bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COV-Score predicts mortality in SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Lazar Mihai , Barbu Constanta Ecaterina , Chitu Cristina , Anghel Ana-Maria , Niculae Cristian , Manea Eliza , Damalan Anca , Bel Adela , Patrascu Raluca , Hristea Adriana , Ion Daniela
Published: May 2022

Purpose to present the importance of quantitative evaluation of radiological changes in SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, including an alternative way to evaluate the lung involvement using normal density clusters. Based on these elements we have developed a more accurate new predictive score which includes quantitative radiological parameters. The current evolution models used in the evaluation of severe cases of COVID-19 include only qualitative or semi-quantitative evaluations of pulmonary lesions which lead to a less accurate prognosis and assessment of pulmonary involvement. Methods We performed a retrospective observational cohort study that included 100 adult patients admitted with confirmed severe COVID19. The patients were divided into two groups: group A (76 survivors) and group B (24 non-survivors). Results We found associated with higher mortality a lower percentage of normal lung densities, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, lymphocytes, platelets, hemoglobin and serum albumin, respectively a higher percentage of interstitial lesions, oxygen flow, FiO2, Neutrophils/lymphocytes ratio, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase MB, myoglobin, and serum creatinine. The most accurate regression model included as predictors: age, lymphocytes, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, and percent of lung involvement, lactate dehydrogenase, serum albumin, D-dimers, oxygen flow, and myoglobin. Based on these parameters we developed a new score (COV-Score).Conclusion COV-Score represents a viable alternative to current prediction scores, demonstrating a better sensitivity and specificity in predicting a poor outcome at the time of admission. Quantitative assessment of lung lesions improves the prediction algorithms compared to the semi-quantitative parameters. The cluster evaluation algorithm increases the non-survivor and overall accuracy prediction.
Transforming growth factor-β1 as a biomarker in COPD patients with pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Liu Jie , Wang Chun , Li Yongchun , Wang Jiahui , Hao Wanming , Li Qinghai , Zhu Wenjing , Han Wei
Published: May 2022

Background: TGF-β1 has been reported to be associated with COPD and pulmonary fibrosis, however, there is a lack of research on TGF-β1 in COPD patients with pulmonary fibrosis. In our study, we studied the influence of TGF-β1 and its single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on COPD and COPD complicated with pulmonary fibrosis. Methods: In this research, six GEO datasets were included to screen dysregulated genes in COPD patients. The dysregulated genes were detected by PCR-DNA sequencing based on 98 COPD patients and 90 healthy volunteers. Results: Five genes were upregulated in COPD patients. However, only TGF-β1 highly expressed in 1-4 stage of COPD versus 0 stage. Moreover, allele C of TGF-β1 +869 locus was associated with the susceptibility of COPD. The predicted value of FEV1% (FEV1, Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second) in patients with CC of +869 locus was significantly lower than that in patients with TT (P < 0.05). The genotype frequencies of CC, CT and TT were 6.5%, 58.7% and 34.8% in Mild-to-Moderate airflow restriction patients, however, they were 23.1%, 57.7% and 19.2% in severe airflow restriction patients. The distribution of CC genotype in severe airflow restriction COPD patients was significantly higher than that in Mild-to-Moderate airflow restriction COPD patients (P = 0.037). Further, the frequency of C allele was higher in patients with severe airflow restriction than that patients with Mild-to-Moderate airflow restriction (P = 0.024). Overall, TGF-β1 upregulated in COPD patients and its SNP at +869 is closely related to the susceptibility and airflow restriction of COPD patients.Conclusion: This study provides the basis for early prevention, targeted intervention and gene targeted therapy of COPD susceptible population.
Accuracy of gallbladder polyp size in predicting and detecting gallbladder cancer-a single-center study on gallbladder polyp
Authors: Liu Shuwang , Wang Yan , Zhang Lifen , Xu Jing , Lu Xiaofang , Wu Tianchong , Deng Lingna , Jiang Jiling , An Tailai
Published: May 2022

Background: Despite the fact that most gallbladder polyps are benign, malignant lesions are not so rare as thought. We performed this study to evaluate size distribution of gallbladder polyps and assess efficiency of reported risk factors in predicting malignancy. Methods: In this study, medical records of patients having undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder polyps at Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shenzhen People,s Hospital were reviewed. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis were adopted to determine risk factors for malignant lesions. Additionally, receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was accomplished to identify the optimal cutoff size. Results: A total of 1012 patients were included in this study. Of the 1012 patients, 977 ones were diagnosed with benign gallbladder polyps while 35 ones with malignant polyps. Diameters of the 977 benign gallbladder polyps were between 1 and 50 mm while the 35 malignant polyps were between 4 and 54 mm. Incidence of gallbladder cancer among lesions ≥10mm was 15.5%, 31.5% for lesions ≥15mm and 49.0% for lesions ≥20mm. Among polyps in the following four size ranges (≤5mm, 6-9mm, 10-14mm, and 15-19mm), cholesterol polyps were the most common. While among polyps between 20 and 24mm, adenomas were the most common and among polyps ≥25mm, malignant tumors were the most common. Sessile morphology was significantly more common in malignant lesions (91.4%) than in benign lesions (3.7%, P<0.001). Multiple polyps were frequently diagnosed not only as cholesterol polyps (82%) but also as adenomas (4.3%) and gallbladder cancer (0.3%). We demonstrated that sessile morphology, blood flow signal on ultrasonography and single polyps were independent predictive factors for gallbladder malignancy. Conclusions: Detection rate of malignant lesions increased significantly with the increase in diameter. Risk factors such as sessile morphology, blood flow signal on ultrasonography and single polyps were effective factors predicting malignant lesions. It was difficult for us to accurately confirm the pathological diagnoses of gallbladder polyps solely based on preoperative examinations given the fact that cholesterol polyps and adenomas were quite common, even among large gallbladder polyps.
Self-adaptive Salp Swarm Algorithm for Optimization Problems
Authors: Kassaymeh Sofian , Abdullah Salwani , Al-Betar Mohammed , Alweshah Mohammed , Al-Laham Mohamad , Othman Zalinda
Published: May 2022

