bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feuerbach: el giro antropológico de la teología
Authors: López Bolívar María Cristina
Published: December 2018

Ludwig Feuerbach fue uno de los estudiantes más destacados de Hegel a quien criticó asiduamente por perpetuar la formalidad teológica especulativa y abstracta en la filosofía alemana. En consecuencia, Feuerbach realiza un giro antropológico de la teología para declarar que el sujeto primero de cualquier meditación, estudio o premisa no es Dios o el espíritu sino el Hombre. Pero el hombre de Feuerbach no es cualquier hombre, es “el hombre de carne y sangre” concurriendo así, este autor, al nacimiento del materialismo, doctrina que concibe que el origen del hombre no es la idea sino la materia. De aquí que, el autor de La esencia de cristianismo vuelque todos sus esfuerzos en realizar una antropología filosófica que sirve de base al humanismo materialista que fuerza a concebir al hombre, ética, social, filosófica y económicamente desde sus circunstancias vitales y no desde el idealismo a priori. Con ello se logra volver al hombre material centro de una dialéctica antropológica propia del humanismo donde el hombre solo es hombre en relación con otro hombre.El objetivo de este texto es enseñar el giro antropológico de la teología especulativa presente en la obra de Hegel y que realiza Feuerbach para dar origen al humanismo materialista -importante para todo el marxismo-. Con ello se concluirá la relevancia de Feuerbach para la tradición humanista.
Las representaciones sociales del conflicto: una mirada desde la escuela
Authors: Montoya Páez Víctor Hugo , Roberto Cardona Andrés
Published: December 2018

El artículo muestra la síntesis de un trabajo investigativo, cuyo objetivo es la comprensión sobre las representaciones sociales del conflicto de los docentes, directivos docentes y estudiantes de la media académica, en las instituciones educativas Joaquín Vallejo Arbeláez y El Salvador de la ciudad de Medellín. Así mismo identificar su procedencia dentro de la escuela como contexto educativo.Se caracterizó el concepto de conflicto y sus elementos constitutivos (causas, proceso, protagonistas y contexto). Se describen las posibilidades que son ofrecidas en la escuela para su tratamiento y la procedencia de las representaciones sociales del conflicto, con el propósito de identificar las fuentes que impactan la comunidad de las instituciones educativas en mención. La metodología utilizada en este estudio es de carácter cualitativa-hermenéutica, no obstante, para el diagnóstico de la problemática en la población se recurrió a datos cuantitativos, para tener claridad sobre el estado del objeto de investigación. Se utilizaron como técnicas de indagación la entrevista semiestructurada, el fotolenguaje y el cuestionario; cabe aclarar que este último hizo acopio de preguntas cerradas y abiertas (mixto), lo cual permitió a los encuestados ampliar, según su criterio, la respuesta en los interrogantes planteados. A la técnica del fotolenguaje se le aplicó un análisis paradigmático y, los dos restantes, se trabajaron mediante un análisis autorreferencial. Este estudio tomó la teoría de la representación social y sus dimensiones (la información, el campo de la representación y la actitud), como forma de conocimiento, pues las construcciones conceptuales realizadas por las comunidades se derivan en estructuras de comprensión de la realidad, así las representaciones sociales permitieron realizar un diagnóstico de las circunstancias especiales de un contexto determinado, puesto que para su elaboración un sujeto comparte sus representaciones individuales para luego asimilar las de la colectividad.
Why are we going to Green microfinance in Tunisia?
Authors: Abid Lobna , Kacem Sana
Published: December 2018

The aim of this paper is to shed light on the challenges that microfinance and the sustainability of its institutions (MFIs) can face when dealing with financial crisis and the alleviation of global poverty. Apart from its economic and social effects, microfinance has come to respond to increasing demands and take the environmental aspect into account, hence, the appearance of green microfinance. The pivotal role of the latter is to foster economic growth and investment through increasing the quality of the environment and the social inclusion. In this context, Tunisia has shown interest in the introduction of a new regulation that facilitates the allocation of green micro-credits. In order to combat poverty and reduce unemployment, ecological credits have been granted by the ENDA Tamweel microfinance institution. The ultimate goal of this study is to present the tendency of this new financing mechanism in Tunisia to achieve sustainable environmental development.
“SURİYELİLER” HAKKINDA YAPILAN LİSANSÜSTÜ TEZLER ÜZERİNE BİR İNCELEME
Authors: TATLICIOĞLU Oktay , APAK Hıdır
Published: December 2018

Suriye’de
2011 yılında yönetim ile muhalif bazı gruplar arasında başlayan ve bugün itibariyle
hala devam eden çatışmalar sebebiyle 6 milyona yakın Suriyeli ülke sınırlarını
terk ederek başka ülkelere sığınmıştır. Suriye ile en uzun kara sınırına sahip
olan Türkiye de çatışmalar başladığında açık kapı politikası uygulayarak
sınırlarını savaş mağduru Suriyelilere açmıştır. 21.06.2018 itibariyle Göç İdaresi Genel Müdürlüğü’nün
açıkladığı resmi kayıtlara göre 3.570.752 Suriyeli Türkiye’de geçici koruma
statüsünde yaşamına devam etmektedir. Bu çalışmanın da amacı akademik
çalışmaların önemli bir zeminini teşkil eden lisansüstü tezlerde Suriyelilerin
nasıl ele alındığını ortaya koymaktır. Bu bağlamda Türkiye’deki Suriyeliler
hakkında yapılan ve YÖK’ün ulusal tez merkezine yüklenmiş lisansüstü tezlerin
doküman incelemesi tekniğiyle incelenerek, akademideki Suriyeli algısına
ilişkin bir durum değerlendirmesi yapılması amaçlanmaktadır. İnceleme sonucunda
elde edilen bulgular frekans tablolarıyla gösterilerek yorumlanmıştır.
SOSYAL BASKINLIK YÖNELİMİ VE EMPATİNİN SURİYELİ SIĞINMACILARIN TEHDİT OLARAK ALGILANMASI İLE İLİŞKİLERİ: ÇANKAYA VE ALTINDAĞ ÖRNEKLERİYLE BİR YAPISAL EŞİTLİK MODELİ
Authors: KÖSE Ali Mertcan , SUNATA Ulaş , DENİZ Eylem
Published: December 2018

