bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multimodal neuroimaging markers of variation in cognitive ability in older HIV+ men
Authors: Fernandez Cruz Ana Lucia , Chen Chien-Ming , Sanford Ryan , Collins D. Louis , Brouillette Marie-Josée , Mayo Nancy E. , Fellows Lesley K.
Published: July 2021

Objective

This study used converging methods to examine the neural substrates of cognitive ability in middle-aged and older men with well-controlled HIV infection.

Methods

Seventy-six HIV+ men on antiretroviral treatment completed an auditory oddball task and an inhibitory control (Simon) task while time-locked high-density EEG was acquired; 66 had usable EEG data from one or both tasks; structural MRI was available for 43. We investigated relationships between task-evoked EEG responses, cognitive ability and immunocompromise. We also explored the structural correlates of these EEG markers in the sub-sample with complete EEG and MRI data (N = 27).

Results

EEG activity was associated with cognitive ability at later (P300) but not earlier stages of both tasks. Only the oddball task P300 was reliably associated with HIV severity (nadir CD4). Source localization confirmed that the tasks engaged partially distinct circuits. Thalamus volume correlated with oddball task P300 amplitude, while globus pallidus volume was related to the P300 in both tasks.

Interpretation

This is the first study to use task-evoked EEG to identify neural correlates of individual differences in cognition in men living with well-controlled HIV infection, and to explore the structural basis of the EEG markers. We found that EEG responses evoked by the oddball task are more reliably related to cognitive performance than those evoked by the Simon task. We also provide preliminary evidence for a subcortical contribution to the effects of HIV infection severity on P300 amplitudes. These results suggest brain mechanisms and candidate biomarkers for individual differences in cognition in HIV.
Identification for surrogate drought tolerance in maize inbred lines utilizing high-throughput phenomics approach
Authors: Dar Zahoor A. , Dar Showket A. , Khan Jameel A. , Lone Ajaz A. , Langyan Sapna , Lone B. A. , Kanth R. H. , Iqbal Asif , Rane Jagdish , Wani Shabir H. , Alfarraj Saleh , Alharbi Sulaiman Ali , Brestic Marian , Ansari Mohammad Javed
Published: July 2021

Screening for drought tolerance requires precise techniques like phonemics, which is an emerging science aimed at non-destructive methods allowing large-scale screening of genotypes. Large-scale screening complements genomic efforts to identify genes relevant for crop improvement. Thirty maize inbred lines from various sources (exotic and indigenous) maintained at Dryland Agriculture Research Station were used in the current study. In the automated plant transport and imaging systems (LemnaTec Scanalyzer system for large plants), top and side view images were taken of the VIS (visible) and NIR (near infrared) range of the light spectrum to capture phenes. All images were obtained with a thermal imager. All sensors were used to collect images one day after shifting the pots from the greenhouse for 11 days. Image processing was done using pre-processing, segmentation and flowered by features’ extraction. Different surrogate traits such as pixel area, plant aspect ratio, convex hull ratio and calliper length were estimated. A strong association was found between canopy temperature and above ground biomass under stress conditions. Promising lines in different surrogates will be utilized in breeding programmes to develop mapping populations for traits of interest related to drought resilience, in terms of improved tissue water status and mapping of genes/QTLs for drought traits.
Determining the critical factors of air-conditioning innovation using an integrated model of fuzzy Kano-QFD during the COVID-19 pandemic: The perspective of air purification
Authors: Yu Yinyun , Li Congdong , Yang Weiming , Xu Wei
Published: July 2021

At present, people are demanding better indoor air quality during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to maintaining the basic functions, new air-conditioning should also add air purification functions to improve indoor air quality and reduce the possibility of virus transmission. Nowadays, there is lack of research results on the innovation of air-conditioning. The aim of this study is to present a two-stage mathematical model for identifying critical manufacturing factors in the innovation process of air conditioning. In this paper, Kano and quality function deployment (QFD) are used to analyze the critical factors affecting air-conditioning innovation. Some studies have proposed using Kano-QFD model to analyze product innovation, but the study only studies one stage, which loses the analysis of the subsequent stages of product innovation. Based on this, this paper studies the priority method of two-stage critical factors for air-conditioning innovation. Firstly, the questionnaire survey and fuzzy sets are used to collect demand information of multi-agent (customers and professional technicians). Secondly, the Kano model is used to classify and calculate satisfaction of multi-agent. Then, QFD is used to transform multi-agent demands into engineering property indexes (first stage) and technical property indexes (second stage) and calculate the weight of each index. Finally, the applicability and superiority of this method is illustrated by taking the central air-conditioning as an example.
Comparison of development of step-kinematics of assisted 60 m sprints with different pulling forces between experienced male and female sprinters
Authors: van den Tillaar Roland
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study was to compare step-by-step kinematics of normal and assisted 60 m sprints with different loads in experienced sprinters. Step-by-step kinematics were measured using inertial measuring units (IMU) integrated with a 3-axis gyroscope and a laser gun in 24 national level male and female sprinters during a normal 60 m sprint and sprints with a 3, 4, and 5 kg pulling force. The main findings were that using increasing assisted loads resulted in faster 60 m times, as a result of higher step velocity mainly caused by longer step lengths in both genders and by shorter contact times in women. Men had longer step lengths, longer contact times, and shorter flight times than women. However, the assisted loads had a greater effect on women than on men, as shown by their larger decrease in sprint times. These time differences in gender were the result of more and longer duration increases in maximal step velocity with increasing assisted loads for women (70–80% of distance) than men (65–70% of distance). This was mainly caused by shorter contact times, and by more increased step lengths in women compared to men. In terms of practical application, it is notable that employing this approach, when using assisted loads can help athletes to reach higher step velocities and hold this for longer, which may be a training impulse to move the speed barrier upwards.
COVID-19 severity and mortality in multiple sclerosis are not associated with immunotherapy: Insights from a nation-wide Austrian registry
Authors: Bsteh Gabriel , Assar Hamid , Hegen Harald , Heschl Bettina , Leutmezer Fritz , Di Pauli Franziska , Gradl Christiane , Traxler Gerhard , Zulehner Gudrun , Rommer Paulus , Wipfler Peter , Guger Michael , Enzinger Christian , Berger Thomas ,   for the AUT-MuSC investigators
Published: July 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic challenges neurologists in counselling patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) regarding their risk by SARS-CoV-2 and in guiding disease-modifying treatment (DMT).

