bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Deletion of KLHL1 Leads to Hyperexcitability in Hypothalamic POMC Neurons and Lack of Electrical Responses to Leptin
Authors: Perissinotti Paula P. , Martínez-Hernández Elizabeth , He Yungui , Koob Michael D. , Piedras-Rentería Erika S.
Published: September 2021

Kelch-like 1 (KLHL1) is a neuronal actin-binding protein that modulates voltage-gated calcium channels. The KLHL1 knockout (KO) model displays altered calcium channel expression in various brain regions. We analyzed the electrical behavior of hypothalamic POMC (proopiomelanocortin) neurons and their response to leptin. Leptin’s effects on POMC neurons include enhanced gene expression, activation of the ERK1/2 pathway and increased electrical excitability. The latter is initiated by activation of the Jak2-PI3K-PLC pathway, which activates TRPC1/5 (Transient Receptor Potential Cation) channels that in turn recruit T-type channel activity resulting in increased excitability. Here we report over-expression of CaV3.1 T-type channels in the hypothalamus of KLHL1 KO mice increased T-type current density and enhanced POMC neuron basal excitability, rendering them electrically unresponsive to leptin. Electrical sensitivity to leptin was restored by partial blockade of T-type channels. The overexpression of hypothalamic T-type channels in POMC neurons may partially contribute to the obese and abnormal feeding phenotypes observed in KLHL1 KO mice.
Nerve Growth Factor-Based Therapy in Alzheimer’s Disease and Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Amadoro Giuseppina , Latina Valentina , Balzamino Bijorn Omar , Squitti Rosanna , Varano Monica , Calissano Pietro , Micera Alessandra
Published: September 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-associated neurodegenerative disease which is the most common cause of dementia among the elderly. Imbalance in nerve growth factor (NGF) signaling, metabolism, and/or defect in NGF transport to the basal forebrain cholinergic neurons occurs in patients affected with AD. According to the cholinergic hypothesis, an early and progressive synaptic and neuronal loss in a vulnerable population of basal forebrain involved in memory and learning processes leads to degeneration of cortical and hippocampal projections followed by cognitive impairment with accumulation of misfolded/aggregated Aβ and tau protein. The neuroprotective and regenerative effects of NGF on cholinergic neurons have been largely demonstrated, both in animal models of AD and in living patients. However, the development of this neurotrophin as a disease-modifying therapy in humans is challenged by both delivery limitations (inability to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB), poor pharmacokinetic profile) and unwanted side effects (pain and weight loss). Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a retinal disease which represents the major cause of blindness in developed countries and shares several clinical and pathological features with AD, including alterations in NGF transduction pathways. Interestingly, nerve fiber layer thinning, degeneration of retinal ganglion cells and changes of vascular parameters, aggregation of Aβ and tau protein, and apoptosis also occur in the retina of both AD and AMD. A protective effect of ocular administration of NGF on both photoreceptor and retinal ganglion cell degeneration has been recently described. Besides, the current knowledge about the detection of essential trace metals associated with AD and AMD and their changes depending on the severity of diseases, either systemic or locally detected, further pave the way for a promising diagnostic approach. This review is aimed at describing the employment of NGF as a common therapeutic approach to AMD and AD and the diagnostic power of detection of essential trace metals associated with both diseases. The multiple approaches employed to allow a sustained release/targeting of NGF to the brain and its neurosensorial ocular extensions will be also discussed, highlighting innovative technologies and future translational prospects.
Comprehensive Analysis of the Immune Infiltrates of Pyroptosis in Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Sun Zhuolun , Jing Changying , Guo Xudong , Zhang Mingxiao , Kong Feng , Wang Zhenqing , Jiang Shaobo , Wang Hanbo
Published: September 2021

Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) has long been identified as a highly immune-infiltrated tumor. However, the underlying role of pyroptosis in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of KIRC remains poorly described. Herein, we systematically analyzed the prognostic value, role in the TME, response to ICIs, and drug sensitivity of pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) in KIRC patients based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Cluster 2, by consensus clustering for 24 PRGs, presented a poor prognosis, likely because malignancy-related hallmarks were remarkably enriched. Additionally, we constructed a prognostic prediction model that discriminated well between high- and low-risk patients and was further confirmed in external E-MTAB-1980 cohort and HSP cohort. By further analyzing the TME based on the risk model, higher immune cell infiltration and lower tumor purity were found in the high-risk group, which presented a poor prognosis. Patients with high risk scores also exhibited higher ICI expression, indicating that these patients may be more prone to profit from ICIs. The sensitivity to anticancer drugs that correlated with model-related genes was also identified. Collectively, the pyroptosis-related prognosis risk model may improve prognostic information and provide directions for current research investigations on immunotherapeutic strategies for KIRC patients.
Cost-Effectiveness of MR-Mammography in Breast Cancer Screening of Women With Extremely Dense Breasts After Two Rounds of Screening
Authors: Tollens Fabian , Baltzer Pascal A. T. , Dietzel Matthias , Schnitzer Moritz L. , Kunz Wolfgang G. , Rink Johann , Rübenthaler Johannes , Froelich Matthias F. , Kaiser Clemens G.
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of MR-mammography (MRM) vs. x-ray based mammography (XM) in two-yearly screening women of intermediate risk for breast cancer in the light of recent literature.

