bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) and death from cardiovascular disease or opioid use in counties across the United States (2009–2018)
Authors: Rangachari Pavani , Govindarajan Anuraag , Mehta Renuka , Seehusen Dean , Rethemeyer R. Karl
Published: February 2022

Background

Death from cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been a longstanding public health challenge in the US, whereas death from opioid use is a recent, growing public health crisis. While population-level approaches to reducing CVD risk are known to be effective in preventing CVD deaths, more targeted approaches in high-risk communities are known to work better for reducing risk of opioid overdose. For communities to plan effectively in addressing both public health challenges, they need information on significant community-level (vs individual-level) predictors of death from CVD or opioid use. This study addresses this need by examining the relationship between 1) county-level social determinants of health (SDoH) and CVD deaths and 2) county-level SDoH and opioid-use deaths in the US, over a ten-year period (2009–2018).

Methods

A single national county-level ten-year ‘SDoH Database’ is analyzed, to address study objectives. Fixed-effects panel-data regression analysis, including county, year, and state-by-year fixed effects, is used to examine the relationship between 1) SDoH and CVD death-rate and 2) SDoH and opioid-use death-rate. Eighteen independent (SDoH) variables are included, spanning three contexts: socio-economic (e.g., race/ethnicity, income); healthcare (e.g., system-characteristics); and physical-infrastructure (e.g., housing).

Results

After adjusting for county, year, and state-by-year fixed effects, the significant county-level positive SDoH predictors for CVD death rate were, median age and percentage of civilian population in armed forces. The only significant negative predictor was percentage of population reporting White race. On the other hand, the four significant negative predictors of opioid use death rate were median age, median household income, percent of population reporting Hispanic ethnicity and percentage of civilian population consisting of veterans. Notably, a dollar increase in median household income, was estimated to decrease sample mean opioid death rate by 0.0015% based on coefficient value, and by 20.05% based on effect size.

Conclusions

The study provides several practice and policy implications for addressing SDoH barriers at the county level, including population-based approaches to reduce CVD mortality risk among people in military service, and policy-based interventions to increase household income (e.g., by raising county minimum wage), to reduce mortality risk from opioid overdoses.
Krill oil supplementation reduces the growth of CT-26 orthotopic tumours in Balb/c mice
Authors: Jayathilake Abilasha Gayani , Kadife Elif , Kuol Nyanbol , Luwor Rodney Brain , Nurgali Kulmira , Su Xiao Qun
Published: February 2022

Background

We have previously reported that the free fatty acid extract (FFAE) of krill oil (KO) significantly inhibits the proliferation and migration, and induces apoptosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. This study aimed to investigate the in vivo efficacy of various doses of KO supplementation on the inhibition of CRC tumour growth, molecular markers of proliferation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its downstream molecular signalling.

Methods

Male Balb/c mice were randomly divided into four groups with five in each group. The control (untreated) group received standard chow diet; and other three groups received KO supplementation at 5%, 10%, and 15% of their daily dietary intake respectively for three weeks before and after the orthotopic implantation of CT-26 CRC cells in their caecum. The expression of cell proliferation marker Ki-67 and angiogenesis marker CD-31 were assessed by immunohistochemistry. The expression of EGFR, phosphorylated EGFR (pEGFR), protein kinase B (AKT), pAKT, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), pERK1/2, cleaved caspase-7, cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), and DNA/RNA damage were determined by western blot.

Results

KO supplementation reduced the CRC tumour growth in a dose-dependent manner;with 15% of KO being the most effective in reduction of tumour weight and volume (68.5% and 68.3% respectively,P < 0.001), inhibition of cell proliferation by 69.9% (P < 0.001) and microvessel density by 72.7% (P < 0.001). The suppressive effects of KO on EGFR and its downstream signalling, ERK1/2 and AKT, were consistent with our previous in vitro observations. Furthermore, KO exhibited pro-apoptotic effects on tumour cells as indicated by an increase in the expression of cleaved PARP by 3.9-fold and caspase-7 by 8.9-fold.

Conclusions

This study has demonstrated that KO supplementation reduces CRC tumour growth by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and blood vessel formation and inducing apoptosis of tumour cells. These anti-cancer effects are associated with the downregulation of the EGFR signalling pathway and activation of caspase-7, PARP cleavage, and DNA/RNA damage.
The ASK-SEAT: a competency-based assessment scale for students majoring in clinical medicine
Authors: Huang Linxiang , Li Zihua , Huang Zeting , Zhan Weijie , Huang Xiaoqing , Xu Haijie , Cheng Chibin , Zheng Yingying , Xin Gang , Zheng Shaoyan , Guo Pi
Published: February 2022

Background

To validate a competency-based assessment scale for students majoring in clinical medicine, ASK-SEAT. Students’ competency growth across grade years was also examined for trends and gaps.

Methods

Questionnaires were distributed online from May through August in 2018 to Year-2 to Year-6 students who majored in clinical medicine at the Shantou University Medical College (China). Cronbach alpha values were calculated for reliability of the scale, and exploratory factor analysis employed for structural validity. Predictive validity was explored by correlating Year-4 students’ self-assessed competency ratings with their licensing examination scores (based on Kendall’s tau-b values). All students’ competency development over time was examined using the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

A total of 760 questionnaires meeting the inclusion criteria were analyzed. The overall Cronbach’s alpha value was 0.964, and the item-total correlations were all greater than 0.520. The overall KMO measure was 0.966 and the KMO measure for each item was greater than 0.930 (P < 0.001). The eigenvalues of the top 3 components extracted were all greater than 1, explaining 55.351, 7.382, and 5.316% of data variance respectively, and 68.048% cumulatively. These components were aligned with the competency dimensions of skills (S), knowledge (K), and attitude (A). Significant and positive correlations (0.135 < Kendall’s tau-b < 0.276, p < 0.05) were found between Year-4 students’ self-rated competency levels and their scores for the licensing examination. Steady competency growth was associated with almost all indicators, with the most pronounced growth in the domain of skills. A lack of steady growth was seen in the indicators of “applying the English language” and “conducting scientific research & innovating”.