In this paper, an enhanced version of the Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA) for global optimization problems was developed. Two improvements have been proposed: (i) diversification of the SSA population referred as SSAstd, (ii) SSA parameters are tuned using a self-adaptive technique based Genetic Algorithm (GA) referred as SSAGA−tuner. The novelty of developing a self-adaptive SSA is to enhance its performance through balancing search exploration and exploitation. The enhanced SSA versions are evaluated using twelve benchmark functions. The diversified population of SSAstd enhances convergence behavior, and self-adaptive parameter tuning of SSAGA−tuner improves the convergence behavior as well, thus improving performance. The comparative evaluation against nine well-established methods shows the superiority of the proposed SSA versions. The enhancement amount in accuracy was between 2.97% and 99% among all versions of algorithm. In a nutshell, the proposed SSA version shows a powerful enhancement that can be applied to a wide range of optimization problems.
Joint application of multiple genes in the diagnosis and pathogenesis of metastatic peochormocytoma/paraganglioma based on bioinformatics
Authors: Zhang Chunlei , Kang Yindong , Jiao Hongmei , Hu You , Chang Dehui , Yang Qi
Published: May 2022

Background: Metastatic pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare types of PPGLs with a worse prognosis. However, there are no effective diagnostic molecular markers and the specific mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we screened the molecular diagnostic markers and predicted the metastasis mechanism of metastatic PPGLs through mRNA sequencing results in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset GSE67066 by bioinformatics. Methods and results: Data were obtained from GEO dataset GSE67066. R software and packages were used for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) assessment, logistic model construction, correlation analysis. Gene Data in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) database were included in the pan-cancer analysis. Finally, 35 up-regulated genes and 38 down-regulated genes were identified. All malignant tumors can be distinguished from the benign group by logistics regression equation (= 957.8354 + 49.148*IRX3 + -14.1748*GALNT10 + -30.2242*BAIAP3 + -34.7723*RAPGEF4 + -9.3218*PACRG + -51.3402*PRKCZ + 7.5959*CAMK2N1 + -43.7049*RD3). CNTN4, PAPPA, LPL, TG, FGF14, OPCT, ABAT, GSTO2, SLC24A2, SGSM1, ATCAY and BAIAP3 may be important genes for the metastasis of PPGLs through NORCH signaling and TNF/HIF1α/VEGF signaling pathways. KCNG3, PXMP2, SHROOM3, KIF18B and FAM49A expression was related to mutation types. Many DEGs’ expression presented the anti-tumor potential correlated with immunity checkpoints in the metastatic process of PPGLs.Conclusions: Combined gene mRNA expression model increases the diagnostic efficiency of the metastatic potential of PPGLs. Multiple genes including CNTN4, PAPPA, LPL, TG, FGF14, OPCT, ABAT, GSTO2, SLC24A2, SGSM1, ATCAY and BAIAP3 may participate in the metastasis of PPGLs through NORCH signaling and TNF/HIF1α/VEGF signaling pathways.
The Adverse Effect of Diclofenac Exposure during Pregnancy on Mother and Fetus; A Systematic Review
Authors: Handiso Tilahun Beyene , Bachore Bahailu Balcha , Hagisso Shemsu Nuriye , Jifar Markos Selamu
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Since 1974, diclofenac has been used to treat the pain and swelling associated with rheumatic illnesses as a non-steroid anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID). It is one among the world's most extensively used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines have been shown to cause embryotoxicity and teratogenicity in experimental animals in a few studies, however there is no strong evidence of this impact in people.The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic assessment of the effects of diclofenac exposure on the mother and fetus during pregnancy.Methods: This study included all experimental, quasi-experimental, and observational research that were published in the English language and published up to the date of the review. PROSPERO (The International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) ID = CRD42019135608 was used to register the protocol. This study employed a three-step search technique. PubMed, Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Embase, cinihal, Google, several university repositories, and Google scholar were among the databases searched. The titles and abstracts were then examined by two independent reviewers to see if they met the review's inclusion criteria. At the study level, two independent reviewers critically assessed eligible studies. The review's methodological quality was assessed at the result level using standardized critical assessment instruments from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) for observational studies. Specific details about the demographics, study procedures, interventions, and outcomes of significance to the review purpose are included in the data retrieved from the studies. Due to the conclusion and type of the data, statistical pooling was not viable. As a result, the results were presented in a narrative format.Results: A total of 1,490,679 participants were found in three relevant papers (two cohorts and nested case-control studies). Diclofenac exposure during pregnancy raises the chance of low birth weight in the fetus, as well as the risk of spontaneous abortion and vaginal bleeding in the mother.Conclusions: Diclofenac exposure during pregnancy has negative consequences on the fetus and the mother. As a result, taking Diclofenac during pregnancy may have negative consequences for both the mother and the fetus, and more primary Randomized Control Trials (RCTs) are needed.
Ancient impact-scars control regional geology worldwide
Authors: Saul John M.
Published: May 2022

