bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fugitive Archives: Translation, Sea, and History in Indian Ocean Fiction
Authors: Rajbhandari Kritish
Published: June 2022

This article explores the representation of multilingual Indian Ocean pasts in novels by Amitav Ghosh and Abdulrazak Gurnah, two key contemporary postcolonial writers from the opposite shores of the ocean. It theorizes the historical impulse in the novels as anarchival drift, which refers to the self-conscious mode of rewriting the past that subjects the archive to the instability and fluidity of the sea. Ghosh’s Sea of Poppies (2006) and Gurnah’s Paradise (1994) both tell stories of forced displacements in the nineteenth-century Indian Ocean; both rewrite colonial archives in order to depict cross-cultural interactions, employing various self-reflexive textual strategies that draw attention to the linguistic and archival mediations operating in those encounters. This article examines these textual moments alongside the novels’ archival sources—specifically, nineteenth-century colonial dictionaries and Swahili travelogues—to argue that the self-reflexivity results from the multiplicity of linguistic registers on which these texts operate, making visible the translative processes imbricated in transoceanic historical forces. While both novels appeal to the linguistic aspects of cross-cultural interactions, the article traces the divergent ways in which the semantic drift among languages stage the materiality and historicity of trans-oceanic encounters.
Seeing Nuclear Issues in Daguerrotypes: An Interview with Takashi Arai
Authors: Davre Amandine
Published: June 2022

Takashi Arai (b. 1978) is a Japanese photographer based in Kawasaki. He works with the daguerreotype technique as a “monumental container,” as he calls it, to explore nuclear issues and the deep connections among Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Fukushima. He is a member of the Atomic Photographers Guild, an international collective of artists dedicated to making visible all facets of the nuclear age. His daguerreotypes have been on exhibit in a variety of museums and galleries across the United States, Europe, and Japan. He took part in the well-known exhibition In the Wake: Japanese Photographers Respond to 3/11, which traveled to the United States and has been seen at Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts; the Japan Society, in New York City; and, more recently, the Asia Society in Houston. In 2016, he received the 41st Kimura Ihei Award for his first monograph, “Monuments” (PGI, 2015). Arai is also the winner of the Source-Cord Prize (UK, 2014), and the Newcomer’s Award (2016), from the Photographic Society of Japan.
Factors affecting the biosynthesis and emission of a Drosophila pheromone
Authors: Cortot Jérôme , Farine Jean-Pierre , Cobb Matthew , Everaerts Claude , Ferveur Jean-François
Published: June 2022

The most studied pheromone in Drosophila melanogaster, cis-vaccenyl acetate (cVA), is synthesized in the male ejaculatory bulb and transferred to the female during copulation. Combined with other chemicals, cVA can modulate fly aggregation, courtship, mating and fighting. We explored the mechanisms underlying both cVA biosynthesis and emission in males of two wild types and a pheromonal mutant line. The effects of ageing, adult social interaction, and maternally transmitted cVA and microbes – both associated with the egg chorion – on cVA biosynthesis and emission were measured. While ageing and genotype changed both biosynthesis and emission in similar ways, early developmental exposure to maternally transmitted cVA and microbes strongly decreased cVA emission but not the biosynthesis of this molecule. This indicates that the release – but not the biosynthesis – of this sex pheromone strongly depends on early developmental context. The mechanism by which the preimaginal effects occur is unknown, but reinforces the significance of development in determining adult physiology and behaviour.
Identification of novel, functional, long noncoding RNAs involved in programmed, large-scale genome rearrangements
Authors: Bechara Sebastian T. , Kabbani Lyna E.S. , Maurer-Alcalá Xyrus X. , Nowacki Mariusz
Published: June 2022

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) make up to ∼98% percent of the transcriptome of a given organism. In recent years, one relatively new class of ncRNAs, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), were shown to be more than mere by-products of gene expression and regulation. The unicellular eukaryote Paramecium tetraurelia is a member of the ciliate phylum, an extremely heterogeneous group of organisms found in most bodies of water across the globe. A hallmark of ciliate genetics is nuclear dimorphism and programmed elimination of transposons and transposon-derived DNA elements, the latter of which is essential for the maintenance of the somatic genome. Paramecium and ciliates in general harbor a plethora of different ncRNA species, some of which drive the process of large-scale genome rearrangements, including DNA elimination, during sexual development. Here, we identify and validate the first known functional lncRNAs in ciliates to date. Using deep-sequencing and subsequent bioinformatic processing and experimental validation, we show that Paramecium expresses at least 15 lncRNAs. These candidates were predicted by a highly conservative pipeline, and informatic analyses hint at differential expression during development. Depletion of two lncRNAs, lnc1 and lnc15, resulted in clear phenotypes, decreased survival, morphological impairment, and a global effect on DNA elimination.
Παραγωγή προσωπικών ψηφιακών αφηγήσεων μέσα από τη δημιουργική ανάγνωση του παρελθόντος
Authors: Παπασωτηρίου Μαρίνα
Published: June 2022

