bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Muslims’ Coherent Strategy Against the Rise of Islamophobia in France
Authors: Pervaz Bukhtawer , Asad Tahama
Published: June 2022

Islamophobia is one of today’s most divisive terms. Some claim that there is no such thing as the “fear of Islam,” as it is literally translated. Islamophobia, or anti-Muslimism, is a visible fact, not an academic debate. Since the 9/11 attacks and the 2005 London bombings, Muslims in the West and wherever they live as a minority have been subjected to intense scrutiny. Islamophobia in France is not a new phenomenon and the recent murder of Samuel Paty in France is undoubtedly tragic, but the rise in Islamophobia needs to be discussed by the Muslim World. This article further analyzes the French President’s reaction towards Muslims, which has brought the attention of the world towards the realization that Muslims and religious security is of great concern and needs to be protected. The article aims to explain the strategy of Muslim World about the rise of Islamophobia in France and also discusses what Muslims need to do to take immediate measures against France and the rise of Islamophobia.
Making Their Lives Miserable: Structural Violence and State Racism towards Asylum Seekers from Sudan and Eritrea in Israel
Authors: Ravid Maayan
Published: June 2022

This article examines state racism and structural violence inflicted upon Eritrean and Sudanese asylum seekers in Israel by surveying various exclusionary policies and their harmful effects. It situates exclusionary state practices of migration control in Israel’s racialized social dynamics, contextualized in Israel’s origins as a settler society and subsequent national ordering. Israel’s treatment of African asylum seekers is conceptualized as structural violence through an examination of unnecessary, preventable, or avoidable harms that were differentially inflicted upon this distinct, racialized migrant group both directly and indirectly. Claims in the article are based on ethnographic research conducted with asylum seekers who had been detained in Israel’s Holot detention facility. In contrast to Israel’s purported adherence to international commitments to human rights, including asylum protections, understanding asylum seekers’ destitution through the lens of structural violence enables us to place the onus and responsibility for human suffering upon the state.
Two-dimensional measurement of resonance in MEMS resonators using stroboscopic differential interference contrast microscopy
Authors: Iimori Mirai , Zhang Ya
Published: June 2022

We report the two-dimensional (2D) measurement of resonance in MEMS resonators using stroboscopic differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy, for the investigation of the linear and nonlinear oscillations of MEMS resonators. The DIC microscopy measures the interference of two sheared illumination light beams reflected from the sample surface to determine the differential surface deflection. By modulating the illumination light at the resonance frequency, the DIC image of the MEMS resonator periodically change its brightness and contrast with the sweeping illumination phase, which have been used to derive the oscillation amplitude and the resonance mode shape of the MEMS resonator. Comparing with conventional interference microscopy, the DIC microscopy can observe the surface deflection larger than the wavelength of the illumination light, enabling the measurement of nonlinear oscillations with a large oscillation amplitude. We demonstrate that the stroboscopic DIC microscopy can measure the 2D mechanical resonance with a high vertical resolution at the nanometer(nm)-scale, and a large measurement range of ∼1 µm, which is very promising for the investigation of linear and nonlinear oscillations of MEMS resonators.
Imperfection-insensitivity quantum random number generator with untrusted daily illumination
Authors: Lin Xing , Wang Rong , Wang Shuang , Yin Zhen-Qiang , Chen Wei , He De-Yong , Zhou Zheng , Guo Guang-Can , Han Zheng-Fu
Published: June 2022

Quantum random number generators (QRNGs) promise secure randomness generation based on the foundational unpredictability of quantum mechanics. However, the unavoidable gaps between theoretical models and practical devices could lead to security invalidation. Recently, a source-independent quantum random number generator (SI-QRNG) has been proposed to solve the issue of uncharacteristic sources. However, in most current analyses of SI-QRNG protocols, the security proofs with imperfect measurements are individual for different factors and very sensitive to small deviations from theoretical models. Here, we establish a unified model for imperfect measurements in the SI-QRNG and provide a tight rate bound based on the uncertainty relation for smooth entropies. Then the performance with large device imperfections is evaluated and the randomness rate in our model can approach a similar order of magnitude of the rate upper bound in common discrete variable QRNGs. In addition, by utilizing the daily illumination and measurement devices with large imperfections, we experimentally demonstrate our scheme at the rate of the order of magnitude of Mbps.
Convolutional neural network-based common-path optical coherence tomography A-scan boundary-tracking training and validation using a parallel Monte Carlo synthetic dataset
Authors: Guo Shoujing , Kang Jin U.
Published: June 2022

We present a parallel Monte Carlo (MC) simulation platform for rapidly generating synthetic common-path optical coherence tomography (CP-OCT) A-scan image dataset for image-guided needle insertion. The computation time of the method has been evaluated on different configurations and 100000 A-scan images are generated based on 50 different eye models. The synthetic dataset is used to train an end-to-end convolutional neural network (Ascan-Net) to localize the Descemet’s membrane (DM) during the needle insertion. The trained Ascan-Net has been tested on the A-scan images collected from the ex-vivo human and porcine cornea as well as simulated data and shows improved tracking accuracy compared to the result by using the Canny-edge detector.
Compact and broadband silicon TE-pass polarizer based on tapered directional coupler
Authors: Mohammed Zakriya , Paredes Bruna , Rasras Mahmoud
Published: June 2022

