bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mating status of coexisting conspecific individuals modulate reproduction in a ladybird, Menochilus sexmaculatus
Authors: Singh Shashwat , Mishra Geetanjali , Omkar  
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The mating status of organisms plays a crucial role in deciphering mating decision and reproductive success of any organisms. Odour or pheromones are known to be perceived by animals through olfaction to locate mates at a distance. In this study, an attempt was made to investigate the effect of the presence of unmated and mated conspecific adults on mating and reproductive parameters of the ladybird beetle, Menochilus sexmaculatus (Fabricius, 1781). To conduct this experiment, an arena was made with the help of two Petri dishes and in such a manner that the experimental adults were only able to perceive the presence of conspecific adults of different mating status in their close vicinity. The results of the study demonstrated an early onset of mating in the presence of males compared to females. Another male in the vicinity poses competition that may force the males to establish genital contact faster. In the absence of any potential rival, copulation duration was highest. Females laid more eggs in the presence of mated females. This may be to increase offspring fitness in the presence of potential competitors for the already mated female. Females laid fewer eggs in the presence of unmated females. Unmated females nearby can be another choice for a male and thus, the male possibly limits the size of the ejaculate containing oviposition stimulants. The current study advocates that mating and reproductive behaviour are modulated according to the perceived surroundings in the form of conspecific adults of different mating status.
Expulsion of “Undesirable” Chinese from the Philippines, 1883–1898
Authors: Galang (贾杰理) Jely A. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
“Undesirable” Chinese – vagrants, undocumented migrants, pickpockets, beggars, drunkards, idlers and the “suspicious” – were considered “dangerous” by the Spanish colonial government because they posed a threat to the financial and political security of the Philippines. Mostly belonging to the laboring classes, these unemployed and marginally employed individuals were arrested, prosecuted and punished for violating policies relating to registration, taxation and migration. While other forms of discipline and punishment were meted out to these “minor” offenders, the state deemed it necessary to expel them from the colony.
This paper explores why and how “undesirable” Chinese were expelled from the Philippines between 1883, when the first expulsion order was issued, and 1898, when Spanish rule ended. Set in the broader political and socio-economic context of the late nineteenth century, it examines the actors, institutions and processes involved in banishing these offenders to China. Using previously underutilized archival materials, it interrogates the relations that emerged among various entities such as the state, the leaders of the Chinese community in Manila, private businesspeople, and Chinese “criminals” in terms of the expulsion process.
A Storm Safari in Subtropical South America: Proyecto RELAMPAGO
Authors: Nesbitt Stephen W. , Salio Paola V. , Ávila Eldo , Bitzer Phillip , Carey Lawrence , Chandrasekar V. , Deierling Wiebke , Dominguez Francina , Dillon Maria Eugenia , Garcia C. Marcelo , Gochis David , Goodman Steven , Hence Deanna A. , Kosiba Karen A. , Kumjian Matthew R. , Lang Timothy , Luna Lorena Medina , Marquis James , Marshall Robert , McMurdie Lynn A. , de Lima Nascimento Ernani , Rasmussen Kristen L. , Roberts Rita , Rowe Angela K. , Ruiz Juan José , São Sabbas Eliah F.M.T. , Saulo A. Celeste , Schumacher Russ S. , Skabar Yanina Garcia , Toledo Machado Luiz Augusto , Trapp Robert J. , Varble Adam C. , Wilson James , Wurman Joshua , Zipser Edward J. , Arias Ivan , Bechis Hernán , Grover Maxwell A. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis article provides an overview of the experimental design, execution, education and public outreach, data collection, and initial scientific results from the Remote Sensing of Electrification, Lightning, and Mesoscale/Microscale Processes with Adaptive Ground Observations (RELAMPAGO) field campaign. RELAMPAGO was a major field campaign conducted in the Córdoba and Mendoza provinces in Argentina and western Rio Grande do Sul State in Brazil in 2018–19 that involved more than 200 scientists and students from the United States, Argentina, and Brazil. This campaign was motivated by the physical processes and societal impacts of deep convection that frequently initiates in this region, often along the complex terrain of the Sierras de Córdoba and Andes, and often grows rapidly upscale into dangerous storms that impact society. Observed storms during the experiment produced copious hail, intense flash flooding, extreme lightning flash rates, and other unusual lightning phenomena, but few tornadoes. The five distinct scientific foci of RELAMPAGO—convection initiation, severe weather, upscale growth, hydrometeorology, and lightning and electrification—are described, as are the deployment strategies to observe physical processes relevant to these foci. The campaign’s international cooperation, forecasting efforts, and mission planning strategies enabled a successful data collection effort. In addition, the legacy of RELAMPAGO in South America, including extensive multinational education, public outreach, and social media data gathering associated with the campaign, is summarized.
A New Parameter, the Smallest Oblique Sagittal Area of the Neural Foramen, as an Index to Diagnose Cervical Neural Foramen Stenosis
Authors: Jia Yukun , Peng Zhan , Li Jin , Wang Guangye 
Published: April 2021

