bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How efficient are German life sciences? Econometric evidence from a latent class stochastic output distance model
Authors: Angelova Denitsa , Göser Maya , Wimmer Stefan , Sauer Johannes
Published: March 2021

This article investigates the technical efficiency in German higher education while accounting for possible heterogeneity in the production technology. We investigate whether a latent class model would identify the different sub-disciplines of life sciences in a sample of biology and agricultural units based on technological differences. We fit a latent class stochastic frontier model to estimate the parameters of an output distance function formulation of the production technology to investigate if a technological separation is meaningful along sub-disciplinary lines. We apply bootstrapping techniques for model validation. Our analysis relies on evaluating a unique dataset that matches information on higher educational institutions provided by the Federal Statistical Office of Germany with the bibliometric information extracted from the ISI Web of Science Database. The estimates indicate that neglecting to account for the possible existence of latent classes leads to a biased perception of efficiency. A classification into a research-focused and teaching-focused decision-making unit improves model fit compared to the pooled stochastic frontier model. Additionally, research-focused units have a higher median technical efficiency than teaching-focused units. As the research focus is more prevalent in the biology subsample an analysis not considering the potential existence of latent classes might misleadingly give the appearance of a higher mean efficiency of biology. In fact, we find no evidence of a difference in the mean technical efficiencies for German agricultural sciences and biology using the latent class model.
A possible mechanism for neurofilament slowing down in myelinated axon: Phosphorylation-induced variation of NF kinetics
Authors: Jia Zelin , Li Yinyun
Published: March 2021

Neurofilaments(NFs) are the most abundant intermediate filaments that make up the inner volume of axon, with possible phosphorylation on their side arms, and their slow axonal transport by molecular motors along microtubule tracks in a “stop-and-go” manner with rapid, intermittent and bidirectional motion. The kinetics of NFs and morphology of axon are dramatically different between myelinate internode and unmyelinated node of Ranvier. The NFs in the node transport as 7.6 times faster as in the internode, and the distribution of NFs population in the internode is 7.6 folds as much as in the node of Ranvier. We hypothesize that the phosphorylation of NFs could reduce the on-track rate and slow down their transport velocity in the internode. By modifying the ‘6-state’ model with (a) an extra phosphorylation kinetics to each six state and (b) construction a new ‘8-state’ model in which NFs at off-track can be phosphorylated and have smaller on-track rate, our model and simulation demonstrate that the phosphorylation-induced decrease of on-track rate could slow down the NFs average velocity and increase the axonal caliber. The degree of phosphorylation may indicate the extent of velocity reduction. The Continuity equation used in our paper predicts that the ratio of NFs population is inverse proportional to the ratios of average velocity of NFs between node of Ranvier and internode. We speculate that the myelination of axon could increase the level of phosphorylation of NF side arms, and decrease the possibility of NFs to get on-track of microtubules, therefore slow down their transport velocity. In summary, our work provides a potential mechanism for understanding the phosphorylation kinetics of NFs in regulating their transport and morphology of axon in myelinated axons, and the different kinetics of NFs between node and internode.
Transcriptional analysis of islets of Langerhans from organ donors of different ages
Authors: Seiron Peter , Stenwall Anton , Hedin Anders , Granlund Louise , Esguerra Jonathan Lou S. , Volkov Petr , Renström Erik , Korsgren Olle , Lundberg Marcus , Skog Oskar
Published: March 2021

Insulin secretion is impaired with increasing age. In this study, we aimed to determine whether aging induces specific transcriptional changes in human islets. Laser capture microdissection was used to extract pancreatic islet tissue from 37 deceased organ donors aged 1–81 years. The transcriptomes of the extracted islets were analysed using Ion AmpliSeq sequencing. 346 genes that co-vary significantly with age were found. There was an increased transcription of genes linked to senescence, and several aspects of the cell cycle machinery were downregulated with increasing age. We detected numerous genes not linked to aging in previous studies likely because earlier studies analysed islet cells isolated by enzymatic digestion which might affect the islet transcriptome. Among the novel genes demonstrated to correlate with age, we found an upregulation of SPP1 encoding osteopontin. In beta cells, osteopontin has been seen to be protective against both cytotoxicity and hyperglycaemia. In summary, we present a transcriptional profile of aging in human islets and identify genes that could affect disease course in diabetes.
Serum levels of circulating microRNA-107 are elevated in patients with early-stage HCC
Authors: Loosen Sven H. , Castoldi Mirco , Jördens Markus S. , Roy Sanchary , Vucur Mihael , Kandler Jennis , Hammerich Linda , Mohr Raphael , Tacke Frank , Ulmer Tom F. , Neumann Ulf P. , Luedde Tom , Roderburg Christoph
Published: March 2021

Background

Early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary liver malignancy, is crucial to offer patients a potentially curative treatment strategy such as surgical resection or liver transplantation (LT). However, easily accessible biomarkers facilitating an early diagnosis of HCC as well as a reliable risk prediction are currently missing. The microRNA(miR)-107 has recently been described as a driver of HCC in both murine and human HCC but data on circulating miR-107 in HCC patients are scarce. In the present study, we evaluated a potential diagnostic and/or prognostic role of circulating miR-107 in patients undergoing tumor resection or LT for early-stage HCC.

