bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theory of economic analysis
Authors: Biryukov Vladimir , Sharonin Pavel
Published: January 2022

The textbook reveals the theoretical and organizational foundations, information support of economic analysis. It contains a description of the techniques, methods and methods of analytical research used both in the practical activities of economic entities and in scientific research; a description of the types of economic analysis; a methodology for determining the value of intra-production reserves.
It is structured in such a way that the student can understand not only the essence of economic analysis, but also develop practical skills for conducting economic analysis of organizations' activities. The material is illustrated with structural and logical schemes, generalizing analytical tables and many practical examples. To consolidate knowledge, at the end of each chapter there are questions for self-control and tasks in a test form.
The fifth edition of the textbook is supplemented with practical tasks on all topics of the course, which allows students to develop and consolidate analytical thinking skills.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For bachelors studying in the field of training 38.03.01 "Economics" of all profiles, graduate students, teachers of economic universities, specialists of economic and financial services of organizations, auditors.
Old Tales for a New Gens. Alberic of Trois-Fontaines’ Grafting of History
Authors: Grabowski Antoni
Published: January 2022

Throughout the Middle Ages, waves of people came to the lands once been a part of the Roman Empire. At the same time, lands yet unknown encountered the successors of the Empire. These gentes sometimes preserved a long history of their paths to their new homelands. The Longobards, the Saxons, and many others had an origo gentis, where gods played an important role. These narrations were incorporated into a historiography that was almost entirely Christian.

This article is concerned with the methods used to find harmony between the past and present by Alberic of Trois-Fontaines when writing about the Semigallians. The narrative of their origins used established motifs and themes that made it possible to include the invented history of the gens into the then-established universal history. This was done through the etymology of names or the erudite use of the writings of other authors. These new gentes were grafted onto the trees of old tales.
Narraciones persuasivas en la crisis del coronavirus: resortes emocionales para implicar a los jóvenes.
Authors: de Moral Pérez M. Esther , Bellver Moreno M. Carmen , Guzmán Duque Alba Patricia , López-Bouzas Nerea
Published: January 2022

Se analizan 100 spots dirigidos a sensibilizar a jóvenes españoles y latinoamericanos frente a la crisis del coronavirus, relacionando las narrativas adoptadas con sus objetivos, carácter, emociones suscitadas e imágenes, perfiles y edades de los protagonistas. Así, se prima el storytelling con carácter proactivo, presentado por sujetos de 18-35 años y colectivos intergeneracionales para persuadir a la audiencia del cumplimiento de las normas sanitarias, apelando a la solidaridad y empatía.
Evolución del uso de Twitter como herramienta comunicativa en emergencias sanitarias: el caso de la Listeriosis y el Ébola en España.
Authors: Suau-Gomila Guillem , Sánchez-Calero María Luisa , Pont-Sorribes Carles
Published: January 2022

El propósito de este trabajo es investigar como las viñetas de El Roto presentan y reflexionan sobre el fenómeno nacionalista, temática de enorme actualidad tanto en el debate político como en los medios de comunicación. En la investigación se pondrá de manifiesto como el recurso al humor gráfico del dibujante representa una forma diferente de aproximarse al nacionalismo, obviando el estilo sensacionalista y apostando por una visión crítica y reflexiva
Quién y cómo comparte noticias en Facebook: observación de usuarios y análisis de mensajes en jóvenes y jóvenes adultos de España.
Authors: Segado-Boj Francisco , Maestro-Espínola Lidia , Said-Hung Elías
Published: January 2022

El miedo es una emoción usada en propaganda como una herramienta de control social y dominación política. Este estudio analiza dicha emoción en las elecciones andaluzas de 2018, pues fueron el preámbulo del ciclo electoral vivido en España en 2019, el cual cambió el contexto político. Se aplica una técnica de recogida de datos cuantitativa (análisis de contenido) al debate electoral, obteniendo resultados y conclusiones interesantes como el uso de la técnica de “creación del enemigo”.
Inteligencia artificial y Derecho del Trabajo.
Authors: Selma Penalva Alejandra
Published: January 2022

A lo largo del presente trabajo se analizan los retos que, para el Derecho del Trabajo del siglo XXI, dentro de pocos años, supondrá la plena automatización de los procesos productivos que se conseguirá como resultado de aplicar la inteligencia artificial al sector empresarial. A su vez, se plantean las distintas alternativas posibles que, en la práctica, podrían ayudar a evitar la drástica disminución de las plantillas que la robotización provocará, así como, a garantizar el mantenimiento de las pensiones por incapacidad y jubilación llegado el momento en el que, nuestro modelo de Seguridad Social, estructurado sobre un sistema de reparto, sea insuficiente para hacer frente a las necesidades sociales que actualmente cubre.
La gamificación como estrategia metodológica en la Universidad. El caso de BugaMAP: percepciones y valoraciones de los estudiantes
Authors: González-Limón Myriam , Rodríguez-Ramos Asunción , Padilla-Carmona María Teresa
Published: January 2022

