bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
It Is About Protection. Defence in Finland’s Steps to NATO
Authors:   Finnish National Defence University, Nokkala Arto
Published: February 2023

After Russia invaded Ukraine, Finland quickly applied for NATO membership. This step is not necessarily that drastic should Finland’s security policy development in the long term be examined with one’s focus set on a gradually-developed defence policy. It represents an important continuity in security policy, but also played a central role in advancing Finland’s steps to becoming NATO members. On the basis of different studies and accounts, the following points seem to be critical in constructing a preliminary narrative about Finland’s road to the Alliance. After the Second World War, Finland’s western relations became dependent on its bilateral relations with the Soviet Union. Finland was aware that it could not expect any support from the West as regards its security. Despite a security policy based on recognising facts, and the FCMA Treaty with the Soviet Union, the eastern neighbour was seen as the main, and, later on, the only military threat on the basis of history and Finland’s vulnerable geopolitical position. The threat, however, was concealed by so-called “doubletalk” in security policy discourse until the 2010s. In this context, state defence was developed to be an independent and modern territorial defence, ultimately there to defend against a large-scale invasion. Finland’s defence enjoyed high legitimacy and confi dence in society, especially from the 1970s. Security policy was raised above normal politics to be a kind of super-politics with a strong political consensus. When the Cold War ended and Finland joined the European Union, defence policy and the defence establishment got a leading role in working an approaching NATO. Finland’s opportunities to conduct stabilisation policy in its close neighbourhood were seen as being limited, especially after Russia adopted a self-asserting foreign and security policy towards theWest after 2007. At the same time, the subsequently increased cooperation, networking, and integration stimulated perceptions about western defence dependence. This increased emphasis on defence actually turned people’s attention to the extra security that NATO membership might provide. Applying for NATO, however, required the shock of a Russian invasion of Ukraine before the Finnish public was ready to see the risks of NATO membership as being less than that of its benefits.
Explaining Finnish Economic and Social Success – And Happiness
Authors: Andersson Jan Otto
Published: February 2023

This article explores the reasons behind the high economic and social rankings for Finland. It also refl ects on why Finland is considered the “happiest” country in the world (according to a World Happiness Report). Using empirical data from two studies – an article comparing high-andlow-tax countries, and the aforementioned recent World Happiness Report – it compares Finland with its Nordic neighbours and other Western, especially Anglo-American, countries. The essay outlines a so-called “Finnish model’ and looks for the roots of this model. Comparing measures in several dimensions – effort, culture, institutions, and economic and social outcomes – the essay tries to find characteristics that are particular for Finland. Education, innovation, and economic security, as well as trust, gender equality, resilient conflict solutions, and geo-historical luck, are crucial to Finland’s success. Three notable Germans – Luther, Hegel, and Marx – have influenced Finnish culture and society in different ways. Is Finland the country that comes closest to the ideal – “From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs” (Marx, 1875).
Erro judiciário e reconhecimento de pessoas: lições extraídas da experiência brasileira
Authors: Badaró Massena Caio
Published: February 2023

O presente trabalho pretende extrair, a partir da trajetória do reconhecimento de pessoas no processo penal brasileiro, lições que possam contribuir para a evitação do erro judiciário. Para tanto, analisar-se-á a evolução jurisprudencial sobre o tema do reconhecimento e o discurso acerca do respeito às formalidades do art. 226 do código de processo penal brasileiro. Em seguida, com base em revisão bibliográfica de trabalhos sobre processo penal, prova judicial e psicologia do testemunho, buscar-se-á extrair algumas lições oferecidas por esta experiência, sobretudo no que diz respeito ao equívoco em apostar na superioridade moral e cognitiva dos juízes como remédio para as ilegalidades no âmbito da prova e à importância de se levar a ciência a sério, seja no desenho legislativo sobre os meios de prova, seja na atividade judicial de valoração probatória.
THE “CHERUBIM SONG” GENRE IN UKRAINIAN MUSICAL CULTURE
Authors: SHAPOVALOVA LIUDMYLA , GOVORUKHINA NATALIYA , ZINCHENKO VIKTORIIA , VARAVKINA-TARASOVA NADIIA , DERKACH LARYSA
Published: February 2023

The genre of the Cherubim song is considered in the art criticism and socio-cultural (spiritual) planes. The study of variations of the Cherubic Hymn proposed by various authors from the liturgy of John Chrysostom to contemporary compositions by Lesya Dichko – was carried out. In general, the study was conducted in the landscape of Ukrainian sacred choral music and Christian spirituality emboedied in church music.
Reciprocal regulation of angiotensin converting enzyme and neutral endopeptidase in rats with experimental hypertension.
Authors: Lee JongUn
Published: February 2023

