bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of comprehensive geriatric assessment intervention on quality of life, caregiver burden and length of hospital stay: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Chen Zhongyi , Ding Zhaosheng , Chen Caixia , Sun Yangfan , Jiang Yuyu , Liu Fenglan , Wang Shanshan
Published: June 2021

Background

Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) interventions can improve functional ability and reduce mortality in older adults, but the effectiveness of CGA intervention on the quality of life, caregiver burden, and length of hospital stay remains unclear. The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of CGA intervention on the quality of life, length of hospital stay, and caregiver burden in older adults by conducting meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

A literature search in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library was conducted for papers published before February 29, 2020, based on inclusion criteria. Standardised mean difference (SMD) or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was calculated using the random-effects model. Subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, and publication bias analyses were also conducted.

Results

A total of 28 RCTs were included. Overall, the intervention components common in different CGA intervention models were interdisciplinary assessments and team meetings. Meta-analyses showed that CGA interventions improved the quality of life of older people (SMD = 0.12; 95% CI = 0.03 to 0.21; P = 0.009) compared to usual care, and subgroup analyses showed that CGA interventions improved the quality of life only in participants’ age > 80 years and at follow-up ≤3 months. The change value of quality of life in the CGA intervention group was better than that in the usual care group on six dimensions of the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36). Also, compared to usual care, the CGA intervention reduced the caregiver burden (SMD = − 0.56; 95% CI = − 0.97 to − 0.15, P = 0.007), but had no significant effect on the length of hospital stay.

Conclusions

CGA intervention was effective in improving the quality of life and reducing caregiver burden, but did not affect the length of hospital stay. It is recommended that future studies apply the SF-36 to evaluate the impact of CGA interventions on the quality of life and provide supportive strategies for caregivers as an essential part of the CGA intervention, to find additional benefits of CGA interventions.
Barriers and facilitators to the adoption of electronic clinical decision support systems: a qualitative interview study with UK general practitioners
Authors: Ford Elizabeth , Edelman Natalie , Somers Laura , Shrewsbury Duncan , Lopez Levy Marcela , van Marwijk Harm , Curcin Vasa , Porat Talya
Published: June 2021

Background

Well-established electronic data capture in UK general practice means that algorithms, developed on patient data, can be used for automated clinical decision support systems (CDSSs). These can predict patient risk, help with prescribing safety, improve diagnosis and prompt clinicians to record extra data. However, there is persistent evidence of low uptake of CDSSs in the clinic. We interviewed UK General Practitioners (GPs) to understand what features of CDSSs, and the contexts of their use, facilitate or present barriers to their use.

Methods

We interviewed 11 practicing GPs in London and South England using a semi-structured interview schedule and discussed a hypothetical CDSS that could detect early signs of dementia. We applied thematic analysis to the anonymised interview transcripts.

Results

We identified three overarching themes: trust in individual CDSSs; usability of individual CDSSs; and usability of CDSSs in the broader practice context, to which nine subthemes contributed. Trust was affected by CDSS provenance, perceived threat to autonomy and clear management guidance. Usability was influenced by sensitivity to the patient context, CDSS flexibility, ease of control, and non-intrusiveness. CDSSs were more likely to be used by GPs if they did not contribute to alert proliferation and subsequent fatigue, or if GPs were provided with training in their use.

Conclusions

Building on these findings we make a number of recommendations for CDSS developers to consider when bringing a new CDSS into GP patient records systems. These include co-producing CDSS with GPs to improve fit within clinic workflow and wider practice systems, ensuring a high level of accuracy and a clear clinical pathway, and providing CDSS training for practice staff. These recommendations may reduce the proliferation of unhelpful alerts that can result in important decision-support being ignored.
CircMAPK9 promotes the progression of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis via the miR-140-3p/PPM1A axis
Authors: Luo Zhihuan , Chen Shaojian , Chen Xiaguang
Published: June 2021

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory joint disease, and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) are key effector cells in RA development. Mounting evidence indicates that circular RNAs (circRNAs) participate in the occurrence and development of RA. However, the precise mechanism of circRNA mitogen-activated protein kinase (circMAPK9) in the cell processes of FLSs has not been reported.

Methods

The expression levels of circMAPK9, microRNA-140-3p (miR-140-3p), and protein phosphatase magnesium-dependent 1A (PPM1A) were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or western blot assay. Cell proliferation was examined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cell apoptosis and cycle distribution were assessed by flow cytometry. Cell migration and invasion were tested by transwell assay. All the proteins were inspected by western blot assay. Inflammatory response was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The interaction between miR-140-3p and circMAPK9 or PPM1A was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Results

CircMAPK9 and PPM1A were upregulated and miR-140-3p was downregulated in RA patients and FLSs from RA patients (RA-FLSs). CircMAPK9 silence suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion, inflammatory response, and promoted apoptosis in RA-FLSs. MiR-140-3p was a target of circMAPK9, and miR-140-3p downregulation attenuated the effects of circMAPK9 knockdown on cell progression and inflammatory response in RA-FLSs. PPM1A was targeted by miR-140-3p, and circMAPK9 could regulate PPM1A expression by sponging miR-140-3p. Furthermore, miR-140-3p could impede cell biological behaviors in RA-FLSs via targeting PPM1A.

