bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OCTAVA: An open-source toolbox for quantitative analysis of optical coherence tomography angiography images
Authors: Untracht Gavrielle R. , Matos Rolando S. , Dikaios Nikolaos , Bapir Mariam , Durrani Abdullah K. , Butsabong Teemapron , Campagnolo Paola , Sampson David D. , Heiss Christian , Sampson Danuta M.
Published: December 2021

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) performs non-invasive visualization and characterization of microvasculature in research and clinical applications mainly in ophthalmology and dermatology. A wide variety of instruments, imaging protocols, processing methods and metrics have been used to describe the microvasculature, such that comparing different study outcomes is currently not feasible. With the goal of contributing to standardization of OCTA data analysis, we report a user-friendly, open-source toolbox, OCTAVA (OCTA Vascular Analyzer), to automate the pre-processing, segmentation, and quantitative analysis ofen faceOCTA maximum intensity projection images in a standardized workflow. We present each analysis step, including optimization of filtering and choice of segmentation algorithm, and definition of metrics. We perform quantitative analysis of OCTA images from different commercial and non-commercial instruments and samples and show OCTAVA can accurately and reproducibly determine metrics for characterization of microvasculature. Wide adoption could enable studies and aggregation of data on a scale sufficient to develop reliable microvascular biomarkers for early detection, and to guide treatment, of microvascular disease.
Upright epiglottis prevents aspiration in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma post-chemoradiation
Authors: Tamin Susyana , Adham Marlinda , Noer Arfan , Supriana Nana , Bardosono Saptawati
Published: December 2021

NPC is the most widely found malignant tumor in the head and neck region in Indonesia. Chemoradiation therapy for NPC can induce swallowing disorders (dysphagia) that adversely affects a patients quality of life. This study aimed to assess the swallowing process by flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after chemoradiation. Thirty-nine patients with NPC who had chemoradiation therapy more than one month previously underwent flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and were assessed for oral transport time, sensation, standing-secretion, pre-swallowing leakage, residue, penetration, aspiration, and silent aspiration. The most common structural abnormalities were an upright and swollen epiglottis (89.4%), poor oral hygiene, and velopharyngeal closure defects (56.4%). This examination also revealed a mild degree of standing secretion (38.5%) and aspiration (10.3%). No penetration was observed in 64.1% of the patients, and no silent aspiration was observed in any of the patients. A severe degree of residue (45.7%) was observed when administering oatmeal, while the residue was mild to moderate when administering gastric rice, crackers, and milk. The residue changed to a mild degree (32.3%–51.4%) in all food administrations after the watering maneuver. The highest penetration was noted after oatmeal administration (42.8%), and the highest aspiration was found after milk administration (8.6%). Standing secretion in almost all patients was caused by hyposensitivity of the hypopharynx. Persistent residue and hyposensitivity of the hypopharynx led to aspiration. The low percentage of aspiration and silent aspiration might have been caused by the upright and swollen epiglottis that prevented aspiration. Poor oral hygiene and a dry mouth led to prolonged oral transport. Therefore, most patients had hypopharyngeal abnormalities in the form of a swollen and upright epiglottis. Secretion and food residue were also detected. Drinking helps to expedite the swallowing process by facilitating oral phase transport and reducing residues.
Disadvantaged Americans are suffering the brunt of rising pain and physical limitations
Authors: Glei Dana A. , Weinstein Maxine
Published: December 2021

Using data from three national surveys of US adults (one cohort and two cross-sectional studies, covering the period from the mid-1990s to the mid-2010s), we quantify the degree to which disparities by socioeconomic status (SES) in self-reported pain and physical limitations widened and explore whether they widened more in midlife than in later life. Unlike most prior studies that use proxy measures of SES (e.g., education), we use a multidimensional measure of SES that enables us to evaluate changes over time in each outcome for fixed percentiles of the population, thereby avoiding the problem of lagged selection bias. Results across multiple datasets demonstrate that socioeconomic disparities in pain and physical limitations consistently widened since the late 1990s, and if anything, widened even more in midlife than in late life (above 75). For those aged 50–74, the SES disparities in most outcomes widened by more than 50% and in some cases, the SES gap more than doubled. In contrast, the magnitude of SES widening was much smaller above age 75 and, in the vast majority of cases, not significant. Pain prevalence increased at all levels of SES, but disadvantaged Americans suffered the largest increases. Physical function deteriorated for those with low SES, but there was little change and perhaps improvement among the most advantaged Americans. At the 10th percentile of SES, the predicted percentage with a physical limitation at age 50 increased by 6-10 points between the late-1990s and the 2010s, whereas at the 90th percentile of SES, there was no change in two surveys and in the third survey, the corresponding percentage declined from 31% in 1996–99 to 22% in 2016–18. The worst-off Americans are being left behind in a sea of pain and physical infirmity, which may have dire consequences for their quality of life and for society as a whole (e.g., lost productivity, public costs).
Researching the musical lifecourse in music therapy, community music and music education: Unique roles, convergences and blurring of philosophies and practices
Authors: Peters Valerie , Seabrook Deborah , Higgins Lee
Published: December 2021

