bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding of transverse spin angular momentum in tightly focused linearly polarized vortex beams
Authors: Zhang Xiaohe , Shen Bo , Zhu Zhuqing , Rui Guanghao , He Jun , Cui Yiping , Gu Bing
Published: January 2022

Spin angular momentum (SAM) is widely used in spin-dependent unidirectional optical interfaces, optical manipulation, integrated optical signal processing, laser structuring and other fields, but its physical mechanism has not been fully understood so far. In this work, we investigate the three-dimensional (3D) SAM in tightly focused x-polarized first-order vortex beams from the perspectives of light field itself, phase distribution, and focusing propagation. It is shown that the distribution of three orthogonal components of SAM at the focal plane has pseudo two-fold rotational symmetry, because the cycloidal rotation of the electric field of the tightly focused vortex beam is opposite. The 3D SAM distribution in the focal region is visualized by mapping the 3D distribution of state of polarization (SoP). In addition, a principle experimental method for identifying the transverse SAM by using the direction of particle’s rotation axis in optical tweezers is proposed.
Generation of on-demand quasi-Mathieu beams with a controlled generation of spatial spectrum of angular Mathieu-Gauss functions with a digital laser
Authors: Nguyen Thi Ly Ly , Chu Shu-Chun
Published: January 2022

This study provided an intra-cavity method for the selective generation of all kinds of quasi-Mathieu beams. The method employed L-type digital lasers to selectively generate the Fourier spectrum of the gaussian-modulated angular Mathieu function. The lasing field then underwent a Fourier-transform with an extra-cavity lens, and was converted into quasi-Mathieu beams after passing through an axicon. The selection of the lasing quasi-Mathieu beams was controlled by the projection phase of the intra-cavity spatial light modulator (SLM) of digital lasers, which provided flexibility in dynamically generating on-demand quasi-Mathieu beams. The formalism of the resulting quasi-Mathieu beams is detailed in this paper. The nondiffracting characteristics of the resulting quasi-Mathieu beams were verified both numerically and experimentally. The capability of dynamically controlled generation and manipulation of lasing quasi-Mathieu beams by the proposed method is beneficial to practical applications of Mathieu beams.
The nuclear receptor Hr46/Hr3 is required in the blood brain barrier of mature males for courtship
Authors: Lama Chamala , Love Cameron R. , Le Hoa Nhu , Waqar Marium , Reeve Joseph L. , Lama Jyoti , Dauwalder Brigitte
Published: January 2022

The blood brain barrier (BBB) forms a stringent barrier that protects the brain from components in the circulation that could interfere with neuronal function. At the same time, the BBB enables selective transport of critical nutrients and other chemicals to the brain. Beyond these functions, another recently recognized function is even less characterized, specifically the role of the BBB in modulating behavior by affecting neuronal function in a sex-dependent manner. Notably, signaling in the adult Drosophila BBB is required for normal male courtship behavior. Courtship regulation also relies on male-specific molecules in the BBB. Our previous studies have demonstrated that adult feminization of these cells in males significantly lowered courtship. Here, we conducted microarray analysis of BBB cells isolated from males and females. Findings revealed that these cells contain male- and female-enriched transcripts, respectively. Among these transcripts, nuclear receptor Hr46/Hr3 was identified as a male-enriched BBB transcript. Hr46/Hr3 is best known for its essential roles in the ecdysone response during development and metamorphosis. In this study, we demonstrate that Hr46/Hr3 is specifically required in the BBB cells for courtship behavior in mature males. The protein is localized in the nuclei of sub-perineurial glial cells (SPG), indicating that it might act as a transcriptional regulator. These data provide a catalogue of sexually dimorphic BBB transcripts and demonstrate a physiological adult role for the nuclear receptor Hr46/Hr3 in the regulation of male courtship, a novel function that is independent of its developmental role.
Topiroxostat versus allopurinol in patients with chronic heart failure complicated by hyperuricemia: A prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded-end-point clinical trial
Authors: Sakuma Masashi , Toyoda Shigeru , Arikawa Takuo , Koyabu Yota , Kato Toru , Adachi Taichi , Suwa Hideaki , Narita Jun-ichi , Anraku Koetsu , Ishimura Kimihiko , Yamauchi Fumitake , Sato Yasunori , Inoue Teruo
Published: January 2022

Background

The benefits of xanthine oxidase inhibitors to chronic heart failure (CHF) patients is controversial. We investigated the beneficial effects of a novel xanthine oxidoreductase inhibitor, topiroxostat, in patients with CHF and hyperuricemia (HU), in comparison to allopurinol.