Angiotensin I is a substrate for both the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and neutral endopeptidase 24.11 (NEP). The present study examined the hypothesis that a high ACE expression is associated with a low NEP activity. Male Sprague-Dawley rats had two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C), NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) or deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertension, which were either angiotensin-dependent or -independent. The expression of ACE and NEP mRNA was determined in the thoracic aorta by a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The catalytic activity of NEP was measured by fluorometry. The expression of ACE was increased in 2K1C and L-NAME hypertension, and decreased in DOCA-salt hypertension. Conversely, the expression of NEP was decreased in 2K1C and L-NAME hypertension, and increased in DOCA-salt hypertension. The catalytic activity of NEP was altered similarly as its expression. These results suggest that ACE expression is inversely related to vascular NEP activity in certain forms of hypertension.
Alterations in calcium homeostasis as biological marker for mild Alzheimer´s disease?
Authors: Řípová D , Platilová V , Strunecká A , Jirák R , Höschl C
Published: February 2023

The calcium hypothesis of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer´s disease (AD) suggests that altered cytosolic Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) and/or disturbances in Ca2+ homeostasis concern cellular mechanisms underlying neuronal pathology. To search for a diagnostic marker of Alzheimer´s disease, we measured cytosolic calcium concentrations in platelets of AD patients, age-matched control subjects (AMC), and vascular dementia (VD) patients. The ([Ca2+]i) was determined using long wavelength indicator Fluo-3AM in 21 mild AD patients, 17 AMC, and 23 patients with VD. The basal values of [Ca2+]i were significantly lower in AD compared to AMC. After the addition of 1 mM calcium, the [Ca2+]i markedly increased in platelets of AD compared to AMC and VD. Measurement of calcium homeostasis could provide a very sensitive, but less specific biological marker of AD. These results support the hypothesis that influencing calcium homeostasis may provide a therapeutic strategy in dementia.
Increased subcutaneous abdominal tissue norepinephrine levels in patients with anorexia nervosa: an in vivo microdialysis study.
Authors: Nedvídková J , Dostálová I , Barták V , Papežová H , Pacák K
Published: February 2023

The present study was designed to measure interstitial levels of norepinephrine-regulating lipolysis (NE) in subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue of anorexia nervosa (AN) patients and control subjects under basal conditions and after the local administration of an inhibitor of NE re-uptake, maprotiline. In vivo microdialysis technique was used to assess subcutaneous adipose NE levels in five women with AN (body mass index 14.62±0.47 kg/m2) and six age-matched controls (22.1±0.52 kg/m2). NE was assayed using high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection after batch alumina extraction. Measured basal adipose tissue NE levels reflecting its interstitial levels were significantly increased in AN patients compared to the controls (106.0±20.9 vs. 40.0±5.0 pg/ml). The local maprotiline administration resulted in a significant increase in adipose tissue NE levels (AN patients: 440.0±28.6 vs. 202.0±33.0 pg/ml in the controls) in both groups. Markedly increased subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue NE levels in AN patients compared to control subjects reflect increased sympathetic nervous system activity but not altered membrane noradrenergic transporter system in anorexia nervosa patients.
A Study on Exhibition Characteristics of Local Science Museums with the Theme of Ecological Transformation Education: Focusing on Gimcheon Science Museum in Gyeongbuk Province
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kim Dongryeul
Published: February 2023

This study aims to analyze the ecological transformation education goals, theme-connectivity and exhibition types of articles permanently exhibited at Gimcheon Science Museum, which is a representative local science museum with the theme of ecological transformation education. When analyzing the connectivity with ecological transformation education goals and themes, this study found that the goal domain, ‘Knowledge and Energy Education on Human and Ecological System’, was highest in connectivity. This study discovered that the theme, ‘Energy Transformation’, was highest in connectivity. When analyzing the exhibition types, this study found that manipulative exhibition showed the highest frequency as a type of direct experience exhibition, while still image exhibition showed the highest frequency as a type of indirect experience exhibition. As long as the museum has exhibition halls focusing on exhibition related such themes as climate and energy, Gimcheon Science Museum should place more exhibits considering diversity of ecological transformation education themes, and since children are the main visitors, it is needed to organize participation-type, experiment- type and play-type exhibitions in connection with outdoor experience facilities.
The Meaning of Space Narratives in Transnational Novels
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Lee Younga
Published: February 2023

This study was conducted to examine the meaning of space narratives in transnational novels. The formation of transnational properties was analyzed in the aspects of space symbolization, space change and space expansion. The text novels contain various stories different from each other, but spaces set in these novels are classified to one of encounter, settlement and desire in common. Encounter space can be symbolized as ‘strange site’, settlement one as ‘house’, and desire one as ‘far site’. These space types are linked to form a kind of fundamental flow that space narratives begines from encounter and change to settlement space. A variety of unique stories filled in spaces are related with the method of expression revealing writer’s opinion. The ideal space, realization of transnational world, in transnational novels is ultimate objective but people cannot arrive there. People are trying to only approximate there. Therefore transnational novel has space-oriented property. In conclusion, space narratives in transnational novels regulates the position and relation of characters, gets a direction of story change and finally indicate the transnational space.
Research on Marriage Migrant Women on Their Shift from ‘Other’ to ‘Subject’ Centered around the Economic Activity and Living Experience of Marriage Migrant Women in Yeongju, Gyeongbuk
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Park Nanhee , Shin Nanhee
Published: February 2023