This article presents a diversity of approaches and a heterogeneity of research methods used, where the aim is to contribute to understandings of how musical engagement across the lifecourse may foster health and well being. Multiple perspectives and methodological approaches located in the disciplines of music therapy, community music and music education will be described, including identifying affordances and constraints associated with documenting lifelong and lifewide musical pathways. The research presented examines how lifelong musical engagement in different contexts might contribute to health and well being for different populations. The authors describe and situate their disciplines, present different methodological approaches that might contribute to lifecourse research in music and provide examples of particular projects.
Movement breaks for classroom and online learning: An outreach project connecting university and elementary school students
Authors: Daugherty Elaine DiFalco , Trommer-Beardslee Heather
Published: December 2021

After witnessing their own children learn online during the 2020 COVID-19 global pandemic, Heather Trommer-Beardslee and Elaine DiFalco Daugherty collaborated with their university students to create instructional movement videos designed for elementary teachers to use as movement breaks during the school day. Knowing that movement triggers the human brain to reinvigorate focused learning, the video sequences were developed as a tool to aid teachers in providing opportunities to break up long periods of sitting and engage students in active dance play to stimulate multiple senses and therefore increase brain activity. Trommer-Beardslee worked with university students to create movement content while Daugherty worked with them on breath and speech to ensure that the verbal teaching component was articulate and accessible. This article details the inspiration, goals and process used for collaborative, practical engagement and provides a template for replication and further development.
Organoids: the third dimension of human brain development and disease
Authors: Kouroupi Georgia , Prodromidou Kanella , Papastefanaki Florentia , Taoufik Era , Matsas Rebecca
Published: December 2021

Stem cell technologies have opened up new avenues in the study of human biology and disease. In particular, the advent of human embryonic stem cells followed by reprograming technologies for generation of induced pluripotent stem cells have instigated studies into modeling human brain development and disease by providing a means to simulate a human tissue otherwise completely or largely inaccessible to researchers. Brain development is a complex process achieved in a remarkably controlled spatial and temporal manner through coordinated cellular and molecular events. In vitro models aim to mimic these processes and recapitulate brain organogenesis. Initially, two‐dimensional neural cultures presented an innovative landmark for investigating human neuronal and, more recently, glial biology, as well as for modeling brain neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. The establishment of three‐dimensional cultures in the form of brain organoids was an equally important milestone in the field. Brain organoids mimic more closely the
in vivo tissue composition and architecture and are more physiologically relevant than monolayer cultures. They therefore represent a more realistic cellular environment for modeling the cell biology and pathology of the nervous system. Here we highlight the journey towards recapitulating human brain development and disease in a dish, progressing from two‐dimensional in vitro systems to the third dimension provided by brain organoids. We discuss the potential of these approaches for modeling human brain development and evolution, and their promising contribution towards understanding and treating brain disease.
Expression of D5 dopamine receptors in the lateral ventricle walls during post-weaning rat development
Authors: Prosilis Antonis , Mesiakaris Vassilios , Stamatakis Antonios
Published: December 2021

Even before the first synapses appear, neurotransmitters and their receptors are present in the developing brain, regulating the cell fate of neuronal progenitors in neurogenic niches, such as the lateral ventricle. In particular, dopamine appears to play a pivotal role in the neurogenesis of the subventricular zone by controlling the proliferation and differentiation of progenitors through activation of different receptors. Although dopamine receptor 5 (D5R) is expressed prenatally, there is little information regarding its role in either pre- or postnatal forebrain development. To examine the role of D5Rs in neurogenesis in the rat lateral ventricle subventricular zone (V-SVZ), we immunohistochemically defined D5R expression, as well as BrdU incorporation in progenitor cells of various post-weaning stages (Post-natal day (P) 20 until P80). We found that the level of proliferating cells is stable from postnatal day 20 until 50, and then declines sharply on P80. Concomitantly, D5R is expressed in all ages examined, but we detected a progressive decrease in the density of D5R+ cells from P40 until P80. Moreover, double immunostaining for BrdU and D5R revealed that proliferating cells in V-SVZ also express D5R. Collectively, our data suggest that D5R is expressed in the post-weaning V-SVZ of rat at least until P80, and its expression pattern coincides with that of proliferating cells in the V-SVZ, hinting at a possible role of D5Rs in the regulation of neuronal progenitor division/differentiation.
RNA silencing pathways in plant development and defense
Authors: Kryovrysanaki Nikoleta , James Anthony , Tselika Martha , Bardani Eirini , Kalantidis Kriton
Published: December 2021

RNA silencing refers to a conserved eukaryotic process and is regarded as one of the most important processes in plants, with the ability to regulate gene expression both transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally. Different classes of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) constitute key components of the RNA silencing pathways and play pivotal roles in modulating various biological processes as well as host-pathogen interactions. One of the most extensively studied classes of ncRNAs are the 20–24 nucleotide (nt) long microRNAs (miRNAs), which are core components of the endogenous gene silencing pathway. miRNAs act as negative regulators of endogenous gene expression through either mRNA-target cleavage, translational inhibition, or DNA methylation, and are inextricably linked to a plethora of developmental processes, such as leaf pattern formation as well as abiotic and biotic stress responses. In this review, we focus on the role of the RNA silencing pathways in the regulation of developmental processes as well as in the plant responses to biotic stress.
Evidence of Swim secretion and association with extracellular matrix in the Drosophila embryo
Authors: Kaltezioti Valeria , Vakaloglou Katerina M. , Charonis Aristidis S. , Zervas Christos G.
Published: December 2021

