bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Problems of Development of Social Business
Authors:   Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC), Abbasov A. , Abbasov S. ,   Baku State University
Published: July 2022

The article reveals corporate social responsibility, business socialization, the essence, meaning and criteria of social business. Appropriate generalizations were made on the various scientific and theoretical views of economists on the assessment of corporate social responsibility. The characteristics, basic principles and philosophy of social business are explained in detail. The philosophy of social business is based on the fact that the investor is not given dividends on profits received from entrepreneurial activity, he receives only the amount of money invested, and the rest of the investment is invested in business development and the implementation of socially significant projects. The features of the formation of family farms (family business) as an important form of social entrepreneurship and development prospects at the regional level are revealed. Family business is a social business model in which family members participate in management and succession in family traditions. Famous family business firms have evolved and become large companies influencing the global economy. In the Republic of Azerbaijan, ABAD (Simplified Support to Family Business) provides support to family enterprises in the field of arts and crafts, as well as business planning, marketing, design, finance, accounting and legal assistance. Certification of manufactured products according to the “one-stop shop” principle, organization of logistics and sales is carried out by ABAD. Suggestions were made to increase the role of social business in improving the welfare of the population and in the sustainable development of the national economy.
Yuri Lypa’s religiousness (1900–1944)
Authors:   Charitable Foundation named after Ivan and Yuriia Lyp, Kucherenko Svitlana
Published: July 2022

The article deals with the presence of religion in the life and work of Ukrainian public and cultural figure, doctor, writer and thinker Yuri Lypa. The definition of „religiousness” is given, relevant biographical facts found, non-random works are analyzed. Yuriy Lypa is a native of Poltava region (town of Stari Sanzhary, April 22, 1900, 5.05 in the new style). After the adoption by his family of his father – a doctor, writer, politician Ivan Lypa – he lived in the Odessa region (1909-1918). Participant in revolutionary events in Odessa (1917–1918), co-founder of the publishing house „Narodni Styag” (1917–1936). Yu. Lypa studied law at Odessa (1918) and Kamyanets-Podilsky (1919–1920) universities and medicine at the universities of Poznan (1922–1928) and Vilno (1932). During 1929–1943 Yu. Lypa lived in Warsaw, where he carried out his medical, literary, scientific and public activities. Member and co-organizer of the literary groups „Soncecvit” (1921) and „Tank” (1929), the Ukrainian student corporation „Chornomore” (1925–1933), the Ukrainian Economic Bureau (1933–1934); Ukrainian Black Sea Institute (1940–1944). Yu. Lypa’s creative legacy includes more than 360 poetic and prose works, publicistic and medical works. The last year of his life (1943–1944) was in the Lviv region (Yavoriv, Buniv and Ivanyky). Yu. Lypa was tortured by the enkavedysts on August 19, 1944 for being a UPA doctor. From many interpretations of religiosity as spirituality and faith, religious knowledge and practices, the subjective manifestation of the existence of religion, etc., to analyze the emergence of this worldview trait chosen understanding of the phenomenon by the Pope Ivan Pavlo II: „Religiousness originates from a deep human desire for truth and underlies the free and personal search for the divine”. Yuri Lypa’s religiousness arose and deepened under the external influence (origination, upbringing, environment) and the internal needs of personal development, as well as a result of his spiritual experience, including spiritual practices.
Archaeological research of the Neolithic settlement „Starobilsk-1” in 2019–2020
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Naboka Oleksandr
Published: July 2022

The article highlights the scientific results of archaeological research of the Neolithic settlement „Starobilsk-1”, which is located near the city of Starobilsk, Lugansk region. The last stage of research of this archeological site is in 2019–2020. The Neolithic settlement was studied by the Serhiy Loktyushev Archaeological Detachment, organized jointly by the Department of Ukrainian History of Taras Shevchenko National University of Luhansk (Oleksandr Naboka) and the Institute of Archeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The article notes that Serhiy Telizhenko, Candidate of Historical Sciences, Research Fellow at the Institute of Archeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, became the scientific leader of the 2019–2020 expeditions. The „track record” of the scientist’s research, however, is not limited to the study of Neolithic settlements. During the difficult period of military chaos in 2014–2019, Serhiy Telizhenko was for some time the only person who drew public attention to the problems of preserving the archeology of the region. Despite all the difficulties, he managed to conduct expeditions, which resulted in notable scientific discoveries. During the research of the Starobilsk-1 site, archaeologists, in addition to traditional finds – remains of silicon and bone tools, ornamented ceramics found large (up to 30 centimeters) clusters of shells of local annual toothless mollusks. These creatures, which still live in Aidar today, formed the basis of the diet of ancient people. The need to be close to the sources of such food determined the need for their life near the river banks. As a result of research on the Neolithic settlement „Starobilsk-1”, scientists have concluded that it was part of the regional settlement of ancient people, which consisted of Luhansk, southern modern Russia, the Caucasus and Turkey. Between these enclaves there was a fairly active economic exchange of technology, which is a sign of the further attitude of more developed civilizations.
The role of the Amnesty International in the system of international relations
Authors:   Pavlo Tychyna Uman State Pedagogical University, Skrypnyk Olena
Published: July 2022

