bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digitalized Life During the Pandemic in Anthropocene Epoch
Authors: Mickevičius Tomas Nemunas
Published: February 2022

The article overviews and introduces the current issue of Filosofija. Sociologija. The topics include contemporary problems concerned with the integration of knowledge of Anthropocene and related issues into educational practices as well as how to reach authentic communication in technologically mediated education during the pandemic. The issue also covers the influence of computer and internet technologies on understanding of identity, as well as epistemic issues concerning the creation of artificial knowledge-producing systems, among other themes.
Good Will and Spontaneity in Communication
Authors: Stasiulis Nerijus
Published: February 2022

The article is based on the interpretation of Kant’s notion of good will with regard to its meaning for successful communication. It seeks to delineate its necessary relation to spontaneity as opposed to a strictly closed definition – the spontaneity in language as crucial for communication. Agambenian and Wittgensteinian musings on language and paradigm are employed for that purpose. The art of comedy is seen to illustrate the communication based on spontaneity and paradigm and the art of tragedy is seen to depict the condition of radical incommunicability. Alongside this linguistic and epistemological approach, the discussion of the issue also includes the ontological aspect, i. e. the Agambenian-Aristotelian notion of potentiality is described as akin to the Kantian good will (Ding an sich) and is seen as the necessary (and perhaps also sufficient) condition for (successful) communication.
The Epistemology of Machine Learning
Authors: Bai Huiren
Published: February 2022

This paper argues that machine learning is a knowledge-producing enterprise, since we are increasingly relying on artificial intelligence. But the knowledge discovered by machine is completely beyond human experience and human reason, becoming almost incomprehensible to humans. I argue that standard calls for interpretability that focus on the epistemic inscrutability of black-box machine learning may be misplaced. The problems of transparency and interpretability of machine learning stem from how we perceive the possibility of ‘machine knowledge’. In other words, the justification for machine knowledge does not need to include transparency and interpretability. Therefore, I am going to examine some sort of machine learning epistemology and provide three possible justifications for machine knowledge, which are formal justification, model justification and practical justification.
Parliamentary activities of the Vilnius dietine envoys at the diet of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1717–1793
Authors: Jurgaitis Robertas
Published: February 2022

In the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, the diet was the most important state institution and an integral part of the democracy of the nobility. An analysis of the parliamentary activities of the Vilnius dietine envoys at the diet of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth showed that in the 1717–1793 period, their becoming permanent (in 1778) diet marshals did not indicate an especially big difference among the other envoys of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (hereinafter the GDL). This was probably determined by the circumstance that whether the exceptionally important position of the diet marshal fell to one person or another depended not on the rank of the dietine but on the suitability and personal traits of a specific individual and on the political situation. That the pro tem marshal positions (in 1722, 1746, 1786, and 1780) fell to the Vilnius dietine envoys was directly connected with their prestigious status and the right possessed by the GDL to chair the diet on a rotating basis. The Vilnius dietine envoys actively participated in the activities of both temporary and permanent deputations (commissions) of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth diet. Specialised deputations were fairly frequently elected and sent to the ruler or senate, usually in the initial phase of the diet’s activities after a diet marshal had been successfully elected (in 1744, 1748, 1752, and 1764). The Vilnius dietine envoys were also not uncommonly elected to delegations which performed mediation functions (in 1733, 1750, and 1766). On 11 occasions, the Vilnius dietine envoys actually became members of the deputation for the preparation of the principal constitutions, which was one of the primarily deputations (in 1717, 1718, 1719–1720, 1722, 1726, 1740, 1767–1768, 1778, 1780, 1782, and 1784). In the sessions of the province of the GDL, eight Vilnius dietine envoys were elected diet court judges (in 1744, 1775 (2 envoys), 1780, 1782, 1784, and 1791 (2 envoys)).
Graffiti on Pabradė bridges: the socio-linguistic aspect
Authors: Gruodytė Joana
Published: February 2022

The article deals with graffiti on two bridges in Pabradė, which are covered with it. As the topic has not been addressed in any detail in Lithuania, efforts were made to give a well-grounded presentation of the research material, including the description of the object, the form of presentation and its contents. An analysis of bridge graffiti has shown that the authors of the illegal graffiti are school-age teenagers of both sexes who seek to monumentalise themselves, express a positive or negative attitude towards the person being described, declare love, sexual intercourse, get to know other people, show their liking for one or another band or performer. Most of the graffiti pieces are in Lithuanian, while Polish inscriptions are not so common. We can assume that the linguistic breakdown of graffiti points to the actors’ understanding of the language as the most appropriate (spoken and understood, prestigious hence memorisable and impressive) for the purpose of making graffiti inscriptions.
Types, limitations, and possible alternatives of peer review based on the literature and surgeons’ opinions via Twitter: a narrative review
Authors: Emile Sameh Hany , Hamid Hytham K. S. , Atici Semra Demirli , Kosker Doga Nur , Papa Mario Virgilio , Elfeki Hossam , Tan Chee Yang , El-Hussuna Alaa , Wexner Steven D.
Published: February 2022

