bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tunable high-order sideband generation in a coupled double-cavity optomechanical system
Authors: Liu Jun-Hao , Yu Ya-Fei , Wu Qin , Wang Jin-Dong , Zhang Zhi-Ming
Published: March 2021

Tunable high-order sideband generation has important applications in the realization of the optical frequency comb with a varying spectral region (corresponding to the sideband range) and frequency resolution (corresponding to the sideband interval). In this paper, we propose a theoretical scheme to tune both the range and the interval of the high-order sidebands in a coupled double-cavity optomechanical system, which consists of an optomechanical cavity and an auxiliary cavity. Our proposal can be realized by driving the optomechanical cavity with a control field and a probe field simultaneously, driving the auxiliary cavity with a pump field. Furthermore, we assume that the frequency detuning between the control field and the probe field (the pump field) equals ω
b
/n (ω
b
/m), where ω
b
is the mechanical frequency, m and n are integers. When n = m = 1, we find that the sideband range can be effectively enlarged by increasing the pump amplitude or the photon-hopping coupling rate, or by decreasing the auxiliary cavity damping rate. When n = 1 and m > 1, the output spectrum consists of a series of integer-order sidebands, fraction-order sidebands, and the sum and difference sidebands, and the sideband interval becomes ω
b
/m and can be diminished by simultaneously increasing m and the pump amplitude.
Refractive three-dimensional reconstruction for underwater stereo digital image correlation
Authors: Su Zhilong , Pan Jiyu , Lu Lei , Dai Meiling , He Xiaoyuan , Zhang Dongsheng
Published: March 2021

Measuring the three-dimensional (3D) deformation of submerged objects through different media with the stereo digital image correlation (stereo-DIC) method involves the refractive optical imaging problem where the non-linear transmission of light is induced by a change of medium density. The problem invalidates the underlying single viewpoint assumption of the perspective model in regular stereo-DIC, thereby resulting in erroneous measurements of 3D shape and deformation. In this work, we propose a refractive stereo-DIC method that overcomes the problem by considering light refraction in 3D reconstruction. We formulate a full refractive reconstruction geometry description based on Snell’s law of flat refraction and the regular triangulation. This allows the true shape to be effectively reconstructed by tracing and establishing the refracted ray-paths based on the regular 3D reconstruction, without reformulating the camera model and image formation. The refractive stereo-DIC is finally established by integrating the refractive 3D reconstruction into the regular DIC framework for measuring accurate 3D shape and deformation of submerged objects. We experiment the proposed approach with underwater 3D shape and deformation measurements. Both results prove its feasibility and correctness, further heralding our approach as a flexible solution that could readily extend the stereo-DIC to fluid-immersed 3D deformation characterization.
Photonic materials for interstellar solar sailing
Authors: Davoyan Artur R. , Munday Jeremy N. , Tabiryan Nelson , Swartzlander Grover A. , Johnson Les
Published: March 2021

Solar sails are of great promise for space exploration, affording missions that push the limits of the possible. They enable a variety of novel science missions ranging from ultrafast interstellar travel to imaging the poles of the sun—missions that are beyond the reach of current propulsion technology. Here, we describe requirements and challenges associated with optical materials and photonic designs facing the next generation of solar sails. A technology development roadmap is outlined to guide researchers in pioneering the space faring future.
Coherent control of the multiple wavelength lasing of ${\rm N}_2^ +$: coherence transfer and beyond
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Lu Qi , Zhang Zhedong , Fan Zhengquan , Zhou Dongjie , Liang Qingqing , Yuan Luqi , Zhuang Songlin , Dorfman Konstantin , Liu Yi
Published: March 2021

Nitrogen molecules pumped by intense femtosecond laser pulses give rise
to coherent emission in the forward direction at a series of
wavelengths, coined “air lasing.” We demonstrate the coherent control
of these emissions via a pair of seeding pulses at two different
frequencies at low pressures, revealing a coherence transfer through
vibrational motion. It is found that the injection of a 427.8 nm
(391.4 nm) seeding pulse results in its amplification at the expense
of the 391.4 nm (427.8 nm) signal, demonstrating a competition between
the two spectral components of the emission from the upper level
population. Moreover, when the delay between the seeding and pump
pulses is finely tuned, the coherent control of both transitions is
observed via the coherence transfer. A microscopic molecular
relaxation model reproduces these observations, highlighting the
crucial role of electronic and vibrational coherences, as well as
their coupling, during the lasing action.
Light-field-driven current control in solids with pJ-level laser pulses at 80  MHz repetition rate
Authors: Hanus Václav , Csajbók Viktória , Pápa Zsuzsanna , Budai Judit , Márton Zsuzsanna , Kiss Gellért Zsolt , Sándor Péter , Paul Pallabi , Szeghalmi Adriana , Wang Zilong , Bergues Boris , Kling Matthias F. , Molnár György , Volk János , Dombi Péter
Published: March 2021

