bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rekonstruktive Sozialforschung als strukturale Hermeneutik
Authors: Schulz-Nieswandt Frank
Published: January 2021

With special reference to the works of Ulrich Oevermann and Fritz Schütze, this book outlines the dense foundations of the logic of reconstructive social research from the perspective of structural hermeneutics. In this context, the author’s explanations focus on the social ontological prerequisites of the aforementioned methodology. Against the background of aspects of knowledge theory and science theory, the study emphasises the appropriate theory of the embedded subject in relation to the world around it and, in doing so, synthesises structuralism and hermeneutics. In this context, sociological theory cannot be appropriately understood without psychoanalysis of the deep mechanisms of the intra-individual work apparatus.
Kontextuale und individuelle Determinanten strategischen Wahlverhaltens
Authors: Springer Frederik
Published: January 2021

Who votes strategically and in which context? This book is the first to systematise the entire range of international comparative research on the determinants of strategic voting in legislative elections. The author’s own analyses of the CSES close the research gaps he identifies in the study’s literature review. The systematic theoretical derivation of all hypotheses, the most comprehensive database to date and appropriate methodological modelling distinguish the study from other relevant literature on this subject. One of its normatively significant new findings is the reduced prevalence of strategic voting in young democracies. The reason for this book’s relevance is that a lack of tactical votes can contribute to the instability of a democratic system.
Výzkum v didaktice cizích jazyků II
Authors: Jelínková Jaroslava , Nerušilová Terezie , Kousalová Barbora , Langerová Petra , Bumbálková Eva , Delalande Hana , Krejčí Janina , Lahodová Marie , Ellederová Eva
Published: January 2021

The volume of proceedings is a result of the Specific Research project conducted in 2018 with the registration number MUNI/A/1143/2018 – Research on learning and teaching foreign languages. The contributions present research studies of doctoral students in the field of Foreign Language Didactics at the Faculty of Education of Masaryk University. The studies are written in Czech.
POLYPREFIXAL VERBS OF SILENCE IN RUSSIAN AND POLISH
Authors: Kopylova Tatiana , Kilina Liliia
Published: January 2021

This article describes Russian and Polish polyprefixation on the material of the group of verbs of silence. The analysis of historical and modern dictionaries combined with the functional-analytic approach to the text enable us to identify the hall marks of this language phenomenon in the Russian and Polish languages, to identify the most productive secondary prefixes and the specifics of their functioning.
B.R.N.O. CONTRIBUTIONS #41 - TIMES OF MINIMA
Authors: Hoňková Lehký M. , Šmelcer L. , Souza de Joode M. , Jílek F. , Mašek M. , Urbaník M. , Walter F. , Dienstbier V. , Bragagnolo U. , Nosáĺ P. , Červinka L. , Mazanec J. , Vrašťák M. , Lomoz F. , Hanžl D. , Sergey I. , Gudmundsson S. , Jacobsen J. , Ehrenberger R. , Hladík B. , Magris M. , Tylšar M. , Persha G. , Školník V. , Smolka M. , Audejean M. , Trnka J. , Medulka T. , Šuchaň J. , Salvaggio F. , Papini R. , Marchini A. , Colaco C. , Vala J. , Starck M. , Quiňones C. , Auer R. F. , Melia R. , Ruocco N. , Kalášek J. , Jíra S. , Versari L. , Girardici C. , Tornatore M. , Boková S. , Malinak J. , Novotný P. , Mokrý A. , Banfi M. , Castillo M. , Durantini L. , Hrádek L. , Kubica T. , Lamberská I. , López O. , Lyachová K. , Mrňák P. , Pavlíková E. , Vilchis E. , Začal M.
Published: January 2021

This paper presents 2109 times of minima for 965 objects acquired by 59 members and cooperating observers of the Variable Star and Exoplanet Section of the Czech Astronomical Society (B.R.N.O. Observing project).These observations were submitted to the website of the Variable Star and Exoplanet Section of the Czech Astronomical Society between November 2016 and March 2018.
Deposit flows and structure in Serbia
Authors: Lazić Milena , Zorčić Ksenija
Published: January 2021

Having drawn attention to the existing banking regulation issues, the Global Financial Crisis also raised awareness of the importance of depositors' confidence for the stability of the financial system, and brought the role and significance of the deposit guarantee schemes to the fore. Serbian economy started experiencing its effects in Q4 2008, in parallel with the global spreading of the crisis. This paper focuses on the fluctuations in deposit levels and structure in the Serbian banking system, between 2008 and 2019. It also aims to underscore the importance and development perspectives of the Serbian deposit guarantee scheme.
Kolektivno nesvjesno - da li bi škole mogle da se bave negativnim i pozitivnim stranama kolektivno nesvjesnog?
Authors: Suzić Nenad
Published: January 2021