Suriyeliler 2011 yılından
beri Suriye’deki savaş ortamından dolayı ülkelerini terk etmek ve başta komşu
ülkeleri Türkiye, Ürdün ve Lübnan olmak üzere farklı ülkelere sığınmak zorunda
kalmışlardır. Türkiye’de 2018 yılında 3,6 milyonunun üzerinde geçici koruma
altında olan Suriyeli yaşamaktadır.

Bu çalışmada Ankara’da
Suriyeli göçmen sayısının yoğun olduğu Altındağ ve az olduğu Çankaya
ilçelerinde yerel halkın endeksler aracılığıyla Suriyelilere ilişkin algıları
ölçülmüştür. Araştırma kapsamındaki bu iki ilçede yaşayan 818 kişi ile yapılan
anket çalışmasında sosyal baskınlık yönelimi, empati ve tehdit ölçmek üzere
beşli likert ölçeklerden oluşan nicel veri elde edilmiştir. İlgili veride
sosyal baskınlık, sosyal eşitlik, empati, sosyoekonomik tehdit ve politik
tehdit olarak elde edilen değişkenler ile yapısal eşitlik modellemesi yapılarak
ölçeklere ilişkin kurulan altı hipotez test edilmiştir. Kişilerin sosyal
baskınlık ve sosyal eşitlik alt boyutlarıyla sosyal baskınlık yönelimleri ve
empatilerinin Suriyeli sığınmacıların sosyoekonomik tehdit ve politik tehdit
olarak algılanmaları ile etkileşimi her iki ilçe için Gruplararası Temas Kuramı
ve Birleşik Tehdit Kuramı gibi ilgili kuramlar temelinde karşılaştırmalı analiz
edilmiştir.
MÜLTECİ ENTEGRASYONU, GÖÇ POLİTİKALARI VE SOSYAL SINIF: TÜRKİYE’DEKİ SURİYELİ MÜLTECİLER ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: Şimşek Doğuş
Published: December 2018

Bu makale, mülteci entegrasyonunu göç
politikaları ve sosyal sınıf bağlamında Türkiye’deki Suriyeli mülteciler örneği
üzerinden, İstanbul, İzmir, Gaziantep ve Hatay’da 2016 Ocak ve Aralık ayları
arasında 80 Suriyeli mülteci ile gerçekleştirilen yarı yapılandırılmış yüz yüze
derinlemesine görüşmeler sonucunda elde edilen veriler çerçevesinde, açıklamaktadır.
Suriye’den komşu ülkelere ve sonra Avrupa’ya gerçekleşen kitle göçü, İkinci
Dünya Savaşı’ndan bu yana yaşanan en büyük göç hareketidir. 3,5 milyondan fazla
Suriyeli mülteci barındıran Türkiye, dünyada en fazla Suriyeli mülteci kabul
eden ülke olmuştur. Türkiye’deki Suriyelilerin yüzde 94’ü kamp dışında ikamet
etmektedir. Suriye’den Türkiye’ye göçün devam ettiği ilk yıllarda Suriyeliler
için ‘misafir’ tanımlanması yapılmıştır, Nisan 2014’de çıkan Yabancılar ve
Uluslararası Koruma Kanunu ile Suriyelilerin statüsü ‘Geçici Koruma’ altındaki
kişiler olarak tanımlanarak Suriyelilere ülkelerindeki çatışma ortamı bitene
kadar Türkiye’de kalma hakkı, geri gönderilmeme, sağlık, eğitim, çalışma, sosyal
yardım hakları sağlanmıştır. 2016 yılı Temmuz ayı itibariyle Suriyelilere
sağlanan vatandaş olma hakkı entegrasyon süreçleri için olumlu bir gelişme
olmuştur. Bu makalede, işgücü piyasasına, eğitim ve sağlık haklarına erişim ve
vatandaşlık konusunda entegrasyon politikalarının kademeli olarak gelişmesine
rağmen, tüm Suriyelilerin bu haklara eşit şekilde erişemediği ve bu
eşitsizliğin sosyal sınıf odaklı olduğu araştırma verileri ile desteklenmiştir.
VAN YÜZÜNCÜ YIL ÜNİVERSİTESİ’NDEKİ SURİYELİ ÖĞRENCİLERİN AKADEMİK SORUNLARI ÜZERİNE BİR ÇALIŞMA
Authors: YARALI AKKAYA Aysun , AZİMLİ ÇİLİNGİR Gülcan , TUĞ LEVENT Gaye
Published: December 2018

Bu çalışmanın amacı,
Suriye’de 2011 yılından itibaren başlayan iç karışıklıklar sonucu Türkiye’ye
sığınmak zorunda kalmış yükseköğrenim çağındaki Suriyelilerin yaşadıkları
süreci ve sorunları araştırmaktır. Çalışma, Türkiye’de Suriyeli öğrenci sayısı
bakımından ilk sıralarda yer alan Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi’nde
gerçekleştirilmiştir. Üniversite yaşamı genç bireyler için beraberinde
sorunları ve yeni deneyimleri barındıran zorlu bir dönemdir. Bu dönem, kendi
kültüründen uzakta ve zorunlu bir göç yaşayan Suriyeli öğrenciler için, aynı zamanda
uyum ve sosyal kabul problemlerini de beraberinde getirmektedir.

