bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overview of foreign legislative initiatives for strategic use of artificial intelligence technologies in modern conditions
Authors: CIAPA S.
Published: August 2021

Some acts of foreign legislation devoted to the issues of technological development of artificial intelligence are analyzed. Priorities and areas of artificial intelligence use have been identified. The effective indicators of introduction of artificial intelligence in the social sphere, economy and public administration are substantiated. The initiatives approved at the state and international levels for the purpose of normative regulation of the use of artificial intelligence in the military sphere are considered. The general world`s tendencies of dynamic development and distribution of technological support of artificial intelligence in modern conditions are outlined.
About the concept of the organizational and technical model of cyber defense
Authors: MANUILOV Y.
Published: August 2021

The current threats to cyber security in modern conditions have been identified. The components of the functioning of the national cyber security system are regulated. The powers of the State Special Communications Service in the field of building effective cyber defense in the domestic territory are outlined. The directions of development of organizational and technical model of the national cyber defense system are detailed. The components of the organizational and technical model of cyber defense are generalized. The expediency of accelerating the approval at the state level of the Concept of the organizational and technical model of cyber defense has been updated.
Self-Silencing with its Roots in Automatic Thoughts: A Study on Women
Authors:   Student, IIS (Deemed to be University), Mansarovar, Jaipur-302020, INDIA, Shrivastava Akanksha
Published: August 2021

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the relationship between self-silencing and automatic negative thoughts among working mothers and non-working mothers. The independent variable of the study was automatic thoughts, and the dependent variable was Self-Silencing. The interactive effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable of the study was also investigated. The mixed sample of 175 women who were both working and non-working mothers and were aged between 35-45 years was used for this study. The data was collected through the Silencing the Self Scale and The Automatic thoughts questionnaire. The statistical analysis included correlation and regression. Results indicated that Automatic negative thoughts had a significant positive correlation with self-silencing (r=0.380; p<0.01), and automatic thoughts also predicted self-silencing, accounting for 14.0% variance in it. The results become meaningful in the context of changing scenario of modern society, particularly in India.
TRIBAL PERCEPTION IN MODERN WORLD BY TRANSFORMED SOCIAL PERCEPTION INDEX: A CASE STUDY OF PURULIA DISTRICT, WEST BENGAL, INDIA
Authors:   Assistant Professor,  Department of Geography, Bankura Christian College, West Bengal, India, PIN: 722101, Mukherjee Somnath
Published: August 2021

Tribal identity has always been under tremendous challenges since the introduction of the different facets of materialistic development. The outrage of this development affects the habits and habitats of the tribal communities. The tribes have lost their soil and presently live in a multi-ethnic society. This cultural assimilation with controls of Hinduism in the rural society brings forth the transition in the life and living of these indigenous people. The paper highlights first the socio-ecological characteristics of three tribal communities of Purulia district, namely, Santhal, Kharia Sabar, and Birhor. It further investigates possible transition and transformation in the social perception among the selected tribal communities by introducing the Transformed Social Perception Index (TSPI). For statistical validation, the index has been computed based on extensive field observation and a purposive sample survey of 600 tribal households of the Purulia district. The result exhibits that despite the processes of different agents of transformation, the tribal communities restore their age-old inherent social perception. The paper in fine prescribes some measures for holistic tribal development in the district.
Effect of different concentration of exogenous proline applications on cadmium accumulation and mineral nutrition (K, Mg, Na and Ca) of common wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: GENÇ Tuncer Okan
Published: August 2021

The present study investigates the role of exogenously applied proline on cadmium (Cd) accumulation in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) tissues. Seedlings were subjected for 4 days to different exogenous proline levels (0, 1, 10, and 20 mM) under Cd stress (1000 μM of Cd(NO3)2·4H2O). The concentration of Cd, Ca, Mg, and K was determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Exogenous proline caused significant changes in the growth of wheat cultivar under Cd stress. In addition, the growth of wheat under Cd stress increased by the addition of 1 mM proline. According to the analysis results, Cd accumulation in wheat seedlings showed that the increment of exogenous proline treatments (except Cd+Pr1) in the water resulted in a decrease of Cd content in roots and shoots. Under Cd treatment (not applied proline), the contents of Ca, K, Mg, and Na decreased in roots by 22.1, 70, 17.7, and 10.1% and in shoots by 29.6, 32.2, 19.1, and 5.3%, respectively. Nevertheless, K content decreased in roots and shoots under all Cd and exogenous proline treatments.
Introduction
Authors: Feuser Stefan , Merten Stephanie , Wesselmann Katharina
Published: August 2021

The papers and videos presented here are the result of the international conference 'Teaching Classics in the Digital Age' held online on the 15 and 16 June 2020. As digital media provide new possibilities
for teaching and outreach in Classics, the conference 'Teaching Classics in the Digital Age' aimed at presenting current approaches to digital teaching and sharing best practices by bringing together
different projects and practitioners from all fields of Classics (including Classical Archaeology, Greek and Latin Studies and Ancient History). Furthermore, it aimed at starting a discussion about principles,
problems and the future of teaching Classics in the 21st century within and beyond its single fields.
Job satisfaction and its associated factors of preventive medicine workers in northern Vietnam
Authors:   Hanoi University of Publich Health, Nguyen Quynh Anh , Nguyen Thu Ha , Tran Anh Dung
Published: August 2021