Future PHz electronic devices may be able to perform operations on few-femtosecond time-scales. Such devices are based on the ability to control currents induced by intense few-cycle laser pulses. Investigations of this control scheme have been based on complex, amplified laser systems, typically delivering mJ or sub-mJ-level laser pulses, limiting the achievable clock rate to the kHz regime. Here, we demonstrate transient metallization and lightwave-driven current control with 300-pJ laser pulses at 80 MHz repetition rate in dielectric media (HfO2 and fused silica), and the wide-bandgap semiconductor GaN. We determine the field strength dependence of optically induced currents in these media. Supported by a theoretical model, we show scaling behaviors that will be instrumental in the construction of PHz electronic devices.
Measurement and thermal control of self-frequency shift in a SiN Kerr frequency comb with a spatial interferometer
Authors: Mefford David K. , Reardon Patrick J.
Published: March 2021

We report the stabilization of a soliton’s carrier frequency from a silicon nitride microresonator using a spatial interferometer to close the loop around thermal tuning. The spectral offset of the soliton carrier frequency was derived from spatial fringe pattern generated by 160 GHz repetition rate soliton pulses. Results were compared to real-time measurements by an Optical Spectrum Analyzer (OSA). The spatial interferometer and the OSA control results were in agreement and the resulting stabilization level is presented.
Perturbations both trigger and delay seizures due to generic properties of slow-fast relaxation oscillators
Authors: Pérez-Cervera Alberto , Hlinka Jaroslav
Published: March 2021

The mechanisms underlying the emergence of seizures are one of the most important unresolved issues in epilepsy research. In this paper, we study how perturbations, exogenous or endogenous, may promote or delay seizure emergence. To this aim, due to the increasingly adopted view of epileptic dynamics in terms of slow-fast systems, we perform a theoretical analysis of the phase response of a generic relaxation oscillator. As relaxation oscillators are effectively bistable systems at the fast time scale, it is intuitive that perturbations of the non-seizing state with a suitable direction and amplitude may cause an immediate transition to seizure. By contrast, and perhaps less intuitively, smaller amplitude perturbations have been found to delay the spontaneous seizure initiation. By studying the isochrons of relaxation oscillators, we show that this is a generic phenomenon, with the size of such delay depending on the slow flow component. Therefore, depending on perturbation amplitudes, frequency and timing, a train of perturbations causes an occurrence increase, decrease or complete suppression of seizures. This dependence lends itself to analysis and mechanistic understanding through methods outlined in this paper. We illustrate this methodology by computing the isochrons, phase response curves and the response to perturbations in several epileptic models possessing different slow vector fields. While our theoretical results are applicable to any planar relaxation oscillator, in the motivating context of epilepsy they elucidate mechanisms of triggering and abating seizures, thus suggesting stimulation strategies with effects ranging from mere delaying to full suppression of seizures.
Vocalization with semi-occluded airways is favorable for optimizing sound production
Authors: Titze Ingo R. , Palaparthi Anil , Cox Karin , Stark Amanda , Maxfield Lynn , Manternach Brian
Published: March 2021

Vocalization in mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians occurs with airways that have wide openings to free-space for efficient sound radiation, but sound is also produced with occluded or semi-occluded airways that have small openings to free-space. It is hypothesized that pressures produced inside the airway with semi-occluded vocalizations have an overall widening effect on the airway. This overall widening then provides more opportunity to produce wide-narrow contrasts along the airway for variation in sound quality and loudness. For human vocalization described here, special emphasis is placed on the epilaryngeal airway, which can be adjusted for optimal aerodynamic power transfer and for optimal acoustic source-airway interaction. The methodology is three-fold, (1) geometric measurement of airway dimensions from CT scans, (2) aerodynamic and acoustic impedance calculation of the airways, and (3) simulation of acoustic signals with a self-oscillating computational model of the sound source and wave propagation.
How does Sec63 affect the conformation of Sec61 in yeast?
Authors: Bhadra Pratiti , Yadhanapudi Lalitha , Römisch Karin , Helms Volkhard
Published: March 2021

The Sec complex catalyzes the translocation of proteins of the secretory pathway into the endoplasmic reticulum and the integration of membrane proteins into the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Some substrate peptides require the presence and involvement of accessory proteins such as Sec63. Recently, a structure of the Sec complex from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, consisting of the Sec61 channel and the Sec62, Sec63, Sec71 and Sec72 proteins was determined by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Here, we show by co-precipitation that the Sec61 channel subunit Sbh1 is not required for formation of stable Sec63-Sec61 contacts. Molecular dynamics simulations started from the cryo-EM conformation of Sec61 bound to Sec63 and of unbound Sec61 revealed how Sec63 affects the conformation of Sec61 lateral gate, plug, pore region and pore ring diameter via three intermolecular contact regions. Molecular docking of SRP-dependent vs. SRP-independent signal peptide chains into the Sec61 channel showed that the pore regions affected by presence/absence of Sec63 play a crucial role in positioning the signal anchors of SRP-dependent substrates nearby the lateral gate.
Using the antibody-antigen binding interface to train image-based deep neural networks for antibody-epitope classification
Authors: Ripoll Daniel R. , Chaudhury Sidhartha , Wallqvist Anders
Published: March 2021

