bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Penerapan Metode Limited-Fluctuation Credibility dalam Menentukan Premi Murni pada Asuransi Kendaraan Bermotor di PT XYZ
Authors: Rahmah Mira Zakiah , Mutaqin Aceng Komarudin
Published: December 2021

Abstract. This paper discusses the method of limited-fluctuation credibility, also known as classic credibility. Credibility theory is a technique for predicting future premium rates based on past experience data. Limited fluctuation credibility consists of two credibility, namely full credibility if Z = 1 and partial credibility if Z <1. Full credibility is achieved if the amount of recent data is sufficient for prediction, whereas if the latest data is insufficient then the partial credibility approach is used. Calculations for full and partial credibility standards are used for loss measures such as frequency of claims, size of claims, aggregate losses and net premiums. The data used in this paper is secondary data recorded by the company PT. XYZ in 2014. This data contains data on the frequency of claims and the size of the policyholder's partial loss claims for motor vehicle insurance products category 4 areas 1. Based on the results of the application, the prediction of pure premiums for 2015 cannot be fully based on insurance data for 2014 because the credibility factor value is less than 1. So based on the limited-fluctuation credibility method, the prediction of pure premiums for 2015 must be based on manual values for pure premiums as well as insurance data for 2014. If manual values for pure premium is 2,000,000 rupiah, then the prediction of pure premium for 2015 is 1,849,342 rupiah.

Keywords: limited fluctuation credibility, full credibility, partial credibility and partial loss
Everyday Hate and Affective Possibility: Disabled People's Negotiations of Space, Place and Identity
Authors: Burch Leah
Published: December 2021

Although a universal conceptualisation of disability hate crime does not exist, it is widely agreed that hate ‘hurts’ more than other types of crime. This paper explores the diverse affects of hate crime and the various ways that these experiences can harm those who are targeted. Moving beyond this, this article attends to the diverse ways that the affects of hate can come to shape disabled people's everyday navigations of their surrounding social worlds. In doing so, it opens up a space for recognising the unique ways that people navigate, negotiate and resist experiences of hate within their everyday lives. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to introduce a framework for thinking about ‘everyday hate and affective possibility’ within the everyday lives of disabled people. Drawing upon findings from a recently conducted research project, this article suggests that experiences of hate crime can open up particularly informed ways of knowing and being in the world.
A systematic review of family and social relationships: implications for sex trafficking recruitment and victimisation
Authors: Puigvert Lidia , Duque Elena , Merodio Guiomar , Melgar Patricia
Published: December 2021

Sex trafficking is a current, severe and intense global phenomenon. Many studies have made substantial efforts to map the routes and relations between countries of origin, transit, destination, and the methods of recruitment and retention. With a focus on the role of social relationships, for this article, we conducted a literature review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) to provide further scientific evidence of the elements and processes that push victims – primarily women and girls – into sex trafficking. The findings show that family, intimate relationships, friendships and acquaintances play a critical role in the pre-entry period before sex trafficking. Among these, family violence, abandonment and abuse emerge as severe risk factors, as well as the role of fraudulent intimate relationships. We also include additional social and individual risk factors that, together with the role of family and social relationships, have impacts on potential victims, increasing the likelihood of sex trafficking.
Stiffness prediction on elastography images and neuro-fuzzy based segmentation for thyroid cancer detection
Authors: Layek Koushik , Basak Biswanath , Samanta Sourav , Maity Santi Prasad , Barui Ananya
Published: December 2021

The elastography method detects metastatic changes by measuring the
stiffness of tissues. Estimation of elasticities from elastography
images facilitates more precise identification of the metastatic
region and detection of the same. In this study, an automated
segmentation algorithm is proposed that calculates pixel-wise
elasticity values to detect thyroid cancer from elastography images.
This intensity to elasticity conversion is achieved by constructing a
fuzzy inference system using an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system
supported by two meta-heuristic algorithms: genetic algorithm and
particle swarm optimization. Pixels of the input color images (red,
green, and blue) are replaced by equivalent elasticity values (in kilo
Pascal) and are stored in a two-dimensional array to form an
“elasticity matrix.” The elasticity matrix is then segmented into
three regions, namely, suspicious,
near-suspicious, and non-suspicious, based on the elasticity
measures, where the threshold limits are calculated using the fuzzy
entropy maximization method optimized by the differential evolution
algorithm. Segmentation performances are evaluated by Kappa and the
dice similarity co-efficient, and average values achieved are

0.94
±
0.11

and

0.93
±
0.12

, respectively. Sensitivity and
specificity values achieved by the proposed method are

86.35
±
0.34
%

and

97.67
±
0.40
%

, respectively, showing an overall
accuracy of

93.50
±
0.42
%

. Results justify the importance of
pixel stiffness for segmentation of thyroid nodules in elastography
images.
3D modeling of short THz pulse propagation and amplification in the nonequilibrium plasma channel
Authors: Bogatskaya A. V. , Volkova E. A. , Popov A. M.
Published: December 2021

