bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Symptomatic dry eye disease and associated factors among postgraduate students in Ethiopia
Authors: Zeleke Tarekegn Cheklie , Adimassu Nebiyat Feleke , Alemayehu Abiy Maru , Dawud Teshager Wondale , Mersha Getasew Alemu
Published: August 2022

Background

Symptomatic dry eye disease is a growing public health challenge especially among those who are visual display unit (VDU) users and other long-time near activity workers. Globally, computer user adults experience a surge in the prevalence of dry eye. Data is insufficient on the prevalence of dry eye disease among postgraduate students in Ethiopia. Therefore, the present was aimed to assess the prevalence of dry eye and its associated factors among postgraduate students at the University of Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 423 postgraduate students who were selected based on a simple random sampling technique. Data was collected through online symptom-based ocular surface disease index questionnaire. Binary logistic regression was used to test the association and p-value of <0.05 was considered to determine the significance of the association.

Results

From the total postgraduate students, 404 completed the study with a response rate of 95.5%. The prevalence of symptomatic dry eye disease was 50.5% (95% CI, 45.1%-54.9%). Average continuous visual display unit use for 2-4hours per day[AOR = 2.57 (95% CI, 1.27–5.21)] and for> 4hours per day[AOR = 3.77 (95% CI 1.87–7.59)], duration of visual display unit use for 3–5 years [AOR = 2.24 (95% CI, 1.17–4.31)], 6–8 years [AOR = 2.46 (95% CI,1.31–4.62)] and > 8 years [AOR = 3.25 (95% CI, 1.63–6.48)], average sleeping hour < 7 hours/day within last week [AOR = 2.17 (95% CI, 1.35–3.49)] and current known allergic conjunctivitis [AOR = 5.42 (95% CI, 2.43–12.10)] were significantly associated with symptomatic dry eye disease.

Conclusion and recommendation

In this study, about half of postgraduate students faced symptomatic dry eye disease. Significant association was observed between symptomatic dry eye disease and average continuous hours of visual display unit use, duration of visual display unit use in years, shortage of sleep and current known allergic conjunctivitis. It is advisable for postgraduate students to limit screen exposure hour and establish regular breaking time along their exposure. It is also advisable to have optimum sleep as possible. It is also important to explore dry eye disease on a large sample incorporating clinical tests.
Ophthalmologic emergency room visits during COVID-19 lockdown–Characterization from Haifa, Israel
Authors: Naaman Efrat , Bar Nitai , Zaher Elie , Shapira Liran , Blumenthal Eytan Zeev
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To characterize quantitative differences among ophthalmologic emergency room (OER) encounters at Rambam Health Care Campus during a 6-week complete lockdown at the peak of the first COVID-19 wave as compared to a corresponding uneventful period a year earlier.

Methods

A retrospective chart analysis of all OER encounters during the lockdown and non-lockdown period was conducted. Patients were stratified into primary ophthalmological conditions (OER visits) and cases in which ophthalmologic consultations were requested by a non-ophthalmologist (OER consultations). The following parameters were compared: total number of cases, age, gender, chief complaint/diagnosis categorized into major entities, and discharge vs. hospitalization. For continuous variables a t-test was used and for categorical variables a chi-squared or Fisher’s exact test was used. A 2-sided p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The total number of patients in the lockdown and non-lockdown groups was 486 and 992, respectively, showing a 51% decrease in visits during lockdown. In the non-lockdown and lockdown groups 56% and 61% of patients were male (p = 0.07), with an average age of 42 (range 0–97, SD 23) and 43 (range 0–90, SD 22) years, respectively (p = 0.44). No statistically significant proportional increase was found for any diagnostic category between the OER visits (p = 0.07) and OER consultation groups (p = 0.77). Nevertheless, analysis revealed a non-significant increase in the proportion of eye trauma from 14.8% to 21.2%, and reduction in eyelid conditions from 10.7% to 5.8%. The total number of OER visits demanding urgent intervention on admission was 43 (non-lockdown) and 24 (lockdown), while hospitalization ratio (hospitalizations/visits) was 8.8% and 10.6%, respectively (p = 0.44).

Conclusions

During the COVID-19 lockdown the guideline for patients in Israel was to avoid unnecessary hospital visits. Since patients tended to avoid the OER rather uniformly regardless of their specific eye condition, determining the risk-benefit of such recommendations and identifying high-risk sub-populations are critical public health issues.
Cryptoasset networks: Flows and regular players in Bitcoin and XRP
Authors: Aoyama Hideaki , Fujiwara Yoshi , Hidaka Yoshimasa , Ikeda Yuichi
Published: August 2022