Çalışmada nicel ve
nitel araştırma yöntemleri birlikte kullanılarak, Suriye kökenli öğrencilere
yarı yapılandırılmış anketler uygulanmış, çalışmanın sonuçları istatistiki
ortamda değerlendirilmiştir. Böylelikle Suriyeli üniversite öğrencilerinin
eğitim ve akademik başarıları konusunda yaşadıkları sorunlar tespit edilmiş ve
beklentileri değerlendirilmiştir. Sonuç olarak bu çalışmanın yabancı uyruklu
öğrencilerin yükseköğretim aşamasında karşılaştıkları sorunlara yönelik ortak
bir politika üretmek adına kaynak teşkil edeceği düşünülmektedir.
Studi Etnoekologi tentang Nelayan dan Jaring Cantrang di Kabupaten Rembang
Authors: Sari Hesti Rofika , Brata Nugroho Trisnu
Published: December 2018

The article discuss about ecology among fisherman community who use cantrang nets in Tasik Agung village, Rembang Regency. The purpose in this research is to know the local wisdom in Utilizing cantrang nets and the impact of banning the use of cantrang nets. This research uses qualitative method. The result of this research in analized by using determinisme theory from Julian Steawerd and concept of adaptation and environment form Kaplan. The result of this study indicate that the cultural system and local knowledge in the community Tasik Agung village is a prcess of understanding the environtment. And the prohibition of the use of nets cantrang overall impact not only the fisherman who feel but the wider community also impact.
Melihat Indonesia dari Jendela Papua: Kebinekaan dalam Rajutan Budaya Melanesia
Authors: Kadir Akhmad
Published: December 2018

This article reveals the dynamics of local communities in Papua in accommodating differences between them. Those different ethnic and cultural communities, are able to build social relations through cultural mechanisms. Using the ethnographic approach this article reveals that Papuan people have a strong cultural capital to relate existing differences. Through communal culture, exchange relation in the form of enjoying eating together, religion of relatives, and the culture of one stone stove made of three stone, as well as inter-clans marriage become the mechanism that becomes elements of social glue between the community members. Although tribal conflicts often occur, traditional communities have a way of handling conflict through cultural mechanisms, such as "eating together", "burning stones" and accompanied by slaughter of sacrificial animals.
Discovery of Potent Inhibitors for the Inhibition of Dengue Envelope Protein: An In Silico Approach
Authors: Aarthy Murali , Singh Sanjeev Kumar
Published: December 2018

Background:

Dengue fever, a major public health problem in the tropical and sub-tropical
countries caused by the infection of Dengue virus transmitted by the anthropod vectors. The dengue virus
infection is represented as the “Neglected Tropical Diseases” by the world health organization. The
structural protein E binds to the receptor on the host cell surface during infection and the binding directs
to the endocytic pathway. The conformational change of the envelope protein helps to infuse the viral
lipid membrane and delivers the viral genome into the cytosol. No specific treatments are available till
date and development of the vaccine for the DENV is challenging due to the immunization and longlasting
protection against all four serotypes. Hence, identification of potent inhibitors would overlay the
therapeutics against the mediated diseases.

Objective:

Our study focuses on developing the novel potent inhibitors to inhibit the viral attachment
and membrane fusion of the Dengue virus Envelope protein.

Methods:

The crystal structure of Dengue Envelope protein has been retrieved from the protein data
bank and optimized through Schrödinger. The structure-based virtual screening based on the cocrystallised
ligand has been carried out with the small molecule libraries, and based on the docking
score, interaction and energy value best complexes were selected. The selected complexes were further
taken forward for the conformational stability analysis through Molecular dynamics simulation.

Results:

Around 55 molecules from the three databases were identified as potential binders to the envelope
protein and the docking studies revealed that the top compounds possess strong interaction with the
good energies. The Molecular electrostatic surface potential of the top five compounds states that the
interactions were observed mostly in the electropositive region. Finally, the best 5 compounds carried
further for molecular dynamics simulations exposed that they were highly stable and no loss of interactions
was observed between those complexes.

Conclusion:

Hence, from the results, it is evident that the compounds DB00179, Quercetin, Silymarin,
Dapagliflozlin and Fisetin could be novel and potent candidates to inhibit the DENV envelope protein.
Nuevos registros de Coccomyces (Rhytismatales, Ascomycota) para México
Authors: Valenzuela Ricardo , Raymundo Tania
Published: December 2018