We demonstrate a novel TE-pass polarizer, to the best of our knowledge, on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform. The device's working principle is based on the phase-matched coupling of the unwanted TM0 mode in an input waveguide to the TM1 mode in a tapered directional coupler (DC), which is then guided through a low-loss bend (180-degree) and scattered in a terminator section with low back reflections. However, the input TE0 mode is routed through the tapered section uncoupled with negligible loss. An S-bend is added before the output for filtering any residual TM0 mode present in the input waveguide. Tapering the DC helps maintain phase matching for broadband operation and increases the tolerance toward fabrication errors. The measurement shows low insertion loss (IL < 0.44 dB), high extinction ratio (ER > 15 dB), and wide bandwidth (BW = 80 nm). The overall device length is only 13 µm. A high performing TE-pass polarizer (IL < 0.89, ER > 30, and BW = 100 nm) is also demonstrated by cascading two proposed polarizers.
Realizing fast temperature measurement and simulating Maxwell’s demon with nearly nondestructive detection in cold atoms
Authors: Wang Xin , Sun Yuan , Liu Liang
Published: June 2022

Optical detection and manipulation of the thermal properties is an essential subject of cold atoms in the quantum era. For laser cooled alkali atoms, we have experimentally realized deterministic temperature measurement with time cost below 1 ms and effective filtering of colder atoms with temperature less than 1 μK, with the help of nearly nondestructive detection. The quick temperature measurement is accomplished by carefully resolving the diffusion dynamics of atoms with the information provided by a single probe laser pulse in the form of bucket detection, while suppressing the amplitude and phase noises of probe laser. The separation of colder atoms is attainable as the velocity differences of atoms translate into nontrivial position differences, when the diffusion sustains for a few tens of milliseconds. In particular, these efforts are based on a labeling process that distinguishes the cold atoms under study from the others by specific internal states, while the nearly nondestructive detection is implemented via driving a cycling transition with continuous optical pulses. Moreover, such a position-dependent labeling process can be further modified to become velocity-dependent, with which we have demonstrated a Maxwell’s demon-type operation on cold atoms, as Maxwell’s demon’s intricate abilities can be understood as measuring the velocity of an individual particle and then performing feedback according to a straightforward dichotomy of the velocity value.
Good citizens, perfect patients, and family reputation: Stigma and prolonged isolation in people with drug-resistant tuberculosis in Vietnam
Authors: Redwood Lisa , Fox Greg J. , Nguyen Thu Anh , Bernarys Sarah , Mason Paul , Vu Van Anh , Nguyen Viet Nhung , Mitchell Ellen M. H.
Published: June 2022

Stigma and isolation are common in people with tuberculosis (TB). Social isolation contributes to reduced health outcomes and TB treatment adherence. Stigma and the drivers of isolation in people with Drug-Resistant (DR)-TB may include modifiable advice and practices of family and Health Care Workers (HCW). This study aimed to understand the drivers of isolation and stigma from the perspective of people with DR-TB in Vietnam. A greater understanding of stigma and isolation is important to identify and balance patients’ needs and disease transmission risk. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 people with DR-TB and seven HCWs who care for people with DR-TB in two provinces in Vietnam. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated to English. Data collection and analysis were conducted simultaneously. The data were then analysed using a thematic framework approach. Stigma and extended isolation were common experiences among people with DR-TB. To mitigate stigma, people with DR-TB used the local term ‘lao lực’ to describe their condition to others which is believed to be a less infectious and less stigmatising type of TB. This study identified that although HCW informed people with DR-TB of when they were no longer infectious and isolation was no longer required, their infection control advice was not always consistent. Despite knowing they were no longer infectious, most people with DR-TB continued to self-isolate to minimise the perceived repercussions of societal stigma, to protect their ‘thể diện’ (honour, prestige, reputation), and eliminate all risk of transmitting DR-TB to their family. This study identified three interconnected drivers of self-isolation in Vietnam, including fear of infecting others, fear of stigmatization, and to protect family reputation. TB control programmes need to better understand the social aspects of DR-TB to enable them to better support patients. Educating HCW to provide evidence-based infection control advice is vital.
Accuracy of a Bayesian technique to estimate position and activity of orphan gamma-ray sources by mobile gamma spectrometry: Influence of imprecisions in positioning systems and computational approximations
Authors: Bukartas Antanas , Wallin Jonas , Finck Robert , Rääf Christopher
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of experimental data on performance of a developed Bayesian algorithm tailored for orphan source search, estimating which parameters affect the accuracy of the algorithm. The algorithm can estimate the position and activity of a gamma-ray point source from experimental mobile gamma spectrometry data. Bayesian estimates were made for source position and activity using mobile gamma spectrometry data obtained from one 123% HPGe detector and two 4-l NaI(Tl) detectors, considering angular variations in counting efficiency for each detector. The data were obtained while driving at 50 km/h speed past the sources using 1 s acquisition interval in the detectors. It was found that deviations in the recorded coordinates of the measurements can potentially increase the uncertainty in the position of the source 2 to 3 times and slightly decrease the activity estimations by about 7%. Due to the various sources of uncertainty affecting the experimental data, the maximum predicted relative deviations of the activity and position of the source remained about 30% regardless of the signal-to-noise ratio of the data. It was also found for the used vehicle speed of 50 km/h and 1 s acquisition time, that if the distance to the source is greater than the distance travelled by the detector during the acquisition time, it is possible to use point approximations of the count-rate function in the Bayesian likelihood with minimal deviations from the integrated estimates of the count-rate function. This approximation reduces the computational demands of the algorithm increasing the potential for applying this method in real-time orphan source search missions.
A retrospective cohort study on COVID-19 at 2 Los Angeles hospitals: Older age, low triage oxygenation, and chronic kidney disease among the top risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality
Authors: Sato Alisa , Ludwig Jeffrey , Howell Timothy
Published: June 2022