Cryptoassets flow among players as recorded in the ledger of blockchain for all the transactions, comprising a network of players as nodes and flows as edges. The last decade, on the other hand, has witnessed repeating bubbles and crashes of the price of cryptoassets in exchange markets with fiat currencies and other cryptos. We study the relationship between these two important aspects of dynamics, one in the bubble/crash of price and the other in the daily network of crypto, by investigating Bitcoin and XRP. We focus on “regular players” who frequently appear on a weekly basis during a period of time including bubble/crash, and quantify each player’s role with respect to outgoing and incoming flows by defining flow-weighted frequency. During the most significant period of one-year starting from the winter of 2017, we discovered the structure of three groups of players in the diagram of flow-weighted frequency, which is common to Bitcoin and XRP in spite of the different nature of the two cryptos. By examining the identity and business activity of some regular players in the case of Bitcoin, we can observe different roles of them, namely the players balancing surplus and deficit of cryptoassets (Bal-branch), those accumulating the cryptoassets (In-branch), and those reducing it (Out-branch). Using this information, we found that the regime switching among Bal-, In-, Out-branches was presumably brought about by the regular players who are not necessarily dominant and stable in the case of Bitcoin, while such players are simply absent in the case of XRP. We further discuss how one can understand the temporal transitions among the three branches.
Impact of labor characteristics on maternal and neonatal outcomes of labor: A machine-learning model
Authors: Shazly Sherif A. , Borah Bijan J. , Ngufor Che G. , Torbenson Vanessa E. , Theiler Regan N. , Famuyide Abimbola O.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Since Friedman’s seminal publication on laboring women, numerous publications have sought to define normal labor progress. However, there is paucity of data on contemporary labor cervicometry incorporating both maternal and neonatal outcomes. The objective of this study is to establish intrapartum prediction models of unfavorable labor outcomes using machine-learning algorithms.

Materials and methods

Consortium on Safe Labor is a large database consisting of pregnancy and labor characteristics from 12 medical centers in the United States. Outcomes, including maternal and neonatal outcomes, were retrospectively collected. We defined primary outcome as the composite of following unfavorable outcomes: cesarean delivery in active labor, postpartum hemorrhage, intra-amniotic infection, shoulder dystocia, neonatal morbidity, and mortality. Clinical and obstetric parameters at admission and during labor progression were used to build machine-learning risk-prediction models based on the gradient boosting algorithm.

Results

Of 228,438 delivery episodes, 66,586 were eligible for this study. Mean maternal age was 26.95 ± 6.48 years, mean parity was 0.92 ± 1.23, and mean gestational age was 39.35 ± 1.13 weeks. Unfavorable labor outcome was reported in 14,439 (21.68%) deliveries. Starting at a cervical dilation of 4 cm, the area under receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) of prediction models increased from 0.75 (95% confidence interval, 0.75–0.75) to 0.89 (95% confidence interval, 0.89–0.90) at a dilation of 10 cm. Baseline labor risk score was above 35% in patients with unfavorable outcomes compared to women with favorable outcomes, whose score was below 25%.

Conclusion

Labor risk score is a machine-learning–based score that provides individualized and dynamic alternatives to conventional labor charts. It predicts composite of adverse birth, maternal, and neonatal outcomes as labor progresses. Therefore, it can be deployed in clinical practice to monitor labor progress in real time and support clinical decisions.
Validation of the RunScribe inertial measurement unit for walking gait measurement
Authors: Lewin Max , Price Carina , Nester Christopher
Published: August 2022

Introduction

The use of portable gait measurement systems in research is appealing to collect real-world data at low-cost, low participant burden, and without requirement for dedicated lab space. Most commercially available inertial measurement units (IMU’s) designed for running only capture temporospatial data, the ability to capture biomechanics data such as shock and motion metrics with the RunScribe IMU makes it the closest to a lab alternative. The RunScribe system has been validated in running, however, is yet to be validated for walking.

Method

Qualisys motion capture, AMTI force plates, and Delsys Trigno accelerometers were used as gold standard lab measures for comparison against the RunScribe IMU. Twenty participants completed 10 footsteps per foot (20 total) measured by both systems simultaneously. Variables for validation included: Vertical Ground reaction force (GRF), instantaneous GRF rate, pronation excursion, pronation velocity, total shock, impact force, braking force. Interclass correlation (ICC) was used to determine agreement between the measurement systems, mean differences were used to evaluate group level accuracy.

Results

ICC results showed moderate agreement between measurement systems when both limbs were averaged. The greatest agreement was seen for GRF rate, pronation excursion, and pronation velocity (ICC = 0.627, 0.616, 0.539), low agreement was seen for GRF, total shock, impact shock, braking shock (ICC = 0.269, 0.351, 0.244, 0.180). However mean differences show the greatest level of accuracy for GRF, GRF rate, and impact shock.