Conclusion

CircMAPK9 knockdown might inhibit cell proliferation, migration, invasion, inflammatory response, and facilitate apoptosis in RA-FLSs via regulating miR-140-3p/PPM1A axis, offering a new mechanism for the comprehension of RA development and a new insight into the potential application of circMAPK9 in RA treatment.
Development and validation of the suicidal behaviours questionnaire - autism spectrum conditions in a community sample of autistic, possibly autistic and non-autistic adults
Authors: Cassidy Sarah A. , Bradley Louise , Cogger-Ward Heather , Rodgers Jacqui
Published: June 2021

Background

Autistic people and those with high autistic traits are at high risk of experiencing suicidality. Yet, there are no suicidality assessment tools developed or validated for these groups.

Methods

A widely used and validated suicidality assessment tool developed for the general population (SBQ-R), was adapted using feedback from autistic adults, to create the Suicidal Behaviours Questionnaire—Autism Spectrum Conditions (SBQ-ASC). The adapted tool was refined through nine interviews, and an online survey with 251 autistic adults, to establish clarity and relevance of the items. Subsequently, 308 autistic, 113 possibly autistic, and 268 non-autistic adults completed the adapted tool online, alongside self-report measures of autistic traits (AQ), camouflaging autistic traits (CAT-Q), depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (ASA-A), thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness (INQ-15), lifetime non-suicidal self-injury, and the original version of the suicidality assessment tool (SBQ-R). Analyses explored the appropriateness and measurement properties of the adapted tool between the groups.

Results

There was evidence in support of content validity, structural validity, internal consistency, convergent and divergent validity, test–retest validity, sensitivity and specificity (for distinguishing those with or without lifetime experience of suicide attempt), and hypothesis testing of the adapted tool (SBQ-ASC) in each group. The structure of the SBQ-ASC was equivalent between autistic and possibly autistic adults, regardless of gender, or use of visual aids to help quantify abstract rating scales.

Limitations

The samples involved in the development and validation of the adapted tool were largely female, and largely diagnosed as autistic in adulthood, which limits the generalisability of results to the wider autistic population. The SBQ-ASC has been developed for use in research and is not recommended to assess risk of future suicide attempts and/or self-harm. The SBQ-ASC has been designed with and for autistic and possibly autistic adults, and is not appropriate to compare to non-autistic adults given measurement differences between these groups.

Conclusions

The SBQ-ASC is a brief self-report suicidality assessment tool, developed and validated with and for autistic adults, without co-occurring intellectual disability. The SBQ-ASC is appropriate for use in research to identify suicidal thoughts and behaviours in autistic and possibly autistic people, and model associations with risk and protective factors.
Genetic and behavioral adaptation of Candida parapsilosis to the microbiome of hospitalized infants revealed by in situ genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics
Authors: West Patrick T. , Peters Samantha L. , Olm Matthew R. , Yu Feiqiao B. , Gause Haley , Lou Yue Clare , Firek Brian A. , Baker Robyn , Johnson Alexander D. , Morowitz Michael J. , Hettich Robert L. , Banfield Jillian F.
Published: June 2021

Background

Candida parapsilosis is a common cause of invasive candidiasis, especially in newborn infants, and infections have been increasing over the past two decades. C. parapsilosis has been primarily studied in pure culture, leaving gaps in understanding of its function in a microbiome context.

Results

Here, we compare five unique C. parapsilosis genomes assembled from premature infant fecal samples, three of which are newly reconstructed, and analyze their genome structure, population diversity, and in situ activity relative to reference strains in pure culture. All five genomes contain hotspots of single nucleotide variants, some of which are shared by strains from multiple hospitals. A subset of environmental and hospital-derived genomes share variants within these hotspots suggesting derivation of that region from a common ancestor. Four of the newly reconstructed C. parapsilosis genomes have 4 to 16 copies of the gene RTA3, which encodes a lipid translocase and is implicated in antifungal resistance, potentially indicating adaptation to hospital antifungal use. Time course metatranscriptomics and metaproteomics on fecal samples from a premature infant with a C. parapsilosis blood infection revealed highly variable in situ expression patterns that are distinct from those of similar strains in pure cultures. For example, biofilm formation genes were relatively less expressed in situ, whereas genes linked to oxygen utilization were more highly expressed, indicative of growth in a relatively aerobic environment. In gut microbiome samples, C. parapsilosis co-existed with Enterococcus faecalis that shifted in relative abundance over time, accompanied by changes in bacterial and fungal gene expression and proteome composition.

Conclusions

The results reveal potentially medically relevant differences in Candida function in gut vs. laboratory environments, and constrain evolutionary processes that could contribute to hospital strain persistence and transfer into premature infant microbiomes.
Study protocol of a factorial trial ECHO: optimizing a group-based school intervention for children with emotional problems
Authors: Neumer Simon-Peter , Patras Joshua , Holen Solveig , Lisøy Carina , Askeland Anne Liv , Haug Ida Mari , Jeneson Annette , Wentzel-Larsen Tore , Adolfsen Frode , Rasmussen Lene-Mari Potulski , Ingul Jo Magne , Ytreland Kristin , Bania Elisabeth Valmyr , Sund Anne Mari , Martinsen Kristin
Published: June 2021

Background

Youth mental health problems are a major public health concern. Anxiety and depression are among the most common psychological difficulties. The aim of this study is to evaluate an optimized version of a promising indicated group intervention for emotional problems. The program (EMOTION Coping Kids Managing Anxiety and Depression) targets school children 8–12 years with anxious and depressive symptoms and examines three factors. Factor 1 compares the standard EMOTION intervention delivered in 16 group-based sessions (Group), versus a partially-digital EMOTION intervention (DIGGI) delivered as eight group sessions and eight digital sessions. Both versions use virtual reality technology (VR) to improve behavioral experiments. Factor 2 compares parent participation in a 5-session parent group (high involvement) versus sharing information with parents via a brochure (low involvement). Factor 3 compares the use of a measurement and feedback system (MFS) designed to help group leaders tailor the intervention using feedback from children with no MFS.