Antecedentes y Objetivos: Coccomyces presenta ascomas subcirculares a poligonales inmersos en hojas con un estroma negro que al madurar deja el himenio expuesto y errumpente. Las ascas son subclavadas a cilíndricas y las paráfisis filiformes con ápices uncinados, enroscados, hinchados a lanceolados. Las ascosporas varían de subclavadas a filiformes rodeadas por una vaina mucilaginosa. Este género es endófito, mejor conocido como foliícola, por formar fructificaciones sobre hojarasca en regiones templadas. Se han descrito alrededor de 116 especies. En México, sólo se han registrado Coccomyces arctostaphyloides y C. parasiticus. El objetivo principal de este estudio es contribuir al conocimiento taxonómico del género en los bosques de niebla de los estados de Hidalgo y Puebla, México.Métodos: Se revisó el material depositado en la colección de hongos del herbario ENCB; además se recolectaron especímenes en fresco en los municipios Zacualtipán de Ángeles y Acaxochitlán, Hidalgo y en los de Honey y Naupan, Puebla. Las especies se determinaron y describieron morfológicamente siguiendo las técnicas micológicas tradicionales.Resultados clave: Se citan por primera vez para México Coccomyces coronatus y C. tumidus (Rhytismataceae). La primera se caracteriza por presentar apotecios poligonales inmersos en hojas de Fagus mexicana en el municipio Zacualtipán de Ángeles, Hidalgo y hojas de Quercus sp. en el municipio Honey, Puebla, mientras que la segunda forma apotecios superficiales sobre hojas de Quercus ilex en el municipio Acaxochitlán, Hidalgo y en Naupan, Puebla. Se presentan descripciones taxonómicas e ilustraciones de ambas especies foliícolas del bosque de niebla.Conclusiones: Los hongos endófitos foliícolas de la familia Rhytismataceae son pobremente conocidos en México, por lo que es necesario continuar haciendo exploraciones y estudios taxonómicos que lleven a enriquecer el conocimiento de estos hongos en el país.
A Smartphone App to Promote Healthy Weight Gain, Diet, and Physical Activity During Pregnancy (HealthyMoms): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Henriksson Pontus , Sandborg Johanna , Blomberg Marie , Alexandrou Christina , Maddison Ralph , Silfvernagel Kristin , Henriksson Hanna , Leppänen Marja H , Migueles Jairo H , Widman Linnea , Thomas Kristin , Trolle Lagerros Ylva , Löf Marie
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Excessive gestational weight gain is common and associated with adverse outcomes both in the short and long term. Although traditional lifestyle-based interventions have shown to mitigate excess gestational weight gain, little is known about whether mobile Health (mHealth) apps can promote healthy weight gain, diet, and physical activity during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of the HealthyMoms trial is to determine the effectiveness of a smartphone app (HealthyMoms) for mitigating excess gestational weight gain during pregnancy. Secondary aims are to determine the effectiveness of the app on dietary habits, physical activity, body fatness, and glycemia during pregnancy.

METHODS

HealthyMoms is a two-arm randomized controlled trial. Women are being recruited at routine visits at the maternity clinics in Linköping, Norrköping and Motala, Sweden. Women are randomized to the control or intervention group (n=150 per group). All women will receive standard care, and women in the intervention group will also receive the HealthyMoms smartphone app.

RESULTS

Recruitment of participants to the trial was initiated in October 2017, and 190 women have so far completed the baseline measurement. The baseline measures are estimated to be finalized in December 2019, and the follow-up measures are estimated to be completed in June 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

This project will evaluate a novel smartphone app intervention integrated with existing maternity health care. If successful, it has great potential to be implemented nationally in order to promote healthy weight gain and health behaviors during pregnancy.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR

DERR1-10.2196/13011
Serious Games in Surgical Medical Education: A Virtual Emergency Department as a Tool for Teaching Clinical Reasoning to Medical Students (Preprint)
Authors: Chon Seung-Hun , Timmermann Ferdinand , Dratsch Thomas , Schuelper Nikolai , Plum Patrick , Berlth Felix , Datta Rabi Raj , Schramm Christoph , Haneder Stefan , Späth Martin Richard , Dübbers Martin , Kleinert Julia , Raupach Tobias , Bruns Christiane , Kleinert Robert
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Serious games enable the simulation of daily working practices and constitute a potential tool for teaching both declarative and procedural knowledge. The availability of educational serious games offering a high-fidelity, three-dimensional environment in combination with profound medical background is limited, and most published studies have assessed student satisfaction rather than learning outcome as a function of game use.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to test the effect of a serious game simulating an emergency department (“EMERGE”) on students’ declarative and procedural knowledge, as well as their satisfaction with the serious game.

METHODS

This nonrandomized trial was performed at the Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery at University Hospital Cologne, Germany. A total of 140 medical students in the clinical part of their training (5th to 12th semester) self-selected to participate in this experimental study. Declarative knowledge (measured with 20 multiple choice questions) and procedural knowledge (measured with written questions derived from an Objective Structured Clinical Examination station) were assessed before and after working with EMERGE. Students’ impression of the effectiveness and applicability of EMERGE were measured on a 6-point Likert scale.

RESULTS

A pretest-posttest comparison yielded a significant increase in declarative knowledge. The percentage of correct answers to multiple choice questions increased from before (mean 60.4, SD 16.6) to after (mean 76.0, SD 11.6) playing EMERGE (P<.001). The effect on declarative knowledge was larger in students in lower semesters than in students in higher semesters (P<.001). Additionally, students’ overall impression of EMERGE was positive.

CONCLUSIONS

Students self-selecting to use a serious game in addition to formal teaching gain declarative and procedural knowledge.
Mapeo de áreas inundadas utilizando imágenes de radar TanDEM-X en Acapulco de Juárez, Guerrero-México
Authors: Flores-Lorenzo Pablo , Dávila-Hernández Norma
Published: December 2018

El presente mapa tiene por objetivo evidenciar el uso de imágenes de radar de alta resolución TanDEM-X en la identificación de zonas inundadas asociadas a la tormenta tropical “Manuel” ocurrida entre el 14 y 16 de septiembre de 2013, en el municipio de Acapulco de Juárez. Se empleó un proceso semi-automatizado mediante técnicas de transformación vectorial reversible para segmentar áreas inundadas, con base en características texturales relacionadas con razones de cambio pre y post-evento. Los resultados permitieron identificar tres tipos de textura asociada al comportamiento de respuesta de la señal de radar, que son relacionados con los distintos estados de cambio de los cuerpos de agua. La utilidad de esta cartografía radica en su contribución al mapeo inmediato (rapid mapping) durante un evento de desastre al emplear imágenes de radar que pueden ser procesadas en corto tiempo; sin embargo, los resultados dependen del nivel de adquisición y polarimetría; así como la inmediatez para adquirir la imagen SAR post-evento.
PDK4 Augments ER–Mitochondria Contact to Dampen Skeletal Muscle Insulin Signaling During Obesity
Authors: Thoudam Themis , Ha Chae-Myeong , Leem Jaechan , Chanda Dipanjan , Park Jong-Seok , Kim Hyo-Jeong , Jeon Jae-Han , Choi Yeon-Kyung , Liangpunsakul Suthat , Huh Yang Hoon , Kwon Tae-Hwan , Park Keun-Gyu , Harris Robert A. , Park Kyu-Sang , Rhee Hyun-Woo , Lee In-Kyu
Published: December 2018

Mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane (MAM) is a structural link between mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER). MAM regulates Ca2+ transport from the ER to mitochondria via an IP3R1-GRP75-VDAC1 complex–dependent mechanism. Excessive MAM formation may cause mitochondrial Ca2+ overload and mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the exact implication of MAM formation in metabolic syndromes remains debatable. Here, we demonstrate that PDK4 interacts with and stabilizes the IP3R1-GRP75-VDAC1 complex at the MAM interface. Obesity-induced increase in PDK4 activity augments MAM formation and suppresses insulin signaling. Conversely, PDK4 inhibition dampens MAM formation and improves insulin signaling by preventing MAM-induced mitochondrial Ca2+ accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and ER stress. Furthermore, Pdk4−/− mice exhibit reduced MAM formation and are protected against diet-induced skeletal muscle insulin resistance. Finally, forced formation and stabilization of MAMs with synthetic ER–mitochondria linker prevented the beneficial effects of PDK4 deficiency on insulin signaling. Overall, our findings demonstrate a critical mediatory role of PDK4 in the development of skeletal muscle insulin resistance via enhancement of MAM formation.
FoxO Transcription Factors Are Critical Regulators of Diabetes-Related Muscle Atrophy
Authors: O’Neill Brian T. , Bhardwaj Gourav , Penniman Christie M. , Krumpoch Megan T. , Suarez Beltran Pablo A. , Klaus Katherine , Poro Kennedy , Li Mengyao , Pan Hui , Dreyfuss Jonathan M. , Nair K. Sreekumaran , Kahn C. Ronald
Published: December 2018

Insulin deficiency and uncontrolled diabetes lead to a catabolic state with decreased muscle strength, contributing to disease-related morbidity. FoxO transcription factors are suppressed by insulin and thus are key mediators of insulin action. To study their role in diabetic muscle wasting, we created mice with muscle-specific triple knockout of FoxO1/3/4 and induced diabetes in these M-FoxO-TKO mice with streptozotocin (STZ). Muscle mass and myofiber area were decreased 20–30% in STZ-Diabetes mice due to increased ubiquitin-proteasome degradation and autophagy alterations, characterized by increased LC3-containing vesicles, and elevated levels of phosphorylated ULK1 and LC3-II. Both the muscle loss and markers of increased degradation/autophagy were completely prevented in STZ FoxO-TKO mice. Transcriptomic analyses revealed FoxO-dependent increases in ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis pathways in STZ-Diabetes, including regulation of Fbxo32 (Atrogin1), Trim63 (MuRF1), Bnip3L, and Gabarapl. These same genes were increased 1.4- to 3.3-fold in muscle from humans with type 1 diabetes after short-term insulin deprivation. Thus, FoxO-regulated genes play a rate-limiting role in increased protein degradation and muscle atrophy in insulin-deficient diabetes.
Peripheral Mechanisms Mediating the Sustained Antidiabetic Action of FGF1 in the Brain
Authors: Scarlett Jarrad M. , Muta Kenjiro , Brown Jenny M. , Rojas Jennifer M. , Matsen Miles E. , Acharya Nikhil K. , Secher Anna , Ingvorsen Camilla , Jorgensen Rasmus , Høeg-Jensen Thomas , Stefanovski Darko , Bergman Richard N. , Piccinini Francesca , Kaiyala Karl J. , Shiota Masakazu , Morton Gregory J. , Schwartz Michael W.
Published: December 2018

We recently reported that in rodent models of type 2 diabetes (T2D), a single intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) induces remission of hyperglycemia that is sustained for weeks. To clarify the peripheral mechanisms underlying this effect, we used the Zucker diabetic fatty fa/fa rat model of T2D, which, like human T2D, is characterized by progressive deterioration of pancreatic β-cell function after hyperglycemia onset. We report that although icv FGF1 injection delays the onset of β-cell dysfunction in these animals, it has no effect on either glucose-induced insulin secretion or insulin sensitivity. These observations suggest that FGF1 acts in the brain to stimulate insulin-independent glucose clearance. On the basis of our finding that icv FGF1 treatment increases hepatic glucokinase gene expression, we considered the possibility that increased hepatic glucose uptake (HGU) contributes to the insulin-independent glucose-lowering effect of icv FGF1. Consistent with this possibility, we report that icv FGF1 injection increases liver glucokinase activity by approximately twofold. We conclude that sustained remission of hyperglycemia induced by the central action of FGF1 involves both preservation of β-cell function and stimulation of HGU through increased hepatic glucokinase activity.
Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Routine Screening Using Massively Parallel Sequencing for Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young in a Pediatric Diabetes Cohort: Reduced Health System Costs and Improved Patient Quality of Life
Authors: Johnson Stephanie R. , Carter Hannah E. , Leo Paul , Hollingworth Samantha A. , Davis Elizabeth A. , Jones Timothy W. , Conwell Louise S. , Harris Mark , Brown Matthew A. , Graves Nicholas , Duncan Emma L.
Published: December 2018

OBJECTIVE

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is an autosomal dominant form of diabetes, with multiple causative genes. Some MODY subtypes can be treated with sulfonylureas instead of insulin, improving glycemic control, complication rates, quality of life (QoL), and costs. Using massively parallel sequencing (MPS), we recently determined the prevalence of pathogenic/likely pathogenic MODY variants in an Australian pediatric diabetes cohort. Here, these data are used to estimate cost-effectiveness of using MPS for MODY in all pediatric diabetes cases compared with standard practice (sequencing limited to individuals with specific clinical features).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A Markov decision model was developed to estimate incremental costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of MPS screening, modeled over 30 years. We used our observed prevalence of 2.14% compared with 0.7% for standard practice, based on published data. The probabilities and utility weightings of long-term diabetes complications were based on HbA1c and estimated from published data. A series of one-way sensitivity analyses were performed using the net monetary benefit framework.