Bombardment of the Earth at an early date established initial conditions that have affected all later regional geology. No part of the Earth's crust escaped. Activity at the brittle-ductile boundary has caused large-diameter scars to be sporadically regenerated upward throughout the four-billion years of our planet's history. Although these three-dimensional 'craterform' scars have evolved in many different manners, and many are covered over at any given time, many retain observable two-dimensional map-outlines with circular curvature. These inherited scar-features have been regenerated 'cold' from below and are fundamentally different from 'astroblemes', as presently defined, whose constituent rocks had been directly subjected to the high temperatures and pressures that accompany extra-terrestrial impacts. The varied present-day manifestations of these scars need to be described and categorized as has been done for faults, folds, rocks, and minerals by earlier workers in the earth sciences.
An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of The Safety and Efficacy of Factor Xa Inhibitors Versus Low Molecular Weight Heparin Therapy for Treatment of Cancer Associated Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Qurashi Abdullah A. Al , Albeirouti Rasana B. , Kamal Omar J. , Alsaidlani Rawan H. , Huzali Abdullah Al , Kuwaity Lamar Hattan , Alnafisi Aasal Ahmed , Albeirouti Bassim T
Published: May 2022

Background
Patients with cancer-related venous thromboembolism (CA-VTE) have discovered Factor Xa inhibitors to be an effective intervention in recent decades. However, the greater bleeding risk involved with Factor Xa inhibitors than with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has now been substantiated in non-randomized studies as well as randomized control trials (RCT), albeit ambiguously, and this raises concerns for patients with CA-VTE.
Aims
We aim to pool data from all relevant studies reporting results for recurrent VTE, bleeding and mortality related to bleeding in CA-VTE patients undergoing treatment with Factor Xa inhibitors versus LMWH.
Methods
PubMed and Scopus databases were queried from inception through last week of March, 2022 for all RCT and non-randomized studies comparing the efficacy of Factor Xa inhibitors versus LMWH in patients with CA-VTE, on recurrence of VTE, clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB) and major bleeding events and mortality related to bleeding. A random-effects model was used and risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported.
Results
Fourteen non-randomized studies and six RCTs were included in our analysis. The total participants were 17,781. Our pooled analysis demonstrated that in non-randomized studies, Factor Xa inhibitors, compared to LMWH, had a significantly lower risk of recurrence of VTE (RR: 0.70 [0.60, 0.80]; p = 0.00001; I2 = 0%) and a significantly higher risk of overall bleeding (RR: 1.51 [1.10, 2.07]; p = 0.01; I2 = 59%), however, no significant difference in the risk of bleeding-related mortality was observed between Xa inhibitors and LMWH (RR: 0.99 [0.34, 2.92]; p = 0.99; I2 = 0%). In RCTs, Factor Xa inhibitors, compared to LMWH, had a significantly lower risk of recurrence of VTE (RR: 0.65 [0.49, 0.85]; p = 0.002; I2 = 3%) and a significantly higher risk bleeding (RR: 1.35 [1.02, 1.80]; p = 0.04; I2 = 37%). However, no significant difference in the risk of bleeding-related mortality was observed between Factor Xa inhibitors and LMWH (RR: 0.33 [0.07, 1.43]; p = 0.14; I2 = 0%). Furthermore, our pooled analysis demonstrated that there was no significant difference in the risk of overall bleeding in GI malignancies, between Factor Xa inhibitors and LMWH (RR: 1.39 [0.86, 2.26]; p = 0.18; I2 = 58%), risk of CRNMB (RR: 1.52 [0.80, 2.88]; p = 0.20; I2 = 56%), and the risk of major bleeding (RR: 1.29 [0.66, 2.48]; p = 0.46; I2 = 46%).
Conclusion
Our results show that in the context of CA-VTE, Factor Xa inhibitor therapy may be a safe, effective, and realistic alternative to LMWH.
Angiolipoma tissue analysis based on color-based segmentation using L * a * b * color space
Authors: Radak Mahyar
Published: May 2022

Texture analysis refers to the description of areas in an image with their texture content. Texture analysis attempts to determine visual qualities described in terms such as rough, smooth, silky, or uneven as a function of spatial variations in pixel intensity. This article shows how to identify different colors in angiolipoma tissue by analyzing the color space L * a * b *. Texture analysis can be useful when objects are identified more closely by their texture in an image than by intensity, and traditional thresholding techniques can not be used effectively.
Editorial: Lehre in Zeiten von Corona. Und wir lernen weiter…
Authors: Knaus Thomas , Merz Olga , Junge Thorsten
Published: May 2022