The article examines the history of the international human rights organization Amnesty International, which since its inception has been constantly working around the world to stop human rights violations. The activity of this international organization from the moment of its foundation to the present is described. The covered Amnesty International’s fight against the abolition of the death penalty, protection of sexual rights, fight against discrimination to protect the rights of migrants and refugees, fight against apartheid, protection from torture, etc. The role of the international non-governmental organization Amnesty International in the system of global governance from its creation to the present period is analyzed. Emphasis is placed on the activities of this international organization in Ukraine. Amnesty International has investigated and covered issues in Ukraine such as torture and ill-treatment in the army and prisons, the case of Georgy Gongadze and other journalists, and called on Ukraine to end criminal charges against journalists. With the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, Amnesty International has focused the world’s attention on the problem of the war in Ukraine. The author concludes that, despite the contradictory nature of its activities, this international organization has played and continues to play an important role in world politics. Today, it is one of the most famous and influential non-governmental organizations in the world. It investigates violations and abuses whenever and wherever, and requires governments and corporations to comply with their obligations and respect international law.
Historiographic aspect of the study of the role of women participating in the creation of the state during the Ukrainian revolution
Authors:   Bogdan Khmelnitsky Melitopol State Pedagogical University, Vlasova Viktoriia , Poliakova Larysa ,   Bogdan Khmelnitsky Melitopol State Pedagogical University
Published: July 2022

The article examines the state of research on the role of women as participants in the state-forming process of the period of the Ukrainian Revolution, covering the period of 1917–1921. The main works of researchers of the Soviet period, independent Ukraine and the work of authors of the diaspora are outlined. The article analyzes which global and domestic processes influenced one or another type of research. The demands of the time require a deeper consideration of the aspects of interaction between women and political institutions. For a long time in the domestic historical science, this issue has been ignored by historians because of ideological reasons. Isolated attempts to appeal to the participation of women in the events of 1917–1921 were also observed in Soviet times, but this was covered only from the position of communist ideology. Diaspora scholars approached such topics more unbiased, although they did not have a complete documentary base. It should be noted that in modern historical science there is an intensification of research in the direction of women’s studios. Only during the independence of Ukraine, through the prism of numerous sources and documents, a more objective and impartial study of both the era of the Ukrainian Revolution and its aspect such as the role of women in that process it became possible. Based on the analysis of historiography on this topic, a conclusion is made about the state and prospects of research on the role of women in the events of this time.
Analysis of the preservation of publications of the Provincial statistical committees in libraries and archival institutions of Ukraine
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Shevtsova Yevheniia
Published: July 2022

The article analyzes the availability of commemorative books and other publications of provincial statistical committees in archival and library institutions of Ukraine, as well as the problems of their preservation. The lack of reliable information about the repertoire and storage locations of publications seriously hinders their introduction into scientific circulation and researchers’ access to them. The main types of problems that are encountered on the way to identifying complete collections of publications and complicate the work of the researcher are identified. A brief description of the impact on the work of archival and library institutions of military operations and occupation regimes that have been unfolding on the territory of Ukraine since the 20th century is given. It has been found out that at the moment the storage of relevant documents can take place in such institutions as central universal scientific libraries, historical and local history museums, state archives, university libraries, etc. In addition, during the study, an analysis was made of the number and condition of the identified publications of the statistical committees of Kyiv, Poltava, Volyn, Кaterinoslav, Kherson, Chernihiv, Taurida and other Ukrainian provinces. It is concluded that the publications of the provincial statistical committees should be considered as valuable and rare copies that require active accumulation and digitization. The solution to this problem can be the activation of research of archival and library funds, as well as their fixation and storage on digital media.
Elements of the information and psychological war in the confrontation of king Philip IV and Pope Bonifation VIII
Authors:   Pavlo Tychyna Uman State Pedagogical University, Hordiyenko Viacheslav , Hordiyenko Halyna ,   Pavlo Tychyna Uman State Pedagogical University
Published: July 2022

