bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sarcoidosis presenting as bilateral lacrimal gland swelling: a pediatric case report
Authors: Powell Margaret S. , Cross Ashley W. , Tallo Jared , Cheeseman Edward W. , Gilbert Mileka R.
Published: August 2021

Background

To describe a case of pediatric sarcoidosis which initially presented as papillary conjunctivitis before manifesting as bilateral lacrimal gland swelling without other known systemic involvement.

Case presentation

A 10-year-old female presented to the pediatric ophthalmology clinic with complaints of bilateral eyelid swelling, tearing and itching for approximately 1 month. Her history and exam were most consistent with allergic conjunctivitis, for which she was started on a standard topical regimen. Despite initial improvement, she re-presented with significantly worsened eyelid swelling and minimal allergic symptoms. Enlargement of the lacrimal glands were palpable at this time. Lacrimal gland biopsy was obtained which demonstrated noncaseating granulomas. Systemic workup did not reveal evidence of disease involvement elsewhere.

Conclusions

Sarcoidosis in the pediatric population may present in a myriad of ways and is well-known to mimic other disease entities. We present a case of pediatric sarcoidosis which presented initially as papillary conjunctivitis before manifesting as bilateral lacrimal gland swelling without systemic involvement.
Normalization of HE-stained histological images using cycle consistent generative adversarial networks
Authors: Runz Marlen , Rusche Daniel , Schmidt Stefan , Weihrauch Martin R. , Hesser Jürgen , Weis Cleo-Aron
Published: August 2021

Background

Histological images show strong variance (e.g. illumination, color, staining quality) due to differences in image acquisition, tissue processing, staining, etc. This can impede downstream image analysis such as staining intensity evaluation or classification. Methods to reduce these variances are called image normalization techniques.

Methods

In this paper, we investigate the potential of CycleGAN (cycle consistent Generative Adversarial Network) for color normalization in hematoxylin-eosin stained histological images using daily clinical data with consideration of the variability of internal staining protocol variations. The network consists of a generator network GB that learns to map an image X from a source domain A to a target domain B, i.e. GB:XA→XB. In addition, a discriminator network DB is trained to distinguish whether an image from domain B is real or generated. The same process is applied to another generator-discriminator pair (GA,DA), for the inverse mapping GA:XB→XA. Cycle consistency ensures that a generated image is close to its original when being mapped backwards (GA(GB(XA))≈XA and vice versa). We validate the CycleGAN approach on a breast cancer challenge and a follicular thyroid carcinoma data set for various stain variations. We evaluate the quality of the generated images compared to the original images using similarity measures. In addition, we apply stain normalization on pathological lymph node data from our institute and test the gain from normalization on a ResNet classifier pre-trained on the Camelyon16 data set.

Results

Qualitative results of the images generated by our network are compared to original color distributions. Our evaluation indicates that by mapping images to a target domain, the similarity training images from that domain improves up to 96%. We also achieve a high cycle consistency for the generator networks by obtaining similarity indices greater than 0.9. When applying the CycleGAN normalization to HE-stain images from our institute the kappa-value of the ResNet-model that is only trained on Camelyon16 data is increased more than 50%.

Conclusions

CycleGANs have proven to efficiently normalize HE-stained images. The approach compensates for deviations resulting from image acquisition (e.g. different scanning devices) as well as from tissue staining (e.g. different staining protocols), and thus overcomes the staining variations in images from various institutions.The code is publicly available at https://github.com/m4ln/stainTransfer_CycleGAN_pytorch. The data set supporting the solutions is available at 10.11588/data/8LKEZF.
2006 to 2019 Story; percutaneously implantable aortic valve prototypes
Authors: Zervides Constantinos , Nohra Ornella , Hunduma Gabriel , Thomas Neil Wild , Samia Ramy
Published: August 2021

Aims

A review was conducted on the composition, advantages and limitations of available aortic valve prototypes to create an ideal valve for percutaneous implantation.

Patients

Patients with multiple comorbidities who cannot withstand the risks of open cardiac surgery.

Methodology

The search was performed using online databases and textbooks. Articles were excluded based on specific criterion.

Results

Ten prototypes created between 2006 and 2019 were found and reviewed. The prototypes had a set of advantages and limitations with their characteristics coinciding at times.

Conclusions

The ideal percutaneously implantable aortic valve should have minimum coaptation height, zero folds in the leaflets, minimum valve height, minimum leaflet flexion and three leaflets. It can be composed of biological or synthetic material, as long as it provides minimal risk of thrombosis. However, more studies are needed to ensure other ideal parameters.
Osteomyelitis variolosa, an issue inherited from the past: case report and systematic review
Authors: Tang Jinshuo , Shao Pu , Liu Te , Wen Xinggui , Wang Yeliang , Wang Chenyu , Peng Yachen , Yao Hua , Zuo Jianlin
Published: August 2021

Background

Osteomyelitis variolosa is a self-limiting disease triggered by variola virus that cannot be prevented or repaired. Smallpox has been eradicated for 40 years, and complications that remain after smallpox has been cured have become a remarkable diagnostic challenge for contemporary physicians. In this systematic review, we searched PubMed (MEDLINE), Web of Science, and Google Scholar for cases on complications, diagnosis, and treatment for osteomyelitis variolosa between January 1980 and February 2021.

