bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient generation of a high-field terahertz pulse train in bulk lithium niobate crystals by optical rectification
Authors: Tian Qili , Xu Hanxun , Wang Yi , Liang Yifan , Tan Yuemei , Ning Xiaonan , Yan Lixin , Du Yingchao , Li Renkai , Hua Jianfei , Huang Wenhui , Tang Chuanxiang
Published: March 2021

We demonstrate a highly efficient method for the generation of a high-field terahertz (THz) pulse train via optical rectification (OR) in congruent lithium niobate (LN) crystals driven by temporally shaped laser pulses. A narrowband THz pulse has been successfully achieved with sub-percent level conversion efficiency and multi MV/cm peak field at 0.26 THz. For the single-cycle THz generation, we achieved a THz pulse with 373-μJ energy in a LN crystal excited by a 100-mJ laser pulse at room temperature. The conversion efficiency is further improved to 0.77 % pumped by a 20-mJ laser pulse with a smaller pump beam size (6 mm in horizontal and 15 mm in vertical). This method holds great potential for generating mJ-level narrow-band THz pulse trains, which may have a major impact in mJ-scale applications like terahertz-based accelerators and light sources.
Synthetic system design method for off-axis stabilized zoom systems with a high zoom ratio
Authors: Cheng Xuemin , Ye Hengzhi , Hao Qun
Published: March 2021

Stabilized zoom systems possess the advantages such as the simplified system layout, improved system stability, enhanced imaging performance, and a high zoom speed. The complex system design to achieve high performances requires calculations or investigations of the initial system for optimization and improvements, and thus, specific design techniques are pursued. In this study, we propose an automatic optical design scheme of synthetic characteristics for the off-axis stabilized zoom systems, which using focal length variable (FLV) opto-electronic elements and with a high zoom ratio. The study aims at evaluating and synthetically achieving the zooming properties and the image quality balance of entire focus imaging. The multi-element stabilized zoom systems are characterized using the Gaussian brackets expressions and their optimal solution ranges for high zoom ratios are deduced to achieve non-defocusing imaging in specific stroke ranges of FLV elements. Then considering the analytical characterization of the off-axis-induced primary aberrations at multi-conjugate positions, we use a conic surface to deduce the basic expression of the nodal aberration. Thereby the nonlinear global merit function is established with a semi-empirical mathematical model based on nodal aberration theory and nonlinear zoom equation for maintaining the stability of focal length and image plane drift. And the theory of Pareto Optimality is employed in the process of verifying the superiority of the solutions. Finally, a series of solutions for a high zoom ratio and aberration compensation are implemented and the optimal configurations with conical surfaces for an off-axis stabilized zoom system are obtained.
AlGaN/GaN asymmetric graded-index separate confinement heterostructures designed for electron-beam pumped UV lasers
Authors: Cuesta Sergi , Curé Yoann , Donatini Fabrice , Denaix Lou , Bellet-Amalric Edith , Bougerol Catherine , Grenier Vincent , Thai Quang-Minh , Nogues Gilles , Purcell Stephen T. , Dang Le Si , Monroy Eva
Published: March 2021

We present a study of undoped AlGaN/GaN separate confinement heterostructures designed to operate as electron beam pumped ultraviolet lasers. We discuss the effect of spontaneous and piezoelectric polarization on carrier diffusion, comparing the results of cathodoluminescence with electronic simulations of the band structure and Monte Carlo calculations of the electron trajectories. Carrier collection is significantly improved using an asymmetric graded-index separate confinement heterostructure (GRINSCH). The graded layers avoid potential barriers induced by polarization differences in the heterostructure and serve as strain transition buffers which reduce the mosaicity of the active region and the linewidth of spontaneous emission.
Extremely regular periodic surface structures in a large area efficiently induced on silicon by temporally shaped femtosecond laser
Authors: Zhang Yuchan , Jiang Qilin , Cao Kaiqiang , Chen Tianqi , Cheng Ke , Zhang Shian , Feng Donghai , Jia Tianqing , Sun Zhenrong , Qiu Jianrong
Published: March 2021

Femtosecond laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) have several applications in surface structuring and functionalization. Three major challenges exist in the fabrication of regular and uniform LIPSS: enhancing the periodic energy deposition, reducing the residual heat, and avoiding the deposited debris. Herein, we fabricate an extremely regular low-spatial-frequency LIPSS (LSFL) on a silicon surface by a temporally shaped femtosecond laser. Based on a

4
f

configuration zero-dispersion pulse shaping system, a Fourier transform limit (FTL) pulse is shaped into a pulse train with varying intervals in the range of 0.25–16.2 ps using periodic

π

-phase step modulation. Under the irradiation of the shaped pulse with an interval of 16.2 ps, extremely regular LSFLs are efficiently fabricated on silicon. The scan velocity for fabricating regular LSFL is 2.3 times faster, while the LSFL depth is 2 times deeper, and the diffraction efficiency is 3 times higher than those of LSFL using the FTL pulse. The formation mechanisms of regular LSFL have been studied experimentally and theoretically. The results show that the temporally shaped pulse enhances the excitation of surface plasmon polaritons and the periodic energy deposition while reducing the residual thermal effects and avoiding the deposition of the ejected debris, eventually resulting in regular and deeper LSFL on the silicon surface.
The very early evolution of protein translocation across membranes
Authors: Harris AJ , Goldman Aaron David
Published: March 2021