Los Angeles, California became a warzone of COVID-19 infections with up to one death every 10 minutes at the end of 2020. As resources thinned, and ICU beds and ventilators became scarce, physicians began agonizing over potentially rationing medical care. In this study, we conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of 7,429 confirmed COVID-19 positive patients from two community hospitals in Los Angeles, California between March 16, 2020 and June 9, 2021. We applied the Cox proportional hazards regression model to determine the risk factors most strongly associated with in-hospital mortality. Using the multivariable Cox proportional hazards model, there was a higher hazard ratio (HR) for mortality in patients who were older (age ≥60 years) [HR 2.189, 95% CI 1.991–2.407, p<0.001], had low triage oxygenation < 90% [HR 1.439, 95% CI 1.339–1.546, p<0.001], had chronic kidney disease (CKD) [HR 1.348, 95% CI 1.234–1.496, p = 0.001)], and who were obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m^2) [HR 1.221, 95% CI 1.155–1.340, p = 0.003)]. Overall, our study concluded that age ≥ 60 years, low triage oxygenation less than 90%, chronic kidney disease, and obesity were the top patient characteristics associated with increased mortality for both the univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model analyses. Furthermore, by separating our data set into a development and validation set, we created a novel prediction tool to forecast in-hospital mortality and achieved 86% accuracy.
Using deep-learning in fetal ultrasound analysis for diagnosis of cystic hygroma in the first trimester
Authors: Walker Mark C. , Willner Inbal , Miguel Olivier X. , Murphy Malia S. Q. , El-Chaâr Darine , Moretti Felipe , Dingwall Harvey Alysha L. J. , Rennicks White Ruth , Muldoon Katherine A. , Carrington André M. , Hawken Steven , Aviv Richard I.
Published: June 2022

Objective

To develop and internally validate a deep-learning algorithm from fetal ultrasound images for the diagnosis of cystic hygromas in the first trimester.

Methods

All first trimester ultrasound scans with a diagnosis of a cystic hygroma between 11 and 14 weeks gestation at our tertiary care centre in Ontario, Canada were studied. Ultrasound scans with normal nuchal translucency were used as controls. The dataset was partitioned with 75% of images used for model training and 25% used for model validation. Images were analyzed using a DenseNet model and the accuracy of the trained model to correctly identify cases of cystic hygroma was assessed by calculating sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Gradient class activation heat maps (Grad-CAM) were generated to assess model interpretability.

Results

The dataset included 289 sagittal fetal ultrasound images;129 cystic hygroma cases and 160 normal NT controls. Overall model accuracy was 93% (95% CI: 88–98%), sensitivity 92% (95% CI: 79–100%), specificity 94% (95% CI: 91–96%), and the area under the ROC curve 0.94 (95% CI: 0.89–1.0). Grad-CAM heat maps demonstrated that the model predictions were driven primarily by the fetal posterior cervical area.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that deep-learning algorithms can achieve high accuracy in diagnostic interpretation of cystic hygroma in the first trimester, validated against expert clinical assessment.
Intramammary rapamycin administration to calves induces epithelial stem cell self-renewal and latent cell proliferation and milk protein expression
Authors: Kosenko Anna , Jacoby Shamay , Salame Tomer-Meir , Ross Maya , Barash Itamar
Published: June 2022

