Discussed Research Articles

P-240. Comparing Infection Rates Against Mechanical Complications By Site of Placement of Central Venous Catheters in the ICU, a Moot Point Based on Excessive Mortality?

Abstract Background In the ICU the decision regarding site selection for central venous catheters (CVC) is largely influenced by the historic infection rates by site. It is thought that femoral placement has the highest incidence of line infections and therefore is often avoided. However, few studies have aimed to look at the overall risk to the patient regarding site placement taking not only risk of infection, but also risk of mechanical injury and complications into consideration. Methods We did a retrospective review of all patients who had a new central line (either triple lumen catheter or hemodialysis catheter) placed in the ICU for any indication between 1/31/2022 - 5/4/2023. Key information including demographics, Charlson Comorbidity index, type of catheter, site, date of insertion, and date of removal was obtained. Manual chart review was done for each patient in order to ascertain presence of CLABSI as well as mechanical complications. Results 472 lines were placed during the study period. The average age was 63.5 years. The average Charlson Comorbidity index was 5. There was no statistical significant difference in infection rates among femoral 5/196 (2.5%) and internal jugular (IJ) 9/247 (3.6%) CVCs, although IJ lines had a trend towards higher rates of mechanical complications 21/247 (8.5%) vs 11/195 (5.6%), respectively. Rate of infection was twice as high, 6/267 (2.3%) vs 9/205 (4.4%) in the BMI >30 group vs those with a BMI < 30. The 6-month all-cause mortality for patients requiring a central line in the ICU was >80%, regardless of the site of placement, presence of line infection, or mechanical complication. Conclusion Infection rates between IJ and femoral lines were comparable. Femoral lines had numerically less mechanical complications as compared to IJ lines. BMI > 30 had a trend towards an increased risk of CLABSI. Overall mortality was > 80% for patients who required a CVC for any reason in the ICU setting. Clinicians should take a balanced approach regarding infection and mechanical complication risk when placing a central line. Further research into determining infection rates for patients with higher BMI is needed. Intensivists should consider early palliative care consultation for patients requiring a central line. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

‘An Absurd Rage for Public Speaking’: An Abolitionist Fair Orator in the London Debating Societies, 1788–1791

ABSTRACT On 11 May 1789, the night before Parliament’s first debate on ending the slave trade, a woman advocated for abolition before hundreds of Londoners at a debating society. Despite her compelling oratory and numerous speeches on the slave trade, her name remains unknown, and she is recorded only as the ‘Fair Orator’. This article begins to restore her place in history by examining the role of London debating societies as crucial yet neglected venues for abolitionist advocacy in late-eighteenth-century Britain. By drawing on newspaper advertisements and government spy reports, it highlights the Fair Orator’s impact, explores her potential identity—possibly Mary Robinson—and addresses the historical anonymity that has obscured women speakers’ contributions to the abolitionist movement. The article also sheds light on the hostile environment women orators faced during this period. In doing so, it argues for the recognition of women’s vital yet often overlooked roles in the abolitionist soundscape and the campaign against the slave trade.

Socio-Affective Principle of Language Learning vis-a-vis Speaking Proficiency of English Major Students

This study aimed to evaluate the extent of awareness of socio-affective principles of language learning and the speaking proficiency level of English major students of Central Bicol State University of Agriculture – Sipocot. This descriptive-correlational research utilized survey questionnaires and the impromptu and extemporaneous speeches to gather the data from the respondents. Results showed that respondents were highly aware about the socio-affective domain of language learning (overall mean of 3.32); proficient along extemporaneous speech (19.52 total average); and proficient along impromptu speech (20.88 total average). Moreover, there is no significant difference in the extent of awareness of the respondents across year level about the socio-affective domain of language learning (0.966 F-value and 0.388 p-value); and there is a significant difference in the speaking proficiency across year level (5.783 F-value and 0.006 p-value). Lastly, it was revealed that there is a significant relationship between the extent of awareness of the respondents about the socio-affective domain of language learning and their speaking proficiency level (r-value of 0.329 and a p-value of 0.017). The researchers recommended that continuous language exposure must still be given importance. Additionally, the active participation of the learners, language teachers, and the school community is pivotal in the language learning of the learners. Multifarious activities inside of the school such as English organization, theatre and debate club, workshops, and school broadcasting club are also recommended.

