bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of vitamin K2 in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ma Ming-ling , Ma Zi-jian , He Yi-lang , Sun Hao , Yang Bin , Ruan Bin-jia , Zhan Wan-da , Li Shi-xuan , Dong Hui , Wang Yong-xiang
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Vitamin K (VK) as a nutrient, is a cofactor in the carboxylation of osteocalcin (OC), which can bind with hydroxyapatite to promote bone mineralization and increase bone strength. However, some studies have been inconsistent on whether vitamin K2 (VK2) can maintain or improve bone mineral density (BMD) and reduce the incidence of fractures in postmenopausal women. Therefore, the main objective of this meta-analysis was to determine the effect of VK2 as a nutritional supplement on BMD and fracture incidence in postmenopausal women.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases (published before March 17, 2022) and then extracted and pooled data from all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that met the inclusion criteria.

Results

Sixteen RCTs with a total of 6,425 subjects were included in this meta-analysis. The overall effect test of 10 studies showed a significant improvement in lumbar spine BMD (BMD LS) (P = 0.006) with VK2. The subgroup analysis of VK2 combination therapy showed that BMD LS was significantly maintained and improved with the administration of VK2 (P = 0.03). The overall effect test of the six RCTs showed no significant difference in fracture incidence between the two groups (RR=0.96, P=0.65). However, after excluding one heterogeneous study, the overall effect test showed a significant reduction in fracture incidence with VK2 (RR = 0.43, P = 0.01). In addition, this meta-analysis showed that VK2 reduced serum undercarboxylated osteocalcin (uc-OC) levels and the ratio of uc-OC to cOC in both subgroups of VK2 combined intervention and alone. However, for carboxylated osteocalcin (cOC), both subgroup analysis and overall effect test showed no significant effect of VK2 on it. And the pooled analysis of adverse reactions showed no significant difference between the VK2 and control groups (RR = 1.03, 95%CI 0.87 to 1.21, P = 0.76).

Conclusions

The results of this meta-analysis seem to indicate that VK2 supplementation has a positive effect on the maintenance and improvement of BMD LS in postmenopausal women, and it can also reduce the fracture incidence, serum uc-OC levels and the ratio of uc-OC to cOC. In conclusion, VK2 can indirectly promote bone mineralization and increase bone strength.
What is intended by the term “participation” and what does it mean to people living with dementia? A conceptual overview and directions for future research
Authors: Smith Sarah Kate , Wolverson Emma Louise , Mountain Gail Anne
Published: August 2022

Policy continues to emphasise the importance of wellbeing in dementia. However, there is a vital need for psychosocial interventions that can promote positive outcomes to enhance “living well with dementia”. Our developing understanding of what people living with dementia report as being important to them, has resulted in new interpretations of what constitutes wellbeing including constructs such as “growth”, “purpose” and “participation”. These exciting and important constructs are not currently captured by outcome measures within dementia research. This limits our understanding of the value of psychosocial interventions. This paper explores the concept of participation and how continued participation in social life can make a difference to the rights of people living with dementia as citizens. We will firstly consider why participation is important for how we might measure outcomes in dementia research and care. Secondly, we will explore how we might measure participation. Finally, we will consider the value of participation as a psychosocial outcome in future research.
Seizure outcomes and prognostic factors in patients with gangliogliomas associated with epilepsy
Authors: Hu Yue , Zhang Huawei , Adilijiang Aihemaitiniyazi , Zhou Jian , Guan Yuguang , Qi Xueling , Wang Mengyang , Wang Jing , Wang Xiongfei , Liu Changqing , Luan Guoming
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Ganglioglioma (GG) patients often present with seizures. Although most patients can be seizure-free after tumor resection, some still experience seizures. The present study aimed to analyze a group of GGs patients associated with epilepsy and evaluate the seizure outcomes and prognostic factors.

Methods

This retrospective study involved clinical data collected from medical records of patients diagnosed with GG pathologically and underwent surgical resection in Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University. The seizure outcomes were evaluated based on the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) seizure outcome classification. The prognostic factors were identified according to univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

A total of 222 patients were included, with a mean age at surgery of 19.19 ± 10.93 years. All patients were followed up at least for one year with a mean follow-up duration of 6.28 ± 3.17 years. At the final follow-up, 174 (78.4%) patients achieved ILAE Class 1 or 2. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that the short duration of seizures and gross total resection were significant positive factors for seizure-free. Bilateral interictal or ictal epileptiform discharges in preoperative video-electroencephalogram (VEEG) were related to poor seizure outcomes.

