bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Principles of dormancy evident in high-grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Shepherd Trevor G. , Dick Frederick A.
Published: March 2022

In cancer, dormancy refers to a clinical state in which microscopic residual disease becomes non-proliferative and is largely refractory to chemotherapy. Dormancy was first described in breast cancer where disease can remain undetected for decades, ultimately leading to relapse and clinical presentation of the original malignancy. A long latency period can be explained by withdrawal from cell proliferation (cellular dormancy), or a balance between proliferation and cell death that retains low levels of residual disease (tumor mass dormancy). Research into cellular dormancy has revealed features that define this state. They include arrest of cell proliferation, altered cellular metabolism, and unique cell dependencies and interactions with the microenvironment. These characteristics can be shared by dormant cells derived from disparate primary disease sites, suggesting common features exist between them.

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) disseminates to locations throughout the abdominal cavity by means of cellular aggregates called spheroids. These growth-arrested and therapy-resistant cells are a strong contributor to disease relapse. In this review, we discuss the similarities and differences between ovarian cancer cells in spheroids and dormant properties reported for other cancer disease sites. This reveals that elements of dormancy, such as cell cycle control mechanisms and changes to metabolism, may be similar across most forms of cellular dormancy. However, HGSOC-specific aspects of spheroid biology, including the extracellular matrix organization and microenvironment, are obligatorily disease site specific. Collectively, our critical review of current literature highlights places where HGSOC cell dormancy may offer a more tractable experimental approach to understand broad principles of cellular dormancy in cancer.
Using real-world data to dynamically predict flares during tapering of biological DMARDs in rheumatoid arthritis: development, validation, and potential impact of prediction-aided decisions
Authors: van der Leeuw Matthijs S. , Messelink Marianne A. , Tekstra Janneke , Medina Ojay , van Laar Jaap M. , Haitjema Saskia , Lafeber Floris , Veris-van Dieren Josien J. , van der Goes Marlies C. , den Broeder Alfons A. , Welsing Paco M. J.
Published: March 2022

Background

Biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) are effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. However, as bDMARDs may also lead to adverse events and are expensive, tapering them is of great clinical interest. Tapering according to disease activity-guided dose optimization (DGDO) does not seem to affect long term remission rates, but flares are frequent during this process. Our objective was to develop a model for the prediction of flares during bDMARD tapering using data from routine care and to evaluate its potential clinical impact.

Methods

We used a joint latent class model to repeatedly predict the probability of a flare occurring within the next 3 months. The model was developed using longitudinal data on disease activity (DAS28) and other routine care data from two clinics. Predictive accuracy was assessed in cross-validation and external validation was performed with data from the DRESS (Dose REduction Strategy of Subcutaneous tumor necrosis factor inhibitors) trial. Additionally, we simulated the reduction in number of flares and bDMARD dose when implementing the model as a decision aid during bDMARD tapering in the DRESS trial.

Results

Data from 279 bDMARD courses were used for model development. The final model included two latent DAS28-trajectories, bDMARD type and dose, disease duration, and seropositivity. The area under the curve of the final model was 0.76 (0.69–0.83) in cross-validation and 0.68 (0.62–0.73) in external validation. In simulation of prediction-aided decisions, the mean number of flares over 18 months decreased from 1.21 (0.99–1.43) to 0.75 (0.54–0.96). The reduction in he bDMARD dose was mostly maintained, increasing from 54 to 64% of full dose.

Conclusions

We developed a dynamic flare prediction model, exclusively based on data typically available in routine care. Our results show that using this model to aid decisions during bDMARD tapering may significantly reduce the number of flares while maintaining most of the bDMARD dose reduction.

Trial registration

The clinical impact of the prediction model is currently under investigation in the PATIO randomized controlled trial (Dutch Trial Register number NL9798).
Purchasing behavior and use of digital sports offers by CrossFit® and weightlifting athletes during the first SARS-CoV-2 lockdown in Germany
Authors: Meier Nicole , Nägler Till , Wald Robin , Schmidt Annette
Published: March 2022

Background

To combat the spread of SARS-CoV-2, CrossFit® training centers, and fitness studios were closed during the first lockdown in Germany from mid-March until June 2020, and as a result, CrossFit® (CFA) or weightlifting athletes (WLA) faced a major challenge for the first time. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of the first lockdown on the training behavior and to analyze the way the athletes dealt with the new situation. In detail, we focus on habits of purchase and examine the acceptance of digital sports offers between CFA and WLA in response to the restrictions of the nationwide lockdown.

Methods

An online survey was used to characterize the purchasing behavior and use of digital sports offers of CFA and WLA. In total, 484 volunteers (192 women, 290 men, 2 diverse) responded to the online questionary, allowing us to identify changes in training behavior and differences between the sports disciplines.

Results

Our data shows both CFA and WLA purchase new equipment for a home gym and the use of digital sports increased significantly across all age groups. A comparison during the lockdown even showed that within the CFA, one group (n = 142) reported losing 5 kg or more of body mass, while the value of the WLA remained constant. On the one hand, the results indicate that despite the restrictions during the lockdown, CFA were may able to enhance health aspects by improving their body composition. On the other hand, this study shows that the training habits of both groups of athletes have changed significantly with the use of digital sports offers.

