bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chasing Papi
Authors: Hernández Robb
Published: March 2021

In the wake of COVID-19, virtual platforms of contact have reimagined trans-of-color knowledge and intimacy despite social distance. The “digital,” whether cybernetic or handcrafted, has long pervaded trans and queer-of-color artistic innovation and even informed their critical responses to the AIDS crisis. None have a better grasp of the virtuosity of virtual interfaces than mixed-media artist Olivero Rodriguez. Drawing on his literary and image-based art piece entitled The Papi Project (2010–18), this essay articulates how he works in tandem with speculation and archiving. The result is a life support system reviving dormant erotic networks and complex familial relations central to his reclusive late father, Peter. By chasing Papi, Rodriguez empowers an archival art strategy to visually reconcile a trans-of-color childhood and patrilineal relations with a virus. Furthermore, by contesting the way AIDS narratives eclipse children's perspectives on disease, Rodriguez's intervention has consequence for trans-of-color historical critique, breathing new life into an “epidemic child, not birthed but raised by AIDS.”
Pivotal Role of Heart for Orthostasis: Left Ventricular Untwisting Mechanics and Physical Fitness
Authors: Shibata Shigeki , Hirabuki Kazukuni , Hata Noritaka , Suzuki Rina , Suda Tomoya , Uechi Takahiro , Hirasawa Ai
Published: March 2021

Augmentation of left ventricular (LV) untwisting due to central hypovolemia is likely to be a compensatory mechanism for maintaining stroke volume, which is reduced by a decrease in cardiac filling during orthostatic stress. Orthostatic intolerance observed in both high and low fitness levels may be explained by the impaired response of LV untwisting due to central hypovolemia.
Insurance: a teaching aid for students of economic areas of preparation of a bachelor's degree
Authors: Zelenaya L.G. , Shirmanova G.S.
Published: March 2021

Учебно-методическое пособие по дисциплине «Страхование» предназначено для оказания методической помощи преподавателям, а также для обучения и самоконтроля студентов, изучающих курс «Страхование» в вузе по экономическим направлениям подготовки бакалавриата.
Theory of teaching and upbringing: a teaching aid for students of the direction of preparation of a bachelor's degree 44.03.01 Pedagogical education
Authors: Shcherbakova N.A.
Published: March 2021

Учебно-методическое пособие составлено по учебной дисциплине «Теория обучения и воспитания» для направления подготовки бакалавриата 44.03.01. «Педагогическое образование» в соответствии с требованиями ФГОС ВО. В пособии содержатся теоретическая информация, дано описание форм, приемов и методов организации учебной аудиторной и самостоятельной внеаудиторной деятельности студентов. Учебно-методическое пособие предназначено студентам заочной формы обучения, также может быть использовано для подготовки к занятиям студентами очной формы обучения и во время педагогической практики.
Una edición crítica del soneto “Voto a Dios” de Cervantes
Authors: Solís de los Santos José
Published: March 2021

In this paper a new text of Cervantes’s famous sonnet “Voto a Dios” is established, based on the recension of all the known copies of it. By the analysis of these variants, the article suggests an explanation of why this sonnet remained anonymous until well on into XVIIIth century and likewise it proposes a different interpretation of his own statement of authorship in Viaje del Parnaso IV 38: “Por honra principal de mis escritos”.
Dimensioning On-Demand Vehicle Sharing Systems
Authors: Benjaafar Saif , Wu Shining , Liu Hanlin , Gunnarsson Einar Bjarki
Published: March 2021

We consider the problem of optimal fleet sizing in a vehicle sharing system. Vehicles are available for short-term rental and are accessible from multiple locations. A vehicle rented at one location can be returned to any other location. The size of the fleet must account not only for the nominal load and for the randomness in demand and rental duration but also for the randomness in the number of vehicles that are available at each location because of vehicle roaming (vehicles not returning to the same location from which they were picked up). We model the dynamics of the system using a closed queueing network and obtain explicit and closed form lower and upper bounds on the optimal number of vehicles (the minimum number of vehicles needed to meet a target service level). Specifically, we show that starting with any pair of lower and upper bounds, we can always obtain another pair of lower and upper bounds with gaps between the lower and upper bounds that are independent of demand and bounded by a function that depends only on the prescribed service level. We show that the generated bounds are asymptotically exact under several regimes. We use features of the bounds to construct a simple and closed form approximation that we show to be always within the generated lower and upper bounds and is exact under the asymptotic regimes considered. Extensive numerical experiments show that the approximate and exact values are nearly indistinguishable for a wide range of parameter values. The approximation is highly interpretable with buffer capacity expressed in terms of three explicit terms that can be interpreted as follows: (1) standard buffer capacity that is protection against randomness in demand and rental times, (2) buffer capacity that is protection against vehicle roaming, and (3) a correction term. Our analysis reveals important differences between the optimal sizing of standard queueing systems (where servers always return to the same queue upon service completion) and that of systems where servers, upon service completion, randomly join any one of the queues in the system. We show that the additional capacity needed to buffer against vehicle roaming can be substantial even in systems with vanishingly small demand.