We study numerically the effects of guiding and amplification of short terahertz (THz) pulses in nonequilibrium photoionized plasma channels formed in xenon by powerful femtosecond UV laser pulses. The performed investigations are based on the numerical code for the second-rder wave equation solution within the cylindrical geometry in spatially nonuniform and nonequilibrium plasma. We analyze the specific features of THz pulse spectrum evolution during its propagation and study the dependence of the amplification threshold on plasma parameters. We demonstrate that in addition to the amplification effect such nonequilibrium plasma reveals focusing features at relaxation times, which will make it possible to use it as a waveguide for efficient signal transportation.
Tunable reservoir computing based on iterative function systems
Authors: Segawa Naruki , Shimomura Suguru , Ogura Yusuke , Tanida Jun
Published: December 2021

In this study, a performance-tunable model of reservoir computing based on iterative function systems is proposed and its performance is investigated. Iterated function systems devised for fractal generation are applied to embody a reservoir for generating diverse responses for computation. Reservoir computing is a model of neuromorphic computation suitable for physical implementation owing to its easy feasibility. Flexibility in the parameter space of the iterated function systems allows the properties of the reservoir and the performance of reservoir computation to be tuned. Computer simulations reveal the features of the proposed reservoir computing model in a chaotic signal prediction problem. An experimental system was constructed to demonstrate an optical implementation of the proposed method.
Sideband cavity absorption readout (SideCAR) with a robust frequency lock
Authors: Rodrigues-Machado Fernanda C. , Pestre Pauline , Dumont Vincent , Bernard Simon , Janitz Erika , Scanlon Liam , Enger Shirin A. , Childress Lilian , Sankey Jack
Published: December 2021

We present a simple, continuous, cavity-enhanced optical absorption measurement technique based on high-bandwidth Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) sideband locking. The technique provides a resonant amplitude quadrature readout that can be mapped onto the cavity’s internal loss rate and is naturally compatible with weak probe beams. With a proof-of-concept 5-cm-long Fabry-Perot cavity, we measure an absorption sensitivity

∼

10

−
10

cm

−
1

/

Hz

from 30 kHz to 1 MHz, and a minimum value of

6.6
×

10

−
11

cm

−
1

/

Hz

at 100 kHz, with 38 µW collected from the cavity’s circulating power.
Broadband-excitation-based mechanical spectroscopy of highly viscous tissue-mimicking phantoms
Authors: Urbańska Magdalena A. , Kolenderska Sylwia M. , Rodrigues Sophia A. , Thakur Sachin S. , Vanholsbeeck Frédérique
Published: December 2021

Standard rheometers assess mechanical properties of viscoelastic samples up to 100 Hz, which often hinders the assessment of the local-scale dynamics. We demonstrate that high-frequency analysis can be achieved by inducing broadband waves and monitoring their media-dependent propagation using optical coherence tomography. Here, we present a new broadband wave analysis based on two-dimensional Fourier transformation. We validated this method by comparing the mechanical parameters to monochromatic excitation and a standard oscillatory test data. Our method allows for high-frequency mechanical spectroscopy, which could be used to investigate the local-scale dynamics of different biological tissues and the influence of diseases on their microstructure.
Concentrated radiative cooling and its constraint from reciprocity
Authors: Dong Minghao , Zhu Linxiao , Jiang Bo , Fan Shanhui , Chen Zhen
Published: December 2021

Concentrated radiative cooling, an analogous concept of the concentrated solar power technology, has the potential of amplifying both the cooling power and the temperature reduction. However, concentrators have not yet been systematically optimized. Moreover, a widely used theoretical approach to analyze such systems has neglected a fundamental constraint from reciprocity, which can lead to an overestimate of cooling performance and unclarified limits of amplification factors. Here we develop a theoretical framework addressing these shortcomings. Modeling suggests the optimized shape and geometric dimensions of concentrators, as well as the limiting cooling power and temperature reduction. Using an electroplated Al2O3 emitter and an optimized conical concentrator, we experimentally amplify the nighttime radiative cooling by 26%.
Rabi-flopping signatures in below-threshold harmonic generation from the stretched H2 and N2 molecules in intense laser fields
Authors: Wei Pan , Guan Zhong , Du Ling-Ling , Jiao Zhi-Hong , Zhang Lei , Wang Guo-Li , Hu Shi-Lin , Zhao Song-Feng
Published: December 2021

We theoretically study the spectral and temporal fine subpeak structures in the below-threshold harmonic (BTH) spectra of the stretched H2 and N2 molecules by solving the one-electron time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE) in conjunction with the wavelet time-frequency analysis. We identify such fine subpeaks come from the Rabi-flopping between the ground state and the first excited state using the simple two-state model. We also confirm that these subpeak structures in BTH spectra are common for molecules at large internuclear distances if two molecular states are strongly coupled. Furthermore, the spacing between the adjacent subpeaks in BTH spectra can be determined approximately by analyzing the induced dipole moment in the time domain.
Design and fabrication of a double-sided aspherical Fresnel lens on a curved substrate
Authors: Mo Jingyu , Chang Xuefeng , Renqing Duoji , Liu Jian , Luo Shanming
Published: December 2021