Methods and results

The prospective, randomized open-label, blinded-end-point study was performed in 141 patients with CHF and HU at 4 centers. Patients were randomly assigned to either topiroxostat or allopurinol group to achieve target uric acid level ≤6.0 mg/dL. According to the protocol, 140 patients were followed up for 24 weeks. Percent change in ln (N-terminal-proB-type natriuretic peptide) at week 24 (primary endpoint) was comparable between topiroxostat and allopurinol groups (1.6±8.2 versus -0.4±8.0%; P = 0.17). In the limited number of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) (left ventricle ejection fraction <45%), ratio of peak early diastolic flow velocity at mitral valve leaflet to early diastolic mitral annular motion velocity (E/e’) decreased in topiroxostat group, but not in allopurinol group. Urinary 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine and L-type fatty acid-binding protein levels increased and osmolality decreased significantly in allopurinol group, while these changes were less or absent in topiroxostat group. In allopurinol group HFrEF patients, additional to the increases in these urinary marker levels, urinary creatinine levels decreased, with no change in clearance, but not in topiroxostat group.

Conclusions

Compared with allopurinol, topiroxostat did not show great benefits in patients with CHF and HU. However, topiroxostat might have potential advantages of reducing left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, not worsening oxidative stress in proximal renal tubule, and renoprotection over allopurinol in HFrEF patients.
The type IV pili component PilO is a virulence determinant of Francisella novicida
Authors: Ozanic Mateja , Marecic Valentina , Knezevic Masa , Kelava Ina , Stojková Pavla , Lindgren Lena , Bröms Jeanette E. , Sjöstedt Anders , Abu Kwaik Yousef , Santic Marina
Published: January 2022

Francisella tularensis is a highly pathogenic intracellular bacterium that causes the disease tularemia. While its ability to replicate within cells has been studied in much detail, the bacterium also encodes a less characterised type 4 pili (T4P) system. T4Ps are dynamic adhesive organelles identified as major virulence determinants in many human pathogens. In F. tularensis, the T4P is required for adherence to the host cell, as well as for protein secretion. Several components, including pilins, a pili peptidase, a secretin pore and two ATPases, are required to assemble a functional T4P, and these are encoded within distinct clusters on the Francisella chromosome. While some of these components have been functionally characterised, the role of PilO, if any, still is unknown. Here, we examined the role of PilO in the pathogenesis of F. novicida. Our results show that the PilO is essential for pilus assembly on the bacterial surface. In addition, PilO is important for adherence of F. novicida to human monocyte-derived macrophages, secretion of effector proteins and intracellular replication. Importantly, the pilO mutant is attenuated for virulence in BALB/c mice regardless of the route of infection. Following intratracheal and intradermal infection, the mutant caused no histopathology changes, and demonstrated impaired phagosomal escape and replication within lung liver as well as spleen. Thus, PilO is an essential virulence determinant of F. novicida.
SPATS2 is positively activated by long noncoding RNA SNHG5 via regulating DNMT3a expression to promote hepatocellular carcinoma progression
Authors: Yan Jia , Huang Qing Yu , Huang Ya Jun , Wang Chang Shan , Liu Peng Xia
Published: January 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors with high mortality worldwide. Spermatogenesis-associated serine-rich 2 (SPATS2) could be a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in HCC. However, the regulatory mechanism of SPATS2 in HCC requires further elucidation. Therefore, the study’s objective was to investigate this process in HCC. In this study, we found that SPATS2 is significantly upregulated in HepG2 cells to promote cell growth and migration. SPATS2 is the target transcript of lncRNA SNHG5. SPATS2 positively affects the proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells caused by the higher expression of SNHG5. Mechanistically, we identified that the elevated of SPATS2 was attributed to SNHG5 related hypomethylation of SPATS2. SNHG5 reduced the expression of DNMT3a to suppress the methylation level of SPATS2. Taken together, our results uncover a novel epigenetic regulatory mechanism of lncRNA SNHG5-DNMT3a axis-related SPATS2 expression underlying HCC progression. This may serve as a novel prognostic marker and a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of HCC.
Development and psychometric properties of Iranian midwives job satisfaction instrument (MJSI): A sequential exploratory study
Authors: Direkvand-Moghadam Ashraf , Rashan Nasrin , Bahmani Mona , Taheri Safoura
Published: January 2022

Background

Job satisfaction refers to a person’s attitude toward his/her job and its various aspects. Job satisfaction improves the quality of service and employees’ physical and mental health. The present study aimed to design a valid and reliable instrument to assess Iranian midwives job satisfaction instrument (MJSI).

Methods

This is a sequential exploratory study for tool design. This study in two phases; (qualitative and tool’s psychometric evaluation) was conducted in Ilam, Iran, 2019 years. In the first phase, a qualitative content analysis was carried out by in-depth and semi-structured individual interviews with 10 experts. Then, the pool of items extracted from the qualitative phase was completed by reviewing the existing texts and tools. The second phase of the study involved reducing the overlapping items and validating the tool. In order to investigate the construct validity, a cross sectional study was conducted with the participation of 121 midwives with census sampling. Data analysis was performed by SPSS-19 software using exploratory factor analysis and reliability tests (Cronbach’s alpha).

