bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled multicenter trial for the effects of a polyherbal remedy, Yokukansan (YiganSan), in smokers with depressive tendencies
Authors: Komiyama Maki , Ozaki Yuka , Wada Hiromichi , Yamakage Hajime , Satoh-Asahara Noriko , Yasoda Akihiro , Sunagawa Yoichi , Morimoto Tatsuya , Tamaki Shinji , Masahiro Suzuki  , Shibayama Takuo , Kato Toru , Okada Yasumasa , Kita Toshiyuki , Takahashi Yuko , Hasegawa Koji
Published: November 2022

Background

Smoking and depression are closely related and form a vicious cycle. Yokukansan (YiganSan) is a polyherbal remedy that has the effect of calming neuropsychiatric symptoms such as anger and irritation. To examine the efficacy of Yokukansan during smoking cessation (SC) therapy in smokers with depressive tendencies but without major depressive disorders requiring pharmacotherapy.

Methods

A multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparison trial was conducted between June 2016 and May 2020 at 12 centers of the National Hospital Organization, Japan. This trial targeted smokers who first visited the SC outpatient clinics, did not receive any pharmacological treatment at the psychiatric or psychosomatic department, and scored 39 or more on the self-rating depression scale (SDS). Participants (n = 198) were randomly assigned to either the Yokukansan or placebo groups. The trial drug was initiated with the start of the SC treatment and continued for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the high success rate of the SC treatment, and the secondary outcomes included changes in scores of the SDS and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) instrument.

Results

The success rate of the SC treatment was similar between the placebo (63%) and Yokukansan (67%) groups (P = .649). The SDS scores (placebo: mean difference [MD] = -3.5, 95% confidence interval [CI][-5.8, -1.2], d = 0.42; Yokukansan: MD = -4.6, 95%CI[-6.8, -2.3], d = 0.55), and the “tension-anxiety” POMS-subscale scores (placebo: MD = -1.6, 95%CI[-2.5, -0.7], d = 0.52; Yokukansan: MD = -1.6, 95%CI[-2.9, -0.3], d = 0.36) showed significant improvement in both groups after the SC treatment. However, “depression-dejection” improved in the Yokukansan group (MD = -1.9, 95%CI[-3.1, -0.7], d = 0.44) but not in the placebo group (MD = -0.1, 95%CI[-1.0, 0.7], d = 0.04). Significant improvement in “fatigue” was noted in the Yokukansan group (MD = -2.1, 95%CI[-3.4, -0.9], d = 0.47) but not in the placebo group (MD = -0.5, 95%CI[-1.8, 0.8], d = 0.11). The time × group interaction on the improvement in “depression-dejection” was significant (P = .019).

Conclusions

Yokukansan does not increase the SC treatment’s success rate but has additional positive effects on the psychological states due to the SC treatment in smokers with depressive tendencies but without apparent mental disorders.

Trial registration

ID: UMIN000027036. Retrospectively registered at UMIN on April 18, 2017.
Autonomic stress response of physiotherapy student in the different scenarios of an objective structured clinical examination
Authors: Martínez-Pascual Beatriz , Ramírez-Adrados Ana , Fernández-Martínez Silvia , Gonzalez-de-Ramos Cristina , Fernández-Elías Valentín E. , Clemente-Suárez Vicente J.
Published: November 2022

The aim of the present research was to analyse modifications in the autonomic stress response of Physiotherapy students undergoing a 12-scenario Objective Structured Clinical Evaluation (OSCE). A total of 86 last year students of the Physiotherapy bachelor’s degree (27.29 years (SD = 6.66); 36 females and 50 males) randomly assigned were monitored during the complete OSCE to measure heart rate variability (HRV) in temporal, frequency, and non-linear domains. The HRV analysed showed a large anticipatory stress response of students maintained during the entire evaluation. The stress response varied regarding OSCE station complexity and demands and the highest sympathetic response was not found in higher emotional scenarios.

The autonomic modulation monitoring allows teachers to design OSCE scenarios more adapted to the students, limiting the effect of the stress response to allow a better performance.
Association of triglyceride–glucose index and traditional risk factors with cardiovascular disease among non-diabetic population: a 10-year prospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Li , Wu Zhenguo , Zhuang Yifan , Zhang Yerui , Cui Huiliang , Lu Fanghong , Peng Jie , Yang Jianmin
Published: November 2022

Background

The triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index is known as a reliable alternative marker of insulin resistance (IR), which has been regarded as a predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, whether TyG index can predict the risk and occurrence of CVD in non-diabetic population remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to explore the association between the TyG index and cardiovascular risk factors and to clarify the prognostic value of the TyG index for CVD, coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke in non-diabetic general population in Eastern China.

Methods

A total of 6095 cases without diagnosed diabetes and CVD were included. The TyG index was calculated as ln (fasting triglyceride [mg/dL] × fasting glucose [mg/dL]/2) and the participants were divided into 4 groups according to the TyG index quartiles (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4). The primary outcome was CVD, including CHD and stroke. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to investigate the association between the TyG index and the risk of CVD.

