bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
p57Kip2 is an essential regulator of vitamin D receptor-dependent mechanisms
Authors: Takahashi Katsuhiko , Amano Hitoshi , Urano Tomohiko , Li Minqi , Oki Meiko , Aoki Kazuhiro , Amizuka Norio , Nakayama Keiichi I. , Nakayama Keiko , Udagawa Nobuyuki , Higashi Nobuaki
Published: February 2023

A cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor, p57Kip2, is an important molecule involved in bone development; p57Kip2-deficient (p57-/-) mice display neonatal lethality resulting from abnormal bone formation and cleft palate. The modulator 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (l,25-(OH)2VD3) has shown the potential to suppress the proliferation and induce the differentiation of normal and tumor cells. The current study assessed the role of p57Kip2 in the 1,25-(OH)2VD3-regulated differentiation of osteoblasts because p57Kip2 is associated with the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Additionally, 1,25-(OH)2VD3 treatment increased p57KIP2 expression and induced the colocalization of p57KIP2 with VDR in the osteoblast nucleus. Primary p57-/- osteoblasts exhibited higher proliferation rates with Cdk activation than p57+/+ cells. A lower level of nodule mineralization was observed in p57-/- osteoblasts than in p57+/+ cells. In p57+/+ osteoblasts, 1,25-(OH)2VD3 upregulated the p57Kip2 and opn mRNA expression levels, while the opn expression levels were significantly decreased in p57-/- cells. The osteoclastogenesis assay performed using bone marrow cocultured with 1,25-(OH)2VD3-treated osteoblasts revealed a decreased efficiency of 1,25-(OH)2VD3-stimulated osteoclastogenesis in p57-/- cells. Based on these results, p57Kip2 might function as a mediator of 1,25-(OH)2VD3 signaling, thereby enabling sufficient VDR activation for osteoblast maturation.
How chronic conditions are understood, experienced and managed within African communities in Europe, North America and Australia: A synthesis of qualitative studies
Authors: de-Graft Aikins Ama , Sanuade Olutobi , Baatiema Leonard , Adjaye-Gbewonyo Kafui , Addo Juliet , Agyemang Charles
Published: February 2023

This review focuses on the lived experiences of chronic conditions among African communities in the Global North, focusing on established immigrant communities as well as recent immigrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking communities. We conducted a systematic and narrative synthesis of qualitative studies published from inception to 2022, following a search from nine databases—MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Social Science Citation Index, Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, SCOPUS and AMED. 39 articles reporting 32 qualitative studies were included in the synthesis. The studies were conducted in 10 countries (Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States) and focused on 748 participants from 27 African countries living with eight conditions: type 2 diabetes, hypertension, prostate cancer, sickle cell disease, chronic hepatitis, chronic pain, musculoskeletal orders and mental health conditions. The majority of participants believed chronic conditions to be lifelong, requiring complex interventions. Chronic illness impacted several domains of everyday life—physical, sexual, psycho-emotional, social, and economic. Participants managed their illness using biomedical management, traditional medical treatment and faith-based coping, in isolation or combination. In a number of studies, participants took ‘therapeutic journeys’–which involved navigating illness action at home and abroad, with the support of transnational therapy networks. Multi-level barriers to healthcare were reported across the majority of studies: these included individual (changing food habits), social (stigma) and structural (healthcare disparities). We outline methodological and interpretive limitations, such as limited engagement with multi-ethnic and intergenerational differences. However, the studies provide an important insights on a much-ignored area that intersects healthcare for African communities in the Global North and medical pluralism on the continent; they also raise important conceptual, methodological and policy challenges for national health programmes on healthcare disparities.
Magnitude, associated factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolates among adult dental caries patients attending Hiwot Fana comprehensive specialized university hospital, Harar, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Maru Mandie , Teklemariam Zelalem , Admassu Desalegn
Published: February 2023

Background

Dental caries is defined as a dynamic diet microbial disease of teeth, which results in localized dissolution and destruction of the mineralized tissues of the teeth. Dental caries develops when there is a susceptible tooth exposed to pathogenic bacteria in the presence of substrate. Under these conditions, the bacteria metabolize substrate to form acid, which decalcifies teeth. Dental caries is among the top oral health problem in both developing and developed nations affecting around 20–50% of the population globally.

Objective

This study was conducted to assess the magnitude, associated factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolates among adult dental caries patients visiting Hiwot Fana specialized university hospital dental clinic from April 23 to-June 23, 2021.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 290 study participants. Convenient sampling techniques were used to select the study participants. Data was entered into Epi-info version 7.2.4.0 and exported to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20 for analysis. The result was explained by using summary measures of texts, tables, and graphs after analysis by using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. Statistical significance was defined at a p-value of less than 0.05.