High-throughput B-cell sequencing has opened up new avenues for investigating complex mechanisms underlying our adaptive immune response. These technological advances drive data generation and the need to mine and analyze the information contained in these large datasets, in particular the identification of therapeutic antibodies (Abs) or those associated with disease exposure and protection. Here, we describe our efforts to use artificial intelligence (AI)-based image-analyses for prospective classification of Abs based solely on sequence information. We hypothesized that Abs recognizing the same part of an antigen share a limited set of features at the binding interface, and that the binding site regions of these Abs share share common structure and physicochemical property patterns that can serve as a “fingerprint” to recognize uncharacterized Abs. We combined large-scale sequence-based protein-structure predictions to generate ensembles of 3-D Ab models, reduced the Ab binding interface to a 2-D image (fingerprint), used pre-trained convolutional neural networks to extract features, and trained deep neural networks (DNNs) to classify Abs. We evaluated this approach using Ab sequences derived from human HIV and Ebola viral infections to differentiate between two Abs, Abs belonging to specific B-cell family lineages, and Abs with different epitope preferences. In addition, we explored a different type of DNN method to detect one class of Abs from a larger pool of Abs. Testing on Ab sets that had been kept aside during model training, we achieved average prediction accuracies ranging from 71–96% depending on the complexity of the classification task. The high level of accuracies reached during these classification tests suggests that the DNN models were able to learn a series of structural patterns shared by Abs belonging to the same class. The developed methodology provides a means to apply AI-based image recognition techniques to analyze high-throughput B-cell sequencing datasets (repertoires) for Ab classification.
Distant activation of Notch signaling induces stem cell niche assembly
Authors: Yatsenko Andriy S. , Shcherbata Halyna R.
Published: March 2021

Here we show that multiple modes of Notch signaling activation specify the complexity of spatial cellular interactions necessary for stem cell niche assembly. In particular, we studied the formation of the germline stem cell niche inDrosophilaovaries, which is a two-step process whereby terminal filaments are formed first. Then, terminal filaments signal to the adjacent cap cell precursors, resulting in Notch signaling activation, which is necessary for the lifelong acquisition of stem cell niche cell fate. The genetic data suggest that in order to initiate the process of stem cell niche assembly, Notch signaling is activated among non-equipotent cells via distant induction, where germline Delta is delivered to somatic cells located several diameters away via cellular projections generated by primordial germ cells. At the same time, to ensure the robustness of niche formation, terminal filament cell fate can also be induced by somatic Delta viacis-ortrans-inhibition. This exemplifies a double security mechanism that guarantees that the germline stem cell niche is formed, since it is indispensable for the adjacent germline precursor cells to acquire and maintain stemness necessary for successful reproduction. These findings contribute to our understanding of the formation of stem cell niches in their natural environment, which is important for stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.
Attendee’s awareness about preventive chemotherapy neglected tropical diseases (PC-NTD) control during the first world neglected tropical diseases day in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors: Mogaji Hammed O. , Odoh Ikenna M. , Iyeh Concilia I. , Adeniran Abdulhakeem A. , Oyedeji Segun I. , Okoh Hilary I. , Bayegun Adedotun A. , Omitola Olaitan O. , Umunnakwe Cynthia U. , Olamiju Francisca O. , Olamiju Olatunwa J. , Ekpo Uwem F.
Published: March 2021

Background

The need to control Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and sustain progress towards elimination through mass administration of medicines requires substantial communal participation. This study, therefore, assessed the knowledge and perception of attendees’ regarding NTDs and its control activities during the inaugural World NTD day event in Ekiti State, Nigeria.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study involving the administration of pretested semi-structured questionnaires to consenting attendees at the Inaugural World NTD day event was conducted on the 30th January, 2020. The questionnaire collected data on attendee’s demography, knowledge and awareness about NTDs and its control in Nigeria. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics in SPSS. 20.0 software and expressed as frequencies and percentages. However, qualitative data to support quantitative analysis were obtained using open-ended questionnaires and analysed thematically.

Principal findings/conclusion

A total of 309 attendees comprising 167 (54.0%) females, and 142 (46.0%) males participated in this study. By age groupings, majority 206 (66.7%) were within 15–25 years. 167 (54.8%) of the attendees have not heard about NTDs before, whereas 77(35.0%) have heard about NTDs through the advertisement of the event. 181(63.3%) were aware of ongoing NTD control programs in schools and communities. Also, 246 (83.4%) of them have not taken or do not know anyone that has taken drugs donated in schools or communities. The number of attendees 41(13.3%) who incorrectly classified malaria as NTDs is higher than those who recognized onchocerciasis 36 (11.7%) and worm infections 34(11.0%) as NTDs (p>0.05). This study has shown that awareness and knowledge about NTDs control activities in Ekiti State is low, thus justifying the event as an awareness day for addressing NTDs. Public enlightment and regular promotional activities such as media engagement will raise the public appreciation and participation in NTDs control activities.
Improving flood hazard datasets using a low-complexity, probabilistic floodplain mapping approach
Authors: Diehl Rebecca M. , Gourevitch Jesse D. , Drago Stephanie , Wemple Beverley C.
Published: March 2021

