bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Μελέτη της σχέσης μεταξύ νοημοσύνης και εκτελεστικών λειτουργιών μέσω της κατασκευής και χρήσης ψυχομετρικών εργαλείων
Authors: Γιαγλής Γεώργιος
Published: December 2021

Η νοημοσύνη και οι εκτελεστικές λειτουργίες είναι ψυχολογικές έννοιες που κατασκευάστηκαν διαφορετικές χρονικές στιγμές, με διαφορετικές μεθοδολογίες, για να περιγράψουν λειτουργίες που καταρχήν δε θεωρούνται ταυτόσημες: έχουν διαφορετικούς ορισμούς, διαφορετικά θεωρητικά μοντέλα και αξιολογούνται με διαφορετικά έργα. Εντούτοις διάφοροι θεωρητικοί και ερευνητές έχουν υποστηρίξει ότι αυτές οι νοητικές κατασκευές δεν είναι πλήρως διαχωρισμένες αλλά αλληλεπικαλύπτονται περισσότερο ή λιγότερο. Στόχος της παρούσας διατριβής ήταν η συμβολή στην διερεύνηση και αποσαφήνιση της σχέσης των εκτελεστικών λειτουργιών με διάφορες πλευρές της νοημοσύνης και πιο συγκεκριμένα η διευκρίνιση κατά πόσο δοκιμασίες που χρησιμοποιούνται συνήθως για την αξιολόγηση της νοημοσύνης και δοκιμασίες που χρησιμοποιούνται συνήθως για την αξιολόγηση των εκτελεστικών λειτουργιών μετρούν παρόμοιες ή διαφορετικές κατασκευές. Για το λόγο αυτό χρησιμοποιήθηκαν μερικές από τις πιο ενδεικτικές δοκιμασίες, που αφορούσαν καθέναν από τους τέσσερεις δείκτες (παράγοντες) νοημοσύνης, όπως αξιολογείται από την πιο πρόσφατη έκδοση του WAIS στα Ελληνικά. Επιπλέον, κατασκευάστηκαν τρεις διαφορετικές δοκιμασίες αξιολόγησης του λεξιλογίου, ως δείκτες της αποκρυσταλλωμένης νοημοσύνης, και μια σύνθετη δοκιμασία (με πέντε υποδοκιμασίες) ως δείκτης αξιολόγησης της ρέουσας νοημοσύνης. Οι δοκιμασίες αυτές ελέγχθηκαν με μια σειρά πιλοτικών ερευνών, απέδειξαν ότι είχαν καλά ψυχομετρικά χαρακτηριστικά και χορηγήθηκαν στην έρευνα αυτή με τον παραδοσιακό τρόπο (μολύβι και χαρτί) μαζί με τρεις καταξιωμένες δοκιμασίες αξιολόγησης των εκτελεστικών λειτουργιών σε ένα μη κλινικό δείγμα 160 ενηλίκων του πλήρους ηλικιακού εύρους. Η ανάλυση των αποτελεσμάτων έδειξε ότι όλες οι μετρούμενες μορφές νοημοσύνης (Ταχύτητα Επεξεργασίας, Εργαζόμενη Μνήμη, Αντιληπτικός Συλλογισμός), εκτός της Λεκτικής Κατανόησης, είχαν σημαντική συνδιακύμανση με τις μετρούμενες Εκτελεστικές Λειτουργίες. Επιπλέον, φάνηκε ότι ένας βαθμός της σχέσης της νοημοσύνης με τις εκτελεστικές λειτουργίες οφείλεται στην ευαλωτότητα των περισσότερων από τις δοκιμασίες τόσο της νοημοσύνης (πλην της Λεκτικής Κατανόησης) όσο και των εκτελεστικών λειτουργιών στην επίδραση της ηλικίας.
Performance Analysis of Simulated Annealing and Genetic Algorithm on systems of linear equations
Authors: Islam Md. Shabiul , Khatoon Most Tahamina , Siddiquee Kazy Noor-e-Alam , Yong Wong Hin , Huda Mohammad Nurul
Published: December 2021

Problem solving and modelling in traditional substitution methods at large scale for systems using sets of simultaneous equations is time consuming. For such large scale global-optimization problem, Simulated Annealing (SA) algorithm and Genetic Algorithm (GA) as meta-heuristics for random search technique perform faster.

Therefore, this study applies the SA to solve the problem of linear equations and evaluates its performances against Genetic Algorithms (GAs), a population-based search meta-heuristic, which are widely used in Travelling Salesman problems (TSP), Noise reduction and many more. This paper presents comparison between performances of the SA and GA for solving real time scientific problems. The significance of this paper is to solve the certain real time systems with a set of simultaneous linear equations containing different unknown variable samples those were simulated in Matlab using two algorithms-SA and GA. In all of the experiments, the generated random initial solution sets and the random population of solution sets were used in the SA and GA respectively. The comparison and performances of the SA and GA were evaluated for the optimization to take place for providing sets of solutions on certain systems.

