bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correction of geometric artifact in cone-beam computed tomography through a deep neural network
Authors: Xiao Kai , Yan Bin
Published: February 2021

Cone-beam computed tomography is a noninvasive detection system that can obtain the three-dimensional structure of objects in a way that does not damage the object. It is widely applied in precision instruments, medical detection, and other fields. However, in the actual process, if a geometric artifact appears in the results, it will affect the quality of reconstructed images, including detail loss and decreased spatial resolution, which leads to inaccurate distinction of defects in detection. We propose a method for correcting a geometric artifact by means of data-driven projection and neural networks. The network designed is a deep neural network with six convolutional layers and six deconvolutional layers that can correct a geometric artifact by training a large number of labeled data and unlabeled data. Compared with other networks that require prior information for reconstructed images, the proposed method uses a projection data-driven approach that can avoid the requirement for prior information. The simulation data have been tested under varying degrees of noise, and satisfactory geometric artifact correction results have been obtained. Meanwhile, we use the actual data of line pairs and ball grid array solder joints to conduct experiments. The results obtained by our method are compared with two other phantom-based method and the U-net method, respectively. The results of similarity and spatial resolution show that the proposed method can achieve the comparable results as the two types of methods. At the same time, we apply a projection data-driven approach to avoid the requirement for prior information, which is more conducive to the correction of the geometric artifact in practical situations where prior information is lacking.
Noise-like pulses with an extremely broadband spectrum in passively mode-locked fiber lasers
Authors: Komarov Andrey , Komarov Konstantin , Meshcheriakov Dmitry , Dmitriev Alexander , Zhao Luming
Published: February 2021

Using numerical simulation, we investigate the formation of noise-like pulses with an extremely broadband spectrum in passively mode-locked fiber lasers. The mechanism of spectral broadening is due to the Kerr nonlinearity of the fibers making up the laser cavity. It is found that optimization of the nonlinear-dispersion parameters of the fiber cavity can lead to the generation of noise-like pulses with a spectral width exceeding the gain bandwidth by a factor of more than 10.
High-efficiency vertical fibre-to-polymer waveguide coupling scheme for scalable polymer photonic circuits
Authors: Kumar Abhai , Nambiar Siddharth , Kallega Rakshitha , Ranganath Praveen , Ea Priya , Selvaraja Shankar Kumar
Published: February 2021

Polymer photonic circuits offer a versatile platform for various applications, including communication, sensing and optical signal processing. Though polymers offer broadband, linear and nonlinear optical properties, the coupling between an optical fibre and a polymer waveguide has been a challenge. In this work, we propose and demonstrate a wafer-scale vertical coupling scheme for polymer waveguides. The scheme uses a silicon nitride grating coupler with an inverse taper to couple between an optical fibre and a SU8 polymer waveguide. We demonstrate a maximum coupling efficiency of -3.55 dB in the C-band and -2.92 dB in the L-band with a 3-dB bandwidth of 74 and 80 nm, respectively. A detailed design and simulation, fabrication, and characterisation results are presented. The scheme demonstrates a scalable and efficient surface grating approach for polymer photonic integrated circuits.
Noise analysis of the fiber-based vibration detection system
Authors: Wang Guan , Si Hongwei , Pang Zhongwang , Zhang Bohan , Hao Haiqing , Wang Bo
Published: February 2021

Detecting seismic events using a fiber-based CW laser interferometer attracts wide attention. To make the detection more effective, we analyze the system’s noise level by setting up two vibration detection systems. By changing the fiber length (0∼100 km) and laser noise level, respectively, we detect the minor phase change caused by a 160 µm-fiber-length vibration. Furthermore, we use three indicators, Power Spectral Density, Background Noise Level, and Signal-to-Noise Ratio to analyze the noise level of the whole system. The relation between the system’s background noise and corresponding detection result is carried out. This quantitative research can serve as a reference and help people to realize the most efficient vibration detection system.
Quasinormal modes expansions for nanoresonators made of absorbing dielectric materials: study of the role of static modes
Authors: Sauvan Christophe
Published: February 2021

The interaction of light with photonic resonators is determined by the eigenmodes of the system. Modal theories based on quasinormal modes provide a natural tool to calculate and understand light scattering by nanoresonators. We show that, in the case of resonators made of absorbing dielectric materials, eigenmodes with zero eigenfrequency (static modes) play a key role in the modal formalism. The excitation of static modes builds a non-resonant contribution to the modal expansion of the scattered field. This non-resonant term plays a crucial physical role since it largely contributes to the off-resonance signal to which resonances are added in amplitude, possibly leading to interference phenomena and Fano resonances. By considering light scattering by a silicon nanosphere, we quantify the impact of static modes. This study shows that the importance of static modes is not just formal. Static modes are of prime importance in an expansion truncated to only a few modes.
Invariance of the r2-ln(F) relationship and attainable precision in ultrafast laser ablation experiments
Authors: Zhou Boyang , Kar Aravinda , Soileau M. J. , Yu Xiaoming
Published: February 2021

