bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of the United States in the transformation of the European security architecture
Authors: Mikhailov Igor V.
Published: April 2022

The role of the United States of America in the transformation of the European security architecture after the end of the “Cold War” is examined. A comparative assessment is provided of the approach of the two American administrations to the role of the United States in building the key elements of the European security architecture in the context of a paradigm shift in world development and the transformation of the system of international relations established by treaties and agreements of the Yalta and Potsdam conferences. The analysis allows us to conclude that, remaining the only superpower, the United States considered the architecture of European security as the basis for building a global Eurasian security system. The US decision to transform the European security architecture based on NATO was a successful solution to the “German question” for Washington.
Analysis of the concept of “theatrical activity” from the perspective of preschool education
Authors: Nikitin Sergey V.
Published: April 2022

The analysis is conducted of the content of the concept of “theatrical activity”, which traditionally, since the 90s of the 20th century, has been actively used in methodological manuals devoted to the artistic and aesthetic development of children and intended for preschool educators. The meaning of this term could not be set as a specific aim in these works. The appearance of a large number of such works during this period caused a difference in approaches to the interpretation of the concept of “theatrical activity”, along with which such terms as “theatrical activity”, “theatricalization”, “theatrical play”, etc. began to be used synonymously in the texts of manuals. This circumstance actualized the terminological problem for the practice of preschool education, associated with a different understanding of key concepts and difficulties in creating new methods for the development of different abilities of children through theatrical activities. Since the beginning of the 21th century there have been scientific articles and dissertations devoted to the artistic and aesthetic development of children through theatrical activities. However, the concept of “theatrical activity” has not yet become the subject of special analysis, as a result of which the terminological problem for the theory of preschool education remains relevant. The definition of the term “theatrical activity” is given, emphasizing the prospect of its transformation from a formal into a meaningful concept, it is also distinguished from the concepts of “theatrical activity”, “theatricalization” and “theatrical play”.
Pedagogical model of development of value orientations of students in the conditions of Internet socialization
Authors: Chvanova Marina S. , Kiselyova Irina A.
Published: April 2022

The pedagogical model of the developing of value orientations of students in the context of Internet socialization is presented. The content of the cognitive component includes values-relationships (with the professional Internet community) and values-knowledge (of digital tech-nologies of professional activity and knowledge of the functional capabilities of the Internet envi-ronment for executing professional tasks), which determine the significance of professional Inter-net environment for students (the semantic component of the profession in conditions of Internet socialization and the instability of the world of professions). The emotional component represented by values-goals (the desire to achieve a high level of realization of professional needs in the Internet environment and confidence in self-realization in the future world of professions) and values-results (Internet socialization in the professional environment, satisfaction in achieving professional needs) indicate the satisfaction of students’ needs in the professional Internet envi-ronment. The behavioral component is based on values-qualities (quick professional adaptation and self-adaptation in the changing world of professions using the functionality of the Internet en-vironment) and values-skills (using Internet technologies and realizing oneself in the profession), which allow analyzing the individual’s desire for realization in the professional sphere. On the ba-sis of the identified components, the corresponding criteria for assessing the professional and value orientations of students in the conditions of internet socialization are justified. In addition, the proposed elements of professional and value orientations that are most sensitive to transformation in this context are identified.
Inclusions with mappings acting from a metric space to a space with distance
Authors: Merchela Wassim
Published: April 2022

The article deals with an inclusion in which a multivalued mapping acts from a metric space (X,ρ) into a set Y with distance d. This distance satisfies only the first axiom of the metric: d(y_1,y_2 ) is equal to zero if and only if y_1=y_2. The distance does not have to be symmetric or to satisfy the triangle inequality. For the space (Y,d), the simplest concepts (of a ball, convergence, the distance from a point to a set) are defined, and for a multivalued map G:X⇉Y, the sets of covering, Lipschitz and closedness are introduced. In these terms (allowing us to adapt the classical conditions of covering, Lipschitz property and closedness of mappings of metric spaces to the maps with values in (Y,d) and to weaken such conditions), a theorem on solvability of the inclusion F(x,x)∋y ̂ is formulated, and an estimate for the deviation in the space (X,ρ) of the set of solutions from a given element x_0∈X is given. The main conditions of the obtained statement are the following: for any x from some ball, the pair (x,y ̂) belongs to the α-covering set of the mapping F(•,x) and to the β-Lipschitz set of the mapping F(x,∙), where α>β. The proof of the corresponding statement is based on the construction of the sequences {x_n}⊂X and {y_n}⊂Y satisfying the relations
y_n∈F(x_n,x_n ), y ̂∈F(x_(n+1),x_n ), αρ(x_(n+1),x_n)≤d(y ̂,y_n)≤βρ(x_n,x_(n-1)).
Also, in the paper, we obtain sufficient conditions for the stability of solutions of the considered
inclusion to changes in the multivalued mapping F and in the element y ̂.
New properties of recurrent motions and limit sets of dynamical systems
Authors: Afanas’ev Aleksandr P. , Dzyuba Sergei M.
Published: April 2022