Psihologija je nauka koja se jedno vrijeme bavila prvenstveno ličnošću. Danas psihologija nije okrenuta samo pojedincu. Ona proučava grupne procese, proučava moral i etiku koji su u osnovi ljudskog ponašanja i sva druga tangentna područja. Međutim, psihologija grupe, mase, rulje i kolektiva uopšte ostale su na marginama ove nauke. Naravno, bilo je i danas ima ozbiljnih opservacija na tom planu, ali to je još uvijek marginalno. Psihologija mase ili rulje je zanimljiva za one koji proučavaju ratna dešavanja, koji nastoje dokučiti uzroke ratnih zbivanja. U ovom radu autor baca zanimljivo svjetlo na kolektivnu podsvijest, na kolektivno nesvjesno. Polazi od razjašnjavanja pojma podsvijesti pojedinca, a odmah potom razlaže odnos ja i mi-identiteta, odnosno identiteta koji osoba pronalazi u vlastitom etnosu. Dalje razjašnjava zašto neki pojedinci žele da self prekriju mi-identitetom. Ovdje neminovno dolazi do negativnih svojstava mi-identiteta i iznosi ih u tabeli. Sada se pita da li bi škole mogle da se bave negativnim i pozitivnim stranama kolektivno nesvjesnog. Prvo obrazlaže zašto se one ne bave time, a potom daje ideje o tome kako bi trebalo da izgleda škola koja kultiviše pozitivne aspekte kolektivno nesvjesnog.
Traditional and new role of defendant in criminal procedure
Authors: Brkić Snežana
Published: January 2021

The paper highlights some of the deterioration of the defendant, s position in the 2011 Code of criminal procedure of Serbia. On the other hand, it points to some relatively new institutions that go behind the traditional role of the defendant, which is reflected in the opposition to the charges. These are three types of defendant, s agreement with the public prosecution. The first form is a diversionary model, which is applied in the pre-trial procedure. The second is the plea agreement. Both forms were introduced before the confluence to relieve criminal justice, but the defendant himself benefits. The third form is the conclusion of an agreement between the defendant and the sentenced person on testimony in other to successfully detect, prove or prevent the criminal acts referred to in article 162, paragraph 1, item 1 of the Code of criminal procedure.
The main stages in the development of the official administration in Hungary
Authors: Józsa Zoltán
Published: January 2021

After a brief outline of the past, the study focuses on the three main elements of public administration: the organization, the tasks and competences, and the characteristics of the staff. Different but complementary research methods (historical, comparative and dogmatic) show the changes in the management and operation of state administration over historical periods. The formal, subordinated administration has gradually given way to a customer-friendly, service-oriented administration. The corresponding organizational framework is the government window system, while the institutions the Act of General Administrative Procedures provide the opportunity to implement fast, cheap and efficient state services. The commitment, skills, and professionalism of the public administration staff remain the most important factor for the realisation of a modern, service-oriented state. Changes like state administration are not straight-line, but the tendency is the strengthening of the help and service image.
Legal and historical views of legal sources for the establishment and building of EEC/EU peace in the Former Yugoslavia in 1993 and European realities in 2020
Authors: Dagen Tomislav
Published: January 2021

The last peace mediation of the European Economic Community through European Political Cooperation, as well as the operationalization of the European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy on 1 Novemeber 1993 in the territory of the former Yugoslavia will be reflected through the Action Plan. (Juppѐ-Kinkel Plan). Such final independent attempt by the EEC/EU to establish and build peace through peace mediation will have its stronghold in legal sources. The effects of peace mediation through the Action Plan will reflect the content and reach of legal sources and resulting mechanisms from the same sources. The failure of the Action Plan will give a new dimension to the CFSP's foreign policy action to establish and build peace among the conflicting parties through peace mediation. Accordingly, as the subject of research in this paper, the author will draw a parallel between 1993 and 2020 from a legal and historical perspective and through comparative, historical and method of analysis, and show whether, after almost three decades, since the last EEC/EU independent peace mediation effort for establishing and building peace in the former Yugoslavia, the EU, despite its desire to be a global factor in establishing and achieving peace in the world in accordance with the content and scope of the Treaty of Lisbon and other legal sources, is able to establish and build peace among the conflicting parties.
Main features of the Hungarian sanction system
Authors: Juhász Zsuzsanna
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study is to illustrate the main features of the Hungarian system of criminal sanctions and to focus on some problematic issues of the current sanction system in relation to fix-term imprisonment and life imprisonment and also the punitive nature of criminal law.
Spartan constitution and education
Authors: Bralić Željko
Published: January 2021

Ancient Sparta is generally recognized as a Greek polis with specific and non-typical state system determined by firmly established set of laws, commonly considered (by Spartans and other Greeks of the time) as a constitution of lawgiver Lykourgos. Spartan constitution was the essence of the state, and this work reviews some of the main institutions established by the constitution. Principal section of the text is dedicated to the basic element and the major purpose of the state and the constitution itself - namely, to the spartan education. It is the peculiar Spartan education and training system called agōgē that particularly enabled ancient Spartans to maintain their durable military might and decisive influence in classical period. Lawgiver of Sparta dedicated primary function in the arrangement of the state itself to the educational system, principally focused on physical and moral education. Capital purpose of educational system was character forming of young Spartans who were expected, mainly on a battlefield in a hoplite phalanx formation, to materialize Spartan ideal of a paramount skilled combatant and fearless warrior.
Is This Patient’s Liver Mass Cancer?
Authors: Davis, FNP-BC Dietrich , H. Wei, MS, MPH, PA-C, DFAAPA Steven
Published: January 2021

Undiagnosed liver lesions are important findings that can affect the physical and mental well-being of patients. They are usually incidental findings identified while clinicians are performing other imaging tests. It is important for clinicians and patients to identify the causative factors for these lesions in order to further reduce risk, develop treatment plans, and produce better outcomes. Both men and women can develop liver lesions, which may require surgical intervention. Knowing the key risk factors for common lesions can help clinicians confidently diagnose patients without costly workup.
Funkcionalni testi za oceno ravnotežnega organa
Authors: Sluga Metka , Hribar Manja , Battelino Saba
Published: January 2021