Pursuing ever-smaller feature size in laser-based lithography is a research topic of vital importance to keep this technique competitive with other micro-/nano-fabrication methods. Features smaller than the diffraction-limited spot size can be obtained by “thresholding”, which utilizes the deterministic nature of damage threshold with ultrashort laser pulses and is achieved by precisely tuning pulse energies so that only the central portion of the focal spot produces permanent modification. In this paper, we examine the formulation commonly used to describe thresholding and show that the relationship between feature size (r) and laser fluence (F) is invariant with respect to the nature of laser absorption. Verified by our experiments performed on metal, semiconductor, and dielectric samples, such invariance is used to predict the smallest feature size that can be achieved for different materials in a real-world system.
Singlet oxygen phosphorescence imaging by superconducting single-photon detector and time-correlated single-photon counting
Authors: Morozov Pavel , Lukina Maria , Shirmanova Marina , Divochiy Alexander , Dudenkova Varvara , Gol’tsman Gregory N. , Becker Wolfgang , Shcheslavskiy Vladislav I.
Published: February 2021

This Letter presents, to the best of our knowledge, a novel optical
configuration for direct time-resolved measurements of luminescence
from singlet oxygen, both in solutions and from cultured cells on
photodynamic therapy. The system is based on the superconducting
single-photon detector, coupled to the confocal scanner that is
modified for the near-infrared measurements. The recording of a
phosphorescence signal from singlet oxygen at 1270 nm has been done
using time-correlated single-photon counting. The performance of the
system is verified by measuring phosphorescence from singlet oxygen
generated by the photosensitizers commonly used in photodynamic
therapy: methylene blue and chlorin e6. The described system can be
easily upgraded to the configuration when both phosphorescence from
singlet oxygen and fluorescence from the cells can be detected in the
imaging mode. Thus, co-localization of the signal from singlet oxygen
with the areas inside the cells can be done.
Power stable 1.5–10.5  µm cascaded mid-infrared supercontinuum laser without thulium amplifier
Authors: Woyessa Getinet , Kwarkye Kyei , Dasa Manoj K. , Petersen Christian R. , Sidharthan Raghuraman , Chen Shaoxiang , Yoo Seongwoo , Bang Ole
Published: February 2021

We demonstrate a simple and power stable 1.5–10.5 µm cascaded
mid-infrared 3 MHz supercontinuum fiber laser. To increase simplicity
and decrease cost, the design of the fiber cascade is optimized so
that no thulium amplifier is needed. Despite the simple design with no
thulium amplifier, we demonstrate a high average output power of
86.6 mW. Stability measurements for seven days with 8–9 h operation
daily revealed fluctuations in the average power with a standard
deviation of only 0.43% and a power spectral density stability of

±

0.18

d
B
m

/

n
m

for wavelengths

<

10

µ

m

. The high-repetition-rate, robust,
and cheap all-fiber design makes this source ideal for applications in
spectroscopy and imaging.
Ultra-sensitive slot-waveguide-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for aqueous solutions of non-polar compounds using a functionalized silicon nitride photonic integrated circuit
Authors: Liu Zuyang , Zhao Haolan , Baumgartner Bettina , Lendl Bernhard , Stassen Andim , Skirtach Andre , Thomas Nicolas Le , Baets Roel
Published: February 2021

We demonstrate an ultra-sensitive waveguide-enhanced Raman sensor for low concentration organic compounds dissolved in water. The spectra are obtained using silicon nitride slot waveguides coated with a thin film of hexamethyldisilazane-modified mesoporous silica. Enriched locally by 600-fold within the coating, a micromolar level of cyclohexanone is probed. The sensor is also capable of simultaneous quantification of multiple analytes, and the adsorbed analytes can be completely released from the coating. These properties make this on-chip Raman sensor promising for diverse applications, especially for the monitoring of non-polar organics and biomolecules in aqueous environments.
The conserved transmembrane protein TMEM-39 coordinates with COPII to promote collagen secretion and regulate ER stress response
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Luo Shuo , Barbosa Guilherme Oliveira , Bai Meirong , Kornberg Thomas B. , Ma Dengke K.
Published: February 2021

Dysregulation of collagen production and secretion contributes to aging and tissue fibrosis of major organs. How procollagen proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) route as specialized cargos for secretion remains to be fully elucidated. Here, we report that TMEM39, an ER-localized transmembrane protein, regulates production and secretory cargo trafficking of procollagen. We identify the C. elegans ortholog TMEM-39 from an unbiased RNAi screen and show that deficiency of tmem-39 leads to striking defects in cuticle collagen production and constitutively high ER stress response. RNAi knockdown of the tmem-39 ortholog in Drosophila causes similar defects in collagen secretion from fat body cells. The cytosolic domain of human TMEM39A binds to Sec23A, a vesicle coat protein that drives collagen secretion and vesicular trafficking. TMEM-39 regulation of collagen secretion is independent of ER stress response and autophagy. We propose that the roles of TMEM-39 in collagen secretion and ER homeostasis are likely evolutionarily conserved.
Aberrant binding of mutant HSP47 affects posttranslational modification of type I collagen and leads to osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Syx Delfien , Ishikawa Yoshihiro , Gebauer Jan , Boudko Sergei P. , Guillemyn Brecht , Van Damme Tim , D’hondt Sanne , Symoens Sofie , Nampoothiri Sheela , Gould Douglas B. , Baumann Ulrich , Bächinger Hans Peter , Malfait Fransiska
Published: February 2021