Objective: To access job satisfaction and its associated factors of preventive medicine workers in Vietnam. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a purposive convenience sample of 12 preventive medicine centers in three provinces of northern Vietnam. Overall, 400 preventive medicine staff were invited to participate, and a response rate of 95.7% was percieved (153 from three provincial centers and 230 from nine district centers). All eligible participants completed the six-point response and validated questionnaire, which included questions relating to general information (basic demographics and social circumstances), job satisfaction. The job satisfaction measure produced scores for individual facets and overall job satisfaction (scored as continuous variables). Result: Bivariate analyses showed that satisfaction with pay and benefits had the lowest mean score (Mean: 3.81, SD: 0.76), satisfaction with the nature of the job had the highest mean score (Mean: 4.81, SD: 0.56), while the mean score of overall job satisfaction was 4.36, SD: 0.50. Bivariate analysis showed that personal factors were significantly associated with the facets of job satisfaction and overall job satisfaction. However, these associations varied across facets. Satisfaction with pay and benefits was significantly associated with six personal factors, including age, marital status, number of children, having a second job, tenure at the current job, and length of employment at the current center, while no personal factors were significantly associated with satisfaction with community support. Conclusion: The findings regarding the factors that appear to influence satisfaction could be useful to help management at preventive medicine centers and policy makers design programs to improve morale and commitment among these workers. Addressing the aspects of job satisfaction that were found to have the lowest scores may help the preventive medicine system to retain staff. Keywords: Health worker, preventive medicine, job satisfaction, personal factors, Vietnam
Physical and Visual Evaluation of Filters for Direct Observation of the Sun and the International Standard ISO 12312-2:2015
Authors: Chou B. Ralph , Dain Stephen J. , Tresch Fienberg Richard
Published: August 2021

We investigated the compliance of 43 commercially available solar filters (eclipse glasses) with the ISO 12312-2:2015 standard by measuring their spectral transmittances (280–2000 nm) and calculating their luminous, solar ultraviolet A, ultraviolet B, and infrared (IR) transmittances. We also evaluated the filters for usability by observing the full midday Sun and rating the view on a seven-point balanced scale, from “far too dark, details seen only with great difficulty” to “far too light, uncomfortable to view the Sun.” The mean ratings of two observers, one experienced and one inexperienced in solar observing, differed by 0.28 (95% confidence interval of the mean = 0.26). The inexperienced observer tended to be less accepting of high transmittances. All 43 solar filters complied with the UV and IR requirements. Eighteen filters passed the luminous transmittance requirements, and 24 were borderline too light or too dark. Seven of the 15 solar filters with a luminous transmittance darker than the requirement were rated as acceptable. One filter that passed and another that was borderline too light were rated as too light or far too light. The ISO 12312-2 limits derive from welding filter standards and do not represent an appropriate evidence base for direct solar viewing. This work provides the evidence base for a maximum 0.0012% and a minimum 0.00004% luminous transmittance for solar filters. The results of this study also support the use of welding filters between shades 12 and 16. Lighter welding filters are more acceptable than solar filters of the same luminous transmittance.
Toward the Gravitational Redshift Detection in NGC 4258 and the Estimation of Its Black Hole Mass-to-distance Ratio
Authors: Nucamendi Ulises , Herrera-Aguilar Alfredo , Lizardo-Castro Raúl , López-Cruz Omar
Published: August 2021

We construct from first principles a general relativistic approach to study Schwarzschild black hole (BH) rotation curves and estimate the mass-to-distance ratio of the active galactic nucleus of NGC 4258 in terms of astrophysical observable quantities. The presented method allows one to clearly distinguish and quantify the general and special relativistic contributions to the total redshift expression. The total relativistic redshift/blueshift comprises three components: the gravitational redshift due to the spacetime curvature generated by the mass of the BH in its vicinity, the kinematic shift, originated by the photons’ local Doppler effect, and the redshift due to a special relativistic boost that describes the motion of a galaxy from a distant observer. We apply our method to the largest data set of highly redshifted water megamaser measurements on the accretion disk of the NGC 4258 active galaxy and use this general relativistic method to estimate its BH mass-to-distance ratio: M/D = (0.5326 ± 0.00022) × 107
M
⊙ Mpc−1.
Analyser la construction du syntagme verbal avec des étudiants se préparant au professorat des écoles
Authors: Sardier Anne , Vergne Dominique
Published: August 2021

Parmi les notions problématiques en grammaire abordées avec les futurs enseignants de l’école élémentaire figurent les questions relatives à la syntaxe du verbe, pour mieux comprendre les interrogations des élèves lors des séances d’étude de la langue. Comment alors permettre à ces étudiants de mieux appréhender ce constituant grammatical ? Après avoir redéfini la syntaxe du verbe, notamment au vu du problème du figement, l’étude analyse le recours aux manipulations syntaxiques mobilisées pour comprendre le fonctionnement des constituants de la phrase. De là, l’étude propose à trois groupes d’étudiants un dispositif partant de leurs représentations grammaticales pour les enrichir de stratégies efficientes. Après un prétest, l’analyse s’engage dans une réflexion relative à l’exercice des manipulations syntaxiques, à partir d’un posttest qui évalue les effets du dispositif. Les réponses des étudiants montrent qu’utiliser différentes manipulations enrichit leurs raisonnements grammaticaux. Les trois quarts d’entre eux perçoivent les constituants de la phrase dans une perspective syntactico-sémantique, en exerçant des opérations syntaxiques judicieusement sélectionnées. Pour un quart cependant, les manipulations sont inopérantes, une approche de type actanciel pourrait alors leur être proposée dans une programmation en grammaire.
« Je cours après une ombre » ou la hantise du personnage secondaire
Authors: Mercier Andrée , Pearson Simon
Published: August 2021

