bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ensino de mandos para pessoas com TEA: uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Trindade Martins Jade Cristine , Barbosa Alves de Souza Carlos
Published: November 2022

O ensino de mando para pessoas com Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA) tem sido tema frequente de investigações analítico-comportamentais. Algumas revisões conceituais e sistemáticas sobre o ensino de mando foram realizadas, mas elas apresentam limitações que o presente estudo buscou superar. A presente revisão sistemática analisou estudos experimentais sobre o ensino de mandos para pessoas com TEA buscando identificar: (a) características dos participantes, ambientes experimentais, variáveis independente (VI) e dependente (VD), e resultados obtidos; e (b) investigar possíveis relações entre as categorias analisadas. Uma busca nas bases de dados SCOPUS, Web of Science e PUBMED utilizando o termo “mand*”, combinado com os termos “autism”, “developmental disabilit*” ou “intellectual disabilit*”, resultou, após a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão/exclusão, na identificação de 176 artigos publicados até setembro de 2020. A maioria dos estudos foi realizada em escolas, com crianças com repertório verbal pré-existente. As VIS e VDS mais comuns foram reforçamento diferencial e fornecimento de ajuda e manipulação da operação motivadora para o ensino de mando por item/informação, e treino de comunicação funcional para redução de comportamentos-problema. A maioria dos procedimentos de ensino mostrou-se pelo menos parcialmente eficaz para todas as VDS avaliadas, sendo importante a realização de análises mais detalhadas da variação desses resultados com relação aos repertórios pré-intervenções dos participantes. Sugere-se a necessidade de mais investigações com pessoas com comportamento verbal ausente ou limitado, e em jovens e adultos com TEA.
Understanding the price
Authors: Edwards Jackie
Published: November 2022

Jackie Edwards examines the financial implications of divorce.
‘Tis the season – for sneezing!
Authors: Waters Rebecca
Published: November 2022

Rebecca Waters details the best defence against seasonal viruses.
The patient journey
Authors: Frisby Claire , Read Katey
Published: November 2022

Claire Frisby and Katey Read explore differing views of friends on the patient experience.
And… Breathe
Authors: Dilley Rachel
Published: November 2022

Rachel Dilley explains how dental nurses in West Yorkshire are playing a key role in an innovative and unique clinic.
Diverse lateral shifts of beams in non-Hermitian waveguide arrays
Authors: Cai Wuduo , Liu Jianlong , Gao Yang , Ye Weimin
Published: November 2022

Non-Hermitian systems have attracted considerable attention in optics due to the rich physics introduced by the existence of real spectra and exceptional points (EPs), which is exploited in lasers, optical sensors and on-chip manipulations of light. Here, focusing on the dynamics of beams in non-Hermitian waveguide arrays supporting a ring of EPs (exceptional ring) and 3rd-order EPs, we theoretically demonstrate that the center of energy of a beam prepared around an eigenstate of the waveguide array near EPs could exhibit non-zero shifts in the lateral direction during its propagation. When the initial state of the beam prepared around an eigenstate inside (outside) the exceptional ring with the imaginary (real) eigenvalue, the lateral shifts of the beams are manifested by the non-oscillating (Zitterbewegung-like) motions, which are robust to the perturbations of coupling coefficients between waveguides. Remarkably, the amplitude of the non-oscillating shift is dependent on a non-Hermitian Berry connection (U(1) gauge invariance). It contradicts the conventional wisdom that the Berry connection cannot induce the dynamic effect. Furthermore, near the high-order EPs, the initial-state-dependent lateral shifts of the beams present diversity, such as multifrequencies and destructive interferences. The counterintuitive lateral shifts of the beams stem from the non-orthogonal nature of eigenstate of the non-Hermitian systems, which may open a gateway towards the non-Hermitian beam dynamics and manipulations of beams.
Membrane saturable absorber mirror (MESAM) in a red-emitting VECSEL for the generation of stable ultrashort pulses
Authors: Ćutuk Ana , Grossmann Marius , Jetter Michael , Michler Peter
Published: November 2022

We present a new saturable absorber device principle which has the potential for broad spectral range applications. An active region membrane is separated from the substrate and placed on a dielectric end mirror. By combining the absorbing membrane with the dielectric mirror to one device we get a membrane saturable absorber mirror (MESAM) which is similar to the well-known semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM) without the restriction of the stop-band reflectivity of the distributed Bragg reflector (DBR). Stable mode-locking with the MESAM was achieved in a red-emitting VECSEL at a pump power of 4.25 W with a pulse duration of 3.06 ps at 812 MHz repetition rate. We compare the performance and pulses of both SESAM and MESAM in a z-shaped VECSEL cavity.
Fiber-sensor alignment based on surface microstructures
Authors: Ma Pei-Sa , Zhang Hong-Fan , Zhou Xingxiang
Published: November 2022