Editorial zur Ausgabe 22
Vom musikalischen Praxis- zum Onlineseminar
Authors: Wieczorek Meike , Roos Stefanie
Published: May 2022

Der Artikel geht der Frage nach, wie ein Praxisseminar zur Musik im Modul „Kulturelle Bildung“ in ein Onlineseminar gewandelt werden kann. Zunächst werden Struktur und Ziele des Seminars in Präsenzzeiten und anschließend in der pandemischen Lage, also der angepasste Wandel zum digitalen Seminarformat, aufgezeigt. Das Seminarkonzept und die Form der zu erbringenden Studienabschlussleistung – Konzipierung von Kompetenzpaketen Musik und Erstellen von Erklärvideos – werden reflektiert. Dabei liegt der Fokus auf einer allgemeinen Reflexion im Hinblick auf Zielerreichung und Akzeptanz. Das abschließende Fazit thematisiert Aspekte, die in Zukunft sowohl für Präsenz als auch für digitale Seminarformate wichtig erscheinen und zeigt Ideen zur Erhebung empirischer Daten im Kontext von Präsenz- und digital unterstützten sowie Onlineseminaren für Musik im Bereich der kulturellen Bildung auf.
Digitale Planspiele in der Medienbildung
Authors: Bastian Jasmin , Toth Christian , Wolf Christina
Published: May 2022

Die Autor*innen haben ein digitales Planspielformat für die medienpädagogische Lehramtsausbildung entwickelt, umgesetzt und evaluiert. Ziel des Planspiels ist es, Entscheidungsprozesse an Schulen zur Umsetzung hybriden Unterrichts im Kontext der Pandemie nachzubilden. Es stellt sich die Frage, ob Studierende durch den Einsatz eines digitalen Planspiels Reflexionsprozesse anstoßen, die ihre Einstellung gegenüber hybriden Lernkonzepten verändern oder vertiefen. Dazu wurden mittels Fragebogen im Rahmen eines Prä-Post-Designs N=300 Studierende befragt, die an 12 Planspielen teilgenommen haben.
Durch das Internet ‚gequetschte‘ Seminare!?
Authors: Schmidberger Laura , Unger Valentin , Wacker Albrecht
Published: May 2022

Durch die Corona-Pandemie wurde Studierenden und Dozierenden im Sommersemester 2020 erstmals ad hoc ein digitales Semester verordnet. In der Wissenschaft wird seither diskutiert, welche Probleme und Nachteile für die Studierenden mit der Online-Lehre einhergehen, aber auch welche Gestaltungs- und Unterstützungsmöglichkeiten des studentischen Lernens daraus resultieren. Der Beitrag verortet sich innerhalb dieser aktuellen Diskussion und fragt nach den Erfahrungen der Studierenden im ersten Online-Semester. 168 Studierende (71.4 % Lehramtsstudierende) konnten hierzu mit geschlossenen als auch offenen Formaten zu ihrer Situation, den Kommunikationswegen sowie zu den Vor- und Nachteilen befragt werden. Die Ergebnisse konturieren Gelingensbedingungen der Online-Lehre und heben beispielsweise eine mangelnde Kommunikation zu Lehrenden und Mitstudierenden vielfach heraus, andererseits aber auch Vorteile des asynchronen Studierens wie z.B. eine größere Flexibilität oder den Wegfall von Anfahrtswegen.
Kurzfristige Umstellung und langfristiges Potenzial
Authors: Titz Marvin , Zimmermann Jana , Pohlkamp Stefan
Published: May 2022

Der pandemiebedingte Digitalisierungsschub hat – neben vielen anderen Bildungsbereichen – auch die universitäre Lehrer*innenfortbildung erfasst und dazu geführt, dass kurzfristig neue Formate entwickelt und erprobt wurden. Der Forschungsstand zu der sogenannten dritten Phase der Lehrer*innen-bildung hat schon vor dieser Entwicklung die Relevanz entsprechender berufsbegleitender Professionalisierung herausgestellt und das Potenzial digitaler Formate im Vergleich zu dominierenden Präsenzveranstaltungen aufgezeigt. In dem vorliegenden Beitrag werden erste konkrete Erfahrungen mit digitalen Fortbildungsformaten aus zwei Perspektiven reflektiert: Welche Rahmenbedingungen sind bei der Planung und Organisation von Veranstaltungen herzustellen, um den Teilnehmenden in digitalen Settings eine qualitativ hochwertige Fortbildung und eine intensive Auseinandersetzung mit thematischen Fragestellungen zu ermöglichen? Wie verändert sich das Lernklima während der Fortbildung und wie lässt sich von Seiten der Referent*innen darauf reagieren? Unsere Reflexion mündet in praxisnahe Empfehlungen, wie digitale Formate auch langfristig die Lehrer*innenfortbildung bereichern können.
Implementierung eines Makerspaces an der Pädagogischen Hochschule Ludwigsburg
Authors: Schmidt Jennifer
Published: May 2022