Results

Ten papers and eleven finished cases, all patients from India, were included for comparison with the present case. In total, 100% of patients presented with bilateral elbow deformities, the ankle was the second most common site of lesion in 50%, and knee lesions accounted for 25% in this study. Flexion contracture, joint instability, secondary arthritis, and fracture are common complications of osteomyelitis variolosa, and most patients receive conservative treatment, while internal fixation has good results for combined fractures.

Conclusions

Although osteomyelitis variolosa is not a direct threat to the safety of patients, severe skeletal deformities can have a significant impact on quality of life. With advances in surgical techniques, clinicians are offering an increasing number of treatment options for patients with osteomyelitis variolosa. However, most importantly, smallpox has basically been removed from the historical arena, and for areas where smallpox was once endemic, physicians need to deepen the understanding of this disease again.
Development of an RNAi-based microalgal larvicide for the control of Aedes aegypti
Authors: Fei Xiaowen , Zhang Yang , Ding Lili , Xiao Sha , Xie Xiaoqing , Li Yajun , Deng Xiaodong
Published: August 2021

Background

Mosquito-borne diseases affect over half of the human population globally. Multiple studies have shown that chemical insecticides are ineffective because of resistance. Therefore, environmentally safe mosquito population control tools need to be developed. Ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) is a reverse genetic mechanism recently introduced as a new pest control tool. This technique represents a new class of biorational technology that could combat the increased global incidence of insecticide resistance. The technique has the potential of becoming a critical component of integrated vector control programs.

Methods

A 3-hydroxykynurenine transaminase (3-HKT) RNAi expression plasmid was constructed, generated and transformed into Chlamydomonas and Chlorella algae. The transgenic algae were then used to feed Ae. aegypti mosquito larvae. The feeding experiments were conducted on a small and large scale with 10 and about 300 larvae, respectively. The mortality rate of the larvae was calculated over 30 days. In addition, histological examination of the insect tissues was performed to examine the extent of tissue damage.

Results

The integumentary system and midguts of larvae fed with transgenic Chlamydomonas were severely damaged. The mortality rate of the larvae fed with transgenic Chlamydomonas ranged from 60 to 100% in small-scale tests. The survival rate of adult mosquitoes was 0.0% in a large-scale feeding experiment when the larvae were fed with transgenic Chlamydomonas. Moreover, when the larvae were fed with transgenic Chlorella, the mortality rate ranged from 6.7% to 43% compared to that fed wild-type Chlorella.

Conclusions

3HKT RNAi transgenic algae are in some scales lethal to Ae. aegypti. The findings of this study indicate that technology based on microalgae RNAi may provide a new way to control mosquito populations.

Graphical Abstract
Establishment and validation of a guinea pig model for human congenital toxoplasmosis
Authors: Grochow Thomas , Beck Britta , Rentería-Solís Zaida , Schares Gereon , Maksimov Pavlo , Strube Christina , Seeger Johannes , Raqué Lisa , Ulrich Reiner , Daugschies Arwid , Fietz Simone A.
Published: August 2021

Background

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite with a worldwide distribution. Congenital infection in humans and animals may lead to severe symptoms in the offspring, especially in the brain. A suitable animal model for human congenital toxoplasmosis is currently lacking. The aim of this study is to establish and validate the guinea pig as a model for human congenital toxoplasmosis by investigating the impact of the T. gondii infection dose, the duration of infection and the gestational stage at infection on the seroconversion, survival rate of dams, fate of the offspring, T. gondii DNA loads in various offspring tissues and organs and the integrity of the offspring brain.

Methods

Pregnant guinea pigs were infected with three different doses (10, 100, 500 oocysts) of T. gondii strain ME49 at three different time points during gestation (15, 30, 48 days post-conception). Serum of dams was tested for the presence of T. gondii antibodies using immunoblotting. T. gondii DNA levels in the dam and offspring were determined by qPCR. Offspring brains were examined histologically.

Results

We found the survival rate of dams and fate of the offspring to be highly dependent on the T. gondii infection dose with an inoculation of 500 oocysts ending lethally for all respective offspring. Moreover, both parameters differ depending on the gestational stage at infection with infection in the first and third trimester of gestation resulting in a high offspring mortality rate. The duration of infection was found to substantially impact the seroconversion rate of dams with the probability of seroconversion exceeding 50% after day 20 post-infection. Furthermore, the infection duration of dams influenced the T. gondii DNA loads in the offspring and the integrity of offspring brain. Highest DNA levels were found in the offspring brain of dams infected for  ≥ 34 days.