This paper analyzes the process of change from 'other' to 'subject' by conducting in-depth interviews on the economic activities and life experiences of marriage migrant women in Yeongju, Gyeongbuk. According to the research results, marriage migrant women chose to marry Korean men in order to help poor families in their home countries and live a prosperous life in Korea. However, the realities of Korean families were poor, and women were severely ignored and discriminated against because they were from poor countries. Marriage migrant women made efforts to engage in economic activities and participate in Korean language classes and competency programs in order to change their poor home environment for the better. Marriage migrant women gave birth to sons, accepted Korean family culture, and were recognized as dignified personalities. Marriage migrant women are growing into family leaders by leading cultural convergence between their mother country and Korea.
The Beneficial Effects of a Combining Fenofibrate and Swimming Exercise on Lipid Metabolism and Hepatic Inflammation in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Jeong Sunhyo
Published: February 2023

The study analyzed the effects of combination of fenofibrate and swimming exercise on the improvement of fatty liver and hepatic inflammation in mice with non-alcoholic fatty liver by consuming a high-fat diet. High-fat diet fed male mice were divided into high-fat diet (H), high-fat diet+fenofibrate (H/F), high-fat diet+swimming exercise (H/Ex), and high-fat diet+ fenofibrate+swimming exercise (H/F/Ex) and raised for 8 weeks. Compared to H, H/F and H/Ex decreased body weight, adipose tissue weight, hepatic lipid accumulation, and serum ALT and AST. H/F/Ex reduced these factors more effectively than H/F. The expression of the fatty acid β-oxidation and inflammatory cytokine genes in liver was decreased in both H/F and H/Ex compared to H. In particular, the expression of these genes in H/F/Ex was further decreased compared to H/F. Thus, this suggests that the combination of fenofibrate and swimming exercise is more effective lipid metabolism and liver inflammation improvement than fenofibrate alone in non-alcoholic fatty liver.
BOOK REVIEW "RYZHKOV N.I. THE GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR: LEND-LEASE". SECOND EDITION. AUGMENTED. PUBLISHING HOUSE "EKONOMICHESKAYA GAZETA". M. 2020. 479 P
Authors:   Ural Federal University the first President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation, ZAPARIY VLADIMIR
Published: February 2023

The article characterizes a new book by the famous Soviet and Russian politician and public figure N.I. Ryzhkov, who, based on a deep study of archival material previously inaccessible to the general scientific community, wrote a study devoted to one of the most important political, economic and military-strategic issues of Russian and international history, the issue of lend-lease and its role in the victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War. Not only the characteristics of the structure of the book are given, but an analysis of all its sections is made, the social significance of this publication is indicated.
ON THE SYSTEM OF WATERMARKS USED AT VARIOUS FACTORIES OF GOZNAK FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF THE FIRST PAPER BANKNOTES IN THE RSFSR IN 1919-1922
Authors:   Ural Federal University the first President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin, Moscow, Russian Federation, ALYAMKIN ANDREY , BARANOV ALEXANDER
Published: February 2023

This article was written by two specialists in the field of bonistics and is devoted to a little-studied page of the national history and the history of the production of banknotes. Both authors were directly involved in the work on the catalog «State legal tender without restrictions» (Moscow 2019). This work was one of the foundations that determined the classification of the entire Extraordinary Period (1914-1923). The purpose of the article was to show a unified system of a wide variety of watermarks used by various Goznak factories in this period. When using it, it became possible to separate individual banknotes by printing factories. Results: The very first period of production and existence of banknotes of the young Soviet Republic is analyzed. All the factories that appeared and work in those difficult conditions are indicated, with a description of the various types of money paper with which they worked. This article will be useful to historians studying money circulation, the history of the production of banknotes, collectors, experts, museum workers, and anyone interested in the production of paper money.
MILITARY AND PATRIOTIC EDUCATION OF SCHOOL YOUTH IN THE URAL REGION DURING THE GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR
Authors:   Institute of History and Archaeology, Ural Branch of RAS, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation, SPERANSKY ANDREY
Published: February 2023

The paper analyses forms and methods of military and patriotic education of students of secondary schools in the Ural region during the Great Patriotic War. The paper notes that the system of military and patriotic education, which worked effectively during the war years, was based on historical traditions of Russian patriotism, which throughout the centuries-old history of Russia ensured socio-political unity of society in the fight against numerous invaders. The paper shows that the work was aimed at improving military physical training, increasing the level of patriotic consciousness of school youth and attracting them to socially useful work. The paper gives a detailed description of the transformations that have occurred in the military training of schoolchildren, in their agitation and propaganda, labour and socio-patriotic activities. The paper also demonstrates innovative moments in the educational and methodological process caused by the influence of extreme conditions of war. As a result, the paper concludes that the military and patriotic education of the population was the most important core ensuring the military and political, ideological and labour unity of the Soviet society, which managed to defend the sovereignty and independence of its state. The general education school of the Urals has made a significant contribution to the process of attracting school youth to the sphere of socio-political and labour activities aimed at achieving the main goal - saving the Motherland and completely defeating the enemy. The historical experience of military and patriotic work, which ensured public unification during the Great Patriotic War, must be studied in every possible way and used to the maximum in solving modern problems related to the need to destroy the revived Nazism.
STUDYING THE 1938 MUNICH TREATY IN MODERN RUSSIA: OBSERVATIONS BY A HISTORIOGRAPHER
Authors:   Ural Federal University the first President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation, KAMYNIN VLADIMIR
Published: February 2023