An Information-Theoretic Approach to Morphosyntactic Complexity in English, Dutch and German

ABSTRACT Though equi-complexity of languages has long been an assumption in the study of language, recent research has argued that languages differ with regard to their morphological complexity. Some languages rely more on bound morphology to express grammatical meanings, whereas other languages rely more on lexical or word-order-based strategies. It is a moot point to what extent these differences correlate with demographic factors such as population size and language contact, and how complexity should be measured. In this study, we use information-theory, more specifically Kolmogorov Complexity, to assess morphological and word-order-based strategies and apply the procedure to three West Germanic languages, English, Dutch and German, which have been argued to form a continuum along the morphological complexity cline, plausibly due to different rates of demographic upheaval and concomitant language contact. Tracing the morphological and word-order-based complexity through time in parallel Bible translations, our results show that English is consistently less morphologically complex than its sisters, continuing on its path of morphological simplification. We see a statistically robust trade-off between morphology and word order complexity. We find support for earlier findings in the literature, with the exception of the difference between Dutch and German, which does not transpire in our results.

THE ORIGIN OF THE INSTITUTE OF INDETERMINATE SENTENCES IN SOVIET LEGISLATION 1918-1921

Based on various sources, the author of this article explores the process of the emergence of the institution of indeterminate sentences in Soviet legislation. Its American and European roots are revealed, reflected in the legislation of individual countries, discus sions on the issue of indeterminate sentences at international conferences and congresses. Also considered is the scientific position of prerevolutionary Russian scientists in relation to indeterminate sentences. Some of prerevolutionary scientists were in the public service, first during the Provisional Government, and then in the early Soviet period. In this regard, the author explores the specifics of the personnel of the Central Punitive Department of the People’s Commissariat of Justice in the initial period of its activity. It has been established that a number of prominent prerevolutionary criminologists could influence the content of Soviet legislation in terms of introducing elements of indeterminate sentences. In this regard, the first normative acts of the Soviet state of the criminal law and correctional labor industries (1918-1921) are analyzed. The author comes to the conclusion that during the period of the formation of the Soviet state in Russia, important prerequisites were formed for fixing the institution of indeterminate sentences in the legislation. The article may be of interest both for historians of law and for specialists in the field of criminal and penitentiary law.

Selection of the Best Students’ Leader in UPNM using Analytic Hierarchy Process Method

As university students, it is crucial for them to understand the process of selecting the most suitable student leader based on the current criteria. This research aims to gather input from the high committee of the student club, providing a set of guidelines for students to identify the appropriate criteria for selecting a fitting leader within the university. Additionally, this study serves to motivate aspiring candidates who wish to take up leadership roles, inspiring them to refine the criteria identified through the study. At Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM), there exist several clubs that function as representatives of student leadership. Each club has shown their own trend leadership criteria in accordance with students’ obsecration. Employing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology, this research aimed to establish a ranking of the top student clubs at UPNM. The outcomes can serve as a point of reference for managing the selection by Student Council Representatives (SRC) and simplifying student decision-making. The study encompasses crucial criteria distilled from the questionnaire, with communication, creativity, commitment, and teamwork emerging as the four paramount factors. The method commonly uses a multiple-choice question (MCQ) to select which criteria are most relevant then rank the criteria by using the AHP method. This study involves the high committee of the 5 clubs in UPNM as an expert to compare 3 of the selected clubs as an alternative with 60% of the respondents were male, and 40% were females. The result shows that communication (0.52) is the highest criteria followed by teamwork, commitment and creative with 0.26, 0.14 and 0.08 weightage respectively. Hence, this also affects the alternatives with the highest is Debate Club followed by Peers Leader and MPP UPNM respectively.