Les œuvres étudiées dans le cadre de cet article ( Dora Bruder , Une femme invisible , La femme qui fuit et Un livre sur Mélanie Cabay ) vouent une véritable fascination à un être de second ordre, dont l’existence, bien qu’attestée, s’est déroulée de façon discrète. Postulant que ces personnes de l’ombre partagent le statut du personnage secondaire, « qualitativement mineur et quantitativement inférieur », il s’agit de voir comment l’ontologie fictionnelle, les fonctions narratives et les potentialités sémantiques du personnage secondaire peuvent contribuer à éclairer le traitement littéraire des êtres mineurs qui peuplent une part non négligeable de l’imaginaire contemporain.
La circulation des artistes de ballet entre Paris et Saint-Pétersbourg à l’époque romantique (1830-1850)
Authors: Zhiltsova Maria
Published: August 2021

À l’époque romantique, la plupart des artistes de la danse font des carrières internationales. Il existe des itinéraires paradigmatiques construits entre différentes capitales culturelles où Paris et Saint-Pétersbourg constituent des pôles de première importance. Au cours des années 1840-1850 le schéma de circulation des artistes de ballet entre Paris et Saint-Pétersbourg subit un changement important : si le règne des artistes étrangères continue à s’affirmer sur la scène russe, les danseuses russes commencent à leur tour à sortir progressivement sur la scène européenne. Suivant leur talent et leurs ambitions, les danseurs, les danseuses et les chorégraphes organisent de nouvelle façon leur parcours professionnel entre France et Russie, dans un jeu complexe d’allers et retours.
Emma Livry brûlée à l’Opéra, un événement médiatique et judiciaire (1862-1875)
Authors: d’Arcy Chloé
Published: August 2021

Quand le costume d’Emma Livry s’enflamme sur la scène de l’Opéra de Paris en 1862, les journaux s’empressent de relater l’événement puis la longue agonie de la victime. À sa mort, le fait divers laisse place à la mythographie, narrant le destin de la jeune danseuse vertueuse et prometteuse disparue prématurément. Cet article s’intéresse à la construction littéraire de la vedette et, au-delà, au risque majeur qu’est le feu pour les théâtres au xix e  siècle. En dépit des accidents fréquents, touchant particulièrement des artistes femmes, les mesures prises pour éviter les incendies se révèlent souvent insuffisantes et la responsabilité des administrations rarement reconnue devant la justice.
Bilateral Refractive Lens Exchange With Trifocal Intraocular Lens for Hyperopia in Patients Younger Than 40 Years: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Djodeyre Mohammad Reza , Ortega-Usobiaga Julio , Beltran Jaime , Druchkiv Vasyl , Baviera-Sabater Julio , Bouza-Miguens Carmen
Published: August 2021

PURPOSE:

To evaluate visual outcomes, satisfaction, and spectacle independence in non-presbyopic hyperopic patients who underwent bilateral refractive lens exchange with a trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) and to compare them with presbyopic hyperopic patients.

METHODS:

In this retrospective study, patients younger than 40 years underwent bilateral refractive lens exchange with a diffractive trifocal IOL (FineVision Micro F; PhysIOL SA) for hyperopia with at least 3 months of follow-up. A control group of patients older than 50 years was matched by axial length, sex, and follow-up. Safety, efficacy, predictability, patient satisfaction, and spectacle independence were evaluated.

RESULTS:

One hundred thirty-three patients (average age = 36.94 ± 2.91 years; range = 21.50 to 40 years) were included in this study. After a mean follow-up of 8.83 ± 5.69 months (range = 2.75 to 77.63 months), the safety and efficacy indexes and predictability within ±1.00 diopters (D) were 1.02%, 0.98%, and 99.62%, respectively, which was not different from the control group (
P
> .05). No intraoperative complications were recorded. The only postoperative complication was posterior capsule opacification in 21 eyes (7.89%), which was similar to the control group (
P
> .05). Ninety-seven percent of patients in each group expressed that they were satisfied and all of them in each group reported that they did not use spectacles for distance, intermediate, or near vision.

CONCLUSIONS:

Refractive lens exchange and trifocal IOL implantation for hyperopia in patients without presbyopia provided the same good visual outcomes as in presbyopic patients with a high rate of patient satisfaction and spectacle independence.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2021;37(8):524–531.]
Changes in Optical Quality Induced by Tilt and Decentration of a Trifocal IOL and a Novel Extended Depth of Focus IOL in Eyes With Corneal Myopic Ablations
Authors: Ruiz-Alcocer Javier , Martínez-Alberquilla Irene , Rementería-Capelo Laureano A. , De Gracia Pablo , Lorente-Velázquez Amalia
Published: August 2021

PURPOSE:

To assess the effect of decentration and tilt combined with prior myopic ablations on the optical performance of a trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) and a novel IOL with an extended depth of focus (EDOF) design.