The SA algorithm is superior to GA on the basis of experimentation done on the sets of simultaneous equations, with a lower fitness function evaluation count in MATLAB simulation. Since, complex non-linear systems of equations have not been the primary focus of this research, in future, performances of SA and GA using such equations will be addressed. Even though GA maintained a relatively lower number of average generations than SA, SA still managed to outperform GA with a reasonably lower fitness function evaluation count. Although SA sometimes converges slowly, still it is efficient for solving problems of simultaneous equations in this case. In terms of computational complexity, SA was far more superior to GAs.
Healing through faith: meeting a chaplain coupled with biblical readings could produce lymphocyte changes that correlate with brain activity (HEALING study)
Authors: Béres András , Emri Miklós , Aranyi Csaba , Fajtai Dániel , Nagy Ferenc , Szabó Péter , Bödecs Pál , Hörcsik Edit , Perpékné Papp Éva , Tomanek Ferenc , Kuti Márta , Petőfalviné Ágnes , Kisdeákné Hajnalka , Bíró Gergely , Kovács Dániel , Bakos Bettina , Vinczen Eszter , Gál Eszter , Sillinger Renáta , Szalai Zoltán , Szilágyi Antal , Kiss-Merki Marianna , Nagyéri György , Fodor Judit , Németh Tamás , Papp Erzsébet , Repa Imre
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Faith and systems of beliefs are known to impact not only the emotional, but also the immunological state of believers in ways that we are just starting to understand. Moreover, clinical implications of previous studies are limited. 

The aim of the “HEALING” (Hospital-based Ecumenical and Linguistic Immuno-NeuroloGic) Study was to examine immunological and neurological changes in hospitalized patients after meeting a chaplain coupled with biblical readings.

Methods: Hospitalized patients were pre-screened to find those who were the most in need of an intervention. A passage from the Bible was read to them during a meeting with the chaplain at the bedside (n= 20) or in the chapel (n= 18). No meeting occurred in the randomized control group (n=19). Blood samples were taken 30 minutes prior, and 60 minutes after the meeting to measure white blood cells (WBC), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgA, IgG, and complement 3 (C3). A subgroup of the visited patients was subjected to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), where they were played an audiotape of readings of the same passage from the Bible (n=21).

Results: Lymphocyte counts increased more often after the more successful visits, but the immunological changes were not significant. Conversely, a significant (pfwe=0.003) correlation was revealed between changes in lymphocytes and activation of the angular gyrus (left BA39) during fMRI, a brain area involved in word recognition.

Conclusions: Although limited by the sample size and cohort study design, the findings suggest the depth of psycho-immunological changes could depend on the degree to which the chaplains’ main message is understood.
The South Estonian language islands in the context of the Central Baltic area
Authors: Norvik Miina , Balodis Uldis , Ernštreits Valts , Kļava Gunta , Metslang Helle , Pajusalu Karl , Saar Eva
Published: December 2021

This article offers a comparative analysis of several morphosyntactic and phonological features in the South Estonian language islands: Leivu, Lutsi, and Kraasna. The objective is to give an overview of the distribution of selected features, their (in)stability over time, and discuss their form and use in a broader areal context. To achieve this goal, comparative information was also included from the closest cognate varieties (Estonian and the South Estonian varieties, Courland Livonian and Salaca Livonian) and the main contact varieties (Latgalian, Latvian, and Russian). The data analysed in this study originated from various sources: text collections, dictionaries, and language corpora. The results reveal a multitude of linguistic patterns and distribution patterns, which means that the studied varieties are similar to / different from one another in various ways and points to multifaceted contact situations and outcomes in this area.

Kokkuvõte. Miina Norvik, Uldis Balodis, Valts Ernštreits, Gunta Kļava, Helle Metslang, Karl Pajusalu, Eva Saar: Lõunaeesti keelesaared Kesk-Balti mõjuväljas. Artikkel esitab lõunaeesti keelesaarte – Leivu, Lutsi ja Kraasna – mitme morfosüntaktilise ja fonoloogilise joone võrdleva analüüsi. Uurimuse eesmärgiks on anda ülevaade valitud joonte levikust ja püsivusest ajas ning arutleda nende vormide ja kasutuse üle laiemas areaalses kontekstis. Selleks võetakse arvesse lähimate sugulaskeelte (eesti ja lõunaeesti, Kuramaa ja Salatsi liivi) ja -murrete ning tähtsamate kontaktkeelte (latgali, läti, vene) esinemusi. Analüüsitakse erinevatest allikatest, mh tekstikogudest, sõna- raamatutest ja keelekorpustest pärit ainest. Uurimistulemused toovad esile mitmesuguseid vormiseoseid ja muutuste levikuviise, osutades uuritud keelte ja murrete omavaheliste kontaktide mitmelaadsusele ning sellest tingitud erinevatele keelesüsteemi arengutele.
Observations on Lutsi oral tradition
Authors: Salve Kristi
Published: December 2021

This article examines Lutsi intangible culture in an attempt to clarify the origins of this language island. Historical stories about coming from “Sweden” refer to southern Estonia, but such stories are also widespread in areas that were never under Swedish rule. The Christian tradition is based on the church language and literature of Estonia. Lutsi laments or lament-like songs are unique, different from Seto laments, but also from the lament-like orphan songs of southern Estonia. Work songs and ritual songs (tavandilaul) as well as narrative songs are related to traditions found in both Võromaa and Setomaa. Oskar Kallas’s documentation contains an impressive number of children’s songs and readings, short verses, and other peripheral material. Their proportion only increases in later collections. The influence of Latvian songs is striking and can be seen from direct translations to texts where original and borrowed material intermingle. The Lutsi tradition was also probably influenced by their Slavic neighbours. Comparisons with the folklore of the other South Estonian language islands and that of the Tver Karelians shows both commonalities and differences.