Methods

Using a cluster-randomized factorial design, 40 schools across Norway will be randomized to eight different experimental conditions based on three, two-level factors. To assess internalizing symptoms in children, children and their parents will be given self-report questionnaires pre-, post-, and one year after intervention. Parents also report on demographics, user satisfaction, personal symptoms and perception of family related factors. Teachers report on child symptoms and school functioning. Group leaders and the head of the municipal services report on implementation issues. The primary outcomes are changes in depressive and anxious symptoms. Some secondary outcomes are changes in self-esteem, quality of life, and user satisfaction. Questions regarding the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic are included. Treatment fidelity is based on checklists from group leaders, and on user data from the participating children.

Discussion

This study is a collaboration between three regional centers for child and adolescent mental health in Norway. It will provide knowledge about: (1) the effect of school-based preventive interventions on anxiety and depression in children; (2) the effect of feedback informed health systems, (3) the effect and cost of digital health interventions for children, and (4) the effect of parental involvement.
Healthy eating index patterns in adults by sex and age predict cardiometabolic risk factors in a cross-sectional study
Authors: Artegoitia Virginia M. , Krishnan Sridevi , Bonnel Ellen L. , Stephensen Charles B. , Keim Nancy L. , Newman John W.
Published: June 2021

Background

Associations between diet and cardiometabolic disease (CMD) risk may vary in men and women owing to sex differences in eating habits and physiology. The current secondary analysis sought to determine the ability of sex differences in dietary patterns to discriminate groups with or without CMD risk factors (CMDrf) in the adult population and if this was influenced by age.

Methods

Diet patterns and quality were evaluated using 24 h recall-based Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2015) in free-living apparently healthy men (n = 184) and women (n = 209) 18–65 y of age with BMIs of 18–44 kg/m2. Participants were stratified into low- and high-CMDrf groups based on the presence/absence of at least one CMDrf: BMI > 25 kg/m2; fasting triglycerides > 150 mg/dL; HDL cholesterol < 50 mg/dL-women or < 40 mg/dL-men; HOMA > 2; HbA1c > 5.7. Sex by age dietary patterns were stratified by multivariate analyses, with metabolic variable associations established by stepwise discriminant analysis.

Results

Diet quality increased with age in both sexes (P < 0.01), while women showed higher fruit, vegetable and saturated fat intake as a percentage of total energy (P < 0.05). The total-HEI score (i.e. diet quality) was lower in the high-CMDrf group (P = 0.01), however, diet quality parameters predicted CMDrf presence more accurately when separated by sex. Lower ‘total vegetable’ intake in the high-CMDrf group in both sexes, while high-CMDrf men also had lower ‘total vegetables’, ‘greens and beans’ intake, and high-CMDrf women had lower ‘total fruits’, ‘whole-fruits’, ‘total vegetables’, ‘seafood and plant-proteins’, ‘fatty acids’, and ‘saturated fats’ intakes (P < 0.05). Moreover, ‘dairy’ intake was higher in high-CMDrf women but not in men (sex by ‘dairy’ interaction P = 0.01). Sex by age diet pattern models predicted CMDrf with a 93 and 89% sensitivity and 84 and 92% specificity in women and men, respectively.

Conclusions

Sex and age differences in dietary patterns classified participants with and without accepted CMDrfs, supporting an association between specific diet components and CMD risk that differs by sex. Including sex specific dietary patterns into health assessments may provide targeted nutritional guidance to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02367287. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02298725.
Faith and spirituality as psychological coping mechanism among female aid workers: a qualitative study
Authors: Ozcan Ozgul , Hoelterhoff Mark , Wylie Eleanor
Published: June 2021

Despite evidence that faith-based and spiritual coping supports people’s mental health, stigmata prevail in the aid sector around the need for psychological support in general and around this coping mechanism in particular. This qualitative research examines female aid workers’ experiences and aims to elucidate how this mechanism supports mental health in stressful, conflict, or disaster-affected living and working environments. Inductive thematic analysis of 14 semi-structured interviews reveals three themes around (a) specificities of the aid work context, (b) benefits and gains through this coping mechanism and related processes, and (c) potential downsides. Interview findings suggest a faith-based and spiritual approach helped interviewees feel grounded, calm, resilient, and present in difficult environments. Participants experienced a resolute identity, space for self-care, as well as access to community, belonging, and connection across national, faith, and spiritual boundaries. Results raise the importance of de-stigmatizing faith-based and spiritual coping and invite further discussion among practitioners.
Pequenas empresas são um grande negócio!
Authors: Cernev Adrian Kemmer , Fantinato Menegon Letícia , Lee Sung Joon
Published: June 2021