In this study, we used a computational approach to investigate the early evolutionary history of a system of proteins that, together, embed and translocate other proteins across cell membranes. Cell membranes comprise the basis for cellularity, which is an ancient, fundamental organizing principle shared by all organisms and a key innovation in the evolution of life on Earth. Two related requirements for cellularity are that organisms are able to both embed proteins into membranes and translocate proteins across membranes. One system that accomplishes these tasks is the signal recognition particle (SRP) system, in which the core protein components are the paralogs, FtsY and Ffh. Complementary to the SRP system is the Sec translocation channel, in which the primary channel-forming protein is SecY. We performed phylogenetic analyses that strongly supported prior inferences that FtsY, Ffh, and SecY were all present by the time of the last universal common ancestor of life, the LUCA, and that the ancestor of FtsY and Ffh existed before the LUCA. Further, we combined ancestral sequence reconstruction and protein structure and function prediction to show that the LUCA had an SRP system and Sec translocation channel that were similar to those of extant organisms. We also show that the ancestor of Ffh and FtsY that predated the LUCA was more similar to FtsY than Ffh but could still have comprised a rudimentary protein translocation system on its own. Duplication of the ancestor of FtsY and Ffh facilitated the specialization of FtsY as a membrane bound receptor and Ffh as a cytoplasmic protein that could bind nascent proteins with specific membrane-targeting signal sequences. Finally, we analyzed amino acid frequencies in our ancestral sequence reconstructions to infer that the ancestral Ffh/FtsY protein likely arose prior to or just after the completion of the canonical genetic code. Taken together, our results offer a window into the very early evolutionary history of cellularity.
Assessing criticality in pre-seizure single-neuron activity of human epileptic cortex
Authors: Hagemann Annika , Wilting Jens , Samimizad Bita , Mormann Florian , Priesemann Viola
Published: March 2021

Epileptic seizures are characterized by abnormal and excessive neural activity, where cortical network dynamics seem to become unstable. However, most of the time, during seizure-free periods, cortex of epilepsy patients shows perfectly stable dynamics. This raises the question of how recurring instability can arise in the light of this stable default state. In this work, we examine two potential scenarios of seizure generation: (i) epileptic cortical areas might generally operate closer to instability, which would make epilepsy patients generally more susceptible to seizures, or (ii) epileptic cortical areas might drift systematically towards instability before seizure onset. We analyzed single-unit spike recordings from both the epileptogenic (focal) and the nonfocal cortical hemispheres of 20 epilepsy patients. We quantified the distance to instability in the framework of criticality, using a novel estimator, which enables an unbiased inference from a small set of recorded neurons. Surprisingly, we found no evidence for either scenario: Neither did focal areas generally operate closer to instability, nor were seizures preceded by a drift towards instability. In fact, our results from both pre-seizure and seizure-free intervals suggest that despite epilepsy, human cortex operates in the stable, slightly subcritical regime, just like cortex of other healthy mammalians.
Mechanism and consequences of herpes simplex virus 1-mediated regulation of host mRNA alternative polyadenylation
Authors: Wang Xiuye , Liu Liang , Whisnant Adam W. , Hennig Thomas , Djakovic Lara , Haque Nabila , Bach Cindy , Sandri-Goldin Rozanne M. , Erhard Florian , Friedel Caroline C. , Dölken Lars , Shi Yongsheng
Published: March 2021

Eukaryotic gene expression is extensively regulated by cellular stress and pathogen infections. We have previously shown that herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and several cellular stresses cause widespread disruption of transcription termination (DoTT) of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) in host genes and that the viral immediate early factor ICP27 plays an important role in HSV-1-induced DoTT. Here, we show that HSV-1 infection also leads to widespread changes in alternative polyadenylation (APA) of host mRNAs. In the majority of cases, polyadenylation shifts to upstream poly(A) sites (PAS), including many intronic PAS. Mechanistically, ICP27 contributes to HSV-1-mediated APA regulation. HSV-1- and ICP27-induced activation of intronic PAS is sequence-dependent and does not involve general inhibition of U1 snRNP. HSV1-induced intronic polyadenylation is accompanied by early termination of RNAPII. HSV-1-induced mRNAs polyadenylated at intronic PAS (IPA) are exported into the cytoplasm while APA isoforms with extended 3’ UTRs are sequestered in the nuclei, both preventing the expression of the full-length gene products. Finally we provide evidence that HSV-induced IPA isoforms are translated. Together with other recent studies, our results suggest that viral infection and cellular stresses induce a multi-faceted host response that includes DoTT and changes in APA profiles.
Paternal genetic variants and risk of obstructive heart defects: A parent-of-origin approach
Authors: Patel Jenil , Bircan Emine , Tang Xinyu , Orloff Mohammed , Hobbs Charlotte A. , Browne Marilyn L. , Botto Lorenzo D. , Finnell Richard H. , Jenkins Mary M. , Olshan Andrew , Romitti Paul A. , Shaw Gary M. , Werler Martha M. , Li Jingyun , Nembhard Wendy N. ,   the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: March 2021

