bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine learning and geostatistical approaches for estimating aboveground biomass in Chinese subtropical forests
Authors: Su Huiyi , Shen Wenjuan , Wang Jingrui , Ali Arshad , Li Mingshi
Published: November 2020

Background

Aboveground biomass (AGB) is a fundamental indicator of forest ecosystem productivity and health and hence plays an essential role in evaluating forest carbon reserves and supporting the development of targeted forest management plans.

Methods

Here, we proposed a random forest/co-kriging framework that integrates the strengths of machine learning and geostatistical approaches to improve the mapping accuracies of AGB in northern Guangdong Province of China. We used Landsat time-series observations, Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) Phased Array L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) data, and National Forest Inventory (NFI) plot measurements, to generate the forest AGB maps at three time points (1992, 2002 and 2010) showing the spatio-temporal dynamics of AGB in the subtropical forests in Guangdong, China.

Results

The proposed model was capable of mapping forest AGB using spectral, textural, topographical variables and the radar backscatter coefficients in an effective and reliable manner. The root mean square error of the plot-level AGB validation was between 15.62 and 53.78 t∙ha− 1, the mean absolute error ranged from 6.54 to 32.32 t∙ha− 1, the bias ranged from − 2.14 to 1.07 t∙ha− 1, and the relative improvement over the random forest algorithm was between 3.8% and 17.7%. The largest coefficient of determination (0.81) and the smallest mean absolute error (6.54 t∙ha− 1) were observed in the 1992 AGB map. The spectral saturation effect was minimized by adding the PALSAR data to the modeling variable set in 2010. By adding elevation as a covariable, the co-kriging outperformed the ordinary kriging method for the prediction of the AGB residuals, because co-kriging resulted in better interpolation results in the valleys and plains of the study area.

Conclusions

Validation of the three AGB maps with an independent dataset indicated that the random forest/co-kriging performed best for AGB prediction, followed by random forest coupled with ordinary kriging (random forest/ordinary kriging), and the random forest model. The proposed random forest/co-kriging framework provides an accurate and reliable method for AGB mapping in subtropical forest regions with complex topography. The resulting AGB maps are suitable for the targeted development of forest management actions to promote carbon sequestration and sustainable forest management in the context of climate change.
Clinical and histological sequelae of surgical complications in horizontal guided bone regeneration: a systematic review and proposal for management
Authors: Tay John Rong Hao , Lu Xiaotong Jacinta , Lai Wei Ming Clement , Fu Jia-Hui
Published: November 2020

It is not uncommon to encounter post-surgical complications after horizontal guided bone regeneration (GBR). The primary aim of this review was to evaluate the incidence and types of complications that occur after horizontal GBR and propose management strategies to deal with these clinical situations. A secondary aim was to conduct a histomorphometric review of the wound healing process at sites that experienced post-surgical complications after GBR. A keyword search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies published in English from January 2015 to January 2020 was conducted for the primary aim and 23 studies were selected. A second search addressing the secondary aim was conducted, and five studies were included. Site-level analysis showed that the weighted mean incidence proportion of minor wound dehiscence and minor infections occurring at the augmented site was 9.9% [95% CI 6.4, 13.9,P< 0.01] and 1.5% [95% CI 0.4, 3.1,P= 0.21) respectively. Patient-level analysis showed minor and major complications occurring at a weighted mean incidence proportion of 16.1% [95% CI 11.9, 20.8,P= 0.01] and 1.6% [95% CI 0.0, 4.7,P< 0.01] respectively, while neurosensory alterations at the donor site was 7.0% [95% CI 1.3, 15.5,P< 0.01]. Subgroup analysis also revealed that the use of block grafts increased the incidence proportion of minor post-surgical complications, whereas a staged GBR procedure increased the incidence proportion of both minor and major post-surgical complications. Although exposure of the barrier membrane is often associated with less bone regeneration and graft resorption, the type of membrane used (resorbable or non-resorbable) had no statistically significant influence on any post-surgical complication. Histologically, a layer of fibrous connective tissue instead of bone is commonly observed at the interface between the native bone at the recipient site and the regenerated bone in cases with membrane exposure after GBR procedure. Minor wound dehiscence was the highest incidence proportion of post-surgical complications. Methods ranging from daily application of antiseptics, use of systemic antimicrobials, regular reviews, and total removal of the non-integrated biomaterials are commonly prescribed to manage these post-surgical complications in attempt to minimise the loss of tissue at the surgical site.
Determining the feasibility of a trial to evaluate the effectiveness of phototherapy versus placebo at reducing pain during physical activity for people with knee osteoarthritis: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Vader Kyle , Abebe Abey Bekele , Chala Mulugeta Bayisa , Varette Kevin , Miller Jordan
Published: November 2020

Background

Although practice guidelines recommend physical activity and exercise for the management of knee osteoarthritis, pain is a common barrier to participation. Phototherapy has been shown to reduce pain intensity for people with knee osteoarthritis, but it is unclear if it reduces pain during physical activity or contributes to improved rehabilitation outcomes.