In the earlier article by the authors [A.P. Afanas’ev, S. M. Dzyuba “About new properties of recurrent motions and minimal sets of dynamical systems”, Russian Universities Reports. Mathematics, 26:133 (2021), 5–14] a connection between general motions and recurrent motions in a compact metric space is established, and a very simple behavior of recurrent motions is proved. Based on these results, we introduce here a new definition of recurrent motion which, in contrast to the one widely used in modern literature, provides fairly complete information about the structure of a recurrent motion as a function of time and, therefore, is more illustrative. At the same time, we show that in an abstract metric space, the proposed definition is equivalent to Birkhoff’s definition and is equivalent to the generally accepted modern definition in a complete metric space.
Necessary and sufficient conditions for recurrence (in the sense of the definition proposed in the article) of a motion in a compact metric space are obtained. It is proved that α- and ω-limit sets of any motion are minimal in a compact metric space (this assertion was announced in an earlier paper by the authors). From the minimality of α- and ω-limit sets, it is deduced that in a compact metric space, each positively (negatively) Poisson-stable point lies on the trajectory of a recurrent motion, i.e. is a point of a minimal set, and thus, in a compact metric space with a finite positive invariant measure almost all points are points of minimal sets.
On ill-posed problems, extremals of the Tikhonov functional and the regularized Lagrange principles
Authors: Sumin Mikhail I.
Published: April 2022

The problem of finding a normal solution to an operator equation of the first kind on a pair of Hilbert spaces is classical in the theory of ill-posed problems. In accordance with the theory of regularization, its solutions are approximated by the extremals of the Tikhonov functional. From the point of view of the theory of problems for constrained extremum, the problem of minimizing a functional, equal to the square of the norm of an element, with an operator equality constraint (that is, given by an operator with an infinite-dimensional image) is equivalent to the classical ill-posed problem. The paper discusses the possibility of regularizing the Lagrange principle (LP) in the specified constrained extremum problem. This regularization is a transformation of the LP that turns it into a universal tool of stable solving illposed problems in terms of generalized minimizing sequences (GMS) and preserves its “general structural arrangement” based on the constructions of the classical Lagrange function. The transformed LP “contains” the classical analogue as its limiting variant when the numbers of the GMS elements tend to infinity. Both non-iterative and iterative variants of the regularization of the LP are discussed. Each of them leads to stable generation of the GMS in the original constrained extremum problem from the extremals of the regular Lagrange functional taken at the values of the dual variable generated by the corresponding procedure for the regularization of the dual problem. In conclusion, the article discusses the relationship between the extremals of the Tikhonov and Lagrange functionals in the considered classical ill-posed problem.
CONFERD-HP: Recommendations for Reporting COmpeteNcy FramEwoRk Development in Healthcare Professions
Authors: Batt Alan , Tavares Walter , Horsley Tanya , Rich Jessica , Williams Brett , Collaborators CONFERD-HP
Published: April 2022

Competency frameworks outline the perceived knowledge, skills and other attributes required for professional practice. Competency frameworks have gained in popularity, in part for their ability to inform health professions education, assessment, professional mobility, and other activities. Previous research has shown inadequate reporting within reports describing their development and that may jeopardize their use and application. We aimed to develop a set of minimum criteria that provides guidance to authors (and consumers) in an effort to improve reporting of the development of competency frameworks. The checklist was developed by a 35-member expert panel and a five-member research team following published guidance from the Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research (EQUATOR) Network. The final checklist contains 20 essential reporting items including guidance on reporting title and abstract, framework development, the development process, testing and funding/conflicts of interest. The intent of the COmpeteNcy FramEwoRk Development in Health Professions (CONFERD-HP) reporting guideline is to help readers (including researchers, educators, regulators, health professionals, and patients) develop a greater understanding of relevant terminology, core concepts, and key items to report for competency framework development in health professions.
Analysis Nozzle Temperature Effect In 3D Printer Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) On Mechanical Properties and Characteristics Of Polylactic Acid (PLA)
Authors: Rizky Muhamad Alfa , Setiawan Agris , Sukamto Untung
Published: April 2022