The Munich Treaty of 1938 has been of great interest to both Russian and foreign scholarship since its conclusion and up to the present time. The interest of researchers to this scientific problem can be explained by the fact that it has not only historical, but also great political importance. The circumstances of the treaty and its place in world politics on the eve of World War II are the object of fierce ideological struggle. For more than 80 years of study of the Munich Treaty a vast amount of historical literature has been accumulated, which is periodically analyzed in the historiographical literature. The article is devoted to the analysis of the historiographical literature, devoted to the analysis of the study of the Munich treaty of 1938 in the Russian historical science. Modern historiographers distinguish two periods in the study of the problem: The Soviet and post-Soviet periods. The analysis of the historiographical literature shows that while the authors' opinions largely coincide in assessing the Soviet period, there are significant differences in the assessment of the contribution of historians to the study of the Munich Treaty in the years of «perestroika», as well as in the post-Soviet period. This applies not only to the assessment of individual works of Russian scholars, but also to the directions in the development of post-Soviet science and stages in its development. Since the historiographic tradition in the study of the Munich Treaty has not ceased until now, the article analyzes the peculiarities of the literature, which was published on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Munich Treaty.
RELATIONS BETWEEN JAPAN AND THE EUROPEAN UNION IN THE MIRROR OF WORLD AND NATIONAL HISTORIOGRAPHY
Authors:   Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation, KARENIN DENIS ,   Ural Federal University the first President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation
Published: February 2023

The development of relations between Japan and Europe after the Second World War in the second half of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century has become the subject of numerous historic- political and economic studies. The subject in question is of interest for researchers from Japan and Europe as well as to scientific communities from various other countries. Obvious spikes of researchers’ activity occurred in the times of transformation of relations such as the shift to neoliberalism by the end of the 20th century, the formation of the European Union and the recent signing of the Economic Cooperation and Strategic Partnership agreements. Today researches of the matter at hand appear to be highly relevant. Japan and Western Europe have come a long way from trade wars and open standoff at international fora to successful economic cooperation and strategic partnership in relatively short time. Analyzing their experience will be useful for finding solutions to present day international crises. The present article presents the most relevant studies of relations between Japan and Western Europe in the second half of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century. The relevant publications are reviewed by the author in chronological order. This way the distinguishing features of researchers’ approaches to the subject in question in different time periods can be demonstrated more distinctly. The problematic-chronological method was used to carry out the research because it allows to trace the correlation between the topics of historical research papers and the stage of development of historical science. Additionally, the author made use of the periodization method.
REFORMS OF THE LATE 19TH -EARLY 20TH CENTURIES: CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES AND DISCUSSIONS IN MODERN RUSSIAN HISTORIOGRAPHY
Authors:   Institute of History and Archeology of the Ural Branch of the RAS, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation, SPERANSKY PETER ,   Ural Federal University the first President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin
Published: February 2023

The paper analyzes the main controversial issues and discussions of modern Russian historiography concerning the reform process in Russia in the late XIX - early XX centuries. The paper notes that over the past three decades Russian historical studies discusses a wide range of assessments of the course and consequences of the last modernization in the history of Russian Empire - both positive and negative. The paper shows that the study of the reforms during the late Imperial period led to the formation of two main approaches to their interpretation - pessimistic and optimistic. The paper concludes that it is necessary to continue studying these topics in order to conduct a more thorough analysis of the transformations of governments of S.Yu. Witte and P.A. Stolypin.
OCCUPANTS OR ALLIES: THE VIEWS OF MODERN UKRAINIAN HISTORIANS ON THE INTERVENTION OF THE CENTRAL POWERS IN UKRAINE IN 1918
Authors:   Moscow City University, Moscow, Russian Federation, SMIRNOVA YULIA , STARODUBTSEV ALEXEY
Published: February 2023