This paper was accepted by Baris Ata, stochastic models and simulation.
Anchored Differentiation: The Role of Temporal Distance in the Comparison and Evaluation of New Product Designs
Authors: Chan Tian Heong , Lee Yonghoon G. , Jung HeeJung
Published: March 2021

A new design can be compared with its contemporaries or older designs. In this study, we argue that the temporal distance between the new design and its comparison play an important role in understanding how a new design’s similarity with other designs contributes to its valuation. Construing the value of designs as a combination of their informational value and their expressive value, we propose the “anchored differentiation” hypothesis. Specifically, we argue that expressive value (which is enhanced by how much the new design appears different from others) is emphasized more than informational value (which is enhanced by how much the new design appears similar to others) compared with contemporary designs. Informational value, however, is emphasized more than expressive value when compared against designs from the past. Therefore, both difference from other contemporary designs (contemporary differentiation) and similarity to other past designs (past anchoring) help increase the value of a new design. We find consistent evidence for our theory across both a field study and an experimental study. Furthermore, we show that this is because temporal distance changes the relative emphasis on expressive and informational values. We discuss our contribution to the growing literature on optimal distinctiveness and design innovation by offering a dynamic perspective that helps resolve the tension between similarities and differences in evaluating new designs.
The Role of Mass Media in the Formation of Media Literacy of the Individual in the Context of Information Warfare
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Chernysh Oleg
Published: March 2021

The article defines the role of the media in the formation of media literacy of the individual in the context of information warfare on the basis of theoretical and empirical analysis. It is emphasized that information wars have a long history of development and have been known for a long period of human development. It is noted that the concept of “information warfare” became especially relevant in the second half of the twentieth century. This is due to the active development of scientific and technological progress and the beginning of a new information age of human development. Different interpretations of the concept of “information warfare” are analyzed in detail, the main world concepts of information wars are characterized, in particular: the American, British, French and German ones. The concepts of “media literacy” and “media education” are described. They consist in preparing the young generation for life in modern information conditions. Methods of forming media literacy are analyzed, in particular the activation of independent educational and cognitive activity of students, the formation of knowledge, skills and abilities to use information technologies and the ability to create a media educational platform.
Specificity of the Concepts «Media Literacy», «Media Competence» and «Media Education» in the Foreign Language Teachers Training
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Byndas Olena
Published: March 2021

The article summarizes information on the concepts «media education», «media literacy» and «media competence». The author emphasizes that foreign language teachers ought to be media literate, media competent, be able to use the means of media education, and teach students to create their own media space. Based on the analysis of scientific achievements of domestic and foreign researchers in the field of media education, the essential features of media literacy and media competence as important characteristics of the result of media education of pupils and students are revealed. It has been proven that foreign language teachers’ media competence is related to the development of skills of media immunity, reflection and critical thinking as psychological mechanisms of media literacy, which provide conscious consumption of media products based on effective media orientation, adequate evaluation of information in foreign languages. The relevance of the use of educational media products in the foreign language teachers’ professional activity is determined. The conditions for the formation of foreign language teachers’ media competence are revealed – the desire for self-improvement, clear internal motivation, the availability of relevant knowledge in the field of media education, involvement in practical activities to evaluate media texts and create one’s own media products.
Karl Popper’s Theory of Cognition and Education Problems
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Vakhovskyi Leonid
Published: March 2021

The article deals with the peculiarities of K. Popper’s theory of scientific knowledge, and shows the influence of the epistemological principles which were substantiated by the scientist on the approaches to the improvement of education and upbringing. The fundamental differences between the evolutionary epistemology of the outstanding philosopher and the traditional empirical and sensualistic theory of cognition, according to which knowledge flows into us from the outside through the senses, have been clarified. K. Popper argues that man is extremely active in acquiring knowledge, and information does not flow into him from the environment, but, on the contrary, man explores the environment and actively “sucks” information from it. The emphasis is placed on the fact that a person is not only active but also critical towards the information he receives. The results of K. Popper’s critical analysis of education and the shortcomings of the educational process in schools (inconsistency with innate human qualities, passivity of students in the learning process) are presented and the ways of overcoming them are suggested. The position of the philosopher on the peculiarities of state control over education, his idea of the goals of educational activities, the necessity to involve students in the construction of learning content, the change in the nature of relations between participants in the educational process, generalizations about the transformation of learning into solving problems, development of students’ critical thinking have been revealed.
Potential of the Application of Additive Manufacturing Technology in European SMEs
Authors: Rauch Erwin , Unterhofer Marco , Nakkiew Wasawat , Baisukhan Adirek , Matt Dominik T.
Published: March 2021