Objective

To characterize the prevalence and outcome of COVID-19 in pwMS specifically associated with different DMT in a nationwide population-based study.

Methods

We included patients aged ≥18 years with a confirmed diagnosis of MS and a diagnosis of COVID-19 established between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020. We classified COVID-19 course as either mild, severe or fatal. Impact of DMT and specifically immunosuppressants (alemtuzumab, cladribine, fingolimod, ocrelizumab or rituximab) on COVID-19 outcome was determined by multivariable models, adjusted for a-priori-risk.

Results

Of 126 MS patients with COVID-19 (mean age 43.2 years [SD 13.4], 71% female), 86.5% had a mild course, 9.5% a severe course and 3.2% died from COVID-19. A-priori-risk significantly predicted COVID-19 severity (R2 0.814; p<0.001) and mortality (R2 0.664; p<0.001). Adjusting for this a-priori-risk, neither exposure to any DMT nor exposure to specific immunosuppressive DMT were significantly associated with COVID-19 severity (odds ratio [OR] 1.6; p = 0.667 and OR 1.9; p = 0.426) or mortality (OR 0.5; p = 0.711 and 2.1; 0.233) when compared to no DMT.

Conclusions

In a population-based MS cohort, COVID-19 outcome was not associated with exposure to DMT and immunosuppressive DMT when accounting for other already known risk factors. This provides reassuring evidence that COVID-19 risk can be individually anticipated in MS and–except for a very small proportion of high-risk patients–treatment decisions should be primarily focused on treating MS rather than the pandemic.
An evaluation of factors that may influence clinicians’ decisions not to enroll eligible patients into randomized trials in critical care
Authors: Ramanan Mahesh , Billot Laurent , Rajbhandari Dorrilyn , Myburgh John , Venkatesh Balasubramanian
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To determine the association between intensive care unit (ICU) characteristics and clinicians’ decision to decline eligible patients for randomization into a multicentered pragmatic comparative-effectiveness controlled trial.

Methods

Screening logs from the Adjunctive Glucocorticoid Therapy in Septic Shock Trial (ADRENAL) and site-level data from the College of Intensive Care Medicine and Australia New Zealand Intensive Care Society were examined. The effects of ICU characteristics such as tertiary academic status, research coordinator availability, number of admissions, and ICU affiliations on clinicians declining to randomize eligible patients were calculated using mixed effects logistic regression modelling.

Results

There were 21,818 patients screened for inclusion in the ADRENAL trial at 69 sites across five countries, out of which 5,501 were eligible, 3,800 were randomized and 659 eligible patients were declined for randomization by the treating clinician. The proportion of eligible patients declined by clinicians at individual ICUs ranged from 0 to41%. In the multivariable model, none of the ICU characteristics were significantly associated with higher clinician decline rate.

Conclusions

Neither tertiary academic status, nor other site-level variables were significantly associated with increased rate of clinicians declining eligible patients.
Hematological abnormalities and comorbidities are associated with COVID-19 severity among hospitalized patients: Experience from Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md. Ashrafur , Shanjana Yeasna , Tushar Md. Ismail , Mahmud Tarif , Rahman Ghazi Muhammad Sayedur , Milan Zahid Hossain , Sultana Tamanna , Chowdhury Ali Mohammed Lutful Hoq , Bhuiyan Mohiuddin Ahmed , Islam Md. Rabiul , Reza Hasan Mahmud
Published: July 2021

Background

The hematological abnormalities are assumed to be involved in the disease progression of COVID-19. However, the actual associations between specific blood parameters and COVID-19 are not well understood. Here we aimed to assess the correlations between hematological parameters and the severity of COVID-19.

Methods

We included COVID-19 patients who were admitted to Evercare Hospital Ltd, Dhaka, Bangladesh, between November 10, 2020, to April 12, 2021, with a confirmed case of RT-PCR test. We recorded demographic information, clinical data, and routine hematological examination results of all COVID-19 patients. We performed statistical analyses and interpretation of data to compare severe COVID-19 patients (SCP) and non-severe COVID-19 patients (NSCP).

Results

The age and BMI of the admitted COVID-19 patients were 48.79±8.53 years and 25.82±3.75 kg/m2. This study included a total of 306 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Among them, NSCP and SCP were 198 and 108, respectively. And we recorded 12 deaths from SCP. We observed the alterations of several hematological parameters between SCP and NSCP. Among them, we noticed the increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), d-dimer, and ferritin showed good indicative value to evaluate the severity of COVID-19. Also, there were positive correlations among these parameters. Moreover, we found correlations between the outcomes of COVID-19 patients with patient’s demographics and comorbid diseases.