Težave z ravnotežjem sodijo med pogoste vzroke za obisk pri zdravniku, njihov izvor pa je lahko precej raznovrsten. Na področju otorinolaringologije se posvečamo predvsem okvaram notranjega ušesa in ravnotežnega živca ter nakažemo morebitno centralno prizadetost ravnotežnega sistema. Za postavitev diagnoze pogosto ne zadostuje zgolj ena preiskava, pač pa je po navadi potrebna kombinacija različnih testov, s katerimi potrjujemo ali izključujemo prizadetost posameznih delov ravnotežnega sistema. V osnovi razlikujemo med testi, s katerimi ocenjujemo delovanje polkrožnih kanalčkov,  in testi za oceno delovanja sakulusa in utrikulusa. Predstavljena je klinična raziskava, v kateri smo pri 1.042 bolnikih z jasno anamnezo za benigni paroksizmalni pozicijski vertigo le-tega dokazali v 36 %. Nujno je bilo opraviti še dodatna testiranja, ki jih predstavlja prispevek. Za razlago njihovih rezultatov se pogosto zanašamo na opazovanje in merjenje gibanja očesnih zrkel, pri čemer je pomembno poznavanje določenih refleksov za ohranjanje ravnotežja. Ob tem moramo upoštevati tudi simptome, ki jih navaja bolnik, in teste po potrebi dopolniti s slikovnodiagnostičnimi preiskavami. Natančne računalniške meritve in grafični zapisi danes nadomeščajo opazovanje s prostim očesom in subjektivno razlaganje opažanj preiskovalca.
¿Es posible abordar el folklore musical de otras comunidades autónomas en el segundo ciclo de Educación Infantil?
Authors: Sánchez García Adrián , Álava Redal Lidia
Published: January 2021

En este texto pretendemos comprobar la posibilidad de que el alumnado escolarizado en el segundo ciclo de Educación Infantil experimente, dentro del contexto escolar y en función de lo que permitan los diferentes currículos españoles, el folclore musical de otra comunidad autónoma. Para ello, analizamos la normativa vigente en este ciclo de cada comunidad autónoma en torno a la didáctica del folclore y nos centramos en la especial casuística del flamenco, declarado Patrimonio Cultural de la Humanidad de la UNESCO.

In this text, we hope to verify the chance that preschool students experience, within the school context, the musical folklore of other regions, always depending on what the Spanish syllabus allow us. In order to do this, we analyze the current law in this course of every region about folklore teaching and we focus on special casuistry of flamenco, declared to be World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
‘Marxcelerationismen’ – Et historiefilosofisk kerneproblem i marxismens historie
Authors: Routhier Dominique
Published: January 2021

'MARXCELERATIONISM' - A HISTORICO-PHILOSOPHICAL IN THE HISTORY OF MARXISMThis article reconstructs anew the correspondence that took place in 1881 between Marx and the Russian revolutionary Vera Zasulich. In this correspondence, initially about the Russian ‘agrarian question’, a much broader historico-philosophical issue was fundamentally at stake: the idea of progress. In the ill-fated history of Marxism the idea of progress has, arguably, served to bolster a politics of modernization partly shielded from criticism by the very fact that it allegedly originated in Marx’s so called theory of history. This article argues, on the contrary, that Marx held no such universal theory of history at all. Instead, Zasulich’s and subsequently Lenin’s appeal to an ‘acceleration’ of the contradictions of capitalism to promote the presumably inevitable historical passage to socialism (a view that this article in a contemporary pun identifies as ‘marxcelerationist’) is construed as part and parcel of a Marxist ideology of progress unequivocally criticized by Marx himself as early as in 1881.
Broadband and high transmission of Mie-resonance-coupled subwavelength metal aperture
Authors: Lü Xiao-Long , Lu Hao-Ran , Guo Yun-Sheng ,   School of Science, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010, China,   China Institute of Nuclear Information & Economics, Beijing 100084, China
Published: January 2021

Transmission of the subwavelength metal aperture excited by the surface plasmon resonance is much higher than that from the Bethe theory. However, due to the sensitivity of resonant frequency and the loss of metal in optical band, it is difficult to achieve broadband and high transmission of the subwavelength metal aperture through surface plasmon resonance. In this article, the broadband and high transmission of the subwavelength metal aperture is realized when Mie-resonant-coupled silicon nanoparticles placed on both sides of the metal aperture are used to replace the surface plasmon resonance. The full wave simulation results show that bandwidth of the transmission coefficient more than 90% of the subwavelength aperture (\begin{document}$ {r \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {r {\lambda = 0.1}}} \right. } {\lambda = 0.1}}$\end{document}) reaches 65 nm by using Mie-resonance-coupled silicon nanoparticles. Compared with the transmission induced by surface plasmon resonance, the peak value is improved by 1.5 times and the 3 dB bandwidth is widened by 17 times. According to the coupled mode theory, the equivalent circuit model of transmission of the subwavelength metal aperture added with Mie-resonance-coupled silicon nanoparticles is established, and the element parameters in the circuit model are inversed under the critical coupling state. Further research shows that transmission rule of the subwavelength metal aperture added with Mie-resonance coupled silicon nanoparticles can be accurately revealed by changing the coupling coefficient in the equivalent circuit model, and the results are consistent with the full wave electromagnetic simulation results. The mathematical expression of the interaction between light and Mie-resonance-coupled subwavelength metal aperture is found, therefore it can inspire us to construct certain functional modules in optical field according to circuit design method.
Laser frequency scanning interferometry based on estimating signal parameters via rotational invariance technique
Authors: Xu Jing-Xiang , Kong Ming , Xu Xin-Ke ,   College of Metrology and Measurement Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Published: January 2021