Πρόκειται για μία έρευνα – δράση που πραγματοποιήθηκε σε τμήμα της Γ΄Γυμνασίου σε σχολείο της Κέρκυρας. Με όχημα την πρακτική της αφήγησης και τα ιδιαίτερα χαρακτηριστικά που αυτή προσλαμβάνει ανάλογα με το αν ασκείται στον προφορικό, γραπτό ή ψηφιακό λόγο, η έρευνα εστίασε στη δημιουργική ανάγνωση του παρελθόντος στο σχολείο και στο μουσείο από τους εφήβους, αντλώντας έμπνευση από την Ιστορία και την Τέχνη. Στην παρούσα έρευνα αξιοποιούνται θεωρίες όπως η Θεωρία της Πολλαπλής Νοημοσύνης του H. Gardner, η Ερμηνευτική, οι θεωρίες της Πρόσληψης και της Αισθητικής Ανταπόκρισης (Jauss, Iser) και τη θεωρία του J. Bruner για την αφήγηση ως γνώση καθώς η σύνθετη φύση και διαθεματική προσέγγιση του υπό εξέταση θέματος αγγίζει πεδία όπως της Ιστορίας, της Λογοτεχνίας, της Μουσειολογίας, της Μουσειοπαιδαγωγικής, των Νέων Τεχνολογιών στο μουσείο και στο σχολείο. Το ερευνητικό ενδιαφέρον εντοπίζεται στην αξιοποίηση στοιχείων αυτών των θεωριών στην πράξη με σκοπό την ενθάρρυνση των μουσείων και των σχολείων να υιοθετήσουν πρακτικές, συγκεκριμένα αυτή της ψηφιακής αφήγησης, με σκοπό τόσο το μάθημα της Ιστορίας όσο και η επίσκεψη σε ένα μουσείο να αποκτήσουν για αυτούς νέο νόημα, ένα νόημα που οι ίδιοι θα έχουν μάθει πώς να το δομούν και να το εμπλουτίζουν χρησιμοποιώντας τις δικές τους εμπειρίες, απόψεις και αισθητική.
Ο ρόλος της οδού σηματοδότησης Hippo στην παθογένεια και πρόγνωση του πλακώδους καρκινώματος του λάρυγγα στον άνθρωπο
Authors: Τσινιάς Γεώργιος
Published: June 2022

Σκοπός: Το σηματοδοτικό μονοπάτι Hippo παίζει κρίσιμο ρόλο στον έλεγχο του μεγέθους των οργάνων και στην ομοιοστασία των ιστών και η διαταραχή του σχετίζεται με την ανάπτυξη καρκίνου. Αποτελείται από ένα καταρράκτη κινασών, όπου τα MST1/2 φωσφορυλιώνουν και ενεργοποιούν τα LATS1/2, τα οποία στη συνέχεια φωσφορυλιώνουν και απενεργοποιούν τα ΥΑΡ/ΤΑΖ. Τα ΥΑΡ/ΤΑΖ είναι οι βασικοί τελεστές του μονοπατιού στον πυρήνα και αλληλεπιδρούν, ανάμεσα σε άλλους, με τους μεταγραφικούς παράγοντες TEAD και p73 για να ρυθμίσουν τη γονιδιακή έκφραση. Η μερλίνη είναι ένας ρυθμιστής του μονοπατιού που αλληλεπιδρά με το LATS1 και ευνοεί τη φωσφορυλίωση του. Μεταβολή των επιπέδων έκφρασης των παραπάνω πρωτεϊνών μπορεί να οδηγήσει στην ανάπτυξη, πρόοδο και μετάσταση του καρκίνου, όπως έχει ήδη περιγράφει σε διάφορα νεοπλάσματα. Η παρούσα μελέτη εξετάζει την έκφραση τους και την προγνωστική τους σημασία στον καρκίνο του λάρυγγα.Υλικό και μέθοδος: Η πρωτεϊνική έκφραση των ΥΑΡ, ΤΑΖ, TEAD4 και p73 μελετήθηκε με ανοσοϊστοχημεία σε 121 ιστικά δείγματα ασθενών με πλακώδες καρκίνωμα του λάρυγγα. Η πρωτεϊνική έκφραση των MST1, LATS1 και μερλίνης μελετήθηκε με ανοσοϊστοχημεία σε 72 ιστικά δείγματα. Επιπλέον αξιολογήθηκε με στατιστική ανάλυση η συσχέτιση της έκφρασης τους με κλινικές και παθολογοανατομικές παραμέτρους καθώς και με την επιβίωση.Αποτελέσματα: Όλες οι πρωτεΐνες εμφάνισαν αυξημένη έκφραση στο πλακώδες καρκίνωμα του λάρυγγα σε σύγκριση με το παρακείμενο μη νεοπλαστικό επιθήλιο, όπου η έκφραση τους ήταν ασθενής ή απούσα. Η υψηλή έκφραση των YAP, TAZ, TEAD4, p73 και ΜST1 συσχετίστηκε με αρνητικούς προγνωστικούς παράγοντες της νόσου (προχωρημένο στάδιο, πτωχή διαφοροποίηση, υπεργλωττιδική εντόπιση της νόσου, παρουσία τραχηλικών λεμφαδενικών μεταστάσεων και υποτροπή). Επιπρόσθετα η υψηλή έκφραση των YAP, TAZ, TEAD4, p73 και ΜST1 συσχετίστηκε με μειωμένη συνολική επιβίωση και μειωμένο διάστημα ελεύθερο νόσου. Η έκφραση της μερλίνης συσχετίστηκε με θετικούς προγνωστικούς παράγοντες, όπως πρώιμο στάδιο και καλή διαφοροποίηση. Εν τέλει η έκφραση του p73 αποδείχθηκε ανεξάρτητος προγνωστικός παράγοντας της επιβίωσης, ενώ η έκφραση του ΥΑΡ αποδείχθηκε ανεξάρτητος προγνωστικός παράγοντας για την υποτροπή της νόσου.Συμπεράσματα: Η απορρύθμιση της έκφρασης των πρωτεϊνών του Hippo μονοπατιού εμπλέκεται στην καρκινογένεση του λάρυγγα και τα ΥΑΡ και p73 έχουν ρόλο ανεξάρτητου προγνωστικού παράγοντα στην έκβαση της νόσου.
Θεωρητική μελέτη δομής
Authors: Πασχαλίδου Μαγδαληνή
Published: June 2022