Results

In the qualitative phase and after reviewing the existing texts and tools by the research team, a 58-item questionnaire was developed and then entered into the psychometric phase. Then, the tool was finalized with five factors, including: 1) communication features, 2) professional features, 3) responsibility aspects, 4) physical-mental aspects and 5) social aspects, respectively. After the psychometric process, by removing the items in different stages, a specific questionnaire was developed to measure the midwives’ job satisfaction with 25 items which explained a total of 49.95% of the total variance. Reliability of the tool was approved by Cronbach’s alpha = 0.71 and test-retest with 2-weeks intervals, indicating an appropriate stability for the scale (ICC = 0.898).

Conclusion

The 25-item self-reporting midwives job satisfaction tool had acceptable validity and reliability. We recommend the use of this tool for evaluating the job satisfaction of midwives, as well as management and research purposes.
Time point- and plant part-specific changes in phloem exudate metabolites of leaves and ears of wheat in response to drought and effects on aphids
Authors: Stallmann Jana , Pons Caroline A. A. , Schweiger Rabea , Müller Caroline
Published: January 2022

Alterations in the frequency and intensity of drought events are expected due to climate change and might have consequences for plant metabolism and the development of plant antagonists. In this study, the responses of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) and one of its major pests, the aphid Sitobion avenae, to different drought regimes were investigated, considering different time points and plant parts. Plants were kept well-watered or subjected to either continuous or pulsed drought. Phloem exudates were collected twice from leaves and once from ears during the growth period and concentrations of amino acids, organic acids and sugars were determined. Population growth and survival of the aphid S. avenae were monitored on these plant parts. Relative concentrations of metabolites in the phloem exudates varied with the time point, the plant part as well as the irrigation regime. Pronounced increases in relative concentrations were found for proline, especially in pulsed drought-stressed plants. Moreover, relative concentrations of sucrose were lower in phloem exudates of ears than in those of leaves. The population growth and survival of aphids were decreased on plants subjected to drought and populations grew twice as large on ears compared to leaves. Our study revealed that changes in irrigation frequency and intensity modulate plant-aphid interactions. These effects may at least partly be mediated by changes in the metabolic composition of the phloem sap.
Improvements following multimodal pelvic floor physical therapy in gynecological cancer survivors suffering from pain during sexual intercourse: Results from a one-year follow-up mixed-method study
Authors: Cyr Marie-Pierre , Dostie Rosalie , Camden Chantal , Dumoulin Chantale , Bessette Paul , Pina Annick , Gotlieb Walter Henry , Lapointe-Milot Korine , Mayrand Marie-Hélène , Morin Mélanie
Published: January 2022

Background

A large proportion of gynecological cancer survivors suffer from pain during sexual intercourse, also known as dyspareunia. Following a multimodal pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) treatment, a reduction in pain and improvement in psychosexual outcomes were found in the short term, but no study thus far has examined whether these changes are sustained over time.

Purpose

To examine the improvements in pain, sexual functioning, sexual distress, body image concerns, pain anxiety, pain catastrophizing, painful intercourse self-efficacy, depressive symptoms and pelvic floor disorder symptoms in gynecological cancer survivors with dyspareunia after PFPT, and to explore women’s perceptions of treatment effects at one-year follow-up.

Methods

This mixed-method study included 31 gynecological cancer survivors affected by dyspareunia. The women completed a 12-week PFPT treatment comprising education, manual therapy and pelvic floor muscle exercises. Quantitative data were collected using validated questionnaires at baseline, post-treatment and one-year follow-up. As for qualitative data, semi-structured interviews were conducted at one-year follow-up to better understand women’s perception and experience of treatment effects.

Results

Significant improvements were found from baseline to one-year follow-up on all quantitative outcomes (P ≤ 0.028). Moreover, no changes were found from post-treatment to one-year follow-up, supporting that the improvements were sustained at follow-up. Qualitative data highlighted that reduction in pain, improvement in sexual functioning and reduction in urinary symptoms were the most meaningful effects perceived by participants. Women expressed that these effects resulted from positive biological, psychological and social changes attributable to multimodal PFPT. Adherence was also perceived to influence treatment outcomes.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that the short-term improvements following multimodal PFPT are sustained and meaningful for gynecological cancer survivors with dyspareunia one year after treatment.
Long-term glycemic variability and the risk of mortality in diabetic patients receiving peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Afghahi Hanri , Nasic Salmir , Peters Björn , Rydell Helena , Hadimeri Henrik , Svensson Johan
Published: January 2022

Background

The large amount of glucose in the dialysate used in peritoneal dialysis (PD) likely affects the glycemic control. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between HbA1c variability, as a measure of long-term glycemic variability, and the risk of all-cause mortality in diabetic patients with PD.

