bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of first adolescent pregnancy and its associated factors in sub-Saharan Africa: A multi-country analysis
Authors: Ahinkorah Bright Opoku , Kang Melissa , Perry Lin , Brooks Fiona , Hayen Andrew
Published: February 2021

Introduction

In low-and middle-income countries, pregnancy-related complications are major causes of death for young women. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of first adolescent pregnancy and its associated factors in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

We undertook a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in 32 sub-Saharan African countries between 2010 and 2018. We calculated the prevalence of first adolescent (aged 15 to 19 years) pregnancy in each country and examined associations between individual and contextual level factors and first adolescent pregnancy.

Results

Among all adolescents, Congo experienced the highest prevalence of first adolescent pregnancy (44.3%) and Rwanda the lowest (7.2%). However, among adolescents who had ever had sex, the prevalence ranged from 36.5% in Rwanda to 75.6% in Chad. The odds of first adolescent pregnancy was higher with increasing age, working, being married/cohabiting, having primary education only, early sexual initiation, knowledge of contraceptives, no unmet need for contraception and poorest wealth quintile. By contrast, adolescents who lived in rural areas and in the West African sub-region had lower odds of first adolescent pregnancy.

Conclusion

The prevalence of adolescent pregnancy in sub-Saharan African countries is high. Understanding the predictors of first adolescent pregnancy can facilitate the development of effective social policies such as family planning and comprehensive sex and relationship education in sub-Saharan Africa and can help ensure healthy lives and promotion of well-being for adolescents and their families and communities.
DOCK11 and DENND2A play pivotal roles in the maintenance of hepatitis B virus in host cells
Authors: Hashimoto Shinichi , Shirasaki Takayoshi , Yamashita Taro , Iwabuchi Sadahiro , Suzuki Yutaka , Takamura Yuzuru , Ukita Yoshiaki , Deshimaru Shungo , Okayama Toshitugu , Ikeo Kazuho , Kuroki Kazuyuki , Kawaguchi Kazunori , Mizukoshi Eishiro , Matsushima Kouji , Honda Masao , Kaneko Shuichi
Published: February 2021

Human hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a serious health problem worldwide. However, the mechanism for the maintenance of HBV in a latent state within host cells remains unclear. Here, using single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, we identified four genes linked to the maintenance of HBV in a liver cell line expressing HBV RNA at a low frequency. These genes included DOCK11 and DENND2A, which encode small GTPase regulators. In primary human hepatocytes infected with HBV, knockdown of these two genes decreased the amount of both HBV DNA and covalently closed circular DNA to below the limit of detection. Our findings reveal a role for DOCK11 and DENND2A in the maintenance of HBV.
Transgenic insertion of the cyanobacterial membrane protein ictB increases grain yield in Zea mays through increased photosynthesis and carbohydrate production
Authors: Koester Robert P. , Pignon Charles P. , Kesler Dylan C. , Willison Rebecca S. , Kang Miyoung , Shen Yu , Priest Henry D. , Begemann Matthew B. , Cook Kevin A. , Bannon Gary A. , Oufattole Mohammed
Published: February 2021

The C4crop maize (Zea mays) is the most widely grown cereal crop worldwide and is an essential feedstock for food and bioenergy. Improving maize yield is important to achieve food security and agricultural sustainability in the 21stcentury. One potential means to improve crop productivity is to enhance photosynthesis.ictB, a membrane protein that is highly conserved across cyanobacteria, has been shown to improve photosynthesis, and often biomass, when introduced into diverse C3plant species. Here,ictBfromSynechococcussp. strain PCC 7942 was inserted into maize usingAgrobacterium-mediated transformation. In three controlled-environment experiments,ictBinsertion increased leaf starch and sucrose content by up to 25% relative to controls. Experimental field trials in four growing seasons, spanning the Midwestern United States (Summers 2018 & 2019) and Argentina (Winter 2018 & 2019), showed an average of 3.49% grain yield improvement, by as much as 5.4% in a given season and up to 9.4% at certain trial locations. A subset of field trial locations was used to test for modification of ear traits and ФPSII, a proxy for photosynthesis. Results suggested that yield gain in transgenics could be associated with increased ФPSII, and the production of longer, thinner ears with more kernels.ictBlocalized primarily to the microsome fraction of leaf bundle-sheath cells, but not to chloroplasts. Extramembrane domains ofictBinteractedin vitrowith proteins involved in photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. To our knowledge, this is the first published evidence ofictBinsertion into a species using C4photosynthesis and the largest-scale demonstration of grain yield enhancement fromictBinsertionin planta. Results show thatictBis a valuable yield gene in the economically important crop maize, and are an important proof of concept that transgenic manipulation of photosynthesis can be used to create economically viable crop improvement traits.
Susceptibility of domain experts to color manipulation indicate a need for design principles in data visualization
Authors: Christen Markus , Brugger Peter , Fabrikant Sara Irina
Published: February 2021