Conclusion

This study contributes to establishing the guinea pig as a suitable model for human congenital toxoplasmosis and thus lays the foundation for using the guinea pig as a suitable animal model to study scientific questions of high topicality and clinical significance, which address the pathogenesis, diagnosis, therapy and prognosis of congenital toxoplasmosis.

Graphical abstract
Technological interventions for loneliness and social isolation among older adults: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Wister Andrew , Fyffe Ian , O’Dea Eireann
Published: August 2021

Background

Loneliness and social isolation are prevalent public health concerns among community-dwelling older adults. One approach that is becoming an increasingly popular method of reducing levels of loneliness and social isolation among older adults is through technology-driven solutions. This protocol outlines a research trajectory whereby a scoping review will be initiated in order to illustrate and map the existing technological approaches that have been utilized to diminish levels of loneliness and social isolation among community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years or older. We will address the question: what are the most common and less used technological approaches to reduce loneliness and social isolation among community-dwelling older adults?

Methods

A scoping review of Academic Search Premier, AGEline, Global Health, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases will take place using our search terms including the following: loneliness, social isolation, older adults, elderly, Aged, Aged 80 and over, program, evaluation, trial, intervention, technology, computer, information and communication technology, internet, and robot. The initial electronic search will be supplemented by reviewing the reference lists and review articles to identify any missing studies. To meet study inclusion criteria, intervention studies had to pertain to community-dwelling adults aged 60 years or older, include technological interventions, include loneliness and/or social isolation as outcome variables, and be written in the English language. Two parallel independent assessments of study eligibility will be conducted for the title, abstract, and full-text screens. Any disagreement will be resolved by consensus and a third reviewer consulted to make a decision if consensus is not achieved initially. Finally, the amalgamation of results will be an iterative process whereby reviewers will refine the plan for presenting results after data extraction is completed so that all of the contents of the extraction may be included in the results.

Discussion

The information gleaned in this scoping review will be essential to understand the degree to which technological interventions influence social isolation and loneliness among older adults and identify gaps for further research.
On a nonlinear sequential four-point fractional q-difference equation involving q-integral operators in boundary conditions along with stability criteria
Authors: Boutiara Abdelatif , Etemad Sina , Alzabut Jehad , Hussain Azhar , Subramanian Muthaiah , Rezapour Shahram
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we consider a nonlinear sequential q-difference equation based on the Caputo fractional quantum derivatives with nonlocal boundary value conditions containing Riemann–Liouville fractional quantum integrals in four points. In this direction, we derive some criteria and conditions of the existence and uniqueness of solutions to a given Caputo fractional q-difference boundary value problem. Some pure techniques based on condensing operators and Sadovskii’s measure and the eigenvalue of an operator are employed to prove the main results. Also, the Ulam–Hyers stability and generalized Ulam–Hyers stability are investigated. We examine our results by providing two illustrative examples.
Existence of nonoscillatory solutions tending to zero of fourth-order nonlinear neutral dynamic equations on time scales
Authors: Qiu Yang-Cong
Published: August 2021

In this paper, a class of fourth-order nonlinear neutral dynamic equations on time scales is investigated. We obtain some sufficient conditions for the existence of nonoscillatory solutions tending to zero with some characteristics of the equations by Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem. Finally, two interesting examples are presented to show the significance of the results.
The correlation between ATP measurement and microbial contamination of inanimate surfaces
Authors: van Arkel Andreas , Willemsen Ina , Kluytmans Jan
Published: August 2021

Background

The objective of this study was to determine the correlation between adenosine triphosphate (ATP) measurements and microbial contamination using a standardized method. Secondarily, analyzing reproducibility of ATP measurements and aerobic colony counts (ACC’s) on the same surface.

Methods

ATP measurements and ACC’s were conducted on 10 pre-defined fomites in a hospital and nursing home setting. Per fomite two ATP measurements and two agar plate measurements were conducted, each measurement was conducted on a 25 cm2 surface. Both measurements were compared and analyzed for correlation.

Results

In total 200 paired measurements were conducted, 200 ATP measurements and 200 ACC’s. The mean of all ATP measurements tested on the same surface was calculated, as was for all 200 ACC’s. There was a strong correlation between the mean of two ATP measurements on two different sites on the same fomite (R = 0.800, p < 0.001) as well as between two ACC measurements on the same fomite (R = 0.667, p < 0.001). A much weaker correlation was found between RLU values and ACC’s (R = 0.244, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Reproducibility of ATP measurements and ACC’s on the same fomite was good. However, the correlation between RLU values and ACC’s on hospital surfaces was much lower. This may be explained by the wide variety of biological material that is measured with ATP, of which the bacterial load is only one of many components. ATP measurement can be used to give a quantifiable outcome for the rating of cleanliness in health care facilities, however the results cannot be translated into the level of microbial contamination.
Informed consent and informed intervention: SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations not just call for disclosure of newly emerging safety data but also for hypothesis generation and testing
Authors: Fischer Johannes C. , Schmidt Albrecht G. , Bölke Edwin , Keitel Verena , Feldt Torsten , Jensen Björn , Freise Noemi F. , Häussinger Dieter , Schneider E. Marion , Hermsen Derik , Kindgen-Milles Detlef , Knoefel Wolfram Trudo , Haussmann Jan , Tamaskovics Balint , Plettenberg Christian , Scheckenbach Kathrin , Corradini Stefanie , Rox Jutta , Balz Vera , Maas Kitti , Schmidt Livia , Grebe Olaf , Ehrhardt Anja , Gerber Peter Arne , Peiper Matthias , Buhren Bettina Alexandra , Lichtenberg Artur , Rezazadeh Amir , Budach Wilfried , Matuschek Christiane
Published: August 2021