The development of the metallurgical industry in the material sector has made significant progress. FDM 3D Printer is a revolutionary technology in Additive Manufacturing (AM). Polylactic Acid (PLA) is a biodegradable and compostable polymer formed from the condensation of lactic acid. This study uses a Nozzle Temperature variation of 210⁰C, 220⁰C, and 230⁰C where shrinkage measurements will be carried out on the test object then Tensile testing, Flexural test, and macrostructural analysis will be carried out to determine the effect of Nozzle Temperature on the test. Based on the results of the study, it was found that the shrinkage produced by 3D Print specimens for Tensile Tests and Flexural Tests at Nozzle Temperature 230⁰C was very high, namely 2.83% and 4.33%, respectively. Nozzle Temperature at 230⁰C produces a fairly high σUTS and σFS of 39.60±2.60 MPa and 49.02±0.76 MPa, respectively. In macrostructural analysis, the Nozzle Temperature porosity at 230⁰C produces the smallest porosity of 0.04 mm2 or 1.46%. In this case, the increase in Nozzle Temperature resulted in a large enough shrinkage as evidenced by the small porosity formed. Therefore, variations in Nozzle Temperature on PLA 3D Printer Specimen greatly affect the mechanical properties of the material.
Biodynamic and ecology of Human enteropathogenic Microsporidian spores in groundwater in the municipalities of Mbankomo and Soa in Center Region (Cameroon) and health risks of immunocompromised patient
Authors: Atud Asi Quiggle , Aghaindum Ajeagah Gideon , Pulcherie Ngakomo Ananga Rose , Mama Mbouombouo , Nadège Okoa Amougou Thérèse
Published: April 2022

In order to assess the biodynamic and environmental factors of Human enteropathogenic Microsporidia spores present in the groundwater in Mbankomo and Soa municipalities (Center region of Cameroon), a study was carried out on a sample of eight (8) wells and eight ( 8) springs regularly used by the population, from August 2018 to August 2019. The physico-chemical analysis was carried out both in the fields and at the Hydrobiology and Environment laboratory of the University of Yaoundé I. The microsporidian spores observation were made at the 100X objective based on the use of Weber's technique. The physico-chemical parameters show that these waters are slightly acid (6.21 ± 0.09 US) with high values of turbidity ​​ (24.88 ± 16.09 FTU). The biological analysis showed variations in shapes within the same species and between species on one hand and identical forms between species on the other hand. In this study, two microsporidian species were characterized with average densities of 193 ± 93 spores/L (45%) and 227 ± 127 spores/L (55%) for Enterocytozoon bieneusi ([1 - 1.6] x [0.7 - 1.2])µm, and Encephalitozoon intestinalis ([1.8 - 2.4 x [1.2-2.0]) µm respectively. Statistical analysis showed significant and positive correlations between the densities of spores and dissolved oxygen (P ˂ 0.05). The Mann-Whitney test revealed significant differences in microsporidian spores densities seasonally with great values on the short rainy season. Furthermore, this study shows that the consumption of untreated water from wells and springs is of health risks and prove the important of Microsporidia to monitor the quality of drinking water.
Development of an Autonomous Vision Sensor-Actuator-Based Circumferential Seam Path Tracker Welding Machine for LPG Cylinders
Authors: Kumar Kartik , Mishra Ruby , Gour Surjeet Singh , PANDEY ANISH
Published: April 2022

This paper presents an autonomous vision sensor-actuator-based circumferential seam path tracker welding machine for LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) cylinders. The machine is designed to avoid various hazardous health issues that are found on the workers due to unfavorable working conditions during the welding process because of high temperature, dangerous fumes, and a large amount of luminous flux in the workstation. This machine involves a pneumatic holder to hold the cylindrical workpiece inside a metallic body frame. When the cylindrical workpiece rotates in a pneumatic holder, some amount of deflection arises due to the improper arrangement of fixtures and cylinders. It is not easy to overcome this deflection in fixtures, and due to this, the welding process is not done correctly. The undercut and overcut errors can also be found due to the improper shape of fixtures and cylinders. Therefore, the box setup is designed to cope with this problem, and the box contains an RGB (Red Green Blue) camera, LED (Light Emitting Diode), and ultrasonic sensor. The box is installed in front of the welding torch to capture the image of the seam path of the workpiece. Firstly, the image is created with the help of a LED fitted inside the box. The LED creates the shadow of the jobber joint of the cylindrical workpiece. The camera captures that shadow. After capturing the image of shadow, the centroid of the seam path (represented by shadow) of the cylindrical workpiece is traced. It is sent to the Raspberry Pi microcontroller for further processing. According to the position of the centroid coordinate, the microcontroller sends the control commands to the microstep driver of the stepper motor to follow this centroid coordinate, and the torch is controlled and the welding process is done autonomously. The experimental setup is made, and the autonomous welding process is performed in many cylinders. The successful welding results verify the effectiveness and efficiency of the developed machine.
Incidence of graft-versus-host-disease in Germany – evidence from health care claims data
Authors: Scheid Christof , Kudernatsch Robert , Eckart Marie , Libutzki Berit , Feig Chiara , Mahlich Jorg C
Published: April 2022