Production companies are forced to react quickly to increasing individualisation, a trend towards on-demand production and shorter delivery times. The key to deal with the new challenges is the ability to change to low volume production of customised artefacts. New manufacturing strategies and technologies are necessary to meet these specific requirements. The transition from traditional or centralised manufacturing systems to decentralised and distributed manufacturing systems shows a possible way to achieve local on-demand production and customisation of products. To enable economic low volume production, the implementation of additive manufacturing as manufacturing technology is becoming an interesting option for many manufacturing companies like small and medium-sized enterprises. In this work, the authors define key validation criteria for the assessment of the potential of additive manufacturing. Based on these criteria and the NACE classification of industrial sectors, the research team identifies potential industry sectors for additive manufacturing. Using statistical data from EUROSTAT database, the research team finally quantifies the potential of additive manufacturing in European SMEs.
Maturity Model Assessment of SMART Logistics for SMEs
Authors: Chaopaisarn Poti , Woschank Manuel
Published: March 2021

The objective of this study is to propose and operationalise a maturity model assessment of SMART logistics for SMEs. Under the current substantial changes in business practices, the concept of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) has amplified the complexity of the business eco-system, especially for SMEs. Several SMEs have attempted to cultivate the benefits of the technological advancement under the I4.0 concept; however, due to the increasing complexity of technological capabilities and development of adequate strategies, a rising concern of uncertainty hinders the adaptation of new management practices such as SMART logistics. The current paper intends to contribute to fill the scientific ‘gap’ with the question on how SMEs may assess their readiness in adapting the I4.0 and how they could plan their activities and operations to heighten firms’ competitive advantage through SMART logistics in the current business environment. Overall, the authors have identified six dimensions and assigned 18 items for assessing the maturity of I4.0 for SMEs. The model has been transformed into a practical tool that can be used to test the readiness of firms in a real business environment.
Optimizing Lot-Sizes and Scheduling in Terms of Mass Customization
Authors: Vladimir Modrak , Zuzana Soltysova , Pavol Semanco
Published: March 2021

The goal of mass customisation is to offer products tailored to the specific needs of the customers. Even though customers are aware that manufacturers need a certain time to produce and deliver customised products, the companies might guarantee that their products will arrive on time. Then, the objective of manufacturing managers is to minimise the total flow time of parts through the shop. One of the effective ways to reach this objective is to optimise schedules in order to satisfy the due date criterion, which plays a crucial role in the mass customisation environment. This paper, in the first part, outlines methodological tools to tackle the problem of shortening delivery times through scheduling and management of resources. In the second part of the paper, the proposed methodology framework through the theoretical example is applied.
The Application of Revenue Management in Chilled Storage Area Allocation: Simulation Study
Authors: Kasemset Chompoonoot , Pangsuta Tattayana , Boonmee Chawis
Published: March 2021

Resource planning in service industries is a difficult task and quite different from resource planning in manufacturing. Revenue management is one concept used in service industries when capacity and inventory are challenging to identify. In this study, the company case study provides chilled storage areas for customers. Different products are served and service charging is calculated based on the product’s weight and storing time. Currently, the target revenue cannot be achieved. This study presents the application of revenue management in chilled storage area allocation. From a previous study, there were four classes of products based on their importance level as A, B, C and D. Among all classes, the cost of under and overestimating demand was calculated for setting up the area allocation by following the concept of revenue management. Monte Carlo simulation was applied to simulate the existing and improved systems. The simulation results indicated that the average daily revenue could be improved when the storage area allocated to the lowest priority class (class D) was limited to be equal to the average daily demand of class D. Applying the proposed policy can help in increasing yearly revenue by approximately 73,638.75 Thai Baht. Finally, the implementation of the proposed procedure was discussed under the concept of Logistics 4.0.
Evaluation of The Physicochemical, Sensorial and Antioxidant Properties of Functional Ale Beer Brewed with Rice and Fruit by-Products
Authors: Sriwichai Wichien , Detchewa Pakkawat , Prasajak Patcharee
Published: March 2021