Secreted wingless-interacting protein (Swim) is the Drosophila ortholog gene of the mammalian Tubulointerstitial Nephritis Antigen like 1 (TINAGL1), also known as lipocalin-7 (LCN7), or adrenocortical zonation factor 1 (AZ-1). Swim and TINAGL1 proteins share a significant homology, including the somatomedin B and the predictive inactive C1 cysteine peptidase domains. In mammals, both TINAGL1 and its closely related homolog TINAG have been identified in basement membranes, where they may function as modulators of integrin-mediated adhesion. In Drosophila, Swim was initially identified in the eggshell matrix and was subsequently detected in the culture medium of S2 cells. Further biochemical analysis indicated that Swim binds to wingless (wg) in a lipid-dependent manner. This observation, together with RNAi-knockdown studies, suggested that Swim is an essential cofactor of wg-signalling. However, recent elegant genetic studies ruled out the possibility that Swim is required alone to facilitate wg-signalling in
Drosophila, because flies without Swim are viable and fertile. Here, we use the UAS/Gal4 expression system together with confocal imaging to analyze the in vivo localization of a chimeric Swim-GFP in the developing Drosophila embryo. Our data fully support the notion that Swim is an extracellular matrix component that is secreted upon ectopic expression and preferentially associates with the basement membranes of various organs and with the specialized tendon matrix at the muscle attachment sites (MAS). Interestingly, the accumulation of Swim at the MAS does not require integrins. In conclusion, Swim is an extracellular matrix component, and Swim may exhibit overlapping functions in concert with other undefined components.
Prenatal alcohol exposure affects developmental differentiation of interictal discharges in septal and temporal hippocampus
Authors: Evangelaki Maria-Eleni , Psarropoulou Caterina
Published: December 2021

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) provokes lifelong CNS dysfunction, including an increased susceptibility to seizure disorders. We investigated hippocampal excitability in vitro in the offspring of dams exposed to a mild ethanol concentration throughout pregnancy (ethanol 15%v/v in drinking water). Hippocampal slices were prepared from the offspring at a young (Y, 21-30 postnatal days, PND) or adult (A, 60 PND) age, with controls from same age normal rats (N). Synchronous spontaneous interictal-type epileptiform discharges (IEDs) were induced by bathing the slices in Mg2+-free ACSF or in 4-Aminopyridine (4-AP, 50µΜ) and were recorded from CA1 pyramidal layer of temporal (T) and septal slices (S). Hippocampal slices readily generated IEDs following NMDA receptor activation or K+ conductance block, with frequency and duration depending on location (septal or temporal), age, the activating mechanism, and prior conditioning (N or PAE). From the two media, 4-AP induced higher frequency (always), shorter duration (mostly) IEDs compared to Mg
2+-free ACSF. Temporal IED frequency increased with age, whereas septal was stable, indicating an earlier maturation of the latter part. The hippocampal “T to S” (high to low) excitability gradient appeared at/later than the end of the first postnatal month and mostly concerned discharge frequency. Discharge duration generally decreased with maturation but appeared to depend on many factors, including conditioning. Prenatal alcohol exposure differentiated the control of synchronous discharges by NMDA receptors and K+ conductances, and their developmental evolution, thus suggesting potential mechanisms for aberrant hippocampal neuronal network function.
La Guerra Civil española en imágenes. La sección fotográfica del diario republicano ABC de Madrid.
Authors: Espinosa-Etxenike Francisco J.
Published: December 2021

El golpe de Estado del 17 y 18 de julio desembocó en una guerra civil con dos contendientes en lucha, el bando franquista y el bando republicano. La propaganda fue un arma dialéctica empleada para legitimar las acciones del bando propio y deslegitimar las del contrario. A su vez, el conflicto español supuso el germen del fotoperiodismo moderno. ABC de Madrid fue incautado por el Gobierno republicano pocos días después del golpe y este diario destacó por la importancia que concedió al elemento gráfico; con publicación, sobre todo, de fotografías como destacados canales propagandísticos.
Eventos en la industria de los videojuegos. Estudio del caso Fortnite
Authors: Fernández Rincón Antonio Raúl , Hellín Ortuño Pedro Antonio , Castillo Esparcia Antonio
Published: December 2021

Los videojuegos constituyen hoy una de las industrias creativas y culturales más relevantes. Los desarrolladores producen estrategias de comunicación transmediaatendiendo al perfil joven de sus públicos. En Fortnitese genera un programa continuo de eventos digitales y presenciales que incorporan referentes culturales y de actualidad. Los públicos interaccionan socialmente desde la perspectiva informativa, opinativa y narrativa. El objetivo es mantener el interés y la expectación hacia el videojuego, estableciendo relaciones de adaptación e integración entre la organización y sus públicos. La estrategia transmedia es uno de los ejes principales para establecer vínculos recíprocos entre comunidades virtuales y empresas.
Rift valley fever in Africa with the emerging interest in Libya
Authors: Mahmoud Abdusalam S. , Sawesi Osama K. , El-Waer Osama R. , Bennour Emad M.
Published: December 2021