Results

During the 10-year follow-up, 357 (5.9%) participants of CVD, 224 (3.7%) participants of CHD and 151 (2.5%) participants of stroke were observed. The incidence of CVD increased with the TyG index quartiles. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the hazard ratios [95% confidence interval (CI)] in Q4 group were respectively 1.484 (1.074–2.051) for CVD, 1.687 (1.105–2.575) for CHD and 1.402 (0.853–2.305) for stroke compared to Q1 group. Moreover, adding the TyG index to models with traditional risk factors yielded a significant improvement in discrimination and reclassification of incident CVD and CHD.

Conclusions

The TyG index is associated with cardiovascular risk factors and can be used as a useful, low-cost predictive marker for CVD and CHD risk in non-diabetic population.
Recombinant human plasma gelsolin reverses increased permeability of the blood–brain barrier induced by the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus
Authors: Suprewicz Łukasz , Tran Kiet A. , Piktel Ewelina , Fiedoruk Krzysztof , Janmey Paul A. , Galie Peter A. , Bucki Robert
Published: November 2022

Background

Plasma gelsolin (pGSN) is an important part of the blood actin buffer that prevents negative consequences of possible F-actin deposition in the microcirculation and has various functions during host immune response. Recent reports reveal that severe COVID-19 correlates with reduced levels of pGSN. Therefore, using an in vitro system, we investigated whether pGSN could attenuate increased permeability of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) during its exposure to the portion of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein containing the receptor binding domain (S1 subunit).

Materials and methods

Two- and three-dimensional models of the human BBB were constructed using the human cerebral microvascular endothelial cell line hCMEC/D3 and exposed to physiologically relevant shear stress to mimic perfusion in the central nervous system (CNS). Trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) as well as immunostaining and Western blotting of tight junction (TJ) proteins assessed barrier integrity in the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and pGSN. The IncuCyte Live Imaging system evaluated the motility of the endothelial cells. Magnetic bead-based ELISA was used to determine cytokine secretion. Additionally, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed gene expression of proteins from signaling pathways that are associated with the immune response.

Results

pGSN reversed S1-induced BBB permeability in both 2D and 3D BBB models in the presence of shear stress. BBB models exposed to pGSN also exhibited attenuated pro-inflammatory signaling pathways (PI3K, AKT, MAPK, NF-κB), reduced cytokine secretion (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α), and increased expression of proteins that form intercellular TJ (ZO-1, occludin, claudin-5).

Conclusion

Due to its anti-inflammatory and protective effects on the brain endothelium, pGSN has the potential to be an alternative therapeutic target for patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially those suffering neurological complications of COVID-19.
Low lymphocyte-to-C-reactive protein ratio relates to high 1-year mortality in elderly patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty for displaced femoral neck facture
Authors: Zhu Jian , Cheng Xiaodong , Li Yonglong , Bai Liping , Su Zhongyi
Published: November 2022

Objective

Lymphocyte-to-C-reactive protein (CRP) ratio (LCR) is a novel biomarker for predicting poor prognosis in many diseases. This study aims to analyze the association between preoperative LCR and 1-year mortality in elderly patients with displaced FNF undergoing hemiarthroplasty.

Methods

Between May 2017 and May 2019, a retrospective study including 364 elderly patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty for displaced FNF was performed. LCR was defined as the ratio of preoperative lymphocyte count to CRP level. The optimal cutoff value of LCR was determined by receiver operating characteristic curve, and all patients were categorized into low-LCR group and high-LCR group accordingly. The relationship between LCR and 1-year mortality was evaluated by using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Furthermore, the complications within 30 days after surgery, length of hospital stay, and perioperative red blood cell transfusion were also analyzed stratified by LCR.

Results

A total of 47 patients (12.9%) died within 1-year follow-up after surgery. The optimal cutoff value for LCR was 30,560 (specificity 76.6% and sensitivity 63.4%). Low-LCR (≤ 30,560) group had a higher mortality rate than high-LCR group (23.53% vs. 5.21%, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, low LCR, hypoalbuminemia, and Age-Adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥ 6 were identified as independent predictors for 1-year mortality. Moreover, low level of LCR was associated with high rate of total complications (19.6% vs. 11.4%, P = 0.029), perioperative transfusions (37.9% vs. 27.0%, P = 0.027), and longer hospital stay (7.84 ± 2.40 vs. 7.30 ± 2.32, P = 0.031).

Conclusions

The low level of preoperative LCR can effectively predict 1-year mortality and 30-day total complications after surgery in elderly patients with displaced FNF undergoing hemiarthroplasty.
Ageism, an invisible social determinant of health for older Syrian refugees in Lebanon: a service providers’ perspective
Authors: Abi Chahine Maya , Kienzler Hanna
Published: November 2022

Background

Older refugees face particular challenges because their health and social needs are largely overlooked in humanitarian programmes, policies and research. The few studies available have shown that older refugees suffer from a high prevalence of non-communicable diseases, including mental health problems, increased social isolation and poverty, and difficulty accessing health and social services. This article aims to provide further in-depth understanding of how service providers perceive health and social challenges of older Syrian refugees living in Lebanon by focusing on (1) their health and social challenges; (2) the available and lacking services; (3) participation; and (4) policy recommendations to improve services.

