bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive characterization of putative genetic influences on plasma metabolome in a pediatric cohort
Authors: Lee In-Hee , Smith Matthew Ryan , Yazdani Azam , Sandhu Sumiti , Walker Douglas I. , Mandl Kenneth D. , Jones Dean P. , Kong Sek Won
Published: December 2022

Background

The human exposome is composed of diverse metabolites and small chemical compounds originated from endogenous and exogenous sources, respectively. Genetic and environmental factors influence metabolite levels, while the extent of genetic contributions across metabolic pathways is not yet known. Untargeted profiling of human metabolome using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) combined with genome-wide genotyping allows comprehensive identification of genetically influenced metabolites. As such previous studies of adults discovered and replicated genotype–metabotype associations. However, these associations have not been characterized in children.

Results

We conducted the largest genome by metabolome-wide association study to date of children (N = 441) using 619,688 common genetic variants and 14,342 features measured by HRMS. Narrow-sense heritability (h2) estimates of plasma metabolite concentrations using genomic relatedness matrix restricted maximum likelihood (GREML) method showed a bimodal distribution with high h2 (> 0.8) for 15.9% of features and low h2 (< 0.2) for most of features (62.0%). The features with high h2 were enriched for amino acid and nucleic acid metabolism, while carbohydrate and lipid concentrations showed low h2. For each feature, a metabolite quantitative trait loci (mQTL) analysis was performed to identify genetic variants that were potentially associated with plasma levels. Fifty-four associations among 29 features and 43 genetic variants were identified at a genome-wide significance threshold p < 3.5 × 10–12 (= 5 × 10–8/14,342 features). Previously reported associations such as UGT1A1 and bilirubin; PYROXD2 and methyl lysine; and ACADS and butyrylcarnitine were successfully replicated in our pediatric cohort. We found potential candidates for novel associations including CSMD1 and a monostearyl alcohol triglyceride (m/z 781.7483, retention time (RT) 89.3 s); CALN1 and Tridecanol (m/z 283.2741, RT 27.6). A gene-level enrichment analysis using MAGMA revealed highly interconnected modules for dADP biosynthesis, sterol synthesis, and long-chain fatty acid transport in the gene-feature network.

Conclusion

Comprehensive profiling of plasma metabolome across age groups combined with genome-wide genotyping revealed a wide range of genetic influence on diverse chemical species and metabolic pathways. The developmental trajectory of a biological system is shaped by gene–environment interaction especially in early life. Therefore, continuous efforts on generating metabolomics data in diverse human tissue types across age groups are required to understand gene–environment interaction toward healthy aging trajectories.
Establishment of an indicator framework for global One Health Intrinsic Drivers index based on the grounded theory and fuzzy analytical hierarchy-entropy weight method
Authors: Feng Jiaxin , Guo Zhaoyu , Ai Lin , Liu Jingshu , Zhang Xiaoxi , Cao Chunli , Xu Jing , Xia Shang , Zhou Xiao-Nong , Chen Jin , Li Shizhu
Published: December 2022

Background

One Health has become a global consensus to deal with complex health problems. However, the progress of One Health implementation in many countries is still relatively slow, and there is a lack of systematic evaluation index. The purpose of this study was to establish an indicator framework for global One Health Intrinsic Drivers index (GOH-IDI) to evaluate human, animal and environmental health development process globally.

Method

First, 82 studies were deeply analyzed by a grounded theory (GT) method, including open coding, axial coding, and selective coding, to establish a three-level indicator framework, which was composed of three selective codes, 19 axial codes, and 79 open codes. Then, through semi-structured interviews with 28 health-related experts, the indicators were further integrated and simplified according to the inclusion criteria of the indicators. Finally, the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process combined with the entropy weight method was used to assign weights to the indicators, thus, forming the evaluation indicator framework of human, animal and environmental health development process.

Results

An indicator framework for GOH-IDI was formed consisting of three selective codes, 15 axial codes and 61 open codes. There were six axial codes for “Human Health”, of which “Infectious Diseases” had the highest weight (19.76%) and “Injuries and Violence” had the lowest weight (11.72%). There were four axial codes for “Animal Health”, of which “Animal Epidemic Disease” had the highest weight (39.28%) and “Animal Nutritional Status” had the lowest weight (11.59%). Five axial codes were set under “Environmental Health”, among which, “Air Quality and Climate Change” had the highest weight (22.63%) and “Hazardous Chemicals” had the lowest weight (17.82%).

Conclusions

An indicator framework for GOH-IDI was established in this study. The framework were universal, balanced, and scientific, which hopefully to be a tool for evaluation of the joint development of human, animal and environmental health in different regions globally.
The origins, characteristics and trends of neo-nationalism in the 21st century
Authors: Zhou Shaoqing
Published: December 2022

The rise of neo-nationalism has been an important political phenomenon since the 21st century. Neo-nationalism is not a single form of nationalism. It is not only a generalization of a specific type of nationalism at present, but also a description of a series of new nationalism phenomena. From the point of what it may include, it has at least four forms: far-right nationalism, evangelical nationalism, separatist nationalism, and (the third world) religious nationalism. Compared with traditional nationalism, neo-nationalism has undergone major changes in terms of guiding ideology or values behind, epochal character, propulsion mechanism, function, propagation mode, influence, and field of occurrence. At the same time, neo-nationalism is also a kind of high-intensity identity politics with a sort of quasi-fundamentalist characteristics. It discards the core value principles of traditional nationalism and the basic etiquette of polite society. Some dangerous and even crazy essential factors of nationalism have been developed to extremes in the new era. This means that its destructiveness to specific countries and societies is far greater than that caused by the reactive identity politics of minorities. From the perspective of trends in development, while the neo-nationalism shows the general characteristics of co-advance and retreat in the general trend, its four specific forms also show certain differences in the development direction. With the further setback of the globalization process, neo-nationalism will have a significant impact on the security of relevant countries, regions and even the world.
Gender effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Swiss labor market
Authors: Dubois Corinne , Lambertini Luisa , Wu Yu
Published: December 2022