Conclusions

We suppose that the great openness and the expansion of online sports offers during the first lockdown may change the sports industry in the future.
Temperature and precipitation affect seasonal changes in mite communities (Acari: Mesostigmata) in decomposing litter of broadleaved and coniferous temperate tree species
Authors: Kamczyc Jacek , Dyderski Marcin K. , Horodecki Paweł , Jagodziński Andrzej M.
Published: March 2022

Key message

We identified the effect of microclimatic conditions on soil mite communities (Mesostigmata) during the decomposition of broadleaved and coniferous litter. The abundance, species richness, and diversity of mite communities decreased from spring to autumn regardless of litter quality and was related to changes in temperature and precipitation.

Context

Litter decomposition is one of the fundamental soil-supporting processes in terrestrial ecosystems. However, there is still a lack of knowledge on some general patterns of the relationships between litter quality (tree species), microclimate, and structure of soil mite assemblages.

Aims

The study aimed to analyze the impact of climatic conditions (temperature and precipitation) on mesostigmatid mite communities in the litter of 11 tree species through the vegetation season.

Methods

The experiment tested litter decomposition of 11 different tree species (693 litterbags), for seven consecutive months (April-October) under homogenous Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) canopy monocultures in common garden conditions. Soil mites were extracted in Tullgren funnels.

Results

Mesostigmatid mite abundance was positively correlated with the temperature of the sampling month and negatively with the temperature of the previous month. Species richness depended on the sampling month temperature. Changes in litter mass loss in late autumn (after litterfall) and overwinter were important for colonization of litterbags by soil mesostigmatid mites in the following spring.

Conclusions

Changes in climatic conditions, i.e., temperature and precipitation between the sampling months (during the following vegetation period), may cause significant changes in mesostigmatid mite abundance and thus may impact ecosystem functions. The winter period is important for mesostigmatid mite abundance in the following vegetation period.
Do financial aspects affect care transitions in long-term care systems? A systematic review
Authors: Wieczorek Estera , Kocot Ewa , Evers Silvia , Sowada Christoph , Pavlova Milena
Published: March 2022

Background

Suboptimal care transitions of older adults may ultimately lead to worse quality of care and increased costs for the health and social care systems. Currently, policies and financing often focus on care in specific settings only, and neglect quality of care during transitions between these settings. Therefore, appropriate financing mechanisms and improved care coordination are necessary for effective care transitions. This study aims to review all available evidence on financial aspects that may have an impact on care transitions in LTC among older adults.

Methods

This systematic review was performed as part of the European TRANS-SENIOR project. The databases Medline, EMBASE (Excerpta Medica Database) and CINAHL (Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) were searched. Studies were included if they reported on organizational and financial aspects that affect care transitions in long-term care systems.

Results

All publications included in this review (19 studies) focused specifically on financial incentives. We identified three types of financial incentives that may play a significant role in care transition, namely: reimbursement mechanism, reward, and penalty. The majority of the studies discussed the role of rewards, specifically pay for performance programs and their impact on care coordination. Furthermore, we found that the highest interest in financial incentives was in primary care settings.

Conclusions

Overall, our results suggest that financial incentives are potentially powerful tools to improve care transition among older adults in long-term care systems and should be taken into consideration by policy-makers.

Trial registration

A review protocol was developed and registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under identification number CRD42020162566.
Research progress and knowledge system of world heritage tourism: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Zhang Juan , Xiong Kangning , Liu Zhaojun , He Lixiang
Published: March 2022

In the context of integrating culture and tourism, world heritage tourism research has become a focus in tourism research in recent years. There are increasing discussions in academic circles on the content and methods of this field. Clarifying the knowledge system of research is conducive to dialogue with international theoretical frontiers and integrating, analyzing, and predicting the progress and lineage from a more comprehensive perspective. Still, few studies on the knowledge system of world heritage tourism research have been conducted. To fill this gap, this study uses the SSCI and SCI sub-databases of Web of Science Core Collection as the data source with the help of CiteSpace and VOSviewer software to measure the knowledge system of world heritage tourism research. A bibliometric analysis of 567 publications between 1992 and 2020 was conducted to construct a framework of a knowledge system based on literature statistics and content analysis, revealing the geographic research regions, theories and methods, themes and contents, trend evolution, and future research inspiration. The results show that: (1) the number of publications tends to increase gradually, with the highest in 2019. The authors and research institutions are mainly concentrated in Europe, America, East Asia. China has the highest publications. More literature on cultural heritage as a geographical study area than natural heritage. (2) The research themes, objects, and methods of the sample literature have become more diversified with the advancement of the research stage. The literature on multi-stakeholder research is the largest, followed by tourism impacts and research on World Heritage Sites’ resource management techniques and methods. These studies provide a multifaceted interpretation of the sustainable development of World heritage tourism, mainly from the perspectives of both supply and demand. However, the theoretical system is still incomplete. (3) Future research should strengthen the theoretical system construction, research innovation, cooperation, and research exchange in world heritage tourism research. Pay more attention to the research on the pluralistic value system of world heritage. Focus on exploring research on world heritage tourism’s resilience and localization dilemmas under the impact of the New Crown epidemic. To reveal the synergistic mechanisms and paths of diversified livelihoods of World Heritage Sites’ residents in ecologically fragile and impoverished areas.
Size matters: How safety climate and downstream outcomes vary by fire department organization type
Authors: Geczik Ashley M. , Lee Jin , Davis Andrea L. , Allen Joseph A. , Taylor Jennifer A.
Published: March 2022

Background

Safety climate is an upstream predictor of safety behaviors (e.g., safety compliance), organizational outcomes (e.g., burnout, engagement), and safety outcomes (e.g., injuries). The Fire Service Organizational Culture of Safety (FOCUS) survey, which was psychometrically validated, measures the industry-specific safety climate of the US fire and rescue service. It is expressed by two factors, Management Commitment to Safety and Supervisor Support for Safety.