The author of the article examines views of modern Ukrainian historians on the problem of deployment of Austro-German forces on the territory of Ukraine in 1918. The paper shows a comparative analysis of the points of view of Ukrainian researchers on this problem, reveals the discussion in Ukrainian historiography regarding the use of the term «occupation» in the context of the policy of the Central Power Conclusions: the use of the term «occupation» is generally recognized among Ukrainian historians. Researchers consciously and argumentatively call the actions of the Austro-German troops occupation, and any attempts to abandon this interpretation cause resistance from the scientific community and reflects the attitude of Ukrainian historians to attempts to the absence of this term. The aim of the article is to analyze the existing views of Ukrainian historians on the problem of deployment of Austro-German forces on the territory of Ukraine in 1918. At the same time, Ukrainian historiography was able to come to a comprehensive understanding of the policy of Germany and Austria-Hungary in 1918, which combines both the idea of the Austro-German occupation and the idea of allied assistance from Germany and Austria-Hungary to the Ukrainian People's Republic in the fight against the Bolsheviks. It is revealed that both of these views not only do not contradict, but also complement each other. The special value of the works of R. Ya. Pirig and V. F. Soldatenko is noted. It is concluded that the synthesis of «occupation» and «allied» interpretations became the basis for the concept of «atypical occupation», which most accurately reflects the significance of the Austro-German intervention for the Ukrainian People's Republic.
Perfectionistic Self-Presentation and Body Dissatisfaction: The Role of Anxiety and Depression
Authors: Hashmi Zahra Saghir , Ijaz Tazvin , Ijaz Shirmeen
Published: February 2023

This purpose of the study was to investigate the role of perfectionistic self-presentation aspect of perfectionism with the desire to present a perfect self, which may have a significant impact on emotional and social well-being. The present research assessed the experience of anxiety, depression and body dissatisfaction among university students (N =1000) including males (n = 500) and females (n = 500) enrolled in a four-year undergraduate program. Perfectionistic Self-presentation Scale (Hewitt et al., 2003), Body Dissatisfaction Scale (Tariq & Ijaz, 2015), Beck Depression Inventory (Beck et al., 1996) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (Beck et al., 1988) were used to assess the study variables. Results indicated that perfectionistic self-presentation was significantly correlated with anxiety, depression and body dissatisfaction in female participants whereas, there was significant correlation between perfectionistic self-presentation and anxiety in male participants. Moreover, two mediation models were tested to see the relationship between perfectionistic self-presentation and body dissatisfaction using anxiety and depression as mediators. Using regression analysis, results suggested that there was a significant change in the relationship between perfectionistic self-presentation and body dissatisfaction after adding the mediators i.e., anxiety and depression. The study provided evidence that individuals who display high perfectionistic-self presentation are particularly vulnerable to anxiety, depression and body dissatisfaction. The results have been discussed in the light of previous findings.
Effects of Mood and School Related Stress on Academic Performance: A Mood Induction Investigation
Authors: Aziz Aasma , Batool Irum
Published: February 2023

This experimental research has been designed to explore the impact of visual cues (visual clips) of school stress on student’s mood and academic performance. It was aimed at investigating the relation between positive guided imagery and negative mood. Participants in the study included 90 boys and 95 girls (N = 185) with the age range of 10-14 years. The sample was randomly selected from different public and private schools of Multan and Bahawalpur. They were randomly assigned to two groups: Group 1 had negative Mood Induction Procedure (MIP) only; group 2 was treated with negative mood induction procedure which was followed by a Positive Guided Imagery (PGI). Students completed demographic sheet and School Situation Survey (Helms & Gablem, 1989) prior to experimentation. The results revealed that academic performance decreases after negative mood induction but not after positive guided imagery. Both groups showed insignificant difference at pre and post-induction 1 level, while a significant difference was found between both groups at post induction phase 2.
Emotional Dysregulation among Young Adults: Relationship with Childhood Emotional Abuse
Authors: Ali Palwasha Ishrat , Yousaf Tahira
Published: February 2023

The aim of the present research was to explore the relationship between childhood emotional abuse and emotion dysregulation amongst young adults. It was hypothesized that there would be a significant relationship between childhood emotional abuse and emotion dysregulation. A sample of 253 participants aged 18 to 35 were approached through an online medium utilizing convenience sampling technique. Childhood emotional abuse was measured using Comprehensive Child Maltreatment Scale (Higgins & McCabe, 2001) and emotion dysregulation was measured by using the Difficulties in Emotional Dysregulation Scale by Victor and Klonsky (2016). The findings of these self-reported scales revealed a significant weak positive relationship between childhood emotional abuse and emotion dysregulation. Moreover, there were also significant differences in emotion regulation based on birth order and marital status. The results of current research can acquaint people about the disturbances of childhood emotional abuse into adulthood. Future researches must try to ascertain mechanisms with which emotional abuse might cause emotion dysregulation.
Perceived Threat of Terrorism, Stress Appraisal and Psychological Distress in College and University Students
Authors: Yasmeen Nighat , Kausar Rukhsana
Published: February 2023