This paper presents the design and fabrication of a novel double-sided aspherical Fresnel (DSAF) lens on a curved substrate to tackle the Fresnel lens problems such as long focal length and large volume. This novel lens contains a curved substrate and a bifacial aspherical Fresnel lens. The structural design and nonlinear optimization method of the lens were discussed. Then, the optical characteristics of the DSAF lens were also analyzed by Ray-tracing simulations. Furthermore, to manufacture the DSAF lens, considering the machining accuracy and cost-effectiveness, a combined method of single-point diamond turning (SPDT) and press molding was proposed for generating the DSAF lens with PMMA material. Machining accuracy was used to validate the performance of the molds before production of the DSAF lens, followed by testing of the fabricated DSAF lens. The results show that the DSAF lens has the advantages of more design degree, short focal length, small volume, and good light-gathering, etc. which is suitable for mass production. The study provides a cost-effective method for the design and preparation of ultrathin Fresnel lenses.
Beyond 25 Gbps optical wireless communication using wavelength division multiplexed LEDs and micro-LEDs
Authors: Qiu Pengjiang , Zhu Shijie , Jin Zuxin , Zhou Xiaolin , Cui Xugao , Tian Pengfei
Published: December 2021

In this Letter, high-speed optical wireless communication (OWC) with three light-emitting diodes (LED) and five micro-LEDs (μLEDs) is proposed as a proof-of-concept wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) system. It covers a wide spectrum from deep ultraviolet (UV) to visible light and thus could offer both visible light communication (VLC) and UV communication simultaneously. An aggregated data rate of up to 25.20 Gbps over 25 cm free space is achieved, which, to the best of our knowledge, is the highest data rate for LED-based OWC ever reported. Among them, the five μLEDs offer a data rate of up to 18.43 Gbps, which, to the best of our knowledge, is the highest data rate for μLED-based OWC so far. It shows the superiority and potential of μLEDs for WDM-OWC. Additionally, a data rate of 20.11 Gbps for VLC is achieved.
Femtosecond laser point-by-point Bragg grating inscription in BDK-doped step-index PMMA optical fibers
Authors: Hu Xuehao , Chen Zhen , Cheng Xin , Min Rui , Qu Hang , Caucheteur Christophe , Tam Hwa-Yaw
Published: December 2021

In this paper, the inscription of 2-mm-long fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) on benzyl dimethyl ketal (BDK)-doped poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) optical fibers by means of a femtosecond laser and a point-by-point FBG inscription technique is reported. The highest reflectivity of approximately 99% is obtained with a pulse energy of 68.5 nJ, showing a large refractive index modulation amplitude of 7.2 × 10−4. Afterwards, grating stabilities at room and higher temperatures of up to 80°C are investigated.
Optical, structural, and functional properties of highly reflective and stable iridium mirror coatings for infrared applications
Authors: Schmitt Paul , Felde Nadja , Döhring Thorsten , Stollenwerk Manfred , Uschmann Ingo , Hanemann Kevin , Siegler Marie , Klemm Georg , Gratzke Nancy , Tünnermann Andreas , Schwinde Stefan , Schröder Sven , Szeghalmi Adriana
Published: December 2021

Metallic coatings are essential for numerous optical systems due to
their high and broadband reflectivity in the infrared spectral range.
In contrast to well-established (protected) silver and gold mirror
coatings, iridium is environmentally durable, referring to ISO 9211-3
and thermally stable up to 600 °C even without protective
layers, as demonstrated. Additionally, the optical and related
structural properties of atomic layer deposited (ALD) and magnetron
sputtered (MS) Ir coatings were investigated using spectrophotometry,
FTIR, ellipsometry, WLI, AFM, XRR, XRD, SEM, and electrical
resistivity measurements. The properties of Ir ALD and Ir MS coatings
differ due to their topography and microstructure.
Consolidation and maintenance of long-term memory involve dual functions of the developmental regulator Apterous in clock neurons and mushroom bodies in the Drosophila brain
Authors: Inami Show , Sato Tomohito , Kurata Yuto , Suzuki Yuki , Kitamoto Toshihiro , Sakai Takaomi
Published: December 2021

Memory is initially labile but can be consolidated into stable long-term memory (LTM) that is stored in the brain for extended periods. Despite recent progress, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the intriguing neurobiological processes of LTM remain incompletely understood. Using theDrosophilacourtship conditioning assay as a memory paradigm, here, we show that the LIM homeodomain (LIM-HD) transcription factor Apterous (Ap), which is known to regulate various developmental events, is required for both the consolidation and maintenance of LTM. Interestingly, Ap is involved in these 2 memory processes through distinct mechanisms in different neuronal subsets in the adult brain. Ap and its cofactor Chip (Chi) are indispensable for LTM maintenance in theDrosophilamemory center, the mushroom bodies (MBs). On the other hand, Ap plays a crucial role in memory consolidation in a Chi-independent manner in pigment dispersing factor (Pdf)-containing large ventral–lateral clock neurons (l-LNvs) that modulate behavioral arousal and sleep. Since disrupted neurotransmission and electrical silencing in clock neurons impair memory consolidation, Ap is suggested to contribute to the stabilization of memory by ensuring the excitability of l-LNvs. Indeed, ex vivo imaging revealed that a reduced function of Ap, but not Chi, results in exaggerated Cl−responses to the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in l-LNvs, indicating that wild-type (WT) Ap maintains high l-LNv excitability by suppressing the GABA response. Consistently, enhancing the excitability of l-LNvs by knocking down GABAAreceptors compensates for the impaired memory consolidation inapnull mutants. Overall, our results revealed unique dual functions of the developmental regulator Ap for LTM consolidation in clock neurons and LTM maintenance in MBs.
RFARN: Retinal vessel segmentation based on reverse fusion attention residual network
Authors: Liu Wenhuan , Jiang Yun , Zhang Jingyao , Ma Zeqi
Published: December 2021