Methods

This study is based on a qualitative research approach. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with health and social workers providing services to older Syrian refugees living in Lebanon. All interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, coded and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Study results clearly show that older refugees face increased marginalisation and neglect, mainly because of ageism. Ageism experienced at aid agency, family and individual levels, impacts negatively on older refugees. They have a sense of social isolation, neglect and feel they are a burden, consequently their social participation decreases, impacting negatively on their physical and mental health as well as their access to social and health care. Linked to experiences of ageism, study participants noted: (1) high prevalence rates of non-communicable diseases and mental health problems; (2) difficulties accessing care, with inadequate services to support the needs of older refugees; and (3) policy recommendations calling for an holistic approach to aid which takes into consideration the specific needs of older refugees as well as their capabilities.

Concluding remarks

Ageism is a key determinant of health which negatively impacts the physical, mental and social health, and wellbeing of older Syrian refugees. It pushes them to the margins of society where they are left behind by the humanitarian response, policy makers and researchers, as well as their communities and families. To mitigate this situation, this article calls for directly addressing ageism on social, service and policy levels.
Whole transcriptome analysis of HCT-8 cells infected by Cryptosporidium parvum
Authors: Sun Lulu , Li Juanfeng , Xie Fujie , Wu Shanbo , Shao Tianren , Li Xiaoying , Li Junqiang , Jian Fuchun , Zhang Sumei , Ning Changshen , Zhang Longxian , Wang Rongjun
Published: November 2022

Background

Cryptosporidium species are zoonotic protozoans that are important causes of diarrhoeal disease in both humans and animals. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play an important role in the innate immune defense against Cryptosporidium infection, but the underlying molecular mechanisms in the interaction between human ileocecal adenocarcinoma (HCT-8) cells and Cryptosporidium species have not been entirely revealed.

Methods

The expression profiles of messenger RNAs (mRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the early phase of infection of HCT-8 cells with Cryptosporidium parvum and at 3 and 12 h post infection were analyzed using the RNA-sequencing technique. The biological functions of differentially expressed RNAs (dif-RNAs) were discovered through Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. The targeting relationships between three ncRNAs and mRNAs were analyzed using bioinformatics methods, followed by building a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network centered on miRNAs.

Results

After strictly filtering the raw data, our analysis revealed 393 dif-lncRNAs, 69 dif-miRNAs and 115 dif-mRNAs at 3 hpi, and 450 dif-lncRNAs, 129 dif-miRNAs, 117 dif-mRNAs and one dif-circRNA at 12 hpi. Of these, 94 dif-lncRNAs, 24 dif-miRNAs and 22 dif-mRNAs were detected at both post-infection time points. Eleven dif-lncRNAs, seven dif-miRNAs, eight dif-mRNAs and one circRNA were randomly selected and confirmed using the quantitative real-time PCR. Bioinformatics analyses showed that the dif-mRNAs were significantly enriched in nutritional absorption, metabolic processes and metabolism-related pathways, while the dif-lncRNAs were mainly involved in the pathways related to the infection and pathogenicity of C. parvum (e.g. tight junction protein) and immune-related pathways (e.g. cell adhesion molecules). In contrast, dif-miRNAs and dif-circRNA were significantly enriched in apoptosis and apoptosis-related pathways. Among the downregulated RNAs, the miRNAs has-miR-324-3p and hsa-miR-3127-5p appear to be crucial miRNAs which could negatively regulate circRNA, lncRNA and mRNA.

Conclusions

The whole transcriptome profiles of HCT-8 cells infected with C. parvum were obtained in this study. The results of the GO and KEGG pathway analyses suggest significant roles for these dif-RNAs during the course of C. parvum infection. A ceRNA regulation network containing miRNA at its center was constructed for the first time, with hsa-miR-324-3p and hsa-miR-3127-5p being the crucial miRNAs. These findings provide novel insights into the responses of human intestinal epithelial cells to C. parvum infection.

Graphical Abstract
Weaving a vicuña shawl
Authors: Vilá Bibiana , Arzamendia Yanina
Published: November 2022

Vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna) were at risk of extinction due to indiscriminate hunting for their fibre in the mid-twentieth century. The conservation of the species included numerous international and regional legal mechanisms, as well as the will and care of local communities. The vicuña was saved, and now it is classified as “Least concern” by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Sustainable harvest of vicuña fibre is achieved by way of the chaku, capture and live-shearing (an ancient practice, now informed by modern knowledge of biology). Although most communities and cooperatives sell raw fibre, prices are falling. The making of artisanal vicuña garments has been identified as an activity that potentially leads to sustainable development in the Andean Altiplano. This paper analyses a key aspect to achieve this goal, a detailed description of the production (including economic and time costs) involved in weaving a shawl. The manual work has been recognized, with an hourly rate and costs calculated. The first action before starting any intervention was a ceremony, in which the family women infused the fibre with the smoke of a local plant, k’oa (Parastrephia spp.). The rituals and traditions are an important part of livelihoods in the Andes. The steps to creating the finished garment were fibre acquisition, dehairing and cleaning the fibre, spinning, twisting, loom weaving, finishing and fringing. The techniques for spinning and weaving are an essential part of the indigenous cultural heritage; no intervention or suggestion was made in that regard. The final cost of the garment was approximately 3,300 US dollars and half of this cost was the dehairing and cleaning of the fibre.
Soil quality estimation using environmental covariates and predictive models: an example from tropical soils of Nigeria
Authors: Isong Isong Abraham , John Kingsley , Okon Paul Bassey , Ogban Peter Ikor , Afu Sunday Marcus
Published: November 2022

Background

Information addressing soil quality in developing countries often depends on results from small experimental plots, which are later extrapolated to vast areas of agricultural land. This approach often results in misinformation to end-users of land for sustainable soil nutrient management. The objective of this study was to estimate the spatial variability of soil quality index (SQI) at regional scale with predictive models using soil–environmental covariates.