Methods

Decision analysis and Markov modelling were used to compare cumulative costs (in US-$) and outcomes (in QALYs) of MRM vs. XM over the model runtime of 20 years. The perspective of the U.S. healthcare system was selected. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) were calculated and related to a willingness to pay-threshold of $ 100,000 per QALY in order to evaluate the cost-effectiveness. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to test the impact of variations of the input parameters. In particular, variations of the rate of false positive findings beyond the first screening round and their impact on cost-effectiveness were assessed.

Results

Breast cancer screening with MRM resulted in increased costs and superior effectiveness. Cumulative average costs of $ 6,081 per woman and cumulative effects of 15.12 QALYs were determined for MRM, whereas screening with XM resulted in costs of $ 5,810 and 15.10 QALYs, resulting in an ICER of $ 13,493 per QALY gained. When the specificity of MRM in the second and subsequent screening rounds was varied from 92% to 99%, the ICER resulted in a range from $ 38,849 to $ 5,062 per QALY.

Conclusions

Based on most recent data on the diagnostic performance beyond the first screening round, MRM may remain the economically preferable alternative in screening women of intermediate risk for breast cancer due to their dense breast tissue.
A Multidimensional Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis of Chinese Herbal Injections for Treating Non-small Cell Lung Cancer With Gemcitabine and Cisplatin
Authors: Ni Mengwei , Wu Zhishan , Wang Haojia , Zhou Wei , Wu Chao , Stalin Antony , Fu Changgeng , Ye Peizhi , Lu Shan , Tan Yingying , Huang Zhihong , Fan Xiaotian , Zhang Jingyuan , Zhang Xiaomeng , Wang Miaomiao , Wu Jiarui
Published: September 2021

Introduction: As non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) seriously threatens human health, several clinical studies have reported that Chinese herbal injections (CHIs) in combination with and gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GP) are beneficial. This multidimensional network meta-analysis aimed to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of different CHIs in combination with GP against NSCLC.

Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for the treatment of NSCLC were retrieved from seven electronic databases from inception to April 30, 2020. Study selection and data extraction were based on a priori criteria. Data analysis was performed using Stata 13.0, WinBUGS 14.0 software. Multidimensional cluster analysis was performed using the “scatterplot3d” package in R 3.6.1 software.

Results: This network meta-analysis included 71 eligible RCTs and 10 Chinese herbal injections. Delisheng injection and Kangai injection had the highest probability in terms of clinical effectiveness rate (94.60%) and gastrointestinal reactions (82.62%) when combined with GP compared with the other interventions. Compound Kushen injection combined with GP ranked ahead of the other interventions in terms of performance status (73.36%) and abnormal liver function (87.17%). Shenmai injection combined with GP had the highest probability in terms of leukopenia (94.59%) and thrombocytopenia (99.18%).

Conclusion: The current evidence revealed that CHIs combined with GP have a better impact on patients with NSCLC than GP alone. Aidi injection, Compound kushen injection, and Kanglaite injection deserve more attention of clinicians when combined with GP in patients with NSCLC. Additionally, due to the limitations of this network meta-analysis, further well-designed, large-sample, multicenter RCTs are required to support our findings adequately.
In vitro Effects of Biologically Active Vitamin D on Myogenesis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Alliband Kathryn H. , Kozhevnikova Sofia V. , Parr Tim , Jethwa Preeti H. , Brameld John M.
Published: September 2021

Vitamin D (VD) deficiency is associated with muscle weakness. A reduction in the incidence of falls in the elderly following VD supplementation and identification of the VD receptor within muscle cells suggests a direct effect of VD on muscle, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Here we systematically searched the literature to identify effects of active VD [1,25(OH)2D3] on skeletal muscle myogenesis in vitro, with no restriction on year of publication. Eligibility was assessed by strict inclusion/exclusion criteria and agreed by two independent investigators. Twelve relevant pa-pers were identified using four different cell types (C2C12, primary mouse satellite cells, primary chick myoblasts, and primary human myoblasts) and a range of myogenic markers (myoD, myogenin, creatine kinase, myosin heavy chain, and myotube size). A clear inhibitory effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on proliferation was reported, while the effects on the different stages of differentiation were less consistent probably due to variation in cell type, time points and doses of 1,25(OH)2D3 used. However, myotube size was consistently increased by 1,25(OH)2D3. Overall, the evidence suggests that 1,25(OH)2D3 inhibits proliferation and promotes differentiation of myoblasts, but future studies should use time courses to gain a clearer understanding.
Sharing Employee: B2B Employment Model in the Era of Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Implication for Human Resource Management
Authors: Chen Zhisheng
Published: September 2021

With the explosion of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the concept of “Sharing Employees” has emerged in China. This study will discuss the background of the formation of the “Sharing Employees,” how the “Sharing Employees” model is implemented, the relative risks, and the impact on human resource management. Currently, this virus is spreading worldwide, affecting the economy and increasing the unemployment rate. This study will help other countries to learn from this model and provide suggestions for adopting flexible employment policies to ease employment pressure and increase employment channels through the “Sharing Employees” B2B model.
When Forests Take Over After Land Abandonment: Dissolved Organic Matter Response in Headwater Mountain Streams
Authors: Estévez Edurne , Álvarez-Martínez Jose M. , Dittmar Thorsten , Barquín José , Singer Gabriel
Published: September 2021