Methods

325 patients with diabetes and ESRD were followed (2008–2018) in the Swedish Renal Registry. Patients were separated in seven groups according to level of HbA1c variability. The group with the lowest variability was denoted the reference. The ratio of the standard deviation (SD) to the mean of HbA1c, HbA1c (SD)/HbA1c (mean), i.e. the coefficient of variation (CV), was defined as HbA1c variability. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were examined using Cox regression analyses.

Results

During follow-up, 170 (52%) deaths occurred. The highest mortality was among patients with the second highest HbA1c variability, CV≥2.83 [n = 44 of which 68% patients died]. In the multivariate analyses where lowest HbA1c variability (CV≤0.51) was used as the reference group, HbA1c CV 2.83–4.60 (HR 3.15, 95% CI 1.78–5.55; p<0.001) and CV> 4.6 (HR 2.48, 95% CI 1.21–5.11; p = 0.014) were associated with increased risk of death.

Conclusion

The high risk of all-cause mortality in patients with diabetes and PD increased significantly with elevated HbA1c variability, as measure of long-term glycemic control. This indicates that stable glycemia is associated with an improvement of survival; whereas more severe glycemic fluctuations, possibly caused by radical changes in dialysis regimes or peritonitis, are associated with a higher risk of mortality in diabetic patients with PD.
Is subject-specific musculoskeletal modelling worth the extra effort or is generic modelling worth the shortcut?
Authors: Akhundov Riad , Saxby David J. , Diamond Laura E. , Edwards Suzi , Clausen Phil , Dooley Katherine , Blyton Sarah , Snodgrass Suzanne J.
Published: January 2022

The majority of musculoskeletal modelling studies investigating healthy populations use generic models linearly scaled to roughly match an individual’s anthropometry. Generic models disregard the considerable variation in musculoskeletal geometry and tissue properties between individuals. This study investigated the physiological implications of personalizing musculoskeletal model geometry (body segment mass, inertia, joint center, and maximum isometric muscle force). Nine healthy athletes performed ten repetitions of 15 meter sprints at 75–95% of their maximum sprinting speed and ten repetitions of unanticipated sidestep cut trials with a 4.5–5.5 m/s approach running speed. Structural magnetic resonance imaging was collected on the lower extremities, from which subject-specific musculoskeletal models were developed. A one-dimensional statistical parametric mapping paired t-test was used to compare generic and subject-specific musculoskeletal models for: lower-limb kinematics, kinetics, torque matching, as well as hamstrings, adductors, and quadriceps muscle activations and fiber dynamics. Percentage change of geometric parameters between generic and subject-specific models were determined. Compared to generic models, subject-specific models showed significantly lower ankle dorsi/plantar flexion angle during sprinting and several significantly different net joint moments during sprint and cut tasks. Additionally, subject-specific models demonstrated better torque matching, more physiologically plausible fiber lengths, higher fiber velocities, lower muscle forces, and lower simulated activations in a subset of investigated muscles and motor tasks. Furthermore, subject-specific models identified between-limb differences that were not identified with generic models. Use of subject-specific modeling, even in healthy populations, may result in more physiologically plausible muscle fiber mechanics. Implementing subject-specific models may be especially beneficial when investigating populations with substantial geometric between-limb differences, or unilateral musculoskeletal pathologies, as these are not captured by a generic model.
Multidimensional assessment of anxiety through the State-Trait Inventory for Cognitive and Somatic Anxiety (STICSA): From dimensionality to response prediction across emotional contexts
Authors: Barros Filipa , Figueiredo Cláudia , Brás Susana , Carvalho João M. , Soares Sandra C.
Published: January 2022

The assessment of mal-adaptive anxiety is crucial, considering the associated personal, economic, and societal burden. The State-Trait Inventory for Cognitive and Somatic Anxiety (STICSA) is a self-report instrument developed to provide multidimensional anxiety assessment in four dimensions: trait-cognitive, trait-somatic, state-cognitive and state-somatic. This research aimed to extend STICSA’s psychometric studies through the assessment of its dimensionality, reliability, measurement invariance and nomological validity in the Portuguese population. Additionally, the predictive validity of STICSA-Trait was also evaluated, through the analysis of the relationship between self-reported trait anxiety and both the subjective and the psychophysiological response across distinct emotional situations. Similarly to previous studies, results supported both a four-factor and two separated bi-factor structures. Measurement invariance across sex groups was also supported, and good nomological validity was observed. Moreover, STICSA trait-cognitive dimension was associated with differences in self-reported arousal between groups of high/low anxiety, whereas STICSA trait-somatic dimension was related to differences in both the subjective and psychophysiological response. Together, these results support STICSA as a useful instrument for a broader anxiety assessment, crucial for an informed diagnosis and practice.
Optimising long-term athletic development: An investigation of practitioners’ knowledge, adherence, practices and challenges
Authors: Till Kevin , Lloyd Rhodri S. , McCormack Sam , Williams Graham , Baker Joseph , Eisenmann Joey C.
Published: January 2022

