bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneity of borderline personality disorder symptoms in help-seeking adolescents
Authors: Cavelti Marialuisa , Lerch Stefan , Ghinea Denisa , Fischer-Waldschmidt Gloria , Resch Franz , Koenig Julian , Kaess Michael
Published: March 2021

Background

The heterogeneous presentation of borderline personality disorder (BPD) represents a clinical challenge. There is an ongoing scientific debate whether the heterogeneity can best be understood in terms of qualitative (categorical) or quantitative (dimensional) differences between individuals. The present study examined the latent structure of BPD in adolescents.

Methods

Five-hundred and six outpatients aged 12 to 17 years with risk-taking and/or self-harming behavior were assessed at baseline and one-year follow-up. Latent class analysis (corresponding with the categorical approach), factor analysis (corresponding with the dimensional approach), and factor mixture models (allowing for both categorical and dimensional aspects) were applied to the DSM-IV BPD criteria.

Results

The best fitting model distinguished between a majority class with high probabilities for all BPD criteria (“borderline group”) and a minority class with high probabilities for the impulsivity and anger criteria only (“impulsive group”). Sex significantly affected latent class membership, and both a latent factor and age explained within-class variability. The borderline group primarily consisted of females, frequently reported adverse childhood experiences, scored high on the emotion dysregulation and inhibitedness personality traits, and was associated with internalizing psychopathology. In contrast, the impulsive group primarily consisted of males, scored high on the dissocial behavior personality trait, and was associated with externalizing psychopathology. After one year, the two groups showed similar clinical improvement.

Conclusions

The study provides evidence for two distinct subgroups of adolescents with BPD features that resemble the subtypes of the ICD-10 emotionally unstable personality disorder. More research is needed to further investigate the diagnostic stability of the two groups over time and potential differential treatment indications.
Long transmaxillary implants improve oral health-related quality of life of patients with atrophic jaws-a case series
Authors: Kopp Gino , Zielak João Cezar , Weiss Suyany Gabriely , Kopp Fernanda , Deliberador Tatiana Miranda
Published: March 2021

Background

The advancement of contemporary dentistry is related to the improvement of existing techniques, materials, and technology, consistently for improving people’s oral health, which can ultimately reflect better quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients with atrophic jaws, who reported for the placement of long transmaxillary implants and posterior prosthetic rehabilitation. Twelve patients (n= 12), of both sexes, with a mean age of 55.83 ± 2.78 years, who were unable to receive conventional implants immediately because of lack of bone, received two long transmaxillary implants in a horizontal position, anteroposteriorly, one on each side, from the canine pillar to the maxillary tuberosity. After 6 months, the conventional clinical sequence for fabricating a fixed prosthesis type protocol or removable prosthesis type overdenture (MK1® system) was performed, when required to recover the lip volume. TheOral Health Impact Profilequestionnaire (OHIP-14) was applied preoperatively and 6 months after rehabilitation using a prosthesis on the implants. The results were statistically analyzed using a significance level of 0.05.

Results

An improvement in the perception of OHRQoL was observed between the pre- and postoperative periods in the OHIP-14 total score and the domains related to functional limitation, physical pain, psychological discomfort, psychological disability, social disability, and handicap (p< 0.05).

Conclusion

It may be concluded that transmaxillary implant rehabilitation improves theOHRQoL.
Efficacy and safety of nebivolol in Korean patients with hypertension by age and sex: a subanalysis from the BENEFIT-KOREA study
Authors: Cho Kyoung Im , Jeon Dong Woon , Ahn Hyo Seung , Jin Dong Kyu , Lee Hyun Sang , Lee Jong-Young , Lim Hong-Seok , Manolis Athanasios J. , Rha Seung-Woon , Park Sang Won
Published: March 2021

Background

BENEFIT-KOREA (BEnefits after 24 weeks of NEbivolol administration For essential hypertensIon patients wiTh various comorbidities and treatment environments in Korea) study, an observational study in South Korea, demonstrated the efficacy and safety of nebivolol in Asian patients with essential hypertension with and without comorbidities in real-world settings. We present a subanalysis of the efficacy and safety of nebivolol across age and sex in the BENEFIT-KOREA cohort.

Methods

Adult South Korean patients with essential hypertension participated in the prospective, single-arm, open, observational BENEFIT-KOREA study; 3011 patients received nebivolol as monotherapy or add-on therapy. Changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and pulse rate at 12 and 24 weeks were evaluated. Participants were divided into three age groups—young males and females: < 50 years; middle-aged males and females: ≥50 years to < 70 years; and older males and females: ≥70 years.

Results

The mean age of study participants was 63.5 ± 12.9 years; majority were between 50 and 69 years of age and 40.4% were females. A significant decrease was observed in mean SBP, DBP, and pulse rate from baseline at 12 and 24 weeks in males and females across all age groups analyzed (all P < 0.001 vs. baseline), with no significant difference in mean reduction in SBP and DBP from baseline between sex within the age groups. Majority of reported adverse events were mild. The incidence of adverse events was lower in young participants versus middle-aged and older participants.

Conclusions

Our subanalysis from the real-world BENEFIT-KOREA study in Asian patients with essential hypertension demonstrated the efficacy and safety of once-daily nebivolol across age groups with no between-sex differences.