We study the impact of the pandemic on gender gaps in labor market outcomes in Switzerland. Using the Swiss Labor Force Survey data, we document a significant increase in the gender gap in labor market participation. We find no evidence of a worsening of the unemployment gender gap during the pandemic, but we find that women were more likely to uptake short-time work (STW). Unlike the USA, the presence of children in the household did not worsen labor gender gaps. Sector and occupation, however, play an important role in explaining gender gaps. In particular, we document substantial heterogeneity in the effect of the pandemic on participation, STW, hours worked, and wage outcomes depending on the availability of telework in the respondent’s occupation.
Beyond nutrition: social–cultural values of meat and meat products among the Borana people of Northern Kenya
Authors: Dabasso Buke G. , Makokha Anselimo O. , Onyango Arnold N. , Mathara Julius M.
Published: December 2022

To most indigenous communities, livestock plays important socio-cultural roles in addition to sustenance. Like many other communities in the world, the Borana people regard livestock and livestock products not only as nourishment but as an integral part of their cultural identity and social construct. The Borana are Cushitic-speaking people who reside in northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia and practise pastoralism as the primary way of livelihood. Livestock is reared by Borana people to obtain meat, milk and other by-products further to socio-cultural roles that were important for communal prosperity and resilience. The aim of this paper was therefore, to describe the various role of cattle and its significance to Borana people. For data collection, qualitative methods such as key informant interviews and focus group discussions were used. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed. The results showed that cattle and particularly bulls were slaughtered for meat consumption, rituals and high-value ceremonial purposes. Moreover, as a desired form of wealth, cattle provide numerous resources to the owners and the prestige associated with herd of cattle accelerates social status and identity among the Borana community. Thus, according to participants’ discussions and views, cattle are highly symbolic and have cultural meaning not only as the primary source of food but also in shaping social–cultural values embedded in their social structure. The various role of cattle and its products had significant implications on food security; the traditional practice of livestock wealth sharing shielded the Borana community in times of need and the practice of commensality led to greater social bonds. However, the changing socio-cultural environment caused by recurrent droughts has affected the traditional coping mechanism and led to alternative forms of livelihood.
A sporadic case of holocord tuberculous transverse myelitis with arachnoiditis
Authors: Ranjan Sukrati , Dev Rahul , Keisham Miranda Devi
Published: December 2022

Background

Tubercular infection of the brain and spine is relatively common in endemic regions of the world. Central nervous system tuberculosis can have varied manifestations. The familiar imaging findings are hydrocephalus, ring-enhancing tuberculomas, and meningeal enhancement, having a preference for basal regions. Myelitis is the most common imaging manifestation of spine, with holocord involvement being a rare presentation, as seen in our case.

Case presentation

We present a case of a pediatric patient undergoing treatment for a tubercular infection of the brain. The patient developed acute onset quadriparesis, manifesting as holocord transverse myelitis on imaging. The imaging findings in the brain manifested as basal meningeal enhancement and non-communicating hydrocephalus, managed by shunt placement. As of the latest, the patient is on follow-up and has a stable disease course. Clinical and laboratory investigations excluded other infectious and non-infectious causes of transverse myelitis, including neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.

Conclusions

Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis is a rare complication of tubercular myelitis seen as a long-segment signal abnormality with swelling of the cord and corresponding post-contrast enhancement. Involvement of the entire cord is rare, with a handful of cases reported in the literature.
Evaluation of correlation between antral follicle diameters with Follicular Output Rate (FORT) in women under controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for assisted reproductive techniques
Authors: Mardanian Farahnaz , Dehghani-Mohammadabadi Reihaneh , Tehrani Hatav Ghasemi , Naghshineh Elham , Mehrabian Ferdous
Published: December 2022

Background

This study aimed to determine the association of diametrical antral follicles with the ovarian response by Follicular Output Rate (FORT) ratio in 100 females undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI). This study selected 100 women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). The number of antral follicles (diameter of 3–10 mm) was calculated with two-dimensional vaginal sonography on days 1–3 of the cycle. Then, on a triggering day with human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), the number of follicles (with a diameter of 16–22 mm) and the ratio of FORT were determined. The correlation among FORT with age, antral follicle count (AFC), AFC ≤ 5, AFC > 5, number of preovulatory follicles (16–20 mm), number of metaphase II (MII) oocytes, body mass index (BMI), infertility period, and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) was assessed.

Results

There was a significant correlation between FORT and total AFC, AFC > 5, number of preovulatory follicles (16–20 mm), and number of MII oocytes retrieved. There is no significant relationship between FORT and examined two variables (AMH and AFC ≤ 5). Multiple linear regression analysis showed no significant relationship between FORT and examined two variables (AMH and AFC > 5). There was a significant correlation between MII oocytes retrieved and age, total AFC, AFC ≤ 5, AFC > 5, number of preovulatory follicles (16–20 mm), and AMH. A significant positive relationship existed between MII oocytes retrieved and examined two variables (AFC ≤ 5 and AFC > 5).

Conclusion

There was not much difference in the correlation between the AFC ≤ 5 and AFC > 5, and both positively correlated with the number of MII oocytes retrieved.
Application of Markov chain to share price movement in Nigeria (1985–2019)
Authors: Manasseh Charles O. , Iroha Nnah M. , Okere Kingsley I. , Nwakoby Ifeoma C. , Okanya Ogochukwu C. , Nwonye Nnenna , Odidi Onuselogu , Inyiama Oliver I.
Published: December 2022

The study evaluates the movement of share prices in the Nigerian stock market. Markov chain approach provides a successful analysis and prediction of time-series data (1985–2019) which reflects Markov dependency. The probability $$\alpha$$
α
and $$\beta$$
β
was estimated, and the expectation of the monthly increase (E(I)) and decrease (E(D)) of the share price index was obtained as 5 months and 3 months, respectively. The steady-state probabilities π1 and π2 were obtained as 0.335 and 0.665, respectively, independent of the initial conditions. The results observed that as the years rolled, the monthly share prices continued to increase due to increased activity in the stock market. In addition, further investigation shows that share price movement and stock market performance influence economic performance. Based on the findings, the Nigerian government and the market authorities should initiate policies that reduce arbitragers' ability to forecast and beat the markets to forestall investors' confidence. Hence, investor property rights protection, discouragement of insider trading, and ensuring that local or domestic investors are enlightened about the stock market and the inherent benefits in Nigeria will enhance stock market efficiency and growth.
Implication of bridge resilience design and lessons from negative examples
Authors: Wang Erqiang , Liu Zhao , Li Meishuai , Zhao Dongdong
Published: December 2022