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) represents the largest pool of organic carbon in fluvial ecosystems. The majority of DOM in rivers is of terrigenous origin—making DOM composition highly dependent on vegetation cover and soil properties. While deforestation is still a worldwide anthropogenic phenomenon, current land cover change in temperate regions is often characterized by secondary succession processes following the abandonment of agricultural activities including grazing on pasturelands. This results in (secondary) forest expansion with a consequent, time-lagged transformation of soil properties. Predicting the time scale and spatial scale (i.e., location in the catchment: riparian vs. upslope areas) at which such land cover changes affect the terrestrial-aquatic carbon linkage and concomitantly alter properties of fluvial DOM as drivers of carbon cycling in freshwater ecosystems represents a new scientific challenge. In an attempt to identify potential legacy effects of land cover, i.e., reaction delays of fluvial DOM to changes in land cover, we here investigate the influence of specific current and historic (2 decade-old) land cover types on molecularly resolved fluvial DOM composition in headwater mountain streams. Our analysis is based on a scale-sensitive approach weighing in the distance of land cover (changes) to the stream and ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometric analyses. Results identified the dominance of terrigenous DOM, with phenolic and polyphenolic sum formulae commonly associated to lignins and tannins, in all the studied streams. DOM properties mostly reflected present-day gradients of forest cover in the riparian area. In more forested catchments, DOM had on average higher molecular weight and a greater abundance of O-rich phenols and polyphenols but less aliphatics. Besides the modulation of the DOM source, our results also point to an important influence of photodegradation associated to variation in light exposition with riparian land cover in defining fluvial DOM properties. Despite expectations, we were unable to detect an effect of historic land cover on present-day DOM composition, at least at the investigated baseflow conditions, probably because of an overriding effect of current riparian vegetation.
Local Perianal Anesthetic Infiltration Is Safe and Effective for Anorectal Surgery
Authors: Poskus Tomas , Jakubauskas Matas , Čekas Karolis , Jakubauskiene Lina , Strupas Kestutis , Samalavičius Narimantas Evaldas
Published: September 2021

Background: General or regional anesthesia is predominantly used for anorectal surgery, however in the recent years more attention was drawn in the use of local anesthesia for anorectal surgery. In this study we present the technique and results of the use of local perianal anesthetic infiltration for minor anorectal operations.

Methods: In this cohort study patients undergoing surgery for hemorrhoids, anal fissures and low anal fistulas were included. Posterior perineal block was induced with a mixture containing 0.125% bupivacaine and 0.5% lidocaine. All patients were followed up at 30 days either by a post-operative visit or a telephone call and all post-operative complications over the post-operative 30-day period were registered.

Results: One thousand and twenty-six consecutive patients were included in our study. For all patients' intraoperative analgesia was achieved after performing perianal anesthetic infiltration and no additional support from the anesthesia team was necessary in any of case. Complications were observed in 14 (1.4%). Urinary retention occurred in 5 (0.5%) cases. Six cases of bleeding occurred after hemorrhoidectomy (0.6%) and 1 (0.1%) after lateral internal sphincterotomy. Perianal abscess developed for two patients (0.2%).

Conclusions: Local anesthesia using posterior perineal block technique is safe and effective for intraoperative analgesia in anorectal surgery, saving a substantial operation cost by avoiding the involvement of an anesthesia team and resulting in minimal incidence of urinary retention and other complications.
Vibrotactile-Based Operational Guidance System for Space Science Experiments
Authors: Wang Yi , Yu Ge , Liu Guan-Yang , Huang Chao , Wang Yu-Hang
Published: September 2021

On-orbit astronauts and scientists on the ground need to cooperate closely, to complete space science experiments efficiently. However, for the increasingly diverse space science experiments, scientists are unable to train astronauts on the ground about the details of each experiment. The traditional interaction of visual and auditory channels is not enough for scientists to directly guide astronauts to experimentalize. An intuitive and transparent interaction interface between scientists and astronauts has to be built to meet the requirements of space science experiments. Therefore, this paper proposed a vibrotactile guidance system for cooperation between scientists and astronauts. We utilized Kinect V2 sensors to track the movements of the participants of space science experiments, process data in the virtual experimental environment developed by Unity 3D, and provide astronauts with different guidance instructions using the wearable vibrotactile device. Compared with other schemes using only visual and auditory channels, our approach provides more direct and more efficient guidance information that astronauts perceive is what they need to perform different tasks. Three virtual space science experiment tasks verified the feasibility of the vibrotactile operational guidance system. Participants were able to complete the experimental task with a short period of training, and the experimental results show that the method has an application prospect.
Competition of Weeds Dominated by Wild Oat (Avena sterilis L.) in Wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) in Jordan
Authors: Qasem Jamal R.
Published: September 2021