Previous research on risk factors for obstructive heart defects (OHDs) focused on maternal and infant genetic variants, prenatal environmental exposures, and their potential interaction effects. Less is known about the role of paternal genetic variants or environmental exposures and risk of OHDs. We examined parent-of-origin effects in transmission of alleles in the folate, homocysteine, or transsulfuration pathway genes on OHD occurrence in offspring. We used data on 569 families of liveborn infants with OHDs born between October 1997 and August 2008 from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study to conduct a family-based case-only study. Maternal, paternal, and infant DNA were genotyped using an Illumina Golden Gate custom single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panel. Relative risks (RR), 95% confidence interval (CI), and likelihood ratio tests from log-linear models were used to estimate the parent-of-origin effect of 877 SNPs in 60 candidate genes in the folate, homocysteine, and transsulfuration pathways on the risk of OHDs. Bonferroni correction was applied for multiple testing. We identified 3 SNPs in the transsulfuration pathway and 1 SNP in the folate pathway that were statistically significant after Bonferroni correction. Among infants who inherited paternally-derived copies of the G allele for rs6812588 in the RFC1 gene, the G allele for rs1762430 in the MGMT gene, and the A allele for rs9296695 and rs4712023 in the GSTA3 gene, RRs for OHD were 0.11 (95% CI: 0.04, 0.29, P = 9.16x10-7), 0.30 (95% CI: 0.17, 0.53, P = 9.80x10-6), 0.34 (95% CI: 0.20, 0.57, P = 2.28x10-5), and 0.34 (95% CI: 0.20, 0.58, P = 3.77x10-5), respectively, compared to infants who inherited maternally-derived copies of the same alleles. We observed statistically significant decreased risk of OHDs among infants who inherited paternal gene variants involved in folate and transsulfuration pathways.
Facilitating factors and barriers in help-seeking behaviour in adolescents and young adults with depressive symptoms: A qualitative study
Authors: Eigenhuis Eline , Waumans Ruth C. , Muntingh Anna D. T. , Westerman Marjan J. , van Meijel Marlinde , Batelaan Neeltje M. , van Balkom Anton J. L. M.
Published: March 2021

Objective

Despite the availability of mental health care, only a minority of depressed adolescents and young adults receive treatment. This study aimed to investigate facilitating factors and barriers in help-seeking behaviour of adolescents and young adults with depressive symptoms, using qualitative research methods.

Methods

In-depth, semi-structured interviews with 32 participants with current or previous depressive symptoms aged 16 to 24 years using thematic content analysis.

Findings

Our sample consisted mainly of adolescents who eventually found their way to professional help. Five main themes in help-seeking by adolescents and young adults were identified: (I) Individual functioning and well-being, (II) Health literacy, (III) Attitudinal aspects, (IV) Surroundings, and (V) Accessibility. Prompts to seek treatment were disease burden and poor academic performance. Health illiteracy negatively influenced treatment-seeking behaviour. Attitudinal aspects either hampered (shame, wanting to handle the problem oneself, negative attitudes towards treatment) or facilitated (positive attitudes towards treatment) help-seeking. Furthermore, adolescents’ surroundings (school, family, and peers) appeared to play a critical role in the recognition of depressive symptoms and encouragement to seek help. Barriers regarding accessibility of mental health care were found, whereas direct and easy access to treatment greatly improved mental health care use.

Conclusion

Facilitating factors can play a critical role in the help-seeking process of depressed adolescents and young adults, and may guide efforts to increase access to mental health care of this vulnerable age group. In particular, recognition and encouragement from school personnel and peers and easy access to care providers positively influenced help-seeking in our sample. Health illiteracy and attitudinal aspects appeared to be important barriers to seeking treatment and public/school campaigns aimed at reducing health illiteracy and stigma might be necessary to improve treatment-seeking and health care utilization in this age group.
Comparing the efficiency of paper-based and electronic data capture during face-to-face interviews
Authors: Tate Alissa , Smallwood Claire
Published: March 2021

On-site surveys involving face-to-face interviews are implemented globally across many scientific disciplines. Incorporating new technologies into such surveys by using electronic devices is becoming more common and is widely viewed to be more cost-effective and accurate. However, Electronic Data Capture methods (EDC) when compared to traditional Paper-based Data Capture (PDC) are often implemented without proper evaluation of any changes in efficiency, especially from surveys in coastal and marine environments. A roving creel survey of recreational shore-based fishers in Western Australia in 2019 enabled a direct comparison between the two methods. Randomisation strategies were employed to ensure biases in using each technique were minimised. A total of 1,068 interviews with recreational fishers were undertaken with a total error rate of 5.1% (CI95%: 4.8–5.3%) for PDC and 3.1% (CI95%: 2.9–3.3%) for EDC. These results confirmed that EDC can reduce errors whilst increasing efficiency and decreasing cost, although some aspects of this platform could be improved with some streamlining. This study demonstrates how EDC can be successfully implemented in coastal and marine environments without compromising the randomised, stratified nature of a survey and highlights the cost-effectiveness of this method. Such findings can be widely applied to any discipline which uses face-to-face interviews for data collection.
Entrepreneurial ecosystems in cities: The role of institutions
Authors: Audretsch David Bruce , Belitski Maksim , Cherkas Nataliia
Published: March 2021