Mammary epithelial stem cells differentiate to create the basal and luminal layers of the gland. Inducing the number of differentiating bovine mammary stem cells may provide compensating populations for the milk-producing cells that die during lactation. Inhibition of mTOR activity by rapamycin signals self-renewal of intestinal stem cells, with similar consequences in the mouse mammary gland and in bovine mammary implants maintained in mice. The implementation of these results in farm animals for better mammary development and production was studied in 3-month-old calves. mTOR activity decreased by ~50% in mammary epithelial cells subjected to 3-week rapamycin administration, with no negative consequences on mammary morphology or β-casein expression. Subsequently, stem cell self-renewal was induced, reflected by a higher propagation rate of cultures from rapamycin-treated glands compared to respective controls and higher expression of selected markers. Followed by 4-day estrogen and progesterone administration, rapamycin significantly induced proliferation rate. Higher numbers of basal and luminal PCNA+ cells were detected in small ducts near the elongating sites as compared to large ducts, in which only luminal cells were affected. Rapamycin administration resulted in induction of individual milk protein genes’ expression, which was negatively correlated to their endogenous levels. The inductive effect of rapamycin on luminal cell number was confirmed in organoid cultures, but milk protein expression decreased, probably due to lack of oscillation in rapamycin levels. In conclusion, intramammary rapamycin administration is an effective methodology to reduce mTOR activity in bovine mammary epithelial cells and consequently, induce stem cell self-renewal. The latent positive effect of rapamycin on epithelial cell proliferation and its potential to improve milk protein expression in calves may have beneficial implications for mature cows.
Female sex hormones and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea in European women of a population-based cohort
Authors: Sigurðardóttir Erla S. , Gislason Thorarinn , Benediktsdottir Bryndis , Hustad Steinar , Dadvand Payam , Demoly Pascal , Franklin Karl A. , Heinrich Joachim , Holm Mathias , van der Plaat Diana A. , Jõgi Rain , Leynaert Benedicte , Lindberg Eva , Martinez-Moratalla Jesus , Sainz De Aja Leire , Pesce Giancarlo , Pin Isabelle , Raherison Chantal , Pereira-Vega Antonio , Real Francisco Gómez , Triebner Kai
Published: June 2022

Background

The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea is higher in women after menopause. This is suggested to be a result of an altered sex hormone balance but has so far not been confirmed in a population-based study.

Objective

To investigate whether serum concentration of estrogens and progesterone are associated with the prevalence of sleep apnea symptoms in middle-aged women of the general population.

Methods

We analyzed data from 774 women (40–67 years) from 15 study centers in seven countries participating in the second follow-up of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (2010–2012). Multiple logistic regression models were fitted with self-reported symptoms of sleep apnea as outcomes and serum concentrations of various estrogens and progesterone as predictors. All analyses were adjusted for relevant covariates including age, BMI, education, study center, smoking habits, and reproductive age.

Results

Among all included women, a doubling of serum concentrations of estrone and progesterone was associated with 19% respectively 9% decreased odds of snoring. Among snorers, a doubling of the concentrations of 17β-estradiol, estrone and estrone 3-sulfate was associated with 18%, 23% and 17% decreased odds of breathing irregularly, and a doubling of the progesterone concentration was further associated with 12% decreased odds of waking up suddenly with a chocking sensation. Other evaluated associations were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Middle-aged women with low serum estrogen and progesterone levels are more likely to snore and report symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.
Machine learning shows that the Covid-19 pandemic is impacting U.S. public companies unequally by changing risk structures
Authors: Cao Likun , Ren Jie
Published: June 2022

Covid-19 has impacted the U.S. economy and business organizations in multiple ways, yet its influence on company fundamentals and risk structures have not been fully elucidated. In this paper, we apply LDA, a mainstream topic model, to analyze the risk factor section from SEC filings (10-K and 10-Q), and describe risk structure change over the past two years. The results show that Covid-19 has transformed the risk structures U.S. companies face in the short run, exerting excessive stress on international interactions, operations, and supply chains. However, this shock has been waning since the second quarter of 2020. Our model shows that risk structure change (measured by topic distribution) from Covid-19 is a significant predictor of lower performance, but smaller companies tend to be stricken harder.
The role of institutional factors and cognitive absorption on students’ satisfaction and performance in online learning during COVID 19
Authors: Butt Sameera , Mahmood Asif , Saleem Saima
Published: June 2022

With the rise of the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a severe negative impact on all aspects of life, whether it be a job, business, health, education, etc. As a result, institutions, schools, colleges and universities are being shut down globally to control the spread of Covid-19. Due to this reason, the mode of education has a dramatic shift from on-campus to online learning with virtual teaching using digital technologies. This sudden shift has elevated the stress level among the students because they were not mentally prepared for it, and hence their academic performance has been adversely affected. So, there needs to figure out the underlying process to make online learning more productive. Thus, to obtain this objective, the present study has integrated the modified Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Task Technology Fit Model (TTF), DeLone and McLean Model of Information Systems Success (DMISM) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. A sample of 404 students was obtained, where 202 students were from the top ten public sector universities, and 202 were from the top ten private sector universities of Punjab. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to analyze the hypothesized framework using AMOS. The results reveal that institutional factors positively impact students’ performance mediated by user satisfaction and task technology fit. Similarly, institutional factors affect performance through mediation by user satisfaction and actual usage in sequence. Cognitive absorption was used as a moderator between institutional factors and user satisfaction. In the end, theoretical and practical inferences have also been discussed.
Important factors for public acceptance of the final disposal of contaminated soil and wastes resulting from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station accident
Authors: Takada Momo , Shirai Kosuke , Murakami Michio , Ohnuma Susumu , Nakatani Jun , Yamada Kazuo , Osako Masahiro , Yasutaka Tetsuo
Published: June 2022