Trial registration

Name of the registry: clinicaltrials.gov. Trial registration number: NCT03847350. Date of registration: February 20, 2019 retrospectively registered.
Vertical traction for lumbar radiculopathy: a systematic review
Authors: Vanti Carla , Turone Luca , Panizzolo Alice , Guccione Andrew A. , Bertozzi Lucia , Pillastrini Paolo
Published: March 2021

Background

Only low-quality evidence is currently available to support the effectiveness of different traction modalities in the treatment of lumbar radiculopathy (LR). Yet, traction is still very commonly used in clinical practice. Some authors have suggested that the subgroup of patients presenting signs and symptoms of nerve root compression and unresponsive to movements centralizing symptoms may benefit from lumbar traction. The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of vertical traction (VT) on pain and activity limitation in patients affected by LR.

Methods

We searched the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, ISI Web of Science and PEDro from their inception to March 31, 2019 to retrieve RCTs on adults with LR using VT to reduce pain and activity limitation. We considered only trials reporting complete data on outcomes. Two reviewers selected the studies, extracted the results, and performed the quality assessment using the Risk of Bias and GRADE tools.

Results

Three studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis was not possible due to the heterogeneity of the included studies. We found very low quality evidence for a large effect of VT added to bed rest when compared to bed rest alone (g = − 1.01; 95% CI = -2.00 to − 0.02). Similarly, VT added to medication may have a large effect on pain relief when compared to medication alone (g = − 1.13; 95% CI = -1.72 to − 0.54, low quality evidence). Effects of VT added to physical therapy on pain relief were very small when compared to physical therapy without VT (g = − 0.14; 95% CI = -1.03 to 0.76, low quality evidence). All reported effects concerned short-term effect up to 3 months post-intervention.

Conclusions

With respect to short-term effects, VT may have a positive effect on pain relief if added to medication or bed rest. Long-term effects of VT are currently unknown. Future higher quality research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change these conclusions.
Group decisions based on confidence weighted majority voting
Authors: Meyen Sascha , Sigg Dorothee M. B. , Luxburg Ulrike von , Franz Volker H.
Published: March 2021

Background

It has repeatedly been reported that, when making decisions under uncertainty, groups outperform individuals. Real groups are often replaced by simulated groups: Instead of performing an actual group discussion, individual responses are aggregated by a numerical computation. While studies have typically used unweighted majority voting (MV) for this aggregation, the theoretically optimal method is confidence weighted majority voting (CWMV)—if independent and accurate confidence ratings from the individual group members are available. To determine which simulations (MV vs. CWMV) reflect real group processes better, we applied formal cognitive modeling and compared simulated group responses to real group responses.

Results

Simulated group decisions based on CWMV matched the accuracy of real group decisions, while simulated group decisions based on MV showed lower accuracy. CWMV predicted the confidence that groups put into their group decisions well. However, real groups treated individual votes to some extent more equally weighted than suggested by CWMV. Additionally, real groups tend to put lower confidence into their decisions compared to CWMV simulations.

Conclusion

Our results highlight the importance of taking individual confidences into account when simulating group decisions: We found that real groups can aggregate individual confidences in a way that matches statistical aggregations given by CWMV to some extent. This implies that research using simulated group decisions should use CWMV instead of MV as a benchmark to compare real groups to.
A novel mutation in MTM1 gene in newborn, resulting in centronuclear myopathy phenotype: a case report
Authors: Dudzik Aleksandra , Nedza Weronika , Końska Katarzyna , Starzec Katarzyna , Tomasik Tomasz , Grudzień Andrzej , Jagła Mateusz , Durlak Wojciech , Kwinta Przemko
Published: March 2021

Background

The X-linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM) is a rare congenital disease. Its main symptoms are hypotonia, dysmorphic facial features, respiratory failure, and feeding disorder.

Case presentation

This study reports on a male patient from Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, who presented symptoms of congenital myopathy. After eliminating many other possible causes, he was eventually proven to bear a c.197C>G, p.(Thr66Arg) MTM1 mutation, a variant of uncertain significance, never described in the literature before. Family of the patient underwent the same genetic tests that proved the mother to be the carrier of mutation.

Conclusion

The article is a first report on abovementioned, newly discovered mutation in MTM1 gene, with high probability leading to the centronuclear myopathy phenotype. It also summarizes the diagnostic process and current state of knowledge about the therapy and prognosis for children with XLMTM. The authors hope that the findings will contribute to the diagnostic process of subsequent patients.
OSIRIS: A Minimum Data Set for Data Sharing and Interoperability in Oncology
Authors: Guérin Julien , Laizet Yec'han , Le Texier Vincent , Chanas Laetitia , Rance Bastien , Koeppel Florence , Lion François , Gourgou Sophie , Martin Anne-Laure , Tejeda Manuel , Toulmonde Maud , Cox Stéphanie , Hess Elisabeth , Rousseau-Tsangaris Marina , Jouhet Vianney , Saintigny Pierre
Published: March 2021

PURPOSE

Many institutions throughout the world have launched precision medicine initiatives in oncology, and a large amount of clinical and genomic data is being produced. Although there have been attempts at data sharing with the community, initiatives are still limited. In this context, a French task force composed of Integrated Cancer Research Sites (SIRICs), comprehensive cancer centers from the Unicancer network (one of Europe's largest cancer research organization), and university hospitals launched an initiative to improve and accelerate retrospective and prospective clinical and genomic data sharing in oncology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For 5 years, the OSIRIS group has worked on structuring data and identifying technical solutions for collecting and sharing them. The group used a multidisciplinary approach that included weekly scientific and technical meetings over several months to foster a national consensus on a minimal data set.