Methods

The FOCUS beta-test included a random sample of 132 fire departments stratified by Federal Emergency Management Agency region and organization type (career, combination, volunteer). We conducted descriptive analysis with the responses from 8414 firefighters nested within 611 stations in 125 fire departments. We reported descriptive statistics to assess the distribution of all continuous [mean ± standard deviation (SD)] and categorical variables (counts, percentages) stratified by organization type. Regression analyses were conducted to investigate the associations between safety climate, safety behaviors, organizational outcomes, and safety outcomes stratified by organization type.

Results

The mean age of the analytic sample was 40.2 years, and the mean years of experience was 16.1 years. This sample included 53.6% career, 27.2% combination (career and volunteer), and 19.2% volunteer fire departments. The mean Management Commitment score was 71.4 (SD =  ± 10.4), and the mean Supervisor Support score was 81.7 (± 5.2). The mean Management Commitment scores were 67.1 (± 8.4), 72.2 (± 10.7), and 82.1 (± 6.1), respectively, for career, combination, and volunteer fire departments. The mean Supervisor Support scores were not notably different by organization type. Regression analyses generally supported the beneficial role of safety climate, while suggesting organization type as a potential effect modifier. Specifically, we observed a more negative association between Management Commitment as departments became more career.

Conclusions

Analysis of nationally representative data from the US fire and rescue service indicates safety climate is positively associated with safety behavior, organizational outcomes, and safety outcomes reflecting employee well-being. The findings also suggest that this association varies by organization type. In fact, a dose–response relationship was observed, with Management Commitment to safety lowest among career departments. Thus, our results suggest that it is not just being busy that decreases Management Commitment.
A technological breakthrough in developing a state-of-the-art nutraceutical sports nutrition formulation to enhance vitality, mental acuity, vigilance, energy, and stamina
Authors: Bagchi Debasis , Downs Bernard W. , Bagchi Manashi , Kushner Steve
Published: March 2022

The researchers demonstrate the development of a novel Prodosome technology-derived PL425 PEC phytonutrient-enriched electrolyte formulation and its significant contribution in fluid homeostasis as well as enhanced neuromuscular function, cardio-protection, pulmonary, and other physiological cellular and organ functions. Electrolytes enriched in phytonutrients including polyphenolic bioflavonoids, anthocyanins, saccharides, sulforaphanes, carotenoids and exotic spices, in conjunction with a full spectrum of sea water-derived electrolytes, such as sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, phosphate, magnesium and bicarbonate, along with vitamin C, all of which are encapsulated in the proprietary Prodosome technology enabling enhanced bioavailability. This technology will maintain important biological functions including metabolic and energy homeostasis, pH equilibration, free radical inhibition, cell-to-cell communication, muscular integrity, enhanced neuronal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and kidney functions. Moreover, these phytonutrients and electrolytes enhance energy metabolism, ATP production, and activate nitric oxide production without L-Arginine. Ongoing research studies are in progress.
Landscape of KRASG12C, Associated Genomic Alterations, and Interrelation With Immuno-Oncology Biomarkers in KRAS-Mutated Cancers
Authors: Salem Mohamed E. , El-Refai Sherif M. , Sha Wei , Puccini Alberto , Grothey Axel , George Thomas J. , Hwang Jimmy J. , O'Neil Bert , Barrett Alexander S. , Kadakia Kunal C. , Musselwhite Laura W. , Raghavan Derek , Van Cutsem Eric , Tabernero Josep , Tie Jeanne
Published: March 2022

PURPOSE

Promising single-agent activity from sotorasib and adagrasib in KRASG12C-mutant tumors has provided clinical evidence of effective KRAS signaling inhibition. However, comprehensive analysis of KRAS-variant prevalence, genomic alterations, and the relationship between KRAS and immuno-oncology biomarkers is lacking.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of deidentified records from 79,004 patients with various cancers who underwent next-generation sequencing was performed. Fisher's exact test evaluated the association between cancer subtypes and KRAS variants. Logistic regression assessed KRASG12C comutations with other oncogenes and the association between KRAS variants and immuno-oncology biomarkers.