Methods

A total of 110 composite soil samples (0–30 cm depth) were collected by stratified random sampling schemes at 2–5 km intervals across the Cross River State, Nigeria, and selected soil physical and chemical properties were determined. We employed environmental covariates derived from a digital elevation model (DEM) and Sentinel-2 imageries for our modelling regime. We measured soil quality using two approaches [total data set (TDS) and minimum data set (MDS)]. Two scoring functions were also applied, linear (L) and non-linear (NL), yielding four indices (MDS_L, MDS_NL, TDS_L, and TDS_NL). Eleven soil quality indicators were used as TDS and were further screened for MDS using principal component analysis (PCA). Random forest (RF), support vector regression (SVR), regression kriging (RK), Cubist regression, and geographically weighted regression (GWR) were applied to predict SQI in unsampled locations.

Results

The computed SQI via MDS_L was classified into five classes: $$\le$$
≤
0.38, 0.38–0.48, 0.48–0.58, 0.58–0.68, and $$\ge$$
≥
0.68, representing very low (class V), low (class IV), moderate (class III), high (class II) and very high (class I) soil quality, respectively. GWR model was robust in predicting soil quality (R2 = 0.21, CCC = 0.39, RMSE = 0.15), while RF was a model with inferior performance (R2 = 0.02, CCC = 0.32, RMSE = 0.15). Soil quality was high in the southern region and low in the northern region. High soil quality class (> 49%) and moderate soil quality class (> 14%) dominate the study area in all predicted models used.

Conclusions

Structural stability index, sand content, soil oganic carbon content, and mean weight diameter of aggregates were the parameters used in establishing regional soil quality indices, while land surface water index, Sentinel-2 near-infrared band, plane curvature, and clay index were the most important variables affecting soil quality variability. The MDS_L and GWR are effective and useful models to identify the key soil properties for assessing soil quality, which can provide guidance for site-specific management of soils developed on diverse parent materials.
The relationships between social media exposure, food craving, cognitive impulsivity and cognitive restraint
Authors: Filippone Lisa , Shankland Rebecca , Hallez Quentin
Published: November 2022

Background

Young adults are increasingly exposed to social media and their image/video-based activities. They use these platforms to share images, videos and advice in different fields like food and nutrition with: recipe ideas, nutritional opinions or specific diets. Along with the rise of digital technologies, the prevalence of eating disorders in young adults continues to grow. The present study analyzes the psychological and eating processes through which exposure to social media may lead to the development of food craving and problematic eating behaviors.

Methods

A total of 103 young adult men (n = 15) and women (n = 88) answered questionnaires measuring their impulsivity (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale), eating habits (Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire), food craving (Food Cravings Questionnaire-Trait-reduced), and time exposure to social media.

Results

The results showed two significant serial mediations. We found a correlational link between time exposure to social media and food craving scores. This positive relation is indirectly mediated by cognitive impulsivity. We also found a positive correlation between cognitive impulsivity and food craving scores that was mediated by cognitive restraint.

Conclusion

A better understanding of the existing links between social media, food craving and eating behaviors such as cognitive restraint could help researchers and clinicians to better guide young adults in their use and appropriation of social media food contents.
Washability and abrasion resistance of illuminative knitted e-textiles with POFs and silver-coated conductive yarns
Authors: Lam Ngan Yi Kitty , Tan Jeanne , Toomey Anne , Cheuk Ka Chun Jimmy
Published: November 2022

For the integration of conductive yarns in e-textiles, knitting offers structural versatility and malleability for wider product applications in the contexts of wearables and interiors. To enable mass adoption of conductive materials, it is imperative for users to be able to launder these materials as part of product maintenance. Interactive textiles knitted from polymeric optical fibres (POFs) and silver-coated conductive yarns are able to illuminate and change colours via integrated touch sensor systems. Current research only focuses on the washability and abrasion resistance of conductive yarns solely and not both POF and conductive yarn within the same fabric structure. This study is novel as it investigates the washability and abrasion resistance of POF and silver-coated conductive yarn integrated knitted textiles with different loop structures and the impact to their illuminative function. POFs were knitted within the same fabric structure by the inlay method using a 7-gauge industrial hand-operated flatbed knitting machine. This study examined how washing and abrasion affect POFs and silver-coated conductive yarn in five different knit structures, and the illuminative function of the knitted textiles. Washing and abrasion affected the resistance of conductive yarns. Scratches and bent POFs were observed after 20 gentle washing cycles. However, washing had minimal impact on the illuminative function of the knitted e-textiles examined in this study. The experiments provide evidence that e-textiles knitted with POFs and conductive yarns in the same fabric structure withstand washing and abrasion and thus have the potential for mass market adoption in fashion and interior applications.
Metabolic remodeling caused by heat hardening in the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis
Authors: Georgoulis Ioannis , Bock Christian , Lannig Gisela , Pörtner Hans-O. , Feidantsis Konstantinos , Giantsis Ioannis A. , Sokolova Inna M. , Michaelidis Basile
Published: November 2022