As runoff patterns shift with a changing climate, it is critical to effectively communicate current and future flood risks, yet existing flood hazard maps are insufficient. Modifying, extending, or updating flood inundation extents is difficult, especially over large scales, because traditional floodplain mapping approaches are data and resource intensive. Low-complexity floodplain mapping techniques are promising alternatives, but their simplistic representation of process falls short of capturing inundation patterns in all situations or settings. To address these needs and deficiencies, we formalize and extend the functionality of the Height Above Nearest Drainage (i.e., HAND) floodplain mapping approach into the probHAND model by incorporating an uncertainty analysis. With publicly available datasets, the probHAND model can produce probabilistic floodplain maps for large areas relatively rapidly. We describe the modeling approach and then provide an example application in the Lake Champlain Basin, Vermont, USA. Uncertainties translate to on-the-ground changes to inundated areas, or floodplain widths, in the study area by an average of 40%. We found that the spatial extent of probable inundation captured the distribution of observed and modeled flood extents well, suggesting that low-complexity models may be sufficient for representing inundation extents in support of flood risk and conservation mapping applications, especially when uncertainties in parameter inputs and process simplifications are accounted for. To improve the accuracy of flood hazard datasets, we recommend investing limited resources in accurate topographic datasets and improved flood frequency analyses. Such investments will have the greatest impact on decreasing model output variability, therefore increasing the certainty of flood inundation extents.
Adaptation of Dinoroseobacter shibae to oxidative stress and the specific role of RirA
Authors: Beier Nicole , Kucklick Martin , Fuchs Stephan , Mustafayeva Ayten , Behringer Maren , Härtig Elisabeth , Jahn Dieter , Engelmann Susanne
Published: March 2021

Dinoroseobacter shibae living in the photic zone of marine ecosystems is frequently exposed to oxygen that forms highly reactive species. Here, we analysed the adaptation of D. shibae to different kinds of oxidative stress using a GeLC-MS/MS approach. D. shibae was grown in artificial seawater medium in the dark with succinate as sole carbon source and exposed to hydrogen peroxide, paraquat or diamide. We quantified 2580 D. shibae proteins. 75 proteins changed significantly in response to peroxide stress, while 220 and 207 proteins were differently regulated by superoxide stress and thiol stress. As expected, proteins like thioredoxin and peroxiredoxin were among these proteins. In addition, proteins involved in bacteriochlophyll biosynthesis were repressed under disulfide and superoxide stress but not under peroxide stress. In contrast, proteins associated with iron transport accumulated in response to peroxide and superoxide stress. Interestingly, the iron-responsive regulator RirA in D. shibae was downregulated by all stressors. A rirA deletion mutant showed an improved adaptation to peroxide stress suggesting that RirA dependent proteins are associated with oxidative stress resistance. Altogether, 139 proteins were upregulated in the mutant strain. Among them are proteins associated with protection and repair of DNA and proteins (e. g. ClpB, Hsp20, RecA, and a thioredoxin like protein). Strikingly, most of the proteins involved in iron metabolism such as iron binding proteins and transporters were not part of the upregulated proteins. In fact, rirA deficient cells were lacking a peroxide dependent induction of these proteins that may also contribute to a higher cell viability under these conditions.
Prevalence and associated factors of adolescent fatherhood in Ethiopia: A multilevel analysis using the 2016 Ethiopian demographic health survey data
Authors: Worku Misganaw Gebrie , Tesema Getayeneh Antehunegn , Teshale Achamyeleh Birhanu
Published: March 2021

Background

Though the consequences of teenage pregnancy and early motherhood has been studied very well, little is known about the magnitude as well as the determinants of adolescent fatherhood. Unlike adolescent motherhood, limited public health programs are working on adolescent fatherhood. Currently, in developed countries, there is an increased work to acknowledge teen fathers in clinical practice and in the research forum, but still, there are more issues that need to be addressed in developing countries including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of adolescent fatherhood in Ethiopia based on the nationally representative survey.

Methods

This study used the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) data. A total weighted sample of 4455 adolescent men was included for the final analysis. For the associated factors, multilevel logistic regression analysis was conducted to consider the hierarchical nature of the EDHS data. Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC), and deviance (-2LLR) were used for model comparison and for assessing model fitness. The model with the largest adjusted R2, lowest Bayesian Information Criteria (BIC) and the smallest cross-validation prediction error were considered as the best-fitted model. In the multivariable analysis, the Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were reported to declare the presence of statistically significant factors associated with adolescent fatherhood, and variables with p-value <0.05 were considered as a significant variable.

Results

The prevalence of adolescent fatherhood in Ethiopia was 6.79% [95%CI; 6.08%, 7.56%]. Adolescent men with contraceptive knowledge [AOR = 4.25; 95%CI = 1.23, 14.69], age in 20 to 24 years [AOR = 7.93; 95%CI = 3.66, 17.27] and being Muslim [AOR = 1.84; 95%CI = 1.02, 3.39] were significantly associated with Higher odds of adolescent fatherhood. Individuals who initiate sex lately [AOR = 0.35; 95%CI = 0.22, 0.54], being in female-headed family [AOR = 0.46; 95%CI; 0.26, 0.82] and being from Amhara region [AOR = 0.35; 95%CI = 0.14, 0.84] were significantly associated with lower odds of adolescent fatherhood.