Objective

The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of performing a fully powered randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing an active phototherapy intervention versus placebo on pain during physical activity for people with knee osteoarthritis.

Methods

A pilot RCT was conducted to test the feasibility of a trial comparing 8-sessions (4 weeks) of active phototherapy versus placebo. People were able to participate if they (1) were an English speaking adult (> 18 years of age), (2) had received a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis from a physician, and (3) self-reported experiencing pain and disability related to their knee osteoarthritis for > 3 months. Primary outcomes were the feasibility of participant recruitment, retention, assessment procedures, and maintaining high treatment fidelity. Secondary outcomes piloted for a full trial included pain during physical activity (primary outcome of full trial); self-reported pain severity, physical function, stiffness, adherence to prescribed exercise, global rating of change, patient satisfaction, and adverse events; 6-min walk test; and pressure pain threshold.

Results

Twenty participants (4 men; 16 women) with knee osteoarthritis and a mean age of 63.95 (SD: 9.27) years were recruited over a 3-week period (6.7 participants per week). Fifteen out of 20 (75%) of participants completed the primary outcome assessment at 4 weeks and 19/20 (95%) of participants were retained and completed the final 16-week assessment. Overall, 89% of all assessment items were completed by participants across all time-points. Fifteen out of 20 participants (75%) completed all 8 treatment sessions. Treatment fidelity was 100% for all completed treatment sessions. No adverse events were reported by participants in either group.

Conclusions

Results suggest that the trial methodology and intervention are feasible for implementation in a fully powered randomized controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of phototherapy at reducing pain during physical activity for people with knee osteoarthritis.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov,NCT04234685, January 21, 2020–Retrospectively registered.
Management of flying insects on expressways through an academic-industrial collaboration: evaluation of the effect of light wavelengths and meteorological factors on insect attraction
Authors: Komatsu Masahiro , Kurihara Keigo , Saito Susumu , Domae Mana , Masuya Naoki , Shimura Yuta , Kajiyama Shunichiro , Kanda Yuna , Sugizaki Kouki , Ebina Kouji , Ikeda Osamu , Moriwaki Yudai , Atsumi Naohiro , Abe Katsuyoshi , Maruyama Tadashi , Watanabe Satoshi , Nishino Hiroshi
Published: November 2020

Insect outbreaks often occur in the absence of natural enemies and in the presence of excess suitable host materials. Outbreaks of gypsy moths are especially problematic in remote areas located in high-latitude regions in Japan because the majority of adults emerge during the short summer season and initiate synchronous mass flight toward artificial lights. The aggregation of moths in public facilities not only is an annoyance to visitors but also permits the establishment of new populations the following year. The aim of this study was to establish a method to reduce the numbers of large moths that are attracted to lights in the rest areas of expressways in Hokkaido based on the results of research on their behavioral ecology and physiology. First, we conducted extensive insect surveys using light traps that emit light at different wavelengths; the traps were set along the expressways in the summers of 2014–2018. The insects attracted to the light were roughly classified into those showing a preference for broadband light wavelengths (from UV-A to green) and short light wavelengths (from UV-A to blue). The former included aquatic insects and winged ants, and the latter included moths and beetles. Next, we analyzed correlations between moth emergence and daily meteorological data. When gypsy moths were abundant during an outbreak, the daily catch of gypsy moths was positively correlated with the highest ambient temperature on the catch day but not with the visibility range, wind speed, or moon phase. In contrast, the daily catch of oak silkmoths did not correlate with any of these parameters. Our results provide guidance for the management of forest insects inhabiting cool-temperate to subarctic regions based on light wavelengths with reference to weather variables.
Selecting, implementing and evaluating patient-reported outcome measures for routine clinical use in cancer: the Cancer Care Ontario approach
Authors:   The Cancer Care Ontario Patient Reported Outcome Advisory Committee, Montgomery Nicole , Howell Doris , Ismail Zahra , Bartlett Susan J. , Brundage Michael , Bryant-Lukosius Denise , Krzyzanowska Monika , Moody Lesley , Snyder Claire , Barbera Lisa
Published: November 2020

Background

The use of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) in routine clinical care can help ensure symptoms are identified, acknowledged and addressed. In 2007, the provincial cancer agency, Cancer Care Ontario, began to implement routine symptom screening with the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) for ambulatory cancer patients. Having had a decade of experience with ESAS, the program developed a strategic interest in implementing new and/or additional measures. This article describes the development of a streamlined PROM selection and implementation evaluation process with core considerations.