RESULTS

The resulting OSIRIS set and event-based data model, which is able to capture the disease course, was built with 67 clinical and 65 omics items. The group made it compatible with the HL7 Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) format to maximize interoperability. The OSIRIS set was reviewed, approved by a National Plan Strategic Committee, and freely released to the community. A proof-of-concept study was carried out to put the OSIRIS set and Common Data Model into practice using a cohort of 300 patients.

CONCLUSION

Using a national and bottom-up approach, the OSIRIS group has defined a model including a minimal set of clinical and genomic data that can be used to accelerate data sharing produced in oncology. The model relies on clear and formally defined terminologies and, as such, may also benefit the larger international community.
The role of Niemann-Pick type C2 in zebrafish embryonic development
Authors: Tseng Wei-Chia , Johnson Escauriza Ana J , Tsai-Morris Chon-Hwa , Feldman Benjamin , Dale Ryan K. , Wassif Christopher A. , Porter Forbes D.
Published: March 2021

Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a rare, fatal, neurodegenerative lysosomal disease caused by mutations of either NPC1 or NPC2. NPC2 is a soluble lysosomal protein which functions in coordination with NPC1 to efflux cholesterol from the lysosomal compartment. Mutations of either gene result in the accumulation of unesterified cholesterol and other lipids in the late endosome/lysosome, while reducing cellular cholesterol bioavailability. Zygotic null npc2m/m zebrafish showed significant unesterified cholesterol accumulation at larval stages, a reduction in body size, and motor and balance defects in adulthood. However, the phenotype at embryonic stages was milder than expected, suggesting a possible role of maternal Npc2 in embryonic development. Maternal-zygotic npc2m/m zebrafish exhibited significant developmental defects including defective otic vesicle development/absent otoliths, abnormal head/brain development, curved/twisted body axes, no circulating blood cells, and died by 72 hpf. RNA-seq analysis conducted on 30 hpf npc2+/m and MZnpc2m/m embryos revealed a significant reduction in the expression of notch3 and other downstream genes in the Notch signaling pathway, suggesting that impaired Notch3 signaling underlies aspects of the developmental defects observed in MZnpc2m/m zebrafish.
Igf signaling couples retina growth with body growth by modulating progenitor cell division
Authors: Becker Clara , Lust Katharina , Wittbrodt Joachim
Published: March 2021

How the body and organs balance their relative growth is of key importance for coordinating size and function. This is of particular relevance in organisms, which continue to grow over their entire life span. We addressed this issue in the neuroretina of medaka fish (Oryzias latipes), a well-studied system with which to address vertebrate organ growth. We reveal that a central growth regulator, Igf1 receptor (Igf1r), is necessary and sufficient for proliferation control in the postembryonic retinal stem cell niche: the ciliary marginal zone (CMZ). Targeted activation of Igf1r signaling in the CMZ uncouples neuroretina growth from body size control, and we demonstrate that Igf1r operates on progenitor cells, stimulating their proliferation. Activation of Igf1r signaling increases retinal size while preserving its structural integrity, revealing a modular organization in which progenitor differentiation and neurogenesis are self-organized and highly regulated. Our findings position Igf signaling as a key module for controlling retinal size and composition, with important evolutionary implications.
Identification of a novel Bax–Cdk1 signalling complex that links activation of the mitotic checkpoint to apoptosis
Authors: Darweesh Omeed , Al-Shehri Eman , Falquez Hugo , Lauterwasser Joachim , Edlich Frank , Patel Rajnikant
Published: March 2021

In eukaryotes, entry into and exit from mitosis is regulated, respectively, by the transient activation and inactivation of Cdk1. Taxol, an anti-microtubule anti-cancer drug, prevents microtubule–kinetochore attachments to induce spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC; also known as the mitotic checkpoint)-activated mitotic arrest. SAC activation causes mitotic arrest by chronically activating Cdk1. One consequence of prolonged Cdk1 activation is cell death. However, the cytoplasmic signal(s) that link SAC activation to the initiation of cell death remain unknown. We show here that activated Cdk1 forms a complex with the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Bak (also known as BAK1) during SAC-induced apoptosis. Bax- and Bak-mediated delivery of activated Cdk1 to the mitochondrion is essential for the phosphorylation of the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL (encoded by BCL2L1) and the induction of cell death. The interactions between a key cell cycle control protein and key pro-apoptotic proteins identify the Cdk1–Bax and Cdk1–Bak complexes as the long-sought-after cytoplasmic signal that couples SAC activation to the induction of apoptotic cell death.
Rab5 regulates macropinocytosis by recruiting the inositol 5-phosphatases OCRL and Inpp5b that hydrolyse PtdIns(4,5)P2
Authors: Maxson Michelle E. , Sarantis Helen , Volchuk Allen , Brumell John H. , Grinstein Sergio
Published: March 2021