Conventional methods have relied on specialized imaging equipment and advanced fabrication process to solve the problem of accurately aligning a microsensor to an optical fiber which is critical for its detection efficiency. To dramatically lower the barrier to high-precision alignment, we present a technique much easier to implement and much lower in cost. By fabricating replicable alignment and proximity structures on the surface of the sensor chip, we can achieve accurate alignment and position the fiber tip very close to the sensor without damaging it. We introduce an easy setup to examine the alignment result and demonstrate accurate alignment of dummy sensors as small as 5μm×5μm. We use our alignment method to realize efficient input coupling for a superconducting transition-edge sensor as an example of fruitful adoption in many possible applications.
Self-healing of Einstein–Rosen–Podolsky steering after an obstruction
Authors: Wang Xutong , Jing Jietai
Published: November 2022

Einstein–Rosen–Podolsky (EPR) steering describes the “spooky action at a distance” that one party can instantaneously affect the states of another distant party if they share quantum correlations. Due to its intriguing properties, EPR steering is recognized as an essential resource for a number of quantum information tasks. However, EPR steering may be destroyed when distributed in practical environments. Here, we experimentally show that EPR steering can self-heal after being destroyed by an obstruction. Such self-healing of EPR steering originates from the self-healing property of Bessel–Gaussian beams which are utilized to distribute EPR steering. For comparison, we show that when distributed using fundamental Gaussian beams, EPR steering cannot self-heal after an obstruction under similar conditions. Our results shed new light on constructing EPR-steering-based quantum information tasks in practical environments and provide a promising platform to study EPR steering.
A computational modeling approach for predicting multicell spheroid patterns based on signaling-induced differential adhesion
Authors: Sivakumar Nikita , Warner Helen V. , Peirce Shayn M. , Lazzara Matthew J.
Published: November 2022

Physiological and pathological processes including embryogenesis and tumorigenesis rely on the ability of individual cells to work collectively to form multicell patterns. In these heterogeneous multicell systems, cell-cell signaling induces differential adhesion between cells that leads to tissue-level patterning. However, the sensitivity of pattern formation to changes in the strengths of signaling or cell adhesion processes is not well understood. Prior work has explored these issues using synthetically engineered heterogeneous multicell spheroid systems, in which cell subpopulations engage in bidirectional intercellular signaling to regulate the expression of different cadherins. While engineered cell systems provide excellent experimental tools to observe pattern formation in cell populations, computational models of these systems may be leveraged to explore more systematically how specific combinations of signaling and adhesion parameters can drive the emergence of unique patterns. We developed and validated two- and three-dimensional agent-based models (ABMs) of spheroid patterning for previously described cells engineered with a bidirectional signaling circuit that regulates N- and P-cadherin expression. Systematic exploration of model predictions, some of which were experimentally validated, revealed how cell seeding parameters, the order of signaling events, probabilities of induced cadherin expression, and homotypic adhesion strengths affect pattern formation. Unsupervised clustering was also used to map combinations of signaling and adhesion parameters to these unique spheroid patterns predicted by the ABM. Finally, we demonstrated how the model may be deployed to design new synthetic cell signaling circuits based on a desired final multicell pattern.
Inference of B cell clonal families using heavy/light chain pairing information
Authors: Ralph Duncan K. , Matsen Frederick A.
Published: November 2022

Next generation sequencing of B cell receptor (BCR) repertoires has become a ubiquitous tool for understanding the antibody-mediated immune response: it is now common to have large volumes of sequence data coding for both the heavy and light chain subunits of the BCR. However, until the recent development of high throughput methods of preserving heavy/light chain pairing information, these samples contained no explicit information on which heavy chain sequence pairs with which light chain sequence. One of the first steps in analyzing such BCR repertoire samples is grouping sequences into clonally related families, where each stems from a single rearrangement event. Many methods of accomplishing this have been developed, however, none so far has taken full advantage of the newly-available pairing information. This information can dramatically improve clustering performance, especially for the light chain. The light chain has traditionally been challenging for clonal family inference because of its low diversity and consequent abundance of non-clonal families with indistinguishable naive rearrangements. Here we present a method of incorporating this pairing information into the clustering process in order to arrive at a more accurate partition of the data into clonally related families. We also demonstrate two methods of fixing imperfect pairing information, which may allow for simplified sample preparation and increased sequencing depth. Finally, we describe several other improvements to thepartissoftware package.
Aberrant expression and localization of the RAP1 shelterin protein contribute to age-related phenotypes
Authors: Stock Amanda J. , McDevitt Ross A. , Puligilla Chandrakala , Wang Yajun , Zhang Yongqing , Wang Kun , Sun Chongkui , Becker Kevin G. , Lehrmann Elin , Wood William H. , Gong Yi , Aqdas Mohammad , Sung Myong-Hee , Hoffmann Victoria , Liu Chengyu , Gorospe Myriam , Harrington Lea , Ferrucci Luigi , Liu Yie
Published: November 2022

