bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of holistic review on correlations between doctoral student outcomes, and GPA and GRE scores in the biomedical sciences
Authors: Walters Taylor , Abeyta Antonio , Bean Andrew J. , Wilson Marenda A.
Published: December 2022

Graduate admissions committees throughout the United States examine both quantitative and qualitative data from applicants to make admissions determinations. A number of recent studies have examined the ability of commonly used quantitative metrics such as the GRE and undergraduate GPA to predict the likelihood of applicant success in graduate programs. We examined whether an admissions committee could predict applicant success at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences based on quantitative metrics. We analyzed the predictive validity of admissions scores, undergraduate GPA, and the GRE for student success. We observed nuanced differences based on gender, ethnicity, race, and citizenship status. The scores assigned to applicants by the admissions committee could not predict time to degree in PhD students regardless of demographic group. Undergraduate GPA was correlated with time to degree in some instances. Interestingly, while GRE scores could predict time to degree, GRE percentile scores could predict both time to degree and PhD candidacy examination results. These findings suggest that there is a level of nuance that is required for interpretation of these quantitative metrics by admissions committees.
Plasma sphingolipid abnormalities in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Oizumi Hideki , Sugimura Yoko , Totsune Tomoko , Kawasaki Iori , Ohshiro Saki , Baba Toru , Kimpara Teiko , Sakuma Hiroaki , Hasegawa Takafumi , Kawahata Ichiro , Fukunaga Kohji , Takeda Atsushi
Published: December 2022

Background

In recent years, there has been increasing evidence that several lipid metabolism abnormalities play an important role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. However, it is still unclear which lipid metabolism abnormalities play the most important role in neurodegenerative diseases. Plasma lipid metabolomics (lipidomics) has been shown to be an unbiased method that can be used to explore lipid metabolism abnormalities in neurodegenerative diseases. Plasma lipidomics in neurodegenerative diseases has been performed only in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (IPD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and comprehensive studies are needed to clarify the pathogenesis.

Methods

In this study, we investigated plasma lipids using lipidomics in individuals with neurodegenerative diseases and healthy controls (CNs). Plasma lipidomics was evaluated by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) in those with IPD, dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), multiple system atrophy (MSA), AD, and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and CNs.

Results

The results showed that (1) plasma sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) was significantly lower in all neurodegenerative disease groups (IPD, DLB, MSA, AD, and PSP) than in the CN group. (2) Plasma monohexylceramide (MonCer) and lactosylceramide (LacCer) were significantly higher in all neurodegenerative disease groups (IPD, DLB, MSA, AD, and PSP) than in the CN group. (3) Plasma MonCer levels were significantly positively correlated with plasma LacCer levels in all enrolled groups.

Conclusion

S1P, Glucosylceramide (GlcCer), the main component of MonCer, and LacCer are sphingolipids that are biosynthesized from ceramide. Recent studies have suggested that elevated GlcCer and decreased S1P levels in neurons are related to neuronal cell death and that elevated LacCer levels induce neurodegeneration by neuroinflammation. In the present study, we found decreased plasma S1P levels and elevated plasma MonCer and LacCer levels in those with neurodegenerative diseases, which is a new finding indicating the importance of abnormal sphingolipid metabolism in neurodegeneration.
Riders de empresas de plataforma ¿Cuál es vuestro convenio colectivo?
Authors: ESTEVE-SEGARRA Amparo
Published: December 2022

Este artículo analiza el convenio colectivo sectorial aplicable a las personas dedicadas al reparto mediante bicicleta, monopatín o a pie de comida a domicilio o de productos de supermercados digitales. Para determinar el convenio colectivo de los repartidores se analizará la cuestión sobre la base de cuatro ejes. En el primero se analizará la inclusión del personal de reparto de comida en el sector de la hostelería en España. En el segundo eje se abordará qué ocurre si la empresa que ha contratado al repartidor/a dispone de un convenio de empresa. En tercer lugar, se determinará el convenio colectivo aplicable en los dark stores. En cuarto lugar, se finalizará razonando por qué aplicar el convenio del sector de mensajería puede ser ilegal.
Propuesta metodológica para la delimitación de zonas de amortiguamiento en la planificación de espacios protegidos en Costa Rica
Authors: Zumbado Morales Félix , Vargas Aguilar Dario , Agüero Valverde Jonathan
Published: December 2022

El objetivo del artículo es presentar una propuesta metodológica para la inclusión de zonas con función de amortiguamiento de las áreas silvestres protegidas (ASP) en los planes de ordenamiento territorial, basado en la investigación bibliográfica y en la sistematización de resultados de investigación en caracterización de variables físicas y socio ambientales de las zonas circundantes de ASP realizadas por el Programa de investigación en Desarrollo Urbano Sostenible de la Universidad de Costa Rica (ProDUS-UCR). Las Zonas de amortiguamiento son cruciales para lograr la conservación de las ASP y minimizar los conflictos socio ambientales generados por el ser humano. Según los resultados, la propuesta de variables mínimas relacionadas con las zonas de Amortiguamiento que deben incluirse en Planes de Ordenamiento Territorial son: características del ASP y su gestión, propuestas de zonas de amortiguamiento (plan de manejo, objetos de conservación, resultados de monitoreo, entre otras), fuera del área protegida: topografía, características edafológicas de la zona, cobertura y uso del suelo, conectividad y fragmentación de ecosistemas, amenazas y presiones sobre los ecosistemas, fraccionamiento de las propiedades y mercado de suelo, vialidad, centros de población, actividades económicas y sus características, servicios ecosistémicos (SE), poblaciones indígenas y variabilidad climática. Para cada caso particular se debe realizar el análisis sistémico con las variables enlistadas, estableciendo con el resultado la zona de amortiguamiento necesaria para ser incorporada en el Plan de Ordenamiento Territorial.
Degradation of Cr-coated cladding under the simulated Loss-of-Coolant Accident phenomena
Authors: Červenka Petr , Krejčí Jakub , Cvrček Ladislav , Manoch František , Chalupová Adéla , Halodová Patricie , Gávelová Petra
Published: December 2022