Methods

Development of the PROM selection and implementation evaluation process involved analysis of quantitative and qualitative data as well as consensus building through a multi-stakeholder workshop. Core PROM selection considerations were developed through a literature scan, review and refinement by a panel of methodological experts and patient advisors, and testing via a test case. Core PROM implementation evaluation considerations were developed through analysis of PROM evaluation frameworks, and review and refinement by a committee of provincial implementation leads.

Results

Core PROM selection considerations were identified under three overarching themes: symptom coverage, usability and psychometric properties. The symptom coverage category assesses each PROM to determine how well the PROM items address the most prevalent and burdensome symptoms in the target patient population. The usability category aims to assess each measure on characteristics key to successful implementation in the clinical setting. The psychometric properties category assesses each PROM to ensure the data collected is credible, meaningful and interpretable. A scoring system was developed to rate PROM performance by assigning a grade of “weak”, “average” or “good” for each category. The process results in a summary matrix which illustrates the overall assessment of each PROM. Implementation evaluation considerations were identified under three overarching concepts: acceptability, outcomes, and sustainability. A consensus building exercise resulted in the further identification of patient, provider, and clinic specific indicators for each consideration.

Conclusion

To address the need for a systematic, evidence-based approach to selection, implementation and evaluation of PROMs in the clinical setting, Cancer Care Ontario defined a process with embedded core considerations to facilitate decision-making and encourage standardization.
Evaluation of the direct costs of epilepsy in a sample of Egyptian patients following up in Ain Shams University Hospital
Authors: Abdelhady Salem , Shokri Hossam , Fathy Mai , wahid el din mona Mokhtar
Published: November 2020

Background

Epilepsy is a chronic disorder of the brain, and it is considered as the 4th common neurological disorder. Epilepsy is associated with an economic burden by imposing a significant burden on both the individuals who have the condition and on those around them, as well as for the society.

Objective

Our objective is to study and evaluate the direct costs associated with the medical management of epilepsy, one of the most common neurological conditions.

Methods

Observational, cross-sectional 4-month study started in December 2018 till April 2019 in patients between 2 and 60 years of age with epilepsy without other concomitant diseases. The direct medical costs include the number of neurology and emergency room visits, number and type of diagnostic tests, days of hospitalization, and treatment administered for epilepsy.

Results

We studied data from 194 patients, with a mean age of 30.6 years; the mean cost for treatment with carbamazepine was 78.6 Egyptian pound (EGP); for valproate, the cost was 288.4 EGP, and for levetiracetam, the cost was 491 EGP. The mean cost of electroencephalogram (EEG) is 108 EGP, and for computer tomography scan (CT) of the brain and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, it is 149.4 and 423.7 EGP respectively. The mean cost for hospitalization was 610.5 EGP, and the cost for intensive care unit (ICU) stay was 515.4 EGP.

Conclusion

The economic cost of epilepsy constitutes a major burden for the patients as well as their families; most of the direct cost was attributed to the purchase of AEDs. This necessitates creating strategies to ensure regular access to affordable AEDs as well as introducing other varieties of AEDs more potent with less side effects.
Food practice for physical and spiritual well-being of the Zeme, the tribe in Northeast India
Authors: Atungbou N.
Published: November 2020

Food is a necessity for physical and spiritual well-being. It is sacred, identity, medicines, arts, religion, politics, social and legal. The different social system is recognised by the type of food that people consumed demarcating self and others. For some, certain foods are delicacies but taboo for others. Nevertheless, taste and smell determine the delicacy of the food. Against this background, the paper examines the traditional concept of food, food practices, and different types of food that the Zeme consumes in brief. The paper explores the delicacies of dry season food such asnkampichutney, fermentation of bamboo shoots, namelykechui-hiaandkechui-nnang, and mustard leaf paste-taste making,njetim, and the local beverages calledzou. The paper locates the different local beverages in the context of legal, social, religion and gender implications. The study observed that the Zeme’s food practices have gone through radical changes with the appropriation of the other food practices engrossed into the realm of market enterprises. It is of the view that proper value addition to the food practices can enhance their livelihood opportunities. The paper concluded that it serves as a foundation for the scientific investigation on the Zeme’s food practice in general and fermented food making in particular, and contributions to the food literature.
Neuropathic pain in a sample of Egyptian patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Radwan Abdullah , Borai Ahmed
Published: November 2020

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by polyarthritis that may cause irreversible joint disability. Pain is the most important symptom in RA patients that requires more attention and careful evaluation. Despite the improvement in medications used to control inflammation in RA patients, a relevant number of them still experience neuropathic pain even with disease remission. This study was conducted to estimate the frequency of neuropathic pain (NP) in RA patients and to assess its relationship with disease activity, functional status, and overweight.