Seit Sommer 2021 wird im Rahmen des Verbundprojekts MakEd_digital an der Pädagogischen Hochschule Ludwigsburg an der Einrichtung eines Makerspaces gearbeitet. Ziel des Makerspaces ist es, die digitalisierungsbezogenen Kompetenzen von Lehramtsstudierenden zu fördern. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird neben der konkreten Ausgestaltung des Makerspaces die Bedeutung der Making-Aktivitäten für die Medienpädagogik besprochen. Dabei wird deutlich, dass Making als medienpädagogische Tätigkeit kein selbstlaufender Prozess ist, sondern individuelle Unterstützung benötigt. Zudem kann die Einrichtung eines Makerspaces niemals als abgeschlossen gelten, sondern unterliegt einer fortlaufenden Dynamik: Die ‚Magie des Makings‘ lebt nämlich vom kontinuierlichen Aufgreifen technischer und gesellschaftlicher Weiterentwicklungen im Makerspace.
Polemical duel on the «Open field of historical facts»
Authors: Рыбаков С.В.
Published: May 2022

Статья посвящена журнальной полемике между Т.Н. Грановским и А.С. Хомяковым, состоявшейся в 1847 г. Несмотря на незначительный повод к ее началу, она высветила методологические и методические различия в подходах к изучению истории со стороны двух известных общественных деятелей середины XIX в., один из которых представлял умеренное западничество, а другой – славянофильство. Эта полемика наглядно отразила уровень развития тогдашней исторической науки.

The article is devoted to the magazine controversy between T. N. Granovsky and A. S. Khomyakov, which took place in 1847. Despite the insignificant reason for its beginning, this controversy highlighted the differences in the theory and methods of studying history on the part of two well-known public figures of the middle of the XIX century, representing respectively enlightened Westernism and Slavophilism. The controversy between them reflected the level of development of historical science at that time.
From the History of French Hellenistic Studies
Authors: Маргарян Е.Г.
Published: May 2022

За последние полтора века французская историография эллинизма прошла несколько этапов развития, обусловленных, прежде всего, политической конъюнктурой. Первая половина ХХ в. прошла под лозунгами «благотворного империализма», при-званными легитимировать колониальную политику ведущих империй Нового времени. Крушение империй и колониальной системы породило новое отношение к ис-стории эллинизма. Постколониальный дискурс лишил Александра и греко-македон-ские империи героического ореола и позволил взглянуть на эллинизм с точки зрения коренных жителей Передней и Центральной Азии, а также ориентализированных греков, ставших частью нового для них мира. Новый дискурс открыл новые перспективы для изучения истории эллинизма, но вместе с тем потребовал обогатить исследовательскую палитру новыми методами. В частности – микроисторией, т.к. именно этот метод позволяет наиболее полно осветить историю «безмолствующего большинства» коренного населения, завоеванных македонцами стран.

Over the past century and a half, the French historiography of Hellenism has passed through several stages of development, primarily due to the political situation. The first half of the twentieth century was spent under the slogans of "beneficial imperialism", designed to legitimize the colonial policy of the leading empires of Modern times. The collapse of empires and the colonial system gave rise to a new attitude to the history of Hellenism. Postcolonial discourse deprived Alexander and the Greek-Macedonian empires of the heroic aura and allowed them to look at Hellenism from the point of view of the indigenous inhabitants of the Front and Central Asia, as well as the orientalized Greeks who became part of a new world for them. The new discourse opened up new perspectives for studying the history of Hellenism, but at the same time demanded to enrich the research palette with new methods. In particular, microhistory, because this method allows you to most fully cover the history of the" silent majority" of the indigenous population of the countries conquered by the Macedonians.
The Tatars’ Image and Self-consciousness of the North-Eastern Rus’ Bookmen During Ivan the Great’s Reign
Authors: Гребенников Н.Ю.
Published: May 2022

В статье представлен анализ известий сводов северо-восточной летописной традиции, которые составлялись при жизни Ивана III. Сведения, содержащиеся в них, предоставляют прекрасную возможность понять, как древнерусские книжники воспринимали «разных» татар и предположить возможные истоки соответствующего отношения. Более того, четкое разграничение на «русь»/«татары», которое проводят летописцы в текстах, позволяет определить главные «составляющие» самосознания книжников и выстроить их в некую иерархию в зависимости от значимости каждой.

The paper focuses on scrutinizing some chronicle reports of the North-Eastern chronicles, were being composed during Ivan the Great’s life. The evidences which they contain are significantly important for understanding the perception of bookmen towards the different groups of the Tatars and further reconstructing of their images as well. Moreover, the strictly distinguishing between the Tatars and Rus’, which is drawn by Old-Russian chroniclers in chronicle texts, allows to reveal the primary elements of bookmen’ self-consciousness and to ascertain place for each of them in the hierarchy, crucial for Rus’ self-consciousness.
The Muslims of Pre-colonial India: Historical Narratives and Self-Identification
Authors: Ванина Е.Ю.
Published: May 2022

Статья рассматривает исторические нарративы Делийского султаната и Могольской империи в контексте самоидентификации мусульман. Если ранние хроники утверждали единственную идентичность мусульман – конфессиональную, требовавшую борьбы с «неверными», то в процессе территориально-культурной адаптации часть их стала позиционировать себя как жителей Индии, имеющих общую родину, культуру и историческое прошлое с местными индусами. В эпоху Моголов мусульманские и индусские авторы сконструировали общеимперский исторический дискурс, подчеркивающий лояльность власти как надконфессиональную ценность. Вместе с тем, тенденция чисто конфессиональной, неиндийской самоидентификации сохранилась и в колониальные времена стала основой мусульманского национализма.

