bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of workplace discrimination and harassment among National Health Service staff working in London trusts: results from the TIDES study
Authors: Rhead Rebecca D. , Chui Zoe , Bakolis Ioannis , Gazard Billy , Harwood Hannah , MacCrimmon Shirlee , Woodhead Charlotte , Hatch Stephani L.
Published: December 2020

Background

Harassment and discrimination in the National Health Service (NHS) has steadily increased over the past 5 years with London being the worst performing region. There is a lack of data and research on the impact this is having on staff health and job satisfaction. Such data are necessary to inform the development of effective workplace interventions to mitigate the effects these experiences have on staff.

Aims

Examine the impact of harassment and discrimination on NHS staff working in London trusts, utilising data from the 2019 TIDES cross-sectional survey.

Method

In total, 931 London-based healthcare practitioners participated in the TIDES survey. Regression analysis was used to examine associations between the sociodemographic characteristics of participants, exposure to discrimination and harassment, and how such exposures are associated with physical and mental health, job satisfaction and sickness absence.

Results

Women, Black ethnic minority staff, migrants, nurses and healthcare assistants were most at risk of discrimination and/or harassment. Experiencing either of the main exposures was associated with probable anxiety or depression. Experiencing harassment was also associated with moderate-to-severe somatic symptoms. Finally, both witnessing and experiencing the main exposures were associated with low job satisfaction and long periods of sickness absence.

Conclusions

NHS staff, particularly those working in London trusts, are exposed to unprecedented levels of discrimination and harassment from their colleagues. Within the context of an already stretched and under-resourced NHS, in order to combat poor job satisfaction and high turnover rates, the value of all healthcare practitioners must be visibly and continuously reinforced by all management and senior leaders.
Sex-specific microhabitat use is associated with sex-biased thermal physiology in Anolis lizards
Authors: Logan Michael L. , Neel Lauren K. , Nicholson Daniel J. , Stokes Andrew J. , Miller Christina L. , Chung Albert K. , Curlis John David , Keegan Kaitlin M. , Rosso Adam A. , Maayan Inbar , Folfas Edite , Williams Claire E. , Casement Brianna , Koyner Maria A. Gallegos , Perez Dylan J. Padilla , Falvey Cleo H. , Alexander Sean M. , Charles Kristin L. , Graham Zackary A. , McMillan W. Owen , Losos Jonathan B. , Cox Christian L.
Published: December 2020

If fitness optima for a given trait differ between males and females in a population, sexual dimorphism may evolve. Sex-biased trait variation may affect patterns of habitat use, and if the microhabitats used by each sex have dissimilar microclimates, this can drive sex-specific selection on thermal physiology. Nevertheless, tests of differences between the sexes in thermal physiology are uncommon, and studies linking these differences to microhabitat use or behavior are even rarer. We examined microhabitat use and thermal physiology in two ectothermic congeners that are ecologically similar but differ in their degree of sexual size dimorphism. Brown anoles (Anolis sagrei) exhibit male-biased sexual size dimorphism and live in thermally heterogeneous habitats, whereas slender anoles (Anolis apletophallus) are sexually monomorphic in body size and live in thermally homogeneous habitats. We hypothesized that differences in habitat use between the sexes would drive sexual divergence in thermal physiology in brown anoles, but not slender anoles, because male and female brown anoles may be exposed to divergent microclimates. We found that male and female brown anoles, but not slender anoles, used perches with different thermal characteristics and were sexually dimorphic in thermal tolerance traits. However, field-active body temperatures and behavior in a laboratory thermal arena did not differ between females and males in either species. Our results suggest that sexual dimorphism in thermal physiology can arise from phenotypic plasticity or sex-specific selection on traits that are linked to thermal tolerance, rather than from direct effects of thermal environments experienced by males and females.
Sky radiance and spectral gradient are orienting cues for the sandhopperTalitrus saltator(Crustacea, Amphipoda)
Authors: Ciofini A. , Mercatelli L. , Hariyama T. , Ugolini A.
Published: December 2020

The sandhopper Talitrus saltator relies on both the sun and the moon compasses to return to the belt of damp sand of the beach in which it lives buried during the day. In addition to the sun, the gradient of radiance and the spectral distribution across the sky could provide directional information that T. saltator can potentially use to orient itself during the day even when the sun is not visible (e.g. cloudy sky). The scope of this work was 1) to determine the intensity levels of sky radiance that the sandhoppers use in their zonal recovery and 2) to investigate whether this species relies on the celestial spectral gradient in its zonal recovery. Sandhoppers were tested in the laboratory under artificial radiance or spectral gradients.