This review aimed to illustrate the types, limitations, and possible alternatives of peer review (PR) based on a literature review together with the opinions of a social media audience via Twitter. This study was conducted via the #OpenSourceResearch collaborative platform and combined a comprehensive literature search on the current PR system with the opinions of a social media audience of surgeons who are actively engaged in the current PR system. Six independent researchers conducted a literature search of electronic databases in addition to Google Scholar. Electronic polls were organized via Twitter to assess surgeons’ opinions on the current PR system and potential alternative approaches. PR can be classified into single-blind, double-blind, triple-blind, and open PR. Newer PR systems include interactive platforms, prepublication and postpublication commenting or review, transparent review, and collaborative review. The main limitations of the current PR system are its allegedly time-consuming nature and inconsistent, biased, and non-transparent results. Suggestions to improve the PR process include employing an interactive, double-blind PR system, using artificial intelligence to recruit reviewers, providing incentives for reviewers, and using PR templates. The above results offer several concepts for possible alternative approaches and modifications to this critically important process.
Development of a decision-support tool to quantify authorship contributions in clinical trial publications
Authors: Mathew Sam T. , Razack Habeeb Ibrahim Abdul , Viswanathan Prasanth
Published: February 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a decision-support tool to quantitatively determine authorship in clinical trial publications.Methods: The tool was developed in three phases: consolidation of authorship recommendations from the Good Publication Practice (GPP) and International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) guidelines, identifying and scoring attributes using a 5-point Likert scale or a dichotomous scale, and soliciting feedback from editors and researchers.Results: The authorship criteria stipulated by the ICMJE and GPP recommendations were categorized into 2 Modules. Criterion 1 and the related GPP recommendations formed Module 1 (sub-criteria: contribution to design, data generation, and interpretation), while Module 2 was based on criteria 2 to 4 and the related GPP recommendations (sub-criteria: contribution to manuscript preparation and approval). The two modules with relevant sub-criteria were then differentiated into attributes (n = 17 in Module 1, n = 12 in Module 2). An individual contributor can be scored for each sub-criterion by summing the related attribute values; the sum of sub-criteria scores constituted the module score (Module 1 score: 70 [contribution to conception or design of the study, 20; data acquisition, 7; data analysis, 27; interpretation of data, 16]; Module 2 score: 50 [content development, 27; content review, 18; accountability, 5]). The concept was integrated into Microsoft Excel with adequate formulae and macros. A threshold of 50% for each sub-criterion and each module, with an overall score of 65%, is predefined as qualifying for authorship.Conclusion: This authorship decision-support tool would be helpful for clinical trial sponsors to assess and provide authorship to deserving contributors.
The evolution, benefits, and challenges of preprints and their interaction with journals
Authors: Smart Pippa
Published: February 2022

This article presents the growth and development of preprints to help authors, editors, and publishers understand and adopt appropriate strategies for incorporating preprints within their scholarly communication strategies. The article considers: preprint history and evolution, integration of preprints and journals, and the benefits and disadvantages, and challenges that preprints offer. The article discusses the two largest and most established preprint servers, arXiv.org (established in 1991) and SSRN (1994), the OSF (Open Science Foundation) initiative that supported preprint growth (2010), bioRxiv (2013), and medRxiv (2019). It then discusses six different levels of acceptance of preprints within journals: uneasy relationship, acceptance of preprint articles, encouraging authors to preprint their articles, active participation with preprints, submerger by reviewing preprints, and finally merger and overlay models. It is notable that most journals now accept submissions that have been posted as preprints. The benefits of preprints include fast circulation, priority publication, increased visibility, community feedback, and contribution to open science. Disadvantages include information overload, inadequate quality assurance, citation dilution, information manipulation and inflation of results. As preprints become mainstream it is likely that they will benefit authors but disadvantage publishers and journals. Authors are encouraged to preprint their own articles but to be cautious about using preprints as the basis for their own research. Editors are encouraged to develop preprint policies and be aware that double-blind review is not possible with preprinting of articles and that allowing citations to preprints is to be encouraged. In conclusion, journal-related stakeholders should consider preprints as an unavoidable development, taking into consideration both the benefits and disadvantages.
How to share data through Harvard Dataverse, a repository site: a case of the World Journal of Men’s Health
Authors: Park Hyun Jun
Published: February 2022