Long-term athletic development practices have been recommended for the past two decades. However, limited research exists exploring the knowledge and skills required by practitioners to optimise long-term athletic development. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, adherence, practices, and challenges of practitioners responsible for delivering long-term athletic development. A mixed methods survey was completed by 236 practitioners (e.g., sport coaches, physical education teachers) consisting of four parts; 1) demographics, 2) knowledge, 3) adherence, and 4) practices and challenges. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed by Friedman’s analysis of variance and thematic analyses, respectively. Quantitative findings showed practitioners 1) recognised their responsibility for delivering long-term athletic development, 2) have a familiarity with existing developmental models, and 3) had high adherence, focused upon health and wellbeing, to delivering long-term athletic development. However, practices associated with growth and maturity, monitoring and assessment, and the systematic progression and individualisation of training had lower adherence. Qualitative analysis indicated that practitioner’s perceived definitions of athleticism and long-term athletic development were inconsistent, especially according to the psychological components (i.e., confidence). Practitioners’ descriptions of their long-term athletic development practices identified two higher order themes; 1) goals, in which long-term athletic development “is for life” and the importance of “an individual centered journey” highlighted as sub-themes; and 2) realities of delivering long-term athletic development, whereby variety in programme delivery, monitoring development and practical challenges were noted as key priorities. Eight practical challenges were identified including governance and priorities, resources, education, early specialization, high training volumes, staff communication, parents and youth motivation. This mixed method survey highlighted a multitude of knowledge, adherence, practices and challenges towards long-term athletic development. These novel findings can help inform policy to optimise long-term athletic development and to support the complex problem of developing a healthier, fitter and more physically active youth population.
A hybrid neural network for driving behavior risk prediction based on distracted driving behavior data
Authors: Fu Xin , Meng Hongwei , Wang Xue , Yang Hao , Wang Jianwei
Published: January 2022

Distracted driving behavior is one of the main factors of road accidents. Accurately predicting the risk of driving behavior is of great significance to the active safety of road transportation. The large amount of information collected by the sensors installed on the vehicle can be identified by the algorithm to obtain the distracted driving behavior data, which can be used to predict the driving behavior risk of the vehicle and the area. In this paper, a new neural network named Driving Behavior Risk Prediction Neural Network (DBRPNN) is developed for prediction based on the distracted driving behavior data. The network consists of three modules: the Feature Processing Module, the Memory Module, and the Prediction Module. In this process, attribute data (time in a day, daily driving time, and daily driving mileage) that can reflect external factors and driver statuses, are added to the network to increase the accuracy of the model. We predicted the driving behavior risk of different objects (Vehicle and Area). For the applicability improvement of the model, we further classify the distracted driving behavior categories, and DBRPNN can provide more accurate risk prediction. The results show that compared with traditional models (Classification and Regression Tree, Support Vector Machines, Recurrent Neural Network, and Long Short-Term Memory), DBRPNN has better prediction performance. The method proposed in this paper has been fully verified and may be transplanted into active safety early warning system for more accurate and flexible application.
Stopover use of a large estuarine wetland by dunlins during spring and autumn migrations: Linking local refuelling conditions to migratory strategies
Authors: Catry Teresa , Granadeiro José Pedro , Gutiérrez Jorge Sánchez , Correia Edna
Published: January 2022

Migratory strategies dictate stopover ecology, particularly concerning decisions of when, where and how long to stop, and what to do at stationary periods. In birds, individuals stop primarily to replenish energy stores, although the functions of stopover events vary among and within species, particularly between pre- and post-breeding seasons. Here, we combined plasma metabolite levels and haematological parameters to compare refuelling rates and physiological state within (early, mid, late) and between (spring, autumn) migratory periods, aiming to identify potentially different migratory strategies in a shorebird, the dunlinCalidris alpina, using a key stopover site in Iberia. Plasma triglycerides and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations did not differ between seasons, and small differences were found in haematological profiles (higher haemoglobin and hematocrit levels in spring). Similar refuelling rates and physiological status suggests a single migratory strategy in spring and autumn. During both seasons, dunlins arrive at the Tagus estuary with medium-to-high fuel loads, indicating they do not engage in prolonged fuelling. This agrees with a skipping migratory strategy, where birds fly short-to-medium distances while fuelling at moderate rates along a network of sites. Although we may expect late spring migrants to experience stronger pressures to optimally schedule migratory events, we found no significant differences in physiological profiles among early, mid and late migrants. Unexpectedly, such differences were found in autumn: early birds showed the highest triglycerides and haemoglobin levels and lowest β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. These results denote enhanced refuelling rates and blood oxygen-carrying capacity in early autumn migrants, which is typical of jumpers, i.e., birds travelling with larger fuel loads and performing fewer stops. Our study adds substantially to previous knowledge of stopover ecology in migratory shorebirds in the East Atlantic Flyway. Importantly, it indicates that the Tagus estuary is a high-quality stopover site for intermediate fuelling. Yet, understanding non-fuelling stopping functions is needed to ultimately inform conservation planning.
Epistemerastes. The Platonic Philosopher in the Timaeus between True Opinion and Science
Authors: Casella Federico
Published: January 2022