En este estudio se presentan los resultados de la evaluación de una experiencia de gamificación con el juego de simulación empresarial Business Game MAPFRE (BugaMAP), en la rama de Ciencias Sociales. Los objetivos que se persiguen son: 1) conocer, a través de la opinión del estudiante, si la gamificación es una herramienta idónea para la enseñanza-aprendizaje en la universidad; 2) valorar el grado de satisfacción de los estudiantes con la gamificación y conocer su percepción respecto al cumplimiento de los objetivos inicialmente planteados. Se ha aplicado un cuestionario con el que se ha recopilado información de un total de 144 estudiantes.Se analizaron las evidencias a favor de la validez facial del instrumento y su fiabilidad y se realizaron diferentes análisis descriptivos y de contraste. Los resultados indican que los estudiantes que participaron en la experiencia valoran muy positivamente las aportaciones del juego a su aprendizaje, consideran que les permitió desarrollar competencias blandas y para el trabajo en equipo, y muestran elevados niveles de satisfacción. Las conclusiones confirman el interés del aprendizaje basado en juegos como una eficaz herramienta docente en el ámbito universitario
Indicadores de desempeño ambiental en el proceso de abastecimiento de la industria de plástico
Authors: Lámbarry-Vilchis Fernando , Avilés-Sánchez Emilia
Published: January 2022

El objetivo de la investigación es proponer indicadores de desempeño ambiental para el proceso de abastecimiento en las industrias medianas del plástico. Estas empresas son las de mayor dinamismo en cuanto a su producción, pero también en cuanto a contaminación y, aunque en la literatura se encuentran aproximaciones hacia su sustentabilidad, para la etapa de abastecimiento son escasos o inexistentes. Los resultados muestran que los indicadores deben establecerse desde el subproceso de proveedurías para minimizar los impactos financieros derivados del retrabajo, rechazos de materiales u omisiones de actividades en el proceso.
Shared Prosperity (or Lack Thereof) in the Sharing Economy
Authors: Alyakoob Mohammed , Rahman Mohammad S.
Published: January 2022

This paper examines the potential economic spillover effects of a home sharing platform—Airbnb—on the growth of a complimentary local service—restaurants. By circumventing traditional land-use regulations and providing access to underutilized inventory, Airbnb attracts visitors to outlets that are not traditional tourist destinations. Although visitors generally bring significant spending power, it is unclear whether visitors use Airbnb only primarily for lodging and thus do not contribute to the adjacent economy. To evaluate this, we focus on the impact of Airbnb on restaurant employment growth across locales in New York City (NYC). Specifically, we focus on areas in NYC that did not attract a significant tourist volume prior to the emergence of a home-sharing service. Our results indicate a salient and economically significant positive spillover effect on restaurant job growth in an average NYC locality. A one-percentage-point increase in the intensity of Airbnb activity (Airbnb reviews per household) leads to approximately 1.7% restaurant employment growth. Since home-sharing visitors are lodging in areas that are not accustomed to tourists, we also investigate the demographic and market-structure-related heterogeneity of our results. Notably, restaurants in areas with a relatively high number of White residents disproportionately benefit from the economic spillover of Airbnb activity, whereas the impact in majority-Black areas is not statistically significant. Thus, policy makers must consider the heterogeneity in the potential economic benefits as they look to regulate home-sharing activities.
A note on the boundary of the Birkhoff-James ε-orthogonality sets
Authors: Katsouleas Georgios , Panagakou Vasiliki , Psarrakos Panayiotis
Published: January 2022

The Birkhoff-James $\varepsilon$-sets of vectors and vector-valued polynomials (in one complex variable) have recently been introduced as natural generalizations of the standard numerical range of (square) matrices or operators and matrix or operator polynomials, respectively. Corners on the boundary curves of these sets are of particular interest, not least because of their importance in visualizing these sets. In this paper, we provide a characterization for the corners of the Birkhoff-James $\varepsilon$-sets of vectors and vector-valued polynomials, completing and expanding upon previous exploration of the geometric propertiesof these sets. We also propose a randomized algorithm for approximating their boundaries.
Struktur Kecepatan Gelombang Geser (Vs) di Daerah Rawan Gerakan Tanah (Longsor) Jalan Lintas Kabupaten Bengkulu Tengah-Kepahiang
Authors: Sugianto Nanang , Refrizon Refrizon
Published: January 2022

Shear wave velocity (Vs) structure at along of Central Bengkulu-Kepahiang crossline has been mapped. This research aims to identify the subsurface structure and to estimate the constituent material type of rock in landslide-prone areas (Central Bengkulu-Kepahiang crossline). Shear wave velocity structure on each site is obtained by the HVSR-inversion of 146 microtremor data (ambient noise recording of seismometer). Vs structure at the line mapped from the surface until to 30 meters of the depth. Groups of Vs are identified in class E (Vs <180), Class D (180≤ Vs <360), Class C (360≤ Vs <760), and Class B (760≤ Vs <1500). The subsurface structure at the depth of 0 to 10 meters are dominated by stiff soil, very dense soil, and soft rock which has highly fractured and weathered rock properties. At the depth of 15 meters to 30 meters, the subsurface structure is dominated by hard rock but it is high potential or easy to fracturing and weathering like the properties of the rocks in areas that have landslides in the past. Based on Vs value, rock constituent materials are deposition of sand, clay, gravel and alluvium ranging from soft to relatively hard structures at the depth.
Kajian Energi Gelombang Laut Di Daerah Abrasi Serangai, Bengkulu Utara Melalui Pengamatan Tinggi Gelombang Laut
Authors: Lubis Ashar Muda , Putri Yosi Apriani , Saputra Rio , Sinaga Juhendi , Hasanudin M , Kusmanto Edi
Published: January 2022