METHODS:

The XACT Mono-EDOF ME4 (Santen Pharmaceutical Co Ltd) and the trifocal FineVision (PhysIOL) IOLs were analyzed with and without simulated previous myopic ablations. The optical quality of the IOLs was evaluated with the PMTF optical bench (LAMBDA-X). The through-focus modulation transfer function (MTF) curves were recorded. Measurements were done for three situations: centered, 0.4 mm decentered, and 4 degrees tilted.

RESULTS:

The trifocal IOL showed three peaks of vision and the EDOF IOL showed a far distance peak with intermediate addition. When decentration or tilt were induced, the trifocal IOL showed negligible changes but the EDOF IOL showed a −0.50 diopters (D) shift of the overall curve. With simulated myopic ablation, the trifocal IOL showed a -0.50 D shift of the curve. When tilt or decentration were also induced, the better optical results were found at −1.00 D. With myopic ablations, the EDOF IOL showed a −0.50 D shift of the optical quality and when decentration or tilt were then induced, negative shifts over −1.00 D were found.

CONCLUSIONS:

The trifocal IOL was less affected by mis-alignments. When myopic ablations were induced, both lenses decreased their optical quality and the effects of misalignments were higher. In patients who have undergone corneal myopic ablation procedures, proper alignment of the implanted IOL and obtaining effective emmetropia becomes even more critical.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2021;37(8):532–537.]
Comparative Study of Asymmetric Versus Non-asymmetric Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments for the Management of Keratoconus
Authors: Barugel Raphaël , David Clémentine , Kallel Sofiene , Borderie Marie , Cuyaubère Roxane , Goemaere Isabelle , Borderie Vincent , Bouheraoua Nacim
Published: August 2021

PURPOSE:

To compare the outcomes obtained with models of asymmetric and non-asymmetric intracorneal ring segments (ICRS) in keratoconic eyes with asymmetric topo-graphic patterns.

METHODS:

In this prospective observational study, ICRS were implanted alternately in patients with the same tomographic patterns of keratoconus assigned to four groups. Patients with the “duck” phenotype received one asymmetric or non-asymmetric ICRS and patients with the “snowman” pheno-type received two asymmetric or non-asymmetric ICRS. Visual, refractive, astigmatism, keratometric, and corneal aberrometry changes were evaluated over a 6-month follow-up period.

RESULTS:

Sixty-eight eyes were analyzed. No significant difference was observed between the use of one asymmetric and one non-asymmetric ICRS in duck phenotypes. In snowman keratoconus, the inferior-superior index decreased significantly (
P
= .03) with asymmetric but not with non-asymmetric ICRS implantation. Total corneal higher order aberrations and coma rates were lower, but not significantly so, after the implantation of two asymmetric ICRS in snowman phenotypes (2.85 ± 0.89 to 2.60 ± 0.91 µm,
P
= .20 and 2.64 ± 0.93 to 2.39 ± 0.98 µm,
P
= .21), and significantly higher after the implantation of two non-asymmetric ICRS (2.56 ± 1.28 to 3.08 ± 1.62 µm,
P
= .02 and 2.34 ± 1.27 to 2.84 ± 1.62 µm,
P
= .02).

CONCLUSIONS:

Asymmetric ICRS did not improve the outcomes of ICRS implantation in duck keratoconus. However, the implantation of two asymmetric ICRS was more effective than that of two non-asymmetric ICRS for decreasing vertical asymmetry and preventing increases in corneal aberration in the snowman phenotype of keratoconus.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2021;37(8):552–561.]
Positive solutions of iterative functional differential equations and application to mixed-type functional differential equations
Authors: Zhou Jun , Shen Jun
Published: August 2021

In this paper we consider the existence, uniqueness, boundedness and continuous dependence on initial data of positive solutions for the general iterative functional differential equation \begin{document}$ \dot{x}(t) = f(t,x(t),x^{[2]}(t),...,x^{[n]}(t)). $\end{document} As \begin{document}$ n = 2 $\end{document}, this equation can be regarded as a mixed-type functional differential equation with state-dependence \begin{document}$ \dot{x}(t) = f(t,x(t),x(T(t,x(t)))) $\end{document} of a special form but, being a nonlinear operator, \begin{document}$ n $\end{document}-th order iteration makes more difficulties in estimation than usual state-dependence. Then we apply our results to the existence, uniqueness, boundedness, asymptotics and continuous dependence of solutions for the mixed-type functional differential equation. Finally, we present two concrete examples to show the boundedness and asymptotics of solutions to these two types of equations respectively.
An SIS epidemic model with time delay and stochastic perturbation on heterogeneous networks
Authors: Sun Meici ,   Department of Science and Culture, Shijiazhuang Branch, Army Engineering University of PLA, Shijiazhuang 050003, China, Liu Qiming
Published: August 2021