Heat shock protein 47 (HSP47), encoded by the SERPINH1 gene, is a molecular chaperone essential for correct folding of collagens. We report a homozygous p.(R222S) substitution in HSP47 in a child with severe osteogenesis imperfecta leading to early demise. p.R222 is a highly conserved residue located within the collagen interacting surface of HSP47. Binding assays show a significantly reduced affinity of HSP47-R222S for type I collagen. This altered interaction leads to posttranslational overmodification of type I procollagen produced by dermal fibroblasts, with increased glycosylation and/or hydroxylation of lysine and proline residues as shown by mass spectrometry. Since we also observed a normal intracellular folding and secretion rate of type I procollagen, this overmodification cannot be explained by prolonged exposure of the procollagen molecules to the modifying hydroxyl- and glycosyltransferases, as is commonly observed in other types of OI. We found significant upregulation of several molecular chaperones and enzymes involved in procollagen modification and folding on Western blot and RT-qPCR. In addition, we showed that an imbalance in binding of HSP47-R222S to unfolded type I collagen chains in a gelatin sepharose pulldown assay results in increased binding of other chaperones and modifying enzymes. The elevated expression and binding of this molecular ensemble to type I procollagen suggests a compensatory mechanism for the aberrant binding of HSP47-R222S, eventually leading to overmodification of type I procollagen chains. Together, these results illustrate the importance of HSP47 for proper posttranslational modification and provide insights into the molecular pathomechanisms of the p.(R222S) alteration in HSP47, which leads to a severe OI phenotype.
Exploring the influence of different habitats and their volatile chemistry in modulating sand fly population structure in a leishmaniasis endemic foci, Kenya
Authors: Hassaballa Iman B. , Torto Baldwyn , Sole Catherine L. , Tchouassi David P.
Published: February 2021

Phlebotomine sand flies transmit many viral protozoan and bacterial pathogens of public health importance. Knowledge of the ecologic factors influencing their distribution at local scale can provide insights into disease epidemiology and avenues for targeted control. Animal sheds, termite mounds and houses are important peri-domestic and domestic habitats utilized by different sand flies as resting or breeding habitats. However, our knowledge for selection of these habitats by sand flies remains poor. Here, we tested the hypothesis that these habitat types harbor different composition of sand fly species and differ in their volatile chemistry that could influence sand fly selection. To achieve this, we employed CDC light traps following a cross-sectional survey to investigate the distribution of sand flies in the three habitats in an endemic site for leishmaniasis in Kenya. The study was carried out during the dry season, when sand flies are optimally abundant in 2018 and 2020. Sand fly abundance did not vary between the habitats, but species-specific differences in abundance was evident. Measures of sand fly community structure (Shannon diversity and richness) were highest in animal shed, followed by termite mound and lowest inside human dwelling (house). This finding indicates broader attraction of both sexes of sand flies and females of varying physiological states to animal sheds potentially used as breeding or resting sites, but also as a signal for host presence for a blood meal. Furthermore, gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis of volatiles collected from represented substrates associated with these habitats viz: human foot odor on worn socks (houses indoors), cow dung (animal sheds) and termite mounds (enclosed vent), revealed a total of 47 volatile organic compounds. Of these, 26, 35 and 16 were detected in human socks, cow dung and enclosed termite vent, respectively. Of these volatiles, 1-octen-3-ol, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, α-pinene, benzyl alcohol, m-cresol, p-cresol and decanal, previously known as attractants for sandflies and other blood-feeding insects, were common to the habitats. Our results suggest that habitat volatiles may contribute to the composition of sand flies and highlight their potential for use in monitoring sand fly populations.
An exploration of the protective effect of rodent species richness on the geographical expansion of Lassa fever in West Africa
Authors: Min Kyung-Duk , Hwang Jusun , Schneider Maria Cristina , So Yeonghwa , Lee Ju-Yeun , Cho Sung-il
Published: February 2021

Background

Lassa fever (LF) is one of the most devastating rodent-borne diseases in West Africa, causing thousands of deaths annually. The geographical expansion of LF is also a concern; cases were recently identified in Ghana and Benin. Previous ecological studies have suggested that high natural-host biodiversity reduces the likelihood of spillover transmission of rodent-borne diseases, by suppressing the activities of reservoir species. However, the association of biodiversity with the geographical expansion of LF has not been the subject of epidemiological studies.

Methodology/Principal findings

We conducted a spatial analysis based on sociodemographic, geographical, and ecological data, and found that higher rodent species richness was significantly associated with a lower risk of LF emergence in West Africa from 2008 to 2017 (Odds Ratio = 0.852, 95% Credible Interval = 0.745–0.971).