Data are a highly valuable asset for researchers. Earlier, researchers who conducted a study permanently owned their data. Currently, however, these data can be used as a source for performing further research. In 2018, the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors presented data sharing statements for clinical trials. Although this recommendation was limited to clinical trials published in medical journals, it is a meaningful change that formalized the concept of data sharing. However, the trend of data sharing is expected to spread beyond medical journals to include a wider range of scientific journals in the near future. Correspondingly, platforms that provide storage and services to share data will gradually diversify. The World Journal of Men’s Health has adopted a clinical data sharing policy. The data deposit process to Harvard Dataverse, a well-known data repository, is as follows: first, select the type of article for data sharing; second, create an account; third, write a letter to the corresponding author; fourth, receive and validate data from the authors; fifth, upload the data to Harvard Dataverse; and sixth, add a data sharing statement to the paper. It is recommended that scientific journal editors select an appropriate platform and participate in the new trend of data sharing.
Reimaginar el tiempo de la condición póstuma. Una aproximación desde la activación del esquema «“¿y si…?” — “entonces”» en cuanto thought experiment
Authors: Boqué Marc
Published: February 2022

En tiempos en los que el relato dominante se fundamenta en una alerta global permanente, nuestra imaginación entra en crisis. El «¿y si…?» amenazante la dirige hacia un «entonces» donde, por un lado, reside el apocalipsis y, por el otro, la tecnoutopía. En ambos casos, esta imaginación se proyecta hacia un futuro en el que los humanos dejamos de intervenir sobre nuestras condiciones de vida y, por tanto, queda alejada de cualquier tipo de experimentación con el presente. Pero ¿cómo desanclar esta imaginación de la necesidad que implica la evolución predecible de nuestra realidad actual? ¿Cómo desligarla de sus miedos, su devastación o su precariedad?

En este artículo, investigamos la relación que guarda la imaginación con el experimento mental a partir del análisis de los ejemplos que nos proporcionan el aforismo 341 de La gaya ciencia de Nietzsche, el desarrollo de la teoría relatividad especial de Einstein y la película Memento de Christopher Nolan. Todos ellos se presentan bajo el triple sentido que Nietzsche dio al termino Versuch. Es decir, como ensayos, probaturas y tentativas que, en este caso, tendrán la función de reinterpretar la condición lineal y absoluta del tiempo. Los resultados de estos experimentos nos tendrán que servir en la última parte de nuestro trabajo para habilitar las condiciones que una imaginación colectiva debería tener actualmente para ser revulsiva ante el tiempo que proclama nuestra condición póstuma.
How Digital Are Albanian Esnterprises: A Microeconomic Analyses
Authors: Kalaj Ermira , Merko Flora
Published: February 2022

This paper focuses on the analyses of the digitalization of enterprises and its performance impact in Albania. Using data from 2019 Enterprise Surveys (ES) we try to give answer questions related to digitalization that characterize Albanian enterprises. The survey was a shared project of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the World Bank Group (WBG). The data are collected in Albania between January and May 2019. The objective of the survey is to better understand firms` experience in the private sector. Collected data are based on firms’ experiences and perceptions of the environment in which they operate. The paper uses these specific questions to study Internet adoption. ES questionnaires focus on the following questions: (1) Does the firm have a high-speed Internet connection on its premises? (2) Does the establishment have its website? The dependent variable is the performance of the firms measured in terms of sales growth and labor productivity, while the vector of independent variables is composed of enterprise characteristics such as firm size, ownership structure, legal status, region, etc. Moreover, dummy variables are used to capture access to formal banking services and gender ownership.
Project Management in State Authorities of Subjects of The Russian Federation: Development Factors and Resources
Authors: Miroshnichenko Inna , Tereshina Maria , Shpiro Laura
Published: February 2022

The article describes the Russian experience in the implementation and development of the project approach in the public administration system at the federal and regional levels. The authors characterize the two-level institutional design of the project management system in the Russian Federation in the form of strategic design and project management. At the same time, the authors note that the greatest variability and riskiness is represented by the project management subsystem, which at the level of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation has a poly-variate character. Based on the results of the empirical study, the authors have identified the factors of an institutional and subjective nature that affect the success of the implementation of project management in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. The authors also describe a set of resources for the development of a project approach in regional authorities and local self-governments of the Russian Federation: political and administrative, socio-economic, communication-network, personnel.
Maritime Multi-Use Approach in The Baltic Sea Region: Offshore Wind Energy and Tourism Cases
Authors: Neimane Leila , Ozoliņa Liga , Saparniene Diana
Published: February 2022