Result

The overall magnitude of bacteria among dental caries patients was 68.3%. S mutans 74(37.4%) and Lactobacillus spp 58(29.3%) were the most predominant isolated bacteria. Lack of teeth brushing (AOR: 2.8, 95% CI:1.6, 4.6), the habit of chewing khat always (AOR:4.8, 95%CI:2.10,8.80), the habit of chewing khat sometimes (AOR: 3.8: 95% CI: 2.520,9.48) and consumption of soft drinks (AOR: 1.9, 95% CI:1.2,3.1) were significantly associated with bacterial dental caries. Almost, all bacterial isolates were susceptible to ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin compared to Amoxicillin, Azithromycin, chloramphenicol, clindamycin, doxycycline, erythromycin, gentamycin, penicillin, tetracycline, vancomycin and tobramycin.

Conclusion

Teeth brushing habit, consumption of soft drink and a habit of chewing khat affects dental health and they are associated with bacterial dental caries. Harari regional health bureau better to focus by giving health education to the community about dental caries based on identified associated factors with dental caries.
A note on variable susceptibility, the herd-immunity threshold and modeling of infectious diseases
Authors: Carlsson Marcus , Wittsten Jens , Söderberg-Nauclér Cecilia
Published: February 2023

The unfolding of the COVID-19 pandemic has been very difficult to predict using mathematical models for infectious diseases. While it has been demonstrated that variations in susceptibility have a damping effect on key quantities such as the incidence peak, the herd-immunity threshold and the final size of the pandemic, this complex phenomenon is almost impossible to measure or quantify, and it remains unclear how to incorporate it for modeling and prediction. In this work we show that, from a modeling perspective, variability in susceptibility on an individual level is equivalent with a fraction θ of the population having an “artificial” sterilizing immunity. We also derive novel formulas for the herd-immunity threshold and the final size of the pandemic, and show that these values are substantially lower than predicted by the classical formulas, in the presence of variable susceptibility. In the particular case of SARS-CoV-2, there is by now undoubtedly variable susceptibility due to waning immunity from both vaccines and previous infections, and our findings may be used to greatly simplify models. If such variations were also present prior to the first wave, as indicated by a number of studies, these findings can help explain why the magnitude of the initial waves of SARS-CoV-2 was relatively low, compared to what one may have expected based on standard models.
Loneliness and time abroad in Polish migrants in the UK: Protective role of religious experience
Authors: Tatala Małgorzata , Wojtasiński Marcin , Janowski Konrad
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between time spent abroad, level of religious experience, and loneliness in Polish migrants in the UK. Factors differentiating the level of loneliness were migration time (up to one year, from one to five years, and over five years) and religious experience, which was postulated to have a protective function against the level of loneliness experienced. The R-UCLA test was used to verify the level of loneliness, and religious experience was measured with the Religious Experience Scale in participants (N = 200) who were Polish migrants. The results showed that the relationship between time abroad and loneliness is not linear–the highest levels of loneliness were experienced in those who had been living in the UK between one and five years, which is consistent with the observations of Homoncik et al. (2017). Furthermore, the level of religious experience was significantly related to loneliness in that those with high levels of religious experience displayed lower levels of loneliness than those with low levels of religious experience. These results may suggest the need for interventions to raise awareness of potential risks among people with high levels of loneliness.
Working life sequences over the life course among 9269 women and men in Sweden; a prospective cohort study
Authors: Gémes Katalin , Heikkilä Katriina , Alexanderson Kristina , Farrants Kristin , Mittendorfer-Rutz Ellenor , Virtanen Marianna
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To investigate working life courses in women and men and possible associations with socioeconomic, health-, and work-related factors.

Methods

A 15-year prospective cohort study of individuals aged 18–50 in paid work at baseline and answering the Swedish Living Conditions Surveys (2000–2003, N = 9269) and their annual economic activity, using nationwide registers. We used sequence and cluster analyses to identify and group similar working life sequences. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine associations of sex, socioeconomic, health-, and work-related factors with sequence cluster memberships.

Results

We identified 1284 working life sequences, of which 65% represented continuous active (in paid work/studying) states. We then identified five sequence clusters, the largest one with individuals who were continuously active (n = 6034, 65% of the participants; 54% of women and 76% of men) and smaller ones with interruptions of the active state by long-term parental-leave, unemployment, and/or sickness absence/disability pension (SA/DP), or retirement. Women were more likely than men to belong to the “Parental-leave periods” (odds ratio [OR]: 33.2; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 25.6, 43.1) and the “SA/DP periods” sequence clusters (OR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.4, 2.1), also after adjustment for covariates. In both sexes, low education and poor health were the strongest predictors of belonging to the sequence cluster “Unemployment & SA/DP periods”. Predictors of the “Parental-leave periods” sequence cluster differed between women and men.

Conclusions

In a cohort of individuals in paid work at baseline, the majority of women and men worked most of each year although women were more likely to have some interruptions characterized by long-term parental-leave or SA/DP periods than men, independently of socioeconomic, health-, and work-related factors.
The pandemic and changes in early career researchers’ career prospects, research and publishing practices
Authors: Jamali Hamid R. , Nicholas David , Sims David , Watkinson Anthony , Herman Eti , Boukacem-Zeghmouri Cherifa , Rodríguez-Bravo Blanca , Świgoń Marzena , Abrizah Abdullah , Xu Jie , Tenopir Carol , Allard Suzie
Published: February 2023

Introduction

As part of the Harbnger-2 project, this study aimed to discover the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on junior researchers’ work-life, career prospects, research and publishing practices and networking.