Kokkuvõte. Kristi Salve: Tähelepanekuid Lutsi maarahva suulisest pärimusest. Artiklis on vaadeldud Lutsi maarahva vaimset kultuuri, püüdes selgust tuua keelesaare kujunemisloosse. Ajaloolised jutud „Rootsi“ päritolust viitavad küll Lõuna-Eestile, kuid sellised jutud on levinud ka aladel, mis pole Rootsi võimu alla kuulunudki. Lutsi kristlik pärimus lähtub Eesti kirikukeelest ja -kirjandusest. Lutsi itkud või itkulaadsed laulud on omapärased, erinedes setu itkudest, aga ka Lõuna-Eesti itkulaadsetest vaeslapselauludest. Töö- ja tavandilaulud, samuti jutustavad laulud seostuvad nii Võrumaa kui ka Setumaa traditsiooniga. Juba Oskar Kallase kogus on silmapaistvalt palju lastele mõeldud laule ja lugemisi, lühikesi (pilke)salmikesi ja muud perifeerset rahvaluule ainest. Hilisemates kogudes nende osakaal suureneb. Silmapaistev on läti laulude mõju alates otsestest tõlgetest kuni tekstideni, milles genuiinne ja laenuline segunevad. Ilmselt on Lutsi traditsiooni mõjutanud ka naabruses elavad slaavi rahvad. Võrdluses teiste vanade eesti keelesaarte, aga ka Tveri karjalaste rahvaluulega hakkab silma mõndagi ühist, kuid samas ka erinevat.
Technological equipment
Authors: Berberov Sergey , Tamarkin Mihail , Prokopec Galina , Lebedev Valeriy
Published: December 2021

General information about devices, their classification and structure is presented; theoretical bases of basing, taking into account the specifics of the choice of basing schemes when choosing technological bases; designs of the main elements of machine tools, methods of their precision and power calculations of devices; design features of devices for various technological systems of mechanical processing, including CNC; features of control and measuring devices; individual issues of mechanization, automation, unification and standardization of devices; methods of designing special devices. Special attention is paid to the educational and methodological support of practical training of specialists.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of secondary vocational education of the latest generation.
It is intended for students of secondary vocational education institutions studying in the specialty 15.02.08 "Technology of mechanical engineering".
Training of police officers to ensure personal safety
Authors: Aleksandr Alekseevich , Pavel Nikolaevich , Vitaliy Leonidovich
Published: December 2021

The textbook reflects the main provisions of practical training of employees of the internal affairs bodies, which allow to increase personal security in the process of performing various operational and official tasks.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is intended for cadets and teachers of educational institutions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, as well as employees of internal affairs bodies.
The crisis of moral consciousness in Russia and the Russian-Japanese War of 1904-1905.
Authors: Panischev Aleksey
Published: December 2021

The monograph is devoted to the events of the Russian-Japanese War of 1904-1905. The main idea postulates that military victory depends not only on the economic or military forces of the state, but also on the level of development of the moral consciousness of the nation as a whole.
For a wide range of readers interested in the history of military affairs and wars.
Finance of trade organizations
Authors: Chizhik Vera
Published: December 2021

The textbook discusses the theoretical and practical features of financial management in the organizations of the trade industry. The methods and tools of decision-making in the field of income, cost, profit, risk and inventory management of trading organizations are presented; the essence and classification of trading organizations, as well as the specifics of taxation and pricing are disclosed.
Designed to assist students in preparing for lectures, practical classes, exams and in organizing independent work. Corresponds to the Federal state educational standard of higher education in the field of training 38.03.01 "Economics".
For students and bachelors of higher educational institutions, managers of all levels, teachers and postgraduates studying financial management issues in trade industry organizations.
Complex non-drug correction of menopausal disorders in patients with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Berihanova Rumisa , Minenko Inessa
Published: December 2021

The monograph is devoted to the complex non-drug correction of menopausal disorders in patients with metabolic syndrome in the period of menopausal transition. Modern ideas about menopausal and metabolic syndromes are presented, a review of modern approaches to their treatment is carried out.
A complex personalized system of non-drug correction of functional disorders in patients with metabolic syndrome and menopausal syndrome of mild and moderate severity in the period of menopausal transition is presented, including preformed therapeutic factors (vibrotherapy, chromotherapy, aeroionotherapy, musicotherapy (melotherapy), aromatherapy), physical therapy with pelvic floor muscle training, drinking balneotherapy, vitamins and minerals against the background of lifestyle modification.
The algorithm of dynamic clinical and laboratory examination of women with menopausal disorders of mild and moderate severity and metabolic syndrome in the period of menopausal transition has been developed, including a general clinical examination, assessment of alimentary, thyroid, psycho-emotional, gynecological, urological statuses, the state of the intestinal microbiota, the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary complex, biochemical blood profile, hemostasis, levels of markers of inflammation, assessment of the state of the musculoskeletal system, sexual function, allowing to get an idea of the state of mental and physical health of patients, evaluate the effectiveness of the complex of measures, optimize therapeutic tactics.
It is addressed to a wide range of readers interested in women's health. It can be useful for students, postgraduates, teachers of medical universities, obstetricians, gynecologists, endocrinologists, cardiologists, specialists of restorative medicine.
Criminal law and "digital crime": problems and solutions
Authors: Russkevich Evgeniy
Published: December 2021