The present study focuses on the evaluation of the mechanical properties degradation of Cr-coated Zr-alloy fuel cladding. The main objective of the work is to find a suitable methodology to evaluate the mechanical properties degradation of coated cladding by performing several separate effects experiments.Apart from the many positive effects of protective coatings on the overall cladding properties, coatings’ general disadvantage is their reduced ability to tolerate plastic strain. Therefore, coating cracks might occur in the first stage of the hypothetical Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA). The study is unique because of the consideration of coating cracks. Prior to the high-temperature (HT) oxidation, samples were subjected to either a scratch test or burst test, resulting in the creation of coating defects. The subsequent evaluation of the obtained data consisted of wavelength dispersion spectroscopy (WDS) and optical microscopy analysis and hydrogen content measurements.
Modelling of fission gas release in UO2 doped fuel using transuranus code
Authors: Gonzalez Jheffry , Ševecek Martin
Published: December 2022

The expected benefits from Cr-doped fuel are improved retention of fission gases within the pellets due to its large grain size. To demonstrate this, several experiments have been carried out by Halden reactor and Studsvik. These experiments are now being used to benchmark several fuel performance codes among them transuranus code. All this as part of a Coordinate Research Project (CRP) by IAEA named Testing and Simulation for Advanced Technology and Accident Tolerant Fuels (ATF-TS). This work is introducing a novel fission gas diffusivity model for doped fuel in transuranus code. It is observed the benefits of introducing this new model when comparing to the standard model already existing in transuranus. Nevertheless, more work needs to be carried out to fully understand all the phenomena involved in adding dopant in UO2 due to change of thermo mechanical properties.
Spectrometry of neutron field based on p(20)+Be source reaction
Authors: Kozic Ján , Štefánik Milan
Published: December 2022

The research deals with a spectrometry of neutron field based on the p(20)+Be source reaction. The p(20)+Be interaction stands for a nuclear reaction where protons accelerated to energy of 20 MeV bombard Be target. Produced neutron field has broad energy distribution up to 18 MeV. The research was carried out at the Nuclear Physics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences and was motivated by extension of experimental possibilities of the NG-2 target station. To determine the neutron spectrum, the activation foil technique was used. During the experiment, ten activation foils were irradiated. Activated foils were measured using the HPGe detector to determine the reaction rates of observed reactions. The neutron field was simulated in the MCNPX code, and the simulation served as a priori information for the unfolding of the neutron spectrum in the SAND-II code. A determined neutron spectrum is essential for various experiments, e.g., material research, measurements of nuclear data, etc.
Determination of radionuclide impurities in pure beta radiation sources by semiconductor spectrometry
Authors: Novotný Pavel
Published: December 2022

In many applications, the radionuclidic purity of a radioactive substance is a crucial property. It involves, for example, the production of radiopharmaceuticals or reference standards used in metrology. However, the identification of admixtures is not straightforward for certain nuclides. The paper presents a technique for the determination of radionuclide impurities in the mixtures of pure beta-emitting nuclides. The proposed method is based on the comparison of measured beta spectra with the detector responses to individual radionuclides. These are obtained using a Monte Carlo calculation performed in the geometry corresponding to the accurate description of a measuring assembly.
Familias de origen inmigrante en situación de cronicidad en los servicios sociales
Authors: Julià Traveria Ramon , Miranda Ruche Xavier , Pirla Santamaria Alba
Published: December 2022

Las familias de origen inmigrante con menores son uno de los perfiles susceptibles de entrar en una situación de cronicidad y dependencia con los servicios sociales. También lo son de presentar riesgo de transmisión intergeneracional de pobreza. En este artículo partimos de una muestra intencional de veintisiete familias en situación de cronicidad, para desarrollar un análisis de los discursos de los progenitores. El objetivo es aportar conocimiento respecto de su realidad y contexto social. Los resultados se han estructurado en tres ámbitos: las relaciones con los servicios sociales, las fortalezas internas de las familias, y, finalmente, las proyecciones acerca del futuro de sus hijos. En términos de implicaciones para la intervención, señalamos el remanente positivo que aparece en los discursos de los progenitores, en términos de expectativas para el cambio. Sin embargo, este debería ir acompañado de más recursos económicos y técnicos que permitan reducir los factores de riesgo social a los que las familias y sus hijos se encuentran expuestos.
Políticas de integración, gestión de la diversidad y garantía de derechos en las “ciudades del cambio”
Authors: Mora Castro Albert
Published: December 2022

Tras las elecciones municipales de 2015, las principales ciudades españolas pasaron a ser gobernadas por nuevos partidos políticos progresistas y confluencias municipalistas vinculadas a las reivindicaciones del movimiento 15-M en una experiencia única en la historia de la democracia española que transformó el panorama político municipal. Este texto analiza las políticas de integración en el campo de la inmigración y la convivencia que llevaron a cabo estos gobiernos en el periodo 2015-2019, los principios que las guiaron, las actuaciones más relevantes y las principales transformaciones alcanzadas. A través, fundamentalmente, de entrevistas cualitativas con responsables políticos, técnicos y asociativos se constatan las posibilidades de actuación que tienen los gobiernos locales para hacer de las ciudades espacios de convivencia intercultural, garantía de derechos e inclusión en la diversidad, destacando el caso de la ciudad de Barcelona como aquel en el que estos propósitos se alcanzaron en mayor medida.
Una aproximación a los juegos de azar en adolescentes y jóvenes que migran solos
Authors: Mendoza Pérez Karmele , Martínez Aranda M.ª Adoración
Published: December 2022

