bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O literaturze i życiu literackim Wolnego Miasta Krakowa: 1816-1846
Authors: Jagoda Zenon
Published: December 2021

The book presents literary phenomena of the Free City of Krakow, a political formation created by the Congress of Vienna, remaining under the protectorate of the Holly Alliance. The time frames of the historical and literary narration of the work correspond to the period which marks the existence of the Free City of Krakow (the Republic of Krakow). In 1816-1846, a change of literary epochs occurred in the Krakow region and the most valuable part of the Krakow literature of the Romanticism was created. The book arose from the need of systematising of knowledge about this literature, correction of false information, obliterating of unknown areas, reconsideration of a prevailing opinion about importance of the Krakow centre in the literature of the Late Enlightenment and Romanticism in the Polish culture. A literary process within the discussed period has been divided by the author into four phases (1816-1828, 1828-1830, 1831-1840, 1841-1846). This periodisation functions as a compositional factor of the book. Beside literature, the author presents broadly literary life of the city (periodicals and printing, institutions, literary communication, as well as literary tradition and awareness, social circles of literature reception), and set of conditions and circumstances from the scope of social culture, customs, politics, accompanying the literary life.
Prophet Matching with General Arrivals
Authors: Ezra Tomer , Feldman Michal , Gravin Nick , Tang Zhihao Gavin
Published: December 2021

We provide prophet inequality algorithms for online weighted matching in general (nonbipartite) graphs, under two well-studied arrival models: edge arrival and vertex arrival. The weights of the edges are drawn from a priori known probability distribution. Under edge arrival, the weight of each edge is revealed on arrival, and the algorithm decides whether to include it in the matching or not. Under vertex arrival, the weights of all edges from the newly arriving vertex to all previously arrived vertices are revealed, and the algorithm decides which of these edges, if any, to include in the matching. To study these settings, we introduce a novel unified framework of batched-prophet inequalities that captures online settings where elements arrive in batches. Our algorithms rely on the construction of suitable online contention resolution scheme (OCRS). We first extend the framework of OCRS to batched-OCRS, we then establish a reduction from batched-prophet inequality to batched-OCRS, and finally we construct batched-OCRSs with selectable ratios of 0.337 and 0.5 for edge and vertex arrival models, respectively. Both results improve the state of the art for the corresponding settings. For vertex arrival, our result is tight. Interestingly, a pricing-based prophet inequality with comparable competitive ratios is unknown.
Constrained Assortment Optimization Under the Paired Combinatorial Logit Model
Authors: Ghuge Rohan , Kwon Joseph , Nagarajan Viswanath , Sharma Adetee
Published: December 2021

Assortment optimization involves selecting a subset of products to offer to customers in order to maximize revenue. Often, the selected subset must also satisfy some constraints, such as capacity or space usage. Two key aspects in assortment optimization are (1) modeling customer behavior and (2) computing optimal or near-optimal assortments efficiently. The paired combinatorial logit (PCL) model is a generic customer choice model that allows for arbitrary correlations in the utilities of different products. The PCL model has greater modeling power than other choice models, such as multinomial-logit and nested-logit. In “Constrained Assortment Optimization Under the Paired Combinatorial Logit Model,” Ghuge, Kwon, Nagarajan, and and Sharma provide efficient algorithms that find provably near-optimal solutions for PCL assortment optimization under several types of constraints. These include the basic unconstrained problem (which is already intractable to solve exactly), multidimensional space constraints, and partition constraints. The authors also demonstrate via extensive experiments that their algorithms typically achieve over 95% of the optimal revenues.
Traits of transformational leaders in nursing: emotional intelligence counts?
Authors: Khrais Huthaifah , Alsadi Mohammad
Published: December 2021

Background/Aims

In the complex healthcare industry, transformational leadership and emotional intelligence in managers can achieve better outcomes. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the interaction between these two features. This study explored the traits of transformational leadership among the nurse managers in Jordan, focusing on the trait of emotional intelligence in critically-selected demographics.

Methods

A descriptive correlational research design was conducted. A total of 57 nurse managers from an acute referral hospital in Jordan completed the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire and the 30-item Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire to measure transformational leadership and emotional intelligence respectively. Demographic data were also collected on participants' age, gender, years of clinical experience and years of managerial experience.

Results

There was a strong direct relationship between transformational leadership style and emotional intelligence. Male nurses with more than 15 years of clinical experience showed more transformational leadership practices and the highest levels of emotional intelligence among this cohort.

Conclusions

Emotional intelligence is a vital component of effective transformational leadership, which promotes a healthy work environment and better healthcare outcomes.
Beyond STEMI: paramedics' views on how to improve their ability to interpret ECGs
Authors: Devergie Julien , O'Regan Andrew , Hayes Peter
Published: December 2021

Background:

Internationally, the paramedic scope of practice is developing. Bypassing emergency departments in favour of direct access to primary percutaneous coronary intervention laboratories has been limited largely to cases of ST-elevation myocardial infarction and new-onset left bundle branch block, but updates to international guidelines suggest that enhancing paramedics' skills in interpreting electrocardiograms (ECGs) and widening the bypass criteria could be beneficial.