Introduction
Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) can occur as an immunological response after an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). Due to the rarity of the disease German epidemiological data are scarce. Moreover, not all cases of GvHD are properly documented in daily practice. Against this background, this study aims at providing new estimates on the incidence of GvHD in Germany.
Methods
Based on a large German claims database, a retrospective longitudinal analysis was conducted over a six-year period. Patients were selected that received allo- HCT between 2014 and 2015. Follow up period was three years. To adjust the incidence for undocumented cases, steroid prescriptions after an allo-HCT was used as an approximation. Based on both documented and undocumented GvHD patients, incidence rates were calculated.
Results
Among 3,737,317 eligible database enrollees, we identified 297 patients who received an allo-HCT between 2014 and 2015. Depending on the extrapolation method, this corresponds to a yearly incidence of 2,760-3,246 in Germany. 134 of the 297 patients (i.e. 45.1%) developed a documented GvHD within three years after the transplantation which translates into a yearly incidence of 1,278–1,419 GvHD patients. Based on the medication regimens, we identified 83 additional patients with an suspected GvHD without a documented diagnosis. Extrapolated to the German population, our estimates suggests that the annual incidence of GvHD including undocumented cases could be as high as 2,069 − 2,298 which is higher than previously reported.
Conclusion
More patients may be affected by GvHD in Germany than reported. Appropriate adjustments need to be made when utilizing administrative data.
Role of Education and resource benefit can affect people perception towards the largest freshwater lake of Odisha, India
Authors: DASH SURAJ KUMAR , Payra Arajush , Sonker Gaurav , Palei Himanshu Shekhar , Mishra Arun Kumar , Mishra Rabindra Kumar
Published: April 2022

Ansupa is the largest freshwater lake of Odisha that is significant for its biodiversity and provisioning services. In the light of its wide range of social and economic benefits and many effects on human wellbeing the present communication attempts to determine local stakeholder’s dependency or resource use, knowledge, and perception towards this wetland. The survey found that people living on the fringes of the lake are either directly or indirectly dependent on it, regardless of their caste or economic status, and that nearly 40% of the respondents rely completely on the lake for their livelihoods. Irrigation, pisciculture, non-timber forest products, and fodder are just some of the economic benefits derived from the lake. In this context the findings of the study highlights a substantial link between dependency, benefits, and education in influencing local residents’ perceptions of the lake. Further, our study could be useful to the society in terms of Ansupa lake conservation and management planning, as well as to the local government in involving locals in lake conservation initiatives and decision-making processes.
Generalized Logarithmic Species-Area Relationship resolves the Arrhenius-Gleason debate
Authors: Carey Mark , Boland John , Keppel Gunnar
Published: April 2022

The species-area relationship (SAR) is widely applied in ecology. Mathematically it is usually expressed as either a semi-log or power-law relationship, with the former being introduced by Gleason and the latter by Arrhenius. We here resolve the dispute about which form of the SAR to prefer by introducing a novel model that smoothly transforms between the Gleason semi-log (GSL) and Arrhenius power law (APL) forms. The model introduced has the form of lnq(S) = a + z lnA, with lnq being a generalized logarithmic function which is a linear map (y = x) for q = 0 and a logarithmic map (y = ln x) for q = 1 and q can take any intermediate value between 0 and 1. We applied this model to 100 datasets (mostly islands), linking species richness to island area. The APL was the preferred model in 68% of head-to-head comparisons with the GSL. Both models were supported in 40% of cases. In just under half (44%) of the cases an intermediate model best explained the data. The results demonstrate the utility of a simple intermediate SAR model. Visualizing the profile of the range of model fits for all q ∈ [0; 1] allows us to gain extra insight into SARs not yielded by head-to-head comparisons of GSL and APL. The mathematics related to the generalized logarithmic function introduced here promises to have application to other areas of mathematical ecology, for instance in population biology models.
Quality Characteristics of Some Algerian Olive Oils with Antioxidant Activity
Authors: SAOUDI Boudjema , LACHRAF Azzeddine , LAIB Fella , TOUARFIA Moundji , HABERRA Soumaya
Published: April 2022

Herein, the physicochemical properties of ten samples of olive oil from various Algerian regions (the acidity, peroxide, and saponification index, the specific extinction coefficient (K232, K270), the content of chlorophyll, carotenoids, and total polyphenols), in addition to their antioxidant activity were investigated and were compared with three other control samples. The physicochemical characteristics of the tested olive oils proved oil quality varying from virgin to extra virgin olive oil of excellent nutritious and healthy quality for the consumer according to the commercial standards recommended by the International Olive Council (IOC). Moreover, the olive oil collected samples showed that the antioxidant activity of oil samples from south Algeria (Sahara) is higher than that of Northern Algeria, and the oils of Chemlal variety exhibited higher antioxidant activity than that of Segoise variety.
TSHR Promotes Proliferation and Invasion of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma By Regulating NF-κB Signal Pathway
Authors: Lin Xiangfeng , Ma Chi , Zheng Guibin , Sun Haiqing , Lin Xiyuan , Wei Shujian , Wu Guochang , Zheng Haitao
Published: April 2022