Functional beer brewed with a high bioactive compound ingredients is beneficial to prevent many diseases. Rice and fruit by-products are rich in bioactive compounds and have a potential for functional beer production. The aim of the present work was to assess the physicochemical, nutritional and sensorial properties of the beer brewed with rice and fruit by-products. The five formulas of beer investigated were the dried malt extract, Phitsanulok paddy rice powder, riceberry powder, banana peel and coffee pulp. The ratio of the dried malt extract and the other alternative ingredients was 80:20. The contents in reducing sugar, total phenolic compounds, flavonoid, chlorogenic acid, caffeine and dietary fiber were evaluated. The correlations between the physicochemical, sensorial, antioxidant properties and acceptability of beers were assessed by the Principal Component Analysis. The results showed that beers were differed in color density and have a low alcohol content. Among beer formula, beers brewed with coffee pulp was the richest in total phenolic and beers brewed with banana peel was the richest in flavonoid content (278.82 mg gallic acid equivalent/ L beer and 69.18 mg catechin equivalent/ L respectively). The antioxidant capacity was the highest in banana peel beer formula (76.64%). The Principal Component Analysis revealed that beers brewed with the two varieties of rice powder formula were in the same group of beer control (dried malt extract formula). These beers were characterized by a high note of appreciation from consumer. Whereas, a high correlation between the antioxidant capacity and total polyphenolic, flavonoid content was observed in beer fruit by-products formulas. The incorporation of two varieties of rice powder or fruit by-products was feasible in brewing process to produce a functional ale beer appreciated by customer and having a noticeable antioxidant capacity.
Trans- Free Fat Spread Produced from Rice Bran Oil and Rice Bran Oil Shortening Blends
Authors: Santiwattana Pravit , Siramard Sirirak
Published: March 2021

The objective of this study was to produce trans-free fat spread from rice bran oil and rice bran oil shortening blends to replace partially hydrogenated fats which contain high levels of trans fatty acids. The W/O emulsion of rice bran oil spread was prepared from blending of rice bran oil and rice bran oil shortening with the mass ratio of 40: 60 using PGPR as an emulsifier. Physicochemical properties, fatty acid compositions, thermal behaviors, micronutrients, sensory attributes and oxidative stability of rice bran oil spread were investigated and compared with commercial spread products. Results showed that physicochemical properties of the rice bran oil spread were similar to the commercial spread (B2). Trans fatty acids contents of the rice bran oil spread (0.2% TFAs) were much lower than the commercial spread (F2) produced from partially hydrogenated fat (4.9% TFAs). Thermal behaviors and SFC profile indicated good physical properties and spreadability of the rice bran oil spread which were comparable to the commercial spreads. Micronutrients in the rice bran oil spread were greater than those of commercial spread products. The rice bran oil spread had the highest overall preference scores compared to the two commercial fat spreads. In addition, the rice bran oil spread exhibited high oxidative stability. This study demonstrated that rice bran oil and rice bran oil shortening blends can be used as an alternative source of partially and fully hydrogenated fats as well as tropical oils to produce trans-free fat spreads with desirable properties.
Effect of Processing Steps on Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activities of High Anthocyanin Mulberry Fruit Powder
Authors: Punthi Fuangfah , Jomduang Somchai
Published: March 2021

The objective of this research was to determine the amounts of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities in each processing step in the production of high anthocyanin powder (HAP) from mulberry fruits to investigate suitable processing methods. For fresh mulberry fruits derived of Chiang Mai varieties, both in-season and off-season fruits had similar amounts of total anthocyanin content (TAC) and total phenolic compounds (TPC). In-season mulberry fruits had the highest potential to be used as a raw material for further study because of high antioxidant activities, large fruit size, and high productivity. Two methods of HAP production were tested. The first method used whole fruit drying with different drying methods included hot air drying (HAD), vacuum drying (VD), and freeze drying (FD). Hot air drying at 50, 60 and 70°C showed a decreased concentration of anthocyanins, which were 60% lower than that of fresh fruits. Vacuum drying at 55 and 75°C could provide high anthocyanin content and was similar to freeze drying, which had 87–97% anthocyanin retention. Vacuum drying at 75°C was most suitable for HAP production because of the short drying time (22.3 ± 0.4 hours), high anthocyanin retention (87.21%), high phenolic compound content, and high antioxidant activities. The second method used fermented and concentrated mulberry juice. This process used the following steps: yeast fermentation to decrease the sugar content, filtration to get rid of solid parts, evaporation to concentrate the solution, drying with different drying methods (vacuum drying and freeze drying), and crushing to powder. Throughout fermentation, filtration, and evaporation, high phenolic compound content and antioxidant activities were observed and 77.29% of anthocyanins were retained. However, these values decreased dramatically after the drying step. Therefore, drying the concentrated solution was not effective for HAP production. Of the processing methods tested, directly drying whole mulberry fruits with VD at 75°C was most suitable for HAP production. This method provided 13.06% ± 0.35 production yield of HAP, contained 13.51±0.08 mg/g DW of total anthocyanins, and 27.47 ± 0.50 mg GAE/g DW of total phenolic compounds. Additionally, the antioxidant activities by DPPH, TRAP, and TEAC assays were 2.91 ± 0.19, 16.22 ± 0.31, and 22.34 ± 0.29 mmol GAE/g DW, respectively.
Effect of Sacha Inchi Pressed-Cake (Plukenetia volubilis L.) on the Physical, Chemical and Sensory Properties of Tuiles
Authors: Rungrot Kultida , Hudthagosol Chatrapa , Sanporkha Promluck
Published: March 2021