RESULTS

Routine MPS screening for MODY was more effective and less costly than standard care screening, with 26 QALYs gained and 1,016,000 AUD (782,000 USD) saved per 1,000 patients. Cost of screening was fully offset within 10 years. Routine MPS screening remained dominant until MODY prevalence fell to <1.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

Routine MPS screening for MODY in the pediatric population with diabetes could reduce health system costs and improve patient QoL. Our results make a compelling argument for routine genetic screening in all children with presumed type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Insulin Clearance After Oral and Intravenous Glucose Following Gastric Bypass and Gastric Banding Weight Loss
Authors: Shah Ankit , Holter Marlena M. , Rimawi Fatima , Mark Victoria , Dutia Roxanne , McGinty James , Levin Bruce , Laferrère Blandine
Published: December 2018

OBJECTIVE

Hepatic insulin clearance is a significant regulator of glucose homestasis. We hypothesized that the improvement in insulin clearance rates (ICRs) under fasting conditions and in response to oral and intravenous (IV) glucose would improve similarly after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and adjustable gastric banding (AGB) as a function of weight loss; the difference in ICR after oral and IV glucose stimulation will be enhanced after RYGB compared with AGB, an effect mediated by glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In study 1, the ICR was calculated under fasting condition (F-ICR), after oral glucose (O-ICR), and after an isoglycemic IV glucose clamp (IV-ICR) in individuals from an established cohort with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) before, after 10% matched weight loss, and 1 year after either RYGB (n = 22) or AGB (n = 12). In study 2, O-ICR was studied in a separate cohort of individuals with T2DM (n = 22), before and 3 months after RYGB, with and without exendin(9-39) infusion.

RESULTS

In study 1, age, BMI, T2DM duration and control, and ICR did not differ between RYGB and AGB preintervention. Weight loss at 1 year was two times greater after RYGB than after AGB (31.6 ± 5.9% vs. 16.6 ± 9.8%; P < 0.05). RYGB and AGB both significantly increased F-ICR, O-ICR, and IV-ICR at 1 year. ICR was inversely associated with insulinemia. The difference between IV-ICR and O-ICR was significantly greater after RYGB versus AGB. GLP-1 antagonism with exendin(9-39) led to an increase in O-ICR in subjects post-RYGB.

CONCLUSIONS

Weight loss increased ICR, an effect more pronounced after RYGB compared with AGB. Our data support a potential role for endogenous GLP-1 in the control of postprandial ICR after RYGB.
Participating in Mental, Social, and Physical Leisure Activities and Having a Rich Social Network Reduce the Incidence of Diabetes-Related Dementia in a Cohort of Swedish Older Adults
Authors: Marseglia Anna , Wang Hui-Xin , Rizzuto Debora , Fratiglioni Laura , Xu Weili
Published: December 2018

OBJECTIVE

The effect of a healthy lifestyle on diabetes-related dementia remains unknown. We examined whether an active lifestyle and rich social network may counteract the increased risk of dementia in people with diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Dementia-free older adults from the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (SNAC-K) (n = 2,650) were followed up for 10 years. Diabetes was ascertained on the basis of medical history, medication use, medical records, or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥6.5% and prediabetes as HbA1c between 5.7 and 6.5%. Dementia was diagnosed by specialists following standard criteria. An active lifestyle was defined as a moderate to high (vs. low) level of engagement in leisure activities or a rich social network (having moderate to rich [vs. poor] social connections and support). Hazard ratios (HRs) of dementia risk were derived from Cox regression models.

RESULTS

There were 246 incident dementia cases during follow-up. Those with diabetes (n = 243), but not those with prediabetes (n = 921), had greater risk of dementia (adjusted HR 2.0 [95% CI 1.4–2.9]) than diabetes-free participants. Participants with diabetes but low level of engagement in leisure activities (HR 4.2 [95% CI 2.2–8.2]) or a poor social network (HR 3.4 [95% CI 1.9–6.1]) had greater dementia risk than diabetes-free participants with moderate to high levels of leisure activity engagement or a moderate to rich social network. In participants with diabetes, an active lifestyle (high level of engagement in leisure activities or a rich social network) was associated with less of a raised risk (HR 1.9 [95% CI 1.1–3.4]).

CONCLUSIONS

An active and socially integrated lifestyle may significantly counteract the detrimental effect of diabetes on dementia risk.
Vertical and Longitudinal Characteristics of a Bicycle Tire
Authors: Maier Oliver , Hillenbrand Stefan , Wrede Jürgen , Freund Andreas , Gauterin Frank
Published: December 2018

Electric bicycles have undergone a real boom in recent years and play an important role in the area of sustainable mobility. In addition to assisting the rider while accelerating the bicycle, the available electrical energy also offers the possibility to deploy safety systems to reduce the risk of accidents. For instance, active safety systems could help to avoid two major critical braking situations for single-track vehicles: front wheel lockup and nose-over (i.e., falling over the handlebars).