Aim:

The aim of the study is to explore paramedics' views on ways to improve their ECG interpretation abilities.

Method:

A two-arm design was used with an online questionnaire (quantitative) and one-to-one interviews (qualitative). The questionnaire results were used to inform the interview guide.

Findings:

One hundred and eighteen paramedics completed the survey, and 11 took part in interviews. The major themes identified from the template analysis of the interviews were ‘a profession in transition’, ‘lagging professional development’ and ‘supporting the frontline’. Self-directed learning resources before, during and after action were proposed.

Conclusion:

Paramedicine is evolving in Ireland and practitioners have reported undertaking self-directed learning activities. The resulting heterogeneity in skills such as ECG interpretation, and perceived barriers to education, can cause feelings of vulnerability within the profession. Supporting the frontline by introducing some Group-Orchestrated Self-Directed Learning resources could empower practitioners and contribute to the evolution of prehospital care in Ireland.
Artificial Intelligence – (un)justified ambitions and (needless) fears
Authors: Krajewski Piotr
Published: December 2021

Artificial Intelligence is undoubtedly one of the greatest achievements of the human intellect; in a sense , it has a creative character, because here one being (i.e. a human) gives (well, maybe not quite yet, but almost) independent life to a different being. The curiosity where this will lead us humans seems to be greater than the questions of anxiety that arise on this occasion. These questions are very diverse and concern almost all aspects of human activity. The interest in the development of new technologies connected with artificial intelligence and with the future is perfectly justified, but what about the risk that is inherent in every invention; moreover, a risk that is usually proportional to its actual importance? This paper contains many questions, not at all original, expressing anxiety, for which we still do not have answers – and probably will not for a long time.
Financial and legal aspects of artificial intelligence – an opportunity or a threat to budgets?
Authors: Feret Elżbieta
Published: December 2021

As it results from the assumed, rather unorthodox title,due to the desire to link the issues of artificial intelligence with financial and legal aspects, the groundwork of the considerations will be a demonstration of the impact and effect of the former on the budget system in Poland. Such an approach to artificial intelligence, increasingly common, but also raising doubts and even fears, should be considered extremely important, although not sufficiently described so far. Noticeable and tangible is the influence of widely understood artificial intelligence both in the professional and private life of every man. These issues are increasingly discussed in various aspects of human life primarily in terms of showing the actual place of a human person and their inalienable rights in the future, the rules for their protection and the liability for acts committed by artificial intelligence products. In the conducted considerations, however, there isa clear lack of studies related to financial and legal aspects, more specifically budgetary aspects, of the functioning of artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, its very fast development is conditioned by financial resources. This issue is quite obvious in the case of private funds where the entity instituting creation or functioning of artificial intelligence determines the amounts of financial resources, and depending on the needs, it grants appropriate sums for its development. However, it takes on a completely different dimension in relation to public funds contained in the budget, which, as a rule relates its spending to the implementation of public tasks. In this case, artificial intelligence can be financed as long as it can be shown to be related to the implementation of such tasks. Due to the very complex issues, this study should be seen as a basis for conducting further, much deepenedscientific studies.
Epidemics, genome editing and human rights
Authors: Fabry Branislav
Published: December 2021

The article deals with the contemporary legal and ethical challenges, caused by coronavirus COVID-19. It analyses the reason why the western world was so much surprized by that pandemics. The text mentions the succeses of western medicine in the battle against epidemics in the 20th century and sees it as one of the reason for underestimating the public health issues in 21st century. The article also emphasizes on other contemporary threat, the antimicrobiotic resistance and the need for new legal answers to pandemics. It deals with problem of human genome editing as the central topic by creating of hereditary immunity against new viral threats. The text also mentions the risks of such new treatment and the impact on human dignity that is understood as leading value in the contemporary legal regulation on biotechnology.
Artificial intelligence and privacy
Authors: Jezova Daniela
Published: December 2021

At the current moment due to the enormous increase of digitalization the AI´s potential is starting to show its face. Many online applications used on daily basis (Facebook, Google, Netflix) are using AI technologies to improve their services. Robots operating on AI are becoming part of our lives. The article deals with the connection between AI and privacy. AI fuel are data and we will research if the privacy is protected even in the era of AI technologies.
The concept of things in the virtual world from the theory of human rights for property
Authors: Sitek Bronisław
Published: December 2021

The subject of the study is an attempt to define the concept of “virtual object” in the context of the human right to property. The human right to property, formed in the 20th century, undergoes far-reaching transformations as a result of the creation of virtual reality, and with it the virtual objects. The aim of the study is to find an answer to the question of how useful the traditional concept of human right to property is in relation to the human right to virtual objects. As a research hypothesis, the author adopted the statement that the category of things defined as res incorporales is useful for examining the ownership of virtual objects. The studies use the legal-dogmatic and legal-historical methods. As a result of the research, the author concluded that the usefulness of the traditional concept of human right to property is relatively of little use in the case of human right to a virtual object.
Past, current, and future of holographic video display [Invited]
Authors: An Jungkwuen , Won Kanghee , Lee Hong-Seok
Published: December 2021