Los juegos de azar se están volviendo muy populares entre los jóvenes. Sin embargo, no hay ningún estudio que se centre en explorar el juego en los menores y jóvenes que migran solos. Aquí ofrecemos un estudio preliminar sobre la relación de esta población con el juego. Se ha realizado una investigación basada en un grupo focal y entrevistas en profundidad realizadas tanto a jóvenes, como a educadores de centros de menores y profesionales que trabajan con ellos en Bizkaia. Los datos obtenidos permiten plantear, en primer lugar, cómo el juego y los establecimientos de juego complementan el ocio de estos jóvenes. En segundo lugar, el papel de la familia de origen como elemento presente y ambivalente en la relación de estos jóvenes con el juego. Y, por último, la alerta de los expertos sobre los efectos derivados del juego problemático, y las dificultades en la intervención con este perfil de población.
Managing Urban Growth – an Overview of the Literature
Authors: Siedentop Stefan , Schmidt Stephan , Dunlop Alistair
Published: December 2022

Today, most countries in the global north have developed and implemented urban growth management (UGM) programs and policies aimed at mitigating the impacts and negative externalities of urban sprawl and achieving a more compact urban form. However, there is substantial disagreement about their effectiveness and effects of these programs. In this paper, we systematically review the extensive literature on growth management to better understand a) the current state of the practice of UGM, and b) the determinants of successful UGM implementation. Compared to previously available literature syntheses, which focus heavily on North American research, we also take into account studies based in Europe and some Asian and Oceanic countries. From this literature, we identify several key factors to successful growth management implementation: a multi-level governance approach, intersectoral policy coordination, a regionally adapted mix of policy instruments, balancing development needs with preservation goals, and the ability to develop positive narratives around growth management.
Toward a repository for high-level radioactive waste: Perspectives and approaches
Authors: Smeddinck Ulrich , Eckhardt Anne , Kuppler Sophie
Published: December 2022

The future is unpredictable. Under these circumstances, how can we plan and construct a nuclear waste repository that is supposed to safely store the waste for up to a million years – an endeavor that may in itself take more than a hundred years? In this introduction to the special topic on the future of nuclear waste disposal, we take a first look at this question by searching the literature for answers and by giving a short overview of the current status of site selection in different countries, including possible challenges.
Commoning in der Standortsuche für ein Endlager?: Neue Wege kollektiven Handelns
Authors: Themann Dörte
Published: December 2022

This article addresses the question of whether Elinor Ostrom’s research on commons governance can open up new interpretive possibilities with regard to current institutionalization processes in the site selection process and for dealing with high-level radioactive waste in general. Based on passive observations, hypotheses are developed as to what extent logics of commoning are pursued, and preliminary results are presented.
LOJİSTİK HİZMET KALİTESİNİN MARKA DEĞERİ ÜZERİNE ETKİSİ
Authors: KUYANAY Şehmus , AYDIN Hatice
Published: December 2022

Lojistik sektöründeki işletmelerin müşterilerine kaliteli bir lojistik hizmet sunmadan, yalnızca üretim veya pazarlama faaliyetleriyle başarılı olmaları oldukça zordur. İşletmeler, müşterilerin talep ettikleri mal veya hizmetleri müşterilerin istedikleri zamanda teslim edemediği takdirde öncesinde yapılan tüm faaliyletler, süreçler ve başarılar değerini yitirecektir. Özellikle son yıllarda marka değeri konusunun önem kazandığı lojistik sektöründe, hizmet kalitesinin boyutları ve müşteride yarattığı marka değeri algısının incelenmesi gerekmektedir. Öneminden dolayı bu çalışmanın amacı, lojistik hizmet kalitesinin marka değerine etkisini belirlemektir. Bu amaçla; lojistik hizmetleri kullanan bireysel ve kurumsal 324 tüketici ile online anket çalışması gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre; kalite algısı boyutlarından teknik ve operasyonel hizmet kalitesinin marka değeri üzerinde, tüketici temelli marka değeri boyutlarının tamamının marka değeri üzerinde anlamlı etkisi bulunmaktadır. Ayrıca bireysel ve kurumsal tüketicilerin kalite algıları ortalamalar açısından farklılık göstermektedir. Elde edilen sonuçlar doğrultusunda literatüre ve araştırmacılara çeşitli önerilerde bulunulmuştur.
KÜLTÜRLERARASI İLETİŞİM YETKİNLİĞİ ÖLÇEĞİ: BIR ÖLÇEK UYARLAMA ÇALIŞMASI
Authors: SÜRÜCÜ Lütfi , ERTAN Şenay Sahil , MAŞLAKÇI Ahmet
Published: December 2022

