bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine learning approach for predicting under-five mortality determinants in Ethiopia: evidence from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Bitew Fikrewold H. , Nyarko Samuel H. , Potter Lloyd , Sparks Corey S.
Published: November 2020

There is a dearth of literature on the use of machine learning models to predict important under-five mortality risks in Ethiopia. In this study, we showed spatial variations of under-five mortality and used machine learning models to predict its important sociodemographic determinants in Ethiopia. The study data were drawn from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. We used three machine learning models such as random forests, logistic regression, and K-nearest neighbors as well as one traditional logistic regression model to predict under-five mortality determinants. For each machine learning model, measures of model accuracy and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the predictive power of each model. The descriptive results show that there are considerable regional variations in under-five mortality rates in Ethiopia. The under-five mortality prediction ability was found to be between 46.3 and 67.2% for the models considered, with the random forest model (67.2%) showing the best performance. The best predictive model shows that household size, time to the source of water, breastfeeding status, number of births in the preceding 5 years, sex of a child, birth intervals, antenatal care, birth order, type of water source, and mother’s body mass index play an important role in under-five mortality levels in Ethiopia. The random forest machine learning model produces a better predictive power for estimating under-five mortality risk factors and may help to improve policy decision-making in this regard. Childhood survival chances can be improved considerably by using these important factors to inform relevant policies.
Identifying and characterizing students suspected of academic dishonesty in SPOCs for credit through learning analytics
Authors: Jaramillo-Morillo Daniel , Ruipérez-Valiente José , Sarasty Mario F. , Ramírez-Gonzalez Gustavo
Published: November 2020

Massive Open Online Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have been transitioning slowly from being completely open and without clear recognition in universities or industry, to private settings through the emergence of Small and Massive Private Online Courses (SPOCs and MPOCs). Courses in these new formats are often for credit and have clear market value through the acquisition of competencies and skills. However, the endemic issue of academic dishonesty remains lingering and generating untrustworthiness regarding what students did to complete these courses. In this case study, we focus on SPOCs with academic recognition developed at the University of Cauca in Colombia and hosted in their Open edX instance called Selene Unicauca. We have developed a learning analytics algorithm to detect dishonest students based on submission time and exam responses providing as output a number of indicators that can be easily used to identify students. Our results in two SPOCs suggest that 17% of the students that interacted enough with the courses have performed academic dishonest actions, and that 100% of the students that were dishonest passed the courses, compared to 62% for the rest of students. Contrary to what other studies have found, in this study, dishonest students were similarly or even more active with the courseware than the rest, and we hypothesize that these might be working groups taking the course seriously and solving exams together to achieve a higher grade. With MOOC-based degrees and SPOCs for credit becoming the norm in distance learning, we believe that if this issue is not tackled properly, it might endanger the future of the reliability and value of online learning credentials.
Tracking inflation on a daily basis
Authors: Alvarez Santiago E. , Lein Sarah M.
Published: November 2020

Using online data for prices and real-time debit card transaction data on changes in expenditures for Switzerland allows us to track inflation on a daily basis. While the daily price index fluctuates around the official price index in normal times, it drops immediately after the lockdown related to the COVID19 pandemic. Official statistics reflect this drop only with a lag, specifically because data collection takes time and is impeded by lockdown conditions. Such daily real-time information can be useful to gauge the relative importance of demand and supply shocks and thus inform policymakers who need to determine appropriate policy measures.
Gabapentin as an adjuvant therapy to splinting in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS): a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed M. , Hassan Osama G. , Khalifa Ahmed A.
Published: November 2020

Background

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common upper limb entrapment neuropathy; severe cases are treated surgically and mild to moderate can be managed conservatively. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to define the efficacy of gabapentin as an adjuvant to splinting in the treatment of mild to moderate CTS.

Methods

A systematic search through 13 databases, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) reporting the use of gabapentin with splinting in CTS were included and analyzed.

Results

Three RCTs including 170 patients were eligible. There was no significant difference between gabapentin plus splinting and splinting alone in 5 measured parameters: (1) Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) [MD (95% CI) = − 0.76 (− 2.46–0.93), p = 0.378], (2) Functional Status Scale (FSS) [MD (95% CI) = − 0.23 (− 1.40–0.94), p = 0.701], (3) visual analogue scale (VAS) to assess pain [MD (95% CI) = − 0.6 (− 1.47–0.27), p = 0.174], (4) Grip strength [MD (95% CI) = − 0.11 (− 0.70–0.48), p = 0.718], and (5) pinch strength [MD (95% CI) = 0.72 (− 0.10–1.54), p = 0.083].

Conclusion

This review provides low-quality evidence that gabapentin plus nocturnal splinting is not superior to splinting alone. More high-quality trials are needed to determine the role of this drug as an adjuvant in the management of CTS.
GIS-based assessment of groundwater quality and suitability for drinking and irrigation purposes in the outlet and central parts of Wadi El-Assiuti, Assiut Governorate, Egypt
Authors: Megahed Hanaa A.
Published: November 2020

Background

The limited water resources in arid environments in addition to the effect of agricultural and anthropogenic activities on groundwater quantity and quality necessitate paying more attention to the quality assessment of these resources. The present studies assess the quality of groundwater resources in Wadi El-Assiuti, south Egypt, and evaluate their suitability for drinking and irrigation purposes. To achieve this goal, 159 groundwater samples were collected from the outlet and central parts of the Wadi El-Assiuti during the autumn season (October–November) of 2019 and were analyzed for major ions, trace elements and heavy metals.