Conclusions

The ASK-SEAT, a competency-based assessment scale developed to measure medical students’ competency development shows good reliability and structural validity. For predictive validity, weak-to-moderate correlations are found between Year-4 students’ self-assessment and their performance at the national licensing examination (Year-4 students start their clinical clerkship during the 2nd semester of their 4th year of study). Year-2 to Year-6 students demonstrate steady improvement in the great majority of clinical competency indicators, except in the indicators of “applying the English language” and “conducting scientific research & innovating”.
Therapeutic options for premature ovarian insufficiency: an updated review
Authors: Huang Qiao-yi , Chen Shao-rong , Chen Jia-ming , Shi Qi-yang , Lin Shu
Published: February 2022

Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a rare gynecological condition. This disease causes menstrual disturbances, infertility, and various health problems. Historically, hormone replacement therapy is the first-line treatment for this disorder. Women diagnosed with POI are left with limited therapeutic options. In order to remedy this situation, a new generation of therapeutic approaches, such as in vitro activation, mitochondrial activation technique, stem cell and exosomes therapy, biomaterials strategies, and platelet-rich plasma intra-ovarian infusion, is being developed. However, these emerging therapies are yet in the experimental stage and require precise design components to accelerate their conversion into clinical treatments. Thus, each medical practitioner bears responsibility for selecting suitable therapies for individual patients. In this article, we provide a timely analysis of the therapeutic strategies that are available for POI patients and discuss the prospects of POI therapy.
Synchronous lateral lymph node metastases from papillary and follicular thyroid carcinoma: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Stenman Adam , Kjellman Magnus , Zedenius Jan , Juhlin C. Christofer
Published: February 2022

Background

Follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTCs) rarely metastasize to regional lymph nodes, and descriptions of synchronous lateral lymph node metastases of FTC and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) are lacking.

Case Presentation

We describe a 43-year-old female with a preoperative cytology indicating a right-sided PTC with lateral lymph node metastases. She underwent a total thyroidectomy and central and lateral lymph node dissection, and histopathology confirmed a multifocal tall cell variant PTC together with a 12 mm minimally invasive FTC in the ipsilateral lobe. While the central compartment demonstrated metastatic PTC, the lateral compartment contained PTC metastases alongside a 15 mm large follicular-patterned mass in a separate lymph node. As the cells lacked PTC associated nuclear changes, the possibility of a lateral lymph node metastasis of FTC was considered, with the possibility of ectopic thyroid tissue as a differential diagnosis. By utilizing next-generation sequencing, a Q61R NRAS mutation was pinpointed, thus proving the tissue as tumorous. The patient underwent radioiodine treatment and is currently monitored following a negative whole-body scan.

Conclusions

This is probably the first case report of a patient with co-existing lateral lymph node PTC and FTC metastases. Consulting previous publications, there is currently a gap of knowledge in terms of how patients with regional FTC metastases should be followed-up and treated, especially when co-occurring with spread high-risk PTC subtypes. Moreover, what guides a seemingly indolent FTC to spread via the lymphatic system remains to be defined from a molecular standpoint.
TLR9 regulates NLRP3 inflammasome activation via the NF-kB signaling pathway in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Shen Jinfeng , Dai Zaiyou , Li Yunsheng , Zhu Huiping , Zhao Lijin
Published: February 2022

Background

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are critical sensors for the conservation of bacterial molecules and play a key role in host defense against pathogens. The effect of TLRs on the maintenance of diabetic nephropathy (DN) and resistance to infection has been investigated; however, the detailed effects of TLR9 on DN development remain elusive.

Methods

We performed quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting to detect TLR9 expression levels in the kidneys of experimental mice (db/db) and high-glucose-treated mouse mesangial cell strains (MCs).

Results

TLR9 expression was found to be remarkably upregulated in the kidneys of experimental mice (db/db) and MCs cultivated under hyperglycemic conditions. Moreover, knockdown of TLR9 could restrain NF-kB viability and downregulate the NLRP3 inflammasome in high glucose-treated MCs. TLR9 inhibition also alleviated inflammation and apoptosis, which was reversed by the addition of the NF-κB activator, betulinic acid. Furthermore, depleted TLR9 levels restrained NF-κB viability and NLRP3 expression and reduced kidney inflammation, microalbuminuria discharge, blood sugar level, and glomerular damage in experimental mice (db/db) kidneys.

Conclusions

These findings offer novel insights into the regulation of TLR9 via the nuclear factor-kB/NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 inflammasome inflammation pathways in DN progression.
Post-treatment three-dimensional voxel-based dosimetry after Yttrium-90 resin microsphere radioembolization in HCC
Authors: Veenstra Emile B. , Ruiter Simeon J. S. , de Haas Robbert J. , Bokkers Reinoud P. H. , de Jong Koert P. , Noordzij Walter
Published: February 2022

Background

Post-therapy [90Y] PET/CT-based dosimetry is currently recommended to validate treatment planning as [99mTc] MAA SPECT/CT is often a poor predictor of subsequent actual [90Y] absorbed dose. Treatment planning software became available allowing 3D voxel dosimetry offering tumour-absorbed dose distributions and dose-volume histograms (DVH). We aim to assess dose–response effects in post-therapy [90Y] PET/CT dosimetry in SIRT-treated HCC patients for predicting overall and progression-free survival (OS and PFS) and four-month follow-up tumour response (mRECIST). Tumour-absorbed dose and mean percentage of the tumour volume (V) receiving ≥ 100, 150, 200, or 250 Gy and mean minimum absorbed dose (D) delivered to 30%, 50%, 70%, and 90% of tumour volume were calculated from DVH’s. Depending on the mean tumour -absorbed dose, treated lesions were assigned to a < 120 Gy or ≥ 120 Gy group.