Our results show that under an artificial sky, simulating the natural radiance gradient on a cloudless day, sandhoppers orientated toward the correct seaward direction of their home beach, however, individuals lost their ability to use the intensity gradient as an orientation cue when the radiance was attenuated by at least 40%. Sandhoppers were also able to head in the correct seaward direction of their home beach at any time of the day by using the spectral gradient as their only source of visual orientation reference.
The Current State of Formation of Financial Strategy in the Management System of an Industrial Enterprise
Authors:   SHEI Donbass State Engineering Academy, Myronenko Е. , Barkova S. ,   SHEI Donbass State Engineering Academy, Yershakova V. ,   SHEI Donbass State Engineering Academy
Published: December 2020

The article considers the essence of financial strategy, defines its place in the strategic set of industrial enterprises. The characteristics of the financial strategy of the enterprise are substantiated and supplemented and the organizational model of its formation and realization is built. The goals and objectives of the financial strategy, the nature of management decisions aimed at ensuring financial stability, competitiveness and maximizing the value of the enterprise are described. The process of enterprise development at different stages is analyzed. The most important essential characteristics of the financial strategy of an industrial enterprise are determined. It is proved that in the course of diagnosing and assessing the strategic opportunities of financial development of the enterprise is carried out: analysis and assessment of the financial condition of the enterprise in order to identify the state of the enterprise and identify features of its development; analysis of factors of the internal financial environment to identify the direction of their action on the final results of the enterprise; comprehensive analysis and diagnosis of internal financial potential in order to establish its level to ensure the strategic opportunities for financial development of the enterprise.
Organization of Marketing Activities of Industrial Enterprises in Modern Business Conditions
Authors:   SHEI Donbass State Engineering Academy, Fomichenko I. , Kondratenko O. ,   SHEI Donbass State Engineering Academy, Rudenko T. ,   SHEI Donbass State Engineering Academy, Brant M. ,   SHEI Donbass State Engineering Academy
Published: December 2020

The article considers topical issues of organization of marketing activities at industrial enterprises. The reasons for the need to implement and use methods and tools of modern marketing are indicated. The components and separate functional tasks of marketing activity at industrial enterprises are given. The stages of formation of the marketing management system of the enterprise are revealed. It is noted that a systematic approach to marketing management of the enterprise involves the use of marketing tools in the management process. The main elements of the marketing management system of the enterprise are investigated. Peculiarities and forms of manifestation of peculiarities of marketing activity organization at industrial enterprises in modern market conditions are revealed. 3D-marketing as an innovative tool of marketing activity is singled out, the spheres of its application, advantages of use, and also characteristic differences from traditional marketing are resulted.
Implementation of Intellectual Logistics Technologies into the Infrastructure Complex of Sea Transport
Authors:   Azov Maritime Institute National University ", Gurenko A. ,   Odessa Maritime Academy", Zubov S. ,   Branch of the FE "SGS Ukraine"
Published: December 2020

The paper investigates trends in the development of intelligent logistics technologies in the infrastructure complex of maritime transport. The features of the development of the maritime industry in the context of the digitalization of the economy and the inclusion of world port operators in the processes of Industry 4.0 are analyzed. In particular, the current macroeconomic trends and prospects for the development of sea transport in Ukraine have been identified. The research methodology is based on theoretical and methodological analysis of scientific literature, statistical methods, as well as observation, comparative method, description, measurement. The use of scientific research methods made it possible to identify the challenges facing the domestic transport system in the context of the development of global digital logistics. The results of the study indicate that external priorities for the development of maritime transport and the direction of digitalization can increase transport efficiency and improve customer service. It has been proven that these areas of intellectualization of ports provide for the combination of a wide range of advanced technologies: artificial intelligence, cloud computing services, block chain technology. Sharing the latest tools allows transport participants (operators, ports, ship owners, customers) to optimize logistics operations and manage in real time. The analysis made it possible to identify the reasons for the underutilization of the Ukrainian ports and assess the factors hindering the development of the Ukrainian maritime industry. Financial and economic, legal, organizational, and technical problems are identified among the main problems. At the same time, the adopted rules for servicing clients within the ports and the imperfection of the regulatory framework for the unification of documents and information exchange procedures have a significant impact. Most ports are not ready to operate in the new competitive environment. In general, it is recommended to make management decisions on the implementation of intelligent information and telecommunication systems in the maritime industry of Ukraine. It is recommended to intensify the involvement of port infrastructure in logistics processes, taking into account digitalization trends: to introduce systems of automated control centers, subsystems for intelligent analysis, display of data and information, networks of port sensors and actuators, wireless access networks with infrastructure elements of the backbone intelligent multimodal transport system. The implementation of the proposed measures becomes possible in the context of the integrated implementation of information technologies based on joint teamwork to create an electronic model at the level of the USPA and other transport operators.
On the Possibility of Human Survival: Noospheric Socialist Utopia or the Strategy of Spiritually-Noosphere-Sustainable Economic Development
Authors:   V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Zadorozhny G.
Published: December 2020