The article is devoted to the conflict between King Philip IV of France and Pope Boniface VIII. We found out that the conflict between the French monarchy and the papal throne arose against the sociocultural background of the transition from the High to the Late Middle Ages and the evolution of the early feudal monarchy into a representative estate in France. It is noted that during this period the papacy significantly lowered its status as a pan-European spiritual and political center, and the theocratic tendencies of the pontiff’s power contradicted the process of forming national states. It is proved that social changes in the system of monarchical power had affected the strengthening of rational and pragmatic aspects of governance. The article emphasizes that the Legionnaires as the closest advisers to Philip IV enriched the arsenal of means of combating the Pope with information and psychological operations. It is shown that the Pope’s criticism and intimidation of the monarch caused the government of Philip IV to use falsifications, forgery of documents in order to permit the king to influence the consciousness of the masses in a nececessary way.
Monopolistic tendencies in the sugar industry of Ukraine in the late XIX – early XX centuries
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Zabudkova Olha
Published: July 2022

The article analyzes the monopolistic tendencies in the sugar industry of Ukraine as part of the Russian Empire in the late nineteenth – early twentieth century. It is noted that for this area in the sources and sometimes in historiography there is confusion in terms, because traditionally monopolistic unions are called syndicates, although in essence they are cartels. It is determined that the sugar industry was one of the first industries where monopolization processes began – the first cartel was established here in 1887. However, high competition in the sugar market led to its instability and disintegration in the first half of the 1890s. government regulation of sugar production and sales. With the beginning of the twentieth century, which was marked by the economic crisis of 1900–1903, the tendency to monopolize refining became dominant. It has been determined that the cartel of refined producers started operating in 1903, but was unstable, so the agreement was repeatedly terminated and re-concluded. On the eve of the First World War, an attempt was made to syndicate the union, but it was not completed. During the war, due to the rapid rise in prices, the government established the Central Bureau for the Consolidation of Sugar Procurement (Centrosugar) in 1916, making it impossible for sugar cartels to continue. It was emphasized that throughout the period of monopolistic agreements in the sugar industry, entrepreneurs enjoyed the systematic support of the government, despite the dissatisfaction of a large part of society. It is concluded that in the sugar industry of the Russian Empire, monopolistic agreements did not go beyond unstable cartels, which was traditional for industries with strong competition. Another trend was the systematic protection of the interests of sugar producers by the state authorities, as the largest sugar producers belonged to influential noble families, and therefore enjoyed additional caste privileges.
Palliation of head and neck cancer: a review of the unique difficulties
Authors: Weaver Alicia , Smith Maria , Wilson Sarah , Douglas Catriona M , Montgomery Jenny , Finlay Fiona
Published: July 2022

Each year, there are 11 900 new diagnoses of head and neck cancers in the UK, with around 4000 deaths. Survival rates are higher for those diagnosed earlier, however, patients are often diagnosed later, with 20% palliative at the time of diagnosis. There is a scarcity of head and neck cancer palliative care literature available. This review article aims to discuss the unique challenges of head and neck cancer palliation. It specifically focusses on the challenges of pain management, airway obstruction, dysphagia, haemorrhage and the psychology of palliative head and neck cancer management. This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of many of the different treatment options available. It is hoped that this article will highlight the unique difficulties encountered by patients with head and neck cancer towards the end of their life and offer insights and suggestions to improve patients’ quality of life in their final weeks and months.
Alternative computation of the Seidel aberration coefficients using the Lie algebraic method
Authors: Barion A. , Anthonissen M. J. H. , ten Thije Boonkkamp J. H. M. , IJzerman W. L.
Published: July 2022

We give a brief introduction to Hamiltonian optics and Lie algebraic methods. We use these methods to describe the operators governing light propagation, refraction, and reflection in phase space. The method offers a systematic way to find aberration coefficients of any order for arbitrary rotationally symmetric optical systems. The coefficients from the Lie method are linked to the Seidel aberration coefficients. Furthermore, the property of summing individual surface contributions is preserved by the Lie algebraic theory. Two examples are given to validate the proposed methodology with good results.
Modeling and physically interpreting dissipative dynamics of a charge qubit–atom hybrid system under the Born–Markov limit
Authors: Namkung Min , Kang Jeongsoo , Kwon Younghun
Published: July 2022

In this study, we model the dissipative dynamics of a charge qubit–atom hybrid model under the Born–Markov limit. Especially, we focus on the physical relation between spectral density and dissipative dynamics. Analytically, we show that, if spectral density in the dynamics is a nearly linear function, then relaxation and dephasing noises separately affect the gate capacitor and Josephson junction, respectively, but if the spectral density is a genuine-nonlinear function, then these two noises affect both the gate capacitor and Josephson junction. Further, we observe that in a numerical way, when the spectral density is a genuine-nonlinear function, there are some cases in which the corresponding environment dramatically breaks quantumness including purity and entanglement.
Broadband photonic beam processor for simultaneous beamforming and high-resolution imaging
Authors: Chen Xiaoxue , Li Shangyuan , Xing Luhang , Yu Jinghan , Xue Xiaoxiao , Zheng Xiaoping
Published: July 2022