Results

Thirty patients received 36 SIRT treatments, totalling 43 lesions. Median tumour-absorbed dose was significantly different between the ≥ 120 Gy (n = 28, 207 Gy, IQR 154–311 Gy) and < 120 Gy group (n = 15, 62 Gy, IQR 49–97 Gy, p <0 .01). Disease control (DC) was found more frequently in the ≥ 120 Gy group (79%) compared to < 120 Gy (53%). Mean tumour-absorbed dose optimal cut-off predicting DC was 131 Gy. Tumour control probability was 54% (95% CI 52–54%) for a mean tumour-absorbed dose of 120 Gy and 90% (95% CI 87–92%) for 284 Gy. Only D30 was significantly different between DC and progressive disease (p = 0.04). For the ≥ 120 Gy group, median OS and PFS were longer (median OS 33 months, [range 8–33 months] and median PFS 23 months [range 4–33 months]) than the < 120 Gy group (median OS 17 months, [range 5–33 months] and median PFS 13 months [range 1–33 months]) (p < 0.01 and p = 0.03, respectively).

Conclusions

Higher 3D voxel-based tumour-absorbed dose in patients with HCC is associated with four-month DC and longer OS and PFS. DVHs in [90Y] SIRT could play a role in evaluative dosimetry.
A case study of student development across project-based learning units in middle school chemistry
Authors: Zhao Yanan , Wang Lei
Published: February 2022

Numerous theoretical and empirical studies have claimed that project-based learning (PBL) exerts a positive impact on student development. This study explores the development and changes of students across project-based learning units by qualitative research methods. We followed a student group (1 boy and 3 girls) from one class in grade 9 over 3 time points within 1 school year. Classroom observation, focus group student interviews and artifact collection were used to collect data at the end of three units over time.

Qualitative research methods were employed for data analysis to determine what competencies students demonstrate and how these competencies changed during 3 units. The results revealed that this student group demonstrated both cognitive (e.g., understanding of core ideas, use of scientific practices, problem solving and creativity) and non-cognitive competencies (e.g., motivation to learn chemistry, collaboration, environmental awareness and perseverance). Three competencies (understanding of core ideas, motivation to learn chemistry, and collaboration) were shown in all three units, and these three competencies gradually improved as the units progressed. The across project-based learning units showed a promising effect on student development. This study concludes with a discussion of challenges and promises for using across project-based learning units to support student development.
Joint consistent static correction of PP- and PS-waves: A case history of Basin A
Authors: Xiong Shu , Lu Jun
Published: February 2022

The shallow S-wave velocity model is difficult to accurately obtain in seismic exploration, resulting in poor imaging quality when traditional static correction methods are applied to PS-waves. Moreover, unlike for PP-waves, identifying an interface near the water table to use as the datum for PS-waves is almost impossible in many cases. We have developed a case history of joint consistent static correction for PP- and PS-waves of Basin A in Sichuan province, China. In our workflow, crosscorrelation calculation is performed on PP-wave common shotpoint and common receiver-point stacked sections and PS-wave common receiver-point stacked sections to jointly obtain stable shot and receiver statics of PP- and PS-waves. Based on the similarity between the PP-wave and the PS-wave events from the same interface, P-wave statics are used to constrain the calculation of S-wave statics. For comparison, conventional refraction static correction is implemented on the research data. Results show that both approaches produce comparable results for PP-waves, but the PS-wave results from the conventional approach indicate apparent residual statics. This case history demonstrates that joint consistent static correction can effectively solve the static correction problems of multicomponent seismic data and significantly improve the imaging quality.
Sex Differences in Risk of Severe Adverse Events in Patients Receiving Immunotherapy, Targeted Therapy, or Chemotherapy in Cancer Clinical Trials
Authors: Unger Joseph M. , Vaidya Riha , Albain Kathy S. , LeBlanc Michael , Minasian Lori M. , Gotay Carolyn C. , Henry N. Lynn , Fisch Michael J. , Lee Shing M. , Blanke Charles D. , Hershman Dawn L.
Published: February 2022

PURPOSE

Women have more adverse events (AEs) from chemotherapy than men, but few studies have investigated sex differences in immune or targeted therapies. We examined AEs by sex across different treatment domains.

METHODS

We analyzed treatment-related AEs by sex in SWOG phase II and III clinical trials conducted between 1980 and 2019, excluding sex-specific cancers. AE codes and grade were categorized using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. Symptomatic AEs were defined as those aligned with the National Cancer Institute's Patient-Reported Outcome–Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events; laboratory-based or observable/measurable AEs were designated as objective (hematologic v nonhematologic). Multivariable logistic regression was used, adjusting for age, race, and disease prognosis. Thirteen symptomatic and 14 objective AE categories were examined.