A Fidelify é uma empresa brasileira que oferece uma plataforma digital que integra uma ferramenta de fidelidade e um serviço de Customer Relationship Management (CRM) para pequenos e médios estabelecimentos comerciais, a qual recebeu investimento, em janeiro de 2019, de uma das maiores plataformas de serviços financeiros no País. Como consequência, a empresa despertou a atenção do mercado e, em particular, de uma das maiores redes de restaurantes da América Latina. Entretanto, o que poderia ser uma grande oportunidade exigiria mudanças significativas no produto, levando a empresa à sua própria reinvenção.
„Ogumienie mózgu” w „słabym świetle postępu”
Authors: Franczak Grzegorz
Published: June 2021

The “Brain’s Tyre” in a “Faint Light of Progress”: The Pitfalls of Syntagmatic and Indirect Translation on the Example of the Italian Version of Bieguni (Flights) by Olga Tokarczuk This paper is devoted to the Italian translation of Bieguni by Olga Tokarczuk, entitled I Vagabondi. As the author argues, it is a kind of patchwork translation, partly translated from the original language, partly from the novel’s English version (Flights). The Italian translation of both source texts, Polish and English, contains a full range of typical syntagmatic translation errors, consisting in mechanically reproducing the structures of the source language (word-for-word translation) without delving into the meaning of the translated text. The author analyses at first, on selected examples, translation errors from the Polish source text, distinguishing between lexical errors and dictionary equivalents, including those impeding the fluidity of the target text, false friends, calques, misinterpretation errors as well as omissions and additions. He focuses next on analogous errors produced in the indirect translation from English, sorting separately the lexical and interpretative errors resulting already in the English intermediate text and reproduced in the Italian translation.
Słownictwo specjalistyczne w prozie Olgi Tokarczuk jako wyzwanie translatorskie
Authors: Tanuszewska Lidia
Published: June 2021

Specialized Terminology in the Prose of Olga Tokarczuk as a Translation Challenge

This article is a description of my experiences as a translator of four novels by Olga Tokarczuk into Macedonian. I found specialist vocabulary related to various fields of science to be one of the most important translation problems of her prose. In this text, I identify this problem and the challenges that lie behind it – primarily related to the need to develop translator’s competences and the fact that the relatively young Macedonian language lacks dictionary equivalents for many scientific terms. I also describe the translation strategies I undertook, which enabled me to understand and translate these terms into Macedonian.
Evaluation of The Antioxidant, Antidiabetic and Immunomodulatory Activity of Cydonia oblonga Fruit Extract
Authors: Sakhri Fatma Zahra , Zerizer Sakina , Bensouici Chawki
Published: June 2021

Dietary natural antioxidant consumption can protect the human body from several diseases induced by free radicals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant, antidiabetic and immunomodulatory properties of Cydonia oblonga fruit. For this; hydroethanolic extract of Cydonia oblonga fruit (HECO) was examined for antioxidant activity using DPPH free radical sc avenging, ABTS cation radical decolorization, Cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), and Metal Chelating on ferrous ions activities. The inhibitory activity of the extract against α-glucosidase enzyme was also investigated. HECO was tested in vivo for the immunomodulatory activity on non-specific immunity by the carbon clearance test. The content of the nonenzymatic antioxidant reduced glutathione (GSH) in liver tissue of used mice was estimated. in vitro studies revealed that the HECO has an inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 249.26 ± 3.75μg/mL, 117.34 ± 1.41 μg/ml for DPPH and ABTS scavenging activity respectively. As well as the ability to reduce cupric (167.17 ± 1.15μg/mL) and iron (Fe) (417.98 ± 48.82μg/mL). The extract showed antidiabetic activity as evidenced by its capacity to inhibit the α-glucosidase enzyme (IC50: 326.48 ± 18.56 µg/mL) near the acarbose (IC50: 275.98 ± 1.57 µg/mL) used as a positive control. In addition, our results showed that HECO at the concentration of 50 and 100 mg/kg significantly increased the clearance rate of carbon from the bloodstream concomitant with increased liberation of GSH from liver cells. This study demonstrates that HECO is effective in scavenging free radicals and can serve as potent antioxidants that provide potential treatment and prevention for diabetes with benefits on the innate defense system.

Keywords: Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, Cydonia oblonga, Hydroethanolic extract, Phagocytic activity
Reduction of Insertion Torque on Orthodontic Mini-screw Implant by means of Reduced Friction
Authors: Jongwannasiri Chavin , Charasseangpaisarn Taksid , Watanabe Shuichi
Published: June 2021

In this article, the reduction of insertion torque on the orthodontic mini-screw implants (OMI) was studied. Three types of diamond-like carbon (DLC) films (DLC, Si-DLC, and F-DLC) were deposited on the OMIs by plasma-based ion implantation technique. The maximum insertion torque (MIT) value was measured using a physiodispenser during insertion on a mandibular pig jaw. Ten OMIs of each condition were used to evaluate the MIT values compared to the Ti-6Al-4V typed OMI. The statistical analysis of data was analyzed by One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey HSD. The results indicated that the Ti-6Al-4V showed the highest MIT but not significantly different from the F-DLC (P >0.05). DLC and Si-DLC showed a significant reduction in MIT comparing to the Ti-6Al-4V (P <0.05). However, the Si-DLC showed the lowest MIT among groups (P <0.05). This phenomenon was due to the decreasing friction coefficient during OMI's insertion on a mandibular pig jaw. Therefore, the DLC coating, especially Si-DLC, could reduce the MIT value of OMI. It is thought that the lowering friction coefficient yields the lowering of MIT value.