Color is key for the visual encoding of data, yet its use reportedly affects decision making in important ways. We examined the impact of various popular color schemes on experts’ and lay peoples’ map-based decisions in two, geography and neuroscience, scenarios, in an online visualization experiment. We found that changes in color mappings influence domain experts, especially neuroimaging experts, more in their decision-making than novices. Geographic visualization experts exhibited more trust in the unfavorable rainbow color scale than would have been predicted by their suitability ratings and their training, which renders them sensitive to scale appropriateness. Our empirical results make a strong call for increasing scientists’ awareness for and training in perceptually salient and cognitively informed design principles in data visualization.
The Brain Injury Screening Tool (BIST): Tool development, factor structure and validity
Authors: Theadom Alice , Hardaker Natalie , Bray Charlotte , Siegert Richard , Henshall Kevin , Forch Katherine , Fernando Kris , King Doug , Fulcher Mark , Jewell Sam , Shaikh Nusratnaaz , Bastos Gottgtroy Renata , Hume Patria
Published: February 2021

Currently health care pathways (the combination and order of services that a patient receives to manage their injury) following a mild traumatic brain injury vary considerably. Some clinicians lack confidence in injury recognition, management and knowing when to refer. A clinical expert group developed the Brain Injury Screening Tool (BIST) to provide guidance on health care pathways based on clinical indicators of poor recovery. The tool aims to facilitate access to specialist services (if required) to improve longer term prognosis. The tool was developed using a three-step process including: 1) domain mapping; 2) item development and 3) item testing and review. An online retrospective survey of 114 adults (>16 years) who had experienced a mild brain injury in the past 10 years was used to determine the initial psychometric properties of the 15-item symptom scale of the BIST. Participants were randomised to complete the BIST and one of two existing symptom scales; the Rivermead Post-concussion Symptom Questionnaire (RPQ) or the Sports Concussion Assessment Test (SCAT-5) symptom scale to determine concurrent validity. Participant responses to the BIST symptom scale items were used to determine scale reliability using Cronbach’s alpha. A principal components analysis explored the underlying factor structure. Spearman’s correlation coefficients determined concurrent validity with the RPQ and SCAT-5 symptom scales. The 15 items were found to require a reading age of 6–8 years old using readability statistics. High concurrent validity was shown against the RPQ (r= 0.91) and SCAT-5 (r= 0.90). The BIST total symptom scale (α = 0.94) and the three factors identified demonstrated excellent internal consistency: physical/emotional (α = 0.90), cognitive (α = 0.92) and vestibular-ocular (α = 0.80). This study provides evidence to support the utility, internal consistency, factor structure and concurrent validity of the BIST. Further research is warranted to determine the utility of the BIST scoring criteria and responsiveness to change in patients.
Swab pooling: A new method for large-scale RT-qPCR screening of SARS-CoV-2 avoiding sample dilution
Authors: Christoff Ana Paula , Cruz Giuliano Netto Flores , Sereia Aline Fernanda Rodrigues , Boberg Dellyana Rodrigues , de Bastiani Daniela Carolina , Yamanaka Laís Eiko , Fongaro Gislaine , Stoco Patrícia Hermes , Bazzo Maria Luiza , Grisard Edmundo Carlos , Hernandes Camila , de Oliveira Luiz Felipe Valter
Published: February 2021

To minimize sample dilution effect on SARS-CoV-2 pool testing, we assessed analytical and diagnostic performance of a new methodology, namely swab pooling. In this method, swabs are pooled at the time of collection, as opposed to pooling of equal volumes from individually collected samples. Paired analysis of pooled and individual samples from 613 patients revealed 94 positive individuals. Having individual testing as reference, no false-positives or false-negatives were observed for swab pooling. In additional 18,922 patients screened with swab pooling (1,344 pools), mean Cq differences between individual and pool samples ranged from 0.1 (Cr.I. -0.98 to 1.17) to 2.09 (Cr.I. 1.24 to 2.94). Overall, 19,535 asymptomatic patients were screened using 4,400 RT-qPCR assays. This corresponds to an increase of 4.4 times in laboratory capacity and a reduction of 77% in required tests. Therefore, swab pooling represents a major alternative for reliable and large-scale screening of SARS-CoV-2 in low prevalence populations.
Goal sharing with others modulates the sense of agency and motor accuracy in social contexts
Authors: Hayashida Kazuki , Nishi Yuki , Osumi Michihiro , Nobusako Satoshi , Morioka Shu
Published: February 2021

Sense of agency (SoA), the feeling of control over one’s own actions and their effects, is fundamental to goal-directed actions at the individual level and may constitute a cornerstone of everyday life, including cooperative behavior (i.e., goal sharing). Previous studies have demonstrated that goal sharing can activate the motor prediction of both agent’s action and partner’s action in joint-action tasks. Moreover, given that from an SoA perspective, predictive processes are an essential basis, there is a possibility that goal sharing may modulate SoA. However, the possibility for goal sharing to modulate SoA remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether goal sharing modulates the intentional binding (IB) effect (a method that can quantitatively measure SoA) of self-generated and observed partner’s actions and improves motor accuracy. Participants were required to stop a circular horizontal moving object by pressing a key when the object reaches the center of a target in a social situation. This task measured IB by having participants estimate the time interval between action and effect in several 100 milliseconds, with shorter time interval estimations indicating enhancement of SoA. Participants were randomly divided into 13 Cooperative groups (goal sharing) and 13 Independent groups (non-goal sharing). Cooperative groups were instructed to perform the task together, while Independent groups did so individually. Participants estimated the time interval between them by pressing the key and hearing the corresponding sound (Self-generated action) and the other person pressing the key and hearing the sound (Observed action). Our results indicated that goal sharing improved motor accuracy and enhanced both the IB of Self-generated and Observed actions compared to non-goal sharing. We suggest that SoA can be modulated by goal sharing in specific social contexts.
Diversidad de Copestylum Macquart, 1846 (Diptera: Syrphidae) asociados a cactáceas (Cactaceae Juss, 1789) en descomposición en dos Reservas de la Biosfera de México central
Authors: Canales-Rodríguez Citlalin , Martínez-Falcón Ana Paola , Ramírez-Hernández Alfredo , Ramírez-Bautista Aurelio
Published: February 2021