Methods

An online international survey of 800 early career researchers (ECRs) was conducted in 2022. A questionnaire was developed based on three rounds of interviews and distributed using multiple channels including publishers, social media, and direct email to ECRs.

Results

The impact of the pandemic on career prospects, morale, job security, productivity, ability to network and collaborate, and quality and speed of peer review has on the whole been more negative than positive. A quarter of ECRs shifted their research focus to pandemic-related topics and half of those who did, benefited largely due to increased productivity and impact. The majority worked remotely/from home and more than two-thirds of those who did so benefitted from it. While virtual or hybrid conferences have been embraced by the majority of ECRs, around a third still preferred face-to-face only conferences. The use of library online platforms, Sci-Hub, ResearchGate, Google Scholar and smartphone to search and access full-text papers increased. ECRs prioritised journals with fast submission procedures for the publishing of their papers and spent more time on increasing the visibility of their research. Fees were a problem for publishing open access.

Conclusion

Although, generally, the pandemic negatively impacted many aspects of ECRs’ work-life, certain research areas and individuals benefited from being more appreciated and valued, and, in some cases, resulted in increased resources, better productivity and greater impact. Changes, such as the use of digital technologies and remote working created new opportunities for some ECRs. While continuing work flexibility and hybrid conferences might benefit some ECRs, institutions should also take measures to help those ECRs whose career and productivity have been adversely impacted.
Small-scale mobility fostering the interaction networks of Patagonian (Argentina) hunter-gatherers during the Late Holocene: Perspectives from strontium isotopes and exotic items
Authors: Serna Alejandro , Bataille Clément P. , Prates Luciano , Mange Emiliano , le Roux Petrus , Salazar-García Domingo C.
Published: February 2023

During the Late Holocene, hunter-gatherer interaction networks significantly grew in intensity and extension across Patagonia. Although this growth is evidenced by the increased flow of exotic items across the region, the mechanisms behind these strengthening social networks remain unclear. Since evidence suggests that some individuals might have performed long-distance trips, this article aims to address the potential relationship between these individuals and the flows of exotic items in North Patagonia. We analyzed 54 enamel teeth for strontium isotopes and reconstructed their probable mobility using mixed-effect models and isotope-based geographic assignments. We inferred population and individual mobility trends and compared them against the flow of exotic items built from a standardized compilation. Our results indicate that most individuals have isotopic composition compatible with residence within their burial and surrounding areas. However, a few individuals show isotopic composition incompatible with their burial areas, which suggests axes -from the burial location to the most likely isotope integration area- of extraordinary mobility. At the same time, the flows of exotic items overlap with these axes around the eastern sector of the study area suggesting that this location could have been a central point of convergence for people and items. We argue that small-scale socially driven mobility could have played a relevant role as a general mechanism of interaction that fostered and materialized Patagonian interaction networks during the Late Holocene.
A survey of UK beekeeper’s Varroa treatment habits
Authors: Valentine Alexandra , Martin Stephen J.
Published: February 2023

The global spread of the parasitic mite Varroa destructor instigated a substantial decline in both managed and feral honeybee (Apis mellifera) colonies mainly across the Northern hemisphere. In response, many beekeepers began to treat their colonies with chemical acaricides to control mite populations in managed colonies. However, some countries or beekeepers allowed their bees to develop mite-resistance by adopting a “treatment-free” approach, rather than using selective breeding programs. Yet, the distribution and proportion of beekeepers either treating or not within the United Kingdom (UK) is unknown, as it is in most Northern hemisphere countries. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a beekeeper survey to determine the current treatment strategies within the UK. We gathered 2,872 beekeeper responses from an estimated 30,000 UK beekeepers belonging to 242 bee-associations in the winter of 2020/21. The survey indicated that the majority (72–79%) of UK beekeepers are still treating their bees for Varroa, typically twice-yearly using chemical-based methods. Six percent or 1,800 UK beekeepers were treatment-free for six years or more. This is reflected by our finding that 78 associations out of 242 consist of responders who entirely treated, while only four associations had more than 75% of their members that were non-treating. Overall treatment status was not affected by association currently. Using the baseline data from this survey it will be possible in the future to observer if a shift towards treatment-free beekeeping occurs or not.
An internet-based self-applied rat phobia treatment using a Virtual Therapy Assistant: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: González-Lozoya Sonia M. , Meza-Kubo Victoria , Dominguez-Rodriguez Alejandro , Ramírez-Fernández Cristina , Bautista-Valerio Eduardo , Moreyra-Jiménez Liliana , Morán Alberto L.
Published: February 2023