Background

COVID-19 infection is a major threat to patients and health care providers around the world. One solution is the vaccination against SARS-CoV-2.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive query of the latest publications on the prevention of viral infections including the recent vaccination program and its side effects.

Results

The situation is evolving rapidly and there is no reasonable alternative to population-scale vaccination programs as currently enrolled.

Conclusion

Therefore, regulatory authorities should consider supplementing their conventional mandate of post-approval pharmacovigilance, which is based on the collection, assessment, and regulatory response to emerging safety findings.
Psychological reaction to Covid-19 of Italian patients with IBD
Authors: Savarese Mariarosaria , Castellini Greta , Leone Salvatore , Previtali Enrica , Armuzzi Alessandro , Graffigna Guendalina
Published: August 2021

Background

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) on disease management and psychological status. This study explored psychological reactions to the Covid-19 emergency and IBD disease management in a sample of Italian patients.

Methods

An online questionnaire was designed to assess general concerns, psychological reaction, disease management, socio-demographics, and clinical information with validated scales and ad hoc items. A non-probabilistic purposive sample was selected, comprised patients with IBD who belonged to the Italian Association for patients with IBD (AMICI Onlus) completed the questionnaire in April 2020. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, student’s T-test for independent groups, and one-way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance).

Results

One thousand fourteen eligible questionnaires were analyzed. Italian patients with IBD appeared to be very worried about the Covid-19 emergency (60.7%) and concerned about the risks of infection (59%). Half of the sample reported medium to high-perceived stress, and 74% had low-medium coping self-efficacy levels. One third was in a state of psychological arousal. Twenty-nine percent of patients had canceled hospital appointments for fear of contracting the virus. The majority of responders believed that belonging to the Italian Association for Patients with IBD - AMICI Onlus - is useful.

Conclusions

The results revealed that this sample of Italian patients with IBD lived with medium level of stress and with inadequate coping self-efficacy regarding disease management. Accordingly, Covid-19 may affect self-management behaviors. Therefore, national and regional associations for patients with IBD, should largely support these patients in this emergency.
Approximations of conditional probability density functions in Lebesgue spaces via mixture of experts models
Authors: Nguyen Hien Duy , Nguyen TrungTin , Chamroukhi Faicel , McLachlan Geoffrey John
Published: August 2021

Mixture of experts (MoE) models are widely applied for conditional probability density estimation problems. We demonstrate the richness of the class of MoE models by proving denseness results in Lebesgue spaces, when inputs and outputs variables are both compactly supported. We further prove an almost uniform convergence result when the input is univariate. Auxiliary lemmas are proved regarding the richness of the soft-max gating function class, and their relationships to the class of Gaussian gating functions.
Young hospital pharmacists’ job stress and career prospects amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in China
Authors: Wu Jiahao , Cai Jian , Fang Ming , Wang Yan , Xu Feng
Published: August 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic posed a critical threat to public health in the past year and has not been fully controlled so far. The nature of front-line young hospital pharmacists’ occupation puts them at an increased risk of contracting any contagious disease, including COVID-19. Recent survey indicated that hospital pharmacists in China are depressive, hostile amid the pandemic.

Aim

The present investigation aims to understand the job stress among young hospital pharmacists during the outbreak of COVID-19 and to provide basic information for pharmacy managers to help young fellows to cope with job stress.

Method

This study is adopting pharmacist job stress questionnaire as the key instrument of data collection through WJX App in mobile phone. Demographic information, career prospects and stress management proposals were obtained synchronously. Quantitative data were processed with SPSS. Significant differences were examined using analysis of variance and Chi-square analysis.

Result

About 60% of 289 questionnaire respondents complained of job stress (178 respondents). According to the narrative description of the data, young pharmacists’ gender, education background, hospital grade, and specific work post had no significant effect on job stress difference. However, young pharmacists in different age-groups and professional titles showed different job stress. Pharmacists at the age of 31–35 complained more stress than the others. Pharmacists with high professional title (deputy chief pharmacist) complained more stress than the others. About 65% of 289 respondents had long-term plan for their practice, although 61% of young pharmacists felt troubled or worried with their future. As for stress management proposal, almost all young pharmacists hoped to improve their professional identity via raising their wages.