Conclusion

Surgical resection is an effective treatment for patients with epilepsy associated with GGs. The analysis of predictive factors could effectively guide clinical practice and evaluate the prognosis of epilepsy with GG.
Integration of RNA-seq and ATAC-seq identifies muscle-regulated hub genes in cattle
Authors: Wang Jianfang , Li Bingzhi , Yang Xinran , Liang Chengcheng , Raza Sayed Haidar Abbas , Pan Yueting , Zhang Ke , Zan Linsen
Published: August 2022

As the main product of livestock, muscle itself plays an irreplaceable role in maintaining animal body movement and regulating metabolism. Therefore, it is of great significance to explore its growth, development and regeneration to improve the meat yield and quality of livestock. In this study, we attempted to use RNA-seq and ATAC-seq techniques to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) specifically expressed in bovine skeletal muscle as potential candidates for studying the regulatory mechanisms of muscle development. Microarray data from 8 tissue samples were selected from the GEO database for analysis. First, we obtained gene modules related to each tissue through WGCNA analysis. Through Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotation, the module of lightyellow (MElightyellow) was closely related to muscle development, and 213 hub genes were screened as follow-up research targets. Further, the difference analysis showed that, except for PREB, all other candidate hub genes were up-regulated (muscle group vs. other-group). ATAC-seq analysis showed that muscle-specific accessible chromatin regions were mainly located in promoter of genes related to muscle structure development (GO:0061061), muscle cell development (GO:0055001) and muscle system process (GO:0003012), which were involved in cAMP, CGMP-PKG, MAPK, and other signaling pathways. Next, we integrated the results of RNA-seq and ATAC-seq analysis, and 54 of the 212 candidate hub genes were identified as key regulatory genes in skeletal muscle development. Finally, through motif analysis, 22 of the 54 key genes were found to be potential target genes of transcription factor MEF2C. Including CAPN3, ACTN2, MB, MYOM3, SRL, CKM, ALPK3, MAP3K20, UBE2G1, NEURL2, CAND2, DOT1L, HRC, MAMSTR, FSD2, LRRC2, LSMEM1, SLC29A2, FHL3, KLHL41, ATXN7L2, and PDRG1. This provides a potential reference for studying the molecular mechanism of skeletal muscle development in mammals.
A pilot study about on-farm assessment of health and welfare in rabbits kept in different housing systems
Authors: Trocino Angela , Menegon Francesca , Zomeño Cristina , Pasqualin Dario , Cunial Giovanni , Xiccato Gerolamo , Pirrone Fabrizio , Bertotto Daniela , Bortoletti Martina , Dorigo Francesco , Lavazza Antonio , Di Martino Guido
Published: August 2022

This pilot study tested an on-farm protocol based on resource, management, and animal-based measures to evaluate the on-farm health and welfare of rabbits kept in four different housing systems. In detail, the four housing systems were (1) standard breeding cages for reproducing does (3,300 cm2) with their litters associated with bicellular cages for growing rabbits (1,200 cm2); (2) dual-purpose cages for both reproducing does and growing rabbits (3,655 cm2); (3) enriched cages (4,739 cm2) for both reproducing does and growing rabbits equipped with a wire-mesh elevated platform (1,015 cm2); (4) parks (30,977 cm2) made up of four modules (7,744 cm2each) joined by removing the wire net walls between them with growing rabbits kept in collective parks and reproducing does individually in the single modules. A total of 12 commercial farms (three farms/four housing systems) were visited during three seasons (summer, autumn, and winter) on two occasions each: (1) a pre-weaning visit for recordings on reproducing does and litters and (2) a pre-slaughtering visit for recordings on growing rabbits. At the pre-weaning visit, the prevalence of health concerns did not differ among does and litters kept in the different housing systems. At the pre-slaughtering visit, a higher prevalence of dermatomycosis was found in farms with dual-purpose cages and parks. Overall, taking into account the limitations due to the small sample size per housing system and the field conditions, the on-farm assessment tested in the present pilot study did not highlight major differences in the welfare and health of reproducing does and their kits as well as of growing rabbits in farms using different housing systems, which need to be confirmed on a large number of farms. The study also outlined the role of several management and environmental factors changing from one farm to another, which stresses the troubles of accounting for on-farm rabbit welfare and health exclusively to the housing system.
Effects of the Chemical Composition on the Antioxidant and Sensory Characteristics and Oxidative Stability of Cold-Pressed Black Cumin Oils
Authors: Szydłowska-Czerniak Aleksandra , Momot Monika , Stawicka Barbara , Rabiej-Kozioł Dobrochna
Published: August 2022

The antioxidant capacity (AC); amounts of tocopherols, sterols, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; oxidative parameters; fatty acid composition (FAC); and sensory quality of cold-pressed black cumin oils (CPBCOs) available on the Polish market were analyzed and compared. The AC levels of the CPBCO samples were determined using four assays, namely 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH = 226.8–790.1 μmol TE/100 g), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS = 385.9–1465.0 μmol TE/100 g), cupric-reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC = 975.3–19,823.3 μmol TE/100 g), and Folin–Ciocalteu assays (FC = 168.1–643.7 μmol TE/100 g). The FAC scores were typical for black cumin oil, except for the sample CPBCO4, which had a higher content of α-linolenic acid (C18:3 = 23.33%), pointing to possible oil adulteration. Additionally, the concentrations of total sterols (TSC = 372 mg/100 g) and tocopherols (TTC = 42.3 mg/100 g) in this sample were higher than those for other investigated oils (TSC = 159–222 mg/100 g, TTC = 1.9–10.4 mg/100 g respectively). The oxidative stability levels (IP = 8.21–37.34 h), peroxide values (PV = 21.36–123.77 meq O2/kg), acid values (AV = 6.40–22.02 mg KOH/kg), and the sums of four specific polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (∑4PAHs = 4.48–46.68 μg/kg) in the studied samples differed significantly (p < 0.05). A sensory lexicon including 12 attributes was developed and applied for the sensory evaluation of oils using a quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA).
Characterization of Mesothelin Glycosylation in Pancreatic Cancer: Decreased Core Fucosylated Glycoforms in Pancreatic Cancer Patients’ Sera
Authors: Duran Adrià , Guerrero Pedro E. , Ortiz Maria Rosa , Pérez del Campo Dúnia , Castro Ernesto , Garcia-Velasco Adelaida , Fort Esther , de Llorens Rafael , Saldova Radka , Llop Esther , Peracaula Rosa
Published: August 2022