Conclusion

In this study, adolescent fatherhood was a common public health problem in Ethiopia as it is closely linked with poor quality of life and premature death (year of potential life lost). Age of respondent, knowledge of respondent about contraceptive methods, early initiation of sex, religion, sex of household head, and region were significantly associated with adolescent fatherhood. Therefore, program planners and decision-makers should give special attention to adolescent men through enhancing reproductive health services utilization and their knowledge towards it to decrease the incidence of adolescent fatherhood.
Referral pattern of oral and maxillofacial surgery cases in Sudan: A retrospective age-and sex-specific analysis of 3,478 patients over four years
Authors: Osman Musadak Ali Karrar , Aljezoli Mohammed Hassan Ibrahem , Alsadig Mohamed Alfatih Mohamed , Suliman Ahmed Mohamed
Published: March 2021

Oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) is a specialty widening in its scope. An objective analysis of the referral pattern can provide essential information to improve healthcare. This four-year retrospective study was implemented in Khartoum Teaching Dental Hospital. Data (age, sex, diagnosis, and type of treatment) were collected from patient records. Disease frequency, as well as the effect of sex and age, were analyzed for each group. The frequency of treatment types was also assessed. Data were collected from a total of 3,478 patients over the four-year study period. There was a male predominance with the third decade of life being the most common age group. Pathological diseases were the most common (37%) reason for referral, followed by trauma (31%). Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and dentoalveolar extraction were the least frequently observed. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) was the most commonly performed procedure (28%). These data represent the epidemiology of oral and maxillofacial diseases in Sudan. Given that the third decade of life is the most represented age group, it is beneficial to learn the long-term consequences of these diseases in these young patients and to use modern surgical techniques to improve their lives.
Transmission and control pressure analysis of the COVID-19 epidemic situation using multisource spatio-temporal big data
Authors: Wang Fangxiong , Tan Ziqian , Yu Zaihui , Yao Siqi , Guo Changfeng
Published: March 2021

Taking the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as the research area, this paper used OD cluster analysis based on Baidu migration data from January 11 to January 25 (before the sealing-off of Wuhan) and concluded that there is a significant correlation 1the migration level from Wuhan to the GBA and the epidemic severity index. This paper also analyzed the migration levels and diffusivity of the outer and inner cities of the GBA. Lastly, four evaluation indexes were selected to research the possibility of work resumption and the rating of epidemic prevention and control through kernel density estimation. According to the study, the amount of migration depends on the geographical proximity, relationship and economic development of the source region, and the severity of the epidemic depends mainly on the migration volume and the severity of the epidemic in the source region. The epidemic risk is related not only to the severity of the epidemic in the source region but also to the degree of urban traffic development and the degree of urban openness. After the resumption of work, the pressure of epidemic prevention and control has been concentrated mainly in Shenzhen and Canton; the further away a region is from the core cities, the lower the pressure in that region. The mass migration of the population makes it difficult to control the epidemic effectively. The study of the relationship between migration volume, epidemic severity and epidemic risk is helpful to further analyze transmission types and predict the trends of the epidemic.
An area efficient and high throughput implementation of layered min-sum iterative construction a posteriori probability LDPC decoder
Authors: Raza Hasnain , Zaidi Syed Azhar Ali , Rashid Aamir , Haider Shafiq
Published: March 2021

Area efficient and high speed forward error correcting codes decoder are the demand of many high speed next generation communication standards. This paper explores a low complexity decoding algorithm of low density parity check codes, called the min-sum iterative construction a posteriori probability (MS-IC-APP), for this purpose. We performed the error performance analysis of MS-IC-APP for a (648,1296) regular QC-LDPC code and proposed an area and throughput optimized hardware implementation of MS-IC-APP. We proposed to use the layered scheduling of MS-IC-APP and performed other optimizations at architecture level to reduce the area and to increase the throughput of the decoder. Synthesis results show 6.95 times less area and 4 times high throughput as compared to the standard min-sum decoder. The area and throughput are also comparable to the improved variants of hard-decision bit-flipping (BF) decoders, whereas, the simulation results show a coding gain of 2.5 over the best implementation of BF decoder in terms of error performance.
Visceral reality in Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Carne y arena/Virtually Present, Physically Invisible (González Iñárritu 2017)
Authors: Leen Catherine
Published: March 2021

González Iñárritu’s Carne y arena/Virtually Present, Physically Invisible (González Iñárritu 2017) is a multilayered virtual-reality installation that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and later won a Special Achievement Oscar. This work is a notable departure from the director’s previous output, both in its use of virtual reality and in its focus on the divisive subject of migration. Carne y arena has been praised for its technological innovation, but it has also been criticized for tackling such a political subject through the medium of virtual reality. For some critics, virtual reality is an entirely inappropriate medium for exploring such a serious issue, privileging, in their view, spectacle over reflection. González Iñárritu has countered such critiques by asserting that the use of virtual reality makes the experience of visiting Carne y arena intensely personal and immersive. This article will situate the installation in relation to González Iñárritu’s previous work and examine the debates surrounding the relationship between virtual reality and empathy with reference to Carne y arena.
Alejandro González Iñárritu’s melodramatic masculinities
Authors: Thornton Niamh
Published: March 2021