The study aims to investigate the relationship of perceived threat of terrorism, stress appraisal and psychological distress in College and University students. Four hundred students of ages 19 to 22 years (M = 20.01, SD = 1.05) were recruited from different Colleges and Universities of Lahore. The research protocol consisted of Terrorism Catastrophizing Scale (Sinclair & LoCicero, 2007), Stress Appraisal Measure (Peacock & Wong, 1990) and Impact of Event Scale-Revised (Horowitz et al., 1979). The data was analyzed by using Pearson product moment correlation and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that threat challenge, centrality, uncontrollable and stressfulness(subscales of stress appraisal) had significant positive relationship with helplessness, rumination, psychological distress, intrusion, avoidance and arousal (subscales of psychological distress), negative relationship of perceived threat of terrorism with appraisal of challenge, controllability by self and controllability by other. Moreover, the results showed that threat, centrality and rumination were significant positive predictors of psychological distress. Findings of the study will help in developing interventions for students who feel high level of psychological distress because of perceived threat of terrorism.
Death Anxiety, Social Support and Medication Adherence in People Living with HIV/AIDS in Pakistan
Authors: Rao Sadia , Asad Shamaila , Latif Aamir
Published: February 2023

The current study aims to explore death anxiety, social support and medication adherence in people living with HIV/AIDS. 150 HIV/AIDS people, including men and women with ages ranging from 20 to 55 (M = 36.44), made up the entire sample. Data was collected through purposive sampling strategy and Correlation research design applied. The following instruments were utilised in the current study: a demographic information sheet, the Death Anxiety Scale (Templer, 1970), the Multidisciplinary Scale of Social Support Scale (Zimet et al., 1988), and the Treatment Motivation Questionnaire (Plant et al., 1995). To interpret the research data, descriptive statistics, Pearson Product Moment Correlation Analysis, Mediation via Process Analysis, and Regression Analysis were used. The results showed a strong favorable association between social support and medicine adherence, but no significant relationship between social support and death anxiety. In Pakistan, the HIV epidemic is moving into a new stage, with the possibility that it will spread through generational transmission. At this point, social support and adherence to ARV treatment are vital for those living with HIV/AIDS.
Development of Emotional and Behavioral Problems Scale for Adolescents
Authors: Kausar Noreena , Pervaiz Abeera , Akram Bushra , Shahzadi Namra , Bibi Bushra
Published: February 2023

The major objective of this study was to develop an indigenous tool to assess emotional and behavioral problems for adolescents in Pakistan. The study consisted on two phases where in the Phase I, an indigenous scale was developed by generating the item pool of 136 items on the basis of semi-structured interviews (n = 28) with adolescents following internalizing/ externalizing problems framework by Achenbach and Edelbrock (1991). The interviews were analyzed by using thematic analysis technique and consequently 136 items were formulated on the basis of extracted themes. The scale comprising 136 items was administered in try out study after the content validity estimated by the experts from relevant field. In phase 2 the scale was administered on the sample of 1120 adolescents from government and private educational institutes for the purpose of establishing the psychometric properties of the scale. Exploratory factor analysis (n = 560) was fixed at 8 factors structure including 54 items. Confirmatory factor analysis (n = 560) resulted in 8 confirmed factors consisting of 32 items. The Cronbach alpha of the scale was α (.92). It is concluded that the locally developed scale can be used to screen out the adolescents with emotional and behavioral problems so that they can refer to further assessment or counselling services.
Network-based modelling of mechano-inflammatory chondrocyte regulation in early osteoarthritis
Authors: Segarra-Queralt Maria , Piella Gemma , Noailly Jérôme
Published: February 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating joint disease characterized by articular cartilage degradation, inflammation and pain. An extensive range of in vivo and in vitro studies evidences that mechanical loads induce changes in chondrocyte gene expression, through a process known as mechanotransduction. It involves cascades of complex molecular interactions that convert physical signals into cellular response(s) that favor either chondroprotection or cartilage destruction. Systematic representations of those interactions can positively inform early strategies for OA management, and dynamic modelling allows semi-quantitative representations of the steady states of complex biological system according to imposed initial conditions. Yet, mechanotransduction is rarely integrated. Hence, a novel mechano-sensitive network-based model is proposed, in the form of a continuous dynamical system: an interactome of a set of 118 nodes, i.e., mechano-sensitive cellular receptors, second messengers, transcription factors and proteins, related among each other through a specific topology of 358 directed edges is developed. Results show that under physio-osmotic initial conditions, an anabolic state is reached, whereas initial perturbations caused by pro-inflammatory and injurious mechanical loads leads to a catabolic profile of node expression. More specifically, healthy chondrocyte markers (Sox9 and CITED2) are fully expressed under physio-osmotic conditions, and reduced under inflammation, or injurious loadings. In contrast, NF-κB and Runx2, characteristic of an osteoarthritic chondrocyte, become activated under inflammation or excessive loading regimes. A literature-based evaluation shows that the model can replicate 94% of the experiments tested. Sensitivity analysis based on a factorial design of a treatment shows that inflammation has the strongest influence on chondrocyte metabolism, along with a significant deleterious effect of static compressive loads. At the same time, anti-inflammatory therapies appear as the most promising ones, though the restoration of structural protein production seems to remain a major challenge even in beneficial mechanical environments. The newly developed mechano-sensitive network model for chondrocyte activity reveals a unique potential to reflect load-induced chondroprotection or articular cartilage degradation in different mechano-chemical-environments.
Eldecalcitol effectively prevents alveolar bone loss by partially improving Th17/Treg cell balance in diabetes-associated periodontitis
Authors: Gao Ruihan , Zhang Weidong , Jiang Yujun , Zhai Junzhe , Yu Jian , Liu Hongrui , Li Minqi
Published: February 2023