Kültürlerarası iletişim yetkinliğine yönelik olarak literatürde çalışmaların bulunmasına rağmen, yapılan bu çalışmaların büyük bir kısmında nitel bir yaklaşım benimsemiştir. Nicel olarak araştırma yapılabilmesi için kültürlerarası iletişim yetkinliği ölçeği ilk olarak Arasaratnam (2009) tarafından oluşturulmuştur. Mevcut çalışma, Arasaratnam (2009) tarafında geliştirilen ölçeğin Türkçeye uyarlanması, geçerlik ve güvenirlik çalışmalarının yapılması amaçlanmıştır. Bu maksatla ve Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı’ndan seyahat eden yolculardan veri toplanmıştır. Elde edilen veriler SPSS ve AMOS yazılımları kullanılarak analiz edilmiştir. Analiz sonuçlar kültürlerarası iletişim yetkinliği ölçeğinin geçerli ve güvenilir bir ölçme aracı olduğunu doğrulamaktadır.
AVRUPALILAŞMA, AVRUPA'DAN UZAKLAŞMA VE İŞLEMSELCİLİK ARASINDA ROMANLARIN SOSYAL İÇERMESİ
Authors: SAYAN Pınar , DUYGULU ELCİM Şirin
Published: December 2022

Avrupa Birliği (AB), 1990'lardan bu yana Romanların eşitlik, katılım ve sosyal içermesine ilişkin bir çerçeve geliştirmekte ve katılım sürecindeki ülkeleri bu politikalara uymaya çağırmaktadır. AB'ye katılım süreci, Türkiye’de Romanların sosyal içermesine siyasi gündemde öncelik verilmesinde katkı sağlamakla birlikte Türkiye-AB ilişkilerindeki dönüşüm, bu girişimlerinin zaman içinde kaydettiği sınırlı ilerlemede etkili olmuştur. Bu makale, münferit bir olay olarak yaklaşmak yerine, ilgili gelişmeleri Avrupa'dan uzaklaşma ve Türkiye'nin dış politikasında artan işlemselcilik merceklerinden okumanın, Romanlara yönelik sosyal içerme politikalarının içine girdiği çıkmazı anlamamızda yardımcı olacağını savunmaktadır.
ALAİN BADİOU’DA SANATTA HAKİKAT
Authors: AKIL Selman
Published: December 2022

Makalenin amacı çağdaş Fransız filozof Alain Badiou’nun sanat ve hakikat ilişkisine dair ileri sürdüğü yaklaşımı analiz etmek, temel karakterini belirlemek ve eleştirisini sunmaktır. Makale temel olarak Badiou’nun sanat üzerine kitap, makale ve konferanslarını kaynak olarak almakla birlikte, Badiou’nun felsefi sisteminin genel çerçevesini dikkate almaktadır. Böylece makalenin kapsamı temelde Badiou’nun sanat ve hakikat ilişkisine dair görüşleri ve bu görüşlerin felsefi referansları olmaktadır. Araştırma yöntemi metin analizi yöntemidir. Badiou sanatın felsefi incelemesinin ancak hakikat kavramı doğrultusunda mümkün olabileceği görüşündedir. Bu bağlamda Badiou felsefe tarihinde bu ilişki için üç şema sunar ve onları yeniden yapılandırarak kendi şemasını kurar. Makalede Badiou’nun oluşturduğu şemanın karakteri idealizm olarak belirlenmiştir. Bununla birlikte Badiou, şemasında materyalist felsefenin görüşlerine idealist bir karakter yüklemiştir. Makalede bu yaklaşım eleştirilmiştir.
Primeras citas de Pipistrellus nathusii (Keyserling y Blasius, 1839) en la Comunidad Autónoma de Castilla y León (España).
Authors: Fernández Alonso Daniel , Molleda García Raúl
Published: December 2022

El murciélago de Nathusius (Pipistrellus nathusii) es una especie europea considerada tradicionalmente como invernante en la Península Ibérica. En las últimas décadas se han encontrado ejemplares invernantes en la franja cantábrica, costa mediterránea e Islas Baleares, y ejemplares residentes en Cataluña y Cantabria. El desconocimiento general sobre esta especie en todo el territorio limita el potencial de iniciativas y acciones de conservación para la especie. En este trabajo se presentan las primeras citas de la especie para la Comunidad Autónoma de Castilla y León (España), procedentes de dos localidades del norte de Burgos, elevando el número oficial de especies de la región a 29.
Propozycja integralnej narracji protologicznej: teologiczne kryteria człowieczeństwa i antropogeneza w ujęciu nauk empirycznych
Authors: Witała Maciej
Published: December 2022

Spotkanie katolickiej protologii z odkryciami nauk szczegółowych w zakresie początków świata i człowieka było w przeszłości przyczyną wielu kontrowersji. Wydaje się jednak, że napięć tego rodzaju można uniknąć, budując integralną narrację protologiczną, uwzględniającą zarówno perspektywę wiary, jak i dorobek nauk empirycznych. Obecnie wydaje się konieczna próba zbudowania takiej narracji w zakresie antropogenezy i najdawniejszych dziejów człowieka, która uwzględniałaby zarówno najważniejsze aspekty antropologii teologicznej, jak i obecny stan badań paleoantropologii i paleoarcheologii. Może to zaowocować interesującymi wnioskami w kwestiach koncepcji osoby ludzkiej i kryteriów, jakie wyróżniają człowieka ze świata zwierzęcego.
Motywy religijne we współczesnej literaturze spekulatywnej
Authors: Trocha Bogdan
Published: December 2022

Celem niniejszego artykułu jest przedstawienie i uporządkowanie motywów religijnych występujących we współczesnej fantastyce spekulatywnej. Ten typ literatury bardzo często reaguje na trendy i tendencje społeczne obecne w kulturze popularnej. Przedstawione w artykule motywy zostały uporządkowane tematycznie, tak aby można było dostrzec pewien zarys paradygmatu figur literackich, poprzez które tworzący je pisarze odwołują się do treści religijnych. Zestawienie motywów wyznacza trzy główne perspektywy traktowania religii w omawianym typie literatury.
Profilaktyka wypalenia zawodowego nauczycieli religii jako obszar permanentnej formacji
Authors: Zellma Anna , Kołakowski Michał
Published: December 2022