Keywords: Diamond-like carbon, Friction, Insertion torque, Mini-screw implant
Investigation of Excellent ACE Inhibitor Agents from Scurrula atropurpure and Dendrophthoe pentandra for Anti-Hypertension
Authors: Sjakoer Nour Athiroh Abdoes , Mubarakati Nurul Jadid , Taufiq Ahmad
Published: June 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate the bioactivity, toxicity, and interaction of the prepared bioactive compounds from Scurrula atropurpurea and Dendrophthoe pentandra with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) macromolecule via an in-silico route. The bioactivity was investigated through Way2Drug PASS Online program. The drug-likeness property and human intestinal absorption of the bioactive compounds were evaluated through absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) analysis. The interaction of bioactive compounds with ACE was examined via a molecular-specific docking analysis. The crystal structure of ACE was evaluated using the protein database 1086 chain A. The results elucidated that the prepared compounds exhibited potential bioactive agents for vasodilation, vasoprotective, and cardioprotective applications based on PASS analysis. The ADME analysis also revealed that the flavonol 3-O-D-glucoside did not violate any of the Lipinski's rule and had high gastrointestinal absorption. Furthermore, the results also suggested that the flavonol 3-O-D-glucoside of mistletoes had a harmless LD50 but was not recommended to be used for a long period. The molecular docking revealed that the flavonol 3-O-D-glucoside had the lowest binding energy with a value of −8.3 kcal.mol−1, suggesting the potential inhibitor for ACE. Generally, the toxicity and molecular docking analysis showed the compounds inhibited the ACE macromolecule with a series of flavonol > kaempferol > casticin > quercetin > quercitrin > isoquercitrin. Therefore, the S. atropurpurea and D. pentandra from Indonesian natural resources open new excellent potency for traditional herbal medicines, especially to treat hypertension.

Keywords: ACE inhibitor, D. pentandra, hypertension, S. atropurpurea, traditional herbal
Age Related Lumbar Trabecular Bone in a Thai Population
Authors: Sattarath Pornpath , Wantanajittikul Kittichai , Prasitwattanaseree Sukon , Settakorn Jongkolnee , Mekjaidee Karnda
Published: June 2021

Within spinal column, the lumbar vertebrae are the most durable and usually left behind in severely burnt body. European studies have reported that these vertebrae are useful for age estimation. However, it is widely acknowledged that different ancestry necessitates different methods and includes a range of variables, therefore a study specific to Thai population is needed for accuracy in the identification of Thai individuals. To investigate the correlation between lumbar vertebrae, and age of the individual, L1-L5 drilled out from 75 Thai cadavers. After undergoing histological processing each slide was photographed. The images were processed using an image processing technique to calculate the percentage of trabecular bone area over total area (%TBA/TA). Using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) program, %TBA/TA of L1-L5 was calculated. The %TBA/TA of L1-L5 showed a negative correlation to age in both male and female groups. The %TBA/TA of L2 in the male group decreased most significantly with increase in age (r=-0.775) whereas in the female group, L3 showed the strongest negative correlation with age (r=-0.75. In the conclusion, it was found that trabecular bone of L2 showed the most significant correlation to increase in age in males whereas L3 showed the strongest correlation in females.

Keywords: Age, Image segmentation, Lumbar, Thai population, Trabecular bone
Localized modes revealed in random lasers
Authors: Kumar Bhupesh , Homri Ran , Priyanka  , Maurya Santosh K. , Lebental Melanie , Sebbah Patrick
Published: June 2021

In sufficiently strong scattering media, light transport is suppressed and modes are exponentially localized. Anderson-like localized states have long been recognized as potential candidates for high-

Q

optical modes for low-threshold, cost-effective random lasers. Operating in this regime remains, however, a challenge since Anderson localization is difficult to achieve in optics, and nonlinear mode interaction compromises its observation. Here, we exhibit individually each lasing mode of a low-dimension solid-state random laser by applying a non-uniform optical gain. By undoing gain competition and cross-saturation, we demonstrate that all lasing modes are spatially localized. We find that selective excitation significantly reduces the lasing threshold, while lasing efficiency is greatly improved. We show further how their spatial locations are critical to boost laser power efficiency. By efficiently suppressing the spatial hole burning effect, we can turn on the optimally outcoupled random lasing modes. Our demonstration opens the road to the exploration of linear and nonlinear mode interactions in the presence of gain, as well as disorder-engineering for laser applications.
Oktatási hub a láthatáron - Logisztikai tapasztalatok tanulságai
Authors: Berács József
Published: June 2021