Organisms can modify and increase their thermal tolerance faster and more efficiently after a brief exposure to sublethal thermal stress. This response is called ‘heat hardening’ as it leads to the generation of phenotypes with increased heat tolerance. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of heat hardening on the metabolomic profile of Mytilus galloprovincialis in order to identify the associated adjustments of biochemical pathways that might benefit the mussels' thermal tolerance. Thus, mussels were exposed sequentially to two different phases (heat hardening and acclimation phases). To gain further insight into the possible mechanisms underlying the metabolic response of the heat-hardened M. galloprovincialis, metabolomics analysis was complemented by the estimation of mRNA expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), pyruvate kinase (PK) and alternative oxidase (AOX) implicated in the metabolic pathways of gluconeogenesis, glycolysis and redox homeostasis, respectively. Heat-hardened mussels showed evidence of higher activity of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and diversification of upregulated metabolic pathways, possibly as a mechanism to increase ATP production and extend survival under heat stress. Moreover, formate and taurine accumulation provide an antioxidant and cytoprotective role in mussels during hypoxia and thermal stress. Overall, the metabolic responses in non-heat-hardened and heat-hardened mussels underline the upper thermal limits of M. galloprovincialis, set at 26°C, and are in accordance with the OCLTT concept. The ability of heat-hardened mussels to undergo a rapid gain and slow loss of heat tolerance may be an advantageous strategy for coping with intermittent and often extreme temperatures.
Spatial association of land-use areas and disease occurred by pesticide poisoning in Thailand
Authors: Sornlorm Kittipong , Mahato Roshan Kumar , Polnakoo Withaya , Aunthakot Krissana
Published: November 2022

Background: Thailand is one of the Asian countries where high pesticides use is common for agriculture. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the spatial association between types of land-use areas and diseases occurred by pesticide poisoning in Thailand.

Methods: This study was conducted by using the data set of average prevalence of diseases occurred by pesticide pollution and the land-use areas between 2018-2020. A Moran’s I and local indicators of spatial association (LISA) were used to identify the spatial autocorrelation between each type of land use areas and diseases developed due to pesticide poisoning in Thailand.

Results: This present study observed that the average prevalence of disease occurred from pesticide pollution between 2018-2020 was 13.17 (95% CI: 10.83 - 15.50) per 100,000 in Thailand. The results identified the spatial global autocorrelation of each type of land used and occurrence of diseases due to pesticide pollution, including rice field areas, field crops, fruit trees and perennials, vegetables and flowers, and other agriculture with Moran’s I 0.270, 0.144, 0.606, 0.135, and 0.324 respectively. A spatial association between various factors and average prevalence of pesticide pollutions with significant LISA analysis were; rice field areas with eight high-high clusters and nine low-low clusters, field crops areas with three high-high clusters and 11 low-low clusters,  fruit trees and perennials areas with eight high-high clusters and 12 low-low clusters, and six high-high clusters and four low-low clusters vegetable and flower areas. Similarly, nine high-high clusters and nine low-low clusters of other agricultural areas had been observed with prevalence of diseases acquired by pesticide pollution.

Conclusions: There was significant spatial association between land-use areas and diseases acquired by pesticide pollution in Thailand. It should be controlled by new policy recommendations for pesticides use for agriculture.,  especially, in provinces with more land-use areas for each type of plant.
Moving on from the pandemic in school- a roadmap to flexible modalities
Authors: Prestridge Sarah
Published: November 2022