Wheat is the main field crop grown in Jordan. Productivity is low due to different factors, including erratic rainfall, poor soil fertility and weed competition. A field experiment was carried out at the University of Jordan Research Station for two growing seasons to determine the effect of weed competition on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum durum Cv. “Hourani”). Treatments consisted of either allowing weeds to infest the crop or maintaining the crop weed-free for increasing durations after emergence. Results showed that, the longer the periods of weed competition, the greater the loss in crop growth and yield. Average reductions in grain and straw yields were 41% and 37%, respectively. The highest grain yield obtained was from weed-free, and the lowest was in weed-infested plots for the entire growing season. Average grain yield was not significantly different at 14 to 49 days of weed-infested periods, while none of the weed-free periods produced a yield similar to that of the weed-free control. However, maintaining a weed-free crop for three weeks after emergence significantly increased grain yield compared with the weed-infested control. High rainfall in the first season almost doubled weed growth and greatly reduced wheat growth and yield compared with the second season. To determine the critical period of weed competition and the influence of weed infestation on wheat grain yield, Gompertz and logistic equations were fitted to data representing increasing duration of weed-free and weed-infested periods, respectively. Based upon an arbitrary 5% level of average grain yield loss in the two years, the critical period of weed competition occurred at 0–49 days after wheat emergence, which corresponded with the rapid increase in weed biomass.
Equivalent Shell Model of Elastic Gridshells Including the Effect of the Geometric Curvature
Authors: Regalo Maria Luisa , Gabriele Stefano , Varano Valerio , Salerno Ginevra
Published: September 2021

In this work, an equivalent continuum of a barrel gridshell is introduced. Constitutive identification procedures based on periodic homogenization are provided in the literature for this purpose, based on a flat Representative Element Volume (REV), notwithstanding that the geometry of the structures concerned is curved. Therefore, the novelty of the present study is the selection of a curved REV to obtain the equivalent elastic constants. The numerical validation of the identification procedure is made comparing gridshell response to that of the equivalent shell under homogeneous load conditions. Finally, in order to highlight the effect of the curved geometry on the constitutive law of the continuum, the response of the proposed model is also compared to that of a continuum obtained from a flat REV.
Curcumin Reduces Colorectal Cancer Cell Proliferation and Migration and Slows In Vivo Growth of Liver Metastases in Rats
Authors: Herrero de la Parte Borja , Rodeño-Casado Mikel , Iturrizaga Correcher Sira , Mar Medina Carmen , García-Alonso Ignacio
Published: September 2021

Background: New therapeutic approaches are an essential need for patients suffering from colorectal cancer liver metastases. Curcumin, a well-known plant-derived polyphenol, has been shown to play a role in the modulation of multiple signaling pathways involved in the development and progression of certain cancer cells in vitro. This study aims to assess the anti-tumor effect of curcumin on CC531 colorectal cancer cells, both in vitro and in vivo. Methods: On CC531 cultures, the cell viability and cell migration capacity were analyzed (wound healing test) 24, 48, and 72 h after treatment with curcumin (15, 20, 25, or 30 µM). Additionally, in WAG/RijHsd tumor-bearing rats, the total and individual liver lobe tumor volume was quantified in untreated and curcumin-treated animals (200 mg/kg/day, oral). Furthermore, serum enzyme measurements (GOT, GPT, glucose, bilirubin, etc.) were carried out to assess the possible effects on the liver function. Results: In vitro studies showed curcumin’s greatest effects 48h after application, when all of the tested doses reduced cell proliferation by more than 30%. At 72 h, the highest doses of curcumin (25 and 30 µM) reduced cell viability to less than 50%. The wound healing test also showed that curcumin inhibits migration capacity. In vivo, curcumin slowed down the tumor volume of liver implants by 5.6-fold (7.98 ± 1.45 vs. 1.41 ± 1.33; p > 0.0001). Conclusions: Curcumin has shown an anti-tumor effect against liver implants from colorectal cancer, both in vitro and in vivo, in this experimental model.
A Review: Photocatalysts Based on BiOCl and g-C3N4 for Water Purification
Authors: Ren Qiang , Liu Juming , Yang Qi , Shen Wei
Published: September 2021

Many organic pollutants are discharged into the environment, which results in the frequent detection of organic pollutants in surface water and underground water. Some of the organic pollutants can stay for a long time in the environment due to their recalcitrance. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) can effectively treat the recalcitrant organic compounds in water. Photocatalysis as one of the AOPs has attracted a lot of interest. BiOCl and g-C3N4 are nice photocatalysts. However, their catalytic activity should be further improved for industrial utilization. The construction of heterojunction between the two different components is deemed as an efficient strategy for developing a highly efficient photocatalyst. As a typical type-II heterojunction, g-C3N4/BiOCl heterojunctions showed better photocatalytic performance. To date, the g-C3N4/BiOCl composites were mainly studied in the field of water purification. The photoactivity of the pristine catalysts was greatly enhanced by the combination of the two materials. However, three kinds of proposed mechanisms were used to explain the improvement of the g-C3N4/BiOCl heterojunctions. But few researchers tried to explain why there were three different scenarios employed to explain the charge transfer. According to the articles reviewed, no direct evidence could indicate whether the band structures of the heterojunctions based on BiOCl and g-C3N4 were changed. Therefore, many more studies are needed to reveal the truth. Having a clearer understanding of the mechanism is beneficial for researchers to construct more efficient photocatalysts. This article is trying to start a new direction of research to inspire more researchers to prepare highly effective photocatalysts.
Productivity and Income Effect of Breast Cancer among Women in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Mbonigaba Josue , Akinola Wilfred Gbenga
Published: September 2021