Holography has been considered as the ultimate technology for three-dimensional visual experience. Compared to the well-established static holographic technology, holographic video display is still in the research and development stage, before commercial products. This paper reviews various kinds of researches and related systems from the beginning of holographic video display to recent improvements, compares each specification, and describes their features. We discuss the key requirements for holographic display to be commercialized and widely used in everyday life.
Two-pump parametric amplification in the presence of fiber dispersion fluctuations: a comparative study
Authors: Pakarzadeh H. , Othman N. , Tay K. G. , Cholan N. A.
Published: December 2021

Fiber optical parametric amplifiers (FOPAs) operating based on four-wave mixing (FWM) are versatile devices with increasing applications in optical communication systems. In this paper, the effects of dispersion fluctuations on the performance of bandwidth, ripple, parametric gain, and saturation power of a two-pump FOPA based on four-wave and six-wave models are studied and compared. Coupled-amplitude equations representing the non-degenerate FWM process in optical fiber are solved numerically to compute the parametric gain over the communication wavelengths. The behaviors of the performance parameters are critically analyzed and compared with different types of fluctuation strengths (or amplitudes) specified by the combinations of correlation length (

L
c

) and fluctuation amplitude (

σ

). Based on the results, it was found that the flat gain bandwidth for the four-wave model remains unchanged and is insensitive to the strengths of fluctuations. The gain ripples, however, get higher as the fluctuation strengths increase. On the other hand, the flat gain bandwidths of the six-wave model are hardly identified due to the tremendous and continuous ripples within the pump wavelengths. In addition, the minimum parametric gain values for both four-wave and six-wave models reduce as the fluctuation strengths increase. Also, the lowest value of parametric gain leads to the highest saturation power and vice versa. The dispersion fluctuations affect the FWM process’s efficiency and deteriorate the overall amplifier performance, particularly for the six-wave model. The numerical analysis obtained via the six-wave model is especially useful since this model closely matches with practical circumstances.
Performance analysis of an L-ary PPM MISO ground-to-satellite free-space laser link with an APD-based receiver over a Málaga turbulence channel in the presence of beam wander
Authors: Abouelez Ahmed Elsayed
Published: December 2021

In this study, the performance analysis of

L

-ary pulse position modulation (

L

-PPM) and an avalanche photodiode (APD) receiver is investigated for a ground-station-to-low-Earth-orbit laser link. The performance is analyzed in the presence of spatial diversity in the transmitter side [i.e., a multiple-in single-out (MISO) scenario] under consideration of atmospheric turbulence and untracked beams where beam wandering effects occur. The modulated Málaga distribution is used to describe these two combined fading effects. At first, novel closed-form expressions of the probability density function and cumulative distribution function of Málaga distribution modulated by the beam wander effect in the case of MISO are deduced. We then derive an approximate expression for the upper bound of the average bit error rate (BER) in the case of

L

-PPM assuming a Gaussian model for the APD receiver in the presence of additive Gaussian thermal noise. The analytical expressions are verified by Monte Carlo simulations in the case of binary PPM, where the results are no longer upper bounds on the performance. Numerical results of the analytical upper-bound formula of the average BER are presented. For the system under consideration, the obtained results show that the effects of atmospheric turbulence and beam wandering for untracked beams can be effectively decreased by increasing the number of transmitters.
Range limitations of optical frequency domain reflectometry with all-grating fiber for distributed strain and temperature sensing
Authors: Hart Joseph D. , Williams Caitlin R. S. , Cranch Geoffrey A.
Published: December 2021

In distributed strain or temperature sensing applications such as structural health monitoring, optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) is often used to interrogate all-grating fiber (AGF), which consists of many weak, nominally identical Bragg gratings spatially multiplexed on a single optical fiber. In order to investigate the limits of OFDR-based distributed strain sensing using AGF, we develop a model that considers the critical fact that these Bragg gratings are not identical. We find that while the “auto-correlation term” significantly impacts OFDR measurements of the complex coupling coefficient, it typically does not cause a significant error in distributed strain or temperature measurements. On the other hand, the breakdown of the Born approximation generally limits the sensing range of AGF. Our model is verified by measurements on all-grating fiber using a commercially available OFDR. We propose and verify novel solutions to extend the sensing range of AGF by controlling the properties of the non-identical Bragg gratings.
Field trial of 24-Tb/s (60 × 400Gb/s) DWDM transmission over a 1910-km G.654.E fiber link with 6-THz-bandwidth C-band EDFAs
Authors: Zhang Anxu , Li Junjie , Feng Lipeng , Lv Kai , Yan Fei , Yang Yusen , Wang Haiqiang , Yang Qifang , Wang Lingquan , Zhang Xiaolei , Ding Shibao , Liao Min , Yu Yi , Li Liangchuan
Published: December 2021