Methods

The Kmplot bioinformatic tool was used to query publicly available databases (including TCGA, GEO and EGA) in order to analyse the prognostic value of tumoral miR-107 expression in HCC patients (n = 372). Serum levels of miR-107 were measured by qPCR in n = 45 HCC patients undergoing surgical tumor resection (n = 37) or LT (n = 8) as well as n = 18 healthy control samples. Results were correlated with clinical data.

Results

A high tumoral expression of miR-107 was associated with a significantly better overall survival compared to patients with low miR-107 expression levels (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.48–0.99, p = 0.041). In addition, serum levels of miR-107 were significantly higher in HCC patients when compared to healthy controls. However, miR-107 serum levels in HCC patients were independent of different disease etiology, tumor stage or tumor grading. HCC patients with baseline miR-107 expression levels above a calculated ideal prognostic cut-off value (9.82) showed a clear trend towards an impaired overall survival (p = 0.119).

Conclusion

Tumoral miR-107 expression levels are a potential prognostic marker in early stage HCC. Furthermore, we describe a potential role of circulating miR-107 levels as a diagnostic biomarker in patients with early-stage HCC.
Relationships between topographic factors, soil and plant communities in a dry Afromontane forest patches of Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Birhanu Liyew , Bekele Tamrat , Tesfaw Binyam , Demissew Sebsebe
Published: March 2021

Plant community types are influenced by topographic factors, the physical and chemical properties of soil. Therefore, the study was carried out to investigate the relationships of soil and topographic factors on the distribution of species and plant community formation of the Dega Damot district in Northwestern Ethiopia. Vegetation and environmental data were collected from 86 plots (900 m2). Agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis and redundancy analysis (RDA) with R software were used to identify plant communities and analyze the relationship between plant community types and environmental variables. Five plant community types were identified:Erica arborea-Osyris quadripartita,Discopodium penninervium-Echinops pappii,Olea europaea -Scolopia theifolia,Euphorbia abyssinica-Prunus africana,Dodonaea anguistifolia-Acokanthera schimperi. The RDA result showed that the variation of species distribution and plant community formation were significantly related to altitude, organic matter, moisture content, slope, sand, pH, EC, total nitrogen and phosphorus. Our results suggest that the variation of plant communities (Community 1, 2, 3, and 4) were closely related to environmental factors, including altitude, moisture content, OM, slope, sand, pH, EC, soil nitrogen, and phosphorus, among which altitude was the most important one. However, all the measured environmental variables are not correlated toDodonaea anguistifolia-Acokanthera schimperi community type. Therefore, it can be concluded that some other environmental variables may influence the species composition, which is needed to be further investigated.
Understanding variations and influencing factors on length of stay for T2DM patients based on a multilevel model
Authors: Liu Wen , Shi Jingcheng , He Simin , Luo Xi , Zhong Weijun , Yang Fang
Published: March 2021

Aim

Shortening the length of stay (LOS) is a potential and sustainable way to relieve the pressure that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients placed on the public health system.

Method

Multi-stage random sampling was used to obtain qualified hospitals and electronic medical records for patients discharged with T2DM in 2018. A box-cox transformation was adopted to normalize LOS. Multilevel model was used to verify hospital cluster effect on LOS variations and screen potential factors for LOS variations from both individual and hospital levels.

Result

50 hospitals and a total of 12,888 T2DM patients were included. Significant differences in LOS variations between hospitals, and a hospital cluster effect on LOS variations (t = 92.188, P<0.001) was detected. The results showed that female patients, patients with new rural cooperative’ medical insurance, hospitals with more beds, and hospitals with faster bed turnovers had shorter LOS. Conversely, elderly patients, patients with urban workers’ medical insurance, patients requiring surgery, patients with the International Classification of Diseases coded complication types E11.1, E11.2, E11.4, E11.5, and other complications cardiovascular diseases, grade III hospitals, hospitals with a lower doctor-to-nurse ratio, and hospitals with more daily visits per doctor had longer LOS.

Conclusions

The evidence proved that hospital cluster effect on LOS variation did exist. Complications and patients features at individual level, as well as organization and resource characteristics at hospital level, had impacted LOS variations to varying degrees. To shorten LOS and better meet the medical demand for T2DM patients, limited health resources must be allocated and utilized rationally at hospital level, and the patients with the characteristics of longer LOS risk must be identified in time. More influencing factors on LOS variations at different levels are still worth of comprehensive exploration in the future.
Troponin elevation pattern and subsequent cardiac and non-cardiac outcomes: Implementing the Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction and high-sensitivity troponin at a population level
Authors: Chuang Anthony (Ming-yu) , Nguyen Mau T. , Khan Ehsan , Jones Dylan , Horsfall Matthew , Lehman Sam , Smilowitz Nathaniel R. , Lambrakis Kristina , Than Martin , Vaile Julian , Sinhal Ajay , French John K. , Chew Derek P.
Published: March 2021

Background

The Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction (MI) differentiates MI from myocardial injury. We characterised the temporal course of cardiac and non-cardiac outcomes associated with MI, acute and chronic myocardial injury.