Background: Diabetes-associated periodontitis (DPD) is an inflammatory and destructive disease of periodontal tissues in the diabetic population. The disease is manifested as more severe periodontal destruction and is more difficult to treat when compared with periodontitis (PD). Eldecalcitol (ELD) is a novel active vitamin D3 analog; however, little clinical evidence is available on its role on improving PD and DPD, and its specific mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated the preventative effects of ELD toward PD and DPD and explored its underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods: Experimental PD and DPD mouse models were established by ligation combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Porphyromonas gingivalis injection in C57BL/6J and C57BLKS/J Iar- + Leprdb/+Leprdb (db/db) mice, respectively. Simultaneously, ELD (0.25 μg/kg) was orally administered to mice via an intragastric method. Micro-computed tomography (CT), hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining were used to evaluate alveolar bone alterations in vivo. Flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were also used to examine gene expression and probe systemic and local changes in Treg and Th17 cell numbers. Additionally, western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were used to examine changes in STAT3/STAT5 signaling.

Results: Micro-CT and HE staining showed that the DPD group had higher alveolar bone loss when compared with the PD group. After applying ELD, alveolar bone loss decreased significantly in both PD and DPD groups, and particularly evident in the DPD group. IHC and TRAP staining also showed that ELD promoted osteoblast activity while inhibiting the number of osteoclasts, and after ELD treatment, the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) to osteoprotegerin (OPG) ratio decreased. More importantly, this decreasing trend was more obvious in the DPD group. Flow cytometry and qRT-PCR also showed that the systemic Th17/Treg imbalance in PD and DPD groups was partially resolved when animals were supplemented with ELD, while immunofluorescence staining and qRT-PCR data showed the Th17/Treg imbalance was partially resolved in the alveolar bone of both ELD supplemented groups. Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining showed increased p-STAT5 and decreased p-STAT3 levels after ELD application.

Conclusion: ELD exerted preventative effects toward PD and DPD by partially rectifying Th17/Treg cell imbalance via STAT3/STAT5 signaling. More importantly, given the severity of DPD, we found ELD was more advantageous in preventing DPD.
Soil-structure interaction: A state-of-the-art review of modeling techniques and studies on seismic response of building structures
Authors: Bapir Baban , Abrahamczyk Lars , Wichtmann Torsten , Prada-Sarmiento Luis Felipe
Published: February 2023

The present article aims to provide an overview of the consequences of dynamic soil-structure interaction (SSI) on building structures and the available modelling techniques to resolve SSI problems. The role of SSI has been traditionally considered beneficial to the response of structures. However, contemporary studies and evidence from past earthquakes showed detrimental effects of SSI in certain conditions. An overview of the related investigations and findings is presented and discussed in this article. Additionally, the main approaches to evaluate seismic soil-structure interaction problems with the commonly used modelling techniques and computational methods are highlighted. The strength, limitations, and application cases of each model are also discussed and compared. Moreover, the role of SSI in various design codes and global guidelines is summarized. Finally, the advancements and recent findings on the SSI effects on the seismic response of buildings with different structural systems and foundation types are presented. In addition, with the aim of helping new researchers to improve previous findings, the research gaps and future research tendencies in the SSI field are pointed out.
Cost-effective sequence analysis of 113 genes in 1,192 probands with retinitis pigmentosa and Leber congenital amaurosis
Authors: Panneman Daan M. , Hitti-Malin Rebekkah J. , Holtes Lara K. , de Bruijn Suzanne E. , Reurink Janine , Boonen Erica G. M. , Khan Muhammad Imran , Ali Manir , Andréasson Sten , De Baere Elfride , Banfi Sandro , Bauwens Miriam , Ben-Yosef Tamar , Bocquet Béatrice , De Bruyne Marieke , Cerda Berta de la , Coppieters Frauke , Farinelli Pietro , Guignard Thomas , Inglehearn Chris F. , Karali Marianthi , Kjellström Ulrika , Koenekoop Robert , de Koning Bart , Leroy Bart P. , McKibbin Martin , Meunier Isabelle , Nikopoulos Konstantinos , Nishiguchi Koji M. , Poulter James A. , Rivolta Carlo , Rodríguez de la Rúa Enrique , Saunders Patrick , Simonelli Francesca , Tatour Yasmin , Testa Francesco , Thiadens Alberta A. H. J. , Toomes Carmel , Tracewska Anna M. , Tran Hoai Viet , Ushida Hiroaki , Vaclavik Veronika , Verhoeven Virginie J. M. , van de Vorst Maartje , Gilissen Christian , Hoischen Alexander , Cremers Frans P. M. , Roosing Susanne
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) are two groups of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) where the rod photoreceptors degenerate followed by the cone photoreceptors of the retina. A genetic diagnosis for IRDs is challenging since >280 genes are associated with these conditions. While whole exome sequencing (WES) is commonly used by diagnostic facilities, the costs and required infrastructure prevent its global applicability. Previous studies have shown the cost-effectiveness of sequence analysis using single molecule Molecular Inversion Probes (smMIPs) in a cohort of patients diagnosed with Stargardt disease and other maculopathies.