El conocimiento de la biodiversidad de los sírfidos (Diptera: Syrphidae) en las zonas semiáridas de México, es muy limitado, sobre todo, al relacionado con las cactáceas en descomposición. Este estudio aporta un inventario faunístico de los sírfidos del género Copestylum asociados a los tejidos en descomposición de los cactus de matorrales crasicaules en dos Reservas de la Biosfera, “Barranca de Metztitlán” (RBBM) y “Tehuacán-Cuicatlán” (RBTC), ambas situadas en el centro de México. Se analiza la diversidad y composición de especies de sírfidos en ambas reservas y se documenta la especie de cactus a la que se asocian las larvas de estos dípteros durante la época de lluvias. El método de recolecta fue mediante búsqueda directa de estados inmaduros que se desarrollan en tejidos de cactáceas en descomposición. Se obtuvieron 137 ejemplares de sírfidos pertenecientes a 10 especies entre las dos reservas estudiadas. Los resultados indican que no existen diferencias significativas en la riqueza de especies entre ambas reservas, pero sí hay diferencia al comparar la diversidad de orden q2. En la RBBM, la especie dominante fue Copestylum latum, mientras que Copestylum posticum fue la especie dominante en la RBTC. La especie de cactus determina la segregación de sírfidos en cada reserva. En la RBBM, las especies de sírfidos se asociaron a las especies de cactus Isolatocereus dumortieri y Myrtillocactus geometrizans, mientras que, en la RBTC fueron Neobuxbaumia mezcalensis, Pachycereus hollianus y Myrtillocactus geometrizans.
The deleterious effect of postpartum pyometra on the reproductive indices, the metabolic profile, and oxidant/antioxidant parameters of dairy cows
Authors: Amin Yahia A. , Ali Rana A. , Fouad Samer S. , Ibrahim Rawia M.
Published: February 2021

Background and Aim: Postpartum uterine infectious diseases, such as pyometra, have discrepancy with both health and, subsequently, productivity of dairy cows due to its high prevalence and the high cost of treatment. Therefore, this study investigates the influence of pyometra on the reproductive indices, the metabolic profile, and oxidant/antioxidant parameters of the pyometric animal compared to those of healthy ones. Materials and Methods: The study included 30 cows. The animals were differentiated into two groups of 15 cows each: A group of pyometra and a control group. All pyometric cows were subjected to breeding soundness examination after the end of pyometra and were compared to the control group. Blood samples were obtained to assess the levels of glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), triglycerides (TGs), cholesterol, albumin, total protein, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, calcium (Ca), phosphorus, sodium, potassium, progesterone hormone (P4), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase. Results: Results revealed significant prolonged duration of first estrus, the days open, and the required number of services due to pyometra. The pyometra group yielded increased levels of NEFA, TGs, ALP, BUN, creatinine, MDA, and progesterone hormone. In addition, significant decrease in the levels of glucose, cholesterol, albumin, Ca, phosphorus, sodium, TAC, GPx, and superoxide dismutase was observed in the pyometra group. Finally, no difference in the concentrations of total protein, ALT, AST, and potassium was observed in the pyometra group. Conclusion: The reproductive indices was adversely influenced in cows with postpartum pyometra, and metabolic profile, involving energy balance signals and liver function indicators, revealed differences between the two groups. Increased levels of oxidative stress parameters and decrease levels of antioxidant levels were also found, suggesting that pyometra is an incentive for oxidative stress. Overall, checking the energy balance, metabolic imbalances, and oxidant/antioxidant profile, accompanied with pre-emptive procedures during the postpartum period, is essential and can reduce the chances of such diseases and possible noxious results in highly productive cows.
RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS OF MAN AND CITIZEN: CONCEPT AND EVOLUTION
Authors:   Doctor of Law, Professor, Professor of the Department of Constitutional and Municipal Law of the Moscow State Law University named after O.E. Kutafina (Moscow State Law Academy), Lebedev V. A.
Published: February 2021