Abstract. The aim of this paper is to analyse the ways in which the nature of true philosophers is described in Plato’s Timaeus. By examining the distinction between two kinds of opinion – one (produced by sensation) absolutely false, the other (developed through one of the soul’s rational faculties) reliably true – I will try to show that Plato coined a new term to denote both true philosophers and the characteristics of their knowledge. From being a ‘love of wisdom’, true philosophy came to be defined as a ‘passion for science’. Finally, I will try to illustrate the protreptic intent underlying this choice of words and how it concerns the main critical target of the Timaeus, the so-called Presocratics.
Biomedical Applications and Research Progress of Electrospinning Technology and Electrospinning Nanofibers
Authors: Yang Junzheng
Published: January 2022

Electrospinning technology is one of the most popular technologies in nanoscience and nanotechnology, there are a variety of polymers can be used to spin (natural materials, composite materials and inorganic materials) into micro/nanofibers, obtained micro/nanofibers usually have special structures or special functions with excellent flexibility and adjustability. In recent years, electrospinning has attracted more and more attention of researchers, showing great application potentials in the field of biomedicine or biomedical engineering. In this review, we will introduce the working principle and types of electrospinning, the improvements of electrospinning devices, the properties and property applications of electrospinning micro/nanofibers in recent years, and emphasis on the applications of electrospinning micro/nanofibers in biomedical or biomedical engineering. At the end of this review, the prospective and challenges of application of electrospinning technology and micro/nanofiers was also discussed, We hoped this review may provide some ideas and inspirations for the applications of electrospinning technology in biomedical or biomedical engineering.
Questão agrária, reforma agrária e a feira da agricultura camponesa no Triângulo Mineiro
Authors: Pinheiro Stéphanne Ribeiro , Masson Gabriela Abrahão
Published: January 2022

A questão agrária brasileira é complexa e contraditória, e seu entendimento é importante para aqueles (as) que defendem a justiça social, é uma questão latente, assim como a realização da reforma agrária, ainda que enquanto política pública redistributiva, que no atual contexto foi desmontada e paralisada. Em Minas Gerais, no Triângulo Mineiro, ela se manifesta fortemente e tem mostrado a necessidade de fortalecimento da agricultura camponesa/familiar, uma vez que agronegócio aprofunda desigualdades sociais históricas nesse território. Há estudos que apontam uma crise alimentar em Uberaba e região e a presença de movimentos sociais que questionam essa realidade. Nesse contexto a partir da extensão universitária, em uma universidade pública, o objetivo desse artigo é uma análise reflexiva da Feira da Agricultura Camponesa (FAC), que ocorre na Universidade Federal do Triangulo Mineiro (UFTM), construída através do ensino, pesquisa e extensão, pela equipe multidisciplinar do programa de Extensão Fortalecendo a Agricultura Camponesa em Uberaba (FACU), ao longo dos anos de 2016 a 2019. A metodologia que subsidia esta construção é a observação participante a partir da extensão universitária, assim como pesquisa bibliográfica, documental e trabalho de campo nos assentamentos e acampamentos rurais de Uberaba e região.
Japan’s Economy Under the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors:   Economic Research Institute FEB RAS, Dyomina Yana , Mazitova Marina ,   Economic Research Institute FEB RAS
Published: January 2022

The article reviews consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan and state measures to neutralize them. In April 2020 the state of emergency was implemented for the first time. And on October 1, 2021 all restrictions were lifted. During the pandemic, the Japanese economy has experienced several shocks: the largest drop in GDP in post-war history; a sharp increase in unemployment rate; decline in foreign trade; disruption in supply chains; and «failed» Olympic Games. According to forecasts, long-term sustainable growth is possible only in conditions of economic reform (active use of information and communications, and carbon-free technologies)
Comparative Analysis of the Learning on KDD Cup 2015 Dataset
Authors: S. Nithya , S. Dr. Umarani
Published: January 2022

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) have delivered a high level of education around the world, but the significant dropout rate has impacted their educational efficiency. In MOOC, the researchers mainly focused on dropout prediction using various approaches. Our work emphasizes the real-time dataset of KDD CUP 2015 to extract certain main features, implemented by using various methods, and find out the different performance measures with different metrics. To measure early learner dropout, this work used a set of unique features extracted from real-time datasets. Individual user contributions and performance are frequently analyzed using the learning analytics framework. It also aids in the decision-making process for students in higher education. According to the data, the suggested model has a classification accuracy of 78 to 85%. The experimental results are also predicted, which one of the learning methods is mostly applicable to the dropout prediction in MOOC. In this evaluation, the performance measures are compared and the best one is reported.
Distributed Prewitt Edge Detection System Using Lightness of Ycbcr Color Space
Authors: Abdullah Ahmed Saadi , Ali Majid Hamid , Waleed Mohammed
Published: January 2022

