bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Significance of initial, interim and end-of-therapy 18F-FDG PET/CT for predicting transformation risk in follicular lymphoma
Authors: Xie Mixue , Wang Lulu , Jiang Qi , Luo Xuxia , Zhao Xin , Li Xueying , Jin Jie , Ye Xiujin , Zhao Kui
Published: July 2021

Background

Histological transformation (HT) of follicular lymphoma to a more aggressive lymphoma is a serious event affecting patients’ outcomes. To date, no strong clinical HT predictors present at diagnosis have yet been identified. The fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) is highlighted as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for the detection of HT, but its ability to predict HT at early stage of disease has not been clear. Therefore, this study investigated the predictive values of the pre-transformation standardized uptake value (SUVmax) for the risk of transformation in FL.

Methods

This retrospective study involved 219 patients with FL between June 2008 and October 2019 who had undergone 18F-FDG PET/CT scan. One hundred and thirty-two, 64, and 78 patients underwent PET at baseline (PETbaseline), interim (PETinterim) and end-of-induction therapy (PETend), respectively. Qualitative assessment was performed using the 5-point Deauville scale. Statistical analysis was done using Cox regression models, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and Kaplan–Meir survival curves.

Results

Of the 219 patients included, 128 had low-grade FL (grade 1–2) and 91 had high-grade FL (grade 3a). HT eventually occurred in 30 patients. The median time to HT was 13.6 months. Among clinical indicators, advance pathological grade was shown as the most significant predictor of HT (HR = 4.561, 95% CI 1.604–12.965). We further assessed the relationship between PET and HT risk in FL. Univariate Cox regression determined that SUVbaseline and SUVend were significant predictors for HT, while neither SUVinterim nor qualitative assessment of Deauville score has predictive value for HT. Due to the noticeable impact of high pathological grade on the HT risk, we conducted the subgroup analysis in patients with low/high pathological grade, and found SUVbaseline could still predict HT risk in both low-grade and high-grade subgroups. Multivariate analysis adjusted by FLIPI2 score showed the SUVbaseline (HR 1.065, 95% CI 1.020–1.111) and SUVend (HR 1.261, 95% CI 1.076–1.478) remained as significant predictors independently of the FLIPI2 score. According to the cut-off determined from the ROC analysis, increased SUVbaseline with a cutoff value of 14.3 and higher SUVend with a cutoff value of 7.3 were highly predictive of a shorter time to HT.

Conclusions

In follicular lymphoma, quantitative assessment used SUVmax at the pre-treatment and end-of-treatment PET/CT scan may be helpful for early screen out patients at high risk of transformation and guide treatment decisions.
Analysis of immune cell components and immune-related gene expression profiles in peripheral blood of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lin Jian , Lu Yuanhua , Wang Bizhou , Jiao Ping , Ma Jie
Published: July 2021

Background

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic autoimmune disease caused by severe loss of pancreatic β cells. Immune cells are key mediators of β cell destruction. This study attempted to investigate the role of immune cells and immune-related genes in the occurrence and development of T1DM.

Methods

The raw gene expression profile of the samples from 12 T1DM patients and 10 normal controls was obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by Limma package in R. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)—support vector machines (SVM) were used to screen the hub genes. CIBERSORT algorithm was used to identify the different immune cells in distribution between T1DM and normal samples. Correlation of the hub genes and immune cells was analyzed by Spearman, and gene-GO-BP and gene-pathway interaction networks were constructed by Cytoscape plug-in ClueGO. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess diagnostic value of genes in T1DM.

Results

The 50 immune-related DEGs were obtained between the T1DM and normal samples. Then, the 50 immune-related DEGs were further screened to obtain the 5 hub genes. CIBERSORT analysis revealed that the distribution of plasma cells, resting mast cells, resting NK cells and neutrophils had significant difference between T1DM and normal samples. Natural cytotoxicity triggering receptor 3 (NCR3) was significantly related to the activated NK cells, M0 macrophages, monocytes, resting NK cells, and resting memory CD4+T cells. Moreover, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) was significantly associated with naive B cell and naive CD4+T cell.NCR3[Area under curve (AUC) = 0.918] possessed a higher accuracy thanTNF(AUC = 0.763) in diagnosis of T1DM.

Conclusions

The immune-related genes (NCR3andTNF) and immune cells (NK cells) may play a vital regulatory role in the occurrence and development of T1DM, which possibly provide new ideas and potential targets for the immunotherapy of diabetes mellitus (DM).
Dissecting indirect genetic effects from peers in laboratory mice
Authors: Baud Amelie , Casale Francesco Paolo , Barkley-Levenson Amanda M. , Farhadi Nilgoun , Montillot Charlotte , Yalcin Binnaz , Nicod Jerome , Palmer Abraham A. , Stegle Oliver
Published: July 2021

Background

The phenotype of an individual can be affected not only by the individual’s own genotypes, known as direct genetic effects (DGE), but also by genotypes of interacting partners, indirect genetic effects (IGE). IGE have been detected using polygenic models in multiple species, including laboratory mice and humans. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Genome-wide association studies of IGE (igeGWAS) can point to IGE genes, but have not yet been applied to non-familial IGE arising from “peers” and affecting biomedical phenotypes. In addition, the extent to which igeGWAS will identify loci not identified by dgeGWAS remains an open question. Finally, findings from igeGWAS have not been confirmed by experimental manipulation.