Conclusion

More than half of young pharmacists suffer from job stress amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in China, and various intervention measures should be taken to relieve the stress and finally improve their social identity.
Initial presenting symptoms, comorbidities and severity of COVID-19 patients during the second wave of epidemic in Myanmar
Authors: Htun Ye Minn , Win Tun Tun , Aung Aung , Latt Thant Zin , Phyo Yan Naung , Tun Thet Min , Htun Nyan Sint , Tun Kyaw Myo , Htun Khin Aung
Published: August 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by a highly contagious virus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 emerged in China at the end of 2019 and became a major threat to health around the world. The health experts are still learning more about the detailed knowledge of the natural course and the severity of COVID-19. The study aimed to assess the prevalence and association of severity of disease with demographic characteristics, initial presenting symptoms, and comorbidities among COVID-19 patients in treatment centers, Myanmar.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Hmawbi and Indine treatment centers, Yangon Region, Myanmar, from November to December 2020. Data were collected by using standardized case report forms and then, a total of 222 confirmed COVID-19 inpatients were included in this study. The odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used as a measure of association and the independent associated factors for severity of disease were investigated using logistic regression analysis.

Results

In total, 81.5% were symptomatic patients and of these, the most common presenting symptoms were fever 54.1%, loss of smell 50.3%, and cough 30.9%. Among 37.8% of COVID-19 patients with comorbidities, the most common comorbidities were hypertension 58.3%, diabetes mellitus 29.8%, and heart diseases 26.2%, respectively. As a severity, 20.7% of patients had signs of severe pneumonia. The associated factors of severe pneumonia were aged 60 years and older [Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.88, 95% CI 1.14–7.29], overweight or obesity (AOR: 3.87, 95%CI 1.80–8.33), and current smoking (AOR: 6.74, 95% CI 2.72–16.75).

Conclusions

In this study, one-fifth of the patients developed severe pneumonia. The COVID-19 patients who were aged 60 years and older, overweight or obesity, and current smokers should be monitored carefully during the course of treatment to reduce the disease severity.
Fis1 ablation in the male germline disrupts mitochondrial morphology and mitophagy, and arrests spermatid maturation
Authors: Varuzhanyan Grigor , Ladinsky Mark S. , Yamashita Shun-ichi , Abe Manabu , Sakimura Kenji , Kanki Tomotake , Chan David C.
Published: August 2021

Male germline development involves choreographed changes to mitochondrial number, morphology and organization. Mitochondrial reorganization during spermatogenesis was recently shown to require mitochondrial fusion and fission. Mitophagy, the autophagic degradation of mitochondria, is another mechanism for controlling mitochondrial number and physiology, but its role during spermatogenesis is largely unknown. During post-meiotic spermatid development, restructuring of the mitochondrial network results in packing of mitochondria into a tight array in the sperm midpiece to fuel motility. Here, we show that disruption of mouse Fis1 in the male germline results in early spermatid arrest that is associated with increased mitochondrial content. Mutant spermatids coalesce into multinucleated giant cells that accumulate mitochondria of aberrant ultrastructure and numerous mitophagic and autophagic intermediates, suggesting a defect in mitophagy. We conclude that Fis1 regulates mitochondrial morphology and turnover to promote spermatid maturation.
Increasing the Availability of Automated External Defibrillators at Sporting Events: A Call to Action from the American College of Sports Medicine
Authors: Thompson Paul D. , Baggish Aaron L. , Blaha Michael J. , Brawner Clinton A. , Eickhoff-Shemek JoAnn M. , Hunt Tamerah N. , Kraus William E.
Published: August 2021

Given that most sudden cardiac arrests (SCAs) occur outside of a medical facility, often in association with exercise and sporting events, and given that early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) plus defibrillation is the strongest predictor of survival from SCA, this Call to Action from the American College of Sports Medicine recommends increasing the availability and effectiveness of early CPR plus defibrillation so that the time from collapse-to-first automated external defibrillator shock is less than 3 min.
Child Development with the D-Score - Preface
Authors: Black Maureen M.
Published: August 2021

The foundations of adult health and wellbeing have their origins early in life, often measured by children’s early growth and development. A valid and easily interpretable metric is needed to interpret the underlying latent construct of early childhood development that can represent change and is comparable across cultures and contexts.
Factors of slowing down the economic growth of modern Russia
Authors: Basovskaya Elena , Basovskiy Leonid
Published: August 2021

The study of the influence of the Federal laws adopted in Russia on the rate of economic growth made it possible to establish that since 2005, lawmaking has hindered the growth of the Russian economy. In the work, a model of the dependence of the rates of economic growth on the number of employees of state authorities and local self-government obtained. The model shows that the number of employees of state authorities and local self-government determines the rate of economic growth by one third, and the increase in their number causes a decrease in the rate of economic growth. Excessive number of employees of state authorities and local self-government, enforcing these laws, inhibits economic growth. To assess the possibility of increasing human capital due to the functioning of the education system, the value of the «education premium» estimated. The obtained results of the assessment of the «premium for education» indicate that the education system in modern Russia is losing its role as a means of forming human capital. In the period from 2009 to 2019, premiums for secondary vocational, secondary (complete) general and basic general education were completely lost. The premium for higher education has more than halved; by 2027, the premium for higher education for employed workers will also be completely lost. The loss by the institution of education of the role of a means of forming human capital is due to continuous ineffective reforms in education.
Technoparks, Industrial Parks and Special Economic Zones As a Modern Tool for Renovating Industrial Sites and Creating Conditions for the Development of Industrial Production in Russia
Authors: Radygina S.
Published: August 2021