An essential prerequisite for the development of such systems is a thorough understanding of tire effects on bicycle dynamics. To date, there are only very few scientific studies concerning bicycle tire characteristics. Thus, test runs on an inner drum tire test bench have been performed to measure vertical and longitudinal characteristics of a typical trekking bike tire.

This article presents the main findings such as vertical stiffness and contact patch geometry depending on wheel load and inflation pressure as well as characteristic curves of the longitudinal force depending on slip with variation in road condition, wheel load, speed, and inflation pressure. Based on these valuable insights, further improvements are proposed, and an outlook on the next research steps is given.
A Calculational Aero-Acoustic Study of Spokes of an Isolated Nonpneumatic Tire
Authors: Huang Mufeng , Zhou Haichao , Li Kaiqiang , Wang Guolin
Published: December 2018

With the progress of noise control of engines and the rise of new energy vehicles, the severity of tire noise has been increasingly highlighted. Recently, the nonpneumatic tire (NPT) has drawn attention because of its novel structure design that surpasses traditional tires in anti-explosion, maintenance-free, and low rolling resistance characteristics. However, with an open-side structure and violent air impact at the flexible spokes, an NPT emits greater aerodynamic noise than a pneumatic tire during high-speed rolling, which results in an adverse effect on the riding comfort of vehicles.

The arrangement pattern of flexible spokes in an NPT plays an important role in the generation of aerodynamic noise. In this study, the aerodynamic flow around NPTs, which were in contact with the ground, rolled at a speed of 80 km/h, and had different arrangement patterns of spokes, was investigated using the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes method and Large-Eddy Simulation. Then, the far-field aerodynamic noise of different NPTs were calculated using Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings equations in the acoustic model of ANSYS-Fluent. The influence of spoke arrangements on the flow pattern and aerodynamic noise was analyzed. Based on the results, we propose an optimized design of spokes that can enhance the aero-acoustic performance of NPTs.
Examining the Sources of Excess Return Predictability: Stochastic Volatility or Market Inefficiency?
Authors:   Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Lansing Kevin J. , LeRoy Stephen F. ,   UC Santa Barbara, Ma Jun
Published: December 2018

We use a consumption based asset pricing model to show that the predictability of excess returns on risky assets can arise from only two sources: (1) stochastic volatility of fundamental variables, or (2) departures from rational expectations that give rise to predictable investor forecast errors and market inefficiency. While controlling for stochastic volatility, we find that a variable which measures non-fundamental noise in the Treasury yield curve helps to predict 1-month-ahead excess stock returns, but only during sample periods that include the Great Recession. For these sample periods, higher noise predicts lower excess stock returns, implying that a shortage of arbitrage capital in financial markets caused excess returns to drop below the levels justified by fundamentals. The statistical significance of the predictor variables that control for stochastic volatility are also typically sensitive to the sample period. Measures of implied and realized stock return variance cease to be significant when the COVID-influenced data from early 2020 onward is included.
Linear-nonlinear optical, dielectric and surface microscopic investigation of KH2PO4 crystal to uncover the decisive impact of dopant glycine
Authors: Khan Imran , Kalainathan S. , Baig M.I. , Shkir Mohd , Alfaify S. , Ghramh H.A. , Anis Mohd
Published: December 2018

Present investigation has been started to perform the comparative study of pure and glycine doped KH2PO4 (KDP) single crystals grown by most commercial slow solvent evaporation technique. The grown crystals were subjected to single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis to determine their structural parameters. The linear optical studies of pure and glycine doped KDP crystal have been undertaken within 200 nm to 1100 nm wavelength range by means of UV-Vis studies. The enhancement in second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency of glycine doped KDP crystal has been determined using a standard Kurtz-Perry powder test. The dielectric measurements have been carried out to explore the impact of glycine dopant on dielectric constant and dielectric loss of KDP crystal. The surface growth habitat and etch pit density of glycine doped KDP crystal have been evaluated using the results of microscopic etching studies. In light of obtained results the suitability of glycine doped KDP crystal for device applications has been discussed.
Role of molybdenum ions in lead zinc phosphate glass system by means of dielectric studies
Authors: Rao P. Venkateswara , Raju G. Naga , Prasad P. Syam , Satyanarayana T. , Rao L. Srinivasa , Goumeidane F. , Iezid M. , Marltan W. , Baskaran G. Sahaya , Veeraiah N.
Published: December 2018

PbO-ZnF2-P2O5 glasses doped with different mol% (0.1 to 1.0) of MoO3 have been prepared. Dielectric properties ∊′(ω), tanδ, σAC, of the synthesized samples were calculated from frequency measurements versus temperature. Space charge polarization was used to analyze the temperature and frequency dispersions of dielectric constant ∊′(ω) and dielectric loss tanδ. Quantum mechanical tunneling model was employed to explain the origin of AC conductivity. The AC conductivity exhibited an increasing trend with increasing concentration of MoO3 (up to 0.2 mol%) but the activation energy for conduction decreased. The plots of AC conductivity revealed that the relaxation dynamics depends on MoO3 dopant concentration.
Electrical and optical properties of new Pr3+-doped PbWO4 ceramics
Authors: Groń Tadeusz , Piątkowska Magdalena , Tomaszewicz Elżbieta , Sawicki Bogdan , Urbanowicz Piotr , Duda Henryk
Published: December 2018