Methods

We included all patients presenting to public emergency departments in South Australia between June 2011–Sept 2019. Episodes of care (EOCs) were classified into 5 groups based on high-sensitivity troponin-T (hs-cTnT) and diagnostic codes: 1) Acute MI [rise/fall in hs-cTnT and primary diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome], 2) Acute myocardial injury with coronary artery disease (CAD) [rise/fall in hs-cTnT and diagnosis of CAD], 3) Acute myocardial injury without CAD [rise/fall in hs-cTnT without diagnosis of CAD], 4) Chronic myocardial injury [elevated hs-cTnT without rise/fall], and 5) No myocardial injury. Multivariable flexible parametric models were used to characterize the temporal hazard of death, MI, heart failure (HF), and ventricular arrhythmia.

Results

372,310 EOCs (218,878 individuals) were included: acute MI (19,052 [5.12%]), acute myocardial injury with CAD (6,928 [1.86%]), acute myocardial injury without CAD (32,231 [8.66%]), chronic myocardial injury (55,056 [14.79%]), and no myocardial injury (259,043 [69.58%]). We observed an early hazard of MI and HF after acute MI and acute myocardial injury with CAD. In contrast, subsequent MI risk was lower and more constant in patients with acute injury without CAD or chronic injury. All patterns of myocardial injury were associated with significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality and ventricular arrhythmia.

Conclusions

Different patterns of myocardial injury were associated with divergent profiles of subsequent cardiac and non-cardiac risk. The therapeutic approach and modifiability of such excess risks require further research.
A comprehensive molecular characterization of the 8q22.2 region reveals the prognostic relevance of OSR2 mRNA in muscle invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Uysal Daniel , Kowalewski Karl-Friedrich , Kriegmair Maximilian Christian , Wirtz Ralph , Popovic Zoran V. , Erben Philipp
Published: March 2021

Technological advances in molecular profiling have enabled the comprehensive identification of common regions of gene amplification on chromosomes (amplicons) in muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). One such region is 8q22.2, which is largely unexplored in MIBC and could harbor genes with potential for outcome prediction or targeted therapy. To investigate the prognostic role of 8q22.2 and to compare different amplicon definitions, an in-silico analysis of 357 patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas, who underwent radical cystectomy for MIBC, was performed. Amplicons were generated using the GISTIC2.0 algorithm for copy number alterations (DNA_Amplicon) and z-score normalization for mRNA gene overexpression (RNA_Amplicon). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, univariable, and multivariable Cox proportional hazard ratios were used to relate amplicons, genes, and clinical parameters to overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Analyses of the biological functions of 8q22.2 genes and genomic events in MIBC were performed to identify potential targets. Genes with prognostic significance from the in silico analysis were validated using RT-qPCR of MIBC tumor samples (n = 46). High 8q22.2 mRNA expression (RNA-AMP) was associated with lymph node metastases. Furthermore, 8q22.2 DNA and RNA amplified patients were more likely to show a luminal subtype (DNA_Amplicon_core: p = 0.029; RNA_Amplicon_core: p = 0.01). Overexpression of the 8q22.2 gene OSR2 predicted shortened DFS in univariable (HR [CI] 1.97 [1.2; 3.22]; p = 0.01) and multivariable in silico analysis (HR [CI] 1.91 [1.15; 3.16]; p = 0.01) and decreased OS (HR [CI] 6.25 [1.37; 28.38]; p = 0.0177) in RT-qPCR data analysis. Alterations in different levels of the 8q22.2 region are associated with manifestation of different clinical characteristics in MIBC. An in-depth comprehensive molecular characterization of genomic regions involved in cancer should include multiple genetic levels, such as DNA copy number alterations and mRNA gene expression, and could lead to a better molecular understanding. In this study, OSR2 is identified as a potential biomarker for survival prognosis.
Association between dementia and systemic rheumatic disease: A nationwide population-based study
Authors: Park Hyemi , Yim Dong-hyuk , Ochirpurev Bolormaa , Eom Sang-Yong , Choi In Ah , Ju Gawon , Kim Ji Hyoun
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Systemic rheumatic disease is characterized by autoimmunity and systemic inflammation and affects multiple organs. Few studies have investigated whether autoimmune diseases increase the risk of dementia. Herein, we evaluate the relationship between systemic rheumatic disease and dementia through a population-based study using the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) claims database.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide population-based study using the Korean NHIS database, consisting of individuals who submitted medical claims from 2002–2013. Dementia was defined as having an acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) prescription along with symptoms satisfying the Alzhemier’s disease (AD) International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 codes (F00 or G30), or vascular dementia (VaD; ICD-10 or F01) criteria. Control subjects were matched to the dementia patients by age and sex. The study group was limited to those diagnosed with rheumatic disease at least 6 months prior to diagnosis of dementia. Rheumatic disease was defined by the following ICD-10 codes: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA: M05), Sjögren’s syndrome (SS: M35), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE: M32), and Behcet’s disease (BD: M35.2).