The paper discusses historical narratives of the Delhi sultanate and Mughal empire vis-à-vis Muslim self-identification. While the early chronicles established exclusively confessional identity of Muslims and glorified struggle against the ‘infidels’, the process of adaptation made a considerable part of Muslims position themselves as inhabitants of India sharing homeland, culture and, importantly, historical past, with local Hindus. In the Mughal epoch, Muslim and Hindu authors jointly constructed an imperial historical discourse highlighting loyalism as supra-communal value. At the same time, the tendency towards communal ‘un-Indian’ self-identification of Muslims has also been in force, to become, in colonial times, the basis for Muslim nationalism.
From the People to Citizenship: the Problem of Constructing Polish Historical Narrative in the 18th-19th Centuries
Authors: Басов И.М.
Published: May 2022

Статья рассматривает процесс трансформации этногенетических и сословных категорий в модерные национальные на примере польского Просвещения и романтического национализма. Прочтение исторических источников XVI-XVII вв., на которые ориентировались творцы польского национального проекта, обнаруживает несоответствие фундаментальных понятий. Однако несоответствие остается незамеченным на протяжении всего XIX в. Это повод задаться вопросами: почему конструирование исторического нарратива не встретило препятствия в лице исторических источников, и как национальному нарративу удалось примирить сословное прошлое с эгалитарной идеей гражданской нации?

The article considers the process of transformation of ethnogenetic and estate categories into modern national ones using the example of the Polish Enlightenment and romantic nationalism. Reading the historical sources of the 16th–17th centuries, which ideologists of the Polish national project were guided by, reveals an inconsistency in the framing of fundamental concepts. However, the inconsistency remained unnoticed by the masterminds of the national project in the 19th century. This is a reason to ask the question: why was the construction of a historical narrative not hindered by historical sources, and how did the national narrative manage to reconcile the estate past with the egalitarian idea of a civil nation?
The State, Society and Philately in the Soviet Reality of the First Half of the 1920s, or How they Fought Against Postal Fraud and Fiction
Authors: Якуб А.В.
Published: May 2022

Рассматривается политика советского руководства в области защиты государственного интереса в сфере почты и филателии как внутри страны, так и за рубежом, связанного с увеличением количества фальшивых и фантастических знаков почтовой оплаты. Выделяются два основных периода в этой деятельности: «оборонительный» (1917–1921) и «контрнаступательный» (1922–1925). Характеризуются основные механизмы, методы и средства в борьбе с изготовлением фальшивых почтовых марок с целью защиты политико-экономических интересов страны, особенно за рубежом, и интересов отдельных коллекционеров.

The article considers the policy of the Soviet leadership in the field of protecting the state interest in the field of mail and philately both at home and abroad, associated with an increase in the number of fake and fantastic postage stamps. There are two main periods in this activity: "defensive" (1917-1921) and "counter-offensive" (1922-1925). The main mechanisms, methods and means in the fight against the production of counterfeit postage stamps in order to protect the political and economic interests of the country, especially abroad, and the interests of individual collectors are characterized.
Development and Validation of the Programming Anxiety Scale
Authors: YILDIRIM Osman Gazi , OZDENER Nesrin
Published: May 2022

The main goal of the current study is to develop a reliable instrument to measure programming anxiety in university students. A pool of 33 items based on extensive literature review and experts' opinions were created by researchers. The draft scale comprised three factors applied to 392 university students from two different universities in Turkey. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was conducted on the draft scale. According to analysis results, the Programing Anxiety Scale comprised of two factors and 14 items. In addition, factor loadings for the 14-item scale range from .633 to .918. Internal factor reliability for the whole scale and the subscales was estimated as Cronbach's alpha values of .95, .90, and .94, respectively. In the light of these results, the Programming Anxiety Scale is an appropriate and dependable tool.
Inclusive WASH and sustainable tourism in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia: needs and opportunities
Authors: Dwipayanti Ni Made Utami , Nastiti Anindrya , Johnson Helen , Loehr Johanna , Kowara Mellysa , de Rozari Philippi , Vada Sera , Hadwen Wade , Nugraha Mariano A. T. , Powell Bronwyn
Published: May 2022

Rapid tourism growth can place unprecedented strain on water resources and reduce access for local communities. This study explored the state of Inclusive water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in the tourism sector and local communities of Labuan Bajo, one of Indonesia's ‘super-premium’ tourism destinations. The formative research applied an Inclusive WASH-at-Work framework; data were collected using a case study methodology through semi-structured interviews (n = 20) and focus groups (n = 6) with government, tourism and community stakeholders. The findings identified growing tensions over inequitable water service levels and WASH access. Significantly, reported negative impacts were disproportionately experienced by women and girls, elderly and disabled members of the community, who suffer most from inadequate WASH facilities in hotels, public settings and their homes. Governance of and capacity constraints around WASH management highlighted the value of Inclusive WASH solutions to overcome the challenges Labuan Bajo faces as a rapidly developing tourism destination. Critically, solutions must be locally-driven, build local capacity and open pathways to collaboration between the community and decision-makers in the national government, provincial government and private tourism sector. Enhanced stakeholder collaboration and increased private sector contributions are needed to ensure a more equitable distribution of tourism benefits to underpin WASH and destination sustainability.
Operationalizing irrigation water charges in sub-Saharan Africa: a case study from the Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia
Authors: Hagos Fitsum , Ahmed Jemal , Haileslassie Amare , Seid Abdulkarim
Published: May 2022