Σε αυτή την εργασία πραγματοποιήθηκαν με χρήση της θεωρίας συναρτησιακής πυκνότητας ηλεκτρονιακοί, δομικοί υπολογισμοί. Έτσι υπολογίστηκαν δομικές, ενεργειακές, φασματοσκοπικές και ηλεκτρονιακές ιδιότητες των οργανομεταλλικών συμπλόκων του Ru(II) με γενικό τύπο [(η6-arene)Ru(XY)Cl]Z (όπου XY είναι N,N-(diamine), N,O- ή O,O συναρμοζόμενα ligands, Z = PF6 anion). Αυτά τα σύμπλοκα, υιοθετώντας μία γεωμετρία τύπου piano stool, είναι πιθανοί αντικαρκινικοί παράγοντες και η αντικαρκινική τους δράση σε διάφορους τύπους καρκίνου έχει ήδη ερευνηθεί. Σύμφωνα με αυτές τις έρευνες, πήραμε τις σχέσεις (QSAR) μεταξύ της αντικαρκινικής δράσης αυτής της τάξης των συμπλόκων του Ru(II), όπως εμφανίζονται από τις πειραματικές τιμές του IC50, και διαφόρων δεικτών από τους DFT υπολογισμούς των ηλεκτρονιακών δομών τους. Από τις παραπάνω συσχετίσεις αυτό που βρήκαμε ήταν ότι οι φασματοσκοπικοί δείκτες του NMR όπως η ισοτροπική προστασία σiso(99Ru) και η χημική μετατόπιση δc alcd.(99Ru) του μετάλλου κέντρου του ρουθηνίου έδιναν εξαιρετική γραμμική συσχέτιση με το IC50 (R2 > 0.9), σε σύγκριση με άλλους δείκτες που λήφθηκαν υπόψη. Αυτή η μοναδική QSAR παράμετρος δείχνει πως το IC50 αναμένεται να είναι χαμηλό και αντίστοιχη αντικαρκινική δράση υψηλή, όταν το κεντρικό μέταλλο του ρουθηνίου είναι περισσότερο προστατευμένο στο φάσμα του NMR.
Body perception in virtual worlds: The case of Second Life
Authors: Gkatsonidou Nikoletta , Kortikis Christos , Vasileiadou Ioanna , Zamaria Aggeliki , Lioupras Evangelos
Published: June 2022

Researchers have studied the body at first as a biological subject and then as a social one. At the same time, with the evolution of technology, a new way of viewing the body is proposed, namely the virtualization of the body resulting in the emergence of the “virtual body” (avatars, cyborgs). Thanks to the “virtualized” body, the body that man now has, can be the subject of prediction, control and therefore experimentation with infinite possibilities - as everyone wishes, in virtual environments and worlds. The current study examines body-perception in the context of Second Life (SL); a virtual social world. Data is presented from the first content analysis of YouTube comments by SL users. Data are also presented from the second content analysis of ten (10) interviews of people having experienced worlds similar to Second Life. The results show that Second Life users seem more willing to experiment with the avatar and consider Second Life an environment that inspires creativity and facilitates the expression of desires regarding to the appearance of the avatar. Participants introduced to the virtual world of Second Life for the first time, claimed that SL and its avatars are attractive, with many features and in some cases very "close to reality". However, they stressed the inability of the virtual body to take on a completely “real” state and function. Finally, some limitations are mentioned as well as ideas for future research.
Case Report: Hyperemesis gravidarum, high transaminases level and prolonged prothrombin time: is it an acute liver injury?
Authors: Ennaifer Rym , El Mouldi Yosr , Bouchabou Bochra , Nakhli Abdelwahab , Hemdani Nesrine , Triki Amel
Published: June 2022

Background: Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a severe form of nausea and vomiting in the first trimester of pregnancy. It is considered a benign condition, but severe complications, fortunately rare, have been reported. Frequently, this condition is associated with a perturbed liver function tests, which remains without severe consequences. The clinical presentation may be suggestive of an acute liver injury (ALI), especially as the end of the first trimester approaches, pregnancy specific and non-specific liver diseases should be considered.

Case: A 28-year-old primigravida, 14-week pregnant woman affected by hyperemesis gravidarum, developed high transaminases level and spontaneously low prothrombin time (PT) ratio. An ALI was suspected as transaminases were very high and our patient was at the end of the first trimester. An exhaustive etiological work-up was negative. In the second line, the factor V assay was conducted, which showed a normal activity, and the vitamin K level was low. We therefore concluded that it was hyperhemesis gravidarum complicated by fluid and electrolyte disorders and vitamin K deficiency. She had parenteral rehydration and a proton pump inhibitor. She received intravenous vitamin K 10 mg daily for three days. The outcome was excellent without any maternal or fetal impact.