We demonstrate real-time 24-Tb/s dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) transmission over a 1910-km field-deployed G.654.E fiber link using 24 in-line wide-bandwidth Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers with a widened bandwidth of 6 THz in the cost-effective C-band. The DWDM system consists of 60 100-GHz-spaced 400-Gb/s wavelength channels, modulated with probabilistic constellation shaped polarization-division-multiplexed 16-point quadrature-amplitude modulation and fast-than-Nyquist shaping. This field trial shows the feasibility of achieving a record per-fiber capacity of 24 Tb/s in field-deployed 2000-km-class terrestrial fiber links by using the widened C-band.
Three-dimensional hologram calculations using blocked radial and windmill point spread functions
Authors: Yasuki Daiki , Shimobaba Tomoyoshi , Makowski Michal , Blinder David , Suszek Jaroslaw , Sypek Maciej , Birnbaum Tobias , Schelkens Peter , Kakue Takashi , Ito Tomoyoshi
Published: December 2021

Holograms are computable by superimposing zone-plate-like point spread functions (PSFs), representing the distribution of light on the hologram plane. However, due to the computational cost of large-scale holograms, it is difficult to compute them at video rates for high-definition holographic displays. Recently, we proposed radial PSFs for holographic near-eye displays [Appl. Opt.60, 8829-8837, (2021).10.1364/AO.437777]. Radial PSFs can speed-up hologram computations for fixed viewpoints, but they are unsuitable for naked-eye displays with wide viewing angles because of the reduced information in the PSFs. This study proposes blocked radial PSFs, which can accelerate computations with radial PSFs, and windmill PSFs (rotational radial PSFs). Both can be applied easily to holographic displays with wide viewing angles.
Wavelength stabilization of high-power laser diodes using Bragg gratings inscribed in their highly multimode fiber pigtails
Authors: Talbot Lauris , Pelletier-Ouellet Samantha , Trépanier François , Bernier Martin
Published: December 2021

Efficient wavelength stabilization of an off-the-shelf high-power laser diode operating at 976 nm is demonstrated by using a highly multimode fiber Bragg grating (FBG). This first-order grating is inscribed with 400 nm femtosecond pulses inside the 200 µm/0.22 NA pure silica core of the diode’s fiber pigtail. The FBG reduces the wavelength thermal drift of the 70 W diode by a factor of 12 while also reducing its emission linewidth by a factor of 2.8. At maximum output power, a power penalty of only 6% is measured. This promising approach offers a robust and compact scheme to stabilize the spectrum of high-power laser diodes that are particularly useful for fiber-laser pumping.
Locus coeruleus neurons encode the subjective difficulty of triggering and executing actions
Authors: Bornert Pauline , Bouret Sebastien
Published: December 2021

The brain stem noradrenergic nucleus locus coeruleus (LC) is involved in various costly processes: arousal, stress, and attention. Recent work has pointed toward an implication in physical effort, and indirect evidence suggests that the LC could be also involved in cognitive effort. To assess the dynamic relation between LC activity, effort production, and difficulty, we recorded the activity of 193 LC single units in 5 monkeys performing 2 discounting tasks (a delay discounting task and a force discounting task), as well as a simpler target detection task where conditions were matched for difficulty and only differed in terms of sensory-motor processes. First, LC neurons displayed a transient activation both when monkeys initiated an action and when exerting force. Second, the magnitude of the activation scaled with the associated difficulty, and, potentially, the corresponding amount of effort produced, both for decision and force production. Indeed, at action initiation in both discounting tasks, LC activation increased in conditions associated with lower average engagement rate, i.e., those requiring more cognitive control to trigger the response. Decision-related activation also scaled with response time (RT), over and above task parameters, in line with the idea that it reflects the amount of resources (here time) spent on the decision process. During force production, LC activation only scaled with the amount of force produced in the force discounting task, but not in the control target detection task, where subjective difficulty was equivalent across conditions. Our data show that LC neurons dynamically track the amount of effort produced to face both cognitive and physical challenges with a subsecond precision. This works provides key insight into effort processing and the contribution of the noradrenergic system, which is affected in several pathologies where effort is impaired, including Parkinson disease and depression.
Under-recognition of medically unexplained symptom conditions among US Veterans with Gulf War Illness
Authors: Kane Naomi S. , Anastasides Nicole , Litke David R. , Helmer Drew A. , Hunt Stephen C. , Quigley Karen S. , Pigeon Wilfred R. , McAndrew Lisa M.
Published: December 2021

Objective

Conditions defined by persistent “medically unexplained” physical symptoms and syndromes (MUS) are common and disabling. Veterans from the Gulf War (deployed 1990–1991) have notably high prevalence and disability from MUS conditions. Individuals with MUS report that providers do not recognize their MUS conditions. Our goal was to determine if Veterans with MUS receive an ICD-10 diagnosis for a MUS condition or receive disability benefits available to them for these conditions.

Methods

A chart review was conducted with US Veterans who met case criteria for Gulf War Illness, a complex MUS condition (N= 204,M= 53 years-old,SD= 7). Three coders independently reviewed Veteran’s medical records for MUS condition diagnosis or service-connection along with comorbid mental and physical health conditions. Service-connection refers to US Veterans Affairs disability benefits eligibility for conditions or injuries experienced during or exacerbated by military service.