Currently, there are no reliable biomarkers for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer (PaC). Glycoproteomic approaches that analyze the glycan determinants on specific glycoproteins have proven useful to develop more specific cancer biomarkers than the corresponding protein levels. In PaC, mesothelin (MSLN) is a neo-expressed glycoprotein. MSLN glycosylation has not been described and could be altered in PaC. In this work, we aimed to characterize MSLN glycans from PaC cells and serum samples to assess their potential usefulness as PaC biomarkers. First, we analyzed MSLN glycans from PaC cell lines and then we developed an enzyme-linked lectin assay to measure core fucosylated-MSLN (Cf-MSLN) glycoforms. MSLN glycans from PaC cells were analyzed by glycan sequencing and through Western blotting with lectins. All of the cell lines secreted MSLN, with its three N-glycosylation sites occupied by complex-type N-glycans, which were mainly α2,3-sialylated, core fucosylated and highly branched. The Cf-MSLN glycoforms were quantified on PaC serum samples, and compared with MSLN protein levels. The Cf-MSLN was significantly decreased in PaC patients compared to control sera, while no differences were detected by using MSLN protein levels. In conclusion, Cf-MSLN glycoforms were differently expressed in PaC, which opens the way to further investigate their usefulness as PaC biomarkers.
Highly Sensitive Hydrogen Sensing Based on Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy with a 2.1 μm Diode Laser
Authors: Liang Tiantian , Qiao Shunda , Liu Xiaonan , Ma Yufei
Published: August 2022

As a new form of energy, hydrogen (H2) has clean and green features, and the detection of H2 has been a hot topic in recent years. However, the lack of suitable laser sources and the weak optical absorption of H2 limit the research concerning its detection. In this study, a continuous-wave distributed feedback (CW-DFB) diode laser was employed for sensing H2. Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) was adopted as the detection technique. The strongest H2 absorption line, located at 4712.90 cm−1 (2121.83 nm, line strength: 3.19 × 10−26 cm−1/cm−2 × molec), was selected. We propose a H2-TDLAS sensor based on the wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) technique and a Herriott multipass gas cell (HMPC) with an optical length of 10.13 m to achieve a sensitive detection. The WMS technique and second harmonic (2f) demodulation technique were utilized to suppress system noise and simplify the data processing. The 2f signal of the H2-TDLAS sensor, with respect to different H2 concentrations, was measured when the laser wavelength modulation depth was at the optimal value of 0.016 cm−1. The system’s signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and minimum detection limit (MDL) were improved from 248.02 and 0.40% to 509.55 and 0.20%, respectively, by applying Daubechies (DB) wavelet denoising, resulting in 10 vanishing moments. The Allan variance was calculated, and the optimum MDL of 522.02 ppm was obtained when the integration time of the system was 36 s.
Citius, Altius, Fortius—Advanced Mass Spectrometry in Service of Forensic Analysis
Authors: Grocholska Paulina , Popiel Dominik , Walter Martyna , Biernat Monika , Cebrat Marek , Kuczer Mariola , Modzel Maciej , Bąchor Remigiusz , Kluczyk Alicja
Published: August 2022

This review presents numerous studies in which mass spectrometry has been used to assist forensic investigation. Due to its unique capabilities, mainly high-resolution mass data and structural information, high sensitivity, and cooperation with separation techniques, this method provides access to many tools streamlining and accelerating sample analysis. Low analyte consumption, advanced derivatization procedures and availability of isotopically labeled standards offer opportunities to study materials previously not considered viable evidence, opening new avenues in forensic investigations.
Sexual-Related Knowledge, School and Family Sexuality Education and Its Association with Experience of Sexual Intercourse among Vocational Secondary School Students in China
Authors: Fang Yuhang , Zheng Yujia , Jin Yan , Yu Chunyan , Zuo Xiayun , Lian Qiguo , Lou Chaohua , Li Lihe , Hong Ping , Tu Xiaowen
Published: August 2022