The survival of mankind is possible through the rejection of dialectical dogmas of humanitarian and social science, which still ignores the spiritual nature of man, has an anti-human orientation. The theory of sustainable development and the concept of noospherism are technocratic utopias that do not recognize the true tri-hypostatic – the spiritual-bio-social nature of the human personality. They contribute to dehumanization, they cannot find a way out of the current apocalyptic global crisis. The survival of humanity is possible through the development and implementation of a new saving strategy of spiritually-noosphere-sustainable economic development, where humanity as an alpha and omega should be deployed in the actions of governments and in every conscious, free-responsible act of the individual.
Digital Transformation of Public Administration of the Donetsk Region Based on Smart Specialization
Authors:   Institute of Industrial Economics of the NAS of Ukraine, Borodina O.
Published: December 2020

The article is devoted to the analysis of current measures of the process of digitalization of public services in the Donetsk region. The experience of implementing smart specialization technology in the practice of European Regional Development is analyzed in detail, and its compliance with the principles of strategic planning for regional development in the EU is determined. The role of "smart specialization" as a mandatory condition for regions to receive funds from European funds is noted. Attention is focused on a vertically oriented approach when choosing regional development priorities. The ambiguity of selective selection of regional development directions and the need to balance the interests of all territorial stakeholders are noted. Based on the assessments of the UNDP Development Program in Ukraine on the introduction of e-management tools for regional state administrations and compulsory health insurance of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the analysis of problematic issues of digital transformation of public services and Electronic Document Management in state and local authorities was carried out. It is noted that the progressive Ukrainian scientific community is quite capable of generating ideas that will immediately be used by entrepreneurs, who, as employers, can form an educational request, thus ridding the labor market of specialists who do not have demand in the labor market. The need for urgent measures of the first stage of EDP implementation of e-governance in the Donetsk region is stated, in particular: development of a roadmap, identification of stakeholders and creation of innovative ecosystems, workshops where an analysis and joint vision of the development of priority start-specialization industries will be carried out. Systematic effective recommendations are given for the implementation of certain tasks of the corresponding operational goal of the Donetsk Region Development Strategy until 2027.
«Lublin Triangle»: Institutional Preconditions and Economic Potential of Creation
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Chebotarov Ie.
Published: December 2020

In the context of the cardinal aggravation of natural, economic and institutional factors of international instability, which became especially evident at the turn of the XX - XXI centuries, the problems of viability of the officially announced summer 2020 decision to create the "Lublin Triangle" as a platform for cooperation between Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine in the security, economic and cultural spheres. In essence, the institutional preconditions and genesis of the developments around the Union of Lublin during the second half of the XIVth - first two decades of the XXIst century and the economic potential of the "Lublin Triangle" in terms of the current European situation are analyzed. A principled approach to the events related to the Union of Lublin, which in the common consciousness is seen as a prototype of the "Lublin Triangle, in the scientific achievements and ideas of iconic figures of the political establishment of Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine. The approach is substantiated that the broad institutional and economic preconditions for the founding of the "Lublin Triangle" were laid much earlier: by the Union of Krewo in 1385 - the world's first interstate allied-unifying entity. It has been proved that in terms of potential domestic market volumes, gross domestic product level and trade turnover between Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine, the Lublin Triangle objectively has a high competitive position in the system of modern international division of labor within the European Union. In order to substantiate the competitiveness of the "Lublin Triangle" the most promising areas of economic cooperation between Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine at the interstate level and at the level of business entities have been identified on a sectoral basis, as well as prospects for further study of the problem.
Institutional Conditions for the Development of the Nuclear-Industrial Complex and Radioactive Waste Management in Ukraine
Authors:   Institute of Industrial Economics of the NAS of Ukraine, Shevchenko V. , Mukhachev А. ,   Institute of Geotechnical Mechanics named by N. Poljakov of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Lyashenko V. ,   Institute of Industrial Economics of the NAS of Ukraine, Osadcha N. ,   Institute of Industrial Economics of the NAS of Ukraine
Published: December 2020

Trends in the development of the nuclear-industrial complex and radioactive waste management are analyzed. Among the main problems of development of the nuclear-industrial complex and radioactive waste management are the imperfection of the legal framework, lack of investment. The contribution of the nuclear industry of Ukraine to the creation of gross domestic product is not significant, but its role is important in ensuring economic security and achieving energy independence of the country. The state of the nuclear-industrial complex in other countries of the world has been studied. It is expedient to use an innovative approach for the development of the nuclear-industrial complex. This approach is presented as a set of three interrelated blocks, namely: methodological and informational; diagnostic and orientation; evaluation and procedural. Directly, the nuclear-industrial complex, which is a leading link in the nuclear-energy complex of Ukraine, can be considered a complex sector of the national economy, including: uranium production, which creates a basis for meeting the needs of nuclear power plants in natural uranium in the medium and long term; zirconium production, which involves the establishment of zirconium production. The results of the implementation of the regional program for the development of the nuclear-industrial complex should include the following: increasing the competitiveness of enterprises in key strategic industries: nuclear, mining, metallurgy, chemical and mechanical engineering; increasing the innovation of production through the development of scientific potential of the region, the commercialization of the scientific process; development of enterprises on the basis of the latest technologies of industrial waste processing, including for the development of the region's infrastructure; reduction of man-caused load on the environment; creating more attractive and diverse jobs; ensuring the stabilization of social processes in the mining regions. One of the directions of modernization of the nuclear-industrial complex of Ukraine is the creation of SMR reactors (Smallmodularreactor) and its installation instead of the existing ones. Their production must be carried out at Ukrainian enterprises. The necessity of increasing the volume of uranium production, the level of its enrichment and at the same time solving environmental issues on waste disposal is substantiated.
Issues of Chemical Cluster Formation in the Context of the Implementation of Smart Specialization Approach in Dnipropetrovsk Region
Authors:   Volodymyr Dahl East Ukrainian National University, Shvets N.
Published: December 2020