Recently, image processing has been widely used in the medical field. This field helps to increase the accuracy of medical diagnosis, which helps in the early detection of diseases and increases the accuracy of prescribing treatment. Where it is noted that most medical devices such as sonar that are used to take pictures of body parts may give blurred images, which leads to the need for digital image processing techniques to increase the clarity of these images, which gives an accurate description of the examined part of the body. Speed is also one of the most important criteria for measuring the quality of any system, especially in the critical matters, including the medical field, where speed and accuracy of diagnosis are very important for immediate decision-making. To ensure the best speed and the most accurate result, it is better to distribute this process and use more than one processing unit for digital image processing. In this paper, a system was presented that detects the edges of medical images by relying on edge detection processing technology and taking advantage of the field of distributed systems to obtain results at high speed and accuracy. Matlab 2015 environment was used to simulate the system, and the results showed high accuracy in edge detection and high speed to obtain the results.
Gender Preference of Parents and its Effect on School Children's Activity
Authors: Wahidah Siti , Amal Bakhrul Khair , Ampera Dina , Arqam Mhd. Lailan , Purba Anwar Soleh
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this study is to see the influence of the factors of parents 'gender preferences on children's activities, namely Patterns and differences in the influence of parents' gender preferences on children's activities according to gender. The sample in this study was children aged 12-17 years, with the reason that the limit for children to start other activities besides going to school. The results of the study show that parents tend to prioritize men in education and work and vice versa tend to prioritize women in managing the household. The preference of boys in education tends to benefit the education of boys than girls. However, men's preference for work tends to favor girls over boys. These findings indicate that parents' gender preferences are not always beneficial for children's education.
Evolution of the Latin American Digital Ecosystem in COVID-19
Authors: Ramirez-Asis Edwin , Guerra-Muñoz Dr. Martha , Asís-López Dr. Maximiliano , Saenz-Rodriguez Dr. Rolando , Castillo-Picon Dr. Jorge
Published: January 2022

The relevance of digital technology to fight isolation, distribute preventive measures and assist economic systems began to build as early as the installation of the first health measures for covid 19. This study's goal is to analyze Latin America's ability to fulfill this challenge. The following are the conclusions: Latin America's digital ecosystem is at an intermediate degree of development, allowing it to somewhat alleviate the consequences of the epidemic. Also, the rural/urban contrast shows a significant amount of digital marginalization. The digital divide prevents key segments of the population from receiving health information, downloading instructional resources to improve school performance, or purchasing things online. The digital gap is compounded by the fact that most Latin American homes only use the internet for communication and social networking. A home digital resilience index (calculated on the use of the Internet to download health apps, educational apps, perform e-commerce operations and use fintech). It also suggests a lack of technology adoption, but rather a lack of technological integration in manufacturing processes, notably supply networks. The share of the workforce that can telework adds to the labor market disruption in COVID-19.
What Matters: Achieving Racial Equity in a Human Service Non-Profit Organization
Authors: Curry-Stevens Ann
Published: January 2022

Few research studies exist on the efforts and outcomes undertaken by non-profits aiming to integrate racial equity into their organization. This article, through case study research, identifies how Metropolitan Family Service (in Portland, Oregon) has make seven key gains over the last decade: staff diversification, cultural shift in the organization, board development, data systems that support disaggregation, meaningful community partnerships, high client satisfaction, and most important, more equitable service outcomes. In additional to sharing details on these gains, this article identifies the features of how this organization believes that it has actualized these outcomes: through a range of cultural features that support racial equity, and through a counselling model that centers cultural respect and support. Both are shared in this article. The article concludes with a synthesis of advice for the non-profit field.
Obraz choroby w powieści "Koncert muzyki Bacha" Hortensji Papadat-Bengescu
Authors: Teodorowicz Justyna
Published: January 2022

Przedmiotem niniejszego artykułu jest zagadnienie choroby w powieści Koncert muzyki Bacha rumuńskiej pisarki okresu międzywojennego, Hortensji Papadat-Bengescu, uważanej za prekursorkę rumuńskiej prozy psychologicznej. Choroba jako jeden z głównych motywów jej twórczości była zwykle interpretowana jako obraz chylącego się ku upadkowi rumuńskiego społeczeństwa. W niniejszym artykule analizujemy najciekawszy przypadek chorobowy w powieściach Hortensji Papadat-Bengescu, jakim jest chory na gruźlicę książę Maksenty. Proponujemy możliwe interpretacje jego choroby w kontekście współczesnych badań naukowych, szczególnie w dziedzinie socjologii choroby. Omawiamy między innymi zagadnienie choroby jako zakłócenia biograficznego, problem osobowej i społecznej tożsamości bohatera w chorobie przewlekłej oraz jego postawę wobec śmierci.
Korczakowska spuścizna – między znakiem Holokaustu a prawami dziecka
Authors: Smolińska-Theiss Barbara
Published: January 2022