Profilaktyka wypalenia zawodowego zapewnia nauczycielom religii optymalną pomoc i wsparcie w rozwijaniu umiejętności niezbędnych w radzeniu sobie ze stresem wywołanym czynnikami zewnętrznymi (np. niskim prestiżem zawodu nauczyciela religii, brakiem satysfakcjonujących kontaktów z uczniami i ich rodzicami, oczekiwaniami społecznymi i eklezjalnymi, koniecznością stałego podnoszenia kwalifikacji). Analizy podjęte w niniejszym artykule mają na celu ukazanie opinii wybranych grup respondentów (z archidiecezji warmińskiej i diecezji opolskiej) na temat sposobów przeciwdziałania wypaleniu zawodowemu wśród nauczycieli religii. Koncentrują się wokół różnych propozycji związanych z przeciwdziałaniem wypaleniu zawodowemu. Dowodzą, że nauczyciele religii dostrzegają potrzebę systematycznego wsparcia merytorycznego i metodycznego oraz duchowego ze strony osób odpowiedzialnych za permanentną formację. Za ważną uznają konstruktywną, prowadzoną w klimacie dialogu i zaufania, współpracę z dyrekcją szkoły, rodzicami, nauczycielami, proboszczami, wizytatorami i dyrektorami referatów katechetycznych. Respondenci postulują potrzebę poszukiwania nowych rozwiązań w zakresie profilaktyki wypalenia zawodowego oraz większą troskę o formację duchową.
Subsidized Crop Insurance under Limited Access to Incomplete Financial Markets
Authors: Voica Daniel C.
Published: December 2022

Almost universally, crop insurance uptake has been very low in the absence of significant governmental subsidies. We proposed an explanation for the low uptake by analyzing farmers’ optimal behavior in the presence of subsidized crop insurance and incomplete financial markets. Under specific replication conditions, farmers’ valuation of crop insurance is lower than insurers’ valuation if farmers have access to fewer financial assets than insurers. A potential rationalization is that farmers and insurers have dissimilar price formation processes. Our model implies that subsidized crop insurance changes farmers’ production choices by altering both the relative returns across states of Nature and their risk choices. However, because of the separation between consumption and production decisions, farmers will use crop insurance in a manner consistent with profit maximization, independent of risk preferences.
Monetary Policy Normalization and Central Bank Profits: A Break-Even Point Perspective
Authors: Polański Zbigniew , Szadkowski Mikołaj
Published: December 2022

This paper advances a simple framework explaining how monetary policy normalization (“exit policies”) may impact central bank profits. The cases of seven central banks of major and smaller economies serve as an illustration. The notion of the break-even point is applied to study the financial situation of these institutions for the period of 2014–2021. During the normalization process, interest rate increases may adversely affect profit changes, and through transfers may have an impact on the fiscal space available to the governments, creating political economy concerns. Possible remedies are discussed together with accompanying policy dilemmas.
Synthesis of Na3Fe2(PO4)3 with NASICON-type structure from ferrous oxalate precursor in the presence of colloidal silicon dioxide
Authors: Teoharov Lubomir , Penev Plamen , Härmas Meelis , Jänes Alar
Published: December 2022

The widespread presence of sodium in the earth’s crust, the significant stability of its compounds and its great ecological recycling possibilities are all factors that lead researchers to new structures exhibiting ion migration of sodium and high electrochemical potential. The present research shows a new way for Na3Fe2(PO4)3 synthesis with Na Super Ion Conductor structure. The use of ferrous oxalate precursor Na3Fe(C2O4)3 changes the reaction pathway of the iron-phosphate system synthesis and leads to the formation of a structure that allows ion migration that enhances electrochemical charge storage properties. At best the measured capacity was 85 mAh g−1 over a voltage range of 4.2 V–1.5 V versus Na/Na+. It is shown that the presence of colloidal silicon dioxide helps the main phase crystallization, without entering its structure.
Understanding recurrent pregnancy loss: recent advances on its etiology, clinical diagnosis, and management
Authors: Cao Chunwei , Bai Shiyu , Zhang Jing , Sun Xiaoyue , Meng Anming , Chen Hui
Published: December 2022

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) has become an important reproductive health issue worldwide. RPL affects about 2%–3% of reproductive-aged women, and makes serious threats to women’s physical and mental health. However, the etiology of approximately 50% of RPL cases remains unknown (unexplained RPL), which poses a big challenge for clinical management of these patients. RPL has been widely regarded as a complex disease where its etiology has been attributed to numerous factors. Heretofore, various risk factors for RPL have been identified, such as maternal ages, genetic factors, anatomical structural abnormalities, endocrine dysfunction, prethrombotic state, immunological factors, and infection. More importantly, development and applications of next generation sequencing technology have significantly expanded opportunities to discover chromosomal aberrations and single gene variants responsible for RPL, which provides new insight into its pathogenic mechanisms. Furthermore, based upon patients’ diagnostic evaluation and etiologic diagnosis, specific therapeutic recommendations have been established. This review will highlight current understanding and recent advances on RPL, with a special focus on the immunological and genetic etiologies, clinical diagnosis and therapeutic management.
Research on computer 3D image encryption processing based on the nonlinear algorithm
Authors: Bian Longlong , Chen Jianwei , Soni Mukesh , Bhola Jyoti , Kumar Harish , Jawarneh Malik
Published: December 2022