The article analyzes the external and internal conditions for the formation of a regional chemical cluster in Dnipropetrovsk region based on smart specialization approach and formulates recommendations for the preparatory stage of the entrepreneurial discovery process. It is noted that the application of a new model of regional development management using smart specialization methodology requires the creation of integral effective innovation space, the development of which can occur by regional economy clustering. By studying foreign experience in cluster development, attention is drawn to the important role of the authorities as a facilitator and not a leader of cluster initiatives. The conclusion is made about the incomplete elaboration of a smart oriented strategic goal in the Development Strategy of Dnipropetrovsk region for the period until 2027. The expediency of the region’s choice of chemical industry as a priority for further search for smart growth points has been proved. The chemical sphere priorities and projects registered on the European Smart Specialization Platform were considered. It is noted that Dnipropetrovsk region has certain prerequisites for the formation of a formal regional chemical cluster based on existing economic opportunities, the latest industry trends and prospects for cross-sectoral and cross-regional cooperation. The work identifies the main features of the future chemical cluster and its general characteristics. The emphasis is made on the fact that it is impossible to develop a specific chemical cluster model before the start of entrepreneurial discovery process; its profile will be understood only by the results of this process. The important aspects and requirements for the entrepreneurial discovery process are revealed, which must be taken into account before and during its implementation. Recommendations have been developed, including a set of preparatory actions, aimed at ensuring a more complete stakeholder identification and high efficiency of smart priority search process.
Methodical Approaches to the Identification of Gaseous Production Waste that in a Negative Effect Affect Macroeconomic Processes
Authors:   Institute of Industrial Economics of the NAS of Ukraine, Serdiuk O. , Petrova I. ,   Institute of Industrial Economics of the NAS of Ukraine
Published: December 2020

The negative externalities caused by gaseous production waste are quite dynamic, so they need additional study in order to find tools for their internalization. Negative externalities are currently not sufficiently studied, the question of assessing the degree of impact of gaseous production waste on macroeconomic processes remains little studied. The aim of the work is to scientifically substantiate methodological approaches to the detection of gaseous production waste that negatively affects macroeconomic processes. A methodology for identifying production wastes that negatively affect macroeconomic processes is proposed. It is based on an analytical approach that will summarize the information obtained using statistical methods and methods of in-depth data analysis. Grain and sunflower yields were chosen as a target for detecting the impact of gaseous waste. The input factors are the most common elements of gaseous production waste, namely: carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrogen oxides (NO), soot, sulfur dioxide (SO2), non-metallic light organic compounds, carbon dioxide (CO2). The methodology for determining the degree of impact of production waste on macroeconomic processes in Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhia, Poltava and Sumy regions of Ukraine has been tested. According to the results of analytical generalization, the degree of influence of the most common elements of gaseous production waste is estimated. The results of the analysis for sulfur dioxide (SO2) and soot are informative. The obtained evaluation results should become the basis for the development of a model of internalization of negative externalities. A promising area of further research is the testing of this methodology in relation to all sectors that are potential recipients of negative effects arising from emissions of gaseous production waste.
Newly qualified health visitor: Promoting parent–infant interaction for infant mental health
Authors: Boddy Bethany
Published: December 2020

Bethany Boddy reflects on the importance of the first 1001 days for infant and child mental health
A guide to sleep problems and solutions in the early years
Authors: Hancock David
Published: December 2020

Sleep problems in children can be distressing for parents who may require practical, emotional and psychological support to help their child to sleep. A study reported that 10% of children are found to have a sleep problem at any given point during early childhood, and that problems persist in a significant minority of children throughout early development. This article considers the sleeping problems experienced during the early years, with some advice about how parents can prevent or resolve them.
A Time and Motion Study for Evaluation of Apple Harvest Processes with Different Harvest Methods
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Lu Renfu , Igathinathane Cannayen
Published: December 2020

Highlights

Workers’ apple harvest processes with three harvest methods were evaluated and compared.

All three harvest methods had low overall harvest efficiency.

Harvest efficiency for the ladder-and-bucket method can be improved by reducing non-picking activities.

Innovation for harvest platform systems should focus on improving fruit picking activities.