Objective: The objective was to reconstruct the cervical neural foramen and accurately measure the minimum oblique sagittal area of the neural foramen. Then, a quantitative diagnostic standard for cervical neural foramen stenosis was proposed and its value as an indication for surgery was evaluated. Methods: (1) CT data were used to reconstruct the neural foramen using Mimics software, and the minimum area was measured. (2) The optimal cut-off value was determined using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. (3) Patients who underwent single-segment surgery were divided into 2 groups according to the cut-off value. Then the postoperative neurological function improvement rate was analyzed to identify any significant difference between the 2 groups. Results: A total of 1056 neural foramens were measured in 132 patients, of which 495 (46.88%) were diagnosed as radiculopathy by clinical neurological examination. The optimal cut-off value determined by the ROC curve was 25.95 mm2 (sensitivity 74.1%, specificity 80.9%) and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.827 (95%CI: 0.803-0.849). There was a significant difference in the neurological function improvement rate between the 2 groups after surgery ( P < 0.05). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.969. Conclusion: Three-dimensional digital simulation reconstruction of CT data is a good measurement method. The optimal cut-off value determined here not only has a certain reference value for the diagnosis of cervical neural foramen bony stenosis, but also helps to select patients suitable for neural foramen decompression and can be used as a reference for surgical indication.
Is there a link between industry involvement in higher education learning and student job creation intention?
Authors: Ehiobuche Christian , Okolie Ugochukwu Chinonso , Nwali Anthony Chukwuma , Igwe Paul Agu 
Published: April 2021

This study examines how the constituents of industry involvement in higher education learning (IIHEL) – namely curriculum restructuring, renewed pedagogical approaches and competencies, building linkages between higher education and industry, and career training and mentoring – might impact student job creation intention. The study builds on social cognitive theory (self-efficacy) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (attitude towards behaviour) to assess the mechanisms through which these relationships exist. The researchers used cross-sectional data from 268 final-year undergraduate students of 12 Nigerian public universities to analyse these relationships. Structural equation modelling analysis (SEM-AMOS) was employed to test the direct relationships, and Hayes’ PROCESS Macro 3.5 was used to test the specific indirect effects. The findings show that all the constituents of IIHEL were associated positively with student job creation intention. However, only self-efficacy mediated the relationships between curriculum restructuring, renewed pedagogical approaches and competencies and student job creation intention. The findings provide practical implications for higher education teachers, managers, practitioners, policymakers and students by demonstrating the importance of IIHEL in boosting student job creation intention.
Predictors of Maternal Participation in Fatherhood Intervention Research With African American Nonresident Fathers
Authors: Julion Wrenetha A. , Sumo Jen’nea , Schoeny Michael E. , Breitenstein Susan M. , Bounds Dawn T. 
Published: April 2021

Purpose: The goal of this study was to understand factors that predict mothers’ decisions to participate as data informants in a randomized controlled trial of a fatherhood intervention for African-American non-resident fathers. Method: Baseline data from 178 fathers and 125 mothers in the Dedicated African American Dad (DAAD) study were examined. Prior research and theoretical frameworks by Feinberg and Morawska informed father variable selection. Data were analyzed via bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: Mothers were likely to participate as data informants when they had younger children, the father reported higher stress, less conflict with the mother, and the mothers’ female relatives were less supportive of the father. Conclusion: Mothers’ decisions to participate as data informants in a fatherhood intervention are shaped by a complex array of social, interpersonal and family relationships that impact co-parenting. More research is needed to explore maternal characteristics and additional factors that could influence maternal predictors of participation. Future intervention research with African American non-resident fathers should seek to capitalize on the importance of the co-parenting relationship, by intervening prenatally, bolstering social support, and including extended family and kin networks.
Breastfeeding in Primary Healthcare Setting: Evaluation of Nurses and Midwives Competencies, Training, Barriers and Satisfaction of Breastfeeding Educational Experiences in Northern Ghana
Authors: Dubik Stephen Dajaan , Yirkyio Ernestina , Ebenezer Kingsley E 
Published: April 2021