Results

Twenty-nine percent had a diagnosis of a MUS condition in their medical record, the most common were irritable colon/irritable bowel syndrome (16%) and fibromyalgia (11%). Slightly more Veterans were service-connected for a MUS condition (38%) as compared to diagnosed. There were high rates of diagnoses and service-connection for mental health (diagnoses 76% and service-connection 74%), musculoskeletal (diagnoses 86%, service-connection 79%), and illness-related conditions (diagnoses 98%, service-connection 49%).

Conclusion

Given that all participants were Gulf War Veterans who met criteria for a MUS condition, our results suggest that MUS conditions in Gulf War Veterans are under-recognized with regard to clinical diagnosis and service-connected disability. Veterans were more likely to be diagnosed and service-connected for musculoskeletal-related and mental health conditions than MUS conditions. Providers may need education and training to facilitate diagnosis of and service-connection for MUS conditions. We believe that greater acknowledgement and validation of MUS conditions would increase patient engagement with healthcare as well as provider and patient satisfaction with care.
Candida albicans PPG1, a serine/threonine phosphatase, plays a vital role in central carbon metabolisms under filament-inducing conditions: A multi-omics approach
Authors: A. L. Bataineh Mohammad Tahseen , Soares Nelson Cruz , Semreen Mohammad Harb , Cacciatore Stefano , Dash Nihar Ranjan , Hamad Mohamad , Mousa Muath Khairi , Salam Jasmin Shafarin Abdul , Al Gharaibeh Mutaz F. , Zerbini Luiz F. , Hamad Mawieh
Published: December 2021

Candida albicansis the leading cause of life-threatening bloodstream candidiasis, especially among immunocompromised patients. The reversible morphological transition from yeast to hyphal filaments in response to host environmental cues facilitatesC.albicanstissue invasion, immune evasion, and dissemination. Hence, it is widely considered that filamentation represents one of the major virulence properties inC.albicans. We have previously characterized Ppg1, a PP2A-type protein phosphatase that controls filament extension and virulence inC.albicans. This study conducted RNA sequencing analysis of samples obtained fromC.albicanswild type andppg1Δ/Δ strains grown under filament-inducing conditions. Overall,ppg1Δ/Δ strain showed 1448 upregulated and 710 downregulated genes, representing approximately one-third of the entire annotatedC.albicansgenome. Transcriptomic analysis identified significant downregulation of well-characterized genes linked to filamentation and virulence, such asALS3,HWP1,ECE1,and RBT1.Expression analysis showed that essentialgenes involved inC.albicanscentral carbon metabolisms, includingGDH3,GPD1,GPD2,RHR2,INO1,AAH1, andMET14were among the top upregulated genes. Subsequent metabolomics analysis ofC.albicans ppg1Δ/Δ strain revealed a negative enrichment of metabolites with carboxylic acid substituents and a positive enrichment of metabolites with pyranose substituents. Altogether, Ppg1in vitroanalysis revealed a link between metabolites substituents and filament formation controlled by a phosphatase to regulate morphogenesis and virulence.
A genome-wide association study identifies novel candidate genes for susceptibility to diabetes mellitus in non-obese cats
Authors: Forcada Yaiza , Boursnell Mike , Catchpole Brian , Church David B.
Published: December 2021

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common feline endocrinopathy, which is similar to human type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in terms of its pathophysiology. T2DM occurs due to peripheral insulin resistance and/or β-cell dysfunction. Several studies have identified genetic and environmental factors that contribute to susceptibility to human T2DM. In cats, environmental factors such as obesity and physical inactivity have been linked with DM, although to date, the only genetic association that has been demonstrated is with a polymorphism in the felineMC4Rgene. The aim of this study was to perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify polymorphisms associated with feline DM. Illumina Infinium 63k iSelect DNA arrays were used to analyse genomic DNA samples from 200 diabetic domestic shorthair cats and 399 non-diabetic control cats. Data was analysed using PLINK whole genome data analysis toolset. A linear model analysis, EMMAX, was done to test for population structure and HAPLOVIEW was used to identify haplotype blocks surrounding the significant SNPs to assist with candidate gene nomination. A total of 47,497 SNPs were available for analysis. Four SNPs were identified with genome-wide significance: chrA2.4150731 (praw= 9.94 x10-8); chrUn17.115508 (praw= 6.51 x10-8); chrUn17.394136 (praw= 2.53 x10-8); chrUn17.314128 (praw= 2.53 x10-8) as being associated with DM. The first SNP is located within chromosome A2, less than 4kb upstream of the dipeptidyl-peptidase-9 (DPP9) gene, a peptidase involved in incretin inactivation. The remaining three SNPs are located within a haplotype block towards the end of chromosome A3; within this region, genes of interest includeTMEM18andACP1, both previously associated with T2DM. This study indicates a polygenic component to susceptibility to DM in cats and has highlighted several loci and candidate genes worthy of further investigation.
The systematic evaluation of an embodied control interface for virtual reality
Authors: Bektaş Kenan , Thrash Tyler , van Raai Mark A. , Künzler Patrik , Hahnloser Richard
Published: December 2021