Conclusions/Significance

The results reinforce the importance of the ‘One Health’ approach by demonstrating that a high level of biodiversity could benefit human health.
Intrinsic growth heterogeneity of mouse leukemia cells underlies differential susceptibility to a growth-inhibiting anticancer drug
Authors: Seita Akihisa , Nakaoka Hidenori , Okura Reiko , Wakamoto Yuichi
Published: February 2021

Cancer cell populations consist of phenotypically heterogeneous cells. Growing evidence suggests that pre-existing phenotypic differences among cancer cells correlate with differential susceptibility to anticancer drugs and eventually lead to a relapse. Such phenotypic differences can arise not only externally driven by the environmental heterogeneity around individual cells but also internally by the intrinsic fluctuation of cells. However, the quantitative characteristics of intrinsic phenotypic heterogeneity emerging even under constant environments and their relevance to drug susceptibility remain elusive. Here we employed a microfluidic device, mammalian mother machine, for studying the intrinsic heterogeneity of growth dynamics of mouse lymphocytic leukemia cells (L1210) across tens of generations. The generation time of this cancer cell line had a distribution with a long tail and a heritability across generations. We determined that a minority of cell lineages exist in a slow-cycling state for multiple generations. These slow-cycling cell lineages had a higher chance of survival than the fast-cycling lineages under continuous exposure to the anticancer drug Mitomycin C. This result suggests that heritable heterogeneity in cancer cells’ growth in a population influences their susceptibility to anticancer drugs.
Genetic diversity of maize landraces from the South-West of France
Authors: Diaw Yacine , Tollon-Cordet Christine , Charcosset Alain , Nicolas Stéphane D. , Madur Delphine , Ronfort Joëlle , David Jacques , Gouesnard Brigitte
Published: February 2021

From the 17th century until the arrival of hybrids in 1960s, maize landraces were cultivated in the South-West of France (SWF), a traditional region for maize cultivation. A set of landraces were collected in this area between the 1950s and 1980s and were then conservedex situin a germplam collection. Previous studies using molecular markers on approx. twenty landraces from this region suggested that they belonged to a Pyrenees-Galicia Flint genetic group and originated from hybridizations between Caribbean and Northern Flint germplasms introduced to Europe. In this study, we assessed the structure and genetic diversity of 194 SWF maize landraces to better elucidate their origin, using a 50K SNP array and a bulk DNA approach. We identified two weakly differentiated genetic groups, one in the Western part and the other in the Eastern part of the studied region. We highlighted the existence of a longitudinal gradient along the SWF area that was probably maintained through the interplay between genetic drifts and restricted gene flows. The contact zone between the two groups observed near the Garonne valley may be the result of these evolutionnary forces. We found in landraces from the East part of the region significant cases of admixture between landraces from the Northern Flint group and landraces from either the Caribbean, Andean or Italian groups. We then assumed that SWF landraces had a multiple origin with a predonderance of Northern Flint germplasm for the two SWF groups, notably for the East part.
Generating evidence on screening, diagnosis and management of non-communicable diseases during pregnancy; a scoping review of current gap and practice in India with a comparison of Asian context
Authors: Lakiang Theophilus , Daniel Sonali Abner , C. Kauma Kurian , Horo Minashree , Shumayla Shumayla , Mehra Sunil
Published: February 2021

Background

Children born to high-risk pregnancies are more likely to experience adverse health outcomes later in life. As estimated, 15% of all pregnancies are at risk of various life-threatening conditions leading to adverse maternal and foetal outcomes. Millennium Development Goal resulted in the global reduction of maternal death from 390,000 to 275000 in 1990–2015). Similarly, to keep this momentum, the current United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG: 3.1) aims at reducing the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030, and this can be achieved by addressing high-risk pregnancy contributing to significant mortality and morbidity. In India, gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, and gestational hypothyroidism were identified as factors contributing to the high-risk pregnancy. This review summarises the commonly used approach for screening, diagnosis, and management of these conditions in the Asian population. It draws a comparison with the current protocols and guidelines in the Indian setting.

Methods

Electronic search in PubMed and Google Scholar, reference snowballing, and review of current guidelines and protocols were done between January 2010 to October 2019. Published studies reporting Screening, diagnosis, and management of these conditions were included. Articles selected were then screened, appraised for quality, extract relevant data, and synthesised.

Results

Screening, diagnosis, and management of these three conditions vary and no single universally accepted criteria for diagnosis and management exist to date. In India, national guidelines available have not been evaluated for feasibility of implementation at the community level. There are no national guidelines for PIH diagnosis and management despite the increasing burden and contribution to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Criteria for diagnosis and management of gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, and gestational hypothyroidism varies but overall early screening for predicting risk, as reported from majority of the articles, were effective in minimizing maternal and foetal outcome.