Specific phobias are a common anxiety disorder that deteriorates the lives of people who suffer from them. To reduce the symptoms produced by this mental disorder exposure therapies have been used. However, low- and middle-income countries, including Mexico, have the lowest rate of treatment due to multiple barriers that prevent addressing mental health problems. Self-applied treatments have been explored in previous studies, nevertheless, high dropout rates are a common problem in this kind of treatment. An alternative is using immersive self-applied treatments that could help increase adherence to the treatment. This article aims to present a study protocol to explore the feasibility of an Internet self-applied exposure treatment for rat phobias, using four types of immersive multimedia elements: images, videos, video games, and 360° videos. Also, the satisfaction and perception of a Virtual Therapy Assistant (VTA) that provides information and support to the user are described. The study protocol will compare two groups of participants, one on the waiting list, and the other will receive the self-applied treatment for rat phobia supported by the VTA. For this study, 45 participants will be recruited and the evaluation measures will be taken at four different times: baseline, post-treatment, and follow-ups at 3 and 6 months. The levels of anxiety and avoidance of the user manifested during the exposure to the multimedia elements, the improvement of the user’s clinical symptoms, the level of satisfaction, the perception of effectiveness, and ease of use of the self-applied system will be evaluated. This study is expected to support the viability of self-applied treatment for rat phobias and the use of a VTA, showing the impact on treatment adherence. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to explore an exposure treatment for rats using different multimedia elements with the support of a VTA. The work will serve as a basis for the development of new virtual assistants that help in the treatment of other types of specific phobias. This research has been registered in Clinical Trials NCT (NCT05081323).
Institutionalization of limited obstetric ultrasound leading to increased antenatal, skilled delivery, and postnatal service utilization in three regions of Ethiopia: A pre-post study
Authors: Abawollo Hailemariam Segni , Argaw Mesele Damte , Tsegaye Zergu Taffesse , Beshir Ismael Ali , Guteta Asfaw Adugna , Heyi Atrie Fekadu , Mengesha Birhan Tenaw , Mamo Tsega Teferi , Gebremedhin Zenawork Kassa , Damte Heran Demissie , Kibret Mengistu Asnake , Desta Binyam Fekadu
Published: February 2023

Background

A minimum of one ultrasound scan is recommended for all pregnant women before the 24th week of gestation. In Ethiopia, there is a shortage of skilled manpower to provide these services. Currently, trained mid-level providers are providing the services at the primary healthcare level. The aims of this study were to compare antenatal care 1 (ANC1), antenatal care 4 (ANC4), skilled birth attendance (SBA), and postnatal care (PNC) service utilization before and after institutionalizing Vscan limited obstetric ultrasounds at semi-urban health centers in Ethiopia.

Methods

A pre and post intervention observational study was conducted to investigate maternal and neonatal health service utilization rates before and after institutionalizing Vscan limited obstetric ultrasound services, between July 2016 and June 2020. The data were extracted from 1st August– 31st December 2020.

Results

The observed monthly increase on the mean rank of first ANC visits after the introduction of Vscan limited obstetric ultrasound services showed a statistically significant difference at KW-ANOVA H (3) = 17.09, P = 0.001. The mean rank of fourth ANC utilization showed a statistically significant difference at KW- ANOVA H (3) = 16.24, P = 0.001. The observed mean rank in skilled birth attendance (SBA) showed a statistically significant positive difference using KW-ANOVA H (3) = 23.6, P<0.001. The mean rank of increased utilization in postnatal care showed a statistically significant difference using KW-ANOVA H (3) = 17.79, P<0.001.

Conclusion

The introduction of limited obstetric ultrasound services by trained mid-level providers at the primary healthcare level was found to have improved the utilization of ANC, SBA, and postnatal care (PNC) services. It is recommended that the institutionalization of limited obstetric ultrasound services be scaled up and a further comparative study between facilities with and without ultrasound services be conducted to confirm causality and assess effects on maternal and perinatal outcomes.
Eco-innovation influence on business performance in Jordanian micro, small and medium enterprises operating in the food processing sector
Authors: Al-Hanakta Reham , Hossain Md Billal , Pataki László , Dunay Anna
Published: February 2023

Innovative performance is a fundamental asset for building competitive advantage of micro, small and medium enterprises MSMEs. This research empirically examines the direct and indirect relationship between eco-innovation and business performance in Jordanian MSMEs enterprises working in the food processing sector. This research draws on the resource-based view theory to investigate the inter-relationships among three types of eco-innovation (process, product, organizational) and their relative impact on business performance. Furthermore, the researchers used structural equation modelling of 86 samples collected from Jordanian MSMEs operating in the food processing sector. The major contribution of this research is providing a holistic view that explains the inter-relationship among eco-process, eco-product, and eco-organizational innovation. The research reveals the impact of eco-innovation variables on business performance. The greatest is the impact of eco-process on business performance followed by eco-product and eco-organizational respectively. Regarding the effect of eco-organizational and eco-process innovation on eco-product, the findings of the study showed that the greatest is the effect of eco-organizational followed by eco-process. According to the post hoc, the mean differences show that there is statically significant difference in the responses of the respondents towards eco- process regarding different organization age.
Comparison of three dosing intervals for the primary vaccination of the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccine (BNT162b2) on magnitude, neutralization capacity and durability of the humoral immune response in health care workers: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Leong Darryl P. , Zhang Ali , Breznik Jessica A. , Clare Rumi , Huynh Angela , Mushtaha Maha , Rangarajan Sumathy , Stacey Hannah , Kim Paul Y. , Loeb Mark , Denburg Judah A. , Mertz Dominik , Chagla Zain , Nazy Ishac , Miller Matthew S. , Bowdish Dawn M. E. , Duong MyLinh
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The dosing interval of a primary vaccination series can significantly impact on vaccine immunogenicity and efficacy. The current study compared 3 dosing intervals for the primary vaccination series of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, on humoral immune response and durability against SARS-CoV-2 ancestral and Beta variants up to 9 months post immunization.