Diversity In N.W. Himalayan Macrofungi (Basidiomycetes) and their Conservation

The diversity and distribution of macrofungi belonging to Jelly fungi, Agaricales, Aphyllophorales and Gasteromycetes in N. W. Himalayas, based on extensive survey and collections of these fungi from this region have been discussed in the present communication. An emphasis is laid to intensify the survey and identification of taxa and habitats worthy of conservation, leading to ascertain the exact status of species. The paper discusses the various threats to which not only the fungi but their habitats are also constantly exposed, and suggests the strategies for their effective conservation. The problems faced in evolving the parameters towards the preparation of Red Data lists/Books on fungi have also been discussed and possible remedies to overcome them are outlined.

Ethno-Medicobotanical Survey in Dharwad-Plants Used for Jaundice

Dharwad district is situated at an elevation of 678 m. above MSL. This district is adjacent to Western Ghats. There are several herbal practitioners who depend mostly on the locally available plants. There is no published data on the ethno-medico botanical study of this district and hence an extensive survey was undertaken between 1999-2001. More than 200 traditional herbal practitioners were contacted, amongst whom 54 are effectively treating the jaundice. Twenty five species belonging to 18 families used for curing jaundice in Dharwad district of Karnataka have been recorded. Amongst these species, the most commonly used are Eclipta prostrata L., Plumbago zeylanica L., Ricinus communis L., Balanites aegyptlaca (L) Delile., Phyllanthus niruri L . and Tinospora cordifolia Miers. The method of preparation of medicines disclosed by few of the practitioners are discussed.

The Relationship between Future Wilderness and in Situ and Ex Situ Plant Conservation

Extrapolation of current (1993) rates of wilderness destruction indicate that no significant areas are likely to remain by the year 2300. This likely trend is reinforced by the current continued growth of the human population. The concepts of in situ and ex situ plant species conservation are examined in the context of wilderness loss and practical consequences are discussed including the concept of ad valorem species conservation.

Carrion Flowers of Coromandel

Stapelia umbellata Roxb. (Asclepiadaceae), a native species of Coromandel coast is described and its value as an ornamental is discussed.

Role of Herbaria in the Study of Orchid Flora of Arunachal Pradesh, Conservation and Development with Particular Reference to Orchid Herbarium Tipi

Arunachal Pradesh is known for its rich orchid Flora and to study them. An Orchid Herbarium has been established at Tipi in the year 1979. The herbarium has 2182 numbers of specimens representing 420 species of orchids deposited from time to time by the conserted efforts of the authors. This herbarium includes 15 holotype specimens and specimens of 57 endangered orchids. In this paper detailed list of the specimen deposited have been given. Its role in the study of orchid flora, conservation and development has been discussed.

Sexual Dimorphism in Caesalpinia platyloba Watson

Heterostyly and gynodioecism have been found in Caesalpinia platyloba Watson, and this is a new record for section Coulteria of the genus Caesalpinia L. The morphology and fertility of short-and long-style flower types are described and discussed their taxonomic significance.

Pollen Morphology of Nymphaeaceae (S.L.)

Eleven taxa of the Nymphaeaceae (s. l.) belonging to five genera viz., BRASENIA , EURYALE , NYMPHAEA, NELUMBO and VICTORIA were examined for the present study. NELUMBO pollen is quite distinct from other genera of Nymphaeaceae in having 3-zonocolpate apertures and reticulate exine. In VICTORIA pollen are shed as permanent tetrads, while in BRASENIA, EURYALE and NYMPHAEA pollen are produced as monads. The pollen grains are l-(2)-aperturate, zoni or zonasulculate and hetero-or iso-polar. Exine surface is spinate, tuberculate, verrucate, granulate or psilate. The application of pollen characters within the family is discussed.