Results

The results indicate that the TDS values range between 1972 and 6217 ppm, while the concentration of trace elements (Fe++, Mn++ and Ni+) ranges between 0.05 and 0.46, 0.11 and 0.221 and 0.01 and 0.6 ppm, respectively. These results show that all groundwater samples are clearly unacceptable and inappropriate for human drinking due to their high content of total dissolved solids, trace elements and heavy metals, particularly in the majority of samples according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and the Egyptian standards (Eg. St. 2007) for drinking water quality. Spatial analysis of the TDS values in geographic information system environment indicates that the salinity is higher in the northeast and gradually decreases southward. Sodium adsorption ratio, US Salinity Laboratory classification (1954), residual sodium carbonate, soluble sodium percentage and permeability index show that most groundwater samples are suitable for irrigation purposes.

Conclusions

The integrated approach provided in this study highlights the spatially distributed suitability of groundwater resources in Wadi El-Assiuti and can be applied in similar basins worldwide.
Printed by Parkinson’s: a neurological art project linking patient stories and biosignals
Authors: Feldmann Lucia K. , Kühn Andrea A.
Published: November 2020

“Printed by Parkinson’s” is an innovative project with the main aim to raise awareness for the many aspects of Parkinson’s disease and their implication for everyday life. In a cooperation of Innocean Worldwide GmbH and the Movement Disorder and Neuromodulation Section, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, design and medical and neuroscientific expertise were combined to create unique artworks: Bronze sculptures were created when combining personal objects selected by each patient, and their neurophysiological individual health data. As a core element, patient interviews in an accompanying film shed light on the personal stories behind the art objects. Public presentations raised interest in the topic and very positive reactions by patients and relatives, and we think that the possibility to use art for improved communication in the field of medicine holds promise for the future.
Depressive and anxiety symptoms, quality of sleep, and coping during the 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic in general population in Kashmir
Authors: Bhat Bilal Ahmad , Mir Rouf Ahmad , Hussain Arshad , Shah Iqra Rasheed
Published: November 2020

Background

With uncertainty surrounding the 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic, there is no knowledge of the psychological impact of this pandemic on the general public from Kashmir. We aimed to understand the psychological impact in the form of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, quality of sleep, and coping during this pandemic.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted using social networking sites. The questionnaire meant for this study was sent as a link to a respondent. Initial part of questionnaire collected the socio-demographic details of the respondents. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess the quality of sleep. There was also an open-ended question to look for coping skills used.

Results

The majority of our respondents were below 45 years (around 95%) with 54.9% from 18 to 30 years age group. 72.3% were males and 27.7% were females. 58.7% were from rural background. 55.7% were employed, and 32.2% were students. In our respondents, 55% had anxiety symptoms, 55% had depressive symptoms, around 53% had poor quality of sleep, and around 30% of used maladaptive coping skills. Significant depressive symptoms were there in the younger age group, 18–30 years (p= 0.03). Significant depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms were present in females (p= 0.01 and 0.006, respectively). In urban population, significant anxiety symptoms (p= 0.03) were present. The mean score for anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms was 8.05 ± 4.53 and 8.07 ± 4.56, respectively. Mean global PSQI score was 6.90 ± 3.82 and was positively correlated with score on depressive symptom scale (p= 0.001) as well as score on anxiety symptom scale (p= 0.001).

Conclusion

Younger people, females, those living in urban conditions, and those using maladaptive coping skills are likely to have anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms as well as poor quality of sleep.
Scaling up newborn care technologies from tertiary- to secondary-level hospitals in Malawi: an implementation case study of health professional perspectives on bubble CPAP
Authors: Kinshella Mai-Lei Woo , Salimu Sangwani , Hiwa Tamanda , Banda Mwai , Vidler Marianne , Newberry Laura , Dube Queen , Molyneux Elizabeth M. , Goldfarb David M. , Kawaza Kondwani , Nyondo-Mipando Alinane Linda
Published: November 2020

Background

While Malawi has achieved success in reducing overall under-five mortality, reduction of neonatal mortality remains a persistent challenge. There has, therefore, been a push to strengthen the capacity for quality newborn care at district hospitals through the implementation of innovative neonatal technologies such as bubble continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This study investigates tertiary- versus secondary-level hospital differences in capacities for bubble CPAP use and implications for implementation policies.

Methods

A secondary analysis of interviews was conducted with 46 health workers at one tertiary hospital and three secondary hospitals in rural Southern Malawi. Grounded theory was utilized to explore the emerging themes according to health worker cadres (nurse, clinician, district health management) and facility level (tertiary- and secondary-level facilities), which were managed using NVivo 12 (QSR International, Melbourne, Australia).