Short telomeres induce a DNA damage response (DDR) that evokes apoptosis and senescence in human cells. An extant question is the contribution of telomere dysfunction-induced DDR to the phenotypes observed in aging and telomere biology disorders. One candidate is RAP1, a telomere-associated protein that also controls transcription at extratelomeric regions. To distinguish these roles, we generated a knockin mouse carrying a mutatedRap1, which was incapable of binding telomeres and did not result in eroded telomeres or a DDR. PrimaryRap1knockin embryonic fibroblasts showed decreased RAP1 expression and re-localization away from telomeres, with an increased cytosolic distribution akin to that observed in human fibroblasts undergoing telomere erosion.Rap1knockin mice were viable, but exhibited transcriptomic alterations, proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine signaling, reduced lifespan, and decreased healthspan with increased body weight/fasting blood glucose levels, spontaneous tumor incidence, and behavioral deficits. Taken together, our data present mechanisms distinct from telomere-induced DDR that underlie age-related phenotypes.
Rice OsPUB16 modulates the ‘SAPK9-OsMADS23-OsAOC’ pathway to reduce plant water-deficit tolerance by repressing ABA and JA biosynthesis
Authors: Lv Qianlong , Li Xingxing , Jin Xinkai , Sun Ying , Wu Yuanyuan , Wang Wanmin , Huang Junli
Published: November 2022

Ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis plays crucial roles in plant responses to environmental stress. However, the mechanism by which E3 ubiquitin ligases modulate plant stress response still needs to be elucidated. In this study, we found that rice PLANT U-BOX PROTEIN 16 (OsPUB16), a U-box E3 ubiquitin ligase, negatively regulates rice drought response. Loss-of-function mutants ofOsPUB16generated through CRISPR/Cas9 system exhibited the markedly enhanced water-deficit tolerance, whileOsPUB16overexpression lines were hypersensitive to water deficit stress. Moreover, OsPUB16 negatively regulated ABA and JA response, andospub16mutants produced more endogenous ABA and JA than wild type when exposed to water deficit. Mechanistic investigations revealed that OsPUB16 mediated the ubiquitination and degradation of OsMADS23, which is the substrate of OSMOTIC STRESS/ABA-ACTIVATED PROTEIN KINASE 9 (SAPK9) and increases rice drought tolerance by promoting ABA biosynthesis. Further, the ChIP-qPCR analysis and transient transactivation activity assays demonstrated that OsMADS23 activated the expression of JA-biosynthetic geneOsAOCby binding to its promoter. Interestingly, SAPK9-mediated phosphorylation on OsMADS23 reduced its ubiquitination level by interfering with the OsPUB16-OsMADS23 interaction, which thus enhanced OsMADS23 stability and promotedOsAOCexpression. Collectively, our findings establish that OsPUB16 reduces plant water-deficit tolerance by modulating the ‘SAPK9-OsMADS23-OsAOC’ pathway to repress ABA and JA biosynthesis.
Increased KL-6 levels in moderate to severe COVID-19 infection
Authors: Cambier Maureen , Henket Monique , Frix Anne Noelle , Gofflot Stéphanie , Thys Marie , Tomasetti Sara , Peired Anna , Struman Ingrid , Rousseau Anne-Françoise , Misset Benoît , Darcis Gilles , Moutschen Michel , Louis Renaud , Njock Makon-Sébastien , Cavalier Etienne , Guiot Julien
Published: November 2022

Background

The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has presented significant challenges and created concerns worldwide. Besides, patients who have experienced a SARS-CoV-2 infection could present post-viral complications that can ultimately lead to pulmonary fibrosis. Serum levels of Krebs von den Lungen 6 (KL-6), high molecular weight human MUC1 mucin, are increased in the most patients with various interstitial lung damage. Since its production is raised during epithelial damages, KL-6 could be a helpful non-invasive marker to monitor COVID-19 infection and predict post-infection sequelae.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated KL-6 levels of 222 COVID-19 infected patients and 70 healthy control. Serum KL-6, fibrinogen, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), platelet-lymphocytes ratio (PLR) levels and other biological parameters were analyzed. This retrospective study also characterized the relationships between serum KL-6 levels and pulmonary function variables.

Results

Our results showed that serum KL-6 levels in COVID-19 patients were increased compared to healthy subjects (470 U/ml vs 254 U/ml, P <0.00001). ROC curve analysis enabled us to identify that KL-6 > 453.5 U/ml was associated with COVID-19 (AUC = 0.8415, P < 0.0001). KL-6 level was positively correlated with other indicators of disease severity such as fibrinogen level (r = 0.1475, P = 0.0287), LDH level (r = 0,31, P = 0,004) and PLR level (r = 0.23, P = 0.0005). However, KL-6 levels were not correlated with pulmonary function tests (r = 0.04, P = 0.69).

Conclusions

KL-6 expression was correlated with several disease severity indicators. However, the association between mortality and long-term follow-up outcomes needs further investigation. More extensive trials are required to prove that KL-6 could be a marker of disease severity in COVID-19 infection.
Fathers involvement in child feeding and its associated factors among fathers having children aged 6 to 24 months in Antsokia Gemza Woreda, Ethiopia: Cross-sectional study
Authors: Bogale Solomon Ketema , Cherie Niguss , Bogale Eyob Ketema
Published: November 2022

Background

Father Involvement is exercising positive influences on child feeding. Mothers are usually the primary caregivers for young children. The role of fathers in the proper child feeding of young children has not been a frequent topic of study. Past research has found low rates and little is known about fathers’ involvement in child feeding for children 6–23 months in Ethiopia. The aim of this study is to assess fathers’ involvement in child feeding children aged 6–24 Months.