Purpose: To investigate the significance of TSHR and NF-κB P65 expression difference in thyroid papillary carcinoma, and to explore how TSHR affects the biological behavior of PTC cells by regulating NF signaling pathway .Methods: A total of 87 patients with thyroid papillary carcinoma were collected to investigate the expression of TSHR and NF-κB P65 in PTC by IHC. Tpc-1 cells overexpressing TSHR were constructed and their effects on cell biological behavior were observed by cell counting and Transwell assays. Subsequently, the expression and subcellular localization of key proteins in NF-κB signaling pathway were investigated by western blot and immunofluorescence.Results: 1. The expression of TSHR in PTC was significantly higher than normal tissues and was only negatively correlated with lymph node metastasis. The NF-κB p65 was also highly expressed in cancer tissues, and was positively associated with tumor size, membrane invasion and lymph node metastasis, and unrelated to gender and age. There was a lightly positive correlation between TSHR and NF-κB p65 expression.2. The proliferation and invasion ability of TPC-1 cells overexpressing TSHR was suppressed. the expression of P65 showed no change with TSHR in TPC-1 cells, but p-p65 and p-IκB was significantly increased with TSHR overexpressing. Finally, TSHR promoted the p65 to enter into nucleus.Conclusion: Our study uncovered TSHR may inhibited the proliferation and invasion ability of PTC by NF-κB signaling pathways. Furthermore, we revealed that TSHR may acted as a functional protein in tumor cells without the stimulation of TSH.
Effects of tetracycline on the secondary metabolitesand nutritional value of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Zhao Mengting , Li Jun , Zhou Shanshan , Rao Guiwei , Xu Dongmei
Published: April 2022

Secondary metabolism, which helps a plant cope with external stress, is sensitive to environmental changes and plays a prominent role in maintaining plant health. However, few studies of the effects of tetracycline on the relationships between secondary metabolism and plant stress responses have been performed. Here, secondary metabolism, nutritional value, and oxidative stress responses in oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) exposed to tetracycline for 14 d were investigated. Tetracycline inhibited growth and biomass accumulation and decreased the chlorophyll content. The sinapine, phenol, and flavonoid contents were 118.46%, 99.67%, and 93.07% higher, respectively, but the carotenoid content was 76.47% lower in plants exposed to 8 mg/L tetracycline than the control plants. Tetracycline affected the nutritional value of oilseed rape. Tetracycline decreased the dietary fiber,soluble sugar contents, and microelement (Fe, Mn, and Zn) contents. The antioxidant system alsoresponded strongly to tetracycline. The catalase and peroxidase activities were increased and the superoxide dismutase activity was decreased by tetracycline. Tetracycline caused oxidative damage and secondary metabolite disturbances and adversely affected oilseed rape growth and quality.The results provide a new perspective on the effects of tetracycline on plants in relation to secondary metabolites and improve our understanding involved in the toxicity of tetracycline.
Efficacy of inhaled tiotropium add-on to budesonide/formoterol in patients with bronchiolitis obliterans developing after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Lim Jeong Uk , Park Silvia , Yoon Jae-Ho , Lee Sung-Eun , Cho Byung-Sik , Kim Yoo-Jin , Lee Seok , Kim Hee-Je , Rhee Chin Kook
Published: April 2022

Background: Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is the lung manifestation of chronic graft-versus-host disease, and a noninfectious pulmonary sequela of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Despite the combination regimen including budesonide/formoterol that was previously shown as effective, a significant proportion of patients are unresponsive. We assessed whether inhaled tiotropium add-on to the combination regimen improve pulmonary function and the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test (CAT) scores in patients with BOS.Methods: Post-HSCT patients with significant respiratory symptoms or poor pulmonary function referred to the pulmonology department of the HSCT Center of Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, were reviewed retrospectively. Patients defined as BOS and treated with budesonide/formoterol/tiotropium combination therapy after budesonide/formoterol therapy from January 2011 to June 2019 were enrolled. Results: Total of 86 patients were evaluated. After tiotropium add-on, the absolute FEV1 increased significantly from 1.47 ± 0.49 to 1.53 ± 0.57 L (p = 0.023) and the % predicted FEV1 from 45.0 ± 12.8 to 46.8 ± 14.5% (p = 0.031). The % predicted DLCO increased significantly after tiotropium add-on (from 61.6 ± 16.7 to 64.3 ± 16.3%, p = 0.028). Among 56 patients with complete CAT scores, no significant change was present in total CAT scores. In all, 30 of the 72 patients (41.7%) evidenced FEV1 increases > 100 mL, and 20 of 56 patients (35.7%) had CAT score decreases of ≥ 2 points. When the FEV1 and CAT scores were combined, the overall response rate to tiotropium add-on was 56.2% (41/73). The response group evidenced a significantly greater FVC increase (both absolute (p < 0.001) and % predicted (p < 0.001)), and a significant decrease in the RV/TLC ratio compared to the no-response group (p = 0.006).Conclusions: Inhaled tiotropium add-on to combination budesonide/formoterol significantly improved lung function, but not respiratory symptoms, in patients with post-HSCT BOS.
Usefulness of modified distress thermometer in screening adolescents with COVID-19 for psychological distress
Authors: Gamal Yasser , Mohamed Sherif , Raheem Yasser Abdel , Elela Mohamed Abo , Badawy Ahlam
Published: April 2022