Results

NP was detected in 12.5% (14 patients) of RA patients. Highly significant differences were found between RA patients with NP and those without NP as regards disease duration, visual analog scale (VAS) of pain, disease activity score 28 (DAS28-ESR), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), body mass index (BMI), health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) score, and Douleur Neuropathique in 4 (DN4) questionnaire for NP assessment (p < 0.001). The correlation between the DN4 questionnaire and the parameters of disease activity in RA patients with NP was not significant. By univariate analysis, the possible risk factors for NP in RA patients were disease duration, VAS, DAS28-ESR, HAQ, and BMI; however, by multivariate analysis, no possible risk factors for NP in RA patients were detected.

Conclusion

Although pain in patients with RA was classified as nociceptive in nature, a relevant proportion of patients might also have NP. NP in RA patients was related to functional disability, high disease activity, and overweight.
Ligand-Dependent Effects of Methionine-8 Oxidation in Parathyroid Hormone Peptide Analogues
Authors: Daley Eileen J , Khatri Ashok , Dean Thomas , Vilardaga Jean-Pierre , Zaidi Saheem A , Katritch Vsevolod , Gardella Thomas J
Published: November 2020

LA-PTH is a long-acting parathyroid hormone (PTH) peptide analogue in preclinical development for hypoparathyroidism (HP). Like native PTH, LA-PTH contains a methionine at position 8 (Met8) that is predicted to be critical for function. We assessed the impact of Met oxidation on the functional properties of LA-PTH and control PTH ligands. Oxidation of PTH(1–34) resulted in marked (~20-fold) reductions in binding affinity on the PTH receptor-1 (PTHR1) in cell membranes, similarly diminished potency for 3′,5′-cyclic AMP signaling in osteoblastic cell lines (SaOS-2 and UMR106), and impaired efficacy for raising blood calcium in mice. Surprisingly, oxidation of LA-PTH resulted in little or no change in these functional responses. The signaling potency of oxidized-LA-PTH was, however, reduced approximately 40-fold compared to LA-PTH in cells expressing a PTHR1 construct that lacks the N-terminal extracellular domain (ECD). Molecular modeling revealed that while Met8 of both LA-PTH and PTH(1–34) is situated within the orthosteric ligand-binding pocket of the receptor’s transmembrane domain bundle (TMD), the Met8 sidechain position is shifted for the 2 ligands so that on Met8 oxidation of PTH(1–34), steric clashes occur that are not seen with oxidized LA-PTH. The findings suggest that LA-PTH and PTH(1–34) engage the receptor differently in the Met8-interaction environment of the TMD bundle, and that this interaction environment can be allosterically influenced by the ECD component of the ligand-receptor complex. The findings should be useful for the future development of novel PTH-based peptide therapeutics for diseases of bone and mineral ion metabolism.
EGFRvIII uses intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms to reduce glioma adhesion and increase migration
Authors: Banisadr Afsheen , Eick Mariam , Beri Pranjali , Parisian Alison D. , Yeoman Benjamin , Placone Jesse K. , Engler Adam J. , Furnari Frank
Published: November 2020

A lack of biological markers has limited our ability to identify the invasive cells responsible for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). To become migratory and invasive, cells must downregulate matrix adhesions, which could be a physical marker of invasive potential. We engineered murine astrocytes with common GBM mutations, e.g. Ink4a (Ink) or PTEN deletion and expressing a constitutively active EGF receptor truncation (EGFRvIII), to elucidate their effect on adhesion. While loss of Ink or PTEN did not affect adhesion, counterparts expressing EGFRvIII were significantly less adhesive. EGFRvIII reduced focal adhesion size and number, and these cells – with more labile adhesions – displayed enhanced migration. Regulation appears to depend not on physical receptor association to integrins but, rather, on the activity of the receptor kinase, resulting in transcriptional integrin repression. Interestingly, EGFRvIII intrinsic signals can be propagated by cytokine crosstalk to cells expressing wild-type EGFR, resulting in reduced adhesion and enhanced migration. These data identify potential intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms that gliomas use to invade surrounding parenchyma.
Gender differences in estimating I-131 thyroid uptake from Tc-99m thyroid uptake for benign thyroid disease
Authors: Al-Jabri Amna , Cooke Jennie , Cournane Seán , Healy Marie-Louise
Published: November 2020

Objective:

For radioactive Iodine-131 (131I) treatments of thyroid diseases, increased efficacy has been reported for personalized dosimetry treatments. The measurement of Iodine-131 thyroid uptake (131IU) is required in these cases. This study aims to investigate whether 99mTc thyroid uptake (99mTcU) may be used in place of 131IU for implementing personalised treatments.