Results

We identified frequent CPAP use and the availability of neonatal nurses, physicians, and reliable electricity as facilitators for CPAP use at the tertiary hospital. Barriers at the tertiary hospital included initiation eligibility disagreements between clinicians and nurses and insufficient availability of the CPAP machines. At secondary-level hospitals, the use was supported by decision-making and initiation by nurses, involving caretakers to assist in monitoring and reliable availability of CPAP machines. Bubble CPAP was hindered by unreliable electricity, staffing shortages and rotation policies, and poor systems of accountability.

Conclusion

While this study looked at the implementation of bubble CPAP in Malawi, the findings may be applicable for scaling up other novel neonatal technologies in low-resource settings. Implementation policies must consider staffing and management structures at different health services levels for effective scale-up.
Oxidative stress and anti-oxidants in asymptomatic malaria-positive patients: a hospital-based cross-sectional Nigerian study
Authors: Babalola Ayodele S. , Jonathan J. , Michael Boluwatife E.
Published: November 2020

Background

Asymptomatic malaria is a threat to malaria eradication program. Host-related factors (e.g., immunity, oxidative stress, anti-oxidants activities) associated with asymptomatic malaria remain a gray area in research. This study seeks to determine the serum level of oxidative stress and anti-oxidants in 130 symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with different intensities of malaria parasite infection from a hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Results

The prevalence of infection was 48.5% among the respondents. Most of the patients with parasitemia were asymptomatic (64.7%). The mean titer value of malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) among those with malaria infection (6.05 ± 0.60) compared with those who tested negative for malaria parasites (2.38 ± 0.28). Furthermore, the mean titer value of MDA was significantly higher (p < 0.05) among patients who showed symptoms of malaria (5.49 ± 0.77) compared with those without symptoms (2.93 ± 0.47). A strong positive relationship existed between MDA (r = 0.717, p < 0.05), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (r = 0.695, p < 0.05), and density of infection. On the other hand, a weak negative correlation existed between intensity and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (r = − 0.115, p > 0.05) and glutathione (GSH) (r = − 0.278, p > 0.05). The level of SOD and GSH also decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with an increase in MDA level.

Conclusions

This study showed that lipid peroxidation did not only increase in positive patients, it also rises in patients with clinical symptoms of malaria. Furthermore, a similar level of anti-oxidant responses was observed in both symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria patients. There is a need to inform health policies that encourage routine diagnosis and treatment of malaria in apparently healthy people if the malaria elimination goal is to be achieved in Africa.
Comparative study between fascia lata and temporalis fascia in myringoplasty
Authors: Abdel Fattah Ayman Ali , Elasy Abdel Hay Rashad , Hoseini Ahmed Helmy , Abdel Hafez Tarek Abdel Rahman
Published: November 2020

Background

Repair of a perforated tympanic membrane (myringoplasty) can facilitate normal middle ear function, resist infection, and help re-establish normal hearing. Autogenous graft materials are the most popular graft materials used in myringoplasty because of their easy acceptability by the body. This study is conducted to compare between temporalis fascia graft and fascia lata graft in myringoplasty for patients with tubo-tympanic dry perforation.

Results

A total of 60 patients with persistent dry tympanic membrane perforation were included in our study during the period from January 2018 to May 2020. Patients underwent myringoplasty with temporalis fascia (30 patients as group A) or fascia lata (30 patients as group B). Patients were scheduled for follow-up visits concerning graft status, ear discharge, and audiograms. The mean postoperative air-bone gap in group A was 17.5 ± 4 after 1 month and 8.6 ± 6.9 after 3 months, while in group B, the mean postoperative air-bone gap was 17.6 ± 4.9 after 1 month and 9.4 ± 7.5 after 3 months. There was 90% success in graft uptake in group A, while there was 80% success in group B.

Conclusion

Using temporalis fascia is still the best and most trustworthy technique of myringoplasty compared to fascia lata graft. However, fascia lata can be a good alternative to temporalis fascia especially in cases of revision myringoplasty, ears having large perforation, or near-total perforation where the chances of residual perforation are high because of the limited margin of remnant tympanic membrane overlapping the graft.
The role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in promoting benign prostatic hyperplasia epithelial cell growth by modulating COX-2 and P53 signaling
Authors: Song Hualin , Shen Qi , Hu Shuai , Jin Jie
Published: November 2020