Results

Of the 6,028 dementia patients, 261 (4.3%) had RA, 108 (1.6%) had SS, 12 (0.2%) had SLE, and 6 (0.1%) had BD. SLE history was significantly higher in dementia patients (0.2%) than in controls (0.1%) and was associated with dementia (odds ratio [OR], 2.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19–5.15). In subgroup analysis, SLE significantly increased dementia risk, regardless of dementia type (AD: OR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.06–4.91; VaD: OR, 4.54; 95% CI, 1.36–15.14). However, these associations were not sustained in the mild CCI or elderly group.

Conclusion

SLE was independently associated with a higher risk of dementia, including AD and VaD when compared to the control group, even after adjustment. SLE patients (<65 years old) are a high-risk group for early vascular dementia and require screening for early detection and active prevention.
Compare the performance of the models in art classification
Authors: Zhao Wentao , Zhou Dalin , Qiu Xinguo , Jiang Wei
Published: March 2021

Because large numbers of artworks are preserved in museums and galleries, much work must be done to classify these works into genres, styles and artists. Recent technological advancements have enabled an increasing number of artworks to be digitized. Thus, it is necessary to teach computers to analyze (e.g., classify and annotate) art to assist people in performing such tasks. In this study, we tested 7 different models on 3 different datasets under the same experimental setup to compare their art classification performances when either using or not using transfer learning. The models were compared based on their abilities for classifying genres, styles and artists. Comparing the result with previous work shows that the model performance can be effectively improved by optimizing the model structure, and our results achieve state-of-the-art performance in all classification tasks with three datasets. In addition, we visualized the process of style and genre classification to help us understand the difficulties that computers have when tasked with classifying art. Finally, we used the trained models described above to perform similarity searches and obtained performance improvements.
Survival and reasons for revision of the uncemented Symax hip stem: A Dutch Arthroplasty Register study
Authors: Kruijntjens Dennis S. M. G. , van Kuijk Sander M. J. , van Steenbergen Liza N. , Jutten Liesbeth M. C. , Arts J. J. Chris , ten Broeke René H. M.
Published: March 2021

Aims

Previous studies have already shown early proximal ingrowth, fast osseous integration, and a stable fit of the uncemented Symax hip stem, with excellent clinical and radiographic performance. Aims were to evaluate cumulative revision rates and reasons for revision of the Symax hip stem using Dutch Arthroplasty Register (LROI) data and to assess possible associations between patient characteristics and revision rate of the Symax hip stem.

Patients and methods

All total hip arthroplasties with the uncemented Symax hip stem registered in the LROI between 2007 and 2017 were included (n = 5,013). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to assess the cumulative 1, 5 and 7-year revision percentages. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to assess the association between patient and procedural characteristics, and revision arthroplasty of the stem.

Results

Cumulative 1, 5, and 7-year revision rates (with 95% confidence interval (CI)) for revision of any component were 1.5% (CI 1.2%-1.8%), 3.2% (CI 2.7%-3.7%), and 3.8% (CI 3.1%-4.4%) respectively. Cumulative 1, 5, and 7-year stem revision rates of the Symax hip stem were 0.9% (CI 0.6%-1.1%), 1.5% (CI 1.1%-1.9%), and 1.7% (CI 1.3%-2.1%) respectively. Periprosthetic fractures (n = 35) and loosening of the stem (n = 30) were the most common reasons for revision of the stem. Revision of the stem was associated with acute fracture as primary diagnosis (Hazard Ratio (HR) 2.4 (CI 1.3–4.3)), or history of a previous surgery to the affected hip (HR 2.7 (CI 1.4–5.2)).

Conclusion

This population-based registry study shows revision rates for the Symax hip stem comparable to those for best performing uncemented total hip arthroplasties in the Netherlands. Primary diagnosis of an acute fracture, and history of previous surgery on the affected hip, were significantly associated risk factors for revision of the Symax hip stem, and we discourage the use of the Symax hip stem in these patients.
Complete chloroplast genome features and phylogenetic analysis of Eruca sativa (Brassicaceae)
Authors: Zhu Bin , Qian Fang , Hou Yunfeng , Yang Weicheng , Cai Mengxian , Wu Xiaoming
Published: March 2021

Eruca sativa Mill. (Brassicaceae) is an important edible vegetable and a potential medicinal plant due to the antibacterial activity of its seed oil. Here, the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of E. sativa was de novo assembled with a combination of long PacBio reads and short Illumina reads. The E. sativa cp genome had a quadripartite structure that was 153,522 bp in size, consisting of one large single-copy region of 83,320 bp and one small single-copy region of 17,786 bp which were separated by two inverted repeat (IRa and IRb) regions of 26,208 bp. This complete cp genome harbored 113 unique genes: 79 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. Forty-nine long repetitive sequences and 69 simple sequence repeats were identified in the E. sativa cp genome. A codon usage analysis of the E. sativa cp genome showed a bias toward codons ending in A/T. The E. sativa cp genome was similar in size, gene composition, and linearity of the structural region when compared with other Brassicaceae cp genomes. Moreover, the analysis of the synonymous (Ks) and non-synonymous (Ka) substitution rates demonstrated that protein-coding genes generally underwent purifying selection pressure, expect ycf1, ycf2, and rps12. A phylogenetic analysis determined that E. sativa is evolutionarily close to important Brassica species, indicating that it may be possible to transfer favorable E. sativa alleles into other Brassica species. Our results will be helpful to advance genetic improvement and breeding of E. sativa, and will provide valuable information for utilizing E. sativa as an important resource to improve other Brassica species.
Impulsivity in Parkinson’s disease patients treated with subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation—An exploratory study
Authors: Pham U. , Skogseid I. M. , Pripp A. H. , Bøen E. , Toft M.
Published: March 2021