An SIS epidemic model with time delay and stochastic perturbation on scale-free networks is established in this paper. And we derive sufficient conditions guaranteeing extinction and persistence of epidemics, respectively, which are related to the basic reproduction number $ R_0 $ of the corresponding deterministic model. When $ R_0 < 1 $, almost surely exponential extinction and $ p $-th moment exponential extinction of epidemics are proved by Razumikhin-Mao Theorem. Whereas, when $ R_0 > 1 $, the system is persistent in the mean under sufficiently weak noise intensities, which indicates that the disease will prevail. Finally, the main results are demonstrated by numerical simulations.
Th22 Cells Are a Major Contributor to the Mycobacterial CD4+ T Cell Response and Are Depleted During HIV Infection
Authors: Bunjun Rubina , Omondi Fidilia M A , Makatsa Mohau S , Keeton Roanne , Wendoh Jerome M , Müller Tracey L , Prentice Caryn S L , Wilkinson Robert J , Riou Catherine , Burgers Wendy A
Published: August 2021

HIV-1 infection substantially increases the risk of developing tuberculosis (TB). Mechanisms such as defects in the Th1 response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis in HIV-infected persons have been widely reported. However, Th1-independent mechanisms also contribute to protection against TB. To identify a broader spectrum of defects in TB immunity during HIV infection, we examined IL-17A and IL-22 production in response to mycobacterial Ags in peripheral blood of persons with latent TB infection and HIV coinfection. Upon stimulating with mycobacterial Ags, we observed a distinct CD4+ Th lineage producing IL-22 in the absence of IL-17A and IFN-γ. Mycobacteria-specific Th22 cells were present at high frequencies in blood and contributed up to 50% to the CD4+ T cell response to mycobacteria, comparable in magnitude to the IFN-γ Th1 response (median 0.91% and 0.55%, respectively). Phenotypic characterization of Th22 cells revealed that their memory differentiation was similar to M. tuberculosis–specific Th1 cells (i.e., predominantly early differentiated CD45RO+CD27+ phenotype). Moreover, CCR6 and CXCR3 expression profiles of Th22 cells were similar to Th17 cells, whereas their CCR4 and CCR10 expression patterns displayed an intermediate phenotype between Th1 and Th17 cells. Strikingly, mycobacterial IL-22 responses were 3-fold lower in HIV-infected persons compared with uninfected persons, and the magnitude of responses correlated inversely with HIV viral load. These data provide important insights into mycobacteria-specific Th subsets in humans and suggest a potential role for IL-22 in protection against TB during HIV infection. Further studies are needed to fully elucidate the role of IL-22 in protective TB immunity.
Benzo[a]pyrene impairs the migratory pattern of human gonadotropin-releasing-hormone-secreting neuroblasts
Authors: Guarnieri Giulia , Becatti Matteo , Comeglio Paolo , Vignozzi Linda , Maggi Mario , Vannelli Gabriella Barbara , Morelli Annamaria
Published: August 2021

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a widespread pollutant that can act as an endocrine disrupting compound (EDC) and interferes with reproductive function. The central regulatory network of the reproductive system is mediated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, which originate in the olfactory placode and, during ontogenesis, migrate into the hypothalamus. Given the importance of the migratory process for GnRH neuron maturation, we investigated the effect of BaP (10 µM for 24 h) on GnRH neuroblasts isolated from the human fetal olfactory epithelium (FNCB4). BaP exposure significantly reduced the mRNA level of genes implicated in FNCB4 cell migration and affected their migratory ability. Our findings demonstrate that BaP may interfere with the central neuronal network controlling human reproduction affecting GnRH neuron maturation.
Living organisms and sedimentary remains from high mountain lakes in the Alps
Authors: Marchetto Aldo , Boggero Angela , Fontaneto Diego , Lami Andrea , Lotter André F. , Manca Marina M. , Massaferro Julieta , Mosello Rosario , Musazzi Simona , Nickus Ulrike , Psenner Roland , Rogora Michela , Sorvari Stundet Sanna , Stuchlik Evzen , Tartari Gabriele A, , Thies Hansjörg , Tolotti Monica
Published: August 2021

We publish a data set of environmental and biological data collected in 2000 during the ice-free period in high mountain lakes located above the local timberline in the Alps, in Italy, Switzerland and Austria. Environmental data include coordinates, geographical attributes and detailed information on vegetation, bedrock and land use in lake catchments. Chemical analyses of a sample for each lake collected at the lake surface in Summer 2000 are also reported. Biological data include phytoplankton (floating algae and cyanobacteria), zooplankton (floating animals), macroinvertebrates (aquatic organisms visible to the naked eye living in contact with sediments on lake bottom), benthic diatoms. Diatoms, cladocera and chironomids remains and algal and bacterial pigments were also analysed in lake sediments.
Prostate-derived IL-1β upregulates expression of NMDA receptor in the paraventricular nucleus and shortens ejaculation latency in rats with experimental autoimmune prostatitis
Authors: Yang Jie , Luan Jiao-Chen , Chen Jian-Huai , Zhang Qi-Jie , Xue Jian-Xin , Wang Ya-Min , Zhu Guo-Qing , Song Ning-Hong , Wang Zeng-Jun , Xia Jia-Dong
Published: August 2021

Experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP)-induced persistent inflammatory immune response can significantly upregulate the expression of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). However, the mechanism has not yet been elucidated. Herein, we screened out the target prostate-derived inflammation cytokines (PDICs) by comparing the inflammatory cytokine levels in peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) between EAP rats and their controls. After identifying the target PDIC, qualified males in initial copulatory behavior testing (CBT) were subjected to implanting tubes onto bilateral PVN. Next, they were randomly divided into four subgroups (EAP-1, EAP-2, Control-1, and Control-2). After 1-week recovery, EAP-1 rats were microinjected with the target PDIC inhibitor, Control-1 rats were microinjected with the target PDIC, while the EAP-2 and Control-2 subgroups were only treated with the same amount of artificial CSF (aCSF). Results showed that only interleukin-1β (IL-1β) had significantly increased mRNA-expression in the prostate of EAP rats compared to the controls (P < 0.001) and significantly higher protein concentrations in both the serum (P = 0.001) and CSF (P < 0.001) of the EAP groups compared to the Control groups. Therefore, IL-1β was identified as the target PDIC which crosses the blood-brain barrier, thereby influencing the central nervous system. Moreover, the EAP-1 subgroup displayed a gradually prolonged ejaculation latency (EL) in the last three CBTs (all P < 0.01) and a significantly lower expression of NMDA NR1 subunit in the PVN (P = 0.043) compared to the respective control groups after a 10-day central administration of IL-1β inhibitors. However, the Control-1 subgroup showed a gradually shortened EL (P < 0.01) and a significantly higher NR1 expression (P = 0.004) after homochronous IL-1β administration. Therefore, we identified IL-1β as the primary PDIC which shortens EL in EAP rats. However, further studies should be conducted to elucidate the specific molecular mechanisms through which IL-1β upregulates NMDA expression.
Upper-Pole Infra-Costal Access for Supine Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
Authors: Kontos Stylianos , Smyth Niamh , Papatsoris Athanasios , Nalagatla Sarath K
Published: August 2021

Objective:

There are still disagreements in choosing a better approach to establish a percutaneous tract for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), between supine and prone positions. The aim of this study is to investigate the safety, efficacy, and practicability of treating upper-pole renal stones, using an infra-costal puncture in both prone and supine positions.

Materials and Methods:

Fifteen patients underwent infra-costal puncture for the percutaneous treatment of upper-pole stones at our institution over a 3-year period. Seven patients underwent a prone procedure and six had a supine PCNL. All punctures were undertaken by two consultant urologists. Stone clearance was assessed with a plain X-ray kidney-ureter-bladder on postoperative day 1. We retrospectively analyzed our prospectively maintained database to assess stone clearance, complications, and length of stay of these patients.

Results:

The overall stone-free rate was 93.3% (all but one patient). One hundred percentage of the prone group were stone free following the procedure. Nearly 87.5% of the supine group had a complete clearance. Complications and length of stay were comparable for both groups. Almost 25% of the supine group and 14% of the prone group required transfusion. The postoperative pyrexia rates were similar for both groups. The overall complication rate was 26.7% (n = 4) – one case of sepsis and three patients required blood transfusion. There were no thoracic complications.

Conclusions:

Upper-pole renal stones can be safely and effectively treated percutaneously using direct upper-pole puncture via an infra-costal approach in supine position, as well as in prone position.
Antioxidants and Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia
Authors: Roidos Christos , Giannakopoulos Stilianos
Published: August 2021

The present review examines whether and to which extent the antioxidant drugs have a role in the management of patients with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT). Subfertility and especially semen parameters disorders presented as OAT have been associated with increased oxidative stress and on this basis, several studies of antioxidants administration toward its treatment have been carried out. In the limits of this literature review and by using scientific publications search engines (PubMed, Medscape, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar), 285 related studies were found in total. Among them, the 34 more relevant to the investigated topic, with a complete statistical analysis, were isolated and included in the present review. It seems that there is a significant positive impact of antioxidants on semen parameters' improvement and childbearing. However, these studies are quite heterogeneous and more studies are required, for safe conclusions to be extracted. Administration of antioxidants to those men should be a matter of individualized approach.
Cellular Sensitivity to Low Dose Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Mishra Kaushala Prasad
Published: August 2021