Teaching during the remote episodes of the Covid pandemic demonstrated that the majority of classroom teachers replicated classroom practices rather than adapting to a new system for learning. During the rapid shift online, professional development of teachers focused on upskilling rather than changing and challenging teaching practices. As a result, students were unmotivated and disengaged. The problem now exists that teachers are stuck with a lack of understanding of how to teach online with the likelihood of further external uncontrollable occurrences. Additionally, there is no roadmap forward on how to harness the benefits of learning online through the emerging flexible modalities of blended or hybrid teaching in schools. The current risk is that schools return to classroom based pedagogies and miss the opportunities that learning online brings. This paper responds to this crucial stage in schooling offering a way forward. To do this, there is a need to pause in time, to reflect on what is known and what is important to consider to be able to move forward effectively. As such this paper firstly examines the rush to get online and the frenzied up-skilling of teachers so that we have a better understanding of what skills were developed. This paper then synthesises the literature to identify what pedagogical skills are needed to effectively teach online in a schooling context. Drawing extensively from theories and empirical studies over the last 30 years this paper then presents a roadmap forward that offers professional development of a different kind identifying how to change teachers’ practices from replicating the classroom to teaching effectively online. Directives and implications are provided for school leaders, teacher educators and researchers in the field of digital pedagogical transformation. It is a critical time in education to shift from classroom based pedagogies to flexible modalities.
Remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic in the opinion of academic teachers. Survey research
Authors: Mlodawski Jakub , Swiercz Anna , Mlodawska Marta , Piąta Aleksandra , Swiercz Grzegorz , Gawdzik Barbara
Published: November 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the academic community had to drop out of the full-time on-site education and switch to distance learning. After two years of this state of affairs and the current return to the traditional form, we would like to explore the opinions of academic teachers on this form of teaching.  The study was a questionnaire-based survey, including 86 teaching staff members of the Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce, working at four faculties. The teachers assessed the level of distance learning as average, no different from the traditional approach.  However, they pointed out that the involvement, activity of students, regularity of work, quality of the assignments completed, and the adequacy of the grades received is greater in the traditional approach. In the case of remote learning, in the group's assessment, the timeliness of performing the assignments had not deteriorated. The most frequently indicated advantage of remote learning was time saving, while the most common disadvantage was reduced contact with students.

In the teachers' opinion, the traditional mode of learning still has an advantage over distance learning. Studies assessing effectiveness in achieving educational goals are needed in order to objectify the results.
Comparison of the assessment of teaching components during distance and traditional learning – perspective of academic teachers and students. Questionnaire survey
Authors: Mlodawski Jakub , Swiercz Anna , Mlodawska Marta , Piąta Aleksandra , Swiercz Grzegorz , Gawdzik Barbara
Published: November 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic forced students and academic teachers to start distance learning. Although both sides participated in the same process, its assessment from both sides may differ.

In our study, using a structured survey, academic teachers and students assessed on a 5-point Likert's scale (where 1 = greater in traditional education, 5 =definitely greater in remote education) the effectiveness of 6 key elements of learning such as: student's involvement (1), student's activity (2), contact with the lecturer (3), consistent manner of work (4), timeliness of tasks performed (5), quality of tasks performed (6) and adequacy of grades awarded (7) .

Most of the elements in both groups were assessed as more effective in traditional learning. The average score in the group of teachers in each of the elements was shifted towards greater effectiveness of traditional teaching. The greatest difference in grades between the two groups occurred in the scope of a student's involvement and activity. Students and teachers did not differ in the assessment of contact with the lecturer, although both groups indicated that it was greater in the case of traditional learning.

Lecturers and students differed in assessing the effectiveness of key features of learning during distance and traditional education. It is necessary to continuously adapt curricula in order to improve the overall assessment of the examined elements and to ensure that there are no differences between the two groups.
Hypothermia as a treatment option for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in newborns – A literature review
Authors: Urbaś Weronika , Artykiewicz Klaudia , Czarkowski Marcin , Gorczyca Kamila , Grodkiewicz Maria , Kozieł Paweł , Krzysiek Urszula , Podgórska Klaudia , Puła Aleksandra , Słupczyńska Aleksandra
Published: November 2022

Introduction and purpose: Neonatal asphyxia is a medical condition in which the neonate is not able to maintain sufficient respiratory function. The hypoxia may be caused by either an impaired respiratory activity of the neonate or an interruption of blood flow to the placenta in the period immediately before or during delivery, which resulted in inadequate oxygen perfusion to vital organs.

Description of the state of knowledge: Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a form of perinatal hypoxia, occurring in newborns after the 35th week of gestation and presenting along with neurological disorders. In fact, it is a major cause of death and infant disability. The incidence of HIE is approximately 2-5 per 1000 live births. The standard recommended treatment for perinatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy is therapeutic hypothermia. There are two methods used: selective head cooling with moderate whole-body hypothermia (SHC) and whole-body hypothermia (WBC). In both cases, metabolism and neural tissue destruction are slowed down.

Conclusions: Therapeutic hypothermia is a promising treatment option for neonatal encephalopathy. Thus, it decreases the risk of death and neurological deficits in the form of cerebral palsy, epilepsy and psychomotor retardation. Whole-body hypothermia appears to be a more successful method than selective head cooling, however more research is still needed.
Wojna kulturowa między Rosją a Ukrainą. Sposób na osłabienie rosyjskiego kulturowego imperializmu
Authors: Możgin Wiktor
Published: November 2022

CULTURAL WAR BETWEEN RUSSIA AND UKRAINE: A WAY TO WEAKEN RUSSIAN CULTURAL IMPERIALISM

The imperial plans of the Russian Federation towards Ukraine at the end of February 2022 passed to the next stage and took the form of a full-scale war, which covers not only the military, political, economic, but also cultural spheres. The author of this article, starting from this assumption, presents an analysis of the war between Russia and Ukraine from the cultural and anthropological perspective. He refers to the so-called the phenomenon of the “small-Russian nature” of the Ukrainian nation, which, starting from the times of the Russian Empire, influenced the perception of Ukrainians as being secondary to Russians. This situation didn’t change even after Ukraine regained its independence in 1991. Only the events on the Maidan in Kiev, the annexation of Crimea and the invasion of Donbas caused a change in cultural vectors. Ukraine began to forge its own national cultural identity, completely breaking away from what was Russian. The full-scale war, unleashed at the end of February, significantly sharpened this rhetoric, additionally underpinned by the policy of cultural sanctions applied by the West. Therefore, the aim of this article is to present the Russian-Ukrainian cultural war, the consequence of which is the process of shaping an independent Ukrainian cultural awareness.
Ideologia, a może matematyka? Koalicje gabinetowe w Polsce w latach 1991-2015
Authors: Wojtas Kinga
Published: November 2022