Large-scale decontamination work has been carried out in the aftermath of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station accident in Japan in 2011. The soil that was removed and the wastes that were generated during the decontamination will be finally disposed of outside Fukushima Prefecture by 2045. To ensure successful and socially acceptable implementation of this final disposal process, it is essential to have a good understanding of what is considered important by the public. We used a choice-based conjoint analysis in the form of a web-based questionnaire to examine the relative importance of several factors in the choice of the final disposal sites of the removed soil and incinerated ash of the wastes. The questionnaires covered four attributes and 12 levels, namely the distance between the disposal site and a person’s residential area, procedural fairness (decision process), distributive fairness (direct mitigation of inequity through multiple siting locations), and the volume and radioactivity of the substances to be disposed. Responses were received from 4000 people nationwide, excluding Fukushima residents. The results showed that the respondents gave high importance to choosing sites that were far from residential areas and to the two types of fairness, especially distributive fairness. The respondents showed no preference for the volume and radioactivity. This indicates that the public cares about the fairness of the siting for the final disposal sites and feels uncomfortable with plans for a final disposal site located close to them. Distributive fairness is necessary to pursue consensus in addition to procedural fairness.
The use of social robots with children and young people on the autism spectrum: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kouroupa Athanasia , Laws Keith R. , Irvine Karen , Mengoni Silvana E. , Baird Alister , Sharma Shivani
Published: June 2022

Background

Robot-mediated interventions show promise in supporting the development of children on the autism spectrum.

Objectives

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we summarize key features of available evidence on robot-interventions for children and young people on the autism spectrum aged up to 18 years old, as well as consider their efficacy for specific domains of learning.

Data sources

PubMed, Scopus, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, ACM Digital Library, and IEEE Xplore. Grey literature was also searched using PsycExtra, OpenGrey, British Library EThOS, and the British Library Catalogue. Databases were searched from inception until April (6th) 2021.

Synthesis methods

Searches undertaken across seven databases yielded 2145 articles. Forty studies met our review inclusion criteria of which 17 were randomized control trials. The methodological quality of studies was conducted with the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. A narrative synthesis summarised the findings. A meta-analysis was conducted with 12 RCTs.

Results

Most interventions used humanoid (67%) robotic platforms, were predominantly based in clinics (37%) followed home, schools and laboratory (17% respectively) environments and targeted at improving social and communication skills (77%). Focusing on the most common outcomes, a random effects meta-analysis of RCTs showed that robot-mediated interventions significantly improved social functioning (g = 0.35 [95%CI 0.09 to 0.61; k = 7). By contrast, robots did not improve emotional (g = 0.63 [95%CI -1.43 to 2.69]; k = 2) or motor outcomes (g = -0.10 [95%CI -1.08 to 0.89]; k = 3), but the numbers of trials were very small. Meta-regression revealed that age accounted for almost one-third of the variance in effect sizes, with greater benefits being found in younger children.

Conclusions

Overall, our findings support the use of robot-mediated interventions for autistic children and youth, and we propose several recommendations for future research to aid learning and enhance implementation in everyday settings.

PROSPERO registration

Our methods were preregistered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42019148981).
Tooth for a tooth: Does fighting serve as a deterrent to greater violence in the modern NHL
Authors: Betz Michael R.
Published: June 2022

Fighting has been part of the fabric of the NHL for nearly a century. Recent sharp declines in the frequency of fighting and increased understanding of the long-term consequences of traumatic brain injuries have led many to question whether fighting still has a place in the modern NHL. League commissioner Gary Bettman as recently as 2019 testified before Canadian Parliament that fighting has a deterrent effect, reducing the overall level of violent and dangerous plays within the game. This study empirically examines this claim and tests whether fighting indeed serves as a deterrent to undesirable behaviors in the NHL. I examine data on all regular season penalties from 2010–2019 to determine whether fighting and the threat of fighting is empirically related the level of violence in NHL games. Using a mix of descriptive and quasi-experimental approaches, I find no quantifiable evidence that fighting serves as a deterrent to undesirable violent behaviors in the NHL. To the contrary, I find that teams and players who fight are responsible for a disproportionate amount of the violent penalties that happen across the league. These results have implications for player safety in the many professional—and especially junior—hockey leagues around the world that sanction in-game fighting.
Gait stability in ambulant children with cerebral palsy during dual tasks
Authors: Wist Sophie , Carcreff Lena , Bruijn Sjoerd M. , Allali Gilles , Newman Christopher J. , Fluss Joel , Armand Stéphane
Published: June 2022

Aim

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to measure the effect of dual tasks on gait stability in ambulant children with cerebral palsy (CP) compared to typically developing (TD) children.

Methods

The children of the CP (n = 20) and TD groups (n = 20) walked first without a dual task, then while counting forward and finally while alternatively naming fruits and animals (DTf/a). They then completed the same cognitive exercises while sitting comfortably. We calculated the distance between the foot placement estimator (FPE) and the real foot placement in the anterior direction (DFPEAP) and in the mediolateral direction (DFPEML) as a measure of gait stability, in a gait laboratory using an optoelectronic system. Cognitive scores were computed. Comparisons within and between groups were analysed with linear mixed models.