The laser frequency scanning interferometry, as a non-contact method, has non-ranging blind zone and achieves multi-target testing in a single measurement. The beat frequency of target can be extracted by Fourier transform, and then the distance can be solved. However, due to the limitation of laser frequency modulation bandwidth, the resolution of target obtained by Fourier transform is limited to the inherent resolution. In order to solve this problem, in this paper we propose to use the estimating signal parameter via rotational invariance technique (ESPRIT) to perform spectrum analysis on the measured signal. In the experiment, the resampling method is adopted to correct the non-linearity of the measured signal beat frequency, and then the ESPRIT algorithm is used to obtain the target distance. The results show that the Fourier transform algorithm cannot distinguish the target signal from the frequencies of adjacent target, but the ESPRIT algorithm can do. The thickness of the measured target is 2.08 mm. This provides ideas for measuring, such as damage point in the proximity of the fiber, height of thin step, or small hole.
Carrier transport layers of tin-based perovskite solar cells
Authors: Gan Yong-Jin , Jiang Qu-Bo , Qin Bin-Yi , Bi Xue-Guang , Li Qing-Liu ,   School of Physics and Telecommunication Engineering, Yulin Normal University, Yulin 537000, China,   Optoelectronic Information Processing Key Laboratory of Guangxi, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China
Published: January 2021

To avoid environmental pollution caused by lead, the tin-based perovskite solar cells have become a research hotspot in the photovoltaic field. Numerical simulations of tin-based perovskite solar cells are conducted by the solar cell simulation software, SCAPS-1D, with different electron transport layers and hole transport layers. And then the performances of perovskite solar cells are compared with each other and analyzed on different carrier transport layers. The results show that band alignment between the carrier transport layer and the perovskite layer are critical to cell performances. A higher conduction band or electronic quasi-Fermi level of electron transport layer can lead to a higher open circuit voltage. Similarly, a lower valence band or hole quasi-Fermi level of hole transport layer can also promote a higher open circuit voltage. In addition, when the conduction band of electron transport layer is higher than that of the absorber, a spike barrier is formed at the interface between the electron transport layer and perovskite layer. Nevertheless, a spike barrier is formed at the interface between the perovskite layer and the hole transport layer if the valence band of hole transport layer is lower than that of the absorber. However, if the conduction band of electron transport layer is lower than that of the absorber or the valence band of hole transport layer is higher than that of the absorber, a cliff barrier is formed. Although the transport of carrier is hindered by spike barrier compared with cliff barrier, the activation energy for carrier recombination becomes lower than the bandgap of the perovskite layer, leading to the weaker interface recombination and the better performance. Comparing with other materials, satisfying output parameters are obtained when Cd0.5Zn0.5S and MASnBr3 are adopted as the electron transport layer and the hole transport layer, respectively. The better performances are obtained as follows: Voc = 0.94 V, Jsc = 30.35 mA/cm2, FF = 76.65%, and PCE = 21.55%, so Cd0.5Zn0.5S and MASnBr3 are suitable carrier transport layer materials. Our researches can help to design the high-performance tin-based perovskite solar cells.
Data augmentation based malware detection using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Catak Ferhat Ozgur , Ahmed Javed , Sahinbas Kevser , Khand Zahid Hussain
Published: January 2021

Due to advancements in malware competencies, cyber-attacks have been broadly observed in the digital world. Cyber-attacks can hit an organization hard by causing several damages such as data breach, financial loss, and reputation loss. Some of the most prominent examples of ransomware attacks in history are WannaCry and Petya, which impacted companies’ finances throughout the globe. Both WannaCry and Petya caused operational processes inoperable by targeting critical infrastructure. It is quite impossible for anti-virus applications using traditional signature-based methods to detect this type of malware because they have different characteristics on each contaminated computer. The most important feature of this type of malware is that they change their contents using their mutation engines to create another hash representation of the executable file as they propagate from one computer to another. To overcome this method that attackers use to camouflage malware, we have created three-channel image files of malicious software. Attackers make different variants of the same software because they modify the contents of the malware. In the solution to this problem, we created variants of the images by applying data augmentation methods. This article aims to provide an image augmentation enhanced deep convolutional neural network (CNN) models for detecting malware families in a metamorphic malware environment. The main contributions of the article consist of three components, including image generation from malware samples, image augmentation, and the last one is classifying the malware families by using a CNN model. In the first component, the collected malware samples are converted into binary file to 3-channel images using the windowing technique. The second component of the system create the augmented version of the images, and the last part builds a classification model. This study uses five different deep CNN model for malware family detection. The results obtained by the classifier demonstrate accuracy up to 98%, which is quite satisfactory.
Assessment of the Anemic Conditions during Pregnancy: A Study of Sukkur City, Sindh, Pakistan
Authors: Qazi Maryam , Dayo Abdullah , Ghoto Muhammad Ali , Arain Mudassar Iqbal , Shaikh Bilawal , Shaikh Abdul Aziz , Farooqui Muhammad Umair , Ahmed Waqar , Rajper Faraz Qurban , Arbani Rashid Ali
Published: January 2021

Background: Anemia is pathological disorder caused by mal nutrition and it is very common among feminine gender during gestational period.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women, and identify the risk factors and symptoms of anemia in pregnancy.