Rab5 is required for macropinosome formation, but its site and mode of action remain unknown. We report that Rab5 acts at the plasma membrane, downstream of ruffling, to promote macropinosome sealing and scission. Dominant-negative Rab5, which obliterates macropinocytosis, had no effect on the development of membrane ruffles. However, Rab5-containing vesicles were recruited to circular membrane ruffles, and soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE)-dependent endomembrane fusion was necessary for the completion of macropinocytosis. This fusion event coincided with the disappearance of PtdIns(4,5)P2 that accompanies macropinosome closure. Counteracting the depletion of PtdIns(4,5)P2 by expression of phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase impaired macropinosome formation. Importantly, we found that the removal of PtdIns(4,5)P2 is dependent on Rab5, through the Rab5-mediated recruitment of the inositol 5-phosphatases OCRL and Inpp5b, via APPL1. Knockdown of OCRL and Inpp5b, or APPL1, prevented macropinosome closure without affecting ruffling. We therefore propose that Rab5 is essential for the clearance of PtdIns(4,5)P2 needed to complete the scission of macropinosomes or to prevent their back-fusion with the plasmalemma.
A robust and flexible CRISPR/Cas9-based system for neutrophil-specific gene inactivation in zebrafish
Authors: Wang Yueyang , Hsu Alan Y. , Walton Eric M. , Park Sung Jun , Syahirah Ramizah , Wang Tianqi , Zhou Wenqing , Ding Chang , Lemke Abby Pei , Zhang GuangJun , Tobin David M. , Deng Qing
Published: March 2021

CRISPR/Cas9-based tissue-specific knockout techniques are essential for probing the functions of genes in embryonic development and disease using zebrafish. However, the lack of capacity to perform gene-specific rescue or live imaging in the tissue-specific knockout background has limited the utility of this approach. Here, we report a robust and flexible gateway system for tissue-specific gene inactivation in neutrophils. Using a transgenic fish line with neutrophil-restricted expression of Cas9 and ubiquitous expression of single guide (sg)RNAs targeting rac2, specific disruption of the rac2 gene in neutrophils is achieved. Transient expression of sgRNAs targeting rac2 or cdk2 in the neutrophil-restricted Cas9 line also results in significantly decreased cell motility. Re-expressing sgRNA-resistant rac2 or cdk2 genes restores neutrophil motility in the corresponding knockout background. Moreover, active Rac and force-bearing F-actins localize to both the cell front and the contracting tail during neutrophil interstitial migration in an oscillating fashion that is disrupted when rac2 is knocked out. Together, our work provides a potent tool that can be used to advance the utility of zebrafish in identifying and characterizing gene functions in a tissue-specific manner.
Factors influencing non-adherence to opioids in cancer patients: a mixed-methods cross-sectional study
Authors: Seangrung Rattaphol , Ahuja Mallika , Pasutharnchat Koravee , Mahawan Rungwipha
Published: March 2021

Background: Strong opioids are mainly utilized to attenuate pain in cancer patients. Adherence to analgesic drugs significantly promotes adequate pain management and improves quality of life. We aimed to identify the factors influencing non-adherence to strong opioids in cancer patients.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, two-phased, mixed methods design was conducted prospectively to evaluate a cohort of 101 cancer patients who are currently prescribed strong opioids from a pain clinic in Thailand between January and March 2018. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire that included the following sections: general characteristics; the Medication Taking Behavior in Thai (MTB-Thai) for assessing adherence to medications; and factors influencing nonadherence, which were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. In addition, face-to-face in depth interviews were conducted with patients showing non-adherence to strong opioids (MTB-Thai score ≤21) and analyzed using thematic content analysis. 

Results: Of 101 cancer pain patients that completed the questionnaire, 39.6% showed non-adherence to strong opioids. Illness understanding (P=0.047) and the use of more than three types of pain medication (P=0.032) were significant factors influencing non-adherence. Qualitative analysis indicated that fear of long-term outcomes, opioid side effects, ineffective pain control, attempts to make the regimen more acceptable, poor understanding, and non-acceptance of disease related to non-adherence.

Conclusion: Non-adherence to opioids for cancer patients is a common problem. Awareness of patient factors, medication-related factors, and illness-related factors will provide the knowledge and adequate advice that may enhance adherence to medications.
Towards a feminist philosophy of engagements in health-related research
Authors: Erikainen Sonja , Stewart Ellen , Chan Sarah , Cunningham-Burley Sarah , Ilson Sophie , King Gabrielle , Porteous Carol , Sinclair Stephanie
Published: March 2021

