agreeableness are associated with the level of Empathic Concern. Neuroticism, Extraversion, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness are associated with the level of Personal Distress. Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness are associated with the level of Perspective-taking. The regression analysis with the interactive component showed that there is no relationship between gender and the level of empathy, therefore the interactions were insignificant. Empathetic sensibility is related to personality dimensions of the students of medicine. Although there has been no interaction among chief personality dimensions, empathy indicators and gender, detailed analysis of personality dimensions’ components has shown differences between men and women.
Sero-surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare providers in four hospitals in Thailand one year after the first community outbreak
Authors: Kittikraisak Wanitchaya , Piyaraj Phunlerd , Vachiraphan Apichat , Wongrapee Thanapat , Punjasamanvong Somsak , Hunsawong Taweewun , Sinthuwattanawibool Chalinthorn , Leepiyasakulchai Chaniya , Yoocharoen Pornsak , Azziz-Baumgartner Eduardo , Mott Joshua A. , Chottanapund Suthat
Published: July 2021

Background

Thailand was the first country outside China to report SARS-CoV-2 infected cases. Since the detection of the first imported case on January 12th, 2020 to the time this report was written, Thailand experienced two waves of community outbreaks (March-April 2020 and December 2020-March 2021). We examined prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity among healthcare providers (HCPs) in four hospitals approximately one year after SARS-CoV-2 first detected in Thailand. By March 2021, these hospitals have treated a total of 709 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients.

Methods

Blood specimens, collected from COVID-19 unvaccinated HCPs during January-March 2021, were tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to nucleocapsid (IgG-nucleocapsid) and spike (IgG-spike) proteins using Euroimmune®enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Results

Of 600 HCPs enrolled, 1 (0.2%) tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 IgG-spike antibodies, but not the IgG-nucleocapsid.

Conclusion

The presence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies was rare in this sample of HCPs, suggesting that this population remains susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Physicians’ perspectives on continuity of care for patients involved in the criminal justice system: A qualitative study
Authors: Jennings Latasha , Branson Carolina Fernández , Maxwell Andrea M. , Winkelman Tyler N. A. , Shlafer Rebecca J.
Published: July 2021

Background

In 2016, over 11 million individuals were admitted to prisons and jails in the United States. Because the majority of these individuals will return to the community, addressing their health needs requires coordination between community and correctional health care providers. However, few systems exist to facilitate this process and little is known about how physicians perceive and manage these transitions.

Objective

The goal of this study was to characterize physicians’ views on transitions both into and out of incarceration and describe how knowledge of a patient’s criminal justice involvement impacts patient care plans.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted between October 2018 and May 2019 with physicians from three community clinics in Hennepin County, Minnesota. Team members used a hybrid approach of deductive and inductive coding, in which a priori codes were defined based on the interview guide while also allowing for data-driven codes to emerge.

Results

Four themes emerged related to physicians’ perceptions on continuity of care for patients with criminal justice involvement. Physicians identified disruptions in patient-physician relationships, barriers to accessing prescription medications, disruptions in insurance coverage, and problems with sharing medical records, as factors contributing to discontinuity of care for patients entering and exiting incarceration. These factors impacted patients differently depending on the direction of the transition.

Conclusions

Our findings identified four disruptions to continuity of care that physicians viewed as key barriers to successful transitions into and out of incarceration. These disruptions are unlikely to be effectively addressed at the provider level and will require system-level changes, which Medicaid and managed care organizations could play a leading role in developing.
Effects of water stably-enriched with oxygen as a novel method of tissue oxygenation on mitochondrial function, and as adjuvant therapy for type 2 diabetes in a randomized placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Khoo Joan , Hagemeyer Christoph E. , Henstridge Darren C. , Kumble Sumukh , Wang Ting-Yi , Xu Rong , Gani Linsey , King Thomas , Soh Shui-Boon , Puar Troy , Au Vanessa , Tan Eberta , Tay Tunn-Lin , Kam Carmen , Teo Eng-Kiong
Published: July 2021

Background

Diabetes mellitus is associated with inadequate delivery of oxygen to tissues. Cellular hypoxia is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction which increases oxidative stress and hyperglycaemia. Hyperbaric oxygenation therapy, which was shown to improve insulin sensitivity, is impractical for regular use. We evaluated the effects of water which is stably-enriched with oxygen (ELO water) to increase arterial blood oxygen levels, on mitochondrial function in the presence of normal- or high-glucose environments, and as glucose-lowering therapy in humans.

Methods

We compared arterial blood oxygen levels in Sprague-Dawley rats after 7 days of ad libitum ELO or tap water consumption. Mitochondrial stress testing, and flow cytometry analysis of mitochondrial mass and membrane potential, were performed on human HepG2 cells cultured in four Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium media, made with ELO water or regular (control) water, at normal (5.5 mM) or high (25 mM) glucose concentrations. We also randomized 150 adults with type 2 diabetes (mean age 53 years, glycated haemoglobin HbA1c 8.9% [74 mmol/mol], average duration of diabetes 12 years) to drink 1.5 litres daily of bottled ELO water or drinking water.

Results

ELO water raised arterial oxygen tension pO2 significantly (335 ± 26 vs. 188 ± 18 mmHg, p = 0.006) compared with tap water. In cells cultured in control water, mitochondrial mass and membrane potential were both significantly lower at 25 mM glucose compared with 5.5 mM glucose; in contrast, mitochondrial mass and membrane potential did not differ significantly at normal or high glucose concentrations in cells cultured in ELO water. The high-glucose environment induced a greater mitochondrial proton leak in cells cultured in ELO water compared to cells cultured in control medium at similar glucose concentration. In type 2 diabetic adults, HbA1c decreased significantly (p = 0.002) by 0.3 ± 0.7% (4 ± 8 mmol/mol), with ELO water after 12 weeks of treatment but was unchanged with placebo.

Conclusions

ELO water raises arterial blood oxygen levels, appears to have a protective effect on hyperglycaemia-induced reduction in mitochondrial mass and mitochondrial dysfunction, and may be effective adjuvant therapy for type 2 diabetes.