Cellular sensitivity to ionizing radiation is largely understood in terms of their DNA damage repair capacity. Efficient repair of DNA damage leaves irradiated cells unharmed. The observed differential responses of high doses (>500 mGy) and low doses (<200 mGy) of ionizing radiation are generally accounted by the differences in DNA damage repair processes. High dose radiation-induced cellular toxicity is gainfully employed in cancer radiotherapy. However, effects of low dose radiation (LDR) on cells and organisms have remained controversial. Some studies have reported LDR suppressive effects to high dose radiation-induced cancer. The purpose of this article is to briefly discuss the current understanding of low dose-induced DNA damage in cell survival responses. Evidence is accumulating to suggest that low dose irradiated cells remain insensitive to a window of LDR. Clearly, these findings give support to negate the linear dose effect assumptions followed in radioprotection regulation and also address the question of safety issues in utilizing LDR therapies to treat cancer and noncancer diseases. A range of new LDR technologies seem to be in waiting for improving human health.
Association between a family history of diabetes and carotid artery atherosclerosis in Korean adults
Authors: Shim Sun Young , Lee Ga Bin , Shim Jee-Seon , Jung Sun Jae , Kim Hyeon Chang
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVES: Diabetes is a well-known risk factor for atherosclerosis, but the association between a family history of diabetes and atherosclerosis remains unknown. In this study, we assessed the association between a family history of diabetes and increased carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis, in a middle-aged Korean population.METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 3,974 community-dwelling adults (1,404 male and 2,570 female) aged 30-64 years from the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Etiology Research Center cohort. The presence of a family history of diabetes was assessed through face-to-face interviews using a standardized questionnaire. Carotid IMT was assessed using B-mode ultrasonography, and increased IMT was defined as a value in the top quartile of the IMT values of all participants. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate independent associations between a family history of diabetes and increased IMT.RESULTS: A family history of diabetes was significantly associated with increased carotid IMT (odds ratio, 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.03 to 1.48) after adjusting for sex; age; body mass index; systolic blood pressure; total cholesterol, triglyceride, and hemoglobin A1c levels; smoking; alcohol consumption; exercise; use of antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and antilipidemic drugs; and a family history of hypertension. The positive association remained significant after excluding participants with diabetes (odds ratio, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.00 to 1.47).CONCLUSIONS: A family history of diabetes was positively associated with increased carotid IMT, even in participants without diabetes. Therefore, information on a family history of diabetes may help identify individuals at high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Enhancing the Teaching Environment: 3-Year Follow-Up of a Resident-Led Residents-as-Teachers Program
Authors: Ratan Bani M. , Johnson Grace J. , Williams Amanda C. , Greely Jocelyn T. , Kilpatrick Charlie C.
Published: August 2021

Background

Previous faculty-driven residents-as-teachers (RAT) models have had limited efficacy and sustainability.

Objective

To evaluate the acceptability and effects of a resident-led RAT program on resident teaching.

Methods

In October 2016, obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) residents at a large academic institution implemented a resident-led RAT program, consisting of a steering committee of peer-selected residents with 2 faculty mentors who planned education-focused resident didactics and journal clubs, organized resident involvement in clerkship activities, and recognized residents who excelled in teaching as Distinguished Educators (DEs). From July 2016 through June 2019, using the Kirkpatrick Model, we evaluated the program with annual resident surveys assessing self-perception of 13 teaching skills (5-point Likert scale) and value of RAT program, institutional end-of-clerkship student evaluations of resident teaching, and resident participation in DE award.

Results

Annual resident survey response rates ranged from 63% to 88%. Residents' self-reported teaching skills improved significantly in 11 of 13 domains from 2016 to 2018 (improvements ranging from 0.87–1.42; 5-point Likert scale; P < .05). Of the 2018 respondents, 80% agreed that the resident-led RAT program added value to the residency. For 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 academic years, 47% and 48% of medical students (100% response rate) strongly agreed that residents provided effective teaching compared to 30% in 2016–2017 (P < .05). Ten residents have graduated as DEs during this time period.

Conclusions

A resident-led RAT program increased residents' self-reported teaching skills, improved medical student perceptions of teaching quality, and was sustainable and acceptable over a 3-year period.
A Transitional Year Residency Program Provides Innovative Solutions for Unmatched Medical Students
Authors: Gathright Molly M. , Hankins Jennifer , Siddiqui Mohammad Zia , Thrush Carol R. , Atkinson Tim
Published: August 2021

Background

The transition to residency is competitive with more medical students applying for residency positions than slots available, and some will face challenges securing a position in their desired specialty. Our institution created a transitional year (TY) residency program in 2016 to help meet the needs of our medical students who did not initially secure a position in the main residency Match.

Objective

This report provides a brief overview of the TY program and analysis of the program's value from the inaugural 3 years (2017–2020).

Methods

The TY program is based at a midsized, urban, academic health center and features a tailorable curriculum emphasizing preparation for residents' specialty career plans. We used participatory action research and appreciative inquiry strategies as part of the annual program evaluation to examine TY residents' perceptions of the program's value. Stakeholder perceptions were also elicited from a purposive selection of 4 program directors and 2 key medical school education leaders.

Results

Internal evaluations revealed a high rate of resident satisfaction with the TY program and self-reported benefits such as increased confidence, clinical proficiency, and professional enculturation. Stakeholders valued the program as a potential pipeline for increasing physicians in the state and providing valuable direction to students' career trajectories.

Conclusions

Creating a TY residency program to meet the needs of unmatched medical students was feasible to implement, acceptable to residents in meeting their academic and career needs, and provided a sustainable institutional solution with benefits to multiple stakeholders.
Training Residents in Advance Care Planning: A Task-Based Needs Assessment Using the 4-Component Instructional Design
Authors: Fassier Thomas , Rapp Amandine , Rethans Jan-Joost , Nendaz Mathieu , Bochatay Naïke
Published: August 2021

Background

Residents may learn how to perform advance care planning (ACP) through informal curriculum. Task-based instructional designs and recent international consensus statements for ACP provide opportunities to explicitly train residents, but residents' needs are poorly understood.

Objective

We assessed residents' training needs in ACP at the Geneva University Hospitals in Geneva, Switzerland.