Since their inception, human rights have constantly attracted and attract the attention of researchers of various branches of knowledge: philosophy, sociology, political science, and jurisprudence. Despite the abundance of human rights work in the legal literature, there is no consensus on their understanding. In an effort to highlight the most important, in their opinion, signs, the authors offer their vision of this problem and formulate various definitions. The article discusses the points of view on the concept of “human rights” existing in science, their various classifications are given. Depending on the time of emergence and recognition by states in relation to human rights, the generations of human rights represented in science are considered. The author believes that human rights are the normative basis for the interaction of people, coordination of their actions and activities, which allows overcoming conflicts of interests, contradictions, struggles, providing people with a free status.
LEGAL REGIME OF AUTONOMOUS TECHNICAL MEANS: CROSS CUTTING PROBLEMS OF LEGAL REGULATION
Authors:   senior lecturer, department of constitutional and municipal law, Kutafin Moscow State Law University, Ph.D. of Juridical Sciences, Kuteynikov D. L. , Izhaev O. A. ,   consultant of the legal department of the Moscow city election commission, Ph.D. of Juridical Sciences, Lebedev V. A. ,   Full Professor, department of constitutional and municipal law, Kutafin Moscow State Law University, Doctor of Juridical Sciences, Zenin S. S. ,   , associate professor, department of constitutional and municipal law, Kutafin Moscow State Law University, Leading Researcher of the Department of theory of state and law,
Published: February 2021

This article suggests ways of resolving cross-cutting legal problems (legal personhood for autonomous technical means, transparency and accountability of its functioning, allocating of liability) that arise as a result of the use of autonomous technical means (ATM) in public. The granting of legal personhood for ATM depends on the public consent and social needs, which might be caused by necessity for transfer them a certain rights in order to improve their functioning. One of the ways to grant ATMsome elements of legal personhood is to assign it the status of an agent (representative) acting on behalf of the principal (individual or legal entity). Legal regulation of ATM transparency and accountability should, on the one hand, guarantee the right of an individual to receive information about the logic of the decision made in relation to him/her, and on the other hand– not violate the right of the manufacturer/operator to the secret of production (know-how). Lability for violations committed with the participation of ATM should be assigned depending on which subject (manufacturer, operator or user) had more control over the functioning of the ATM. The above mentioned methods of regulating legal relations and special sets of legal tools are elements of the legal regime of autonomous technical means. This legal regime will determine ways of legislation development in given sphere.
ON THE ISSUE OF RESTRICTING INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS OF CITIZENS IN THE CONDITIONS OF HIGH READINESS TO COUNTERACT THE SPREAD OF A NEW CORONAVIRUS INFECTION IN THE REGULATORY LEGAL ACTS OF THE SUBJECTS OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors:   PhD in law, associate Professor of the Department of constitutional law of the Ural law Institute of the Ministry of internal Affairs of Russia., Galitskov V. A. , Krysanov A. V. ,   Ph.D., assistant professor of constitutional law at the Ural Law Institute of the Russian Interior Ministry
Published: February 2021

The article deals with the practice of individual subjects of the Russian Federation in establishing restrictions on the rights and freedoms of citizens in the fight against the spread of a new coronavirus infection. The authors note the variety of restrictive measures applied. It is concluded that the high-alert regime is essentially aimed at protecting the life and health of citizens and preventing the spread of disease
THE METHODS OF APPLICATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF CIVIL LEGISLATION FOR THE REGULATION OF FINANCIAL RELATIONS
Authors:   Doctor of Juridical Science, Head of Department «Financial and Tax Law» of Law Institute, Sevastopol State University, Ochkurenko S. V. , Protsevskiy V. A. ,   Doctor of Juridical Science, Professor of Department «Сivil Law and Process» of Law Institute, Sevastopol State University
Published: February 2021

The article investigates the ways of applying the provisions of civil legislation to financial relations. It is pointed out that the main ways of applying civil legislation to financial relations are subsidiary application of civil legislation, including the use of civil law concepts and constructions in financial legislation, as well as the application of civil law provisions as a result of direct requirements formulated in blanket norms of financial law. It is also possible to apply civil legislation to financial relations by legal analogy. Subsidiary application of civil legislation differs from the legal analogy in the absence of gaps in the legislation, and from blanket norms of law, – in the absence of a direct reference to the application of the relevant provisions of civil law. The main condition for the correct application of civil law to financial relations is a clear distinction between civil and financial legal relations. Therefore, the author sees the prospects for further research on the problem of applying civil legislation to financial relations in the field of research of a wide range issues related to the differentiation of civil and financial law
THE APPLICATION OF CERTAIN DISCIPLINARY AND ADMINISTRATIVE NATURE TO PERSO, EVASIVE XIA FROM PUNISHMENT
Authors:   , candidate of Law, Professor of Kostanay State University named after A. Baitursynova, Turlubekov B. S. , Turlubekov A. B. ,   master of Law, doctoral student of the Faculty of Law of Kostanay State University named after A. Baitursynova.
Published: February 2021

For violation of the order and conditions of serving different types of punishment, various penalties are applied; for corrective labor, some measures are applied, others to restrict freedom, and third to imprisonment. The article sets out the types of violation of the detention regime, the procedure for the enforcement of penalties and persons authorized to impose these surveys
CURRENT CHARACTERISTICS OF CRIME OF MINORS WOMEN IN RUSSIA
Authors:   , Postgraduate Student, Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Chelyabinsk State University, Kovaleva N. S.
Published: February 2021