Objectives

To assess fathers’ involvement in child feeding and associated factors among fathers having children aged 6 to 24 months.

Methodology

A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from Jan 23/2022 to April 07/2022. A systematic random sampling technique was applied to select study participants. A total of 408 respondents participated in the study. Data was entered into EPI data version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used for analysis.

Result

Father’s involvement in child feeding was 43.1%. Factors that were significantly associated with good fathers involvement in child feeding include urban residence(AOR = 3.878, 95% CI = (1.408–10.678), male sex of the youngest child(AOR = 3.681, 95% CI = (1.678–8.075)), first birth order of the youngest child(AOR = 3.970, 95% CI = (1.212–13.005)), Better(secondary and higher) educational status (AOR = 4.945,95% CI = (1.043–23.454)) and AOR = 5.151, 95% CI = (1.122–23.651)), having ever heard information(AOR = 8.593, 95% CI = (3.044–24.261)), good knowledge (AOR = 3.843,95% CI = (1.318–11.210)), positive attitude (AOR = 8.565, 95% CI = (3.521–20.837)) and good culture (AOR = 10.582,95% CI = (2.818–39.734)).

Conclusions

Father involvement in child feeding was poor in Antsokia Gemza Woreda. Urban residences, male sex of the youngest child, first birth order of the youngest child, better (secondary and higher) educational status, having ever heard information, good knowledge, positive attitude, and good culture were significantly associated with fathers’ involvement in child feeding. Health information dissemination on father involvement in child feeding should be strengthened.
Protective action of ultrasound-guided electrolysis technique on the muscle damage induced by notexin in rats
Authors: Jorda Adrian , Campos-Campos Juan , Aldasoro Constanza , Colmena Carlos , Aldasoro Martin , Alvarez Kenia , Valles Soraya L.
Published: November 2022

It is known that exercise can be one of the causes of muscular damage. In recent times, physiotherapists and medical professionals have been employing USGET techniques to stimulate muscle recovery to improve its performance after the injury. We pretend to analyse if the Ultrasound-guided electrolysis (USGET) technique could reduce muscle damage, inflammation, and pain in the present study. Female Wistar rats were assigned to one of three different groups: control (C), notexin (NOT) and notexin with USGET (electrolysis at 6mA) (NOT+USGET). We used the USGT technique, based on electrical stimulation with a continuous current of 4 pulses at an intensity of 6 mA for 5 seconds, conveyed to the muscle. The response was tested with motor function tests. In these tests, we could observe an increase in time and foot faults when crossing a beam in the NOT group compared to C group rats. On the other hand, a significant decrease in both variables was detected in the NOT+USGET compared to the NOT group. Muscle power was measured with a grip strength test, obtaining far better performances in NOT+USGET rats when compared to NOT rats. Moreover, the USGET technique prevented the increase of pro-inflammatory proteins IL-6 and chemokines CCL3 (Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3), CCL4 (Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 4), and CCL5 (Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5) with their receptor CCR5 (C-C chemokine receptor type 5), induced by notexin in the quadriceps. At the same time, the study evidenced a decrease in both CCR8 (C-C chemokine receptor type 5,) and NF-ᴋB (nuclear factor- ᴋB) expressions after USGET treatment. On the other hand, we obtained evidence that demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties of the USGET technique, thus being the increase in IL-10 (Interleukin 10) and IL-13 (Interleukin 13) in the NOT+USGET group compared to the NOT group. Furthermore, when applying NSGET after damage, an increase in anti-inflammatory mediators and reduction of pro-inflammatory mediators, which, overall, promoted muscle regeneration, was observed. These results support the idea that the NSGET technique improves muscle recovery after toxic damages, which would justify its employment.
A stochastic numerical approach for a class of singular singularly perturbed system
Authors: Sabir Zulqurnain , Botmart Thongchai , Raja Muhammad Asif Zahoor , Weera Wajaree , Erdoğan Fevzi
Published: November 2022

In the present study, a neuro-evolutionary scheme is presented for solving a class of singular singularly perturbed boundary value problems (SSP-BVPs) by manipulating the strength of feed-forward artificial neural networks (ANNs), global search particle swarm optimization (PSO) and local search interior-point algorithm (IPA), i.e., ANNs-PSO-IPA. An error-based fitness function is designed using the differential form of the SSP-BVPs and its boundary conditions. The optimization of this fitness function is performed by using the computing capabilities of ANNs-PSO-IPA. Four cases of two SSP systems are tested to confirm the performance of the suggested ANNs-PSO-IPA. The correctness of the scheme is observed by using the comparison of the proposed and the exact solutions. The performance indices through different statistical operators are also provided to solve the SSP-BVPs using the proposed ANNs-PSO-IPA. Moreover, the reliability of the scheme is observed by taking hundred independent executions and different statistical performances have been provided for solving the SSP-BVPs to check the convergence, robustness and accuracy.
Acute influence of an adaptive sporting event on quality of life in veterans with disabilities
Authors: Sidiropoulos Alexis N. , Glasberg Jonathan J. , Moore Timothy E. , Nelson Leif M. , Maikos Jason T.
Published: November 2022