Methods

Qualitative data were collected and analyzed iteratively between December 2017 and September 2019. Transcripts were coded using both a deductive content analysis based on the 4-Component Instructional Design (4C/ID) model and an inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Out of 55 individuals contacted by email, 49 (89%) participated in 7 focus groups and 10 individual interviews, including 19 residents, 18 fellows and attending physicians, 4 nurses, 1 psychologist, 1 medical ethics consultant, 3 researchers, and 3 patients. Participants identified 3 tasks expected of residents (preparing, discussing, and documenting ACP) and discussed why training residents in ACP is complex. Participants described knowledge (eg, prognosis), skills (eg, clinical and ethical reasoning), and attitudes (eg, reflexivity) that residents need to become competent in ACP and identified needs for future training. In terms of the 4C/ID, these needs revolved around: (1) learning tasks (eg, workplace practice, simulated scenarios); (2) supportive information (eg, videotaped worked examples, cognitive feedback); (3) procedural information (eg, ACP pocket-sized information sheet, corrective feedback); and (4) part-task practice (eg, rehearsal of communication skills, simulation).

Conclusions

This study provides a comprehensive description of tasks and competencies to train residents in ACP.
Unheard Voices: A Qualitative Study of Resident Perspectives on Remediation
Authors: Krzyzaniak Sara M. , Kaplan Bonnie , Lucas Daniella , Bradley Elizabeth , Wolf Stephen J.
Published: August 2021

Background

Remediation is an important component of residency training that ensures residents are progressing toward competency and unsupervised practice. There is literature describing educators' attitudes about remediation; however, little is known about residents' perspectives regarding peers who are struggling and remediation. Understanding this perspective is critical to supporting struggling residents and developing successful remediation programs.

Objective

The objective of this study was to describe residents' perspectives on peers who are struggling and remediation processes within graduate medical education programs.

Methods

In 2015, we conducted focus groups of residents in a multi-institutional exploratory qualitative study designed to investigate resident perspectives on remediation. Focus groups included questions on identification of residents who are struggling, reasons residents face difficulty in training, attitudes toward remediation, and understanding of the remediation process. Using conventional content analysis, we analyzed the focus group data to discover common themes.

Results

Eight focus groups were performed at 3 geographically distinct institutions. A total of 68 residents participated, representing 12 distinct medical specialties. Four major themes emerged from the participants' discussion: lack of transparency, negative stigma, overwhelming emotions, and a need for change.

Conclusions

Resident perspectives on remediation are affected by communication, culture, and emotions. The resident participants called for change, seeking greater understanding and transparency about what it means to struggle and the process of remediation. The residents also believed that remediation can be embraced and normalized.
Management of National Judicial System Control Based on Local Laws: A Case Study at the Mediation Center in Lombok, Indonesia
Authors: Haq Hilman Syahrial , Achmadi Achmadi , Budiono Arief , Hangabei Sinung Mufti
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to keep the quality of judges' decisions and to reduce the burden of cases that accumulate in the courts. This research was conducted through observation, interviews, and literature study at the mediation center in the Sasak community with a qualitative analysis, using a case and statute approach. It was found that based on the Regional Regulation Number 9 of 2018, the mediation center and the court can be integrated institutionally through several concepts: first, making the mediation center as a filtering instrument of dispute so that the court ultimately only functions as a final settlement; second, making the executive power on the peace agreement produced by the mediation center in a peace deed (vandading deed); third, the Sasak community's control-management procedure based on local laws in the form of the Mediation Center Institution is an alternative to resolve local community disputes.
The Local Government’s Position in the Polish Cybersecurity System
Authors: Karpiuk Mirosław
Published: August 2021

This article discusses the local government’s position in the national cybersecurity system. It refers to the status of the local government administration in cyberspace, including the duties and responsibilities ensuring cybersecurity. In Poland, the local government is considered the basic form of decentralisation of public power, as a result of which the legislator has entrusted it with a significant portion of public duties. The list of such duties also encompasses telecommunication responsibilities carried out in cyberspace. In general practice, cyberspace is also used to carry out other responsibilities. The local government has the most extensive knowledge on the matters concerning a given (local or regional) community, referring also to cybersecurity; however, the legislator has not awarded this entity with any special status. It is merely one of the many entities forming the national cybersecurity system. Inter alia, the local government is obliged to carry out a range of activities aimed at incident detection, incident cause analysis, and corrective actions. It is also expected to ensure the appropriate incident management which includes, inter alia, incident handling and eliminating incident causes.
Analysis of the Financing of Local Communities in Slovenia in Times of Economic Downturn and Crises
Authors: Horvat Tatjana , Šart Veronika , Justinek Gorazd , Bobek Vito
Published: August 2021

Based on the sample of all municipalities in Slovenia from 2008 to 2014, the authors answered how austerity measures affect the expenditure side of the revenue and expenditure account of municipalities. The authors used a statistical program to process the data. The research intends to anticipate timely action in the next economic crisis. The results showed that the austerity measures represent a reduction in annual holiday pay abundantly visible in the first year. Other savings measures in wages and expenses for employees are less visible in the first year and more visible in the following years. There is a positive correlation between the variables payroll and other employee expenditure and the number of employees. The authors propose to change the legislation in the area of financing of municipalities.