Background: Breastfeeding education is critical in improving healthcare professionals’ competencies in providing breastfeeding care to mothers. We evaluated breastfeeding competencies, training, barriers and satisfaction of breastfeeding educational experiences among nurses and midwives in the Sagnarigu Municipality, Ghana. Methods: This cross-sectional study included nurses and midwives providing maternal and child health services at various primary healthcare facilities in Sagnarigu Municipality. Results: Nurses and midwives had higher pre-service breastfeeding training than in-service training with a mean training score of 10.0 and 5.2, respectively. Nurses and midwives who had both pre-service and in-service training had better satisfaction score ( P = .003), positive attitudes ( P = .016) and higher confidence level about breastfeeding ( P = .007). Approximately, 80% of the nurses and midwives reported that they need further training/updating on breastfeeding while 40% reported clinical/professional practice as the significant contributor to their breastfeeding counselling competencies. Mean satisfaction score correlated positively with confidence levels about breastfeeding counselling ( r = .224, P = .022) and pre-service training ( r = .342, P < .001); confidence levels about breastfeeding counselling also correlated positively with attitudes towards breastfeeding counselling ( r = .348, P < .001). Commonly reported barriers to breastfeeding counselling were mother’s poor compliance with breastfeeding recommendations, too much workload, inadequate time and materials for breastfeeding counselling. Conclusion: Nurses and midwives in this study felt confident about breastfeeding counselling, had positive attitudes towards breastfeeding counselling and generally, satisfied with their breastfeeding educational experiences. Despite nurses and midwives agreeing that breastfeeding counselling is integral in their professional practice, their role in providing breastfeeding counselling is hindered by individual and health systems barriers.
The social medicine specialty in southern Sweden
Authors: Lindström Martin 
Published: April 2021

Aims: This article discusses the situation of the social medicine specialty in Skåne, southern Sweden with the aim of understanding the long-term trends of this medical specialty in Skåne and its relation to research in social medicine. Results: In the 1950s to 1980s, there was a balance between clinical and preventive practice, and research. This balance was maintained in the 1980s to early 2000s as the medical specialty and the research moved ‘upstream’ in the chain of causality to psychosocial, socio-economic and contextual determinants of health. The increasingly ‘upstream’ character of the specialty and particularly its new position in the regional organisation since 2010 may have made it more vulnerable to general executive-level reorganisations. Conclusions: The specialty should maintain its ‘upstream’ focus but regain its proximal scope in prevention, epidemiology and health equity. It should regain its place in the health-care system organisation or alternatively become a state-based instead of regional specialty.
Shear wave elastography as a new, non-invasive diagnostic modality for the diagnosis of penile elasticity: a prospective multicenter study
Authors: Illiano Ester , Trama Francesco , Ruffo Antonio , Romeo Giuseppe , Riccardo Filippo , Iacono Fabrizio , Costantini Elisabetta 
Published: April 2021

Objective: Shear wave elastosonography (SWE) could be used to evaluate the elasticity of penile tissue. Few studies in the literature, however, have investigated its use in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) or have attempted to correlate findings with International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) scores. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of erectile tissue using SWE and to determine possible relationships with IIEF-5 and Erection Hardness Scale (EHS) scores. The secondary aim was to establish a cut-off SWE examination value over which cavernous tissue stiffness could contribute to a subsequent organic alteration. Methods: This prospective study included male patients 18−80 years of age who attended two general andrology clinics and underwent SWE. Subjects were divided into groups according to IIEF-5 score, and correlations between SWE and IIEF-5 and EHS questionnaire scores were explored. Results: A total of 270 subjects (mean age 46.7 ± 16.9 years) were included. ED was reflected by low IIEF-5 and EHS scores and a decrease in the mean elasticity of the corpora cavernosa according to SWE, although the difference between the left and right corpora cavernosa was not statistically significant. No statistically significant correlation was found between measurements of the corpora cavernosa (in kPa) and age. The optimal cut-off identified was 24.75 kPa. Conclusion: Results demonstrated that the mean elasticity of the corpora cavernosa according to SWE was correlated with IIEF-5 score and EHS score.
Implementation of a comprehensive intervention focused on hospitalized patients with HIV by an existing stewardship program: successes and lessons learned
Authors: Roshdy Danya , McCarter Maggie , Meredith Jacqueline , Jaffa Rupal , Hammer Katie , Santevecchi Barbara , Rozario Nigel , Campbell Jamie , Leonard Michael , Polk Christopher 
Published: April 2021