Az itt következő tanulmány a felsőoktatás nemzetközi versenyképességének vizsgálatába ágyazva azt elemzi, hogy a XXI. század információs és logisztikai technológiáinak birtokában milyen lehetőségei vannak a feltörekvő országoknak. Az egyetemek és különösen a kutató egyetemek koncentrációja a fejlett országokban, elsősorban az Egyesült Államokban (lásd pl. a közgazdasági Nobel-díjasok egyetemi hátterét), valamint a kereslet várható növekedése a fejlődő világban (pl. Kína) felveti a kormányzati és a piaci erők összehangolásá­nak szerepét a kereslet és a kínálat alakulásában. A Dubai Knowledge Village üzleti alapon tervezett új egyete­mi rendszere szolgáltatja a hátteret ahhoz, hogy a szerző elemezze a felsőoktatást, mint szolgáltatást. A szolgál­tatásra mint romlandó, nem készletezhető termékre vonatkozó előítéletek (mítoszok) felszámolását alkalmazza a felsőoktatási tevékenységre. A logisztikai gondolkodás és a piaci orientáció vezet el ahhoz, hogy a további három szolgáltatási jellemzőt (nem elválasztható, nem megfogható, heterogén) is feloldva, a piaci vállalkozó szempontjából nézze a felsőoktatási tevékenységet, mint terméket. Amellett érvel, hogy az egyetem, mint egy sajátos gyár alapul vétele, és az üzleti életben sikeres logisztikai, ellátási lánc menedzsmentbeli és készletezési módszerek alkalmazása egyrészt egy újfajta egyetemi formának nyithat teret a XXI. században, másrészt hatékonyabbá, sőt hatásosabbá teheti a hagyományos egyetemi rendszereket.
A generalization of a result on the sum of element orders of a finite group
Authors: Tărnăuceanu Marius
Published: June 2021

Let G be a finite group and let ψ(G) denote the sum of element orders of G. It is well-known that the maximum value of ψ on the set of groups of order n, where n is a positive integer, will occur at the cyclic group Cn
. For nilpotent groups, we prove a natural generalization of this result, obtained by replacing the element orders of G with the element orders relative to a certain subgroup H of G.
Functional inequalities for Gaussian hypergeometric function and generalized elliptic integral of the first kind
Authors: Tan Shen-Yang , Huang Ti-Ren , Chu Yu-Ming
Published: June 2021

In the article, we present several new functional inequalities for the Gaussian hypergeometric function and generalized elliptic integral of the first kind.
Assessment of How Natural Stand Structure for Narrow Endemic Cedrus brevifolia Henry Supports Silvicultural Treatments for Its Sustainable Management
Authors: Milios Elias , Petrou Petros , Pytharidis Kyriakos , Christou Andreas , Eliades Nicolas-George
Published: June 2021

Cedrus brevifolia Henry is a narrow endemic tree species of Cyprus flora. The objectives of this study are to develop silvicultural treatments for the conservation of the species formations based on the stand structure analysis of C. brevifolia natural forest and to present the characteristics of the first application of the treatments through silvicultural interventions. Six structural types were distinguished in C. brevifolia formations in the study area located in the state forest of Paphos. For each structural type, six circular plots of approximately 500 m2 were established. In each plot, various measurements and estimations were recorded. Then, silvicultural interventions were applied in the plots of the mixed C. brevifolia formations. In the formations of C. brevifolia a great number of trees grow in the understory. In the very productive and in the poorly productive sites C. brevifolia occurs only in pure formations. The basal area of C. brevifolia in pure formations ranges from 19.04 m2·ha-1 in poorly productive sites to 38.49 m2·ha-1 in fairly productive sites. Cedrus brevifolia is the most competitive species of the study area as a result of both shade tolerance and the wide range of its site sensitivity behavior. The climax of the study area are the pure stands of C. brevifolia having an understory of Quercus alnifolia Poech and a sparse occurrence of Pinus brutia Ten., mainly in moderately productive sites. Forest practice has to, as much as possible, unite species formations in order to create extensive areas of C. brevifolia formations.
Environmental Change, the Acts of John, and Shifting Cultic Landscapes in Late Antique Ephesus
Authors: Proctor Travis
Published: June 2021

The city of Ephesus experienced a marked civic transformation in Late Antiquity. After having centered its settlements and economic fortunes on its proximity to a deep-water harbor for over a millenium, late antique Ephesus gradually shifted to an inland, fortified settlement on Ayasoluk Hill. While several factors undoubtedly informed this civic reorientation, the most commonly cited impetus for Ephesus’s late antique reorientation was the infilling of its deep-water harbor. This article argues that, in addition to this environmental cause, an important cultural shift correspondingly informed Ephesus’s late antique reconfigurations. Namely, the emergence and development of the tomb of John on Ayasoluk Hill, informed by an array of literary legends associating the apostle with the city, increasingly positioned this site as a cultic and economic focal point in Late Antiquity. This article argues that an important early strand in this cultural fabric was the Acts of John, a collection of apocryphal tales that narrate John’s exploits in Ephesus. Significantly, the Acts of John articulates a “counter-cartography” that disassociates Christian identity from prominent Ephesian cultic sites and accentuates the importance of spaces “outside the city” of Ephesus, including and especially the tomb of John. Through its own circulation as well as its influence on later Johannine narratives, the early Acts of John helped inform a shift in the cultural cartographies of Ephesus, where Greco-Roman polytheistic spaces were gradually devalued in favor of Christian sites, the tomb of John on Ayasoluk chief among them.
The Battle of Yarmouk, a Bridge of Boats, and Heraclius’s Alleged Fear of Water
Authors: Viermann Nadine
Published: June 2021