Women’s breast cancer (BC) in Africa is detrimental to development, given the role women play in their families and society’s well-being. Policymakers should be alerted to the effects of BC. This paper describes the income impact of breast cancer and assesses factors that influence income and productivity among women with BC. Cross-sectional data were collected using questionnaires on 200 women with clinically confirmed BC cases in Southwest Nigeria over 6 months. About sixty-one percent (61.5%) of the women with clinically confirmed BC cases were self-employed, 62% were absent at the workplace for 7 days, indicating that 31.8% suffered productivity loss at the workplace on average. Sixteen percent of women in the group were absent at the workplace for an average of 10 days, showing a 45.5% productivity loss at the workplace. Lastly, 22% of the women were absent at the workplace for more than 2 weeks on average. An increasing incidence of BC among women causes a 26.2% decrease in productivity level at the workplace. The results from simple linear regression corroborate the findings from the descriptive statistics that BC has a significant but inverse effect on women’s income and productivity. It showed that an increase in the number of confirmed cases of BC will decrease economic impact and productivity by 13.5% and 19.5%, respectively. These findings urgently call for the attention of the policymakers.
A Comprehensive Bioprocessing Approach to Foster Cheese Whey Valorization: On-Site β-Galactosidase Secretion for Lactose Hydrolysis and Sequential Bacterial Cellulose Production
Authors: Lappa Iliada K. , Kachrimanidou Vasiliki , Papadaki Aikaterini , Stamatiou Anthi , Ladakis Dimitrios , Eriotou Effimia , Kopsahelis Nikolaos
Published: September 2021

Cheese whey (CW) constitutes a dairy industry by-product, with considerable polluting impact, related mostly with lactose. Numerous bioprocessing approaches have been suggested for lactose utilization, however, full exploitation is hindered by strain specificity for lactose consumption, entailing a confined range of end-products. Thus, we developed a CW valorization process generating high added-value products (crude enzymes, nutrient supplements, biopolymers). First, the ability of Aspergillus awamori to secrete β-galactosidase was studied under several conditions during solid-state fermentation (SSF). Maximum enzyme activity (148 U/g) was obtained at 70% initial moisture content after three days. Crude enzymatic extracts were further implemented to hydrolyze CW lactose, assessing the effect of hydrolysis time, temperature and initial enzymatic activity. Complete lactose hydrolysis was obtained after 36 h, using 15 U/mL initial enzymatic activity. Subsequently, submerged fermentations were performed with the produced hydrolysates as onset feedstocks to produce bacterial cellulose (5.6–7 g/L). Our findings indicate a novel approach to valorize CW via the production of crude enzymes and lactose hydrolysis, aiming to unfold the output potential of intermediate product formation and end-product applications. Likewise, this study generated a bio-based material to be further introduced in novel food formulations, elaborating and conforming with the basic pillars of circular economy.
Numerical Simulation and Linearized Theory of Vortex Waves in a Viscoelastic, Polymeric Fluid
Authors: Handler Robert A. , Buckingham Michael J.
Published: September 2021

In a high viscosity, polymeric fluid initially at rest, the release of elastic energy produces vorticity in the form of coherent motions (vortex rings). Such behavior may enhance mixing in the low Reynolds number flows encountered in microfluidic applications. In this work, we develop a theory for such flows by linearizing the governing equations of motion. The linear theory predicts that when elastic energy is released in a symmetric manner, a wave of vorticity is produced with two distinct periods of wave motion: (1) a period of wave expansion and growth extending over a transition time scale, followed by (2) a period of wave translation and viscous decay. The vortex wave speeds are predicted to be proportional to the square root of the initial fluid tension, and the fluid tension itself scales as the viscosity. Besides verifying the predictions of the linearized theory, numerical solutions of the equations of motion for the velocity field, obtained using a pseudo-spectral method, show that the flow is composed of right- and left-traveling columnar vortex pairs, called vortex waves for short. Wave speeds obtained from the numerical simulations are within 1.5% of those from the linear theory when the assumption of linearity holds. Vortex waves are found to decay on a time scale of the order of the vortex size divided by the solution viscosity, in reasonable agreement with the analytical solution of the linearized model for damped vortex waves. When the viscoelastic fluid is governed by a nonlinear spring model, as represented by the Peterlin function, wave speeds are found to be larger than the predictions of the linear theory for small polymer extension lengths.
National Projects and Feminism: The Construction of Welfare States through the Analysis of the 8M Manifestos of Progressive and Conservative Political Parties in Spain
Authors: Ardoy Luis Navarro , Mesa Alba Redondo
Published: September 2021