RESULTS

In total, N = 23,296 patients (women, 8,838 [37.9%]; men, 14,458 [62.1%]) from 202 trials experiencing 274,688 AEs were analyzed; 17,417 received chemotherapy, 2,319 received immunotherapy, and 3,560 received targeted therapy. Overall, 64.6% (n = 15,051) experienced one or more severe (grade ≥ 3) AEs. Women had a 34% increased risk of severe AEs compared with men (odds ratio [OR] = 1.34; 95% CI, 1.27 to 1.42; P < .001), including a 49% increased risk among those receiving immunotherapy (OR = 1.49; 95% CI, 1.24 to 1.78; P < .001). Women experienced an increased risk of severe symptomatic AEs among all treatments, especially immunotherapy (OR = 1.66; 95% CI, 1.37 to 2.01; P < .001). Women receiving chemotherapy or immunotherapy experienced increased severe hematologic AE. No statistically significant sex differences in risk of nonhematologic AEs were found.

CONCLUSION

The greater severity of both symptomatic AEs and hematologic AEs in women across multiple treatment modalities indicates that broad-based sex differences exist. This could be due to differences in AE reported, pharmacogenomics of drug metabolism/disposition, total dose received, and/or adherence to therapy. Particularly large sex differences were observed for patients receiving immunotherapy, suggesting that studying AEs from these agents is a priority.
Unaccompanied Minors and Fraudulent Fathers: Civil Law in the Unmaking of Immigrant Family in Buenos Aires, 1869–1920
Authors: Bates Juandrea M.
Published: February 2022

This article examines how legal concepts of age and family shaped the status of immigrants in Argentina from 1869 to 1920. While historians have long explored the effects that immigration had on Argentina's culture, economic development, and political stability, they often overlook a fundamental aspect of this migration: approximately one-third of those who arrived to Argentina by 1909 were under the age of 22. They were, therefore, legal minors. Evidence from 300 suits filed in Buenos Aires civil tribunals indicates that these young people faced significant challenges obtaining the protections and rights of citizens promised foreign residents in Argentina's 1853 constitution. Immigrant parents also faced frequent challenges to their parental rights. The sociolegal construction of minorities and families fundamentally shaped the status of immigrants in Argentina.
Epithelial plasticity in COPD results in cellular unjamming due to an increase in polymerized actin
Authors: Ghosh Baishakhi , Nishida Kristine , Chandrala Lakshmana , Mahmud Saborny , Thapa Shreeti , Swaby Carter , Chen Si , Khosla Atulya Aman , Katz Joseph , Sidhaye Venkataramana K.
Published: February 2022

The airway epithelium is subjected to insults such as cigarette smoke (CS), a primary cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and serves as an excellent model to study cell plasticity. Here, we show that both CS-exposed and COPD-patient derived epithelia (CHBE) display quantitative evidence of cellular plasticity, with loss of specialized apical features and a transcriptional profile suggestive of partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (pEMT), albeit with distinct cell motion indicative of cellular unjamming. These injured/diseased cells have an increased fraction of polymerized actin, due to loss of the actin-severing protein cofilin-1. We observed that decreasing polymerized actin restores the jammed state in both CHBE and CS-exposed epithelia, indicating that the fraction of polymerized actin is critical in unjamming the epithelia. Our kinetic energy spectral analysis suggests that loss of cofilin-1 results in unjamming, similar to that seen with both CS exposure and in CHBE cells. The findings suggest that in response to chronic injury, although epithelial cells display evidence of pEMT, their movement is more consistent with cellular unjamming. Inhibitors of actin polymerization rectify the unjamming features of the monolayer.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Compression Garments for Recovery from Muscle Damage: Evidence and Implications of Dose Responses
Authors: Brown Freddy C.W. , Hill Jessica A. , Pedlar Charles R.
Published: February 2022

The use of compression garments (CG) has been associated with improved recovery following exercise-induced muscle damage. The mechanisms responsible are not well established, and no consensus exists regarding the effects of compression pressure (i.e., the “dose”), which until recently was seldom reported. With the increasing prevalence of studies reporting directly measured pressures, the present review aims to consolidate current evidence on optimal pressures for recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage. In addition, recent findings suggesting that custom-fitted garments provide greater precision and experimental control are discussed. Finally, biochemical data from human trials are presented to support a theoretical mechanism by which CG enhance recovery, with recommendations for future research. The effects of compression on adaptation remain unexplored. More studies are required to investigate the relationship between compression pressure and the recovery of performance and physiological outcomes. Furthermore, improved mechanistic understanding may help elucidate the optimal conditions by which CG enhance recovery.
Evaluation of a Vitamin D Screening and Treatment Protocol Using a Seasonal Calculator in Athletes
Authors: Hollabaugh William L. , Meirick Paul J. , Matarazzo Chris P. , Burston Alda M. , Camery Megan E. , Ferrill-Moseley Kimberly A. , Bley Jordan A. , Pennings Jacquelyn S. , Fitch Robert W. , Tanner S. Bobo , Karpinos Ashley R.
Published: February 2022

Vitamin D is important in musculoskeletal health, and low serum vitamin D concentration is common in athletes. This study implemented a vitamin D screening and supplementation protocol in a cohort of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I athletes using summer 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration and a seasonal variation calculator to achieve sufficient vitamin D concentration year-round. After implementation of the Vitamin D Protocol, there was a nonsignificant difference in athletes with sufficient winter vitamin D concentrations (72.6%) compared with summer vitamin D concentrations (66.1%) (P = 0.40). The Seasonal Variation Calculator predicted winter vitamin D concentrations (8 ± 18 ng·mL−1) higher than actual winter vitamin D concentrations (P < 0.01). While most athletes (78%) believed vitamin D was important for athletic performance, athlete compliance to the Vitamin D Protocol was inconsistent. In the future, adjustment of vitamin D screening and supplementation protocols may help athletes achieve sufficient vitamin D status year-round.
Semesters or Quarters? The Effect of the Academic Calendar on Postsecondary Student Outcomes
Authors: Bostwick Valerie , Fischer Stefanie , Lang Matthew
Published: February 2022