Objectives: To investigate the associations between sexual-related knowledge, access to school and family sexuality education, and the experience of sexual intercourse, in order to make recommendations on sexuality education for vocational secondary school students in China. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 3180 vocational secondary school students in the Shanghai municipality and the Shaanxi province, China. Data were collected through an online, electronic questionnaire, which included socio-demographics, sexual-related knowledge, sources of information, and sexual-related behaviors. Results: The score on sexual-related knowledge among girls (53.8) is higher than that of boys (48.8), and that of participants from Shanghai (55.2) is higher than their counterparts from Shaanxi (47.6). The proportions of girls (70% and 41.7%, respectively) and participants from Shanghai (65% and 35.7%, respectively) who reported acquiring sexual information from their schools/teachers and parents are higher than that of boys (54.3% and 21.0%, respectively) and their counterparts from Shaanxi (59.7% and 27.4%, respectively). About 6% of participants had experienced sexual intercourse and 10% had watched porn actively. Experience of sexual intercourse was associated with higher sexual-related knowledge scores (OR = 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00–1.02) and active porn watching (OR = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.79–3.84) but was not associated with school and family sexuality education. Conclusions: Vocational secondary school students had poor sexual knowledge and inadequate school and family sexuality education. School and family-based comprehensive sexuality education should be promoted among vocational secondary school students.
Succession of Bacterial and Fungal Communities during Fermentation of Medicinal Plants
Authors: Sauer Simon , Dlugosch Leon , Milke Felix , Brinkhoff Thorsten , Kammerer Dietmar R. , Stintzing Florian C. , Simon Meinhard
Published: August 2022

The fermentation of medicinal plants has been studied very little, as compared to the fermentation of food and beverages. One approach applies fermentation by single bacterial or fungal strains and targets the production of specific compounds or preservation of the fermented material. Spontaneous fermentation by an autochthonous starter community may lead to a more diverse blend of fermentation products because co-occurring microbes may activate the biosynthetic potentials and formation of compounds not produced in single strain approaches. We applied the community approach and studied the fermentation of four medicinal plants (Achillea millefolium, Taraxacum officinale, Mercurialis perennis, and Euphrasia officinalis), according to a standardized pharmaceutical fermentation method. It is based on the spontaneous fermentation by plant-specific bacterial and fungal communities under a distinct temperature regime, with a recurrent cooling during the first week and further fermentation for at least six months. The results revealed both general and plant-specific patterns in the composition and succession of microbial communities during fermentation. Lactic acid bacteria increasingly dominated in all preparations, whereas the fungal communities retained more plant-specific features. Three distinct fermentation phases with characteristic bacterial communities were identified, i.e., early, middle, and late phases. Co-occurrence network analyses revealed the plant-specific features of the microbial communities.
Grafting Eggplant Onto Underutilized Solanum Species and Biostimulatory Action of Azospirillum brasilense Modulate Growth, Yield, NUE and Nutritional and Functional Traits
Authors: Consentino Beppe Benedetto , Sabatino Leo , Vultaggio Lorena , Rotino Giuseppe Leonardo , La Placa Gaetano Giuseppe , D’Anna Fabio , Leto Claudio , Iacuzzi Nicolò , De Pasquale Claudio
Published: August 2022

The grafting of vegetable crops is considered a valuable mean for ensuring the yield and quality under different cultivation conditions. Simultaneously, there are increasing research efforts in exploiting underutilised plants as potential rootstocks for vegetables to increase the sustainability of horticultural systems. In accordance with the European Green Deal, the application of biostimulants is a fashionable and ecological agronomic practice to enhance the production and quality of vegetables. Thus, the current research appraised the synergistic effect of grafting eggplant onto various allied potential rootstocks (Solanum torvum, S. aethiopicum and S. macrocarpon) and of applying a plant growth-promoting bacteria (Azospirillum brasilense DSM 2298) on eggplant growth, production, fruit quality traits (nutritional and functional features) and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). The findings showed that ‘Gloria’ F1 plants grafted onto S. torvum or S. aethiopicum had a significant increase in plant height 50 DAT by 11.6% and 9%, respectively, compared with not grafted plants. Simultaneously, plants inoculated with A. brasilense DSM 2298 acquired a significant upsurge of plant height 50 DAT by 6% compared with the control. Our results revealed that S. torvum and S. aethiopicum-grafted plants improved their marketable yield by 31.4% and 20%, respectively, compared with not grafted ones. Furthermore, A. brasilense DSM 2298 significantly boosted the yield compared with the control plants. Plant type had no effect on fruit dry matter and firmness, whereas plants grafted onto S. macrocarpon showed a significant increase in the soluble solids content (SSC) and fruit K concentration compared with not grafted plants. Plants grafted onto S. torvum rootstock and inoculated with A. brasilense DSM 2298 had a significant increase in fruit protein concentrations compared with the combination not grafted × control. Moreover, S. torvum-grafted plants and those inoculated with the microbial biostimulant revealed the highest NUE values. The results evidenced that S. torvum and S. macrocarpon-grafted plants, inoculated with A. brasilense DSM 2298, had the highest ascorbic acid (average 7.33 and 7.32 mg 100 g−1 fw, respectively). Interestingly, S. torvum rootstock increased the chlorogenic acid concentration and reduced the glycoalkaloids concentration compared with not grafted plants. Our data also showed that A. brasilense DSM 2298 significantly increased SSC by 4.5%, NUE by 5.5%, chlorogenic acid concentration by 2.0% and the total anthocyanins by 0.2% compared to the control. Thus, our study underlined that S. aethiopicum rootstocks inoculated with A. brasilense DSM 2298 could represent a valid substitute to the common S. torvum rootstock.
Pregnancy Considerations in the Multidisciplinary Care of Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Coursen Julie , Simpson Catherine E. , Mukherjee Monica , Vaught Arthur J. , Kutty Shelby , Al-Talib Tala K. , Wood Malissa J. , Scott Nandita S. , Mathai Stephen C. , Sharma Garima
Published: August 2022