Methodology: Descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out for 12 months from June 2018 to June 2019 at Sukkur Blood and Drugs donating Society Hospital in Sukkur Sindh. A total of 300 pregnant women with anemic condition were selected by purposive sampling method. Structured questionnaire was designed in order to collect nominal and ordinal information after getting consent from included patients. The collected information was interpreted by using statistical software SPSS version 24.00

Results: The result revealed that 82.3% of the women were diagnosed as anemic, categorized as mild, moderate and severe. Anemic condition was common among pregnant women with ages 26-35 years, 63.9%. Women with primary or secondary education were more prone to anemia. The pregnant women belongs to rural areas were more forwarded to anemia, 86.6%. The numbers of patients were seen more in second and thirds trimester of gestation while rate of anemia in primary gravida was 75.0% that increased to 81.8% in multigravida, and further increased to 91.5% in grand multiparity.

Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia was high in rural area of Sindh. Haemoglobin concentration was very much low in most of the pregnant female. The major cause of anemia in pregnant women was mal nutrition.
Effect of Low Fat Diet, Almonds, Green Coffee and Mackerel Fish on Obese Rats
Authors: Aboelnaga Shimaa M. H. , Khatoon Fahmida
Published: January 2021

The present work was conducted to study the effect of low fat diet (LFD), almonds, green coffee, mackerel fish and the combination of all of them on loss of weight, lipid profile, serum glucose, leptin hormone, liver enzymes and kidney functions of obese rats.

Methods: In this research, researcher used normal male albino rats (n=42). This group of rats was divided into two major groups. The first group (n=6 rats) fed on standard diet and was considered as a group of negative control. The second group (n= 36 rat) fed high fat diet for six weeks on to induce of obesity. Rats in the second group were randomly assigned to six equal subgroups: Subgroup (1) fed on HFD (consist of 20% fat) and used as (control positive) 1; Subgroups (2) fed on LFD containing only (10% fat) and used as (control positive) 2. Subgroup The third sub-group feeds on low fat diet LFD containing (almonds, which provided the diet with 5% oil hydrogenated oils 4% and soy oil 1%). Subgroup (4) fed on LFD and treated each rat daily in this group with 3 ml green coffee. Subgroup (5) fed on LFD containing (mackerel fish, which provided the diet with 5% fat, hydrogenated oils 4% and soy oil 1%). Subgroup (6) fed on LFD containing (almonds which provided the diet with 5% oil and mackerel fish which provided the diet with 5% oil) and treated each rat daily in this group with 3 ml green coffee The obtained data were tested with one-way ANOVA (mean ± standard deviation and one-way ANOVA test) using SAS package and compared with each other using the LSD (least significant differences at P< 0.05.  

Results: Body weight gain % of rats increased significantly by feeding on a high-fat diet, also, serum "glucose, leptin hormone, cholesterol, triglyceride, lipoprotein cholesterol except HDL-c, kidney functions, liver increased in rats fed on HFD, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased, in comparison with the group of negative control group fed on basal diet.

Conclusion: Treatment of obese rats with LFDs, LFDs containing almond, LFDs containing green coffee, LFDs containing mackerel fish, and obese rats treated with all these improved all parameters.
Disease‐Modifying Therapies and Coronavirus Disease 2019 Severity in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Sormani Maria P. , De Rossi Nicola , Schiavetti Irene , Carmisciano Luca , Cordioli Cinzia , Moiola Lucia , Radaelli Marta , Immovilli Paolo , Capobianco Marco , Trojano Maria , Zaratin Paola , Tedeschi Gioacchino , Comi Giancarlo , Battaglia Mario A. , Patti Francesco , Salvetti Marco ,   the Musc‐19 Study Group
Published: January 2021

Objective

This study was undertaken to assess the impact of immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory therapies on the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).

Methods

We retrospectively collected data of PwMS with suspected or confirmed COVID‐19. All the patients had complete follow‐up to death or recovery. Severe COVID‐19 was defined by a 3‐level variable: mild disease not requiring hospitalization versus pneumonia or hospitalization versus intensive care unit (ICU) admission or death. We evaluated baseline characteristics and MS therapies associated with severe COVID‐19 by multivariate and propensity score (PS)‐weighted ordinal logistic models. Sensitivity analyses were run to confirm the results.

Results

Of 844 PwMS with suspected (n = 565) or confirmed (n = 279) COVID‐19, 13 (1.54%) died; 11 of them were in a progressive MS phase, and 8 were without any therapy. Thirty‐eight (4.5%) were admitted to an ICU; 99 (11.7%) had radiologically documented pneumonia; 96 (11.4%) were hospitalized.