RESULTS

Of the 79,004 samples assessed, 13,758 (17.4%) harbored KRAS mutations, with 1,632 (11.9%) harboring KRASG12C and 12,126 (88.1%) harboring other KRAS variants ( KRASnon-G12C). Compared with KRASnon-G12C across all tumor subtypes, KRASG12C was more prevalent in females (56% v 51%, false discovery rate-adjusted P value [FDR- P] = .0006), current or prior smokers (85% v 56%, FDR- P < .0001), and patients age > 60 years (73% v 63%, FDR- P ≤ .0001). The most frequent KRAS variants across all subtypes were G12D (29.5%), G12V (23.0%), G12C (11.9%), G13D (6.5%), and G12R (6.2%). KRASG12C was most prevalent in patients with non–small-cell lung cancer (9%), appendiceal (3.9%), colorectal (3.2%), tumor of unknown origin (1.6%), small bowel (1.43%), and pancreatic (1.3%) cancers. Compared with KRASnon-G12C-mutated, KRASG12C-mutated tumors were significantly associated with tumor mutational burden-high status (17.9% v 8.4%, odds ratio [OR] = 2.38; FDR- P < .0001). KRASG12C-mutated tumors exhibited a distinct comutation profile from KRASnon-G12C-mutated tumors, including higher comutations of STK11 (20.59% v 5.95%, OR = 4.10; FDR- P < .01) and KEAP1 (15.38% v 4.61%, OR = 3.76; FDR- P < .01).

CONCLUSION

This study presents the first large-scale, pan-cancer genomic characterization of KRASG12C. The KRASG12C mutation was more prevalent in females and older patients and appeared to be associated with smoking status. KRASG12C tumors exhibited a distinct comutation profile and were associated with tumor mutational burden-high status.
What Is Provisional Right?
Authors: Stone Martin Jay , Hasan Rafeeq
Published: March 2022

Kant maintains that while claims to property are morally possible in a state of nature, such claims are merely “provisional”; they become “conclusive” only in a civil condition involving political institutions. Kant’s commentators find this thesis puzzling, since it seems to assert a natural right to property alongside a commitment to property’s conventionality. We resolve this apparent contradiction. Provisional right is not a special kind of right. Instead, it marks the imperfection of an action (that of acquiring ordinary rights) where public authorization is lacking. Provisional right thereby functions as a methodological device in a sequential elucidation of the moral basis of public law. To develop this reading, we first explain Kant’s two-step account of property rights—his division between ‘having’ and ‘acquiring’. Then we explain what is involved in a sequential exposition of right more generally.
Moral Distress and Moral Injury Among Attending Neurosurgeons: A National Survey
Authors: Mackel Charles E. , Alterman Ron L. , Buss Mary K. , Reynolds Renée M. , Fox W. Christopher , Spiotta Alejandro M. , Davis Roger B. , Stippler Martina
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND:

“Moral distress” describes the psychological strain a provider faces when unable to uphold professional values because of external constraints. Recurrent or intense moral distress risks moral injury, burnout, and physician attrition but has not been systematically studied among neurosurgeons.

OBJECTIVE:

To develop a unique instrument to test moral distress among neurosurgeons, evaluate the frequency and intensity of scenarios that may elicit moral distress and injury, and determine their impact on neurosurgical burnout and turnover.

METHODS:

An online survey investigating moral distress, burnout, and practice patterns was emailed to attending neurosurgeon members of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. Moral distress was evaluated through a novel survey designed for neurosurgical practice.

RESULTS:

A total of 173 neurosurgeons completed the survey. Half of neurosurgeons (47.7%) reported significant moral distress within the past year. The most common cause was managing critical patients lacking a clear treatment plan; the most intense distress was pressure from patient families to perform futile surgery. Multivariable analysis identified burnout and performing ≥2 futile surgeries per year as predictors of distress (P < .001). Moral distress led 9.8% of neurosurgeons to leave a position and 26.6% to contemplate leaving. The novel moral distress survey demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach alpha = 0.89).

CONCLUSION:

We developed a reliable survey assessing neurosurgical moral distress. Nearly, half of neurosurgeons suffered moral distress within the past year, most intensely from external pressure to perform futile surgery. Moral distress correlated with burnout risk caused 10% of neurosurgeons to leave a position and a quarter to consider leaving.
When light meets biology – how the specimen affects quantitative microscopy
Authors: Reiche Michael A. , Aaron Jesse S. , Boehm Ulrike , DeSantis Michael C. , Hobson Chad M. , Khuon Satya , Lee Rachel M. , Chew Teng-Leong
Published: March 2022

Fluorescence microscopy images should not be treated as perfect representations of biology. Many factors within the biospecimen itself can drastically affect quantitative microscopy data. Whereas some sample-specific considerations, such as photobleaching and autofluorescence, are more commonly discussed, a holistic discussion of sample-related issues (which includes less-routine topics such as quenching, scattering and biological anisotropy) is required to appropriately guide life scientists through the subtleties inherent to bioimaging. Here, we consider how the interplay between light and a sample can cause common experimental pitfalls and unanticipated errors when drawing biological conclusions. Although some of these discrepancies can be minimized or controlled for, others require more pragmatic considerations when interpreting image data. Ultimately, the power lies in the hands of the experimenter. The goal of this Review is therefore to survey how biological samples can skew quantification and interpretation of microscopy data. Furthermore, we offer a perspective on how to manage many of these potential pitfalls.
Parasitoid wasp venom manipulates host innate behavior via subtype-specific dopamine receptor activation
Authors: Nordio Stefania , Kaiser Maayan , Adams Michael E. , Libersat Frederic
Published: March 2022