Accurate segmentation of retinal vessels is critical to the mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment of many ocular pathologies. Due to the poor contrast and inhomogeneous background of fundus imaging and the complex structure of retinal fundus images, this makes accurate segmentation of blood vessels from retinal images still challenging. In this paper, we propose an effective framework for retinal vascular segmentation, which is innovative mainly in the retinal image pre-processing stage and segmentation stage. First, we perform image enhancement on three publicly available fundus datasets based on the multiscale retinex with color restoration (MSRCR) method, which effectively suppresses noise and highlights the vessel structure creating a good basis for the segmentation phase. The processed fundus images are then fed into an effective Reverse Fusion Attention Residual Network (RFARN) for training to achieve more accurate retinal vessel segmentation. In the RFARN, we use Reverse Channel Attention Module (RCAM) and Reverse Spatial Attention Module (RSAM) to highlight the shallow details of the channel and spatial dimensions. And RCAM and RSAM are used to achieve effective fusion of deep local features with shallow global features to ensure the continuity and integrity of the segmented vessels. In the experimental results for the DRIVE, STARE and CHASE datasets, the evaluation metrics were 0.9712, 0.9822 and 0.9780 for accuracy (Acc), 0.8788, 0.8874 and 0.8352 for sensitivity (Se), 0.9803, 0.9891 and 0.9890 for specificity (Sp), area under the ROC curve(AUC) was 0.9910, 0.9952 and 0.9904, and the F1-Score was 0.8453, 0.8707 and 0.8185. In comparison with existing retinal image segmentation methods, e.g. UNet, R2UNet, DUNet, HAnet, Sine-Net, FANet, etc., our method in three fundus datasets achieved better vessel segmentation performance and results.
Effect of comb age on cell measurements and worker body size
Authors: Al-Kahtani Saad N. , Taha EL-Kazafy A.
Published: December 2021

The honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) mainly use beeswax (comb) for brood rearing and food storage. Changes in the color and cell dimensions occur due to repeated food storage and brood rearing in the comb. The study aimed to determine the changes in comb cell measurements and worker body sizes in relation to comb age. For this purpose, the cell measurements of combs at age zero (wax foundation), 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 years and the body size of workers reared in them were estimated. The weight of the comb, the height of the cell base, and the weight of accumulated substances in the cell significantly increased with time. Comb age had negative effects on the cell diameter, cell depth, cell volume, cell honey or pollen capacity, and newly emerged worker body weight. Significant negative correlations were observed between the accumulated substances in a cell and the cell diameter, cell depth, and cell size, while significant positive correlations were observed among the cell volume, cell diameter, cell depth, cell honey capacity, cell pollen capacity, and worker body weight. It can be concluded that the dimensions of the comb cells and worker body size changed with the age of the comb. The obtained results recommend beekeepers to replace combs aged more than 3 years with a new comb to allow large workers to gather more nectar and pollen, rear a larger brood, and store more honey.
670nm photobiomodulation modulates bioenergetics and oxidative stress, in rat Müller cells challenged with high glucose
Authors: Nonarath Hannah J. , Hall Alexandria E. , SenthilKumar Gopika , Abroe Betsy , Eells Janis T. , Liedhegner Elizabeth S.
Published: December 2021

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), the most common complication of diabetes mellitus, is associated with oxidative stress, nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) activation, and excess production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Muller glial cells, spanning the entirety of the retina, are involved in DR inflammation. Mitigation of DR pathology currently occurs via invasive, frequently ineffective therapies which can cause adverse effects. The application of far-red to near-infrared (NIR) light (630-1000nm) reduces oxidative stress and inflammationin vitroandin vivo. Thus, we hypothesize that 670nm light treatment will diminish oxidative stress preventing downstream inflammatory mechanisms associated with DR initiated by Muller cells. In this study, we used anin vitromodel system of rat Müller glial cells grown under normal (5 mM) or high (25 mM) glucose conditions and treated with a 670 nm light emitting diode array (LED) (4.5 J/cm2) or no light (sham) daily. We report that a single 670 nm light treatment diminished reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and preserved mitochondrial integrity in thisin vitromodel of early DR. Furthermore, treatment for 3 days in culture reduced NFκB activity to levels observed in normal glucose and prevented the subsequent increase in ICAM-1. The ability of 670nm light treatment to prevent early molecular changes in thisin vitrohigh glucose model system suggests light treatment could mitigate early deleterious effects modulating inflammatory signaling and diminishing oxidative stress.
Anti-prothrombin autoantibodies enriched after infection with SARS-CoV-2 and influenced by strength of antibody response against SARS-CoV-2 proteins
Authors: Emmenegger Marc , Kumar Sreedhar Saseendran , Emmenegger Vishalini , Malinauskas Tomas , Buettner Thomas , Rose Laura , Schierack Peter , Sprinzl Martin F. , Sommer Clemens J. , Lackner Karl J. , Aguzzi Adriano , Roggenbuck Dirk , Frauenknecht Katrin B. M.
Published: December 2021

Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), assumed to cause antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), are notorious for their heterogeneity in targeting phospholipids and phospholipid-binding proteins. The persistent presence of Lupus anticoagulant and/or aPL against cardiolipin and/or β2-glycoprotein I have been shown to be independent risk factors for vascular thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity in APS. aPL production is thought to be triggered by–among other factors–viral infections, though infection-associated aPL have mostly been considered non-pathogenic. Recently, the potential pathogenicity of infection-associated aPL has gained momentum since an increasing number of patients infected with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been described with coagulation abnormalities and hyperinflammation, together with the presence of aPL. Here, we present data from a multicentric, mixed-severity study including three cohorts of individuals who contracted SARS-CoV-2 as well as non-infected blood donors. We simultaneously measured 10 different criteria and non-criteria aPL (IgM and IgG) by using a line immunoassay. Further, IgG antibody response against three SARS-CoV-2 proteins was investigated using tripartite automated blood immunoassay technology. Our analyses revealed that selected non-criteria aPL were enriched concomitant to or after an infection with SARS-CoV-2. Linear mixed-effects models suggest an association of aPL with prothrombin (PT). The strength of the antibody response against SARS-CoV-2 was further influenced by SARS-CoV-2 disease severity and sex of the individuals. In conclusion, our study is the first to report an association between disease severity, anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoreactivity, and aPL against PT in patients with SARS-CoV-2.
Acetylation of glucosyltransferases regulates Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation and virulence
Authors: Ma Qizhao , Pan Yangyang , Chen Yang , Yu Shuxing , Huang Jun , Liu Yaqi , Gong Tao , Zou Jing , Li Yuqing
Published: December 2021

Lysine acetylation is a frequently occurring post-translational modification (PTM), emerging as an important metabolic regulatory mechanism in prokaryotes. This process is achieved enzymatically by the protein acetyltransferase (KAT) to specifically transfer the acetyl group, or non-enzymatically by direct intermediates (acetyl phosphate or acetyl-CoA). Although lysine acetylation modification of glucosyltransferases (Gtfs), the important virulence factor in Streptococcus mutans, was reported in our previous study, the KAT has not been identified. Here, we believe that the KAT ActG can acetylate Gtfs in the enzymatic mechanism. By overexpressing 15 KATs in S. mutans, the synthesized water-insoluble extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) and biofilm biomass were measured, and KAT (actG) was identified. The in-frame deletion mutant of actG was constructed to validate the function of actG. The results showed that actG could negatively regulate the water-insoluble EPS synthesis and biofilm formation. We used mass spectrometry (MS) to identify GtfB and GtfC as the possible substrates of ActG. This was also demonstrated by in vitro acetylation assays, indicating that ActG could increase the acetylation levels of GtfB and GtfC enzymatically and decrease their activities. We further found that the expression level of actG in part explained the virulence differences in clinically isolated strains. Moreover, overexpression of actG in S. mutans attenuated its cariogenicity in the rat caries model. Taken together, our study demonstrated that the KAT ActG could induce the acetylation of GtfB and GtfC enzymatically in S. mutans, providing insights into the function of lysine acetylation in bacterial virulence and pathogenicity.
PROLONGATION OF ORAL PHASE FOR INITIAL SWALLOW OF SOLID FOOD IS ASSOCIATED WITH ORAL DIADOCHOKINESIS DETERIORATION IN NURSING HOME RESIDENTS IN JAPAN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: Shimosaka M. , Fujii W. , Kakinoki Y. , Akifusa S.
Published: December 2021

Background: Prolongation of bolus forming complicates ingestion, in particular in older adults. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine which oral functions are associated with prolongation of the oral phase of forming a bolus until swallowing in older adults. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: three nursing homes in Kitakyushu, Japan from August 2017 to October 2018. Participants: 39 adults >60-years. Measurements: Number of functional teeth, chewing ability, swallowing ability, tongue and cheek pressure, saliva flow rate, oral diadochokinesis, global cognitive function, and body mass index, were examined. Time of oral phase until the first swallowing of solid food was measured as the outcome of the study using video, and audio recording of the swallowing sound by a throat microphone, with the cutoff point designated at 30 s. Based on the oral phase, participants were divided in two groups: normal and prolonged. Results: The 39 enrolled participants had a median age of 87 years, 17.3% were men, and 48.7% had prolonged oral phase. In the prolonged group, the swallowing ability, saliva flow rate, tongue and cheek pressure, and oral diadochokinesis were significantly lower than in the normal group. Binomial logistic regression analysis revealed that oral phase prolongation was associated with oral diadochokinesis (odds ratio 0.81, 95% confidence interval 0.67–0.98) after adjusting for potential covariates. Conclusion: Oral diadochokinesis deterioration is significantly associated with oral phase prolongation for initial swallowing of solid food in older adults.
Yes, we can use it: A formal test on the accuracy of low-pass nanopore long-read sequencing for mitophylogenomics + barcoding research using the Caribbean spiny lobster