Veterans with disabilities can experience poor quality of life following military service due to the associated negative physical and psychological ramifications. However, participation in physical activities has shown to induce both physical and mental benefits and improve the quality of life of this population. Adaptive sports, an innovative approach to address the unique physical and psychosocial needs of veterans with disabilities, are becoming more widely used as a rehabilitation tool to improve the quality of life for these veterans. This study aimed to determine the acute influence of participation in a single-day, veteran-based, adaptive kayaking and sailing event on the perceived overall health, quality of life, and quality of social life of veterans with varying disabilities. It was hypothesized that all three categories and the sum score of quality of life would reflect a positive acute response after participation in the community-based physical activity event. Veterans responded to three quality of life-related questions using a 5-point Likert scale before and directly after participating in the event. Findings indicated that an adaptive sporting event can have an acute positive influence on the quality of life of veteran participants, with improvements observed in all three categories of perceived quality of life. Therefore, it is advantageous for the whole-health rehabilitation of veterans with disabilities for the Department of Veterans Affairs to continue to provide opportunities for veterans to participate in non-traditional, community-based activities.
Mental health service utilization in a low resource setting: A qualitative study on perspectives of health professionals in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Mekonen Tesfa , Chan Gary C. K. , Belete Tilahun , Menberu Melak , Davidson Lily , Hides Leanne , Leung Janni
Published: November 2022

Background

Mental health services are advocated to move from specialized care to more integrated and accessible primary care settings. The integration of mental health into primary health services is expanding in Ethiopia. However, there is a lack of research on the perspectives of health professionals on mental health services in Ethiopia. This study aimed to explore the perspectives, views, and experiences of health professionals regarding mental health services and the help-seeking behavior of people with mental illness in Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

This qualitative study included sixteen health professionals. The participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were conducted in Amharic and translated into English. We analyzed the data using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Five key themes were generated from the interview data: (1) Avoidance of mental healthcare; (2) Low literacy about mental illness; (3) Stigma as a hindrance to accessing mental health services; (4) The role of culture and religion in mental health services; and (5) Lack of government concern about mental health services.

Conclusion

This study identified important factors related to mental health services in Northwest Ethiopia, from the perspectives of health professionals. Our findings highlighted that the government health agenda needs to prioritize mental health services. The role of religious and cultural healing places in the help-seeking pathway should be given due consideration to ensure success in mental health services provision and utilization.
Elevated lactate levels and impaired lactate clearance during extracorporeal life support (ECLS) are associated with poor outcome in cardiac surgery patients
Authors: Rissel René , Koelm Sascha , Schepers Markus , Dohle Daniel-Sebastian , Albers Joerg , Oezkur Mehmet , Kriege Marc , Bodenstein Marc
Published: November 2022

The use of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) as part of cardio-circulatory support has increased rapidly in recent years. Severe hyperlactatemia is not uncommon in this group of patients. Lactate peak concentrations and lactate clearance have already been identified as independent marker for mortality in critical ill patients without mechanical device support. The aim of this study was to determine a supposed correlation between the variables lactate peak concentration and clearance in the blood and mortality in the ECLS context. Therefore, a total of 51 cardiac surgery ICU patients with ECLS therapy were included in this retrospective, clinical observational study (survivors n = 23; non-survivors n = 28). Lactate measurement was performed before, during and after ECLS therapy. Further, common ICU scores (SAPSII, SOFA, TISS28), the rates of transfusion and the different vasopressor therapies will be compared. Significant elevated peak lactate levels and poor lactate clearance were associated with higher mortality during ECLS therapy (p < 0.001). Deceased patients had higher SAPSII scores (p < 0.001), received more transfusions (p < 0.001) and presented with higher rates of epinephrine (p < 0.001). In conclusion, hyperlactatemia during ECLS therapy is a time sensitive emergency. Lactate cannot be cleared in all patients. Reversible causes should be explored and treated. In cases where the cause is irreversible, the prognosis of elevated lactate concentrations and reduced clearance is very poor.
Central nervous system hemangioblastomas in von Hippel-Lindau disease: Total growth rate and risk of developing new lesions not associated with circulating VEGF levels
Authors: Sundblom Jimmy , Skare Tor Persson , Holm Olivia , Welin Staffan , Braun Madelene , Nilsson Pelle , Enblad Per , Sjöström Elisabet Ohlin , Smits Anja
Published: November 2022

Background

Hemangioblastomas of the central nervous system are a prominent feature of von Hippel-Lindau-disease (vHL). Hemangioblastomas are known to secrete vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), suggesting a potential role of VEGF as a biomarker for tumor growth.

Methods

Plasma VEGF samples from 24 patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease were analyzed by solid-phase proximity ligation assay (PLA). Levels were monitored over time together with numeric and volumetric CNS tumor burden, and compared to plasma VEGF levels in healthy controls.