There exists a long-standing debate in higher education on which academic calendar is optimal. Using panel data on the near universe of four-year nonprofit institutions and leveraging quasi-experimental variation in calendars across institutions and years, we show that switching from quarters to semesters negatively impacts on-time graduation rates. Event study analyses show that the negative effects persist beyond the transition. Using transcript data, we replicate this analysis at the student level and investigate possible mechanisms. Shifting to a semester: (i) lowers first-year grades, (ii) decreases the probability of enrolling in a full course load, and (iii) delays the timing of major choice. (JEL I23, I28)
Issuance and Incidence: SNAP Benefit Cycles and Grocery Prices
Authors: Goldin Jacob , Homonoff Tatiana , Meckel Katherine
Published: February 2022

Many safety net programs issue benefits as monthly lump-sum payments. We investigate how the timing of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit issuance affects food purchases and the incidence of the transfer. Using scanner data from a large sample of grocery stores and state and time variation in SNAP issuance schedules, we document large, SNAP-induced intramonth cycles in food expenditures. However, we find that retailers do not adjust prices based on these predictable patterns of demand. Our results therefore suggest that reforming issuance schedules may reduce costs from SNAP-induced demand surges but are unlikely to affect the incidence of SNAP benefits. (JEL D12, H75, I18, I38, L81)
Νέα μέθοδος αντισεισμικού σχεδιασμού μεταλλικών κατασκευών με άμεσο έλεγχο της βλάβης
Authors: Καμάρης Γεώργιος
Published: February 2022

Στην παρούσα διατριβή παρουσιάζεται ένας νέος δείκτης βλάβης που λαμβάνει υπόψιν του την αλληλεπίδραση μεταξύ της καμπτικής ροπής M και της αξονικής δύναμης N που δρουν μία διατομή, καθώς επίσης την επίδραση της ολιγοκυκλικής κόπωσης με βάση την θεώρηση που γίνεται από τους Sucuoğlu and Erberik (2004). Οι μη γραμμικότητες υλικού λαμβάνονται υπόψην με ένα διγραμμικό μοντέλο ροπής-στροφής που περιλαμβάνει την κυκλική απομείωση της αντοχής και της δυσκαμψίας στο πλαίσιο στης θεωρίας συγκεντρωμένης πλαστικότητας (plastic hinge model). Οι γεωμετρικές μη γραμμικότητες προσομοιώνονται συμπεριλαμβάνοντας την επίρροη των μεγάλων μετατοπίσων. Αναπτύσσεται μία νέα μέθοδος σχεδιασμού μεταλλικών κατασκευών που βασίζεται στη χρήση του προτεινόμενου δείκτη βλάβης Δίνεται μία κλίμακα βλάβης σχεδιασμό με βάση την επιτελεστικότητα και τρείς επιλογές σχεδιασμού: α) προσδιορισμός της βλάβης σε τοπικό ή καθολικό επίπεδο για δοσμένη κατασκευή και φόρτιση, β) διαστασιολόγηση της κατασκευής για δοσμένη φόρτιση και επιθυμητή βλάβη σε τοπικό ή καθολικό επίπεδο και γ) προσδιορισμός της σεισμικής φόρτισης (π.χ. της μέγιστης επιτάχυνσης εδάφους, ή αριθμού ανελαστικών κύκλων φόρτισης-αποφόρτισης ενός μέλους) για δοσμένη κατασκευή και επιθυμητή βλάβη σε τοπικό ή καθολικό επίπεδο. Τέλος, παρουσιάζεται ένας νέος συντελεστής συμπεριφοράς q για κανονικά καμπτικά μεταλλικά πλαίσια (plane moment resisting regular steel frames), που προέκυψε από την στατιστική επεξαργασία χιλιάδων ανελαστικών αναλύσεων. Ο προτεινόμενος συντελεστής συμπεριφοράς είναι συνάρτηση της μέγιστης βλάβης που παρατηρείται στις δοκούς και τα υποστυλώματα μίας κατάσκευής και των χαρακτηριστικών της.
Τύποι δεσμού και προσεγγίσεις μάθησης
Authors: Ρέντζιος Χρήστος
Published: February 2022