Entrepreneurship activity varies significantly across cities. We use the novel data for 1,652 ecosystem actors across sixteen cities in nine developing and transition economies during 2018–2019 to examine the role that institutional context plays in facilitating the productive entrepreneurship and reducing the unproductive entrepreneurship. This study is the first to develop and test a model of multi-dimensional institutional arrangements in cities. It demonstrates that not just that institutions matter in shaping the entrepreneurship ecosystem in cities, but in particular those institutional arrangements enhancing the productive and reducing unproductive entrepreneurship. Our findings suggest that differences between normative, cognitive, and regulatory pillars are associated with variance in both types of entrepreneurship in cities. For the formation of productive and high-growth entrepreneurs, all three pillars of institutional arrangement matter. For unproductive entrepreneurship normative pillar of institutions and the role of civil society matter most. This study has theoretical and practical implications for entrepreneurship ecosystem policy in cities.
Response analysis of the nodes of pipe networks under seismic load
Authors: Huang Delong , Tang Aiping , Liu Qiang , Mu Dianrui , Ding Yan
Published: March 2021

Transient ground displacement (TGD) that is caused by earthquakes can damage underground pipes. This damage is especially critical for the joints, elbows and tees of the pipes which play an important role in the operation of a pipe network. In this study, a scale pipe network with both elbows and tees, as well as some components of the pipe network with only tees or elbows, has been investigated. The response of the nodes of a pipe network, when installed in non-uniform geology, was analyzed using the shaking table test and ABAQUS finite element simulation. This paper has firstly introduced the preparation of the test and the developed finite element model. Then the system response in terms of strain, the friction, the bending deformation, the node deformation amplification coefficient and the pipe-soil relative displacement along the pipe axis of the pipe network and two pipe network components have been analyzed explaining the correlation between these responses. Finally, the influence of elbows and tees on the pipe network was analyzed, and the conclusions that have been reached about how tees and elbows can change the response of a pipe network during an earthquake can provide theoretical support for the seismic design and layout of an underground pipe network.
Carob pod polyphenols suppress the differentiation of adipocytes through posttranscriptional regulation of C/EBPβ
Authors: Fujita Kasumi , Norikura Toshio , Matsui-Yuasa Isao , Kumazawa Shigenori , Honda Sari , Sonoda Takumi , Kojima-Yuasa Akiko
Published: March 2021

Obesity is a major risk factor for various chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer; hence, there is an urgent need for an effective strategy to prevent this disorder. Currently, the anti-obesity effects of food ingredients are drawing attention. Therefore, we focused on carob, which has high antioxidant capacity and various physiological effects, and examined its anti-obesity effect. Carob is cultivated in the Mediterranean region, and its roasted powder is used as a substitute for cocoa powder. We investigated the effect of carob pod polyphenols (CPPs) on suppressing increases in adipose tissue weight and adipocyte hypertrophy in high fat diet-induced obesity model mice, and the mechanism by which CPPs inhibit the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes into adipocytes in vitro. In an in vivo experimental system, we revealed that CPPs significantly suppressed the increase in adipose tissue weight and adipocyte hypertrophy. Moreover, in an in vitro experimental system, CPPs acted at the early stage of differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and suppressed cell proliferation because of differentiation induction. They also suppressed the expression of transcription factors involved in adipocyte differentiation, thereby reducing triacylglycerol synthesis ability and triglycerol (TG) accumulation. Notably, CPPs regulated CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP)β, which is expressed at the early stage of differentiation, at the posttranscriptional level. These results demonstrate that CPPs suppress the differentiation of adipocytes through the posttranscriptional regulation of C/EBPβ and may serve as an effective anti-obesity compound.
Identification of Fusarium head blight resistance loci in two Brazilian wheat mapping populations
Authors: Goddard Rachel , Steed Andrew , Scheeren Pedro Luiz , Maciel João Leodato Nunes , Caierão Eduardo , Torres Gisele Abigail Montan , Consoli Luciano , Santana Flavio Martins , Fernandes José Mauricio Cunha , Simmonds James , Uauy Cristobal , Cockram James , Nicholson Paul
Published: March 2021