Results

We leverage a dataset of 170 behavioral, physiological, and morphological phenotypes measured in 1812 genetically heterogeneous laboratory mice to study IGE arising between same-sex, adult, unrelated mice housed in the same cage. We develop and apply methods for igeGWAS in this context and identify 24 significant IGE loci for 17 phenotypes (FDR < 10%). We observe no overlap between IGE loci and DGE loci for the same phenotype, which is consistent with the moderate genetic correlations between DGE and IGE for the same phenotype estimated using polygenic models. Finally, we fine-map seven significant IGE loci to individual genes and find supportive evidence in an experiment with a knockout model thatEpha4gives rise to IGE on stress-coping strategy and wound healing.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate the potential for igeGWAS to identify IGE genes and shed light into the mechanisms of peer influence.
We need to bring R0 < 1 to treat cancer too
Authors: Srikrishna Devabhaktuni , Sachsenmeier Kris
Published: July 2021

If each cancer cell produces on average more than one cancer cell, we see a net growth of the tumors and metastases and vice versa. We review recent clinical results for microsatellite stable metastatic colorectal cancer (MSS-mCRC) suggesting immunotherapy combinations with personalized vaccines, checkpoint inhibitors, targeted therapies, multikinase inhibitors, chemotherapies, and radiation that simultaneously slow cancer cell growth rate and enhance T cell killing rate of cancer cells may in future synergize to control the disease.
Sexual jokes at school and students’ life satisfaction: findings from the 2017/18 Swedish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study
Authors: Låftman Sara Brolin , Bjereld Ylva , Modin Bitte , Löfstedt Petra
Published: July 2021

Objective

In a previous study we demonstrated that the occurrence of sexual jokes in the class was associated with higher levels of psychological health complaints. Building on and extending these findings, the aim of the current study was to examine if exposure to sexual jokes at the student and at the class level was inversely associated with students’ life satisfaction. Data were derived from the 2017/18 Swedish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, with students aged 11, 13 and 15 years (n = 3710 distributed across 209 classes). Exposure to sexual jokes at the student level was captured by one item. Exposure to sexual jokes at the class level was calculated by aggregating this measure. The Cantril ladder was used to operationalise life satisfaction. Two-level logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

Students who were exposed to sexual jokes at school were less likely to report high life satisfaction (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.27–0.53). An inverse association was found between the class proportion of students who were exposed to sexual jokes and students’ likelihood of reporting high life satisfaction, whilst adjusting for exposure to sexual jokes at the student level (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–0.9994). The findings highlight the importance of promoting a school climate without sexual harassment.
The balance of crystalline and amorphous regions in the fibroin structure underpins the tensile strength of bagworm silk
Authors: Kono Nobuaki , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Tateishi Ayaka , Numata Keiji , Arakawa Kazuharu
Published: July 2021

Protein-based materials are considered versatile biomaterials, and their biodegradability is an advantage for sustainable development. Bagworm produces strong silk for use in unique situations throughout its life stages. Rigorous molecular analyses of Eumeta variegata suggested that the particular mechanical properties of its silk are due to the coexistence of poly-A and GA motifs. However, little molecular information on closely related species is available, and it is not understood how these properties were acquired evolutionarily or whether the motif combination is a conserved trait in other bagworms. Here, we performed a transcriptome analysis of two other bagworm species (Canephora pungelerii and Bambalina sp.) belonging to the family Psychidae to elucidate the relationship between the fibroin gene and silk properties. The obtained transcriptome assemblies and tensile tests indicated that the motif combination and silk properties were conserved among the bagworms. Furthermore, our analysis showed that C. pungelerii produces extraordinarily strong silk (breaking strength of 1.4 GPa) and indicated that the cause may be the C. pungelerii -specific balance of crystalline/amorphous regions in the H-fibroin repetitive domain. This particular H-fibroin architecture may have been evolutionarily acquired to produce strong thread to maintain bag stability during the relatively long development period of Canephora species relative to other bagworms.
Development of artificial intelligence in epicardial and pericoronary adipose tissue imaging: a systematic review
Authors: Zhang Lu , Sun Jianqing , Jiang Beibei , Wang Lingyun , Zhang Yaping , Xie Xueqian
Published: July 2021

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology has been increasingly developed and studied in cardiac imaging. This systematic review summarizes the latest progress of image segmentation, quantification, and the clinical application of AI in evaluating cardiac adipose tissue.

Methods

We exhaustively searched PubMed and the Web of Science for publications prior to 30 April 2021. The search included eligible studies that used AI for image analysis of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) or pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT). The risk of bias and concerns regarding applicability were assessed with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool.