IDEOLOGY OR MATHEMATICS? CABINET COALITIONS IN POLAND IN 1991-2015

In parliamentary democracies, the process of building a cabinet is the most important moment for the nature of future politics, and the formation of a coalition itself is one of the key moments in the political game. In this text, the study covered seven terms of the Sejm (the first elections in 1989 were not fully free), i.e., the cabinets formulated between the years 1991 and 2015. The main goal of this research is to seek answers to the following questions: 1) how is the balance of power of the parties forming the coalition? 2) what is the ratio of party power in parliament to the total power of the parties building the coalition – are we dealing with over-representation or under-representation of real power in parliament within the cabinet? The party’s power in the cabinet is the number of ministerial portfolios allocated to it (portfolio allocation). This issue is related to the reflection on 3) whether the ideological closeness of the party was important for the formation of coalition agreements in the analyzed period.
Bullying in trauma and orthopaedics: a survey of staff in orthopaedic departments in the UK
Authors: Mahmoud Arin , Shanmuganathan Kanatheepan , Chandrakumar Charmilie , Stimler Batya , Jeyaseelan Luckshmana
Published: November 2022

Background/aims

An orthopaedic department requires good teamwork and communication to function. This is undermined by bullying and harassment, which may affect the victim's health and career.

Methods

A 26-item questionnaire was sent to all delegates who registered for a free orthopaedic webinar teaching series via email and social media. This study includes the responses from all those who had worked in a UK orthopaedic department.

Results

There were 168 respondents from varying backgrounds; 17.9% had experienced bullying or harassment in their orthopaedic department, while 36.3% had witnessed it. Women and people from ethnic minority backgrounds suffered 10.2% and 6.9% higher rates of bullying than their male or white counterparts respectively.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate that despite attempts to reduce bullying in orthopaedics, it remains prevalent, and particularly affects women and those from ethnic minority backgrounds. Orthopaedic departments must adapt to reflect changes in society.
1 GHz electro-optical silicon-germanium modulator in the 5-9 µm wavelength range
Authors: Nguyen Thi Hao Nhi , Koompai Natnicha , Turpaud Victor , Montesinos-Ballester Miguel , Peltier Jonathan , Frigerio Jacopo , Ballabio Andrea , Giani Raffaele , Coudevylle Jean- René , Villebasse Cédric , Bouville David , Alonso-Ramos Carlos , Vivien Laurent , Isella Giovanni , Marris-Morini Delphine
Published: November 2022

Spectroscopy in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) wavelength range is a key technique to detect and identify chemical and biological substances. In this context, the development of integrated optics systems paves the way for the realization of compact and cost-effective sensing systems. Among the required devices, an integrated electro-optical modulator (EOM) is a key element for advanced sensing circuits exploiting dual comb spectroscopy. In this paper, we have experimentally demonstrated an integrated EOM operating in a wide wavelength range, i.e. from 5 to 9 µm at radio frequency (RF) as high as 1 GHz. The modulator exploits the variation of free carrier absorption in a Schottky diode embedded in a graded silicon germanium (SiGe) photonic waveguide.
Light scattering control with the two-step focusing method based on neural networks and multi-pixel coding
Authors: Fan Minyu , Zhu Jie , Wang Shutong , Pu Yongjie , Li Huinan , Zhou Shouhuan , Wang Sha
Published: November 2022

Focusing light through scattering media is essential for high-resolution optical imaging and deep penetration. Here, a two-step focusing method based on neural networks (NNs) and multi-pixel coding is proposed to achieve high-quality focusing with theoretical maximum enhancement. In the first step, a single-layer neural network (SLNN) is used to obtain the initial mask, which can be used to focus with a moderate enhancement. In the second step, we use multi-pixel coding to encode the initial mask. The coded masks and their corresponding speckle patterns are used to train another SLNN to get the final mask and achieve high-quality focusing. In this experiment, for a mask of 16 × 16 modulation units, in the case of using 8 pixels in a modulation unit, focus with the enhancement of 40.3 (only 0.44 less than the theoretical value) has been achieved with 3000 pictures (1000 pictures in the first step and 2000 pictures in the second step). Compared with the case of employing only the initial mask and the direct multi-pixel encoded mask, the enhancement is increased by 220% and 24%. The proposed method provides a new idea for improving the focusing effect through the scattering media using NNs.
Assisting the mode-locking of a figure-9 fiber laser by thermal nonlinearity of graphene-decorated microfiber
Authors: Chen Wen-Bin , Li Ti-Jian , Tong Lai-Yuan , Yang Kai , Liu Meng , Luo Ai-Ping , Zhang Zhen-Rong , Luo Zhi-Chao , Xu Wen-Cheng
Published: November 2022