Inflammation and proinflammatory cytokines have been implicated in the progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a proinflammatory cytokine. Our previous study found that MIF is highly expressed in BPH epithelium. It has been reported that there is a correlation between MIF and clinical BPH progression. However, whether MIF has an effect on BPH epithelial cells is not clear. The aim of this study was to explore whether MIF has a role in BPH. Our results showed that IHC showed that MIF is highly expressed in the epithelium and that MIF and PCNA expression levels are higher in BPH samples than in control. CCK8 and flow cytometry assays showed that rMIF promoted the proliferation of BPH-1 and PWR-1E cells, while ISO-1 partially reversed this effect on proliferation. JC-1 assays showed that rMIF inhibited the apoptosis of BPH-1 and PWR-1E cells, and ISO-1 could partially reverse this inhibition. Moreover, western blotting indicated that rMIF downregulated P53 and upregulated COX-2. Furthermore, MIF-induced proliferation could be inhibited by celecoxib in the CCK8 and flow cytometry assay. MIF-inhibited apoptosis could be partially reversed by celecoxib in the JC-1 assay. Western blotting showed that celecoxib could partially reverse MIF-induced COX-2 upregulation and P53 downregulation. Together, MIF is highly expressed in BPH epithelium. In vitro, MIF promoted BPH epithelial cell growth by regulating COX-2 and P53 signaling. Targeting MIF may provide a new option for the improved treatment of BPH in the future.
Overexpression of an ALS-associated FUS mutation in C. elegans disrupts NMJ morphology and leads to defective neuromuscular transmission
Authors: Markert Sebastian M. , Skoruppa Michael , Yu Bin , Mulcahy Ben , Zhen Mei , Gao Shangbang , Sendtner Michael , Stigloher Christian
Published: November 2020

The amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) neurodegenerative disorder has been associated with multiple genetic lesions, including mutations in the gene for FUS (Fused in Sarcoma), a nuclear-localized RNA/DNA-binding protein. Neuronal expression of the pathological form of FUS proteins in C. elegans results in mislocalization and aggregation of FUS in the cytoplasm, and leads to impairment of motility. However, the mechanisms by which the mutant FUS disrupts neuronal health and function remain unclear. Here we investigated the impact of ALS-associated FUS on motor neuron health using correlative light and electron microscopy, electron tomography, and electrophysiology. We show that ectopic expression of wild-type or ALS-associated human FUS impairs synaptic vesicle docking at neuromuscular junctions. ALS-associated FUS led to the emergence of a population of large, electron-dense, and filament-filled endosomes. Electrophysiological recording revealed reduced transmission from motor neurons to muscles. Together, these results suggest a pathological effect of ALS-causing FUS at synaptic structure and function organization.
Ontogenesis of the tear drainage system requires Prickle 1-driven polarized basement membrane (BM) deposition
Authors: Guo Dianlei , Ru Jiali , Mao Fuxiang , Ouyang Hong , Ju Rong , Wu Kaili , Liu Yizhi , Liu Chunqiao
Published: November 2020

In terrestrial animals, the lacrimal drainage apparatus evolved to serve as conduits for tear flow; however, little is known about the ontogenesis of this system. Here, we defined the anatomy of the fully formed tear duct (TD) in mice, characterized crucial morphogenetic events for the development of tear duct components, and identified the site for primordial tear duct (PTD) initiation. We report that the PTD originates from the orbital lacrimal lamina (LL), a junction formed by the epithelia of the maxillary (mxp) and lateral nasal processes (lnp). We demonstrate that Prickle 1, a key component of planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling, is expressed in progenitors of the PTD and throughout tear duct morphogenesis. Disruption of Prickle 1 stalls tear duct elongation; in particular, the loss of basement membrane (BM) deposition and aberrant cytoplasmic accumulation of laminin are salient. Altered cell adhesion, cytoskeletal and vesicular transport systems, and cell axis orientation in Prickle 1 mutants support the role of Prickle 1 in PCP. Taken together, we highlight a crucial role of Prickle 1-mediated polarized BM secretion and deposition in PTD elongation.
β-catenin drives distinct transcriptional networks in proliferative and non-proliferative cardiomyocytes
Authors: Quaife-Ryan Gregory A. , Mills Richard J. , Lavers George , Voges Holly K. , Vivien Celine J. , Elliott David A. , Ramialison Mirana , Hudson James E. , Porrello Enzo R.
Published: November 2020

The inability of the adult mammalian heart to regenerate represents a fundamental barrier in heart failure management. In contrast, the neonatal heart retains a transient regenerative capacity, but the underlying mechanisms for the developmental loss of cardiac regenerative capacity in mammals are not fully understood. Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been proposed as a key cardio-regenerative pathway driving cardiomyocyte proliferation. Here, we show that Wnt/β-catenin signaling potentiates neonatal mouse cardiomyocyte proliferation in vivo and immature human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte (hPSC-CM) proliferation in vitro. In contrast, Wnt/β-catenin signaling in adult mice is cardioprotective but fails to induce cardiomyocyte proliferation. Transcriptional profiling and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing of neonatal mouse and hPSC-CM revealed a core Wnt/β-catenin-dependent transcriptional network governing cardiomyocyte proliferation. In contrast, β-catenin failed to re-engage this neonatal proliferative gene network in the adult heart despite partial transcriptional re-activation of a neonatal glycolytic gene program. These findings suggest that β-catenin may be repurposed from regenerative to protective functions in the adult heart in a developmental process dependent on the metabolic status of cardiomyocytes.
Negative feedback by conserved kinases patterns degradation ofC. elegansRaf in vulval fate patterning
Authors: de la Cova Claire C. , Townley Robert , Greenwald Iva
Published: November 2020