Taxonomic Implication of Conducting Elements in the Acrocarpous Mosses

Present study deals with the structure and development of conducting elements in the nine orders of acrocarpous mosses. The significance of conducting tissues in mosses in relation to their habitat conditions, growth forms and leaf cell patterns has been discussed. Features of cells in different portions of the stem and the laminal cell patterns and costa are taken into consideration. Although water-conducting cells are unspecialized in mosses, yet the study shows that they seem to play a vital role in the conduction and provide additional criteria for the distinction of taxa. Four categories have been determined as (i) Acrocarpous mosses with a distinct thick-walled conducting strand (6-7 layered) as hydrome which is surrounded by patches of leptoids. Cortex consists of thick walled cells (6-10 layered). Costa has stereidal cells and well developed conducting elements in leaf, example Polytrichum (ii) Acrocarps with thick-walled, narrow, elongated conducting strand (4-5 layered), cells angular in the cortex (6-8 layered). Leaf cells are rectangular, irregular and porous with incrassate walls, example Dicranum (iii) Acrocarps with conducting tissue (2-5 layered) stereidal, thick walled or thin walled varying in the course of development. Leaf cells are mutipapillate, rounded-quadrate, costa is present, examples Hyophila, Philonotis and (iv) Epiphytic pleurocarps with conducting cells rudimentary, thickened, scattered (2-4 layers) and parenchymatous, cortical cells (2-3 layered) thick walled. Leaf cells are small, rounded or linear and papillate, costa may be present or absent, example Leucodon . The study would constitute a formidable task, especially if intraspecific structural variability is considered. It serves a model system in the eco-physiological aspects.

The Classification and Nomenclature of Fossil Megaspores

The classification of trilete and alete fossil megaspores is discussed in the light of the study of megaspore characters in some living plants, as well as in dispersed fossil specimens. The influence of various macerating fluids and mounting media on the characters of megaspores, is also discussed.

Aquatic Angiosperms of India

Some of the salient features pertaining to the taxonomy of a few interesting aquatic angiosperms and their distribution, variability of fruits and seeds, their economic importance, floral biology, anatomy, embryology and cytology are presented here. The varied and diverse pattern of distribution of some Indian aquatic taxa is described with examples. Certain unique embryological features noticed in some aquatic plants are pointed out. Though the data on the cytplogy of Indian aquatic angiosperms is raher meagre, it is evident that from the evolutionary point of view, polyploidy has played an important role in the differentiation of races, varieties and species. The nomenclature of Nymphoides Hill and Necharmndra Planch., is discussed. Finally, the ample scope present for further work for a better understanding of these plants is emphasised.

Refocusing the Debate: Our Original Critiques of Koops et al. (2022) Still Stand

Koops et al. (2022, 2023) claim that an experimental field study (Koops et al., 2022) provided valid evidence against a latent solution explanation for chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) nut cracking know-how in the wild. In our previous response (Tennie & Call, 2023) we identified two major problems with this interpretation. First, Koops et al. (2022) study subjects were clearly unmotivated to access the intended food reward (nut kernels) – rendering the secondary question of whether they would use tools to crack the provided nuts to access these kernels a moot point. Second, only one of the subjects who came into contact with the experimental setup was within the chimpanzee most sensitive learning bracket to develop nut cracking (identified in previous field studies; Matsuzawa, 1994, 1996; Biro et al., 2003). We concluded that Koops et al.’s (2022) study failed to provide valid evidence against the zone of latent solution hypothesis as applied to chimpanzee nut cracking in the wild. In their reply, Koops et al. (2023) argued against both our critiques. Here, we refocus the debate, reiterate our arguments and provide further evidence that invalidate Koops et al. (2022) conclusion that “nut cracking falls outside” the zone of latent solutions of wild chimpanzees. We end with a call for more data.