This research aims at analysing maritime spatial planning (MSP) development in the countries of the Baltic Sea Region through the lens of the concept of a multi-use approach to maritime space. Special focus is on the offshore wind energy and coastal and offshore tourism sectors. The goal is to contribute to the progress of a sustainable blue economy. The research methods used include analysis (using such techniques as monographic, dogmatically comparable, and special analytical) and synthesis through examination of marine plans, regional and national policy documents, and MSP-related legislation in the European Union Member States of the Baltic Sea Region. The results of the research confirm that in a contemporary understanding a holistic multi-use approach to maritime space forms an integral part of MSP for resource and space sharing between two or more activities with the aim of benefiting all users. Conceptually, it evidences the emergence of the multi-use principle in the MSP process. However, while offshore wind development is prominently prioritised in the currently adopted marine plans, accentuation of applying the multi-use principle is rather cautious. In this aspect, knowledge transfer from countries with longer-established experience in offshore wind development and its combination with other activities, such as tourism, is crucial. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that large-scale offshore renewable energy and the concept of multi-use maritime space will also mark the long-term future development of MSP in line with global and European Union targets for achieving carbon neutrality and zero pollution, promoting the circular economy, and restoring biodiversity by 2050.
Actual problems of legal regulation of agrarian relations in the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus
Authors: Ustyukova Valentina Vladimirovna
Published: February 2022

The subject of consideration in this article is the trends in the development of agrarian and legal research conducted by the scientists of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus.The purpose of the study is to identify the problems that currently attract the attention of scientists and which, by and large, are common to both states, and to analyze the ways proposed by the researchers for legislative solutions to these problems.When writing the article, general scientific and special legal methods were used (analysis, generalization, formal legal, comparative legal, historical). This made it possible to reveal the current state of the agrarian legislation of the two states, to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the legal regulation of relations in the agricultural sector of the economy, including gaps and contradictions, to outline areas for improving legislation.The legal problems of maintaining the balance of public and private interests in the agricultural sector, ensuring food, environmental, biological safety, issues of classification of agricultural sectors, organic agriculture (including aquaculture), the use of GMOs in the production of agricultural products are analyzed. Attention is paid to the issues of the legal status, state support and protection of the rights of agricultural producers and a number of others.The scientific novelty consists in the formulation of conclusions that develop the theory of agrarian law, and practical proposals for improving the legal regulation of relations in the agricultural sphere both in Russia and in the Republic of Belarus.
Ontogenesis and dynamics of the ontogenetic structure of the coenopopulations of green amaranth (Amaranthus retroflexus L.)
Authors: Ryzhova Lyudmila
Published: February 2022

The object of the study is green amaranth (Amaránthus retrofléxus L.) - a North American species, an invasive species for Russia, an annual weed. The aim of this work is to study the ontogeny and ontogenetic structure of the coenopopulations of the upturned squid. The research was carried out in 2014 in the vicinity of the village of Sizner, Mari-Turek region of the Republic of Mari El, in potato and beet fields. Within each field, 10-15 counting plots of 1 m2 in size were laid, where weekly observations of the development of beetle plants were carried out. To assess the density and ontogenetic structure of populations, we analyzed the R × C contingency tables using Fisher's exact test and the χ2 test (Glotov, 1984). The main conclusions of the conducted research include the following. For the first time, five ontogenetic states of the thrown-back beetle were identified (from seedlings to generative ones). The plant density of the squid in both fields does not differ and averages 6.9 ind./m2. The change in the ontogenetic structure of the coenopopulations of the upturned beetle in the studied fields occurs in different ways. The analysis showed that in the beet field, the plants undergo ontogenesis faster. In mid-July, on the beet field, all the ontogenetic states of the squid are presented, on the potato field, only virginal and generative plants.
Art in the light of conscience and responsibility to life, as well as in the mirror of own nature (a virtual dialogue)
Authors: Rozin Vadim Markovich
Published: February 2022

This article discusses the comprehension of art and its attitude towards ordinary life in form of a virtual dialogue between Mikhail Bakhtin, Marina Tsvetaeva and the contemporary Israeli writer Meir Shalev. Pursuant of M. Bakhtin, who believes that humanistic approach gives preference to the subject of aesthetic relations, the author suggests his interpretation of the nature of art. The author qualifies the position of M. Bakhtin as "artistic Platonism" ‒ art should dictate and inspire life; art is the true life, according to Plato, imitates the objects and events of ordinary life. The position of M. Tsvetaeva suggest “art for the sake of art”. The position of M. Shalev on the one hand – as an independent reality, on the other – comprehension and perception of the problems the artis and the audience are concerned with in artistic form. The author highlights the four main types of art: "authentic" oriented towards culture and man, "postmodern" deconstructing the reality of life and art, "traditional" focused on different attitudes (imitation, expression, representation of the sublime and beautiful, building a different life, etc.). and "applied". Based on interpretation of the attitude of art towards life, the following dilemma is formulated. On the one hand, the artist creates in the space of freedom, and thus would not take on responsibility for life (the position of M. Bakhtin); on the other hand, since art affects people and ordinary life, the artist is mindful of possible responsibility. The author believes that all artists solve this dilemma in their own unique way, which makes it virtually impossible to formulate recipes and rules.
Peculiarities of the activity of public authorities within the framework of the development of e-government system
Authors: Cherkun Elena Yur'evna , Nimaeva Erzhena Zoriktоevna
Published: February 2022