Conclusion

Based on our results, CRP, d-dimer, and ferritin levels at admission to hospitals represent simple assessment factors for COVID-19 severity and the treatment decisions at the hospital setup. These blood parameters could serve as indicators for the prognosis and severity of COVID-19. Therefore, our study findings might help to develop a treatment protocol for COVID-19 patients at the hospital setup.
Ramón Pérez de Ayala y el paisaje de alta montaña
Authors: Canals Piñas Jorge
Published: July 2021

Ramón Pérez de Ayala (1880-1962) se cuenta entre los raros escritores españoles contemporáneos en los que la naturaleza y el paisaje de montaña asumen un papel de relieve, cuanto menos en su primera fase de producción. Nuestro análisis parte de Tinieblas en las cumbres (1907), lo que nos permite adentrarnos en la sensibilidad que Alberto Díaz de Guzmán (alter ego de Pérez de Ayala y protagonista de la tetralogía juvenil del escritor asturiano) muestra respecto a la naturaleza. Tendremos asimismo en cuenta el conjunto de reportajes que Pérez de Ayala escribió en 1916, en el curso de una misión periodística que le llevó al frente alpino italiano, en calidad de enviado especial para los periódicos La Prensa (Buenos Aires) y El Imparcial (Madrid), durante el primer conflicto mundial. Un análisis comparado entre los textos nos permite examinar el cambio que en menos de una década se produce en la visión de Pérez de Ayala que, frente a la acción de las fuerzas oscuras de la naturaleza, parte de un posicionamiento inicial que pone al descubierto una actitud firmemente anclada en la tradición cultural latina y humanística. Ello no obsta para que apenas una década más tarde se produzca un cambio de perspectiva (condicionado por el pensamiento de Friedrich Nietzsche y la obra lírica de Gabriele D’Annunzio) que tiene mucho de ideológico: ensalzará entonces al hombre nuevo curtido en el conflicto guerrero y capaz de vencer a la naturaleza, que se erige como antagonista.
Anábasis de Efraín Barquero: Aproximación a un exotismo en el tiempo
Authors: Rodajo Ureta Julio Alberto
Published: July 2021

El presente trabajo da cuenta de la forma en que Efraín Barquero (1931-2020), en su poemario El viento de los reinos (Editorial Nascimento, 1967/Ediciones Lastarria, 2019), poetiza una China imaginaria, donde resulta fundamental la articulación de un hablante extranjero habitando lo desconocido. El mencionado libro es contacto concreto, producto del viaje que realiza en 1962 a China, lo cual le posibilita componer una reescritura del mundo y de sus obsesiones poéticas, sublimando el entorno en pos de un diálogo con los elementos primordiales y en busca del origen universal de lo humano. A partir de esta develación, se postula que el poemario compone su propio acercamiento a lo remoto, no para intentar formar parte de ello, sino para encontrarse a sí mismo en la “experiencia exótica” teorizada por Victor Segalen; por lo tanto, suspender, por momentos, la diferencia entre hablante y entorno, sugiere el acto estético como una reelaboración de los temas y pulsiones esenciales de su poética, ahora arraigados en una cultura distante e impenetrable.
Nueva ruralidad en la novela española contemporánea: un enfoque ecocrítico
Authors: Mougoyanni Hennessy Christina
Published: July 2021

Desde una perspectiva ecocrítica, analizamos la interacción entre la naturaleza y la configuración social de los personajes en algunas de las obras y autores más representativos de la nueva ruralidad en la literatura española contemporánea. Nuestro objetivo es poner de manifiesto las contradicciones existentes entre el desarrollo económico y social que se ha dado desde la Modernidad y la sostenibilidad medioambiental. La narrativa rural fue un subgénero muy cultivado durante la dictadura franquista, pero decayó con el desarrollo económico y la llegada de la democracia, al relacionar el espacio urbano con la modernidad, reflejo inevitable de la evolución de la sociedad española. Sin embargo, desde comienzos del siglo XXI y especialmente en los años de fuerte crisis económico financiera sufrida durante casi una década, ha surgido una serie de autores que proponen el retorno a lo rural para recuperar una vida en la que es posible el equilibrio medioambiental y asimismo encontrar unos códigos éticos que alejen a la persona de la deshumanización de las grandes ciudades.
El autor ante su obra: Autoanálisis de Javier Enríquez Serralde de “El ambiente mundial de la posteridad: un viaje en 2049 narrado desde 2836 en la novela Las Trinas Cuadras”
Authors: Enríquez Serralde Javier
Published: July 2021

La novela Las Trinas Cuadras, como relato de viaje que introduce el cambio ambiental y su impacto en un futuro lejano. Es un libro que rompe, los esquemas de la temporalidad y los patrones establecidos de la lengua. En este artículo describo algunos aspectos de la novela y cómo dirigen a una comprensión holística de las temáticas entrelazadas en historias intertemporales, científicas, literarias y lingüísticas. Se examina la narrativa tejida con neologismos, desarrollada con una amalgama léxica ficticia que sucederá entre 30 y 800 años en el futuro. Propongo que el libro pertenece a un género híbrido o multi-género, lejano de paradigmas fijos y lleno de paradojas. El texto es un mosaico literario que ofrece retos ecocríticos, sociales, científicos, éticos y humanísticos con una visión alternativa del ambiente futuro los de ambientes futuros. La novela refleja una temática compleja construida con un caleidoscopio de estratos lingüísticos que llama a la sonrisa o la reflexión.
Violencia en grupos vulnerables: una mirada desde una perspectiva jurídica y criminológica
Authors: Pérez Nájera Celín
Published: July 2021