Rift valley fever (RVF) is an acute vector-borne viral zoonotic disease of domestic and wild ruminants. The RVF virus (RVFV) belonging to the Phlebovirus genus of the Bunyaviridae family causes this disease. Studies have shown that mosquitoes are the vectors that transmit RVFV. Specifically, Aedes and Culex mosquito species are among the many vectors of this virus, which affects not only sheep, goats, buffalo, cattle, and camels but also human beings. Since the 30s of the last century, RVF struck Africa, and to a lesser extent, Asian continents, with subsequent episodes of epizootic, epidemic, and sporadic outbreaks. These outbreaks, therefore, resulted in the cumulative loss of thousands of human lives, thereby disrupting the livestock market or only those with seropositive cases. After that outbreak episode, RVF was not reported in Libya until January 13, 2020, where it was reported for the 1st time in a flock of sheep and goats in the southern region of the country. Although insufficient evidence to support RVF clinical cases among the confirmed seropositive animals exists, neither human cases nor death were reported in Libya. Yet, the overtime expansion of RVF kinetics in the Libyan neighborhoods, in addition to the instability and security vacuum experienced in the country, lack of outbreak preparedness, and the availability of suitable climatic and disease vector factors, makes this country a possible future scene candidate for RVF expansion. Urgently, strengthening veterinary services (VS) and laboratory diagnostic capacities, including improvement of monitoring and surveillance activity programs, should be implemented in areas at risk (where imported animals crossing borders from Libyan neighborhoods and competent vectors are found) at national, sub-national, and regional levels. The Libyan government should also implement a tripartite framework (one health approach) among the veterinary public health, public health authority, and environmental sanitation sectors to implement RVF surveillance protocols, along with an active partnership with competent international bodies (OIE, FAO, and WHO). Therefore, this review comprises the most updated data regarding the epidemiological situation of RVF infections and its socioeconomic impacts on African and Asian continents, and also emphasize the emerging interest of RVF in Libya.
The energetic utilization of solar photovoltaic systems for individuals
Authors: Zsiborács Henrik , Pintér Gábor , Pályi Béla
Published: December 2021

The energy consumption has an important role in Human life and one of the biggest challenges is the continuously growing energy demand of the world. The aim of present study is to review the determination of the characteristics of the Hungarian energy supply, the introduction of renewable energy utilization and the economic determination of the return of crystalline solar systems in Hungary. This study shows us the effect of the changing investment cost to the payback period. This calculation can be important for a household to decide by or against a solar (PV) system. The main direction of our recent research is the utilization of photovoltaic (PV) solar energy. The studies were performed with crystalline solar systems. The research was carried out in solar-electric power plants extended from 3 kWp to 12 kWp. The study is about the investment of crystalline solar cell systems. The payback period is studied due to the help of static and dynamic indices.
The solar systems payback effect of the price decrease of communal electric prices and of the interest rate decrease of the Central Bank
Authors: Zsiborács Henrik , Pintér Gábor , Pályi Béla
Published: December 2021

The energy is one of the most important needs of the humanity. One of its biggest challenge or danger is that the world's demand for energy continues to grow. The aim of present study is to review the introduction of solar energy utilization, the economic determination of the return of crystalline solar photovoltaic systems in Hungary, the electricity price reductions for individuals and the change in the payback period. The effect of the changing investment cost to the payback period based on the changes in electricity price reductions and in central bank interest rate is written in this study. An important question is for a household: decide by or against a solar (PV) system. The main direction of our recent research is the utilization of photovoltaic (PV) solar energy with crystalline solar systems. The research was carried out in solar-electric power plants extended from 1.5 kWp to 10 kWp. The calculation of payback time was performed by dynamic indices.
Representation of the Space of Germany in “Journey” by W.K. Küchelbecker
Authors: Zhdanov Sergey
Published: December 2021

The paper deals with the spatial images of Germany presented in the Russian literature traditions at the turn of the 18th – 19th centuries in the "Journey" by W.K. Küchelbecker. The common elements between these traditions of the depiction of territories of Germany and W.K. Küchelbecker’s text are the liminality of Baltics and Alsace, the motif of the monotonous travel through Prussia, representation of Saxony as the idyllic land whereas Prussia is antiidyllic, as well as labeling Germany as a land of European prominent cultural figures. Moreover, at the same time, unlike to sentimentalism discourse the romanticist W.K. Küchelbecker is more prone to depicting of contrasts in the image of Germany in his works. His picture of Königsberg is remarkably unusual combining traditional German (medieval-Gothic) and non-German typical features. The characteristic romanticism elements connected with the landscapes of Germany in the “Journey” are the rejection of the mechanistic civilization and worship of nature. In addition, W.K. Küchelbecker represents Germany as the battlefield for freedom of Europe.
Representation of the concept of 'stubbornness' in the Bashkir language
Authors: Sharafutdinova Zulfiya
Published: December 2021