This article examines the peculiarities of the activity of public authorities within the framework of the development of e-government system. The relevance of the selected topic is substantiated by the fact that the process of implementation of e-government in the Russian Federation should take place in the conditions of formatting the existing system of public administration. This requires the modernization of government bodies, i.e. creation of comprehensive electronic system for interaction of the public and municipal authorities with the population. In essence, the e-government represents the system of defined public legal institutions that ensure regulation for rendering government and municipal services to the population in the online format. The subject of this research is the activity of public authorities and local self-governments in the context of the development of e-government system. The conclusion is formulated that first and foremost e-government should consider the needs of society, as well as observe the rights and freedoms of citizens. Therefore, all communication mechanisms must correspond with the norms of international law, the Constitution of the Russian Federation, and Russian legislation. The process of creating e-government in Russia should be holistic and cover all state structures. E-government system must be unified for the entire Russian Federation.
The specificity of axiological component in the English somatic phraseological units
Authors: Matveeva Natalia , Mukhina Nataliya Borisovna
Published: February 2022

The subject of this research is the specificity of expression of axiological component by means of somatic phraseological units in the modern English language. The somatic phraseological units are grouped in accordance with V. V. Vinogradov’s classification on a semantic basis. The names of the body parts are most common in the formation of phraseological units. The criterion for classification is the division into positive and negative evaluations. In phraseology, positive and negative evaluations manifested through the person’s “Self” based on the classification of Y. D. Apresyan (physical Self – capabilities and states of a person), intellectual Self – intellectual abilities and states), emotional Self – positive and negative emotional actions, social Self – business and professional qualities, social status, publicity), verbal and cogitative Self – verbal communication. The scientific novelty consists in classification of somatic phraseological units by guises of a person, as well as positive and negative evaluations. The article provides the statistical data of the groups of phraseological units. The following conclusions were made: most commonly used somatic phraseological units in the English language is ‘hand’; next come ‘head’, ‘eye’, ‘foot’, ‘nose’, ‘finger’, ‘heart’; the rest are less used. Negative evaluation prevails over positive in somatic phraseological units. At the same time, different body parts have different evaluative attraction: positive evaluation prevails or is not inferior to negative evaluation in phrases with the somatic component denoting the crucial body parts such as ‘arm’, ‘leg’, ‘head’, ‘eye’, ‘ear’) and has most phrasal effectiveness; while negative evaluation occurs in the units with rather insignificant component for the linguistic consciousness such as ‘nose’, ‘neck’, ‘elbow’, ‘finger’, and therefore has lesser phrasal productivity.
Verbalization through phraseological units of the Anima and Animus archetypes as a single level of the unconscious within C. Jung’s theory of the human psyche
Authors: Mityushina Margarita Sergeevna
Published: February 2022

The goal of this article lies in consideration of verbalization based on phraseological units of the Anima and Animus archetypes that represent a single level of the unconscious according to C. Jung’s theory of the human psyche. The research employs the methods of analysis, synthesis and generalization of scientific-methodological literature on the topic, which allow revealing the categories of phraseological units and the semantic peculiarities of their verbalization. Substantiation is given to the need for studying the peculiarities of verbalization of personality traits according to the theory of archetypes of C. Jung, namely through phraseological units that explicate the culture and traditions of the entire nation. Verbalization of archetypes according to C. Jung has been studied in the previous works [Mazirka I. O., Mityushina M. A. “Phraseological units as a means of verbal expression of processes and objects of the human psyche based on C. Jung’s theory”. International Scientific Research Journal / / " Modern Humanities Success" No. 5, 2021] alongside the psycholinguistic aspects of personality overall in the scientific literature. The analysis of phraseological units, which characterize the Anima and Animus archetypes within the structure of human psyche in C. Jung’s theory, allowed dividing these phraseological units into several categories: male / female in personality, personality traits, including their bipolarity, interpersonal relationship between the opposite gender, as well as the models of marital relations, and cultural images. In The author outlines the semantic peculiarities of phraseological units in the context of verbalization of the indicted categories. As a result, substantiated is given to the need and importance of studying the peculiarities of verbalization of personality traits according to C. Jung’s theory of archetypes, namely through phraseological units that most explicitly reflect the culture and traditions of the entire nation.
Philosophy, art, esotericism as “communicating vessels”, and what a certain pause in esotericism
Authors: Rozin Vadim Markovich
Published: February 2022