Methods:

A retrospective study of 152 benign thyroid disease 131I treatments was carried out during 2012–2020; 117 treatments were for female patients while 35 were for male patients diagnosed with either Graves’ disease, multinodular goitre or toxic nodules.

Results:

A statistically significant correlation was found between 131IU and 99mTcU data, with the data more correlated for male than female patients (r = 0.71 vs 0.38, p-value < 0.001). Patient age and time difference between the two respective uptake measurements significantly influenced the uptake correlation in females but not for the male cohort, although there was no significant difference between the parameters across gender. Thyroid diagnosis and hormone levels showed a significant correlation with uptakes in both genders. Estimating 131IU based on 99mTcU was shown to be predictive for male but not in female patients (R2 = 91% vs 16%).

Conclusion:

Estimating 131IU based on 99mTcU is not recommended for females at our centre. Males reported good correlation, but a larger sample would be needed for validation.

Advances in knowledge:

The initial findings showed a significant gender difference in benign thyroid uptake parameters at our centre, highlighting the potential need for gender consideration when planning 131IU patient management and when reporting studies results.
Diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced digital mammography in breast cancer detection in comparison to tomosynthesis, synthetic 2D mammography and tomosynthesis combined with ultrasound in women with dense breast
Authors: Sudhir Rashmi , Sannapareddy Kamala , Potlapalli Alekya , Krishnamurthy Pooja Boggaram , Buddha Suryakala , Koppula Veeraiah
Published: November 2020

Objective:

To assess the diagnostic efficacy of contrast-enhanced digital mammography (CEDM) in breast cancer detection in comparison to synthetic two-dimensional mammography (s2D MG), digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) alone and DBT supplemented with ultrasound examination in females with dense breast with histopathology as the gold-standard.

Methods:

It was a prospective study, where consecutive females presenting to symptomatic breast clinic between April 2019 and June 2020 were evaluated with DBT. Females who were found to have heterogeneously dense (ACR type C) or extremely dense (ACR type D) breast composition detected on s2D MG were further evaluated with high-resolution breast ultrasound and thereafter with CEDM, but before the core biopsy or surgical excision, were included in the study. s2D MG was derived from post-processing reconstruction of DBT data set. Females with pregnancy, renal insufficiency or prior allergic reaction to iodinated contrast agent were excluded from the study. Image interpretation was done by two experienced breast radiologists and both were blinded to histological diagnosis.

Results:

This study included 166 breast lesions in130 patients with mean age of 45 ± 12 years (age range 24–72 years). There were 87 (52.4%) malignant and 79 (47.6%) benign lesions. The sensitivity of CEDM was 96.5%, significantly higher than synthetic 2D MG (75.6%, p < 0.0001), DBT alone (82.8%, p < 0.0001) and DBT + ultrasound (88.5%, p = 0.0057); specificity of CEDM was 81%, significantly higher than s2D MG (63.3%, p = 0.0002) and comparable to DBT alone (84.4%, p = 0.3586) and DBT + ultrasound (79.7%, p = 0.4135). In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the area under the curve was of 0.896 for CEDM, 0.841 for DBT + ultrasound, 0.769 for DBT alone and 0.729 for s2D MG.

Conclusion:

CEDM is an accurate diagnostic technique for cancer detection in dense breast. CEDM allowed a significantly higher number of breast cancer detection than the s2D MG, DBT alone and DBT supplemented with ultrasonography in females with dense breast.

Advances in knowledge:

CEDM is a promising novel technology with higher sensitivity and negative predictive value for breast cancer detection in females with dense breast in comparison to DBT alone or DBT supplemented with ultrasound.
“I feel proper self-conscious all the time”: A qualitative study of adolescent girls’ views of menstruation and physical activity.
Authors: Harvey Jessica , Emm-Collison Lydia , Sebire Simon J.
Published: November 2020

Background: Many children and adolescents do not engage in sufficient physical activity. Girls are less active than boys, and their activity levels decline more steeply with age. Menstruation may be associated with the decline in girls’ activity but there are few person-centred studies examining adolescent girl’s experiences of menstruation and physical activity. These are needed to understand the influence that menstruation has on the physical activity experiences of girls to inform effective interventions.

Methods: Focus groups were conducted with 46 girls aged 13-15 years across three schools. The discussions explored; experiences of, barriers to and facilitators of being active during menstruation; experiences in physical education/sports teams; and talking with others about periods and being active. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results: Four themes were identified: 1) balancing perceived barriers and benefits 2) motivation and enjoyment, 3) social influences and 4) coping strategies. Participants reported using diverse strategies to overcome barriers to being active posed by menstruation and the importance of peer-support and enjoyable forms of activity.