Bridge resilience is a newly proposed bridge design criterion that involves robustness, redundancy and reparability targeting on the rapidity of functionality restoration after suffering extreme actions and long-term durability deterioration. It stipulates a lower probability of reaching the ultimate limit state or strength limit state, which have been only partly involved in bridge design codes around the world. In AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications and Eurocodes, there are some design principles related to bridge resilience. Yet, it is also necessary to give more requirements for structural ductility and collapse resistance when the actual load exceeds the load combination in the code. This paper focuses on the resilience-based principles for bridge design, and exposes some problematic bridge structural systems and details, such as bridges most likely to overturning, steel bridges with fracture critical members, arch bridges with suspended desk, Morandi cable-stayed bridges, poor details for seismic vulnerability, etc. Whereas overturning is one of the worst anti-resilience scenarios, the resilience design against bridge overturning is highlighted through a detailed discussion including the calculation methods of anti-overturning factor, overturning stability of curved bridges, reasonable disposition of supports, and anti-overturning countermeasures.
Valvular and aortic surgery in an adult patient late after repaired tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Nomura Ryuya , Furukawa Kojiro , Fukuda Tomofumi , Hirata Yuichiro , Onzuka Tatsushi , Ohtani Kisho , Imasaka Ken-ichi , Morita Shigeki , Shiose Akira
Published: December 2022

Background

The most common complication after tetralogy of Fallot repair is pulmonary valve regurgitation. However, concomitant surgery for tricuspid valve regurgitation and/or aortic dilatation is occasionally required.

Case presentation

A 56-year-old woman who underwent surgery for tetralogy of Fallot at age 29 years was diagnosed with progressive tricuspid valve regurgitation, hepatosplenomegaly, and thrombocytopenia. Moreover, computed tomography and transesophageal echocardiography revealed regurgitation in pulmonary and mitral valves and dilatation of the ascending aorta. One month after splenectomy for increasing platelet count, she underwent pulmonary valve replacement, tricuspid and mitral valve annuloplasty, and ascending aortic replacement. Postoperatively, the intensive care stay was complicated because of ventricular dysfunction and long-term ventilation. After 1 week, the patient was disconnected from the respirator, and she was transferred on the 55th postoperative day to another hospital for rehabilitation, without permanent disabilities.

Conclusion

We herein reported a patient with repaired TOF who successfully underwent PVR, tricuspid and mitral valve annuloplasty, and ascending aortic replacement.
OPTIMAL Breast Cancer Care: Effect of an Outpatient Pharmacy Team to Improve Management and Adherence to Oral Cancer Treatment
Authors: Patel Jasmine V. , Hughes David M. , Ko Naomi Y.
Published: December 2022

PURPOSE:

Since the approval of cyclin‐dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors in 2015, this oral cancer (OC) therapy has been combined with oral endocrine therapy as first-line treatment in metastatic hormone receptor–positive breast cancer, adding unique toxicity and complexity to the successful administration of this oral medication. Implementation of OC is challenging because of delays in treatment and nonadherence and is worse among vulnerable patient populations. Pharmacists may mitigate these barriers with facilitation of prior authorizations, communication with pharmacies, toxicity management, adherence counseling, and optimization of dosing schedules and regimens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We conducted a quality improvement project to decrease the average number of treatment day delays during the first six cycles of OC. Patients were enrolled on the OPTIMAL protocol, a high-touch pharmacy intervention incorporating pharmacists within outpatient oncology clinic visits with the providers. Pharmacists met with patients, identified individual barriers to treatment, and performed counseling including toxicity and adherence assessments.

RESULTS:

A preintervention assessment identified an average treatment day delay of 7.7 (range, 3.2-15.3) days during the first six cycles of OC. During the intervention period, 53 patients were enrolled on the OPTIMAL protocol and experienced an average treatment day delay of 2.1 (0.6-4) days, P < .0001. Delays were characterized as modifiable and unmodifiable. Pharmacists documented 640 interventions, including medication reconciliations and clinical recommendations. Forty-two patients reported treatment-related toxicities, resulting in 33 therapy and 20 dose modifications.

CONCLUSION:

Our initiative to incorporate pharmacists in clinic visits at an outpatient breast cancer clinic was associated with decreased treatment day delays during the first six cycles of treatment. Pharmacists performed a multitude of meaningful interventions to facilitate treatment in a particularly vulnerable population and play a valuable role in comanaging patients.
Implementation of Whole-Genome and Transcriptome Sequencing Into Clinical Cancer Care
Authors: Cuppen Edwin , Elemento Olivier , Rosenquist Richard , Nikic Svetlana , IJzerman Maarten , Zaleski Isabelle Durand , Frederix Geert , Levin Lars-Åke , Mullighan Charles G. , Buettner Reinhard , Pugh Trevor J. , Grimmond Sean , Caldas Carlos , Andre Fabrice , Custers Ilse , Campo Elias , van Snellenberg Hans , Schuh Anna , Nakagawa Hidewaki , von Kalle Christof , Haferlach Torsten , Fröhling Stefan , Jobanputra Vaidehi
Published: December 2022

PURPOSE

The combination of whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing (WGTS) is expected to transform diagnosis and treatment for patients with cancer. WGTS is a comprehensive precision diagnostic test that is starting to replace the standard of care for oncology molecular testing in health care systems around the world; however, the implementation and widescale adoption of this best-in-class testing is lacking.

METHODS

Here, we address the barriers in integrating WGTS for cancer diagnostics and treatment selection and answer questions regarding utility in different cancer types, cost-effectiveness and affordability, and other practical considerations for WGTS implementation.

RESULTS

We review the current studies implementing WGTS in health care systems and provide a synopsis of the clinical evidence and insights into practical considerations for WGTS implementation. We reflect on regulatory, costs, reimbursement, and incidental findings aspects of this test.