Η συγκεκριμένη διατριβή εντάσσεται στη σύγχρονη προσέγγιση που αφορά στη ρύθμιση του συναισθήματος και τα ακαδημαϊκά συναισθήματα στη μάθηση. Σε αυτό το πλαίσιο, η παρούσα μελέτη διερεύνησε ένα μοντέλο σχέσεων μεταξύ των τύπων δεσμού στην ενήλικη ζωή και των προσεγγίσεων μάθησης μέσω της ρύθμισης του συναισθήματος, τόσο της συνειδητής όσο και της μη συνειδητής ρύθμισης (μηχανισμοί άμυνας), και των συναισθημάτων που σχετίζονται με τη μάθηση. Το δείγμα αποτελούνταν από 527 φοιτήτριες και φοιτητές του Πανεπιστημίου Ιωαννίνων και συγκεκριμένα από τις Σχολές Κοινωνικών Επιστημών και Επιστημών Αγωγής. Οι συμμετέχοντες συμπλήρωσαν τα εξής ερωτηματολόγια: το ερωτηματολόγιο Εμπειριών στις Διαπροσωπικές Σχέσεις – Διαπροσωπικές Δομές (Fraley et al., 2011b), το ερωτηματολόγιο της Ρύθμισης του Συναισθήματος (Gross & John, 2003), το ερωτηματολόγιο των Μηχανισμών Άμυνας (Steiner et al., 2001), το ερωτηματολόγιο Συναισθημάτων Επίτευξης (Pekrun et al., 2011), το ερωτηματολόγιο για τις Προσεγγίσεις Μάθησης (Parpala et al., 2013) και τέλος, το ερωτηματολόγιο Γενικής Υγείας (Garyfallos et al., 1991· Lionis, 2008). Μέσω της Διαδρομικής Ανάλυσης η παρούσα μελέτη κατέδειξε ένα μοντέλο σχέσεων κατά το οποίο ο δεσμός επιδρά στις προσεγγίσεις μάθησης μέσω της ρύθμισης του συναισθήματος, συνειδητής και μη συνειδητής ρύθμισης (μηχανισμοί άμυνας) και των συναισθημάτων που σχετίζονται με τη μάθηση. Η συνειδητή ρύθμιση του συναισθήματος αλλά και οι μηχανισμοί άμυνας αναδεικνύονται ως παράγοντες που συμβάλλουν στην κατανόησή μας για τη μάθηση. Όσον αφορά στη ρύθμιση του συναισθήματος, η έρευνα κατέδειξε ότι τόσο η συνειδητή όσο και η μη συνειδητή ρύθμιση του συναισθήματος (μηχανισμοί άμυνας) συμβάλλουν στην κατανόησή μας στη σχέση μεταξύ του τύπου δεσμού αποφυγής και της σε βάθος προσέγγισης, ενώ η μη συνειδητή ρύθμιση, ως μηχανισμός άμυνας, κυριαρχεί στη σχέση μεταξύ του αγχώδους τύπου και της επιφανειακής προσέγγισης. Η συμβολή τόσο της ρύθμισης του συναισθήματος όσο και των ακαδημαϊκών συναισθημάτων στη σχέση μεταξύ του δεσμού και της μάθησης ενισχύθηκε από τη διερεύνηση των προφίλ των φοιτητών. Η έρευνα ανέδειξε τέσσερα προφίλ τα οποία βρίσκονται σε συμφωνία με προηγούμενες μελέτες, επεκτείνοντάς τες προς δύο κατευθύνσεις. Η διαφοροποίηση των φοιτητών ως προς την ακαδημαϊκή επίδοση ενισχύει τις σύγχρονες έρευνες εκπαιδευτικής ψυχολογίας, ενώ η εξέταση της διαφοροποίησης των προφίλ ως προς τη γενική υγεία κατέδειξε τη σχέση μεταξύ του δεσμού, του συναισθήματος, της μάθησης και της ψυχικής υγείας, σε συμφωνία με τη σύγχρονη βιβλιογραφία Τα ευρήματα της παρούσας μελέτης συζητώνται στο πλαίσιο της διεθνούς έρευνας σχετικά με τη ρύθμιση του συναισθήματος και τα ακαδημαϊκά συναισθήματα.
The Capture of the Ship Ayios Ioannis Theologos in the Summer of 1825: An Investigation of Limits
Authors: Dimitropoulos Dimitris
Published: February 2022

The Greek Revolution detached a part of the territory of the Ottoman Empire and structured a newly founded state, which rearranged the balance among and the roles of the people and reshaped the boundaries between legal and illegal in international transactions, social relations and financial endeavours. This article describes an incident that took place in 1825 in the Aegean concerning the capture and the plundering of a commercial ship sailing under a Russian flag by raiders from Psara. It explores the boundaries in the actions, function and role of the protagonists of this episode. The following groups are examined as examples of people, groups and statuses: the raiders who operated on the borderline of piracy and privateering (corso); the shipowner, who was at the same time a captain and entrepreneur; the crew of the ship, who were seamen and traders; the Greek local authorities, who maintained a balance between national interest, local interest and self-interest; and the consuls, who were experiencing their twilight before the essential end of the role they enjoyed in the context of the Ottoman Empire.
De la imagen y la cosa. Una reflexión en torno al sentido del aparecer de la imagen fotográfica.
Authors: González Araneda Sergio
Published: February 2022

Nos proponemos abordar la cuestión sobre el sentido del aparecer de la imagen fotográfica. Para esto, es necesario dilucidar las estructuras que constituyen el fenómeno de la fotografía, distinguiéndolo de un análisis técnico sobre su producción, es decir, expondremos: a) el carácter referencial e indicial que posee el objeto-fotografía y b) la función afectiva que com-porta la imagen fotográfica el momento de ser captada. Con esto, notaremos la necesidad de una aproximación fenomenológica respecto de la aprehensión intencional de la fotografía y, especialmente, del modo en que se manifiesta lo fotografiado: la imagen fotográfica.
Los orígenes de la negación del espacio tridimensional en la representación pictórica figurativa contemporánea.
Authors: Soriano Colchero José Antonio
Published: February 2022

El objetivo principal de este artículo es el análisis de las teorías fundamentales que establecieron un cambio de paradigma en la representación pictórica contemporánea entre los siglos XIX y XX. El naturalismo y la hegemonía de la perspectiva matemática desde sus orígenes durante el Renacimiento, fueron desplazados por otros valores pictóricos que quedan fundamentados en numerosas teorías. El valor del análisis empírico de la luz y el color quedaría plasmado en la pintura y la literatura científica y filosófica desde el siglo XVIII; e igualmente ocurriría con las nuevas teorías acerca de la existencia de más de tres dimensiones. Ello posibilitaría la apertura a nuevas formas pictóricas de interpretación del espacio en un sentido: la a-referencialidad en la pintura. Acabamos el estudio analizando un caso específico de figuración –la obra de Magritte- en el que se emplean los principios de la perspectiva para hacer obvia su artificiosidad y convencionalismo.
Algorithms for Persuasion with Limited Communication
Authors: Gradwohl Ronen , Hahn Niklas , Hoefer Martin , Smorodinsky Rann
Published: February 2022