The monograph is devoted to a complex of theoretical and applied problems of adapting the domestic mechanism of criminal law protection to the "digitalization" of crime in the conditions of the formation of the information society. Along with general theoretical issues, foreign criminal legislation and provisions of international law are being thoroughly analyzed. The paper presents an updated criminal-legal description of crimes in the field of computer information, including novelties of Russian criminal legislation - unlawful impact on the critical information infrastructure of the Russian Federation (Article 2741 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), developed proposals for the differentiation of criminal liability for attacks on the security of computer data and systems, developed scientifically sound recommendations for qualification.
In the second edition, the issues of differentiation of criminal liability for digital crimes by means of the General and Special Parts of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation are separately worked out. The analysis of the problems of qualification of crimes in the field of computer information, as well as other crimes committed using information and communication technologies, outside of Chapter 28 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. Taking into account the results obtained, a draft resolution of the Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation "On judicial practice in cases of crimes in the field of computer information" is presented.
It is intended for researchers, teachers, practicing lawyers, students and postgraduates of law schools and faculties.
Maintenance and repair of marine diesel engines
Authors: Sherstnev Nikolay
Published: December 2021

The first volume of the textbook shows the features of the layout of marine diesel engines, the composition of the external inspection and control of their work, the designs of components and parts of the frames that affect their working conditions and methods of maintenance and repair. Recommendations on the frequency of regulated work and possible malfunctions are given. With examples from ship practice, the methods of disassembly-assembly, defection and repair of the main components and parts of the framework are considered.
The following volumes show the design features, provide recommendations on the frequency of regulated work and maintenance and repair of other components and parts of marine diesel engines.
It is intended for students of higher educational institutions in the specialty "Operation of marine power plants" and university teachers. It may be useful for ship mechanics.
Maintenance and repair of marine diesel engines. In 4 volumes
Authors: Sherstnev Nikolay
Published: December 2021

The second volume of the textbook shows the design features of the main components and parts of the movement groups that affect their working conditions and methods of maintenance and repair. Recommendations on the frequency of regulated work and possible malfunctions are given. With examples from ship practice, the methods of disassembly-assembly, defection and repair of the main components and parts of the movement groups are considered.
The previous and subsequent volumes show the design features, provide recommendations on the frequency of regulated work and maintenance and repair of other components and parts of marine diesel engines.
It is intended for students of higher educational institutions in the specialty "Operation of marine power plants" and university teachers. It may be useful for ship mechanics.
Methodological and Scientific-Methodological Foundations of Diagnostics of the Psychological and Pedagogical Potential of a Teacher
Authors: Romanova Marina , Fedorenko Tat'yana
Published: December 2021

The most important theoretical and methodological issues related to the identification, assessment, formation and development of the teacher’s psychological and pedagogical potential include adequate methods of his psychodiagnostics. Until now, almost all diagnostic methods used in psychology, including pedagogical, were focused mainly on assessing the current professional level of a specialist’s development, and his potential psychological and pedagogical capabilities, which were not manifested or were not clearly manifested in practical activity, was considered rather within the framework of theory. The article offers for discussion a number of tasks that require methodological and methodological solutions, and are aimed at studying the psychological and pedagogical potential of the teacher.
Offline-Channel Planning in Smart Omnichannel Retailing
Authors: Chen Jian , Liang Yong , Shen Hao , Shen Zuo-Jun Max , Xue Mengying
Published: December 2021

Problem definition: Observing the retail industry inevitably evolving into omnichannel, we study an offline-channel planning problem that helps an omnichannel retailer make store location and location-dependent assortment decisions in its offline channel to maximize profit across both online and offline channels, given that customers’ purchase decisions depend on not only their preferences across products but also, their valuation discrepancies across channels, as well as the hassle costs incurred. Academic/practical relevance: The proposed model and the solution approach extend the literature on retail-channel management, omnichannel assortment planning, and the broader field of smart retailing/cities. Methodology: We derive parameterized models to capture customers’ channel choice and product choice behaviors and customize a corresponding parameter estimation approach employing the expectation-maximization method. To solve the proposed optimization model, we develop a tractable mixed integer second-order conic programming reformulation and explore the structural properties of the reformulation to derive strengthening cuts in closed form. Results: We numerically validate the efficacy of the proposed solution approach and demonstrate the parameter estimation approach. We further draw managerial insights from the numerical studies using real data sets. Managerial implications: We verify that omnichannel retailers should provide location-dependent offline assortments. In addition, our benchmark studies reveal the necessity and significance of jointly determining offline store locations and assortments, as well as of incorporating the online channel while making offline-channel planning decisions.
Optically computed phase microscopy for quantitative dynamic imaging of label-free cells and nanoparticles
Authors: Liu Xuan , Wan Zhaoxiong , Zhang Yuanwei , Liu Yuwei
Published: December 2021

Numerous drug delivery systems based on nanoparticles have been developed, such as those used in BioNTech/Pfizer’s and Moderna’s Covid vaccines. Knowledge on mechanical interactions between cells and nanoparticles is critical to advance the efficiency and safety of these drug delivery systems. To quantitatively track the motion of cell (transparent) and nanoparticles (nontransparent) with nanometer displacement sensitivity, we investigate a novel imaging technology, optically computed phase microscopy (OCPM) that processes 3D spatial-spectral data through optical computation. We demonstrate that OCPM has the capability to image the motion of cells and magnetic nanoparticles that are mechanically excited by an external magnetic field, quantitatively and in the en face plane.
Over-wavelength pitch sized diffraction gratings for augmented reality applications
Authors: Drazic Valter , Shramkova Oksana , Varghese Bobin , Blondé Laurent , De La Perrière Vincent Brac , Schiffler Jesse , Twardowski Patrice , Lecler Sylvain , Walter Benjamin , Mairiaux Estelle , Bavedila Fuanki , Faucher Marc , Allié Valérie
Published: December 2021