CONCLUSION

WGTS is an appropriate comprehensive clinical test for many tumor types and can replace multiple, cascade testing approaches currently performed. Decreasing sequencing cost, increasing number of clinically relevant aberrations and discovery of more complex biomarkers of treatment response, should pave the way for health care systems and laboratories in implementing WGTS into clinical practice, to transform diagnosis and treatment for patients with cancer.
Analysis of Circulating Tumor DNA to Predict Risk of Recurrence in Patients With Esophageal and Gastric Cancers
Authors: Huffman Brandon M. , Aushev Vasily N. , Budde Griffin L. , Chao Joseph , Dayyani Farshid , Hanna Diana , Botta Gregory P. , Catenacci Daniel V.T. , Maron Steven B. , Krinshpun Shifra , Sharma Shruti , George Giby V. , Malhotra Meenakshi , Jurdi Adham , Moshkevich Solomon , Aleshin Alexey , Kasi Pashtoon M. , Klempner Samuel J.
Published: December 2022

PURPOSE

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analyses allow for postoperative risk stratification in patients with curatively treated colon and breast cancers. Use of ctDNA in esophagogastric cancers (EGC) is less characterized and could identify high-risk patients who have been treated with curative intent.

METHODS

In this retrospective analysis of real-world data, ctDNA levels were analyzed in the preoperative, postoperative, and surveillance settings in patients with EGC using a personalized multiplex polymerase chain reaction–based next-generation sequencing assay. Plasma samples (n = 943) from 295 patients at > 70 institutions were collected before surgery, postoperatively, and/or serially during routine clinical follow-up from September 19, 2019, to February 21, 2022. ctDNA detection was annotated to clinicopathologic features and recurrence-free survival.

RESULTS

A total of 295 patients with EGC were analyzed, and 212 patients with stages I-III disease were further explored. Pretreatment ctDNA was detected in 96% (23/24) of patients with preoperative time points. Postoperative ctDNA was detected in 23.5% (16/68) of patients with stage I-III EGC within 16 weeks (molecular residual disease window) after surgery without receiving systemic therapy. ctDNA detection at any time point after surgery (hazard ratio [HR], 23.6; 95% CI, 10.2 to 66.0; P < .0001), within the molecular residual disease window (HR, 10.7; 95% CI, 4.3 to 29.3; P < .0001), and during the surveillance period (HR, 17.7; 95% CI, 7.3 to 50.7; P < .0001) was associated with shorter recurrence-free survival. In multivariable analysis, ctDNA status and clinical stage of disease were independently associated with outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Using real-world data, we demonstrate that postoperative tumor-informed ctDNA detection in EGC is feasible and allows for enhanced patient risk stratification and prognostication during curative-intent therapy.
Visual signals in the wing display of a tephritid fly deter jumping spider attacks
Authors: Rao Dinesh , Long Skye M. , Tapia-McClung Horacio , Salgado-Espinosa Kevin , Narendra Ajay , Aguilar-Arguello Samuel , Robledo-Ospina Luis , Rodriguez-Morales Dulce , Jakob Elizabeth M.
Published: December 2022

Visual animal communication, whether to the same or to other species, is largely conducted through dynamic and colourful signals. For a signal to be effective, the signaller must capture and retain the attention of the receiver. Signal efficacy is also dependent on the sensory limitations of the receiver. However, most signalling studies consider movement and colour separately, resulting in a partial understanding of the signal in question. We explored the structure and function of predator–prey signalling in the jumping spider–tephritid fly system, where the prey performs a wing waving display that deters an attack from the predator. Using a custom-built spider retinal tracker combined with visual modelling, as well as behavioural assays, we studied the effect of fly wing movement and colour on the jumping spider's visual system. We show that jumping spiders track their prey less effectively during wing display and this can be attributed to a series of fluctuations in chromatic and achromatic contrasts arising from the wing movements. These results suggest that displaying flies deter spider attacks by manipulating the movement biases of the spider's visual system. Our results emphasise the importance of receiver attention on the evolution of interspecific communication.
Μεταλλοφωσφονικές ενώσεις και εφαρμογές στην ελεγχόμενη αποδέσμευση φαρμάκων
Authors: Βασσάκη Μαρία
Published: December 2022