The Bayesian persuasion paradigm of strategic communication models interaction between a privately informed sender and an ignorant but rational receiver. The goal is typically to design a (near-)optimal communication (or signaling) scheme for the sender. It enables the sender to disclose information to the receiver in a way as to incentivize her to take an action that is preferred by the sender. Finding the optimal signaling scheme is known to be computationally difficult in general. This hardness is further exacerbated when the message space is constrained, leading to NP-hardness of approximating the optimal sender utility within any constant factor. In this paper, we show that in several natural and prominent cases the optimization problem is tractable even when the message space is limited. In particular, we study signaling under a symmetry or an independence assumption on the distribution of utility values for the actions. For symmetric distributions, we provide a novel characterization of the optimal signaling scheme. It results in a polynomial-time algorithm to compute an optimal scheme for many compactly represented symmetric distributions. In the independent case, we design a constant-factor approximation algorithm, which stands in marked contrast to the hardness of approximation in the general case.
On the Morning Commute Problem in a Y-shaped Network with Individual and Household Travelers
Authors: He Dongdong , Liu Yang , Zhong Qiuyan , Wang David Z.W.
Published: February 2022

This paper examines the morning commute problem when both household commuters and individual commuters are considered in a Y-shaped network with two upstream links and a single downstream link. The household parents daily pass through an upstream bottleneck with a limited capacity before a school and drop off their children. Then, they traverse the downstream bottleneck common to both household and individual commuters and arrive at the workplace. We explore the effects of staggering policy, that is, staggering work and school start times, on the distribution of traffic congestion and social welfare. We analytically solve all the equilibrium cases and reveal all the traffic congestion patterns. The results reveal that the staggering policy may be harmful in certain cases. When the demand of individuals is relatively low, the staggering policy may not improve social welfare. When the demand of individuals is high, social welfare can be significantly improved if the schedule gap between the work start time and school start time is optimized. The effects of the staggering policy on system performance are examined. We derive a Pareto frontier, which provides a good candidate set for policymakers when the two system performance measures, that is, the total system cost and the total congestion cost, are considered. Our results show that the optimal staggering policy on system performance depends on the demand distribution of the two groups. When the demand of individuals is high, there exists a unique optimal staggering policy that optimizes system performance. However, when the demand of individuals is low, the optimal staggering policy should be selected from the Pareto frontier. Furthermore, we re-examine the capacity expansion paradox under the staggering policy. Our study shows the capacity expansion at the downstream bottleneck can always reduce the total system cost. However, the paradoxical phenomenon may arise when the capacity of the upstream bottleneck is expanded, but it can be eliminated if the schedule gap is properly designed.
A produção musical autoral e independente na cidade de Vitória-ES e o novo espírito do capitalismo
Authors: Vieira Blanc Manuela , Rodrigues Fabio
Published: February 2022

Este artigo analisa os dados coletados em uma pesquisa de inspiração etnográfica e visa compreender a lógica discursiva de músicos independentes atuantes na cidade de Vitória – ES. Para tanto, articula dados obtidos ao longo dos últimos seis anos e que mapearam os processos de atuação de empreendedores culturais, a conformação de um circuito de promoção do empreendedorismo local e as falas públicas proferidas por músicos autorais independentes capixabas sobre o seu contexto de atuação. Acompanhamos ao longo dos últimos quatro anos mudanças nos discursos dos produtores culturais atuantes no Centro da cidade de Vitória, capital do Estado do Espírito Santo, e que refletem transformações na avaliação de suas condições de atuação, transferindo do poder público para si mesmos o protagonismo em fazer acontecer. Do mesmo modo, observamos nas falas dos músicos autorais atuantes nesse contexto a reprodução de uma lógica discursiva que, mais do que problematizar as dificuldades vividas no exercício da sua profissão como parte de um processo mais amplo de transformações do mercado fonográfico (marcado pela precarização das suas condições de trabalho), ou a insuficiência das políticas culturais como subsídio à produção musical local, reproduzem o discurso de responsabilização individual pelo sucesso dos seus projetos profissionais. Deste modo, destacamos a emergência de uma lógica liberal dos interesses individuais no contexto cultural local, bem como a capacidade adaptativa dos atores em se ajustar aos sistemas normativos em vigência, produzindo estratégias e fazendo articulações em favor da construção das suas carreiras. Os desafios em torno da produção musical local são colocados a partir das dificuldades experimentadas no cotidiano das suas práticas profissionais, as assimetrias de condições sendo problematizadas em nível micro, dificultando a possibilidade de articulação para além de um espectro do próximo.
Uma cosmopolítica afroindígena da performance no culto aos Caboclos
Authors: Ferreira da Silva Fábio Alex
Published: February 2022