The Serangai area, Batik Nau District, North Bengkulu has the highest average abrasion speed of 20 m/year. The abrasion could cause the coastal area to erode the coastline till several tens of meters. The purpose of this study was to determine the height of the ocean waves and to determine the energy of the ocean waves that has the potential to accelerate the abrasion process in the Serangai area. The research was carried out on November 5-7, 2018 in the Serangai beach area at a depth of 5 m using SBE 26 Plus Seagauge Wave equipment. The results showed that the observed wave height was between 0.8-1.6 m with a significant wave height (Hs) of 1.38 m. In addition, the wave period ranges from 5-11 s with a significant wave period (Ts) of 8.2 s. The result also shows that the maximum wave height of 1.6 m occurred on November 7, 2018 with maximum wave energy of 1800 J/m2. This result can perhaps accelerate the abrasion process in the Serangai area. It can also be seen that the wave height in the Serangai region is higher than in several other areas in Indonesia. However, it is necessary to continue observing the wave height to see the seasonal variations in sea wave height in Serangai area.
Conflicto y causa mapuche en 2020: Una narrativa desde la escucha social
Authors: Lawrence Mujica Tomás , Duran Gonzalez Patricio , Rolle Chacón Catalina
Published: January 2022

La escucha social o social listening es un proceso de monitoreo utilizado por el mundo privado para mejorar la atención hacia los clientes o para mejorar la experiencia de usuarios. En Interpreta, utilizamos esta misma metodología para investigar sobre problemas sociales complejos. En este capitulo, buscamos información que nos lleve a entender el conflicto y la causa mapuche en el 2020, pero desde lo que las personas expresan de forma libre a través de internet y las redes sociales. En este sentido, hemos logrado capturar poco más de 3.5 millones de publicaciones que provienen de cerca de 300 mil autores únicos y hemos recopilado más de 6 mil publicaciones provenientes de 40 medios de comunicación, así como 46 mil publicaciones en prensa, blogs y foros. Se busca contar a través de los datos el curso histórico respectivo a lo largo del 2020 desde las contrapuestas narrativas.
Nauczanie hybrydowe w nauce języków obcych
Authors: Bałaban Krzysztof
Published: January 2022

W artykule omówiono znaczenie hybrydowego podejścia do nauczania języków obcych. Artykuł ten zawiera podstawowe definicje i podejmuje próbę wyjaśnienia korzyści wynikających z tej metody. W treści wykazano jak ważne jest wykorzystanie nowoczesnych technologii w nauczaniu języka obcego
Las mujeres religiosas y las guerras civiles: Los inicios de la atención humanitaria en Colombia
Authors: Castro Carabajal Beatriz
Published: January 2022

A los tres años de la llegada a Bogotá de las primeras mujeres religiosas de la congregación francesa de vida activa Hermanas de la Caridad de la Presentación, se desencadenó la guerra civil de 1876. Las Hermanas se ofrecieron a auxiliar a los heridos de los combates y, a partir de esa iniciativa, siguieron atendiendo los heridos en las siguientes guerras civiles y en la guerra colombo-peruana, en 1933, por solicitud de los gobiernos. Sobre estas actividades dejaron registros escritos en cartas, diarios y otros documentos que nos permitirán presentar sus experiencias en la introducción de la atención humanitaria en Colombia, así como en la formalización de este servicio.
¿Y la independencia nos hizo pobres? Estado y nueva fiscalidad. Perú (1821-1827)
Authors: De Haro Dionisio
Published: January 2022

En el período comprendido entre 1821 y 1827 se inició en el Perú el proceso de transformación consistente en la transición de un sistema hacendístico colonial a otro moderno. Con la guerra y la independencia se abrió un tiempo de aprendizaje y reformas en el que, con el objetivo de dotar al nuevo Estado de una Hacienda con suficiencia recaudatoria, se pretendió reorganizar el sistema y ensanchar la base fiscal. El presente trabajo analiza el alcance y los límites de un proyecto central para entender al Perú de la primera mitad del siglo xix, estableciendo nexos que enlazan la evolución económica y los hechos políticos.
Resonando en el mapa de la diáspora africana. Performance del tumbe carnaval afroariqueño: lo afectivo en la movilización social
Authors: Domingo Gómez Daniel
Published: January 2022

El 16 de abril de 2019, el Estado chileno promulgó la ley núm. 21151, que otorga el reconocimiento legal al pueblo tribal afrodescendiente. Este logro fue posible por el movimiento social que encabezaron las organizaciones afroariqueñas desde inicios del siglo xxi. En este trabajo se examinan las articulaciones que se producen entre la política, la memoria y la performance del tumbe carnaval, un género de música-danza afroariqueño que, por las posibilidades que ofrece el multiculturalismo, puso en tensión la narrativa que negaba su presencia en el Chile republicano.
Víctimas moriscas del corso turco-berberisco. Noticias y testimonios en los procesos criminales valencianos
Authors: Catalá Sanz Jorge Antonio
Published: January 2022