This article provides the original perspective on esotericism. Two author distinguishes between the two polar directions of esotericism – "transcendental" and "latent" (mental); as well as introduces the two postulates characteristic to the first direction that in previous research received the name of "classical". The article discusses what binds esotericism and philosophy, religion, and art; outlines the common aspects of these fields of knowledge and life activity are indicated (personal origins, design of reality, semiotic and psychological nature of reality); examines the cases of interaction, and what caused the decline of interest in esoteric teachings. The research consists of two parts. The first part explores the three cases that reveal a close link between esoteric, philosophical, scientific and literary thought, as well as the fact that esoteric ideas and concepts often enrich philosophy, science and art. The second part discusses the key reasons for the slump in esotericism: new cultural challenges that to which there is yet no esoteric answer, interception of esoteric discourse in a number of directions of contemporary art and philosophy. However, this pause is temporary, since esoteric path is one of the ways to prevail in personality culture; it can be assumed that esotericists will soon eliminate the existing gap. On the example of current interest in vampires, the author discusses certain peculiarities of the phenomenon of mysticism, which indicate that the phenomenon of vampirism is real, perhaps related to the forms of communication widely used in modern life.
Cannabidiol activates neuronal Kv7 channels
Authors: Zhang Han-Xiong Bear , Heckman Laurel , Niday Zachary , Jo Sooyeon , Fujita Akie , Shim Jaehoon , Pandey Roshan , Al Jandal Hoor , Jayakar Selwyn , Barrett Lee B , Smith Jennifer , Woolf Clifford J , Bean Bruce P
Published: February 2022

Cannabidiol (CBD), a chemical found in the Cannabis sativa plant, is a clinically effective antiepileptic drug whose mechanism of action is unknown. Using a fluorescence-based thallium flux assay, we performed a large-scale screen and found enhancement of flux through heterologously expressed human Kv7.2/7.3 channels by CBD. Patch-clamp recordings showed that CBD acts at submicromolar concentrations to shift the voltage dependence of Kv7.2/7.3 channels in the hyperpolarizing direction, producing a dramatic enhancement of current at voltages near –50 mV. CBD enhanced native M-current in mouse superior cervical ganglion starting at concentrations of 30 nM and also enhanced M-current in rat hippocampal neurons. The potent enhancement of Kv2/7.3 channels by CBD may contribute to its effectiveness as an antiepileptic drug by reducing neuronal hyperexcitability.
Cryo-EM structures reveal high-resolution mechanism of a DNA polymerase sliding clamp loader
Authors: Gaubitz Christl , Liu Xingchen , Pajak Joshua , Stone Nicholas P , Hayes Janelle A , Demo Gabriel , Kelch Brian A
Published: February 2022

Sliding clamps are ring-shaped protein complexes that are integral to the DNA replication machinery of all life. Sliding clamps are opened and installed onto DNA by clamp loader AAA+ ATPase complexes. However, how a clamp loader opens and closes the sliding clamp around DNA is still unknown. Here, we describe structures of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae clamp loader Replication Factor C (RFC) bound to its cognate sliding clamp Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) en route to successful loading. RFC first binds to PCNA in a dynamic, closed conformation that blocks both ATPase activity and DNA binding. RFC then opens the PCNA ring through a large-scale ‘crab-claw’ expansion of both RFC and PCNA that explains how RFC prefers initial binding of PCNA over DNA. Next, the open RFC:PCNA complex binds DNA and interrogates the primer-template junction using a surprising base-flipping mechanism. Our structures indicate that initial PCNA opening and subsequent closure around DNA do not require ATP hydrolysis, but are driven by binding energy. ATP hydrolysis, which is necessary for RFC release, is triggered by interactions with both PCNA and DNA, explaining RFC’s switch-like ATPase activity. Our work reveals how a AAA+ machine undergoes dramatic conformational changes for achieving binding preference and substrate remodeling.
Hypertrophic chondrocytes serve as a reservoir for marrow-associated skeletal stem and progenitor cells, osteoblasts, and adipocytes during skeletal development
Authors: Long Jason T , Leinroth Abigail , Liao Yihan , Ren Yinshi , Mirando Anthony J , Nguyen Tuyet , Guo Wendi , Sharma Deepika , Rouse Douglas , Wu Colleen , Cheah Kathryn Song Eng , Karner Courtney M , Hilton Matthew J
Published: February 2022