The subjugation strategy employed by the jewel wasp is unique in that it manipulates the behavior of its host, the American cockroach, rather than inducing outright paralysis. Upon envenomation directly into the central complex (CX), a command center in the brain for motor behavior, the stung cockroach initially engages in intense grooming behavior, then falls into a lethargic sleep-like state referred to as hypokinesia. Behavioral changes evoked by the sting are due at least in part to the presence of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the venom. In insects, dopamine receptors are classified as two families, the D1-like and the D2-like receptors. However, specific roles played by dopamine receptor subtypes in venom-induced behavioral manipulation by the jewel wasp remain largely unknown. In the present study, we used a pharmacological approach to investigate roles of D1-like and D2-like receptors in behaviors exhibited by stung cockroaches, focusing on grooming. Specifically, we assessed behavioral outcomes of focal CX injections of dopamine receptor agonists and antagonists. Both specific and non-specific compounds were used. Our results strongly implicate D1-like dopamine receptors in venom-induced grooming. Regarding induction of hypokinesia, our findings demonstrate that dopamine signaling is necessary for induction of long-lasting hypokinesia caused by brain envenomation.
Two stressors are worse than one: combined heatwave and drought affect hydration state and glucocorticoid levels in a temperate ectotherm
Authors: Dezetter Mathias , Le Galliard Jean-François , Leroux-Coyau Mathieu , Brischoux François , Angelier Fréderic , Lourdais Olivier
Published: March 2022

Heatwaves and droughts are becoming more intense and frequent with climate change. These extreme weather events often occur simultaneously and may alter organismal physiology, yet their combined impacts remain largely unknown. Here, we experimentally investigated physiological responses of a temperate ectotherm, the asp viper (Vipera aspis), to a simulated heatwave and drought. We applied a two-by-two factorial design by manipulating the daily temperature cycle (control versus heatwave) and the water availability (water available versus water deprived) over a month followed by exposure to standard thermal conditions with ad libitum access to water. Simulated heatwave and water deprivation additively increased mass loss, while water deprivation led to greater plasma osmolality (dehydration). Mass gain from drinking after the treatment period was higher in vipers from the heatwave and water-deprived group, suggesting that thirst was synergistically influenced by thermal and water constraints. Heatwave conditions and water deprivation also additively increased baseline corticosterone levels but did not influence basal metabolic rate and plasma markers of oxidative stress. Our results demonstrate that a short-term exposure to combined heatwave and drought can exacerbate physiological stress through additive effects, and interactively impact behavioral responses to dehydration. Considering combined effects of temperature and water availability is thus crucial to assess organismal responses to climate change.
A hyperpolarizing rod bipolar cell in the sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus
Authors: Frederiksen Rikard , Fain Gordon L. , Sampath Alapakkam P.
Published: March 2022

Retinal bipolar cells receive direct input from rod and cone photoreceptors and send axons into the inner retina, synapsing onto amacrine and ganglion cells. Bipolar cell responses can be either depolarizing (ON) or hyperpolarizing (OFF); in lower vertebrates, bipolar cells receive mixed rod and cone input, whereas in mammals, input is mostly segregated into 14 classes of cone ON and OFF cells and a single rod ON bipolar cell. We show that lamprey, like mammals, have rod bipolar cells with little or no cone input, but these cells are OFF rather than ON. They have a characteristic morphology and a spectral sensitivity nearly indistinguishable from that of rod photoreceptors. In background light known to saturate rods, rod bipolar cells are also saturated and cannot respond to increment flashes. Our results suggest that early vertebrate progenitors of both agnathans and gnathostomes may have had a more fluid retinal organization than previously thought.
Τάσεις διαγενεακής κινητικότητας στην Ελλάδα και συγκριτική μελέτη με τις χω΄ρες της Νότιας Ευρώπης
Authors: Σταματοπούλου Γλυκερία
Published: March 2022