Waveguide based optical combiners for augmented reality (AR) glasses are integrating several surface relief gratings (SRG) whose pitch sizes can be as small as 200 nm for the blue wavelength. All SRG components exploit the first diffraction order to couple in and out or to deviate the light. We present SRG using higher diffraction orders featuring over-wavelength pitch sizes. Our gratings use the edge wave (EW) diffraction phenomenon to steer light in the preferred far field direction.
Cryogenic temperature sensing based on the temperature dependence of color centers in optical fibers
Authors: Zhang Haoshi , Jin Jing , Song Ningfang , Fan Haitao
Published: December 2021

A cryogenic temperature sensor based on the temperature dependence of stable color centers in a commercial single-mode optical fiber is proposed. The radiation induced attenuation spectra at different temperatures are measured and decomposed by Ge-NBOHC and Ge(X) color centers. The configurational coordinate model is used to explain the temperature properties of the color centers. A series of experiments are conducted to evaluate its performance in the temperature range from 10°C to −196°C, and the results suggest that the temperature sensitivity is ∼0.17 dB/km/°C with a resolution of 0.034°C, and the nonlinearity and repeatability error are ±3.8% and 1.4%, respectively.
Safely resuming neglected tropical disease control activities during COVID-19: Perspectives from Nigeria and Guinea
Authors: McKay Stephanie , Shu’aibu Joy , Cissé Abdourahim , Knight Albi , Abdullahi Fadhalu , Ibrahim Ahmed , Madaki Suzie , Genovezos Chantelle , McCoy Kate , Downs Philip , Kabore Achille , Adamu Helen , Gobir Ibrahim B. , Chaitkin Michael , Standley Claire J.
Published: December 2021

Since its early spread in early 2020, the disease caused by the novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused mass disruptions to health services. These have included interruptions to programs that aimed to prevent, control, and eliminate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) released interim guidelines recommending the temporary cessation of mass drug administration (MDA), community-based surveys, and case detection, while encouraging continuation of morbidity management and vector control where possible. Over the course of the following months, national programs and implementing partners contributed to COVID-19 response efforts, while also beginning to plan for resumption of NTD control activities. To understand the challenges, opportunities, and recommendations for maximizing continuity of disease control during public health emergencies, we sought perspectives from Nigeria and Guinea on the process of restarting NTD control efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through semistructured interviews with individuals involved with NTD control at the local and national levels, we identified key themes and common perspectives between the 2 countries, as well as observations that were specific to each. Overall, interviewees stressed the challenges posed by COVID-19 interruptions, particularly with respect to delays to activities and related knock-on impacts, such as drug expiry and prolonged elimination timelines, as well as concerns related to funding. However, respondents in both countries also highlighted the benefits of a formal risk assessment approach, particularly in terms of encouraging information sharing and increasing coordination and advocacy. Recommendations included ensuring greater availability of historical data to allow better monitoring of how future emergencies affect NTD control progress; continuing to use risk assessment approaches in the future; and identifying mechanisms for sharing lessons learned and innovations between countries as a means of advancing postpandemic health systems and disease control capacity strengthening.
Prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections, schistosomiasis, and lymphatic filariasis before and after preventive chemotherapy initiation in the Philippines: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: delos Trinos John Paul Caesar Robles , Wulandari Luh Putu Lila , Clarke Naomi , Belizario Vicente , Kaldor John , Nery Susana Vaz
Published: December 2021

Objective

To estimate the impact of preventive chemotherapy on the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, schistosomiasis, and lymphatic filariasis in the Philippines, using systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

We included reports reporting prevalence of STH infections, schistosomiasis, or lymphatic filariasis in the Philippines published until 31 March 2021. Peer-reviewed studies were identified in electronic databases. Grey literature reports by the University of the Philippines and the Department of Health were also included. Pooled infection prevalence, before and after the initiation of preventive chemotherapy, stratified by age group, was calculated using the inverse variance heterogeneity model.

Findings

A total of 109 reports were included in the review and meta-analysis. Overall prevalence of moderate-heavy intensity Ascaris lumbricoides (6.6%) and Trichuris trichiura (2.7%) infection after initiation of preventive chemotherapy were significantly lower than the prevalence prior to initiation (23.6% for A. lumbricoides and 12.2% for T. trichiura). Prevalence reductions were also found in school and preschool-age children for A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura. Studies conducted after preventive chemotherapy initiation had significantly lower overall prevalence of moderate-heavy intensity schistosomiasis (3.1% vs 0.2%) and of schistosomiasis in school-age children (30.5% vs 1%). Pooled prevalence of lymphatic filariasis prior to preventive chemotherapy initiation was 3.2% across 12 provinces, while currently only two provinces still have prevalence of more than 1%. There were no published studies reporting prevalence of lymphatic filariasis after initiation of preventive chemotherapy. Heterogeneity was high with I2 mostly above 90%.