Background: Children and adolescents are more vulnerable than other age groups to the psychosocial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The modified DT (m-DT) was recently utilized for measuring the prevalence of psychological distress among adult COVID-19 patients. In the current study, we aimed to test the utilization of this m-DT in screening adolescent patients with COVID-19 for psychosocial distress.Methods: Egyptian adolescent subjects with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 at a University Hospital were enrolled. Binary logistic regression tests were carried out to explore the association between the m-DT cut-off scores of 4 and the clinical variables.Results: Forty-eight percent (87/182) of the study subjects experienced significant (m-DT score ≥ 4) COVID-19 related distress. There were significant differences between those with and without significant distress with regards to length of quarantine, presence of underlying medical disorder, and presence of chronic respiratory disorders. Length of quarantine time, presence of chronic respiratory disease, worry, and fever were independent factors associated with significant distress in COVID-19 adolescent patients.Conclusions: Almost half of the enrolled Egyptian adolescents with COVID-19 experienced significant psychological distress. The m-DT was useful, as the current study had identified length of quarantine time, presence of chronic respiratory disease, worry, and fever as independent factors associated with significant distress in COVID-19 adolescents. Further studies are needed.
COVID-19 induced acute respiratory distress syndrome treated with Hyperbaric Oxygen: Interim safety report from a multicenter, randomised, open-label phase II clinical trial (COVID-19-HBO)
Authors: Kjellberg Anders , Douglas Johan , Hassler Adrian , Al-Ezerjawi Sarah , Boström Emil , Abdel-Halim Lina , Liwenborg Lovisa , Hetting Eric , Jonasdottir-Njåstad Anna-Dora , Kowalski Jan , Catrina Sergiu-Bogdan , Rodriguez-Wallberg Kenny A , Lindholm Peter
Published: April 2022

Purpose: A few prospective trials and case series have suggested efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for treatment of severe COVID-19 but safety is a concern, especially for critically ill patients. We present the safety interim analysis of the randomised controlled trial COVID-19-HBO Methods: Randomised controlled, open label, clinical trial in compliance with good clinical practice to explore the safety and efficacy of HBOT for severe COVID-19 in critically ill patients with moderate acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Between June 3 2020 and May 17 2021, 31 patients with Severe COVID-19 and moderate to severe ARDS; PaO2/FiO2 <26.7kPa (200mmHg) and at least 2 defined risk factors for ICU admission and/or mortality were enrolled in the trial and randomised 1:1 to Best practice or HBOT in addition to Best practice. Subjects allocated to HBOT received maximum 5 treatments 240 kPa, 80 minutes, during 7 days. Follow up was 30 days. Safety endpoints were analysed.Results: Adverse events (AE) were common, hypoxia was most commonly reported, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Numerically, serious adverse events (SAE) and barotrauma were more frequent in the control group. Numerically differences were in favor of the HBOT in PFI, NEWS but statistically not significant at day 7, and no difference was observed for the total oxygen burden and Cumulative Pulmonary oxygen Toxicity Dose (CPTD).Conclusions: HBOT appears safe as an intervention for critically ill patients with moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) induced by COVID-19.Trial registration: NCT04327505 (March 31, 2020) and EudraCT 2020-001349-37 (April 24, 2020)
Selecting Pseudo Supervision for Unsupervised Domain Adaptive SAR Target Classification
Authors: Zhao Lingjun , He Qishan , Ding Ding , Zhang Siqian , Kuang Gangyao , Liu Li
Published: April 2022

In recent years, deep learning has brought significant progress for the problem of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) target classification. However, SAR image characteristics are highly sensitive to the change of imaging conditions. The inconsistency of imaging parameters (especially the depression angle) leads to the distribution shift between the training and test data and severely deteriorates the classification performance. To address this problem, in this paper we propose an unsupervised domain adaptation method based on selective pseudo-labelling for SAR target classification. Our method directly trains a deep model using the data from the target domain by generating pseudo labels in the target domain. The key idea is to iteratively select valuable samples from the target domain and optimize the classifier. In each iteration, the breaking ties (BT) criterion is adopted to select the best samples with the highest scores of relative confidence. Besides, to avoid error accumulation in the iterative process, class confusion regularization is used to improve the accuracy of pseudo-labelling. Our method is compared with state-of-the-art methods, including supervised classification and unsupervised domain adaptation methods, over the moving and stationary target acquisition and recognition (MSTAR) dataset. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can achieve better classification performance, especially when the difference of depression angles of the source and target domain images is large. Besides, our method also shows its superiority under limited-sample conditions.
Squeezing Cosmological Phase Transitions with International Pulsar Timing Array
Authors: Wang Deng
Published: April 2022