Methods

Three groups of age- and sex-matched healthcare workers (HCW) who received 2 primary doses of BNT162b2 separated by 35-days, 35–42 days or >42-days were enrolled. Vaccine induced antibody titers at 3 weeks, 3 and 6–9 months post-second dose were assessed.

Results

There were 309 age- and sex-matched HCW (mean age 43 [sd 13], 58% females) enrolled. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 binding (IgG, IgM, IgA) and neutralizing antibody titers showed significant waning in levels beyond 35 days post first dose. The second dose induced a significant rise in antibody titers, which peaked at 3 weeks and then declined at variable rates across groups. The magnitude, consistency and durability of response was greater for anti-Spike than anti-RBD antibodies; and for IgG than IgA or IgM. Compared to the shorter schedules, a longer interval of >42 days offered the highest binding and neutralizing antibody titers against SARS-CoV-2 ancestral and Beta (B1.351) variants beyond 3 months post-vaccination.

Conclusions

This is the first comprehensive study to compare 3 dosing intervals for the primary vaccination of BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine implemented in the real world. These findings suggest that delaying the second dose beyond 42 days can potentiate and prolong the humoral response against ancestral and Beta variants of SARS-CoV-2 up to 9 months post-vaccination.
Factors predicted quality of life of people with type 2 diabetes in western Ethiopia
Authors: Diriba Dereje Chala , Leung Doris Y. P. , Suen Lorna K. P.
Published: February 2023

Background

Multiple factors predict the quality of life of adults with diabetes. However, the relationships of demographics, self-management practice, and support status with the quality of life of people with diabetes are unknown. Therefore, the study aimed to assess factors related with the quality of life of adults with type 2 diabetes in western Ethiopia.

Methods

A hospital-based cross-sectional study involving adults with type 2 diabetes was conducted in western Ethiopia from June 02, 2020, to August 31, 2020. Convenience sampling technique was used in selecting subjects. The translated and psychometrically tested summary of diabetes self-management activities (expanded), diabetes quality of life, and diabetes care profile support scales were used in measuring self-management practice, quality of life, and support status, respectively. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews. Factors related with quality of life were examined through bivariate analysis and multivariable linear regression. In all statistical tests, P value <0.05 and confidence level that excluded zero were considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 417 adults with type 2 diabetes participated in the study. In a multivariable linear regression, seven factors including age, male, homemakers, those separated/divorced, number of years since diabetes diagnosis, self-management practice and support needed were related with quality of life. Male patients (β = 2.786, 95% CI = 1.285 to 4.287, p < 0.001), homemakers (β = 0.366, 95% CI = 0.056; 0.677, p = 0.021), self-management practice (β = 4.528, 95% CI = 3.851 to 5.205, p < 0.001) and those who needed support from their families or peers (β = 1.623, 95% CI = 0.458; 2.788, p = 0.006) were related positively with quality of life whereas those who separated or divorced (β = −1.698, 95% CI = −3.371 to −0.025, p = 0.047), older age (β = −0.195, 95% CI = −0.269 to −0.121, p < 0.001) and those who lived with diabetes for a longer duration (β = −2.206, 95% CI = −4.151 to −0.261, p = 0.026) were related negatively with quality of life.

Conclusion

Quality of life of people with type 2 diabetes living in western Ethiopia was predicted positively by being male, homemakers, having self-management practice, and support needed, whereas negatively influenced by old age, separation or divorce, and long diabetes life. Thus, encouraging self-management practice, and continuous family or friend support are necessary to enhance quality of life of people with type 2 diabetes. Further study should employ random sampling techniques and involve participants from multiple study settings to increase representativeness of the samples.
Pronunciation and accent-related beliefs, views, and experiences of future teachers in Hungary
Authors: Baranyi-Dupák Karina
Published: February 2023

The present study examines the pronunciation- and accent-related beliefs, views, and experiences of future English teachers in Hungary. International research has shown that teaching pronunciation or specific aspects of it might be challenging for teachers (Burns, 2006; Darcy et al., 2012; Levis et al., 2016). To implement any change in the way pronunciation is taught, it is crucial to observe a) whether pronunciation-teaching issues and attitudes to pronunciation development in Hungary are similar to the ones reported in international research, and b) what the current beliefs of future teachers are when it comes to pronunciation learning and teaching. One hundred twenty-eight second-year English teacher trainees were given a questionnaire containing open and closed questions regarding accent, pronunciation, and pronunciation teaching. The present study only looks at some of the open questions. Comments and responses were analyzed qualitatively, and tendencies and categories were extrapolated, focusing on comments that convey teacher trainees' early beliefs and concepts on “correct” pronunciation and their ideas and views about learning and teaching pronunciation. The results indicate that students are optimistic regarding the controllability of pronunciation and sounding native-like; they reported being somewhat, although not entirely, satisfied with their current pronunciation but actively and consciously working on improving it. Their reports also indicate that the amount of feedback on pronunciation received in school is insufficient and very general.
A nyelvtanári pálya Magyarországon tanár szakos hallgatók nézőpontjából
Authors: Balogh Erzsébet
Published: February 2023