Results

Of the 140 initially identified citation records, 19 high-quality studies were eligible for this systematic review, including 15 (79%) on the image segmentation and quantification of EAT or PCAT and 4 (21%) on the clinical application of EAT or PCAT in cardiovascular diseases. All 19 included studies were rated as low risk of bias in terms of flow and timing, reference standards, and the index test and as having low concern of applicability in terms of reference standards and patient selection, but 16 (84%) studies did not conduct external validation.

Conclusion

AI technology can provide accurate and quicker methods to segment and quantify EAT and PCAT images and shows potential value in the diagnosis and risk prediction of cardiovascular diseases. AI is expected to expand the value of cardiac adipose tissue imaging.
Chiral Calcium Bis-sulfonimide Catalyzed Diels-Alder Reactions of 1-Acryloyl-pyrazole
Authors: Takagi Ryukichi , Yamasaki Yuhei
Published: July 2021

Alkaline earth metal salts of chiral bis-sulfonimide were prepared in this study. Asymmetric Diels-Alder reactions catalyzed by these metal salts were examined to evaluate the performance of bis-sulfonimide as a chiral ligand. The Diels-Alder reaction between 2-propenoyl pyrazole and cyclopentadiene catalyzed by the calcium salt afforded the cycloaddition product with moderate stereoselectivity.
Relationship of Physical Activity at Older Age with Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress: A Large, Population-based Cohort Study
Authors: SCHÖTTKER BEN , SALEM AHMED A. , SCHWENK MICHAEL , GÀo XĪn , JANSEN EUGÈNE H. J. M. , BRENNER HERMANN
Published: July 2021

Introduction

No population-based cohort study on the associations of physical activity with biomarkers of oxidative stress has been performed so far.

Methods

The total thiol groups of serum proteins (TTP), which can be considered as a proxy biomarker for the antioxidant defense capacity of cells and the derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (D-ROM) serum concentration, which is mainly a biomarker of lipid peroxidation, were measured in 2572 participants of a population-based cohort study of older adults (age range, 57–83 yr), of whom 2068 had repeated measurements 3 yr later. Physical activity was assessed by a questionnaire specifically designed for the elderly.

Results

In multivariable linear regression models, total physical activity was statistically significantly, inversely associated with both D-ROM concentrations measured at baseline and their 3-yr change. With respect to TTP, a nonsignificant, positive association with total physical activity was observed in the cross-sectional analysis, which was statistically significant in obese study participants, and a statistically significant interaction between physical activity and obesity was detected. However, no longitudinal association between total physical activity and changes in TTP levels was observed. The type of physical activity (sports, leisure time, or household activity) did not have a strong effect on the results.

Conclusions

This first population-based cohort study suggests that regular physical activity at older age could reduce oxidative stress. With the multifold potential adverse health consequences of chronically increased, systemic oxidative stress in mind, physical activity should be intensively promoted for all older adults as a measure to prevent age-related diseases.
Chronic Exercise Protects against the Progression of Renal Cyst Growth and Dysfunction in Rats with Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: QIU JIAHE , SATO YOICHI , XU LUSI , MIURA TAKAHIRO , KOHZUKI MASAHIRO , ITO OSAMU
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the progressive enlargement of renal epithelial cysts and renal dysfunction. Previous studies have reported the beneficial effects of chronic exercise on chronic kidney disease. However, the effects of chronic exercise have not been fully examined in PKD patients or models. The effects of chronic exercise on the progression of PKD were investigated in a polycystic kidney (PCK) rat model.

Methods

Six-week-old male PCK rats were divided into a sedentary group and an exercise group. The exercise group underwent forced treadmill exercise for 12 wk (28 m·min−1, 60 min·d−1, 5 d·wk−1). After 12 wk, renal function and histology were examined, and signaling cascades of PKD progression, including arginine vasopressin (AVP), were investigated.

Results

Chronic exercise reduced the excretion of urinary protein, liver-type fatty acid–binding protein, plasma creatinine, urea nitrogen, and increased plasma irisin and urinary AVP excretion. Chronic exercise also slowed renal cyst growth, glomerular damage, and interstitial fibrosis and led to reduced Ki-67 expression. Chronic exercise had no effect on cAMP content but decreased the renal expression of B-Raf and reduced the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and S6.