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a disease of wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) that causes major yield losses in South America, as well as many other wheat growing regions around the world. FHB results in low quality, contaminated grain due to the production of mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON). In Brazil, FHB outbreaks are increasing in frequency and are currently controlled by fungicides which are costly and potentially harmful to the wider environment. To identify the genetic basis of resistance to FHB in Brazilian wheat, two mapping populations (Anahuac 75 × BR 18-Terena and BR 18-Terena × BRS 179) segregating for FHB resistance were phenotyped and quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis was undertaken to identify genomic regions associated with FHB-related traits. A total of 14 QTL associated with FHB visual symptoms were identified, each of which explained 3.7–17.3% of the phenotypic variance. Two of these QTL were stable across environments. This suggests FHB resistance in Anahuac 75, BR 18-Terena and BRS 179 is controlled by multiple genetic loci that confer relatively minor differences in resistance. A major, novel QTL associated with DON accumulation was also identified on chromosome 4B (17.8% of the phenotypic variance), as well as a major QTL associated with thousand-grain weight on chromosome 6B (16.8% phenotypic variance). These QTL could be useful breeding targets, when pyramided with major sources of resistance such asFhb1, to improve grain quality and reduce the reliance on fungicides in Brazil and other countries affected by FHB.
Trends, structural changes, and assessment of time series models for forecasting hospital discharge due to death at a Mexican tertiary care hospital
Authors: Rodea-Montero Edel Rafael , Guardado-Mendoza Rodolfo , Rodríguez-Alcántar Brenda Jesús , Rodríguez-Nuñez Jesús Rubén , Núñez-Colín Carlos Alberto , Palacio-Mejía Lina Sofía
Published: March 2021

Background

Data on hospital discharges can be used as a valuable instrument for hospital planning and management. The quantification of deaths can be considered a measure of the effectiveness of hospital intervention, and a high percentage of hospital discharges due to death can be associated with deficiencies in the quality of hospital care.

Objective

To determine the overall percentage of hospital discharges due to death in a Mexican tertiary care hospital from its opening, to describe the characteristics of the time series generated from the monthly percentage of hospital discharges due to death and to make and evaluate predictions.

Methods

This was a retrospective study involving the medical records of 81,083 patients who were discharged from a tertiary care hospital from April 2007 to December 2019 (first 153 months of operation). The records of the first 129 months (April 2007 to December 2017) were used for the analysis and construction of the models (training dataset). In addition, the records of the last 24 months (January 2018 to December 2019) were used to evaluate the predictions made (test dataset). Structural change was identified (Chow test), ARIMA models were adjusted, predictions were estimated with and without considering the structural change, and predictions were evaluated using error indices (MAE, RMSE, MAPE, and MASE).

Results

The total percentage of discharges due to death was 3.41%. A structural change was observed in the time series (March 2009, p>0.001), and ARIMA(0,0,0)(1,1,2)12 with drift models were adjusted with and without consideration of the structural change. The error metrics favored the model that did not consider the structural change (MAE = 0.63, RMSE = 0.81, MAPE = 25.89%, and MASE = 0.65).

Conclusion

Our study suggests that the ARIMA models are an adequate tool for future monitoring of the monthly percentage of hospital discharges due to death, allowing us to detect observations that depart from the described trend and identify future structural changes.
Scholars and Literati at the Royal Spanish Academy (1559–1800)
Authors: De la Croix David , Duchêne Julie
Published: March 2021

This note is a summary description of the set of scholars and literati who were members of the Royal Spanish Academy (Real Academia Española) from its creation in 1713 to the eve of the Industrial Revolution (1800).
A Case for Decentralization in Zimbabwe’s local government system: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Madzimure Takudzwa
Published: March 2021

The issue of decentralization in Zimbabwe’s local government system has been topical since the colonial era. In the post-independence epoch the expectation was that the new majority government would address the centralization of governance which was motivated by racial imbalances. However, decentralization was not achieved as local government was not recognized in the Lancaster House Constitution adopted at independence in 1980. For years this allowed the central government to control all the local government structures in the country. The relationship between local governments and the central government became bitter and tense after the formation of a formidable opposition, MDC, which has been controlling most urban local authorities since its formation. The 2013 Constitution has not improved things either as the central government has not been willing to implement the new law to its latter and spirit. In all this it is the citizens who have been bearing the brunt as there has been poor service delivery owing to the bad relationship between the center and local structures. The study found out that if decentralization is fully implemented in Zimbabwe it has the potential of bringing efficient and effective service delivery, citizen participation, democracy and accountability in the local government system. The paper also makes recommendations on what needs to be done to achieve decentralization in the country’s local government system.
Student Perspectives of Academic Integrity in an Online Environment: A Pilot Study
Authors: Richards Rhonda
Published: March 2021

The March 2020 COVID-19 pandemic caused many universities to move face-to-face and hybrid courses to completely online formats, resulting in increased challenges to academic integrity. Although academic misconduct and academic dishonesty among students is nothing new, the literature is inconclusive as to whether there is more cheating in online classes than in face-to-face classes. However, online education has made it much more difficult for instructors to detect instances of cheating. The purpose of this study is to identify student perceptions and attitudes regarding violations of academic integrity, particularly in online courses. An Internet survey link was sent to all students enrolled at a southwestern university.
Optimization of the consumption function under the North American Free Trade Agreement
Authors: Ledesma Dora , Hernández-Hernández Lidia , Muciño-Porras María Teresa Leonor
Published: March 2021

In the last 40 years, the country has turned to developing the primary and tertiary sectors with a tax policy heavily taxing goods outside the basic basket and generalizing others. On the other hand, Government implemented support programs for vulnerable sectors. The imbalance between what the government receives and grants created greater poverty, affecting mainly households in the first three income deciles. This work shows this imbalance in different scenarios using an optimization model.
Words of Wisdom: Ukrainian Proverbs
Authors: Hong Sogu
Published: March 2021