This article uses the nonlinear digital chaos theory algorithm to generate the corresponding encryption system initial parameters, by analysing the correlation degree of image elements from the angles of horizontal, vertical, and diagonal direction, in order to study computer three-dimensional (3D) image encryption processing. The correlation degree of the cypher text obtained by the nonlinear algorithm is weak in the image's adjacent pixels, and the adjacent pixels are not related at all, horizontal angle: 0.915989, vertical angle: 0.968184, diagonal angle: 0.913533. The nonlinear algorithm distributes the image's statistical features into the random cypher text. By applying permutations and replacements in 3D space, the proposed approach improves performance parameters and widens key space in comparison to previous image cryptography investigations. The important qualities of such a secure system are its simplicity and efficacy. Simulations and analysis show that the proposed method can produce a large key space while also surviving standard cipher attacks. Because of its powerful cryptographic properties, it is suited for image applications. The nonlinear algorithm has very high sensitivity to the secret key and plaintext, as well as better statistical performance, higher security, and higher efficiency in the operation of the algorithm.
Bending stiffness and moment capacity of cardboard obtained from three-point and elastica bending tests
Authors: Yoshihara Hiroshi , Yoshinobu Masahiro , Maruta Makoto
Published: December 2022

The bending properties of cardboard in the machine direction and cross direction were obtained via three-point bending and elastica bending tests using samples of various span lengths. The bending stiffness, moment at the proportional limit, and moment capacity per unit width were determined, and the effects of the testing method and span length were investigated. In the three-point bending test, the bending stiffness often decreased as the span length decreased because of the effect of the low interlaminar shear modulus of cardboard, and this tendency was more pronounced when the length direction of the sample coincided with the machine direction. Such dependence was less obvious in the moment at the proportional limit. In contrast, when the length coincided with the cross direction, the moment capacity of the cardboard often decreased as the span length increased because the large deflection prevented the accurate calculation of the moment capacity by using elementary beam theory. However, in the elastica bending test, both the bending stiffness and moment capacity could be obtained while reducing the effect of the span length. Therefore, to obtain the bending properties of cardboard, the elastica bending test was determined to be more advantageous than the three-point bending test.
The value of transcranial Doppler monitoring of cerebral blood flow changes during carotid endarterectomy performed under regional anesthesia – A case series
Authors: Gyöngyösi Zoltán , Farkas Orsolya , Papp Lóránd , Bodnár Fruzsina , Végh Tamás , Fülesdi Béla
Published: December 2022

Recent evidence suggests no difference between patient outcomes when carotid endarterectomies (CEAs) are performed under general or regional anesthesia. However, for detecting the need for a shunt, general anesthesia has the drawback of monitoring needs in the intraoperative setting. In the present study, we attempted to perform intraoperative transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring for CEAs performed under intermediate plexus block to describe cerebral hemodynamic changes during different phases of the procedure.

Patients and methods

Patients with unilateral hemodynamically significant carotid stenosis scheduled for elective CEAs were included. Ultrasound-guided intermediate plexus block was used for regional anesthesia. TCD monitoring of the middle cerebral artery mean blood flow velocity (MCAV) was performed throughout the procedure. MCAVs were offline analyzed during different phases of CEA: (1) resting state, before regional block, (2) after block, before incision, (3) before cross-clamp, (4) after cross-clamp, (5) 5 min after cross-clamp, (6) 10 min after cross-clamp, (7) after declamping, and (8) during the postoperative period (4–6 h).

Results

Shunt insertion based on the deterioration of neurological symptoms after cross-clamping was necessary for 11/66 patients (16.6%). In these symptomatic patients, the ipsilateral percent decrease of the MCAV was more than 70% in 8 out of 11 cases (72.7%). In asymptomatic patients, without shunt insertion, the average decrease of MCAV was less than 50%.

Conclusions

Neurological symptoms referring to cerebral ischemia may be superior to TCD monitoring of cerebral blood flow for detecting the necessity of a shunt. Regional anesthesia enables reliable, symptom-based monitoring of CEAs.
Preparation of Pickering emulsion stabilized by lauroyl lysine
Authors: Wang Yuling , Liu Yue , He Yijing , Huang Jian , Xu Hujun
Published: December 2022

In this paper, the effect of Nε-lauroyl lysine (LL) on stabilizing W/O Pickering emulsions was investigated, and the effect of crystallization temperature on the particle size of LL was explored. The Pickering emulsion was prepared with LL as particle emulsifier, and the effects of homogenization rate, emulsification temperature, particle concentration, oil-water volume ratio and other factors on the preparation of emulsion were discussed. The results showed that the LL particles were the smallest for a crystallization temperature of 30 °C with a size of (1.3 ± 0.2) µm. The oil-water-LL contact angle was 142.9° ± 1.6°, and the prepared emulsion was of W/O type. The most stable emulsions were obtained under the following conditions: homogenization rate = 11,000 r min−1, emulsification temperature = 20 °C, particle concentration = 2 wt%, oil-water volume ratio = 1:1. In addition, LL showed good tolerance to the aqueous phases with different pH values. The LL-stabilized emulsion system proved to be stable over the long term in the stand tests.
Materials in movement: gold and stone in process in the Upton Lovell G2a burial
Authors: Crellin Rachel J. , Tsoraki Christina , Standish Christopher D. , Pearce Richard B. , Barton Huw , Morriss Sarah , Harris Oliver J.T.
Published: December 2022