Conclusion

Chronic exercise slows renal cyst growth and damage in PCK rats, despite increasing AVP, with the downregulation of the cAMP/B-Raf/ERK and mTOR/S6 pathways in the kidney of PCK rats.
Communities, Co-ops, and Clubs: Social Capital and Incentives in Large Collective Organizations
Authors: Jacobs Joshua A. , Kolb Aaron M. , Taylor Curtis R.
Published: July 2021

We study a continuous-time organization design problem. Each member’s output is an imperfect signal of his underlying effort, and each member’s utility from remaining in the organization is endogenous to other members’ efforts. Monetary transfers are assumed infeasible. Incentives can be provided only through two channels: expulsion following poor performance and respite following good performance. We derive the steady state distribution of members’ continuation utilities for arbitrary values of the initial and maximum continuation utilities and then optimize these values according to organizational objectives. An optimally designed organization can be implemented by associating continuation utilities with a performance-tracking reputation system. (JEL Z13, D23, D86, P13, D82)
Product Recalls and Firm Reputation
Authors: Jovanovic Boyan
Published: July 2021

Product recall data and information on stock price reactions to recalls are used to estimate the value of reputation in a model in which product quality is not contractible. A recall is the result of a product defect that signals low effort. The recall triggers a reduction in the firm’s product price and value, which then both rise steadily until its next defect occurs. We estimate that reputation accounts for 8.3 percent of firm value and that welfare is 26 percent of its first best level. A policy intervention that attains first best is a recall tax accompanied by a flow subsidy. (JEL D22, G32, H25, L25, L62, M31)
Creation of a behavioral model of a LDMOS transistor based on an artificial MLP neural network and its description in Verilog-A language
Authors: Pobeda Sergey , Chernyh M. , Makarenko F. , Zolnikov Konstantin
Published: July 2021

The article deals with the creation of a behavioral model of lateral metal oxide transistors (LDMOS) based on a neural network of the multilayer percep-tron type. The model is identified using a backpropa-gation algorithm. Demonstrated the process of creating an ANN model using Pytorch, a machine learning framework for the Python language, with subsequent transfer to the standard analog circuit modeling lan-guage Verilog-A.
Logical design of information support for distributed information systems of critical application
Authors: Suhanov Valeriy , Lankin Oleg
Published: July 2021

The article deals with new information technologies for building a data warehouse in a distributed information system of critical application. The existing principles of creating data warehouses, as well as the outlined ways to improve them, are always associated with the collection, storage and use of information that is recorded at a certain point in time, while they store data corresponding to the last time count. This approach to the development and application of data warehouses can be called static, since it does not store or display the behavior of objects at past points in time. However, the objects that are included in the data warehouse have pronounced dynamic properties and therefore must be displayed dynamically. The way out of this situation is the creation of analytical data warehouses, which will provide an opportunity to more effectively solve traditional and qualitatively new tasks in the system under consideration.
Suppression of chaotic vibrations in nonlinear systems by the example of a mechanical tachometer
Authors: Shashikhin Vladimir , Potapova Ludmila , Budnic Svetlana
Published: July 2021

A method for controlling dynamic chaos is proposed by introducing state feedback and changing the spectrum of Lyapunov characteristic parameters of a closed system to achieve the desired result - the transition from chaotic mode to regular motion. The solution of this problem is considered on the example of stabilization of a mechanical tachometer. The parameters of the controller in the feed-back circuit are determined by the method of modal con-trol synthesis.
Managing the Program to Promote Russia in the "Doing Business" Rankings
Authors: Kazakova Ol'ga
Published: July 2021

This work considers the program "Transformation of the Business Climate", one of the goals of which is the growth of Russia in the Doing Business rating. It is assumed that the rating indicators are unequal, and it is possible to single out the indicators, the impact of which most strongly affects the level of ease of doing business. For this purpose, a regression model has been built, on the basis of which the forecast of Russia's advancement in the ranking in the coming years is built. This work highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the Business Climate Transformation program and offers recommendations for promoting Russia in the Doing Business rating.
Assessment of the Impact of Sustainable Development Projects on the Investment Attractiveness of Companies
Authors: Sorokina Svetlana
Published: July 2021

The article is devoted to the problem of assessing the quality of the impact of sustainable development projects on the investment attractiveness of international companies. In the course of the study, the literature was analyzed; groups were formed from the fields of activity, depending on the level of sustainability. Using statistical methods, the impact of ESG projects on the performance of companies was assessed, and recommendations were made to improve the level of sustainability.
Issues in Arabic video game localization: A descriptive study
Authors: Al-Batineh Mohammed
Published: July 2021

Because Arabic video game localization is a relatively new area of study, little in-depth research has been done on the topic within Arabic translation studies. The few articles that address video game localization in Arabic remain limited, either due to examining a single video game and its various localization issues, or examining various games but considering the transfer of their linguistic assets only. This paper aims to address the existing gaps in Arabic video game localization studies by delving into multiple video games localized into Arabic, and analysing the technical, linguistic, and cultural issues found within them. Technical issues are related to the Arabic script, video game variables, and subtitling conventions. Linguistic issues, on the other hand, include Arabic video game terminology and acronyms as well as the translation of proper names and NPCs’ titles into Arabic. Lastly, the paper discusses cultural challenges that arise when localizing video games into Arabic, such as how to navigate nudity, profanity, and alcohol. The paper concludes by calling for more research into the area of video game localization. Such research should not only flag linguistic, cultural, and technical issues but also establish a body of literature that would help practitioners and video game developers provide a more authentic, unique gaming experience for Arab gamers.
Exploring predictors of translation performance
Authors: Ghobadi Mehdi , Khosroshahi Sadaf , Giveh Fatemeh
Published: July 2021