Conclusion

The burden of STH infections and schistosomiasis in children were significantly lower in studies conducted following the initiation of preventive chemotherapy. Eliminating morbidity and interrupting transmission, however, may require expanded control initiatives including community-wide treatment, and improved water, sanitation, and hygiene. Lymphatic filariasis burden has decreased since the implementation of preventive chemotherapy, with all but two provinces having reached the elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem.
Eculizumab in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) requiring continuous positive airway pressure ventilator support: Retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ruggenenti Piero , Di Marco Fabiano , Cortinovis Monica , Lorini Luca , Sala Silvia , Novelli Luca , Raimondi Federico , Gastoldi Sara , Galbusera Miriam , Donadelli Roberta , Mele Caterina , Piras Rossella , Noris Marina , Portalupi Valentina , Cappelletti Laura , Carrara Camillo , Tomatis Federica , Bernardi Silvia , Perna Annalisa , Peracchi Tobia , Diadei Olimpia , Benigni Ariela , Remuzzi Giuseppe
Published: December 2021

Background

Complement activation contributes to lung dysfunction in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We assessed whether C5 blockade with eculizumab could improve disease outcome.

Methods

In this single-centre, academic, unblinded study two 900 mg eculizumab doses were added-on standard therapy in ten COVID-19 patients admitted from February 2020 to April 2020 and receiving Continuous-Positive-Airway-Pressure (CPAP) ventilator support from ≤24 hours. We compared their outcomes with those of 65 contemporary similar controls. Primary outcome was respiratory rate at one week of ventilator support. Secondary outcomes included the combined endpoint of mortality and discharge with chronic complications.

Results

Baseline characteristics of eculizumab-treated patients and controls were similar. At baseline, sC5b-9 levels, ex vivo C5b-9 and thrombi deposition were increased. Ex vivo tests normalised in eculizumab-treated patients, but not in controls. In eculizumab-treated patients respiratory rate decreased from 26.8±7.3 breaths/min at baseline to 20.3±3.8 and 18.0±4.8 breaths/min at one and two weeks, respectively (p<0.05 for both), but did not change in controls. Between-group changes differed significantly at both time-points (p<0.01). Changes in respiratory rate correlated with concomitant changes in ex vivo C5b-9 deposits at one (rs = 0.706, p = 0.010) and two (rs = 0.751, p = 0.032) weeks. Over a median (IQR) period of 47.0 (14.0–121.0) days, four eculizumab-treated patients died or had chronic complications versus 52 controls [HRCrude (95% CI): 0.26 (0.09–0.72), p = 0.010]. Between-group difference was significant even after adjustment for age, sex and baseline serum creatinine [HRAdjusted (95% CI): 0.30 (0.10–0.84), p = 0.023]. Six patients and 13 controls were discharged without complications [HRCrude (95% CI): 2.88 (1.08–7.70), p = 0.035]. Eculizumab was tolerated well. The main study limitations were the relatively small sample size and the non-randomised design.

Conclusions

In patients with severe COVID-19, eculizumab safely improved respiratory dysfunction and decreased the combined endpoint of mortality and discharge with chronic complications. Findings need confirmation in randomised controlled trials.
Three-dimensional kinematic evaluation of lateral suture stabilization in an in vitro canine cranial cruciate deficient stifle model
Authors: Del Carpio Laura-Isabela , Petit Yvan , Diotalevi Lucien , Laroche Elisabeth , Levasseur Annie , Lussier Bertrand
Published: December 2021

The impact of surgical correction of cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) on 3D kinematics has not been thoroughly evaluated in dogs. The success of current techniques remains limited, as illustrated by suboptimal weightbearing and progression of osteoarthritis. The inability to restore the stifle’s 3D kinematics might be a key element in understanding these suboptimal outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of lateral suture stabilization (LSS) on the 3D kinematics of the canine stifle joint. We hypothesized that LSS would not restore 3D kinematics in our model. Ten cadaveric pelvic limbs collected from large dogs (25–40 kg) were tested using a previously validated apparatus that simulates gait. Three experimental conditions were compared: (a) intact stifle; (b) unstable stifle following cranial cruciate ligament transection (CCLt) and (c) CCLt stabilized by LSS. Three-dimensional kinematics were collected through 5 loading cycles simulating the stance phase of gait and curves were analyzed using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. LSS restored baseline kinematics for the entire stance phase for cranial and lateromedial translation, flexion, and abduction. It restored distraction over 90% of the stance phase. Internal rotation was limited, but not restored. This in vitro study had limitations, as it used a simplified model of stifle motion and weight-bearing. The results of this study report that LSS can restore physiologic 3D kinematics largely comparable to those of healthy stifles. Suboptimal outcome in patients following CCLR stabilization by LSS may therefore result from causes other than immediate postoperative abnormal 3D kinematics.
Vulnerabilidades do aeroporto de Faro (Portugal) face à ocorrência de tsunamis
Authors: Vicêncio Henrique
Published: December 2021