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a vasoconstrictive disease of the distal pulmonary vasculature resulting in adverse right heart remodeling. Pregnancy in PAH patients is associated with high maternal morbidity and mortality as well as neonatal and fetal complications. Pregnancy-associated changes in the cardiovascular, pulmonary, hormonal, and thrombotic systems challenge the complex PAH physiology. Due to the high risks, patients with PAH are currently counseled against pregnancy based on international consensus guidelines, but there are promising signs of improving outcomes, particularly for patients with mild disease. For patients who become pregnant, multidisciplinary care at a PAH specialist center is needed for peripartum monitoring, medication management, delivery, postpartum care, and complication management. Patients with PAH also require disease-specific counseling on contraception and breastfeeding. In this review, we detail the considerations for reproductive planning, pregnancy, and delivery for the multidisciplinary care of a patient with PAH.
Anhydrous Proton Conductivity in HAp-Collagen Composite
Authors: Furuseki Tomoki , Matsuo Yasumitsu
Published: August 2022

It is well known that a proton conductor is needed as an electrolyte of hydrogen fuel cells, which are attracting attention as an environmentally friendly next-generation device. In particular, anhydrous proton-conducting electrolytes are highly desired because of their advantages, such as high catalytic efficiency and the ability to operate at high temperatures, which will lead to the further development of fuel cells. In this study, we have investigated the proton-conducting properties of the hydroxyapatite (HAp)-collagen composite without external humidification conditions. It was found that, by injecting HAp into collagen, the electrical conductivity becomes higher than that of the HAp or the collagen. Moreover, the motional narrowing of the proton NMR line is observed above 130 °C. These results indicate that the electrical conductivity observed in the HAp-collagen composite is caused by mobile protons. Furthermore, we measured the proton conduction of HAp-collagen composite films with different HAp contents and investigated the necessity of the appearance of proton conductivity in HAp-collagen composites. HAp content (n = 0–0.38) is the number of HAp per collagen peptide representing Gly-Pro-Hyp. These results indicate that injection of HAp into collagen decreases the activation energy of proton conduction which becomes almost constant above a HAp content n of 0.3. It is deduced that the proton-conduction pathway in the HAp-collagen composite is fully formed above n = 0.3. Furthermore, these results indicate that the value of the activation energy of proton conductivity was lowered, accompanied by the formation of the HAp-collagen composite, and saturated at n > 0.3. From these results, the HAp-collagen composite forms the proton-conduction pathway n > 0.3 and becomes the proton conductor with no external humidification in the condition of n > 0.3 above 130 °C.
Learning the Lexical Semantics of Mandarin Monomorphemic State-Change Verbs by English-Speaking Learners of Mandarin Chinese
Authors: Chen Jidong , Qian Zhiying
Published: August 2022

Languages vary systematically in how semantic information is “packaged” in verbs and verb-related constructions. Mandarin Chinese contrasts typologically with English in its lexicalization of state change. Most Mandarin monomorphemic verbs are moot about or imply a state change, whereas many English monomorphemic verbs (e.g., kill, break) entail the fulfillment of a state change. Recent studies suggest that Mandarin monomorphemic verbs form a continuum in the strength of state-change implicature. State-change verbs have been found difficult for first language (L1) learners. This study reports two experiments that investigate the lexical semantic knowledge of Mandarin monomorphemic implied or moot state-change verbs by intermediate (N = 19, mean age 21) and advanced (N = 12, mean age 21) English-speaking second language (L2) learners of Mandarin Chinese. The results reveal L2 learners’ general preference for the state-change interpretation for the monomorphemic verbs and their limited sensitivity to the nuanced strength of state-change implicature in the Mandarin verbs. Typological differences in the lexicalization of state change are argued to contribute to the difficulties in L2 learning of the lexical semantics in the semantic domain of state change in Mandarin.
Privacy-Preserving Image Captioning with Deep Learning and Double Random Phase Encoding
Authors: Martin Antoinette Deborah , Ahmadzadeh Ezat , Moon Inkyu
Published: August 2022