Fixing and implementing water charges in the irrigation sector is considered an important task for recovering operation and maintenance costs and promoting the efficient use of water. This study aims at developing an implementation strategy for water charges in the Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia. The study sets the agenda for this strategy by explaining why promoting the concept of fixing irrigation charges is necessary. Then it develops a conceptual framework, draws key lessons from global experiences, explores whether the new pricing policy is well aligned with national water policies and the roles and responsibilities of various actors and stakeholders involved, and identifies the factors for the successful implementation of this strategy. The study is mainly qualitative in nature, based on a review of the literature and consultations of key stakeholders. The study results call for clearly defining the key objectives of the policy, political commitment, and community participation, re-examining the role of institutions, capacity building, and establishing a multistakeholder platform. Basin-level implementation of this policy requires piloting and maintaining policy dynamics through adaptive management. The results provide generic lessons for other basins within Ethiopia and for sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
Геокомпас высоких широт
Authors: Шульгин В.А.
Published: May 2022

Рассмотрена автономная навигационная система ориентации на поверхности, под водой, под поверхностью Земли. Пассивная локация оси вращения Земли осуществляется вектором диаграммы направленности геокомпаса при угловом сканировании пространства. Предложена и реализована конструкция геокомпаса, в котором деформации среды твердого тела под действием переменного акустического поля и поля ускорений Кориолиса Земли формируют вектор диаграммы. Экспериментальное сканирование пространства подтверждает формирование вектора направления, совпадающего с ортогональю к оси вращения Земли, что позволяет квалифицировать устройство как геокомпас, ориентированный в высоких широтах на географический полюс. Ключевые слова: ускорение Кориолиса, вращение Земли, акустика, навигация.
Обнаружение хаотического сигнала на фоне шума путем квантования по нескольким уровням амплитуды в модели радиотехнического генератора хаоса
Authors: Кузьмин Л.В.
Published: May 2022

A method for detection a continuous chaotic signal with a Gaussian noise by quantizing over four amplitudes and comparing the parameters of the obtained discrete sequence with the parameters of a similar sequence for a non-noisy chaotic signal is proposed. A quantization scheme is developed. It is determined by the structure of the phase space of a dynamic system that generates a chaotic signal. The source of the chaotic signal is a model of a radio engineering generator. The identified chaotic signal has a positive senior Lyapunov exponent and a continuous power spectrum.
Охлаждение парогазовой смеси испаряющимися каплями воды
Authors: Корценштейн Н.М.
Published: May 2022

A model of thermal relaxation in the flow of a hot vapor–gas mixture and cold water droplets is presented. Numerical modeling of vapor and gas cooling during heating and evaporation of droplets has been carried out. Approximation expressions are obtained for the cooling time of vapor and gas in a given temperature range depending on the initial radius of droplets, the mass fraction of droplets, and the initial composition of the vapor-gas mixture.
Временной паттерн накопления микротрещин при ударном повреждении пористой керамики SiC
Authors: Щербаков И.П. , Кадомцев А.Г. , Чмель А.Е.
Published: May 2022

Рассмотрены временные характеристики развития локального разрушения при кратковременной точечной нагрузке керамик SiC, широко применяемых в качестве защитных материалов против ударного воздействия на технику и человека. Методами акустической эмиссии и электромагнитной эмиссии изучена статистика соответственно зарождения и релаксации микротрещин. Показано, что длительность интервалов между появлением трещин следует степенному закону, характерному для кооперативных явлений. Временное распределение импульсов электромагнитного излучения от электрических зарядов, возникающих на берегах микротрещин и аннигилирующих при релаксации таковых после прохода ударной волны, напротив, было линейным. Временная структура релаксации трещин позволила выделить две группы повреждений различного масштаба: мельчайшие дефекты в сплошном материале и более крупные микротрещины, соединяющие соседние поры. Ключевые слова: SiC, пористая керамика, ударное разрушение, акустическая эмиссия, электромагнитная эмиссия.
Community Health Worker-Led mHealth-Enabled Diabetes Self-management Education and Support Intervention in Rural Latino Adults: Single-Arm Feasibility Trial
Authors: Li Shiyu , Yin Zenong , Lesser Janna , Li Chengdong , Choi Byeong Yeob , Parra-Medina Deborah , Flores Belinda , Dennis Brittany , Wang Jing
Published: May 2022

Background

Latinos living in rural South Texas have a higher prevalence of diabetes, but their access to diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) is limited.

Objective

We aimed to test the feasibility of a community health worker-led, mobile health (mHealth)-based DSMES intervention to reduce disparities in accessing DSMES in underserved rural Latino residents in South Texas.