This paper studies the national projects defended by Spanish political parties on the basis of the image they project in relation to women’s roles. To do so, we start with a critical review of nations and welfare states as masculinized projects, and from this we design a strategy based on the analysis of the manifestos issued by each political party in 2020 on International Women’s Day. The results obtained reflect the existence of three different ways of understanding the nation from a gender perspective: the first bloc, formed by the two conservative parties, PP and VOX, reproduces the nation by basing their discourse on gender inequalities, with a great weight of care for women; the second, formed by the most progressive parties (IU and Podemos), is situated in a clearly feminist perspective; the third, formed by the PSOE, shows a mixture of ideas that is reflected in considering both sexes as political subjects of feminism, and in presenting a discourse of the liberal and socialist current.
Chronic Viral Hepatitis in the Italian Prison Setting: Prevalence, Outcomes, Literature Needs and Perspectives
Authors: Fiore Vito , De Vito Andrea , Pontali Emanuele , Lucania Luciano , Madeddu Giordano , Babudieri Sergio
Published: September 2021

Compared with the general population, incarcerated people have a higher prevalence of several communicable diseases, including viral hepatitis. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of literature in field. Our review aims to shed the actual knowledge on viral hepatitis among incarcerated people in Italy. We performed a comprehensive literature search, through key electronic databases (Scopus, Pubmed–MEDLINE) and search engines (Google Scholar), of peer-reviewed publications (articles and reviews), grey literature on viral hepatitis prevalence, and models proposed for active case finding and control strategies in prison settings. We found that viral hepatitis epidemiology drastically changed in the last five years, particularly on hepatitis C virus (HCV), reporting an HCV antibody (HCV-Ab) prevalence decrease from up to 38% to ˂20% in penitentiary institutes, as well as an even more important reduction in active infections. Probably, the availability of direct-acting antivirals is contributing to this scenario. However, there is a lack of data available regarding incarcerated women. For this reason, more tailored interventions are needed for this sub-population. Judiciary and regulatory bodies should be prompted to discuss and define specific regulations to optimize case active finding strategies, guarantee wide access to effective preventive and treatment options for viral hepatitis and enhance treatment management.
Correlation between Psoas Muscle Index and Degeneration of Spinal Back Muscle in Patients with Back Pain
Authors: Lee Donggyu , Kang Minsoo
Published: September 2021

Sarcopenia is characterized by a decline in systemic muscle mass and physical performance. Disc degeneration also causes back muscle atrophy. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the influence of systemic muscle mass decline on back muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration compared to disc degeneration. We included 127 patients (65.54 ± 14.93 years) with back pain who underwent lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Axial T2-weighted MRI data of the L4–5 and L5-S1 levels were used to measure the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the psoas and spinal muscles. The psoas index (cm2/m2) was used as a surrogate for systemic muscle mass. The Pfirrmann grading system was used to evaluate intervertebral disc degeneration. The functional area of the back muscles was calculated by subtracting the fat infiltration area from the CSA; the functional CSA ratio was calculated by dividing the functional CSA by the CSA. Image-processing software (ImageJ; National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA) was used for analysis. Psoas index and aging significantly affected CSA and the ratio of functional CSA of the back muscles and multifidi. Disc degeneration did not significantly affect the back muscles beyond aging in patients with back pain. Males showed substantially higher CSA of the back muscles and multifidi than females; however, sex did not affect the functional CSA ratio of these muscles. Systemic muscle mass decline showed a more powerful influence on back muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration than disc degeneration. Therefore, proper evaluation of sarcopenia is needed for patients with chronic back pain and back muscle degeneration.
A Unifying Framework for Analysis of Spatial-Temporal Event Sequence Similarity and Its Applications
Authors: Xu Fuyu , Beard Kate
Published: September 2021

Measures of similarity or differences between data objects are applied frequently in geography, biology, computer science, linguistics, logic, business analytics, and statistics, among other fields. This work focuses on event sequence similarity among event sequences extracted from time series observed at spatially deployed monitoring locations with the aim of enhancing the understanding of process similarity over time and geospatial locations. We present a framework for a novel matrix-based spatiotemporal event sequence representation that unifies punctual and interval-based representation of events. This unified representation of spatiotemporal event sequences (STES) supports different event data types and provides support for data mining and sequence classification and clustering. The similarity measure is based on the Jaccard index with temporal order constraints and accommodates different event data types. The approach is demonstrated through simulated data examples and the performance of the similarity measures is evaluated with a k-nearest neighbor algorithm (k-NN) classification test on synthetic datasets. As a case study, we demonstrate the use of these similarity measures in a spatiotemporal analysis of event sequences extracted from space time series of a water quality monitoring system.
The Impact of Oil Price Shocks on Oil-Dependent Countries’ Currencies: The Case of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan
Authors: Czech Katarzyna , Niftiyev Ibrahim
Published: September 2021