Results

The mean yearly progression in tumor volume was 65.5%. Yearly risk of developing one or several new CNS tumor(s) was 50%. No significant correlation between tumor burden and levels of VEGF was seen. VEGF levels in patients (31.55–92.04; mean 55.83, median 56.41) as measured by immunodetection in a solid-phase PLA did not differ significantly from controls (37.38–104.56; mean 58.89, median 54.12) (p = 0,266).

Conclusion

The increase in total CNS tumor volume in vHL occurred in a saltatory manner. The risk of developing a new lesion was 50% per year. We found no evidence for VEGF secretion from CNS hemangioblastomas in vHL in circulating blood. Other potential biomarkers should be explored to assess progression of tumor burden in vHL.
A Vertically Integrated Project (VIP) as a learning experience to foster entrepreneurship education
Authors: Morini Cristiano , Azevedo Anibal Tavares , Inacio Junior Edmundo , Coyle Edward J.
Published: November 2022

Purpose: we aim is to present a learning approach for students to work on a hands-on project that may be applied to different contexts. This experience relates to an initiative to foster entrepreneurial education embedded in economic sustainability based on the best local practices (highest-ranked municipalities) that we find and analyze to solve complex problems in the business environment. Design/Methodology/Approach: our approach is to collaborate with policymakers at the municipal level via a research-based project approach called Vertically Integrated Project (VIP). In our VIP, students work with instructors in a long-term effort to identify challenges and opportunities by working with the community to analyze problems, develop solutions (with different techniques and approaches), and monitor their implementation. Findings: new learning approaches can engage the students in real-world problem, adding value to their formation and giving back to society the investment they made in the Brazilian public university. Originality: this initiative is in tune with the 4th and the 11th sustainable development goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations (UN). Practical implications: this study aims to stimulate entrepreneurial education using multidisciplinary and alternative learning approaches. Social implications: this approach can deliver SDG-related impact to local communities by linking research-based teaching with community outreach.
Producing information from airborne LiDAR data for peatland forest management
Authors:   University of Helsinki, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Department of Forest Sciences, Niemi Mikko
Published: November 2022

In Finland, peatland forests are significant for wood supply, although simultaneously, they are also important for biodiversity, carbon sequestration, water conservation, and recreation. In the 1960s and 1970s, peatland forests in Finland were extensively drained to increase tree growth and fulfil the needs of the forest sector. However, this extensive drainage has negatively impacted on the biodiversity of peatland ecosystems, and substantially increased nutrient and sediment emissions to lakes and rivers resulting in eutrophication, turbidity, and brownification of these water bodies. This dissertation presents a number of approaches to move peatland forest management in a more environmentally sound direction, which may increase the general acceptability of peatland forestry. Airborne LiDAR (Light detection and ranging, i.e., laser scanning) derived 3D point cloud provides useful data, for example, to estimate forest biomass, to identify low-productive peatland forests, to model overland water flows, and to identify wet areas. The strength of airborne LiDAR is the ability of laser pulses to pass through tree canopies and obtain accurate observations from the ground level. The information derived from airborne LiDAR can enhance the planning of peatland forest management, as much of the planning can be done remotely, and supplementary field work can be implemented in areas of strategic need. This study presented the novel idea of applying local binary patterns for the prediction of terrain trafficability, which should be considered in further studies and practice. The moisture index derived from the local neighborhood can reveal the small-scale variations in terrain moisture. This study also presented the novel idea to create spatial models to identify suitable locations for water protection structures, which may help forest managers to plan water protection of ditch network maintenance or peatland restoration operations. Overall, the utilization of airborne LiDAR-derived information for the development of peatland forestry practices shows great potential.
Try to Analysis advanced biological neural algorithm for inducing earthquake precursor signal
Authors: adom cao , da Cao
Published: November 2022

We have statistically verified Ada’s the earthquake prediction records whichfrom 2011 to 2022,who is the sixth player in the second finals of China AETA in 2021,(1)He has made 147 imminent earthquake predictions in 12 years (including 60% of the earthquakes with magnitude 5.5), andthe prediction accuracy is more than 70%, the confidence level is 95%.Since the reliable earthquake precursor signal described by Ada is quite consistent with the characteristics of Alfven wave, based on the Alfven (Q G) wave model proposed by Gillette etal ,(2) this papermakea hypothesis how to trigger an impending earthquake:whilethe plume of the upper mantle invades the lithosphere of the asthenosphere, the cold and hot melt mass in the interior of the earth have upward and downward convection, It is possible to form bulk and surface plasma sheet in the asthenosphere, and forming the Alfven nonlinear isolated wavelet. So thatthe Alfven wave frequently disturbs the geomagnetic field, releasing huge heat and kinetic energy to trigger earthquakes.