Activation of a canonical EGFR-Ras-Raf-ERK cascade initiates patterning of multipotent Vulval Precursor Cells (VPCs) of C. elegans. We previously showed that this pathway includes a negative-feedback component in which MPK-1/ERK activity targets the upstream kinase LIN-45/Raf for degradation by the SEL-10/FBXW7 E3 ubiquitin ligase. This regulation requires a Cdc4 phosphodegron (CPD) in LIN-45 that is conserved in BRAF. Here, we identify and characterize the minimal degron that encompasses the CPD and is sufficient for SEL-10-mediated, MPK-1-dependent protein degradation. A targeted screen of conserved protein kinase-encoding genes yielded gsk-3/GSK3 and cdk-2/CDK2 as required for LIN-45 degron-mediated turnover. Genetic analysis revealed that LIN-45 degradation is blocked at the L2 stage due to cell cycle quiescence, and that relief of the block during the L3 stage relies on activation of CDKs. Additionally, activation of MPK-1 provides spatial pattern to LIN-45 degradation but does not bypass the requirement for gsk-3 and cdk-2 activity. This analysis supports a model whereby mpk-1/ERK, gsk-3/GSK3, and cdk-2/CDK2, along with sel-10/FBXW7, constitute a regulatory network that exerts spatial and temporal control of LIN-45/Raf degradation during VPC patterning.
Changes in subcellular structures and states of pumilio 1 regulate the translation of target Mad2 and cyclin B1 mRNAs
Authors: Takei Natsumi , Takada Yuki , Kawamura Shohei , Sato Keisuke , Saitoh Atsushi , Bormann Jenny , Yuen Wai Shan , Carroll John , Kotani Tomoya
Published: November 2020

Temporal and spatial control of mRNA translation has emerged as a major mechanism for promoting diverse biological processes. However, the molecular nature of temporal and spatial control of translation remains unclear. In oocytes, many mRNAs are deposited as a translationally repressed form and are translated at appropriate times to promote the progression of meiosis and development. Here, we show that changes in subcellular structures and states of the RNA-binding protein pumilio 1 (Pum1) regulate the translation of target mRNAs and progression of oocyte maturation. Pum1 was shown to bind to Mad2 (also known as Mad2l1) and cyclin B1 mRNAs, assemble highly clustered aggregates, and surround Mad2 and cyclin B1 RNA granules in mouse oocytes. These Pum1 aggregates were dissolved prior to the translational activation of target mRNAs, possibly through phosphorylation. Stabilization of Pum1 aggregates prevented the translational activation of target mRNAs and progression of oocyte maturation. Together, our results provide an aggregation-dissolution model for the temporal and spatial control of translation.
SMARCA2 is regulated by NORFA–miR-29c, a novel pathway that controls granulosa cell apoptosis and is related to female fertility
Authors: Du Xing , Liu Lu , Wu Wangjun , Li Pinghua , Pan Zengxiang , Zhang Lifan , Liu Jiying , Li Qifa
Published: November 2020

SMARCA2, an evolutionarily conserved catalytic ATPase subunit of SWI/SNF complexes, has been implicated in development and diseases; however, its role in mammalian ovarian function and female fertility is unknown. Here, we identified and characterized the 3′-UTR of the porcine SMARCA2 gene and identified a novel adenylate number variation. Notably, this mutation was significantly associated with sow litter size traits and SMARCA2 levels, due to its influence on the stability of SMARCA2 mRNA in ovarian granulosa cells (GCs). Immunohistochemistry and functional analysis showed that SMARCA2 is involved in the regulation of follicular atresia by inhibiting GC apoptosis. In addition, miR-29c, a pro-apoptotic factor, was identified as a functional miRNA that targets SMARCA2 in GCs and mediates regulation of SMARCA2 expression via the NORFA–SMAD4 axis. Although a potential miR-29c-responsive element was identified within NORFA, negative regulation of miR-29c expression by NORFA was not due to activity as a competing endogenous RNA. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that SMARCA2 is a candidate gene for sow litter size traits, because it regulates follicular atresia and GC apoptosis. Additionally, we have defined a novel candidate pathway for sow fertility, the NORFA–TGFBR2–SMAD4–miR-29c–SMARCA2 pathway.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Sensing the structural characteristics of surfaces: texture encoding by a bottom-dwelling fish
Authors: Hardy Adam R. , Hale Melina E.
Published: November 2020

The texture of contacted surfaces influences our perception of the physical environment and modulates behavior. Texture perception and its neural encoding mechanisms have traditionally been studied in the primate hand, yet animals of all types live in richly textured environments and regularly interact with textured surfaces. Here we explore texture sensation in a different type of vertebrate limb by investigating touch and potential texture encoding mechanisms in the pectoral fins of fishes, the forelimb homologs. We investigated the pectoral fins of the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus), a bottom-dwelling species that lives on substrate types of varying roughness and whose fins frequently contact the bottom. Analysis shows that the receptive field sizes of fin ray afferents are small and afferents exhibit response properties to tactile motion that are consistent with those of primates and other animals studied previously. In response to a periodic stimulus (coarse gratings), afferents phase lock to the stimulus temporal frequency and thus can provide information about surface texture. These data demonstrate that fish can have the capability to sense the tactile features of their near range physical environment with fins.
Structure and Properties Characterization of Amphiphilic Dendrons Modified Lipid Membrane
Authors: Han Jin , Iimure Yosuke , Okamoto Yukihiro , Suga Keishi , Umakoshi Hiroshi
Published: November 2020