This study aims to analyze Ukrainian proverbs, which are the word of wisdom and living philosophies of Ukrainians. It covers not only functions and styles of Ukrainian proverbs, but also techniques used in them. Since Ukrainian proverbs have a great variety of subjects, this study focuses on 10 main ones, that are recognized as important in Ukrainian life and frequently appear as a topic of proverb: customs and superstitions, history, weather, health, God and priest, truth and justice, the rich and the poor, family relationships, immigrant life, and Ukrainian life in Soviet period. This study introduces the proverbs most frequently recited among Ukrainians with translation and explains their characteristics.
Students’ Speaking Proficiency and Self-efficacy Theory
Authors: Mohammed Abdelaziz
Published: March 2021

This study is aiming at investigating the possible source of Saudi EFL students' speaking self-efficacy that effect on their speaking proficiency. The investigation used Banduras' theory of self-efficacy as this theory has great effective factors and role in student’s ability in mastering any task. The study sample included 10 male and female students. Their proficiency was observed and analyzed collectively to find the real behaviors in real EFL classroom settings; and using Bandura's theory of self-efficacy in speaking component as appropriate criteria to study its expected source. The most important conclusion is that not only all the sources in Bandura's theory were found among Saudi EFL students, but also, they differ greatly according to each one’s proficiency experience and social persuasion. Additionally, it was found due to other factors as self-employed strategies and intellectual ability. Thus, the study recommended that it is important to warm-up students with advance activities to ease the positivity and overcome their negativity towards speaking skill. Finally, the study recommends conducting further research targeting a largest number of students for the purpose of studying speaking skill preferences in relation to other English language skills.
Blame is in the eye of the beholder: Assessing the Role of Ambivalent Sexism on Subtle Rape Myth Acceptance
Authors: Manoussaki Kallia , Gosetti Valentina
Published: March 2021

The aim of the present study was to determine whether ambivalent sexism predicts subtle rape myth acceptance. Respondents comprised of 211 university students, who completed the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (Glick & Fiske, 1996) and the updated version of the Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance scale (McMahon & Farmer, 2011). Results indicated that while benevolent sexism significantly predicted acceptance of subtle rape myths, hostile sexism did not. Additionally, male participants reported more ambivalent sexism and subtle rape myth acceptance than females. These findings add to the literature investigating gender inequality and rape mythology by giving a first account on the link between subtle rape myths and ambivalent sexist attitudes.
Fostering Collective Efficacy?: What School Leaders Should Know
Authors: Hoogsteen T.J.
Published: March 2021

Statements claiming that efforts of policy makers, system and school leaders, and staff developments toward education reforms might be better served  by strategically and intentionally considering how to foster collective efficacy throughout the conceptualization, design, delivery, and assessment of change initiatives (Donohoo, 2018, p. 340) have led schools and districts to attempt to do just that.  However, such conclusions may not be justified.  The present review examines available research using a framework inspired by Willingham (2012) which is meant to guide leaders in evaluating the trustworthiness and value of research.  Willingham (2012) notes that leaders should be able to recognize the change when it happens, know how large the change should be, and estimate the length of time the change will take. This framework is applied to CTE literature to gauge whether the research base surrounding collective teacher efficacy is useful to school and district leaders when making decisions regarding school improvement and organizational change initiatives.  The article concludes with suggestions for future research.
Influence of Solid TAIC on Crosslinking LLDPE by Electron Beam Radiation
Authors: Gu L.-Y. , Lei Y. , Chen M.-G. , Li J.-X. , Zheng Z.
Published: March 2021

In this work, solid triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC) has been fabricated and used as the crosslinking sensitizer for linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) crosslinking application. First, 0 phr, 1.5 phr, 3.0 phr, 4.5 phr and 6.0 phr solid TAIC have been added into the LLDPE to study the radiation crosslinking results. The resulting samples are measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), etc. The results reveal that the crystallinity, melt point, elongation and volume resistivity decrease when the content of solid TAIC increases in LLDPE from 0 phr to 6.0 phr. However, adding a proper amount of solid TAIC (3.0 phr) can improve the crosslinking degree and tensile strength of LLDPE. Finally, the space charge distribution of the samples has been measured, and the possible mechanism of solid TAIC that affects the LLDPE electrical properties is proposed.
Numerical Simulation of Tensile Residual Stresses in SWCNT-Reinforced Polymer Composites
Authors: Soleimany M. R. , Jamal-Omidi M. , Nabavi S. M. , Tavakolian M.
Published: March 2021