In the conditions of crisis in the economy, problems related to the actual state of crime of minor women are investigated. The article considers the main aspects of juvenile delinquency in the Russian Federation: the dynamics of juvenile delinquency indicators for 5 years (from 2014 to 2019) is given, quantitative indicators of crimes that are most often committed by underage girls are analyzed, and features that characterize juvenile delinquency , attention is paid to female recidivism. Based on the analysis of statistical data, the features of this type of crime are revealed, as well as a tendency to increase the criminal activity of female minors.
REVIEW OF RESEARCH RESULTS ON HIDDEN TECHNICAL CHANNELS OF INFORMATION LEAKAGE PROCESSEDBY COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY
Authors:   Dr.Sc.,  Professor,  head  of  Educational  and  research  center  «Information  security», Institute of radio electronics and information technologies – RTF, Ural Federal University.B. N. Yeltsin, Porshnev S.V. , Belyaev D.O. ,   Senior  Lecturer  of  Educational  and  research  center  «Information  security»,  Institute of radio electronics and information technologies – RTF, Ural Federal University.B. N. Yeltsin
Published: February 2021

In the process of functioning of computer equipment, technical channels of information leakage arise. Today, the list of technical channels of information leakage, as well as methods and means to combat leaks through these technical channels are regulated by the current regu-latory documentation in the field of technical information protection. However, it turns out that there are also a num-ber of technical channels of information leakage, measures to counteract which are not provided for by the current regulatory documents in the field of technical infor-mation protection. For the sake of brevity, this type of technical information leakage channels is called hidden technical information leakage channels.
DIPOLE ANTENNA WITH CIRCULAR RADIATION PATTERN IN THE E-PLANE FOR VALIDATION THE INTEGRITY OF THE AIRCRAFT LANDING SYSTEMS INFORMATION
Authors:   research engineer, LLC “Design Bureau “EKRAN” named after M.A. Shilman”., Voitovich V.V. , Petrash Yu.V. ,   research engineer, LLC “Design Bureau “EKRAN” named after M.A. Shilman”., Belousov M.M. ,   research engineer, LLC “Design Bureau “EKRAN” named after M.A. Shilman”., Yungaitis E.M. ,   младший научный сотрудник, ФГАОУ ВО «Юж-но-Уральский  государственный  университет  (национальный  исследовательский  универси-тет), Ershov A.V. ,   PhD   in   Engineering   sciences,   Federal   State   Autonomous   Educational   Institution of Higher Education “South Ural State University (National Research University, Voitovich N.I. ,   Doctor  of  Technical  Sciences,  Professor,  Head  of  the  Department  of  Design  and  Production  of  Radio  Equipment,  Federal  State  Autonomous  Educational  Institution  of  Higher  Education  “South  Ural  State  University  (National  Research  University)”.
Published: February 2021

The paper presents the results of studies of an omnidirectional dipole antenna designed for installation on an unmanned aerial vehicle of the mini-UAV category. The antenna forms a cir-cular radiation pattern in the horizontal plane with horizontal polarization of the radiated field. Irregularity of the radiation pattern of the antenna under study in free space in the horizontal plane is ±0.2 dB. The antenna contains a minimum number of elements of the feeder path. It has convenient for practical implementation design
GENERATIVE ADVERSARIAL NETWORKS USAGE IN DETECTING ANOMALIES OF THE INDUSTRIAL PROCESS
Authors:   postgraduate  student  of  the  department  of  information  security  of  the  school  of  electrical  engineering  and  computer  science  in  FSAEI  HE  «South  Ural  State  University (national  research  university)»., Alabugin S.K. , Sokolov A.N. ,   Ph.D.,  Associate  professor,  Head  of  the  department  of  information  security of the school of electrical engineering and computer science in FSAEI HE «South Ural State University  (national  research  university)».
Published: February 2021

The paper considers generative adversarial networks (GAN) and their application in indus-trial process anomaly detection. Experiments were conducted using the Gas Pipeline dataset. This dataset describes the operation of the gas pipeline system. In the course of experimental studies, the generative-adversarial model BiGAN was trained only on examples corresponding to the normal state of the industrial process. The advantages of the use of generative adversar-ial models in the problem of industrial process anomaly detection are shown.
Między konkurencją a współpracą. Relacje miasto centralne–suburbia na przykładzie aglomeracji poznańskiej
Authors: Kaczmarek Tomasz , Mikuła Łukasz , Bul Radosław , Walaszek Marzena , Wilk Justyna
Published: February 2021

Niniejszy artykuł, odwołując się do współczesnych koncepcji rozwoju obszarów zurbanizowanych i zarządzania terytorialnego na terenach wielkomiejskich (metropolitalnych), ma na celu analizę relacji funkcjonalnych i przestrzennych, jakie zachodzą między miastem centralnym a suburbiami. Podjęta została próba spojrzenia na ich charakter i siłę z punktu widzenia zaawansowania procesów suburbanizacji oraz praktyki zarządzania i planowania w całym regionie miejskim. Jako studium przypadku analizie poddano aglomerację poznańską, gdzie silnej suburbanizacji, rezydencjalnej i gospodarczej, towarzyszą zjawiska zarówno konkurencji jak i współpracy międzygminnej. Głównym celem pracy jest ich identyfikacja w takich dziedzinach, jak: planowanie przestrzenne, transport publiczny i usługi edukacyjne.
Automatisch erzeugte Author Profiles als Grundlage für eine Themenseite zur Corona-Krise
Authors: Pianos Tamara , Hajra Arben
Published: February 2021