This article analyzes the lexical and phraseological units that represent the concept of ‘stubbornness’ in the Bashkir language and its dialects. The sources of the research were the materials presented in the “Machine Fund of the Bashkir Language” (mfbl2.ru). In the course of the analysis, the semantic connection between the meanings of polysemous lexemes is revealed, the main motives of the nominations are revealed. Special attention is paid to names formed on the basis of transfer of values. The multiplicity of nominations proves the importance of this parameter for native speakers It is established that the main composition of the lexemes of this group has a pejorative assessment. This is due to the fact that the attention of others is attracted by deviations from the norm and cultural speech behavior always goes unnoticed. The images through which the linguistic portrait of a stubborn person is built reflect the peculiarities of the worldview of the Bashkir people. The study of the lexico-semantic group 'stubbornness' allows you to create an idea of one of the fragments of the linguistic picture of the world.
The structure and semantics of the early lyrics of Diman Belekov
Authors: Dedina Margarita
Published: December 2021

The article analyzes the semantic features of D. Belekov's early lyrics, identifies the figurative and spatial dominants represented in the author's artistic world. In the temporal designation, the semantic structure is actualized in a series of images associated with spring, and primroses, a blooming apple tree, murmuring streams of meltwater, fields with thawed patches, etc., creating a holistic picture of the awakening nature, metaphorically embody the image of the younger generation. Toponymically and geographically, the dominant image is the image of the native land, which includes the entire complex of symbols-markers characteristic of the designation of the territory of Gorniy Altai (Altai Mountains). If the homeland for the lyrical hero of the poet becomes a source of strength and inspiration, then for his development he needs a movement understood as the development of the "other" space, actualized in the generalized image of blue distances and a crowded city with bright lights. The central theme in the poet's lyrics is the theme of the road, embodied in the motives of departure and return.
Media for children: terminological frameworks and research paradigms.
Authors: Kharitonova Svetlana
Published: December 2021

The article clarifies the terminological status of the concept of "media" in the context of expanding the boundaries of social practice of its application and technological modernization of the processes of production and dissemination of mass information for children. In the work there is given the operational definition of children's media in the context of the technological paradigm, and the four components of their structures are defined: mass media addressed to children in their physical embodiment; technological channels of mass media distribution for children's audience; web platforms for broadcasting children's media content on the Internet and technical devices for reproducing information. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the consideration of media for children as a set of officially registered media that are intended for a children's audience and distribute relevant content through various technological channels and digital resources. The author proposes a theoretical understanding of the research object in a complex of three theoretical paradigms: technological, empirical-functionalist and anthropological.
Call for papers for the Special Edition, JOVACET 5(2), 2022
Authors: Dr Catherine Robertson
Published: December 2021

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), referred to, inter alia, as APL in other contexts, has been recognised by South African and international policies as a critical means of access to, and certification of further and higher learning, especially for mature learners. While there is general acknowledgement of the importance of RPL for lifelong learning and social inclusion, learning institutions have not embraced RPL equally across the board, and implementation practices vary greatly, often leading to learner frustration. While there have been some local studies and a growing international literature, RPL is by and large under-researched in South Africa.

In light of the above and its long tradition of RPL provision, the University of the Western Cape’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) unit will be hosting a conference on 30 and 31 March 2022, with the theme ‘Implementation, Assessment and Articulation of Recognition of Prior Learning’. As one of the intentions of the conference is to ‘build the scholarship of RPL’ (also known as APL in other contexts), JOVACET will be partnering with the UWC RPL Unit to produce a Special Issue of the journal in 2022 for publication of relevant papers that fall within the scope of our journal.

Topics broadly covered by the conference include (but are not limited to) the following:• RPL policy research• Sharing RPL practices• Capacity building for RPL• Innovative RPL models• RPL assessment for undergraduate and postgraduate access in higher education• Articulation models for RPL in post-schooling

Submissions for paper presentations at the conference should be made directly to the conference organiser, Dr Rekha Rambharose, email rrambharose@uwc.ac.za, but additional, relevant topical papers seeking publication in this JOVACET Special Issue may be directed to Dr Catherine Robertson, email cathy@trobertson.co.za.

Please note that all submissions considered for publication, whether presented at the conference or not, will undergo the JOVACET double blind review process towards publication in November 2022 or earlier if possible.