Jelen tanulmány fő célja, hogy megvizsgálja 41, képzése felénél tartó, angoltanár-szakos hallgató jövőbeli tanári pályaképét. Mivel a kutatás alapjául egy hasonló, finn felmérés szolgált, a szakirodalmi áttekintés felépítése is követi ezt a kettősséget, és a finn és a magyar viszonyokat a tanárképzés, a tanári pálya presztízse, illetve a hallgatók tanári pályaképe mentén hasonlítja össze. Jelen vizsgálat a magyar, tanár szakos hallgatók saját magukról mint tanárokról írott fogalmazásait kvalitatív módon elemezte, és azt találta, hogy az adatközlők egy része nem tudja vagy nem akarja magát tanárként elképzelni. Ennek oka az lehet, hogy eredetileg sem ezen a pályán szerettek volna elhelyezkedni, vagy az olyan külső, társadalmi-gazdasági tényezők, mint a tanári pálya alacsony presztízse és az alacsony fizetés arra ösztönzi őket, hogy más foglalkozást válasszanak maguknak. A pályaelhagyásban szerepet játszhat még az a jelenség is, hogy a tanár szakos hallgatók képzésük felénél úgy érzik, hogy bizonyos személyes tulajdonságaik alkalmatlanná teszik őket a tanári pályára.
The Global Pandemic of Terrorism – Another Mutation of The Terrorist Virus
Authors: Wojciechowski Sebastian
Published: February 2023

From the editor
The Scarborough Shoal Standoff and the Policy of the People’s Republic of China Towards Territorial Disputes in the South China Sea
Authors: Luzak Paweł
Published: February 2023

The aim of this article is to distinguish the key assumptions and instruments of the People’s Republic of China’s foreign policy towards territorial disputes in which this country is involved (with particular focus on the conflicts over islands and features in the South China Sea) through in-depth analysis of PRC’s policy in the conflict over Scarborough Shoal. According to the working hypothesis the events that took place in 2012 and ultimately led to the PRC’s de facto control over the shoal could be viewed as a model for the country’s future actions in the regional conflicts.
The article has been divided into three parts. The first one presents the subject matter of the dispute and its historical determinants. The latter characterizes the interests of individual countries involved in the conflict, their position, and the legal background to the dispute. Finally, the third section analyzes the events of 2012 and their implications, along with an attempt to isolate the elements that may constitute the model of the PRC’s future policy with regard to territorial disputes in which it is involved (“Scarborough model”).
The following research questions were asked for the purpose of structuring the analysis: 1) What is the factual and legal background to the Scarborough Shoal standoff? 2) How and by means of what instruments did China establish effective control of the atoll? 3) What is the role of the dispute in the context of the PRC’s remaining territorial claims over the South China Sea?
The article primarily uses the method of gathering and observing facts, as well as the decision-making method in the context of analyzing the positions of the states involved in the dispute. Also, the process method was used to present the genesis of the studied political processes.
Cuba and Poland: an Outline of Comparative Analysis of Totalitarian Regimes
Authors: Bäcker Roman
Published: February 2023

The aim of the article is to find the similarities and differences between Poland and Cuba by comparing them totalitarian regimes. The research problem consisting in determining the importance of exogenous and endogenous factors favoring the regime or disintegrate it. In this case, the method of desk research is appropriate. The comparison was made using the same and operationalized criteria (hegemony or domination of the party-state apparatus, the intensity of political gnosis, and the scope and extent political mobilization) based on Juan Linz’s modified concept of totalitarianism. At the beginning of the 1960s, in Cuba, the uncivil society had a hegemonic position. In the 21st century, its status changed from hegemonic to dominant, closely linked with the totalitarian party-state apparatus. The political regime slowly evolved from strong to weak totalitarianism. In post-war Poland, the political regime evolved from strong to weak totalitarianism, to become authoritarian after 1980 behind the façade of an inoperable party-state apparatus, and in 1989 it collapsed. In both cases, exogenous factors were of much less importance than endogenous ones.
From Rhetoric to Posture: a Comparative Study of George W. Bush, Barack H. Obama and Donald J. Trump’s Stances Towards DPRK Nuclear Issue
Authors: Al Hashimi Shurooq
Published: February 2023