Hypertrophic chondrocytes give rise to osteoblasts during skeletal development; however, the process by which these non-mitotic cells make this transition is not well understood. Prior studies have also suggested that skeletal stem and progenitor cells (SSPCs) localize to the surrounding periosteum and serve as a major source of marrow-associated SSPCs, osteoblasts, osteocytes, and adipocytes during skeletal development. To further understand the cell transition process by which hypertrophic chondrocytes contribute to osteoblasts or other marrow associated cells, we utilized inducible and constitutive hypertrophic chondrocyte lineage tracing and reporter mouse models (Col10a1CreERT2; Rosa26fs-tdTomato and Col10a1Cre; Rosa26fs-tdTomato) in combination with a PDGFRaH2B-GFP transgenic line, single-cell RNA-sequencing, bulk RNA-sequencing, immunofluorescence staining, and cell transplantation assays. Our data demonstrate that hypertrophic chondrocytes undergo a process of dedifferentiation to generate marrow-associated SSPCs that serve as a primary source of osteoblasts during skeletal development. These hypertrophic chondrocyte-derived SSPCs commit to a CXCL12-abundant reticular (CAR) cell phenotype during skeletal development and demonstrate unique abilities to recruit vasculature and promote bone marrow establishment, while also contributing to the adipogenic lineage.
A hybrid mask RCNN-based tool to localize dental cavities from real-time mixed photographic images
Authors: Rashid Umer , Javid Aiman , Khan Abdur Rehman , Liu Leo , Ahmed Adeel , Khalid Osman , Saleem Khalid , Meraj Shaista , Iqbal Uzair , Nawaz Raheel
Published: February 2022

Nearly 3.5 billion humans have oral health issues, including dental caries, which requires dentist-patient exposure in oral examinations. The automated approaches identify and locate carious regions from dental images by localizing and processing either colored photographs or X-ray images taken via specialized dental photography cameras. The dentists’ interpretation of carious regions is difficult since the detected regions are masked using solid coloring and limited to a particular dental image type. The software-based automated tools to localize caries from dental images taken via ordinary cameras requires further investigation. This research provided a mixed dataset of dental photographic (colored or X-ray) images, instantiated a deep learning approach to enhance the existing dental image carious regions’ localization procedure, and implemented a full-fledged tool to present carious regions via simple dental images automatically. The instantiation mainly exploits the mixed dataset of dental images (colored photographs or X-rays) collected from multiple sources and pre-trained hybrid Mask RCNN to localize dental carious regions. The evaluations performed by the dentists showed that the correctness of annotated datasets is up to 96%, and the accuracy of the proposed system is between 78% and 92%. Moreover, the system achieved the overall satisfaction level of dentists above 80%.
Climate in Africa sequentially shapes spring passage of Willow WarblerPhylloscopus trochilusacross the Baltic coast
Authors: Remisiewicz Magdalena , Underhill Les G.
Published: February 2022

Background

Many migrant birds have been returning to Europe earlier in spring since the 1980s. This has been attributed mostly to an earlier onset of spring in Europe, but we found the timing of Willow Warblers’ passage to be influenced by climate indices for Africa as much as those for Europe. Willow Warblers’ spring passage through northern Europe involves populations from different wintering quarters in Africa. We therefore expected that migration timing in the early, middle and late periods of spring would be influenced sequentially by climate indices operating in different parts of the winter range.

Methods

Using data from daily mistnetting in 1 April–15 May over 1982–2017 at Bukowo (Poland, Baltic Sea coast), we derived an Annual Anomaly (AA, in days) of Willow Warbler spring migration. We decomposed this anomaly into three main periods (1–26 April, 27 April–5 May, 6–15 May); one-third of migrants in each period. We modelled three sequential time series of spring passage using calendar year and 15 large-scale climate indices averaged over the months of Willow Warblers’ life stages in the year preceding spring migration as explanatory variables in multiple regression models. Nine climate variables were selected in the best models. We used these nine explanatory variables and calculated their partial correlations in models for nine overlapping sub-periods of AA. The pattern of relationships between AA in these nine sub-periods of spring and the nine climate variables indicated how spring passage had responded to the climate. We recommend this method for the study of birds’ phenological responses to climate change.

Results

The Southern Oscillation Index and Indian Ocean Dipole in Aug–Oct showed large partial correlations early in the passage, then faded in importance. For the Sahel Precipitation Index (PSAH) and Sahel Temperature Anomaly (TSAH) in Aug–Oct partial correlations occurred early then peaked in mid-passage; for PSAH (Nov–March) correlations peaked at the end of passage. NAO and local temperatures (April–May) showed low correlations till late April, which then increased. For the Scandinavian Index (Jun–Jul) partial correlations peaked in mid-passage. Year was not selected in any of the best models, indicating that the climate variables alone accounted for Willow Warblers’ multiyear trend towards an earlier spring passage.