Η διατριβή αυτή επικεντρώνεται στη μελέτη της διαγενεακής κοινωνικής κινητικότητας στην Ελλάδα, παρέχοντας επικαιροποιημένα στοιχεία για τις τάσεις και τα πρότυπα κινητικότητας των ανδρών και γυναικών ηλικίας άνω των 25 ετών. Ο κύριος στόχος της έρευνας είναι να διερευνήσει τη σχέση μεταξύ της κοινωνικοοικονομικής κατάστασης των ατόμων και των γονέων τους, καθώς και την εξέλιξη των προτύπων κινητικότητας για διαφορετικές ηλικιακές κοορτές γεννημένες κατά την περίοδο 1959-1993. Παράλληλα, επιχειρείται μία σύγκριση των προτύπων κινητικότητας της Ελλάδας και άλλων χωρών της νότιας Ευρώπης. Για τις ανάγκες της ανάλυσης, χρησιμοποιήθηκαν δεδομένα από δύο βάσεις δεδομένων, την EU-SILC και την ESS, τα οποία αποκαλύπτουν τις μεταβάσεις των ατόμων μεταξύ διαφορετικών τάξεων προέλευσης και προορισμού. Η κοινωνική τάξη, όπως αυτή ορίζεται από το σχήμα της ESeC, αλλά και το εκπαιδευτικό επίπεδο χρησιμοποιούνται ως κριτήρια κατάταξης των ατόμων και των γονέων τους σε ευρύτερες κατηγορίες. Εφαρμόζοντας τη θεωρία των Μαρκοβιανών συστημάτων και μία πληθώρα μέτρων και δεικτών, η ανάλυση διερευνά το μέγεθος και την κατεύθυνση των μετακινήσεων που λαμβάνουν χώρα στην ελληνική αγορά εργασίας και στον εκπαιδευτικό χώρο, καθώς επίσης και τα επίπεδα της κοινωνικής ρευστότητας. Μαρκοβιανοί πίνακες αποκαλύπτουν τις πιθανότητες μετάβασης, τις εισροές και εκροές μεταξύ των κατηγοριών προέλευσης και προορισμού για διαφορετικές κοορτές, ενώ ένα ευρύ φάσμα απόλυτων και σχετικών δεικτών κινητικότητας, λόγοι πιθανοτήτων και μέτρα απόστασης και ομοιότητας επίσης υπολογίζονται και για τα δύο φύλα. Τα αποτελέσματα καταγράφουν μετακινήσεις μεταξύ των κοινωνικών τάξεων και των εκπαιδευτικών βαθμίδων, ιδιαίτερα όσον αφορά στα άτομα της νεότερης κοορτής, γεγονός το οποίο συνάδει με τις διαρθρωτικές αλλαγές και τους κοινωνικούς μετασχηματισμούς στην Ελλάδα. Ωστόσο, οι κληροδοτούμενες ανισότητες δεν φαίνεται να έχουν εξαληφθεί στο σύνολό τους, αφού τα άτομα προερχόμενα από μη προνομιούχες κοινωνικές τάξεις και από οικογενειακά περιβάλλοντα χαμηλότερου μορφωτικού επιπέδου έχουν άνισες ευκαιρίες κοινωνικής και εκπαιδευτικής ανέλιξης.
Πολυεπίπεδη παρέμβαση για τη στήριξη των σχολικών/εκπαιδευτικών κοινοτήτων στο πλαίσιο της πανδημίας COVID-19: εμπειρικά δεδομένα και δράσεις
Authors: Χατζηχρήστου Χρυσή , Λιανός Παναγιώτης , Λαμπροπούλου Αικατερίνη , Γεωργάκου-Κουτσονίκου Νίκη , Υφαντή Θεοδώρα , Γεωργουλέας Γεώργιος
Published: March 2022

Στο άρθρο παρουσιάζεται μια πολυεπίπεδη παρέμβαση για την εκτίμηση αναγκών και τη στήριξη των σχολικών κοινοτήτων στο πλαίσιο της πανδημίας COVID-19 με έμφαση στη σύνδεση θεωρίας, εκπαίδευσης, έρευνας και πράξης. Το άρθρο περιλαμβάνει δύο αλληλένδετες ενότητες, στις οποίες περιγράφονται ο σχεδιασμός και ενδεικτικά ευρήματα ερευνητικού προγράμματος για την αξιολόγηση των αντιλήψεων των μελών της σχολικής κοινότητας σε σχέση με ψυχολογικές και εκπαιδευτικές διαστάσεις της πανδημίας, καθώς και εκπαιδευτικές δράσεις και παρεμβάσεις για τη στήριξη των σχολικών/εκπαιδευτικών κοινοτήτων. Τα ευρήματα αφορούν στα δεδομένα από τη χορήγηση -ανάλογα με την ομάδα συμμετεχόντων- της Κλίμακας Γενικευμένου Άγχους (GAD-7), της Σύντομης Κλίμακας Ψυχολογικής Ανθεκτικότητας (BRS), ερωτηματολογίου για την εξ αποστάσεως εκπαίδευση, καθώς και ειδικά διαμορφωμένων ανοικτών και κλειστών ερωτήσεων σε εκπαιδευτικούς (n = 414), γονείς (n = 499) και εφήβους (n = 256). Τα ευρήματα ανέδειξαν, μεταξύ άλλων, υψηλά επίπεδα άγχους και μέτρια προς χαμηλά επίπεδα ανθεκτικότητας σε εκπαιδευτικούς και γονείς και αισθήματα ανησυχίας σε εφήβους. Οι ενήλικες συμμετέχοντες αναφέρθηκαν στην ανάγκη κατάλληλης προετοιμασίας των σχολικών μονάδων για τη διαχείριση της παρούσας κρίσης. Τα ευρήματα σε συνδυασμό με τη διεθνή βιβλιογραφία έθεσαν τη βάση για την ανάπτυξη ποικίλων δράσεων στο πλαίσιο της κοινωνικής δικαιοσύνης σε κάθε φάση της πανδημίας, όπως ανάπτυξη/διάχυση ενημερωτικού υλικού, επιμόρφωση εκπαιδευτικών/γονέων, εκπαίδευση προπτυχιακών/μεταπτυχιακών φοιτητών/τριών, στήριξη σχολείων και διεθνείς συνεργασίες. Στο άρθρο γίνεται αναφορά στο ρόλο των πανεπιστημίων στην παροχή σχολικών ψυχολογικών υπηρεσιών και στην αναγκαιότητα ανάπτυξης ολοκληρωμένων σχεδίων δράσης σε επίπεδο πρόληψης για τη διαχείριση κρίσεων στη σχολική κοινότητα σε εθνικό επίπεδο.
The genomic and clinical features of the COVID-19 Omicron variant: a narrative review
Authors: Hertanto Decsa Medika , Sutanto Henry , Lusida Maria Inge , Kuntaman Kuntaman , Santoso Djoko
Published: March 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Since late November 2021, the Omicron variant has emerged as the primary cause of COVID-19 and caused a huge increase in the reported incidence around the world. To date, 32-34 spike mutations have been reported to be present in the Omicron variant, 15 of which were located in the receptor-binding domain that interacts with the cell surface of the host cells, while the rest were located in the N-terminal domain and around the furin cleavage site. Recent studies have suggested that those mutations could have a major role in the transmissibility and pathogenicity of the Omicron variant. Additionally, some mutations might contribute to the change of viral tropism of this novel variant. Here, we aim to discuss the recent reports on the transmissibility and severity of the Omicron variant from both the genetic and clinical perspectives. Afterward, we also take the chance to deliver our personal view on the topic.
Sampling flying bats with thermal and near-infrared imaging and ultrasound recording: hardware and workflow for bat point counts
Authors: Darras Kevin , Yusti Ellena , Knorr Andreas , Huang Joe Chun-Chia , Kartono Agus Priyono , . Ilham
Published: March 2022