In order to explain how Ada senses complex phenomena such as Alfven waves and how to locate the epicenter of earthquakes, we boldly speculate that there may be special magnetic induction cells in people who use human specific functions to predict earthquakes, and try to analyze how the advanced biological neural system decodes earthquake precursors and the algorithm process of locating the epicenter, and put forward several viewpoints that are worthy of advanced science and in-depth study.
Assessing the Relationship between Social Vulnerability Factors and Covid-19 Cases in America using Regression
Authors: Lawal Afolarin
Published: November 2022

Social vulnerability is the negative impact external stresses have on communities. A number of social conditions such as poverty level, population of disabled people, or lack of vehicle access may impact the community’s ability to respond in the event of a disaster. Coronavirus (Covid-19) is an infectious disease that causes respiratory tract infections that may affect the upper or lower section of the respiratory system. A good number of infected people develop little or no symptoms, however, elderly people as well as those with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, asthma and others, are at far greater risk of developing severe symptoms which may result in death. This research compares the use of Ordinary Least Squares regression and Geographically Weighted Regression in effectively capturing the relationship between Social Vulnerability Index and Covid 19 cases in USA. It was discovered that GWR is better equipped at understanding the relationship between social vulnerability variables and total covid19 cases across the country because factors or variables that affect the spread of covid vary strongly across counties and states.
Assessing the Impact of 2018 Wildfires on Seasonal Variations in Air Quality and Pollutant Levels in the State of California.
Authors: Lawal Afolarin
Published: November 2022

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, in 2018 there had been an estimated 1,618,033 acres burned with about 310 wildfire incidents with greater than 10 acres in burn area. In addition, 93 fatalities were recorded with 23,145 structures damaged in the process. Wildfires are a large source of particulate pollution in western states (Liu et al., 2017), but with raging debate on the effects of climate change and global warming, the short- and long-term effects of the annual fires on the citizens is worth investigating. This research aimed to determine the most polluted and unsafe counties in California in the wake of wildfires in 2018 based on inhabitants below the age of 15 and above 55, who are generally more vulnerable to respiratory illness as a result of bad air quality or pollution. It discovered most of the counties with higher level of this “sensitive” population are in the northern parts of the state where pollution levels were high in the Summer and Fall seasons compared to the Winter and Spring.
Analysis of the road connectivity: A case study in the Tietê-Jacaré Hydrographic Basin – SP, Brazil
Authors: Trevisan Diego Peruchi , Moschini Luiz Eduardo
Published: November 2022

The structures and dimensions of anthropized areas undergo a growing process of modification, where man-made land spaces unevenly alter their nature and composition, requiring a new definition and understanding of their boundaries. This transformation is a consequence of established socio-environmental, economic, and cultural relations. This work contemplates the evaluation of road connectivity present in the territory of the Tietê-Jacaré Hydrographic Basin - SP, through the application of the Integration Space Syntax indices, with the objective of evaluating the dynamic and temporal process of the road infrastructures in 2007 and 2017. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques were used using the integration theory to investigate the road connection, applying the “Groups” tool that showed the connections based on the “pixel” analysis of the images generated by the Overlay tool. The axial map was elaborated, consisting of the analysis of the road network connections, considering all possible straight segments (axial lines) allowing the understanding of the road network connectivity in the Tietê-Jacaré Hydrographic Basin. By updating the road network, growth from 9,450.43km from 2007 to 13,082.88km in 2017 was observed, totaling an increase of 38.43%. The watershed increased road network in all regions, which eventually led to changes in road integration patterns, increasing the number of road network connections by almost one third (from 67,125 to 81,895). These factors should be analyzed detailed, mainly related to the future and quality of urban resources and territorial planning, both municipal and regional.
Notas a respeito de capitalismo, socialismo e terceiro mundo
Authors: Vlach Vânia Rubia Farias
Published: November 2022

Notas a respeito de capitalismo, socialismo e terceiro mundo
Centro de Sensoriamento Remoto da Amazônia: principais atividades e perspectivas futuras
Authors: Toledo Francisco Luna , Sano Edson Eyji , Medeiros José Simeão de
Published: November 2022

Centro de Sensoriamento Remoto da Amazônia: principais atividades e perspectivas futuras
Escolha de uma área para Aterro Sanitário e a sua implantação estudos ambientais
Authors: Lima Samuel do Carmo
Published: November 2022

Escolha de uma área para Aterro Sanitário e sua implantação
A polêmica da Amazônia
Authors: Oliveira Ney Coe de
Published: November 2022

A polêmica da Amazônia
Assessment of Shoreline Change Along The Sandy Beach of Ellembelle District of Ghana
Authors: Boye Cynthia Borkai , Baffoe Peter Ekow , Ketibuah John Nyamekye
Published: November 2022