In 636 CE, Roman and Arab contingents met at the river Yarmouk. After days of fighting, the Roman army suffered a disastrous defeat. The provinces of Palestine and Syria, which had been reconquered from Persian occupation only a few years prior, were again lost to enemy forces. The emperor Heraclius (610–641), who had coordinated the defense in person, left Syria in haste. A passage in Nicephorus’ Breviarium covers what happened in Constantinople in the aftermath of the battle: It tells a seemingly strange tale of Heraclius being so afraid of water that he would not enter the capital until a bridge of boats was built over the Bosporus. In scholarship this tale is often reproduced uncritically. Deconstructing the passage, I argue that the image of a mentally frail Heraclius is an instance of political satire that exposed the emperor’s weak position and ridiculed his attempts to cope with the destabilizing consequences of Roman defeat. When seen from a structural perspective, it becomes clear that Heraclius was not afraid of water but intended the bridge of boats to serve as a triumphalist statement at a moment when the situation in Constantinople threatened to slip out of his control.
One in a billion: a patient with Marfan syndrome and familial hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia
Authors: Ann Tee Su , Brennan Paul , L Mitchell Anna
Published: June 2021

Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant multisystem disorder that has an estimated incidence of 1 in 5000. It is caused by mutations in the FBN1 gene, which encodes the extracellular matrix protein type 1 fibrillin. Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia (FHH), also inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, is a rare benign disorder characterised by hypercalcaemia, hypocalciuria and relative hyperparathyroidism with normal or high plasma PTH levels, with an estimated incidence of between 1 in 10 000 to 1 in 100 000. We report a unique case of a 26-year-old man referred for investigation of hypercalcaemia, who also had clinical features of Marfan syndrome but no previous genetic investigations. Calculated fractional urinary excretion of calcium was low (0.0005) following correction of vitamin D deficiency, raising the possibility of FHH. Genetic testing for Marfan syndrome and FHH, via a hyperparathyroidism multiplex gene panel test, revealed a novel truncating variant in the FBN1 gene (c.8481T>G; p.(Tyr2827Ter)), consistent with Marfan syndrome; and a pathogenic truncating variant in the CaSR gene (c.741dupT; p.[Asp248Ter]), which confirmed the diagnosis of FHH. The patient’s mother was subsequently found to have mild hypercalcaemia (adjusted calcium 2.76 mmol/L) and is also heterozygous for the same CaSR mutation. Genetic testing of his father confirmed the presence of the same FBN1 gene mutation. This case illustrates the importance of making robust diagnoses in the era of modern genomic medicine, confirming FHH as the cause of hypercalcaemia means that no treatment is warranted and the patient can be reassured.

Learning points

Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia (FHH) should always be excluded during the investigation of hypercalcaemia by measuring urinary calcium: creatinine clearance ratio.

Diagnosing FHH is important as the condition is benign and misdiagnosing patients with primary hyperparathyroidism could potentially lead to unnecessary morbidity from parathyroid surgery.

Genetic testing is increasingly available for a variety of inherited conditions including Marfan syndrome and FHH. Patients who present with clinical features suggestive of a particular genetic condition should undergo prompt, appropriate confirmatory testing wherever possible.

Taking a thorough family history is vital when assessing patients presenting with endocrine conditions, as this could prompt cascade testing and appropriate genetic counselling where necessary.
Analysis of the competitive activity of qualified junior taekwondo athletes
Authors: Romanenko V. , Tropin Y. , Kulida A.
Published: June 2021

Purpose: to analyze the competitive activity of qualified junior taekwondo athletes. Material and methods. The research used the following methods: analysis of scientific and methodological information and Internet sources; generalization of best practical experience; video computer analysis of the competitive activity of qualified junior taekwondo athletes; methods of mathematical statistics. A specialized computer program «Martial Arts Video Analysis» was used to analyze the fights. The study analyzed the quarterfinal, semifinal and final fights, a total of 60 rounds (20 competitive fights) of qualified junior taekwondo fighters in weight categories in the 46-78 kg range. Results: analysis of scientific and methodological information and generalization of advanced practical experience made it possible to reveal that successful training of taekwondo fighters of any level is impossible without a thorough analysis of the structural components of the competitive activity of the world's leading athletes. Based on the study, it was found that the winners receive more points, with the same number of actions with the losers, due to the quality of the performance of technical and tactical actions and their diversity (on average, 3,25 points more than the losers). It was noted that in the 3rd round, regardless of weight categories, there is a statistically significant increase in the number of actions (t=3,07; p<0,01), a decrease in the time intervals between actions (t=1,81; p<0,05) , the number of points received increases (t=1,76; p <0,05). Conclusions. The analysis of competitive activity made it possible to determine the arsenal of technical and tactical actions of qualified junior taekwondo athletes, depending on their weight categories, thanks to which combatants receive victory points. So, the actions that athletes perform more often and receive the greatest number of points for them include: for weight categories 46-52 kg – «Dollyeo Chagi», for categories 55-59 kg – «Dollyeo Chagi», «Naeryeo Chagi», for categories 63-68 kg – «Dollyeo Chagi», «Dollyeo Chagi», for categories 73-78 kg – «Yeop Chagi», «Dollyeo Chagi», «Naeryeo Chagi». Keywords: competitive activity, indicators, taekwondo, qualified athletes, computer program.
Indicators of competitive activity of the strongest female fighters of mixed martial arts MMA
Authors: Tropin Y. , Latyshev M. , Pylypet`s A. , Ponomaryov V.
Published: June 2021