A first-order cosmological phase transition (PT) can generate a peak in the power spectrum of stochastic gravitational wave background around nanohertz frequencies.
With the recent International Pulsar Timing Array data release two covering nanohertz frequencies, we search for such a phase transition signal. For the standard 4-parameter PT model, we obtain the PT temperature $T_\star\in$ [66 MeV, 30 GeV], which indicates that dark or QCD phase transitions occurring both below 66 MeV and above 30 GeV have been ruled out at $2\,\sigma$ confidence level. This constraint is much tighter than $T_\star\sim$ [1 MeV, 100 GeV] from NANOGrav.
We give much tighter $2\,\sigma$ bounds on the PT duration $H_\star/\beta>0.1$, strength $\alpha_\star>0.39$ and friction $\eta<2.74$ than NANOGrav. For the first time, we find a positive correlation between $\mathrm{log}_{10}T_\star$ and $\mathrm{log}_{10}H_\star/\beta$ implying that PT temperature increases with increasing bubble nucleation rate.
To avoid large theoretical uncertainties in computing PT spectra, we propose a general model of bubble spectral shape and confront it with data. We find that pulsar timing is very sensitive to the parameter $a$, and give the first clear constraint $a=1.27_{-0.54}^{+0.71}$ at $1\,\sigma$ confidence level.
Occurrence and Molecular Characterization of Some Important Potato Viruses in Tokat, Turkey
Authors: Engür Afide Merve , Topkaya Serife
Published: April 2022

Background Potato production is affected by various abiotic and biotic factors such as viruses, fungi, and bacteria. Viruses are considered the main limiting factor in potato production areas.Methods and Results Leaf samples were collected from potato plants showing signs of viral diseases in five districts of Tokat province in Turkey. To detect the presence of potato viruses, 418 leaf samples were subjected to an RT-PCR test using virus-specific primers. One or more viruses were detected in 220 (52.63%) leaf samples tested. PVY was the most prevalent (47.12%), followed by PVS (16.74%), PVX (5.98%), and PLRV (5.26%). The PVX and PLRV infections were found to be few. The most common multiple infections were PVY+PVS with 6.9% rates. Phylogenetic analysis based on sequence analysis of some positive isolates revealed that all Turkish PVS isolates were grouped with the PVSO cluster. Two PVY isolates were clustered with Group PVYN-WI, and one isolates clustered with PVYNNTN isolates in the phylogenetic tree. Regarding nucleotide sequence similarity of the CP region, PVX isolates were divided into two major groups (Group I and Group II). Turkish PVX isolates were grouped within Group I that including isolates referred to as type X. According to phylogenetic analysis of PLRV isolates, Turkish isolates were clustered into two major groups. Six PLRV isolates belong to Group 1 and one isolate was clustered Group 2. Conclusion The results indicate that these viruses were detected at different rates in potato fields. This is the first report about the molecular characterization of PVX and PVS based on CP sequences in Turkey. These reports will provide a base for further research on the phylogenetic features of the above-mentioned viruses, including the effect.
Association between having meals not home prepared and stomach or intestinal illness: findings from the 2011 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
Authors: Wei Linna , Ma Lexin , Zou Xiangyi , Wang Xin , He Jinshen
Published: April 2022

With food industry developing so fast around the world and food delivery becomes popular among young adults, people today tend to have meals that are not prepared at home. However, it reminds people to rethink about their body health especially gastric health. In this case, we decided to find out the association between the frequency of having meals not home prepared and the risk of having stomach or intestinal illness. We assumed that people who had meals away from home would be more likely to suffer from gastric diseases. 19,293 adults over twenty years old participated in diet and health questionnaires according to NHANES database from 2011 to 2018. Multivariable regression was used to measure the association between the frequency of having meals out and the risk of having gastric diseases by using Empower Stats. According to the p values and odds ratio values given by Empower Stats, no significant association between the exposure variable and the outcome variable was found. Thus, we drew a conclusion that there was no association between the frequency of eating out and the risk of having gastric diseases.
Space-frequency-polarization-division multiplexed wireless communication system using anisotropic space-time-coding digital metasurface
Authors: Ke Jun Chen , Chen Xiangyu , Tang Wankai , Chen Ming Zheng , Zhang Lei , Wang Li , Dai Jun Yan , Yang Jin , Zhang Jun Wei , Wu Lijie , Cheng Qiang , Jin Shi , Cui Tie Jun
Published: April 2022

In the past years, wireless communications based on digital coding metasurfaces have gained research interests owing to the simplified architectures and low costs. However, in most of the metasurface-based wireless systems, single-polarization scenario is used, limiting the channel capacities. To solve the problem, multiplexing methods have been adopted, but the system complexity is inevitably increased. Here, a space-frequency-polarization-division multiplexed wireless communication system is proposed using an anisotropic space-time-coding (STC) digital metasurface. By separately designing time-varying control voltage sequences for differently oriented varactor diodes integrated on the metasurface, we achieve frequency-polarization-division multiplexed modulations. By further introducing different time-delay gradients to the control voltage sequences in two polarization directions, we successfully obtain space-frequency-polarization-division multiplexed modulations to realize new-architecture wireless communication system. The new communication system is designed with compact dual-polarized meta-elements, and can improve the channel capacity and space utilization. Experimental results demonstrate high-performance and real-time transmission capability of the proposed communication system, confirming the potential applications in multiple-user collaborative wireless communications.
Awareness and Prevalence of Stress Induced Oral Ulcers Among Clinical Medical and Dental Students in University of Benin
Authors: OKOH MERCY , NWOKOLO CHRISTOPHER OLUCHI
Published: April 2022