The organization of industrial production according to the type of industrial park is considered the most effective way to support small and medium-sized enterprises in the real sector of the economy, ensuring socio-economic growth and the development of the national economy. The article considers the essence of the industrial park, its distinctive aspects, proves its economic efficiency in the process of economic activity based on the analysis of key indicators: the number, occupancy of residents, the number of jobs created, the total number of production areas. The dynamics of the number of industrial parks, both existing and created, was analyzed, the reasons for their further growth and development were highlighted. The importance of state support from federal and regional authorities is revealed, existing and planned measures are described, and some trends related to the functioning of specialized production sites are highlighted.
Principles of Integrated Thinking in the Information Support of Small Village De-velopment Management
Authors: Eremeeva Ol'ga
Published: August 2021

The preservation and development of small rural areas, effective planning and management of them is impossible without high-quality basic information, reliable information support. The search for effective ways to collect, summarize and present information in order to manage the development of small villages is urgent. At the moment, there is a lack of regular, systematic, complete public reporting on small villages. Statistical reporting is not sufficient, and one of its drawbacks is that it only takes into account past events. At the same time, new types of reporting are developing in the world, the task of which is to disclose the future state of an economic entity. The article proposes to introduce the elements of integrated reporting in the management of small rural areas. The definition of integrated territory reporting is given. The study shows the possibility of applying the principles of integrated thinking of organizations (adopted by the International Committee on Integrated Reporting) to the process of managing territories and small villages. Integrated thinking involves making decisions and actions focused on the vision of the Territory's future. The following principles of integrated thinking are highlighted and described as particularly significant: strategic focus and focus on the future, coherence of information, interaction with stakeholders. The preparation of an integrated report can be a competitive advantage for the territory in obtaining state support and attracting investment.
Przestrzeń kosmiczna w strategii bezpieczeństwa narodowego USA
Authors: Czajkowski Marek
Published: August 2021

OUTER SPACE IN THE SECURITY STRATEGY OF THE UNITED STATES This book contributes to a necessary effort to understand the impact of human activities in outer space on international security. Its specific task is to grasp the changing role of space applications for the security of the United States. It is not, however, a treatise on military doctrine or modern warfare, neither it is a handbook on technology. Instead, it utilizes paradigms of international relations to extract the political dimension out of this so highly technical issue. The book contains five chapters. In the first chapter, we find the analysis of some theoretical and legal aspects of the relationship between human activities in outer space and security with its multiple dimensions. The considerations of chapter two revolve around the science and technology of space applications with special attention to security issues. It is not, however, a technical manual but rather the comprehensive, general description of the characteristics of outer space presented for the sake of comprehensiveness of the whole argument. Chapter three contains a description of the historical background, which means the evolution of military space applications. But again, it does not provide detailed technical knowledge but rather concentrates on the political and strategic dimension. Chapter four is the essential part of the book as it depicts the space security policy of the United States against the background of the general international strategy of the U.S. And finally, chapter five contains some thoughts about specific issues related to the space security. The most general findings expressed in this book are as follows. Firstly, the core elements of the United States international strategy and foreign policy rely heavily on the unhampered use of space applications. But, secondly, the capabilities that these applications provide with, are increasingly contested by many international players. These competitors not only have the abilities to negate some of the American space-borne capabilities, but also create their own, similar. The latter contributes greatly to the narrowing of the technology advantage of the U.S. over its peers. And thirdly, this problematic situation will persist, compelling the United States to at least try to reverse the process of loosing of what is sometimes called the space hegemony.
Stasis in Corcyra: who was fighting there?
Authors: Miśkiewicz Radosław
Published: August 2021

In this paper, I am attempting to present a different perspective on a famous passage from Thucydides’ Peloponnesian War (Thuc. 3.69–3.85), on the so called stasis in Corcyra island. Many scholars have scrutinized that passage in order to define what the stasis was or to fit it into the historian’s work. My aim is to elucidate the concrete case in Corcyra, not the model of the stasis in general. In this article, I analyse the source to find the answers to the main question, that is, who really was fighting in Corcyra (looking beyond simple dichotomy, which is stressed by Thucydides). I elaborate on the origins of the conflict, the role of individuals, the chief and background groups engaged in the strife and the process of gradation of the stasis, where the neutral status is practically impossible. I am trying to interpret this case of stasis not only as a struggle between democrats with oligarchs, but (what is equally important) as a commixture of different people or bodies of people, who often, in fact, were merely random dwellers (not only citizens) of the island.
An Absent Text of a Civilised Literary Man
Authors: Kunicki Wojciech
Published: August 2021