Melodrama is a genre with deep roots in Mexican cinema with distinct conventions and particularities. Alejandro González Iñárritu (AGI) demonstrates a fluency in this genre integrating it into the conventions of transnational art house cinema. As someone whose auteur status is conferred both through multiple prestigious awards and articulations of his creative self as originator of his projects, AGI’s play with genre is often overlooked. Using videographic criticism as a tool for analysis, this article considers the actor’s dynamic performances in AGI’s male-centred melodramas Amores perros (2000), 21 Grams (2003), Babel (2006), Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014) and The Revenant (2015).
The texture of the age: Digital construction of unbounded Space in Birdman (Iñárritu 2014)
Authors: Deleyto Celestino , Azcona María del Mar
Published: March 2021

Like some of Alejandro González Iñárritu’s previous films, Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (Iñárritu 2014) is an exploration of the place of individuals in the midst of various global forces, in this case, technological, social and cultural globalization. The film’s most relevant formal feature, the digitally created ‘long take’, also partakes of the director’s well-known penchant for technological and formal experimentation when telling a story. In Birdman, cinematic form is closely related to its thematic concerns, particularly the impact of technology on global processes. This article explores the confluence between form – digital cinema – and content in Birdman. It looks at the global virtual space created by the internet and social networks and how they affect our sense of being in the world. To this end, the film exploits the possibilities and connotations of the apparently uninterrupted single take that comprises most of the duration of the film and of the composited, digital-realistic space thus created.
Domestic Labor in Twenty-First Century Latin American Cinema, Elizabeth Osborne and Sofía Ruiz-Alfaro (eds) (2020)
Authors: Meador Smith Andrea
Published: March 2021

Review of: Domestic Labor in Twenty-First Century Latin American Cinema, Elizabeth Osborne and Sofía Ruiz-Alfaro (eds) (2020)

Cham, Switzerland: Palgrave Macmillan, 242 pp.,

ISBN 978-3-03033-295-2, h/bk, €103.99, e/bk, €85.59
The Films of Jess Franco, Antonio Lázaro-Reboll and Ian Olney (eds) (2018)
Authors: Ceia Vanessa
Published: March 2021

Review of: The Films of Jess Franco, Antonio Lázaro-Reboll and Ian Olney (eds) (2018)

Detroit, MI: Wayne State University Press, 363 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-81434-316-6, p/bk, $29.99;

ISBN 978-0-81434-493-4, h/bk, $84.99;

ISBN 978-0-81434-317-3, eBook, $24.99
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF THE UROLOGY COLLECTION
Authors: Farmanova Nodira Takhirovna , Pulatova Lola Tairkhanovna , Mambetova Dildor Irgashevna , Nurullaev Arzikul Dzhurakulovich , Khudoykulova Dlafruz Kabiljanovna
Published: March 2021

In order to identify the main biologically active complex, there were carried out a chemical analysis of the urological collection. As a result of the study, there were established the presence of water-soluble polysaccharides in the urological collection 3.2±0.3%, amino acids – 406.3±0.01 nmol, ascorbic acid 45.0±0.5 mg%, carotenoids 0.50±0.04 mg%, organic acids 1.87±0.2%, essential oil – 0.79±0.1%, flavonoids – 0.43±0.04%, coumarins – 0.18±0.2%, phenolcarboxylic acids – 0.41±0.2%, tannins – 5.3±0.4%, saponins (glycyrrhizic acid) – 1.15±0.2%, as well as macro- and micronutrients – 19596.65±0.002 mg/kg. The elemental composition of the collection is represented by 17 vital elements (K, Ca, Mg, Na, P are the dominant components). During studies have also shown the presence of 14 amino acids, 7 of which are essential (44.6% of the total amino acids). It can be clearly stated that the indicator components of the collection are polyphenolic compounds (flavonoids, tannins, etc.) and saponins (glycyrrhizic acid) predominantly passing into aqueous extracts (the proposed dosage form) of the collection, the complex of which determines the specific activity of the studied urological collection. The obtained data were used to develop the authenticity and criteria of the quality of the studied collection.
METHODS OF QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DETERMINATION OF ARABINOXYLANS IN CEREALS (REVIEW)
Authors: Gilmullina Lilia Firdavisovna , Ponomareva Mira Leonidovna , Ponomarev Sergey Nikolayevich , Mannapova Gul'naz Suleymanovna
Published: March 2021