Purpose: to establish indicators of competitive activity of the strongest female fighters of mixed martial arts MMA with TOP-10 regardless of weight. Material and methods. The following methods were used in the study: analysis of scientific and methodological information and Internet sources; generalization of best practices; analysis of protocols and videos of competitive activities of women fighters in the TOP-10, regardless of weight; methods of mathematical statistics. The initial data of the performances of the strongest female fighters in mixed martial arts MMA are taken from the UFC website. Results: analysis of scientific and methodological information, Internet sources and generalization of best practices allowed to establish that the popularity of mixed martial arts MMA in the world and the sharp increase in competition among fighters require timely study of competitive activities of leading athletes to make changes in training and preparation for competitions. The analysis of the rating of the TOP-10 best women fighters regardless of weight showed that it includes four athletes of the lightest and minimum weight category and two women fighters of the lightest weight category. The TOP-10 strongest female mixed martial arts MMA fighters, regardless of weight, include four representatives of the United States, two athletes from Brazil and one fighter from Kyrgyzstan, China, Poland and the Netherlands. Conclusions. The results of the analysis of the competitive activity of the TOP-10 strongest female fighters in mixed martial arts MMA, regardless of weight, showed that the fighters strike more blows per minute (from 2,80 to 6,55) than they miss (from 2,12 to 5,28). The largest number of blows is carried out in the rack (from 48 % to 85 % of the total number of blows), then in the clinch (from 4 % to 43 %) and in the ground (from 1 % to 40 %). Most blows occur in the head (from 41 % to 82 %), then on the body (from 13 % to 38 %) and on the legs (from 3 % to 33 %). The strongest female fighters defend against downdowns more effectively (from 63 % to 100 %) than from blows (from 47 % to 67 %). Attempts to take takedowns in 15 minutes more (from 0,50 to 3,21) than the implementation of submission in 15 minutes (from 0,08 to 1,71). Keywords: mixed martial arts MMA, competitive activity, the strongest female fighters.
Aprendizagem e tecnologias móveis sem fio
Authors: Loureiro Carine Bueira , Lopes Maura Corcini
Published: June 2021

O objetivo deste artigo é discutir e problematizar a disseminação e o enaltecimento da aprendizagem móvel a partir dos conceitos ferramenta de prática discursiva e de subjetividade. Narrativas digitais produzidas por estudantes da Educação Básica e práticas discursivas mobilizadas pela UNESCO constituem a empiria da discussão tecida nesta problematização. As narrativas demonstraram que o uso feito por adolescentes das tecnologias digitais móveis sem fio (TMSF) como ferramenta para a aprendizagem restringe-se a utilitarismo, treinamento e reprodução. Alicerçada nos estudos foucaultianos, a analítica desenvolvida permite afirmar que a exacerbação da ideia de aprendizagem móvel cria condições de possibilidade para a produção de outros tipos de subjetividades, mais participativas e dispersas, ligadas à necessidade de conexão em rede. A este outro modo de subjetividade, denomina-se Homo œconomicus discentis accessibilis, um sujeito que, além de encarregar-se de empresariar a si mesmo, também assume a necessidade de manter-se disponível para acessar e ser acessado.
Educação para a cidadania democrática
Authors: Santos Corrêa da Silva Luís Fernando , Michelotto Muzzatto Egidiane
Published: June 2021

O presente artigo tem como objetivo discutir as intersecções contemporâneas entre a cidadania e a democracia, sobretudo no que concerne ao papel da educação para a consolidação de ambas. Resgata-se o debate teórico e conceitual sobre os desafios e os impasses da cidadania e da democracia na contemporaneidade, bem como enfatiza-se as características de um modelo específico de cidadania, mais ativa e substantiva, que é a cidadania democrática. Tal modelo fundamenta-se em três pilares que devem integrar o currículo escolar: a) o pensamento crítico, b) a cidadania universal, c) a capacidade imaginativa. Entende-se que a construção da cidadania democrática depende de uma formação humana plural, de modo a superar o utilitarismo técnico e econômico. Surge daí a importância da presença das ciências humanas, da filosofia e das artes no currículo escolar, dado o caráter crítico e desnaturalizador dessas áreas do conhecimento.
A educação em português em contextos multiculturais
Authors: Ançã Maria Helena
Published: June 2021

A sociedade portuguesa, como as outras sociedades europeias, foi-se tornando multicultural, fenómeno que se estendeu à Escola. Neste âmbito, e partindo de contextos escolares plurais, pretendemos analisar como sete estudantes de um Mestrado em Ensino, da Universidade A, desenvolveram o seu estudo empírico em escolas do Ensino Básico (EB), onde realizaram o Estágio Pedagógico: temáticas, opções metodológicas e contributos para a Educação em Português, configurando-se o produto final deste trabalho como o Relatório de Estágio/de Mestrado. Os resultados apontam para temáticas mais próximas da diversidade linguística e cultural e menos para a reflexão sobre o Português; as opções metodológicas são de natureza qualitativa, por se tratar de investigações educativas em línguas; por fim, os estudos destacam a importância atribuída ao fator ‘língua’ pelos alunos do EB, ou seja, as suas perceções sobre as línguas (língua conhecida/desconhecida, próxima/distante) que os aproximaçam ou  afastam dos alunos estrangeiros.