The study reported on examined the question of whether translators’ cognitive faculties might be able to predict their performance on a translation task. Research on individual cognitive differences in translation has been a new issue in the realm of Translation Studies. However, the majority of previous studies have targeted single cognitive faculties for the purpose of investigation and we therefore know little about how sets of cognitive faculties can affect the process of translation from one language into another. In this study, three individual cognitive differences were targeted: emotional intelligence (EI), tolerance of ambiguity (TA), and working memory (WM). For the purposes of the study, 54 Iranian MA students of Translation Studies were sampled as participants. The participants completed measures of their EI, TA, and WM. In addition, they were requested to translate an excerpt from English (Source Language) into Persian (Target Language). The results of multiple regression analysis indicated that the regression model, incorporating EI, TA, and WM as its predictors, was able to predict a significant amount of variance in participants’ translation performance. Of the three predictors, the contributions of TA and WM to the total variance in the participants’ translation scores were statistically significant, while the contribution of EI to the total variance was not. The findings of the study have some implications for research and practice in the field of Translation Studies.
Style shift in translation: The case of translating Susan Glaspell’s Trifles into Arabic
Authors: Brashi Abbas
Published: July 2021

This study examines style shifting in an Arabic translation of Susan Glaspell’s play, Trifles by Abbas Brashi. It presents an overview of the play, as well as its importance and relevance to Arab culture. It describes the different varieties of Arabic that exist as well as the one chosen for the translation, namely Modern Standard Arabic. The paper explains that the formal style of the target language text was chosen for the sake of wide readability and comprehensibility, as dialectal varieties of Arabic differ across and within Arab states and there is no standardised script. The other reason for the shift is to adhere to the norms of acceptable Arabic writing. The style shift observed in the translation of Trifles into Arabic is demonstrated in the translation of a number of linguistic phenomena, namely contraction, ‎elision, subject-verb agreement, and figurative multi-word ‎expressions.‎ The paper concludes that the formal Arabic version of Trifles may later be shifted to different informal dialectal varieties of Arabic when it is to be performed on stage. Therefore, the formal Arabic version of the play may be customised or adapted to one or more specific dialects of Arabic according to the time and place of each performance.
Initial translation interference to reviser trainees in English-LOTE translation revision tasks
Authors: Liang Haiyan
Published: July 2021

Initial translation interference refers to the impact of the initial translation on other-revisers. The factor of initial translation interference on reviser trainees has not been examined systematically. The current research investigates two related questions: How does trainees’ revision performance relate to their translation performance? And how is trainees’ revision performance impacted by the initial translated text they are provided with? A mixed research design of quantitative and semi-qualitative research methods is used for a more comprehensive analysis and a higher validity of the findings. The results suggest that good translator trainees tend to be also competent in revision, and poor translator trainees tend to be also weak at revision. However, no significant correlation is found for the intermediate group. The trainees tend to find revision tasks more challenging than the translation tasks and negative interference of the initial translation is prevalent both lexically and syntactically. They are very likely to be distracted and misled by the initial translation. The methodology and findings of this study have implications for translation researchers as well as educators.
Trainee translators’ research styles: A taxonomy based on an observation study at the University of Silesia, Poland
Authors: Sycz-Opoń Joanna Ewa
Published: July 2021

This paper presents a typology of information-seeking styles exhibited by 52 students of the MA translation and interpreting programme at the University of Silesia, Poland. The typology emerged during the large-scale investigation into trainee translators’ research behaviour occurring during translation of a legal text from English into Polish (Sycz-Opoń 2019). The method of investigation combined observation of students’ recorded performances with a think-aloud protocol (TAP). The case-study analysis brought to light significant variation in student’s information-seeking behaviour, which had gone unnoticed in the aggregate statistical data. Individual differences included students’ source preference, search intensity, level of criticism towards sources, diligence, risk-taking, self-confidence, and source reliance. As a result of the analysis the six research styles emerged: traditionalist, innovator, minimalist, true detective, procrastinator, and habitual doubter. They are presented in this paper with special attention to each style’s strengths, weaknesses and recommended teaching approaches. The results suggest the need for information-seeking training geared towards the diverse needs of individual students.
A pre-translation framework for public service translation: A sociological approach to enhance translation effectiveness
Authors: Ruiz-Cortés Elena
Published: July 2021

In this paper a pre-translation framework developed for public service translation is presented. The framework was developed from a sociological standpoint “whereby translation practice can be viewed in relation to people and institutions involved in it or affected by it” (Taibi & Ozolins, 2016, pp. 63-64) with the aim to provide contextualization and understanding that precedes the actual translation stage. After outlining the framework, its usefulness in obtaining key pre-translation information is showcased through an application form in the Spanish immigration context, i.e. an authentic public service text. Lastly, the paper shows how the information gathered based on the framework will assist in proposing an effective English translation of this application form in the future.
Consecutive interpreting: A short course
Authors: Bonyadi Alireza
Published: July 2021