La obra Violencia en grupos vulnerables: una mirada desde una perspectiva jurídica y criminológica recoge un conjunto de estudios caracterizados todos ellos por el estudio de la violencia sobre distintos grupos humanos, y a cargo de más de una docena de investigadores. Entre los colectivos analizados se encuentran las mujeres; los adultos mayores; los niños, niñas y adolescentes; se tratan, además, asuntos como la violencia intrafamiliar, o la trata laboral en mujeres indígenas, desde perspectivas comparadas entre países como México y España; o incluso el derecho a la reproducción asistida y la vida familiar en parejas del mismo sexo. Abarcando cada uno de ellos diferentes espacios y territorios, estos estudios versan sobre colectividades de México, Guatemala, España, Cuba,...
Prehabilitation-Driven Changes in Frailty Metrics Predict Mortality in Patients With Advanced Liver Disease
Authors: Lin Fei-Pi , Visina Jacqueline M. , Bloomer Pamela M. , Dunn Michael A. , Josbeno Deborah A. , Zhang Xingyu , Clemente-Sanchez Ana , Tevar Amit D. , Hughes Christopher B. , Jakicic John M. , Duarte-Rojo Andrés
Published: July 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Frailty is a predictor of morbidity and mortality in cirrhosis. Although evidence for prehabilitation is promising, the data for liver transplant (LT) candidates are limited. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a novel prehabilitation strategy on changes in frailty metrics and survival in LT candidates. The secondary aim was to determine liver-related and extrahepatic conditions associated with frailty.

METHODS:

In this ambispective cohort study, all patients underwent frailty assessment using the liver frailty index (LFI), 6-minute walk test, and gait speed test performed by a dedicated physical therapist. Home-based exercise prescription was individualized to each patient's baseline physical fitness.

RESULTS:

We included 517 patients (59% men, median age 61 years, and a model for end-stage liver disease score of 12) evaluated during 936 PT visits. Frailty metrics were affected by age, sex, and liver-related parameters, but not by model for end-stage liver disease. Patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and alcohol-related cirrhosis had worse frailty metrics by all tools. We demonstrated the feasibility of prehabilitation in improving both LFI and 6-minute walk test, particularly in adherent patients. A median LFI improvement of 0.3 in frail patients was associated with improved survival in univariate analysis. Compliance with physical therapist visits (hazards ratio = 0.35 [0.18–0.67] for 2 visits and hazards ratio = 0.54 [0.31–0.94] for ≥3 visits) was independently associated with increased survival.

DISCUSSION:

Prehabilitation improves frailty metrics in LT candidates and is associated with a survival advantage. Our findings provide a framework for the standardized prehabilitation program in LT candidates while prioritizing compliance, adherence, and on-training LFI goal accomplishment.
No Associations Between Regular Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors and Risk of All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality: A Population-Based Cohort of 0.44 Million Participants
Authors: He Qiangsheng , Xia Bin , Meng Wenbo , Fan Die , Kuo Zi-Chong , Huang Junjie , Qin Xiwen , Zou Huachun , He Yulong , Zhang Changhua , Fang Shuo , Pan Yihang , Yang Man , Yuan Jinqiu
Published: July 2021

INTRODUCTION:

The association between proton pump inhibitors' (PPIs) use and mortality remains unclear.

METHODS:

This was a prospective analysis of 440,840 UK residents and 13,154 deaths. We evaluated the associations with multivariate Cox regression.

RESULTS:

After adjusting for confounders, such as over health status and longstanding diseases, the regular use of PPIs was not associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and mortality due to neoplasms, circulatory system diseases, respiratory system diseases, digestive system diseases, external causes, and other causes.

DISCUSSION:

Regular use of PPIs was not associated with an increased risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality.
The Effect of Financing on Credit Risk: Empirically on Indonesian Islamic Banking
Authors: Zaelina Fitri , Nastiti Dwi
Published: July 2021

Islamic banking has an important role in the economy, especially in moving the real sector. Islamic banking provides funding to the public in the form of financing. The financing provided cannot be separated from various risks that can threaten the health of the bank, one of which is financing risk. For that, the purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of financing on financing risk in Islamic banks for the period 2015 to 2020. The method used in this study is quantitative with multiple linear regression analysis techniques. This study uses time-series data and the variables in this study are mudharabah, musyarakah, murabahah, ijarah financing, and total assets as independent variables and NPF as a dependent variable. The results of the study concluded that total assets had a negative and significant effect on NPF and murabahah financing had a positive and significant effect on NPF. Meanwhile, mudharabah, musyarakah, and ijarah financing has no significant effect on NPF.
Validating young learners’ plurilingual repertoires as legitimate linguistic and cultural resources in the EFL classroom
Authors: Cutrim Schmid Euline
Published: July 2021