Methods

This 12-week, single-arm, pre-post trial was delivered by trained community health workers to 15 adults with type 2 diabetes. The intervention consisted of digital diabetes education, self-monitoring, a cloud-based connected platform, and community health worker support. Feasibility was evaluated as retention, actual intervention use, program satisfaction, and barriers to implementation. We also explored the intervention’s effect on weight loss and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c).

Results

All 15 participants were Latino (mean age 61.87 years, SD 10.67; 9/15 female, 60%). The retention rate at posttest was 14 of 15 (93%). On average, the participants completed 37 of 42 (88%) digital diabetes education lessons with 8 participants completing all lessons. Participants spent 81/91 days (89%) step tracking, 71/91 days (78%) food logging, 43/91 days (47%) blood glucose self-monitoring, and 74/91 days (81%) weight self-monitoring. The level of program satisfaction was high. On average, participants lost 3.5 (SD 3.2) kg of body weight (P=.001), while HbA1c level remained unchanged from baseline (6.91%, SD 1.28%) to posttest (7.04%, SD 1.66%; P=.668).

Conclusions

A community health worker-led mHealth-based intervention was feasible and acceptable to improve access to DSMES services for Latino adults living in rural communities. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to test intervention efficacy on weight loss and glycemic control.
Using Digital Media to Improve Dementia Care in India: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Brijnath Bianca , Baruah Upasana , Antoniades Josefine , Varghese Mathew , Cooper Claudia , Dow Briony , Kent Mike , Loganathan Santosh
Published: May 2022

Background

India is undergoing a demographic transition characterized by population aging and is witnessing a high dementia rate. Although nearly 7 million people live with dementia in India, dementia awareness is poor, and current resources addressing dementia care are basic and often incomplete, duplicated, or conflicting. To address this gap, this study aims to use digital media, which has had a massive technological uptake in India, to improve dementia care in India.

Objective

The objective of this paper is to describe an intervention study design that examines the feasibility and acceptability of Moving Pictures India, a digital media resource to improve dementia care in India.

Methods

This study employs a mixed methods design and is divided into 4 phases: (1) video interviews with Indian caregivers and health professionals; (2) coproduction of resources; (3) pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT); and (4) dissemination and analytics. The pilot RCT will follow an experimental parallel group design with 2 arms aiming to assess the impact, feasibility, and acceptability of the developed resources. The primary outcome measures for the pilot RCT will be feasibility and acceptability, while the secondary outcome measures will be caregiver burden, mood, and quality of life.

Results

This study received funding from the Alzheimer’s Association in the United States in July 2021. In 2023, we will enroll 60 dementia caregivers (40 caregivers in the intervention arm and 20 in the control) for the pilot RCT. The study has been approved by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences Ethics Committee (26th IEC (BEH.SC.DIV.)/2020-21 dated November 11, 2020); the Health Ministry's Screening Committee, India (proposal ID 2020-10137); the Curtin University Human Research Ethics Committee (approval number HRE2020-0735); and the NARI Research Governance Office (site-specific approval dated March 17, 2021).

Conclusions

This protocol is designed to deliver unique, coproduced, and evidence-based media resources to support caregivers of persons with dementia in India and other countries aiming to utilize digital media for dementia care. If the intervention is found feasible and acceptable, postpiloting analytics and qualitative feedback will be used to develop an implementation trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the potential low-risk high-benefit intervention in practice.

Trial Registration

Clinical Trials Registry-India CTRI/2021/01/030403; http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?trialid=50794

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/38456
The Design, Development, and Implementation of a Web-Enabled Informatics Platform to Enhance the Well-being of Individuals Aged 18-24 Years: Protocol for an Experimental Study (Preprint)
Authors: Malhotra Bhavya , Sahoo Jagannath , Gupta Mansi , Joshi Ashish
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

Well-being is multidimensional, complex, and dynamic in nature. It is an amalgam of physical and mental health, essential for disease prevention and the promotion of a healthy life.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the features that impact the well-being of individuals between 18 and 24 years of age in an Indian setting. It further aims to design, develop, and evaluate the usefulness and effectiveness of a web-based informatics platform or stand-alone intervention to enhance the well-being of individuals aged 18-24 years in an Indian setting.

METHODS

This study follows a mixed method approach to identify factors influencing the well-being of individuals in the age group of 18-24 years in an Indian setting. The college-going students in this age group from the states of Uttarakhand (urban settings of Dehradun) and Uttar Pradesh (urban settings of Meerut) will be enrolled. They will be randomly allocated to the control and intervention groups. The participants in the intervention group will have access to the web-based well-being platform.

RESULTS

This study will examine the factors that influence the well-being of individuals aged 18-24 years. It will also facilitate the design and development of the web-based platform or stand-alone intervention, which will enhance the well-being of individuals in the age group of 18-24 years in an Indian setting. Furthermore, the results of this study will help generate a well-being index for individuals to plan tailored interventions. The 60 in-depth interviews have been conducted as of September 30, 2022.

CONCLUSIONS

The study will help understand the factors that influence the well-being of individuals. The findings of this study will help in the design and development of the web-based platform or stand-alone intervention to enhance the well-being of individuals in the age group of 18-24 years in an Indian setting.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

PRR1-10.2196/38632