Sandy beaches are most popular tourists and fish landing sites, and serve as habitat for several endangered species. However, sandy beaches more vulnerable to coastal erosion, particularly those along open oceans. Assessment of shoreline change using reliable dataset aid in understanding the morphology of coastal landforms, the processes associated with their occurrence and support decision making. This paper analysed available multi-temporal spatial dataset and field observations using GNSS techniques to assess the shoreline change along the study area. The shoreline features were extracted from 1974 topographic map and 2005 orthophotographs using the High Water Line (HWL) in conjunction with 2020 spatial data. Shoreline change statistics were computed using DSAS. A geodatabase was created, transects were cast and the shoreline change rates computed using EPR, LRR and WLR methods. Both accretion and erosion were recorded with mean erosion rate of 0.97 m/year. It was observed that sections of the shoreline nourished by Ankobra and Amunzuri rivers were experiencing some accretion, particularly the mouth of the Amuzuri river.  The estuary of Amunzuri river was found to be drifting eastwards at a rate of 5.4m/year possibly due to tides, waves and currents.  The study concludes that in spite of the littoral drift eastwards, fluvial sediment supplied by coastal rivers accounts for the relative stability of shoreline in the area. Policy formulation regarding possible damming of coastal rivers by government under the ‘one district one dam’ agenda must be carefully considered to avert high levels of erosion along the western coast of Ghana.
Monitoring Land Use and Land Cover Changes Prospects Using Remote Sensing and GIS for Mahanadi River Delta, Orissa, India
Authors: Vaggela Asha , Sanapala Harikrishna , Mokka Jagannadha Rao
Published: November 2022

Natural landscapes have altered dramatically via anthropogenic activity, particularly in places that are heavily influenced by climate change and population increase, such as nation like India. It is crucial for sustainable development, particularly effective water management methods, to know about the influence of land use and land cover (LULC) changes. Geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) were employed for monitoring land use changes utilising quantum ArcGIS and ERDAS Imagine were done for prediction of LULC changes. This research studied the variations in LULC in the Mahanadi river basin delta, Orissa for the years 2010, 2015, and 2020. Landsat satellite pictures were employed to track the land use changes. For the categorization of Landsat images, maximum- likelihood supervised classification was applied. The broad categorization identifies four basic groups in the research region, including (i) waterbodies, (ii) agriculture fields (iii) forests (iv) barren lands (v) built-up areas, and (vi) aquaculture. The findings indicated a big growth in forests from the year 2010 to 2020, but a substantial increase in barren lands had happened by the year 2020, while built-up lands use has witnessed a quick climb. The kappa coefficient was used to measure the validity of identified photos, with an overall kappa coefficient of 0.82, 0.84, and 0.90 for the years 2010, 2015, and 2020, respectively. However, a large drop will occur in agriculture fields in the predicted years. The study effectively demonstrates LULC alterations showing substantial pattern of land use change in the Mahanadi delta. This information might be valuable for land use management and future planning in the region
Associations of Individual Characteristics and Nutritional Status with Hypertension in Adults
Authors: Nisa Hoirun , Pratiwi Safira Hani , Nasution Erlina
Published: November 2022

Background: Hypertension is a significant health problem and a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The prevalence of hypertension in adults continues to increase at a global and national level. Information regarding determinants of hypertension is critical for preventive measures, especially in adults. This study examined the associations of individual characteristics and nutritional status with hypertension in adults in East Ciputat, South Tangerang.Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted to 400 adults aged ≥35 years old. Data on their blood pressure and nutritional status (body mass index) were obtained by measurement, and data on individual characteristics, food consumption, and lifestyle were collected through an interview using a structured questionnaire. A multivariate analysis was performed using a logistic regression test. Results: The proportion of hypertension was 54%. The multivariate analysis results showed that older age, low education level, a family history of hypertension, overweight/obese status, and consumption of sweet foods for >3 times/week increased the risk of hypertension (Odds Ratio 2.37-11.28). In conclusion, people aged ≥65 years were at the greatest risk of hypertension. This study highlights the importance of increasing health promotion on the modifiable risk factors of hypertension such as food consumption patterns, weight control, and knowledge about hypertension.
Jiří Stočes a kol., Jan ze Šitboře. Úředník, literát, mýtus
Authors: Pazourková Anna
Published: November 2022

Book review on Jiří Stočes a kol., Jan ze Šitboře. Úředník, literát, mýtus. Domažlice: Nakladatelství Českého lesa, 2021, 274 stran. ISBN 978-80-87316-99-3
Lenka Krátká – Jana Wohlmuth Markupová – Miroslav Vaněk, (K)lidová věda? Proměny a konstanty v práci i životě vědců a vědkyň v letech 1968–2008
Authors: Továrek Michal
Published: November 2022

Book review on Lenka Krátká – Jana Wohlmuth Markupová – Miroslav Vaněk, (K)lidová věda? Proměny a konstanty v práci i životě vědců a vědkyň v letech 1968-2008. Univerzita Karlova, Fakulta humanitních studií, Brno 2020, 308 s., ISBN 978-80-7571-8.
EU Taxonomy: Mission Impossible
Authors: Kooths Stefan
Published: November 2022

The EU Taxonomy stands in sharp contrast to the principles of a market economy. It requires regulatory knowledge that cannot be expected to exist and hampers rather than stimulates entrepreneurial initiatives for coping with socially relevant scarcities. For all objectives addressed with his approach, more efficient policy instruments exist that play with and not against market forces. Apart from allocative inefficiencies, the Taxonomy-approach opens the door for all kinds of particularistic maneuvers and hidden political agendas. The Taxonomy absorbs high-skilled labor that is in high demand elsewhere in the economy and creates a massive extra bureaucratic burden without any expectable benefit for the total economy. Given the fundamental flaws in the overall concept, policy makers should stop it rather sooner than later.