Embodied interfaces are promising for virtual reality (VR) because they can improve immersion and reduce simulator sickness compared to more traditional handheld interfaces (e.g., gamepads). We present a novel embodied interface called the Limbic Chair. The chair is composed of two separate shells that allow the user’s legs to move independently while sitting. We demonstrate the suitability of the Limbic Chair in two VR scenarios: city navigation and flight simulation. We compare the Limbic Chair to a gamepad using performance measures (i.e., time and accuracy), head movements, body sway, and standard questionnaires for measuring presence, usability, workload, and simulator sickness. In the city navigation scenario, the gamepad was associated with better presence, usability, and workload scores. In the flight simulation scenario, the chair was associated with less body sway (i.e., less simulator sickness) and fewer head movements but also slower performance and higher workload. In all other comparisons, the Limbic Chair and gamepad were similar, showing the promise of the Chair for replacing some control functions traditionally executed using handheld devices.
Gene excavation and expression analysis of CYP and UGT related to the post modifying stage of gypenoside biosynthesis in Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino by comprehensive analysis of RNA and proteome sequencing
Authors: Zhang Yangmei , Chen Qicong , Huang Yuanheng , Zhao Ruiqiang , Sun Jian , Yuan Xidong , Xu Huiming , Liu Huiyu , Wu Yaosheng
Published: December 2021

Previous studies have revealed that gypenosides produced from Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino are mainly dammarane-type triterpenoid saponins with diverse structures and important biological activities, but the mechanism of diversity for gypenoside biosynthesis is still unclear. In this study, a combination of isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) proteome analysis and RNA sequencing transcriptome analysis was performed to identify the proteins and genes related to gypenoside biosynthesis. A total of 3925 proteins were identified by proteomic sequencing, of which 2537 were quantified. Seventeen cytochrome P450 (CYP) and 11 uridine 5’-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase (UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, UGT) candidate genes involved in the side chain synthesis and modification of gypenosides were found. Seven putative CYPs (CYP71B19, CYP77A3, CYP86A7, CYP86A8, CYP89A2, CYP90A1, CYP94A1) and five putative UGTs (UGT73B4, UGT76B1, UGT74F2, UGT91C1 and UGT91A1) were selected as candidate structural modifiers of triterpenoid saponins, which were cloned for gene expression analysis. Comprehensive analysis of RNA sequencing and proteome sequencing showed that some CYPs and UGTs were found at both the transcription and translation levels. In this study, an expression analysis of 7 CYPs and 5 UGTs that contributed to gypenoside biosynthesis and distribution in G. pentaphyllum was performed, providing consistent results that will inspire more future research on vital genes/proteins involved in gypenoside biosynthesis.
Neuropsychological functioning and cognitive reserve in newly HIV diagnosed antiretroviral-naïve South African adults from peri-urban and informal settlements
Authors: Narsi Kalpesh , Tomita Andrew , Ramlall Suvira
Published: December 2021

Despite lower incidences of HIV-associated dementia due to antiretroviral therapy, neuropsychological impairment (NPI) remains a persistent challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. Improving cognitive reserve (CR) can mitigate NPI, but there are few investigations on neuropsychological (NP) performance, and its association with CR in newly diagnosed ART-naïve HIV-positive individuals to inform early treatment strategies. A comprehensive battery of tests were administered to assess various NP domains (International HIV Dementia Scale [for memory, motor speed, psychomotor speed], Digit Span Test [for attention], Action Fluency Test [for language] and Clock Drawing Test [for executive/visuospatial function]), and CR (using Cognitive Reserve Index Questionnaire) among 211 newly diagnosed ART-naïve HIV-positive participants from two clinics that serve peri-urban and informal settlement communities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Regression models were fitted to assess the association between NP performance and CR controlling for socioeconomic and clinical factors. Test results revealed high levels of impairment across NP domains: language (96.7%), memory and psychomotor speed (82.5%), concentration (17.5%), executive function (15.2%) and visuo-spatial function (3.3%). Low CR and educational attainment were the only factors consistently associated with poor NP performance based on regression. High levels of impairment were found in certain NP domains in a relatively young group of newly diagnosed ART-naïve HIV-positive individuals. Residents of peri-urban and informal settlements face multitude of complex challenges in South Africa. An early multilevel intervention targeting clinical- (e.g. CR) and structural-level challenges (e.g. access to education) is needed for mitigating HIV-associated NPI and promoting long-term healthy living.
Reduction of breast tumor drug resistance by 2,3,5,4’-tetrahydroxystilbene for exhibition synergic chemotherapeutic effect
Authors: Chang Yao-Yuan , Lin Hung-Jun , Hsiao Ling-Chi , Lin Yu-Feng , Chang Chih-Sheng , Liu Der-Zen
Published: December 2021