Panulirus argus
Authors: Baeza Juan Antonio
Published: December 2021

Whole mitogenomes or short fragments (e.g., 300-700 bp of the cox1 gene) are markers of choice for revealing within- and among-species genealogies. Protocols for sequencing and assembling mitogenomes include 'primer walking' or 'long PCR' followed by Sanger sequencing or low-coverage whole genome (LCWGS) sequencing with or without prior mitochondrial enrichment and Illumina sequencing. The aforementioned strategies assemble complete and accurate mitochondrial genomes but are time consuming and/or expensive. In this study, I tested first if mitogenomes can be sequenced from long-read nanopore sequencing data exclusively. Second, I explored the accuracy of the long-read assembled genomes by comparing them to a 'gold' standard reference mitogenome retrieved from the same individualusing Illumina sequencing. LC-WGS using a MinION ONT device and various de-novo and reference-based assembly pipelines did retrieve a complete and highly accurate mitogenome for the Caribbean spiny lobster
Panulirus argus. Discordance between each of the long-read assemblies and the reference mitogenome was mostly due to indels at the flanks of homopolymer regions. Although not 'perfect', phylogenetic analyses using entire mitogenomes or a fragment of the cox1 gene demonstrated that mitogenomes assembled using long reads can reliably identify the sequenced specimen as belonging to
P. argus and distinguish it from other closely and distantly related species in the same genus, family, and superorder. This study serves as a proof-of-concept for the future implementation of in-situ surveillance protocols using the MinION so to detect mislabeling in
P. argus across its supply chain. Mislabeling detection will improve fishery management in this overexploited lobster. This study will additionally aid in decreasing costs for exploring meta-population connectivity in the Caribbean spiny lobster and will aid with the transfer of genomics technology to low-income and developing countries.
Tuschenanalyse im P 11702
Authors: Nehring Grzegorz , Krutzsch Myriam , Rabin Ira
Published: December 2021

Near-infrared reflectography and imaging X-ray fluorescence analysis reveal that carbon inks of two different compositions were used in the papyrus manuscript Berlin P 11702. In contrast with the writing ink, one of the carbon drawing inks contained a significant addition of iron. This result emphasizes the need for routine instrumental ink analysis.
Establishment of the New Zealand white rabbit animal model of fatty keratopathy associated with corneal neovascularization
Authors: Gao Yikui , Li Cong , Li Xiaoyun , Zhang Minghong
Published: December 2021

The term fatty keratopathy is used to describe the phenomenon of fat deposition caused by corneal neovascularization, which will severely affect the eye’s beauty and vision. The purpose of this study was to establish a New Zealand white rabbit animal model of fatty keratopathy, that is, the establishment of an animal model of fatty keratopathy. The goal was achieved by the combination of a corneal neovascularization animal model and a hyperlipidemia animal model. Two groups were created according to the experimental sequence. The first group initially induced a corneal neovascularization pattern and later induced a hyperlipidemia pattern, and the second group followed the opposite sequence. The results of the two groups showed that all the significant crystalline deposits of the cornea were visible. So the animal models of fatty keratopathy were successfully established in both groups.
Predicting drug–drug interactions by electrochemically driven cytochrome P450 3A4 reactions
Authors: Shumyantseva Victoria V. , Koroleva Polina I. , Bulko Tatiana V. , Sergeev Gennady V. , Usanov Sergei A.
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Human cytochrome P450 3A4 is the most abundant hepatic and intestinal Phase I enzyme that metabolizes approximately 60% marketed drugs. Simultaneous administration of several drugs may result in appearance of drug–drug interaction. Due to the great interest in the combination therapy, the exploration of the role of drug as “perpetrator” or “victim” is important task in pharmacology. In this work the model systems based on electrochemically driven cytochrome P450 3A4 for the analysis of drug combinations was used. We have shown that the analysis of electrochemical parameters of cytochrome P450 3A4 and especially, potential of the start of catalysis, Eonset, possess predictive properties in the determination of the leading (“perpetrator”) properties of drug. Based on these experimental data, we concluded, that the more positive potential of the start of catalysis, Eonset, the more pronounced the role of drug as leading medication.

Methods

Electrochemically driven cytochrome P450 3A4 was used as probe and measuring tool for the estimation of the role of interacting drugs.

Results

It is shown that the electrochemical non-invasive model systems for monitoring the catalytic activity of cytochrome P450 3A4 can be used as prognostic devise in assessment of drug/drug interacting medications.