The residual stresses play a significant role in the mechanical properties and strengthening capability of nanocomposites. The present research aims to numerically investigate the residual stress relaxation in nanotube-reinforced polymers in response to mechanical tensile loading. The systems under study consist of the armchair and zigzag single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) embedded in a polymer matrix. The nanotubes and polymer matrix are assumed to be bonded by van der Waals interactions based on the Lennard-Jones (L-J) potential at the interface. The interactions between carbon atoms in the nanotube and nodes in the polymer matrix are modelled by equivalent springs. In order to evaluate the analysis of elastic-perfectly plastic using finite element (FE) modelling, first, relaxation of the plastic residual stresses on steel hemisphere in contact with a rigid flat surface was examined in a loading-unloading cycle and verified with available data. Afterwards, the residual stress relaxation in nanotubes with different space-frame structures was computed due to displacement-controlled loading. Finally, the stress state and the plastic residual stresses in the nanocomposite for different carbon nanotube content were analyzed and discussed during loading and unloading. Regarding the effect of tensile stress, it was revealed that nanotube structures have significant effects on the residual stresses created in the nanocomposite.
Spór intelektualistów bolszewickich z Karlem Kautskim o znaczenie i konsekwencje rewolucji październikowej. Casus pracy Lwa Trockiego „Terroryzm i komunizm” (1920)
Authors: Grudka Piotr , Kendziorek Piotr
Published: March 2021

W artykule autorzy przedstawiają debatę w międzynarodowym ruchu robotniczym dotyczącą wykładni znaczenia rewolucji rosyjskiej w pierwszych latach po przejęciu władzy przez bolszewików. Głównym punktem odniesienia jest tu argumentacja, którą w obronie polityki bolszewickiej przedstawił Lew Trocki w pracy Terroryzm i komunizm (1920). Była ona najbardziej rozbudowaną próbą odparcia przez intelektualistów bolszewickich argumentów Karla Kautskiego. Ten ostatni starał się wykazać, że teoria i praktyka bolszewików oznaczała zerwanie z kluczowymi zasadami i koncepcjami marksizmu.
Między nonkonformizmem a konformizmem, czyli o postawach sprzeciwu wobec systemu autorytarnego na przykładach życiorysów przywódców rolniczej „Solidarności” województwa białostockiego z lat osiemdziesiątych XX wieku
Authors: Danilecki Tomasz
Published: March 2021

Na podstawie życiorysów trzech działaczy opozycyjnych pochodzących ze środowisk wiejskich Białostocczyzny artykuł opisuje różne strategie zachowania jednostek nonkonformistycznych funkcjonujących w warunkach systemu autorytarnego. Podstawą opisu są pojęcia konformizmu/nonkonformizmu zdefiniowane na gruncie socjologii, psychologii społecznej i filozofii.
Mord przy Łukowskiej 9. Przyczynek do dziejów agentury niemieckiej w Białymstoku w czasie II wojny światowej
Authors: Kornacki Paweł
Published: March 2021

Artykuł prezentuje wydarzenia, które rozegrały się nocą z 31 maja na 1 czerwca 1944 r. w Białymstoku na ul. Łukowskiej 9. Grupa agentów gestapo zabiła należącego do konspiracji Edmunda Giedrojcia. Doszło przy okazji do strzelaniny, w wyniku której zginął jeden z agentów, a drugi został ranny. W tekście został przytoczony meldunek, który agenci złożyli swoim mocodawcom.
Z dziejów wojny polsko-sowieckiej. Uwagi na temat książki: Karol Taube, Figle diablika błot pińskich: ze wspomnień marynarza, ed. i red. Artur Gajewski, Wydawnictwo Napoleon V, Oświęcim 2018
Authors: Michliński Rafał
Published: March 2021

Wojna polsko-sowiecka miała bezpośredni i ostateczny wpływ na kształt granic II RP. Wyjątkowo specyficznym teatrem działań wojennych był Front Poleski. Ze względu na słabo rozwiniętą infrastrukturę drogową i kolejową, a także skomplikowaną sieć rzek, bagien i mokradeł działania prowadzone były na rzekach – głównie na Pinie, Prypeci, Dnieprze oraz ich dorzeczach. Bezpośrednim uczestnikiem działań na tzw. Morzu Pińskim był por. mar. Karol Taube, który swe wspomnienia z wojny 1919 i 1920 r. zawarł w książce pt. Figle diablika błot pińskich: ze wspomnień marynarza.
M2M Architecture for environmental monitoring in real time
Authors: Cubillas Hernández Elaine , Anías Calderón Caridad , Delgado Fernández Tatiana
Published: March 2021

In the Institute of Tropical Geography (IGT), and in the rest of the centers that develop the Environmental Information System of the country, environmental measurements are not obtained in real-time. This is because the technology used to communicate this information, from the sensors that capture it to the center where it is processed, is obsolete. The objective of this work is to provide a solution to the problems raised above using Machine to Machine communication (M2M), as part of the Internet of Things (IoT) technology. To achieve the above, the M2M architecture defined by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute was revised and, based on it, the one that should be used to obtain environmental data in real-time was specified. Then, a geographical area with special characteristics was selected, located in a difficult-to-access pre-mountain zone on the outskirts of the Consolación del Sur municipality, in the Pinar del Río province of Cuba, where environmental factors of interest for the country are currently monitored using archaic methods. In the M2M area of this scenario, several alternatives were analyzed to obtain the data, which allowed selecting the most appropriate one, which is the one explained in this work
Educational opportunities and prospects. From the notes of Wilhelmina Zyndram-Kościałkowska
Authors: Osiński Dawid Maria
Published: March 2021