Ohne Normdaten sind Personennamen nicht eindeutig zuzuordnen. Die EconBiz Author Profiles nutzen Identifier und Linked-Data-Ansätze, um Autorinnen und Autoren, Publikationen und weitere Informationen zu verknüpfen. Normalerweise liegt der Fokus beim Output einzelner Forschenden. Zu Beginn der Corona-Pandemie wurde eine Themenseite erstellt, um die thematische Suche und Übersicht über wirtschaftswissenschaftliche Publikationen mit COVID-19-Bezug zu erleichtern.
High order curvature flows of plane curves with generalised Neumann boundary conditions
Authors: McCoy James , Wheeler Glen , Wu Yuhan
Published: February 2021

We consider the parabolic polyharmonic diffusion and the

L
2

{L^{2}}

-gradient flow for the square integral of the m-th arclength derivative of curvature for regular closed curves evolving with generalised Neumann boundary conditions. In the polyharmonic case, we prove that if the curvature of the initial curve is small in

L
2

{L^{2}}

, then the evolving curve converges exponentially in the

C
∞

{C^{\infty}}

topology to a straight horizontal line segment. The same behaviour is shown for the

L
2

{L^{2}}

-gradient flow provided the energy of the initial curve is sufficiently small. In each case the smallness conditions depend only on m.
Themistius on Concept Formation
Authors: Roreitner Robert
Published: February 2021

This paper reconstructs the account of concept formation developed in the 4thCentury A.D. by Themistius in the most ancient extant commentary on Aristotle’sPosterior Analytics. Themistius’ account can be contrasted with two widespread modern interpretations of Aristotle. Unlike psychological empiricists, Themistius ascribes an active role in concept formation to our innate capacity of understanding (νοῦς). Unlike intuitionists, he would not be satisfied by saying that νοῦς “intuits” or “spots” concepts. Rather, the question is what makes our νοῦς capable of “finding” and “recognizing” concepts in experience, and this can only be an understanding prior to all experience. Themistius seems to be responding here to Platonist arguments against Aristotle’s epistemology: postulating a “potential νοῦς” is not enough, for one can apply Meno’s dilemma toitand ask how it can recognize that it has found what it was looking for. But, contrary to the judgment of some modern scholars, Themistius never embraced the theory of recollection either (he rejects it decisively). He argued that both empiricism and Platonist innatism are wrong and developed a middle path marked by a strong interdependence between the perceptive and the rational capacity. This holds for all rational learning, and concept formation is its first stage: to form a concept means tolearnsomething genuinely new, but also torecognizeit as falling, e. g., under one of the ten categories. While being presented as a mere “paraphrasis” of Aristotle’s words, Themistius’ account is a well-advised and original response to the epistemological debates of his time.
Circ_0091579 enhances the malignancy of hepatocellular carcinoma via miR-1287/PDK2 axis
Authors: Shu Junwei , Du Jiayuan , Wang Futao , Cheng Yong , Chen Gangxin , Xu Bing , Zhang Dianpeng , Chen Shuangjiang
Published: February 2021

Several articles have indicated that circular RNAs are involved in pathogenesis of human cancers. Nevertheless, the role of circ_0091579 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression remains to be revealed. Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was carried out to examine the expression of circ_0091579 and miR-1287. The proliferation of HCC cells was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze cell cycle progression and apoptosis. Western blot assay was conducted to detect the protein expression of CyclinD1, Cleaved caspase3, and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 2 (PDK2). Cell glycolysis was evaluated by measuring the uptake of glucose, the production of lactate, and extracellular acidification rate. The target relationship between miR-1287 and circ_0091579 or PDK2 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation assay, and RNA-pull down assay. The enrichment of circ_0091579 was enhanced in HCC tissues (n = 77) and four HCC cell lines (HB611, Huh-7, MHCC97, and SNU423) compared with adjacent non-tumor tissues (n = 77) and normal human liver cell line THLE-2. Circ_0091579 mediated the promotion of proliferation and glycolysis and the suppression of apoptosis of HCC cells. MiR-1287 was a direct target of circ_0091579 in HCC cells. MiR-1287 knockdown reversed the effects caused by circ_0091579 interference on the functions of HCC cells. PDK2 could bind to miR-1287 in HCC cells. Circ_0091579 upregulated the enrichment of PDK2 by acting as a sponge of miR-1287 in HCC cells. The influence caused by circ_0091579 intervention on HCC cells was attenuated by overexpression of PDK2. Circ_0091579 interference impeded the progression of HCC in vivo. Circ_0091579 deteriorated HCC by promoting the proliferation and glycolytic metabolism and suppressing the apoptosis of HCC cells via miR-1287/PDK2 axis.
Two new inflammatory markers related to the CURB-65 score for disease severity in patients with community-acquired pneumonia: The hypersensitive C-reactive protein to albumin ratio and fibrinogen to albumin ratio
Authors: Luo Bing , Sun Minjie , Huo Xingxing , Wang Yun
Published: February 2021

Background

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship among hypersensitive C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR), fibrinogen to albumin ratio (FAR), and the CURB-65 score for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) severity.

Methods

Clinical data and laboratory indicators of 82 patients with CAP and 40 healthy subjects were retrospectively analysed. The relationship among CAR, FAR, and the severity of CAP was then analysed.