This article explores the postures of the last three former US presidents towards North Korean nuclear issue. The study applies Fairclough’s critical discourse analysis (CDA) model as a new approach to examine this topic. By analyzing 17 speech corpuses, this study sheds light on the foreign policy adapted G. W. Bush, Obama, and Trump to address North Korea Nuclear issue. Theoretically, the study uses both Waltz’s foreign policy analysis model and Aristotle modes of persuasion to analyze the findings. It also clarifies the original foundations of each presidents’ foreign policy based on the four American IR school of thoughts. Results indicate that the legacy of the Cold War continues to shape and influence the stances of US presidents toward DPRK, despite the differences in their rhetorical and political strategies. While this study focuses individually on presidents as the main unit of analysis, future studies can further expand the use of CDA analysis to examine the stances of other key decision makers in the presidents’ administration to fully understand the relation between discourses and power structure.
The End of Artic Exceptionalism? New Artic Approach after February 24, 2022
Authors: Brańka Tomasz
Published: February 2023

Since the end of the Cold War, the Arctic has often been portrayed as a symbol of model cooperation. Individual states were prepared to cooperate extensively despite disputes in other areas. The Arctic was therefore customarily regarded as an area with little potential for conflict. Cooperation between states that were in strong competition with each other in other regions or areas was so rare that the “Arctic exceptionalism’ was commonly recognized.

This article examines updated Arctic strategies of states directly involved in the region. It analyzes the changes over the past few years, which have mostly been a consequence of Russia’s aggression (as early as 2014) and its strong militarization of the region. The article discusses the initiated process of Sweden and Finland’s accession to NATO and the consequences of this historic change for the High North. Finally, it analyses decisions taken by a number of Arctic organizations to exclude, freeze, or “pause’ their relations with Russia in consequence of the February 24, 2022 attack on Ukraine. This raises questions about whether the Arctic can be managed without Russia and whether measures adopted can be effective.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Policy Towards Turkey During and After Arab Uprising: A Defensive Realism Approach
Authors: Kural Muzaffer , Erdem Gökhan
Published: February 2023

The Arab Uprisings in 2011 have led to redistribution of power in the Middle East. It has brought challenges and opportunities for regional powers such as Saudi Arabia and Turkey. While Turkey has perceived the developments as an opportunity to increase its influence in the region, it has created threat perceptions for Saudi Arabia’s hegemony in the Middle East. Especially, due to Turkey’s rising influence in Egypt and Syria it has been perceived as a second rival, after Iran, by Riyadh. This article argues that due to Turkey’s rising power in Egypt and Syria, Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy towards Turkey has been shifting by supporting local actors in Egypt and Syria in order to maintain the status quo. The paper aims to analyze shifts in Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy towards Turkey during and post-Arab uprisings in the Middle East in the framework of defensive realism through the regional level of analysis.
Quantitation of neurofilament light chain protein in serum and cerebrospinal fluid from patients with multiple sclerosis using the MSD R-PLEX NfL assay
Authors: Ulndreaj Antigona , Sohaei Dorsa , Thebault Simon , Pons-Belda Oscar D. , Fernandez-Uriarte Amaia , Campbell Christopher , Cheo David , Stengelin Martin , Sigal George , Freedman Mark S. , Scarisbrick Isobel A. , Prassas Ioannis , Diamandis Eleftherios P.
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Neurofilament light (NfL) chain is a marker of neuroaxonal damage in various neurological diseases. Here we quantitated NfL levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum from patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and controls, using the R-PLEX NfL assay, which employs advanced Meso Scale Discovery® (MSD) electrochemiluminescence (ECL)-based detection technology.

Methods

NfL was quantitated in samples from 116 individuals from two sites (Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and Mayo Clinic), consisting of patients with MS (n=71) and age- and sex-matched inflammatory neurological controls (n=13) and non-inflammatory controls (n=32). Correlation of NfL levels between CSF and serum was assessed in paired samples in a subset of MS patients and controls (n=61). Additionally, we assessed the correlation between NfL levels obtained with MSD’s R-PLEX® and Quanterix’s single molecule array (Simoa®) assays in CSF and serum (n=32).

Results

Using the R-PLEX, NfL was quantitated in 99% of the samples tested, and showed a broad range in the CSF (82–500,000 ng/L) and serum (8.84–2,014 ng/L). Nf-L levels in both biofluids correlated strongly (r=0.81, p<0.0001). Lastly, Nf-L measured by MSD’s R-PLEX and Quanterix’s Simoa assays were highly correlated for both biofluids (CSF: r=0.94, p<0.0001; serum: r=0.95, p<0.0001).