Discussion

Results show mixed agreement between the RunScribe and gold standard lab measures, and varied agreement across left and right limbs. Kinematic variables showed the greatest agreement, however GRF had the lowest relative mean difference for group results. The results show acceptable levels of agreement for most variables, however further work must be done to assess the repeatability and sensitivity of the RunScribe to be applied within areas such as footwear testing and gait retraining protocols.
Extra-pair paternity drives plumage colour elaboration in male passerines
Authors: Thibault Emma , Mahoney Sean M. , Briskie James V. , Shaikh Mateen , Reudink Matthew W.
Published: August 2022

The elaborate ornamental plumage displayed by birds has largely been attributed to sexual selection, whereby the greater success of ornamented males in attaining mates drives a rapid elaboration of those ornaments. Indeed, plumage elaboration tends to be greatest in species with a high variance in reproductive success such as polygynous mating systems. Even among socially monogamous species, many males are extremely colourful. In their now-classic study, Møller and Birkhead (1994) suggested that increased variance in reproductive success afforded by extra-pair paternity should intensify sexual selection pressure and thus an elaboration of male plumage and sexual dichromatism, but the relatively few measures of extra-pair paternity at the time prevented a rigorous test of this hypothesis. In the nearly three decades since that paper’s publication, hundreds of studies have been published on rates of extra-pair paternity and more objective measures of plumage colouration have been developed, allowing for a large-scale comparative test of Møller and Birkhead’s (1994) hypothesis. Using an analysis of 186 socially monogamous passerine species with estimates of extra-pair paternity, our phylogenetically controlled analysis confirms Møller and Birkhead’s (1994) early work, demonstrating that rates of extra-pair paternity are positively associated with male, but not female, colouration and with the extent of sexual dichromatism. Plumage evolution is complex and multifaceted, driven by phylogenetic, ecological, and social factors, but our analysis confirms a key role of extra-pair mate choice in driving the evolution of ornamental traits.
Detection of serum IgG autoantibodies to FcεRIα by ELISA in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria
Authors: Jang Jae-Hyuk , Moon Jiyoung , Yang Eun-Mi , Ryu Min Sook , Lee Youngsoo , Ye Young-Min , Park Hae-Sim
Published: August 2022

Background

Mast cells are a key effector cell in the pathogenesis of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and activated by circulating FcεRI-specific IgG as well as IgE. This study evaluated the prevalence of circulating autoantibodies to FcεRIα in the sera of CSU patients.

Methods

Eighty-eight patients with CSU and 76 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. To detect circulating autoantibodies (IgG/IgA/IgM) to FcεRIα, ELISA was done using YH35324 (as a solid phase antigen), and its binding specificity was confirmed by the ELISA inhibition test. The antibody levels were presented by the ratio of YH35324-preincubated to mock-preincubated absorbance values. Clinical and autoimmune parameters, including atopy, urticaria activity score (UAS), serum total/free IgE levels, serum antinuclear antibody (ANA) and autologous serum skin test (ASST) results, were assessed. The autoimmune group was defined if CSU patients had positive results to ASST and/or ANA.

Results

The ratio of serum IgG to FcεRIα was significantly lower in CSU patients than in HCs (P<0.05), while no differences were noted in serum levels of IgG to recombinant FcεRIα or IgA/IgM autoantibodies. The autoimmune CSU group had significantly lower ratios of IgG/IgA (not IgM) autoantibodies to FcεRIα than the nonautoimmune CSU group (P<0.05 for each). No significant associations were found between sex, age, atopy, urticaria duration, UAS, or serum total/free IgE levels according to the presence of IgG/IgA/IgM antibodies.

Conclusions

This study confirmed the presence of IgG to FcεRIα in the sera of CSU patients, especially those with the autoimmune phenotype.
Contextualizing sacrificial dilemmas within Covid-19 for the study of moral judgment
Authors: Carron Robin , Blanc Nathalie , Brigaud Emmanuelle
Published: August 2022

"Sacrificial dilemmas" are the scenarios typically used to study moral judgment and human morality. However, these dilemmas have been criticized regarding their lack of ecological validity. The COVID-19 pandemic offers a relevant context to further examine individuals’ moral judgment and choice of action with more realistic sacrificial dilemmas. Using this context, the purpose of the present study is to investigate how moral responses are influenced by the contextualization of the dilemma (i.e., contextualized or not within the Covid-19 pandemic). By comparing two versions of one dilemma, Experiment 1 revealed that the more realistic version (the one contextualized within the Covid-19 pandemic) did not elicit more utilitarian responses than the less realistic version (the one not contextualized within the Covid-19 pandemic). In Experiment 2, we examined more specifically whether both the perceived realism of the dilemma and the plausibility of a utilitarian action influence moral responses. Results confirmed that the contextualization of the dilemma does not make any difference in moral responses. However, the plausibility of an action appears to exert an influence on the choice of action. Indeed, participants were more inclined to choose the utilitarian action in the plausible action versions than in the implausible action versions of the dilemma. Overall, these results shed light on the importance for future research of using mundane and dramatic realistic dilemmas displaying full information regarding a sacrificial action and its consequences.
Does governance impact on the financial development-carbon dioxide emissions nexus in G20 countries
Authors: Wen Ya , Song Pingting , Yang Deyong , Gao Chen
Published: August 2022