Conclusion

Existing National guidelines for Screening, Diagnosis, and Management of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (2018) and Gestational Hypothyroidism (2014) need to be contextualized and modified based on the need of the local population for effective treatment. Findings from this review show that early screening for predicting risk to be an effective preventive strategy. However, reports related to a definitive diagnosis and medical management were heterogeneous.
Pet owners’ and veterinarians’ perceptions of information exchange and clinical decision-making in companion animal practice
Authors: Janke Natasha , Coe Jason B. , Bernardo Theresa M. , Dewey Cate E. , Stone Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2021

One of the most complex aspects of the veterinarian-client-patient interaction is the clinical decision-making process. Research suggests that the approach to communication used by veterinarians can impact veterinary clients’ involvement in the decision-making process and their ultimate satisfaction. Using different approaches to the decision-making process may affect how information is exchanged and consequently how decisions are made. The objective of this study was to determine pet owners’ expectations with respect to information exchange and decision-making during veterinarian-client-patient interactions and to compare veterinarians’ perceptions of those expectations and the challenges they face in meeting them. Five pet owner focus groups (27 owners) and three veterinarian focus groups (24 veterinarians) were conducted with standardized open-ended questions and follow-up probes. Thematic analysis of the transcribed data was conducted to identify trends and patterns that emerged during the focus groups. Three pet owner-based themes were identified: 1) understanding the client; 2) providing information suitable for the client; and 3) decision-making. In addition, three barriers for veterinarians affecting information exchange and decision-making were identified: 1) time constraints; 2) involvement of multiple clients; and 3) language barriers. Results suggest that pet owners expect to be supported by their veterinarian to make informed decisions by understanding the client’s current knowledge, tailoring information and educating clients about their options. Breakdowns in the information exchange process can impact pet owners’ perceptions of veterinarians’ motivations. Pet owners’ emphasis on partnership suggests that a collaborative approach between veterinarians and clients may improve client satisfaction.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mobility in ten countries and associated perceived risk for all transport modes
Authors: Barbieri Diego Maria , Lou Baowen , Passavanti Marco , Hui Cang , Hoff Inge , Lessa Daniela Antunes , Sikka Gaurav , Chang Kevin , Gupta Akshay , Fang Kevin , Banerjee Arunabha , Maharaj Brij , Lam Louisa , Ghasemi Navid , Naik Bhaven , Wang Fusong , Foroutan Mirhosseini Ali , Naseri Sahra , Liu Zhuangzhuang , Qiao Yaning , Tucker Andrew , Wijayaratna Kasun , Peprah Prince , Adomako Solomon , Yu Lei , Goswami Shubham , Chen Hao , Shu Benan , Hessami Amir , Abbas Montasir , Agarwal Nithin , Rashidi Taha Hossein
Published: February 2021

The restrictive measures implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have triggered sudden massive changes to travel behaviors of people all around the world. This study examines the individual mobility patterns for all transport modes (walk, bicycle, motorcycle, car driven alone, car driven in company, bus, subway, tram, train, airplane) before and during the restrictions adopted in ten countries on six continents: Australia, Brazil, China, Ghana, India, Iran, Italy, Norway, South Africa and the United States. This cross-country study also aims at understanding the predictors of protective behaviors related to the transport sector and COVID-19. Findings hinge upon an online survey conducted in May 2020 (N = 9,394). The empirical results quantify tremendous disruptions for both commuting and non-commuting travels, highlighting substantial reductions in the frequency of all types of trips and use of all modes. In terms of potential virus spread, airplanes and buses are perceived to be the riskiest transport modes, while avoidance of public transport is consistently found across the countries. According to the Protection Motivation Theory, the study sheds new light on the fact that two indicators, namely income inequality, expressed as Gini index, and the reported number of deaths due to COVID-19 per 100,000 inhabitants, aggravate respondents’ perceptions. This research indicates that socio-economic inequality and morbidity are not only related to actual health risks, as well documented in the relevant literature, but also to the perceived risks. These findings document the global impact of the COVID-19 crisis as well as provide guidance for transportation practitioners in developing future strategies.
A drug repurposing screen identifies hepatitis C antivirals as inhibitors of the SARS-CoV2 main protease
Authors: Baker Jeremy D. , Uhrich Rikki L. , Kraemer Gerald C. , Love Jason E. , Kraemer Brian C.
Published: February 2021

Effective SARS-CoV-2 antiviral drugs are desperately needed. The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) appears as an attractive target for drug development. We show that the existing pharmacopeia contains many drugs with potential for therapeutic repurposing as selective and potent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. We screened a collection of ~6,070 drugs with a previous history of use in humans for compounds that inhibit the activity of Mpro in vitro and found ~50 compounds with activity against Mpro. Subsequent dose validation studies demonstrated 8 dose responsive hits with an IC50 ≤ 50 μM. Hits from our screen are enriched with hepatitis C NS3/4A protease targeting drugs including boceprevir, ciluprevir. narlaprevir, and telaprevir. This work suggests previous large-scale commercial drug development initiatives targeting hepatitis C NS3/4A viral protease should be revisited because some previous lead compounds may be more potent against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro than boceprevir and suitable for rapid repurposing.
A pilot study on ecological momentary assessment in asylum-seeking children and adolescents resettled to Germany: Investigating compliance, post-migration factors, and the relation between daily mood, sleep patterns, and mental health
Authors: Müller Lauritz Rudolf Floribert , Gossmann Katharina , Schmid Regina F. , Rosner Rita , Unterhitzenberger Johanna
Published: February 2021