Results

The dual task had a significant effect on the CP group in DFPEAP and DFPEML. The CP group was more affected than the TD group during dual task in the DFPEML. Children in both groups showed significant changes in gait stability during dual tasks.

Interpretation

The impact of dual task on gait stability is possibly due to the sharing of attention between gait and the cognitive task. All children favoured a ‘posture second’ strategy during the dual task of alternatively naming animals and fruits. Children with CP increased their mediolateral stability during dual task.
Comparison of external R&D and internal R&D: Based on the perspective of S&T development of China’s pharmaceutical manufacturing industry
Authors: Wu Di , Wang Su , Chang Senhao , Lian Guiyu , Chen Yuwen
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The science and technology (S&T) innovation in China’s pharmaceutical industry has entered a bottleneck. The choice between external and internal research and development (R&D) has become a significant challenge for S&T development. To provide scientific suggestions for companies to choose an R&D strategy and enhance S&T development, we analyzed and compared the impacts of two R&D strategies on S&T output.

Methods

We selected the data related to China’s pharmaceutical manufacturing industry from 2000 to 2019, established regression equations by the E-G two-step method, and used the VAR model for impulse responses and variance decompositions to research the relationship between two R&D strategies and S&T output.

Results

There is a stable long-term equilibrium relationship between two R&D strategies, including external and internal R&D, and S&T output in China’s pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. When internal R&D increases by 1%, S&T output increases by 0.7382% with a 5-year lag. When S&T output increases by 1%, external R&D increases by 2.0749% with a 2-year lag.

Conclusion

Compared with external R&D, internal R&D can boost S&T output.
WEIMAR E O “CONSTITUCIONALISMO SOCIAL” PARA ALÉM DA “SOLUÇÃO DE COMPROMISSO”: DE SUA INSPIRAÇÃO À CRISE DE PARADIGMAS QUE NUBLA O SURGIMENTO DO “NOVO” NO BRASIL
Authors: Streck Lenio Luiz
Published: June 2022

A República de Weimar iniciou a implantação dos direitos sociais, também chamados de direitos de segunda geração, como o direito à habitação, à educação e à saúde. Observa-se, portanto, o pioneirismo da Constituição de Weimar no que diz respeito a estabelecimento de direitos sociais, sendo, portanto, produto do aumento do peso político do operariado. Ao estabelecer o constitucionalismo social, Weimar centra-se nas relações entre Estado, Constituição, política e realidade, projetando, assim, um documento dirigente e compromissório. É nesse sentido que Weimar figura como uma espécie de “laboratório constitucional”, sendo a Constituição de 1988 produto desse contexto. Eis o objetivo que persegue este breve ensaio, em que importa compreender, por meio do método fenomenológico hermenêutico, os contextos que, na atualidade, nublam a efetivação de direitos sociais por aqui, não apenas enfraquecendo a própria Constituição como, ainda, retardando o regaste das promessas da modernidade, tardiamente projetadas em países periféricos, como o Brasil.
ARISTÓTELES E O PROBLEMA DA RELAÇÃO ENTRE JUSTO NATURAL, JUSTO CONVENCIONAL E DIREITO À ESCRAVIDÃO
Authors: Antunes Jadir
Published: June 2022

O presente trabalho pretende investigar o problema da escravidão em Aristóteles. Pretende-se mostrar que Aristóteles fundamenta sua defesa da escravidão na ideia de uma dupla existência do Direito, ora natural ora convencional. Desta dupla existência do Direito, considera haver também, analogamente, uma dupla escravidão, ora natural e ora convencional. Aristóteles, ainda, acredita na escravidão bárbara como nata, justa e absoluta, ao contrário da escravidão helena, que é injusta e relativa. O artigo pretende, ainda, mostrar como a concepção de Aristóteles sobre a escravidão se apoia no método das analogias, onde determinado domínio ainda não compreensível da realidade se torna inteligível mediante a compreensão de outro domínio já compreensível. Ao final, aponta-se alguns dos defeitos da concepção aristotélica e suas consequências para a cultura ocidental.
O IGUALITARISMO DE JOHN RAWLS E AS DESIGUALDADES SOCIAIS NA AMÉRICA LATINA: CRÍTICAS A PARTIR DE AMARTYA SEN E ROBERTO GARGARELLA
Authors: Braga Madalena Luis Henrique , Sampar Rene Erick , Furtado de Medeiros Lucas Sipioni
Published: June 2022

O presente artigo tem por objetivo analisar as insuficiências da teoria da justiça de John Rawls no que diz respeito ao combate às desigualdades em cenário específico.Com base nas críticas tecidas por Amartya Sen, e tendo como enfoque a desigualdade social característica dos países da América Latina, que será abordada com base na obra de Roberto Gargarella, serão demonstrados os motivos pelos quais o foco na distribuição igualitária de bens primários, que é marca do igualitarismo de Rawls, não é capaz de alterar panoramas de profunda desigualdade social. Para tanto, o método de pesquisa utilizado foi o indutivo, adotando-se, a partir dele, a técnica de investigação bibliográfica.
Aportes a la educación ambiental para la sustentabilidad desde la Facultad de Posgrado de la Universidad Técnica del Norte, Ecuador
Authors: Moncada Rangel José Alí , Paredes Chacín Itala María , Aranguren Carrera Jesús Ramón
Published: June 2022