Conclusion: Hyperhemesis gravidarum is a common condition in the first trimester of pregnancy that usually has a favourable outcome. However, it is important to be attentive to possible complications, including vitamin K deficiency with its maternal and fetal consequences.  On the other hand, in case of major disturbance of the liver function tests, we should not overlook acute liver injury and should not hesitate to initiate an adequate etilogical investigation.
NOMAD: metagenomic characterisation of the viral pathogen composition in outbreaks of non-malaria acute febrile illness cases
Authors: Kulohoma Benard W. , Ng'eno Ibrahim
Published: June 2022

The clinical importance of non-malaria febrile acute illness (NM-AFI) in patients with a negative parasitological test has become apparent, with the progressive reduction in malaria transmission in endemic regions. Bacterial pathogens, for example Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, which contribute disproportionally to febrile illness, are now preventable by vaccines. However, there are no vaccines, and little is known about viral NM-AFI prevalence, proliferation, virulence, and transmission chains between hosts. Although the predominant viral causes of NM-AFI are established, it is unclear if there are other NM-AFI associated emerging infectious viral pathogens that previously remained undetectable by conventional diagnostic strategies, for example severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-​2). Presumptive broad-spectrum antibiotic prescriptions to aparasitaemic patients not only drive drug resistance, but also lead to poor treatment outcomes. We hypothesized that insights on NM-AFI etiology, and consequently case management, could be improved by exploiting viral sequence diversity to identify viral pathogens present within metagenomics samples. We exploited simulated and existing infectious disease (Ebola, hepatitis C, chikungunya, and mosquito-borne arboviruses) metagenomic datasets to determine the composition of viral pathogens present, by implementing profile Hidden Markov Models derived from Swiss-Prot viral reference sequences for accurate pathogen detection and classification. Our analysis identified a combination of sequences from multiple viral etiological agents within the same disease sample. This approach provides a granular perspective of multiple viral etiological agents present within a single intra-host disease episode. It highlights prevalent viral strains that can subsequently be routinely detected using directed diagnostic tests to improve disease surveillance in endemic regions.
Journeys of Violence: Trajectories of (Im-)Mobility and Migrants’ Encounters with Violence in European Border Spaces
Authors: Lorenz Rahel , Etzold Benjamin
Published: June 2022

On their journeys to and through Europe, refugees and other migrants are commonly subjected to violence in its multifaceted forms. We argue that these “journeys of violence” are a direct effect of a fundamentally uneven and asymmetric global mobility regime that creates frictions and fragmentations in the European border space and beyond. Our argument is based on: (1) a state-of-the-art literature review on refugees’ mobilities towards Europe and new patterns of involuntary immobilisation through border regimes, (2) a secondary analysis of recent quantitative data from the Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP), which includes a large data set on refugee’s journeys to Germany, and (3) original qualitative interviews that were conducted with migrants in Germany and Bosnia-Herzegovina. We will first show that mobility in the context of violence is highly selective and that trajectories of mobility significantly depend on mobility capital. Second, we consider the fortification of European borders and the externalisation of control regimes as facets of structural violence and demonstrate their effects on refugees’ mobility, namely the fragmentation of journeys and the systemic production of situations of protracted immobility at multiple border sites. Third, we provide insights into refugees’ exposure to and experiences of direct violence on their journeys, which must be understood as immediate consequences of the structurally violent conditions that govern their mobility and the cultural violence of delegitimising and illegalising refugees’ movements.

* This article belongs to a special issue on "Refugee Migration to Europe – Challenges and Potentials for Cities and Regions".
HIV at 40: reflections on and development of interdisciplinary working in HIV care
Authors: Campbell Tomas , Rutter Sarah , Croston Michelle
Published: June 2022

This article reflects on 40 years of HIV and the growing need to work collaboratively to improve outcomes for people living with HIV. It reflects on the history of interdisciplinary working in HIV care in the UK and discusses the development of links between the professions of nursing and clinical psychology. Both professions had contributed to the development of the Standards for Psychological Support for Adults Living with HIV. One of the authors, who was chair of the National HIV Nurses Association, initiated an audit of the use of the standards within UK HIV clinics and invited local British Psychological Society members to participate in the development of the audit process. The audit results identified gaps in the provision of care that led to further close working relationships. In an era of highly effective antiretrovirals that address the medical aspects of HIV care, the focus of care has shifted to the management of psychosocial factors that contribute to poor outcomes in of HIV. Interdisciplinary work and cooperation is the most effective way to address those complex issues.
Chronic venous insufficiency: a comprehensive review of management
Authors: Azar Julian , Rao Amit , Oropallo Alisha
Published: June 2022

Chronic venous insufficiency is an extensive progressive disease in need of public health attention. This insidious disease is a growing burden on patient quality of life and the health economy. Chronic venous insufficiency has become more pronounced in global populations, especially in regions exhibiting a higher rate of risk factors. It is critical for healthcare providers to recognise and intervene early to prevent ongoing and debilitating complications. This article provides a comprehensive review of chronic venous insufficiency outlining the anatomy, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, assessment and management options.
Use of topical haemoglobin spray in hard-to-heal wound management: a systematic review
Authors: Tayyib Nahla
Published: June 2022

Objective:

To synthesise the best available evidence regarding the effectiveness of using topical haemoglobin spray to promote healing in hard-to-heal wounds in adults.

Method:

The search strategy of this systematic review was designed to retrieve studies published across CINAHL, Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Embase, ERIC, Scopus and Mednar, before January 2020, and published in English. All study participants were aged ≥18 years. This review included randomised controlled trials, case–control studies and observational studies. The studies selected for retrieval were assessed by two independent reviewers for methodological validity prior to inclusion using standardised critical appraisal instruments.

Results:

The review included 15 studies. Overall effectiveness was demonstrated for wound closure rates, reductions in wound size, severity of wound pain and patient satisfaction with using a topical haemoglobin spray. The meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant effect of a topical haemoglobin spray in reducing the size of venous leg ulcers (VLU, effect size=0.02; 95% confidence interval: 0.00–0.09; p<0.00001) in adult patients. However, evidence of the effectiveness of using a topical haemoglobin spray in different wound types among adult patients was limited and not high-level, which precludes any strong conclusions.