Background

Asylum-seeking children and adolescents (ASCs) resettled to western countries show elevated levels of psychological distress. While research on the mental health of ASCs is increasing, less is known about their day-to-day living experiences such as their daily mood, sleep patterns, and post-migration factors. Moreover, no examination in situ, using smartphone-assisted ecological momentary assessment (EMA), has been conducted up to now among ASCs. Furthermore, we do not know if screening measures succeed in reflecting the daily mood of ASCs experienced in everyday life.

Methods

We undertook a smartphone-assisted EMA study over a two-week period with 3 measurements a day. Participants were N = 40 ASCs from 10 different countries who had resettled to Germany. They completed standardized questionnaires screening for history of trauma and clinical symptoms (post-traumatic stress symptoms, depression, and anxiety) that were carried out in interview-like settings, and they participated in the subsequent EMA where they rated mood, sleep parameters, and post-migration factors on a daily basis. Multilevel models of clinical symptoms, daily mood, and sleep parameters were computed based on a total of 680 measurements.

Results

The multiply traumatized and highly distressed participants reported different levels of discrimination, and various social activities and contacts in the EMA. The overall compliance rate was shown to be 40.5%. Higher PTSS and anxiety scores were associated with lower levels of daily mood and poorer outcomes of some sleep parameters. Depression scores were not associated with any of the variables assessed in the EMA.

Conclusions

Smartphone-assisted EMA among ASCs resettled to Germany proved to be implementable despite a rather low compliance rate. Not only do ASCs show high symptom levels, they are also affected by these symptoms in their daily lives. The results emphasize the need for concise screenings and psychological treatment for this high-risk population. Limitations include the convenient nature of the sample and the lack of a comparison group.
Oral health-seeking behavior among different population groups in Enugu Nigeria
Authors: Uguru Nkolika , Onwujekwe Obinna , Uguru Chibuzo , Ogu Udochukwu , Okwuosa Chinenye , Okeke Chinyere
Published: February 2021

Introduction

This study investigates the oral health-seeking behaviour of households and its influence on demand for dental caries treatment services in Enugu state Nigeria.

Methods

A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was used to explore the oral health seeking pattern of 378 urban and 348 rural household respondents in Enugu state Nigeria. The study explored dental caries treatment-seeking, oral health behavior of respondents using the three dynamics of the Andersen and Newman health utilization model; predisposing, enabling and need factors.

Findings

Recommendations from community members (48.9%), severity of disease (22.1%), and cost of treatment (19.4%) all influenced where oral healthcare was first sought. Gender and type of occupation, influenced positive oral health-seeking behavior (p<0.05). The least poor socioeconomic status (SES) group, sought dental treatment in the private dental clinics, while the very poor and most poor SES groups used traditional healers, home treatment and patent medicine dealers more. Dental fillings and extractions were generally the most accessed treatment options for dental caries. The tendency for all the SES groups (especially the least poor), to choose tooth extraction more as a treatment option for dental caries was influenced by the oral health awareness level of respondents and the cost of dental fillings. (p<0.05).

Conclusion

The findings suggest that interventions to create increased oral health awareness targeted at education on preventive strategies, appropriate time and place to seek oral health care and dental caries treatment, as well devising and implementing health financing options such as dental insurance would enable individuals to seek appropriate treatment for dental caries on time. In addition, it will reduce the proportion of people visiting unorthodox healthcare providers for their oral health problems or choosing cheaper but inappropriate treatment options.
Framing indigeneity in early ethnographic Mexican film: An analysis of Peregrinación a Chalma/Pilgrimage to Chalma (Díaz Ordaz 1922)
Authors: García Blizzard Monica
Published: February 2021

This article approaches the exhibition of indigeneity in the early Mexican ethnographic film Peregrinación a Chalma
/
Pilgrimage to Chalma (Díaz Ordaz 1922) as a simultaneous display of criollo/mestizo hegemonic culture and institutions. As a product of the Mexican anthropological establishment at an early moment of the discipline’s investment in post-revolutionary indigenismo and mestizaje, the film participates in the endeavour to document and disseminate aspects of indigenous culture and the will to affirm the existence of a modern, non-indigenous Mexican identity. Through filmic analysis, the article illustrates how the film’s use of the stylistic conventions of the classical ethnographic mode creates a distanced rendering of Indigenous people that elevates the criollo/mestizo perspective and casts its representatives as the official curators of and modern foils to indigeneity. Furthermore, through its textual and stylistic conventions, Peregrinación a Chalma positions the spectator to view indigeneity from the position of hegemonic criollo/mestizo culture, aligning the spectator with the cultural perspective that presents itself as dominant and authoritative. The spectatorial positionality crafted by the film is in tune with the modernizing and homogenizing aims of indigenismo and mestizaje in the early post-revolutionary period.
Ethics, hospitality and aesthetics in Fresa y chocolate/Strawberry and Chocolate (Gutiérrez Alea and Tabío 1993) and Santa y Andrés/Santa and Andrés (Lechuga 2016)
Authors: Fehimović Dunja
Published: February 2021