Η άμεση χορήγηση διφωσφονικών φαρμάκων εμπεριέχει πρακτικούς περιορισμούς, όπως η χαμηλή φαρμακοκινητική και βιοκατανομή καθώς και ποικίλες ανεπιθύμητες παρενέργειες. Για το λόγο αυτό έχουν καταβληθεί αρκετές προσπάθειες για ανάπτυξη συστημάτων ελεγχόμενης αποδέσμευσής τους. Οι μεταλλο-διφωσφονικές ενώσεις αποτελούν μια κατηγορία ενώσεων που κατασκευάζονται από διφωσφονικούς υποκαταστάτες, σε συνδυασμό με μεταλλικά ιόντα και κάποιες από τις ιδιότητές τους τα καθιστούν υποσχόμενους υποψήφιους για διάφορες εφαρμογές, όπως τη μεταφορά φαρμάκων. Οι διφωσφονικές ενώσεις είναι μία υποκατηγορία των φωσφονικών ενώσεων. Αποτελούν φάρμακα για τη θεραπεία ασθενειών που σχετίζονται με διαταραχές του μεταβολισμού του ασβεστίου και ταυτόχρονα, έχουν την ικανότητα να λειτουργούν ως ισχυροί υποκαταστάτες για μεταλλικά κέντρα, λόγω των φωσφονικών ομάδων τους. Έτσι, συναρμόζονται με διάφορα μέταλλα του Περιοδικού Πίνακα, σχηματίζοντας ποικιλία κρυσταλλικών δομών, όπως μοριακά σύμπλοκα (0D) ή πολυμερή συναρμογής, τα οποία, ανάλογα τη φύση του μεταλλικού κέντρου και του υποκαταστάτη, μπορεί να σχηματίσουν διαφορετικά δομικά μοτίβα (1D, 2D ή 3D). Στην παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή αυτή πραγματοποιήθηκε διερεύνηση της χημείας συναρμογής μεγάλου αριθμού διφωσφονικών φαρμάκων/υποκαταστατών (1ης, 2ης, 3ης, και 4ης γενιάς) με δισθενή μεταλλικά ιόντα των αλκαλικών γαιών. Αυτές οι συνθετικές προσπάθειες οδήγησαν στην απομόνωση και στο δομικό χαρακτηρισμό νέων βιοσυμβατών μεταλλο-διφωσφονικών ενώσεων. Οι ενώσεις αυτές αξιολογήθηκαν για τον τρόπο αποδέσμευσης των ενεργών συστατικών/φαρμάκων σε διαφορετικές συνθήκες (διάφορες τιμές pH ή θερμοκρασίας), οι οποίες προσομοιάζουν τις βιολογικές συνθήκες του ανθρώπινου σώματος. Ο στόχος ήταν να σχηματιστεί μια ολοκληρωμένη χαρτογράφηση του προφίλ της ελεγχόμενης αποδέσμευσης του κάθε συστήματος μετάλλου/διφωσφονικού, έτσι ώστε να εξαχθούν συμπεράσματα δομής/δραστικότητας. Με βάση αυτά τα δεδομένα, θα μπορεί να προσδιοριστεί η δυναμική των ενώσεων αυτών να χρησιμοποιηθούν μελλοντικά ως μεταφορείς για τα φάρμακα κατά των ασθενειών που σχετίζονται με τα οστά. Με βάση τα αποτελέσματα και τη σύγκριση που πραγματοποιήθηκε μεταξύ τους έγινε προσπάθεια για να διασαφηνιστούν οι παράγοντες που επηρεάζουν τον τρόπο, το ρυθμό και το ποσοστό με το οποίο επιτυγχάνεται η αποδέσμευση του ενεργού συστατικού, συναρτήσει του χρόνου, δηλαδή η κινητική της αποδέσμευσης φαρμάκου. Με τον τρόπο αυτό θα αποτελέσουν χρήσιμο εργαλείο για το σχεδιασμό «έξυπνων» συστημάτων ελεγχόμενης αποδέσμευσης αντιοστεοπορωτικών φαρμάκων, ανάλογα τις ανάγκες που διαθέτει ο κάθε ασθενής. Τέλος, υλοποιήθηκαν πειράματα μέτρησης της βιωσιμότητας κυττάρων in vitro με σκοπό τον έλεγχο της κυτταροτοξικότητας συναρτήσει της δόσης/συγκέντρωσης των διφωσφονικών φαρμάκων με την παρουσία ή απουσία μεταλλικών ιόντων.
Συμπεριφορά πορωδών υλικών σε έντονα φορτία κρούσης
Authors: Σμυρναίος Εμμανουήλ
Published: December 2022

Στην παρούσα εργασία πραγματοποιείται μεταλλογραφική ανάλυση της δομής των δοκίδων αφρού τύπου Alporas, για εμπορικά δείγματα καθώς και για δείγματα τα οποία παράχθηκαν, με παρόμοιες μεθόδους στο εργαστήριο. Η μεταλλογραφική ανάλυση, σκοπό έχει τον χαρακτηρισμό της δομής, καθώς επίσης και τον προσδιορισμό των μηχανισμών που λαμβάνουν χώρα κατά τις στατικές και κρουστικές φορτίσεις. Διερευνάται επίσης πειραματικά, το κατά πόσο οι κατεργασίες (φρεζάρισμα και ηλεκτροδιάβρωση σύρματος) επηρεάζουν τις μηχανικές ιδιότητες του πορώδους αλουμινίου, ήτοι, τις μηχανικές και κρουστικές φορτίσεις. Επιπροσθέτως, εφαρμόζοντας μάκρο και μίκροδομικό χαρακτηρισμό των επιφανειών κατεργασίας, προκύπτουν πληροφορίες για τον πολύπλοκο μηχανισμό που λαμβάνει χώρα κατά τις κατεργασίες αυτές. Για τη βαθύτερη μελέτη και κατανόηση των μηχανισμών παραμόρφωσης, κυρίως σε μακροσκοπική κλίμακα, κρίθηκε αναγκαία η προσομοίωση, της φόρτισης των δειγμάτων του αφρού, μέσω της μεθόδου των πεπερασμένων στοιχείων (FEM). Στα πλαίσια της παρούσας εργασίας, σχεδιάστηκε και κατασκευάστηκε μια πρότυπη διάταξη δοκιμής κρούσεων. Η διάταξη αυτή κρίθηκε αναγκαία για την διεξαγωγή των πειραμάτων κρούσης των μεταλλικών αφρών. Αποτελεί δε, μια κατασκευή χαμηλού κόστους η οποία μπορεί να χρησιμοποιηθεί στην προκαταρκτική έρευνα των πορωδών υλικών υπό συνθήκες κρούσης. Παράλληλα παρέχει μια ποσοτική ανάλυση για την συμπεριφορά των μεταλλικών αφρών υπό δυναμικές φορτίσεις.
Η προστασία του ιδιωτικού βίου στο πεδίο του ιδιωτικού διεθνούς δικαίου
Authors: Οικονομοπούλου Μαρία-Αλεξία
Published: December 2022