Conclusions: Menstruation has a strong influence on girls’ physical activity experiences through intra- and inter-personal factors. The implications for how these can be addressed in efforts to increase girls’ physical activity are discussed.
Communication Technologies in Culture and Modern Anthropotechnical Reality
Authors: Pryahina A. , Bogdanova D.
Published: November 2020

The communication basis upon which cultural institutions are based and through which have developed has undergone significant changes in the last few months. Social distance, isolation, decrease in communication contacts involve producers and consumers of cultural products in new forms of interaction. he changed format, the ban on visiting and organizing mass events, which cultural institutions are forced to take, is intensifying the search for new platforms and communication methods that can not only compensate for isolation from the cultural context, but also provide support to both visitors and and employees. The transformation of the image of the communication world, communication channels, the communicant itself, the communicative community corrects and complicates the functioning of cultural institutions, regardless of their specificity. The article analyzes the specifics of current communications in the field of culture in the situation of a new anthropotechnical reality, and also illustrates the role of communication technologies in the conditions of transforming reality using the example of Russian museums. The reorganization of the museum sector, the use of digital resources, the imaging component are key factors for shaping the modern look of the museum. Revealing the mutual influence of communication technologies and cultural heritage will allow us to carry out not only theoretical understanding, but also the practical development of projects, ideas, and searches.
Linguistic-Cultural Aspects of Professional Language Learning of Military Interpreters
Authors: Shevchenko B. , Kostikova L.
Published: November 2020

As part of the development of international military cooperation and the expansion of intercultural communication in the military sphere, there is an increasing need for specialists who are able to provide high-quality linguistic support for military activities. The importance of improving the quality of training of military personnel and military education is indicated in the Military Doctrine of the Russian Federation. The article is based on the scientific ideas of E. M. Vereshchagin and V.G. Kostomarov, who are rightfully considered the founders of linguistic and regional studies. In the context of the professional language training of military translators, the linguistic and regional aspects of the formation of the educational professional language discourse of military translators are considered. The study of the features of the translation of linguistic and cultural realities involves familiarization with the organizational structure of the country's armed forces of the foreign language being studied, the system of manning the armed forces, the order of service, military ranks, insignia and distinctions. Educational professional military linguistic discourse also includes linguistic and cultural realities associated with the designation of weapons systems and military equipment of the country's armed forces of the foreign language being studied. Translation of military slang, which also reflects the peculiarities of the culture of the country of the target language, presents a significant difficulty. The linguistic units of military slang are not only widely used in the oral speech of military personnel, but are also found in the texts of military journalism, fiction and military documents.
Anglo-American Borrowings in the Discourse of Modern Russian Glossy Magazines
Authors: Markina Yu.
Published: November 2020

The study of the issue of foreign words penetration into the native language is one of the most pressing problems in modern linguistic science. The article examines the modern media discourse features of glossy magazines that reproduce the type of consciousness with its inherent motivational, target and ideological attitudes. The audience sometimes does not attach much importance to the influence that the mass media have on the language development. Therefore, glossy magazines, having become an integral part of the modern media space, play an active role in activating the technology of lexical borrowing and in the literary language development. The subject of the article is media texts of glossy, “glamorous” magazines influencing on the modern Russian language vocabulary. The purpose of the article is to determine the impact of stylistic features of glossy media texts on the borrowing processes in modern Russian speech.
Cohort Fertility: A Comparison of the Results of the Official Birth Statistics and of the Microcensus Survey 2008
Authors: Pötzsch Olga
Published: November 2020

Data are available for the first time for the year under report 2008 on the biological number of children of women from the comprehensive Microcensus sample. Previously, only the ongoing birth statistics provided information on cohort fertility as a total fertility rate of the synthetic female cohorts. Since both benchmarks bear different types of insecurity, a comparison is to provide important information on the quality of these indicators. This article shows that the average number of children per woman in the dataset of the Microcensus 2008 and the cohort fertility rate in the birth statistics show a highly similar course of cohort fertility. Whilst the agreement for the female cohorts in the new Länder (former GDR without Berlin East) and in Germany as a whole is almost complete, the values in the old Länder (Western Germany without Berlin West) are further apart. A major cause of this evidently lies in the high proportion of female immigrants in the old Länder. Some of the women who immigrated into the former territory of Federal Republic already gave birth to their children before entering Germany. These births could not be taken into account in the ongoing birth statistics, whilst the Microcensus provided information on all children born, regardless of where they were born. These survey-related deviations can be largely reduced if the comparison with the cohort fertility rate of the birth statistics is based not on the average number of children of all women, but only on the number of children of women who were born in Germany or who immigrated below the age of 26. The share of female migrants was low in the new Länder and did not impact cohort fertility. All in all, the comparison showed that both sets of statistics provide data with a good degree of concurrence on the fertility of the birth years from 1933 to 1992 for Germany as a whole, as well as for the old and the new Länder. This makes it possible to carry out detailed analyses of fertility in relation to comprehensive socioeconomic characteristics of the Microcensus.
Order-Specific Fertility Rates for Germany
Estimates from Perinatal Statistics for the Period 2001-2008