In the past 40 years, the continuous strengthening of the greenhouse effect has led to a significant increase in the global average temperature. Although people’s understanding of climate change has been strengthened, the world has not yet witnessed a significant decline in pollutant emissions; hence it is imperative to get to the root cause. This paper is based on the STIRPAT model framework and uses the panel data of G20 countries over the period 1999–2019 to examine the role of financial development on carbon emissions under good governance. The results show that financial development significantly promotes carbon dioxide emissions, and the impact presents an inverted “U”-shaped trend when the quadratic term of financial development is introduced. Surprisingly, governance quality indicators increase carbon emissions. However, financial development accompanied by good governance suppresses carbon emissions. Moreover, according to the grouped results of developed and developing countries, different nations should adopt differentiated strategies in development finance to implement the carbon emission targets proposed by the G20. In addition, this paper also confirms the existence of the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis. In light of this, policymakers should optimize the quality of governance while shifting their agendas toward environmentally responsible financial practices to promote financial development to improve environmental quality effectively. Furthermore, strengthen international cooperation, enhance public environmental protection concepts, and take joint actions to achieve low-carbon and win-win results.
Analysis of non-human primate models for evaluating prion disease therapeutic efficacy
Authors: Mortberg Meredith A. , Minikel Eric Vallabh , Vallabh Sonia M.
Published: August 2022

Prion disease is a fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by the conformational corruption of the prion protein (PrP), encoded by the prion protein gene (PRNP). While no disease-modifying therapy is currently available, genetic and pharmacological proofs of concept support development of therapies that lower PrP levels in the brain. In light of proposals for clinical testing of such drugs in presymptomatic individuals at risk for genetic prion disease, extensive nonclinical data are likely to be required, with extra attention paid to choice of animal models. Uniquely, the entire prion disease process can be faithfully modeled through transmission of human prions to non-human primates (NHPs), raising the question of whether NHP models should be used to assess therapeutic efficacy. Here we systematically aggregate data from N = 883 prion-inoculated animals spanning six decades of research studies. Using this dataset, we assess prion strain, route of administration, endpoint, and passage number to characterize the relationship of tested models to currently prevalent human subtypes of prion disease. We analyze the incubation times observed across diverse models and perform power calculations to assess the practicability of testing prion disease therapeutic efficacy in NHPs. We find that while some models may theoretically be able to support therapeutic efficacy studies, pilot studies would be required to confirm incubation time and attack rate before pivotal studies could be designed, cumulatively requiring several years. The models with the shortest and most tightly distributed incubation times are those with smaller brains and weaker homology to humans. Our findings indicate that it would be challenging to conduct efficacy studies in NHPs in a paradigm that honors the potential advantages of NHPs over other available models, on a timeframe that would not risk unduly delaying patient access to promising drug candidates.
Iberian and Translation Studies: Literary Contact Zones, Esther Gimeno Ugalde, Marta Pacheco Pinto and Ângela Fernandes (eds) (2021)
Authors: Pérez Isasi Santiago
Published: August 2022

Review of: Iberian and Translation Studies: Literary Contact Zones, Esther Gimeno Ugalde, Marta Pacheco Pinto and Ângela Fernandes (eds) (2021)

Liverpool: Liverpool University Press, 384 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-80085-690-5, h/bk, £100.00

ISBN 978-1-80085-740-7, e-book, £100.00
Sponge Biology Characteristics and Steroids Secondary Metabolite of
Haliclona sp. from Lemukutan Island, West Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Sapar A. , Kurniawan M.R. , Gusrizal  , Shofiyani A. , Aritonang A.B. , Setiawan E.
Published: August 2022

Present study reports the sponge biology characteristics and secondary metabolites of steroids of
Haliclona subgenus Haliclona sp. Morphological characteristics of sampled sponge coded as LMK-2
from the Lemukutan Island waters were identified as Haliclona (haliclona) sp. Furthermore, isolates
coded as M2R14K4a from secondary metabolites isolation of n-hexane fraction yield needle-shaped
white crystals.
Coumarinyl(thienyl)thiazole Molecules as Fluorescent Photoswitches
Authors: Kondaparthi Mahesh , Padmavathi D. Annapurna
Published: August 2022

Light sensitive coumarinyl(thienyl)thiazole derivatives exhibiting photochromism and fluorescence
were synthesized, characterized and their behavior was investigated theoretically using density
functional theory (DFT). In presence of UV light, the molecules switch to the bridged cyclic isomeric
form and on irradiation with visible light, they revert back to their original molecular form. These
molecules are sensitive to both UV and visible light, and switch themselves between open ring isomers
and closed ring isomers. The photo-regulated-switching energy (ΔE) from open to closed isomeric
form is approximately 6.3 kcal/mol. All the synthesized derivatives exhibit fluorescence only in their
open form. Theoretical data is compared with the experimental data and both show similar results.
Development of Potent SARS-CoV 3CL Protease Inhibitors: In silico Analogues
Designing of Darunavir, Molecular Modelling and Molecular Dynamic Simulation
Authors: Akhtar Mahwish , Jahan Noor , Imran Muhammad , Ahmad Salman Ashfaq , Naqvi Sara , Huzaifa Shah Syed Muhammad
Published: August 2022