The legacy of Janusz Korczak continues to attract attention of various social and academic circles. It is interpreted differently by historians, educators and writers. Social research methodologists associate this process with the deconstruction of the existing narratives and the construction of new approach. They do not bring new facts or events but give a new meaning to achievements instead. Thera are two images of Janusz Korczak’s work which dominate in the public space. First one is the Perspective of the Holocaust, which underline personal sign of heroism against the inhuman world that was the Warsaw ghetto. The second perspective show Korczak as a teacher, discoverer and researcher of children and childhood. He is a charismatic educator, Master, defender, and informal advocate for the rights of children.
Distribution of introduced American mink in the Northern Apennine area (Central Italy)
Authors: Mori Emiliano , Bini Alessandro , Viviano Andrea , Bartolommei Paola , Mazza Giuseppe
Published: January 2022

The American mink Neovison vison is a widespread alien carnivore in Europe due to escapes from fur farms through this continent. Impacts by naturalized mink include competition with native species and predation of crayfish and small vertebrates. Therefore, an updated monitoring of mink distribution is required to design management plans. The American mink has been reported with an established population in North-Eastern Italy, in Sardinia, and two small nuclei respectively in the Central and in the Northern Apennine ridge. Available information for the latter dates back to early 1990s. In this note, we described the range expansion of the American mink population in the Northern Apennine ridge and we estimate the current distribution range and the extent of occurrence by using data collected from 2006 to 2021 through the Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP). We compared the current distribution range with that of 1990s. The American mink showed a remarkable range increase since its first escape in the Northern Apennines, thus requiring rapid actions to limit impacts on native biodiversity.
Higher Education Study Programme Quality Assessment
Authors: Bandeviča Ludmila , Līgotne Agnese
Published: January 2022

Study programme quality assessment provides higher education quality which in its turn is an essential precondition for the successful national economy development. At the moment the society has a lot of discussion about what is higher education quality and how to assess it. The pragmatic approach makes us set criteria for study programme quality assessment. However, before doing that one must understand what higher education quality is. Developing over the years, higher education has created different quality understandings. The different quality understandings form the necessity of different quality assessment approaches. As the foundation of higher education quality assessment to create the methodological basis there are taken higher education quality assessment conceptions distinguished by R. Barnett: objective, subjective and development. Each of the conceptions intends to use different approaches for higher education assessment. The research approbates the usage of The Analytic Hierarchy process (AHP) method to detect the most significant study programme quality criteria and the most suitable way of assessment for them. AHP method is based on expert surveys, which were taken part by two most important interest groups interested in higher education: higher education administrative staff and students. Higher education administrators are represented by Higher Education Council representative, LU heads of administrative departments and leadership staff who are responsible for study quality and programme accreditation. In their turn, students are represented by members of Latvian Student Association, LU student council representatives and students from different LU faculties.
European Policy towards Regional Innovation Strategy Illustrated with the Example of the Mazovia (Poland)
Authors: Sitek Bronisław
Published: January 2022

Globalization process has a gradually stronger influence on economic development. In this new reality the main indicator is innovation. Various regions of European Union formulate Regional Innovation Strategies (RIS). The goal of this document is to formulate essential elements of regional development strategy. This kind of strategy was created for the Mazovia region. In the document we can read that Mazovia is the most innovative region in Poland, however, it is still far behind regions in highly developed countries. The main strength of Mazovia is the fact that it is a capital region, which means a better access for enterprises to information, important contacts and promotion. Nevertheless, we still can experience many barriers, undermining regular regional development, such as insufficient grants for scientific research or inadequate engagement of public administration to help entrepreneurs.
Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 and the mental health implications
Authors:   Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States, Walia Namrata , Lat Jessica Olivia ,   Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health, Philippines, Tariq Rabeet ,   Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan, Tyagi Surbhi ,   International School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China, Qazi Adam Manzoor ,   The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada, Salari Syeda Wajiha ,   Rawalpindi Medical University, Pakistan, Jafar Amina ,   King Edward Medical University, Pakistan, Kousar Tasneem ,   Foundation University Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Bieniek Sherrie ,   Larkin Community Hospital, South Miami, Florida, United States
Published: January 2022

Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) or more commonly known as Long COVID-19, is the term given to persistent symptoms 12 weeks from the initial presentation of COVID-19 infection. Several multi-organ symptoms have been reported by patients. Some common symptoms include headaches, fatigue, memory impairment and mental health complications such as anxiety and depression. People with previous psychiatric diagnosis are at greater risk of developing longer mental health implications from persistent COVID-19 symptoms. Additionally, healthcare workers are at increased risk of being long haulers leading to burnout and exhaustion. The objective of this review article is to provide comprehensive evidence from existing literature on various symptoms reported by patients experiencing Long COVID-19 and the rate of occurrence of such symptoms in different populations. A long-term disease surveillance is required to further understand the persistent symptoms or the long-term impact of this infection.