Methods: Here, we introduce a smMIPs panel that targets the exons and splice sites of all currently known genes associated with RP and LCA, the entire RPE65 gene, known causative deep-intronic variants leading to pseudo-exons, and part of the RP17 region associated with autosomal dominant RP, by using a total of 16,812 smMIPs. The RP-LCA smMIPs panel was used to screen 1,192 probands from an international cohort of predominantly RP and LCA cases.

Results and discussion: After genetic analysis, a diagnostic yield of 56% was obtained which is on par with results from WES analysis. The effectiveness and the reduced costs compared to WES renders the RP-LCA smMIPs panel a competitive approach to provide IRD patients with a genetic diagnosis, especially in countries with restricted access to genetic testing.
Additive manufacturing of Al2O3 ceramics with MgO/SiC contents by laser powder bed fusion process
Authors: Ur Rehman Asif , Ullah Abid , Liu Tingting , Ur Rehman Rashid , Salamci Metin U.
Published: February 2023

Laser powder bed fusion is a laser-based additive manufacturing technique that uses a high-energy laser beam to interact directly with powder feedstock. LPBF of oxide ceramics is highly desirable for aerospace, biomedical and high-tech industries. However, the LPBF of ceramics remains a challenging area to address. In this work, a new slurry-based approach for LPBF of ceramic was studied, which has some significant advantages compared to indirect selective laser sintering of ceramic powders. LPBF of Al2O3 was fabricated at different MgO loads up to 80 wt%. Several specimens on different laser powers (70 W–120 W) were printed. The addition of magnesia influenced the microstructure of the alumina ceramic significantly. The findings show that when the laser power is high and the magnesia load is low, the surface quality of the printing parts improves. It is feasible to produce slurry ceramic parts without binders through LPBF. Furthermore, the effects of SiC and MgO loads on the microstructure and surface morphology of alumina are compared and analysed.
Secreted peptidases contribute to virulence of fish pathogen Flavobacterium columnare
Authors: Thunes Nicole C. , Mohammed Haitham H. , Evenhuis Jason P. , Lipscomb Ryan S. , Pérez-Pascual David , Stevick Rebecca J. , Birkett Clayton , Conrad Rachel A. , Ghigo Jean-Marc , McBride Mark J.
Published: February 2023

Flavobacterium columnare causes columnaris disease in freshwater fish in both natural and aquaculture settings. This disease is often lethal, especially when fish population density is high, and control options such as vaccines are limited. The type IX secretion system (T9SS) is required for F. columnare virulence, but secreted virulence factors have not been fully identified. Many T9SS-secreted proteins are predicted peptidases, and peptidases are common virulence factors of other pathogens. T9SS-deficient mutants, such as ΔgldN and ΔporV, exhibit strong defects in secreted proteolytic activity. The F. columnare genome has many peptidase-encoding genes that may be involved in nutrient acquisition and/or virulence. Mutants lacking individual peptidase-encoding genes, or lacking up to ten peptidase-encoding genes, were constructed and examined for extracellular proteolytic activity, for growth defects, and for virulence in zebrafish and rainbow trout. Most of the mutants retained virulence, but a mutant lacking 10 peptidases, and a mutant lacking the single peptidase TspA exhibited decreased virulence in rainbow trout fry, suggesting that peptidases contribute to F. columnare virulence.
Inhibition of tiRNA-Gly-GCC ameliorates neointimal formation via CBX3-mediated VSMCs phenotypic switching
Authors: Rong Zhihua , Li Fengshi , Zhang Rui , Niu Shuai , Di Xiao , Ni Leng , Liu Changwei
Published: February 2023

Background and aim

tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) are a new class of non-coding RNAs involved in a variety of pathological processes, but their biological functions and mechanisms in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) phenotype transition and vascular intimal hyperplasia are unclear.

Methods/results

tiRNA-Gly-GCC is upregulated in synthetic HASMCs, atherosclerotic arteries, plasma, and the balloon injured carotid artery of rats. Functionally, the inhibition of tiRNA-Gly-GCC represses HASMCs proliferation, migration, and reversed dedifferentiation, whereas the overexpression of tiRNA- Gly-GCC have contrary effects. Mechanistically, tiRNA-Gly-GCC performs these functions on HASMCs via downregulating chromobox protein homolog 3 (CBX3). Finally, the inhibition of tiRNA-Gly-GCC could ameliorate neointimal formation after vascular injury in vivo.

Conclusions

tiRNA-Gly-GCC is a mediator of HASMCs phenotypic switching by targeting CBX3 and inhibition of tiRNA-Gly-GCC suppresses neointimal formation.