COVID pandemic initiated in early 2019 and the origin from where it initiated was Wuhan city of
China. It changed the whole world. A huge population died due to COVID-19 in spite of taking
precautions. New treatments and vaccines are introduced for the treatment and prevention. Among
successful treatments, antivirals were found effective against COVID-19. But there is a need to find
derivatives, which could be more effective for the treatment of COVID-19. The current research is
focused on computational studies on one of the antiviral, darunavir. A computational strategy, molecular
docking and molecular dynamic simulation techniques is presented to discover the potent analogues
of darunavir for inhibiting protease 3CLpro of SARS-CoV2. The newly discovered X-ray structure
(PDB ID: 6LU7) was selected for docking study and generated analogues were docked. The docking
results showed that the compounds were bound in the active site of receptor with good binding affinity.
It was concluded that compounds D8 and D15 were have good binding affinity value of -9.85 and
-8.95 kcal/mol, respectively and these compounds were selected for molecular dynamic simulation
(MDS) study to check their stability in pocket of receptor.
Foreword
Authors: Ashta Ananya
Published: August 2022

This is the Foreword to Issue 1, Volume 1 of the UCL Journal of Economics, August 2022 Issue
Die Zeitschrift „Raumforschung und Raumordnung“ (RuR) von 1936 bis 1944 als Medium akademischer Forschung im „Dritten Reich“
Authors: Werner Oliver
Published: August 2022

As journal of the “Reichsarbeitsgemeinschaft für Raumforschung” (Reich Working Group for Space Research), “Raumforschung und Raumordnung” communicated political specifications and academic guidelines of National Socialist science policy from 1936 onwards. The magazine regularly presented projects and research that had been carried out in the newly founded “Working Groups for Spatial Research” at the universities and colleges of the German Reich. With its thematic priorities corresponding to the territorial expansion of the “Third Reich” and through a close orientation in its selection of articles to the requirements of the National Socialist conquest and occupation policy, the journal fulfilled a relevant instructional function, which had a repercussing impact on university research practice. This paper addresses the importance of the journal for the mobilization and self-mobilization of academic personnel as well as the role as a mouthpiece for racist, antisemitic, and culturally derogatory views, which were an important basis for the genocide of European Jews and the destruction of Central and Eastern Europe- and Eastern Europe during the Second World War.
Student Teachers’ Use of Language: Discourse Functions in Teaching-Based Reflective Writing
Authors: Knorr Petra
Published: August 2022

The value of reflective writing in teacher education is widely accepted and research has focused increasingly on investigating the quality of students’ reflective texts by assessing their reflective depth or breadth. Studies on student teachers’ professional vision have looked at processes of noticing relevant classroom events and reasoning about them, emphasizingthat thinking about teaching and learning is a strongly knowledge-guided process. While much empirical attention has been given to assessing students’ writing, little insight has been gained into how reflective thinking actually unfolds. The aim of this study is to examine student teachers’ discursive practices as they engage in reflective writing in the context of a teaching practicum. Data consists of reflective essays which were analysed using linguistically based qualitative coding in order to identify discourse functions in students’ texts. Findings allow a detailed description of verbal actions carried out in guided reflective writing. They also indicate that due to the situated nature of their writing, student teachers engage in affective appraisal and reasoning processes which are verbalized by using everyday as well as academic language depending on students’ zone of proximal development and their developing pedagogical content knowledge.
Is the Non-disclosure Policy of Audit Intensity Always Effective? A Theoretical Exploration
Authors: Ma Yong , Deng Wanlin , Jiang Hao
Published: August 2022

This study theoretically explores the effectiveness of the non-disclosure policy of audit intensity using the portfolio choice approach. In our setting, audit intensity follows a two-state Markov chain, which is not disclosed by the tax authority, and agents will exploit the available information to learn the state and accordingly make tax evasion decisions. We find that the effectiveness of the non-disclosure policy in reducing tax evasion and increasing tax revenues depends on the proportion of time in the high-intensity state. Interestingly, when this proportion is high during a period, the disclosure policy is more effective.
Chinese factors in the Routledge encyclopedia of narrative theory
Authors: Zeng Jun , Wang Mengqiu
Published: August 2022

The Routledge encyclopedia of narrative theory is the first encyclopedia of narrative theory in the world to reference the practices of the Chinese narrative tradition and theory. However, the editors have compiled the encyclopedia from the systemic perspective of their knowledge of contemporary Western narratology, focusing on the characteristic differences between contemporary Western narratology and the narrative theories of the so-called ancient non-Western societies. To help overcome this shortcoming, this paper introduces the Chinese narrative tradition from the standpoint of Sinology, attending to the oral/written and history/narrative dichotomies that represent the editors’ academic preferences; additionally, it also provides insights into the characteristics of the varied Chinese narrative theories recorded in the encyclopedia from the perspective of contemporary Western narrative theory, and highlights the Chinese contributions to the construction of the knowledge system of narrative theory.
Preparation and properties of nano-TiO2-modified photosensitive materials for 3D printing
Authors: Liu Yingying , Chen Jin , Ning Lei , Sun Jianke , Liu Lu , Zhao Kun
Published: August 2022