Cloud storage has become eminent, with an increasing amount of data being produced daily; this has led to substantial concerns related to privacy and unauthorized access. To secure privacy, users can protect their private data by uploading encrypted data to the cloud. Data encryption allows computations to be performed on encrypted data without the data being decrypted in the cloud, which requires enormous computation resources and prevents unauthorized access to private data. Data analysis such as classification, and image query and retrieval can preserve data privacy if the analysis is performed using encrypted data. This paper proposes an image-captioning method that generates captions over encrypted images using an encoder–decoder framework with attention and a double random phase encoding (DRPE) encryption scheme. The images are encrypted with DRPE to protect them and then fed to an encoder that adopts the ResNet architectures to generate a fixed-length vector of representations or features. The decoder is designed with long short-term memory to process the features and embeddings to generate descriptive captions for the images. We evaluate the predicted captions with BLEU, METEOR, ROUGE, and CIDEr metrics. The experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of our privacy-preserving image captioning on the popular benchmark Flickr8k dataset.
Special Issue on Numerical Modeling in Civil and Mining Geotechnical Engineering
Authors: Li Li
Published: August 2022

Numerical modeling is a widely used method in geotechnical engineering to understand the interactive responses of infrastructures with soils or/and rocks in both civil and mining engineering [...]
A Different Approach to Develop a District Heating Grid Based on the Optimization of Building Clusters
Authors: Pompei Laura , Mannhardt Jacob , Nardecchia Fabio , Pastore Lorenzo M. , de Santoli Livio
Published: August 2022

Currently, reducing energy consumption and fossil fuel emissions are key factors placed in the first position on the European agenda. District heating technology is an attractive solution, able to satisfy the energy and environmental goals of policymakers and designers. In line with this, a different approach to planning a district heating grid based on the optimization of building clusters is presented. The case study is Wilhelmsburg, a district of Hamburg city. This approach also investigates the usage of industrial waste heat as the grid’s heat source, which is CO2-neutral. First, the data acquisition regarding the buildings’ location and heat demand are described in detail. Based on the derived data and the source of the industrial waste heat, the district heating grid is created by clustering the buildings and connecting the obtained nodes. Furthermore, the grid’s efficiency is improved by eliminating nodes, which are too distant from the heat source, or have lower heat demand. Finally, a single building is simulated in Matlab/Simulink, showing the energy-savings and ecological results. The usage of the district heating grid saves 97.32 GWh annually, which results in financial savings of €5.83 million, and avoided CO2 emissions of 19,585 tCO2.
Special Issue “Feature Papers in Recycling 2021”
Authors: La Mantia Francesco Paolo , Castellani Beatrice
Published: August 2022

Recycling is the collection and conversion process of waste materials into second raw materials [...]
Features of pharmacodynamics of cholinoblockers and cholinomimetics in Alzheimer’s patients
Authors:   FSAEI HE N. I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Ostanin А. М.
Published: August 2022

The aim of the study was to investigate the features of anticholinergics and cholinomimetics pharmacodynamics in patients with Alzheimer's disease and to select alternative options in case of incompatibility with lifelong anticholinesterase (AChE) therapy.
Rational methods of substance abuse treatment
Authors:   Andijan State Medical Institute, Andijan, Uzbekistan, Turgunov M. A. , Eshonkhuzhaev O. O. ,   Andijan State Medical Institute, Andijan, Uzbekistan
Published: August 2022

The aim of the work was to study modern methods of treatment of substance abuse with various psychoactive substances. Materials and methods. Analysis of literature data on the pharmacotherapy of various forms of substance abuse.
Effect of levonorgestrel and folic acid o n the state of the endometrium and preparation for pregnancy
Authors:   https://panor.ru/articles/vliyanie-levonorgestrela-i-folievoy-kisloty-na-sostoyanie-endometriya-i-podgotovku-k-beremennosti/85202.html, Shaikhrazieva Yu. E.
Published: August 2022

Arterial hypertension (AH), being a complex disease, ultimately leads to patient disability and mortality. Currently, due to the relative increase in the number of elderly people, the number of patients with hypertension is also growing. Despite sufficient information about AH, many problems remain poorly studied, including the definition of risk factors, the possibility of determining the predictors of complications, and measures to prevent the disease. The aim of the study was to identify the features of hypertension risk factors in the elderly.
Pharmacoepidemiological analysis of antifungal therapy in pregnant patients
Authors:   Andijan State Medical Institute, Andijan, Uzbekistan, Eshonkhuzhaev, O. O. , Khalilov A. N. ,   Andijan State Medical Institute, Andijan, Uzbekistan
Published: August 2022

The ongoing antifungal therapy for pregnant patients is one of the poorly studied sections of pharmacotherapy, and in particular, clinical pharmacology. As it is known, large clinical studies are not conducted in pregnant women for ethical reasons. In addition, when prescribing antifungal drugs to pregnant women, doctors often forget that the physiological changes that occur in a woman's body can lead to changes in the pharmacokinetics of these drugs and, consequently, to a change in their effectiveness and safety, which is fraught with consequences not only for the fetus, but also for mother. The purpose of the studies is to evaluate the frequency and quality of using antifungal agents during pregnancy.
Experience of using hypoxic-hyperoxic treatment in patients with Covid-19 associated pneumonia
Authors:   Medsi Group of Companies, Medsi Clinical Hospital in Otradnoe, Krasnogorsk, Moscow Region, Russian Federation, Kostenko A. A. , Koneva E. S. ,   Medsi Group of Companies, Medsi Clinical Hospital in Otradnoe, Krasnogorsk, Moscow Region, Russian Federation; Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Malyutin D. S. ,   Medsi Group of Companies, Medsi Clinical Hospital in Otradnoe, Krasnogorsk, Moscow Region, Russian Federation, Tsvetkova A. V. ,   Medsi Group of Companies, Medsi Clinical Hospital in Otradnoe, Krasnogorsk, Moscow Region, Russian Federation; Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Bisheva D. R. ,   Medsi Group of Companies, Medsi Clinical Hospital in Otradnoe, Krasnogorsk, Moscow Region, Russian Federation
Published: August 2022