Conclusion:

The review provides an evidence-based guide to future priorities for clinical practice. In particular, a topical haemoglobin spray was shown to have a positive impact in reducing VLU size and promoting wound healing.
Validation Proposal for Qualitative Research Scripts (Vali-Quali)
Authors: Torlig Eloisa , Resende Junior Pedro , Fujihara Ricardo , Demo Gisela , Montezano Lana
Published: June 2022

Through the “garbage in, garbage out” dynamics, it is assumed that a protocol of reliable research tools is a key component for obtaining high-quality data. The lack of transparency, the methodological inconsistency, and the absence of validity criteria in qualitative studies point to a gap that has yet to be overcome. The purpose of the paper is to propose a new guideline for the validation of qualitative research: Validation for Qualitative Research Scripts (Vali-Quali), which can be applied in structured interviews, semi-structured interviews, and scripts for focal groups. The proposal comprises two dimensions, content and semantics, with four attributes: alignment among objectives, adherence to constructs, explicitness, and qualitative expectancy. Between rigor and flexibility, six steps are outlined: design of the initial script, validation by judges, results overview, pretest, validated script and theoretical-empirical script. This paper proposes that the validation process goes beyond the method itself, and stimulates researchers to reflect, exercise their autonomy, and support their choices with the academic rigor that all scientific research must present.
Estudo Sobre Valores Pessoais e Significados Atribuídos ao Trabalho por Estudantes de Graduação e De Pós-Graduação
Authors: Pinto de Almeida Bizarria Fabiana , Lorenne Sampaio Barbosa Flávia , Rodrigues Santos Alexandre , Felipe Victor Martins Daniel
Published: June 2022

Na perspectiva de investigar relações entre valores pessoais e significados atribuídos ao trabalho dos discentes de graduação e de pós-graduação de uma Instituição de Ensino Federal (IES), empreendeu-se um estudo de natureza quantitativa, por meio do método Partial Least Squares Path Modeling [PLS-PM]. A análise dos construtos de valores pessoais teve suporte na escala Tipos Motivacionais, PQV-21, e de significados, na escala de Significados Atribuídos ao Trabalho (ESAT-BR). Os resultados confirmaram: os valores de autotranscedência no significado positivos atribuídos ao trabalho (H1+, β = 0,348, p-value= 0,000) e na realização pessoal (H2+, β = 0,268, p-value= 0,001), além da relação entre valores associados a abertura a mudança e significados econômicos atribuídos ao trabalho (H5+, β= 0,226, p-value=0,000). Conclui-se, valores de autotranscedência significam em função de um contexto voltado à sustentabilidade; e, valores de abertura a mudança, em decorrência de conjuntura suscitada pelo desenvolvimento econômico. Dessa feita, revelam-se possibilidades de influência sobre valores atribuídos ao trabalho, convergindo para futuros debates dessa relação em processos sócio formativos, situando características em relação às expectativas significadas na graduação e na pós-graduação, posto que os dados revelam diferenças em pontos relevantes.
The impact of participatory policy formulation on regulatory legitimacy: the case of Great Britain’s Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem)
Authors: Blakelock Elizabeth , Turnpenny John
Published: June 2022

Energy markets policy in Great Britain has been largely delegated from elected representatives to a market regulator: the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem). Regulatory legitimacy requires due process and appropriate expertise to expose the regulator to democratic influence. As the legitimacy of regulatory participation processes start to be discussed more intensively in the European context, this timely article examines the relationship between the use of policy formulation tools and the resulting legitimacy gained by an independent market regulator. It employs a detailed case study analysing how participatory policy formulation tools – deliberative focus groups with members of the public, and stakeholder consultations – were used in energy markets policy formulation in Ofgem between 2007 and 2016. Through assessing the actors, venues, capacities and effects associated with selection and use of the tools, it finds there were inequalities of influence between different policy actors which posed a significant challenge to legitimacy.
Life course trajectories of affective symptoms and their early life predictors
Authors: Thompson Ellen J. , Ploubidis George B. , Richards Marcus , Gaysina Darya
Published: June 2022

Background:

Life course trajectories of affective symptoms (depression and anxiety) are heterogenous. However, few studies have investigated the role of early life risk factors in the development of these trajectories. The present study aimed to: (1) derive latent trajectories of affective symptoms over a period of more than 50 years (ages 13–69), and (2) examine early life risk factors for associations with specific life course trajectories of affective symptoms.

Method:

Participants are from the MRC National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD) (n = 5,362). Affective symptoms were measured prospectively at ages 13, 15, 36, 43, 53, 60–64 and 69. A latent variable modelling framework was implemented to model longitudinal profiles of affective symptoms. Twenty-four prospectively measured early life predictors were tested for associations with different symptom profiles using multinomial logistic regression.

Results:

Four life course profiles of affective symptoms were identified: (1) absence of symptoms (66.6% of the sample); (2) adolescent symptoms with good adult outcome (15.2%); (3) adult symptoms only (with no symptoms in adolescence and late life) (12.9%); (4) symptoms in adolescence and mid adulthood (5.2%). Of the 24 early life predictors observed, only four were associated with life course trajectories, with small effect sizes observed.