After adjusting for region, age, sex, progressive MS course, Expanded Disability Status Scale, disease duration, body mass index, comorbidities, and recent methylprednisolone use, therapy with an anti‐CD20 agent (ocrelizumab or rituximab) was significantly associated (odds ratio [OR] = 2.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.18–4.74, p = 0.015) with increased risk of severe COVID‐19. Recent use (<1 month) of methylprednisolone was also associated with a worse outcome (OR = 5.24, 95% CI = 2.20–12.53, p = 0.001). Results were confirmed by the PS‐weighted analysis and by all the sensitivity analyses.

Interpretation

This study showed an acceptable level of safety of therapies with a broad array of mechanisms of action. However, some specific elements of risk emerged. These will need to be considered while the COVID‐19 pandemic persists. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:780–789
Organelle‐Specific Photoactivation of DNA Nanosensors for Precise Profiling of Subcellular Enzymatic Activity
Authors: Shao Yulei , Zhao Jian , Yuan Jinying , Zhao Yuliang , Li Lele
Published: January 2021

Understanding of the functions of enzymes in diverse cellular processes is important, but the design of sensors with controllable localization for in situ imaging of subcellular levels of enzymatic activity is particularly challenging. We introduce herein a spatiotemporally controlled sensor technology that permits in situ localization and photoactivated imaging of human apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) within an intracellular organelle of choice (e.g., mitochondria or nucleus). The hybrid sensor platform is constructed by photoactivatable engineering of a DNA‐based fluorescent probe and further combination with an upconversion nanoparticle and a specific organelle localization signal. Controlled localization and NIR‐light‐mediated photoactivation of the sensor “on demand” effectively constrains the imaging signal to the organelle of interest, with improved subcellular resolution. We further demonstrate the application of the nanosensors for the imaging of subcellular APE1 translocation in response to oxidative stress in live cells.
Interpenetrating polymer network/functionalized‐reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite: As an advanced functional material
Authors: Ghosh Tuhin , Karak Niranjan
Published: January 2021

In this report, smart polyurethane‐polystyrene interpenetrating polymer network (IPN)‐based nanocomposites were fabricated using simultaneous polymerization technique with different doses of functionalized reduced graphene oxide (f‐RGO). RGO was functionalized with monoglyceride of sunflower oil in the presence of toluene diisocyanate. Successful functionalization of RGO was supported by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐Ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy analyses. Most interestingly, the fabricated IPN‐based nanocomposites showed significant enhancements in mechanical (tensile strength: 165%; elongation at break: 198%; toughness: 340%) and thermal (thermally stable up to 262°C) properties upon incorporation of 1 weight% of f‐RGO. Moreover, the fabricated nanocomposites exhibited outstanding chemical resistance, self‐cleaning behavior through surface hydrophobicity (static contact angle: 125.6–136.5°), multi‐stimuli responsive shape memory effect (100% recovery within 33–44 s by microwave and 265–308 s by sunlight) and thermally actuated artificial muscle‐like behavior. Therefore, the studied smart nanocomposites with the aforementioned properties hold significant potential for possible advanced applications.
Precision cosmology in modified and extended theories of gravity: An insightful test
Authors: Escamilla‐Rivera Celia
Published: January 2021

In this work, we present a brief discussion about modified and extended cosmological models using current observational tests. We show that, according to these astrophysical samples based on late universe measurements, theories like f(R) and f(T, B) can provide a useful interpretation of a dynamical dark energy. At this stage, precision cosmostatistics has also become a well‐motivated endeavor by itself to test gravitational physics at cosmic scales, and these analyses can be employed to test the viability and future constrains over specific cosmological models of these theories of gravity, making them a good approach to propose an alternative path from the standard ΛCDM scenario.
Energy conditions in non‐minimally coupled f(R, T) gravity
Authors: Sahoo Pradyumn Kumar , Mandal Sanjay , Arora Simran
Published: January 2021

In today's scenario, going beyond Einstein's theory of gravity leads us to some more complete and modified gravity theories. One of them is the f(R, T) gravity in which R is the Ricci scalar, and T is the trace of the energy‐momentum tensor. Using a well‐motivated linear f(R, T) gravity model with a single parameter, we studied the strong energy condition (SEC), the weak energy condition (WEC), the null energy condition (NEC), and the dominant energy condition (DEC) under the simplest non‐minimal matter geometry coupling with a perfect fluid distribution. The model parameter is constrained by energy conditions and a single‐parameter proposed equation of state (EoS), resulting in the compatibility of the f(R, T) models with the accelerated expansion of the universe. It is seen that the EoS parameter illustrates the quintessence phase in a dominated accelerated phase, pinpoint to the cosmological constant yields as a prediction the phantom era. Also, the present values of the cosmological constant and the acceleration of the universe are used to check the viability of our linear f(R, T) model of gravity. It is observed that the positive behavior of DEC and WEC indicates the validation of the model. In contrast, SEC is violating the condition resulting in the accelerated expansion of the universe.
A reconstruction scheme for f(T) gravity: Variable generalized Chaplygin dark energy gas form
Authors: Chattopadhyay Surajit , Chakraborty Gargee
Published: January 2021

The present study reports a reconstruction scheme for f(T) gravity under the assumption that the density due to the torsion T evolves like the variable‐generalized Chaplygin gas (VGCG), a phenomenological candidate of dark energy. This reconstruction has been demonstrated in viscous as well as non‐viscous cases. The state‐finder trajectory {r − s} has been found to attain the ΛCDM fixed point under this reconstruction scenario. The reconstructed equation of state parameter (EoS) has been studied for their phantom/quintom behavior. The effect of bulk viscous pressure has been found to become prominent in the late stage. The generalized second law (GSL) of thermodynamics has been studied for Bekeinstein ‐ Hawking entropy area relation in both non‐viscous and viscous cases. The GSL is found to be valid in both cases.
Integratives computerbasiertes Planen und Bauen: Architektur digital neu denken
Authors: Knippers Jan , Kropp Cordula , Menges Achim , Sawodny Oliver , Weiskopf Daniel
Published: January 2021