The surface of nano-TiO2 was modified by a silane coupling agent KH570, and the photosensitive resin was modified by blending the modified nano-TiO2 with three-dimensional (3D) printing light-curing resin. The modified nano-TiO2 powder was characterized by infrared spectrum, X-ray diffraction, contact angle test, and scanning electron microscope. The effects of different content of modified TiO2 on the viscosity, curing shrinkage, tensile strength, elongation at break, hardness, thermal stability, and cross-section morphology of 3D printing photosensitive resin were studied. The results showed that the mechanical properties of epoxy resin were improved obviously after surface modification with a silane coupling agent. When the mass fraction of TiO2 was 1.5%, the mechanical properties of the molded parts were the best. The tensile strength, impact strength, and elongation at break were increased by 51.1, 43.8, and 10.8%, respectively, and the hardness value was maintained at 81–83 HD. The addition of modified TiO2 can improve the heat resistance of the epoxy resin. When the amount of TiO2 is 1.5%, the T
50%, T
max, and carbon residue rate of the epoxy resin are increased by 3.44°C, 6.34°C, and 25.3%, respectively.
Anti-migratory effect of curcumin on A-549 lung cancer cells via epigenetic reprogramming of RECK/ matrix metalloproteinase axis
Authors: Mostofi Shabnam , Shanehbandi Dariush , Rahmani Seyyed Ali , Asadi Milad
Published: August 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of curcumin on the viability, migration, and apoptosis of A549 lung cancer cells. Furthermore, RECK/MMPs axis as a probable regulator of cancer cell migration was assessed.

Methods

In this study, effect of curcumin on viability changes, cell migration, and percentage of apoptosis of A549 non-small cell lung carcinoma was examined. The methylation status of RECK gene was investigated using MS-HRM technique. Moreover, expression changes of genes involved in apoptosis and migration (including CASP3, CASP8, CASP9, BAX, BCL2, MMP9, MMP2, and RECK) were investigated by quantitative Real-Time PCR.

Results

The results of MTT assay showed that the cytotoxic effect of curcumin was in a dose dependent manner. Flow cytometry results demonstrated a significant increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells in curcumin treated group. In addition, curcumin inhibited migration rate in lung cancer cells. qRT-PCR revealed that expression of the candidate genes was in line with suppressed growth and migration. This could be due to, decreased methylation of the RECK gene promoter after curcumin treatment.

Conclusions

Curcumin inhibited lung cancer cells through various molecular pathways. RECK/MMPs axis as a regulator of cancer cell migration was modulated after curcumin treatment and invasion of lung cancer cells was decreased.
Influence factor of Pr(III) recovery kinetics from rare-earth simulant wastewater by PAN microtubule hyperfiltration reactor
Authors: Pei Liang , Wang Liming
Published: August 2022

PAN microtubule hyperfiltration reactor (PMHR) with organic phosphate system containing simulant wastewater section with buffer solution acetic acid and enrichment section with nitric acid solution and organic phosphate C16H35O4P (Di (6-methylheptyl) phosphate) dissolved in benzin, has been studied for the praseodymium (III)[expressed as Pr(III) or Pr3+] recovery in the rare-earth simulant wastewater. Many factors of Pr(III) recovery using PMHR need to explore, including hydrogen ion concentration (or pH), cinit of Pr(III) and different ionic strength of rare-earth simulant mine wastewater, volume ratio of C16H35O4P with benzin and nitric acid solution (O/W), nitric acid concentration, C16H35O4P concentration, different acid solution of enrichment section on Pr(III) recovery with PMHR were investigated. The experimental results show that the best recovery conditions of Pr(III) were obtained as that nitric acid concentration was 4.00 mol/L, C16H35O4P concentration was 0.200 mol/L, and O/W was 0.6 in the enrichment section, and pH value was 4.90 in the wastewater section. Ionic strength of rare-earth simulant mine wastewater had no obvious effect on Pr(III) recovery. When cinit of Pr(III) concentration was 1.67 × 10−4 mol/L, the recovery percentage of Pr(III) was up to 94.7% in 160 min. The kinetic equations were developed, and diffusion coefficient in the microtubule reactor and thickness of diffusion layer between the wastewater section and the microtubule pipe wall were obtained by linear slope method. They were 4.16 × 10−6 m2/s and 4.65 μm, respectively. PMHR, owing to a large number of C16H35O4P was used in the enrichment section, can renewal the losing carrier of microtubule reactor. As a result, the recovery percentage of Pr(III) was increased, the stability of PMHR system was enhanced, and the life span of the PMHR system was extended.
Effectiveness of second language collocation instruction: a meta-analysis
Authors: Li Xin , Lei Lei
Published: August 2022