Arabinoxylans (AXs) – non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs)  is one of the most discussed main components contained in all parts of cereal plants. AXs combine bioactive and technological functions. As dietary fibres, they have physiologically beneficial properties for human health. AXs are water-soluble and insoluble in water. The structure, structure, quantity and properties of AXs depend on which part of the grain or cereal plant is extracted and which method of isolation is used. There are many different methods of preliminary and deep impact aimed at extraction of AXs from plant raw materials. The use of a simple method or complex treatment for quantitative and qualitative determination of AXs depends on objectives and possibilities. The overview provides data on AXs content of different crops, depending on the extraction method. The main classical methods of AXs extraction, their advantages, disadvantages, and possible limitations of use are described. The variants of calculation of the quantitative AXs content used by different authors are separately considered.
OPTIMIZATION OF THE PROCESS OF BIOLOGICALLY – ACTIVE BETULIN DIPROPIONATE PRODUCTION FROM OUTER BIRCH BARK
Authors: Kuznetsova Svetlana Alekseyevna , Pen Robert Zus'yevich , Kuznetsov Boris Nikolayevich
Published: March 2021

The aim of this work was the mathematical modeling and selection of optimal regimes for the process of biologically active betulin dipropionate production based on the treatment of birch bark by propionic acid. In order to achieve this aim, two variable factors of the process were varied: X1 – the average size of bark particles (3.5 and 15.0 mm); X2 – the duration of the process. The output parameters were: Y1 – product yield (as a percentage by mass of the absolutely dry bark); Y2 – mass fraction of betulin dipropionate in the product (in percent); Y3 – the yield of betulin dipropionate as a percentage by mass of the absolutely dry bark. For mathematical processing of the results, the Statgraphics Centurion XVI package, the DOE block, the Multi-Factor Categorical procedure were used.

It was established by experimental and computational methods that the optimal conditions for obtaining the product with the highest content of betulin dipropionate are as follows: a ratio liquid/solid of 20, an average size of bark particles of 3.5 mm, a time of 8–12 hours.

The structure of betulin dipropionate, obtained under optimal conditions, was confirmed by physicochemical methods, the purity of the product was 95%. Due to its low toxicity and valuable pharmacological properties the betulin dipropionate has prospects for use in medicine.
STUDY OF THE PEGANUM HARMALA AMINO ACID COMPOSITION GROWING IN AZERBAIJAN
Authors: Nasibova Tohfa , Garaev Eldar
Published: March 2021

The aim of the research is a qualitative and quantitative study of the amino acid composition of Syrian rue (Peganum harmala, Nitrariaceae), growing in the natural conditions of the Azerbaijan Republic. After preliminary confirmation of the presence of amino acids, the plant parts were subjected to in-depth study by ion-exchange chromatography using post-column derivatization on a L-8800 amino acid analyzer (Hitachi, Ltd.). Amino acid analysis of the roots of P. harmala, conducted in the course of this study, was carried out by us for the first time. According to the results of the analysis, 18 amino acids were identified in the studied parts of P.harmala, 8 of which nonessential, 9 are essential and 3 are conditionally essential. The total amount of amino acids for the roots was 7.162%, seeds - 6.096%, and stems - 14.676%. From the individual amino acids in the underground organs of P. harmala, proline predominates (2.149%), and aspartic acid predominates in the stems and seeds (2.698% and 2.394%, respectively). The least detected amino acids are ornithine in the roots and stems (0.007% and 0.020%, respectively) and cysteine in the seeds (0.024%). Hydroxyproline was not found in the stems. At the same time, with the exception of proline, hydroxyproline, hydroxylysine and ornithine in the stems, the remaining amino acids were found to be higher than in other organs.
BIOLOGICAL ACTIVE COMPONENTS OF SILENE TOMENTELLA AND THEIR PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
Authors: Yusupova Ugiloy Yusufovna , Ramazonov Nurmurod Sheralievich , Bobakulov Khairulla Mamadievich , Egamova Feruza Rustamovna , Syrov Vladimir Nikolaevich , Usmanov Durbek Abdikhoshimovich
Published: March 2021

In thepresent investigation isolation of chemical compounds was carried out from the aerial part of Silene tomentella, an evergreen member of the family Caryophyllaceae, using column chromatography. Identification of chemical compounds was done by various MP, TLC, IR, NMR techniques. The presence of the bioactive compound D-pinitol in this plant is being reported for the first time. Under the influence of D-pinitol, a clear tendency towards normalization of the glycogen content in the liver was also noted (it was only 10.4% lower than in intact animals). In the liver of animals, a rather sharp decrease in the content of glycogen was noted – by 63.5%, and a decrease in the activity of enzymes of the antioxidant defense of the body, characteristic of developing diabetes: SOD – by 35.1, and catalase – by 32.4%. Prophylactically – therapeutic administration of D- pinitol, which exhibits a pronounced ability to inhibit free radical oxidation processes.
VISCOSITY OF GLUCOSE SOLUTIONS PREPARED IN WATER SUBJECTED TO AN ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD
Authors: Shipunov Boris Pavlovich , Kolesova Kseniya Vyacheslavovna , Markin Vadim Ivanovich
Published: March 2021