Background

Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS) is a recognized treatment in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Knowledge is still limited regarding the possible impact of STN-DBS on personality traits and the personality characteristics of PD patients who undergo surgery.

Methods

To assess personality traits in relation to STN-DBS we did an ancillary protocol as part of a prospective randomized study that compared two surgical strategies. Patients were assessed with the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), the Urgency, Premeditation, Perseverance and Sensation Seeking impulse behavior scale, the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale preoperatively and after one year of STN-DBS. EPQ and TCI baseline scores were compared with mean scores of healthy reference populations.

Results

After 12-months of STN-DBS, there was a significant decline in Persistence compared to baseline. Preoperatively, the STN-DBS patients had significantly lower Persistence and Self-Transcendence scores, and significantly higher scores on Novelty-Seeking, Self-Directedness, Cooperativeness and on Social Conformity than referenced populations. No difference was found in Neuroticism or Harm-Avoidance scores. The baseline prevalence of alexithymia was low and at 1-year follow-up there was no significant change in alexithymia scores.

Conclusions

We found a higher baseline level of impulsivity in PD patients who underwent STN-DBS. After one year of STN-DBS, our results indicated that the treatment may affect the patients’ personality by increasing certain aspects of impulsivity. There was no effect on alexithymia. The preoperative personality profile of PD patients might influence the outcome of STN-DBS.
Enseñanza y aprendizaje fuera del aula en la formación inicial del profesorado de Ciencias Sociales
Authors: Barrera López Begoña , Luna Delgado Diego
Published: March 2021

La didáctica de las Ciencias Sociales constituye un área de conocimiento especialmente atractiva para el desarrollo de la enseñanza y el aprendizaje fuera del aula (EAFA). Tras una revisión de la literatura que justifica el potencial pedagógico de esta estrategia, se analizan los resultados obtenidos en una actividad de simulación sobre el terreno diseñada específicamente para su fomento entre los futuros docentes. Esta fue experimentada en el marco de una de las materias del módulo específico de Ciencias Sociales en el Máster de formación del profesorado de la Universidad de Sevilla, impartido en este caso en la Escuela Universitaria de Osuna durante el curso 2019-2020. El análisis etnográfico de las percepciones de los futuros docentes, extraídas a partir de un cuestionario mixto y de las observaciones registradas en un diario del investigador, evidencia el fuerte contraste entre una valoración muy positiva de la EAFA y el peso de una cultura escolar que impide a los participantes anticiparse a las dificultades más elementales que esta plantea. Se concluye con la confirmación del éxito de la experiencia, así como con una reivindicación de la eficacia y la eficiencia didácticas como objetivos prioritarios de cualquier estrategia didáctica.
Locus of Control - A Dental Student Perspective
Authors: Wali Othman , Vanka Shanthi , Vanka Amit , Alamoudi Nouf
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND Students from various backgrounds and places join graduation courses in Dentistry. The environmental influence on them is varied. Academic self-concept also has been found to be a significant predictor of students’ academic achievement in the college resulting in an increase in the grade point average of the students. This study was conducted to examine the relationship between the student and their academic relationship to the environment in the dental school which is the internal and external locus of control. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study. The method of collection of data is through a questionnaire. The questionnaire had details related to the demographic data of gender and year of study in the dental school. Questions on locus of control have been adapted from the Rotter’s Locus of Control Scale. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS version 23. Chi square test was used to test the associations between the variables and a value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS 402 participants including students from 2nd year to internship filled the survey questionnaire. In general, majority of the participants displayed a higher external locus of control. CONCLUSIONS The study participants who responded showed more external locus of control compared to the internal locus of control. Strategies should be planned and tailored to improve student support and student education. They should include a very comprehensive orientation to the students including both long term and short-term objectives. KEY WORDS External Locus of Control, Internal Locus of Control, Cross Sectional Study
Lasers in Diagnosis, Interception and Management of White Spot Lesions and Dental Caries - A Review
Authors: Chaudhari Payal Sandeep , Chandak Manoj Ghanshyam , Relan Kajol Naresh , Chandak Pooja Ghanshyam , Rathi Chanchal Harikishor , Chandak Madhulika Shyamsundar , Dass Abhilasha
Published: March 2021