Background: Several national organizations have advocated for inpatient antiretroviral stewardship to prevent the consequences of medication-related errors. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a stewardship initiative on outcomes in people with HIV (PWH). Methods: A pharmacist-led audit and review of adult patients admitted with an ICD-10 code for HIV was implemented to an existing antimicrobial stewardship program. A quasi-experimental, retrospective cohort study was conducted comparing PWH admitted during pre- and post-intervention periods. Rates of antiretroviral therapy (ART)-related errors and infectious diseases (ID) consultation with linkage to care were evaluated through selection of a random sample of patients receiving ART in each period. Length of stay (LOS) and mortality were assessed by analyzing all admissions in the post-intervention period. Clinical outcomes including LOS, 30-day all-cause hospital readmission, and in-hospital and 30-day mortality in the post-intervention group were stratified by patients not on ART, on ART at admission, and started on ART as a result of the intervention. Results: A total of 100 patients in the pre-intervention period and 103 patients in the post-intervention period were included to assess ART-related errors and linkage to care. A reduction in errors (70.0 versus 25.7%, p < 0.001) and increased linkage to care (19.0 versus 39.6%, p < 0.01) were demonstrated. Of 389 admissions during the post-intervention period, 30-day mortality rates were similar between PWH on ART at admission and those initiated on ART during admission (5% versus 8%, respectively), but less than those not on ART (21%). A longer LOS was observed in the patients started on ART during admission (5 days if ART started during admission versus 3 days if not started during admission, p < 0.01). Conclusions: This interdisciplinary intervention was successful in reducing inpatient ART-related errors and increasing ID consultation with linkage to care among PWH.
A rare case of testicular mixed germ cell tumour with adrenal metastasis
Authors: Theivendrampillai Shenthiuiyan , Lockyer Richard , Wheater Matthew , Veryard Leon , King Alexander 
Published: April 2021

Testicular cancer commonly affects younger men, with testicular germ cell tumours comprising the vast majority of cases. They are classified into either seminomatous or non-seminomatous germ cell tumours, with mixed germ cell tumours treated as non-seminomas. In the following case report, we describe the clinical course and management of a 38-year-old male patient who presented with a right unilateral testicular mixed germ cell tumour, predominantly seminoma that had metastasized to the adrenal gland. This pattern of spread is indeed a rare occurrence. It also highlights the significance of the current diagnostic and management protocol and the benefits of using positron emission tomography as a diagnostic tool. Level of evidence: 4
The design of Lil’Flo, a socially assistive robot for upper extremity motor assessment and rehabilitation in the community via telepresence
Authors: Sobrepera Michael J , Lee Vera G , Johnson Michelle J 
Published: April 2021

Introduction We present Lil’Flo, a socially assistive robotic telerehabilitation system for deployment in the community. As shortages in rehabilitation professionals increase, especially in rural areas, there is a growing need to deliver care in the communities where patients live, work, learn, and play. Traditional telepresence, while useful, fails to deliver the rich interactions and data needed for motor rehabilitation and assessment. Methods We designed Lil’Flo, targeted towards pediatric patients with cerebral palsy and brachial plexus injuries using results from prior usability studies. The system combines traditional telepresence and computer vision with a humanoid, who can play games with patients and guide them in a present and engaging way under the supervision of a remote clinician. We surveyed 13 rehabilitation clinicians in a virtual usability test to evaluate the system. Results The system is more portable, extensible, and cheaper than our prior iteration, with an expressive humanoid. The virtual usability testing shows that clinicians believe Lil’Flo could be deployed in rural and elder care facilities and is more capable of remote stretching, strength building, and motor assessments than traditional video only telepresence. Conclusions Lil’Flo represents a novel approach to delivering rehabilitation care in the community while maintaining the clinician-patient connection.
Effect of human articular chondroprogenitor derived conditioned media on chondrogenic potential of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Vinod Elizabeth , Padmaja Kawin , Kachroo Upasana 
Published: April 2021

Background: Current research in cartilage repair is focusing on the use of soluble factors released by cells during expansion, either as stand-alone therapy or as conditioned media (CM) supplements to optimize cellular phenotype for in-vivo transplantation. The present study aimed at utilizing spent media from cultured human articular cartilage derived chondroprogenitors and assessing their influence on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) growth and phenotype. Methodology: CM was collected from passage 2 chondroprogenitors and evaluated for latent TGFβ1 levels. Passage 3 BM-MSCs were divided into two groups and cultured with either a) standard expansion medium (EM-group) or b) EM supplemented with 50% CM (CCM-group). At sub-confluence both groups were assessed for population doubling, migration assay, cell surface markers, gene expression for chondrogenic and hypertrophy markers. Additionally, pellet cultures were subjected to chondrogenic differentiation and analyzed by Alcian blue stain. Results: On analysis of proliferation and migration, CCM-group showed comparable results to EM in terms of population doubling and cell movement toward scratched area. Similarly, use of spent medium did not affect the surface protein or gene expression profile of BM-MSCs with similar flow cytometric and mRNA results seen in both groups. Glycosaminoglycan deposition (Alcian blue) was seen in the CCM-group, comparable to the EM-group. Conclusion: This preliminary report provided valuable information on the influence of unfractionated CCM on BM-MSC characteristics which may be further optimized for cartilage regeneration by the use of purified components such as exosomes, micro-vesicles, and concentrated trophic factors in future.