In this paper the author tries to answer the question of what factors caused the great German author Thomas Mann to accept the official goals of World War I by focusing on his Reflections of a Non-political Man. It also discusses Thomas Mann’s disagreements with his brother Heinrich Mann and his polemics with the ideas specific to the mainstream liberal thinking. Additionally, the article considers the context of the Polish reception of Thomas Mann. The author also discusses the problem of the topicality of the writer‘s attitude.
The ambulance service advanced practitioner's role in supporting care homes: a qualitative study of care staff experiences
Authors: Harvey Chris , Froggatt Simon , Lightowler Bryan , Hodge Andrew
Published: August 2021

Background/Aims

The demand from care homes on NHS services continues to rise, with little evidence of ambulance service contribution in this area. The Yorkshire Ambulance Service provides an advanced practitioner model to support care homes in Sheffield, as an alternative to calling 999. This study investigated the experiences and needs of the care home staff who use the ambulance service advanced practitioner model.

Methods

This qualitative study conducted semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with 19 staff members from 10 different care home settings. Thematic analysis using a combination of NVivo and manual coding was undertaken.

Results

The three key themes from the interviews were variations in service demand, the service user's expectations and experience, and benefits to residents. Participants reported that good community services reduced the need to call 999, empowering carers to support residents to remain in the community.

Conclusions

Care homes require comprehensive services that meet their needs. The advanced practitioner model provided by the ambulance service supports this, preventing unnecessary 999 calls and fitting with other community service provision.
Does the ageing population correctly predict the need for medical beds?: Part one: fundamental principles
Authors: Jones Rodney P
Published: August 2021

The World War II baby boom, coupled with increasing life expectancy, will lead to increasing numbers of deaths for the next 40 years. The last year of life represents a large proportion (55%) of lifetime hospital bed occupancy. This is called the nearness to death effect. However, the nearness to death effect has not been factored into NHS capacity planning, which largely relies on age-based forecasting, often called the ageing population. In certain locations, deaths are predicted to rise far more rapidly than the national average of 1% per annual growth. These locations are highly susceptible to capacity pressures emanating from the nearness to death effect, which is not compatible with recent policies that aim to build smaller hospitals. This article is the first of a two-part series discussing these trends in deaths and bed demand, as well as the likely impact on NHS capacity and the implications for the NHS funding formula.
Sexual history taking in primary care
Authors: Kipps Sarah
Published: August 2021

Sexual history can be neglected in a routine nursing or medical assessment. Sarah Kipps gives tips to assist in making a sexual history taking session as comfortable as possible for both health professional and patient

Practitioners in primary care are in a unique position to improve the sexual health of men and women. They can do this by introducing the topic of sexual health into their everyday consultations and thereby normalising the subject as part of routine health for the patient. There is evidence that health professionals find sexual history taking to be one of the more challenging aspects of a consultation. There are a number of different reasons for this: feeling not equipped to ask questions of such a sensitive nature; fear of opening a ‘can of worms’ which cannot be dealt with; and the general social embarrassment and difficulties experienced talking about sex in general. This article will give health professionals some tips and guides to assist in making a sexual history taking session as comfortable as possible for both health professional and patient.
Metrological traceability method for atomic absolute gravimeters
Authors: Zhu Dong , Zhou Yin , Wu Bin , Weng Kanxing , Wang Kainan , Cheng Bing , Lin Qiang
Published: August 2021

Cold atomic gravimeters are attracting more and more attention and activity in the area of gravity measurement and comparison, and the corresponding methods for measurement and traceability need to be explored. Based on two self-developed cold atomic gravimeters, research on the comparison and traceability methods of absolute gravity measurement was carried out. The entire gravity measurement traceability process is divided into two stages: the preliminary traceability in the laboratory and the formal traceability in the absolute gravity reference station. Through comparison of two atomic gravimeters (ZAG-E and ZAG-B) in the laboratory, the degree of equivalence

D
D

and the normalized deviation

E
n

of ZAG-E are obtained, which are

−

2.7

±

7.6

µ

G
a
l

(

k
=

2

) and

−

0.3599

, respectively. Relative to the absolute gravity reference at the National Institute of Metrology (NIM) in China,

D
D

and

E
n

of ZAG-E are

0.5

±

12.0

µ

G
a
l

(

k
=

2

) and 0.0417, respectively.

|

E
n

|

≤

1

in the two traceability stages, so the results of two traceability stages are acceptable, which indicates the consistency of the comparisons is good. Finally, the absolute gravity measurement value of ZAG-E is traced to the SI units, ensuring its accuracy. A gravity traceability method for atomic gravimeters is given and is very beneficial for the applications of atomic gravimeters in metrology and other fields.
Low-cost whole slide imaging system with single-shot autofocusing based on color-multiplexed illumination and deep learning
Authors: Xin Kaifa , Jiang Shaowei , Chen Xu , He Yonghong , Zhang Jian , Wang Hongpeng , Liu Honghai , Peng Qin , Zhang Yongbing , Ji Xiangyang
Published: August 2021