Despite huge developments in oral health, dental caries still remains a community health issue globally. Dental caries is prevalent worldwide amongst adults and school children; nearly 100 % of the population is affected in most of the countries. Caries harms the outer dental structures, eventually reaching the dental pulp, making the teeth undermined and ultimately compromising functional abilities. It is the major reason for loss of tooth. For the management of carious lesions, the tissues which are decayed should be removed and replaced by dental restorations. Increased potential for causing dental anxiety and uneasiness in many patients has been reported with the usage of routine caries removal systems such as diamond and tungsten carbide rotating burs. Moreover, with the use of high and low rotating speed drills, which is used for complete dentin removal, over excavation of caries (when the deeper dentin layers are involved) may happen eventually leading to increased risk of exposing and damaging the pulp irreversibly. These disadvantages have led to exploration of new alternatives such as stepwise, minimal or no dentinal caries removal procedures that illustrate clinical benefit over comprehensive caries removal in the treatment of dentinal caries. Laser technology has reformed the management of dental caries. Laser has been found to be the latest, most recent, conservative, less traumatic and minimally invasive caries removal procedure. The energy of laser is absorbed which is then transformed to heat, leading to microstructural and chemical alterations in the surface of enamel which is irradiated thereby improving enamel acid resistance. Laser also helps to maintain a dry surrounding that improves the dentist’s vision of the working field thereby resulting in an improved outcome. KEY WORDS Lasers, White Spot Lesions, Dental Caries, Laser Fluorescence, Orthodontic Therapy, Carbon-Dioxide Laser
Workplace innovation in Finland: Towards sustainable productivity growth?
Authors: Tuomo Alasoini , Ramstad Elise , Asko Heikkilä , Ylöstalo Pekka
Published: March 2021

This paper examines challenges that Finnish companies are facing in the global productivity race and means they have used in responding to these challenges, with a special reference to work organization, personnel competence development and utilization of external sources in acquiring new knowledge. In recent years, Finnish companies have been actively modernising their work organization. In the ‘innovative work organization index’ developed by Valeyre et al. (2009), for example, Finland ranked third of all the EU27 countries in 2005. One special feature of Finnish companies’ modernization strategies compared with those of the other highest ranking countries – Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands – was a more widespread use of ‘lean production’ approach, whereas in the dissemination of ‘discretionary learning’ forms of work organization Finland was lagging behind these three countries. In concrete terms and in comparison with the other highest ranking countries, Finnish companies have laid more emphasis on teamwork, task rotation, multi-skilling and decentralization of quality control in their strategies to renovate work organization, while less notion than in Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands has been paid to increasing individuals’ autonomy and variety in work and reducing constraints that pace work. These differences may be explained by the strong engineering orientation in Finnish management culture, the lesser influence by the socio-technical systems design approach and the fact that quality of working life entered the Finnish policy agenda later than in the three above-mentioned countries (Alasoini, 2004; Kasvio, 1994; Koistinen – Lilja, 1988). This paper examines work organization modernization strategies of Finnish companies with the help of establishment-level data and by looking at companies in industry and private services separately, with a view to finding similarities and differences in the operation logics and change strategies between these two sectors. The paper includes an analysis on decision-making structures, nature of teamwork, personnel competence development practices and utilization of external sources of knowledge in these two sectors. The empirical material is based on a survey, carried out by the Finnish Workplace Development Programme TYKES (2004–2010). The paper starts with an introduction to different approaches to workplace innovation in companies and to different policy options in tackling with the problem of low level of workplace innovation in Europe. Thereafter, the paper provides an overview on the main problems facing Finland’s future economic growth and on policies to promote workplace innovation. Thirdly, the article presents the survey data and results. Finally, conclusions based on the empirical analysis will be drawn.
Menedzsmentkommunikáció reálopciókkal A stratégiai és pénzügyi szempontok összhangba hozatalának lehetőségei
Authors: Rózsa Andrea
Published: March 2021

A stratégiai beruházásokhoz kapcsolódó jövőbeli lehetőségek felismerése és értékelése mára a tőke-költségvetési döntések fontos alapelemévé vált. A reálopciók vállalati döntéshozatalban betöltött szerepe azonban túlmutat az értékelő funkción, mert a szemlélet tágabban is értelmezhető, egyéb vállalati területeken is alkalmazható. A szakirodalmi eredmények és a vállalati esettanulmányok is azt mutatják, hogy a legtöbb elemzési probléma a szakaszos stratégiai beruházások, s ezen belül is a fejlett gyártástechnológiák bevezetéséhez és menedzseléséhez kapcsolódik. A tanulmány – az elemzési problémák fő típusainak feltárása mentén – azt vizsgálja, hogy a reálopciók milyen mértékben használhatóak és hasznosak a szakaszos szerkezetű stratégiai beruházások elemzésében, valamint a bevezetéskor és a menet közbeni vállalati folyamatok menedzselése során felmerülő stratégiai és pénzügyi szempontok egyeztetésében.
El acoso sexual en la universidad: la visión del alumnado
Authors:   Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, España, Alonso-Ruido Patricia , Martínez-Román Rosana , Rodríguez-Castro Yolanda ,   Facultad de Educación y Trabajo Social, Universidad de Vigo, España, Carrera-Fernández María Victoria ,   Facultad de Educación y Trabajo Social, Universidad de Vigo, España
Published: March 2021