This article draws on Levinas’ ‘first ethics’ and Derrida’s account of hospitality in order to examine how Fresa y chocolate/
Strawberry and Chocolate () and Santa y Andrés/Santa and Andrés ()make perceptible (drawing on the etymology of aesthetics as ‘aistheta’, perceptible things) the problem of the encounter with the Other. As films, they inevitably thematize and reduce both the Other’s infinite alterity and our own infinite responsibility. However, whereas Santa y Andrés makes the viewer experience the uncertainty produced by the subject’s encounter with difference, developing an aesthetics that bears a trace of this ‘first ethics’, Fresa y chocolate reduces alterity in favour of resolution. Examining the characters’ interactions in light of Derrida’s ‘hostipitality’, it becomes clear that, whereas Alea’s work encourages us to forget the power imbalances that neuter Diego’s authority as host, Lechuga’s film gestures towards a pervasive sovereignty that determines the exercise of hospitality as ethical response. Thus, by acknowledging the uncomfortable proximity of hospitality, hostility and discipline, and by allowing the viewer to access a trace of the unsettling encounter with infinite otherness, Santa y Andrés encourages a more ethical engagement with difference than its predecessor.
The Impact of Banking Competition on Economic Growth and Financial Stability: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Abuselidze George
Published: February 2021

The paper examines the level of competition in banking market using different econometric models and analyzes the impact of efficiency of the banking system on the economic growth of the country. The research discusses to ensure banking competition as a function of the Central Bank. Also, the paper includes some recommendations developed to improve banking competition. Our hypothesis is that the existence of high levels of banking competition and low concentration in the banking market balances the speed of money supply in the economic sector. As a result, the Central Bank's monetary policy will be more effective in achieving its core objectives. Therefore, banking competition contributes to the economic growth of the country. In addition, the monetary policy of the Central Bank concentrates on financial stability, which is one of the fundamental factors in the economic development of a country.
Social-and-Ecological Aspects of Forage Production Reform in Ukraine in the Early 21st Century
Authors: Puyu V. , Bakhmat M. , Khmelianchyshyn Y. , Stepanchenko V. , Bakhmat O. , Pantsyreva H.
Published: February 2021

On the basis of the "three sigma" rule, a statistical stratification of the Ukrainian effective community into economic welfare groups according to their social and economic status has been carried out, thus creating the basis for substantiating the expediency of reforming the forage production sector in order to further expand the production of organic livestock products through the up-to-date approaches to the formation and use of climate adaptive feed-related phytocenoses. In order to increase the productivity of grass fodder, an innovative model of the grass-grazing complex has been developed. Its structure includes a cyclic wedge of long-term cereal-bean pasture which involves perennial grasses of the botanical species adapted to the zonal ecological and technological conditions, a satellite wedge of traditional mixtures of annual crops and atypical pasture plants – burnet polygamous (Poterium poligamum Woldst. et Kit.), prairie dock (Silphium perfoliatum L.) and others, whose herbage is used during the off-season, when the main cyclic wedge is found to be low-yielding, as well as a sheltered base, equipped with outdoor hoppers and shelters designed to protect animals in bad weather. The introduction of meadows and pastures in the system of zonal fodder production will contribute to the improvement and stabilization of the production of cheap and adequately nutritious herbal feeds thus increasing the resource potential of the area.
Legal Regulation of the Use of Artificial Intelligence: Problems and Development Prospects
Authors: Yara Olena , Brazheyev Anatoliy , Golovko Liudmyla , Bashkatova Viktoriia
Published: February 2021

The article considers the advantages and disadvantages of using artificial intelligence (AI) in various areas of human activity. Particular attention was paid to the use of AI in the legal field. Prospects for the use of AI in the legal field were identified. The relevance of research on the legal regulation of the use of AI was proved. The use of AI raises an important problem of the compliance with general principles of ensuring human rights. Emphasis is placed on the need to develop and use a Code of ethics for artificial intelligence and legislation that would prevent its misapplication and minimize possible harmful consequences.
STEM Education in Ukraine in the Context of Sustainable Development
Authors: Buturlina Oksana , Dovhal Serhii , Hryhorov Heorhii , Lysokolenko Tetiana , Palahuta Vadym
Published: February 2021