El peligro cierto y recurrente de la cooperación de los moriscos con los corsarios turcos y berberiscos no autoriza, sin embargo, a considerar a la minoría morisca en su conjunto como una «quinta columna» siempre dispuesta a conspirar contra la Corona y a prestar ayuda a los enemigos de la otra orilla.Los procesos criminales que la Real Audiencia de Valencia sustanció contra corsarios e infiltrados ofrecen testimonios que no solo revelan la amplia diversidad de actitudes y respuestas de los nuevos convertidos ante las grandes fugas, los ataques a las poblaciones litorales y la captura de cristianos viejos, sino también que ellos mismos sufrieron los efectos de las incursiones de los moros de la mar: algunos porque no dudaron en hacerles frente para defender a sus vecinos cristianos, otros muchos porque fueron violentamente compelidos a marcharse a África a pesar de que deseaban permanecer en su tierra.
Palabras clave: moriscos, corso, quinta columna, diversidad, justicia penal, procesos criminales.
Els gremis manresans i el suplement del servei de bagatges (1738-1741). Pressió militar, resistència i litigi a la Catalunya borbònica
Authors: Ferré Gispets David
Published: January 2022

A finals de la dècada de 1730, el Principat de Catalunya encara es trobava en ple procés d’adaptació a la Nova Planta. Les notables tensions derivades tant del pes de la militarització estructural del nou sistema administratiu com de la corrupció generalitzada en el món local acabaren cristal·litzant en nombrosos plets i resistències en l’àmbit local. L’objectiu d’aquest article és saber com i per què s’esdevingueren aquest tipus de resistències, com es vertebraren i quin va ser el seu desenllaç final. Per aconseguir-ho, prendrem com a principal objecte d’anàlisi el plet entre les autoritats locals de Manresa i els gremis de la ciutat al voltant del cobrament d’un impost local per finançar els «retorns» del servei de bagatges. Mitjançant la consulta de documentació oficial de la Reial Audiència de Catalunya i de l’administració municipal i corregimental, així com de l’àmbit notarial i gremial, procurarem definir una imatge el més completa possible d’aquestes dinàmiques de protesta i litigi a la Catalunya de mitjans del Set-cents.

Paraules clau: Manresa, protesta, bagatges, gremis, Reial Audiència de Catalunya (borbònica), militarització.
El archivo del Ayuntamiento de Palma (1718-1835). El depósito de la memoria documental del Reino de Mallorca y de la ciudad de Palma
Authors: Pascual Ramos Eduardo
Published: January 2022

El presente artículo tiene el objetivo de analizar el archivo municipal de la ciudad de Palma entre los años 1718 y 1835 con la breve descripción de su origen, del cambio con la nueva dinastía borbónica, así como de la relación de las funciones del archivero, los requisitos para su nombramiento, la forma de provisión, su sueldo y la relación de los responsables del archivo durante el siglo xviii. Además, se describe su ubicación y las reformas durante ese Siglo de las Luces. El artículo concluye con dos oficios vinculados a este tema como eran el de librero municipal y el impresor oficial de la capital insular durante el siglo xviii.

Palabras claves: Ayuntamiento, archivo, Mallorca, Palma, siglo xviii.
Transformative service-learning experience through participatory project management
Authors: Abenir Mark Anthony
Published: January 2022

Studies have shown that for Service-Learning (SL) to be truly valuable and transformative, it must employ participatory project management practices and is ideally conducted in a face-to-face setting. This case study aims to highlight the strategies used to make SL projects long-term and participatory.  It also measures the effectiveness of such approach in achieving a valuable and transformative SL experience for students and partner communities. Qualitative results show that students were able to develop desired personal, professional, and civic competencies. On the part of the partner communities, qualitative results reveal that they appreciate the year-long participatory SL engagement with the students that brought about high quality SL projects. Quantitative data, on the other hand, indicate that the paired samples t-test resulted in a moderate practical significant difference in the pre-and post-test scores of students when it came to their personal, professional, and civic mindedness skills. Finally, quantitative results indicate that partner communities reported that SL projects brought them a very favorable impact in terms of skills and competencies, motivation and commitments, personal growth and self-concept, and acquisition of knowledge.
Quality criteria and evaluation: a measuring instrument for the German language area
Authors: Brok Ulrike , Leitzmann C. , Schlegler M. , Müller L. , Sonnberger J. , Derkau J. , Sporer T.
Published: January 2022