Η παρούσα διατριβή ασχολείται με την προστασία του ιδιωτικού βίου στο πεδίο του ιδιωτικού διεθνούς δικαίου. Στο πλαίσιο αυτό γίνεται αναφορά στον Κανονισμό (ΕΚ) 864/2007 σχετικά με το εφαρμοστέο δίκαιο για τις εξωσυμβατικές ενοχές (γνωστό ως «Ρώμη ΙΙ»), από το περιεχόμενο του οποίου εξαιρέθηκαν οι εξωσυμβατικές ενοχές που απορρέουν από προσβολές του ιδιωτικού βίου και δικαιωμάτων συναφών με την προσωπικότητα, συμπεριλαμβανομένης της δυσφήμησης. Όσον αφορά στην ελληνική έννομη τάξη, εφαρμόζεται - όπως και στην πλειοψηφία των κρατών μελών της Ε.Ε.- η αρχή της lex loci delicti. Σε επίπεδο Ε.Ε. το δικαίωμα σεβασμού της ιδιωτικής ζωής προστατεύεται τόσο μέσω της ΕΣΔΑ (άρθρο 8), όσο και μέσω του ΧΘΔΕΕ (άρθρο 7), το οποίο βασίσθηκε στο αντίστοιχο άρθρο της ΕΣΔΑ. Αναλύεται επίσης το δικαίωμα στην ελευθερία της έκφρασης, το οποίο έρχεται σε σύγκρουση με το δικαίωμα στον ιδιωτικό βίο. Παρουσιάζονται οι προπαρασκευαστικές διεργασίες που οδήγησαν στην αφαίρεση από το πεδίο εφαρμογής του Κανονισμού «Ρώμη ΙΙ» των εξωσυμβατικών ενοχών που απορρέουν από παραβιάσεις της ιδιωτικής ζωής. Όσον αφορά τη διεθνή δικαιοδοσία αναλύεται το άρθρο 7 (2) του Κανονισμού (ΕΕ) 1215/2012 και παρουσιάζεται η σχετική νομολογία του ΔΕΕ. Επιπλέον, περιγράφεται η κατάργηση του exequatur ως προς την αναγνώριση και εκτέλεση δικαστικών αποφάσεων προερχόμενων από κράτη μέλη. Διερευνάται η σχέση μεταξύ του δικαιώματος σεβασμού της ιδιωτικής ζωής και του δικαιώματος προστασίας των δεδομένων προσωπικού χαρακτήρα. Τέλος αναλύεται η σχέση μεταξύ των κανόνων του ευρωπαϊκού ιδιωτικού διεθνούς δικαίου (Ρώμη Ι, Ρώμη ΙΙ και Βρυξέλλες Ια), τόσο με την Οδηγία 95/46/ ΕΚ, όσο και με τον Γενικό Κανονισμό για την Προστασία Δεδομένων.
Multimodal deep learning for emotion recognition and expression synthesis with applications in human-robot interaction
Authors: Φίλντισης Παναγιώτης-Παρασκευάς
Published: December 2022

Ο χώρος του affective computing είναι ένας συναρπαστικός καινούργιος τομέας έρευνας που έχει ως στόχο να παρέχει στους υπολογιστές και τα ρομπότ τη δυνατότητα αναγνώρισης, έκφρασης, μοντελοποίησης αλλά και «αίσθησης» συναισθημάτων. Το διεπιστημονικό αυτό πεδίο του affective computing αντλεί πόρους από την επιστήμη των υπολογιστών, τα μαθηματικά, τις γνωσιακές επιστήμες και την ψυχολογία. Σε αυτή τη διατριβή, η οποία χωρίζεται σε δύο κύρια μέρη, διερευνούμε δύο πτυχές του συγκεκριμένου πεδίου: η πρώτη πτυχή είναι η «αναγνώριση συναισθήματος» και η δεύτερη είναι η «σύνθεση της έκφρασης του συναισθήματος». Οι δύο αυτές κατευθύνσεις αποτελούν τις πιο σημαντικές πτυχές που πρέπει να εξετάσει κανείς όταν χτίζει συστήματα αλληλεπίδρασης ανθρώπου-ρομπότ. Για το σκοπό αυτό, στο πρώτο μέρος, διερευνούμε και μελετάμε διάφορα κανάλια που περιέχουν πολύτιμες πληροφορίες για την αναγνώριση των συναισθημάτων ενός ανθρώπου και σχεδιάζουμε αρχιτεκτονικές βασισμένες σε βαθιά μάθηση, που μπορούν να συνδυάσουν αποτελεσματικά πληροφορίες από τα κανάλια αυτα, με απώτερο στόχο την ανάπτυξη ενός συστήματος για σενάρια αλληλεπίδρασης ανθρώπου/παιδιού με ρομπότ. Ενώ η αναγνώριση συναισθημάτων στο παρελθόν έχει ως επί το πλείστον επικεντρωθεί στις εκφράσεις του προσώπου και στην ομιλία, κατά τη διατριβή αυτή λαμβάνουμε υπόψη τη γλώσσα του σώματος του ανθρώπου, τη σκηνή στην οποία βρίσκεται, καθώς και τη σημασιολογική έννοια των συναισθημάτων. Στο δεύτερο μέρος, αρχικά ενισχύουμε τις υπάρχουσες μεθόδους για τη σύνθεση της οπτικοακουστικής ομιλίας, δίνοντάς τους τη δυνατότητα να συνδυάζουν και να εκφράζουν συναισθήματα σε διαφορετικά επίπεδα έντασης. Στη συνέχεια, σχεδιάζουμε ένα μοντέλο βαθιάς μάθησης με σκοπό τη σύνθεση οπτικοακουστικής ομιλίας που επιτυγχάνει υψηλό επίπεδο ρεαλισμού και εκφραστικότητας, ξεπερνώντας τις προηγούμενες μεθόδους. Τέλος, παρουσιάζουμε την πρώτη μέθοδο για τρισδιάστατη ανακατασκευή προσώπων από βίντεο μίας όψης, με έμφαση στα χαρακτηριστικά και τη γεωμετρία του στόματος κατά την ομιλία. Η μέθοδος αυτή παρακάμπτει τη συνηθισμένη απαίτηση για κοπιώδη συλλογή μεγάλου πλήθους τρισδιάστατων δεδομένων υψηλής πιστότητας, προσφέροντας έναν εύκολο και καινοτόμο τρόπο για την απόκτηση τρισδιάστατων δεδομένων εκφραστικών προσώπων από βίντεο.
Editorial
Authors: Schlaepfer Aline , Naef Shirin , Schaueblin Emanuel
Published: December 2022

Editorial
Fastenbrechen per Videochat. Ein Schweizer Ramadan in Zeiten der Pandemie
Authors: Höhn Lara
Published: December 2022

Im Ramadan herrscht normalerweise auf den Strassen muslimischer Länder Feststimmung. Vielen Musliminnen und Muslimen in der Schweiz fehlte immer schon dieser feierliche, gesellige Teil des Fastenmonats. Jetzt hat die globale Corona-Pandemie Ramadan Traditionen überall auf den Kopf gestellt.
„Game of Series“ Geopolitik auf der Leinwand
Authors: Sonay Ali
Published: December 2022