Tesla: route to India, route in India

Research methodology The case has been developed by using secondary sources of information. Case overview/synopsis Tesla’s much-awaited foray into the burgeoning Indian electric vehicle (EV) marketplace had hit the “high import tariff” roadblock. Discussions ensued and finally, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and the Indian Government found common ground. The moot point of Tesla’s entry mode was resolved. Musk announced Tesla’s plan to set up an EV supply chain and manufacturing facility in the host country. This case discusses factors affecting location decision, market entry modes and international corporate-level strategies. Tata Motors sold affordable cars and was miles ahead in the EV race in India. Musk had to align Tesla’s India strategy with the company’s global strategy to woo the price-sensitive Indian consumers. What were the options available to him? This case examines different business-level strategic options that could help Tesla drive in the fast lane in India. Complexity academic level The case can be used in international strategy course at graduate level. It can also be used in a session on international marketing in marketing management course.

Whole genome sequencing distinguishes skin colonizing from infection-associated Cutibacterium acnes isolates.

Cutibacterium acnes can both be a helpful colonizer of the human skin as well as the causative agent of acne and purulent infections. Until today, it is a moot point whether there are C. acnes strains exclusively devoted to be part of the skin microbiome and others, that carry special features enabling them to cause disease. So far, the search for the molecular background of such diverse behavior has led to inconsistent results. In the present study, we prospectively collected C. acnes strains from 27 infected persons and 18 healthy controls employing rigid selection criteria to ensure their role as infectious agent or colonizer. The genome sequences from these strains were obtained and carefully controlled for quality. Deduced traditional phylotyping assigned almost all superficial isolates to type IA1, while the clinical strains were evenly distributed between types IA1, IB, and II. Single locus sequence typing (SLST) showed a predominance of A1 type for the control strains, whereas 56% of the clinical isolates belonged to types A1, H1 and K8. Pangenome analysis from all the present strains and 30 published genomes indicated the presence of an open pangenome. Except for three isolates, the colonizing strains clustered in clades separate from the majority of clinical strains, while 4 clinical strains clustered with the control strains. Identical results were obtained by a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. However, there were no significant differences in virulence gene contents in both groups. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) from both the pangenome and SNP data consistently showed genomic differences between both groups located in metabolic pathway and DNA repair genes. Thus, the different behavior of colonizing and infectious C. acnes strains could be due to special metabolic capacities or flexibilities rather than specific virulence traits.

Between Russia and Western Europe: The Diplomatic Languages of Prince Ivan Scherbatov, a Russian Representative at the Spanish Court

This article examines the process of language learning, the acquisition of the codes of polite correspondence, and language practices among Russian diplomats with reference to Prince Ivan Andreevich Shcherbatov (1696–1761), a prominent Russian diplomat at the Spanish, Ottoman, and British courts. Such developments, together with some other changes (such as the shift to appointing resident ambassadors) were significant features of Russian diplomacy during and just after the reign of Peter I and contributed to its integration into the European diplomatic space. The study refers to many previously unused archival sources, such as language-learning exercises, diplomatic and personal correspondence. During his extended stay in London, Shcherbatov learned French including a considerable variety of polite expressions. His mastery of French was to become one of the main tools that Shcherbatov used both in his diplomatic and personal correspondence. His personal network consisted of various foreigners, including many who were not French but for whom French was an important lingua franca. Even in his exchanges with Spanish officials, French was a useful medium; Shcherbatov often resorted to this language when replying to Spaniards who tended to use their own language in their letters addressed to foreign diplomats at the time. Despite his excellent command of French, Shcherbatov hardly ever used it in his correspondence with his fellow compatriots, even when dealing with addressees of non-Russian descent. This contrasts the linguistic practices of some of his colleagues of lower rank and social position who chose to use French in their diplomatic correspondence with their compatriots as a communicative strategy. Whether this early use of French should be interpreted as a sign of a new cultural or professional identity is a moot point.