The objective of this research was to study the effect of sacha inchi pressed-cake (SPC) on the physical, chemical and sensory properties of tuiles. The addition of SPC in tuiles can increase the nutritive value in terms of protein and antioxidant efficiency. The ratios of SPC to wheat flour varied from 50:50, 60:40 and 70:30 by weight. The color, textural properties and antioxidant activities of tuiles were determined. The sensory evaluation was conducted by 30 elderly with age between 60 to 70 years. Results showed that the moisture, protein and fat contents of the tuiles with sacha inchi pressed-cake (TSPC) significantly increased with increasing level of SPC. The color values (L*and b*) of tuiles also significantly decreased (P ≤0.05), while a* value significantly increased (P ≤0.05) when increasing SPC content. The textural properties showed that increased level of SPC resulted in increase of hardness and crispness of TSPC (P ≤0.05). Tuile with 50% SPC showed the highest sensory quality attributes of liking and JAR. In conclusion, the total phenolic content and antioxidant activities by DPPH, FRAP and ORAC assay of TSPC at the ratio of SPC to wheat flour of 50:50 were higher than tuile without SPC.
Violence against women in India: an integrative review
Authors: Kumar Sonali , Schmuhl Margaret A.
Published: March 2021

Violence against women (VAW) is a prevalent social problem within and outside of the home. This is particularly the case for women living in societies that promote patriarchal ideologies, such as India. Using content analysis and an integrative review approach, this study focuses on the following goals: 1) to examine the state and nature of the recent research available on VAW in India, 2) to understand the significant predictors and outcomes of such violence, 3) to synthesise and document the policy and prevention recommendations by scholars, and 4) analyse the barriers that justify or promote such behaviour and stall prevention efforts. The study criteria include articles published between 2014 and 2018, in English, those articles that have undergone original research in peer-reviewed journals and focused on VAW in India. A total of 49 studies were included and the results indicate that much of the research is quantitative in nature, demographic and familial factors were often identified as predictors of VAW in India, and VAW was often related to health-related outcomes. Further, various policy recommendations and barriers were identified by scholars examining VAW in India.
Emotionalising national security, depoliticising the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Authors: Sa’ar Amalia , Aharoni Sarai B. , Lewin Alisa
Published: March 2021

This study explores the growing presence of emotional terminology within Israeli popular discourses on national security, as reflected in the daily talk of Israelis living on the border with the Gaza Strip. It is based on ethnography conducted in 2016–18 as part of a multi-site, multidisciplinary study on articulations of security in frontier communities. Findings reveal that the grassroots discourse of national security is saturated with emotional language, and that this, in turn, is interlaced with relationships terminology. Residents report high levels of insecurity (fear, trauma, and constant disquiet), alongside pride in their families’ and communities’ strong care and solidarity, which they perceive as a great source of resilience. Parenthetically, the state and the military, too, are made concrete through relational emotions. We argue that the language of emotional-relationality frames national security and resilience as mental dispositions, and that this subsequently renders the robust power apparatuses that maintain their semi-transparency.

The analysis dwells on the political implications of the phenomenon. We note an association between residents’ preoccupations with the conflict’s emotional effects on their lives and their consistent avoidance from criticising the state’s policies regarding its management or potential transformation. This transposition of the political with the emotional, we argue, offers a distinct insight into Israelis’ familiar tendency to avoid criticising Israel’s aggressions against the Palestinians: the embeddedness of national security in emotional relationships implicitly constructs political criticism as betrayal of intimate relations.
Optics-on-a-chip for ultrafast manipulation of 350-MHz hard x-ray pulses
Authors: Chen Pice , Jung Il Woong , Walko Donald A. , Li Zhilong , Gao Ya , Mooney Tim , Shenoy Gopal K. , Lopez Daniel , Wang Jin
Published: March 2021

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are miniature devices integrated into a vast range of industrial and consumer applications. Optical MEMS are developed for dynamic spatiotemporal control in lightwave manipulation and communication as modulators, switches, multiplexers, spectrometer, etc. However, they have not been shown to function similarly in sub-nm wavelength regimes, namely, with hard x-rays, as high-brilliance pulsed x-rays have proven powerful for addressing challenges in time-domain science, from energy conversion to neurobiological control. While desirable temporal properties of x-ray pulses can be enhanced by optics, conventional x-ray optics are inherently massive in size, hence, never dynamic. We demonstrate highly ultrafast x-ray optics-on-a-chip based on MEMS capable of modulating hard x-ray pulses exceeding 350 MHz, 103× higher than any other mechanical modulator, with a pulse purity >106 without compromising the spectral brilliance. Moreover, the timing characteristics of the devices can be tuned on-the-fly to deliver optimal pulse properties to create a host of dynamic x-ray instruments and applications, impossible with traditional optics of 109× bulkier and more massive. The advent of the ultrafast optics-on-a-chip heralds a new paradigm of x-ray photonics, time-domain science, and accelerator diagnostics, especially at not only the future-generation light sources that offer coherent and high-frequency pulses but also lab-based facilities that normally do not offer timing structures.
Collective predator evasion: Putting the criticality hypothesis to the test
Authors: Klamser Pascal P. , Romanczuk Pawel
Published: March 2021