In this paper, a broadband photonic beam processor is presented for the all-optical multifunction integrated receiver. By implementing echo signals with optical beam multi-domain processing based on space-to-time mapping and time-to-frequency mapping, the non-mechanical control of expected beam pointing is enabled while the target within the beam can be imaged simultaneously. A proof-of-concept experiment with a 4-element phased array is performed in Ka band. The beam pointing is set to be 0° and 12.5°, where two-dimensional images of moving targets inside the beam region are obtained, respectively. The suppression ratio to the beam region outside is measured to be 26.8 dB. And the range and cross-range imaging resolution is 0.042 m × 0.051 m. A comparison with a cascade mode of single-function microwave photonic modules shows that the multifunction integrated photonic beam processor has reduced the system loss by 32.4 dB. The proposed beam processor enables multi-element broadband phased arrays with less complexity and power consumption.
Debye-series expansion of T-matrix for light scattering by non-spherical particles computed from Riccati-differential equations
Authors: Bi Lei , Gouesbet Gérard
Published: July 2022

A new formulation of the Debye series based on the Riccati-differential equations was developed to compute electromagnetic wave scattering by non-spherical particles. In this formulation, the T-matrix was expanded in terms of the Debye series. The zeroth-order term, which corresponds to a combination of diffraction and external reflection, is given by unity minus the external reflection matrix. The higher-order terms are generated from the transmission matrix from the medium to the particle, the internal reflection matrix within the particle and the transmission matrix from the particle to the medium. We demonstrate that the aforementioned four reflection-transmission matrices satisfy the Riccati-differential equations, which can be numerically solved by the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method. The present algorithm can be applied to generalized convex non-spherical particles. The differential equations were analytically validated in the case of a homogeneous sphere. Representative results were given in the case of spheroids. The impacts of the Debye series with various orders on the optical properties of spheroids were revealed with significant details.
High-precision autocollimation method based on a multiscale convolution neural network for angle measurement
Authors: Shi Jian , Li Yuechao , Tao Zixi , Zhang Daixi , Xing Heyang , Tan Jiubin
Published: July 2022

A high-precision autocollimation method based on multiscale convolution neural network (MSCNN) for angle measurement is proposed. MSCNN is integrated with the traditional measurement model. Using the multiscale representation learning ability of MSCNN, the relationship between spot shape (large-scale feature), gray distribution (small-scale feature), and the influence of aberration and assembly error in the collimating optical path is extracted. The constructed accurate nonlinear measurement model directly improves the uncertainty of angle measurement. Experiments demonstrate that the extended uncertainty reaches 0.29 arcsec (k = 2), approximately 7 times higher than that with the traditional measurement principle, and solves the nonlinear error caused by aberration and assembly error in the autocollimation system. Additionally, this method has a good universality and can be applied to other autocollimation systems.
X-ray pulse generation with ultra-fast flipping of its orbital angular momentum
Authors: Morgan J. , McNeil B. W. J.
Published: July 2022

A method to temporally tailor the properties of X-ray radiation carrying Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) is presented. In simulations, an electron beam is prepared with a temporally modulated micro-bunching structure which, when radiating at the second harmonic in a helical undulator, generates OAM light with a corresponding temporally modulated intensity. This method is shown to generate attosecond pulse trains of OAM light without the need for any additional external optics, making the wavelength range tunable. In addition to the OAM pulse train, the method can be adapted to generate radiation where the handedness of the OAM mode may also be temporally modulated (flipped).
High-temperature linearly polarized single-frequency fiber lasers based on a non-polarization-maintaining FBG preparation through a femtosecond laser
Authors: Lv Ruidong , Chen Tao , Pham Xuantung , Si Jinhai , Huang Jin , Hou Yuxing , Gao Bo , Hou Xun
Published: July 2022

A high-temperature-resistant linearly polarized single-frequency distributed Bragg reflector fiber laser is demonstrated by using a femtosecond laser and directly fabricating a pair of fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) into an erbium-doped fiber (EDF). A high-reflection FBG with high birefringence prepared by femtosecond laser overexposure is used as a polarization selector. The integrated resonator cavity is 0.82 cm to ensure single-frequency operation. After annealing treatment, the laser can work stably at 600°C, and no mode hopping happens at different temperatures. By using the residual pump light and a suitable EDF to amplify the laser, a narrow linewidth laser with an output power of 26.3 mW, a degree of polarization reaching 0.984, and a linewidth less than 4 kHz is obtained.
Multiple optical fiber sensing with a single data channel of optical frequency-domain reflectometry
Authors: Lv Tuo , Wei Ruming , Zhou Da-Peng , Peng Wei , Chen Liang , Bao Xiaoyi
Published: July 2022