La educación ambiental es considerada un instrumento que puede dar aportes significativos a la construcción de la sustentabilidad como anhelo de la sociedad. Como disciplina pedagógica, ha evolucionado en sus 50 años de historia, influenciada por la consolidación del concepto de desarrollo sostenible a finales del siglo XIX y los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible en el siglo XXI. En el caso del Ecuador, existe un corpus legal y técnico que justifica la orientación de la Educación Ambiental hacia impulsar el desarrollo sostenible. Esto ha hecho que las universidades públicas ecuatorianas adquieran el compromiso de promover la sustentabilidad en su gestión y en la docencia, la investigación y la vinculación. El presente trabajo describe los aportes dados por la Facultad de Posgrado de la Universidad Técnica del Norte para promover la educación ambiental para la sustentabilidad en sus funciones sustantivas
El discurso educativo ambiental manifiesto en el compromiso de políticas y gestión institucional de la UNNE
Authors: Peralta Erica Silvana
Published: June 2022

Ante las demandas realizadas a las universidades, por la sociedad y acuerdos internacionales, la educación ambiental (EA) se ve, para lo que se precisa enfrentar, como un campo interdisciplinario, con pensamiento crítico y transformador. Aquí fue analizado el marco legal y de políticas institucionales para conocer cómo es abordada la EA en la Universidad Nacional del Nordeste Argentino (UNNE), fueron revisadas cada una de las funciones sustantivas de la universidad. En ese sentido se presentan los avances y desafíos que viene realizando la UNNE. Se observa una debilidad discursiva en torno a la EA, pero acciones institucionales de trabajo en red e investigación, así como enunciados nacionales que la favorecen. Igualmente, es necesaria una discusión conceptual sobre EA y sostenibilidad con trasfondo político y de gestión dentro de la institución.
A Rare Presentation of Sarcoidosis Masquerading as Colonic Polyps on Screening Colonoscopy
Authors: Ufondu Obiora , Hillerson Natalie , Shwetar Mohammed J. , Mills Anne , Kumral Dennis
Published: June 2022

Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease characterized by noncaseating granulomatous inflammation. Gastrointestinal involvement in sarcoidosis is a very rare occurrence, with the colon being affected in few patients. We present a case of sarcoidosis presenting as multiple colonic polyps found on routine colorectal cancer screening colonoscopy. Histopathology of the polyps showed noncaseating granulomas.
Basic Color Terms in the Glorious Qur’an
Authors:   Department of English Language, College of Education for Humanities, University of Tikrit, Tikrit, Iraq, Salih Ahmed M. , Salih Marwa W. ,   Department of English Language, College of Education for Humanities, University of Tikrit, Tikrit, Iraq
Published: June 2022

Colour plays a key role in people’s communication. Languages represent the gradation of colours in nature by a series of discrete categories. These categories of colour differ along with the different cultures. Colour distinctions and meanings also play a major role in different religions. A certain colour may have a particular meaning in Christianity and another different meaning. There is no single language is said to include all colour variations. Colour distinctions and meanings play a major role in different religions. A certain colour may have a particular meaning in Christianity and another different meaning. This paper aims at identifying the basic colour terms in the Glorious Qur'an and making structural and semantic analyses of them. It is hypothesized that the Glorious Qur’an contains particular colour terms that occupy various grammatical classes and indicates specific functions. Furthermore, some are linked to each other by semantic relations. The major findings arrived at are the following: there are six basic colour terms used in the Glorious Qur’an; they are white, black, green, yellow, blue, and red. Colour terms used in the Glorious Qur’an have various structures in Arabic syntax. Secondly, semantic variations are found in many verses of the Glorious Qur’an that include colour terms. Thirdly, cultural differences affect the usage of colour in language. Finally, the use of colour terms in the Glorious Qur’an is meant to apply different functions of the terms, such as the visual, the aesthetic, the symbolic, and the expressive functions. one colour might be interpreted in one way in a language and in a totally different way in another.
The Purposes of Financial Fines in Maintaining Morals and Civic Behavior
Authors:   Department of Religious Education, Faculty of Education, Koya University, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, Hamadameen Othman K. , Bajalan Jamal M. F. ,   Department of Religious Education, Faculty of Education, Koya University, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Published: June 2022