The paper aims to assess the relationship between Azerbaijani and Kazakhstani exchange rates and crude oil prices volatility. The study applies the structural vector autoregressive (SVAR) model. The paper concentrates on Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, the post-Soviet countries considered as some of the most oil-dependent countries in the Caspian Sea region. The impulse response functions suggest that the rise of crude oil prices is associated with the exchange rates decrease and thus with an Azerbaijani manat and Kazakhstani tenge appreciation against the U.S. dollar. Moreover, the results suggest that an oil price increase leads to the rise of Azerbaijani international reserves. However, the results are insignificant for the Kazakhstani foreign exchange reserves. Additionally, the study reveals a negative and significant relationship between crude oil prices and USD/KZT in both pre-crisis and the COVID-19 crisis periods. We reveal that the correlation has been stronger during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the relationship is not significant in the case of the Azerbaijani manat. The USD/AZN exchange rate has been stable since 2017, and the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic has not caused a change in the exchange rate and a weakening of the Azerbaijani currency, despite significant drops in crude oil prices.
Erratum: Rodrigo-Mor et al. Principles of Charge Estimation Methods Using High-Frequency Current Transformer Sensors in Partial Discharge Measurements. Sensors 2020, 20, 2520
Authors: Rodrigo-Mor Armando , Muñoz Fabio A. , Castro-Heredia Luis Carlos
Published: September 2021

The authors wish to make the following erratum to this paper [...]
THE PERSONNEL SUPPORT SYSTEM AS A BASIS FOR THE REPRODUCTION OF LABOR RESOURCES IN THE CONTEXT OF INDUSTRY 4.0
Authors:   Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas (NIU), Moscow, Russia, Budzinskaya O.V.
Published: September 2021

In the global system of division of labor, human capital is the main source of competitive advantages for national economies. Creating conditions for the increment of human capital requires constant adjustment of the stages of reproduction of labor resources to the innovative drivers of the economy. Increasing the efficiency of the process of reproduction of labor resources, designing conditions for the creation, development and accumulation of human capital is a condition for Russia's active participation in the competitive struggle on global markets. The aim of the paper is to identify and implement the subjects of the personnel support system for the sectors of the economy, updating its configuration as the basis for the expanded reproduction of labor resources, development and improvement of methodological approaches related to increasing the efficiency of reproduction in the context of Industry 4.0. As a subject of research, the author considers the personnel system, the coordinated activities of the subjects of which will create conditions for the growth of human capital and ensuring the economic growth of the national economy. The results of the study are intended for designing a system of personnel support for economic sectors.
COVID MORTALITY MULTIPLIER AND A NEW METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH TO THE ANALYSIS OF EXCESS MORTALITY IN 2020-2021
Authors:   Moscow State Pedagogical University, Moscow, Moscow, Russia, Kashepov A.V.
Published: September 2021

The article proposes a new methodology for analyzing excess mortality of the population during the COVID-19 pandemic, called by the author the "covid mortality multiplier (CMM)". The methodology is based on the scientifically-based hypothesis that the coronavirus not only directly kills people but also causes a chain reaction of premature deaths in society, caused by an overload of the healthcare infrastructure, limited financial, human, medical and technological resources for the provision of routine medical care, medical examination and early diagnosis of diseases not related to coronavirus. The aim of the article is to review the available publications on the problem of excess mortality due to the pandemic and to justify the possibilities of using the CMM multiplier index in the area of research. The practical significance lies in the verification of previously made expert conclusions about the reasons for the discrepancy between the indicators of total mortality and mortality due to the coronavirus disease, the development of a methodology for comparing factor indicators (determinants) and statistical results of negative processes occurring in the field of population reproduction.
MORTALITAS DAN RESORPSI FETUS MENCIT (Mus musculus L.) SETELAH PEMBERIAN EKSTRAK ETANOL TANAMAN SURUHAN (Peperomia pellucida (L.,) Kunth.)
Authors: Busman Hendri , Nurcahyani Nuning , Dwi Saputra Yosi , Farisi Salman , Salsabila Qotrunnada
Published: September 2021

Tanaman Suruhan (Peperomia pellucida (L.,) Kunth.) merupakan tanaman obat yang memiliki senyawa metabolit sekunder seperti alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin, tanin, dan steroid. Berbagai senyawa kimia tersebut yang berpotensi sebagai obat tetapi perlu diperhatikan kemungkinan adanya efek samping terhadap organisme khususnya pada masa kehamilan. Penelitian ini bertujuan menguji efek teratogenik ekstrak tanaman suruhan terhadap fetus mencit (Mus musculus L.), meliputi mortalitas dan resorpsi. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) yang terdiri dari 4 perlakuan dengan  20 ekor mencit betina dibagi ke dalam 4 kelompok yaitu: K(+) (Aquabides), P1 diberi ekstrak tanaman suruhan dengan dosis (1,68 mg/g bb), P2 (3,36 mg/g bb), dan P3 (6,72 mg/g bb). Hasil penelitian terhadap persentase fetus yang mengalami mortalitas dan resorpsi fetus antara kontrol K(+) dan perlakuan dengan ekstrak etanol suruhan (P1, P2, dan P3) tidak menunjukkan perbedaan yang bermakna secara statistik berdasarkan uji ANOVA satu faktor (p value 0,418). Hasil penelitian yang didapat menunjukkan bahwa ekstrak etanol tanaman suruhan tidak menyebabkan mortalitas pada fetus mencit, namun menyebabkan resorpsi pada fetus mencit pada pemberian dosis sebesar 1,62 mg/g BB, 3,36 mg/g BB, dan 6,72 mg/g BB.