This study reports a meta-analysis of studies that investigated the effectiveness of instruction on second language collocation learning. A total of 64 research projects in 17 primary studies (the number of participants = 3,859) were included in the meta-analysis. Aggregated results confirmed the effectiveness of collocation instruction for facilitating second language collocation learning (d = 1.415, 95% CI: 1.189, 1.641). The results of moderator analysis indicated that the intervention method was a significant predictor of intervention effectiveness. To be specific, 1) explicit interventions produced larger effect sizes than implicit interventions; 2) interventions with low session frequency did not produce larger effect sizes than those with high session frequency; 3) long interventions did not show larger effect sizes than short interventions; and 4) constrained-constructed responses, selected responses, and multiple outcome measures did not produce larger effect sizes than free-constructed responses. The study also offered explanations for the results, as well as implications for the teaching and research of collocations.
Quantile Difference in Differences with Time-Varying Qualification in Panel Data
Authors: Nchare Karim , Makioka Ryo
Published: August 2022

This paper investigates the identification and estimation of the quantile treatment effect in a difference in differences (DID) setting when treatment is provided only to qualified individuals at a certain point in time and the qualification is time-varying. The time-varying qualification may affect an outcome variable even when the actual effect of treatment is zero. We show how to account for this “movers effect” bias and propose the quantile treatment effect on “in-stayers” that are qualified both before and after the treatment. The estimate is identified under three main assumptions: (i) panel data availability, (ii) a distributional common trend assumption conditional on covariates, and (iii) a copula stability assumption. We then apply our method to estimate the effects of an increase in the benefits of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on recipients’ food expenditure shares. The results show significant heterogeneity and highlight the importance of accounting for time-varying qualification.
Inverse-designed dielectric cloaks for entanglement generation
Authors: Miguel-Torcal Alberto , Abad-Arredondo Jaime , García-Vidal Francisco J. , Fernández-Domínguez Antonio I.
Published: August 2022

We investigate the generation of entanglement between two quantum emitters through the inverse-design engineering of their photonic environment. By means of a topology-optimization approach acting at the level of the electromagnetic Dyadic Green’s function, we generate dielectric cloaks operating at different inter-emitter distances and incoherent pumping strengths. We show that the structures obtained maximize the dissipative coupling between the emitters under extremely different Purcell factor conditions, and yield steady-state concurrence values much larger than those attainable in free space. Finally, we benchmark our design strategy by proving that the entanglement enabled by our devices approaches the limit of maximum-entangled-mixed-states.
Inverse design of photonic and phononic topological insulators: a review
Authors: Chen Yafeng , Lan Zhihao , Su Zhongqing , Zhu Jie
Published: August 2022

Photonic and phononic topological insulators (TIs) offer numerous opportunities for manipulating light and sound with high efficiency and resiliency. On the other hand, inverse design methodologies, such as gradient-based approaches, evolutionary approaches, and deep-learning methods, provide a cost-effective strategy for developing photonic and phononic structures with unique features in steering light and sound. Here, we discuss recent advances and achievements in the development of photonic and phononic TIs employing inverse design methodologies, including one-dimensional TIs, TIs based on the quantum spin Hall effect (QSHE) and quantum valley Hall effect (QVHE), and high-order TIs in lattices with diverse symmetries. Several inversely designed photonic and phononic TIs with superior performance are exhibited. In addition, we offer our perspectives on the future of this emerging study field.
Nonprofit Messaging and the 2020 Election: Findings from a Nonpartisan Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) Field Experiment
Authors: LeRoux Kelly , Langer Julie , Plotner Samantha
Published: August 2022

A distinct problem for American democracy is that voter participation rates remain higher among older, wealthier, and more highly educated citizens. Through their nonpartisan get-out-the-vote (GOTV) efforts, nonprofit organizations can help to remedy the participation gap, promoting higher turnout among under-represented voters. However, the literature reveals mixed evidence with regard to message content and its impact on turnout, and there is even less clarity about whether the method of message delivery matters for turnout. We find that nonprofit voter mobilization efforts are statistically linked to increased turnout, the odds of which increase when efforts center specifically on voter registration. While we find no overall effect of either message type (political efficacy vs. policy issue: immigration) or method of delivery (text vs. postcard) on voting behavior, the results show that there is a significant crossover interaction with political efficacy messages sent by text yielding the highest turnout.
Economic Reform, Fiscal Rules, and the Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag Bounds Test Model. Evidence from the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Dakhlallah Kassim M.
Published: August 2022

The study demonstrates that UAE Vision 2021 was effective, evidenced by the outcomes of the historical growth accounting model and the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag bounds test model. Additionally, the study finds, among other things, that during the UAE Vision 2021, a sudden change in fiscal policy, whether expansionary or contractionary, proved effective, particularly in the long run and that a sudden change in crude oil price has a limited impact on the economy; however, investment in physical capital showed mixed results. Moreover, the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag bounds test model demonstrates the nonlinearity of the relationships between crude oil price, investment in physical capital, and fiscal policy vis-à-vis economic performance. The model demonstrates that crude oil price, fiscal policy, and investment in physical capital are cointegrated with economic performance, reverting to long-run equilibrium in the aftermath of a shock. Hence, the study recommends the adoption of fiscal rules, specifically targeting the structural primary balance. The targeting smooths the underlying commodity price, reduces procyclicality, improves sovereign wealth funds, and cushions the economy from external shocks.
Muscle Hypertrophy Response to Range of Motion in Strength Training: A Novel Approach to Understanding the Findings
Authors: Ottinger Charlie R. , Sharp Matthew H. , Stefan Matthew W. , Gheith Raad H. , de la Espriella Fernando , Wilson Jacob M.
Published: August 2022