Authors: Kreyenfeld Michaela , Scholz Rembrandt , Peters Frederik , Wlosnewski Ines
Published: November 2020

Until 2008, Germany’s vital statistics did not include information on the biological order of each birth. This resulted in a dearth of important demographic indicators, such as the mean age at first birth and the level of childlessness. Researchers have tried to fill this gap by generating order-specific birth rates from survey data, and by combining survey data with vital statistics. This paper takes a different approach by using Perinatal Statistics to generate birth order-specific fertility rates for the period 2001 to 2008. Perinatal Statistics includes information on births that took place in German hospitals. Out-of-hospital births, which account for about 2 % of all births, are not included in the Perinatal Statistics. In a sensitivity analysis, we show how robust our estimates are to the inclusion of out-of-hospital births. Our general assessment is that the Perinatal Statistics is a valuable source for generating order-specific fertility rates, regardless of whether out-of-hospital births are included.
A Classification of the Nature of Mortality Data Underlying the Estimates for the 2004 and 2006 United Nations’ World Population Prospects
Authors: Luy Marc
Published: November 2020

The estimation of mortality conditions and trends is a sophisticated task for most populations in the world, above all for those of developing countries. After two decades of intensive discussion and derivation of specific estimation tools for these populations, the use of indirect estimation techniques seems largely forgotten among those who are not forced to apply them. However, for the majority of developing countries these methods are still the main and often the only available estimation tool. In order to systematise the available data and applied estimation techniques, we developed a five-scale classification of the nature of mortality data and assigned all countries with more than 100,000 inhabitants to the corresponding groups. The classification is based on three sources of information regarding the nature of mortality data, the analytical reports of the 2004 and 2006 revisions of the United Nations’ World Population Prospects and the methods and data descriptions of the 2006 Global Burden of Disease Study. Although the information provided by our classification is purely descriptive rather than giving a detailed overview of the specific methods and approaches, the contents of this paper should be of interest to politicians and scientists using the United Nations’ World Population Prospects as well as to scholars who teach and learn about indirect demographic estimation techniques.
Tempo Effects and their Relevance in Demographic Analysis
Authors: Luy Marc
Published: November 2020

Demographic period indicators like the total fertility rate or life expectancy are well known since more than a century and until recently there were only minor discussions about their usefulness. This changed with a series of publications by Bongaarts and Feeney (BF) in which they claimed that these indicators are inappropriate for describing current demographic conditions when the average age at childbearing respective death is changing. Therefore, BF proposed alternative tempo-adjusted indicators for such situations which can be very useful for demographic analysis. The still existing scepticism against the BF approach and the general rejection of mortality tempo adjustment in particular have their origin in a set of misunderstandings and misinterpretations of tempo-adjusted indicators. This paper systematically describes the basic idea of tempo effects, how they can distort the commonly used conventional period indicators and how the proposed methods approximate the idea of tempo adjustment, illustrated with empirical data for West Germany. We also summarize the critiques against tempo adjustment and try to put the tempo approach in the right perspective. Finally, the paper strives for providing a better understanding when tempo-adjusted measures should be used as alternative or in addition to the commonly used conventional demographic indicators.
The Association between Age and Depressive Symptoms among Older Men and Women in Europe. Findings from SHARE
Authors: Buber Isabella , Engelhardt Henriette
Published: November 2020

Empirical evidence of the effects of age on depressive symptoms is mixed, ranging from positive to zero to negative effects, depending on the modelling of the age-depression profile. This paper uses internationally comparative data to analyse the association between age and the prevalence of symptoms of depression, controlling for well-known determinants of mental health. Based on the first wave of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), depressive symptoms of 28,538 persons aged 50 to 89 from eleven European countries and Israel are analysed using a negative binomial regression model. The results indicate that the number of depressive symptoms measured by EURO-D scores increase with age and are higher among women than among men. When including socio-demographic characteristics, health conditions and economic strains, the association between depressive symptoms and age vanishes for men, and even reverses for women. Thus, the association between age and mental health is mediated by the health and living conditions of older persons; age by itself has no explanatory power.
Church Membership and Church Attendance across Time – A Trend Analysis Considering Differences between East and West Germany
Authors: Lois Daniel
Published: November 2020