This study deals with financial tribulations as a punishable or specially mixed punishment of discipline and compensation which relates to reinforcing the punishments. This research focused on many areas related to financial tribulations in terms of determining what they are, and explaining their purposes through the angle (cause and effect), as a punishment for sin, without regard to the relationship between the money in which the tribulations is committed by the felony in terms of its attachment to it and not related to it. Regardless of whether it was intended by destroying what happened to the felony or intended to discipline the offender. Thus, it highlights the relationship of financial fines in the maintenance of ethics and public morals, and thus aimed at preventing the spread of corruption in society which leads to the preservation of the purposes of Shariah from the necessities, needs or improvements. The study aims at the purpose of Shariah legislation to punish wrongdoers to determine the intended meaning of the particulars and texts received by the Sunnis in this area so as not to invalidate the apparent meanings of these texts that view contributes to address the issue of the fine legitimacy and non-conformity with the principles of Sharia. Therefore, it constitutes an entry into the harmony of the fine in its characteristics with other punitive penalties.
The Right of Self-Determination of Kurdish People in Iraq and A Legal View to The Kurdistan Region Referendum in 2017
Authors:   Department of Law, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Koya University, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, Aziz Gazang A. , Shaikhah Rebwar J. ,   Department of Law, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Koya University, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Published: June 2022

The right of self-determination is a legal concept under international law in which nations can freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development without external interferences. They may accomplish such self-determination either through uniting with another independent sovereign state or establishing an independent sovereign state for themselves. This principle is considered one of the international principles, which dates back to the American Revolutionary War (1776-1777) and the French Revolution (1789-1799). It was primarily a political right of nations. However, after the establishment of the United Nations, this principle developed to become a legal principle and attained jus cogens status. In this context, Kurdish nation in Kurdistan Region of Iraq has continuously attempted to obtain this right by relying on international principles, but it was always impeded by a number of factors. Unlike any other nation, so far, the Kurds were unable to exercise this right despite the fact that they chose various methods to obtain it. Finally, a referendum was held on September 9, 2017, as one of the peaceful ways to exercise this right, as it is considered one of the most diplomatic ways to take public opinion on crucial issues, including the issue of independence. However, this referendum was unsuccessful despite the fact that 92,73% of voters voted yes for independence. The failure of this referendum is due to several factors, which we attempt to refer to within the framework of our research.
Socio-Economic Prospects of Solar PV Uptake in Energy Policy Landscape of Pakistan
Authors: Haq Faraz Ul , Rashid Tanzeel Ur , Zia Ubaid Ur Rehman
Published: June 2022

Despite global calls for climate change and its impacts in past decade, energy sector of Pakistan has remained highly dominated by high-cost carbon-intensive resources. Although a significant number of policies have been put forward by both provincial and federal government in last three years, the ground-level implementation of these policies is non-existent, and Pakistan’s progress is still far behind the developed countries. This study therefore performs a socio-economic analysis of solar PV potential in Pakistan and how recent policies can be mobilized to upscale the utilization of solar PV both as an on-grid and off-grid generation source. This also links to solar potential for corporate sector engagements in their Net-Zero Pathways. The methodological approach uses a Low Emission Analysis Platform (LEAP) model designed for Pakistan’s Power System supplies under three different scenarios i.e., Energy Transition Scenario, Conventional Generation Scenarios, and Business as Usual Scenario. Indicative Generation Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP 2021) along with recent policies is used as the leading data source for driving the capacity additions. The results obtained from the model indicates that despite having a large potential, under currently policies the share of solar in total grid power generation will remain under 2% by 2030. Under Energy Transition Scenario, the model runs under a least cost optimization plan leading to a higher uptake of solar power. As per this scenario, the share of renewable increase beyond 2030 to achieve a share of around 50% by 2045. This can lead to cumulative carbon reductions of around 2000 Mt by 2030 and economic savings of around $ 5 billion. Based on the model results, this study also identifies the possible pathways for upcoming iterations of Pakistan IGCEP plan that builds around solar PV
Expertise en écriture académique – entre acculturation et conscience disciplinaire
Authors: Wojciechowska Bernadeta , Karpińska-Szaj Katarzyna
Published: June 2022

As an intellectual task, academic writing is not reducible solely to language skills or adequate writing tech-niques. The paper aims to compare the research results related to the cognitive and discursive aspects of expertise in academic writing to determine the key elements that contribute to its special character. These elements are intended to lay the foundation for the teaching of academic writing in tertiary education. The analysis focuses on the development of cognitive skills among novice researchers.
Pratiche di stesura della tesi di laurea in italiano LS
Authors: Załęska Maria
Published: June 2022

In the Italian academic discourse research, Master’s degree theses used to be studied mainly from the perspective of linguistic competencies of their authors. However, strictly linguistic skills are not the only challenge for undergraduate, who must also convey intellectual content in appropriate discursive and rhetorical forms. The paper explores the patterns of a peculiar form of “collaborative writing”, i.e. the cooperation between the thesis supervisor and the student. Using the example of Master’s theses in lin- guistics, written in Italian as a foreign language, three basic didactic approaches are discussed in the paper. In the didactics of content the supervisors emphasize knowledge, i.e. linguistic concepts expected to be applied in a Master’s thesis. In the didactics of forms, the supervisors focus on the linguistic code, that  is, on grammatical and lexical correctness of the Master’s thesis. In the didactics of forms of content the supervisors use regularities observed in academic discourse, such as genre and rhetorical structures, as valuable teaching resources likely to help students develop metacommunicative awareness.