In the last decades, the applied linguistics literature has increasingly called for more classroom-based research focusing on language teaching approaches that embrace students’ plurilingual repertoires as valuable linguistic and cultural resources for learning and affirm learners’ plurilingual identities as legitimate and appropriate in the classroom context. This paper discusses research findings of an empirical investigation that responded to this call. The study examined the impact of the use of plurilingual tasks in the English as foreign language (EFL) classroom on language learning processes and learners’ identity construction. Five case studies were conducted in four primary schools and one secondary school in Germany. Research data were collected from multiple sources such as field notes, video recording of school lessons, in-depth interviews with teachers, teachers’ reflective journals, anonymous questionnaires, and focus group interviews with learners. The research findings have shown that the use of plurilingual tasks in the EFL classroom created enhanced opportunities for the learners (a) to share aspects of their identities that were previously ignored in the school context (b) to use their diverse language abilities as resources in the language learning process and (c) to be actively involved in explicit reflective thinking about language and culture.
To the problem of forming the equation system for pressure swing adsorption mathematical model
Authors: Golubyatnikov Oleg , Akulinin Evgeny , Dvoretsky Stanislav , Dvoretsky Dmitry
Published: July 2021

The complexity of the pressure swing adsorption (PSA) mathematical model, the need for its multiple calculations to reach the cyclic steady state and a large number of functional dependencies lead to unstable numerical circuits, physically unrealistic oscillations in adsorption profiles, an increase in the calculation time, and the failure of the solver. The paper proposes an approach to optimizing the calculation process, which consists in finding a reasonable balance between the completeness of the PSA mathematical model and the accuracy of the results obtained. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated on the example of air oxygen enrichment and hydrogen recovery from synthesis gas. The gas separation processes were simulated for the two-adsorber PSA unit with a granulated 13X adsorbent. The effect of the changes in the model coefficients on its accuracy in the operating range of input variables is investigated. A distinctive feature of this study is the recommendations for choosing a set of the model equations to calculate the PSA processes which are particularly relevant when solving optimization problems with uncertainty. The productivity, cycle duration, the diameter of the adsorbent particles and the flow rate, at which it is advisable to use the isothermal and external diffusion reduced PSA model in the calculations, are established, which will save at least 24.3 and 47.1% of the CPU time with a small loss in accuracy. The proposed approach can be used to form a set of equations for the PSA, rPSA, ultra rPSA, VSA, VPSA models, separation of various gas mixtures on various adsorbents.
Evaluation of the resilience of the girls with central precocious puberty treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog
Authors: Odabasi Gunes Sevinc , Akin Onur , Eray Safak
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the resilience of girls with central precocious puberty (CPP) during treatment with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) and compare these results with their healthy peers.

Methods

The Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) is a self-report scale used to quantify resilience, which is divided into seven subgroups (hardiness, coping, flexibility, purpose, optimism, regulation of emotion and cognition (REC), and self-efficacy). Fifty-one girls with CPP receiving GnRHa treatment and 51 healthy controls were involved in the study. Anthropometric measurements were evaluated and CD-RISC was performed at least six months after the initiation of GnRHa treatment.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between the anthropometric evaluations of girls with CPP and the control group. Similarly, the total score and subgroup scores of patients with CPP and the control group showed no statistically significant difference. In the correlation analysis, there was a weak negative correlation between height and flexibility (r=−0.314 p=0.025), height SDS and flexibility (r=−0.254 p=0.092), height SDS, and purpose (r=−0.285 p=0.058). Also, there was a weak negative correlation between REC and weight (r=−0.435 p=0.003), REC and weight SDS (r=−0.461 p=0.002), REC and height (r=−0.269 p=0.077), REC and height SDS (r=−0.322 p=0.033), REC and BMI (r=−0.289 p=0.058), and REC and BMI SDS (r=−0.353 p=0.019).

Conclusions

The resilience of girls with CPP treated with GnRHa was found to be similar to their healthy peers. The early diagnosis of the disease and adequate treatment may decrease the discrepancy of somatic changes between girls with CPP and their peers, which may help them to overcome the stress of CPP and long-term treatment.
Influence of pre-analytical sample preparation on drug concentration measurements in peritoneal tissue: an ex-vivo study
Authors: Castagna Arianna , Sautkin Iaroslav , Weinreich Frank-Jürgen , Lee Hannah Heejung , Königsrainer Alfred , Reymond Marc André , Nadiradze Giorgi
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Biopsy morphology (surface/depth ratio) and sample processing might affect pharmacological measurements in peritoneal tissue.

Methods

This is an ex-vivo study on inverted bovine urinary bladders (IBUB). We compared cisplatin (CIS) and doxorubicin (DOX) concentration in 81 standardized transmural punch biopsies of different diameters (6 and 12 mm). Then, we assessed the effect of dabbing the peritoneal surface before analysis. After automatized tissue homogenization with ceramic beads followed by lyophilisation, DOX concentration was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), CIS concentration by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Experiments were performed in triplicate; the analysis was blinded to the sample origin. Comparisons were performed using non-parametric tests.

Results

Concentrations are given in mean (CI 5–95%). Results were reproducible between experiments (for CIS p=0.783, for DOX p=0.235) and between different localizations within the IBUB (for CIS p=0.032, for DOX p=0.663). Biopsy diameter had an influence on CIS tissue concentration (6 mm biopsies: 23.2 (20.3–26.1), vs. 12 mm biopsies: 8.1 (7.2–9.2) ng/mg, p<0.001) but not on DOX: (0.46, 0.29–0.62) vs. 0.43 (0.33–0.54) ng/mg respectively, p=0.248). Dabbing the peritoneal surface reduced DOX tissue concentration (dry biopsies: 0.28 (0.12–0.43) vs. wet biopsies: 0.64 (0.35–0.93) ng/mg, p=0.025) but not CIS (23.5 (19.0–28.0) vs. 22.9 (18.9–26.9) ng/mg, respectively, p=0.735).