Objectives: Awareness of clinical medical and dental students towards stress induced oral ulcer, to determine the most prevalent stress induced oral ulcers among the study population, and the relationship between perceived stress level and prevalence of stress induced oral ulcerMaterials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study, involving clinical Medical and Dental students in College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin. Participants were in their 400, 500, and 600 levels respectively with a sample size of 226 calculated using the Cochran formula for sample size determination. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaire. Results: Two hundred and twenty-six respondents were interviewed in this survey. The age of the participants varied from 21-30 years, with mean age of 25.5%. Majority of the respondents (66.4%) were aware of stress induced oral ulcer. The prevalence of stress induced oral ulcer in this study was 12.8% with recurrent aphthous ulcers accounting for a prevalence of 35.5% of all stress induced oral ulcers. Conclusions: Findings from this study shows about 66.4% of clinical Medical and Dental students were aware of stress induced oral ulcer. The prevalence of stress induced oral ulcer in this study was 12.8% and was seen more in males than females, with recurrent aphthous ulcer been the most prevalent stress induced oral ulcer among the study population with a prevalence of about 35.5%.Clinical Relevance: This study shows the need for inclusion of stress induced ulcerative conditions into the Medical and Dental curriculum as this will help improve the management and treatment outcomes.
Limited Neutralization of Omicron by Antibodies from the BNT162b2 Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Lanz Tobias V. , Brewer R. Camille , Jahanbani Shaghayegh , Robinson William H.
Published: April 2022

Since early December 2021, the omicron variant has posed additional challenges to the world-wide management of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Immune evasion is a key factor for its increased transmissibility. While serological studies have measured levels of neutralizing antibodies in response to vaccines, our understanding of the humoral immune response to omicron on a single-antibody level is limited. Here, we characterize a set of BNT162b2 vaccine-derived antibodies for neutralization of omicron pseudovirus. We show that approximately 50% of neutralizing anti-RBD antibodies cross-neutralize omicron, albeit with lower potency than the original Wuhan-Hu1 strain. All investigated neutralizing anti-S2 antibodies cross-neutralize omicron, however all of them are less potent than anti-RBD antibodies. While additional booster immunizations of the current vaccine generate increased antibody levels and better protection, we anticipate that the second generation of vaccines will yield more high-affinity antibodies against omicron.
Disruption of mstn Gene by CRISPR/Cas9 in Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea)
Authors: Yan Mengzhen , Li Bijun , Wang Jiaying , Bai Yulin , Ke Qiaozhen , Zhou Tao , Xu Peng
Published: April 2022

The large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) plays an economically vital role in the marine aquaculture in China. Suffering from infection of bacteria and protozoon, effect of extreme weather and stress from high density farming, genome editing is thought to be an important tool applied to L. croea for enhancing commercial traits such as growth rate, disease resistance and nutrition component. In this study, we identified two mstn genes in L. croea and investigated the different phylogenetic clades, gene structures, and conserved syntenic relationships. To obtain fast-growing large yellow croaker, we specially selected two validated targets for mstnb knockout, which was homologous to mammalian myostatin gene (MSTN) and down-regulated skeletal muscle growth and development. Five significant mutation types were generated in two mosaic mutants by transferring specific CRISPR/Cas9 RNPs (ribonucleoprotein) into the one-cell fertilized embryos based on CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Subsequently, we also elucidated the obstacles and possible measures to improve the success rate of inducing modified large yellow croaker. Our results would provide valuable method and reference for facilitating genome editing programs of the large yellow croaker in the future.
PDE12 in COVID-19 and in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Tekin Hasim , Josefsen Knud , Krogvold Lars , Dahl-Jørgensen Knut , Gerling Ivan , Pociot Flemming , Buschard Karsten
Published: April 2022

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) incidence is increased after COVID-19 infection in children under 18 years of age. Interferon-α-activated oligoadenylate synthetase and downstream RNAseL activation degrade pathogen RNA, but can also damage host RNA when RNAseL activity is poorly regulated. One such regulator is PDE12 which degrades 2′-5′ oligoadenylate units, thereby decreasing RNAseL activity. We analyzed PDE12 expression in islets from healthy control subjects, individuals with newly (median disease duration 35 days) and recently (5 years) diagnosed T1D, and individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We also analyzed PDE12 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) relative to T1D incidence. PDE12 expression was decreased in individuals with recently diagnosed T1D, in three of five individuals with newly diagnosed T1D, but not in individuals with T2D. Two rare PDE12 SNPs were found to have odds ratios of 1.80 and 1.74 for T1D development. Decreased PDE12 expression after COVID-19 infection may explain the up to 2.5-fold increase in T1D incidence.