According to thecriticality hypothesis, collective biological systems should operate in a special parameter region, close to so-called critical points, where the collective behavior undergoes a qualitative change between different dynamical regimes. Critical systems exhibit unique properties, which may benefit collective information processing such as maximal responsiveness to external stimuli. Besides neuronal and gene-regulatory networks, recent empirical data suggests that also animal collectives may be examples of self-organized critical systems. However, open questions about self-organization mechanisms in animal groups remain: Evolutionary adaptation towards a group-level optimum (group-level selection), implicitly assumed in the “criticality hypothesis”, appears in general not reasonable for fission-fusion groups composed of non-related individuals. Furthermore, previous theoretical work relies on non-spatial models, which ignore potentially important self-organization and spatial sorting effects. Using a generic, spatially-explicit model of schooling prey being attacked by a predator, we show first that schools operating at criticality perform best. However, this is not due to optimal response of the prey to the predator, as suggested by the “criticality hypothesis”, but rather due to the spatial structure of the prey school at criticality. Secondly, by investigating individual-level evolution, we show that strong spatial self-sorting effects at the critical point lead to strong selection gradients, and make it an evolutionary unstable state. Our results demonstrate the decisive role of spatio-temporal phenomena in collective behavior, and that individual-level selection is in general not a viable mechanism for self-tuning of unrelated animal groups towards criticality.
Microbial population shift and metabolic characterization of silver diamine fluoride treatment failure on dental caries
Authors: Paul Bidisha , Sierra Maria A. , Xu Fangxi , Crystal Yasmi O. , Li Xin , Saxena Deepak , Ruff Ryan Richard
Published: March 2021

The objective of this pilot study was to describe the microbial profiles present in the plaque and saliva of children who continued to develop new carious lesions following treatment with silver diamine fluoride (“nonresponders”) compared to caries active, caries-free, and children immediately receiving SDF treatment for untreated caries in order to identify potential microbial differences that may relate to a re-incidence of caries. Saliva and plaque samples from infected and contralateral sites were obtained from twenty children who were either caries free, had active carious lesions, were caries active and received SDF treatment immediately before sampling, or had previously received SDF treatment and developed new caries. In total, 8,057,899 Illumina-generated sequence reads from 60 samples were obtained. Reads were processed using the Quantitative Insights Into Microbial Ecology pipeline. Group differences were assessed using Analysis of Variance Models and Tukey Honest Significant Differences. To identify significant taxa between treatment groups, Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LefSe) and Analysis of Differential Abundance Taking Sample Variation Into Account were used. Differential abundant analysis indicated that members of the Lachnospiraceae family were significantly enriched in non-responders and the genus Tannerella and species Granulicatella adiances were also highly abundant in this group. LefSe analysis between non-responders and SDF-treated groups revealed that genera Leptotrichia and Granulicatella were enriched in non-responders. We observed the highest abundance of phosphotransferase system and lowest abundance of lipopolysaccharide synthesis in non-responders. The microbiome in dental biofilms is responsible for initiation and progression of dental caries. SDF has been shown to be effective in arresting the progression carious lesions, in part due to its antimicrobial properties. Findings suggest that the differential abundance of select microbiota and specific pathway functioning in individuals that present with recurrent decay after SDF treatment may contribute to a potential failure of silver diamine fluoride to arrest dental caries. However, the short duration of sample collection following SDF application and the small sample size emphasize the need for further data and additional analysis.
Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived three-dimensional cardiomyocyte tissues ameliorate the rat ischemic myocardium by remodeling the extracellular matrix and cardiac protein phenotype
Authors: Yokoyama Junya , Miyagawa Shigeru , Akagi Takami , Akashi Mitsuru , Sawa Yoshiki
Published: March 2021