Aim of the study. To study the safety and efficacy of hypoxic-hyperoxic treatment in the complex of rehabilitation measures in patients after COVID-19 associated pneumonia. Materials and methods. The study included 20 patients aged 49 to 75 years after viral pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus infection (ICD-10 U07.1 and U07.2). The patients were divided into two groups according to the rehabilitation treatment received. In the first group (n = 10), the rehabilitation treatment was carried out in the scope of therapeutic exercises, massage and physiotherapy procedures. In the second group (n = 10), procedures for hypoxic-hyperoxic treatment were added to the complex of basic measures. Results. Our experience in conducting a rehabilitation course and including hypoxic-hyperoxic treatment in complex rehabilitation programs for patients in the early recovery period after viral pneumonia associated with the novel coronavirus infection revealed positive dynamics in terms of increasing Conclusions. exercise tolerance, reducing anxiety and depression, and improving the quality of patients’ lives. The use of hypoxic-hyperoxic treatment as part of a general rehabilitation course has shown its safety and efficacy for patients who had pneumonia associated with the novel coronavirus infection.
Solving problems of garbage and waste disposal as a criterion of public administration efficiency
Authors: Kulapov M. N. , Sergeev P. A. , Karasev P. A.
Published: August 2022

The article analyzed the main problems of the world development related to the increasing pollution of oceans, land and space at the hands of human population and as a result of the activities of legal entities which are producers of the most types of products. Inter-country (by the example of the USA, Canada and some European countries) comparison of the experience in solving the waste management problem in the context of legislative, economical and organizational measures was made. The authors suggested several indicators as the criteria of assessment of efficiency of the system of the measures for prevention of waste formation, recycling, removal and reuse. The problematics in the Russian Federation was also assessed, including the progress of the “Ecology” national project implementation, and the recommendations regarding increase of efficiency of the state and municipal management in this field of social development in dual context of the commitment to the experience of the North American continent and own way of formation of a new model of waste management, with specialized hubs located near large cities and industrial centers acting as central cores, as well as creation of the incentive system for individuals and legal entities regarding the employment of separate waste collection technology.
Citizens’ rights for health protection and medical care during the initial period of Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Bogdan I. V. , Gabov K. I. , Dreneva A. A. , Pravednikov A. V. , Chistyakova D. P. , Potyaeva T. A.
Published: August 2022

For a comprehensive study of the topic, several methods were used: analysis of messages in social media, telephone survey and focus group interviews. It was found that almost half of the respondents did not have a clear idea of what the right to health care includes; others envision the right as mostly free, high quality and accessible medical care. Authors identified the need of residents for medical care and assessed the volume of rights violations (January–September 2020). The study described the main behavioral strategies of population when faced with rights violation: avoiding the problem, solving the problem “on the spot”, solving the problem after violation. The study presents practical recommendations on organization and structure of channels for citizens’ appeal and awareness campaigns.
Virtuality, simulation and fake
Authors: Tao Feng , Dang Yunyu
Published: August 2022

As a real-life application of a “virtual human,” virtual anchors refer to the application of virtual reality technology in communication hosting to create virtual images that simulate human anchors. The pursuit of a virtual human image originates from philosophy, art, and biotechnology. Virtual anchors are also required to undertake the function of communication and hosting. First, by sorting out the development process of virtual anchors, we find that the development of a virtual anchor is based on the needs of technological development and the purpose of capital profit. Second, the simulation technology of a virtual anchor has five dimensions, such as appearance, individuality, and autonomy, and two levels: internal and external. This simulation technology has reached the intelligent simulation stage. Finally, the technology involved in virtual anchors will lead to a trust crisis. That is, the people's body-mind relation and cognitive trust will be broken under the mediation of data. Virtual technology will recreate a false aura, that is, false space-time and fake original works, which is the intelligent falsehood required by the new cultural industry.
Embodied artificial intelligence in science fiction
Authors: Pace Giannotta Andrea
Published: August 2022

In this paper, I explore the fruitful relationship between science fiction and philosophy regarding the topic of artificial intelligence. I establish a connection between certain paradigms in the philosophy of mind and consciousness and the imagination of possible future scenarios in sci-fi, especially focusing on the different ways of conceiving the role of corporeality in constituting consciousness and cognition. Then, I establish a parallelism between these different conceptions of corporeality in the philosophy of mind and certain representations of AI in sci-fi: from computers to robots and androids. I conclude by stressing the value of exchanging ideas between sci-fi and philosophy to foreshadow and evaluate some scenarios of high ethical relevance.
PENGELOLAAN DAN PENGEMBANGAN KEGIATAN EKTRAKURIKULER DI SMA NEGERI 1 KUANTAN HILIR SEBERANG
Authors:   Universitas Riau, Masyhur Masyhur , Yasmawati Yasmawati , Fahreni Rhena
Published: August 2022