Waren die Osmanen Tyrannen oder Heilsbringer für den arabischen Raum? Über diese historische Frage wird gegenwärtig in aufwendig produzierten Fernsehserien aus der Türkei einerseits und Saudi-Arabien und den Emiraten andrerseits gestritten. Dabei geht es um handfeste politische Rivalitäten.
A Colonial Legacy of Cultured Meat
Authors: Gilad Efrat
Published: December 2022

Producing meat in laboratories, global biotech companies promise to revolutionize agriculture, improve animal welfare, and decelerate climate change. Outside of California’s Silicon Valley, Israel is the biggest hub for cultured meat. But in Israel, cultivating meat is not only about the future – it is also about the colonial past.
Frauenrechte in der Türkei. Eine symbolische Geopolitik ?
Authors: Biçer-Deveci Elife
Published: December 2022

Der Austritt der Türkei aus der Istanbul-Konvention rief bei türkischen Frauenorganisationen Entsetzen hervor. Treibende Faktoren hinter der Abkehr von der Istanbul-Konvention sind jedoch vor allem realpolitische Überlegungen: Damit besiegelt die Türkei das Ende ihrer Europa-orientierten politischen Ära. Den Frauenbewegungen des Landes könnte dieser Schritt zusätzlichen Aufwind verleihen.
Un air d’apocalypse de l’Amérique du Nord à Jérusalem
Authors: Naïli Falestin
Published: December 2022

Les évangéliques américains sont-ils le dernier rempart de l’expansionnisme sioniste ou des alliés contre-nature pour Israël? Majoritairement engagés aux côtés de l’ultra-droite israélienne, ils comptent pourtant une frange envisageant la conversion des juifs comme condition du salut de la chrétienté.
Afghanistan und der Westen. Eine nicht so eindeutige Beziehungsgeschichte
Authors: Reinkowski Maurus
Published: December 2022

Es gibt für den Westen keinen anderen Weg, als sich über die Vergangenheit, Gegenwart und Zukunft Afghanistans Gedanken zu machen – ob man dies angesichts seines gescheiterten Projekts des Staatsaufbaus am Hindukusch als moralisch angemessen betrachten will oder nicht. So bleibt zumindest eine vage Hoffnung, künftig eine gelungenere Politik gegenüber dem Land zu finden als in den letzten vierzig Jahren.
Evaluation of vitamin D supplementation intake among children; cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Sharafi Niloufar , Fatima Aiman , Gillani Syed Wasif , Kaddour Nour , Banoori Rawa , Elshafie Riham Mohamed , Rathore Hassaan Anwer
Published: December 2022

Background: The purpose of this study was to review the vitamin D supplementation intake status among children in the general public, determine the vitamin D supplements practices, and the barriers that parents and children face with supplementation.  

Methods: A cross-sectional observational questionnaire-based survey study design was used. A convenience sampling technique was used to collect the data. An online Rao soft sample size calculator was applied to determine the sample size of 319. The response rate of participants was expected to be 63%, the margin of error was 5% and the level of confidence was 95%.  

Results: A total of 248 parents (89.1% mothers (n =203)) and 15.7% fathers (n=39) with a mean ± SD age of 35.4 ± 7.04 years, completed the study (77.7% response rate). Parents reported that the supplements used the most by children were vitamin D supplements (21.85%) and multivitamins (21.8%) followed by calcium supplements (5.6%). However, 27.8% of children in this study did not take any supplements. Of all the parents, 65% (162) of them reported sending their child outside to play while 34.67% (86) of parents had reported no outdoor activity. Approximately 184 (74.2%) parents reported the child’s diet to contain multiple natural sources of vitamin D. However, 69 (27.8%) parents reported giving none of the natural sources of vitamin D to their children through the diet. Parents with higher education about 62.9% (n=156) had a higher frequency of providing vitamin D supplements to their children. Children in high-income families (43.63%) were more likely to take vitamin D supplements than those in middle- or low-income families. 

  

Conclusion: The study concluded that challenges like the educational and financial background of parents, family-income level, and health insurance status could help aid in addressing the overall burden of vitamin D deficiency among young children.
Potencjał poznawczy łączonej teorii polityki i teorii prawa. Garść argumentów na rzecz ściślejszej współpracy politologów (teoretyków polityki) i prawników (teoretyków prawa) oraz tworzenia wspólnego programu naukowego
Authors: Obacz Piotr
Published: December 2022

Celami artykułu są: nakreślenie perspektyw wspólnych badań naukowych teoretyków polityki i teorii prawa, przedstawienie tez i postulatów na rzecz ściślejszej współpracy tych dwóch grup uczonych, a także zainicjowanie debaty środowiska politologiczno-prawniczego w tym zakresie. Opracowanie stanowi klarowną odpowiedź na pytanie: teoria polityki i teoria prawa – razem czy osobno? Problem wyrażony w tym pytaniu jest doniosły i domaga się szerokiej dyskusji przedstawicieli obu subdyscyplin naukowych. Rozległe tradycje wspólnej refleksji teoretycznej z jednej strony i wyzwania współczesności z drugiej dostarczają wielu argumentów za wznowieniem kooperacji badawczej.
Ukrainian Language in Educational Institutions of the USSR: 1960s–1970s
Authors: Kindrachuk Nadia
Published: December 2022