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a key role in the viability and survival of implanted human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). We hypothesized that coating of three-dimensional (3D) cardiac tissue-derived hiPSC-CMs with the ECM protein fibronectin (FN) would improve the survival of transplanted cells in the heart and improve heart function in a rat model of ischemic heart failure. To test this hypothesis, we first explored the tolerance of FN-coated hiPSC-CMs to hypoxia in an in vitro study. For in vivo assessments, we constructed 3D-hiPSC cardiac tissues (3D-hiPSC-CTs) using a layer-by-layer technique, and then the cells were implanted in the hearts of a myocardial infarction rat model (3D-hiPSC-CTs, n = 10; sham surgery control group (without implant), n = 10). Heart function and histology were analyzed 4 weeks after transplantation. In the in vitro assessment, cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase assays showed that FN-coated hiPSC-CMs had improved tolerance to hypoxia compared with the control cells. In vivo, the left ventricular ejection fraction of hearts implanted with 3D-hiPSC-CT was significantly better than that of the sham control hearts. Histological analysis showed clear expression of collagen type IV and plasma membrane markers such as desmin and dystrophin in vivo after implantation of 3D-hiPSC-CT, which were not detected in 3D-hiPSC-CMs in vitro. Overall, these results indicated that FN-coated 3D-hiPSC-CT could improve distressed heart function in a rat myocardial infarction model with a well-expressed cytoskeletal or basement membrane matrix. Therefore, FN-coated 3D-hiPSC-CT may serve as a promising replacement for heart transplantation and left ventricular assist devices and has the potential to improve survivability and therapeutic efficacy in cases of ischemic heart disease.
The effect of capsule tension ring on posterior capsule opacification: A meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Kaikai , Dong Yuchen , Zhao Meisheng , Nie Lili , Ding Xinfen , Zhu Chao
Published: March 2021

Background

Posterior capsule opacification is one of the most common complications after cataract surgery. Studies have suggested that the introduction of a capsule tension ring might play a critical role in the prevention of capsule opacification, yet quantitative evidence is still lacking. This work consists of a meta-analysis on available data in order to explore the influence of a capsule tension ring on posterior capsule opacification.

Methods

A comprehensive review of the literature on capsule tension ring and posterior capsule opacification was carried out using the Embase, Pubmed, Web of Science, and Cochrane electronic databases. The selected studies included randomized controlled trials, retrospective studies and prospective studies published before June 2020. The studies of interest were selected by two reviewers independently from the included studies. Odds ratios (ORs) and standardized mean differences (SMD) were used in order to assess the association. A fixed-effects model or a random-effects model was applied to combine data according to heterogeneities. Sensitivity analysis was used to assess the heterogeneity of the studies. Publication bias was estimated using the Egger test. Statistical analysis was performed using the stata15.1 software.

Results

The meta-analysis included in total 8 studies involving 379 cases and 333 controls. There was a statistically significant difference of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy rate (OR=0.241, 95% CI: 0.145, 0.400 I2=42.1%) between the capsule tension ring group and the control group, indicating that the tension ring reduced the Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy rate. Further studies with continuous data also revealed that the use of capsule tension ring was associated with a lower posterior capsule opacification score (SMD = -1.402, 95% CI: -2.448, -0.355 I2=95.0%). The sensitivity analysis suggested that the result of the re-combined analysis did not change notably, indicating that the result was reliable and stable. Both pooled analysis showed no evidence of publication bias.

Conclusion

The findings of this meta-analysis confirmed that capsule tension ring might reduce capsule opacification. Further studies should be made to validate the result.
A national COVID-19 quarantine survey and its impact on the Italian sports community: Implications and recommendations
Authors: Fiorilli Giovanni , Grazioli Elisa , Buonsenso Andrea , Di Martino Giulia , Despina Tsopani , Calcagno Giuseppe , di Cagno Alessandra
Published: March 2021

The outbreak of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) created an international public health emergency, challenging the psychological resilience of the general population. Regarding this matter, a web-based survey was performed. Data were collected from the following 1,668 self-selected volunteers: 800 athletes (28.30 ± 10.93 years old); 558 coaches (36.91 ± 11.93 years old); and 310 sports managers (42.07 ± 13.38 years old). To assess the level of psychological stress, an Impact of the Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) questionnaire was used. The results indicated that 34.4% of the participants who were interviewed were affected by subjective distress while 26.4% rated their psychological impact from the sports activity interruption as severe. Separated one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests showed significant differences in the IES-R total score (TS), indicating that the level of stress in terms of gender revealed that women were more stressed than men (p = 0.000), for “sports roles” in which the manager and coaches were more stressed than the athletes (p < 0.05), and “type of sport” in which fitness and individual athletes were more stressed than team athletes (p < 0.01). The middle-level athletes showed significantly more hyperarousal levels than high-level athletes (p = 0.012). The results of this survey may raise awareness of this problem and help athletic associations to have appropriate guidelines in order to better sustain their memberships and organize an optimal resumption of their sports activities. Along these lines, social interactions, which are typical of team sports, are crucial to warrant resilience and psychological health. The athletes by managing independently the new rules and measures, thanks to a clear communication, could improve their adaptive stress reaction.
Ischemic stroke in PAR1 KO mice: Decreased brain plasmin and thrombin activity along with decreased infarct volume
Authors: Shavit-Stein Efrat , Mindel Ekaterina , Gofrit Shany Guly , Chapman Joab , Maggio Nicola
Published: March 2021

Background

Ischemic stroke is a common and debilitating disease with limited treatment options. Protease activated receptor 1 (PAR1) is a fundamental cell signaling mediator in the central nervous system (CNS). It can be activated by many proteases including thrombin and plasmin, with various down-stream effects, following brain ischemia.