The University Network on Social Responsibility is a network of more than 40 universities in Germany and Austria established in 2009 that want to realise and expand their social responsibility by systematically promoting the civil society engagement of students, teachers, and other members of higher education, linking this with their educational mission and thus actively influencing society and contributing to the mutual transfer of knowledge. This can be done through the teaching-learning format of service learning (SL). In 2018, a workshop initiated a discussion between representatives of academia and civil society. The focus was the aspect of quality of SL. The group came up with ten different criteria which provide a frame of reference for the different manifestations of SL in the community. Based on these criteria, suitable procedures and instruments were developed to provide SL actors with orientation and suggestions for the implementation and evaluation of SL projects.
PhotoelastNet: a deep convolutional neural network for evaluating the stress field by using a single color photoelasticity image
Authors: Briñez-de León Juan C. , Rico-García Mateo , Restrepo-Martínez Alejandro
Published: January 2022

Quantifying the stress field induced into a piece when it is loaded is important for engineering areas since it allows the possibility to characterize mechanical behaviors and fails caused by stress. For this task, digital photoelasticity has been highlighted by its visual capability of representing the stress information through images with isochromatic fringe patterns. Unfortunately, demodulating such fringes remains a complicated process that, in some cases, depends on several acquisitions, e.g., pixel-by-pixel comparisons, dynamic conditions of load applications, inconsistence corrections, dependence of users, fringe unwrapping processes, etc. Under these drawbacks and taking advantage of the power results reported on deep learning, such as the fringe unwrapping process, this paper develops a deep convolutional neural network for recovering the stress field wrapped into color fringe patterns acquired through digital photoelasticity studies. Our model relies on an untrained convolutional neural network to accurately demodulate the stress maps by inputting only one single photoelasticity image. We demonstrate that the proposed method faithfully recovers the stress field of complex fringe distributions on simulated images with an averaged performance of 92.41% according to the SSIM metric. With this, experimental cases of a disk and ring under compression were evaluated, achieving an averaged performance of 85% in the SSIM metric. These results, on the one hand, are in concordance with new tendencies in the optic community to deal with complicated problems through machine-learning strategies; on the other hand, it creates a new perspective in digital photoelasticity toward demodulating the stress field for a wider quantity of fringe distributions by requiring one single acquisition.
Incremental learning for detection in X-ray luggage perspective images
Authors: Wu Yangxu , Yang Wanting , Yuan Chuan , Pan JinXiao , Chen Ping
Published: January 2022

Convolutional neural networks have achieved remarkable results in the detection of X-ray luggage contraband. However, with an increase in contraband classes and substantial artificial transformation, the offline network training method has been unable to accurately detect the rapidly growing new classes of contraband. The current model cannot incrementally learn the newly appearing classes in real time without retraining the model. When the quantity of different types of contraband is not evenly distributed in the real-time detection process, the convolution neural network that is optimized by the gradient descent method will produce catastrophic forgetting, which means learning new knowledge and forgetting old knowledge, and the detection effect on the old classes will suddenly decline. To overcome this problem, this paper proposes an incremental learning method for online continuous learning of models and incrementally learns and detects new classes in the absence of old classes in the new classes. First, we perform parameter compression on the original network by distillation to ensure stable identification of the old classes. Second, the area proposal subnetwork and object detection subnetwork are incrementally learned to obtain the recognition ability of the new classes. In addition, this paper designs a new loss function, which causes the network to avoid catastrophic forgetting and stably detect the object of the new contraband classes. To reliably verify the model, this paper produces a multi-angle dataset for security perspective images. A total of 10 classes of contraband are tested, and the interference between two object detections is analyzed by model parameters. The experimental results show that the model can stably perform new contraband object learning even when there is an uneven distribution of data types.
Breather solitons in AlN microresonators
Authors: Afridi Adnan Ali , Weng Haizhong , Li Jing , Liu Jia , McDermott Michael , Lu Qiaoyin , Guo Weihua , Donegan John F.
Published: January 2022

In this work, we demonstrate the generation of breather solitons in an aluminum nitride (AlN) microresonator. Our study shows different techniques for excitation of breather solitons together with stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) by pumping the fundamental transverse electric (TE00) mode. With suitable pump power and laser scan speed, we can eliminate the Raman effect and achieve a single soliton comb (FSR ∼ 374 GHz) beyond 4/5 of an octave-spanning bandwidth (1200–2100 nm). We have also demonstrated the breather and single soliton (FSR ∼ 364 GHz) states by pumping the first-order TE (TE10) mode using another device with a similar geometry. Our study adds significant development in the dynamics of solitons in the AlN platform.
Quantum key distribution with multiphoton pulses: an advantage
Authors: Biswas Ayan , Banerji Anindya , Lal Nijil , Chandravanshi Pooja , Kumar Rupesh , Singh Ravindra P.
Published: January 2022

In this article, we introduce a quantum key distribution protocol for the line of sight channels based on coincidence measurements. We present a proof-of-concept implementation of our protocol. We show that using coincidence measurements to monitor multi-photon pulses results in a higher secure key rate over longer distances for such channels. This key rate is higher than popular implementations of quantum key distribution protocol based on BB84, for example, the GLLP analysis [ Quant. Info. Comput. 4, 325 (2004)10.26421/QIC4.5-1 ]. In the experiment, we could generate around 74% more key bits per signal pulse as compared to the GLLP analysis of BB84 protocol with similar parameters and equal value of mean photon number.
Low-loss and small-cross-section waveguide for compact terahertz free-electron laser
Authors: Pathania Varun , Bae Sangyoon , Jang Kyu-Ha , Lee Kitae , Jeong Young Uk
Published: January 2022