Fully distributed strain sensing of multiple optical fibers normally requires assigning each fiber a dedicated data channel. However, in this Letter, we show that using a single data channel of optical frequency-domain reflectometry, simultaneous measurement along multiple fibers combined with optical couplers can be realized by taking the advantage that each fiber has its unique Rayleigh backscattering pattern which can be used as a key signature for identifying sensing information, even though the individual pattern is buried in the signals contributed from all the fibers. Preliminary results show that four single-mode fibers, with the feasibility to be extended to six, can be demodulated simultaneously with spatial resolutions of the order of millimeter, offering great system simplicity and cost reduction for fully distributed strain sensing of multiple optical fibers or multiple cores in a specialty fiber.
Modelling the modulation of cortical Up-Down state switching by astrocytes
Authors: Blum Moyse Lisa , Berry Hugues
Published: July 2022

Up-Down synchronization in neuronal networks refers to spontaneous switches between periods of high collective firing activity (Up state) and periods of silence (Down state). Recent experimental reports have shown that astrocytes can control the emergence of such Up-Down regimes in neural networks, although the molecular or cellular mechanisms that are involved are still uncertain. Here we propose neural network models made of three populations of cells: excitatory neurons, inhibitory neurons and astrocytes, interconnected by synaptic and gliotransmission events, to explore how astrocytes can control this phenomenon. The presence of astrocytes in the models is indeed observed to promote the emergence of Up-Down regimes with realistic characteristics. Our models show that the difference of signalling timescales between astrocytes and neurons (seconds versus milliseconds) can induce a regime where the frequency of gliotransmission events released by the astrocytes does not synchronize with the Up and Down phases of the neurons, but remains essentially stable. However, these gliotransmission events are found to change the localization of the bifurcations in the parameter space so that with the addition of astrocytes, the network enters a bistability region of the dynamics that corresponds to Up-Down synchronization. Taken together, our work provides a theoretical framework to test scenarios and hypotheses on the modulation of Up-Down dynamics by gliotransmission from astrocytes.
Predicting compound-protein interaction using hierarchical graph convolutional networks
Authors: Bui-Thi Danh , Rivière Emmanuel , Meysman Pieter , Laukens Kris
Published: July 2022

Motivation

Convolutional neural networks have enabled unprecedented breakthroughs in a variety of computer vision tasks. They have also drawn much attention from other domains, including drug discovery and drug development. In this study, we develop a computational method based on convolutional neural networks to tackle a fundamental question in drug discovery and development, i.e. the prediction of compound-protein interactions based on compound structure and protein sequence. We propose a hierarchical graph convolutional network (HGCN) to encode small molecules. The HGCN aggregates a molecule embedding from substructure embeddings, which are synthesized from atom embeddings. As small molecules usually share substructures, computing a molecule embedding from those common substructures allows us to learn better generic models. We then combined the HGCN with a one-dimensional convolutional network to construct a complete model for predicting compound-protein interactions. Furthermore we apply an explanation technique, Grad-CAM, to visualize the contribution of each amino acid into the prediction.

Results

Experiments using different datasets show the improvement of our model compared to other GCN-based methods and a sequence based method, DeepDTA, in predicting compound-protein interactions. Each prediction made by the model is also explainable and can be used to identify critical residues mediating the interaction.
Association of fish intake with menstrual pain: A cross-sectional study of the Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Authors: Yokoyama Emi , Takeda Takashi , Watanabe Zen , Iwama Noriyuki , Satoh Michihiro , Murakami Takahisa , Sakurai Kasumi , Shiga Naomi , Tatsuta Nozomi , Saito Masatoshi , Tachibana Masahito , Arima Takahiro , Kuriyama Shinichi , Metoki Hirohito , Yaegashi Nobuo
Published: July 2022