Abstract. In recent years, harvest platforms are being increasingly used by apple growers in the U.S. and many other countries to replace the traditional ladder-and-bucket harvest method. However, the current harvest platforms still have low levels of automation, which limits their potential to achieve greater productivity improvement. This study was therefore aimed at analyzing the harvest process by fruit pickers with three distinct harvest methods and determining potential areas for efficiency improvement. Video recordings of workers with the traditional ladder-and-bucket method, DBR vacuum harvester, and Huron Fruit Systems harvest platform were collected at three commercial orchards during the 2018 harvest season. The videos were then analyzed, using the time and motion technique, and categorized into picking and non-picking activities. Results showed that the average picking time by workers for the ladder-and-bucket, DBR, and Huron harvest methods were 64%, 78%, and 83% of the total time, respectively. After further dividing the picking activity into approaching, detaching, and transporting actions, it was found that the detaching action, which is essential in fruit picking, accounted for only 30% to 32% of the total picking time for the three methods, with the remaining 2/3 of the time spent on the approaching and transporting actions. The ladder-and-bucket, DBR, and Huron harvest methods had a low overall apple detaching efficiency of 21%, 23%, and 26%, respectively, and an overall time index of 45%, 71%, and 80%, respectively (these two parameters were introduced for measuring harvest efficiency). Hence, significant opportunities exist for improving harvest efficiency for the three methods. For the ladder-and-bucket method, efforts should be made on improving non-picking activities, i.e., fruit unloading and minimizing the walking distance to the fruit unloading station or bin. For harvest platforms, efforts should be devoted to the development of innovative fruit catching or receiving and bin filling technologies to reduce fruit picking time (i.e., reducing the time needed to reach fruit on trees and transport picked fruit to conveyors) as well as alleviate the physical demand and occupational hazard for workers by eliminating the use of buckets. Keywords: Apple, Fruit picking, Harvest efficiency, Harvest platform, Horticulture crops, Vacuum harvest.
Dreifing efnahags- og menntunarauðs meðal foreldra í skólahverfum höfuðborgarsvæðisins 1997–2016
Authors: Magnúsdóttir Berglind Rós , Auðardóttir Auður Magndís , Stefánsson Kolbeinn
Published: December 2020

Samsetning foreldrahópa með tilliti til efnahags, uppruna og menntunar hefur afgerandi áhrif á hvert skólasamfélag. Í þessari rannsókn er stéttaaðgreining milli skólahverfa skoðuð með fræðilegum hætti í íslensku borgarsamfélagi. Byggt er á auðshugtökum Bourdieu við öflun og greiningu á sérvinnslugögnum um foreldra grunnskólabarna frá Hagstofu Íslands 1997–2016. Farin var sú leið að skoða sérstaklega dreifingu foreldra sem hafa mestan efnahags- og menntunarauð og hafa fjölskyldutengsl til Íslands, því þau eru líklegust til að hafa raunverulegt val og táknrænan auð til að móta hugmyndir um gæði skóla og hverfa. Hér er dregin fram landfræðileg aðgreining milli efnahagsauðs- og menningarauðsstéttar í íslensku borgarsamfélagi. Erlendur uppruni, menntunar- og efnahagsauður hafa almennt vaxið meðal foreldra grunnskólabarna á þessu 20 ára tímabili en dreifingin á skólahverfin er skautuð. Annars vegar hefur auðurinn í auknum mæli safnast í tiltekin fimm hverfi af 42 og hins vegar horfið brott frá þremur svæðum þar sem meirihluti foreldra býr við krefjandi félags- og efnahagslegar aðstæður og hefur engin fjölskyldutengsl á Íslandi.1 Hins vegar hafa þau þrjú hverfi sem eru með hæst hlutfall eigna- og hátekjufólks2 haldið nánast óbreyttri stöðu varðandi hlutfall foreldra af íslenskum uppruna.
Rökræða, stofnanir, þátttaka. Ágreiningsefni um lýðræði
Authors: Árnason Vilhjálmur
Published: December 2020