Results

CAR and FAR in patients with low-risk CAP were significantly higher than those in the normal control group (P < 0.05). CAR and FAR in patients with medium–high-risk CAP were further increased compared with those in patients with low-risk CAP (P < 0.05). CAR and FAR were positively correlated with hypersensitive C-reactive protein, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and CURB-65 scores (P < 0.05). In the receiver operating characteristic curve for predicting severe CAP, the area under the curve of combining four biomarkers (CAR + FAR + NLR + PLR) was the largest. CAR was also an independent risk factor for severe CAP (OR = 8.789, 95% CI: 1.543–50.064, P = 0.014).

Conclusions

CAR and FAR may be used as the inflammatory markers for CAP severity evaluation.
Relationships between renal function variations and relative changes in cardiac troponin T concentrations based on quantile generalized additive models (qgam)
Authors: Monneret Denis , Fasiolo Matteo , Bonnefont-Rousselot Dominique
Published: February 2021

Objectives

The relationship between high-sensitive cardiac troponin T concentration (hs-cTnT) and renal markers levels is known. However, the extent to which their variations are associated remains to be explored. Objective: model the relationship between relative changes in hs-cTnT (Δhs-cTnT) and variations in creatinine (Δcre) or estimated glomerular filtration rate (ΔeGFR), using a quantile generalized additive model (qgam).

Methods

Concomitant plasma Δhs-cTnT and Δcre from patients aged 18–100 years, selected with a time variation (Δtime) of 3 h–7 days, were collected over a 5.8-year period. Relationships between Δhs-cTnT and covariates Δcre (A) or ΔeGFR (B), including age, Δtime, hour of blood sampling (HSB) and covariates interactions were fitted using qgam.

Results

On the whole (n=106567), Δhs-cTnT was mainly associated with Δcre, in a positive and nonlinear way (−21, −6, +5, +20, +55% for −50, −20, +20, +50, +100%, respectively), but to a lesser extent with age (min −9%, max +2%), Δtime (min −4%, max +8%), and HSB (min −5%, max +7%). Δhs-cTnT was negatively associated with ΔeGFR (+46, +7, −5, −11, −20% for −50, −20, +20, +50, +100%, respectively). Classifying Δhs-cTnT as consistent or not with myocardial injury based on recommendations, an interpretation of Δhs-cTnT adjusted for model A or B led to statistically significant but small diagnostic discrepancies (<2%), as compared to an interpretation based on Δhs-cTnT only.

Conclusions

From a laboratory and statistical standpoint, considering renal function variations when interpreting relative changes in cardiac troponin T has a minor impact on the diagnosis rate of myocardial injury.
Recommendations for validation testing of home pregnancy tests (HPTs) in Europe
Authors: Sturgeon Catharine , Butler Stephen A. , Gould Fiona , Johnson Sarah , Rowlands Sam , Stenman Ulf-Håkan , Grenache David G.
Published: February 2021

Home pregnancy tests (HPTs) available in Europe include accuracy and other performance claims listed on their packaging. Due to the lack of guidance on the standardisation of such products, it is often difficult to replicate these claims when tested on a clinical sample, whether in a laboratory setting or by lay users. The In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation is a set of requirements that mandate comprehensive validation data on human pregnancy tests and other in vitro devices. It is due to replace the current European Directive (98/79/EC) and fully implemented in Europe by 2022. In June 2019, a panel of seven experts convened to discuss the validation studies required to provide the information needed to meet the new regulation for HPTs in Europe and proposed 15 recommendations for best practice. Defining best practice at all stages of validation of these important tests may ensure that tests marketed in Europe are fit for purpose, enabling lay users to be confident of the high quality of the HPT results they obtain. The panelists believe that the recommendations proposed here for the validation of HPTs may constructively contribute to improved standardisation of validation procedures in Europe.
An alternative way to measure total lung capacity: a pilot study
Authors: Laufer Bernhard , Krueger-Ziolek Sabine , Moeller Knut , Docherty Paul D. , Hoeflinger Fabian , Reindl Leonhard
Published: February 2021

Total lung capacity is usually measured by a body plethysmograph or helium dilution methods. In this study an alternative approach to obtain total lung capacity of spontaneous breathing subjects is introduced. The device utilises an optoelectronic plethysmograph and a small tube, which measures mouth pressure and allows total lung capacity to be obtained, which differs less than 0.4 L from the total lung capacity of the body plethysmograph. The method shows potential to be a less burdensome method to estimate total lung capacity determination than the body plethysmograph.
The underlying action-oriented and task-based approach of the CEFR and its implementation in language testing and assessment at university
Authors: Fischer Johann
Published: February 2021