The relationship between fish eating habits and menstrual pain is unknown. Elucidating this relationship can inform dietary guidance for reproductive age women with menstrual pain. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between fish intake frequency/preference and menstrual pain. This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Miyagi Regional Center as an adjunct study of the Japan Environment and Children’s Study, and 2060 eligible women (mean age, 31.9 years) participated. Fish intake frequency (“< 1 time/week,” “1 time/week,” “2–3 times/week,” or “≥ 4 times/week”), preference (“like,” “neutral,” or “dislike”), and menstrual pain (no/mild or moderate-to-severe) were assessed at 1.5 years after the last delivery through self-administered questionnaires. The association between fish intake frequency/preference and prevalence of moderate-to-severe menstrual pain was evaluated through logistic regression analyses. Our results show that, compared with the “< 1 time/week” (38.0%) group, the “1 time/week” (26.9%), “2–3 times/week” (27.8%), and “≥ 4 times/week” (23.9%) groups showed a lower prevalence of moderate-to-severe menstrual pain (p < 0.01). The prevalence of moderate-to-severe menstrual pain was 27.7%, 27.6%, and 34.4% in the “like,” “neutral,” and “dislike” groups, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression showed that frequent fish intake was associated with a lower prevalence of moderate-to-severe menstrual pain (“1 time/week”: odds ratio [OR] = 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41–0.86, “2–3 times/week”: OR = 0.64; 95% CI, 0.45–0.90 and “≥ 4 times/week”: OR = 0.52; 95% CI, 0.34–0.80; trend p = 0.004). Multivariate logistic regression showed no association between fish preference and moderate-to-severe menstrual pain (“dislike” vs “like”: OR = 1.16; 95% CI, 0.78–1.73). There was a significant negative association between fish intake frequency and menstrual pain. It is suggested that fish intake can reduce or prevent menstrual pain.
The association of sun exposure, ultraviolet radiation effects and other risk factors for pterygium (the SURE RISK for pterygium study) in geographically diverse adult (≥40 years) rural populations of India -3rd report of the ICMR-EYE SEE study group
Authors: Tandon Radhika , Vashist Praveen , Gupta Noopur , Gupta Vivek , Yadav Saumya , Deka Dipali , Singh Sachchidanand , Vishwanath K. , Murthy G. V. S.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To determine the prevalence and risk factors for pterygium in geographically diverse regions of India.

Methods

A population-based, cross-sectional multicentric study was conducted in adults aged ≥40 years in plains, hilly and coastal regions of India. All participants underwent a detailed questionnaire-based assessment for sun exposure, usage of sun protective measures, exposure to indoor smoke, and smoking. Detailed ocular and systemic examinations were performed. Pterygium was diagnosed and graded clinically by slit-lamp examination. Association of pterygium with sociodemographic, ophthalmological, and systemic parameters was assessed. Physical environmental parameters for the study period were estimated.

Results

Of the 12,021 eligible subjects, 9735 (81% response rate) participated in the study. The prevalence of pterygium in any eye was 13.2% (95% CI: 12.5%-13.9%), and bilateral pterygium was 6.7% (95% CI: 6.2–7.2). The prevalence increased with age (<0.001) irrespective of sex and was highest in those aged 60–69 years (15.8%). The prevalence was highest in coastal (20.3%), followed by plains (11.2%) and hilly regions (9.1%). On multi-logistic regression, pterygium was positively associated with coastal location (P<0.001), illiteracy (P = 0.037), increasing lifetime sun exposure (P<0.001), and negatively associated with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (P = 0.009).

Conclusion

Pterygium prevalence is high in the rural Indian population. The association of pterygium with several potentially modifiable risk factors reflects its multifactorial etiology and provides targets for preventive measures.
Safe reopening of university campuses is possible with COVID-19 vaccination
Authors: Junge Matthew , Li Sheng , Samaranayake Samitha , Zalesak Matthew
Published: July 2022

We construct an agent-based SEIR model to simulate COVID-19 spread at a 16000-student mostly non-residential urban university during the Fall 2021 Semester. We find that mRNA vaccine coverage at 100% combined with weekly screening testing of 25% of the campus population make it possible to safely reopen to in-person instruction. Our simulations exhibit a right-skew for total infections over the semester that becomes more pronounced with less vaccine coverage, less vaccine effectiveness and no additional preventative measures. This suggests that high levels of infection are not exceedingly rare with campus social connections the main transmission route. Finally, we find that if vaccine coverage is 100% and vaccine effectiveness is above 80%, then a safe reopening is possible even without facemask use. This models possible future scenarios with high coverage of additional “booster” doses of COVID-19 vaccines.
Think about your friends and family: The disparate impacts of relationship-centered messages on privacy concerns, protective health behavior, and vaccination against Covid-19
Authors: Hanson Clara K. , Liu Kayuet
Published: July 2022

Objective

To understand which factors affect how willing people are to share their personal information to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, and compare them to factors that affect other public health behaviors.

Method

We analyze data from three pre-registered online experiments conducted over eight months during the Covid-19 pandemic in the United States (April 3 2020 –November 25, 2020). Our primary analysis tests whether support for data sharing and intention to practice protective behavior increase in response to relationship-centered messages about prosociality, disease spread, and financial hardship. We then conduct a secondary correlational analysis to compare the demographic and attitudinal factors associated with willingness to share data, protective behavior, and intent to get vaccinated. Our sample (N = 650) is representative to socio-demographic characteristics of the U.S. population.