Die Herausforderung an das Bauen der Zukunft besteht darin, mehr zu bauen, dabei weniger Schadstoffe zu emittieren und weniger endliche Ressourcen zu verbrauchen und trotzdem eine qualitätsvolle und lebenswerte gebaute Umwelt zu schaffen. In einem sich wechselseitig beeinflussenden Prozess müssen hierfür sowohl die Produktivität der Bauprozesse als auch die Energie‐ und Ressourceneffizienz der Bausysteme verbessert werden. Digitale Technologien bieten neue Lösungsansätze für diese Herausforderungen. Ziel des Exzellenzclusters IntCDC an der Universität Stuttgart und dem Max‐Planck‐Institut für Intelligente Systeme ist es, das volle Potenzial digitaler Technologien zu nutzen, um das Planen und Bauen in einem integrativen und interdisziplinären Ansatz neu zu denken und damit die methodischen Grundlagen für eine umfassende Modernisierung des Bauschaffens zu legen. Eine zentrale Zielsetzung ist die Entwicklung einer übergeordneten Methodologie des „Co‐Design“ von Methoden, Prozessen und Systemen, basierend auf interdisziplinärer Forschung zwischen den Bereichen Architektur, Bauingenieurwesen, Ingenieurgeodäsie, Produktions‐ und Systemtechnik, Informatik und Robotik sowie Geistes‐ und Sozialwissenschaften. So sollen Lösungswege für die ökologischen, ökonomischen und sozialen Herausforderungen aufgezeigt und die Voraussetzungen für eine qualitätsvolle, lebenswerte und nachhaltige gebaute Umwelt sowie für eine digitale Baukultur geschaffen werden.
A multi‐method evaluation of the implementation of a cancer teamwork assessment and feedback improvement programme (MDT‐FIT) across a large integrated cancer system
Authors: Taylor Cath , Harris Jenny , Stenner Karen , Sevdalis Nick , Green James SA
Published: January 2021

Background

Globally, Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs) are considered the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other conditions, but variability in performance has led to demand for improvement tools. MDT‐FIT (Multidisciplinary Team Feedback for Improving Teamwork) is an improvement programme developed iteratively with over 100 MDTs (≥1100 MDT‐members). Complex interventions are often adapted to context, but this is rarely evaluated. We conducted a prospective evaluation of the implementation of MDT‐FIT across an entire integrated care system (ICS).

Methods

MDT‐FIT was implemented within all breast cancer MDTs across an ICS in England (n = 10 MDTs; 275 medical, nursing, and administrative members). ICS managers coordinated the implementation across the three stages of MDT‐FIT: set up; assessment (self‐report by team members plus independent observational assessment); team‐feedback and facilitated discussion to agree actions for improvement. Data were collected using process and systems logs, and interviews with a purposively selected range of participants. Analysis was theoretically grounded in evidence‐based frameworks for implementation strategies and outcomes.

Results

All 10 MDTs participated in MDT‐FIT; 36 interviews were conducted. Data from systems and process logs covered a 9‐month period. Adaptations to MDT‐FIT by the ICS (e.g., coordination of team participation by ICS rather than individual hospitals; and reducing time protected for coordination) reduced Fidelity and Adoption of MDT‐FIT. However, the Acceptability, Appropriateness and Feasibility of MDT‐FIT remained high due to embedding implementation strategies in the development of MDT‐FIT (e.g., stakeholder engagement, interactive support).

Conclusions

This is a unique and comprehensive evaluation of the multi‐site implementation of a complex team improvement programme. Findings support the imperative of considering implementation strategies when designing such programmes to minimize potentially negative impacts of adaptations in “real world” settings.
Influence of bath composition on the electrodeposition of amorphous Ni‐Mo alloys using potassium‐sodium tartrate as complexing agent
Authors: Filgueira de Almeida Arthur , da Costa Neto Heleno , de Santana Renato Alexandre Costa , Alves José Jaílson Nicácio , Nascimento Campos Ana Regina , Prasad Shiva
Published: January 2021

Currently, sodium citrate is the most used complexing agent for electrodeposition of Ni‐Mo coatings, especially for studying the effect of bath temperature and current density on the proprieties of Ni‐Mo coatings. This study evaluates the influence of the concentrations of nickel sulphate and sodium molybdate on the electrodeposition of Ni‐Mo alloys in baths using tartrate as a complexing agent. Electrodepositions were carried out in a two‐electrode cell. A 32 complete factorial design of experiments along with response surface methodology (RSM) was used for the optimization of bath variables for electrodeposition of Ni‐Mo alloys. The coatings obtained were characterized in terms of chemical composition and surface morphology. The chemical composition of the coatings was most influenced by the sodium molybdate concentration. Ni‐Mo coatings of good quality were obtained in potassium‐sodium tartrate baths with Mo content in the range 18‐44 wt%; some results present even higher Mo content than coatings obtained from citrate baths. The coating with the highest Mo content was deposited from the bath with a concentration ratio of nickel sulphate to sodium molybdate of 1:1. Surface morphology varied according to chemical composition, and microcracks were observed for the coating with 41 wt% Mo, for which scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images also show the presence of nodules. The most homogeneous coating surface was obtained at a concentration ratio of nickel sulphate to sodium molybdate of 10:3. X‐ray diffraction analyses have shown that all coatings obtained in this work are amorphous.
A comment on the breathing in the corona virus environment
Authors: Gluskin Emanuel
Published: January 2021