The self-starting performance of a figure-9 fiber laser is critically dependent on the phase shift difference between the counter-propagating beams. Herein, we propose an effective approach to dynamically control the phase shift difference in a figure-9 fiber laser by utilizing the thermal nonlinearity of graphene-decorated microfiber device. With the adjustment of the control laser power injected into the graphene-decorated microfiber, the self-starting mode-locked threshold of the figure-9 fiber laser can be attained in a flexible pump power range, i.e., from 300 mW to 390 mW. These findings demonstrated that the graphene-decorated microfiber could act as a dynamical control device of phase shift difference for improving the performance of figure-9 fiber lasers, and might also open up new possibilities for applications of microfiber photonic devices in the field of ultrafast optics.
Significant Changes in Urban Air Quality during Covid-19
Pandemic Lockdown in Rohtak City, India
Authors: Yadav Sashi , Dhankhar Rajesh , Chhikara Sunil Kumar
Published: November 2022

The global spread of Covid-19 brought a dramatic decrease in vehicular activities, industrial activities
and tourism for a limited period of time during the lockdown phase (Year 2020). The variations in
ambient air quality were studied in Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak city (Haryana state, India)
during the lockdown period and pollutants data were gathered from Haryana State Pollution Control
Board (HSPCB). The study was conducted for 186 days in three periods; first pre-lockdown, second
during the lockdown and third during post-lockdown phase (62 days each). The results showed a
significantly decreased the levels of air pollutants through the lockdown season in comparison to pre
and post-lockdown concentrations of air pollutants. Mean PM2.5 concentration was found to be higher
than their standard limit for the episode of pre and post-lockdown and the mean value of PM2.5 was 2.3
and 2.8 times higher in pre and post-lockdown compared to during the lockdown period. The average
air quality index (AQI) during lockdown has shown a 64.1% decrease as compared to pre-lockdown
data and a 69.3% reduction from post-lockdown period. Based on one way Analysis of variance
(ANOVA) results show ozone accepts the null hypothesis that lockdown had no effect on the atmospheric
pollutant concentration due to the increasing pattern of ozone concentration because of a decrease in
the concentration of NOx, which breakdown ozone.
Using the Image of V.M. Shukshin in the Image-forming Policy of the Altai Territory (1976-2021)
Authors: Синенко Екатерина Андреевна , Чернышов Юрий Георгиевич
Published: November 2022

The article is devoted to the study of the use of the image of the famous writer, actor, director V.M. Shukshin (19291974) in the formation and promotion of the image of the Altai Territory by the regional authorities. The authors consider the image of V.M. Shukshin as one of the important elements of the personalized image of the Altai Territory, designate the place of V.M. Shukshin among other iconic figures associated with the region. Contradictory trends in the interpretation of the image of the writer, which have manifested themselves in the period from the second half of the 70s of the last century to the present, are noted. "Nomination" V.M. Shukshin as a symbol of the Altai Territory happened largely "from below", when the writer's fellow countrymen saw in his heroes — "freaks" — themselves, ordinary villagers. Further inclusion of the personality of V.M. Shukshin in the process of image-making of the Altai Territory was associated with the need to form a recognizable image of the region, and in this regard, the figure of V.M. Shukshin met certain criteria well, had recognition and popularity not only in the region, but also far beyond its borders. Political “conjuncture” periodically affected the interpretations of the writer’s image: his assessments ranged from “a faithful son of the party” to “critic of the Soviet regime”. However, in general, now in the image of Shukshin both the image of the beautiful nature of Altai and the ideas of ordinary people of the Altai “outback”, full of sincerity and love for their small Motherland, have merged.
RODA DE CONVERSA ON-LINE
Authors: Moreira Cruz Lilian , Andrade Coelho Lívia
Published: November 2022

A pandemia do novo coronavírus provocou mudanças substanciais na vida das pessoas, seja no âmbito profissional, pessoal ou acadêmico. Para manter as medidas restritivas de distanciamento social instituídas pela Organização Mundial de Saúde – OMS, no ano de 2020, os/as pesquisadores/as foram provocados a criar estratégias metodológicas para produção de dados de suas pesquisas: o que até então seria realizado de forma presencial passou por modificações e/ou adequações para ser realizado de forma virtual e/ou on-line.  Posto isto, este ensaio acadêmico tem como objetivo discutir os limites e possibilidades para realização da roda de conversa on-line como técnica para produzir dados de pesquisas no campo educacional. Esta investigação implica, necessariamente, delimitar: a) abordagem de pesquisa, b) ferramenta digital; c) horário; d) sujeitos participantes; e) conteúdo; f) tempo. O resultado do estudo em questão mostra que a roda de conversa on-line se configura como uma técnica de partilhamento de experiências pessoais e profissionais que fomenta o diálogo, a reflexão, a formação, entre outras mais. Contudo, requer do/a pesquisador/a planejamento prévio de cada ação que esta técnica exige, para assegurar a participação das pessoas sem maiores intercorrências técnicas, que inviabilizem e/ou prejudiquem sua plena participação e interação com o grupo, de forma a produzir os dados almejados para as análises e conclusão da pesquisa.