The demand for terahertz (THz) sources that can be used in practical implementations has not yet been fully met. Through the development of small-scale free-electron lasers (FEL), we investigated a solution to overcome the low lasing gain of the FEL, which is caused by a small-current accelerator and a short-length undulator. To enhance the FEL gain, the FEL interaction between the electron beam and radiation was increased by reducing the cross-sectional area of the FEL oscillator mode. We developed a waveguide for the FEL oscillator, which has a remarkably small eye-shaped cross section with low wave loss. The mode cross-sectional area was calculated to be just 4 mm2 (full width at half maximum), which is considerably smaller than those of the free-space Gaussian mode and other waveguide modes. Using COMSOL Multiphysics simulation code, we calculated and analyzed the attenuation loss and mode cross-section area for waveguides of different shapes and sizes, and we observed that the dielectric coated eye-shaped waveguide has the lowest attenuation loss, that is, less than 2.5% for 1-m propagation at an operating wavelength of 300–600 µm. These results are in good agreement with our requirements for the tabletop THz FEL. Finally, we showed that the calculated operating wavelength range of the waveguide-mode THz FEL is 300–600 µm using the machine parameters of an accelerator and undulator that were developed by considering the dispersion relations of the eye-shaped waveguide and undulator radiation.
Shp2 in uterine stromal cells critically regulates on time embryo implantation and stromal decidualization by multiple pathways during early pregnancy
Authors: Cheng Jianghong , Liang Jia , Li Yingzhe , Gao Xia , Ji Mengjun , Liu Mengying , Tian Yingpu , Feng Gensheng , Deng Wenbo , Wang Haibin , Kong Shuangbo , Lu Zhongxian
Published: January 2022

Approximately 75% of failed pregnancies are considered to be due to embryo implantation failure or defects. Nevertheless, the explicit signaling mechanisms governing this process have not yet been elucidated. Here, we found that conditional deletion of the Shp2 gene in mouse uterine stromal cells deferred embryo implantation and inhibited the decidualization of stromal cells, which led to embryonic developmental delay and to the death of numerous embryos mid-gestation, ultimately reducing female fertility. The absence of Shp2 in stromal cells increased the proliferation of endometrial epithelial cells, thereby disturbing endometrial epithelial remodeling. However, Shp2 deletion impaired the proliferation and polyploidization of stromal cells, which are distinct characteristics of decidualization. In human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs), Shp2 expression gradually increased during the decidualization process. Knockout of Shp2 blocked the decidual differentiation of hESCs, while Shp2 overexpression had the opposite effect. Shp2 knockout inhibited the proliferation of hESCs during decidualization. Whole gene expression profiling analysis of hESCs during the decidualization process showed that Shp2 deficiency disrupted many signaling transduction pathways and gene expression. Analyses of hESCs and mouse uterine tissues confirmed that the signaling pathways extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK), protein kinase B (AKT), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and their downstream transcription factors CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ) and Forkhead box transcription factor O1 (FOXO-1) were involved in the Shp2 regulation of decidualization. In summary, these results demonstrate that Shp2 plays a crucial role in stromal decidualization by mediating and coordinating multiple signaling pathways in uterine stromal cells. Our discovery possibly provides a novel key regulator of embryo implantation and novel therapeutic target for pregnancy failure.
COVID-19 vaccine brand hesitancy and other challenges to vaccination in the Philippines
Authors: Amit Arianna Maever L. , Pepito Veincent Christian F. , Sumpaico-Tanchanco Lourdes , Dayrit Manuel M.
Published: January 2022

Effective and safe COVID-19 vaccines have been developed at a rapid and unprecedented pace to control the spread of the virus, and prevent hospitalisations and deaths. However, COVID-19 vaccine uptake is challenged by vaccine hesitancy and anti-vaccination sentiments, a global shortage of vaccine supply, and inequitable vaccine distribution especially among low- and middle-income countries including the Philippines. In this paper, we explored vaccination narratives and challenges experienced and observed by Filipinos during the early vaccination period. We interviewed 35 individuals from a subsample of 1,599 survey respondents 18 years and older in the Philippines. The interviews were conducted in Filipino, Cebuano, and/or English via online platforms such as Zoom or via phone call. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated, and analysed using inductive content analysis. To highlight the complex reasons for delaying and/or refusing COVID-19 vaccines, we embedded our findings within the social ecological model. Our analysis showed that individual perceptions play a major role in the decision to vaccinate. Such perceptions are shaped by exposure to (mis)information amplified by the media, the community, and the health system. Social networks may either positively or negatively impact vaccination uptake, depending on their views on vaccines. Political issues contribute to vaccine brand hesitancy, resulting in vaccination delays and refusals. Perceptions about the inefficiency and inflexibility of the system also create additional barriers to the vaccine rollout in the country, especially among vulnerable and marginalised groups. Recognising and addressing concerns at all levels are needed to improve COVID-19 vaccination uptake and reach. Strengthening health literacy is a critical tool to combat misinformation that undermines vaccine confidence. Vaccination systems must also consider the needs of marginalised and vulnerable groups to ensure their access to vaccines. In all these efforts to improve vaccine uptake, governments will need to engage with communities to ‘co-create’ solutions.
Effects of vaccination and non-pharmaceutical interventions and their lag times on the COVID-19 pandemic: Comparison of eight countries
Authors: Li Hao , Wang Luqi , Zhang Mengxi , Lu Yihan , Wang Weibing
Published: January 2022