Chemotherapy drugs have limited efficacy in breast cancer due to multidrug resistance generated by cancer cells against anticancer drugs. In this study, we developed a novel derivative, 2, 3, 5, 4‘-tetrahydroxystilbene (TG1) by modifying 2, 3, 5, 4‘-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-beta-D-glucoside (THSG). In-vivo zebrafish embryo tests revealed that TG1 showed low toxicity. The equitoxic combination of DOX or DTX with TG1 in MCF-7/Adr reduced the IC50 of DOX or DTX, and the combination index (CI) showed strong synergistic effects in the 1:3 molar ratio of DTX: TG1 and 1:5 molar ratio of DOX: TG1. Moreover, fluorescence images confirmed the cellular uptake of DOX when combined with TG1 in MCF-7/Adr. Western blotting analysis indicated downregulation of p-glycoprotein (P-gp) after MCF-7/Adr treated with TG1. In conclusion, the combined therapy of DTX or DOX and TG1 increases drug efficacy via suppressing the p-glycoprotein efflux pump. These results suggest that TG1 may have potential use for breast cancer patients, especially those with multidrug resistance.
A comparative study of hematological parameters between hypertensive and normotensive individuals in Harar, eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Sileshi Beza , Urgessa Fekadu , Wordofa Moges
Published: December 2021

Background

Hypertension is the major public health concern; leading to cardiovascular disease. It is associated with alteration in hematological parameters which may lead to end-organ damage. Thus, this study aimed to compare hematological parameters between hypertensive and normotensive adult groups in Harar, eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March, 2020 at Jugel and Hiwotfana Specialized University hospital, Harar, eastern Ethiopia. Convenient sampling technique was used to recruit 102 hypertensive patients from the two hospitals and 102 apparently healthy blood donors. Participant’s socio-demographic and clinical information were collected using pre-tested structured questionnaire. Blood sample were collected and analyzed by Beckman Coulter DxH 500 analyzer for complete blood count. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Independent t-test and Mann Whitney u-test was used for comparison between groups. Spearman’s correlation was used for correlation test. P values less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Result

102 hypertensive and 102 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The median ± IQR value of white blood cell (WBC) count, hemoglobin (Hgb), hematocrit (HCT), red cell distribution width (RDW) and mean platelet volume (MPV) were significantly higher in hypertensive group compared to apparently healthy control group. Additionally, RBC (red blood cell) count, HCT and RDW showed statistically significant positive correlations with systolic and diastolic blood pressure. WBC count and RDW were significantly and positively correlated with body mass index (BMI). Platelet (PLT) count had a significant but negative correlation (r = -0.219, P = 0.027) with duration of hypertension illness while MPV showed positive and significant correlation (r = 0.255, P = 0.010).

Conclusion

The median values of WBC, Hgb, HCT, RDW and MPV were significantly higher in hypertensive patient compared to apparently healthy individuals. Hence, it is important to assess hematological parameters for hypertensive individuals which may help to prevent complications associated with hematological aberrations. However, further studies are required to understand hypertensive associated changes in hematological parameters.
Enhancement of loudness discrimination acuity for self-generated sound is independent of musical experience
Authors: Endo Nozomi , Ito Takayuki , Watanabe Katsumi , Nakazawa Kimitaka
Published: December 2021

Musicians tend to have better auditory and motor performance than non-musicians because of their extensive musical experience. In a previous study, we established that loudness discrimination acuity is enhanced when sound is produced by a precise force generation task. In this study, we compared the enhancement effect between experienced pianists and non-musicians. Without the force generation task, loudness discrimination acuity was better in pianists than non-musicians in the condition. However, the force generation task enhanced loudness discrimination acuity similarly in both pianists and non-musicians. The reaction time was also reduced with the force control task, but only in the non-musician group. The results suggest that the enhancement of loudness discrimination acuity with the precise force generation task is independent of musical experience and is, therefore, a fundamental function in auditory-motor interaction.
No evidence of SARS-CoV-2 in hospitalized patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome in five Italian hospitals from 1st November 2019 to 29th February 2020
Authors: Panatto Donatella , Orsi Andrea , Pennati Beatrice Marina , Lai Piero Luigi , Mosca Stefano , Bruzzone Bianca , Caligiuri Patrizia , Napoli Christian , Bertamino Enrico , Orsi Giovanni Battista , Manini Ilaria , Loconsole Daniela , Centrone Francesca , Pandolfi Elisabetta , Ciofi Degli Atti Marta Luisa , Concato Carlo , Linardos Giulia , Onetti Muda Andrea , Raponi Massimiliano , Piccioni Livia , Rizzo Caterina , Chironna Maria , Icardi Giancarlo
Published: December 2021

Background

On 9th January 2020, China CDC reported a novel coronavirus (later named SARS-CoV-2) as the causative agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Identifying the first appearance of virus is of epidemiological importance to tracking and mapping the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in a country. We therefore conducted a retrospective observational study to detect SARS-CoV-2 in oropharyngeal samples collected from hospitalized patients with a Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) enrolled in the DRIVE (Development of Robust and Innovative Vaccine Effectiveness) study in five Italian hospitals (CIRI-IT BIVE hospitals network) (1st November 2019 – 29th February 2020).

Objectives

To acquire new information on the real trend in SARS-CoV-2 infection during pandemic phase I and to determine the possible early appearance of the virus in Italy.