Engagement with publics, patients, and stakeholders is an important part of the health research environment in the UK and beyond today, and different ‘engaged’ health research modalities have proliferated in recent years. Yet, the conceptual landscape currently surrounding engagement is contested. There is no consensus on what, exactly, ‘engaging’ means, what it should look like, and what the aims, justifications, or motivations for it should be. In this paper, we set out what we see as important, outstanding challenges around the practice and theory of engaging and consider the tensions and possibilities that the diverse landscape of engaging evokes. We examine the roots, present modalities and institutional frameworks that have been erected around engaging, including how they shape and delimit how engagements are framed, enacted, and justified. We inspect the related issue of knowledge production within and through engagements, addressing whether engagements can, or should, be framed as knowledge producing activities. We then unpack the question of how engagements are or could be valued and evaluated, emphasising the plural ways in which ‘value’ can be conceptualised and generated. We conclude by calling for a philosophy of engagements that can capture the diversity of related practices, concepts and justifications around engagements, and account for the plurality of knowledges and kinds of value that engagements engender, while remaining flexible and attentive to the structural conditions under which engagements occur. Such philosophy should be a feminist one, informed by feminist epistemological and methodological approaches to equitable modes of research participation, knowledge production, and valuing. This will enable a synergy of empirical, epistemic, and normative considerations in developing accounts of engaging in both theory and praxis. Modestly, here, we hope to carve out the starting points for this work.
Economic analysis: a textbook for students of economic areas of preparation for bachelor's degree
Authors: Skripnikova G.V.
Published: March 2021

Учебное пособие разработано по дисциплине «Физическая культура». Пособие содержит теоретические сведения в области физической культуры и спорта, практические задания, которые помогут студентам сформировать систему знаний по основам физического воспитания, профессионально-прикладной физической подготовки, здоровому образу жизни, организации самостоятельных занятий и др., которая позволит им в будущей профессиональной деятельности правильно использовать средства физической культуры и спорта. Предназначается обучающимся дневной формы обучения всех специальностей БИФ КемГУ.
Belnap-Dunn Semantics for the Variants of BN4 and E4 which Contain Routley and Meyer’s Logic B
Authors: López Sandra M.
Published: March 2021

The logics BN4 and E4 can be considered as the 4-valued logics of the relevant conditional and (relevant) entailment, respectively. The logic BN4 was developed by Brady in 1982 and the logic E4 by Robles and Méndez in 2016. The aim of this paper is to investigate the implicative variants (of both systems) which contain Routley and Meyer’s logic B and endow them with a Belnap-Dunn type bivalent semantics.
Protocolo de atención a usuarios/as/es trans del Servicio de Salud Talcahuano: características y relevancia
Authors: Valenzuela-Valenzuela Amanda , Cartes-Velásquez Ricardo
Published: March 2021

Introducción: en Chile, la legislación existente asegura la atención médica en el sistema de salud público para las personas trans; sin embargo, esto no se cumple en todos los servicios de salud. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir las características y relevancia del Protocolo de Atención de Personas Trans, implementado por el Servicio de Salud Talcahuano. Se realizó una investigación cualitativa, con recolección de datos a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas y grupo focal. La información se analizó a través de teoría fundamentada y una matriz foda. Desarrollo: desde la teoría fundamentada se desprenden dos categorías principales, correspondientes a la “necesidad de despatologización y buen trato” y el “protocolo” como tal, que se articulan desde la comunidad trans y la institucionalidad. El protocolo se caracteriza por ser pionero, participativo, vinculante y reconocido. Desde la matriz foda, se observa que las fortalezas principales corresponden al diálogo entre comunidad y profesionales, y la apertura del equipo profesional a actualizar sus conocimientos en atención en salud a personas trans. Las debilidades principales refieren a la discriminación pasiva hacia personas trans de parte de algunos profesionales, la falta de algunas prestaciones específicas en el protocolo y las pocas horas disponibles para los especialistas que son parte del programa. Conclusiones: el Protocolo de Atención de Personas Trans es considerado pionero en el país y es valorado positivamente por la comunidad trans nacional, lo cual la valida. Por lo mismo, deben buscarse formas de replicar el trabajo en otros servicios de salud.
Exploring ELT Students’ Professional Identity Formation through the Perspectives of Critical Incidents
Authors: Şenel Müfit
Published: March 2021

This study aims at exploring the professional identities of six ELT students through the lens of critical incidents. For the sake of this aim, six ELT students took part in this research at an Anatolian High School in 2018-2019 spring semester. The teaching practicum process was conducted from April to mid of May 2019, once a week over six-week practicum. The main data collection of this study was the Critical Incident Questionnaire (CIQ). Additionally, two questions were asked to the participants to evaluate their actual and designated professional identities. The first question was answered before the practicum and the second one was answered at the end of the practicum process. The results showed that some internal and external factors influenced their professional identity. Additionally, it was found that critical incidents could be used to spot the changes in the participants’ professional identity formation processes. Results of the study indicated that not only negative but also some positive critical incidents contributed to the participants’ professional identity formation. As a result of the encountered incidents that influenced their formation of identities, it was observed that the actual identities of four students changed from positive to negative at the end of the process. Correspondingly, the findings of this study put forward that how the participants explored their identity formation process through the critical incidents.
Ethics of Communication as an Important Component of Teacher Self-Branding in the Settings of the Digital Environment
Authors: Trybulkevych Kateryna H. , Shchegoleva Tatyana L. , Gruba Tamila L. , Gula Larisa V. , Zoriy Yaroslav B.
Published: March 2021