Í þessari grein skýrir höfundur og ver þær lýðræðishugmyndir sem felast í greiningu hans á íslensku stjórnarfari og stjórnmálamenningu í aðdraganda og eftirmálum fjármálahrunsins 2008. Gerð er grein fyrir og metin gagnrýni þeirra Jóns Ólafssonar og Birgis Hermannssonar á röksemdir Vilhjálms og notkun hans á fræðilegum lýðræðislíkönum Jürgens Habermas til að greina íslensk stjórnmál. Færð eru rök fyrir því að greiningu Vilhjálms verði að skilja í ljósi þess að hún taki mið af þeim sérstöku aðstæðum sem sköpuðust hérlendis kringum fjármálahrunið og villandi sé að slíta röksemdir hans úr tengslum við það. Í skrifum Vilhjálms er til dæmis stöðugt minnt á mikilvægi ákveðinna lærdóma sem draga þurfi af rökræðukenningunni um lýðræði andspænis þeirri gagnrýni á stjórnarhætti og stjórnsiði hérlendis sem sett var fram í skýrslu rannsóknarnefndar Alþingis á orsökum hrunsins. Sú gagnrýni Jóns og Birgis að Vilhjálmur smætti lýðræði í stjórnsýslu og geri ekki ráð fyrir aðkomu almennings í hugmyndum sínum um lýðræði er sögð eiga rætur sínar í því að þeir slíti umfjöllun hans úr þessu tiltekna samhengi og dragi af henni villandi ályktanir um afstöðu hans til lýðræðis almennt. Einnig er ágreiningurinn rakinn til ólíks skilnings þessara fræðimanna á lýðræðishugtakinu. Vilhjálmur hafnar því að gera aðkomu borgaranna að ákvörðunum að þungamiðju lýðræðis á kostnað vandaðra stjórnarhátta og öflugra stofanana sem vernda mikilvæg lýðræðisleg gildi og gera borgurunum kleift að draga stjórnvöld til ábyrgðar. Loks eru reifaðar hugmyndir um borgaravirkni í anda rökræðulýðræðis og hvernig þær megi útfæra andspænis þeim ógnum sem steðja að upplýstri skoðanamyndun í samtímanum.
The Intergenerational Transmission of Education: A Case Study from Iceland
Authors: Dagsson Emil , Karlsson Þorlákur , Zoega Gylfi
Published: December 2020

We estimate the relation between parents’ education and the education of their children, using survey data from Iceland. We find a positive correlation between the education of parents and their children, as well as a positive correlation between parents’ emphasis on the importance of education and their children’s education. Parents with strong educational emphasis do not necessarily need to have high educational attainment in our sample. The mother’s education appears to matter somewhat more than that of the father. In a multiple regression analysis, we find a positive and statistically significant effect of both the mother and the father’s education on the educational attainment of children as well as an effect of the mother and the father’s emphasis of the importance of education, while controlling for gender, age and residence. The results show that parents’ emphasis on education has almost the same effect on children as the parents’ education level. We attempt to make a comparison between the correlation in Iceland and in other countries, in particular the four Nordic countries that have a weaker transmission between generations than most other nations. We find that it is lower in Iceland than the Nordic average. Finally, we find that the influence of parents has not changed much over time by omitting the youngest cohort between the ages of 24 and 35.
Subtractive photonics
Authors: Fatemi Reza , Ives Craig , Khachaturian Aroutin , Hajimiri Ali
Published: December 2020

Realization of a multilayer photonic process, as well as co-integration of a large number of photonic and electronic components on a single substrate, presents many advantages over conventional solutions and opens a pathway for various novel architectures and applications. Despite the many potential advantages, realization of a complex multilayer photonic process compatible with low-cost CMOS platforms remains challenging. In this paper, a photonic platform is investigated that uses subtractively manufactured structures to fabricate such systems. These structures are created solely using simple post-processing methods, with no modification to the foundry process. This method uses the well-controlled metal layers of advanced integrated electronics as sacrificial layers to define dielectric shapes as optical components. Metal patterns are removed using an etching process, leaving behind a complex multilayer photonic system, while keeping the electronics'metal wiring intact. This approach can be applied to any integrated chip with well-defined metallization, including those produced in pure electronics processes, pure photonics processes, heterogeneously integrated processes, monolithic electronic-photonic processes, etc. This paper provides a proof-of-concept example of monolithic electronic-photonic integration in a 65 nm bulk CMOS process and demonstrates proof-of-concept photonic structures. The fabrication results, characterization, and measurement data are presented.
Approximating complex musculoskeletal biomechanics using multidimensional autogenerating polynomials
Authors: Sobinov Anton , Boots Matthew T. , Gritsenko Valeriya , Fisher Lee E. , Gaunt Robert A. , Yakovenko Sergiy
Published: December 2020

Computational models of the musculoskeletal system are scientific tools used to study human movement, quantify the effects of injury and disease, plan surgical interventions, or control realistic high-dimensional articulated prosthetic limbs. If the models are sufficiently accurate, they may embed complex relationships within the sensorimotor system. These potential benefits are limited by the challenge of implementing fast and accurate musculoskeletal computations. A typical hand muscle spans over 3 degrees of freedom (DOF), wrapping over complex geometrical constraints that change its moment arms and lead to complex posture-dependent variation in torque generation. Here, we report a method to accurately and efficiently calculate musculotendon length and moment arms across all physiological postures of the forearm muscles that actuate the hand and wrist. Then, we use this model to test the hypothesis that the functional similarities of muscle actions are embedded in muscle structure. The posture dependent muscle geometry, moment arms and lengths of modeled muscles were captured using autogenerating polynomials that expanded their optimal selection of terms using information measurements. The iterative process approximated 33 musculotendon actuators, each spanning up to 6 DOFs in an 18 DOF model of the human arm and hand, defined over the full physiological range of motion. Using these polynomials, the entire forearm anatomy could be computed in <10 μs, which is far better than what is required for real-time performance, and with low errors in moment arms (below 5%) and lengths (below 0.4%). Moreover, we demonstrate that the number of elements in these autogenerating polynomials does not increase exponentially with increasing muscle complexity; complexity increases linearly instead. Dimensionality reduction using the polynomial terms alone resulted in clusters comprised of muscles with similar functions, indicating the high accuracy of approximating models. We propose that this novel method of describing musculoskeletal biomechanics might further improve the applications of detailed and scalable models to describe human movement.
The development of a novel diagnostic PCR for Madurella mycetomatis using a comparative genome approach
Authors: Lim Wilson , Siddig Emmanuel , Eadie Kimberly , Nyuykonge Bertrand , Ahmed Sarah , Fahal Ahmed , Verbon Annelies , Smit Sandra , van de Sande Wendy WJ
Published: December 2020