Results

We find the altruistic condition increased respondents’ willingness to share data. In our correlational analysis, we find interactive effects of political ID and socio-demographic traits on likelihood to share data. In contrast, we found health behavior was most strongly associated with political ID, and intent to vaccinate was more associated with socio-demographic traits.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that some public health messaging, even when it is not about data sharing or privacy, may increase public willingness to share data. We also find the role of socio-demographic factors in moderating the effect of political party ID varies by public health behavior.
Analysis of metabolites of red seabream (Pagrus major) from different geographical origins by capillary electrophoresis time-of-flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Yang Junho , Shin Jiyoung , Cha Eunji , Kim Hyunsuk , Lee Yoonhyeung , Kim Soi , Choi Iseul , Yang Jiyoung
Published: July 2022

Red seabream (Pagrus major), a migratory fish, is characterized by high protein levels in the muscle. South Korean and Japanese red seabreams have a general distribution pattern; however, distinguishing them based on their geographical origin is difficult. In this study, we used capillary electrophoresis time-of-flight mass spectrometry (CE-TOF/MS) to analyze the red seabream muscle metabolome to investigate how can distinguish the origin of the fish. The metabolites were extracted using 50% acetonitrile in water. Chromatographic separation was successfully used to classify the metabolite profiles of Japanese and South Korean red seabream. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis showed good ability to categorize the samples according to their origin. Amino acids showed the greatest quantitative difference in South Korean and Japanese muscle samples. Specifically, the L-alanine, L-glutamic acid, L-isoleucine, dimethylglycine, and L-valine levels in Japanese red seabream samples were significantly higher than those in South Korean samples. In contrast, the levels of trimethylamine N-oxide and inosine monophosphate in South Korean muscle samples were significantly higher than those in Japanese red muscle samples. The monitored metabolite profiles suggest that South Korean and Japanese red seabreams can be identified on the basis of amino acid levels.
Use of soil spectral reflectance to estimate texture and fertility affected by land management practices in Ethiopian tropical highland
Authors: Tiruneh Gizachew Ayalew , Meshesha Derege Tsegaye , Adgo Enyew , Tsunekawa Atsushi , Haregeweyn Nigussie , Fenta Ayele Almaw , Belay Anteneh Wubet , Tadesse Nigus , Fekadu Genetu , Reichert José Miguel
Published: July 2022

As classical soil analysis is time-consuming and expensive, there is a growing demand for visible, near-infrared, and short-wave infrared (Vis-NIR-SWIR, wavelength 350–2500 nm) spectroscopy to predict soil properties. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of soil bunds on key soil properties and to develop regression models based on the Vis-NIR-SWIR spectral reflectance of soils in Aba Gerima, Ethiopia. Soil samples were collected from the 0–30 cm soil layer in 48 experimental teff (Eragrostis tef) plots and analysed for soil texture, pH, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (av. P), and potassium (av. K). We measured reflectance from air-dried, ground, and sieved soils with a FieldSpec 4 Spectroradiometer. We used regression models to identify and predict soil properties, as assessed by the coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), bias, and ratio of performance to deviation (RPD). The results showed high variability (CV ≥ 35%) and substantial variation (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001) in soil texture, OC, and av. P in the catchment. Soil reflectance was lower from bunded plots. The pre-processing techniques, including multiplicative scatter correction, median filter, and Gaussian filter for OC, clay, and sand, respectively were used to transform the soil reflectance. Statistical results were: R2 = 0.71, RPD = 8.13 and bias = 0.12 for OC; R2 = 0.93, RPD = 2.21, bias = 0.94 for clay; and R2 = 0.85 with RPD = 7.54 and bias = 0.0.31 for sand with validation dataset. However, care is essential before applying the models to other regions. In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest spectroradiometry can supplement classical soil analysis. However, more research is needed to increase the prediction performance of Vis-NIR-SWIR reflectance spectroscopy to advance soil management interventions.
Bone marrow involvement in patients with metastatic castration sensitive prostate cancer
Authors: Shahait Mohammed , Abu-hijlih Ramiz , Salamat Alaa , Abou Heidar Nassib , Sharaf Baha’ , Abuhijla Fawzi , Salah Samer
Published: July 2022

Introduction

The clinical significance of bone marrow (BM) metastasis in prostate cancer as well as impact on oncological prognosis is unclear. We aim to assess the prevalence and clinical outcomes of BM metastasis at initial presentation of metastatic castrate sensitive prostate cancer (CSPC).

Patients and methods

Retrospective chart review of newly diagnosed metastatic CSPC patients was performed with collection of clinicopathologic and radiologic characteristics. Descriptive univariate and multivariate analysis was performed as well as survival measures (OS and PFS), which was done using the Kaplan-Meier survival and the Log-rank test.

Results

189 patients were eligible, of which, eleven patients (6%) had biopsy proven BM involvement at diagnosis. There was a trend to poorer PFS and OS in patients with BM involvement but not statistically significant; however, factors that correlated with inferior PFS and OS in the multivariate analysis included ECOG PS, ALP, and Hb.