The underlying methodological approach of the CEFR is defined as being “action-oriented” and task-based (Council of Europe. 2001. Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment. Cambridge University Press: 9), although it explicitly leaves room for a variety of approaches, since the CEFR is a framework document. The action-oriented approach is, however, not coherently developed throughout the publication as it does not explain its application in assessment (Chapter 9). Chapter 9 presents a general introduction to the principles of language assessment but does not explain how the assessment can be contextualised so that the test-taker acts as a “social agent”. Although related documents on testing and assessment such as the Manual for Relating Language Examinations to the CEFR (Council of Europe 2009) and the Manual for Language Test Development and Examining (Council of Europe 2011) provide tools on assessment practices, they do not explain how to conceptualise an action-oriented task-based assessment. The CEFR Companion Volume (Council of Europe 2020) also stresses the underlying action-oriented approach of the CEFR in teaching and learning, but as it focuses explicitly on teaching and learning, it too does not cover the area of testing and assessment. For university language teaching, learning and assessment, it is necessary to develop a coherent, holistic methodology that applies the action-oriented and task-based approach to language teaching, learning and assessment, and applies a constructive alignment, which has a particular focus on the learner as a social agent. Initially, this requires the development of course content and the related assessment tasks to be based on a thorough needs analysis for a specific language teaching programme. In this way, university language centres can rethink their approach to teaching and assessment and implement changes both in their teaching and in their assessment and testing in order to offer a more coherent programme to their learners, which makes better use of the CEFR Framework. This paper summarises the principles of task-based language testing and explains in which contexts this approach might be particularly fruitful. It also presents the author’s experience gained in implementing the approach at institutional and national levels, and the challenges involved in managing this change.
The development of a Language Centre. An example of best practice in a historical perspective
Authors: Szczuka-Dorna Liliana
Published: February 2021

The XXVth Anniversary of CercleS brings back memories not only of the CercleS Association and its development, but also of the role of Language Centres in European universities. This article presents the Centre of Languages and Communication (CLC) at Poznan University of Technology (PUT) in Poland. It focuses on the main challenges the CLC has experienced over the years and presents facts from its historical development. It is a very personal article which can be read in two ways: firstly, as a memoir with facts and detailed information about the development of the CLC, and secondly, as a guide for new Language Centres and their managers, who may wish to play a positive role at national and international levels.
Raciolinguistic ideology in first-year university (non)heritage Chinese classes
Authors: Chang Sharon
Published: February 2021

This qualitative case study explores how raciolinguistic ideology of Chinese heritage is collectively shaped in first-year non-heritage Mandarin classes in one US university, but individually told by two minoritized (ethnolinguistically marginalized) heritage learners and two non-heritage learners. Their experiences in learning Mandarin Chinese as a non-heritage language elucidate how Chinese language learners negotiate their ethnolinguistic identities in the transnational world. The stories of four Chinese language learners demonstrate how their raciolinguistic ideology is collectively shaped by a complex racialization process while negotiating their race, ethnicity, culture, language, and transnationality. The present study challenges the raciolinguistic ideologies of the institutionalized norms of defining heritage and non-heritage learners as learner-trait terms. Implications for researchers and practitioners of Language Learning Centers beyond US higher education are drawn.
About as boring as flossing sharks: Cognitive accounts of irony and the family of approximate comparison constructions in American English
Authors: Lehmann Claudia
Published: February 2021

This paper reports a case study on a family of American English constructions that will be called the family ofapproximate comparisonconstructions. This family has three members, all of which follow the syntactic patternabout as X as YwithXbeing an adjective, but which allow three related functions: literal comparison, simile and irony. Two cognitive frameworks concern themselves with irony, the cognitive modelling approach and viewpoint approach, and the paper will show that, while the ironic approximate comparison construction calls central assumptions of the cognitive modelling approach to question, the viewpoint account can be refined to handle these cases. In doing so, it furthers our understanding of the cognitive underpinning of irony. The paper provides a corpus-based analysis on theYslot as well as collostructional analyses on the adjectivalXslot in the family ofapproximate comparisonconstructions. The results thereof suggest that the ironicapproximate comparisonconstruction, in comparison to its literal counterpart, prefers adjectives that convey positively connotated, nuanced attitudes and is formally less variable in theYslot. The preference for particular adjectives lends further support to the assumption that hearers understand the construction as ironic or literal before speakers complete their utterance. Given that, it is argued that the ironicapproximate comparisonconstruction communicates an inherent viewpoint.
Corrosion inhibitory effect of mixed cocoa pod-Ficus exasperata extract on MS in 1.5 M HCl: optimization and electrochemical study
Authors: Popoola Lekan Taofeek
Published: February 2021

This paper investigated optimization of corrosion inhibitory attributes of mixed cocoa pod-Ficus exasperata (CP-FE) extracts towards mild steel in 1.5 M HCl using central composite design. Potentiodynamic polarization, linear polarization resistance and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements were used for the electrochemical study. The result revealed maximum inhibition efficiency of 91.52% at temperature, inhibitor concentration, time and acid concentration of 50 °C, 5 g/L, 144 h and 0.2 M, respectively with R
2 value of 0.9429. Central composite design predicted optimum point of 70.37 °C, 3.81 g/L, 127.37 h and 0.22 M. Potentiodynamic polarization revealed extract to be mixed-type inhibitor with anodic prevalence. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed that corrosion inhibition occurred via adsorption of CP-FE molecules on active sites of MS surface. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed protection of mild steel surface by adsorbed molecules of CP-FE extracts. Fourier transform infrared revealed presence of carboxyl (–COOH), unsaturated (–C-C–) and hydroxyl (–OH). Energy dispersive spectroscopy revealed presence of high iron composition on mild steel surface in the presence of mixed CP-FE extract proving its corrosion inhibition efficiency in 1.5 M HCl. Atomic adsorption spectroscopy revealed loss of Fe2+ into free HCl solution. Generally, extract from mixed CP-FE was found as effective corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 1.5 M HCl solution.