Coassembly of lipids and polyamidoamine amphiphilic dendrons (AD) is expected to provide desirable characteristics to drug delivery carriers. However, there have been few studies about structure and properties of these coassemblies. In this study, coassemblies (lipid-AD) were prepared by different generation and composition ratio of AD, and then the structure and their properties were characterized, especially fluidity and hydration state. In conclusion, generation of AD showed significant influence on coassembly structure and hydration state.
Phase Behavior, Ionic Conductivity, and Current-Voltage Response of Imogolite Gel Swelled in Ionic Liquid
Authors: Shikinaka Kazuhiro , Koike Honami , Tominaga Yoichi
Published: November 2020

In this paper, phase behavior, ionic conductivity, and current-voltage response were evaluated for gels consisting of imogolite nanotubes crosslinked by dicarboxylic acid in ionic liquid to obtain knowledge for designing their physical and electrochemical properties. The phase behavior and ionic conductivity of the gels vary depending on structure of dicarboxylic acid and polarity of solvent. Furthermore, definite current response of the gel was confirmed against voltage application.
The impact of the COVID-19 crisis on meeting needs for family planning: a global scenario by contraceptive methods used
Authors: Dasgupta Aisha , Kantorová Vladimíra , Ueffing Philipp
Published: November 2020

The COVID-19 crisis could leave significant numbers of women and couples without access to essential sexual and reproductive health care. This research note analyses differences in contraceptive method mix across Sustainable Development Goal regions and applies assumed method-specific declines in use (from 0 per cent to 20 per cent) to produce an illustrative scenario of the potential impact of COVID-19 on contraceptive use and on the proportion of the need for family planning satisfied by modern methods. Globally, it had been estimated that 77 per cent of women of reproductive age (15-49 years) would have their need for family planning satisfied with modern contraceptive methods in 2020. However, taking into account the potential impact of COVID-19 on method-specific use, this could fall to 71 per cent, resulting in around 60 million fewer users of modern contraception worldwide in 2020. Overall declines in contraceptive use will depend on the methods used by women and their partners and on the types of disruptions experienced. The analysis concludes with the recommendation that countries should include family planning and reproductive health services in the package of essential services and develop strategies to ensure that women and couples are able to exercise their reproductive rights during the COVID-19 crisis.
Military Forces and Police in Dysfunctional States of Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Kłosowicz Robert
Published: November 2020

Armed forces and police in dysfunctional states of Sub-Saharan Africa are usually weak, both in terms of training, discipline, equipment and morale. The army is frequently dragged into political conflicts, especially as there is a rule that who controls armed forces has power, and the loss of control of the army is tantamount to the loss of power. A similar problem concerns the police, which is even more corrupt and dependent on political influence. The police is often more preoccupied with supporting the ruling party than with protection of the public order, and citizens associate it with forcing various types of bribes. The analysis of the relation between the weak statehood challenges and the condition of the armed forces and police presented in the article is a result of the author’s long-term research on dysfunctional states in Sub-Saharan Africa, based, inter alia, on the fieldwork conducted in more than twenty African states.
Outer Space and Private Companies
Authors: Frankowski Paweł
Published: November 2020

The paper focuses on sectors, methods, and spheres of the space activity of private companies, to provide empirical analysis of space applications and implications for global security. Special emphasis has been given to private companies offering access to satellite imagery and satellite remote sensing, as well as companies entering outer space with new and prospective capabilities as space mining. The article explains the rising importance of geo-intelligence, space surveillance and telecommunication for global security and new kind of security challenges and vulnerabilities such as environmental problems in outer space or technological challenges to security. The author argues that profit-oriented companies play crucial role in new security environment in the US, efficiently changing the law and practice. Finally he points out that new and growing market for subcontractors in space applications raises questions on growing dependence on private resources in traditional sphere of state activity, namely security, in this case provided from and through the outer space.
Missile Defense and Polish Security
Authors: Wężowicz Robert
Published: November 2020

The purpose of the article is to present the multifaceted issue that is missile defense in the context of Polish safety. The fact that Poland is a member of NATO, but also its geographical location and the nature of potential security risks, mean that its position in terms of missile defense is not equivalent to that of other countries. In the case of Poland, we are dealing with plans to create a broadly understood air defense system; a compromise solution, the result of irreconcilable requirements, in which missile defense will be just one of many tasks rather than a priority.
Get set to go greener
Authors: White Hilary
Published: November 2020

Why not start as you mean to go on, with an audit of how eco-friendly your setting is? Hilary White provides a in-depth practical guide to making small changes that make will make a big difference to how environmentally friendly your provision can become in 2021.
Fiber Bragg grating accelerometer-based nonintrusive flow rate measurements and leak detection
Authors: Jiang Ke , Liang Lei , Hu Chenghui , Liu Xiaobin
Published: November 2020

We aim to develop a nonintrusive, reliable, convenient flow rate measurement and leak detection method. The flow rate is known to be related to the vibration excited by the turbulent internal flow, but there exists some scatter in the vibration data at low flow speeds (