O aeroporto de Faro (Algarve, Portugal) deverá ter um papel importante na fase de resposta, após a ocorrência de um tsunami na região do Algarve. Caso o aeroporto fique inoperacional, poderão surgir dificuldades acrescidas no socorro atempado das populações. Estudaram-se as suas vulnerabilidades face à ocorrência de tsunamis e apresentam-semedidas de mitigação. Utilizou-se um modelo digital do terreno e consideraram-se diferentes cenários para o alcance de tsunamis. Será provável que para tsunamis que alcancem cotas de 4 a 5 m o aeroporto de Faro fique impossibilitado de receber voos comerciais, mas deverá poder receber voos destinados à resposta de emergência. Para valores superiores, grande parte da pista de aterragem deverá ser inundada e, nestas circunstâncias, o aeroporto deverá ficar inoperacional. Com a exceção do cenário mais gravoso, o piso superior do terminal poderá constituir-se como local de destino para a evacuação de passageiros e funcionários do aeroporto. As instalações dos bombeiros do aeroporto serão atingidas por um tsunami que se desloque até uma cota 3.
Risco de adoecer psicológico: um estudo comparativo na ferrovia portuguesa
Authors: Faria Sara , Fonseca Sérgio , Monteiro Fonseca Sílvia , Martins Vítor , Queirós Cristina
Published: December 2021

Os trabalhadores do setor ferroviário estão frequentemente expostos a diversos eventos stressantes e potencialmente traumáticos, que os colocam numa situação de risco de adoecer psicológico. Pretendem-se identificar e comparar os níveis de burnout em profissionais da ferrovia portuguesa, considerando dados obtidos em investigações de 2016 e de 2019. Utilizou-se um questionário sociodemográfico, o Cuestionario para la Evaluación del Síndrome de Quemarse por el Trabajo, e o Maslach Burnout Inventory, aplicados a 593 profissionais da ferrovia. Os resultados revelaram que entre 2016 e 2019 ocorreram aumentos estatisticamente significativos em todas as dimensões e valores totais de burnout. Assim, e perante valores já anteriormente elevados, as dimensões exaustão/desgaste, cinismo/desinvestimento e burnout foram superiores em 2019, quando comparadas aos dados de 2016, sendo que a dimensão positiva (realização pessoal/entusiasmo pelo trabalho) diminuiu no ano de 2019. Verificou-se que o burnout aumentou nestes profissionais, constituindo um sinal de alerta para se aplicarem estratégias de prevenção.
A new species of Delphinium L. (Ranunculaceae) from Dagestan (Eastern Caucasus)
Authors: Murtazaliev Ramazan A. , Luferov Alexander N.
Published: December 2021

The new species Delphinium samurense Murtazaliev et Luferov (sect. Diedropetala Huth) is described from the Eastern Caucasus. The novelty is endemic to southern Dagestan (Rutul district). Its morphological differences from the closely related species D. macropogon Prokh. are shown. Distribution and ecology of the new species are characterized.
Nephroma orvoi (Nephromatoideae, Peltigeraceae) – a new lichen species for Russia
Authors: Urbanavichus Gennady P. , Urbanavichene Irina N.
Published: December 2021

The lichen species Nephroma orvoi is reported as new to Russia from two localities in Murmansk Region. Description and colour illustrations of the material studied are provided. The species was previously known from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Canada (Alberta and British Columbia), USA (Washington), and Greenland. In Russia, it grows on rock outcrops in open habitat along the shore of a Paz River (Pasvik Nature Reserve) and in the bed of a small unnamed stream (neighborhood of Fedorova Tundra Mt.). The specimens were identified by the morphology (mostly laminal, brown, corticate soredia; faveolate, wrinkle-ridged lobes; lower side with short pseudotomentum in middle and inner part) and the identification was confirmed by lichen substances (a series of specific triterpenoids).
Do ACR TI-RADS scores demonstrate unique thyroid molecular profiles?
Authors: Xia Rong , Sun Wei , Yee Joseph , Sheth Sheila , Slywotzky Chrystia , Hodak Steven , Brandler Tamar C.
Published: December 2021

Purpose: The present study aimed to examine the molecular profiles of cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules stratified by American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) categories and to determine whether certain ultrasonographic features display particular molecular alterations.Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of cases from January 1, 2016 to April 1, 2018. Cases with in-house ultrasonography, fine-needle aspiration Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) diagnoses, molecular testing, and surgery were included. All cases were diagnosed as TBSRTC indeterminate categories. The ultrasound studies were retrospectively reviewed and assigned TI-RADS scores (TR1-TR5) by board-certified radiologists. The final diagnoses were determined based on the surgical resection pathology. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to study whether demographic characteristics, TI-RADS levels, and TBSRTC diagnoses were associated with ThyroSeq molecular results.Results: Eighty-one cases met the inclusion criteria. RAS mutations were the most common alteration across all TI-RADS categories (TR2 2/2; TR3 10/19, TR4 13/44, and TR5 8/16), and did not stratify with any particular TI-RADS category. Only TR4 and TR5 categories displayed more aggressive mutations such as BRAFV600E and TERT. ThyroSeq results were positively correlated with thyroid malignancy when non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) was categorized in the malignant category (odds ratio [OR], 6.859; P<0.01), but not when NIFTP was removed from the malignancy category. Echogenicity scores were found to be negatively correlated with ThyroSeq results in thyroid nodules (OR, 0.162; P<0.01).Conclusion: Higher-risk molecular alterations tended to stratify with the higher TI-RADS categories.
Mensaje
Authors: Ferraro Maria Florencia
Published: December 2021

Mensaje
Los derechos humanos y las cárceles brasileñas durante la pandemia de Covid-19
Authors: Lemos Duarte Thais , Ribeiro Ludmila
Published: December 2021