The aim of this research is to 1) know the management of extracurricular activities at SMA Negeri 1 Kuantan Hilir Seberang; 2) know the innovation extracurricular activities in the development of character in students of SMA Negeri 1 Kuantan Hilir Seberang; 3) know the shape of the character development of students in extracurricular activities at SMA Negeri 1 Kuantan Hilir Seberang. This type of research in this study is a descriptive qualitative approach using observations, interviews, and documentation. The result of this research shows that extracurricular management and extracurricular development at SMA Negeri 1 Kuantan Hilir Seberang can achieve goals through planning, organizing, controlling, and monitoring. Self-development and innovation activities carried out through these extracurricular can impact the development of the character of students, such as confidence, discipline, responsibility, hard work, self-reliance, empathy, better academic abilities, better educational satisfaction, and higher self-concept.
MOTIVASI BELAJAR SISWA TERHADAP PEMBELAJARAN DARING:STUDY KASUS DI SISWA KELAS 6 C SD NEGERI 01 BUANTAN LESTARI
Authors:   Universitas Riau, Bebby Pitaloka Widuri , Dwi Cahyani Febriska , Sumaji Sumaji , Guslinda Guslinda , Martini Martini
Published: August 2022

This study aims to explain in detail how the objective conditions of motivation experienced by students in online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. This study uses a qualitative approach with the observation method. The research was conducted at SDN 01 Buantan Lestari, Bungaraya Subdistrict, Siak Regency, involving 24 students of grade 6 C. The data collection techniques in this study used observation sheets. The data analysis technique used in this study is to calculate the percentage of data from each indicator, then interpret the data presentation score and analyze each indicator in depth. The results of this study indicate that the student's learning motivation is obtained from the percentage score of the motivation which amounts to. This research is expected to be an evaluation of various parties in organizing online learning at SDN 01 Buantan Lestari, especially those involving motivation in it, this research is also expected to be research material for other researchers in analyzing and developing student learning motivation in online learning during emergencies in elementary schools.
Upaya Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Sosiologi Melalui Metode Pembelajaran Inquiry pada Peserta Didik Kelas XI.IPS-2 SMAN 1 Lembah Melintang
Authors:   SMAN 1 Lembah Melintang, Asmarni Asmarni
Published: August 2022

he success of the learning objectives determined by many factors including the factor of teachers in implementing the learning process, one of which method is used to solve the above problems and to achieve the goal of education to the maximum, the teacher's role is very important and teachers are expected to have a good teaching method and is able to choose appropriate learning methods and in accordance with the concepts of subjects to be disampaikan.Permasalahan which is to be examined in this study is: Does the use of the inquiry learning methods to improve learning outcomes Sociology students of class XI IPS-2 SMAN 1 Valley Crossing? the purpose of this action research is to improve learning outcomes through the use of learning methods Sociology inquiri learner 2nd XI IPS SMAN 1 Loire Melintang.Penelitian using action research as much as two rounds. Each round consists of four phases: planning, implementation, observation and reflection. Goal of this research is the students Class XI IPS-2 SMAN 1 Valley Crossing. The data obtained are quantitative data and analysis results kualitatif.Dari the inquiry method of learning has a positive impact in improving the learning outcomes of students characterized by increased completeness of learners in each cycle, the first cycle (68.42%), the second cycle (86.84%) .Kesimpulan of this study learning method inquiri have a positive effect, which can increase learning outcomes of students shown by the average response of students stating that learners interested and are interested in learning methods inquiri so that they become motivated to learn.
Peningkatan Motivasi Belajar Siswa Melalui Model Kooperatif Tipe STAD Pada Mata Pelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam Kelas IV SDN 01 Luhak Nan Duo
Authors:   SDN 01 Luhak Nan Duo, Kunar Buyung
Published: August 2022

The problems to be examined in this study is whether via the use of STAD learning methods to improve learning outcomes PAI fourth grade students of SDN 01 Luhak Nan Duo? The purpose of this action research to improve learning outcomes through the use of PAI learning method STAD type on the learner IV SDN 01 Luhak Nan Duo. This study uses classroom action research as much as two rounds. Each round consists of four phases: planning, implementation, observation and reflection. Goal of this study is the fourth grade students of SDN 01 Luhak Nan Duo. The data obtained are quantitative and qualitative data. From the analysis of learning methods debriefing have a positive impact in improving the learning outcomes of students characterized by increased completeness of learners in each cycle, the first cycle (58.82%), the second cycle (88.24%). The conclusion of this study is the learning method STAD have a positive effect, which can increase learning outcomes of students shown by the average response of students stating that learners interested and are interested in the question and answer method of learning so that they become motivated to learn.