<

2

m

/

s

) due to the resolution limits of the sensor. A customized fiber Bragg grating acceleration sensor is designed and applied to measure the low flow rate and detect leakage in the pipeline. Experimental tests show the relationship between the standard deviation of vibration data and flow rate at low velocity is quadratic; the

R
2

of quadratic curve fitting is 0.990. Moreover, for leak detection, selected features are used as the input of support vector machine classifiers to identify the leak in the pipeline. The results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves a high accuracy of 99.00% to determine the leak state and nonleak state.
Visualization by P-flow: gradient- and feature-based optical flow and vector fields extracted from image analysis
Authors: Suzuki Wataru , Hiyama Atsushi , Ichinohe Noritaka , Yamashita Wakayo , Seno Takeharu , Takeichi Hiroshige
Published: November 2020

We proposed a method for extracting the optical flow suitable for
visualization, pseudo-flow (P-flow), from a natural movie
[Exp. Brain
Res. 237, 3321
(2019)EXBRAP0014-481910.1007/s00221-019-05674-0]. The P-flow
algorithm comprises two stages: (1) extraction of a local motion
vector field from two successive frames and (2) tracking of vectors
between two successive frame pairs. In this study, we show that while
P-flow takes a feature (vector) tracking approach, it is also
classified as a gradient-based approach that satisfies the brightness
constancy constraint. We also incorporate interpolation and a corner
detector to address the shortcomings associated with the two
approaches.
Accelerating triangle-like singular beam
Authors: Yan Shaohui , Li Manman , Zhou Yuan , Zhang Yanan , Yao Baoli
Published: November 2020

We demonstrate a type of singular beam that accelerates along a parabolic trajectory and has a cross-section intensity pattern exhibiting a dark central region surrounded by multiple rings with the innermost (main) ring resembling an equilateral triangle. The key to creating such beams is to replace the standard triangle with a rounded one, made up of six circular arcs connected end to end. The individual input phase mask for each arc can be analytically computed, and the whole input phase mask for the beam is thus obtained by piecing together these individual phases. Furthermore, the continuity of field forces of these triangle-like modes is discrete; that is, an index similar to the topological charge of vortex beams arises. Numerical results show that the energy flow in the beam’s cross section circulates around the dark center along the triangle-like main ring, suggesting a possible application in orbiting particles along an irregular path.
All-optical modulation and detection using a gain medium in a pulse shaper
Authors: Nyman M. , Kaivola M. , Shevchenko A.
Published: November 2020

We demonstrate all-optical modulation and ultrafast detection using an on-resonance optical gain medium, combined with spectral splitting in a Fourier transform pulse shaper. Multiple spectral channels of one optical beam can be independently modulated in time by another beam, allowing high-rate modulation and multiplexing without requiring ultrafast response from the gain medium. For detection of sub-picosecond signals we demonstrate a method of ultrafast signal detection (temporal imaging with no spatial resolution) that utilizes the spatio-temporal tilt of an optical pulse in a pulse shaper. The proposed methods can find applications in optical information technology and ultrafast imaging.
PPM-Decay: A computational model of auditory prediction with memory decay
Authors: Harrison Peter M. C. , Bianco Roberta , Chait Maria , Pearce Marcus T.
Published: November 2020

Statistical learning and probabilistic prediction are fundamental processes in auditory cognition. A prominent computational model of these processes is Prediction by Partial Matching (PPM), a variable-order Markov model that learns by internalizingn-grams from training sequences. However, PPM has limitations as a cognitive model: in particular, it has a perfect memory that weights all historic observations equally, which is inconsistent with memory capacity constraints and recency effects observed in human cognition. We address these limitations with PPM-Decay, a new variant of PPM that introduces a customizable memory decay kernel. In three studies—one with artificially generated sequences, one with chord sequences from Western music, and one with new behavioral data from an auditory pattern detection experiment—we show how this decay kernel improves the model’s predictive performance for sequences whose underlying statistics change over time, and enables the model to capture effects of memory constraints on auditory pattern detection. The resulting model is available in our new open-source R package,ppm(https://github.com/pmcharrison/ppm).
Adapting the reverse pyramid airplane boarding method for social distancing in times of COVID-19
Authors: Milne R. John , Cotfas Liviu-Adrian , Delcea Camelia , Crăciun Liliana , Molănescu Anca-Gabriela
Published: November 2020

Social distancing resulting from the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV2) has disrupted the airplane boarding process. Social distancing norms reduce airplane capacity by keeping the middle seats unoccupied, while an imposed aisle social distance between boarding passengers slows the boarding. Recent literature suggests the Reverse Pyramid boarding method is a promising way to reduce health risk and keep boarding times low when 10 apron buses (essentially 10 boarding groups) are used to transport passengers from the airport terminal to a two-door airplane. We adapt the Reverse Pyramid method for social distancing when an airplane is boarded using a jet bridge that connects the terminal the airplane’s front door. We vary the number of boarding groups from two to six and use stochastic simulation and agent-based modelling to show the resulting impact on four performance evaluation metrics. Increasing the number of boarding groups from two to six reduces boarding time only up to four groups but continues to reduce infection risk up to six groups. If the passengers carry fewer luggage aboard the airplane, health risks (as well as boarding times) decrease. One adaptation of the Reverse Pyramid (RP) method (RP-Spread) provides slightly faster boarding times than the other (RP-Steep), when luggage volumes are high, while RP-Steep results in less risk to window seat passengers from later-boarding passengers walking by their row. Increasing the minimum aisle social distance from 1 m to 2 m increases boarding times but results in lower health risks to passengers walking down the aisle and to the previously seated passengers they pass.
Escrita e Cinema | Writing and Cinema
Authors: Silvestre Osvaldo Manuel , Rowland Clara
Published: November 2020