Caboclos, entidades espirituais com características indígenas e regionais, inserem-se no Candomblé em uma perspectiva liminar. Suas presenças evocam formas de comportamento sociorrituais nas fronteiras de tradições reterritorializadas. Por um lado, o termo foi utilizado para denominar um resultado da mistura entre indígenas e brancos, operando uma diluição da identidade e apagamento étnico através da mestiçagem. Por outro, as expressões de espiritualidades indígenas nas religiões afro-brasileiras foram pensadas sob a formulação teórica do sincretismo. No entanto, articulando uma contramestiçagem, as ações das entidades operam um engajamento na transformação do significado da categoria Caboclo, antes utilizada para denominá-las em campos teóricos da mistura. Ao abordá-los na perspectiva dos estudos da performance, com ênfase no “aqui e agora”, enfatizamos as possiblidades de uma composição que estabelece relações entre suas ações e poderes a um conjunto de articulações de um imaginário social. A performance possibilita um  devir da experiência, um material em movimento. No culto aos caboclos, agenciam-se poderes a partir da função integradora do ritual, estabelecendo um acesso a domínios e ancestralidades indígenas. Mais do que representações, nos terreiros são mobilizados modos de relação com uma possibilidade de cultura indígena viva na ação das entidades. Suas manifestações são o encontro entre mundos – um encontro “afroindígena” – experiências narradas e atualizadas nas práticas rituais. Contrabalanceando formulações teóricas dos campos de estudos da performance e estudos das religiões afro-brasileiras, buscamos analisar o repertório utilizado na restauração de comportamentos dos caboclos, considerando sua manifestação como um ato cosmopolítico. A manifestação das entidades, afirmando uma identidade indígena, apresenta homologias com processos de etnogênese de povos indígenas do Nordeste. Partindo da premissa de que na performance o “como se” não se diferencia do “é”, utilizamos a categoria “performados” para designar e propor uma possível leitura da apresentação dos Caboclos nos candomblés.
“Danzas de la diáspora: intérpretes valientes” (Traducción)
Authors: Amigo Ricardo
Published: February 2022

Traducción del texto de Yvonne Daniel. From Caribbean and Atlantic Diaspora Dance: Igniting Citizenship. Copyright 2011 by the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. Used with permission of the University of Illinois Press.
PROCESSOS DE ESPOLIAÇÕES NO BRASIL ATUAL: OFENSIVAS DO AGRONEGÓCIO SOBRE OS DIREITOS AMBIENTAIS E TERRITORIAIS
Authors: Monteiro Daniel Macedo Lopes Vasques
Published: February 2022

Nos últimos anos a crise ambiental vem se intensificando no mundo e, mais fortemente, no Brasil. O contexto político atual brasileiro favorece o avanço das áreas agricultáveis voltadas para a exportação de commodities. Nesse sentido, o seguinte artigo tem como objetivo compreender o avanço das ofensivas que favorecem o agronegócio em contraposição às questões ambientais e aos territórios de grupos que não correspondem a racionalidade capitalista nessas áreas de espoliação. No trabalho buscar-se-á compreender os processos de espoliação dos setores do agronegócio que envolvem etapas como o desmatamento, a grilagem de terra, o uso exacerbado de agrotóxicos e os projetos de lei que tramitam nas esferas institucionais. Acrescenta-se que a análise foi feita de acordo com a perspectiva analítica anti-colonial, buscando compreender o território de acordo com os sujeitos que nele vivem e lutam contra o avanço da fronteira agrícola capitalista.
RELAÇÕES TERRITORIAIS ENTRE POVOS INDÍGENAS E AGRONEGÓCIO NO BRASIL: CONFLITOS E RESISTÊNCIAS
Authors: Arruzzo Roberta Carvalho , Cunha Livia Domiciano , Santos Liziane Neves dos
Published: February 2022

O presente artigo objetiva analisar as relações territoriais que se estabelecem entre os povos indígenas e o agronegócio no Brasil. Para isso, dialogamos com alguns pensadores que contribuem para a abordagem territorial, sendo eles, essencialmente: Sack (1986), Raffestin (1993) e Santos (1996; 1999). Partimos da construção da noção de relações territoriais para analisarmos as principais relações territoriais conflituosas entre agronegócio e Povo Indígenas no Brasil. Estas relações são analisadas a partir de cinco categorias: jurídico-legislativa, ambiental, invasões territoriais e violências físicas. Por fim, enfocamos as relações territoriais que se estabelecem entre os setores do agronegócio e os Guarani e Kaiowá no Mato Grosso do Sul, entendendo-o como um caso representativo no que se refere às relações sobre as quais este artigo se debruça.
Uncovering Regional Disparities in Infrastructural Development of Uttar Pradesh: An Exploratory Factor Analysis
Authors: Dube Madhulika , Yadav Subhash Kr. , Singh Vishwajeet
Published: February 2022

In developmental studies, the infrastructural sector is considered as an important component of overall economic development. The infrastructural growth in the state of Uttar Pradesh is undoubtedly critical since independence. The main focus of this paper is to uncover the principal factors or dimensions of infrastructural characteristics and to quantify the level of infrastructural development of Uttar Pradesh into five clusters having different grade of development using Exploratory Factor Analysis & K-means Cluster Analysis. The analysis has been carried out by taking into account various infrastructural indicators for the time period of two years from 2018 to 2019. The results of the present analysis led to the identification of the five factors of infrastructural characteristics, and the classification of all the seventy-five districts of Uttar Pradesh into five regions with different degree of infrastructural development. The ‘infrastructural regions’ uncovered through this procedure allow a much more useful characterization of Uttar Pradesh for the policy making purpose. The same technique may be applied to the whole country and other countries as well.
Efficient method for accelerating line searches in adjoint optimization of photonic devices by combining Schur complement domain decomposition and Born series expansions
Authors: Zhao Nathan Z. , Boutami Salim , Fan Shanhui
Published: February 2022

A line search in a gradient-based optimization algorithm solves the problem of determining the optimal learning rate for a given gradient or search direction in a single iteration. For most problems, this is determined by evaluating different candidate learning rates to find the optimum, which can be expensive. Recent work has provided an efficient way to perform a line search with the use of the Shanks transformation of a Born series derived from the Lippman-Schwinger formalism. In this paper we show that the cost for performing such a line search can be further reduced with the use of the method of the Schur complement domain decomposition, which can lead to a 10-fold total speed-up resulting from the reduced number of iterations to convergence and reduced wall-clock time per iteration.