Many countries implemented measures to control the COVID-19 pandemic, but the effects of these measures have varied greatly. We evaluated the effects of different policies, the prevalence of dominant variants (e.g., Delta), and vaccination on the characteristics of the COVID-19 pandemic in eight countries. We quantified the lag times of different non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) and vaccination using a distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM). We also tested whether these lag times were reasonable by analyzing changes in daily cases and the effective reproductive number (Rt)over time. Our results indicated that the response to vaccination in countries with continuous vaccination programs lagged by at least 40 days, and the lag time for a response to NPIs was at least 14 days. A rebound was most likely to occur during the 40 days after the first vaccine dose. We also found that the combination of school closure, workplace closure, restrictions on mass gatherings, and stay-at-home requirements were successful in containing the pandemic. Our results thus demonstrated that vaccination was effective, although some regions were adversely affected by new variants and low vaccination coverage. Importantly, relaxation of NPIs soon after implementation of a vaccination program may lead to a rebound.
Geographical accessibility to the supply of antiophidic sera in Brazil: Timely access possibilities
Authors: Oliveira Ricardo Antunes Dantas de , Silva Diego Ricardo Xavier , Silva Maurício Gonçalves e
Published: January 2022

Snakebite accidents are considered category A neglected tropical diseases. Brazil stands out for snakebite accidents, mainly in the Amazon region. The best possible care after snakebite accidents is to obtain antiophidic sera on time. And the maximum ideal time to reach it is about 2 hours after an accident. Based on public health information and using a tool to analyze geographical accessibility, we evaluate the possibility of reaching Brazilian serum-providing health facilities from the relationship between population distribution and commuting time. In this exploratory descriptive study, the geographic accessibility of Brazilian population to health facilities that supply antiophidic serum is evaluated through a methodology that articulates several issues that influence the commuting time to health units (ACCESSMOD): population and facilities’ distribution, transportation network and means, relief and land use, which were obtained in Brazilian and international sources. The relative importance of the population without the possibility of reaching a facility in two hours is highlighted for Macro-Regions, States and municipalities. About nine million people live in locations more than two hours away from serum-providing facilities, with relevant variations between regions, states, and municipalities. States like Mato Grosso, Pará and Maranhão had the most important participation of population with reaching time problems to those units. The most significant gaps are found in areas with a dispersed population and sometimes characterized by a high incidence of snakebites, such as in the North of the country, especially in the Northeastern Pará state. Even using a 2010 population distribution information, because of the 2020 Census postponement, the tendencies and characteristics analyzed reveal challenging situations over the country. The growing availability of serum-providing health facilities, the enhanced possibilities of transporting accident victims, and even the availability of sera in other types of establishments are actions that would allow expanding the possibilities of access to serum supply.
Effects of buprenorphine on model development in an adjuvant-induced monoarthritis rat model
Authors: Berke Mie S. , Fensholdt Louise K. D. , Hestehave Sara , Kalliokoski Otto , Abelson Klas S. P.
Published: January 2022

Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in rats is a common animal model for studying chronic inflammatory pain. However, modelling of the disease is associated with unnecessary pain and impaired animal wellbeing, particularly in the immediate post-induction phase. Few attempts have been made to counteract these adverse effects with analgesics. The present study investigated the effect of buprenorphine on animal welfare, pain-related behaviour and model-specific parameters during the disease progression in a rat model of CFA-induced monoarthritis. The aim was to reduce or eliminate unnecessary pain in this model, in order to improve animal welfare and to avoid suffering, without compromising the quality of the model. Twenty-four male Sprague Dawley rats were injected with 20 μl of CFA into the left tibio-tarsal joint to induce monoarthritis. Rats were treated with either buprenorphine or carprofen for 15 days during the disease development, and were compared to a saline-treated CFA-injected group or a negative control group. Measurements of welfare, pain-related behaviour and clinical model-specific parameters were collected. The study was terminated after 3 weeks, ending with a histopathologic analysis. Regardless of treatment, CFA-injected rats displayed mechanical hyperalgesia and developed severe histopathological changes associated with arthritis. However, no severe effects on general welfare were found at any time. Buprenorphine treatment reduced facial pain expression scores, improved mobility, stance and lameness scores and it did not supress the CFA-induced ankle swelling, contrary to carprofen. Although buprenorphine failed to demonstrate a robust analgesic effect on the mechanical hyperalgesia in this study, it did not interfere with the development of the intended pathology.
Inpatient COVID-19 mortality has reduced over time: Results from an observational cohort
Authors: Bechman Katie , Yates Mark , Mann Kirsty , Nagra Deepak , Smith Laura-Jane , Rutherford Andy I. , Patel Amit , Periselneris Jimstan , Walder David , Dobson Richard J. B. , Kraljevic Zeljko , Teo James H. T. , Bernal William , Barker Richard , Galloway James B. , Norton Sam
Published: January 2022

Background

The Covid-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom has seen two waves; the first starting in March 2020 and the second in late October 2020. It is not known whether outcomes for those admitted with severe Covid were different in the first and second waves.