Consecutive interpreting is the most popular type of interpretation work, and its highly cognitively complex nature usually poses challenges for student interpreters (Arumí Ribas, 2012). However, compared with the theoretical issues of translation and interpreting (with which the bulk of the published literature is concerned), the practical aspects of consecutive interpreting have not been paid due attention. As “a response to the almost total lack of published material on consecutive [interpreting] as a whole” (Gillies, 2019, p. 13) and also based on the author’s 20-year experience in reading, practising, and teaching consecutive interpreting, the recently published Consecutive interpreting: A short course has broken down consecutive interpreting pedagogically into its basic components...
Readout of quantum information spreading using a disordered quantum walk
Authors: Nosrati Farzam , Laneve Alessandro , Khazaei Shadfar Mahshid , Geraldi Andrea , Mahdavipour Kobra , Pegoraro Federico , Mataloni Paolo , Lo Franco Rosario
Published: July 2021

We design a quantum probing protocol using quantum walks to investigate the quantum information spreading pattern. We employ quantum Fisher information as a figure of merit to quantify extractable information about an unknown parameter encoded within the quantum walk evolution. Although the approach is universal, we focus on the coherent static and dynamic disorder to investigate anomalous and classical transport as well as Anderson localization. We provide a feasible experimental strategy to implement, in principle, the quantum probing protocol based on the quantum Fisher information using a Mach–Zehnder-like interferometric setup. Our results show that a quantum walk can be considered as a readout device of information about defects and perturbations occurring in complex networks, both classical and quantum.
The Shortest Duration Constrained Hidden Markov Model: Data denoise and forecast optimization on the country-product matrix for the Fitness-Complexity Algorithm
Authors: Song Pengcheng , Zong Xiangyu , Chen Ximing , Zhao Qin , Guo Lubingzhi
Published: July 2021

The Economic Fitness Index describes industrial completeness and comprehensively reflects product diversification with competitiveness and product complexity in production globalization. The Fitness-Complexity Algorithm offers a scientific approach to predicting GDP and obtains fruitful results. As a recursion algorithm, the non-linear iteration processes give novel insights into product complexity and country fitness without noise data. However, the Country-Product Matrix and Revealed Comparative Advantage data have abnormal noises which contradict the relative stability of product diversity and the transformation of global production. The data noise entering the iteration algorithm, combined with positively related Fitness and Complexity, will be amplified in each recursion step. We introduce the Shortest Duration Constrained Hidden Markov Model (SDC-HMM) to denoise the Country-Product Matrix for the first time. After the country-product matrix test, the country case test, the noise estimation test and the panel regression test of national economic fitness indicators to predict GDP growth, we show that the SDC-HMM could reduce abnormal noise by about 25% and identify change points. This article provides intra-sample predictions that theoretically confirm that the SDC-HMM can improve the effectiveness of economic fitness indicators in interpreting economic growth.
The influence of LncRNA H19 polymorphic variants on susceptibility to cancer: A systematic review and updated meta-analysis of 28 case-control studies
Authors: Wang Kunpeng , Zhu Zheng , Wang Yiqiu , Zong Dayuan , Xue Peng , Gu Jinbao , Lu Daoyuan , Tu Chuanquan
Published: July 2021

Objective

Although myriad researches upon the associations between LncRNA H19 polymorphic variants (rs2839698 G>A, rs217727 G>A, rs2107425 C>T, rs2735971 A>G and rs3024270 C>G) and the susceptibility to cancer have been conducted, these results remained contradictory and perplexing. Basing on that, a systematic review and updated meta-analysis was performed to anticipate a fairly precise assessment about such associations.

Methods

We retrieved the electronic databases EMBASE, PubMed and Web of Science for valuable academic studies before February 28, 2021. Ultimately, 28 of which were encompassed after screening in this meta-analysis, and the available data was extracted and integrated. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was used to evaluate such associations. For multi-level investigation, subgroup analysis derived from source of controls together with genotypic method was preformed.

Results

Eventually, 28 articles altogether embodying 57 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The results illuminated that LncRNA H19 polymorphisms mentioned above were all irrelevant to cancer susceptibility. Nevertheless, crucial results were found concentrated in population-based control group when subgroup analysis by source of controls were performed in H19 mutation rs2839698 and rs2735971. Meanwhile, in the stratification analysis by genotypic method, apparent cancer risks were discovered by TaqMan method in H19 mutation rs2107425 and rs3024270. Then, trial sequential analysis demonstrated that the results about such associations were firm evidence of effect.