The aim of the article is an attempt to define the nature and specificity of opportunities and perspectives of education in the autobiographical reflection of Wilhelmina Zyndram-Kościałkowska (1844–1926), who was a friend of Eliza Orzeszkowa. The author uses the manuscripts of the writer collected in the Lithuanian State Historical Archives in Vilnius. The essence of the research is the question – how Kościałkowska defines the opportunities and perspectives of education. The reflection on them becomes the fundamental way of defining and diagnosing the intellectual identity of the community, of which Kościałkowska feels an integral part. The article is divided into several most important issues focused on education within the walls of Vilnius University, the founding fathers of Vilnius Alma Mater, reflection on the educational activities of Eliza Orzeszkowa, the impact of russification on education in the territories annexed by Russia, the role of memoranda on education, the concept of superpowerhood as well as the importance of language as a tool and code integrating the national and intellectual community.
Lituanian directors read „Forefathers’ Eve”
Authors: Makaruk Maria
Published: March 2021

The article concerns two theatrical stagings of “Forefathers’ Eve” made by Lithuanian directors: Jonas Vaitkus (Academic Dramatic Theater in Vilnius, 1990) and Eimuntas Nekrošius (National Theater in Warsaw, 2016). The author recalls the history of the reception of both productions, juxtaposes them and analyzes the Lithuanian threads presented in them.
Attitudes to the Polish language of Polish youth minority living in Eišiškės
Authors: Geben Kinga , Borisewska Aneta
Published: March 2021

The aim of the article is to analyze language attitudes expressed by young people belonging to the Polish ethnic minority living in Eišiškės. The material for this research was collected in 2020 by student Aneta Borisevska on the basis of a survey developed in the project “Sociolinguistic map of Lithuania: city and town (2013)”. The results of the survey show that the Polish language is assessed ambiguously by the respondents: the common Polish language is considered prestigious and necessary for contacts in Poland, but the Polish dialect is considered mixed and unsuitable for use in Vilnius or Poland. Young respondents state that they will need the Lithuanian language the most to study and work in Lithuania. In Eišiškės, there is a tendency to use the Lithuanian language more widely, the Polish dialect it is mostly spoken at home and with acquaintances.
“Liankialis” and “Litwiak”. An outline of anthroponymy based on tombstone inscription in Southern Vilnius Region and Lublin Province
Authors: Kulik Irena
Published: March 2021

This article shows an outline of anthroponymy which I excerpted from the tombstone inscription from two parish cemeteries approximately 700 km apart from one another. The first one is located next to Porudomin (lit. Parudaminys), situated 20 km south of Vilnius in Lithuan ia (currently Vilnius Region). The second one – in the Southern part of Lublin Province in Biłgoraj County next to Józefow. The ethnonyms and extracted suffix served as a starting base which showed the popularity of the names ending with -icz, -owicz, -ewicz, usually with the roots derived from the given names inVilnius Region, however in Lublin Province one can distinguish the following primal forms: appellatives, occupational and secondary patronymics, with the suffix -k. Names ending with -icz, -owicz, -ewicz – these forms were earlier recognized as prestigious forms, belonging to higher social spheres, which have spread among peasants in the south of Vilnius Region, taking patronymic character which are reflected in the names with the suffix -k in the South of Lublin Province. Also there is an evidence of formation of the ethnonyms: Liankialis in Vilnius Region and Litwiak in Lublin Province.
Cardiovascular Outcomes in Trials of New Antidiabetic Drug Classes
Authors: Lo Chris Wai Hang , Fei Yue , Cheung Bernard Man Yung
Published: March 2021

Type 2 diabetes is among the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide and the prevention of associated cardiovascular complications is an important treatment goal. Sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are second-line options after metformin, while cardiovascular outcome trials have been conducted to establish the cardiovascular safety of these antidiabetic drug classes. SGLT2 inhibitors have been shown to have the best overall mortality, renal and cardiovascular outcomes. Reduction in hospitalisation for heart failure is particularly consistent. GLP-1 receptor agonists have also showed some benefits, especially in stroke prevention. DPP-4 inhibitors showed neutral effects on cardiovascular outcomes, but may increase the incidence of heart failure. Favourable outcomes observed in trials of SGLT2 inhibitors mean that these should be the preferred second-line option. DPP-4 inhibitors are useful for patients with diabetes at low cardiovascular risk.
Transradial Access: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Hobby Shawn , Stroebel Maxwell , Yamada Ricardo , Johnson Thor , Uflacker Andre , Hannegan Christopher , Guimaraes Marcelo
Published: March 2021

Transradial access (TRA) via the left radial artery is an alternative to traditional transfemoral access for catheter-based procedures that is becoming increasingly more relevant in all types of arterial vascular interventions. First investigated in the realm of cardiology, TRA has been proven to provide many benefits (such as lower complication rates, lower cost, and improved patient comfort during and after the procedure) when compared with traditional femoral access while maintaining efficacy. This article provides an in-depth summary of the technical aspects of radial access while incorporating more recent data to explain patient preference for TRA, and the ways that TRA can improve peri-procedure workflow and compensation. It also describes potential complications, such as radial artery spasm, difficult anatomic variants and radial artery occlusion, and then gives techniques for mitigating and treating these complications. The article explains why TRA has become an important option for vascular and interventional radiology physicians, and why it is likely that this will continue to grow in relevance.