La propuesta del texto es presentar los efectos de la pandemia Covid-19 en las cárceles brasileñas, con base en datos oficiales, documentos públicos, materiales de prensa y estudios divulgados sobre el tema. Inicialmente, se presentarán los principales problemas en materia de violaciones de derechos humanos que se producen habitualmente en los ambientes penales. En seguida, se analizarán algunas de las medidas adoptadas por los estados brasileños para evitar que el nuevo coronavirus dañe más a los presos. Además, se compararán la cantidad de personas infectadas y muertas por el coronavirus adentro y afuera de las cárceles, así como se analizarán los informes de prensa sobre el contexto penitenciario nacional durante la crisis sanitaria. En conclusión, a pesar de la pandemia, los imperativos de la seguridad pública y la disciplina reemplazan el valor de la vida de las personas privadas de libertad. En el contexto actual, se esperan más situaciones de violencia en las cárceles, muertes y personas infectadas por el virus. Sin embargo, muchos de estos episodios pueden no ser públicos, ya que, con la pandemia, las cárceles brasileñas están aún más aisladas de la sociedad.
Estigmatización, violencia y discriminación: situación de convictos y exconvictos en el contexto mexicano
Authors: Arroyo Montoya Maria De los Ángeles
Published: December 2021

El estigma, desde los aportes de Erving Goffman, es un atributo y, recientemente, se considera un proceso social. La sociología interaccionista afirma que el estigma puede desplegarse en varios ámbitos de la interacción social y confluir en otros fenómenos sociales como la discriminación y la violencia. Además, el estigma pertenece a grupos sociales específicos, entre los que destacan los convictos y exconvictos. Tal grupo es claramente desvalorizado y rechazado por la sociedad. A través de una revisión documental, el presente trabajo busca analizar y comprender los efectos del estigma de este grupo en particular en el contexto mexicano. Aunque es carente la investigación empírica sobre las causas y los efectos del estigma hacia hombres y mujeres, se ha encontrado que en México existe un perfil homogéneo para los convictos, los cuales, dentro y fuera de la cárcel, viven en condiciones de estigma, violencia y discriminación, lo cual posee causas estructurales como la pobreza, la desigualdad y la exclusión social. En el caso de las mujeres, el estigma es relativo al género. Finalmente, se establece una relación entre las vivencias de estigma y discriminación dentro de la cárcel y las dificultades que enfrentan los individuos tras ser liberados.
Systemische Analysen und internationaler Austausch
Authors: Tretter Felix , Simon Karl-Heinz , Harrer-Puchner Gabriele , Tretter Christine , Gaugler Tobias , Serbser Wolfgang
Published: December 2021

2021 musste die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Humanökologie zum zweiten Mal eine Tagung virtuell abhalten. Hier ist der Bericht darüber und über das Onlineprogramm der Europäischen Hochschule der Humanökologie.
Wider die Fixierung auf die Politik! Anmerkungen zur aktuellen Transformationsdebatte
Authors: Brand Ulrich
Published: December 2021

Die Frage, wie sich die kapitalistisch-industrielle Produktionsweise begrenzen lässt, begründete die Anfänge der sozial-ökologischen Forschung. Heute, 30 Jahre später, sind die Antworten die gleichen wie damals: Statt auf ,,die Politik“ zu setzen, um die multiple Krise zu lösen, muss sich die Gesellschaft der Frage nach Selbstbegrenzung stellen. Die Lektüre eines Grundlagenwerks der sozial-ökologischen Forschung, das 1991 erschienen ist, hilft zu verstehen, warum der gesellschaftliche Wandel in Richtung Nachhaltigkeit nach wie vor ausbleibt.
Hitzeanpassung von Stadtquartieren: Akteursperspektiven und Umsetzungsansätze
Authors: Westermann Janneke R. , Bolsius Jens , Kunze Stefanie , Schünemann Christoph , Sinning Heidi , Ziemann Astrid , Baldin Marie-Luise , Brüggemann Kurt , Brzoska Patrycia , Ehnert Franziska , Goldberg Valeri , Großmann Lena , Grunewald Karsten , Naumann Thomas , Reinfried Franziska , Richter Benjamin , Spohr Guido , Ortlepp Regine
Published: December 2021

Durch die projizierte globale Erwärmung werden sich Hitzeextreme verschärfen. Vor allem in den Städten wird die Lebensqualität der Stadtbevölkerung unter sommerlichen Hitzewellen leiden. Im ProjektHeatResilientCitywerden bewohnerorientierte Hitzeanpassungsmaßnahmen an Gebäuden und im städtischen Freiraum entwickelt und geprüft sowie Empfehlungen für die Umsetzung gegeben.TheHeatResilientCityproject applied insights from natural sciences, engineering and the social sciences to develop heat adaptation measures, test their effectiveness and partially implement them in two structurally different real-world laboratories in Dresden-Gorbitz and Erfurt-Oststadt. The present article discusses interventions to plant street trees and to refurbish two different residential buildings. We describe and analyse aspects of the implementation process to identify key factors that enable or constrain adaptation action among different groups of actors. We find that adaptation measures that are objectively effective and supported by residents are most appropriate for implementation. Where residents evince scepticism about adaptation measures, information about their effectiveness and usefulness should be disseminated. Early and targeted involvement of relevant stakeholders, careful communication and the establishment of climate adaptation as a permanent interdepartmental task at municipal level can promote successful implementation of heat adaptation measures.