El objetivo de este estudio consiste en analizar los conocimientos, las percepciones y las actitudes de los y las estudiantes hacia el acoso sexual. Para esto, se han realizado diez entrevistas individuales a estudiantes (seis alumnas y cuatro alumnos) y ocho grupos de discusión heterogéneos formados por 67 estudiantes. Todos pertenecientes a una universidad de carácter público situada en el noroeste de España. Los resultados evidencian que el alumnado tiene pocos conocimientos sobre el acoso sexual y, además, no recibe formación que le otorgue las herramientas que le permitan identificarlo y combatirlo. Asimismo, la mayoría de los/as participantes expresa que el acoso sexual es habitual en el entorno académico, pero que está invisibilizado. A través de sus propias palabras se identifica que perciben actitudes permisivas hacia el acoso sexual por parte de los/as docentes y de la universidad, considerando que no hay una verdadera implicación para intervenir en las situaciones de acoso. Por consiguiente, es necesario que la universidad se comprometa a implementar estrategias de prevención e intervención, con el propósito de identificar, sancionar y erradicar todas y cada una de las formas de violencia, incluido el acoso sexual.
A Commodius Vicus of Recirculation
Authors: Merrifield Andy
Published: March 2021

"In the mid-1990s, when I lived in central London, I used to walk past the British Museum nearly every day. More often than not, I would pop in, did so for years, getting thrilled by a couple of things. The first was entering the great Reading Room, for which I had a Reader's Card, glimpsing and even sitting in space G-7. I never ordered any books, had no need to order anything; all I wanted was to sit there, in Karl Marx's seat, and try to feel the vibe. Usually, there was no vibe, only the hushed shuffling and page turning of others close by, mixed with the odd cough and splutter."
Lutheran population of Saint Petersburg in the first half of the 18th century according to the paris h marriage regis ters
Authors: Andreev A. , Andreeva Yu.
Published: March 2021

Based on the marriage registers of the Lutheran congregation of St. Peter and Vasileostrovskaya community (in the future — St. Catherine) the article recreates the models of national and social structures of Petersburg Lutherans in the first half of the 18th century. The author found that German communities included, in addition to Germans, a small percentage of Swedes and Poles. By the middle of the century, with the total number of Lutheran communities in St. Petersburg in 1500—1700 believers of both sexes, they could contain about 1200—1300 persons of German nationality, 150—200 Finns, about a hundred Swedes, several dozen people (no more than fifty) Germanized Polish. The article makes a clear conclusion that among the Petersburg Lutherans had predominated craftsmen of working professions and clerks. They may have numbered more than seven hundred in the middle of the 18th century. The military, merchants, and officials were represented in much smaller proportions.
Decorative plate from the grave 5 kurgan 3 of the bu rial ground Ki chigi no I
Authors: Molchanova V. , Tairov A.
Published: March 2021

The paper analyzes fragments of the golden foil, which were found during the investigation of grave 5 kurgan 3 of Kichigino I burial ground. Initially these fragments probably were the parts of openwork decorative plate with depicted scene of animal torment on it according to the Scythian and Siberian animal style image tradition. Authors assume four variants of form reconstruction. Stylistic and technological features of the plate distinguish it from other adornments, which were found during the investigations both in the burial 5 and kurgan 3.Generally this article is not typical for art image traditions of Southern Trans-Urals animal style.
«Against the fire of war»: the practices of soviet peacekeeping in the context of the cold war
Authors: Raeva T.
Published: March 2021

The struggle for peace was of great importance to Soviet cultural diplomacy during the Cold War. In this article, the author analyzes the arsenal and content of the peacekeeping practices of the USSR, forms an idea of the stages of development of Soviet peacefulness, studies the dynamics of its transition from effective innovative strategies to formalized measures. The study of the peacekeeping efforts of the Soviet Union, the internal and external political context of the second half of the 20th century, makes it possible to determine the reasons for the depletion of the potential of the Soviet struggle for peace as an instrument of influencing public opinion and forming an attractive image of the country.
On creative activity of the master of church-singing art Ivan (Is aiah) Lukos hkov (died circa 1621)
Authors: Parfentiev N. , Parfentieva N.
Published: March 2021

The authors of the scientific study summarize and investigate data about one of the most prominent representatives of old Russian music — Ivan (in monasticism — Isaiah) Lukoshkov, son of Trofim. Contemporaries knew him as master of Usol’e (Stroganovs) church singing art school of the 16th—17th centuries. The authors provide an overview of the artworks — Lukoshkov’s chants, and on the example of the most representative of them the creative principles and techniques of this raspevshik (Old Russin composer) are shown. The researchers base their observations and conclusions on the study of a wide range of documentary and narrative sources, church singing manuscripts of the 12th—17th centuries. In the course of the study of the Old Russian music artworks they use the author’s textological formula-structural method.
The ornamental initial letters of the art by scribe and drawing-artist Feodor Basov
Authors: Sherstobitova E.
Published: March 2021