Conclusions

Measurements of drug concentration in peritoneal tissue can be influenced by the biopsy’s surface/depth ratio and after drying the biopsy’s surface. This influence can reach a factor three, depending on the drug tested. The biopsy technique and the pre-analytical sample preparation should be standardized to ensure reliable pharmacological measurements in peritoneal tissue.
Experimental study on square hollow stainless steel tube trusses with three joint types and different brace widths under vertical loads
Authors: Kong Wenyuan , Huang Yongfa , Guo Zhan , Zhang Xiaoyong , Chen Yu
Published: July 2021

This article reports the experimental behavior of square hollow stainless steel tubular trusses under static loading. A total of five specimens, including three trusses with K-joint, one truss with N-joint, and one truss with T-joint, were tested to study the effect of different outer widths of brace members and the types of joint on the flexural performance of square hollow stainless steel tubular trusses. The failure modes, flexural rigidity, load carrying capacity, ductility, load versus displacement curves, and load versus strain curves of all the tested specimens are presented. It can be seen that the chords of all specimens experienced surface plasticity. The test results indicate that the specimen with T-joint has the best ductility. The flexural rigidity of the truss with the K-joint is better than that of specimens with N-joint or T-joint. The flexural rigidity of trusses with the K-joint was found to increase with the increase of outer width (D) of the brace members varying from 38 to 80 mm. Besides, the load-carrying capacity per unit weight of the specimen with T-joint is better than that of specimens with N-joint or K-joint.
Global attracting sets of neutral stochastic functional integro-differential equations driven by a fractional Brownian motion
Authors: Bakka A. , Hajji S. , Kiouach D.
Published: July 2021

By means of the Banach fixed point principle, we establish some sufficient conditions ensuring the existence of the global attracting sets of neutral stochastic functional integrodifferential equations with finite delay driven by a fractional Brownian motion (fBm) with Hurst parameter

H
∈

(

1
2

,
1
)

{H\in(\frac{1}{2},1)}

in a Hilbert space.
Time-specific average estimation of dynamic panel regressions
Authors: Chu Ba
Published: July 2021

This paper introduces an unbiased estimator based on least squares involving time-specific cross-sectional averages for a first-order panel autoregression with a strictly exogenous covariate. The proposed estimator is straightforward to implement as long as the variables of interest have sufficient time variation. The number of cross-sections (N) and the number of time periods (T) can be large, and there is no restriction on the growth rate of N relative to T. It is demonstrated via both theory and a simulation study that the estimator is asymptotically unbiased, and it can provide correct empirical coverage probabilities for the ‘true’ coefficients of the model for various combinations of N and T. An empirical application is also provided to confirm the feasibility of the proposed approach.
Unmasking the Weakness of Liberalism: Why the Future of the Liberal Order Is in Danger and What We Can Do to Safeguard It
Authors: Crawford Ames Beverly
Published: July 2021

Liberal democracy is in decline across the globe. Why? The literature provides many answers, i.e., a decline in the power and gatekeeping role of political parties (Lavinsky and Ziblatt), the role of intellectuals (Applebaum), changes in political campaign financing (Balkin), the anti-liberal influence of Donald Trump (Kendzior), the flaws of “democracy” itself (Mounk), to name just a few. Most scholars, however, neglect the underlying causes of these proximate phenomena. In this essay I take a sociological and social-psychological approach to explore the underlying causes. I focus on liberal democracy’s decline in the Industrial West, particularly the United States. I argue that this decline can be partly attributed to the inherent weaknesses/limitations of liberalism, exacerbated in the 21st century by neo-liberal economic forces and digital technology. I contend that liberal values of equality, tolerance, the rule of law, and rational debate chafe against the sacrosanct entrenchment of the neo-liberal free market and its laissez-faire ideology, as well as the inherent liberal neglect of the human need for status, community, heroes, and the impulse to unleash passionate grievances. This chafing has now opened lesions in liberal institutions, exacerbated by widespread disinformation and obscene inequality, I offer three suggestions to strengthen 21st century liberalism: government regulation of social media to censure hate speech and disinformation, new taxes on wealth to reduce economic inequality, and an expansion of the public realm—parks, libraries, beaches, public schools, etc., where “money doesn’t matter.” This last suggestion is crucial. Because economic inequality and precarity will persist in a liberal democratic society even when taxation is more equitable, expansion of the public realm is needed to reduce the impact of inequality in liberal democratic society.
The interaction between Tu-Izumo1 and Tu-JUNO is involved in turtles hybridization
Authors: Dong Jinxiu , Liu Siqi , Wang Ziming , Zheng Kai , Yang Mengli , Liu Jianjun , Nie Liuwang
Published: July 2021