The purpose of the study was to identify how the Personal Branding Marathon with the involvement of the Ethics Supervisory Committee could influence the teacher self-branding in the settings of the digital environment if the ethics of communication is given paramount importance. The study used qualitative and quantitative methods such as a semi-structured in-depth interview, a self-assessment checklist, and an expert assessment checklist. The Triangular Assessment Method was used to obtain participants’ judgments about the importance of every specified component of the self-branding viewed from their perspective in terms of implementation. The yielded data were processed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0.0.1. Software. The novelty of the study lies in the way the teacher self-branding was organised and delivered. The Marathon created a community of individuals with similar needs and the environment facilitated and assisted by the experts to put the teachers in the ‘point of no return’ situation. The Marathon with the involvement of the Ethics Supervisory Committee was found to positively influence the teacher self-branding in the settings of the digital environment if the ethics of communication is given paramount importance. The intervention raised the teachers’ awareness of self-branding, enhanced/upgraded the tools and strategies of self-branding, and improved their communication and communication ethics, particularly. The teachers became more professionally advantaged, self-efficient, and confident as individuals. The intervention was found to help the teachers built-up a strong self-brand on the Internet and at the workplace. They also improved their communication skills in terms of ethics as the participants were assisted by the communication expert.
Research-Oriented Framework of Training Philology Students’ Research Skills Based on Corpus Analytical Software
Authors: Valyukevych Tetyana V. , Zinchenko Olha Z. , Ishchenko Yevhenii O. , Artemov Volodymyr , Nechaiuk Liudmyla G.
Published: March 2021

The purpose of the study was to explore how technological advances incorporated into the Philology Studies curriculum could impact the students’ research skills and the quality of their research projects and what students’ and teachers’ impressions of the reshaped research component of the curriculum were. The study used qualitative and quantitative methods with the dominance of qualitative methods. It employed the baseline study, checklist to assess students’ research papers, assessment criteria, and the Triangular Assessment Method to assess the students’ papers. The consensus meeting was held to allow the experts to express their reasoning for the scores. The semi-structured interview was administered to the students’ and teachers’ to identify their impressions of the reshaped research component of the curriculum of philology. The technological advances incorporated into Philology Studies curriculum improve the students’ research skills and the quality of their research projects. Both students and teachers appreciated the reshaped research component of the curriculum. The analytical software can be successfully incorporated in the corpus analysis-purpose student research. The students found the intervention a challenging experience that ‘pumped up’ their intellectual, research, and technical skills. They reported improvement in interpreting corpus using correlations, frequencies, distributions, and collecting information using software to organise it in a professional way. The lecturers agreed that the technology-based instructional model incorporated into Philology Studies curriculum improved both students’ research skills and the quality of their research projects.
Smart SMEs 4.0 Maturity Model to Evaluate the Readiness of SMEs Implementing Industry 4.0
Authors: Chonsawat Nilubon , Sopadang Apichat
Published: March 2021

In the Industry 4.0 revolution, advanced manufacturing capabilities integrate technology and data to create intelligent production systems, such as automation, cloud computing, the Internet of Things and cyber-physical systems. Small and medium-sized enterprises, which are the backbone of economic growth, especially must apply the advanced technology in their business and operations so as to increase productivity. This paper empirically proposes the Smart SMEs 4.0 maturity model and its implementation for assessing the readiness of an organisation to enter the realm of smart manufacturing. The model is categorised into five dimensions as well as 43 sub-dimensions for evaluating SMEs 4.0 maturity. These dimensions are mainly composed of “manufacturing and operations”, “people capability”, “technology-driven process”, “digital support” and “business and organisation strategies”. Moreover, the model is implemented in two case studies for two companies in Thailand. The results imply that the model can evaluate an organisation’s readiness and also can guide companies to implement the Smart SMEs 4.0 efficiently.
Smart Mechanical Systems for Manufacturing in the Era of Industry 4.0: Condition-Based Predictive Maintenance and Dynamic System Modification for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Authors: Carabin Giovanni , Wehrle Erich , Vidoni Renato
Published: March 2021

We are in the era of the fourth industrial revolution. Which highlights adaptability, monitoring, digitisation and efficiency in manufacturing as a result of the design of new smart mechanical systems. A central role in Industry 4.0 is played by maintenance and, within this framework, we define and review condition-based predictive maintenance. Thereafter, we propose a new class of smart mechanical systems that self-optimise utilising both condition-based maintenance and dynamic system modification. Akin to smart structures, smart mechanical systems will recognise and predict faults or malfunctions and, subsequently, self-optimise to restore desirable system behaviour. Potential benefits include increased reliability and efficiency while reducing cost without the requirement of highly skilled technicians. Thus, small and medium-sized enterprises are a specific target of such technology due to their increasing level of automatisation within Industry 4.0.
Principal Component Analysis Application on Nutritional, Bioactive Compound and Antioxidant Activities of Pigmented Dough Grain
Authors: Teravecharoenchai Junthanee , Chalermchaiwat Parisut , Thuwapanichayanan Ratiya
Published: March 2021