The paper presents the results of a study of the rheological properties of glucose solutions prepared using water exposed to an electromagnetic field with a frequency of 30 to 200 MHz. The studies were carried out with solutions with a concentration of 20%, the shear rate varied in the range of 100–1000 s-1. As a result of the study, a distinct influence of the influence of the electromagnetic field was found, while the quantitative response depends on the shear rate, frequency of the electromagnetic field and the time of exposure of water from the moment of field exposure to preparation of the solution. In the overwhelming majority of cases, there is a decrease in the viscosity of solutions at a shear rate of 1000 s-1 as a result of exposure to an electromagnetic field. A quantitative correlation between the change in viscosity and the frequency and time of post-field exposure was not found. In some cases (shear rate 200 and 500 s-1), there is a multidirectional change in viscosity versus exposure time. The results are compared with those previously obtained for agar solutions. A unidirectional change in the viscosity of glucose and agar solutions was found as a result of the action of an electromagnetic field on the solvent, which can serve as evidence of its structural reorganization. An explanation for the observed dependences is proposed, which is based on a change in the hydration interactions of glucose molecules in solution and, as a consequence, a change in the force and energy characteristics under shear stresses.
Innováció Magyarországon: felülnézetben és földközelben
Authors: Szabó Katalin
Published: March 2021

A globális válság szerte a világban a követett gyakorlat és gazdaságfilozófia felülvizsgálatára kényszeríti a szereplőket: egyéneket, vállalatokat és államokat egyaránt. A közgazdászoknak jött el az ideje, akik a nyomtatott és elektronikus médiában versengve keresik a kilábalás lehetőségeit. Lehet, bár e tanulmány írója nemigen hisz benne, hogy a pénzügyi rendszer, a bankok iránti bizalom helyreállítása és a kereslet állami felpumpálása a már ismert keynesi módszerekkel egy-két éven belül meghozza a várva várt fellendülést a fejlett országokban. Reménykedhetünk abban, hogy a mozgásba lendülő vonatra mi is felkapaszkodhatunk. De mi lesz azután, a következő évtizedben, amikor szinte minden innovációs mutatót tekintve az alsó harmadban vagy a sereghajtók között vagyunk az európai rangsorban?
A marketing-költségvetés meghatározásának módszereiről
Authors: Kovács Kármen
Published: March 2021

A piaci verseny erősödésével a vállalatok által marketingtevékenységekre fordított összegek nagysága jelentősen emelkedik, hatékonyságuk azonban csökken. Ennek következtében a marketing-költségvetés meghatározása kritikus döntés a vállalati működésben. A szerző tanulmányában elsőként általánosságban ír a marketing-költségvetésről, kiemelve a marketingberuházások növekedésének, illetve azok csökkenő megtérülésének paradox helyzetét, majd pedig áttekinti a marketing-költségvetés készítésének folyamatát – a szervezeti szintek döntéshozatali szerepe szempontjából – és a marketingbüdzsé meghatározásának módszereit, amelyeknek jellemzőit egy saját összeállítású táblázatban is összegzi. Végül, szűk hazai vállalati körben végzett empirikus vizsgálata eredményeit ismerteti: a vállalatok többségükben nem kifinomult, hanem szubjektív technikákat alkalmaznak a büdzsé nagyságának meghatározására, a marketingberuházások várható és tényleges megtérülésére vonatkozólag végeznek kalkulációkat, továbbá fontos üzleti titokként kezelik a marketingre fordított összegek nagyságát, valamint azok várható és tényleges megtérülését.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices towards Common Adult Eye Disorders Among Over 40-Years Patients Attending to Medical and Surgical Clinics of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka.
Authors: Jayawardana Diluksha
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background: Incidence of age related eye disorders in adult population is rising. Thus in order to carry out health promotion activities, assessing the knowledge, attitudes, practices and factors related to each among the vulnerable population is paramount.

Methods: A simple random sample of patients of age 40 or above attended to the general medical and surgical clinics of the NHSL were interviewed by interviewer administered questionnaire. Questions were asked to ascertain each participant's socio-demographic data, knowledge on common age related eye disorders namely refractory errors, cataract, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Questions were also asked to determine their attitudes to eye care practices and treatments. All respondents were asked their frequency of eye check-ups and most commonly attending place to receive eye check-ups.

Results: A total of 106 participants were assessed. From the results 96.2%, heard of cataract, 50.9% heard of glaucoma and 74.5% heard of diabetic retinopathy. In the knowledge assessment 43.6% were found to be having a good knowledge. Age (within 40 to 58 years), higher level of education up to G.C.E O/L or above, higher level of income and who are/were employed ( currently working, resigned or retired) appeared to be having a good knowledge and the associations were statistically significant. People who have accessed information from medical personnel and mass media also had statistically significant higher knowledge score. People with good knowledge of eye diseases had positive attitudes and positive practices in contrast to people with poor knowledge and these associations were statistically significant.

Conclusions: There was a considerable reduction in awareness regarding glaucoma compared to cataract and diabetic retinopathy. Younger age, higher education level, income and employment were found to be associated with good knowledge. Presence of good knowledge has led to have good attitudes and good eye care practices. Information gained from medical personnel and mass media were found to be effective in enhancing public awareness.

Recommendations: Knowledge on common adult eye disorders should be improved from the current level in order to have good eye care practices. Enhancing public awareness can be successfully achieved through mass media and medical personnel.

Key words: Eye disorders, Knowledge, Attitude, Ophthalmology