Conclusions:

People differ in their life course trajectories of anxiety and depression symptoms and that these differences are not largely influenced by early life factors tested in this study.
Exploring the effects of socio-economic inequalities on health and disability in Northern Irish adolescents: evidence from a nationally representative longitudinal study
Authors: McElroy Eoin , Courtney Caroline , Adamson Gary , Taggart Laurence , Mulhall Peter , Ferry Finola , Murphy Jamie , O’Connor Bones Una
Published: June 2022

Although a negative association between socio-economic inequalities and health has been established, there is a dearth of robust longitudinal studies examining this relationship in adolescents. This study used a large, nationally representative longitudinal data set to investigate the association between socio-economic inequality, subjective health status and disabilities among young people in Northern Ireland over a ten-year period. Data were from the Northern Ireland Longitudinal Study, a census-based record linkage study (N = 46,535). Logistic regression models were estimated in which health and disability variables from the 2011 census were predicted by household deprivation in education, housing quality, housing tenure and employment from the 2001 census. Models were adjusted for health and disability status in 2001. Deprivation in employment, housing tenure and coming from a single-parent household in 2001 independently predicted poorer subjective health and disability status ten years later [ORs = 1.28–1.93]. Deprivation in education in 2001 was also associated with increased risk of disability in 2011 [OR = 1.15; 95% CI = 1.06–1.25]. These results show that there is a need to dedicate more resources and support for economically disadvantaged children and young people in Northern Ireland, where child health outcomes are poorer than in the rest of the UK.
Challenges of research with carers in a hospital setting in Australia: trialling the Carer Readiness Tool
Authors: White Sian , Lewis Suzanne
Published: June 2022

A tool to help carers gauge their readiness to provide care to a patient on discharge from acute care – the Carer Readiness Tool – was implemented on two cancer/renal inpatient units. Data on carer needs and concerns obtained from the Carer Readiness Tool revealed that relatively inexperienced carers focused their concerns on practical aspects of care, such as mobility, transfers, aids and equipment, transport and parking. More experienced carers reported fewer needs but more concerns, including respite from caring, costs of caring and end-of-life care. Challenges in engaging carers in research, which impacted the formal evaluation of the Carer Readiness Tool, are discussed.
Feature detection network-based correction method for accurate nano-tomography reconstruction
Authors: Fu Tianyu , Zhang Kai , Wang Yan , Wang Shanfeng , Zhang Jin , Yao Chunxia , Zhou Chenpeng , Huang Wanxia , Yuan Qingxi
Published: June 2022

Driven by the development of advanced x-ray optics such as Fresnel zone plates, nano-resolution full-field transmission x-ray microscopy (Nano-CT) has become a powerful technique for the non-destructive volumetric inspection of objects and has long been developed at different synchrotron radiation facilities. However, Nano-CT data are often associated with random sample jitter because of the drift or radial/axial error motion of the rotation stage during measurement. Without a proper sample jitter correction process prior to reconstruction, the use of Nano-CT in providing accurate 3D structure information for samples is almost impossible. In this paper, to realize accurate 3D reconstruction for Nano-CT, a correction method based on a feature detection neural network, which can automatically extract target features from a projective image and precisely correct sample jitter errors, is proposed, thereby resulting in high-quality nanoscale 3D reconstruction. Compared with other feature detection methods, even if the target feature is overlapped by other high-density materials or impurities, the proposed Nano-CT correction method still acquires sub-pixel accuracy in geometrical correction and is more suitable for Nano-CT reconstruction because of its universal and faster correction speed. The simulated and experimental datasets demonstrated the reliability and validity of the proposed Nano-CT correction method.
CODEN: combined optimization-based decomposition and learning-based enhancement network for Retinex-based brightness and contrast enhancement
Authors: Ahn Sangjae , Shin Joongchol , Lim Heunseung , Lee Jaehee , Paik Joonki
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we present a novel low-light image enhancement method by combining optimization-based decomposition and enhancement network for simultaneously enhancing brightness and contrast. The proposed method works in two steps including Retinex decomposition and illumination enhancement, and can be trained in an end-to-end manner. The first step separates the low-light image into illumination and reflectance components based on the Retinex model. Specifically, it performs model-based optimization followed by learning for edge-preserved illumination smoothing and detail-preserved reflectance denoising. In the second step, the illumination output from the first step, together with its gamma corrected and histogram equalized versions, serves as input to illumination enhancement network (IEN) including residual squeeze and excitation blocks (RSEBs). Extensive experiments prove that our method shows better performance compared with state-of-the-art low-light enhancement methods in the sense of both objective and subjective measures.
Se-H-free As2Se3 fiber and its spectral applications in the mid-infrared
Authors: Wang Jun , Wu Guolin , Feng Zan , Wang Jinjing , Wang Yuze , Jiao Kai , Wang Xiange , Bai Shengchuang , Zhang Peiqing , Zhao Zheming , Wang Rongping , Wang Xunsi , Nie Qiuhua
Published: June 2022

The complete removal of the impurities like Se-H in Se-based chalcogenide glasses has been challenging in the development of highly transparent chalcogenide glass fiber. In this paper, several purification methods, including dynamic distillation, static distillation, and combined distillation method, were adopted with an aim of purifying arsenic selenide glass with ultra-low content of the impurities. The experimental results demonstrated that the Se-H can be completely eliminated in the arsenic selenide glass host and fiber without the introduction of any chloride. We further explored the applications of such low loss and Se-H-free chalcogenide glass fiber in the mid-infrared. It was found that, using such a Se-H free fiber, a flattened supercontinuum spectrum above the -30 dB level from 1.2 to 13 µm was generated from the Se-H free fiber with a 5.5 µm laser pumping. The sensitivity was found to be improved 5.1 times for CO2 gas in the 3 to 6 µm wavelength range.
Reconstruction of the gradient field in the cross-section of an acoustic wave and its usefulness in processing acoustic wave fields
Authors: Xue Bin , Wang Dongliang , Zhen Yifan , Yu Rongzhao , Yang Xiaoxia
Published: June 2022