Methods

A permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (PMCAo) model was used in PAR1 KO and WT C57BL/6J male mice. Mice were evaluated for neurological deficits (neurological severity score, NSS), infarct volume (Tetrazolium Chloride, TTC), and for plasmin and thrombin activity in brain slices.

Results

Significantly low levels of plasmin and thrombin activities were found in PAR1 KO compared to WT (1.6±0.4 vs. 3.2±0.6 ng/μl, p<0.05 and 17.2±1.0 vs. 21.2±1.0 mu/ml, p<0.01, respectively) along with a decreased infarct volume (178.9±14.3, 134.4±13.3 mm3, p<0.05).

Conclusions

PAR1 KO mice have smaller infarcts, with lower thrombin and plasmin activity levels. These findings may suggest that modulation of PAR1 is a potential target for future pharmacological treatment of ischemic stroke.
Evaluating the effect of stand properties and site conditions on the forest reflectance from Sentinel-2 time series
Authors: Grabska Ewa , Socha Jarosław
Published: March 2021

Forest stand reflectance at the canopy level results from various factors, such as vegetation chemical properties, leaf morphology, canopy structure, and tree sizes. These factors are dependent on the species, age, and health statuses of trees, as well as the site conditions. Sentinel-2 imagery with the high spatial, spectral, and temporal resolution, has enabled analysis of the relationships between vegetation properties and their spectral responses at large spatial scales. A comprehensive study of these relationships is needed to understand the drivers of vegetation spectral patterns and is essential from the point of view of remote sensing data interpretation. Our study aimed to quantify the site and forest parameters affecting forest stands reflectance. The analysis was conducted for common beech-, silver fir- and Scots pine-dominated stands in a mountainous area of the Polish Carpathians. The effect of stands and site properties on reflectance in different parts of the growing season was captured using the dense time series provided by Sentinel-2 from 2018–2019. The results indicate that the reflectance of common beech stands is mainly influenced by elevation, particularly during spring and autumn. Other factors influencing beech stand reflectance include the share of the broadleaved understory, aspect, and, during summer, the age of stands. The reflectance of coniferous species, i.e., Scots pine and silver fir, is mainly influenced by the age and stand properties, namely the crown closure and stand density. The age is a primary driver for silver fir stands reflectance changes, while the stand properties have a large impact on Scots pine stands reflectance. Also, the understory influences Scots pine stands reflectance, while there appears to be no impact on silver fir stands. The influence of the abovementioned factors is highly diverse, depending on the used band and time of the season.
Prediction of cycloplegic refraction for noninvasive screening of children for refractive error
Authors: Magome Kazuyoshi , Morishige Naoyuki , Ueno Akifumi , Matsui Taka-Aki , Uchio Eiichi
Published: March 2021

Detection of refractive error in children is crucial to avoid amblyopia and its impact on quality of life. We here performed a retrospective study in order to develop prediction models for spherical and cylinder refraction in children. The enrolled 1221 eyes of 617 children were divided into three groups: the development group (710 eyes of 359 children), the validation group (385 eyes of 194 children), and the comparison group (126 eyes of 64 children). We determined noncycloplegic and cycloplegic refraction values by autorefractometry. In addition, several noncycloplegic parameters were assessed with the use of ocular biometry. On the basis of the information obtained from the development group, we developed prediction models for cycloplegic spherical and cylinder refraction in children with the use of stepwise multiple regression analysis. The prediction formulas were validated by their application to the validation group. The similarity of noncycloplegic and predicted refraction to cycloplegic refraction in individual eyes was evaluated in the comparison group. Application of the developed prediction models for spherical and cylinder refraction to the validation group revealed that predicted refraction was significantly correlated with measured values for cycloplegic spherical refraction (R = 0.961, P < 0.001) or cylinder refraction (R = 0.894, P < 0.001). Comparison of noncycloplegic, cycloplegic, and predicted refraction in the comparison group revealed that cycloplegic spherical refraction did not differ significantly from predicted refraction but was significantly different from noncycloplegic refraction, whereas cycloplegic cylinder refraction did not differ significantly from predicted or noncycloplegic values. Our prediction models based on ocular biometry provide estimates of refraction in children similar to measured cycloplegic spherical and cylinder refraction values without the application of cycloplegic eyedrops.