Conclusion

Therefore, this meta-analysis indicated that LncRNA H19 polymorphisms were not associated with the susceptibility to human cancer. However, after the stratification analysis, inconsistent results still existed in different genotypic method and source of control. Thus, more high-quality studies on cancer patients of different factors were needed to confirm these findings.
Modeling the survival times of the COVID-19 patients with a new statistical model: A case study from China
Authors: Liu Xiaofeng , Ahmad Zubair , Gemeay Ahmed M. , Abdulrahman Alanazi Talal , Hafez E. H. , Khalil N.
Published: July 2021

Over the past few months, the spread of the current COVID-19 epidemic has caused tremendous damage worldwide, and unstable many countries economically. Detailed scientific analysis of this event is currently underway to come. However, it is very important to have the right facts and figures to take all possible actions that are needed to avoid COVID-19. In the practice and application of big data sciences, it is always of interest to provide the best description of the data under consideration. The recent studies have shown the potential of statistical distributions in modeling data in applied sciences, especially in medical science. In this article, we continue to carry this area of research, and introduce a new statistical model called the arcsine modified Weibull distribution. The proposed model is introduced using the modified Weibull distribution with the arcsine-Xapproach which is based on the trigonometric strategy. The maximum likelihood estimators of the parameters of the new model are obtained and the performance these estimators are assessed by conducting a Monte Carlo simulation study. Finally, the effectiveness and utility of the arcsine modified Weibull distribution are demonstrated by modeling COVID-19 patients data. The data set represents the survival times of fifty-three patients taken from a hospital in China. The practical application shows that the proposed model out-classed the competitive models and can be chosen as a good candidate distribution for modeling COVID-19, and other related data sets.
Efficient method for isolation of high-quality RNA from Psidium guajava L. tissues
Authors: Carpinetti Paola de Avelar , Fioresi Vinicius Sartori , Ignez da Cruz Thais , de Almeida Francine Alves Nogueira , Canal Drielli , Ferreira Adésio , Ferreira Marcia Flores da Silva
Published: July 2021

Acquiring high-quality RNA in sufficient amounts is crucial in plant molecular biology and genetic studies. Several methods for RNA extraction from plants are available in the literature, mainly due to the great biochemical diversity present in each species and tissue, which can complicate or prevent the extraction. Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae family) is a perennial fruit tree of medicinal and economic value; nevertheless, only a few molecular studies are available for the species. One reason is the difficulty in obtaining RNA due to the content of the samples, which are rich in polyphenols, polysaccharides, and secondary metabolites. Furthermore, there are few studies available for the isolation of RNA from guava or Psidium samples, which hampers advances in the study of the genus. Here, quality and yields of RNA isolates were compared using six extraction protocols: two protocols based on the application of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) lysis buffer, one protocol which uses the TRIzol reagent, one which applies guanidine thiocyanate lysis buffer followed by organic phase extraction, and two commercial kits (PureLink RNA Mini Kit and RNeasy Plant Mini Kit). The CTAB-based method provided the highest RNA yields and quality for five different tissues (flower bud, immature leaf, young leaf, mature leaf, and root), genotypes, and stress conditions. For the most efficient protocol, the average yield of RNA from guava leaves was 203.06 μg/g of tissue, and the A260/A280 and A260/A230 ratios were 2.1 and 2.2, respectively. RT-qPCR analysis demonstrated that the purity of the samples was sufficient for molecular biology experiments. CTAB-based methods for RNA isolation were found to be the most efficient, providing the highest RNA yields and quality for tissues from P. guajava. Additionally, they were compatible for downstream RNA-based applications, besides being simple and cost-effective.
Leslee Udwin’s India’s Daughter (2015), the power of storytelling and question of social change in the #MeToo era
Authors: Shrivastava Nidhi
Published: July 2021

In an op-ed, Leslee Udwin, the filmmaker of the controversial but meaningful documentary, India’s Daughter speaks of the tensions she faced in India amidst her film’s release. After her movie was banned in India, she abruptly left the country to avoid arrest. Her film explores the complexities and nuances of the 2012 Delhi rape case. It drew criticism when the trailer was released because it allegedly focused on the rapist’s narrative. Drawing upon my interview with Udwin and archival research, I explore the multitude of ways in which Leslee’s position as a powerful storyteller and an outsider influenced her documentary’s success within and outside of India. A medium of social change, Udwin’s documentary underscores the patriarchal and misogynistic attitudes that continue to exist while simultaneously challenging the role of the state, politicians and law enforcement who are in charge of protecting women’s rights.
¿Son los establecimientos hoteleros y de restauración fieles a las certificaciones de los sistemas de gestión de calidad?
Authors: Rabadán-Martín Inmaculada , Aguado-Correa Francisco , Padilla-Garrido Nuria
Published: July 2021