Excavated over two centuries ago, the Upton Lovell G2a ‘Wessex Culture’ burial has held a prominent place in research on Bronze Age Britain. In particular, was it the grave of a ‘shaman’ or a metalworker? We take a new approach to the grave goods, employing microwear analysis and scanning electron microscopy to map a history of interactions between people and materials, identifying evidence for the presence of Bronze Age gold on five artefacts, four for the first time. Advancing a new materialist approach, we identify a goldworking toolkit, linking gold, stone and copper objects within a chaîne opératoire, concluding that modern categorisations of these materials miss much of their complexity.
Changes in Neuromuscular Response Patterns After 4 Weeks of Leg Press Training During Isokinetic Leg Extensions
Authors: Salmon Owen F. , Housh Terry J. , Hill Ethan C. , Keller Joshua L. , Anders John Paul V. , Johnson Glen O. , Schmidt Richard J. , Smith Cory M.
Published: December 2022

Salmon, OF, Housh, TJ, Hill, EC, Keller, JL, Anders, JPV, Johnson, GO, Schmidt, RJ, and Smith, CM. Changes in neuromuscular response patterns after 4 weeks of leg press training during isokinetic leg extensions. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2022—The purpose of this study was to identify velocity-specific changes in electromyographic root mean square (EMG RMS), EMG frequency (EMG MPF), mechanomyographic RMS (MMG RMS), and MMG MPF during maximal unilateral isokinetic muscle actions performed at 60° and 240°·s−1 velocities within the right and left vastus lateralis (VL) after 4 weeks of dynamic constant external resistance (DCER) bilateral leg press training. Twelve resistance-trained men (age: mean ± SD = 21.4 ± 3.6 years) visited the laboratory 3d·wk−1 to perform resistance training consisting of 3 sets of 10 DCER leg presses. Four, three-way analysis of variance were performed to evaluate changes in neuromuscular responses (EMG RMS, EMG MPF, MMG RMS, and MMG MPF) from the right and left VL during 1 single-leg maximal isokinetic leg extension performed at 60° and 240°·s−1 before and after 4 weeks of DCER leg press training (p < 0.05). The results indicated a 36% increase in EMG RMS for the right leg, as well as a 23% increase in MMG RMS and 10% decrease in MMG MPF after training, collapsed across velocity and leg. In addition, EMG RMS was 65% greater in the right leg than the left leg following training, whereas EMG MPF was 11% greater for the left leg than the right leg throughout training. Thus, 4 weeks of DCER leg press training provides sufficient stimuli to alter the neuromuscular activation process of the VL but not velocity-specific neuromuscular adaptations in trained males.
Depressive Symptoms and Conflict Behaviors: A Test of the Stress Generation Hypothesis in Romantic Couples During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kim Andy J. , Smith Martin M. , Sherry Simon B. , Rodriguez Lindsey M. , Meier Sandra M. , Nogueira-Arjona Raquel , Deacon Hélène , Abbass Allan , Stewart Sherry H.
Published: December 2022

Introduction: In early 2020, North American jurisdictions required households (e.g., romantic couples) to isolate together to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. This study provides a first look at the interplay of depressive symptoms and conflict behaviors among isolating couples, including tests of predictions of the stress generation hypothesis. Methods: Mixed-gender couples residing in Canada (N = 711) completed online measures across two waves. We used the actor-partner interdependence mediation model, with Wave 1 depressive symptoms as the predictor, Wave 1 conflict enactment as the mediator, and Wave 2 depressive symptoms as the outcome. Results: Depressive symptoms showed stability across Wave 1 and 2. Wave 1 depressive symptoms showed associations with Wave 1 conflict enactment. For men (but not women), Wave 1 conflict enactment was associated with their own and their partner's Wave 2 depressive symptoms. For both partners, Wave 1 conflict enacted by men mediated the association between Wave 1 depressive symptoms and Wave 2 depressive symptoms. Discussion: Our study confirms and extends the stress generation hypothesis to the pandemic context, showing that depressive symptoms may partially contribute to conflict for isolating couples and that conflict behaviors enacted by men toward their partner can exacerbate depressive symptoms in both partners.
All Goals are Equal: No Interactions Between Depressive Symptoms and Goal Characteristics on Goal Progress
Authors: Leduc-Cummings Isabelle , Milyavskaya Marina , Holding Anne C. , Koestner Richard , Drapeau Martin
Published: December 2022

Introduction. Depression is related to poor achievement and impacts people's capacity to attain their goals (American Psychiatric Association, 2013; Johnson et al., 2010; Street, 2002). But do depressive symptoms impact goal pursuit differently depending on the kinds of goals that people pursue? Methods. Across three studies (total N = 666 undergraduate students, total goals = 2,546), we examine the role of up to 16 goal characteristics as moderators in the relationship between depressive symptoms and goal progress. Depressive symptoms and goal characteristics were assessed at baseline, and participants reported on goal progress at a follow-up 1 month (Study 1), 4 months (Study 2), or 8 months (Study 3) later. Results. The effect of depressive symptoms on goal progress was nonsignificant in two out of three studies (including one with low power), but an internal meta-analysis presented a small negative effect. Most goal characteristics did not moderate the relationship between depressive symptoms and goal progress, with Bayes factors suggesting substantial to very strong evidence in favor of the null hypotheses. Discussion. The kinds of goals students pursue may not matter in the presence of depressive symptoms. On one hand, this may provide a bleak outlook in highlighting that depressive symptoms impact all goals regardless of how well they are selected. On the other hand, the effects were small, which may offer a hopeful outlook for undergraduate students experiencing depressive symptoms, who may still be able to progress on their personal goals.
Out of Sight, Still in Mind: The Consequences of Nonfoveal Viewing of Emotional Faces in Social Anxiety
Authors: Judah Matt R. , Hager Nathan M. , Milam Alicia L. , Ramsey-Wilson Gabrielle , Hamrick Hannah C. , Sutton Tiphanie G.
Published: December 2022