The specificity of sperm–egg recognition is crucial to species independence, and two proteins (Izumo1 and JUNO) are essential for gamete adhesion/fusion in mammals. However, hybridization, which is very common in turtles, also requires specific recognition of sperm–egg binding proteins. In this study, we discovered that natural selection plays an important role in the codon usage bias of Tu-Izumo1 and Tu-JUNO. Positively selected sites and co-evolutionary analyses between Tu-Izumo1 and Tu-JUNO have been previously reported, and we confirm these results in a larger analysis containing 25 turtle species. We also showed that Tu-JUNO is expressed on the oocyte surface and that Tu-Izumo1 and Tu-JUNO interact with each other directly in different species hybridization combinations. Co-immunization assays revealed that this interaction is evolutionarily conserved in turtles. The results of avidity-based extracellular interaction screening between Tu-Izumo1 and Tu-JUNO for sperm–oocyte binding pairs (both within and across species) likely suggest that the interaction force between Izumo1 and JUNO has a certain correlation in whether the turtles can hybridize. Our results lay a theoretical foundation for the subsequent development of techniques to detect whether different turtle species can interbreed, which would provide the molecular basis for breeding management and species protection of turtles.
La fábula invertida o sobre la amoralidad de la fábula: a propósito de la fábula como herramienta de interpretación antropológica
Authors: Cárdenas López Gustavo Adolfo
Published: July 2021

Usualmente se entiende la fábula como aquella narración en el cual hay personajes (principalmente animales) que, no siendo humanos, se comportan como si lo fueran, sin embargo, en este trabajo se intentará mostrar que es posible que en dichos relatos no son los animales los que se humanizan, sino el humano quien se bestializa, y que dicha perspectiva nos permitirá entender la fábula como una herramienta de interpretación antropológica.
Designing for Collective Intelligence and Community Resilience on Social Networks
Authors: Chamberlain Jon , Turpin Benjamin , Ali Maged , Chatsiou Kakia , O'Callaghan Kirsty
Published: July 2021

The popularity and ubiquity of social networks has enabled a new form of decentralised online collaboration: groups of users gathering around a central theme and working together to solve problems, complete tasks and develop social connections. Groups that display such `organic collaboration' have been shown to solve tasks quicker and more accurately than other methods of crowdsourcing. They can also enable community action and resilience in response to different events, from casual requests to emergency response and crisis management. However, engaging such groups through formal agencies risks disconnect and disengagement by destabilising motivational structures. This paper explores case studies of this phenomenon, reviews models of motivation that can help design systems to harness these groups and proposes a framework for lightweight engagement using existing platforms and social networks.
Can't we all just get along? Citizen scientists interacting with algorithms
Authors: Ponti Marisa , Kloetzer‬ Laure , Miller Grant , Ostermann Frank O. , Schade Sven
Published: July 2021

Responding to the continued and accelerating rise of Machine Learning (ML) in citizen science, we organized a discussion panel at the 3rd European Citizen Science 2020 Conference to initiate a dialogue on how citizen scientists interact and collaborate with algorithms. This brief summarizes a presentation about two Zooniverse projects which illustrated the impact that new developments in ML are having on citizen science projects which involve visual inspection of large datasets. We also share the results of a poll to elicit opinions and ideas from the audience on two statements, one positive and one critical of using ML in CS. The discussion with the participants raised several issues that we grouped into four main themes: a) democracy and participation; b) skill-biased technological change; c) data ownership vs public domain/digital commons, and d) transparency. All these issues warrant further research for those who are concerned about ML in citizen science.
Optimization of oil palm-based cellulose and hydroxyapatite-carbon composite electrode for trace Pb(II) ions detection in aqueous system
Authors: Ajab Huma , Yaqub Asim , Nazir Muhammad Shahid , Rozaini Mohd Zul Helmi , Abdullah Mohd Azmuddin
Published: July 2021

An electroanalytical technique was devised using oil palm-based cellulose and hydroxyapatite as modifiers to carbon electrodes for Pb(II) ions detection in an aqueous system. The cyclic voltammetry scan suggested increased active binding sites and faster electron transfer with quasi-reversible redox peaks with a larger anodic current peak and smaller oxidation potential values. The optimal conditions were attained using 10% modifier at pH 2 in 0.1 M HCl, −1.2 V deposition potential, 270 s deposition time, 25 Hz frequency, 0.020 V amplitude, rotation speed of 700 rpm, and the step potential of 0.005 V. The square wave anodic stripping voltammetry established at optimum level exhibited excellent selectivity and stability from 10 ppb to 100 ppb for Pb(II) ions detection. Sharp anodic peaks were observed at -0.48 V for Pb(II) ions with the detection limit of 0.095 ± 0.32 ppb and limit of quantitation of 0.32 ± 0.32 ppb.
Моделювання річного циклу підготовки спортсменів з аеробної гімнастики на етапі спеціалізованої базової підготовки
Authors: Тодорова Валентина , Бодренкова Інна , Мошенська Тетяна
Published: July 2021

Мета: розробити модель річного циклу підготовки спортсменів 12-14 років, що спеціалізуються в аеробній гімнастиці на основі відомої методології в складно-координаційних і гімнастичних видах спорту з урахуванням специфіки даного виду спорту.

Матеріал і методи: у дослідженні брали участь 24 спортсменки віком 12-14 років. Методи дослідження: аналіз і узагальнення даних науково-методичної літератури, педагогічне спостереження, педагогічне тестування, педагогічний експеримент і методи математичної статистики.