Call for Papers para o Volume 1.2 (2013) de MATLIT, organizado por Osvaldo Manuel Silvestre (CLP, Universidade de Coimbra) e Clara Rowland (CEC, Universidade de Lisboa).
Dos “Livros & Telas”: Possibilidades de Leitura na Era Digital
Authors: Przybylski Mauren Pavão
Published: November 2020

Recensão de Aracy Alves Martins, Maria Zélia Versiani Machado, Graça Paulino e Célia Abicalil Belmiro (orgs), Livros & telas. Belo Horizonte: Editora da UFMG, 2011, 262 pp. 978-8570418791.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/2182-8830_1-2_15
Voces aprendidas de los ciudadanos europeos: de la subjetivación gubernamental a la subjetivación política
Authors: Maarten Simons , Hodgson Naomi
Published: November 2020

El artículo se centra en estudiar la forma en que las voces operan dentro de los actuales discursos sobre democracia, ciudadanía y aprendizaje. Partiendo de un análisis de los «dispositivos de aprendizaje» y de los «dispositivos de ciudadanía», mostraremos cómo se pide al individuo que se articule de un modo particular, como prueba de su compromiso, inclusión y participación democráticos. Es la personalidad del sujeto –a través de la insistencia en cuestiones relacionadas con la identidad, las preferencias, los sentimientos de pertenencia– lo que se tiene en cuenta a la hora de valorar su nivel de compromiso cívico y participación política. Este proceso de personalización –que cataloga al individuo como una persona que torna en ciudadano europeo– será descrito como un aspecto importante de la actual subjetivación gubernamental. Para abordar esta cuestión exploraremos, en la línea de Jacques Rancière, el concepto de «subjetivación política». Mientras que la subjetivación gubernamental implica un proceso de identificación con el orden social, la subjetivación política es un paradójico proceso de desidentificación con el orden social. Se trata, por un lado, de articular la voz de uno como un igual dentro del orden social; un orden social en el que, por otro lado, ese mismo uno no tendrá voz dentro de la organización dominante de las posiciones.
Practicum sin fronteras: estudio de un caso de acción y reflexión intercultural y pedagógica
Authors: Iglesias Rodríguez Ana , Beltrán Llavador Fernando
Published: November 2020

La formación docente del presente siglo XXI reclama una nueva contextualización de las prácticas educativas a la luz de amplios marcos globales bajo la cual hay que interpretar las especificidades culturales de los itinerarios formativos. Este estudio de caso describe algunas de las oportunidades y desafíos del Practicum Internacional de la Universidad de Salamanca para los aprendices de maestro en colaboración con instituciones educativas del Reino Unido. Más allá de la confrontación viva con la cultura como diversidad, los numerosos agentes implicados en el mismo establecieron un diálogo entre perspectivas pedagógicas diferentes que potenciaron procesos de acción docente colaborativa, interpelación mutua y reflexión conjunta de enorme valor en los ámbitos lingüístico, pedagógico y cultural. Mantenemos que ese diálogo fértil atraviesa fronteras y ya define, en sí mismo, una experiencia educativa de vinculación efectiva por cuanto sitúa la dimensión intercultural en el centro mismo de la trayectoria formativa del profesorado europeo.
Una pedagogía de la presencia. Crítica filosófica de la impostura pedagógica
Authors: Bárcena Orbe Fernando
Published: November 2020

El propósito de este artículo es articular una reflexión filosófica en torno a una pedagogía de la presencia. Estar presentes en lo que nos pasa en un escenario educativo, como maestros o aprendices, como profesores o alumnos, supone poner en juego la atención y producir nuestra propia visibilidad en lo que hacemos y en lo que pensamos. Frente a la dominante tradición en filosofía de la educación, que define esta actividad como una mera construcción racional de la realidad educativa, a la que somete a un examen racional a partir del establecimiento de una distancia crítica con su objeto de conocimiento, se sugiere aquí la recuperación de la antigua tradición filosófica que define el trabajo filosófico (sobre la educación) como una forma de vida o como un proceso de transformación del sujeto de la experiencia a partir del establecimiento de una distancia poética o apropiada con la realidad. La noción de «pedagogía de la presencia» pretende dar cuenta del establecimiento de dicha distancia, en la que el sujeto (que aprende) produce su propia presencia en la experiencia de su aprender. El artículo termina con un análisis crítico de la impostura pedagógica de cierto discurso pedagógico dominante en la actualidad, dentro del cual dicha presencia queda anulada.