The dough stage of rice plant is a critical stage during the grain development. The rice endosperm continues to expand and the color of the seed coat develops in accordance with rice variety, so it is called as dough grain. This research was carried out to examine nutritional value, bioactive compound and antioxidant activity of Thai dough grain. Ten varieties of pigmented dough grain including non-glutinous and glutinous rice were studied. Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to visualize the difference in nutrition amongst ten rice varieties. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify the unique characteristics of each rice variety. Three principal components (PC1-PC3) showed 82.04% of the total variance and could divide pigmented dough grain varieties into 3 groups. Group 1 consisted of a red dough grain (Red Hom Mali). It had the highest total phenolic content as well as high protein and antioxidant activities. Group 2 consisted of two red dough grains (Thabthim Chumphae and Niao Daeng) and two black dough grains (Riceberry and Niaodum Kumbaikeaw), which had moderate antioxidant activities. Group 3 consisted of two green dough grains (Khao Dawk Mali 105 and Kor Khor 6) and three black dough grains (Black Hom Mali, Mali Black Sulin and Niaodum Kumnoiy), exhibiting high gamma oryzanol value but, low total phenolic content. Hence, red and black dough grains had higher nutritional value, total phenolic content, total anthocyanin and antioxidant activities than green dough grains. In addition, dough grains from non-glutinous rice had higher protein and lower fat than those from glutinous rice. Therefore, the data from this research could benefit the utilization of these pigmented dough grain as functional food ingredients and healthy food product.
Electro-optical logic using dual-nanobeam Mach-Zehnder interferometer switches
Authors: Ying Zhoufeng , Soref Richard
Published: March 2021

The maturity of integrated photonics enables many applications including high-performance computing. Digital photonic computing always considers resonator-based modulators as the key active components due to their compactness as compared to broad-spectrum Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZIs). In this paper, we investigate the dual-nanobeam (NB) based MZI 2 × 2 switches with much smaller footprint for realizing electro-optical logic circuits. New logic gates and scalable circuits assisted by multiplexing techniques are proposed. Results show that the NB MZI is another promising candidate for electronic-photonic digital computing.
Sensing based on Bloch surface wave and self-referenced guided mode resonances employing a one-dimensional photonic crystal
Authors: Gryga M. , Ciprian D. , Gembalova L. , Hlubina P.
Published: March 2021

Sensing abilities of a one-dimensional photonic crystal (1DPhC) represented by a multilayer dielectric structure are analyzed theoretically and experimentally, using a new wavelength interrogation interference method. The structure comprising a glass substrate and six bilayers of TiO2/SiO2 with a termination layer of TiO2 is employed in both gas sensing based on the Bloch surface wave (BSW) resonance and liquid analyte sensing based on a self-referenced guide-mode resonance (GMR). We model the spectral interference reflectance responses in the Kretschmann configuration with a coupling prism made of BK7 glass and show that a sharp dip with maximum depth associated with the BSW excitation is red-shifted as the refractive index (RI) changes in a range of 1–1.005. Thus, a sensitivity of 1456 nm per RI unit (RIU) and figure of merit (FOM) of 91 RIU−1 are reached. Similarly, we model the responses for aqueous solutions of ethanol to show that dips of maximum depth are associated with the GMRs, and the highest sensitivity and FOM reached are 751 nm/RIU and 25 RIU−1, respectively. Moreover, we show that one of the dips is with the smallest shift as the RI changes, and hence it can be used as a reference. The theoretical results are confirmed by the experimental ones when the BSW resonance is used in sensing of humid air with a sensitivity of 0.027 nm/%relative humidity (RH) and FOM of 1.4×10−3 %RH−1. Similarly, the GMR is used in sensing of aqueous solutions of ethanol, and the highest sensitivity and FOM reached 682 nm/RIU and 23 RIU−1, respectively. The reference dip is also resolved and this self-reference makes the measurement more accurate and repeatable, and less sensitive to optomechanical drifts.
Optically stimulated synaptic transistor based on MoS2/quantum dots mixed-dimensional heterostructure with gate-tunable plasticity
Authors: Sun Yilin , Ding Yingtao , Xie Dan , Xu Jianlong , Sun Mengxing , Yang Pengfei , Zhang Yanfeng
Published: March 2021

In this Letter, we report an optically stimulated synaptic transistor based on

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dots mixed-dimensional (MD) heterostructure, where the channel conductance shows a non-linear response to the optical stimuli. Paired-pulse facilitation is realized with the index above 200%, and the optical synaptic plasticity can be modulated by adjusting the amplitude, duration time, frequency, and power of light spikes. In addition, the long-term plasticity shows a gate-tunability, which can be attributed to the unique photoelectric coupling in

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dots MD heterostructure. This work opens up a new way to explore optically stimulated synaptic devices based on designed device structure and provides a feasible method to achieve plasticity modulation by gate voltage, which plays an important role in developing neuromorphic devices with complicated functions.
Programmable, direct space-to-time picosecond resolution pulse shaper with nanosecond record
Authors: Mittelberger D. E. , Muir R. , Perlmutter D. , Heebner J.
Published: March 2021

We demonstrate a novel, to the best of our knowledge, extension of optical arbitrary waveform generation capable of picosecond resolution over nanosecond duration. The method, called space–time induced linearly encoded transcription for temporal optimization, is based on direct space-to-time pulse shaping and is extended here to single-mode output with a programmable temporal profile. We develop the theory of operation and discuss ultimate limits on resolution, record length, and efficiency. We report on the results of an experimental demonstration showing