Conclusions

We show that MSD’s R-PLEX NfL assay can reliably quantitate levels of NfL in the CSF and serum from patients with MS and controls, where levels correlate strongly with Simoa.
Numerical simulation of shrinkage porosity defect in billet continuous casting
Authors: Wang Xingjuan , Guo Yinxing , Xiao Pengcheng , Liu Zengxun , Zhu Liguang
Published: February 2023

Shrinkage porosity is a typical internal defect in the continuous casting billet, which occurs frequently and is difficult to solve. To explore the influence factors of central shrinkage porosity, a novel unsteady thermomechanical coupling analysis algorithm is developed based on the billet solidification characteristics, and the central shrinkage behavior during the ending solidification process is simulated. Results show that when the casting speed increases from 1.6 to 2.8 m·min−1 and the center outward displacement is reduced from 9.20 × 10−2 mm to 5.8 × 10−2 mm, it means casting speed has a significant effect on the formation of shrinkage porosity, and for this caster, the higher casting speed is more suitable for the secondary cooling zone. Without the changes in the solidification structure, when the superheat degree of molten steel increases from 10 to 40°C, the center outward displacement value decreases from 7.12 × 10−2 mm to 6.91 × 10−2 mm. In that case, the superheat degree has no obvious effect on the center displacement value.
Whitehead’s Organic Conception of Humanity. Beyond Mechanistic Philosophy in an Age of Transhumanism
Authors: Zolcer Štefan
Published: February 2023

There are several conceptions of man in the history of philosophy. However, two considerable tendencies are recurring throughout modern history. A human being can be perceived as a complex mechanism or as a living organism. The response to the query has essential consequences in different areas. The article aims to provide a view of humankind that builds upon an organic conception of life, nature, and human beings, especially as elaborated by A. N. Whitehead and some of his followers. The article also briefly examines the emergence and development of a mechanistic view. The historical overview exposes the close relationship between the worldview of a given era and the understanding of man. Finally, the article argues that the organic conceptions of life developed in the first half of the 20th century provide an essential alternative to mechanistic views and could help us to deal with several problems we are currently encountering.
Comparison between various dispersion compensation schemes in optical fiber communication system
Authors: Jihad Noor J.
Published: February 2023

Nowadays, the optical fiber communication system has great importance in the communication area. Although the optical fiber communication system has many favorable circumstances, the dispersion was considered one of the main problems. In this paper, the comparison between the design and simulation of different dispersion compensation schemes was displayed. There are different kinds of optical fiber dispersion compensation systems such as fiber Bragg grating (FBG) and dispersion compensation fiber (DCF) are extensively used for optical communication systems. They are usually considered imperative techniques to compensate for the dispersion. The simulation results have been analyzed depending on various parameters by utilizing advanced Opti-System software. The best performance of the system is when the bit error rate (BER) reaches to 1.7 × 10−12 at 1550 nm wavelength and the Q-factor is 6.9 at the 0.000195 eye opening. The modal was simulated using the appropriate parameters which include CW laser wavelength, fiber length (km), and attenuation coefficient (dB/km) at the transmitter side. Three various parameters were tested such as BER, Q factor, and eye-opening.
A survey on machine learning schemes for fiber nonlinearity mitigation in radio over fiber system
Authors: Jain Vishal , Bhatia Richa
Published: February 2023

The fifth generation is the most recent generation of communication needed for high data rates. High spectrum availability, low jitter, high reliability, minimal latency, and increased capacity are just a few benefits of 5th generation. Optical fiber supports the 5G network’s backhaul to meet the enhanced capacity and big data rate requirements. When the fiber is used as a propagation medium, a significant number of nonlinearities manifest. These nonlinearity effects in optical fiber communication are among the most detrimental to modern communication systems because it results in various modulator distortions like phase, harmonic, and intermodulation, distortion, adjoining channel noise, and many more undesirable consequences. The primary fiber nonlinear effects in the radio over fiber communication systems are the Kerr nonlinearity and scattering effects, which are caused by alterations in refractive index as a result of the signal. To overcome these limits, several strategies have been put forth. In particular, the nonlinearity during signal modulation, transmission, and detection has attracted a lot of study attention due to the complex physical layer restrictions in RoF systems. One such fascinating potential is machine learning (ML) methods. In this article, we look at recent advances in ML methods for RoF systems, notably those that use ML models to reduce various types of impairments and improve system performance.
Fast tunable metamaterial liquid crystal achromatic waveplate
Authors: Abu Aisheh Majd , Abutoama Mohammad , Abuleil Marwan J. , Abdulhalim Ibrahim
Published: February 2023

Photonic metamaterials combined with liquid crystals (LCs) for tunability is a great niche for building miniature devices with high performance such as fast flat tunable lenses, tunable filters, and waveplates. Sub-wavelength or nano-grating surfaces are homogenized to uniaxial waveplates with negative birefringence of unique dispersion when the period is less than the wavelength by at least a few times. This uniaxial metasurface, combined with the LC layer, is shown to act as a tunable retardation achromatic waveplate with 8 μm thick LC layer operating over wide spectral and angular ranges, as compared to using two nematic liquid crystal (NLC) retarders of thicknesses on the order of 30–60 μm, when no metasurface is used. Hence the device becomes miniature and 50× faster due to the thinner liquid crystal layer. The silicon nano-grating of 351 nm pitch and 0.282 fill factor is designed and fabricated to operate in the short-wave infrared range (SWIR). Switching between three achromatic retardation levels: full-, half-, and quarter-waveplates is accomplished by changing the applied voltages on the NLC cell with a switching time of a few milliseconds. This device has applications in fast broadband shutters, low coherence phase shift interferometry, ellipso-polarimetry, dynamic control of light intensity, and smart windows.