This paper proposes a method of reconstructing the gradient field in a cross-section of the acoustic wave using the laser beam deflection tomography, then verifing that the simultaneous acquisitions of the relative acoustic pressure distribution and the gradient field can make the direct employment of Kirchhoff’s integral theorem feasible. Specifically, a position-sensitive detector (PSD) is used to sense the deflection of a laser beam impinging on a propagating acoustic wave. The deflection of the laser beam can be divided into two parts; one is in the plane that laser beams go through, and the other is perpendicular to the plane. Combining the tomographic results using the two parts of the deflection, the gradient field of the propagating acoustic wave in a cross-section is obtained, which is an extended version of beam deflection tomography. Based on the gradient of a wavefield along with the relative sound pressure distribution, Kirchhoff’s integral theorem can be directly employed to calculate and analyze the wavefield further, which was hardly achieved in the past due to the lack of dense gradient sensing regimes. To verify the usefulness, two experiments are conducted, whose results indicate that the densely and precisely acquired gradient field of an acoustic wave is useful in solving the problem of port and starboard ambiguity, and the problem of accurate near-field prediction can also be well addressed, which in a deeper sense benefit from the direct employment of Kirchhoff’s integral theorem in practical applications.
Contextual cues are not unique for motor learning: Task-dependant switching of feedback controllers
Authors: Česonis Justinas , Franklin David W.
Published: June 2022

The separation of distinct motor memories by contextual cues is a well known and well studied phenomenon of feedforward human motor control. However, there is no clear evidence of such context-induced separation in feedback control. Here we test both experimentally and computationally if context-dependent switching of feedback controllers is possible in the human motor system. Specifically, we probe visuomotor feedback responses of our human participants in two different tasks—stop and hit—and under two different schedules. The first, blocked schedule, is used to measure the behaviour of stop and hit controllers in isolation, showing that it can only be described by two independent controllers with two different sets of control gains. The second, mixed schedule, is then used to compare how such behaviour evolves when participants regularly switch from one task to the other. Our results support our hypothesis that there is contextual switching of feedback controllers, further extending the accumulating evidence of shared features between feedforward and feedback control.
COVID-19 mortality rate and its associated factors during the first and second waves in Nigeria
Authors: Elimian Kelly , Musah Anwar , King Carina , Igumbor Ehimario , Myles Puja , Aderinola Olaolu , Erameh Cyril , Nwanchukwu William , Akande Oluwatosin , Nicaise Ndembi , Ogunbode Oladipo , Egwuenu Abiodun , Crawford Emily , Gaudenzi Giulia , Abdus-Salam Ismail , Olopha Olubunmi , Disu Yahya , Bowale Abimbola , Oshoma Cyprian , Ohonsi Cornelius , Arinze Chinedu , Badaru Sikiru , Ebhodaghe Blessing , Habib Zaiyad , Olugbile Michael , Dan-Nwafor Chioma , Abubakar Jafiya , Pembi Emmanuel , Dunkwu Lauryn , Ike Ifeanyi , Tobin Ekaete , Mutiu Bamidele , Luka-Lawal Rejoice , Nwafor Obinna , Okowa Mildred , Ezeokafor Chidiebere , Iwara Emem , Yennan Sebastian , Eziechina Sunday , Olatunji David , Falodun Lanre , Joseph Emmanuel , Abali Ifeanyi , Mohammed Tarik , Yiga Benjamin , Kamaldeen Khadeejah , Agogo Emmanuel , Mba Nwando , Oladejo John , Ilori Elsie , Aruna Olusola , Namara Geoffrey , Obaro Stephen , Hamza Khadeejah , Asuzu Michael , Bello Shaibu , Okonofua Friday , Deeni Yusuf , Abubakar Ibrahim , Alfven Tobias , Ochu Chinwe , Ihekweazu Chikwe
Published: June 2022

COVID-19 mortality rate has not been formally assessed in Nigeria. Thus, we aimed to address this gap and identify associated mortality risk factors during the first and second waves in Nigeria. This was a retrospective analysis of national surveillance data from all 37 States in Nigeria between February 27, 2020, and April 3, 2021. The outcome variable was mortality amongst persons who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by Reverse-Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction. Incidence rates of COVID-19 mortality was calculated by dividing the number of deaths by total person-time (in days) contributed by the entire study population and presented per 100,000 person-days with 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI). Adjusted negative binomial regression was used to identify factors associated with COVID-19 mortality. Findings are presented as adjusted Incidence Rate Ratios (aIRR) with 95% CI. The first wave included 65,790 COVID-19 patients, of whom 994 (1∙51%) died; the second wave included 91,089 patients, of whom 513 (0∙56%) died. The incidence rate of COVID-19 mortality was higher in the first wave [54∙25 (95% CI: 50∙98–57∙73)] than in the second wave [19∙19 (17∙60–20∙93)]. Factors independently associated with increased risk of COVID-19 mortality in both waves were: age ≥45 years, male gender [first wave aIRR 1∙65 (1∙35–2∙02) and second wave 1∙52 (1∙11–2∙06)], being symptomatic [aIRR 3∙17 (2∙59–3∙89) and 3∙04 (2∙20–4∙21)], and being hospitalised [aIRR 4∙19 (3∙26–5∙39) and 7∙84 (4∙90–12∙54)]. Relative to South-West, residency in the South-South and North-West was associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 mortality in both waves. In conclusion, the rate of COVID-19 mortality in Nigeria was higher in the first wave than in the second wave, suggesting an improvement in public health response and clinical care in the second wave. However, this needs to be interpreted with caution given the inherent limitations of the country’s surveillance system during the study.
Rural infrastructure and poverty in China
Authors: Qin Xiaodi , Wu Haitao , Shan Tiecheng
Published: June 2022