Background

Eumycetoma is a neglected tropical disease most commonly caused by the fungus Madurella mycetomatis. Identification of eumycetoma causative agents can only be reliably performed by molecular identification, most commonly by species-specific PCR. The current M. mycetomatis specific PCR primers were recently discovered to cross-react with Madurella pseudomycetomatis. Here, we used a comparative genome approach to develop a new M. mycetomatis specific PCR for species identification.

Methodology

Predicted-protein coding sequences unique to M. mycetomatis were first identified in BLASTCLUST based on E-value, size and presence of orthologues. Primers were then developed for 16 unique sequences and evaluated against 60 M. mycetomatis isolates and other eumycetoma causing agents including the Madurella sibling species. Out of the 16, only one was found to be specific to M. mycetomatis.

Conclusion

We have discovered a predicted-protein coding sequence unique to M. mycetomatis and have developed a new species-specific PCR to be used as a novel diagnostic marker for M. mycetomatis.
Multi-locus genotyping reveals established endemicity of a geographically distinct Plasmodium vivax population in Mauritania, West Africa
Authors: Ba Hampate , Auburn Sarah , Jacob Christopher G. , Goncalves Sonia , Duffy Craig W. , Stewart Lindsay B. , Price Ric N. , Deh Yacine Boubou , Diallo Mamadou Yero , Tandia Abderahmane , Kwiatkowski Dominic P. , Conway David J.
Published: December 2020

Background

Plasmodium vivax has been recently discovered as a significant cause of malaria in Mauritania, although very rare elsewhere in West Africa. It has not been known if this is a recently introduced or locally remnant parasite population, nor whether the genetic structure reflects epidemic or endemic transmission.

Methodology/Principal findings

To investigate the P. vivax population genetic structure in Mauritania and compare with populations previously analysed elsewhere, multi-locus genotyping was undertaken on 100 clinical isolates, using a genome-wide panel of 38 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), plus seven SNPs in drug resistance genes. The Mauritanian P. vivax population is shown to be genetically diverse and divergent from populations elsewhere, indicated consistently by genetic distance matrix analysis, principal components analyses, and fixation indices. Only one isolate had a genotype clearly indicating recent importation, from a southeast Asian source. There was no linkage disequilibrium in the local parasite population, and only a small number of infections appeared to be closely genetically related, indicating that there is ongoing genetic recombination consistent with endemic transmission. The P. vivax diversity in a remote mining town was similar to that in the capital Nouakchott, with no indication of local substructure or of epidemic population structure. Drug resistance alleles were virtually absent in Mauritania, in contrast with P. vivax in other areas of the world.

Conclusions/Significance

The molecular epidemiology indicates that there is long-standing endemic transmission that will be very challenging to eliminate. The virtual absence of drug resistance alleles suggests that most infections have been untreated, and that this endemic infection has been more neglected in comparison to P. vivax elsewhere.
Epigenome-wide association study for atrazine induced transgenerational DNA methylation and histone retention sperm epigenetic biomarkers for disease
Authors: Thorson Jennifer L. M. , Beck Daniel , Ben Maamar Millissia , Nilsson Eric E. , McBirney Margaux , Skinner Michael K.
Published: December 2020