Bat communities can usually only be comprehensively monitored by combining ultrasound recording and trapping techniques. Here, we propose bat point counts, a novel, single method to sample all flying bats. We designed a sampling rig that combines a thermal scope to detect flying bats and their flight patterns, an ultrasound recorder to identify echolocating bat calls, and a near-infrared camera and LED illuminator to photograph bat morphology. We evaluated the usefulness of the flight pattern information, echolocation call recordings, and near-infrared photographs produced by our sampling rig to determine a workflow to process these heterogenous data types. We present a conservative workflow to enable taxonomic discrimination and identification of bat detections. Our sampling rig and workflow allowed us to detect both echolocating and non-echolocating bats and we could assign 84% of the detections to a guild. Subsequent identification can be carried out with established methods such as taxonomic keys and call libraries, based on the visible morphological features and echolocation calls. Currently, a higher near-infrared picture quality is required to resolve more detailed diagnostic morphology, but there is considerable potential to extract more information with higher-intensity illumination. This is the first proof-of-concept for bat point counts, a method that can passively sample all flying bats in their natural environment.
An effective solution to boost generation from waves: Benefits of a hybrid energy storage system integration to wave energy converter in grid-connected systems
Authors: Barelli Linda , Bidini Gianni , Ciupageanu Dana Alexandra , Ottaviano Andrea , Pelosi Dario , Gallorini Federico , Alessandri Giacomo , Atcheson Cruz Mairead
Published: March 2022

Background: Wave energy represents one of the most promising renewable energies due to its great theoretical potential. Nevertheless, the electrical compliance of grid-connected systems is a great issue nowadays, due to the highly stochastic nature of wave energy.

Methods: In this paper, a Hybrid Energy Storage System (HESS) consisting of a Li-ion battery and a flywheel is coupled to a Wave Energy Converter (WEC) that operates in grid connected mode. The study is performed using real yearly wave power profiles relating to three different sites located along the European coasts. The Simultaneous Perturbation Stochastic Approximation (SPSA) principle is implemented as real-time power management strategy for HESS in wave energy conversion systems.

Results: Obtained results demonstrate how the proposed HESS and the implementation of the SPSA power management coupled to a WEC allow a reduction of more than 80% of power oscillations at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC), while proving the robustness of the developed management strategy over the investigated sites. Moreover, the average energy penalty due to the HESS integration results slightly higher than 5% and battery solicitation is reduced by more than 64% with respect to the flywheel solicitation, contributing to extend its lifetime.

Conclusions: HESS integration in renewable generation systems maximizes the WEC production while smoothing the power at the PCC. Specifically, flywheel-battery HESS together with the implemented power management strategy could provide a great flexibility in the view of increasing power production from waves, strongly mitigating the variability of this source while enhancing grid safety and stability.
Psychological specificity of the representation of vandalism of traffic signs in Russian megalopolises
Authors: Kruzhkova Ol'ga , Vorob'eva Irina
Published: March 2022

Vandalism of traffic signs is a phenomenon that arose in the 20th century and is not only in the stage of its formation, but also has no comprehensive scientific justification today, both from the standpoint of the determinants of occurrence, and from the point of view of its likely consequences for society. Vandal damage of traffic signs is varied – from tagging and sticking with stickers, to deformation of the sign or its dismantling and theft.

At the same time, in the works of researchers, a decrease in the ability of a vandal-damaged sign to effectively regulate traffic is noted, which can lead to potentially dangerous situations on the road. Despite the significance of the problem, empirical studies of vandalism of traffic signs were carried out mainly in the United States, the experience of which cannot be extrapolated to Russian reality due to cultural, economic and social reasons. Thus, the purpose of the study presented in the article was to identify the specifics of vandalism of traffic signs in the conditions of Russian megalopolises.

In the period of 2021, empirical material was collected using the method of photographing vandally damaged traffic signs in three megalopolises of the Russian Federation (Vladivostok, Ekaterinburg, St. Petersburg), carried out as part of the route photographing of vandal transformations of the urban environment. For the analysis, 63 images of vandal-damaged traffic signs were selected, which were later evaluated by experts. It was found that the most frequently vandalized information signs and signs of additional information, which have a white background and a rectangular shape, acting as an actual "canvas" for vandals. Tagging and pasting with stickers (70.4% and 59.2% of cases of vandal damaged signs, respectively) become typical damage to signs.

The study of vandalism of traffic signs, its causes, the degree of threat to road safety, the possibility of preventing illegitimate transformations requires additional research, which is especially relevant with the growing trend towards vandal transformation of road signs in the modern conditions of Russian megalopolises.