The study develops a theoretical framework of how irrigation and drainage infrastructure and rural transportation infrastructure influence poverty. Using panel data on 31 provinces in China from 2002 to 2017, this paper estimates basic and continuous difference-in-differences (DID) models to investigate the preliminary impact of irrigation and drainage infrastructure and rural transportation infrastructure on poverty and further explores the influence mechanisms of these rural infrastructures on poverty by using the mediating effect model. The results show that irrigation and drainage facilities infrastructure can directly reduce poverty. On the one hand, rural transportation infrastructure directly leads to rural hollowing out and aggravates rural poverty; on the other hand, it indirectly promotes poverty reduction by stimulating economic growth. Overall, the positive and negative effects of rural transportation infrastructure on poverty offset each other.
Public expectations about the impact of COVID-19 on climate action by citizens and government
Authors: Savin Ivan , Drews Stefan , van den Bergh Jeroen , Villamayor-Tomas Sergio
Published: June 2022

Since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis many have opinionated on how it may affect society’s response to climate change. Two key questions here are how COVID-19 is expected to influence climate action by citizens and by the government. We answer these by applying topic modelling to textual responses from a survey of Spanish citizens. The identified topics tend to be more negative than positive, and more optimistic concerning future climate action by citizens. Positive views involve increasing pro-environmental behavior and are more common among younger, higher educated and male respondents as well as among those who perceive climate change as a serious threat or positively assessed COVID-19 confinement. Negative topics express concern that financial resources for climate action will be limited due to a focus on healthcare and economic recovery. In addition, they mention government mismanagement and waste due to use of protective measures like masks and gloves as impediments to effective climate action.
A comprehensive DNA barcode inventory of Austria’s fish species
Authors: Zangl Lukas , Schäffer Sylvia , Daill Daniel , Friedrich Thomas , Gessl Wolfgang , Mladinić Marija , Sturmbauer Christian , Wanzenböck Josef , Weiss Steven J. , Koblmüller Stephan
Published: June 2022

Austria is inhabited by more than 80 species of native and non-native freshwater fishes. Despite considerable knowledge about Austrian fish species, the latest Red List of threatened species dates back 15 years and a systematic genetic inventory of Austria’s fish species does not exist. To fulfill this deficit, we employed DNA barcoding to generate an up-to-date and comprehensive genetic reference database for Austrian fish species. In total, 639 newly generated cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) sequences were added to the 377 existing records from the BOLD data base, to compile a near complete reference dataset. Standard sequence similarity analyses resulted in 83 distinct clusters almost perfectly reflecting the expected number of species in Austria. Mean intraspecific distances of 0.22% were significantly lower than distances to closest relatives, resulting in a pronounced barcoding gap and unique Barcode Index Numbers (BINs) for most of the species. Four cases of BIN sharing were detected, pointing to hybridization and/or recent divergence, whereas in Phoxinus spp., Gobio spp. and Barbatula barbatula intraspecific splits, multiple BINs and consequently cryptic diversity were observed. The overall high identification success and clear genetic separation of most of the species confirms the applicability and accuracy of genetic methods for bio-surveillance. Furthermore, the new DNA barcoding data pinpoints cases of taxonomic uncertainty, which need to be addressed in further detail, to more precisely assort genetic lineages and their local distribution ranges in a new National Red-List.
Tuberculosis among refugees and migrant populations: Systematic review
Authors: Meaza Abyot , Tola Habteyes Hailu , Eshetu Kirubel , Mindaye Tedla , Medhin Girmay , Gumi Balako
Published: June 2022

Tuberculosis (TB) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among refugees and migrant populations. These groups are among the most vulnerable populations at increased risk of developing TB. However, there is no systematic review that attempts to summarize TB among refugees and migrant populations. This study aimed to summarize evidence on the magnitude of TB among refugees and migrant populations. The findings of this review will provide evidence to improve TB prevention and control policies in refugees and migrants in refugee camps and in migrant-hosting countries. A systematic search was done to retrieve the articles published from 2014 to 2021 in English language from electronic databases. Key searching terms were used in both free text and Medical Subject Heading (MeSH). Articles which had reported the magnitude of TB among refugees and migrant populations were included in the review. We assessed the risk of bias, and quality of the included studies with a modified version of the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). Included studies which had reported incidence or prevalence data were eligible for data synthesis. The results were shown as summary tables. In the present review, more than 3 million refugees and migrants were screened for TB with the data collection period between 1991 and 2017 among the included studies. The incidence and prevalence of TB ranged from 19 to 754 cases per 100,000 population and 18.7 to 535 cases per 100,000 population respectively among the included studies. The current findings show that the most reported countries of origin in TB cases among refugees and migrants were from Asia and Africa; and the incidence and prevalence of TB among refugees and migrant populations is higher than in the host countries. This implies the need to implement and improve TB prevention and control in refugees and migrant populations globally.

Trial registration: The protocol of this review was registered on PROSPERO (International prospective register of systematic reviews) with ID number, CRD42020157619.