Due date for full paper submissions (Special Issue): 30 April 2022
More than a babysitter: Looking back on an effective summer enrichment program
Authors: Morton Benterah , Byrd Kelly , Allison Elizabeth , Green Andre
Published: December 2021

Each summer families across the globe send their children to summer camps and daycares for what amounts to babysitting. This study takes the discussion beyond babysitting and explores a unique summer enrichment program offered to rising second through fifth grade students in a modified enrichment camp model. During the four-week program, students were engaged in standards-based academic instruction in reading, mathematics, and science designed to provide enrichment activities to better prepare them for academic success in the upcoming year. Students were pre-tested over standards from the first quarter of the upcoming year. Then, they were taught the standards and post-tested. Analysis of the pretest and posttest data suggests that the program was successful in increasing students’ content knowledge in each of the subject areas taught. The findings imply that summer programs intentionally offering standards-based academics in an enrichment camp environment can be used to provide learning opportunities that diminish academic opportunity gaps.
Global horizontal irradiation: spatio-temporal variability on a regional scale in the south of the Pampeana region (Argentina)
Authors: Fernández María Eugenia , Gentili Jorge Osvaldo , Casado Ana , Campo Alicia María
Published: December 2021

The objective of this work is to analyze the spatio-temporal distribution of Global Horizontal Irradiation (GHI) on a regional scale and its relationship with frequent synoptic situations in the south of the Pampeana region (Argentina). It was verified that the latitudinal pattern of distribution of the GHI is modified in the region by cloud cover, which is in turn determined by the seasonal dynamics of action centers and the passage of fronts in summer and winter. The South America Monsoon System (SAMS) defines differential situations of cloudiness and rainfall in the region, which affect GHI. GHI increased successively between the decades 1981–2010, a factor associated with the variability of rainfall that characterizes the region.
Principle of the Affirmative Duty of Public Administration in the Face of COVID-19 Pandemics – in Relation to the Act on the State of Natural Disaster of 18 April 2002
Authors: Niżnik-Dobosz Iwona
Published: December 2021

In view of the obligation of affirmative duty of public administration in the timely way, the author of this paper is verifying the thesis that failing to meet this obligation, in Poland, during the COVID-19 epidemic, the Council of Ministers did not introduce the state of natural disaster regulated by the Constitution and the natural disaster management act.
K reformě územně správního členění České republiky
Authors: Wagner Martin
Published: December 2021

The territorial administrative structure of the Czech Republic has been reformed by Act No. 51/2020 Sb. This change implements an integrated system of local administrative units for the performance of the state administration on different levels based on local units defined as micro-regions. The new arrangement respects the existing boarders of territorial self-governing units while provides an abolishment of the old system of administrative regions based on Act No. 36/1960 Sb.
Exploring the Acceptance of Augmented Reality Among Tesl Teachers and Students and its Effects on Motivation Level: A Case Study in Kuwait
Authors: Abdelmagid Mohamed Abdelmagid , Abdullah Norillah bt , Aldaba Abdulmajid Mohammed Abdulwahab
Published: December 2021

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COVID-19 outbreak in a long-term care facility in Kelowna, British Columbia after rollout of COVID-19 vaccine in March 2021
Authors: Sabet Fatemeh , Gauthier Barbara , Siddiqui Muddassir , Wilmer Amanda , Prystajecky Natalie , Rydings Pamela , Andrews Michele , Pollock Sue
Published: December 2021

Background: In March 2021, a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak was declared at a large long-term care and short stay facility in British Columbia, Canada—well after introduction of the vaccination program in long-term care facilities that resulted in a dramatic decline in the number of outbreaks in this type of setting. The objective of this study is to provide the descriptive epidemiology of this outbreak, in the context of partial immunization of both residents and staff at the facility. Methods: The cases’ information was extracted from a provincial information system (Panorama). Descriptive analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel and SAS. Outbreak management controls included, but were not limited to, asymptomatic testing and efforts to increase vaccination. Results: Twenty-six cases among the 241 resident and three cases among the 418 staff (corresponding to attack rates of 10% and less than 1%, respectively) were identified. The attack rate in residents was considerably lower than the average attack rate for COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term care facilities before the vaccine rollout. Seventeen resident cases were either partially or fully immunized. Four of the eight hospitalized cases and two of the three deceased cases were partially immunized. Seventeen cases were temporary stay residents. The three staff cases were not vaccinated. Ten cases were identified as part of asymptomatic testing. Conclusion: Introduction of vaccination at facilities contributed to lower attack rates and higher numbers of asymptomatic cases in this outbreak. Screening asymptomatic individuals identified additional cases among vaccinated residents. Findings underscore the importance of achieving high vaccine coverage, including among temporary stay residents, to prevent virus introduction and subsequent unrecognized transmission opportunities.
Przygodność i konieczność w komunistycznej kosmologii Ewalda Iljenkowa. Tłum. Karolina Grzegorczyk
Authors: Penzin Alexei
Published: December 2021

Artykuł ukazuje aktualność Kosmologii ducha, autorstwa niezwykłego radzieckiego filozofa Ewalda Iljenkowa, a także bada jej historyczny i intelektualny kontekst. Ten niewielki traktat został napisany w pierwszej połowie lat pięćdziesiątych ale opublikowany dopiero po śmierci autora w latach osiemdziesiątych, ponieważ był zbyt heretycki aby wydać go za jego życia. Heretycki z powodu swojego zadziwiającego spekulatywnego popędu. Odwołując się do fizycznej idei „śmierci cieplnej wszechświata” oraz do dialektyki materialistycznej i spinozjańskiego pojęcia atrybutu  Iljenkow twierdzi, że myśl jest koniecznym atrybutem materii, ponieważ może powstrzymać entropię cieplną wszechświata. Tekst wykorzystuje idee kosmologii Iljenkowa w celu krytyki współczesnych nurtów filozofii „spekulatywnej”.
Tektologia Aleksandra Bogdanowa – nauka przyszłości
Authors: Hofman Marta
Published: December 2021