Background: Anxiety sensitivity social concerns (ASSC) is a risk factor for social anxiety disorder that may motivate avoidance of eye contact (i.e., gaze avoidance), thereby maintaining anxiety. Gaze avoidance displaces socially relevant stimuli (e.g., faces) from foveal (i.e., center) vision, possibly reducing visual sensation of faces and giving an opportunity to misperceive others as rejecting. Methods: We tested the effects of non-foveal viewing on perceiving faces as rejecting, whether there is an indirect effect of ASSC on state anxiety explained by perceived rejection, and whether the indirect effect depended on non-foveal viewing of faces. Participants (N = 118) viewed faces presented within foveal and non-foveal positions and rated how rejecting each face appeared to be, followed by ratings of their own state anxiety. Results: ASSC was associated with perceiving faces as rejecting regardless of face position. There was an indirect effect of ASSC on state anxiety ratings that was explained by perceived rejection, but only in the non-foveal positions. The indirect effect was due to an association between perceived rejection and state anxiety that was only present when faces were viewed in non-foveal vision. Discussion: The findings suggest ASSC may maintain state anxiety partially through the perceived rejection someone experiences while avoiding the gaze of others. This study supports cognitive theories of social anxiety and encourages cognitive-behavioral interventions for gaze avoidance in people with social anxiety disorder.
Differences in clinical manifestations and CT features between pulmonary actinomycosis and aspergillus nodules, as revealed by a solitary pulmonary nodule or mass
Authors: Wang Xiaoli , Chen Feng , Yu Linya , Zhou Hua , Xu Lijun , Lou Haiyan
Published: December 2022

Background:

Pulmonary actinomycosis is a rare bacterial disorder often misdiagnosed as other pulmonary diseases because of a lack of specific characteristics and radiographic findings. Aspergillus nodules, a common fungal infection and form of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, have imaging findings that overlap with those of pulmonary actinomycosis. This study reviews patients’ clinical and imaging data, to differentiate pulmonary actinomycosis from Aspergillus nodules.

Methods:

This retrospective study included 17 patients with pulmonary actinomycosis and 25 patients with Aspergillus nodules diagnosed histopathologically in a tertiary Chinese hospital between June 2014 and January 2022. Data on age, sex, lesion types/locations, and CT findings were analyzed.

Results:

No significant differences were found in age (mean age 58.2 ± 7.7 vs. 57.2 ± 11.9; p = 0.76), but statistically significant differences were found in sex (men 13 vs. women 10; p = 0.02), between groups. Common symptoms between groups included cough, hemoptysis, sputum production, fever, and chest pain, which showed no significant between-group differences (p = 0.09, p = 0.28, p = 0.10, p = 1, p = 0.41, respectively). Visual evaluation revealed that pulmonary actinomycosis lesions were more likely than pulmonary aspergillosis to appear mass-like (p < 0.001), with bulky volume (p = 0.002), ill-defined margins (p = 0.045), and interlobular septal thickening (p = 0.008). Pleural changes and mediastinal or hilar lymphadenopathy were more common in pulmonary actinomycosis than in Aspergillus nodules (p = 0.037, p = 0.010, respectively), whereas cavitation, an air-crescent sign, and bronchiectasis were more common in pulmonary aspergillosis (p = 0.027, p < 0.001, p = 0.016, respectively).

Conclusion:

Distinguishing between pulmonary actinomycosis and Aspergillus nodules on the basis of clinical manifestations alone is difficult, although distinctive CT findings may differentiate the two diseases.
mTORC2 Inhibition Improves Morphological Effects of PTEN Loss, But Does Not Correct Synaptic Dysfunction or Prevent Seizures
Authors: Cullen Erin R. , Tariq Kamran , Shore Amy N. , Luikart Bryan W. , Weston Matthew C.
Published: December 2022

Hyperactivation of PI3K/PTEN-mTOR signaling during neural development is associated with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD), autism, and epilepsy. mTOR can signal through two major hubs, mTORC1 and mTORC2, both of which are hyperactive following PTEN loss of function (LOF). Here, we tested the hypothesis that genetic inactivation of the mTORC2 complex via deletion ofRictoris sufficient to rescue morphologic and electrophysiological abnormalities in the dentate gyrus caused by PTEN loss, as well as generalized seizures. An established, early postnatal mouse model of PTEN loss in male and female mice showed spontaneous seizures that were not prevented by mTORC2 inactivation. This lack of rescue occurred despite the normalization or amelioration of many morphologic and electrophysiological phenotypes. However, increased excitatory connectivity proximal to dentate gyrus granule neuron somas was not normalized by mTORC2 inactivation. Further studies demonstrated that, although mTORC2 inactivation largely rescued the dendritic arbor overgrowth caused by PTEN LOF, it increased synaptic strength and caused additional impairments of presynaptic function. These results suggest that a constrained increase in excitatory connectivity and co-occurring synaptic dysfunction is sufficient to generate seizures downstream of PTEN LOF, even in the absence of characteristic changes in morphologic properties.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTHomozygous deletion of thePtengene in neuronal subpopulations in the mouse serves as a valuable model of epilepsy caused by mTOR hyperactivation. To better understand the physiological mechanisms downstream ofPtenloss that cause epilepsy, as well as the therapeutic potential of targeted gene therapies, we tested whether genetic inactivation of the mTORC2 complex could improve the cellular, synaptic, andin vivoeffects ofPtenloss in the dentate gyrus. We found that mTORC2 inhibition improved or rescued all morphologic effects ofPtenloss in the dentate gyrus, but synaptic changes and seizures persisted. These data suggest that synaptic dysfunction can drive epilepsy caused by hyperactivation of PI3K/PTEN-mTOR, and that future therapies should focus on this mechanistic link.