Conclusions

Cytochrome P450 3A4 activity was studied in electrochemically driven system. Method was implemented to monitor drug/drug interactions. Based on the obtained experimental data, we can conclude that electrochemical parameter such as potential of onset of catalysis, Eonset, has predictive efficiency in assessment of drug/drug interacting medications in the case of the co-administration.
Modifying effects of TNF-α, IL-6 and VDR genes on the development risk and the course of COVID-19. Pilot study
Authors: Fishchuk Liliia , Rossokha Zoia , Pokhylko Valeriy , Cherniavska Yuliia , Tsvirenko Svitlana , Kovtun Serhii , Medvedieva Nataliia , Vershyhora Viktoriia , Gorovenko Nataliia
Published: December 2021

Objectives

COVID-19 continues to range around the world and set morbidity and mortality antirecords. Determining the role of genetic factors in the development of COVID-19 may contribute to the understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms that lead to the development of complications and fatalities in this disease. The aim of our study was to analyze the effect of TNF-α (rs1800629), IL-6 (rs1800795) and VDR (rs731236 and rs1544410) genes variants on the development risk and the course of COVID-19 in intensive care patients.

Methods

The study group included 31 patients with diagnosis “viral COVID-19 pneumonia”. All patients underwent standard daily repeated clinical, instrumental and laboratory examinations. Determination of IL-6, TNF-α, and VDR genes variants was performed using the PCR-RFLP method.

Results

It was found a significant increase in the rate of the CC genotype and C allele (38.7 vs. 12.0% and 0.6 vs. 0.4%, respectively) of the IL-6 gene in all patients of the study in comparison with population frequencies. There was a significantly higher rate of heterozygous genotypes TC and GA of the VDR gene in group of died patients. The rs1800629 variant of the TNF-α gene is associated with the need for respiratory support and its longer duration in patients with COVID-19.

Conclusions

The obtained results support a hypothesis about the influence of variants of IL-6, TNF-α and VDR genes on severity of COVID-19. However, in order to draw definite conclusions, further multifaceted research in this area are need.
‘Front’ or ‘Straw Men’ Directors: A Missing Element in the Effort to Prevent the Abuse of Companies?
Authors: Engsig Sørensen Karsten
Published: December 2021

Front or straw men directors are often used to conceal who is really managing companies involved in illicit activities of different kinds. Whereas the EU in recent years has made much headway in the effort to curb the abuse of companies, the EU has done little to address this problem. It is pointed out that such front or straw men directors are in fact a problem and that they can – and has been in several Member States – be addressed in different ways. The article analyses these different approaches and points out their pros and cons.
Breakthrough in Parent Company Liability
Authors: van Dam Cees
Published: December 2021

Two English and two Dutch cases have recently clarified the (potential) liability of parent companies vis-à-vis third parties in relation to damage caused by their subsidiaries. They concern the decisions of the UK Supreme Court in Vedanta v Lungowe and Okpabi v Shell, the Hague Court of Appeal in Oguru v Shell and the Hague District Court in Milieudefensie v Shell (climate change case).
A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis of Entrepreneurial Personality
Authors: Howard Matt C. , Boudreaux Melanie
Published: December 2021

Entrepreneurial Personality (EP) is a collection of personality traits that broadly and strongly relate to entrepreneurial outcomes across most contexts. The goal of the current article is to address present uncertainties surrounding EP by identifying its dimensions and assessing their relations with entrepreneurial outcomes. Our systematic literature review demonstrates that seven dimensions are commonly used to represent EP: innovativeness, risk-taking, achievement orientation, locus of control, proactiveness, self-efficacy, and autonomy orientation. Via meta-analytic structural equation modeling, we find support for a one-factor model composed of these seven dimensions, suggesting that they indeed represent a unitary construct. Our meta-analysis also supports that EP and its dimensions consistently produce significant relations with entrepreneurial attitudes, intent, status, and performance. EP is thereby supported as an important component of successful entrepreneurial endeavors, and our meta-analytic results provide clear criteria for determining the inclusion of dimensions within the construct of EP – which our seven identified dimensions satisfy.
Trends in the St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) research literature: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Ng Jeremy Y.
Published: December 2021

Objectives

St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) has been used in traditional medicine for centuries for different conditions, including kidney and lung ailments, insomnia, depression, and to aid wound healing. The objective of the present bibliometric analysis is to capture the characteristics of research publications on the topic of St. John’s wort.

Methods

Searches were run on April 09, 2021, and results were exported on the same day to prevent discrepancies between daily database updates. Trends associated with this subset of publications were identified and presented. Bibliometric networks were constructed and visualized using the software tool VOSviewer.

Results

A total of 1,970 publications were published by 5,849 authors across 961 journals from 1859 to 2021. Beginning in the late 1990s, a steep increase was found in the volume of publication on this topic. The journal that published the largest number of publications was Phytotherapy Research. The most productive countries included Germany and the United States.