Aleksandr Bogdanow był jednym z głównych przedstawicieli marksizmu i pozytywizmu w filozofii rosyjskiej na przełomie dziewiętnastego i dwudziestego wieku; jego zróżnicowany dorobek naukowy nie był jak dotąd systematycznie ani szczegółowo badany, czego konsekwencją jest z jednej strony powielanie w literaturze przedmiotu nie do końca adekwatnych interpretacji jego stanowiska, którego nie należy utożsamiać bogotwórstwem, zaś z drugiej umniejszanie jego wkładu zarówno w rozwój myśli rosyjskiej, jak i współczesnej nauki. Celem niniejszego artykułu jest rekonstrukcja koncepcji metodologicznej Bogdanowa – tektologii, uniwersalnej nauki organizacji, z uwzględnieniem źródeł filozoficznych poszczególnych jej tez. Na tej podstawie postaram się wykazać, dlaczego uniwersalna nauka organizacji może być rozpatrywana jako wczesna forma ogólnej teorii sprawnego działania Tadeusza Kotarbińskiego.
Uniwersytety wobec przemian pracy i globalnej kultury edukacyjnej. Od University Lifelong Learning (ULLL) do Lifelong Learning Universities (LLLU)
Authors: Solarczyk - Ambroziak Ewa
Published: December 2021

Artykuł ukazuje zmiany zachodzące na uniwersytetach, ujmowane na tle przeobrażeń współczesnego świata, takich jak: zmiany w obszarze pracy, kształtowanie się gospodarki cyfrowej i dynamicznie następujące zmiany technologiczne, które uzasadniają konieczność uczenia się przez całe życie. Nowe  technologie zrewolucjonizowały sposób, w jaki ludzie  pracują i uczą się, dostosowując swoje kompetencje do nowych wyzwań, co oznacza zmianę rzeczywistości edukacyjnej. Nurt tych przeobrażeń określany bywa rewolucją edukacyjną, wpisaną w fenomen globalnej kultury edukacyjnej. W kontekście sygnalizowanych przemian ukazana jest znacząca rola uniwersytetów, transferujących dogmat kreatywności ze swej misji badawczej do edukacyjnej i omówione są jawiące się w tym obszarze trendy, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem roli uniwersytetów jako ośrodków edukacji ustawicznej. Zmiany te ujęte  zostały jako proces – od University Lifelong Learning (ULLL) do Lifelong Learning Universities (LLLU).
CoroBase
Authors: He Yongjun , Lu Jiacheng , Wang Tianzheng
Published: December 2021

Data stalls are a major overhead in main-memory database engines due to the use of pointer-rich data structures. Lightweight coroutines ease the implementation of software prefetching to hide data stalls by overlapping computation and asynchronous data prefetching. Prior solutions, however, mainly focused on (1) individual components and operations and (2) intra-transaction batching that requires interface changes, breaking backward compatibility. It was not clear how they apply to a full database engine and how much end-to-end benefit they bring under various workloads.

This paper presents CoroBase, a main-memory database engine that tackles these challenges with a new
coroutine-to-transaction
paradigm. Coroutine-to-transaction models transactions as coroutines and thus enables inter-transaction batching, avoiding application changes but retaining the benefits of prefetching. We show that on a 48-core server, CoroBase can perform close to 2x better for read-intensive workloads and remain competitive for workloads that inherently do not benefit from software prefetching.
Seasonal patterns of growth, alginate content and block structure of the alien invader Sargassum muticum (Fucales, Ochrophyta) from the Atlantic coast of Morocco
Authors: Belattmania Zahira , El Atouani Samir , Bentiss Fouad , Jama Charafeddine , Falace Annalisa , Chaouti Abdellatif , Reani Abdeltif , Sabour Brahim
Published: December 2021

In the present study, alginate yield and composition were investigated during the seasonal life cycle of the alien brown alga Sargassum muticum harvested from the Atlantic coast of Morocco. Alginate yield ranged from 11.14% in winter to 25.62% in spring/early summer, coinciding with maximum vegetative growth. Monthly monitoring of the alginate block structure showed that the highest mannuronate (M)/guluronate (G) ratio was recorded during the maximum development of S. muticum, before sexual maturity and during resumption of vegetative growth, giving maximum flexibility to the alga. The unusually high molar monad fractions (FG) and dyad fractions (FGG) of guluronic acid in late summer/early autumn appeared to be related to stiffness of senescent thalli. Rheological characterisation showed that the alginate of S. muticum exhibited pseudoplastic behaviour, with the highest apparent viscosities measured in late summer/early autumn when the G blocks dominated the alginate structure. This study suggests that S. muticum could be exploited as an alginophyte for commercial applications. The best harvest time is May-June, which corresponds to the highest alginate yield, maximum thallus growth, and largely completed sexual reproduction, ensuring sustainable exploitation of the species.
The role of vitamin D deficiency and elevated inflammatory biomarkers as risk factors for the progression of diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: El Askary Ahmad , Gharib Amal F. , Almehmadi Mazen , Bakhuraysah Maha Mahfouz , Al Hajjiahmed Abdulaziz Ali , Al-Hejji Layla Ibrahim , Alharthi Mohammed S. , Shafie Alaa
Published: December 2021