The study was supported by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation (project no. 17-18-01278).
The image of an ideal marriage for men and women
Authors: Mikhaylov Aleksey , Sobolev Nikolay , Emel'yanova Elena , Nesterov Vladimir , Ershova Nina , Fel'can Yuliya
Published: March 2022

Every day a person is faced with a large number of tasks, the outcome of which involves the adoption of one or another decision: simple or complex. And one day each of us is faced with a choice on which our whole future life depends - this is the choice of a "second half", a partner for further life together. This issue should be approached very thoroughly and seriously for both a woman and a man, because when creating a family, young people take on a great responsibility, which lies in the fact that they create, first of all, a “socialization institution” for their future children. Consequently, their future depends on the quality and reliability of the created family.

Methodological basis of the research: theoretical and empirical development of the problem of ideas about marriage and attitudes towards marriage A. A. Rean, L. V. Kartseva, M. S. Krasnokutskaya, N. G. Lagoyda.

Methodical research apparatus:

1. Psychodiagnostic methods: the method of unfinished sentences and the method of questioning.

2. Methods of mathematical data processing: U - Mann-Whitney criterion. Data processing was carried out on the basis of the SPSS computer program.

Theoretical significance of the study: at present, there is no unambiguous understanding of the ideal marriage in scientific research. The conducted research will contribute to the generalization of the available theoretical knowledge in this area.

Practical significance of the study: The data obtained will be useful to specialists who advise young people on marriage.

Empirical study base: Conducted in November 2019. The respondents were students of 1-4 courses of various educational institutions of the city of Kirov (N = 87) aged 17 to 23 years, including 34 boys and 53 girls.
Digital twins in pedagogical modeling
Authors: Evseeva Irina , Erdniev Aleksandr
Published: March 2022

The article deals with the possibilities of using modern digital technologies in pedagogical activity on the example of digital twins. The change in the nomenclature of the scientific pedagogical specialty affects the approaches to the implementation of research. At the same time, education should be guided by trends and opportunities offered to society by scientific and technological progress. The digital technology proposed for study is actively used in industry and in the analysis of the behavior of social systems. A digital twin is a digital copy of a living or inanimate physical entity. In the hypothesis under consideration, the pedagogical model will be imitative, and its digital copy will be ontological. Based on the ontological model, we formulate the elements of the system, set mathematical parameters for it and translate it into machine language, prolong the model in time and space and get the result. The form of designing a digital twin of a pedagogical model is presented and described. Research in the field of mathematical modeling and synergetics served as the basis for building a hypothesis. A new approach to pedagogical modeling can serve as a basis for improving vocational education and designing the future professional activities of students.
Chuchotage in community settings
Authors: Gonzalez Erika , Lai Miranda
Published: March 2022

This paper reports on a study which investigates the current status of chuchotage, or whispered interpreting, as a technique performed by community interpreters in Australia. The objective of the study is to understand the interpreters’ experience in providing this form of interpreting and identify the associated challenges. The aim is to inform future education for aspiring interpreters and continuous professional development for practitioners on this interpreting technique. Traditionally, chuchotage has predominantly been performed in international meetings and conferences. Therefore, it has been a staple skill taught as part of conference interpreting courses. This form of interpreting works more effectively than the consecutive mode in certain community settings, such as some healthcare consultations and courtroom hearings. In Australia, chuchotage is an essential skill for community interpreters operating at the professional level, and therefore has been added to the new certification testing that the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) has implemented since 2018. Prior to 2018, NAATI did not assess interpreters for this skill and, thus, when the new certification system was introduced, NAATI offered a one-day workshop as gap training, providing accredited interpreters with the foundations required for community settings. Through a post-workshop questionnaire, data were collected from 741 participant interpreters. Quantitative and qualitative data analyses provide insights into who among the practitioners performed this form of interpreting, the community settings where they provided such service, their self-appraised level of skilfulness, and the client feedback they received. Recommendations for future training in this technique are made based on the results.
A Restricted Dual Peaceman-Rachford Splitting Method for a Strengthened DNN Relaxation for QAP
Authors: Graham Naomi , Hu Hao , Im Jiyoung , Li Xinxin , Wolkowicz Henry
Published: March 2022

Splitting methods in optimization arise when one can divide an optimization problem into two or more simpler subproblems. They have proven particularly successful for relaxations of problems involving discrete variables. We revisit and strengthen splitting methods for solving doubly nonnegative relaxations of the particularly difficult, NP-hard quadratic assignment problem. We use a modified restricted contractive splitting method approach. In particular, we show how to exploit redundant constraints in the subproblems. Our strengthened bounds exploit these new subproblems and new dual multiplier estimates to improve on the bounds and convergence results in the literature.

Summary of Contribution: In our paper, we consider the quadratic assignment problem (QAP). It is one of the fundamental combinatorial optimization problems in the fields of optimization and operations research and includes many fundamental applications. We revisit and strengthen splitting methods for solving doubly nonnegative (DNN) relaxation of the QAP. We use a modified restricted contractive splitting method. We obtain strengthened bounds from improved lower and upper bounding techniques, and in fact, we solve many of these NP-hard problems to (provable) optimality, thus illustrating both the strength of the DNN relaxation and our new bounding techniques.