The conceptual and generalizing experience of STEM education implementation presented in Ukraine reflects the realization of the sustainable development goals through educational innovations. The study is based on the premise that STEM is a component of education for sustainable development. This educational trend focuses on the goals of Education for All (EFA), conforms to the ideas of the education-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and relates to solving societal challenges in the long run. It is argued that the concept of STEM seeks to offer non-standard solutions to global issues in the field of sustainable development, and STEM education should be seen as a mechanism to accelerate the achievement of all sustainable development goals (SDG) and a strategy to obtain each of them. The specifics of STEM key ideas as global educational trends in the national Ukrainian public space are demonstrated. The consideration of STEM education as a component of the strategy for sustainable development through the detailing of the structure and implementation principles as well as STEM competencies, which are defined as the expected result and key for the person of the XXI century, is proved. The experience of Ukrainian research initiatives in the field of STEM education in the context of sustainable development is summarized. A full-fledged programme complex for comprehensive, equitable and high-quality education is presented, which combines the following links: research and experimental work of different levels, teacher’s professional development, museums and science centres work, implementation of various educational programmes, festivals and projects to attract young people to STEM, ensuring equal access for girls and boys.
Design of an Indirect Dryer with Coupling of Solar Collectors and its Thermal Characterization by Drying the Mint Leaves (Mentha spicate)
Authors: Téllez Margarita Castillo , Castillo-Téllez Beatriz , Gerardo Alberto Mejía Pérez , Marzoug Rachid , Álvarez Diana C. Mex
Published: February 2021

Man has used solar energy to dry perishable products for many years, managing to preserve a wide variety of foods naturally; drying is a method that highly respects the food's properties and nutritional content. The consumption of medicinal and aromatic herbs in Mexico is traditional and widespread. In this work, an analysis of an indirect solar dryer's thermal behavior was carried out with the coupling of solar technologies (water heaters and air collectors and photovoltaic pumping as an aid to the generation of hot air) comparing with electric oven drying in Campeche, Campeche, Mexico. The experimental results showed that the indirect tunnel type dryer that works with evacuated tubes and solar air heater simultaneously is the most efficient technology, with average drying times of 300 min and final humidity of 9.6%. A study of colorimetry, water activity, and drying speed was carried out to control the drying process. It was found that it is possible to use solar energy to dry food as a means of conservation in warm-humid climates, also obtaining significant energy savings and contributing to caring for the environment.
Assessing the Convergence of International Agricultural Markets as a Prerequisite for Rapeseed Sale at New Markets
Authors: Tanasiichuk Alona , Hromova Olha , Abdullaieva Anastasiia , Kovtun Eduard , Marshuk Lina
Published: February 2021

The article is devoted to the study of the state of the market of agro-industrial products, which is an integral part of the world market and one of the most important parts of the economic systems of most countries with market economies. It has been determined peculiarities of modern development of domestic export-oriented industries, among which are raw materials, dependence on market fluctuations on world markets. The analysis of oilseeds production volumes has been done, in particular rapeseed; the dynamics of export-import  volume operations with the product group «1205 Seeds of cole or rapeseed, whether ground or not ground» has been also done. A system of indicators has been developed to assess the convergence of international agricultural markets as a prerequisite for the sale of rapeseed to new international markets. The markets of the Czech Republic and the United Arab Emirates have been identified as particularly promising markets for the sale of Ukrainian agricultural products of the commodity group «1205 Seeds of cole or rapeseed, whether ground or not ground». Assessment of the convergence indicators of the new international markets of the Czech Republic and the United Arab Emirates allowed us to conclude that these markets demonstrate convergent conditions for doing business in them by Ukrainian farmers. The most important tasks facing Ukrainian agricultural producers are substantiated: prevention of reduction of sown areas of oilseeds, production volumes of commodity group increase «12 Seeds and fruits of oilseeds», introduction to new international markets of commodity group «1205 of Ukrainian production».
Taxes, Expenditure and Development Nexus: A Panel VECM Analysis on Romanian NUTS2 Regions
Authors: Surugiu Marius , Surugiu Camelia , Mazilescu Raluca , Cristea Anca
Published: February 2021

The investigation starts with the computation of the Socio-Economic Development Index (SEDI index) with data for Romania. Based on the index values, the long-run relationship between taxes and expenditure is assessed, for Romanian NUTS2 regions from 2000 to 2016. According to the results, there is a Granger causality relationship from budget revenue and expenditure to SEDI. The results emphasize the significant impact of taxes and expenditure on socio-economic development. The paper underlines the need for effective public strategies to be implemented by the authorities at the regional level, which may propel the socio-economic development. The results support the fiscal synchronization hypothesis.
Modelling the Relationship between Linked-In Usage and Social Capital Formation
Authors: Hoda Najmul , Gupta S. L. , Ahmad Mobin , Gupta Utkarsh
Published: February 2021

The main purpose of this study is to test if the use of social networking sites (SNSs) results in any perceived social capital for the users. Putnam’s classification of social capital into bridging and bonding social capital is used for the study. The first objective of the study was to study the demographic and behavioral profile of LinkedIn users. The second objective was to test the model describing the relationship between the constructs intensity of LinkedIn usage and the two types of social capital. A structured questionnaire that included standard scales for measuring the constructs was shared on various social media platforms. The model was analyzed using PLS-SEM in R software. The results confirmed all the three hypothesized relationships and also validated the overall model. This study contributes to the validation as well as extension of social capital theory in SNS. Further, the results throw light on the new applications of SNS by the industry.