The balance equation more correct than in the previous publication of the author for the number of the corona virus (CV) molecules in the lung is developed, and an important inequality for the needed frequency of the breathing is obtained from it. It is immediate from this inequality that a small‐size living creature should better endure the CV‐environment.
Experimental visualization of reversible magnesium storage and surface chemistry of magnesium silicide anode
Authors: Hoang Van‐Kien , Chung Gyeong Jun , Oh Min‐Geun , Song Seung‐Wan
Published: January 2021

Magnesium silicide (Mg2Si) is a new anode material candidate for Mg‐ion batteries due to the Earth‐abundance of Mg and Si and its high theoretical specific capacity of 1398 mAh/g. However, to date, no one reported its reversible Mg‐storage ability. Herein, we demonstrate for the first time the experimental visualization of a reversible electrochemical demagnesiation and magnasiation of Mg2Si film model electrode in a half‐cell with the electrolyte of PhMgCl/THF at room temperature. The Mg2+‐diffusivity, 1.3 × 10–18 cm2/s, of Mg2Si film model electrode determined with cyclic voltammetry is four orders of magnitude lower than that of Li+‐diffusivity of Mg2Si film electrode in a lithium cell, indicating a sluggish diffusion kinetics. Surface chemistry studies of the 1st discharged (demagnesiated) and the 1st cycled (re‐magnesiated) electrodes utilizing X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveal that the surface of pristine Mg2Si is highly covered by various silicon oxides, and Mg2Si undergoes segregation and phase separation partly to Mg and Si along with the surface coverage of electrolyte decomposition products. Those events lower the homogeneity and connectivity of electrode composition, which limits the reaction reversibility. The data give insight into a new material design for Mg‐ion batteries.
Protein diets with the role of immune and gut microbial regulation alleviate DSS‐induced chronic ulcerative colitis
Authors: Ma Shenyan , Qian Cheng , Li Nan , Fang Zhifeng , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei , Liu Zhenmin , Lu Wenwei
Published: January 2021

The association between diet and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been confirmed. However, the role of protein consumption in IBD remains controversial. This research aimed to explore the effects of milk‐based protein (MBP), potato protein (PP), and mixed protein (MP) on the recovery of mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced ulcerative colitis (UC). MP alleviated UC symptoms through reducing colon shortening and tissue damage, decreasing neutrophil infiltration, maintaining the mucous layer integrity, and suppressing the expression of TNF‐α, IL‐17A, IL‐6, and IL‐1β. MBP and PP decreased the colon shortening and IL‐1β levels but PP increased the MUC2 expression. Additionally, the gut microbial structure and composition were altered after different proteins supplement. Compared to DSS‐treated mice, MP‐treated mice showed that increased abundances in Coprococcus and Bifidobacterium and decreased abundances in Sutterella, Lactobacillus, and Akkermansia. MBP increased the proportion of Bifidobacterium and reduced Sutterella, but PP increased Ruminococcus and Bifidobacterium and decreased Adlercreutzia. Correspondence analysis of gut microbial composition to determine the effects of protein diets on immune response and pathological characteristics also verified the interaction between gut microbiota and alleviation of colitis. These results provide a theoretical basis for the selection of raw materials for clinical enteral nutrition preparations and potential use for potato protein wastes.
Insulin acutely activates metabolism of primary human monocytes and promotes a proinflammatory phenotype
Authors: Ratter Jacqueline M , van Heck Julia I P , Rooijackers Hanne M M , Jansen Henry J , van Poppel Pleun C M , Tack Cees J , Stienstra Rinke
Published: January 2021

Increased glycolysis is a metabolic trait of activated innate immune cells and supports functional changes including cytokine production. Insulin drives glycolysis in nonimmune cells, yet its metabolic effects on human innate immune cells remain unexplored. Potential effects of insulin on immune cell metabolism may occur acutely after a postprandial increase in plasma insulin levels or as a consequence of chronically elevated insulin levels as observed in obese insulin-resistant individuals and patients with diabetes. Here, we investigated the effects of acute and chronic exposure to insulin on metabolism and function of primary human monocytes. Insulin acutely activated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in monocytes and increased both oxygen consumption and glycolytic rates. Functionally, acute exposure to insulin increased LPS-induced IL-6 secretion and reactive oxygen species production. To model chronically elevated insulin levels in patients with diabetes, we exposed monocytes from healthy individuals for 24 h to insulin. Although we did not find any changes in expression of metabolic genes that are regulated by insulin in non-immune cells, chronic exposure to insulin increased LPS-induced TNFα production and enhanced MCP-1-directed migration. Supporting this observation, we identified a positive correlation between plasma insulin levels and macrophage numbers in adipose tissue of overweight individuals. Altogether, insulin acutely activates metabolism of human monocytes and induces a shift toward a more proinflammatory phenotype, which may contribute to chronic inflammation in patients with diabetes.