 

Pepper elder (Peperomia pellucida (L.,) Kunth.) is a medicinal plant that has secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and steroids. The side effects for organisms of those chemical compounds, which are potentially beneficial for their medicinal use, still need to be considered especially in pregnancy. This study aims to determine the teratogenic effects of pepper elder extract on mortality and resorption of mice (Mus musculus L.) fetus. This study uses total random sampling design with 4 treatments consisting of 20 female mice divided into 4 groups: the control group (K(+)) which is given Aqua distillation and the treatment groups which are all given the pepper elder extract with different doses, where the first treatment group (P1) is given 1.68 mg/g body weight of the extract, the second treatment group (P2) is given 3.36 mg/g body weight of the extract, and the third treatment group (P3) is given 6.72 mg/g body weight of the extract. The results obtained of mortality and resorption percentage of mice fetus between the control group (K(+)) and the treatment groups (P1, P2, and P3) showed that there is no statistically meaningful difference based on one-way ANOVA test (p value 0,418). This study showed that ethanol extract of pepper elder causes no mortality in mice fetus, yet it causes resorption on mice fetus at given doses of 1,62 mg/g body weight, 3,36 mg/g body weight, dan 6,72 mg/g body weight.
Results of a military-technical experiment to build
a rapidly deployable underwater lighting system using robotic systems and innovative hydroacoustic devices
Authors: Drobin P.V. , Galkin I.A.
Published: September 2021

The results of a military-technical experiment on the construction of a rapidly deployable
underwater lighting system using robotic systems and innovative hydroacoustic devices are presented.
Scientific and technological problems are identified and directions for further work on the creation
of a promising system of technical support and the development of methods for the operation of
marine robotic systems in the course of their group use, including in the far sea zone, are identified.
Reflexiones de estudiantes de profesorado de Física y Química sobre Naturaleza de la Tecnología en el contexto de la controversia Tesla-Edison
Authors: García-Carmona Antonio
Published: September 2021

Una comprensión informada de la Naturaleza de la Tecnología debería formar parte de la alfabetización científica básica de la ciudadanía. Esto implica que, más allá de los propósitos educativos propios del área curricular de Tecnología, la educación científica tendría que plantear también entre sus objetivos conocer los rasgos más característicos de la Tecnología como sistema, incluyendo sus relaciones con la Ciencia. Conscientes de ello, se llevó a cabo una experiencia educativa para promover la comprensión de nociones básicas de Naturaleza de la Tecnología en la formación inicial del profesorado de Ciencia. Para tal propósito, se diseñó una actividad consistente en la lectura de la controversia histórica entre Tesla y Edison sobre la corriente eléctrica, y la reflexión sobre algunas cuestiones de Naturaleza de la Tecnología visibles en esta. Participaron en el estudio 16 estudiantes de profesorado de la especialidad de Física y Química de Educación Secundaria, que conformaban un grupo-clase natural. Los resultados revelan una progresión moderada de la comprensión de los estudiantes sobre los aspectos tratados, si bien suponen una novedad importante en esta línea de investigación. Se finaliza con las limitaciones e implicaciones del estudio realizado.
Videoaulas acessíveis sobre a temática água como recurso didático-pedagógico para promoção da Educação Científica
Authors: Irineu da Silva Roberto , Da Silva Goudinho Luciana , De Albuquerque França Ribeiro Agne , Pires dos Santos Vasconcelos Jaderson , Coelho da Silva Pinto Sérgio Crespo , Mariani Braz Ruth Maria
Published: September 2021

As escolas são desafiadas a promover uma gestão didático-pedagógica que promova a inclusão de estudantes com deficiência, garantindo acesso equânime aos conteúdos curriculares. Este trabalho desenvolveu uma metodologia de produção de videoaulas acessíveis sobre a temática água, utilizamos experimentações como subsídio didático para contextualização dos discentes com processo de produção de conhecimento científico. Os experimentos cognatos ao assunto foram selecionados e realizados com os discentes para verificação das principais dúvidas quanto ao conhecimento científico associado e  a manipulações dos materiais. Gerou-se um repositório vídeo gravações com tradução em língua de sinais. Estas videoaulas (n = 5, totalizando 83 minutos de gravação) foram submetidas à avaliação em relação à qualidade didática e acessibilidade, por profissionais especializados no ensino com surdos e professores de Ciências. Considerando o aspecto de publicitação, foram implementados nestes vídeos, um código digital que, uma vez acionado, gera um questionário para verificação da aprendizagem, além do roteiro para replicação dos experimentos. Conclui-se que este artigo pode corroborar para promoção da Educação Científica Inclusiva, considerando sua metodologia de produção centrada nos estudantes como protagonistas, além das videoaulas constituírem-se em recursos de consultas a estudantes, docentes e intérpretes, cumprindo também um papel de formação continuada.
Presentación: Educación Científica. Nuevas metodologías para una sociedad cambiante
Authors: Perales F. Javier , Aguilera David
Published: September 2021

Una sociedad tan cambiante como la nuestra necesita de cambios (innovaciones) y adaptaciones en el ámbito educativo que permitan compaginar lo académico con las demandas sociales. Este primer monográfico estimamos que resulta representativo de la riqueza y diversidad de las propuestas recibidas que, a su vez, constituyen un muestrario de la pujanza de la comunidad de docentes e investigadores en su afán de hacer de la enseñanza de las ciencias una oferta atractiva y eficiente para las nuevas generaciones...