Recent research on whole slide imaging (WSI) has greatly promoted the development of digital pathology. However, accurate autofocusing is still the main challenge for WSI acquisition and automated digital microscope. To address this problem, this paper describes a low cost WSI system and proposes a fast, robust autofocusing method based on deep learning. We use a programmable LED array for sample illumination. Before the brightfield image acquisition, we turn on a red and a green LED, and capture a color-multiplexed image, which is fed into a neural network for defocus distance estimation. After the focus tracking process, we employ a low-cost DIY adaptor to digitally adjust the photographic lens instead of the mechanical stage to perform axial position adjustment, and acquire the in-focus image under brightfield illumination. To ensure the calculation speed and image quality, we build a network model based on a ‘light weight’ backbone network architecture-MobileNetV3. Since the color-multiplexed coherent illuminated images contain abundant information about the defocus orientation, the proposed method enables high performance of autofocusing. Experimental results show that the proposed method can accurately predict the defocus distance of various types of samples and has good generalization ability for new types of samples. In the case of using GPU, the processing time for autofocusing is less than 0.1 second for each field of view, indicating that our method can further speed up the acquisition of whole slide images.
Low loss and high extinction ratio all-silicon TM-pass polarizer with reflection removal enabled by contra-mode conversion Bragg-gratings
Authors: Wu Shengbao , Hao Jinxin , Zhao Zhicheng , Yao X. Steve
Published: August 2021

Bragg-gratings have been frequently used to design compact and high extinction ratio (ER) on-chip polarizers. However, the strong reflection of the unwanted polarization may deteriorate the performance of the light source or cause unwanted interferences. In this paper, we propose a Bragg-grating-based all-silicon TM-pass polarizer with low reflection, low insertion loss (IL) and high ER. Unlike previously reported polarizers based on single mode waveguides, we construct the Bragg grating with a multimode waveguide, which not only acts as a Bragg reflector, but also a mode-order converter to convert the reflected TE light into higher order modes to be eventually filtered out by utilizing a tapered transition. On the other hand, the grating has little adverse influence on the TM input light since it works at sub-wavelength-guided wave propagation regime. Finally, the polarizer obtained has a length of 30µm, an ER of 51.83dB, an IL of 0.08dB, and an operating bandwidth of ∼61nm for ER > 30dB at the wavelength of 1.55µm. More importantly, the reflection of the unwanted polarization is suppressed to −12.6dB, which can be further lowered via additional design optimization. Our work points to a new direction for making better on-chip polarizers.
Lasing in 15 atm CO2 cell optically pumped by a Fe:ZnSe laser
Authors: Tovey Dana , Pigeon Jeremy , Tochitsky Sergei , Louwrens Gerhard , Ben-Zvi Ilan , Martyshkin Dmitry , Fedorov Vladimir , Karki Krishna , Mirov Sergey , Joshi Chan
Published: August 2021

10 µm lasing is studied in a compact CO2-He cell pressurized up to 15 atm when optically pumped by a ∼50 mJ Fe:ZnSe laser tunable around 4.3 µm. The optimal pump wavelength and partial pressure of CO2 for generating 10 µm pulses are found to be ∼4.4 µm and 0.75 atm, respectively. Without cavity optimization, the optical-to-optical conversion efficiency reached ∼10% at a total pressure of 7 atm. The gain lifetime is measured to be ∼1 µs at pressures above 10 atm, indicating the feasibility of using high-pressure optically pumped CO2 for the efficient amplification of picosecond 10 µm pulses.
On-chip Mach Zehnder interferometer-based all-optical amplitude regenerator for optical 16-QAM signals
Authors: Guo Biao , Wu Baojian , Wang Yaxin , Wen Feng , Geng Yong , Zhou Heng , Qiu Kun
Published: August 2021

We propose an on-chip all-optical multilevel amplitude regenerator scheme over a Mach Zehnder interferometer (MZI) configuration, enabling multiple amplitude-noise suppression on 16-QAM signals. Joint parameter optimization is carried out based on the general nonlinear model of the proposed scheme to significantly reduce the phase distortion caused by the nonlinear interferometer, which is the key to perform the phase preserving operation. The full function of the phase-preserving amplitude regeneration (PPAR) is verified by an experiment on an on-chip nonlinear waveguide with the length of the 2.31 cm. Furthermore, we perform thoughtful investigations on the oscillatory behavior achieved by the silicon MZI regenerator, enabling the full PPAR on 16-QAM signals through the optimized multiple power plateaus. A maximum 1.6 dB improvement of signal quality is achieved by the proposed on-chip amplitude regenerator at the input signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 25 dB. The impact from the two-photon absorption (TPA) effect as an positive role in the regenerator is also well discussed.