Conclusions

The present study provides the characteristics of the St. John’s wort literature that allows understanding of the past, present, and future of research in this area. It is a useful evidence-based framework on which to base future research actions and academic directions.
NOMEN PROPRIUM UND METONYMIE
Authors: Rubáš Michal
Published: December 2021

When language change phenomena have repercussions in various social areas at the same time, they are worth an analysis. One of the well documented occurrences of this kind is the discursive history of the metonymic proper name Bologna as a designation of an education reform. As Johannes Angermüller und Ronny Scholz stated in their remarkable study (2013), its mere introduction had made some political processes easier. In this paper the question is put whether some distinctions of the notable metonymy theory by Peter Koch (2004) are able to deliver categories to clarify this phenomenon. In doing so, I point out some deficiencies of Kochs approach concerning his conception of metonymy as such and demonstrate that these are to be ascribed to its “cognitive” frame and that the remedy lies implicitly in an elementary consideration by Saussure and in an explicit passage by Husserl whom Koch himself invokes. As a result of this, I come to the conclusion that Saussure and, particularly, Husserl could have elucidated the most crucial feature of the metonymic proper name more appropriately.
Traducción feminista transnacional: instrumentalización y manipulación de la recepción transnacional del relato autobiográfico sobre violencia sexual
Authors: Montes Antonia
Published: December 2021

Transnational feminist translation studies stand for activism, cooperation and solidarity in connecting feminist thinking developed in all parts of the world (Alvarez et al. 2014, Castro/Ergun 2017, Flotow/ Farahzad 2017, Flotow 2019). One of the important issues is wartime sexual violence, which is the focus of this article, and constitutes a feminist, transnational phenomenon. The account of wartime sexual violence by female victims faces instrumentalization and manipulation by the agents involved in the publication process, including the translators, who are an active part of the patriarchal literary system, with the purpose “to make them fit in with the dominant, or one of the dominant ideological and poetical currents of their time” (Lefevere 1992: 8). The transnational reception, thus, is driven by ideological and commercial interests that agents in a literary system negotiate. The aim of this article is to analyse the transnational reception process, examined under the perspective of transnational feminist translation, and based on questions as who rewrites and how is the wartime sexual violence account rewritten. Undertaking a case study, the diary ‘Eine Fau in Berlin’ of an anonymous female author, Anonyma, who describes rape, prostitution and the gender relations in the context of Second World War, an analytical framework is developed to shed light on the question how women’s writing on wartime sexual violence and its transnational reception are determined by mechanisms of instrumentalization and manipulation that are due to the conceptions and moral values that prevail over wartime sexual violence in two different political and historical eras. We conclude that transnational feminist translation enables activism and solidarity about wartime sexual violence beyond geographical limitations. This leads to the empowerment of the victims on a transnational level.
Believe it or not! Assessing the credibility of voices in dubbed animated films
Authors: Sánchez-Mompeán Sofía , Cifuentes-Férez Paula
Published: December 2021

The main aim of this study is to determine whether and to what extent the use of celebrities to dub animated characters affects the degree of credibility of the final version. Our hypothesis is that the character’s voice has a major impact on the degree of credibility: the animated voices performed by professional dubbing actors will be more credible than those performed by actors and non-actor celebrities. Results reveal that the dubbing voice has a significant influence on the degree of credibility of the animated character. In fact, voices dubbed by professional dubbers are perceived as the most credible, whilst voices dubbed by non-actor celebrities are perceived as the least credible.
Meanings and scripts in the linguistic landscape of Saint Petersburg
Authors: Bylieva Daria , Lobatyuk Victoria
Published: December 2021

This article examines the linguistic component of building signs in the city center of St. Petersburg, Russia. The research is based on the analysis of an extensive database that covers 849 examples. It concludes that the Cyrillic script can be found in 84% of cases, Latin script – in 48%, and other scripts – in 4%. English is used to attract international visitors, demonstrate the authenticity of the brand, create a national flavor, hide meaning from the general public or as a part of linguistic creativity. Sometimes such language experiments break the phonetic–graphemic definitiveness of language, mixing form, and meaning. The use of the Latin script can either be targeted at those who do not know the Russian language or form a part of the language game for the Russian-speaking public.
Association Between Position-Specific Impact and Movement Characteristics of Professional Rugby Union Players During Game Play
Authors: Peek Rebecca J. , Carey David L. , Middleton Kane J. , Gastin Paul B. , Clarke Anthea C.
Published: December 2021

Peek, RJ, Carey, DL, Middleton, KJ, Gastin, PB, and Clarke, AC. Association between position-specific impact and movement characteristics of professional rugby union players during game play. J Strength Cond Res 37(1): 161–166, 2023—The aim of this study was to understand the association between impact and movement characteristics during whole game and peak 1- to 10-minute rolling windows in professional rugby union. Maximal impact (impacts·min−1) and corresponding running (m·min−1) characteristics as well as maximal running (m·min−1) and corresponding impact (impacts·min−1) characteristics were obtained for 160 athletes from 4 teams across the 2018 and 2019 Super Rugby seasons. A linear mixed-effects model reported a positive association between whole-game running and impacts, where greater impact characteristics corresponded with greater running characteristics. The average 1-minute peak running characteristics (150–160 m·min−1) typically occurred when no impacts occurred. The average 1-minute peak impact characteristics (4–6 impacts·min−1) corresponded with an average relative distance of 90–100 m·min−1. Worst case scenario observed impact characteristics as large as 15 impacts·min−1 with a corresponding relative distance of 140 m·min−1. When training for peak period characteristics, running may be completed in isolation; however, peak impacts often occur in conjunction with moderate to high running movements. Given running and impact characteristics can appear concurrently within game play, this highlights the need to train them accordingly. As such, when prescribing training drills to replicate the peak characteristics in rugby union, consideration should be taken for both running and impact characteristics.