Materials and methods

Samples were tested for influenza [RT-PCR assay (A/H1N1, A/H3N2, B/Yam, B/Vic)] in accordance with the DRIVE study protocol. Subsequently, swabs underwent molecular testing for SARS-COV-2. [one-step real-time multiplex retro-transcription (RT) PCR].

Results

In the 1683 samples collected, no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 was found. Moreover, 28.3% (477/1683) of swabs were positive for influenza viruses, the majority being type A (358 vs 119 type B). A/H3N2 was predominant among influenza A viruses (55%); among influenza B viruses, B/Victoria was prevalent. The highest influenza incidence rate was reported in patients aged 0–17 years (40.3%) followed by those aged 18–64 years (24.4%) and ≥65 years (14.8%).

Conclusions

In Italy, some studies have shown the early circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in northern regions, those most severely affected during phase I of the pandemic. In central and southern regions, by contrast no early circulation of the virus was registered. These results are in line with ours. These findings highlight the need to continue to carry out retrospective studies, in order to understand the epidemiology of the novel coronavirus, to better identify the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 in comparison with other acute respiratory illnesses (ARI), and to evaluate the real burden of COVID-19 on the healthcare system.
Literacy Uses and Practices of Schoolchildren Living in a Contemporary Malaysian Context
Authors:   Dhofar University, Syahrin Syerina
Published: December 2021

This paper reports the uses and practices of literacy in English of primary schoolchildren in Malaysia. Data was gathered from two children, their parents and the English subject teacher. The results reveal four major findings. First, the results reveal that the students’ experience with out-of-school literacies in English were largely afforded by new technologies Second, popular culture played a considerable role in the students’ out-of-school lives. Third, the students’ engagement with out-of-school texts was influenced by cultural artefacts and social discourses, and fourth, there were also complementing and contrasting literacy practices reflected in both environments. This paper argues that awareness of the students’ uses and practices of English as they participated in different communities may enable teachers to incorporate aspects of out-of-school literacy into the school to facilitate the students’ learning. Additionally, it may also help teachers prepare the students to face the growing challenges of using English in the 21st century.
Three Casual Relief Teachers in Australian Primary Schools: Their Experiences and Perspectives Over One School Year
Authors:   Macquarie University, Uchida Minami , Cavanagh Michael ,   Macquarie University, Lane Rod ,   New Zealand School Trustees Association
Published: December 2021

This study investigates the lived experiences of three casual relief teachers (CRTs) and their work within Australian primary schools for a period of one school year. Practice architecture theory was used as a theoretical framework to examine whether participants saw any advantages to working on a casual basis, how they think casual teaching could be improved in terms of access to accreditation support, and whether any growth to their professional practice took place during the course of the year. Monthly diary entries and two semi-structured interviews from each participant revealed some advantages to casual teaching, such as being able to work across different schools. Participants discussed the need for CRTs to complete accreditation in a timely manner and gain access to relevant professional learning. This study provides evidence of the complex and varied backgrounds and motivations of CRTs. Implications for future research in the area are also discussed.
DIETARY PROTEIN INTAKE PATTERN AND SOURCES AND THEIR ASSOCIATIONS WITH MUSCLE AND PHYSICAL FUNCTION MEASURES IN OLDER CHINESE ADULTS WITH SARCOPENIA IN HONG KONG
Authors: Zhu L.-Y. , Chan R. , Li L. , Kwok T. , Woo J.
Published: December 2021

Background: Protein intake is a major risk factor of sarcopenia. To combat sarcopenia, strategies focused on providing sufficient high quality dietary protein are required. Objectives: We aimed to identify the pattern of dietary protein intake and its association with muscle and physical functions among community-dwelling sarcopenic Chinese older adults in Hong Kong. Design: Baseline data of a randomized controlled trial in sarcopenia were analyzed. Setting: Participants who were ambulant and could travel to the assessment centre at a regional hospital in Hong Kong were recruited in nearby community elderly centers, nursing homes and other institutional settings. Participants: A total of 113 Chinese older adults aged 65 or above who had sarcopenia defined using The Asia Working Group Criteria for Sarcopenia were recruited. Measurements: Dietary data and muscle function tests were measured. Results: Although the energy intake (mean + standard deviation: 1491.7±338.6 kcal/d in female, 1738.1±392.9 kcal/d in male) was lower than the recommended daily energy requirement, protein intake averaged 1.6±0.5 g/kg body weight/day, which was high compared to the current Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA, 0.8 g/kg body weight/day for older people). Animal and plant sources contributed to 62% and 38% respectively of the total protein intake. Dietary protein intake was not evenly distributed throughout the day. Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) score was more predictive of muscle mass and functions compared to protein intake and sources. Conclusions: Our findings showed that PASE was more predictive of muscle mass and functions compared to protein intake and sources, and there was a minimal association between protein intake and muscle performance measures in our community-dwelling sacropenic older adults. The protein replete state of our study population may explain these findings. The observations that an uneven distribution of protein intake throughout a day may suggest the need to increase protein intake at breakfast among Chinese sarcopenic older adults.