Conclusion

BM metastasis in prostate cancer may lead to poorer survival. Clinical features including poor performance status, anemia, and elevated ALP, could guide bone marrow biopsies in the future to diagnose bone marrow metastasis at an earlier stage.
Reference curve sampling variability in one–sample log–rank tests
Authors: Danzer Moritz Fabian , Feld Jannik , Faldum Andreas , Schmidt Rene
Published: July 2022

The one–sample log–rank test is the method of choice for single–arm Phase II trials with time–to–event endpoint. It allows to compare the survival of patients to a reference survival curve that typically represents the expected survival under standard of care. The one–sample log–rank test, however, assumes that the reference survival curve is known. This ignores that the reference curve is commonly estimated from historic data and thus prone to sampling error. Ignoring sampling variability of the reference curve results in type I error rate inflation. We study this inflation in type I error rate analytically and by simulation. Moreover we derive the actual distribution of the one–sample log–rank test statistic, when the sampling variability of the reference curve is taken into account. In particular, we provide a consistent estimate of the factor by which the true variance of the one-sample log–rank statistic is underestimated when reference curve sampling variability is ignored. Our results are further substantiated by a case study using a real world data example in which we demonstrate how to estimate the error rate inflation in the planning stage of a trial.
The optimum parameters and neuroimaging mechanism of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to post-stroke cognitive impairment, a protocol of an orthogonally-designed randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Ling-Xin , Lu Jing-Kang , Li Bao-Jin , Gao Qiang , He Cheng-Qi , Zhang Shi-Hong , Zhao You-Jin , He Shuai , Wen Qian
Published: July 2022

Objective

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) has been used in cognition impairment due to various neuropsychiatric disorders. However, its optimum parameters and the neuroimaging mechanism are still of uncertainty. In order to simulate a study setting as close to real world as possible, the present study introduces a new orthogonally-designed protocol, consisting of the rTMS intervention with four key parameters (stimulating site, frequency, intensity and pulse number) and three different levels in each one, and aims to investigate the optimum parameters and the brain activity and connectivity in default mode network (DMN), dorsal attention network (DAN), central executive network (CEN) following rTMS intervention to post-stroke cognition impairment (PSCI).

Methods

A single-center, orthogonally-designed, triple-blind randomized controlled trial will be conducted and forty-five PSCI patients will be recruited and randomly assigned to one of nine active rTMS groups based on four rTMS paraments: stimulating site, frequency, intensity and pulse number. Neuropsychological, activities of daily living, quality of life and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) evaluations were be performed pre-, post- and 3 months after rTMS.

Discussion

This study evaluates the optimum parameters of rTMS for patients with post-stroke cognition impairment and explores the alteration of neural function in DMN, DAN, CEN brain network. These results would facilitate the standardized application of rTMS in cognition impairment rehabilitation.
Susceptibility to movement-evoked pain following resistance exercise
Authors: Kodesh Einat , Sirkis-Gork Anat , Mankovsky-Arnold Tsipora , Shamay-Tsoory Simone , Weissman-Fogel Irit
Published: July 2022

Objective

To investigate the: (1) role of basic muscle pain sensitivity and psychological factors in the prediction of movement-evoked pain (MEP) following delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and (2) association of MEP with changes in systemic muscle pain sensitivity following DOMS induction.

Methods

Fifty-one participants were assigned to either eccentric resistance exercise or control groups. They completed questionnaires evaluating psychological distress and underwent muscle pain sensitivity evaluation by the pressure pain threshold (PPT) test at the exercised and remote muscles, before and 24 hours following the intervention. MEP intensity was determined in response to lifting a 3kg canister using a visual analogue scale (VAS).

Results

The exercise group demonstrated MEP intensity of 5/10 on VAS and reduced PPTs at the main exercised muscle (p<0.001). A regression tree analyses revealed that the level of anxiety trait predicted a higher MEP intensity. A secondary analysis showed that 53% participants who were DOMS responders (MEP > mild intensity; ≥ 3/10 VAS) exhibited decreased PPTs in the exercised (p<0.001) and remote (p = 0.027) muscles following eccentric exercise. Characterization of DOMS responders revealed that, at baseline, they had lower PPTs in the exercised (p = 0.004) and remote (p = 0.001) muscles and reported higher psychological distress i.e., anxiety trait and depression symptoms (p<0.05), compared to non-responders. A regression analysis revealed that lower PPT or high levels of anxiety trait increased the probability to become a responder (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Susceptibility to MEP following DOMS is determined by muscle pain hypersensitivity and high levels of anxiety trait. MEP at the early stage of DOMS is linked with an increase in systemic muscle pain sensitivity suggestive of central mechanisms. This knowledge is valuable in translating science into clinical musculoskeletal pain management.