One resistance training variable that may be altered to achieve desired outcomes is the range of motion used in training. Generally, the strength and conditioning field has accepted that using a greater range of motion in strength training exercises results in more substantial muscle hypertrophy outcomes. However, this theory has proved to be inconsistently supported in the literature, and to date, no sufficient explanation exists to explain this phenomenon. This review article seeks to outline a novel approach for potentially describing the disparities seen in range of motion research with respect to hypertrophy outcomes by applying the unique length-tension curve of each muscle being examined. As will be discussed in the review, virtually all the results from range of motion studies in various muscles have corresponded to each muscle's length-tension curve; muscles that are active on the descending limb of the curve appear to garner greater hypertrophy from using larger ranges of motion. Conversely, muscles that are not active on the descending limb exhibit similar adaptations despite alterations in range of motion. A novel hypothesis for applying this information to resistance training programs will be presented and discussed.
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Becomes the Treatment of Choice of Deep Sternal Wound Infection
Authors: Gegouskov Vassil , Manchev Georgi , Goranovska Valya , Stoykov Dimitar
Published: August 2022

Background: Sternal wound infection, especially deep sternal wound infection, is a serious complication after open heart surgery. It leads to a marked increase in hospital stay, financial expenses, and mortality. Treatment is primarily surgical and may be divided into conventional treatment methods and negative pressure wound therapy.
Materials and methods: Between 2010 and 2021, 77 patients presenting back after cardiac surgery with deep sternal wound infection were treated surgically. Conventional treatment methods were utilized in 45 patients and included wound revision with primary closure, continuous wound irrigation, and open treatment with secondary closure. Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was applied in 32 patients. The two treatment arms were compared by two primary outcomes – rate of recurrent infection and hospital mortality. Predictors of mortality and infectious recurrence were identified using multivariate logistic regression.
Results: Recurrent infection occurred in 18.2% of cases and mortality was 13% in the whole group. NPWT was more successful in preventing recurrent infection OR: 5.4 (95% CI: 1.1-27.5; P = 0.044) than conventional treatment and more than moderate left ventricular systolic dysfunction (EF<40%) predisposed to infectious recurrence - OR: 4.7 (95% CI: 1.05-22.1; P = 0.049). Recurrent infection itself was the strongest predictor of mortality in the multivariate model OR: 0.14 (95% CI: 0.03 - 0.58; P = 0.007).
Conclusion: NPWT as an initial method of wound preconditioning followed by definitive wound closure effectively reduces the rate of infectious recurrence and patient mortality. It may become the modality of first choice when dealing with complicated incisional infections following heart surgery.
On the differences between Heidegger’s and Fink’s interpretations of Hegel’s concept of experience of consciousness
Authors: DAVIDENKO Illia
Published: August 2022

The subject of this article are Martin Heidegger’s and Eugen Fink’s interpretations of Hegel’s concept of experience of consciousness examined in the light of the history of the development of German Hegelian studies. Article aims at revisiting and comparison of those original interpre- tations formulated by the prominent followers of phenomenological philosophy. Furthermore, in the course of the article those interpretations also get compared to the general approach of con- temporary Hegelian studies to interpreting the concept of experience of consciousness. The experience of consciousness is indeed one of the most problematic concepts of Hegel’s philosophy and the key concept of the “Phenomenology of Spirit”. Therefore, with regard to the role this concept has in the narrative of “Phenomenology...”, the interpretations of this concept, examined in the present article allow us to inspect, in a general outlook, Fink’s and Heidegger’s interpretational approaches towards all the “Phenomenology...”. Having examined each of the interpretations, a comparison of the two is conducted, that results in pointing out the key differences between those, which also relate to the interpretations of all the “Phenomenology...”. The article closes up with a brief inspection of the relation of Heidegger’s and Fink’s interpretational approaches to the contemporary scholar consensus on the experience of consciousness in the “Phenomenology of Spirit”.
Modern method of topology optimization of products in additive production
Authors:   A. Pidhornyi Institute of mechanical engineering problems National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, G Yaskov , A Chugay ,   A. Pidhornyi Institute of mechanical engineering problems National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, T Romanova ,   A. Pidhornyi Institute of mechanical engineering problems National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, S Shekhovtsov ,   A. Pidhornyi Institute of mechanical engineering problems National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Published: August 2022

The article considers the problem of optimizing the topology of products in additive manufacturing due to the optimal placement of circular holes. The task is to pack several circles of variable radii, set within the limits set by 3D printing standards. A two-criteria formulation is proposed, which takes into account the packing factor and the maximum mechanical stress of the products. The method of the main criterion is used to find a compromise solution to the problem. A new approach has been developed, which is based on the modified method of Apollonian packing of circles and nonlinear optimization. Numerical examples and graphical illustration of the results are given.