Discussion

Climate indices for southern and eastern Africa dominated relationships in early spring, but western African indices dominated in mid- and late spring. We thus concluded that Willow Warblers wintering in southern and eastern Africa dominated early arrivals, but those from western Africa dominated later. We suggest that drivers of phenological shifts in avian migration are related to changes in climate at remote wintering grounds and at stopovers, operating with climate change in the north, especially for species with complex and long-distance migration patterns.
Comparative transcriptome analysis provides insights into grain filling commonalities and differences between foxtail millet [Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.] varieties with different panicle types
Authors: Song Hui , Wang Tao , Li Long , Xing Lu , Xie Hui fang , Feng Bai li , Liu Jin rong
Published: February 2022

Grain filling affects grain weight and quality and is among the most critical factors in determining the yield and quality of cereal crops. Though hybrids have larger panicles and numerous spikelets with a larger sink capacity than conventional varieties, data on the grain filling commonalities and differences between foxtail millet varieties with different panicle types remain sparse. In this study, we found that “Zhang Gu 13” (ZG, large panicle) exhibits a significantly higher panicle weight than “Yu Gu 18” (YG, conventional panicle) at the early stage of grain filling, but the weight of YG increased rapidly and gradually overtook ZG during the middle stages. A temporal expression pattern analysis demonstrated that the genes involved in photosynthesis, metabolic pathways, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis were downregulated, while those related to peroxisome function, purine metabolism, and zeatin biosynthesis were upregulated during grain filling in both varieties. A total of 6,832 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in both varieties, with the majority identified at the early and late stages. A Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis further revealed that the upregulated DEGs in YG were associated with gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, and plant hormone signal transduction. Photosynthesis-related DEGs, such as photosystem and antenna proteins, were significantly upregulated in ZG. This study provides preliminary insights into the differences in gene expression and molecular mechanisms of grain filling between ZG and YG in the North China summer-sowing region.
O que sabemos sobre os impactos ambientais do turismo nos recifes tropicais do Brasil?
Authors: Calado Janaina Freitas , Moreira Ana Luisa Pires , Mendes Liana de Figueiredo
Published: February 2022

Ambientes recifais concentram elevada biodiversidade e são responsáveis por fornecer bens e serviços à humanidade, como por exemplo, os benefícios econômicos associados a atividade turística. O turismo em recifes cresce no mundo, assim como a relação de impactos ambientais causados pela atividade. O objetivo desse trabalho foi sistematizar e analisar os resultados de estudos que avaliaram os impactos do turismo em ambientes recifais tropicais brasileiros, identificando a abrangência geográfica dos estudos, bem como os grupos biológicos e variáveis ecológicas utilizadas para a avaliação ambiental, discriminando aquelas que sofreram alteração em função do uso turístico. Foram identificadas 81 publicações, entre 1996 e 2020, com um crescimento exponencial dos trabalhos ao longo do tempo. Pernambuco e Rio Grande do Norte foram os estados com maior número de estudos com o tema, concentrando 50% das pesquisas. Sete grupos biológicos, entre, peixes, algas e invertebrados, foram avaliados em áreas recifais, considerando variáveis como riqueza, abundância e densidade. A maioria das variáveis analisadas foram alteradas em função da atividade turística nos recifes. A compreensão integrada dos impactos do turismo pode colaborar para o desenvolvimento de estratégias de manejo em áreas recifais, buscando soluções que considerem aspectos sociais, econômicos e ambientais.
Desigualdade de gênero no turismo
Authors: Minasi Sarah , Mayer Verônica , Santos Glauber Eduardo de Oliveira
Published: February 2022

A desigualdade de gênero é um problema central da sociedade. Apesar da importância do tema, existe pouca informação sobre a condição da mulher no turismo brasileiro. Buscando preencher essa lacuna, este artigo objetiva caracterizar a participação profissional da mulher no turismo no Brasil. Para tanto, é analisada a proporção de mulheres em diferentes âmbitos da vida profissional no turismo, incluindo formação, academia, emprego em diferentes atividades e profissões, empreendedorismo e posições de poder. Analisa-se também o salário das trabalhadoras mulheres em comparação aos homens. Essa comparação foi feita para diversos cortes, incluindo atividade econômica, região do país, faixa etária e cor ou raça. As estatísticas são produzidas por meio do tratamento e consolidação de oito bases de microdados secundários de grande porte, além de outras fontes de dados pontuais. As estatísticas elaboradas e apresentadas descrevem o cenário da desigualdade de gênero no turismo brasileiro com graus de detalhe, abrangência e representatividade sem precedentes. Os resultados mostram que as mulheres são maioria no turismo. A proporção de mulheres é maior nas atividades e posições tradicionalmente associadas ao feminino e ao ambiente doméstico, como hospedagem e serviços de alimentação. Contudo, as mulheres são sub representadas em posições de maior poder e rendimento.