On the basis of ALLBUS data this paper examines for the period under observation 1980-2008 how the probability of church membership and the frequency of churchgoing change depending on age, calendar time and birth cohort. In accordance with conventional secularisation theories, it is shown for Western and Eastern Germany that the share of individuals with a religious denomination in the periods 1980-2008 and 1991-2008 is continuing to fall. The general secularisation trend is however counteracted by positive age effects on the probability of church membership (in Western and Eastern Germany) and on the frequency of churchgoing (in Western Germany). A form of secularisation which has received little attention so far in this context lies in the fact that the positive age effect on church attendance among Western German persons weakens significantly with ongoing calendar time. In view of cohort effects, it is shown for Western Germany that in particular the 1946-1953 birth cohort, which was considerably influenced by the 68 movement, is typified by low levels of religious participation. A revitalisation of ties to churches is shown in the new Federal States in the cohorts from 1961 onwards, which were socialised during the dissolution of the GDR and after reunification.
Transformations over Time or Sudden Change:
Historical Perspectives on Mass Migrations and Human Lives

Authors: Hoerder Dirk
Published: November 2020

Both migrations and attitudes towards them have deep historical roots. To pronounce the present migration and the economic crisis triggered by derivative bankers in the fall of 2008 as “new without historical precedent” overlooks the impact of patterns of the past on the present and prevents an understanding being reached of continuities and comparisons. It is not migrants who are “uprooted”, as some would have it, but historical memory is deliberately being uprooted. This essay starts by addressing the multiple problems of present-day debates about migration and historicising the perspectives. It critiques the anti-immigrant ascriptions, labels and ideologies. It goes on to present the data and discuss the geographies of migrant trajectories in the context of translocal, transregional, transnational and global connectivity. An integrative Transcultural Societal Studies approach will be proposed. The essay will then deal with migrant agency, that is the actions of migrants, criticising “victimization” approaches and argue that Otherness is a resource as well as a framework for exploitation. Remittances will serve as an example of the intersection between migrant agency and states’ needs. The conclusion will briefly place the present in the context of global inequalities, of the economic aspect and of anti-immigrantism, as well as the ideological national-essentialist aspect.
Infant Mortality in Germany in the 19th Century
Authors: Gehrmann Rolf
Published: November 2020

Developments in infant mortality in Germany have previously only been documented in a fragmentary fashion for the 19th century as a whole, and only on a small scale for the period prior to 1871. For the first time, this paper lays a solid statistical foundation by reprocessing the figures assembled by the German states of that time. The reconstructed national statistical series (from 1826 onwards) reveals a comparatively high infant mortality, with minor deviations until the turn of the 20th century. The impact of urbanisation and industrialisation is not denied, but an evaluation of the different regional patterns and trends leads to a new weighting. The living and working conditions in the countryside were thus highly determining. The relationship between fertility and infant mortality is assessed differently for the era of the sustained reduction in fertility than for the preceding period. All in all, the prevalent customs and attitudes are regarded as being vital to infants’ survival chances. We therefore need to look at attitudes among the educated public and the authorities. Efforts on the part of these groups to bring about change were particularly observed in the South West, where an awareness of the dramatic problem arose comparatively early. Further historic research at the regional level will be needed in order to achieve a final evaluation of these processes.
Responses to the Economic Crisis among Immigrants in the Czech Republic: Impeding and Inhibiting Factors for Staying
Authors: Rulikova Marketa
Published: November 2020

This paper considers the impact of the most recent global economic crisis on immigration in theCzechRepublic. Developments during this economically troubled period suggest that the “immigration-inexperienced”CzechRepublic, which has attracted significant numbers of people seeking economic opportunities in the past decade for the first time, has repeated historical mistakes made by Western European countries during the 1970s oil crisis. Initially, promising economic growth at the beginning of the decade allowed the Czech government to ignore issues of immigration, including controlling inflow and immigrants’ integration into the majority of society. The sudden reality of jobs disappearing in late 2008, irrespective of the fact that many employers in the economic sectors are dependent on foreign guest workers, caught the country unprepared. In an effort to level the unemployment rate and dampen societal unrest, theCzechRepublicoffered financial assistance to immigrants who opted to depart voluntarily, but officials overestimated the willingness of foreign labourers to return home, even if gainful work vanished.This paper is based on research conducted among participants of the government-assisted Voluntary Return Programme and a follow-up ethnographic study in the Vietnamese, Ukrainian and Mongolian communities in Prague. It can be shown that most immigrants decided to stay despite extreme declines in their living conditions. While the motivations of immigrants to leave or stay are multifaceted, this paper offers an alternative to the “pull-push” model that takes into consideration economic as well as cultural factors, which both impede and inhibit migrants from returning “home”.