Результати: досліджено специфіку аеробної гімнастики як виду спорту. Виявлено та практично обґрунтовано ефективні засоби, методи та тренувальні навантаження етапу спеціалізованої базової підготовки. Визначено та встановлено рівень розвитку фізичних якостей, спеціальної фізичної підготовленості та технічної майстерності спортсменів 12-14 років протягом річного макроциклу. Експериментально доведено та математично підтверджено, що розроблена модель двоциклової річної підготовки є найбільш ефективнішою для визначення готовності до змагальної діяльності спортсменів 12-14 років, які займаються аеробною гімнастикою на етапі спеціалізованої базової підготовки.

Висновки: запропонована модель двоциклової річної підготовки спортсменів 12-14 років, які займаються аеробною гімнастикою на етапі спеціалізованої базової підготовки, призводить до поліпшення рівня розвитку як окремих фізичних якостей та підвищення рівня спеціальної підготовленості, так і набуття спортсменами стабільності і якості виконання технічних елементів змагальної програми.

Ключові слова: аеробна гімнастика, модель, річний цикл підготовки, спортсмени 12-14 років, етап спеціалізованої базової підготовки.
Аналіз змагальної діяльності тхеквондистів 12-14 років
Authors: Палій Ольга
Published: July 2021

Мета: провести аналіз показників змагальної діяльності тхеквондистів 12-14 років.

Матеріал і методи: для вирішення поставлених завдань були використані наступні методи дослідження: аналіз і узагальнення науково-методичних джерел та мережі Інтернет; аналіз протоколів та відеозаписів всіх поєдинків спортсменів 12-14 років; методи математичної статистики. Було проаналізовано 117 поєдинків, регламент яких становив 2 раунди по 1,5 хвилини з перервою тривалістю 30 секунд у віковій групі кадети під час проведення Всеукраїнського турніру «Діти України 2020».

Результати: зі всього технічного арсеналу тхеквондисти 12–14 років найчастіше виконують прості удари: «бандал чагі» 61,93%, «доліо чагі» 13,32%, «нерьо чагі» 8,18%, «міро чагі» 5,80%, «йоп чагі» 4,58%, «чжумок джиругі» 3,91%. Складні удари виконують не дуже часто, особливо дівчата. «Твіт чагі» виконують хлопці 1,26% і дівчата – 0,09%, «мамдоліо чагі» – хлопці 0,63% і дівчата 0,08%, «самбе бандал чагі» – хлопці 0,19% і дівчата 0,02% від всіх нанесених ударів. Із проаналізованих нами 117 поєдинків перемогою за фінальним рахунком закінчилося 92 (78,64%) від усіх двобоїв. Перемоги у додатковому «золотому» раунді 4 рази - 3,43%. Перемогою за різницею балів закінчилося 18 двобоїв, що складає 15,38%. Перемога за вподобанням суддів – 1 раз (0,85%), за зауваженням – 1 раз (0,85%), внаслідок припинення поєдинку рефері - 0,85%.

Висновки: виявлено, що серед всього арсеналу ударної техніки, найчастіше використовуються прості удари, які виконуються без обертів. Однак, хлопці використовують складну техніку та удар кулаком з більшою частотою у порівнянні з дівчатами, а дівчата ж, у свою чергу, наносять більше ударів в голову. Установлено, що чим більше спортсмен має змагального досвіду, тим менше ударів він виконує, проте, їх ефективність значно вища, що зумовлюється більшою кількістю техніко-тактичних дій та доцільністю їх використання у необхідний момент поєдинку. До того ж спортсмени намагаються більше заробити балів та завершити поєдинок достроково. З'ясовано, що для перемоги у поєдинках необхідна не тільки техніко-тактична підготовка, але й високий рівень прояву фізичних якостей, зокрема витривалості, яка забезпечує виконання технічних дій без зниження ефективності змагальної діяльності.

Ключові слова: тхеквондо ВТФ, змагальна діяльність, аналіз змагальної діяльності, кадети 12-14 років.
Кореляційна залежність використання загально- і спеціально-підготовчих (боксерських споряджень) вправ і психофізіологічних показників та рівня прояву сили ударів руками юних боксерів 15-16 років
Authors: Шестак Юрій , Мулик Вячеслав
Published: July 2021

Мета: встановити кореляційний взаємозв'язок між загально- і спеціально-підготовчими вправами та силовими показниками ударів руками, а також психофізіологічними якостями, що виникають у процесі тренувань.

Матеріал і методи: дослідження проводилися із залученням юних боксерів 15-16 років, що склали експериментальну групу у кількості 12 спортсменів, які здійснювали одноцикловий річний тренувальний процес за програмою ДЮСШ на початку підготовчого періоду (після втягуючого мезоцикла проведено контрольне тестування), і в кінці змагального періоду здійснено повторне тестування з використанням засобів загальної і спеціальної фізичної підготовки та психофізіологічних показників. Зазначене дало змогу встановити кореляційну залежність між зазначеними показниками.

Результати: отримані результати дозволяють при побудові тренувального процесу, спрямованого на підвищення абсолютної та відносної сили удару в боксі, враховувати ефективність використання загально- і спеціально-підготовчих вправ по відношенню до основних ударних рухів боксерів.

Висновки: отримані результати дозволяють більш ефективно здійснювати планування тренувального процесу з застосуванням загально- і спеціально-підготовчих вправ для вирішення завдань щодо розвитку швидкісно-силових якостей, які є основою абсолютної та відносної сили удару в боксі.

Ключові слова: фахова передвища освіта, студент, викладач, стан здоров’я, професійно-прикладна фізична підготовка, будівельник.