Methods

The study population comprised all patients admitted to a 1,500-bed London Hospital Trust between March 2020 and March 2021, who tested positive for Covid-19 by PCR within 3-days of admissions. Primary outcome was death within 28-days of admission. Socio-demographics (age, sex, ethnicity), hypertension, diabetes, obesity, baseline physiological observations, CRP, neutrophil, chest x-ray abnormality, remdesivir and dexamethasone were incorporated as co-variates. Proportional subhazards models compared mortality risk between wave 1 and wave 2. Cox-proportional hazard model with propensity score adjustment were used to compare mortality in patients prescribed remdesivir and dexamethasone.

Results

There were 3,949 COVID-19 admissions, 3,195 hospital discharges and 733 deaths. There were notable differences in age, ethnicity, comorbidities, and admission disease severity between wave 1 and wave 2. Twenty-eight-day mortality was higher during wave 1 (26.1% versus 13.1%). Mortality risk adjusted for co-variates was significantly lower in wave 2 compared to wave 1 [adjSHR 0.49 (0.37, 0.65) p<0.001]. Analysis of treatment impact did not show statistically different effects of remdesivir [HR 0.84 (95%CI 0.65, 1.08), p = 0.17] or dexamethasone [HR 0.97 (95%CI 0.70, 1.35) p = 0.87].

Conclusion

There has been substantial improvements in COVID-19 mortality in the second wave, even accounting for demographics, comorbidity, and disease severity. Neither dexamethasone nor remdesivir appeared to be key explanatory factors, although there may be unmeasured confounding present.
The effect of personal relative deprivation on food choice: An experimental approach
Authors: van Rongen Sofie , Handgraaf Michel , Benoist Maaike , de Vet Emely
Published: January 2022

Growing evidence suggests that relative disadvantage is more relevant than absolute socioeconomic factors in explaining disparities in healthfulness of diet. In a series of pre-registered experiments, we tested whether personal relative deprivation (PRD), i.e. the sense that one is unfairly deprived of a deserved outcome relative to others, results in choosing more palatable, rewarding foods. Study 1 (N = 102) demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of a game for inducing real-time experiences of PRD. Study 2 (N = 287) showed no main effect of PRD condition on hypothetical food choices, but an interaction between chronic PRD and condition revealed that those in the PRD condition chose more rewarding foods when feeling chronically deprived. In Study 3 (N = 260) the hypothesized main effect was found on real, non-hypothetical food choices: those in the PRD condition chose more rewarding foods, controlling for sensitivity to palatable food. Our results provide preliminary indications that the experience of being relatively deprived, rather than the objective amount or resources, may result in a higher preference for high-caloric and palatable foods. It may be suggested that efforts to reduce societal disparities in healthfulness of diet may need to focus on perceptions of injustice beyond objective inequalities.
Effect of short-term hindlimb immobilization on skeletal muscle atrophy and the transcriptome in a low compared with high responder to endurance training model
Authors: Thompson Jamie-Lee M. , West Daniel W. D. , Doering Thomas M. , Budiono Boris P. , Lessard Sarah J. , Koch Lauren G. , Britton Steven L. , Byrne Nuala M. , Brown Matthew A. , Ashton Kevin J. , Coffey Vernon G.
Published: January 2022

Skeletal muscle atrophy is a physiological response to disuse, aging, and disease. We compared changes in muscle mass and the transcriptome profile after short-term immobilization in a divergent model of high and low responders to endurance training to identify biological processes associated with the early atrophy response. Female rats selectively bred for high response to endurance training (HRT) and low response to endurance training (LRT; n = 6/group; generation 19) underwent 3 day hindlimb cast immobilization to compare atrophy of plantaris and soleus muscles with line-matched controls (n = 6/group). RNA sequencing was utilized to identify Gene Ontology Biological Processes with differential gene set enrichment. Aerobic training performed prior to the intervention showed HRT improved running distance (+60.6 ± 29.6%), while LRT were unchanged (-0.3 ± 13.3%). Soleus atrophy was greater in LRT vs. HRT (-9.0 ±8.8 vs. 6.2 ±8.2%; P<0.05) and there was a similar trend in plantaris (-16.4 ±5.6% vs. -8.5 ±7.4%; P = 0.064). A total of 140 and 118 biological processes were differentially enriched in plantaris and soleus muscles, respectively. Soleus muscle exhibited divergent LRT and HRT responses in processes including autophagy and immune response. In plantaris, processes associated with protein ubiquitination, as well as the atrogenes (Trim63 and Fbxo32), were more positively enriched in LRT. Overall, LRT demonstrate exacerbated atrophy compared to HRT, associated with differential gene enrichments of biological processes. This indicates that genetic factors that result in divergent adaptations to endurance exercise, may also regulate biological processes associated with short-term muscle unloading.