This article examines the position of the Ukrainian language in educational institutions of the USSR during the 60s and 70s of the twentieth century. It is shown that the Soviet government actively implemented the policy of Russification, the aim of which was the complete destruction of the national-educational space of Ukrainians. Numerous decisions and resolutions of the country’s top party leadership have laid a solid foundation for the introduction of Russian as the language of interethnic communication. In the field of education, the ideologues of communism tried to shift the emphasis from the national characteristics of Ukrainians to the “common” for all – the Soviet ones. Oppression of the native language has caused alarm among the Ukrainian public. Realizing that the Ukrainian language is the basis for the preservation and development of the Ukrainian nation, the Ukrainian intelligentsia led the movement to protect it. Disagreeing with Russification, Ukrainians used all possible forms of protest against it at the time. It came to the formation of open opposition to Khrushchev’s educational reform. Many letters were received by various levels of government, newspapers, and magazines from various publishers, whose authors were concerned about the unequal position of the Russian and Ukrainian languages and expressed their indignation at the functioning of a large number of Russian-language educational institutions. Ukrainians were encouraged to spread the Ukrainian language and take care of its further development, thus seeking to preserve their own national identity. And the Ukrainian language continued to live and develop in the thick of the masses.
Sexual dimorphism in relationships between of plasma urea and some psycho-neuro-endocrine parameters
Authors: Bombushkar Igor , Anchev Anatoliy , Żukow Xawery , Popovych Igor
Published: December 2022

Background. Earlier we found a strong urato-neural relationships in both men and women. Moreover, in women, the factor structure of the neural root is almost completely different from that in men. In addition, significant differences were found between the profiles of urato-neural correlations of women of reproductive age and postmenopausal women. The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationships between the plasma urea level and some psycho-neuro-endocrine parameters in the same cohort. Materials and Methods. The object of observation were almost healthy volunteers: 31 males (24÷69 y) and 30 females, from among them 18 postmenopausal (48÷76 y) and 12 of reproductive age (30÷45 y). In basal conditions we determined plasma levels of urea and adaptation hormones, estimated the severity of the trait and reactive anxiety, recorded the ongoing HRV and EEG. After 4 or 7 days, repeated testing was performed. Results. By building regression models with stepwise exclusion, it was found that in men plasma urea positively determines (R2=0,499) the level of circulating catecholamines and power spectrum density (PSD) of δ-, θ- and β-rhythms in different loci. In postmenopausal women, urea downregulates the amplitude and PSD of δ-rhythm in different loci, instead, it upregulates the PSD of α-rhythm in T5 locus, entropy of EEG in 2 loci and vagal tone. The degree of determination of neural parameters is 71,6%. In women of reproductive age the degree of determination of neural parameters is similar (69,9%), but the factor structure of the model is completely different. Urea upregulates the PSD of β-rhythm in F7 locus while downregulates the levels of reactive anxiety, vagal tone, entropy of EEG in 3 loci and P4-θ PSD as well as causes left lateralization of θ- and α-rhythms. Conclusion. Plasma urea has a modulating effect on EEG&HRV parameters, as well as reactive anxiety, but this effect is significantly different in men and women of different ages.
Can preservice physical educators’ implicit attitude toward students with disabilities be changed by adapted physical education training program? Based on an Implicit Association Test
Authors: Li Yun , Tan Qinyi
Published: December 2022

Purpose: Aim to explore whether preservice physical educators’ implicit attitude toward students with disabilities could be improved by a mid-term adapted physical education training program.

Design: A randomized and controlled trial was deployed in the current experiment. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups (Experimental group and control group) after the pre-test of IAT. Post-test IAT was conducted for two groups after the training program for the experimental group.

Findings: Chinese preservice physical educators’ implicit attitudes toward students with disabilities were negative. They also had a prejudice against students with disabilities. But the implicit attitudes toward students with disabilities could be improved by mid-term adapted physical education training. Furthermore, gender and contact experience with disabilities had no significant influence on the change in their implicit attitude.
Rewolucja militarna jako czynnik modernizacyjny skarbowości w Królestwie Polskim i Wielkim Księstwie Litewskim – przykład wojny inflanckiej (1557–1570)
Authors: Guzowski Piotr , Łopatecki Karol , Poniat Radosław
Published: December 2022

Celem artykułu jest zaprezentowanie nowych wyliczeń kosztów I wojny północnej (1557–1570) poniesionych przez stronę litewską, polską i pruską. W tekście zwrócono uwagę na fakt, że wydatki wojenne poniesione na armię zaciężną i koszty jej obsługi pociągnęły za sobą reformy instytucjonalne zarówno w Koronie, jak Wielkim Księstwie Litewskim. Wśród nich najważniejsze były zmiany w systemie podatkowym i sposobie zarządzania domeną monarszą. Nadzwyczajny koszt wojny był jedną z przyczyn zawarcia w 1569 r. unii w Lublinie.
Pobieranie podatku pogłównego w Prusach Królewskich w latach 1717–1772
Authors: Dygdała Jerzy
Published: December 2022

Artykuł omawia reformy podatkowe tzw. sejmu niemego z 1717 r., objęcie Prus Królewskich nowym podatkiem – pogłównym, sposoby wybierania tego podatku z osad wiejskich i z miast oraz możliwości użycia przymusu przez poszczególne jednostki wojskowe pobierające pogłówne przeznaczone na ich utrzymanie.
Opis Marcjana, cesarza soboru chalcedońskiego, w "Historii kościelnej" Ewagriusza Scholastyka jako przykład wpływu neoplatońskich struktur myślenia na literaturę chrześcijańską
Authors: Ginter Kazimierz
Published: December 2022

Chrześcijaństwo pierwszych wieków w dużym stopniu korzystało z różnych elementów kultury klasycznej, zwłaszcza z neoplatonizmu. Interesującym tego przykładem jest Historia kościelna Ewagriusza Scholastyka, autora z końca VI wieku, działającego w Antiochii. Autor ten ma w swoim dziele wiele odniesień do kultury klasycznej. W przypadku opisu cesarza Marcjana (†457) autor posługuje się nie tylko pismami neoplatonizującego biskupa Synezjusza z Cyreny, lecz także zwrotami pochodzącymi z dzieła Żywot Apolloniusza z Tyany Flawiusza Filostratusa, które w III i IV wieku było wykorzystywane w propagandzie antychrześcijańskiej. Autor artykułu, rozszerzając powyższy wątek, pokazuje, że Ewagriusz znał nie tylko dzieła klasyczne, ale także pogańskie utwory polemiczne skierowane przeciwko chrześcijaństwu. Ewagriusz był chrześcijaninem i bliskim współpracownikiem biskupa Antiochii, ale możemy się domyślać, że w wyższych warstwach Antiochii nadal można było spotkać pogan, którzy byli tolerowani również przez władze kościelne.