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resolution over 600 ps.
Second and third harmonic conversion of a kilowatt average power, 100-J-level diode pumped Yb:YAG laser in large aperture LBO
Authors: Phillips Jonathan P. , Banerjee Saumyabrata , Mason Paul , Smith Jodie , Spear Jacob , De Vido Mariastefania , Ertel Klaus , Butcher Thomas , Quinn Gary , Clarke Danielle , Edwards Chris , Hernandez-Gomez Cristina , Collier John
Published: March 2021

We report on the successful demonstration of second and third harmonic
conversion of a high pulse energy, high average power 1030 nm diode
pumped Yb-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Yb:YAG) nanosecond pulsed
laser in a large aperture lithium triborate (LBO) crystal. We
demonstrated generation of 59.7 J at 10 Hz (597 W) at 515 nm (second
harmonic) and of 65.0 J at 1 Hz (65 W) at 343 nm (third harmonic),
with efficiencies of 66% and 68%, respectively. These results, to the
best of our knowledge, represent the highest energy and power reported
for frequency conversion to green and UV-A wavelengths.
Aberration-free pupil steerable Maxwellian display for augmented reality with cholesteric liquid crystal holographic lenses
Authors: Xiong Jianghao , Li Yannanqi , Li Kun , Wu Shin-Tson
Published: March 2021

Maxwellian displays offer unique features like always-in-focus quality, high efficiency, and large field-of-view, but its small eyebox remains a major challenge for augmented reality. To enlarge the eyebox, pupil steering is a promising approach. However, previous pupil steering methods generally rely on changing the incident light angle on the lens coupler, which results in serious aberrations. In this Letter, we demonstrate a pupil steerable see-through Maxwellian display incorporating novel cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) holographic lenses. By actively modulating the polarization state of the incident light, we can schematically choose which holographic lens to function, which fundamentally eliminates the aberrations.
Ultrafast optical switching and power limiting in intersubband polaritonic metasurfaces
Authors: Mann Sander A. , Nookala Nishant , Johnson Samuel C. , Cotrufo Michele , Mekawy Ahmed , Klem John F. , Brener Igal , Raschke Markus B. , Alù Andrea , Belkin Mikhail A.
Published: March 2021

Highly nonlinear optical materials with fast third-order nonlinear optical response are crucial for the operation of all-optical photonic devices, such as switches for signal processing and computation, power limiters, and saturable absorbers. The nonlinear response of traditional optical materials is weak, thus requiring large light intensities to induce significant changes in their properties. Here we show that optical control of the coupling rate in subwavelength patch antennas coupled to intersubband transitions in multi-quantum-well semiconductor heterostructures can provide a giant third-order nonlinear response, on the order of

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, with a response time

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. We utilize this effect to realize intersubband polaritonic metasurfaces and demonstrate their operation as highly nonlinear saturable and reverse saturable absorbers, enabling optical power limiters and other elements for all-optical modulation and control. Our approach enables a plethora of compact, low-power, highly nonlinear devices with spectral, temporal, and structured wavefront responses tailored by design.
Opportunistic feeding behaviour and Leishmania infantum detection in Phlebotomus perniciosus females collected in the human leishmaniasis focus of Madrid, Spain (2012–2018)
Authors: González Estela , Molina Ricardo , Iriso Andrés , Ruiz Sonia , Aldea Irene , Tello Ana , Fernández Daniel , Jiménez Maribel
Published: March 2021

Background

An outbreak of human leishmaniasis due to Leishmania infantum has been registered in an urban area of southwestern Madrid, Spain, since 2010. Entomological surveys carried out in the municipalities of Fuenlabrada, Leganés, Getafe and Humanes de Madrid showed that Phlebotomus perniciosus is the only potential vector. In this work, an intensive molecular surveillance was performed in P. perniciosus females captured in the region between 2012 and 2018.

Methodology/Principal findings

A total of 1805 P. perniciosus females were analyzed for Leishmania infection, and 1189 of them also for bloodmeal identification. Eleven different species of vertebrate were detected by amplification and subsequent sequencing of the 359 bp cytb fragment. The most prevalent blood source identified was hare (n = 553, 46.51%), followed by rabbit (n = 262, 21.95%). Less frequent were cat (n = 45, 3.80%), human (n = 34, 2.90%), pig (n = 14, 1.20%), horse (n = 11, 0.93%), sheep (n = 3, 0.25%), rhea (n = 3, 0.25%), partridge (n = 1, 0.09%) and chicken (n = 1, 0.09%). The distribution of the blood meal sources varied between the different locations. Regarding L. infantum detection, PCR amplification of a fragment of kDNA, cpb gene and ITS1 region showed 162 positive specimens (8.97%). The highest infection rate was found in the municipality of Leganés (15.17%).

Conclusions

The results of this molecular survey in P. perniciosus, the only leishmaniasis vector in the outbreak occurred in southwestern Madrid region, showed its opportunistic blood-feeding behaviour, high infection rates and the differences between the different points. This study was an essential part of the intensive surveillance plan in the area and the results obtained have supported the implementation of control measures in the outbreak.