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. Albuminuria is the most sensitive marker for the early recognition of DN. Therefore, we aimed to study the risk factors of albuminuria as a marker of DN among diabetic patients. The study included 41 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), 50 type 2 diabetic nephropathy (T2DN) patients with macroalbuminuria, 43 T2DN patients with microalbuminuria and 38 healthy controls. Logistic regression was used to detect the most significant risk factors for albuminuria. A high statistically significant difference was found between the groups regarding age, sex, body mass index (BMI), diabetes mellitus (DM) duration, glucose, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), creatinine, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), lipid profile, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), the albumin–creatinine ratio (ACR), vitamin D, total parathyroid hormone (PTH), urea, total calcium and chemerin (p< 0.001). It was found that the duration of DM, BMI, glucose, GFR, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), TNF-α, IL-6, CRP, ACR, vitamin D, PTH and chemerin are significant albuminuria risk factors in DN. Vitamin D deficiency and associated inflammatory mediators such as chemerin, TNF-α, IL-6 and CRP are the most essential risk factors for albuminuria in T2DM patients.
The theme-recipient alternation in Chinese: tracking syntactic variation across seven centuries
Authors: Li Yi , Szmrecsanyi Benedikt , Zhang Weiwei
Published: December 2021

Previous research has tracked the history of the theme-recipient alternation (or: “dative” alternation) in Chinese, but few studies have embedded their analysis in a probabilistic variationist framework. Against this backdrop, we explore the language-internal and language-external factors that probabilistically influence the alternation between theme-first and recipient-first ordering in a large diachronic corpus of Chinese writing (1300s–1900s). Our analysis reveals that the recipient-first variant is consistently more frequent than its competitor and even more common in more recent texts than in older texts. Regression analysis also suggests that there are stable linguistic constraints (i.e., animacy and definiteness of theme) and fluid constraints (i.e., end-weight, recipient animacy). Notably, the diachronic instability of end-weight and animacy points to cross-linguistic parallels for ditransitive constructions, including the English dative alternation. We thus contribute to theory building in variationist linguistics by advancing the field’s knowledge about the comparative fluidity versus stability of probabilistic constraints.
Postpartum ovarian vein thrombosis
Authors: Ribeiro Kelly , Mahboobani Samir , Van Ree Katherine , Clifford Katy , Teoh TG
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Postpartum ovarian vein thrombosis (POVT) is a rare pathology that can lead to severe complications such as sepsis, extension of the thrombus leading to organ failure, and pulmonary embolism. It therefore requires early recognition and prompt treatment.

Case presentation

A patient with right POVT presented four days after delivery with acute right-sided abdominal pain and fever. Appendicitis was initially considered, before an abdominal-pelvic computed tomography raised the suspicion of POVT, subsequently confirmed through transabdominal ultrasound. Antibiotics and anticoagulation were initiated, with rapid clinical improvement and complete resolution of the thrombus three months later.

Conclusions

Diagnosing POVT is challenging as it clinically mimics other more frequent conditions. It is rare but life-threatening and should be considered in all females presenting with abdominal pain and fever in the postpartum period.
Cnestis ferruginea Vahl ex DC (Connaraceae) downregulates expression of immediate early genes in kainic acid-induced temporal lobe epilepsy in mice
Authors: Ojo Emmanuel S. , Ishola Ismail O. , Afolayan Olasunmbo , James Ayorinde B. , Ben-Azu Benneth , Adeyemi Olufunmilayo O.
Published: December 2021

Objectives

This study investigates the influence of Cnestis ferruginea (CF) on kainic acid (KA)-induced immediate early genes (IEGs) associated with hippocampal sclerosis in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) in mice.

Methods

Animals were randomly divided into preventive treatment; vehicle (10 mL/kg, p.o.) or CF (400 mg/kg, p.o.) for three consecutive days before KA (5 mg/kg, i.p.) on days 4 and 5. In the reversal model, KA (5 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered on days 1 and 2 before CF (400 mg/kg) administration on days 3–5. Animals were euthanized on day 5, 6 h after KA exposure in preventive model and 1 h after CF administration in reversal model to estimate markers of IEGs.

Results

KA upregulated the expression of c-Fos protein by 3.32-, 9.45-, 8.13-, and 8.66-fold in the hippocampal CA1, CA2, CA3, and DG regions, respectively. Also, KA elevated inducible nitric oxide synthase protein expression by 10.9-, 10.6-, 9.78-, and 9.51-fold. Besides, mRNA expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factors and heat shock protein was increased by 2.38- and 1.39-fold, respectively, after exposure to KA which were attenuated by CF.

Conclusions

CF attenuated KA-induced IEGs and could be used as an adjunct in TLE.