The article is devoted to the ornamental art of an Early Printed style in Old Russian manuscripts at the last quarter of the 16th — the first third of the 17th centuries case study of the initial letters by Feodor Basov. The author examines the methods of ornamentation and the features of the master’s creation in the chronological order. The authors compare the ornamental initial letters by Feodor Basov, the ornamental initial letters by his brothers Stefan and Gavrila (nicknamed Ivan) Basovs and the ornamental initial letters of the Moscow printed books. The author analyzes compositional solutions and elements and, on the basis of this, identifies borrowed and author’s principles by Feodor at the creation of initials.
Educational platforms for distance education in russ ian and chinese universities : new challenges for higher education
Authors: Belyaeva Е. , Grunt E.
Published: March 2021

The article provides a comparative analysis of digital educational platforms used in the practice of Russian and Chinese universities. Our conclusions are based on the comparative data on Russia and China published in the reports of UNESCO, International Labour Organization, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Council of Europe and European Economic Community (EEC), Asia-Pacific Programme of Innovation in Education for Development (APEID). In addition, the article provides data from two sociological studies carried out by the authors themselves. The first study was conducted between January and February 2020. The study was conducted by means of a survey, personal interview (N = 600). Students from Moscow, Ekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk and Tyumen took part in the survey. The quantitative research data were supplemented by in-depth interviews with Chinese graduates of Russian universities (postgraduates, master’s students) in the amount of 50 pieces (N = 50). Also in March — May 2020, we conducted a sociological survey in the universities of Ekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk, and Moscow. In the course of the research we interviewed 500 students who had gained experience in distance learning during the pandemic. Qualitative research — in-depth interview method (N = 20), average duration of the interview is 90 minutes. Informants were the faculty of higher educational institutions of Yekaterinburg, Moscow and St. Petersburg. Frame analysis of cases was also conducted (N = 42). The analysis of these cases made it possible to identify the most popular digital technologies in the educational process, as well as their main advantages and disadvantages.
Psicología del deporte aplicada: Experiencia cubana
Authors: García Ucha Francisco Enrique , Martínez Mesa Juan Antonio
Published: March 2021

El propósito de este trabajo consiste en exponer las vicisitudes y los mediadores que dan lugar a la psicología del deporte aplicada en Cuba. Su surgimiento data de mediados de la década de los años 60 y es compulsada a principios de los años 70 hasta la actualidad a proporcionar la solución a las demandas del deporte de alto rendimiento cubano llegando a tener una contribución significativa en el aseguramiento psicológico en la participación de los deportistas y equipos en las competencias más relevantes en el ámbito mundial y nacional, durante más de 40 años. Se expone los esfuerzos encaminados para garantizar la competencia profesional de los psicólogos en el encuadre de las tareas, y el empeño en formar y desarrollar la motivaciones sociales de los deportistas y la asunción del enfoque teórico y práctico aplicado que dio lugar a dinamizar las reservas físicas y psicológicas de los deportistas, así como colofón del quehacer profesional, el empleo del método experimental que permite conocer las respuestas psicológicas de los deportistas a las cargas de entrenamiento y de la preparación deportiva, para una dirección y control más adecuados de la planificación y ejecución de los planes de preparación deportiva.
Estado actual de la Psicología del Trabajo y las Organizaciones en México: un ensayo crítico.
Authors: Arias Galicia Luis Fernando
Published: March 2021

Se proporciona una revisión crítica, desde el ángulo personal del autor, de la situación actual de la Psicología del Trabajo y las Organizaciones en México, a partir de 50 años de labor en esta área. Por tanto, se incluyen algunas pinceladas autobiográficas. Se comentan y critican las labores y las prácticas actuales de los psicólogos en este campo. Se incluyen ejemplos de las acciones profesionales deficientes y se coloca énfasis en las repercusiones éticas de las mismas y sus repercusiones negativas para las organizaciones y las personas. Con base en datos de noticias e investigaciones publicadas recientemente también se sugieren oportunidades para los profesionistas de estas áreas. Al final se ofrecen algunas sugerencias para los psicólogos a fin de incrementar la importancia de sus labores en las organizaciones.
La psicología en España e Iberoamerica. Jalones de su desarrollo
Authors: Carpintero Heliodoro
Published: March 2021

La psicología iberoamericana ha tenido una evolución alternante en sus interacciones con las tradiciones de los dos países metropolitanos - España y Portugal – con los que ha mantenido una importantísima vinculación a través de las lenguas española y portuguesa. El artículo analiza las interacciones, similitudes y diferencias, entre las psicologías de la península Ibérica e Iberoamérica, atendiendo a las sucesivas inflexiones que, con el tiempo, se han ido produciendo en el mismo, y a las singularidades de diversos países. Acentúa el fuerte condicionamiento de las condiciones sociales, económicas y políticas en todos los casos. Considera 6 etapas: 1) Concepción tradicional espiritualista y/o escolástica – hacia 1860; 2) la concepción positivista experimentalista – hacia 1900; 3) la creciente expansión de la psicotecnia aplicada - hacia 1930; 4) Profesionalización del campo , con incorporación de psicólogos europeos emigrados, hacia 1945-50; 5 ) surgimiento de tradiciones nacionales e intereses etnocéntricos – hacia 1960; 6) creciente internacionalización y consolidación de cohesión iberoamericana, de 1980 al presente.