La certificación de los sistemas de gestión de calidad ha tenido un fuerte crecimiento a lo largo de los años y ha venido demostrando su eficacia como elemento diferenciador al contribuir a mejorar la imagen de los establecimientos turísticos. Sin embargo, las certificaciones como la ISO 9001 o la “Q de calidad” han llegado o están llegando a un punto de saturación que parece indicar que no las hace atractivas como señales de calidad. Tomando como referencia todos los hoteles, apartamentos y servicios de restauración de Andalucía a los que se otorgó la certificación ISO 9001 o la “Q de calidad” entre 2006 y 2018, en este trabajo se analiza la evolución de estas dos certificaciones, incidiendo en la tasa de abandonos y en el grado de fidelidad a las mismas. Los resultados mostraron que los alojamientos tenían una mayor predisposición a elegir la ISO 9001, mientras que la restauración prefería la “Q de calidad”. Además, el análisis de la fidelidad nos mostró que, en ambos subsectores, el abandono de certificaciones es mucho mayor en el caso de la ISO 9001, incluso cuando se simultánea con la “Q de calidad”, lo que es más habitual en los alojamientos. El análisis temporal individualizado de los establecimientos, reflejó que no ha habido un trasvase claro de certificaciones entre las dos normas. Como conclusión se plantea que los establecimientos de alojamiento y de restauración pueden estar manteniendo los procedimientos de los sistemas de gestión sin volverse a certificar.
Adoctrinamiento turístico de los españoles en el primer franquismo: la “españolada” cinematográfica y la “diferencia” nacional asociadas a Andalucía (1940-1959)
Authors: Puche-Ruiz María Carmen
Published: July 2021

El presente trabajo se centra en el estudio de la “diferencia” nacional del primer franquismo (1940-1959), así como en su plasmación audiovisual en la “españolada” vinculada a Andalucía, como medio de adoctrinamiento para los propios españoles. Para conseguir nuestro objetivo, se analizan 45 películas con turistas en sus tramas a través del software NVivo. Los resultados apoyan con base estadística las hipótesis cualitativas, y sugieren la reiteración de cuatro tendencias en los films, desgranadas como elementos clave de la “diferencia” española asociada a Andalucía, escasamente estudiada desde el punto de vista del adoctrinamiento turístico-cinematográfico, y que revela este periodo como el más significativo del siglo veinte al respecto.
Preferencias de los turistas en hoteles y destinos: una aproximación desde el análisis de contenido y los árboles de decisión
Authors: Bassols Gardella Narcís , Ovalle Díaz Andrea Paola , Rodríguez Hernández Jenniffer Carolina
Published: July 2021

Intentar explicar las preferencias de turistas a la hora de elegir un alojamiento en un destino, y qué elementos son más influyentes en esta decisión, es un tema que ha sido investigado desde diferentes marcos de referencia y con distintas herramientas de campo en los últimos años. El presente artículo se añade a este corpus investigativo analizando las preferencias de los visitantes en las ciudades de Santa Marta y Cartagena de Indias, los dos principales destinos turísticos del Caribe colombiano. En particular, se considera si las valoraciones online de hoteles emitidas por los turistas pueden estar influenciadas por la oferta presente en el destino (atractivos turísticos, ubicación, actividades ofrecidas, restaurantes, playas, etc.) combinadas con las características propias del establecimiento hotelero (servicios ofrecidos, ubicación, precios, categoría del hotel, etc.). Los dos destinos mencionados son estudiados aplicando el modelo de árboles de decisión CHAID, una herramienta frecuentemente usada en ingeniería, pero mucho menos empleado en la gestión de empresas turísticas, a pesar de su innegable utilidad. Los datos levantados para esta investigación provienen de los comentarios online de la plataforma booking.com. Los resultados ofrecen una caracterización relevante de los destinos estudiados y sus visitantes; algunas tendencias conocidas se confirman, pero también se descubren otras latentes. En un plano práctico y de gestión, se pretende demostrar la importancia del uso de herramientas big data para la toma de decisiones de negocio, en particular las basadas en las preferencias de los clientes.
Aproximación ética a la competencia digital. Los niveles de uso y sentido en ámbitos educativos virtuales
Authors: García-Gutiérrez Juan
Published: July 2021

En el contexto del ciberespacio y las tecnologías, ¿debemos hacer todo lo que podemos hacer? La respuesta que se da a esta cuestión no es ética sino de tipo político: seguridad. De forma segura puede hacerse todo. La seguridad y la protección están eclipsando sin embargo la pregunta ética por el sentido de la tecnología. El ciberespacio impone una “nueva lógica” y nuevas formas de “apropiación”. Cuando nos referimos a Internet en relación con la infancia no siempre adoptamos una lógica de responsabilidad ante el ciberespacio, mostrando Internet como un espacio ético y no sólo técnico, de posibilidades. Hablamos de Internet seguro, Internet saludable, Internet apropiado para los niños… ¿por qué no hablar más de ética en Internet?. Con este trabajo tratamos de aproximarnos a las competencias digitales como aquellas competencias que nos ayudan a situarnos y orientarnos en el ciberespacio. Algo que no es posible sin contar también con ciertas competencias éticas. Así, en este artículo trataremos de construir y proponer un modelo de análisis de los espacios formativos virtuales (y del ciberespacio en general) basado en las categorías de “uso” y “sentido” como diferentes niveles y lógicas de apropiación que nos indican los tipos de competencia necesarios para acceder al ciberespacio.