Atrazine is a common agricultural herbicide previously shown to promote epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of disease to subsequent generations. The current study was designed as an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) to identify transgenerational sperm disease associated differential DNA methylation regions (DMRs) and differential histone retention regions (DHRs). Gestating female F0 generation rats were transiently exposed to atrazine during the period of embryonic gonadal sex determination, and then subsequent F1, F2, and F3 generations obtained in the absence of any continued exposure. The transgenerational F3 generation males were assessed for disease and sperm collected for epigenetic analysis. Pathology was observed in pubertal onset and for testis disease, prostate disease, kidney disease, lean pathology, and multiple disease. For these pathologies, sufficient numbers of individual males with only a single specific disease were identified. The sperm DNA and chromatin were isolated from adult one-year animals with the specific diseases and analyzed for DMRs with methylated DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP) sequencing and DHRs with histone chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) sequencing. Transgenerational F3 generation males with or without disease were compared to identify the disease specific epimutation biomarkers. All pathologies were found to have disease specific DMRs and DHRs which were found to predominantly be distinct for each disease. No common DMRs or DHRs were found among all the pathologies. Epimutation gene associations were identified and found to correlate to previously known disease linked genes. This is one of the first observations of potential sperm disease biomarkers for histone retention sites. Although further studies with expanded animal numbers are required, the current study provides evidence the EWAS analysis is effective for the identification of potential pathology epimutation biomarkers for disease susceptibility.
Altered feeding behavior and immune competence in paper wasps: A case of parasite manipulation?
Authors: Beani Laura , Mariotti Lippi Marta , Mulinacci Nadia , Manfredini Fabio , Cecchi Lorenzo , Giuliani Claudia , Tani Corrado , Meriggi Niccolò , Cavalieri Duccio , Cappa Federico
Published: December 2020

Paper wasps (Polistes dominula), parasitized by the strepsipteran Xenos vesparum, are castrated and desert the colony to gather on plants where the parasite mates and releases primary larvae, thus completing its lifecycle. One of these plants is the trumpet creeper Campsis radicans: in a previous study the majority of all wasps collected from this plant were parasitized and focused their foraging activity on C. radicans buds. The unexpected prevalence and unusual feeding strategy prompted us to investigate the influence of this plant on wasp behavior and physiology through a multidisciplinary approach. First, in a series of laboratory bioassays, we observed that parasitized wasps spent more time than non-parasitized ones on fresh C. radicans buds, rich of extra-floral nectaries (EFNs), while the same wasps ignored treated buds that lacked nectar drops. Then, we described the structure and ultra-structure of EFNs secreting cells, compatible with the synthesis of phenolic compounds. Subsequently, we analysed extracts from different bud tissues by HPLC-DAD-MS and found that verbascoside was the most abundant bioactive molecule in those tissues rich in EFNs. Finally, we tested the immune-stimulant properties of verbascoside, as the biochemical nature of this compound indicates it might function as an antibacterial and antioxidant. We measured bacterial clearance in wasps, as a proxy for overall immune competence, and observed that it was enhanced after administration of verbascoside—even more so if the wasp was parasitized. We hypothesize that the parasite manipulates wasp behavior to preferentially feed on C. radicans EFNs, since the bioactive properties of verbascoside likely increase host survival and thus the parasite own fitness.
Deep learning of cuneiform sign detection with weak supervision using transliteration alignment
Authors: Dencker Tobias , Klinkisch Pablo , Maul Stefan M. , Ommer Björn
Published: December 2020

The cuneiform script provides a glimpse into our ancient history. However, reading age-old clay tablets is time-consuming and requires years of training. To simplify this process, we propose a deep-learning based sign detector that locates and classifies cuneiform signs in images of clay tablets. Deep learning requires large amounts of training data in the form of bounding boxes around cuneiform signs, which are not readily available and costly to obtain in the case of cuneiform script. To tackle this problem, we make use of existing transliterations, a sign-by-sign representation of the tablet content in Latin script. Since these do not provide sign localization, we propose a weakly supervised approach: We align tablet images with their corresponding transliterations to localize the transliterated signs in the tablet image, before using these localized signs in place of annotations to re-train the sign detector. A better sign detector in turn boosts the quality of the alignments. We combine these steps in an iterative process that enables training a cuneiform sign detector from transliterations only. While our method works weakly supervised, a small number of annotations further boost the performance of the cuneiform sign detector which we evaluate on a large collection of clay tablets from the Neo-Assyrian period. To enable experts to directly apply the sign detector in their study of cuneiform texts, we additionally provide a web application for the analysis of clay tablets with a trained cuneiform sign detector.
Emotions and decisions in the real world: What can we learn from quasi-field experiments?
Authors: Bhanot Syon P. , Chang Daphne , Lee Cunningham Julia , Ranson Matthew
Published: December 2020

Researchers in the social sciences have increasingly studied how emotions influence decision-making. We argue that research on emotions arising naturally in real-world environments is critical for the generalizability of insights in this domain, and therefore to the development of this field. Given this, we argue for the increased use of the “quasi-field experiment” methodology, in which participants make decisions or complete tasks after as-if-random real-world events determine their emotional state. We begin by providing the first critical review of this emerging literature, which shows that real-world events provide emotional shocks that are at least as strong as what can ethically be induced under laboratory conditions. However, we also find that most previous quasi-field experiment studies use statistical techniques that may result in biased estimates. We propose a more statistically-robust approach, and illustrate it using an experiment on negative emotion and risk-taking, in which sports fans completed risk-elicitation tasks immediately after watching a series of NFL games. Overall, we argue that when appropriate statistical methods are used, the quasi-field experiment methodology represents a powerful approach for studying the impact of emotion on decision-making.