Polycrystalline samples of new scheelite-type tungstates, Pb1−3x xPr2xWO4 with 0.0098 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.20, where denotes cationic vacancies have been successfully prepared by a high-temperature solid-state reaction method using Pr2(WO4)3 and PbWO4 as the starting reactants. The influence of the Pr3+ substitution in the scheelite framework on the structure and optical properties of prepared new ceramic materials has been examined using powder X-ray diffraction method (XRD) and UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy. The results of dielectric studies of Pb1−3x xPr2xWO4 samples showed both low values of dielectric constant (below 14) and loss tangent (below 0.2). The electrical conductivity and thermoelectric power measurements revealed a low conductivity (∼2 × 10−9 S/m) and the sign change of thermoelectric power around the temperature of 366 K suggesting the p-n transition. These results are discussed in the context of vacancy, acceptor and donor levels as well as the Maxwell-Wagner model.
Public Support for Higher Education Institutions from EU Structural Funds and its Evaluation: Case Study of Slovakia
Authors: Pisár Peter , Varga Martin
Published: December 2018

The European Union gives universities an important place to participate in research and development in the country. The basic research and teaching process of higher education institutions is gradually becoming more and more scientific, and the importance of science and research is growing. Th e growing importance of R&D for universities also increases the importance of public support in this area. Slovakia was eligible for support from the structural funds by joining the EU. In the period 2007 - 2013, universities have had the highest increase in science and research spending due to the use of these resources. However, it is a question of the extent to which this form of public support has contributed to the field of research and development of higher education institutions and whether there has been a real increase in their research and development activities. We examine the effectiveness of the support granted to public universities from the European Union Structural Funds on the basis of measurable indicators of granted projects and the impact of outputs on their scientific research potential in the regions of Slovakia. The results of the analysis highlighted the high level of public support for university infrastructure projects at the expense of support with a focus on intellectual property creation and patents. The discussion is focused on whether the funds allocated in this way were effective in relation to the objectives of the Operational Program Research and Development 2007 - 2013 and thus contributed to an increase of scientific and research potential at higher education institutions in the regions in Slovakia.
Social Media Use in Public Administration: The Case of Facebook Use by Czech Regions
Authors: Špaček David
Published: December 2018

Available data on internet use by citizens indicate that participation in social networking represented one of the most common online activities in the EU-28 in 2016. Social media have been perceived as new tools that can enhance participation and inclusion of citizens and other important stakeholders in public decision-making for several years. According to available literature, the use of social media may also drive innovation in public service delivery and government operations. Research on the use of social media by Czech public authorities is rather limited and is still in its beginnings. Th e paper outlines results of web-based analysis that focused on the use of Facebook (FB) by Czech regions. Findings on practices of 13 regions (i.e. all regions in Czechia, excluding Prague for its specifics) are presented. They clearly indicate that FB is used particularly as a one-way communication channel only for some kinds of information, rather than an instrument for including citizens into public deliberations. This is in compliance with research on practices in developed as well as in transition countries. Data also show rather heterogeneous practices related to types of information that are published on FB profiles of Czech regions.
Cutaneous Polyarteritis Nodosa: Uncommon and Rare Form of Cutaneous Vasculitis
Authors: Lekić Branislav , Milčić Danijela , Popadić Mirjana , Škiljević Dušan , Milinković Srećković Mirjana
Published: December 2018

Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa (CPAN) is a variant of polyarteritis nodosa that is limited primarily to the skin. It is a chronic recurrent disorder characterized by the presence of nodular lesions with or without ulceration on the distal third of the lower limbs. Nodular vasculitis and thrombophlebitis can be clinically or pathologically mistaken for CPAN. We present a case of a 51-year-old woman with painful nodules on the lower limbs. Some of the nodules were ulcerated. Histopathological examination of a nodule on deep incisional biopsy revealed fibrinoid necrosis of a medium-sized artery in the subcutis along with perivascular mixed infiltrate. The patient did not have any symptoms or signs of internal organ involvement. The possible etiological factor has not been detected. The patient was treated with oral prednisone 0.5 mg/kg/day and dapson 150 mg/day. Over the one-year follow-up the lesions showed regression, with one minimal relapse which resolved after the short course of oral prednisone.
Witness Impeachment in Cross-Examination Using Ad Hominem Argumentation
Authors: Walton Douglas
Published: December 2018

This paper combines methods of argumentation theory and artificial intelligence to extend existing work on the dialectical structure of crossexamination. The existing method used conflict diagrams to search for inconsistent statements in the testimony of a witness. This paper extends the method by using the inconsistency of commitments to draw an inference by the ad hominem argumentation scheme to the conclusion that the testimony is unreliable because of the bad ethical character for veracity of the witness.
The Orthodoxy and sports
Authors: Stefanović Đorđe , Šiljak Violeta , Mijatović Slađana , Vukašinović Vladan
Published: December 2018

The scientific contribution of this paper consists of an innovative approach to the issues of Orthodox faith and sport, which opens up a new creative area for theology itself, where sport also gets new opportunities. Given the known "affair" in almost all sports branches, which illustrate the state of "alarming helplessness", the contribution of faith in solving it is indisputable, especially in the way advocated in this research work. The primary goal is to extract from the plethora of theological literature those contents that can encourage the creative responsibility of all positive factors of sports events, from the athletes themselves, through their managers and club officials to the fans. Recognizing these problems and referring to theological sources as "clear content", without the bias of the members, with critical awareness, qualifies work to search and find adequate answers to the asked questions. The mere fact that a new research field has been opened, without the intention to make the last word on this, points to the scientific contribution of this paper.
Is Global Competitiveness Speeding Up the Growth in the EU? A Panel Data Analyis
Authors: Neagu Olimpia
Published: December 2018

The paper documents the impact of global competitiveness on economic growth in the EU Member States. In a panel data approach, for a time span of 10 years (2008- 2017), a validated influence of Global Competitiveness Index on annual rate of GDP in the EU countries was found. The impact is higher in the group of Eastern and Central European countries (ECE) than in the Western European (well developed) countries, as well as at European economy level.